Family News

February 29, 2004

SHORT  BY

STUFF   DAVE SHANER

Many of you have seen the movie, The Passion of the Christ. It was very moving and rekindles in my heart the love that God has for each of us and the depths that he went to save us. The following is an article by Randy Hohf, the preacher for the church in Sandpoint. I think you will enjoy it.

Have a Great Week!!

Who Killed Jesus? A Moot Question

This past week, the much-anticipated Mel Gibson film, The Passion of the Christ, opened around the country. To see a film about Jesus of this quality coming out of the spiritual and moral abyss of Hollywood is an amazing phenomenon, somewhat reminiscent of when Jesus actually came into the world in real life. Don't misunderstand. I'm not comparing Mel Gibson to Jesus in the least. Rather, I am talking about the fact that out of the darkness of Hollywood comes this bright light of a work, focusing the world's eyes on Jesus. It reminds me of Isaiah's predictions that out of the dark world of Galilee would arise the bright light of the Messiah (Isa 9.1-2) who would sprout up 'like a shoot out of parched ground' (Isa 53.2). Jesus sprung up out of a spiritual desert. He arose out of a nation that was in the midst of a spiritual and moral famine not unlike our country today. And, similar to the reaction of much of Hollywood and others opposed to The Passion, the darkness of the first-century culture did not comprehend the light of Jesus (Jn 1.5). That gets me to the question of who killed Jesus. Much of the opposition over this film has to do with this question. Some are claiming that the film is anti-Semitic because of its portrayal of the role of the Jews in the death of Jesus. But to ask the question is to fail to comprehend Jesus and the Gospel message. Let's see why.

First, let me emphasize that while anti-Semitic behavior of any kind should never be excused, it would be just as wrong to rewrite history. Unless one rejects the four Gospel accounts, one cannot deny the fact that it was the first-century Jewish leaders who arrested, tried and condemned Jesus to death. They themselves accepted full responsibility (Mt 27.25). And Jesus himself laid at least part of the blame upon that generation of Israel (Mt 23.29-36; Jn 19.11), as did both Peter (Acts 2.23,36) and Paul (1 Thes. 2.14-15).

There is no getting around the fact that the first-century Jewish leaders killed Jesus. We don't have to fear the facts of history. However, to lay blame on any one group of people is to miss the point in several ways.

First, as Gibson and others have been saying, the blame for Jesus' death falls upon us all. We all nailed him to the cross. The first-century Jewish leaders may have been the instrument of Jesus' death, but you and I are the cause. So who deserves the greater blame? But there is more to it than that. It was God himself who actually determined that Jesus would die. It was his predetermined plan (Acts 2.23). The Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting him to grief (Isa 53.10). Now we are beginning to get at the real answer to the question. But we have to go further. When you boil it all down, to ask, 'Who killed Jesus?' is to miss the fact (and I thank one of the ladies in Bible class for pointing this out), that Jesus' life was not taken. Rather, it was given. He came to 'give his life' (Mk. 10.45). The enemies of Jesus had sought his life on many occasions, but it would not be until Jesus himself determined that the time was right (e.g. Jn 7.6,8,25,30,32,45-46; 10.39; Lk. 22.53). When they arrested him, he offered himself willingly (Jn 18.4-8). And when he died, He simply 'bowed his head, and gave up His Spirit' (Jn 19.30). Thus, 'Who killed Jesus?' is a moot question. It doesn't really matter, for it has nothing to do with either the cause or the reason for Jesus' death. The cause is my sin. The reason is his love. He loved me enough to die for my sin. The only question that matters, then, is this: 'What will I do with Jesus?'

Randy Hohf

I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day.
- II Timothy 1:12b

Good News!!!

The angels in heaven rejoiced as Micaela Dehlbom, daughter of Scott and Lynelle Dehlbom, was baptized into Christ last Wednesday evening. Be sure to welcome Micaela into the family of God.

Area Wide Singing

You are invited to come and join other brethren from the region for this time of singing and praising with each other and to our Lord this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at the Valley Church of Christ, 17221 E. Broadway, Greenacres, WA.

Rescue

Rescue will be giving a concert on behalf of the Coeur d'Alene Christian School this Tuesday evening, March 2nd, at 7 p.m. It will be held at North Idaho College in Schuler Auditorium. Tickets are $8 and can NOW be purchased in the school or church office, or you may see Georgette Rude. Rescue features Tim Storms as their bass singer whom many of you know. Rescue is an a capella singing group that has attracted nationwide audiences. This is a great way to spend an evening of fun, inspiration, and fellowship. It also helps in raising funds for the Coeur d'Alene Christian School. Be sure to get your tickets today. For more information, please call the school office at 772-7118.

GOOD TIMES TOGETHER

The Pepperdine Bible Lectures are not only about wonderful lectures, classes, musical programs and drama presentations. They are also about fellowship . . . renewing old friendships, making new acquaintances. Between spiritual feasts there are breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, coffee and Coke breaks, AWP pie time, and warm conversations. Think of the best potlucks you can remember, and then multiply by four! May 4 -7, 2004, is nearly here. For more information, please visit http://www.pepperdine.edu/churchrelations.

It's Secret Sister Time!

Ladies, the deadline to turn in your secret sister information sheets is TODAY! Please give them to Katrina Swaim (or put them in her box.) If you still need one, extras can be found on the kiosk.

Shepherds Corner

Throughout the Bible we learn of the attitude and character we are to have. Love one another (John 13:34). Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32). Live in harmony with one another (I Peter 3:8). Regard one another as more important than yourself (Philippians 2:3).

An anonymous writer described a selfish, self-centered Christian when he wrote,

I was hungry and you formed a humanities club.
Thank you.

I was naked and in your mind
You debated the morality of my appearance.

I was homeless and you preached to me
Of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.

I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your
chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release.

I was sick and you knelt and thanked God
for your health.

I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.

- From a Shepherd's Heart by Edwin White.

What is our attitude?

- For the Elders

Calendar of Events

Feb. 29 - Mar. 5 - CCS Book Fair - Small Auditorium

Feb. 29 - Area Wide Singing, Valley Church 2:00 p.m.

Mar. 2 - 6:30 a.m. Prayer Breakfast at JB's

Mar. 2 - Rescue in Concert at NIC - CCS Fundraiser

Mar. 12 - 14 - MIQVAH Youth Rally

Mar. 16 - CCS Talent Show, Science & Art Fair

Mar. 23 - Ladies Night Out

Mar. 27 - Tweeners Progressive Dinner

Prayer Requests

Pray for Vera Calfy and the family of her brother, Johnny, who passed away last Saturday.

Pray for Pam Neill, Louise Tallant's daughter, who has been diagnosed with paralysis of the intestine due to complications from diabetes.

Rita Welter, Paul Welter's mother, has been diagnosed with neuropathy.

Laura Prado, a friend of Phoebe Hruska, admitted herself into an alcohol rehab.

Clara Ward is dealing with a severe case of insomnia. So far medication is not helping.

Connie Savoy, Patty Welter's mother, fell at work and fractured the second vertebra in her tailbone.

Ron Dupey... continue to keep Ron in your prayers.

Pray for the Reeves and the Togo Team, that the Lord will continue to bless their work, and that the families will have good health.

Pray for Claudia Moberg's niece, Amy, is recovering from knee surgery.

Continue to remember: Tammy Heath, Chris Williams, Adam Bristow, Shirley Lindell, Russ Allen, Clay Bronson, Noah Pruett, Mary Newman.

In Sympathy

Our sympathy and prayers are with Vera Calfy and her family in the loss of her younger brother, Johnny who suddenly passed away last week. Remember to keep his five children in your prayers as they deal with the loss of their father.

Thank You!

Thank you to all who donated to the Kids Silent Auction! We are full at 40 items - very nice variety!

We are still needing all your 'things new but will never use' for basket filling. Clean out those cupboards and drawers! Thanks again, Georgette Rude

Tweeners Progressive Dinner

March 27th we will be having a progressive dinner for the Tweeners. We will be going to 4 different homes, each hosting a part of the meal. We need you to sign-up at the Kiosk, so we know what food you will be bringing. More information to come soon. Sorry, no kids for this one. Group up together and share a babysitter.

Mike's Memos.....

Sunday AM Teen / Parent Class
'House Upon The Rock'

Next Sunday - Session 5 B
'The Intimacy Pie'

Think about this question: Satan's temptations always take exploitive advantage of a good desire that God created. So if you were Satan, how would you deceive yourself, based on your God-given desires?

DON'T MISS CLASS! BE EARLY PLEASE!!

MIQVAH 2004

March 12th - 14th

Now it's only two weeks until we will be hosting all the Northwest teens...some 150 of them, for our youth rally weekend. It is always a very busy, challenging, exciting time for this congregation. And, it is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to live what we preach. Please be praying for our Youth Group as we make all the necessary preparations for classes, devotionals, activities, decorations, etc. Pray for all the teens from surrounding areas to come with hearts prepared to receive God's word, and pray for this church family as we prepare to open our homes and our hearts to so many young guests.

We will need about 30 host homes! Please be willing to serve in this way. A sign-up sheet is on the Kiosk in the foyer.

______________________

Our kids in LTC are doing some great work which I'd like to share with you over the next few weeks. The following is a Radio Minute Message by a 9th grade student, Marc Inabnet.

Popularity

As teenagers, we all want to be popular. We dress like this, we talk like that. We wear these clothes, and go to these events. But the thing is, when you try to find a job, they won't ask you how many friends you have or how popular you are. They won't care! The other day I was talking to someone I had just met. I asked him where he went before he came to my school. These are the exact words he said, 'I went to Woodland; I was really popular.' I didn't care if he was popular or not. All I wanted to know was where he went to school. So let me ask you this, why do we spend so much time trying to fit in? We all know where it leads. But aren't we supposed to think about where we stand with God? Psalm 42:1 says, 'As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for you, O God.' That's what we should be wanting, instead of who is the most popular. We need to worry about our relationship with God. The more important question is, 'How popular are you with God?'

CCS CORNER SCHOOL NEWS

The best part about teaching at Coeur d'Alene Christian School is that I get to share the Bible with 18 young souls everyday. So far this year we have studied Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, and the fruits of the spirit. (Especially self-control!) And now we are studying Jesus. So far we have read about Jesus as God's son, teacher, healer, storyteller, leader, servant, and friend. I shared with my class that I think Jesus is the ultimate example. They described 'ultimate' as the best, the greatest, perfect, and something that couldn't be beat. Jesus is the ultimate example of all the things He was here on earth and my ultimate example of all the things I am now: child, sibling, spouse (as He was to the church), parent, teacher, friend, servant... And this week we have seen His ultimate example of prayer. We can read about when, where, why, and how He prayed. We can look at how He taught others to pray (or how not to pray). The life of Jesus is such a wonderful gift. What could be better than having his example, His ultimate example, to follow?

- Jennifer Rude

CCS Book Fair

The book fair is starting today! We will be open after church services this morning, after classes on Wednesday and each day during the week from 8:00 am-3:30 p.m. through Friday until 2:30 p.m. Please be sure to come by and do some shopping. The school earns a large percentage of the sales in books. This is the best way to help our classrooms and library expand their resources. If we sell at least $1250 worth of books, we will receive 60% of our sales in books for our classrooms. If we could boost that number to $2500, we would earn 70% of the sales in books! Imagine, that would be $1750 worth of books for our school! Come shopping and help our school reach this goal! Gift certificates are also available for friends, children, grandchildren, teachers, the library or for a child at school who may not be able to shop for a book otherwise. Gift certificates must be redeemed at this book fair. Please see the cashier at the fair, Kathy Taylor or Cheryl in the school office to purchase these certificates.

Games Wanted

CCS After School Care is looking for donations of board games. The after school care kids really appreciate the generous donations received so far! If you have any inside board games that your family may have grown out of and that you would like to donate, please drop them by the school office or contact Kathy Taylor. Thank you!

Happy 56 years (or 14 yrs.) Anniversary to Ron & Margie DuPey!!!

CCS Auction Note

Keep the school auction in mind on store clearance items to donate - our theme is trains - 'All Aboard!'. We can use items for Kids Silent Auction, Silent Auction and Live Auction as well as drawing prizes. We also can use anything depicting our theme for decorations. The date for the auction is Saturday, April 24. Remember to keep your eye on the school bulletin board in the foyer for more information. Thank you for your support!

TO SERVE March 7^th, 2004

Contact Warren Brown ASAP if you are unable to serve.

Assembly Times:

Other Bible Study Groups are offered at various times. Please call the office for times and places.

Statistics:
WEEK OF 2/22/2004

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