Welcome to this weeks bulletin. I'm really pleased you can join us in test driving our amazing digital bulletin. Please note that our Summer Schedule begins August 26 with one worship service at 8:45am. We look forward to seeing you soon. The Life &amp; Legacy of C. S. Lewis #6“The Problem of Pain”Romans 8.18-28I’ve always been intrigued by the opening lines of books. (There is Charles Dickens’ “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Rick Warren begins The Purpose-Friven Life with “It’s not about you.” M. Scott Peck swets out on The Road Less Traveled with “Life is difficult.”) Lewis launches The Problem of Pain with these memorable words: “Not many years ago when I was an atheist…”One of the reasons C. S. Lewis was so uniquely qualified to write about the Christian faith was the fact that he had, as a young man, totally rejected it. He had regarded Christianity as “one mythology of many” and in an early poem had dismissed the idea of “a just God that cares for earthly pain” as nothing more than a “dream”. (1) So when publisher Ashley Sampson asked him to contribute a volume on the problem of pain to his Christian Challenge series, Lewis was able to bring to the book not only the faith he’d come to embrace, but the questions that had once troubled him so deeply. Pastor Eric

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1 Peter: 410Each of you should use whatever gifts etc etc etc some more copyNew paragraph here

#21 All things bright and beautiful #20 God save the King (Ok)

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April 19, 2025THE SOUND OF SECOND CHANCESEaster 2025(Luke 5:4-8 NLT) 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. [tom text two|width:small|lines:1] 8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.”[Add notes](Luke 5:9-11 NLT) 9 For he was awestruck []by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, [Fill in your answer...|width:small|lines:1] were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.[Fill in your long answer...|width:full|lines:5](Matthew 4:19) Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you [ Some notes..|width:medium]how to fish for people!”(Matthew 26:31) Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’”(Matthew 26:33-35) Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all thedisciples.(Matthew 26:69-75 NKJV) 69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” 71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” 73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.[What do you think to this|width:full|lines:3](Luke 22:60-61 NKJV) 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.(Matthew 26:58) 58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard.(John 21:3-6 NKJV) Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”(<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-primary underline" href="https://www.bible.com">John 21:19</a>) I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.” [Add lot notes|width:full|lines:5]

&nbsp;Not Everyone Will Stay&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; by Rev. Philip AyersI. The&nbsp; Introduction&nbsp;&nbsp; A. Scripture Text&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Matthew 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast our devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then [Fill in your answer...|width:medium|lines:1]will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity."&nbsp; B. Serious Question&nbsp; In the midst of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus startles the crowd by pronouncing, "Not everyone who cries Lord, Lord will enter heaven." Do you mean to tell me that I may not enter heaven? How can that be? I thought I had done all that was needed to enter heaven. It shocks me to think that God would deny me access into His presence. This is the thought of many well meaning people in church today. When I say well meaning I mean it. These people have great works to verify their conception of salvation. They are Sunday school teachers, deacons, tithers, committee chairpersons, choir directors, musicians. They have been baptized, and are members of the church. They may even be preachers.&nbsp;&nbsp; C. Shocked in a Dream - Illustration&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;I awoke several nights age from a dreadful dream. I dreamed I died and went to heaven.&nbsp; I was standing in a crowd of nice looking people. One by one the people faced Christ. I could not wait for my turn to speak with Him. Soon the time came. But I was not allowed to speak. I heard Him say, "Your name is not written in the book." (Revelation 20:11-15) &nbsp;I could hardly believe my ears. What do you mean my name is not there? I am a preacher. I have led people to you, preached hundreds of sermons, buried your saints, married your children, and baptized your believers. I have prayed for the sick, and labored in your congregations. I have spent whole nights at a time holding the hands of your people in harms way. I must be there. Please look again. But He said," You must leave now! I do not know you!"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thank God I woke up. Not everyone who cries Lord, Lord will enter heaven!II. The Text Applied&nbsp;&nbsp; A. Matthew 7:21&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven."&nbsp; 1. The application is for all people. Notice Jesus says every one. The Bible says that all people must bow before Christ and give an account of their words and deeds. No one is exempt. Also, take note that Jesus says everyone faces Him directly, "saith unto me." Christ is the judge who all people will answer to. There is no one else in all of heaven who can replace Him. 2. The appeal is to all. &nbsp;Christ alone is worthy. Notice the theme of verse 21. It is entering and staying in the kingdom of heaven. This goes to the most important thought on the mind of God. - a personal relationship with you. God has shown His great love and concern for our eternity. He gave mankind His only Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the debt for our sin by dying on the cross. God took the initiative by providing His Son to die on Calvary, be buried, and arise the third day. Our part is accepting the will of God for ourselves. Jesus said those who enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do the will of the Father, "... but he that doeth the will of the Father." So then, who are the ones who do God's will? Is it those who just obey His commandments and follow His Word? Not everyone will stay in the kingdom of heaven.&nbsp;&nbsp; B. Matthew 7:22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus said, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?"&nbsp; 1. The day of accountability. Who are the ones that will not stay in the kingdom heaven on that day? Understand there is a day of judgment coming. The Bible says in Romans 14:11-12, "For it is written: As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then, every one of us shall give an account of himself to God."&nbsp; The Bible says John 5:22, "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father." The Old Testament prophets spoke of this day. It is the consummation day of Messiah's Kingdom and the Day of Judgment upon man.&nbsp; II Thessalonians 1:7-10, "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with the everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power, when He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." So, who stays and who goes? 2. The description of those in the text.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;First, those who cry Lord, Lord, will not stay.&nbsp; Jesus requires a personal relationship with you, not one of an acquaintance. These ones Jesus is speaking to have no personal relationship to Him. They bring light upon this truth by trying to remind Jesus of all the great things they have done.&nbsp; The people say that they had prophesied in His name. They proclaimed His works. To prophesy is to forthtell what Jesus has already foretold. These people preached and taught others about God, yet they will not stay in the kingdom of heaven.&nbsp; Sunday school teachers, preachers, pastors, seminary professor, and evangelists are not allowed to stay with Jesus.&nbsp;&nbsp; Second, Jesus says those who cast out devils in His name will not stay in the kingdom of heaven. &nbsp;These people misunderstood the power they processed by using God's Word. The devils responded to God's speaking, not them. Yet, they took this to mean they were OK with God. They are not. They will not stay in the kingdom of heaven.&nbsp; It is the Word of God that causes the demonic forces to move, not the deliver of his Word. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:12, "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and shaper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul, and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." As Michael W. Smith sings, "Its all about you Lord, its all about you", not us.&nbsp;&nbsp; Third, Jesus says it takes more than doing wonderful works to stay in the kingdom of heaven on "that day". On that Day of Judgment every thought, word, and deed that was done or imagined will be brought before the only righteous and holy Judge, the Lord Jesus Christ.&nbsp; My friend, it's not about your money, nor is it about who you know in high places. It is not about the buildings you helped build, or the new carpet you put in the sanctuary, or the painting of the church. It's not even about how many people you introduced to Jesus. All those are good things, but they mean nothing to Christ, unless you have a personal relationship with Him. Christ requires knowing you, one on one. I am afraid so many people do not have this relationship. Christ is aware of who they are, but not intimate with them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. The day of salvation illustrated. I went with one of my deacons to visit an elderly man in our community. He was diagnosed with cancer in both lungs, and not given very long to live. He was not a Christian, but an outstanding man of the community. Many times, I heard accounts of his good deeds. It was said of him that he would give you the shirt off of his back.&nbsp;&nbsp; The person attending to him invited us in. Jim was sitting on a couch in his living room with a blanket over his lap. I sat down beside him. After the usual meaningful chatter, I asked him to tell me about his standing with God. He began to tell me of his good memories of church as a kid. He said he went to Sunday school at my church years ago. I asked how old he was, and said eighty. He continued to explain that he didn't attend church like his godly mother and father had. He bragged on their faithfulness to the church, and how Christian they were. I tried to intervene in his explanation by asking about his relationship with God. He continued to excuse his lack of attention to church attendance, but was quick to say he had helped many of my members over the years. Then, he opened the door for the gospel to enter in. He asked if that wasn't enough. I said all those things are good, but that they were not enough. &nbsp;He looked me straight in the eye and said, "You are wrong." Jim was convinced he was OK with God. Our current verses came to my mind and I quoted Jesus, "And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, you workers of iniquity."&nbsp; I asked if he knew what this verse was saying. He replied that he did not. I told him that these people who were standing before Jesus were not allowed to stay with Him, because they based their relation with Him simply on the good things they had done. I told him that Jesus wanted to have a relationship with Him that is more personal than a bunch of do's and don'ts. I asked him if he remember his love for his departed wife, or mother, or father. Tears welled up in his eyes as he replied, "Yes." I said that is what Jesus wants with you, only better. I asked him if he had that kind of relationship with Jesus. He said, "No." I opened my Bible and showed him, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23) I showed Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."&nbsp; I read to him Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." We looked at the gift as being the gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection the third day according to Scripture of I Corinthians 15:1-4. Then, I asked him if he would like this free gift of everlasting life. He asked how to do that. I explained to him that God was calling him to repentance from his sins. I told him he needed to turn from his old thinking that he was alright, and accept the fact that God says he is a sinner. I told him the first sermon that Jesus preached was, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17)." I told him that Jesus was asking him to come to him right now (Revelation 22:17).&nbsp; I impressed upon him the need to acknowledge Jesus as God?s Son and the only one who can save him, and give him everlasting life. I quoted Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." I asked him if he would like to do that through a prayer. He said he didn't know how to pray. I asked him to pray after me. I said you repeat what I say and mean it from your heart, and God will save you right now.

St. Isaac Jogues