Today we
worshiped at Christ Alliance Church, 1881 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001,
724.375.7548, www.christalliance.org,
Palmer L. Zerbe, Pastor.
Scripture
– KJV
Proverbs
23:7
For
as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his
heart is not with thee.
Luke
6:45
A
good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is
good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that
which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Psalm
19:7-11
The
law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is
sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes
of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is
pure, enlightening the eyes.
The
fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are
true and righteous altogether.
More
to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than
honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover
by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Psalm
119:11
Thy
word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm
119:105
Thy
word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm
1:1-3
Blessed
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the
way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But
his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and
night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that
bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever
he doeth shall prosper.
Philippians
4:8
Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be
any praise, think on these things.
Joshua
1:9
A
new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I
will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart
of flesh.
2
Corinthians 5:17
Therefore
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,
all things are become new.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
were redirected and led to worship at this church which had been on my list to
visit for a few years before they merged and moved to their current location.
I did
see signage to the rest rooms but did not notice any others. The wooden cross
is impressive though hidden by the projection screen for the first part of the
service.
Prayers
were offered for our country and leaders; I added mine for the Churches of our
country as they seem intent on accommodating everyone but Christ.
The
pastor’s extensive message was on how our thoughts influence who we are. How
easy it is for even those strongly committed to Christ to have immoral thoughts
creep in.
Prayers
were offered for a most impressive quantity of shoebox gifts that were assembled
and presented.
Many
worshipers came and welcomed us in the pew before the service, a time when
visitors are often overlooked.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
arrived very early, during the Sunday School hour, giving us plenty of time to
look around. The signage for the restrooms was helpful.
The
sanctuary is pleasant with block-style stained glass and brick lining the rear
wall of the chancel along with a lovely dark wooden cross flanked by matching banners.
We
found our seats in the back and probably half of those in attendance stopped to
welcome us and introduce themselves on their way in.
The
music was mostly quiet contemporary and slightly blended, and the voices
harmonized well.
The
message, called “Keep Your Heart (or mind) with Diligence!” was an honest
reminder of the effects of our thinking on our heart, mind, and character. Much
of the message had to do with purity of thought, which is certainly valid, but
the statement that convicted me was, “Don’t be a negative child of God.”
This
is an aspect of thinking I sometimes forget, that negative thinking leads to
negative attitudes that spread unhelpful pessimism. This message was a strong
reminder that God can create a new heart, a new outlook, and new ways of
thinking…if I but give my consent.
I
am grateful to have been directed here today.
The
congregation participated in the shoebox effort for Samaritan’s Purse with a
goal of 200 boxes, and today they dedicated and prayed over the final tally of
239 boxes.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray You continue to strengthen the bonds of these merged churches as they
continue to become truly Your church. Amen.
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