Unsightly Moments of Scripture
Church Family,
What a Sunday! Genesis 34 is indeed a difficult chapter, but I’m so grateful for a church that does not shy away from hard passages and wants to dig into God’s word to understand. The story of Dinah is one of terrible mistreatment and blind justice. We understand the longing for justice when the innocent are mistreated. The brothers cannot bear the thought of their sister being humiliated, defiled, sinned against, and treated like a prostitute. Their longing is rooted in a right thing, justice, making right the wrong, but their massacre was out of step. Though Shechem had committed a grievous sin that “must not be done,” justice cannot be executed blindly. The good news is that God does bring justice wisely. Dinah is the innocent one mistreated who needs justice to roll down from a wise and powerful God. He is better at vengeance (Deut 32:35, Rom 12:19, Heb 10:30). What has been done to her is heinous, outrageous, something that “must not be done!” Upon reflecting on this event, Moses strategically labels the sin with words that clearly communicate that Shechem’s sin is grievous. Therefore, it requires a wise and powerful one to bring adequate justice. Interestingly enough, another innocent one who was mistreated that brings that justice, Jesus (Heb 7:26).
Senior Luncheon
We announced this past Sunday a get-together for our Senior Adults at Fat Willy’s. We will meet there at 11:30 am to have lunch and spend time together chatting, laughing, and encouraging one another. I’m looking forward to hanging with you all!
Destination Unknown
Speaking of get-togethers, we have a church-wide event on Feb 20th from 4 pm -6:30 pm. Food and childcare will be provided. Please sign up in the foyer so we can have an accurate number to prepare. As we said Sunday, the adults will be split into teams to participate in an activity that will require some driving. The children will enjoy time together playing and eating pizza.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan
Giving Forgiveness
Church Family,
Sunday was another wonderful time together! The story of Jacob and Esau is full of grace and forgiveness, both of which are overwhelming when we experience them. Jacob experiences them as he finally meets Esau face to face (Gen 33). In this section, he makes an interesting statement to Esau, “For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me” (Gen 33:10). He equates the encounter with Esau as encountering God (which he did the night before, see Gen 32:22-32). The connection is that he has been accepted despite himself, despite not being deserved acceptance. Grace is like that; it makes us aware of just how undeserving we are, heightening our gratefulness. Brothers and Sisters, we have been forgiven a lot through the person and work of God the Son. This should produce grateful, gracious, and patient people. I hope you rest and rejoice in the forgiveness we have in Christ. I pray you are a little more gracious this week and patient with one another.
Disciple-makers
This Wednesday, we start back up our disciple-makers Class. It runs from 6 pm – 7:30 pm and childcare will be provided. If you’ve never attended, anytime is a good time to join. This first night will be an introduction and explanation of what we will be covering this Spring Semester.
Prospective Members Class
Our next Prospective Members Class will be February 19 from 1 pm – 4 pm. If you are interested in attending, please sign up in the foyer. This class is designed to give a thorough look at what we believe, what a church is, why join, and lastly, cover all the nuts and bolts of LITDC. The class is an informative conversation about the Bible’s perspective on “all things church” and helps us understand how theology meets everyday life…READ MORE
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan
Wrestling
Church Family,
The last two weeks have felt particularly helpful for us all. As we’ve been closely examining Jacob’s transition into being named Israel, we have seen much in his life that mirrors our own (Gen 32). We specifically saw Sunday Jacob wrestling with God (Gen 32:22-32). He is unsure about what Esau and his 400 men will do to him and his family. Jacob, in faith, is following God, which has brought him to a place of dealing with his past deception. He longs for God to be with him and bless him. So God comes to him and lets him wrestle. Jacob becomes aware of God’s grace and his weakness in doing so. After Jacob has shown tremendous tenacity in his faith, God touches his hip. God is not powerless in this wrestling, but in his infinite wisdom, He lets Jacob wrestle until the break of day. As day breaks, Jacob limps but has a new name. He goes to meet Esau with less physical ability but with greater confidence in God. It’s better to go at life limping with less trust in us and greater trust in God and His promises!
Prayer/Worship Gathering
Don’t forget tomorrow evening, Wednesday the 26th, at 6 pm we will gather to pray and sing God’s truth together. Childcare will be provided. We look forward to seeking the Lord together!
Church Get Together
This past Sunday, we asked you to mark your calendars for February 20 from 4 pm – 6:30 pm for a church-wide gathering. There will be many more details to come, but I just wanted to ask that you plan on attending to enjoy some time together as a church family. Childcare will be provided and an activity for the adults.
Life Groups
We announced several weeks back about Life Groups. A Life Group is our attempt to gather together outside of Sunday morning to discuss the message from Sunday, share a meal, and pray for one another. To be more specific, we believe the Lord does a lot on a Sunday morning, but we often leave that moment and never give it another thought. Life Group is an opportunity to discuss what the Lord did in your head, to move that to your heart. It’s an informal environment to be open and honest and make solid and thoughtful applications of God’s word to your life, to our church, and the world around us. If you are interested in more information, please stop by the welcome desk and sign-up. Signing up does not commit you to anything. We are gauging interest and will have an informational meeting soon.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan
Seeking Forgiveness
Church Family,
As followers of God, we inevitably will show with our life the effects of His work through God the Son. We are a people who have been changed, and that change will and must alter the way we live. One such change is the willingness to seek forgiveness even if it costs us something. As we continue to watch God through the book of Genesis create a people who are devoted to Him, we see the increase of their understanding and see evidence of greater faith as they alter the way they live. As we saw Sunday, Jacob is a beautiful example of this as he pursues Esau (Gen 32:1-21). Esau was not too happy with Jacob when he left his country (Gen 27:41), and now Jacob is walking back to his hometown. Though it’s been 20 years, Jacob knows he must seek his brother and make amends for his wrongs towards him. This is exactly what Christians do, seek forgiveness when they have wronged others. We are people willing to say, “I’m sorry.” Jacob’s growth of faith includes seeking those he has wronged. Brothers and Sisters, this is true of us as well. Are you willing to seek forgiveness? Are you willing to admit and confess wrong?
Prayer/Worship Gathering
We will gather on January 26 at 6 pm to sing and pray. We will seek the Lord’s wisdom for 2022 over several things we sense we must do this year. We will beg the Lord to move in our church and within the surrounding area. Please join us as we pray and sing great truths.
Disciple-Makers
I want to take this moment and personally ask you to commit to our Disciple-makers class that will start on February 2. Disciple-makers is designed to help equip and encourage a follower of Christ to fulfill their responsibility of making disciples. It covers various topics: foundational beliefs, extremely practical ways to read scripture with believers and non-believers, and the ins and outs of how we change. On average, it will require about 30-45 minutes of reading each week before the class. Then, each Wednesday from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, there will be discussion and practice reading scripture with others.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan
Genesis
Church Family,
This past Sunday, we dove back into the wonderful book of Genesis. Since starting this series, it has been a joy to see the beginning of all creation and to understand our origins. In doing so, we can make sense of the world around us and better understand God’s redemptive work throughout history. I look forward to the coming months as we begin to see the formation of God’s people specifically. We will continue to see the struggle of faith, the effects of Sin, and a Sovereign God working providentially despite it all. I hope you will find our time studying the beginning very fruitful for the present.
Get the Vision
We cannot be more excited about this historical moment for Light in the Desert Church as we move to a plurality of Elders. We’ve studied scripture, prayed often, and discussed together to arrive at this pivotal time in our life together. It all culminates this coming Sunday, January 9, at 4 pm as we discuss and approve new bylaws that reflect our collective conviction of Elder-lead, Deacon-served, and Congregational-ruled.
Sunday Studies
As a refresher and encouragement to attend, let me explain Sunday Studies. Sunday Studies are designed to tackle tough theological and cultural issues with a desire to help us love God supremely, love others sacrificially, and share hope through the gospel of Jesus Christ to all peoples. They typically last about seven weeks but are strategically set up to join at any point. Each lesson does not require being at the previous. They begin at 9 am, so set your alarm a little earlier and prep the night before to attend.
International Missions Offering
Each Advent season, we collect a mission offering where 100% of what is collected goes to international mission work. This year, as in years past, you all gave generously. Let me say thank you and how much of a joy it is to serve such generous people. Each and every dollar will aid in gospel work across the world. The final total was $3,440.00!!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan
Christmas!
Church Family,
We are in the home stretch of 2021! This year, we have truly seen God’s grace in some real, measurable ways. At the close of 2021, we have 41 members, celebrated three baptisms, and continue to move towards a plurality of elders. What a year! Despite the struggles over the past few years, the Lord has been gracious to us, and we have been able to experience significant moments together. These moments show us wonderful signs of health as a church and remind us of God’s grace. I rejoice in all the Lord has done and anticipate much more to come. I pray that this week will provide many moments for you and your family to rejoice in God taking flesh and all that means. Slow down, sit together, and open your bibles to see and savor the God-man!
Christmas Schedule
Here is just a quick reminder of what will and will not be happening this week:
Disciple-Makers finished up last week and will start back up in late January.
Christmas Eve we will gather at 4 pm to sing songs, read scripture, hear a message, and rejoice at the birth of Christ.
Sunday Studies will not meet this coming Sunday (Dec 26) and will resume the following Sunday (Jan 2).
Lastly, our 10:15 Sunday Gathering will be as usual this coming Sunday.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan
Peace
Church Family,
I hope this holiday season has been filled with a greater sense of all we have in Jesus Christ. Let’s be reminded this Christmas that we have hope, joy, peace, and love because of the first coming of Christ long ago in a manger. In all the happenings and traditions of the holiday, what is most true is the unshakable person and work of the God-man. There is so much to reflect upon and no shortage of peace to be gained as we consider God taking flesh. As we looked at Luke 2 during our Sunday Gathering, we saw clearly through the declaration of a random man named Simeon that in Christ, we SEE our salvation. As he holds that baby, he can depart in PEACE because he holds salvation in his arms! He alludes to the suffering that will come as this baby, the Promised One, brings salvation (Luke 2:35). Peace is ours, but let us not forget what the person Jesus does in his work to secure it!
Disciple-Makers
This Wednesday will be our last Disciple-Makers Class of 2021. It’s been a wonderful time of learning and reflecting upon the great truths we hold so dearly to our hearts! We will pick it back up in late January.
Sunday Studies
We have a special treat at our 9 am Sunday Studies this coming Sunday. A missionary will be here sharing with us the work God is doing across the world. I will not share specifics for safety reasons, but you don’t want to miss it, so come a little early and be encouraged!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan
The Righteous Judge
Church Family,
It was wonderful to be back this past Sunday! I’m thankful for all the prayers and encouragement we received during our recovery. This past Sunday, we examined Psalm 9 and found that it directs us towards the Lord, our Righteous Judge, who removes the wicked and remembers the needy. The Lord, not forgetting us, is based upon His character of righteousness and His actions as a judge. Since God is righteous, He rightly sees our troubles, and since He sits enthroned as judge, He will weigh in on our situations. He will remember, He will respond, and we can trust it will be right. This is what we reflect on during the Christmas season, that the Lord remembered and responded to our most significant need. Christ Jesus is God’s ultimate response as Righteous Judge to our troubles, needs, and difficulties.
For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever. Psalm 9:18
Disciple-Makers
This is a reminder that there will be no Disciple-Makers class this week due to Thanksgiving. Enjoy your week with family and friends!
Advent
We will start Advent this coming Sunday. Advent takes up the four Sundays before Christmas day and reflects on the coming of the God-man and then anticipates the forthcoming of the God-man! If you have not already, please grab an Advent book to begin reading as a family on December 1 through 25.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan
Peacemaker
Church Family,
It has been an interesting week! We are grateful for all your prayers and encouraging words over the last few days. We all are recovering well and feeling much better. This past Sunday, as I watched from home, I was thankful for God’s grace and ongoing care for us, His children. As I listened and sang along to “He Will Hold Me Fast,” my soul was edified and reminded that in our weak, tired, and restless moments, He, God Himself, will hold us close, keeping us secure and fueling our belief. Then as I listened to Andy unpack Matthew 5:9, I was reminded of the peace that is ours in Christ. This all worked together to refresh me as nothing else could. God really does bring peace in unsettling times!
Thanksgiving Meal
We will gather this Sunday, November 21, at 4 pm to share a meal and give thanks. We are looking forward to celebrating God’s grace! We will take a few precautions by spreading out tables to provide plenty of space. Be sure to double-check the sign-up sheet Sunday morning to ensure there is variety in what everyone is bringing.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan
As For You…
Church Family,
This past Sunday, we were encouraged to consider many areas of our lives. The instruction was twofold, flee and then pursue. Because of the gospel, we can flee unhealthy habits and thinking and are empowered to pursue godliness. Logan reminded us what it looks like to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness, and generosity (1 Tim. 6:11). There was a wealth of application laid before us and plenty to give ourselves to each week. So, take this week and prioritize pursuing these things by doing specific actions. Wake up early to read your bible, ask a co-worker how you can pray for them, open your stuff to someone in need, offer kind words in disagreements, stretch your faith, and stop and pray when something draws your attention to God’s gloriousness. In doing so, we will fight the good fight with greater energy and effectiveness!
Members Meeting
Every quarter we gather as a church family to celebrate what the Lord has done, and is doing, by giving updates and hearing testimonies of prospective members. Our next meeting will be on November 14 at 4 pm.
Thanksgiving Meal
On November 21 at 4 pm, we will have our annual Thanksgiving Meal. Many of you have already signed up but let this serve as a reminder to let us know you are coming, how many people, and what you will bring.
Jefferson Elementary
Thank you for the overwhelming support you all have shown for Jefferson Elementary. We will collect spiral notebooks, and dry erase markers for one more week in the foyer. You can’t miss it; there’s already a pile of stuff!!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan