What Came First...

What comes first, Chicken or the Egg?

Ever spent anytime thinking about that one? The almost proverbial question is a favorite to summarize any situation where it seems improbable that an answer can be arrived at when considering the order of things. For what it is worth, in my opinion, it is clear that the chicken came first. It happened on the 5th day of creation. The egg is God's design to recreate His original creation, and to make yummy breakfast food which may have happened on the 7th day, but I am not sure about that. 

Here is another question of the same kind. What comes first, Love or Obedience? 

Think about all the sources of authority we obey in our lives: the police, the IRS, teachers, pastors, and our spouses! Certainly God is the ultimate authority and puts all these others in place, but for the moment let's consider our motivation for obeying, say, the IRS. I would say the primary reason to obey the rules of the IRS is fear. Some may even obey out of respect or a sense of duty, but I don't think ANYONE obeys the rules of the IRS out of love.  So, we mostly obey the IRS and send in our taxes out of fear of eventual consequence if we don't. Is it possible that in a few decades we might develop love for the IRS because of our obedience? Hasn't happened for me yet.

Indulge me for a moment and apply the analogy I shared to our relationship with God. Why do you obey Him? For the sake of blog sized communication, we will not consider what comprises obedience to God, and just presume we all know what obeying Him is (call me if you want to talk more about that one.) Do you obey God out of fear, or duty, or respect, or love? Jesus said in John 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." If you had time to teach a child ONLY ONE thing about God, would it be His rules (the 10 commandments,) or about the person of God; which would you do? Oh, if I could teach our kids why God is worthy of our love, I believe they would be begging for the 10 commandments!

John says "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." Obedience is not about punishment. It is about an expression of love, trust, and adoration to The One we obey. Keep in mind that obedience will cost us something, but of course so does love. It cost Jesus something too. 

If you find yourself having trouble obeying God, spend time letting yourself fall in love with Him.  

In His Steps,
Chris Schlender
Children's Pastor 

Community News 2/25/14

Midweek Worship Tomorrow Night!

Brad will be speaking from John Chapter 3 as we continue 40 Days with Jesus!  Please make plans to join us at 6 for snacks and 6:30 PM for worship!  This will help strengthen those following Christ and challenge those who are yet to trust Christ.

New Adult Bible Study!

Sunday, March 9th, a thirteen-week Bible study on Revelation will begin.  "Behold, Jesus is Coming" will be held in the Green Room from 8:15-9:15 AM.  This study is less intensive than a regular Precept, but does have homework.  If you would like to join us, email sheila@victorychurchproducts.com to order your book for $7.

Men's Breakfast!

Gentleman, make plans to attend the Men's Breakfast in the Student Center this Saturday, March 1st at 7:30 AM.  A breakfast will be prepared, and prayer time will be afterward.

Israel 2014 Meeting!
Walk where Jesus walked!  Space is filling up, so come and learn how you can take a journey of a lifetime.  Join us for a brief informational meeting on Sunday, March 9th held in the Student Center after second worship.  We will be leaving for Israel on August 30th and returning September 8th.  

My Testimony!

As part of 40 Days With Jesus, Pastor Todd has asked that we each submit our testimonies. If you haven't done so, visit BCC's website at brevardcommunity.org and click on My Testimony on the right hand side or pick up a form in the rear of the worship center.

Baptism Coming Up!

Rejoice and celebrate on March 16th with believers who want to make their faith and devotion known.  If you are interested in being baptized, or would like to be baptized in order to join the church, contact Lauren at 884-5932 or lauren@brevardcommunity.org

Mission Trip to Mexico!

Help lead discipleship or training in Conversational Evangelism!  There are possibly other ministries such as medical and eye-glass clinics.  This trip will be July 8th through the 15th.  It will continue the partnership in Mazatlan.  The cost will be $1,300.  If you are interested or have questions contact Alan Perry alan@brevardcommunity.org

The Simplicity and Power of a Testimony

The blind man in John Chapter 9 reminds me of many mountain folks I know. His words were simple, few, to the point, and powerful. We at Brevard Community have been "asked" to write out our testimonies. Some folks have become anxious and have fretted over this. This man was born blind and Jesus had given him sight. I believe this provides us with a great example as he tells how Jesus opened his eyes.  Here are the points of the simple outline the church has provided to help us write our salvation story: my life before Christ, how I realized I needed Christ, how I committed my life to Christ, and the difference Christ has made in my life. These are all covered as he tells his story of receiving his sight.

His life before he met Jesus was obvious. He was blind as he states in verse 25, "One thing I do know, that I was blind." He also talks about his hopeless condition (his need) in verse 32, "Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind." He describes the event of gaining his sight (believing Jesus) in verse 11, "The Man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went away and washed, and received my sight." For the difference Jesus made in his life we go back to verse 25.  "One thing I know, I once was blind but now I see.” What a simple story of how Jesus changed a man's life! Simple yet powerful as it gave evidence of the power of Jesus every time he told it. It affected the man's family, those who had known him from birth, and the religious rulers of the day. And none of these people could refute the power of God, which was demonstrated in this man's life.

Although this is not the blind man's salvation story, it certainly gives us an easy example to follow in writing ours. He becomes a Christ-follower at his second meeting with Jesus. The man was thrown out of the synagogue (church) for giving Jesus glory for giving him his sight.  Jesus then came to him and asked the man who could now see a simple question in verse 35, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The man then asked a question that I believe millions of people around the world are asking today. He asked in verse 36 "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?" Jesus said to him in verse 37, "You have both seen him, and He is the One who is talking with you." The man said in verse 38, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped Him! That's when the man born blind was spiritually born!

In writing your testimony, don't make it harder than it should be. In most cases, we could sum our story up much like the blind man did in his story of receiving his sight. We knew we had a need, we knew we couldn't meet our need, and we came to realize that Jesus was the only One who could meet that need. Then we believed and allowed Him to change our lives as we committed to follow Him.

Our testimony is powerful because it points to the Presence of an all Powerful Savior in our lives. Our testimony is one of the most effective tools we have in sharing the Gospel because it gives visible evidence of the power of the Gospel. When we learn to share our simple testimony then we are able to answer that question the millions are asking, "Who is this powerful Savior that I may believe?"

God bless you as you write out your simple but powerful story giving glory to Christ, our Savior.

Alan Perry

Missions Pastor

To submit your testimony visit our website at brevardcommunity.org and click on My Testimony on the right hand side or pick up a form in the rear of the worship center.

Community News 2/18/14

Midweek Worship Tomorrow Night!

Brent will be continue speaking on 40 days with Jesus.  We are on day 18 and almost halfway in this incredible journey.  Let's finish strong was we experience life in Jesus name. Join us at 6 for snacks and 6:30 PM for worship!

Mom to Mom!

Mothers come to an evening of inspiration and parenting encouragement this Thursday, February 20th in the blue room from 7 to 8:30 PM.  No childcare available.

Secret Sister Reveal!

If you have participated as a secret sister you are invited to the potluck dinner this Friday, February 21st in the student center from 6-8 PM.  Bring a dish to share and a small gift or card for the final reveal.  No childcare available.

Chili Cook Off!

This chili fundraiser is a celebration of two families who have chosen to step out of the extension of their family tree, and into the adventure of adoption.  100 percent of the proceeds will be divided between the two families.  Suggested donation is 8 dollars.  This includes 1 soda, 6 different samples of chili, and corn bread.  Come join us in the worship center this Saturday, February 22nd from 3-6 PM.

Men's Breakfast!

Gentleman, make plans to attend the Men's Breakfast in the Student Center on Saturday, March 1st at 7:30 AM.  A hot breakfast will be prepared, and there will be prayer time afterward.

New Adult Bible Study!

Sunday, March 9th, a thirteen-week Bible study on Revelation will begin.  "Behold, Jesus is Coming" will be held in the Green Room from 8:15-9:15 AM.  This study is less intensive than a regular Precept, but does have homework.  If you would like to join us, email Sheila Alewine by tomorrow to order your book for $7.  sheila@victorychurchproducts.com

Mission Trip to Mexico!

Help lead discipleship or training in conversational evangelism in Mazatlan, Mexico.  There will be other ministries such as medical and eye-glass clinics to help with on this trip from July 8th to the 15th.  The cost will be $1,300.  If you are interested or have questions contact Alan Perry alan@brevardcommunity.org  

Summer at BCC in 2014

Summer is right around the corner and in March we will be making a major push for High School & Middle school students to sign up for summer camp.  This year we are going to take a different approach to camp as a youth ministry team.  We will be taking two different trips one for High School students and one for Middle School students.  Why?  First, we believe that God has led us to this decision. Second, we want to be more effective in ministering to teenagers. There is a major difference between a sixth grader and a high school senior that is getting ready for college. We believe focusing more specifically on these two different age groups will help us be more effective in leading students into a growing relationship with Christ.  

Over the next few months you will hear a lot about the camps we will be attending. 

July 7th through the 11th are the dates for our High School Camp.

June 16th through the 20th are the dates for our Middle School Camp.

You may be wondering how can the church get involved?

First, pray Jesus would bless us as a church to have influence with teenagers and their families! Pray that God would bless us with GREAT opportunities this summer.

Pray about how you can be involved.  

We need prayer warriors that will pray God's blessing on these trips.

We always need leaders who love Jesus and teenagers.

We always need scholarships for kids that can't afford to go to camp.

Here is a snapshot of what is in store for High School Camp.  

When I was in high school, my church attended a big youth camp at the beach and it was awesome. I bet you’ve experienced something like that. You’ve attended an event where God seemed different and more personal. It’s incredible...for a week.

Why is it that things seem so different when you return home? No matter how great the camp, it always seems the return causes a mini-culture shock.

Back home, they begin to notice . . .

• Their band is okay, but not that great.

• Their youth room isn’t as cool.

• There aren’t as many people.

• It just feels different than it did at camp.

Little by little, numbers decrease. Decisions are forgotten. And as school starts, that momentum from camp feels long-gone. But what if you could take the camp experience home?

• What if you didn’t lose momentum the moment you pulled into the church parking  

        lot?      

• What if your students’ greatest connection was someone they could stay connected to?

• What if camp was a starting point and not just a high point in your ministry?

Those are the questions we began to ask when we started talking about High School Camp. And those questions lead us to the decision, that if we are to ever create a camp that doesn’t fade, an experience that lasts, and have influence with staying power, we must begin to plan camp in reverse. We must begin by thinking about what is happening three weeks after camp at your church, in your town, with your students.

And that means . . .

• We focus on what you can take home. The truth is, your student ministry may never have the same speakers, the same band, or the same entertainment as camp. But they will have their small groups and the adults who lead them. At High School Camp, small groups are not an after thought. Small groups are the main event.

• Fun happens in small groups. Shared experiences bring a group closer. That’s why we believe free time shouldn’t mean “every man for himself.” The HSC “free time” is strategically designed for small groups and their adult leaders to enjoy together.

• Decisions happen in small groups. If your student makes a decision about their faith, we want them to talk it through with an adult that they will see again. In fact, everything that happens in our large group is designed to set up small groups for great conversations that can continue even when camp is over.

• We celebrate leaders. We believe that anyone willing to lose a week of sleep and vacation time to lead students is a rock star. So, we will celebrate leaders from the stage. In training, we will equip them. And, in every way we can, we’ll give your adult leaders the VIP treatment so they can feel refreshed and ready to continue leading after camp.

Planning camp in reverse is harder. But like any other area of life, when you plan with the end in mind, you will have a much better shot at reaching your goal.

Thank you for your prayers. If you have any questions or want to get involved please contact Brent at 828-884-5932.

Brent Metcalf

High School Student Pastor 

brent@brevardcommunity.org

Community News 2/12/14

Wednesday, February 12th

Due to inclement weather, all activities 

for today have been CANCELLED.

Community News 2/11/14

Midweek Worship Tomorrow Night!

Todd will be speaking from the book of John.  This will be our second “40 Days of Experiencing Jesus” midweek worship!  Join us at 6 for snacks and worship at 6:30 PM. If snow predictions are correct and midweek needs to be cancelled, it will be posted on the webpage or you can call the church office. A decision will be made tomorrow after 12:30 PM. 

Women’s Friday Bible Study!

It's time for women's Friday Bible study!  Please join us in Priscilla Shirer's study  "Gideon, your weakness, God's STRENGTH."  We will meet every Friday morning in the blue room downstairs from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, beginning this Friday, February 14 and going through March 28.  It's a wonderful time to get into God's word and to fellowship with other women!   Books are $14.00. You can sign-up for Bible study on Sunday morning or Wednesday night in the back of the worship center.  Child-care will be provided.  Call Carissa if you have questions at 884-4459 or email her at cjsellers@wildblue.net    Invite a friend!   

Secret Sister Reveal!

If you have participated as a secret sister you are invited to the potluck dinner on Friday, February 21st in the student center from 6-8 PM.  Bring a dish to share and a small gift or card for the final reveal.  Childcare is not available. 

Chili Cook Off!

This will be a day of great food and an even greater purpose! This chili fundraiser is a celebration of two families who have chosen to step out of the extension of their family tree, and into the adventure of adoption.  100 percent of the proceeds will be divided between two families.  Suggested donation is $8.  This includes one soda, 6 different samples of chili, and corn bread.  Come join us in the worship center on Saturday, February 22nd from 3-6 pm.  

New Adult Bible Study!

Sunday, March 9th, a thirteen-week Bible study on Revelation will begin. “Behold, Jesus is Coming” will be held in the Green Room from 8:15-9:15 AM.  This study is less intensive than a regular Precept, but does have homework.  If you would like to join us, email Sheila@victorychurchproducts.com to order your book for $7.  Please let Sheila know by Wednesday, February 19th.  

Preschool Ministry!

What do you think of when you hear “Tour of Duty”?  Honor, commitment, service, sacrifice, loved ones, far away places, or even the battlefield.  Here in the preschool ministry of BCC that is what we are all about! Honor and commitment to our Father God and the work he has called us to do!  IF you are a member of BCC and are interested in joining us on our mission field right here at home for a six-month “tour of duty” call 884-5932 or email Tracy Pace tracy@brevardcommunity.org. 

40 Days of Experiencing Jesus

 “But,” He said, “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.”

Exodus 33:20

Imagine with me for a moment! What would it be like to experience God? How would it feel to stand in the very presence of the creator of the universe? Would your hair stand on end and every nerve in your body explode with the overwhelming sense of His power? Could you imagine what that would be like?

Actually, scripture records several occasions when people have experienced God. They all have a few things in common. One is that the person who experiences God is never the same. They have been in the presence of ultimate reality and the experience absolutely changes them forever.  Another thing that happens is that the brilliant light of His glory causes them to see their own sinfulness. Isaiah summed up his experience with God’s presence pretty well when he said, “Woe is me! For I am lost.” He immediately knew his own ungodliness and fear gripped his heart. He understood he was in danger because at any moment God’s wrath against sin could break out and consume him.

Then there was Moses. He was a man who wanted to see the Lord. He wanted to know Him. In Exodus chapter thirty-three Moses asked God to reveal Himself to him and not hold back any of His glory. That is a bold request! But God made a very sobering statement to His friend Moses. No man can see God’s face (glory) and live. Coming face to face with God will kill you.

So how does a world that is lost, groping around in darkness, and totally enslaved to sin experience God in all His awesomeness and live to tell about it? If God’s holiness immediately puts to death all wickedness in His presence, how can sinful people approach Him?

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

“No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.” John 1:18

God clothed Himself in skin and approached us! John and his companions are telling us that they have seen God and lived. Just listen to the way John describes Him. Jesus is the Word that created everything, the Light that pierces the darkness, and He is the Lamb of God sent to save sinners from God’s wrath so that those who accept Him could become His children.  This is their testimony to us. Jesus is God!

But don’t think that you can approach Jesus flippantly. Looking into the face of Jesus will kill you, just like standing in the presence of God the Father will. In fact, that is good news. When we come to recognize the glory of God in the face of Jesus (believe) we immediately come to the same conclusion as Isaiah. “Woe with me I am lost!” And it is then that Jesus invites us through the Gospel to die to our old life of sin (repent) so that we can be born again (by faith) into a completely new life in Him to live eternally as God’s sons and daughters.

Jesus is God. Have you experienced Him?

If you have experienced Jesus be sure to tell us about it by writing out your testimony and turning it into the church office. You can write it out and put it in the box at the first time guest table or you can submit it online at our website at www.brevardcommunity.org

Shannon Compton

Life Groups Pastor 

Community News 2/4/14

Midweek Worship Tomorrow Night!

Join us for snacks at 6 and then worship at 6:30 PM.  Pastor Todd will be speaking from the book of John.  This will be our first “40 Days of Experiencing Jesus” midweek worship!  

IF Gathering!

Ladies, we invite you to gather from 3:30-9:30 PM this Friday, February 7th from 9 AM-6 PM on Saturday, February 8th in the blue room to wrestle with essential questions that plague our generation.  We exist to gather, equip, and unleash the next generation of women to live out their purpose.  Friday night there will be a potluck dinner and no childcare will be provided.  If you would like more information or details contact Heather Schlender at hstonearch@gmail.com or visit www.ifgathering.com

Israel Meeting!

Walk where Jesus walked!  If you are interested in hearing about a journey of a lifetime,  join us for a brief Israel informational meeting this Sunday, February 9th.  It will be held in the student center after second worship. We will be leaving for Israel on August 30th and returning  September 8th.    

Women’s Friday Bible Study!

It's time for women's Friday Bible study!  Please join us in Priscilla Shirer's study  "Gideon, your weakness, God's STRENGTH."  We will meet every Friday morning in the blue room downstairs from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, beginning February 14 and going through March 28.  It's a wonderful time to get into God's Word and to encourage other women!   Books are $14.00.  You can sign-up for Bible study on Sunday morning or Wednesday night in the back of the worship center. Child-care will be provided.  Call Carissa if you have questions at 884-4459 or email her at cjsellers@wildblue.net Invite a friend!   

Preschool Ministry!

What do you think of when you hear “Tour of Duty?”  Honor, commitment, service, sacrifice, loved ones, far away places, or even the battlefield.  Here in the preschool ministry of BCC that is what we are all about! Honor and commitment to our Father God and the work He has called us to do!  If you are a member of BCC and are interested in joining us on our mission field right here at home for a six-month “tour of duty” call 884-5932 or email Tracy Pace tracy@brevardcommunity.org.