Words are fascinating. In fact, there is an academic discipline known as ‘philology,’ the study of human language. ‘Philologists’ investigate and analyze the origin and use of words, and they distinguish between what a given word denotes—what it actually means—from what it connotes—how it is actually used. And there is one thing that the study of words reveals. Words are ever changing in terms of their connotation—their development and usage over time. Illustrations of this change, or progression, are in abundance. Just consider the terms ‘charity,’ ‘gay,’ ‘justice,’ or ‘marriage’ for example. Over time, our vocabulary undergoes a transformation, sometimes massively so! And this is true for words in the vocabulary of Christianity as well.
One example of this is the word ‘grace,’ the Greek word charis. In the early days of Christianity, the word ‘grace’ was used frequently on the streets of the Roman Empire to indicate favor, kindness, delight, or gratitude. One was considered ‘gracious’ when he did “something pleasant for someone,” or gratified them in some way (C. Brown, New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, 116). But as employed by first-century believers in Christ, this rather common word took on a whole new connotation. The authors of the New Testament reached back into the Old Testament to re-shape and re-define this word ‘grace’ in light of God’s dealings with sinful, undeserving humanity. In the hands of the Biblical authors, ‘grace’ referred to something more sublime and magnificent than any human mind could possibly comprehend! In fact, this simple word ‘grace’ could summarize the whole story of God’s saving initiative in the redemption of fallen sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son!
We encounter this word “grace” in 2 John 1:3, and there it is accompanied by two other important New Testament terms, “mercy,” and “peace.” Together these three ‘Christianized’ words (linked frequently in the New Testament) serve as the three blessings in the dictionary of salvation. On Sunday we will begin our look at each of these blessings, and we will seek to understand them as they are deployed in Scripture.
With regard to “grace,” I’m sure you recognize how this word has been re-defined in popular culture, and even in popular Evangelical culture. I think of this fact every time I hear John Newton’s hymn, ‘Amazing Grace,’ sung as the anthem of those who reject the claims of Christ, and have sought to re-craft Christianity into a religion of morality or social justice. In such a context, Biblical “grace” has come to mean ‘nice.’ But, as we will see, this is far removed from the New Testament witness to this blessed word.
So our task this week will be to recapture the wonder of this common term found in the lexicon of salvation. And as we do this, guided by Scripture itself, we will be filled with that same excitement and joy that characterized those who first came to know this amazing “grace” in the Person of our Redeemer and Lord.
I love you all, and look forward to meeting with you before our Father on Sunday!
Gracefully yours,
Mike
Upcoming Events:
June 19-23 – FCA Power Camp July 17-20 – Vacation Bible School
Connecting with the Catechism:
Q67. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Exod. 20:13.
Q68. What is required in the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.
Eph. 5:28-29; I Kings 18:4.
Q69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.
Acts 16:28; Gen. 9:6.
Announcements:
Sunday School IN RECESS: Sunday School is in recess for the summer. We will have a weekly time of fellowship beginning at 10 AM, with our regular worship beginning at 10:30 AM. Sunday school will resume in the Fall.
Church Playground:
Your diaconate has been discussing the possibility of building a playground on the church property for our children to enjoy. We would like feedback from the congregation about this idea. If you are in favor of the playground, are opposed, or just have questions in general, please contact the deacons at deacons@christpreshamptoncove.org. We will be gathering feedback from the congregation over the coming weeks. We want to make an informed decision, so we very much appreciate any comments you have to offer. Thanks!
FCA Power Camp:
June 19th through the 23rd are the dates for the Madison East FCA Power Camp, and it is ALMOST HERE! This camp is a part of what FCA does all year long, and I get the privilege of being “lunch lady” again! It is such a sweet blessing being able to serve the kids who attend the camp as well as those who themselves are leading and serving the kids. For information on FCA and camp go to: www.northalabamafca.org/
There are many needs to feed 500+ people lunch every day at camp! We are asking first for prayers that hearts would be opened to hearing the Gospel and that lives would be impacted for Christ! As we know the Bread of Life is Christ, and we pray that above all souls would be fed! Also prayers for the staff as they prepare the many details in the last few weeks before camp. It is a huge job!
We have a wish list of needs for the kitchen area of camp :
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Popsicles
Gallon tubs of ice cream
Cookies, brownies, or any dessert!
Veggie Trays
Fruit Trays
Muffins
Granola Bars
Fruit Snacks
Ice Cream Toppings
If you are interested in providing any of those yummy treats let Erica McNeese know! Also, hands on help is needed! It is so much fun working alongside fellow brothers and sisters serving in the kitchen; one of my favorite parts of camp!! The time frame for volunteering for lunch each day is between 10am-2pm (there will be shifts, no one has to stay the full 4 hours unless they want to of course), and the Wednesday family night dinner. Volunteering in this area of camp involves setting up for lunch, pouring drinks, serving, clean up, and prep for the next day. If you are interested in volunteering in the kitchen or have any questions let me know! I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this year’s FCA Power Camp!!!! It is always a time of growth for both the kids attending and those serving!
Vacation Bible School:
VBS is July 17-20. Registration will open June 1st for all children and volunteers. Watch for that email next week!
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Chris
Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Katie Dyer,
Rebecca Berry, Jenan Nuwayhid, Bill Dent, Zig Jastrebski, Bill and Mitzi
Cowley, Leon Galecki, Sondra Behmer, Christina Bagdazian, and Suzanne Nimon. Expecting parents: Please pray for the Lancaster family who is due in April,
and for the McCool family who is due in June. Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and
Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Reid and
Kelli Jones, Jennifer Kent (RUF UAH); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky
Garcia (seminary student).