Did you know that Jesus and the Apostles quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book? Did you realize that Jesus quoted from Psalms as he hung on the cross? Jesus certainly saw the connection of His ministry with the Psalms. While many psalms were written nearly a thousand years before Jesus, they have incredible relevance to His life, death, and resurrection.

This Sunday we will consider selected verses from Psalm 118. While Psalm 22 and 31 (both quoted from the cross) describe the anguish, uncertainty and suffering of the cross, Psalm 118 reflects on the victory of God’s provision. On Easter we celebrate the most important truth in history, “He is Risen!” Yes God ventured to the depths on the cross, but His rising from the dead assures us that his death was not permanent. Look at how pertinent these words are to Easter.

(Psalms 118:15–17 NIV) 15) Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! 16) The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17) I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

David (the writer of Psalm 118) uses the same language used by Jesus and the Apostles to describe God’s plan in Christ. He talks about gates and capstones. The connection is astounding. Join us on Sunday as we explore Psalm 118 and celebrate the risen Christ.

Remember that we will meet for breakfast at 9:30 am and combined worship at 10:45 am.

In Psalm 19, David reflects on the majesty of God’s creation. While David did not understand all that modern science teaches us about nature, he marvels at the intricacies of our world. Our busy lives distract us from being astonished by the world around us. Yet David understands that the creation points us to the Creator.

On Sunday, we will explore the poetry of Psalm 19 together. We will sing, collectively read and reflect on these ancient words. I hope you are able to join us.

In this week’s Psalm, we are told that all nations will one day remember God’s works and turn to him. This is a fascinating psalm. The first verse of this psalm is familiar to all readers of the gospels.

(Psalms 22:1 NIV) My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Jesus chose to quote this psalm in his darkest hour. Twenty-six verses later, we are told that

(Psalms 22:27 NIV) All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD

As we talked about Sunday in worship, the psalms express every emotion possible. In Psalm 22, we experience the terror of God’s abandonment; we progress toward a confession that God’s actions will prompt the nations to remember and turn to God. This is often the story of our lives. We move from one emotion to the next. At times, we wonder if God has turned his back on us. Other times, we can boldly confess that God is with us. It is no coincidence that Jesus draws from this psalm on the worst and greatest day of human history. In the grip of Roman execution, God was saving the world. This paradox is the center of the gospel message.

It is not that we forget the Cross; yet it does not always occupy a primary place in our minds. We need to be reminded. As we come to the table on Sunday, we will remember the work of Jesus on the Cross. Appropriately, we will study the psalm that he chose in the midst of his incredible work of salvation.

The story is of one of kings and their response to Jesus. The Kings or representatives of Kings (the wise men) travel great lengths, giving of themselves. The King of Judea (Herod) goes to great lengths to protect himself (his right to rule). Do we find ourselves more like the wise men or Herod? Do we bring gifts, giving of ourself for Jesus. As we care for those who are oppressed, downtrodden, those in need, we care for Jesus. Matthew relays Jesus’ words,

(Matthew 25:45 NIV) I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.

Or do we cling to control like Herod, destroying innocent bystanders in the process? Can you imagine God in our midst? There he was in a house with Mary and Joseph. May we find ourselves as the Magi, submitting ourselves to Him, bringing gifts to the true King.

As we explore Epiphany on Sunday (or as you celebrate it this week on January 6), may our hearts and minds be enlightened by this story. May we be challenged to worship as the Magi. May we bring appropriate gifts to the King. May our own agendas be put to death for His agenda.

We wish you all a happy new year today and pray that 2012 would be year of spiritual blessing for you. We pray that your hearts will be drawn to the Savior who gave Himself for you.

(1 Corinthians 16:23–24 NIV) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

On Christmas morning, we will consider the Christmas story as recorded in Luke 2. Jesus’ birth was not a snow filled, hot chocolate laced occasion. It was messy, dirty, smelly; we will remind ourselves of the story that we have heard a million times. As we celebrate Christmas, we will remember that Christmas was a pretty scary occasion for those in Luke 2. Yet the angel’s words, “do not be afraid” assure us that God was and is up to something incredible.

I know that holidays can be busy. Many are traveling, others are spending concentrated time with family. Yet, I encourage you to carve out time to worship. Join us as we remember the true meaning of Christmas this weekend.

For those of you traveling out of town, we wish you a merry and Jesus-centered Christmas. For everyone else, I will see you this weekend.

I will not detail the discussions about meeting on Christmas Eve versus Christmas Day. However, I do want to let you know about five combined services that will be taking place at First Baptist Church Muncie in the next two months, due to holidays as well as other traditional celebrations.

There has been consideration given to holding combined services at 10:30 a.m., but much discussion among members of Church Council has resulted in a decision to have the combined services at 11:15. To have anything other than 9:15 or 11:15 means that 3 events would have to be changed (Early service, Sunday school, Late service). In the past, this has proved to be very confusing for those who are loosely connected with our church and for those in the community. This past Easter, we met at 10:45 AM; at 11:15 AM some 40 people walked in during the middle of the service. There were also many questions as to when/whether Sunday school would be held. Having the combined service at 11:15 AM only requires one change.Those who attend early service will need to adjust their schedules for the day, but the later service provides consistency for our community and prospective visitors. Meeting at 9:15 AM would also provide consistency, but it is difficult for families with young children to attend. This decision is not preferring one group of people over another. It is simply a matter of timing and consistency to accommodate the most people.

We are one church; observing these holidays and special times together in one body is a wonderful way to celebrate. After the holidays, the early and late services will resume their normal times. We typically do not do have this number of combined services in such a short period of time. This year is different because both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are on a Sunday.

We hope that you will mark these dates on your calendar and plan to attend the special services as follows:

• Sunday, November 20 – Harvest Dinner Worship 11:15 AM (a special Thanksgiving lunch will be provided following the service and will be joined by Riverside Baptist Church)

• Sunday, December 18 – Cantata 11:15 AM

• Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Service 7:00 PM

• Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Day Worship 11:15 AM *

• Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day Worship 11:15 AM *

*There will be no children’s Sunday school on December 25 and January 1. Other Sunday school classes may choose to meet. Talk to your Sunday school leaders as to whether your class is going to meet on these days

Their gatherings were about themselves. No longer were they focusing on the work of Christ; rather, they were centered on their own groups, doing whatever pleased them. Paul offers clear instructions for how they should gather. Paul instructs them to scrutinize their hearts. Rather than simply criticizing the other groups, they should examine themselves.

(1 Cor 11:28–29 NIV) 28) A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29) For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.

What does it mean to examine ourselves? Does it mean that we have to be perfect in order to celebrate communion? Not at all. The word examine in Greek has to do with the genuineness of something. So when we examine our hearts, we are being real with God. We bring all of ourselves, our real self, to God. We are not looking around, making sure everyone else has it right, rather we are deeply considering our own hearts. We don’t have to be perfect, but we do need to be true. As we come to the table, we offer ourselves to God, just as we are. When we realize who we are before Christ, we discover that we are all in the same place; we are in desperate need of salvation. We take the bread realizing it is nourishment for our souls. We drink, remembering his blood shed for us, confessing that we are saved by his blood. Please understand. I am not advocating an individualistic approach in our worship gatherings. I am, however, advocating a primary focus on the crucified Christ. He is the center of our worship gathering. As we collectively come to the table, we examine ourselves; we bring our very selves to Him. It is in this way that we are unified. We stand together around the Communion table. We share this wonderful work of salvation provided by Jesus.

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