Christian Assembly

Today we worshiped at Christian Assembly, 8^th Avenue & 9^th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, 724.846.3751, Pastor Dale Russo.

Scripture – Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We were glad to be led back to this church, even more so to be there for the sermon.

We were early and got to sit in the back, which made it a lot easier to hear. As the service started there was a cross projected on the screen, but I did not see any others. My hip gave out long before the singing ended. There was a great solo of “In Christ Alone” with no one talking over it.

The healing ministry seems to have grown to the point where they could support a separate healing service.

I’m glad we stayed for the sermon in which he talked about trusting a voice you hear because it is known to you. I thought about how often in the military one’s life depends on voice recognition. I also remembered the recent news item: someone set up a 24/7 webcam so people can watch for Christ’s return. So much for knowing His voice, let alone Scripture.

The main message was the redemptive faithfulness of God, and ended with giving when in the midst of need. God has led me through this so many times it was hard to choose which story to tell.

A simple example that was oft-repeated: I would find we were short on wild bird seed at the same time that we faced overwhelming bills. Every time I gave in and fed His birds, the resources were there to satisfy our other obligations.

I guess my favorite example would be when someone in debt would ask for guidance I always recommended they tithe. No one has ever come back to complain about my advice. He is faithful.

Jan’s thoughts:

Two weeks ago we had to leave this church part way through the service, but this week we were blessed to be able to stay for the sermon.

We were welcomed even more warmly than at our previous visit, and appreciated an opportunity to look around the premises. I took note of the chair lift into the sanctuary; I had noticed it previously but failed to mention it.

The opening music was enthusiastic with much clapping and hand-raising.

Following the intercessory prayer a woman spoke in tongues. I was hoping someone would interpret her speech but if anyone did I was not aware they were doing so.

The message began with an updated Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme after which the congregation was asked if they might have placed their trust in a person or entity that turned out to have been as broken as they were.

Several points from this message:

• When the disciples saw Christ walking on the water toward them and were afraid, Jesus did not identify Himself by name. The disciples had spent enough time with Him to be able to recognize His voice in the dark. The question is, do we spend enough time with Him to do the same when we are in dark places?
• It is okay to ask God for the faith to believe…God answers honest prayers.
• If we refuse to ask God for the impossible it’s because we are too concerned about what others think. We should ask, even knowing that others will remain in their fear.
• God’s redemptive faithfulness will save us from others’ evil intentions for us, from our own sin, or even from circumstances of our own making. We can cast ourselves on Christ’s faithfulness, trusting in His ability and willingness to save us and supply all our needs.
• As believers, others are watching to see how we handle the disappointments and heartaches that come in life. Do we give sacrificially even in the midst of our own great need? Do we live with joy in the midst of pain and suffering? Do we trust and follow Christ even when we’re in the dark?

I found this message to be an encouraging reminder of each of the above points: that even when it’s dark all around me, Jesus is there and to Him it’s perfectly light; that even when I doubt, I can ask God to fill me with faith and He will give abundantly and not begrudgingly; that I can pray honestly and trust Him to answer with grace and generosity; He will protect me even from myself.

Our prayer for this church:
We pray, Lord, that everyone in this church has their faith tested, that they might give while in need and learn the overwhelming blessings You hold for them. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.