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Hi, Faith Community! Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter each week!
By Mike Evans, Training Leaders International
Over the years of living “neck-deep” with followers of Jesus, one of the most frequent questions I have heard when people experience troubles is: “Why is this happening to me?” It often reflects an expectation that a believer should be exempt from the tough stuff of life.
In Psalm 34, the praise of our God, who is greater than all our troubles, pours from David’s heart. He is the God who shines through the lives of those who have confidence in his goodness (v.5) even when, maybe especially when, those without God would be crushed. When this broken world hurts us, the followers of Jesus are presented with an opportunity to demonstrate to a watching world, rulers and authorities in heavenly places (Eph.3:10), and even to ourselves, that God is our refuge, our only truly safe place, and in Him we have no lack.
When Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (Jn.16:33) The immediate context (Jn.16:34) was that in Jesus’ darkest hour, the Father is present and enough.
The contrast between those who fear God and those who do evil shines more clearly when there are troubles, broken hearts, crushed spirits. Everyone in this broken world will taste pain. Those who fear God have tasted something sweeter, the goodness of God. Afflictions will slay the wicked (v.21). God has the power to buy back (redeem) those same afflictions in the lives of those who belong to Him (v.19). Of course, this is the kingdom life first opened by Jesus.
Life changes when we learn this joy-filled fear of God. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed (v.5). We live with this unshakable confidence that when the end of this story is unveiled, we will see God has been perfectly good. As Tim Keller has said, “If we knew what God knows, we would ask exactly for what he gives.” One thousand fears will be overcome by one greater fear, the life-giving fear of our Good God.
On Sunday, Kevin Christopher, FCC’s Director for Missional Worship, will be continuing in the “Real You. Real God.” series, talking about Psalm 77. There is a reality within our human experience that is undeniable and unavoidable—life is full of suffering. It is the pain and heartaches of life that stir up within us some of humanity’s most difficult questions about meaning, faith, and God. As we look to Psalm 77 this week, we find that the Christian response to suffering is a unique and remarkable one. What if suffering wasn’t something we tried to run away from or solve? What if it was only in the midst of suffering when we discover exactly who God is and what he is like?
Invite a friend! See you on Sunday!
Watch or listen to sermons in the “Real You. Real God.” series at fcchudson.com or the FaithBase app. For a nine-minute overview of Psalms in a fun and informative format, watch the nine-minute illustrated presentation of Psalms by the Gospel Project. You can either search online for “Gospel Project Psalms” or follow this link.
THIS Sunday, July 14 | 10:30am to Noon in the Refuge Room
Sometimes, starting a spiritual conversation with your friends, family, and neighbors can be difficult. That's where the Five Thresholds comes in. The Five Thresholds were developed by a team of missionaries here in the United States who noticed that there are five distinct barriers (thresholds) that people in our culture encounter as they begin meeting Jesus for the first time. The Five Thresholds provide individuals, families and ministry teams a framework for prayer, planning and thinking about their mission together.
Everyone is invited to a special worship service on the evening of Sunday, July 14, at 6:00pm. We’ll be singing hymns from hymnals on the north lawn at FCC. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and come sing with us! In case of inclement weather, the hymn sing will take place in the FCC auditorium. Please invite your friends and neighbors, too!
At Faith Community, we want to see Christ empowering global missional leaders. One way we live that out is by partnering with SERVE India, which supports the expanding missionary effort in India, specifically in Andhra Pradesh, a state in South East India.
Colossians 1: 17-18 (God’s Character)
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
This year's Vacation Bible School (VBS) theme is PRAISE, and it will take place at FCC from July 29 through Aug. 2, 9am to noon each day. We will praise God for his: Greatness, Authority, Providence, Power and Love. VBS is open to children entering kindergarten through 5thgrade in the fall of 2019.
Pastor Tim Porter is now on sabbatical until August 25 to rest, refresh, recharge and learn. Please pray for him and his family. Thank you!
LEARN ABOUT FCC events and registrations at fcchudson.com or the app. Search for “Faith Community Church Hudson” on the App Store or Google play to download the app.
PRAYER REQUESTS + CARE NEEDS are now posted on the Prayer + Care wall on the app. You can also sign up on the app under “Emails + Registrations,” if you would like to receive an email when new prayer requests and care needs are posted.
Wondering if something at FCC is canceled? Check fcchudson.com or the app.