CTR Community | Reaching Farther

No Condemnation

January 12, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Posted by Christopher Rohan, CTR writer

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1

Too often we forget this verse and imprison ourselves in self-pity, guilt or regret. I’ve recited this verse in moments of despair as if it were a sort of mantra, but freedom in Christ isn’t found in the mere repetition of words. It is in the belief, no, the conviction, that He has redeemed us (that our relationship with God is completely restored to what it was meant to be), that we are forgiven (not a human forgiveness, but God’s forgiveness that is so absolute that it purposefully forgets), and that He loves us unconditionally (this is not a love for what we will be, but for what we are presently). That is why there is no condemnation, because His love sees through everything, to the core of what we are. For those of us who are in Christ He sees a son or daughter, and a branch grafted into the vine of Christ. This was not by our own effort, but by His sacrifice, and since it was nothing that we did that freed us (not only from the grip of sin, but also from the wrath of God), there is nothing that we can do that will condemn us, as long as we are in Christ (grafted into Him).

To fully feel and appreciate this lack of condemnation, I think it necessary to understand what it means to be in Christ. Not only is it receiving the gift of His sacrifice, but it is fully identifying one’s self as His (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Paul, in his letters to the churches, often addressed himself as a bond-servant (or slave) of Christ, and fully identified himself as Christ’s possession. This is not slavery as we know it. This is God, who knows every part of us and knows what is best for us, bringing that best to us and providing the best for us. Never will He force our service, but will lovingly invite us to join Him in it, nor will He treat (or think of) us as anything less than sons and daughters. That, I think, is what it means to be in Christ, to see one’s self as His, completely.

We should, therefore, live according to that identification, but even Paul confessed, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Rom. 7:19). That is why he reminds us that there is no condemnation. We are so prone to sin, and, afterwards, so prone to be guilt-ridden, and because of this he reassures us of God’s forgiveness and love which cover everything and endure forever.

One final thought as we look at this verse: Paul did not write this so that we would disregard what we’ve done. On the contrary, he wrote this so we would see our sin, receive forgiveness, move past the shame and guilt we feel, and better follow Christ as a result. It is not God’s will that we should sit in sin and guilt, but it is His will that we see our sinfulness from His perspective and move on with the knowledge that He has freed us from it. So let us continue on in the joy and zeal that comes from knowing that His love and forgiveness are and will always be more abundant than our sinfulness and guilt.

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Faith · Prayer

Seek First His Kingdom

January 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.

What is the highest priority in your life? What does it mean to seek first His kingdom. The word kingdom comes from the Greek, basileia, meaning; kingdom, kingship, royal rule. Is Jesus your Royal Ruler? Are you seeking His rule and reign in your life? If you are, you can be assured that He will meet all of your needs according to His riches in Glory.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Are you busy doing His kingdom assignment for you or are you just living for yourself? The promise is for those who are doing his will. Where God calls, He provides super abundantly more than we could ever ask or think.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”

Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.


→ Leave a CommentCategories: Uncategorized

Thanksgiving Meal: Gallery of kindness

December 16, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Posted by Pastor John Slotten

Last month we served 3,400 people a Thanksgiving meal, either at Monarch Gardens in Appleton or delivered to their homes. It was the smoothest year ever since I have been involved, but also the most difficult in terms of people’s need.

First I want to share how very dynamic and positive the volunteers were at loving people well. I saw so many people connecting with and even witnessing to the guests at their tables.  The relationships went beyond just those few hours at dinner. An example–one volunteer brought a homeless woman to church with her the weekend following Thanksgiving, and we we were able to facilitate a bus ride down south so that she could spend time with family and hopefully get her life kick-started back to health…. (pray for Debra that her street days would come to an end!)

The hard part for me personally was the darkness I experienced this year witnessing to people at the tables. It reminded me of those the holocaust movies where you see the empty faces of those waiting to go to the gas chambers…it seemed like people had lost so much hope!I felt for first time a big segment of the Fox Valley has deeply lost hope. I feel very inadequate as a shepherd, and I think we all need to trust God and keep trying to love well in witness.

At one table I met with a woman and her daughters. They had never ever been in a church. I invited her to ours but I’m not sure if the mom is going to come.  However she shared some encouragement: her youngest daughter had been invited by a friend to go with a friend to a youth group!  I told them my story about our kids and foster kids going to multiple youth groups and told the daughters that is how I ended up coming the CTR was so much through my kids and my kids friends. I also told the oldest daughter about Crossing, our young adult ministry here on Friday nights.

Then at another table a gentlemen told me a story of how he lost his job three times in the past year, and how he feels hopeless.  All the networking with his friends, family and everyone who knows everyone has not worked out.  He said he never ever thought he’d be at an event like this for a holiday, but said that it blessed him greatly.

These are just a fraction of the stories we heard and the relationships with people we are building as we reach out to those who are suffering hardships. Thanks again to all those who volunteered and donated to make this possible.

Check out our photo gallery for images of the day:

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Events · Reaching Farther · Serving in our community · cool stories

Honor God’s Law

December 15, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Matthew 5:17-18 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain until its purpose is achieved.

We need to understanding that Christ did not come to destroy the law but that He came to fulfill it by making it possible for us to live the law of love through the power of His Spirit. Jesus prayed, “I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy.” He taught us to obey His teachings so that our joy would be full!

Psalms 119:1    Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD. Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.

We show respect to God’s law by esteeming it and obeying it. His ways are far above and better than ours.

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Uncategorized

Let Your Light Shine

November 30, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.

My brother with a developmental disability has as much shine as anyone I know. His smile and gentle personality shines the glory of God. He lights up when he worships and causes me to praise my heavenly Father.

Philippians 2:14-16   In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them. Hold tightly to the word of life.

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Uncategorized

Party on! A great way to share the Christmas story

November 9, 2009 · 2 Comments

PChristmas Partyosted by Christine Hall

Most of us have a desire to share the Gospel, but we don’t know how. A very easy way to do that is by hosting an evangelistic Christmas Gathering—a holiday party featuring seasonal treats, sharing of Christmas traditions and a brief, non-threatening gospel message.

When I began my walk with Christ I attended a Bible study that came out of a Christmas Gathering. I had never studied the Bible before and the materials were very easy to use. I have since hosted Christmas Gatherings for co-workers, neighbors and mothers at my children’s school. This year my husband and I are hosting one for an apartment complex in our city. I am convinced that hosting a Christmas Gathering is one of the easiest and most effective ways to share my faith.

I will say that I don’t know if sharing my faith is ever comfortable for me. But it is worth it. I’m glad someone took the risk to tell me about Christ. I was very afraid to share Christ with the people I knew. But I had to be willing to risk what other people thought of me if I really cared about them and where they’re spending eternity. Are you willing to risk your reputation for the sake of the gospel?

We provide training, which will be held from 6:15-8:30p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9th at Sonshine Center in Menasha. You will see a demonstration of what actually happens during a Gathering and discuss everything from spiritual preparation to follow up. The cost is $12 and includes a detailed instruction manual.

A trained speaker will be provided for your Gathering (or you can choose your own speaker and have them attend training the same night). Speakers are given a clear presentation of the gospel which they personalize and share at your Gathering.

To register, please call Doris Steinberg at 751-3855 or pick up a brochure at the information station in the CTR lobby.

→ 2 CommentsCategories: Events · Faith · Reaching Farther · Serving in our community

Rejoice

November 4, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Matthew 5:11-12  Jesus said,  “count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Understand that goodness is sometimes appreciated and at other times scorned. You can understand some rejection or persecution as a sign that you are doing the right thing and can therefore rejoice. Sometimes when we are rejected it is because of our sin, foolishness or arrogance. Don’t assume that you are doing right just because you have peoples favor or just because they hate you. But when you suffer for doing good in His name, Rejoice!

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Uncategorized

Follow Me

November 4, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Remember that we are not just obeying His commands, but walking with the Creator of the universe. He is right in front of us and we are behind Him and coming after. It is a relationship! Stay close! Don’t fall so far behind that you loose sight of Him. Stay in touch. Don’t get out ahead of Him. Let Him lead! Keep you eyes fixed on Him. Don’t be removed from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Him. Let Him make you.  Follow Jesus!

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Uncategorized

Can you make your career a calling?

October 19, 2009 · 1 Comment

iStock_000003583856XSmall

For many of us, the daily work grind often feels like we’re striving to get our task lists checked off while breathing a prayer of thanks that we are employed (while many of our brothers and sisters are not).

But is it possible to make our jobs something more significant for God’s glory? Keep reading →

→ 1 CommentCategories: Direction · Events · Faith · Workplace · jobs

A community opportunity: Octoberfest!

October 15, 2009 · Leave a Comment

OctoberfestWhen Appleton throws a party, the downtown is packed with thousands of people.

Hungry people.

Since 1981, Octoberfest has been bringing people to downtown Appleton in the spirit of community pride and celebration, and CTR has been a part of it with a strong presence for the past several years.  Octoberfest is fund raising venue that gives ministries like Crossing (our young adult ministry), and Gardens In The Desert a chance to touch others with a message of hope at this community party.

Amid the loud rock music and polkas, the tasty food and often shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, Octoberfest is fun with a purpose!

Thanks to all of you who volunteered or came out and said hello to those working the booths.

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Events · Faith · Uncategorized