Today we
worshiped at Christ Bible Church, 2721 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, PA
16066, 724.776.2780, www.cbcofcranberry.org,
Jimmy Caraway, Pastor-Teacher.
Scripture
– NASB
Acts
20:1-12 –
After
the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted
them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia. When he had gone
through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece.
And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the
Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through
Macedonia. And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and
by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and
Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. But these had gone on ahead and
were waiting for us at Troas. We sailed from Philippi after the days of
Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we
stayed seven days.
On
the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul
began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his
message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were
gathered together. And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the
window sill, sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul kept on talking, he was
overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead.
But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, "Do
not be troubled, for his life is in him." When he had gone back up and had
broken the bread and eaten, he talked with them a long while until daybreak,
and then left. They took away the boy alive, and were greatly comforted.
Matthew
26:17-19 –
Now
on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked,
"Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?" And He
said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher
says, "My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My
disciples."'" The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they
prepared the Passover.
Bob’s
thoughts:
Shortly
after we came in we were welcomed by a gentleman who engaged us in
conversation, pointed out the restrooms and worship space, and spoke with us
again after we toured around the facility.
We
were invited to the social room for coffee. Being the less behaved of us diabetics,
I had a taste of sweet roll and to her delight, Jan found a Greek yogurt. I
noticed someone cueing the pastor to the presence of visitors and, after
chatting briefly with the pastor, another member came by to talk, a most
welcoming presence.
The
signage was good, although we missed the sign for restrooms when we came in. We
noticed it when we toured the lower levels; most of the areas were identified.
Many
of the hallways and rooms are decorated with paintings of animals or flowers;
it must be a fun place for children…the young ones we got to interact with sure
seemed happy.
The
sanctuary has a large wooden cross, comfortable seating arranged well with
great aisle spacing. There was an informal welcoming feel to the sanctuary that
is conducive to a good worship.
I
greatly enjoyed the voice of the lead singer and was particularly impressed
with the harmony when the second vocalist joined in.
The
message was on the passages in Matthew 26 about the Last Supper with Christ.
The pastor brought to light many interesting details and nuances of the times well
supported by many Scripture references. Some of the understanding of the times
that you usually only hear in Messianic Jewish services were presented here and
added a lot. I’m sorry that we most likely won’t be here to hear the application
of a good message.
There
was a time for personal confession before Communion and prayer. The elements
were served silently and the pastor was served.
We enjoyed
time with the pastor after the service and I appreciated his insight.
Most
impressive was how many children came up to talk to the pastor after the
service and how many families stayed after just to socialize with each other.
There is a healthy mix of “little ones” and “gray hairs” that makes for a strong
church.
Jan’s
thoughts:
After
driving past this church several times over the last week, we decided to visit
today.
We
arrived in plenty of time and were greeted and engaged by a gentleman who
seemed knowledgeable and was willing to tell us some of the history of the
church.
We
inadvertently walked past the signs pointing toward the restrooms, but as we
took a self-guided tour we noticed plenty of directional signage that was even coordinated
with the colors of the walls and floors.
Once
Sunday school ended, we were invited to join the coffee and fellowship time,
which we did. I was tempted to enjoy one of the muffins, but since I was trying
to behave, I was grateful to find Greek yogurt was an option. As we sat, the
pastor and another gentleman stopped and introduced themselves and took some
time for conversation. Afterward we went back down to the sanctuary/auditorium
and found seats.
The
music was presented by a talented team who played piano, keyboard, guitars, and
drums. The voices blended seamlessly, the volume was excellent, and the timing
of the slide changes on the screen was impeccable.
Although
it was Acts 20:1-12 that was read at the beginning of the service, the teaching
was based on Matthew 26:17-19. The pastor opened by stating that Jesus knew why
He was here on earth and that He was headed for Calvary, but no external power
could stop Him and He was never a victim of circumstance. Jesus looked through
the suffering to see the glory, and that’s what we are called to do also.
He
affirmed that it took a life to free the Hebrew slaves from Egypt, and it cost
a life to free humans from the bondage of sin. The former life was that of an
unblemished lamb while the latter was the Life of the One and Only Son of God.
Because Christ took our place on the cross, we have been delivered once, for
all, forever, at such a great cost.
The
pastor included many Scripture references and taught numerous details about how
Passover became Communion as well as many other aspects of Scripture.
I
appreciated the opportunity to participate in Communion.
We
sincerely appreciated the pastor’s time in conversation following worship.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
there are many of Your churches looking for healing; we pray that as they
search they hear and believe Your Living Word. Amen.