Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

This coming Sunday, we will complete our look at 1 John 3:16-18 where we find these inspired and challenging words penned by the Apostle John:

“ By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

In addition to telling us that our love for each other in the body of Christ should be patterned after our Lord’s death upon the cross, John also calls us to consider the duty we have to love each other in this magnificent way. He says, “ we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” Someone has described this simple statement as a “ devastating” obligation placed upon us by the Lord’s Apostle.

It is most difficult, first of all, because it sets forth something that we all must do if we belong to the Savior. That is, it lays upon every Christian a heavy burden and a solemn responsibility. On initial glance, this word “ ought” seems to stand in opposition to the freeness of our salvation. It appears to suggest that our works are, in fact, intrinsically connected to the authenticity of our redemption (see especially 1 John 3:11-15).

And then, it is also a great challenge given our natural aversion to being told what to do. None of us finds any pleasure in some person, authority, or outside agency imposing their will upon us. We love our personal freedom. And yet John makes it apparent that if we name the name of Christ as our Lord, there is a command that must shape the very direction and attitude of our lives each day.

I look forward to what our Lord will teach us as we come together before Him on Sunday, and I love you all with all my heart!

Mike

Announcements:

COVID-19 Message:

For those of you who are attending worship in person on Sunday morning, please practice social distancing as much as you are able and observe the pew markers so that we may keep a safe, 6-ft between families. During this time, we will not have nursery or fellowship time with food and drink. If any family member has been sick, or you have a pre-existing condition, please consider staying home and joining us by watching the recorded service when it is sent out. The Session has asked all congregants, out of love for one another, to wear a mask throughout our worship service if you are able. We hope and pray that if you have any needs, you will let a staff member or deacon know so that we can serve you well during this trying time.

Message from your Diaconate:

As we continue through this difficult time, if you have needs of any kind, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Diaconate. We’re eager to help you or to find someone who can. This is one of the main reasons the church has deacons, to make sure that congregational needs are being met. Please remember that your Diaconate and Session are praying for you, and we’re here to help however we can.

Senior Fellows:

The Senior Fellows began a new weekly Bible study on Tuesday, July 21 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. We use the Zoom virtual meeting application to study Building a Christian Conscience by R.C. Sproul, and the topic is The Razor’s Edge. Church members are welcome to join us. For further information, email us at seniorfellows@christpreshamptoncove.org.

Future topics include:
Aug. 18 – “The Creation of Ordinances”
Aug. 25 – “The Question of Conscience”

Parenting Conference:

The Conference has been postponed. Stay tuned for details about when this will be rescheduled.

Psummer Psalms:

Psalm recitation is Sunday at 4:30 PM in the sanctuary. Please join us for this time of socially-distanced worship, even if you aren’t reciting!

Children’s Ministry:

Women’s, Career/Singles, and Youth Ministries:

Ministry activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

Men’s Studies:

The weekly Men’s study of John Calvin’s Institutes is meeting via Zoom, contact Daron Drown for details.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Zig and Virdia Jastrebski, Ramona Edwards, Bill Dent, Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, John Baxter, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Elys, expecting in September.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Noah and Karleigh Stephens (Thailand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky and Alaina Garcia (church plant in Canada); Dieter Paulson (church plant in Scottsboro, AL); The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center.

Online Donations:

If you would like to give to Christ Presbyterian, you can do so at the following link:

Emails:

general inquiries: admin@christpreshamptoncove.org
benevolence needs: benevolence@christpreshamptoncove.org
counsel and ministry needs: matthew@christpreshamptoncove.org
men’s ministry: men@christpreshamptoncove.org
women’s ministry: women@christpreshamptoncove.org
children’s ministry: children@christpreshamptoncove.org
youth ministry: youth@christpreshamptoncove.org
senior fellows: seniorfellows@christpreshamptoncove.org

Address:

288 Old Highway 431
Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763