God’s Grace Is Still Amazing
10-1-2023
C. Hayden
The song “Amazing Grace” is one of the most iconic Christian anthems that any songwriter has ever put
to paper. Written by John Newton in 1779, this grand hymn tells the story of Newton’s own personal
conversion from being a rough, sinful captain of a slave ship, to becoming a believer in Christ and one who
fought to abolish the evil practice of slavery. Having been a work hand on slave ships to becoming the
captain of his own over the course of some 30 years, he recognized his own wretchedness and need for
God’s forgiveness and mercy. Along with other Christian abolitionists such as William
Wilberforce, Newton became a key figure in influencing the abolition of slavery in
1807 by the British Parliament.
God’s grace is a major theme in the Word of God and is at the heart
of the Gospel message that we preach. Ephesians 2:8-10 says this ,
“ 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For
we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand that we should walk in them.” Our salvation does not come from us being good, or being
nice, or by the accumulation of more good deeds than bad ones. We receive God’s gift of salvation by
simply putting our faith in Christ, and this gift comes because of the grace our Lord extends to us
through His Son Jesus. You cannot earn it, and you cannot work to deserve it. It is a gift that must be
received.
And how is it received? Scripture is clear in Romans 10:9-11. ”…that if you confess with your
mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be
saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made
unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, ’Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’” It is
simply that easy. If you desire to make peace with God, you recognize your need for something greater
than yourself, and want to receive the forgiveness that is in Christ, call us at 260-388-4508. Pastor Chris
or another member of Central Christian would love to talk to you about the freedom provided in God’s
amazing grace.
Be blessed even more!!
Pastor Chris
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Church Family
September 15th, 2023
J. Fields
Church family, as most of you know by now, I will soon be leaving Central Christian Church as
your Associate Pastor. These past several years have been remarkable, I have ignited some old
friendships and many new ones, those relationships will forever be in my heart, and our
friendship will not change.
Some may not understand why I’m leaving; they may wonder if something happened or if
everything is okay, the quick answer is everything is great! Central Christian is a healthy and
wonderful church, God is truly moving here, leaders are being produced, deeper relationships
with Jesus Christ are happening, and the Holy Spirit is moving.
This new opportunity for me and my family is exciting but a little bittersweet. Pastor Chris is a
true blessing; He gave me a chance when many others probably wouldn’t have. He poured life
into me, walked beside me, gave me feedback, became a close friend, and even would steal some
of my food when we would have lunch; yes, he likes to eat people’s food! HaHaHa
I must now walk in this new season that God has been preparing me for. When I look back, I can
now see that each of you was part of God’s amazing plan and for that I’m grateful. I pray for
blessings over Central Christian Church, I know that HUGE things are in store for each of you.
Remember, if there’s anything you may ever need, please reach out anytime.
To the elders, staff, volunteers, congregation, and especially Pastor Chris, thank you from the
bottom of my heart, I love you and I cannot wait to do ministry with you all in some way once
again.
Colossians 3:15-17
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And
be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in
all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to
God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through him.
Blessings!
Jason Fields
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Detoxify Pt. 2
September 1st, 2023
C. Hayden
Last month we talked about having a toxic atmosphere in an organization and how it is fueled by
toxic behaviors. This month, we want to talk about why people are often toxic and what we can
and should do about it as believer’s in Christ. Why are people toxic? Dr. Gregory Jantz, from the
Renewing Life Center, says that it is usually one or a combination of five different factors
including:
They enjoy it – Some people just like poking at people and stirring up conflict. It is
funny to them to be contrary and they relish in making others uncomfortable. While
they can be funny at first, their behavior gets old and they become toxic. Does not
matter the issue, they occupy the other side of it.
They learned it from their family or others in their life growing up – We often pick up on
behavioral cues from our family, friends or others when growing up. We adopt
behavior from those we were around in our youth whether for good or for bad.
They benefit in some way – Some use toxicity as a tool to get what they want. The
squeaky wheel gets all the grease so to speak. Often, their behavior elicits a
response that gives them an advantage. Often toxic behavior backfires and
gives the person the opposite result.
They never emerged from their emotional adolescence – Their emotional immaturity
comes out in ways that is like what a child would do. They crave attention so, like a
child, act out to get it.
They are compensating from underlying mental and/or emotional issues – Some, if not
many of us, have an emotional or mental issue that manifests itself in ways that may
be offensive to others.
So what is our responsibility when encountering toxic behavior? First, we need to follow the
scriptures as described in Galatians 5:22-23.
Rather than opposing the toxic person with wrath, try loving them and striving to be long-
suffering with joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, kindness. We need to remember that sometimes,
we can be difficult. As God has given us grace, we need to give grace (2 Cor. 9:6-8). Second, set
healthy boundaries. While we need to love all people, we should not allow others to continually
abuse us. Let them know that toxic elements need to stop. What type of boundary depends on
the situation, but give them no place to stifle your joy. Finally, seek guidance from God and a
Godly friend. Make sure you are seeing the situation right. If you are seeing a real problem,
difficult decisions may need to be made. Whether to limit your contact or have no contact at all
may be necessary. Remember Psalm 1:1-3 and Rom 13:10, “Blessed is the one who does not
walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit with mockers, but whose
delight is in the law of the Lord…” “Love does no harm to your neighbor. Love fulfills the law.”
May God bless you even more!!
Pastor Chris
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