Coming Soon
SOON!!!!! — Church Fellowship as soon as HVAC is fixed in the Gym
March 30th – Community Spring Fling (details coming soon)
Did You See It?
Last Saturday marked a bittersweet moment for our church; an old building was finally set ablaze to make way for new beginnings. The fire was carefully orchestrated by our brave firefighters, and Shaun Strange caught it all on camera using his drone. If you haven’t already seen the video on YouTube, I highly recommend checking it out https://youtube.com/shorts/k1ZabWftJ7w. In the aftermath, we were left with a lot of debris, but thankfully, Stephen Adams from piedmontdirtworks.com will be cleaning it up this Saturday. It’s a time for reflection and renewal as we eagerly anticipate how this space will be transformed. The brainstorming has already started on how to use this space for community outreach, so let’s come together and share thoughts. After all, it’s through collaboration and working towards a common goal that we can achieve great things.
Get Ready for Sunday!
To get ready for Sunday, as we continue our tour through the Book of Acts, read Acts chapter 4. We see the church gathering around each other to pray for each other and ultimately for Gospel boldness – boldness to talk about Jesus. The morning service from Pastor Tom is titled the “Prayer for Gospel Boldness”.
Also, the Bible Study at 9:45am with Chip Edwards will finally be diving into Lesson 1 in our study in Galatians. If you haven’t already been part of the class, this is a great week to jump in as we look at Galatians chapter 1.
From the Desk of Pastor Tom
Peter and John in Acts 4 faced an intimidating array of Israel’s religious and cultural authorities, who had gathered for the singular purpose of silencing these two disciples. Everyone there knew what had been happening. They had heard the rumors, they had noticed the crowds, and they were greatly disturbed (grieved). “By what authority do you think you can cause such a ruckus?” they demand. “Who says you are allowed to preach this religious nonsense?” they ask. The religious leaders have become obsessed with a name. They had doubtless heard stories that Jesus was risen and the crowds who have flocked to these disciples keep speaking of Him. These men were worried about the danger of this ‘name’. They had rejected Jesus and sent Him to the cross already. Now the name of Jesus Christ is once again bringing transformation and wholeness.
Peter responds by pointing to the power and work of Jesus Christ. Verse 10 makes it abundantly clear there is only one answer the disciples will give. There is no hesitation or timidity. Everyone will know the healing was performed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. But Peter does not stop with the name of Christ. He continues speaking with a short Gospel presentation. This short message is focused around an important word, the Greek word sozo (σῴζω). This word is used three times in Peter’s speech but with two unique emphases. Peter speaks first of a physical healing and then using the same word points to a spiritual healing. Both the physical healing and the spiritual salvation are found in Christ.
The people of Israel rejected and crucified Christ, yet He is the loving and patient giver of healing (physically and spiritually). The physical healing could not be denied by these Jewish rulers yet they rejected the offered spiritual healing. The loving good deeds of Christ and His followers must never be separated from the message of spiritual brokenness and rescue. The Holy Spirit makes it abundantly clear through the apostle Peter that Christ is the promised Messiah sent to save the world. The systems of lies and rules these powerful men had erected would not save them. It had instead blinded their eyes from recognizing the true Messiah.
Watch It Again
Sunday Worship – Pastor Tom
Viral Gospel – Unstoppable Power of God
Sunday Bible Study – Chip Edwards
Faith & Freedom – Galatians – Introduction (pt 5)
And be sure to subscribe to the Eastside YouTube channel. Subscribe here!
