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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Great response from Message


Here is an email I got from a family that came on Sunday! Great story about a girl who is not ashamed!

Dear Mark,
I wanted to tell you a story regarding your last sermon that I think will warm your heart. My 13 year old daughter, Aleesha was in Access this last Sunday for service. One thing you said during the sermom really spoke to her heart " Sin always costs more than it's worth" She wanted to write it down and lacking paper took the next best thing - her arm - because that's the perfect place to write things down so you won't forget! She left it there, and went to school with short sleeves on Monday. One of her teachers saw the writting on her arm and became very upset that she would write on her arm, not stopping to ask her what it was she sent my daughter to the nurses office to wash it off. Aleesha complied and began to scrub and scrub, till her arm was beat red. The ink would not budge. The nurse finally stopped her out of concern for her arm. My daughter then said to me "it just proved to me that you can't wash away the Truth! It's like it's a part of me forever now!" My daughter is sometimes wise beyond her years. I do believe the ink will fade, but the words now never will.
Thank You!
Shawn Liu

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posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 8:02 AM 0 Comments

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Halloween - 3 - Responses

So, we've heard some about Halloween's Roots and some Rumors about the holiday. How should people who follow Jesus respond to Halloween? There are a number of different ways that Christians have chosen to respond in these situations. If done with a right heart, all can be honoring to God.

1) Avoid - In order to keep one's children pure, some parents decide to simply avoid connection to the holiday altogether. They will miss school on the day of the party, go out to eat or have a family movie night during trick or treating, and avoid all costumes and anything to do with Halloween. They might take this opportunity to serve the poor or spend extra time in the spiritual formation of kids through additional Bible Study or prayer. It is critical that parents who choose to avoid not be overtly critical or condemning in their approach to the holiday or in their approach to followers of Christ who choose one of the other strategies on Halloween.

2) Engage - Others see Halloween as a prime opportunity to engage within the culture. The idea here is to allow kids to participate in pure ways in the Halloween fun. These parents will help their kids to choose appropriately fun and creative costumes that do not celebrate death or evil. Kids attend parties and go trick or treating as a part of a broader community in order to build relationships and be an influence. Those who choose the engagement strategy point out that this is the one day of the year when all of your neighbors come knocking on your door. It is also a day when you can visit everybody's house and spend a few moments with a trick-or-treat...or a few house with neighbors and their kids running around the neighborhood. Those who are best at the engagement strategy take it a step higher. Some might have hot chocolate available for parents in their driveway and take a few more minutes to chat with people who pass by. Others will invite their block to come over for a chili supper and candy-swap after the trick or treating.

3) Triumph - The last group of people see Halloween as something to triumph over. They do a fall holdiay bigger-and-better than the normal culture. Some churches put on an all-out Fall Festival that is more fun than the best Halloween party in town. They invite friends to their party so that they can see the power of Christian Community in action. Others will dress up as Bible Characters in order to create opportunities for dialog. Some have alternative fall parties in their homes as worship/fellowship opportunities for fellow Christ followers OR as outreach opportunities for people from all spiritual backgrounds.

For all of these groups, it is imperative to be kind to others who respond in different ways. Navigating cultural challenges can be tricky business. There are many ways to represent Christ well without submitting to the dangers that a broader culture can bring.

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posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 7:15 AM 0 Comments

Monday, October 26, 2009

What about babies?


One of the most heart-wrenching questions that somebody asks about eternity is the question "What happens to babies that die before they have the chance to make a decision for Jesus?" It was a question that I asked back in my early marriage years when we lost two babies during pregnancy.

As we go through the passages related to David, one of the best narrative passages related to babies emerges. In 2 Samuel 12, immediately after the Bathsheba/Nathan episode, David's son by Bathsheba is born and immediately becomes sick. David pleaded with God for the child and fasted and spent nights prostrate in prayer. Seven days later, the baby died.

When David was told this, he did something very strange. He got up, washed, put on lotions and worshipped God. His befuddled servants asked him about this and David responded by saying this:

"While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 2 Sam 12:22-23

David models two great things in this. First, when the baby dies he worships God. He rests in the confidence of God's goodness and justice. He knows that God holds the keys to life and death and that He will do the right thing. God will judge everybody - even babies - justly. He knows everything about them, including what they WOULD have done if they HAD lived a full life. (mind-blowing, eh?) David's confidence in God through life and death is remarkable. He does not let the tragedy of life take him on a downward spiral away from God, but allows it to become an excuse to draw him closer to God.

Further, David knows that "I will go to him." There is a cool confidence that the baby's eternity is secure. So is David's. Therefore, he will go to be with the baby in heaven for eternity. Is this a clear doctrinal promise that every baby goes to heaven? No, that would be stretching the narrative too far. However, it does provide comfort for parents that we can rest in the goodness of God. We need not get trapped in a moment of pain forever.

God is merciful and good. David trusted that he would go to his baby on the other side of death. I trust that I will see my two kids on the other side of death. If you are struggling with the pain of a baby's death, I'd suggest that you take the same posture of trust that David had. Worship God and say "I will go to be with him."

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posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 6:43 AM 1 Comments

Extreme Makeover


There is one show on TV that is a guaranteed cry every week. Extrememe Makeover Home Edition. But the emotion is not the only reason to love the show. Ty is an amazing leader, spokesperson, cheerleader, bleeding heart. Lives are totally changed when they encounter the big 'ol bus. It is amazing to see the community come together for a week to be all about the transformation of a single family.

It is also a brilliant picture of redemption. They take a family that is in chaos. From one angle or another, they have been a victim of sin and evil in this world. The stories of diseasses, sickness, tragedy, poverty, fires, economic disaster etc. are heartwrenching. But Ty swoops in with his megaphone and brings hope. Then he brings resources. The generosity of the community pours in and ba-da-bing, 7 days later you have a dream home. Often times you throw in the bonus of an old mortgage being paid, a college education set up, a visit from a celebrity or a really cool three-story doghouse in the backyard. Everybody watching cries - because we know that there is something beautiful and good and life-giving in these moment.

This is what God does with our lives. When we were all a wreck, he swoops in with Jesus and a megaphone giving us words of hope. Then he pours out the resources of the Holy Spirit, and the community of the church, and joy. There is a guarantee of a great big mansion that we will live in for eternity, with the ultimate joy of the knowledge of God himself, community that is pure AND the power of sin and death being eliminated. WOW! And everybody cries...but only for a moment. Because he will wipe every tear from our eyes and there will be no more crying or death or mourning or pain.

Extreme Makeover is coming to Nebraska. You can submit names of worthy families this week at castnebraska@gmail.com. Include name, ages of kids, situation etc. If you know somebody worthy of this redemption, submit names by Friday.

The Kingdom of God is coming to Nebraska too. This week and every week. You are a key player. You bring words of hope, you bring kingdom resources. You bring the perspective of truth. You bring vibrant community. Be the kingdom for somebody... and everyone will cry...but only for a moment.

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posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 6:28 AM 0 Comments

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Halloween - 2 - Rumors

Bob and Gretchen Passantino have some great comments on their CRI website about Halloween. They list these unfounded rumors about Halloween...

* It is not true that Halloween is the most important holiday for contemporary Satanists. Their favorite day: Their OWN birthday! It makes sense with their narcissistic sensibilities.

* The actual incidence of Satanic related activity on Halloween is very low. Most crime is petty misdemeanors and vandalism by minors.

* It is not true that Satanists look for "Christian Virgins" to rape on Halloween. Our bigger dangers for our daughters would include being hit by a drunk driver, drug use, or a party that gets out of hand.

* It is not true that the sabatoging or poisoning of halloween treats is a signficant risk if parents take reasonable precautions. Stay in your neighborhood. Only accept pre-wrapped sealed treats. Check all candy when your kids get home.

The Passantino's full article is available at: www.answers.org/issues/halloween.html

posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 2:57 PM 1 Comments

Monday, October 19, 2009

Halloween - 1 Roots

Halloween is a bewitched time of Satanic worship rituals, horror, ghosts and evil. We should compeletly disengage!

Halloween is nothing but secular fun and games. What harm is there in some costumes, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, or trick or treating?

Halloween will be here soon. People certainly have all kinds of opinions!: What are its origins? Are there dangers? How should I respond?

In this blog, I'd like to delve into the facts of the origins of Halloween. Future blogs will have more details.

Halloween is a contraction of "All Hallows Eve" which means "Holy Evening." It is the evening which precedes All Saints Day, November first. When Christians began celebrating the great works of men and women of God, and the martyrdom of great people of faith (All Saints Day), they marked it in traditional Jewish fashion - from Sundown on the 31st to Sundown on the 1st. This made October 31 a Holy Evening. This is similar to the celebration of Chistmas, with huge significance on Christmas Eve.

Now, when the event of All Saints Day was firmly established, it was in Northern Europe and Great Britain where there was an already established Celtic/Pagan holiday called "Samhain". This holiday celebrated the changing of the seasons, the harvest and the cycle of death. In the Samhain festival, it was believed that the spirits who died in the previous year were sent to their final resting place with food, posessions and celebration

Samhain was also the time of year they used to use divination for the future of crops and harvest. Many believe the origin of "Trick or Treating" came from pagan rituals used to understand the future and placate the spirits who were departing.

As the British Isles became increasingly Christian, the All-Saints Day holiday (holy day) became one way to keep Christians from the dangers of Samhain. It was also a symbolic statement of the superiority of the Christan faith over common pagan practices.

It was in the late 1800s that Americans began to celebrate Halloween, with swelling immigrant populations from Northern Europe. They adapted the holidays mischevious traditions without connecting them to the pagan origins. Today, Halloween is primarily found in the U.S.A. It is an event that is largely disconnected from its Pagan or Christian roots, but still has traces from each that can be found mixed into the sugar-loaded, costume-oriented celebrations.

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posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 2:28 PM 0 Comments

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Cool Bible Resource

There are two Bible resources that every Bible Student should not be without. The first is a great Bible Dictionary. I like the New Bible Dictionary, published by IVP. I use it at least weekly. The other is a great study Bible.

For more than ten years I have faithfully used my NIV Study Bible. I love this Bible. The scholarship, integrity, cross references, study notes etc. are phenomenal. However, I always thought that they could take it up a few notches with more maps, color graphics, charts, and better readability.

Well, enter the ESV study Bible. It is the first Study Bible that surpasses the NIV Study Bible in it's helpfulness. When you are separated from a document by thousands of years and thousands of miles, the historical notes, 200 maps, 200 charts and timelines are of immense value. The ESV (English Standard Version) is a highly readable translation done by committees of excellent scholars on the cutting edge of Bible Scholarship.

Not only is the Bible a notch up, but the internet resources that come with it are amazing. You can do searches, keep personal notes, and you can follow all of the maps, charts, and timelines with interactive links. You can double the value of your study time by avoiding page-flipping.

Anyway, this is not a paid endorsement. I even think that the publisher, Crossway, is a non-profit publisher. I just got real excited this week when I got this Bible and wanted y'all to know about it! If you're in Omaha, you can pick one up at parables. More info about the ESV Study Bible can be found at www.esvstudybible.org.

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posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 9:19 AM 0 Comments

Monday, October 5, 2009

World's coolest clock

This is the world's coolest clock - not only tracks time, but population, energy usage, death, illness, crime and other stuff that a statistics junkie like me loves to know!

6.7 Billion people! What are they all doing? Find out here...

http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf

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posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 6:42 AM 0 Comments

Friday, October 2, 2009

accelerate.

Hey gang,

I just had to be sure you knew about Accelerate 2009, this fall's only whole-church developmental seminar designed to help leaders/servants of CCC double their impact.

So what in the world are we accelerating? October 9 - 10 we are accelerating your potential as a leader or servant for Christ. We are accelerating CCC's potential as a church to double the impact. We are accelerating clarity of vision and intensity of community. We are accelerating ownership of the church among the broadest audience.

Friday night at 7 PM, Accelerate will kick off with a double-your-impact story and inspirational message from Rev. Dennis Episcopo, Senior Pastor of the exhilarating Appleton Alliance Church. Appleton Alliance is one of the great up-and-coming churches in the C&MA; God is doing an amazing work there.

Saturday morning, we'll have time to catch the latest at CCC, build up some tools for ministry and participate in some great workshops designed to accelerate your connection to Christ and your ability to serve Him in your gifts. It will all be done by noon, but the effects could last into eternity.

Accelerate has no cost, there's no signup necessary and we'll see you there!

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posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 3:41 PM 0 Comments

God is for us

This morning in my quite time, I was reading in 2 Samuel 3 about David, Abner and Ish Bosheth. Talk about intrigue! There was betrayal, murder, double agents, power grabs, adultery and revenge – all in one chapter! There is no movie, fiction novel or soap opera that can beat the Bible for great stories with significant impact.

Each of the players had twists in their life – many of them uncomfortable. But God was overseeing all of it. God was in the middle of it. God was comfort, peace and power through it all.

Romans chapter 8 captures this well. “If God is for us who can be against us?...Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? NO! In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” V. 31, 35, 37

Today, your life just might feel like a soap opera, tragedy, or 1 Samuel 3. Maybe some plot twists, maybe some grieving or loss, maybe changes you did not expect have come down your highway. But if God is for us, who can be against us? If God, who is in control, cheering us from heaven, sacrificing for us, and stocking treasures in heaven for us is on our side, does it even matter who opposes us?

Nothing can separate you from God’s love. And that makes all the difference.

posted by Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor at 9:37 AM 0 Comments