Orland Evangelical Free Church

Dessert Delights

Murdock Schoolhouse was brimming with estrogen saturated anticipation as the fruit laden tables beckoned us to find our seats. The Ladies Dessert opened with a gracious greeting and a time of singing. We were led in a verse recitation then encouraged to explore our crafty side. The dessert featured delectable fruit and dipping sauces, Brie cheese and crispy heart-shaped cookies. The special music reminded us that we are clay in the Potter's hands and the singer's lilting voice was a soothing precursor to our captivating speaker, Bonnie Reimers.

The message focused on our relationship with Christ as seen in John 15 where Jesus says he is the vine and we are to abide in him. Bonnie emphasized how knowing doctrine or principles is not the same as living dependently on the Spirit of God. She stressed that we are not only victorious, but invincible when we live a Christ-filled life and walk as He intends. We are set APART for him to live in his presence, we are to ABIDE in him by making him our first love, and we are APPOINTED to bare good fruit (joy, peace, gentleness, love and patience) through His transformation of our hearts. It was a delightful dessert.

All I Need

"Religion is a crutch!" It seems to be a favorite refrain of unbelievers. Have you been accused of using Christ as a crutch?

Webster's Illustrated Contemporary Dictionary defines crutch as, "any of various devices used as a support in walking; anything one feels to be necessary as a support or aid; to prop up."

When tragedy strikes and we feel weak in body or mind, we look for something - anything - to give us aid and support. Some people use drugs and alcohol as a crutch. Others lean heavily on friends and family. Still others find support from being healthy or having money. The problem them all is that they fail. Excesses of drugs and alcohol ravage the body, and the rest can be gone (or disappoint) in an instant.

The Sin Gene

We are born sinners. Males and females - all have inherited the sin gene. So, how is it that Jesus was born sinless?

Adam and Eve were created without sin. Sin wasn't known until Adam ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 3:7a). As we see in: Ex 20:5b, 34:7b, Nu 14:18b, Ps 109:14, Is 65:7a and Jer 32:18, sin is passed from father to child. Not a rosey outlook for us.

But there is good news. Within the serpent's curse, God gives us the hope of redemption, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed." (Gen 3:15) The "woman's Seed" does not carry the sin gene, so sin is not inherited through her.

Orland Evangelical Free Church | Orland Evangelical Free Church

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