“Why don’t people get it?”, “Why would someone do that?”, “How could someone think that way?”. In many conversations, these questions can capture the spirit of our confusion. We live in a broken and fallen world where it’s easy to make the wrong choice, live in darkness, and run from the light of truth. Why is this the case?
First, how do you view people who disagree with you? How do you view those who are making wrong choices or those who are pursuing evil? More importantly, how do you treat them? Paul offers some very helpful advice to Timothy when he writes the following:
In order to convince others that Jesus is the way, truth, and life, we first need to instruct them gently. The inspiration to do so comes from an understanding that those outside of Christ are deceived, as they have fallen under the devil’s trap.
Not only are they deceived into a false worldview and way of life, but they are lost because they do not have a shepherd. Jesus, in recognizing this, had compassion on the people he served, taught, and healed (Matt 9:36). How much larger would God’s kingdom be if we all lived like Him? This week, I challenge you to be humble, gentle, and compassionate!
——-
Below are some updates and highlights from the various ministries in our church. I’m looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday!
Be blessed,
Mitch Knight
Clarence Church of Christ
Adult Ministry
Paul has much advice to give to the church in Corinth, and that advice has many applications for us today in Clarence. What is the standard for doing life with God, or even with God’s people? Our series “Holy Wholly” on 1 Corinthians 1-9 dives into to Paul’s words to find the answers to those questions!
Youth Ministry
Mitch Knight and the CCC Youth Group at “Get Air” in Cheektowaga, New York. Photo taken by Joseph Ludwick.
The CCC Youth Group is a place where every student belongs. To help foster that vision, and to help our students help their friends find Jesus, we’ve started monthly “One” events (sometimes called “One Night” or “One Day”). The idea is to encourage students to bring “One” friend to the “One” true God. On April 5th, 2024, we had a group of students attend our latest “One Day” at Get Air in Cheektowaga, New York. We had many laughs, and we enjoyed a great deal of fellowship. Our prayer is that our invited guests learn about the love of Christ for each one of them!
Sunday from 6:30pm-8:30pm, students meet at our church for Youth Group. It is a great opportunity to have some fun and learn about Jesus. We’ve just finished our discussion on the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and we are now talking about Jesus’ life and ministry.
Jesus claims in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Over the next few months, I will be guiding our kids through selections of the various gospels highlighting Jesus' ministry. Hopefully, they will see that Jesus shows us the way to live for God, the truth of His good news, and the life that we can experience when we walk with Him in faith!
Kids Ministry
YouTube.com/@cccimpactkids
New resource for families. Recently the Little Impact (PreK-1st*) and Big Impact (1st*-5th) programming got a refresh. You can see what the new experience is like by clicking the image above. Families are encouraged to subscribe to the channel, as we hope the CCC Impact Kids Youtube channel allows parents and kids to revisit and guide kids in further conversation and thought about the activities, songs, stories, and lessons between Sundays.
Benediction and Prayer
Please read the following and offer your heart and your words to our Heavenly Father:
Lord, you alone are God. In a world where we are tempted to pursue avenues that we know are not healthy, we confess that we sometimes make that wrong choice. But, Your name is Holy among us, for You have washed away the stain of our sin for all eternity by exhausting its power on the cross through Jesus Himself.
Today, in recognition of Your forgiveness, may You help us to live lives worthy of the calling that we have received. We submit our thoughts, words, and actions to You this day, that we might both take steps further into the narrow gate and invite those around us to do the same.
To Him who is able to do more than we can possibly ask or imagine, to whom is the power, glory, authority, and dominion;
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Go in peace, and know that God goes with you!