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Change

Nothing of Importance Has Changed!

by TerryLema

I went by the old “The Way” property the other day. It has certainly changed in appearance. The paint is a different color, concrete has been poured around it. The old sign (that I hated) is gone. There are concrete planters in front that will soon be filled with shrubbery. It is still a work in progress, but there is the beginning of a new design around the building (and one going on inside that I hope to see soon).

It is becoming Christian Faith Center (CFC) Middleton and will soon bear that name on the outside.

I realize some will love the new design and some will want to return to the old, but as I thought about it, God reminded me of something that we need to keep in mind. The building may be getting a face-lift and becoming something a bit different than what it was, but the message that will flow through it is the same Good News that has always been preached there. That is not changing.

I always determined to preach the Gospel at The Way – the Good News of God’s salvation for all. I was determined to preach truth, from the Scriptures, not my own opinion. (I probably failed at times, but hopefully succeeded far more often). After spending months now listening to the messages at CFC, I see that same determination to be faithful to the true Word of God.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight.” [Romans 1:16 NLT]

That old building may be changing in appearance, those who meet there may know it by a different name, but, BUT, the Good News that will be proclaimed there is the same Good News about Christ Jesus that has always been proclaimed! Nothing of importance has changed.  Hallelujah.

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Change Who?

by TerryLema

Last Sunday’s message at Christian Faith Center (CFC) Caldwell brought back a memory of a book I read very early in my walk with God. I do not remember the title, but the subject centered on the truth that the only person you can change is yourself – which was the nugget of truth I brought home from church last Sunday.

I remember reading the book. I remember thinking what a great book it was! I also remember thinking of several friends as I got to the final pages who I thought also needed the book. Then I got to the final page and there was this message.

“The End. Now if you are thinking about giving this book to someone else, go back and read it again.”

I completely missed the message of the book – the only person you have the power to change is yourself.

There are times when I still think I have totally missed the message of the book.  I am still trying to change others when I only have the power to change me.

To change, we must do two basic things. The first thing is to realize we need to change. The second thing is to set that change in motion. And if we need wisdom on how to do that, God has promised that we simply need to ask Him for that wisdom. [James 1:5]

Our Father loves us. He wants us to be like Him. That means a lifestyle that embraces the goal of reflecting His character ….

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” [Ephesians 5:1-2 HCSB]

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We Do Love! We Do Grace!

by TerryLema

I have been pondering a bit on my church being adopted by Christian Faith Center (CFC). We will be changing our name from The Way Middleton to CFC Middleton. We will be transitioning over the next months.

Don’t you like that word transition? It is a less threatening way of saying “change.” We all know what most think of “change.” We will be changing, however, and that is both threatening and exciting.

CFC is a big, modern, growing church. The Way is small and not very modern. We will be adopting much of CFC’s outlook, philosophy, and vision. At first glance, it seems that we have nothing to really offer, except for a building in a city where commercial buildings are scarce.  But I wonder if that is true.

Yes, we have a building. But we have much more than that. There is a plaque in the foyer of the church which expresses what we really have to offer. It reminds me every time that I walk through those doors that we are much more than a building … we are a church that is truly family—a family that loves, that does hugs, that gives grace to all.

A new attendee at The Way told me recently, I have never felt such love as when I walked through the doors of this church. Then she said, “I hope that doesn’t change after we become part of CFC.”

The Way has always sought to give God’s greatest treasure (His grace) to the least deserving—which is every one of us. I trust that will be the heart of CFC Middleton too. We can relinquish all that temporal, external stuff in the change, but we must keep a strong grip on the heart of a family that loves, hugs, and gives grace to all.

“By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [John 13:35 HCSB]

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Summer!

by TerryLema

It is now summer! It is hot! I can almost hear some of you jumping up and down and shouting Hallelujah!  I, on the other hand, hate summer—always have. I do not like the hot weather. My favorite season is fall (probably because that signals that summer is over!).

This is supposed to be a ridiculously hot summer. They are already talking about rolling blackouts and electric failures in several states. From what I understand, most scientists agree that the climate around our globe is changing. Where the controversy occurs is whether this is man-made change or one of the natural climate changes that have occurred down through history.

Change. I have heard it often quoted that “the one thing that never changes is that everything changes.”

Some change is good and welcomed. Some change is not. When change is not what we perceive as “good,” it often causes stress.  I woke up the other morning thinking that even aging changes. Just when I think I have adjusted to some phase of aging and am confident that I can handle it with grace, I find there is a new level waiting for me around the bend with changes I must now face.

Ah, BUT, I have one thing in my favor. No matter what changes in me or around me, the LORD God Almighty does not change!

Malachi 3:6: “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” [NKJV]

James 1:7: “Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.” [HCSB]

Go ahead summer … go ahead life … take your best shot!  My God does not change, nor will He back down from anything. He is with me whatever, whenever, and FOREVER! Amen.

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