Coming Up THIS SUNDAY (4/27/14)

Hello Castle folks!

This weekend was a great one.  We had around 30 people for our Cross-Walk and had a very meaningful experience commemorating Jesus' sacrifice for us. 

Easter Sunday was also great! 

This coming Sunday we are finishing up our mini-series on these important "why" questions about Jesus.  On the 13th, we talked about "models" (different understandings) of the atonement (the theological word for the way Jesus deals with our sin).  We were critical of one called "penal substitution" because the assumptions it has about God are in stark contradiction with the person of God which Jesus Christ reveals.  We landed on a view of atonement called "Christus Victor" or "Identification."  That message was, "Why Did Jesus Die?"

On the 20th, we celebrated Easter by asking "Why Did Jesus Raise?"  We talked about the importance and meaning of the Resurrection for our lives.  We boiled it down this way: If Jesus' death was his identification with our sin and death, and if we identify our lives with his life and death, his resurrection means that we, too, will identify with that resurrection!  It means we have hope beyond this life--hope that helps us continue to do the work of the Kingdom--hope to bear our own crosses!

If you missed either one, these two sermons are available to listen on iTunes (search the store for "Castle Christian Church").  You can also listen to them here.

This coming Sunday (the 27th), we are finishing this series with "Why Did Jesus Ascend?"  We want to discover what the purpose is for the ascension story in Acts.  Therefore, we will spend some time in Acts chapter 1, as well as a few gospels.

I hope to see you there! 

Later!

Jason

Cross Walk FRIDAY!

Hello Castle folks!

Don't forget that Friday is GOOD FRIDAY!  For the sixth year we are commemorating the death of Christ by carrying a cross in Cumming. 

Also, please don't forget that this year we are meeting at the Kiwanis building, rather than our normal spot.  We will still go through downtown, but will go a different route. 

We'll LEAVE to do the walk at 4:30.  You should plan on getting there between 3:30 and 4:00, that way if you are running late you're less likely to get left behind!

We have the new T-shirts as well.  It's supposed to be in the 50's with a 50% chance of rain.  So, I would suggest wearing a sweatshirt that you can put the new T-shirt over.  You might also decide to bring a light jacket in case of rain.

I'm very much looking forward to the Cross Walk this year.  Mike's got some great songs picked out and I think we're going to have a great day.

See you then!

Jason

Coming Up THIS SUNDAY (4/13/14)

Hello Castle folks!

We had a great Sunday last Sunday.  It's rare that I get done with a message and just feel like it was out-of-the-park, but I thought everyone really related to what we were talking about on Sunday.  If you haven't heard that very important message, check out "The Uncertainty of Our Lives" here or go to iTunes and search for Castle Christian Church in the iTunes store.

This Sunday we are doing something very different.  In preparation for our Cross Walk next Friday, as well as for Easter celebration the following Sunday, we are starting a brief sermon series called "Why?"  This Sunday we are asking, "Why did Jesus die?"

This will be the order:

Sunday, April 13, "Why Did Jesus Die?"
Friday, April 18, CROSS WALK starting at the KIWANIS BUILDING!
Sunday, April 20, "Why Did Jesus Raise?" (EASTER SUNDAY)
Sunday, April 28, "Why Did Jesus Ascend?"

In this Sunday's message, we'll be studying what is called "Atonement Theology."  We will see different ways people have understood the atoning power of Christ's death. 

Don't forget about our Cross Walk!  I have ordered the new T-shirts and they should be done ASAP! 

I'm looking forward to a great week next week and I'm really looking forward to this Sunday!

Take care!

Cross Walk UPDATE

Hey everyone,

Just an update on the Cross Walk this year.

Remember, we're starting at 4:30 on Good Friday, which is April 18.  We're going to start and finish at the Kiwanis building.  I think we may have some extra people with us this year, so that gives us a little extra distance!

I have put in the T-shirt order with our printer.  If you have not paid for your family's t-shirts, please make your payment ASAP!

Also, it will be good if everyone can try to be there a little early.  If not, that is ok!

Later!

Jason

Coming Up THIS SUNDAY (4/6/14)

Hey everyone,

This Sunday we are studying James 4:13-17.  It's an interesting little passage that always confused me!  But I am confident that we are going to benefit from it.

In this passage, James addresses:

• The arrogance of our self-sufficiency
• Our temporary nature
• The mandate we have to do what we know is right

It should be a good Sunday!

Don't forget, if you'd like one of the new T-shirts, let me know soon!

And now for the James challenge:

James

Update

Please remember the Hightower family as they travel through this trying journey ahead for them.

1. Betsy's sister, Joy, is slowly improving, but still needs prayers. She was the victim of a very severe auto accident.
2. Bud's mother has been given anywhere from 2 days to 2 months before succumbing to her cancer. She is having trouble breathing and prayers for her comfort will be appreciated.
3. Also, please remember their grand baby that's due pretty soon.

CROSS WALK T-SHIRTS

Hello everyone,

Ann Foster put me in touch with someone who is going to be printing new T-shirts for our cross-walk event. 

This time we are going to have yellow T's with the crosswalk sign emblem (below) on the front in the center.

The GREAT news is that the T-shirts are going to be very reasonably priced.  The shirts will be $10 each.  $12 for 2x and $13 for 3x.

The only thing is, we will need to have everyone pay for their own shirts upfront.  So, if you would like one (or more), will you please contact me and let me know via email how many to order?  And, for each one you order, will you please write a check for the appropriate price to the church so we can pay for these?

Please let me know in the next week or so, so I can get them ordered and paid for.

Thanks!

Jason