Sermon Preview:
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
One of the most unnerving experiences we’ve all had is knowing someone who once professed faith in Christ, took their vows and joined the Church, got involved, worshiped the Lord, and perhaps even served in some area of ministry, and then turned away from both the Savior and His people. It is always a painful thing when one who has confessed our Savior, worshiped side-by-side with us, and appeared to be genuine in their love for Christ, suddenly disappears, and even claims to no longer believe the Gospel we embrace and love.
I would imagine that virtually all of us have known someone like that. And not only do Christians in local churches experience such terrible things, we seem to frequently witness this sad reality more visibly in the broader world of evangelical Christianity. We read about a minister who abandons the Gospel and the Church, publicly renouncing His once-held faith. We see one of our spiritual heroes, perhaps a gifted preacher or defender of the faith, exposed as an immoral and wicked fraud. Then there are the celebrity Christian leaders who decline both in doctrine and in practice to the point that they no longer even call themselves Christians. And, if we are completely honest, we often wonder, ‘Could that happen to me? Could I walk away from Christ? Could I disassociate myself from His people and deny the very truth that I once said I believed?’
Well, it is this very thing that the inspired author of the Epistle to the Hebrews addresses head-on in Hebrews 6:4-6. These verses, blunt by anyone’s measurement, provide us with an answer as to why this happens and what it ultimately means. In the end, the author will reveal just how close one can come to truly knowing Christ and being transformed by God’s grace, and yet remain completely lost.
But, there is more here than just this ominous reality. For not only will we come to a fuller understanding of the grievous sin of apostasy, we will encounter a profound word of hope and assurance for our own souls that will richly nourish us as we continue to walk together in commitment to our Savior and His people.
Let me encourage you to read and mediate upon Hebrews 6:1-20 over the weekend. And then let’s get on our knees and ask our Lord to bless His people and build His Church through His mighty Word.
I love you all so very much,
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. Masks are not required if you are maintaining social distance, but are welcome. 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.
Youth Group:
Youth Group meets January 24 at 4:30 PM at the church house.
Men’s Ministry:
Men’s book study of Calvin’s Institutes is meeting weekly on Tuesdays at 6:15-7:15 AM. We’re meeting upstairs at the Cooper House on Randolph Ave near downtown. All men are welcome to join us in building friendships as we discuss our lives in Christ at a practical level. If interested, please contact darondrown@gmail.com
Women’s Ministry:
Women’s Bible Studies have resumed for the new semester. Times and subjects below:
Mothers Morning Bible Study
Date: Tuesday, Jan 12th
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Christ Pres Church
Women’s Morning Bible Study
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 20th
Time: 10-11:30 am
Location: Christ Pres Church
Topic: Book of Acts Ch, 1-12 by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Acts 1-12 For You (a companion commentary ) by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Women’s Evening Bible Study
Date: Wednesday, Jan 20th
Time: 6-7:30 pm
Location: Christ Pres Church
Topic: Book of Acts Ch, 1-12 by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Acts 1-12 For You (a companion commentary ) by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Children’s Ministry:
CPC Families,
We are thrilled to have started back our children’s Sunday school classes Sundays at 9:30 am.
We have the following classes:
Toddler/preK – Nursery (Amanda Dean and Moms)
K, 1st and 2nd – Middle Back Classroom (Amy Drown)
3rd, 4th, and 5th – Center Classroom (Ashley Turnbull)**
Additionally, youth meets at the church house. Contact Matthew Elliott for any questions about youth classes.
Please join us to study God’s word together again in small group classes. We are thankful the Lord has given us the opportunity to meet again this semester!
See you Sunday!
In Christ,
Ashley
Senior Fellows:
At 9 AM on Tuesdays, the Senior Fellows are having a Zoom Bible Study on “Days of Creation”. Members and visitors are welcome to join us. For more information contact: seniorfellows@christpreshamptoncove.org.
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Jean Terry, Dustin and Katie Jackson, Rich Bagdazian, Zig and Virdia Jastrebski, Ramona Edwards, Bill Dent, Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Kreitzers, expecting soon.
Bereavement: Please pray for Phillip Jones, whose mother died this week.
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); Amos and Jessica Williams (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); Gannon Miles (seminary student); 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