Eighteen Thirty a a m o n t h l y n e w s l e t t e r o f t h e G r a c e C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h h h

...on Sunday March 20 which is Palm Sunday. Lori & Amanda are working on a program of special music and readings to add to our Palm Sunday festivities. You won’t want to miss it!

…will be celebrated during a special gathering at the church on Good Friday March 25. As per our tradition we will gather before the service for a fellowship meal at 6:00pm. The service of scriptures and diminishing light will follow meal and will begin at approximately 7:00pm. Plan now to gather with your church family on this special day when we remember our Lord’s great sacrifice.

…the youth of our church. Please read up about our AHG and Trail Life programs on page 10.

…is a great opportunity for you to pick up a good resource to supplement your Bible reading. Greg Gilbert’s short little book is a must read for us all. There’s not a more important topic for us to know and grow in our understanding of than the gospel.

inside this edition...

’m not sure if you know this or not, but getting discouraged in pastoral ministry is a pretty common occurrence. I do try to hide my struggles from you, because nobody likes a whiny pastor. When you feel the

weight of the world and have a burden for people’s souls riding on your shoulders the sheer magnitude of serving and caring for a flock grows and grows until we can tend to break. I am continually coming to the conclusion that maybe just maybe it’s supposed to be that way… to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives. Look at James 1:2-4 with me:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Perhaps in the midst of the trials and discouragements that you go through you too find yourself asking questions like… “what’s going on God?”

Pastors, just like regular folk are not immune from the temptations to question God. We’re not immune to the same desires of wanting to give up on others, on ourselves and even on God.

It’s so easy to wallow in our own little prison of self importance that we fail to go back to the source of truth in the midst of our questions. Indeed no one is immune from the urge to doubt the plans and purposes of God.

It’s so easy to think things are up to us and that without us nothing will go right. In any task its easy to identify a problem, try to solve the problem, and when it doesn’t work out, we throw up our hands and the helpless feeling sets in. In the midst of these Adam and Eve doubting spells that essentially question God’s sovereign reign, what we need to do is to snap back into a greater understanding of the gospel.

We need to remember that the one who went to the cross for my sin and your sin is the only remedy we have not only for the big questions in life but also for the little questions as well.

Oh we will try and try to find comfort in food, or money, or work, or whatever is your choice distraction. But what we fail to do or come to the realization far too late is that the answer is to look up and once again be impressed with the magnitude and glory of God. The one who is more than capable to handle whatever you are going through is the real solution. In short…we forget who God is.

When was the last time you really thought about the truthfulness and reality that Jesus was a real flesh and blood man, who gave his life in a real way to purchase the sins of you and me by giving up his own humanity in the prime of his life?

When was the last time you thought about how unique of a position you are in to live in the country you do, to have running water, food in the refrigerator, and a church building that is safe, dry and filled with places to sit down.

Those kinds of things are a unique blessing in our lives compared to what most people experience.

However those moments of blessing can quickly turn into a curse though when something goes wrong or gives us discomfort and it causes us to totally forget God. The point of any trial that God is allowing or sending our way finds its purpose in this central truth... He wants to grow us into the individuals and the church He wants us to be.

There will be times when the trials come (for pastors and lay folk alike). The real question is will we lay our burdens on our spouses and friends and any other coping mechanism (well intentioned or evil) as we seek to find meaning in our pain from something or someone less than God?

Will we run towards God in those moments of pain but lazily fail to open our Bibles all the while expecting him to re-write a new gospel for just us? Or will we run towards the word and find in Jesus’ example every reason to trust God in each painful trial?

It’s undeniable that God’s primary way to grow us into His image is to drive us back to His word so that we gain a deeper understanding of the cross and the One to whom we are called to look like. We will find no greater experience of knowing Christ better than in the midst of pain.

Our pain is a small taste of what Jesus endured, but a necessary one for us to go through in order to know Jesus as He truly was and is. To be sure… in some small way that is what Lent prepares us to feel, what Good Friday prepares us to see and what Easter prepares us to know.

Easter Sunday is a chance to celebrate the victory of Jesus and it’s a chance to celebrate the harvest of Christ-likeness he was worked into us as we have grown in our trust and love for Him.

So no more complaining right? ...well when we do, perhaps we’ll look for our Bibles more quickly to find in Jesus every reason to endure… for a greater glory lies ahead when God is at work in you.

God Bless you each one this Easter season and thank you for putting up with my whininess…I’ll do better to not think the world is on my shoulders and instead always point you to a much better pair of shoulders…His name is Jesus.

For His Renown,

I

#255 Jesus Paid It All Elvina M. Hall (1865)

I hear the Savior say, "Thy strength indeed is small, Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all."

Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow'r and Thine alone, Can change the leper's spots And melt the heart of stone. [Refrain] For nothing good have I Where-by Thy grace to claim; I'll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb. [Refrain] And when, before the throne, I stand in Him complete, "Jesus died my soul to save," My lips shall still repeat. [Refrain]

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Hall, Elvina Mable, was born at Alexandria, Virginia, in 1818; and was married, first to Mr. Richard Hall, and then, in 1885, to the Rev. Thomas Myers. Her hymn, "I hear the Saviour say" (Christ All and in All), in I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs and Solos, 1878, is somewhat popular in Great Britain and America. It was "written on the fly-leaf of the New Lute of Zion, in the choir of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Baltimore, in the spring of 1865." --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology,

Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty & Ed Cash (2012)

How can it be, the One who died, Has borne our sin through sacrifice To conquer every sting of death? Sing, sing hallelujah. For joy awakes as dawning light When Christ’s disciples lift their eyes. Alive He stands, their Friend and King; Christ, Christ He is risen.

Christ is risen, He is risen indeed! Oh, sing hallelujah. Join the chorus, sing with the redeemed; Christ is risen, He is risen indeed.

Where doubt and darkness once had been, They saw Him and their hearts believed. But blessed are those who have not seen, Yet, sing hallelujah. Once bound by fear now bold in faith, They preached the truth and power of grace. And pouring out their lives they gained Life, life everlasting. CHORUS The power that raised Him from the grave Now works in us to powerfully save. He frees our hearts to live His grace; Go tell of His goodness. CHORUS He’s alive, He’s alive! Heaven’s gates are opened wide. He’s alive, He’s alive! Now in heaven glorified.

lease take the opportunity to lift these prayer requests up to the Lord all throughout this month.

Pray for Bobby Shumaker and Winnie Lane who are residents at Goodwill Home.

Pray for the following church family & friends who have been experiencing health challenges recently:

Bill Bender Donna Burton Esther Stanton Jean Widder (Matt and Emily’s sister-in-law) Mark Woynicz (Joe & Dolly Bender’s son-in-law)

Pray for the inactive members of our church that the Lord would lead them back into a time of regular fellowship.

Pray for the Fellowship of Christian UAE Students (FOCUS) in the United Arab Emirates. Pray for the leaders who are training students and the students who are receiving the gospel and solid Bible teaching.

Pray for wisdom, healing and restoration of broken marriages.

Pray for our soldiers who continue to defend our country both at home and abroad. Pray for marriages to endure long separations during deployments.

Pray for the primary elections going on currently across the country. Pray too for all those in positions of authority (especially the Supreme Court) that they would seek the wisdom of God in all matters so that we might live in a peaceful, quiet, godly and dignified way. (1 Tim 2:1-2)

et us regularly give thanks for the ways that we see God’s hand at work in our church community!

We give thanks for all the brave men and woman who gave their lives for the cause of freedom for our country.

We give thanks for a wonderful Goodwill Birthday party this past month. Thanks to all who helped and a special thanks to Betty Jo and Dolly who coordinated!

We thanks for Shari Ross, Jen Barlow, Theresa Brenneman and Lori Wilt for their leadership with our American Heritage Girls. These ladies have given countless hours in working to get our Troop officially chartered through AHG which became official on February 29! Thank you ladies for all your hard work!

We give thanks for the Knauff family who have been taking good care of the facilities during the recent snow storms. Often times we might not know or forget how big and labor intensive doing things like snow removal is around a church building. Thank you for keeping us functional and looking good.

We give thanks for those who had perfect attendance in worship this past month:

Franklin & Allison Broadwater Brianna Broadwater Gracie Broadwater Brayden Broadwater John Carey Johnny & Amanda Carey Maggie Carey Jack Carey Helen Hetrick Betty Jo Swauger Emily Widder Lincoln Widder Elva Yoder George & Barbara Yoder Linda Hoover Jim & Lillie Walker

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he very word reconciliation causes many separated couples to break out in a cold sweat. They panic at the thought of exposing their

battered hearts to another potential beating. They're certain they can't face another rejection or betrayal.

Sadly, few people are taught how to guard their heart and require trust to be re-earned when the covenant has been broken. They're so determined to avoid being vulnerable, they won't entertain thoughts of reconciliation. Yet, even marriages that have gradually decayed over many years can be restored.

Let me state clearly that I detest divorce; the devastation involved is heart-wrenching. I firmly believe it should be avoided if at all possible. I am totally committed to marital restoration and would dance a jig if a "going out of business" sign could be hung on my divorce-recovery ministry. However, the reality is that it takes two people to get married and only one to get divorced. And herein lies the problem.

For the person who wants the marriage to be restored, the most perplexing question is "How do I know when to accept the fact that my spouse does not want this marriage and recognize this as reality in my life?" Most church leaders, parents, pastors, family members, and individuals seek a "formula" to answer this question. Unfortunately, there is no such recipe because each situation is unique and should be addressed as such.

However, there are some essential steps couples must take if reconciliation is to be successful. First, both spouses must be one hundred percent willing to do the hard work necessary to repair the marriage. The journey will be challenging, exasperating, and at times painful, but the results are worth it.

Second, if one or both spouses has had an intimate relationship (physical or emotional) with a third party, all communication with that person—phone calls, letters, e-mails, or visits—must end. If he or she works with the spouse, a job change should seriously be considered.

Third, both parties must be willing to go to counseling. The couple should take time to find the right Christian counselor, someone who is qualified to deal

with issues that they're struggling with, such as, adultery, addiction, or abuse. Finding the right counselor is like buying a pair of shoes; sometimes you have to try on several pairs before you find the right fit.

Fourth, restoring a marriage takes time. Rushing the process and avoiding or downplaying painful issues typically leads to another separation and divorce. It's tragic when a marriage that could have been reconciled is destroyed because the root cause was never treated.

A marriage can't be restored if only one person wants reconciliation, but that doesn't mean you should give up hope. Just because your spouse isn't willing to reconcile today doesn't mean he or she will never consider it. God understands how hard it is to pray life into a dead marriage. He will give you strength and wisdom and knowledge of what to pray. He will help you know when you should pursue reconciliation and when you should accept that the marriage is irreconcilable.

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know"

- Jeremiah 33:3

The other day my wife came home from work and said she's leaving me because she doesn't love me anymore. I'm stunned that my marriage might be over. I don't want it to end. What can I do?

I know this is a fierce blow, but do your best to calmly ask your wife to give you a more in-depth answer as to why she's leaving you. Be careful about how you react to her rejection. Angry outbursts won't help you reconcile the marriage. Neither will self-pity, whining, clinging, begging, or threats of suicide. Getting even by dating or having an affair also won't work. Those behaviors communicate to your wife that she is off the hook. As an added bonus, they relieve her guilt because she then feels justified in leaving.

You can tell your wife that although you're deeply hurt, you're willing to learn from her where you may have failed the marriage. Ask for reconciliation, but recognize that she might not respond positively at first. Explain why you believe there is hope for your marriage and the steps you're willing to take to improve the relationship. Share with your wife that you value the marriage so deeply you're willing to go for counseling. You can't force her to agree to reconciliation, but you can encourage the decision and you can pray.

One consideration: I've observed that people having an affair often ease their conscience by saying, "I don't love you anymore" or "I'm just not happy," rather than saying, "I'm leaving you for someone new." If your wife is having either an emotional or physical affair, you'll need to see a counselor. (continued on the next page)

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My husband left, and I can't afford our huge house. My friends tell me to sell it, but I'm afraid that will destroy any chances of restoring our marriage. Won't selling the house communicate to my husband that I've given up?

It's normal to assume losing the home you shared will end any hope of restoring the marriage, but it's unfounded. View the sale as a good thing. If finances were an issue in the separation, then downsizing might relieve one stress factor. Remember, reconciling doesn't mean going back to the way things were; it means starting fresh.

I had a yearlong affair. I've asked my wife to forgive me, but she says she can't ever trust me again. Is there a way to get my wife back?

The cliché "actions speak louder than words" is true. Words aren't enough to prove your repentance. For there to be hope, your wife will need to see over a period of time that you're a changed man. Communicate your sincerity by doing the following:

Get counseling even if she won't go with you. Find out why you had an affair—it's crucial for healing.

Get into a Christian men's accountability group.

Read books such as The Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley, which address men's issues.

Practice humility. Don't demand, manipulate, or try to control your wife's actions or feelings.

Admit that you've demonstrated that you're untrustworthy. Mention concrete ways—such as meeting with the pastor, giving her access to your e-mail, and not traveling alone—in which you're willing to be held accountable so that trust can be rebuilt. Let your wife make suggestions, too.

Pray for God to soften her heart.

If you do divorce, remain faithful to your marriage covenant and continue to pray for restoration. If your wife remarries, then there is nothing more you can do.

My friends tell me I need to forgive my ex-husband, but I don't think I need to until he asks to be forgiven. He deserves to suffer for what he did to me. Why should I forgive him when he has never admitted he was wrong?

Forgiveness isn't a fun process, but if you want to mend, it's vital. "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matt. 6:14-15). Notice God says nothing about waiting until you feel like forgiving or that you only have to grant forgiveness if the person asks for it. God expects you to take the first step, beginning with a willing heart.

The ability to pardon another person comes from God, not your own strength. He will help you. Your role is to surrender and desire His way above your own. This may take time, especially if the offenses were severe. Walk toward forgiveness—the initial step is the hardest.

Adapted from When Your Marriage Dies: Answers to Questions About Separation and Divorce by Laura Petherbridge. Published by Cook Communications Ministries, Colorado Springs, Colo. Copyright © 2005 by Laura Petherbridge.

education growing tin the word…….……………

For more information about the Education Team please contact either:

George Yoder 814-662-2079

Allison Broadwater 240-362-8074

If you missed the pictures in the snapshots section on page 5 go back and check out one of our more recent meeting nights to catch a flavor of how much fun we had! Our AHG program does have a facebook page with periodic updates.

For more information about AHG please contact: Shari Ross / 240-321-4103 / lukedemi@verizon.net

(dates and plans subject to change)

Sledding at New Germany

Possible sleigh ride trip

New Germany Cleanup (Sat. morning)

Fishing Rodeo at New Germany

Shootout at Bull Glade Hunting Camp (Fri/Sat)

Trail Life Sunday at church

Backpack outing

OCC Yard Sale

Fried Oreos Fundraiser at Grantsville Days

Trip to Nemacolin for Fireworks

Hiking at Swallow Falls

Campout at New Germany

Backpacking Trip (Fri/Sat)

Biking Trip

Old Bedford Village Mystery Event

OCC Packing Party

Troop Christmas Party

Our Trail Life program does have a facebook page with periodic updates. John also sends out weekly text messages of weekly meeting updates.

For more information about Trail Life please contact: John Carey / 301-876-0342 / jcarey6821@gmail.com

vbs vacation bible school………………….

The VBS Team met on Sunday February 7 after church.

We discussed the following:

1. The monthly focus of each meeting up until the

month of vbs will be as follows:

Feb = Draft Budget & Preview Materials

Mar = Decorating Plans & Security Plan

Apr = Advertising Plans

May = Staffing & Program Area Specifics

June = Security Details & Catch All

2. We reviewed and approved the draft budget prepared

by Lori and Allison. 2 Hoagie Fundraisers are scheduled

and Allison will be looking for help to carry out the

logistics for those (pick-up, sorting etc..)

3. We reviewed the starter packet materials and would

like everyone to look through the materials to begin

developing a need/wish list of materials needed. Digital

files of the teachers materials including lesson plans are

available on the CD’s in the teacher manuals.

4. We briefly touched on the decorating plans including

ways to decorate the Sanctuary but will focus more on

decorating in March.

5. Matt will work on security plans for the March

meeting.

6. The remaining items on the agenda will be focused on

in future months (Advertising, Staffing & Program)

Our next VBS Team Meeting will be Sunday March 6

after church.

For more information about the VBS Team please contact either:

Allison Broadwater 240-362-8074

Matt Widder 717-496-3879

Missions getting the gospel out………….…..

ur students are an essential part of our church…agreed? Of course they are! What better way to show your love and support

for all our youth than to not only pray for our youth ( I hope that’s an ongoing commitment of yours) but to also support our fellowship and discipleship programs for them called American Heritage Girls and Trail Life.

Perhaps in the past you might have thought of groups like AHG and Trail Life as outside programs that we simply host as a church. NOT TRUE with these groups! These two groups are our inside, home grown, home owned groups! They are our “youth group”.

Between Shari Ross and John Carey we have a great group of leaders helping to reinforce what our kids and teens are learning at home and in the Orchard. The leadership of these groups will always be led by members of our church.

Outsiders are welcome to come along side the programs and in many ways these two groups can be an outreach to the community. We encourage our kids to invite their friends from school and sports to come check out our groups in hopes that the programs might be a gateway into the life of the church and to hear the gospel message.

Our goal to see the girls and guys of our church do life differently than their peers because they are a part of our AHG and Trail Life troops that teach the Bible, teach Godly values, teach true faith in Christ all in a fun and active group.

Because AHG and Trail Life were both born out of the response to the secular drift of the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, we are very pleased about the direction of AHG and Trail Life in their organizing principles. AHG and Trail Life uses a schedule of activities to help keep the kids attention but we are being very intentional about the faith and Bible core of the program. Both AHG and Trail Life are decidedly Christ centered and conservative in the curriculum they provide.

Please won’t you this month of March plan to give a generous gift to support our AHG and Trail Life groups so that they can focus on kingdom activities more than fundraising. Each students ends up needing to pay around $50 each year for chartering fees and basic program expenses.

These groups are our groups and they cannot and will not thrive without our support as a church family. Let’s be generous in our prayers and financial support. If the Lord has blessed you with the ability to give something extra to sponsor a student… let’s make sure money is never a reason why a kid can’t fully participate.

Please plan to use the colored rim mission envelopes in the pew racks each month and be sure to write the name for which mission highlight you are giving to.

Also for tax purposes if you would like your special giving to be listed on your annual giving report please also include your name for recording purposes.

Thank you for giving to further the work of the church and particularly in the area of missions outreach and this month through our American Heritage Girls and Trail Life guys.

For more information about the Missions Team please contact either:

Matt Widder 717-496-3879

Patty Rice 240-362-6785

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OCC operation Christmas child….…..

Let us continue to look at the lives effected by Christ through Operation Christmas Child. This month we continue hearing about the story of Angella Kulemba from Malawi in southern Africa who we highlighted last month.

he truths (Angella) learned at church began to change her. Angella said: “As I went to church and learned about the

Bible, I was being transformed by the verses we learned. I felt sweet in my heart because I was filled with the Word of God. It surprised me in my heart to find out that Christianity is good and that God is present and real.”

These were not things she experienced when she attended the mosque with her family. “My family was not worshipping God,” Angella said. “I believed if I continued going to church things would change. I showed the book to my family and read it to them. They were touched with joy and acknowledged that believing in God is believing the best thing in life.”

Angella’s mother Dorothy said, “It didn’t take long for me to follow Angella after hearing the good things that were happening in Christianity and what Angella was doing in the church. Early on I was a Muslim, but, because of Angella, I am a changed person. I am now a Christian.”

Through the witness of Angella and her mom, all 10 members of the immediate family are now attending church and have decided to follow Jesus. The young evangelist shared Christ with her neighbors as well. Dorothy said, “Even the children surrounding our home were impacted because Angella read the book to them and shared the gifts she received.”

The Greatest Gift continues to influence Angella’s life. “Each and every day she reads the book, along with her books from school,” Dorothy said. “The book has really impacted the whole family. Even Angella’s older brothers have changed because of the gifts and the book Angella received.”

Her heart overflows. “I don’t know how I can express my happiness, my gratitude,” Dorothy said. “I just want to thank you people for what you have done for Angella, giving her that gift. I really appreciate that.”

In July of 2015, Angella had the privilege of giving other children and their families a taste of what she experienced. She distributed shoebox gifts to other children in need in her area.

Now a year since she received her own gift-filled shoebox, this child continues to point others to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Please pray for the distribution of Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts now and in the months to come. Pray that many children and families will gladly receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

January Combs – 14 Girls Hair Acc - 39

February Stuffed Animals -2

March Wash Cloths - 25 Bar Soap - 5

April Toothbrushes - 5 Toothpaste - 2

May Flashlights - 2 Batteries – 20

June Toys - 2

July Notebooks - 1 Glue Sticks - 7

August Pencils - 50 Sharpeners – 12

September Crayons - 6 Colored Pencils - 0

October Books - 59 Coloring Books - 4

November Shipping - $0.00

Other Items Erasers - 10 Pens - 10 Calculator - 1

For more information about the OCC Team please contact:

Andy & Jenny Knauff 301-895-3167

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FACILITIES GRANTING EXCELLENT RESOURCES...

For more information about the Facilities Team please contact either:

Andy Knauff 301-895-3167

Franklin Broadwater 301-895-4355

HOSPITALITY GREETING AND GATHERING…………….

Dolly Bender & Wilma Hutzel

Theresa Brenneman & Sue Beachy

Sherry Carey & Emily Widder

Patty Rice & Linda Beal

Linda Upole & Rhonda Oates

Shari Ross & Jen Barlow

Barbara Yoder & Linda Hoover

Helen Bender & Amanda Carey

Jenny Knauff & Betty Merrill

Ashley Kamp & Sara Preston

Lori Wilt & Misty Rollman

Allison Broadwater & Hyun Joo Moon

Patty Rice & Linda Beal

For more information about the Hospitality Team please contact either:

Allison Broadwater 240-362-8074

Wilma Hutzel 301-895-8118

stewardship guiding the gifts……………………………….

For more information about the Stewardship Team please contact either:

John Carey 301-876-0342

Joe Bender 814-662-4366

by Nathan Busenitz from thecripplegate.com

aptists, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. All three claim to believe in Jesus. Yet, only one of these groups can be rightly classified as a

denomination rather than a false religion. With that in mind, the question we are asking today

might be stated as follows: What are the marks of cult groups and apostate forms

of Christianity that identify them as false religions—such that we can and should label them as heresies, rather than simply classifying them as different denominations?

Here is my attempt to answer that question in 200 words or less:

The New Testament articulates three fundamental doctrinal criteria by which false teachers (and false religions) can be identified:

False religions (whether they claim to be Christian or not) attempt to add good works to the gospel of grace.

Romans 11:6 Rather than trusting in Christ alone for salvation, they seek to earn God’s favor through self-righteous works and human effort

Galatians 1:6–9 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you receive, let him be accursed.

Ephesians 2:8–9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Philippians 3:8–9 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

Titus 3:5–7 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

False teachers distort, deny, and deliberately disobey the Scriptures.

2 Peter 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 3:16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

They add to or subtract from God’s revealed truth.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Revelation 22:18–19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

They look to some other false authority for their beliefs.

Mark 7:6–12 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother,

2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

False religions twist the truth about Jesus Christ. They deny aspects of either His Person (e.g. His deity, humanity, eternality, uniqueness, etc.) or His work (e.g. His death, resurrection, ascension, etc.). Those who do not worship the true Christ are not truly Christian.

John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—

1 John 2:22–23 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

1 John 4:1–3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

2 John 7–11 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

B

he love language of all marriages is self-denial. When both husband and wife are consumed not with their own immediate happiness but with the

happiness of one another, they will enjoy a happy marriage. The same is true for enduring friendships and for authentic community.

With the disintegration of marriage has come the dissolution of community. As such, community has fallen on hard times. What every generation in every society in all of history has enjoyed, the rising generation will have to fight for.

With the rise of online communities, online church, and online everything, face-to-face, eye-to-eye, shoulder-to-shoulder community has become increasingly difficult to find. Moreover, many don’t know what real community is and thus don’t know what to look for.

Real community doesn’t happen on its own—it takes time, patience, repentance, forgiveness, and love that covers a multitude of sins. The church community is not just a crowd of people on a Sunday morning; it is the gathered, worshiping people of God in a congregation where masks aren’t needed and where real friends help bear the real burdens of one another.

Community is not just getting together; it is living together, suffering together, rejoicing together, and dying together.

Although many Christians claim to want genuine community, many want it only on their own terms, when it’s convenient, and when it demands nothing from them. What they want isn’t the church community, but a country club where they pay their dues for services rendered. They want to be served without having to serve anyone else.

Real community forces us to die to ourselves and get over ourselves so that we might love one another as ourselves. Francis Schaeffer observed that “the early church practiced two things simultaneously: orthodoxy of doctrine and orthodoxy of visible community.”

Such orthodoxy of visible community is grounded in the “one another” passages of Scripture, which provide us with the essential elements of authentic community.

They strike at the root of our self-centeredness, and they lead us to take our eyes off ourselves and to deny ourselves so that we might love one another, encourage one another, confess our sins to one another, forgive one another, and not slander one another, gossip about one another, devour one another, or envy one another.

In so doing, our Father in heaven is glorified as we manifest the beauty of the gospel of Christ through the power of the Spirit, who has united a bunch of repentant sinners like us.

Burk Parsons is editor of Tabletalk magazine and serves as copastor of Saint Andrew's Chapel in Sanford, Fla. He is editor of the book Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God's Grace. You can follow him on Twitter @BurkParsons.

If you would like a copy of this month’s Tabletalk magazine or to begin a monthly subscription please let Matt know. A yearly subscription is $12 and individual copies are $3 per issue.

T

264 - Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

266 - Were You There?

237 - I Will Sing of My Redeemer

255 - Jesus Paid It All

234 - All Glory Laud and Honor

233 - Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

268 - Christ the Lord is Risen

299 - Amazing Grace

282 - Rejoice, the Lord is King

315 - The Solid Rock

1 Kings 8:12-13, 27-30, 52-53, 56-61 Helen Bender

Psalm 1 Travis Brenneman

Psalm 2 Hyun Joo Moon

Psalm 19 Jess Carey

Psalm 23 Betty Jo Swauger

Luke 22:63-71 “Tried”

Luke 23:1-25 “Their Will”

Luke 23:26-31 “Away”

Luke 23:32-56 “Watching”

Luke 24:1-12 “Risen”

Luke 24:13-35 “Indeed”

Luke 24:36-43 “Ate”

Luke 24:44-49 “Written”

Luke 24:50-53 “Blessing”

140 Main Street

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301-895-5256 www.grantsvillechurch.com

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2016 Calendar - updated 03.02.16

03 16

2/28 2/29 1 2 READ ACROSS AMERICA

3 4 5

6 [10] Luke 22:63-71 Bible Study | 9:00am Worship | 10:30am Health Ministry | noon VBS TEAM MTG. | NOON Happy Birthday! Joe Bender

7

8 9 3hr. Early Dismissal ELDERS | 7:00PM

10 11

12 Happy Birthday! Gracie Broadwater

13 [11] Luke 23:1-25

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS | SPRING FORWARD Bible Study | 9:00am Worship | 10:30am JOINT COUNCIL MTG. | NOON Happy Birthday! Betty Jo Swauger Happy Birthday! Lincoln Widder

14

15 16

17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY Happy Birthday! Garrison Barlow

18

19 SPRING BEGINS FH RESERVED FOR HUTZEL

20 [12] Luke 23:26-31 PALM SUNDAY Bible Study | 9:00am Worship | 10:30am MEMBERSHIP CLASS | NOON

21 No School

22 No School

23 No School ELDERS | 7:00PM

24 MAUNDY THURSDAY No School Happy Birthday! Matt Widder

25

Luke 23:32-56 GOOD FRIDAY . Meal & Service | 6pm No School

26 FH RESERVED FOR WILT

27 [13] Luke 24:1-12 EASTER SUNDAY Bible Study | 9:00am Worship | 10:30am Happy Birthday! Wilma Hutzel

28 No School

29 Happy Birthday! Lilly Brenneman

30

31 No School Happy Birthday! Brett Oates

4/1 4/2