Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
welcomes everyone who wants to
grow and explore their relationship with Jesus Christ
welcomes everyone who wants to
grow and explore their relationship with Jesus Christ
Signup for our Weekly Updates here:
Connect with Us This Sunday
Sunday, October 11 2020
11:00 AM Worship
"Where’s Waldo? Looking for who’s not here.”
OR “God’s love pursues and embraces”"
Rev. Dr. Ken G. Crawford
"In this parable, the shepherd watches all of the sheep, notices who is missing from the flock, and goes after them. It is no coincidence that this story pairs with the prodigal son and the lost coin. In the prodigal son story, the older brother, who did not get lost, complains about how the father treats his wastrel younger and undisciplined brother. ""I did everything right, and yet you care more about him than you do me!"" No,"" the father says, ""You've been here the whole time, the recipient of my love and care.""
How often do we see others who we think have it better than we, and wonder "why does God love them more?" Some days we are like the older brother, jealous of the blessings other have and the mercy they receive when "they really don't deserve it". Other days we are the younger brother, wondering how God could ever forgive and redeem, much less use us? We think we aren't worthy, we've done too much to disappoint or betray God's love.
How often do we as church focus on who is present, at the expense of those who have lost their way? Then if attention is given to ""the unworthy"" we get jealous and resentful because ""you care more about those outside the church than you do about us""? Like in the books about Waldo, we need to notice who is not present, ask ourselves why, and then pursue them as God does, recognizing that we cannot force people to draw near to God, only invite them to notice how God is constantly drawing near to them.
How often do we see others who we think have it better than we, and wonder "why does God love them more?" Some days we are like the older brother, jealous of the blessings other have and the mercy they receive when "they really don't deserve it". Other days we are the younger brother, wondering how God could ever forgive and redeem, much less use us? We think we aren't worthy, we've done too much to disappoint or betray God's love.
How often do we as church focus on who is present, at the expense of those who have lost their way? Then if attention is given to ""the unworthy"" we get jealous and resentful because ""you care more about those outside the church than you do about us""? Like in the books about Waldo, we need to notice who is not present, ask ourselves why, and then pursue them as God does, recognizing that we cannot force people to draw near to God, only invite them to notice how God is constantly drawing near to them.
COVID-19 Coronavirus
Central's Response
|
|
Audio From Past Music Performances
We have an amazing group of talented people in our choir. If you would like to hear some of the selections from our music ministry, here is an archive of audio recordings.
|
ADDRESS4711 Westside Drive
Dallas, TX 75209 CONTACT US:
214-526-7291 Like us on Facebook
Subscribe to our YouTube channel! |
Dog Park InformationCentral Christian Church has a wonderful dog park located behind the church and open to the community between sun-up to sunset.
|
|
|
