The Aroma of God

It is wonderful to be in the Christmas Season again, isn’t it? The Spirit just seems to be more apparent at this time of year, stoking our joy in ways that just aren’t duplicated at other times. All the sights, sounds, and yes, even smells of the season seem to underscore His presence.

Take a moment to think of some Christmas smells! Yep, that’s right, Christmas smells. Candy Cane. Christmas Tree. Hot Apple Cider. Even the brisk December air seems to have a particular smell. What about the smell of wrapping paper? Have you ever had the experience when a scent brings back memories of Christmas pasts? Perhaps they are of the people you were celebrating with, the places you went, and most likely, the emotions you felt. Aromas really do have a powerful way of eliciting a strong response in our minds and hearts.

It struck me recently that God prescribed a scent, an aroma that undoubtedly would be associated with Himself. In Exodus chapter 30, God is giving Moses instructions for the making of the Tabernacle and the long list of worship elements that would be necessary there. Two of those elements were the anointing oil and the incense, both of which had unique and specific recipes that were expressly prescribed to be only used for His worship. If anyone were to make these items for their own pleasure, they were to be cut off from the nation of Israel.

I imagined myself approaching the Tabernacle, or standing along a path as one of the priests who was consecrated with the sacred oil pass by. They would have the unique scent on them as a sign of their consecration and the fact that they had been prepared to be in God’s presence. That smell would represent the presence of God!

The beautiful thing to behold is that God has done something far more wonderful than create His own perfume to announce his presence in the world. He has redeemed a nation of priests through his Son’s atoning work on the cross who all have the aroma of God.

"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God." - 2 Corinthians 2:15-17

So, as we go about our routines this year, let us all be aware that we are the aroma of God to the world, and, a pleasing aroma to God. Let our worship permeate the season, and indeed the whole world!

Chris

BCC, Childrens Pastor

All About Missions

MISSIONS OFFERING - DECEMBER 2
All tithes and offerings given Sunday, December 2, will go to help fund Brevard Community's Missions Budget for 2013. These offerings will primarily be used for support of our International Missions partners. Funds given December 2, will also be the main source of our Lottie Moon offering which funds nearly 5000 Southern Baptist international missionaries. Our teams work directly with several of these missionaries in unreached areas of the world. Without their presence in these areas much of our team's work would be ineffective.

As we all know, these are challenging economic times. For the first time in the history of Brevard Community Church we are faced with the possibility of having to reduce our missions budget. Up until now we have always been able to increase  our missions giving each year. We ask that you give prayerfully on December 2, helping us to increase giving in 2013 rather than decrease it. 

MISSIONS NIGHT - DECEMBER 5
The last three months BCC has sent teams to The Gambia, Thailand, India, and two closed countries. Wednesday night December 5th you will be able to hear reports from some of these teams. Come and celebrate the amazing things our Lord is doing through the folks you keep sending out. 

Reaching the Unreached Together,
Alan Perry
Missions Pastor 

Let's Go Make Disciples

Over the past several months our country has been concerned primarily with one pressing question: “Who is going to lead us into the next four years?” As citizens we had an important choice to make knowing that the consequences for choosing wrong could be disastrous. The thing that makes a decision like this hard is that by saying yes to one option you have to put to death a thousand others. A decision is the choice to pick one direction among many and trust that it is the best one. Decisions are a hard but necessary part of life. I’m proud of the fact that on Tuesday after all the issues were debated and the candidates were scrutinized we finally came to a decision about who we will follow as a country. Aren’t you thankful that we still live in a country that has the freedom to choose!

The same principle is true in our spiritual journey. We all have an important decision to make and the eternal consequences for choosing wrong are horrific. There are many candidates vying for our vote but ultimately we will be held accountable for which one we chose to follow.  As a Christ follower we are casting our vote of confidence to Jesus Christ. “Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true”, therefore a Christian is one who believes God’s testimony about Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. By becoming His disciple we have made the choice to die to all the other candidates and follow Him as our Lord and Savior. We follow Him because we believe that He is who He claims to be whole heartedly. 

                                                                                                                                                                             

Therefore, as we move forward as citizens of the United States in the uncertain times we are in; let’s not forget that as Christians our ultimate leader is Christ.  After all, don’t we follow the one who has “all authority in heaven and earth” and who “sits at the right hand of the throne of God”?  Therefore let’s “fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith” and confidently “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” because “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Don’t be so easily rattled by circumstances but tell yourself that it is “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”

As we wait on Him let’s obey His commands and teach others to do the same. Let’s go make disciples. Let’s ask the people in our lives the question “Who is going to lead you into eternity?” Let’s tell them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s encourage them to look at the issues and scrutinize the claims of those who they may be following already. Let’s campaign for Jesus and urge them to cast their vote for Him because He is the only way to find forgiveness and reconciliation with God. He alone can give them the eternal life they long for. Let’s tell them before the trumpet sounds signaling that the polls are closed and it’s too late.

 Let’s also show the world what it looks like to love God and love others, to trust in God’s sovereignty, to pray for our leaders, to submit to God instituted authorities and, as much as it depends on us, to live at peace with all men as Christ taught us to do. Let’s not miss the great opportunity we have as Christians to truly be salt and light to our nation in the days ahead. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” 

Shannon Compton

Scriptures: John 3:33, Matthew 28:18, Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 3:14,20, Psalm 62:1-2, 1^st Timothy 2:1, Romans 13:1, Romans 12:18 & Ephesians 3:20-21

Five Things to Remember Before You Vote!

I know some of you have voted early but this will still apply! 

John MacArthur gave some great wisdom in his book, Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong.  I want to share with you five truths we must remember as we vote.

The first is that our commission is the gospel.  What God has called us to do is to share the good news about Jesus Christ's desire to reconcile the world to Himself.  Christianity must be consumed with winning people to Christ more than persuading voters.  Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations.  Proclaiming the gospel is the only thing that will change our world.

The second thing to remember is that our confidence is in God.  Our coins clearly state that “In God we trust.”  As Christ followers we trust that God is in control and that He is at work in our country.  (Romans 13:2)  No matter who wins the election, we must remember our confidence is in God.

The third thing to remember is we are charged to submit.  Jesus came into this world and submitted to the authority of government. (Matthew 22:21)  Submission first to the Lord is the key to submission to those with authority over us. (Romans 12:1-2)  As we submit to the Lord we should be exemplary citizens to this world.  Our lives should exalt this nation because we are living lives that honor our Heavenly Father.

The fourth thing to remember is no matter who wins we must pray for our leaders.  Paul commanded Timothy to pray for Nero who was a wicked emperor and the one who would put Paul to death. (I Timothy 2:1-2)  We are called to pray for leaders whether we like them or not! We must commit to pray for the salvation of our leaders and that they would lead us into ways of the Lord.  When our leaders do something wrong, our first response should be to pray for them instead of protest.

Finally we must remember that our citizenship is in heaven.  (Philippians 3:20-21)

That is where our Savior awaits us.  Heaven is where our names are written, where our treasure awaits us, where our hope lies and our family who have died in the Lord dwell.  This is not our home!

I am thankful that we live in a country that we have the freedom to vote for our leaders.  We as Christ followers must do our part in helping choose the best leaders possible based on biblical values. 

One final thing to remember:  No government, this side of heaven will be perfect, but one day when Jesus returns, He will set up a perfect government.  Until then, let’s carry out His mission, submit to and pray for our leaders until He returns. 

Just a reminder before we vote!

He is worth it!

Todd

Vote Jesus.

Today is the last Friday in the month of October.  That means Election Day 2012 is almost here!  Finally!  If you're rejoicing that all the political ads will soon end, please raise your hand.  If you'll enjoy driving around and viewing our beautiful landscape without having to look at a thousand political signs littering the ground - shout Hallelujah!   I see your hands and I hear your voices and I agree!  At least mostly.  

One thing you may not know about me is that I am a HUGE history fan and I'm especially fond of U.S. history.  (Don't get me started on the parentage of Abraham Lincoln!)  I've always been fascinated with the political process in America and have even entertained thoughts of being involved in government one day, so I love this time of the year more than most.  My wife and I will even be working at the polls on November 6th, so I may even run into you on Election Day!    

As a Pastor who has an interest in local, state and federal government, I am often asked about party preference.  The popular question is: "Are you a Democrat or Republican?"  My reply is always the same:  "I'm a Christ-Follower!"  Sometimes they'll push a little more.  I still answer the same.  I tell them I always vote for the candidate  I believe best represents a person who follows Christ and that's why I've never voted a straight ticket.  According to God's Word, it shouldn't be about a particular party for any of us.  It's about choosing a candidate who best walks with God and supports legislation that does the same.  

Recently, I was asked to consider being the Chairman of a particular political party.  I had lunch with some leaders I love and respect and listened to what they had to say - but I had to respectfully turn down their offer.  I told them a particular party isn't the answer, because no political party is flawless.  While I may lean more heavily towards the beliefs of one party over another, I always look at the candidates based on God's Word and then vote.  The color of their skin doesn't matter to me.  The condition of their heart does.  Do they have wealth and stature in society?  Unimportant.  Do they have Godly character and a desire to impact society for the kingdom of God?  Infinitely important!  Are they an eloquent speaker who handles their words well?  Obviously, those are desirable traits, but more critical is how well they handle the Word of God!  Have they been led by God in the decisions they've made in their own lives and the lives of their families?  Remember, if a man or woman has a problem leading their own family, they certainly can't lead a Board of Commissioners or a State and certainly not a Nation.  Do they care more about being popular - or striving to be holy?  I love how the bible addresses these issues in Acts 10.  Verses 34 and 35 say: “...I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism  ³⁵ but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right."  

So why do you vote the way you do?  Will you be ashamed when you have to explain to God why you've voted the way you have?  Are you led by God or by a party?  When your vote is cast, do you value family tradition more than the leadership of the Holy Spirit?  I'm shocked at the number of people who vote a certain way because their father, or grandfather - or even great-grandfather - voted a certain way, with no regards to what that party currently supports whatsoever.   Again, I love history, so I know the value of tradition, but you and I won't stand before relatives when we get to heaven.  We'll stand before God.  So as much as I love my family, I will follow God first.  (Read Matthew 10 and you'll see God's warnings about following family traditions before Him.)      

I once read that the problem with American politics is that we've lost all our statesmen and are left with nothing but politicians.  Their definition of a politician was someone who would do or say anything to be elected and then do all they could to stay in office by appeasing the loudest or wealthiest sector of society - regardless of what that sector of the population believed.  But a statesman realized they were divinely appointed by God to serve Him first and the people second.  A stateswoman realized they would stand before God one day and answer for their actions.  I guess what we need are more statesmen and stateswomen and less politicians. So my advice is to do what I've already done.  (I voted last week!)  Study the candidates, see who best fits Acts 10: 34 - 35 and vote for the candidate that fears God and does what is right.  Leave the results to God.  Romans 13:1 reminds us that we are to respect those in leadership over us and that God is still in control.  He is the One who appoints those to lead us - even if you disagree with them.  

I encourage you to please vote on November 6.  And may God be pleased with our selections.  

My name is Scott Limerick.  

I am your Worship Pastor and I approved this message.  :)

Perspective!

If there is one thing that scares me more than anything it is my fear of heights. 

Just climbing a step ladder makes me tense. 

On October 14th, 2012, Felix Baumgartner accomplished something that I would never even think about. He successfully completed the highest skydive ever. Jumping from 128,000 feet above the earth and reaching a speed of 834mph, Fearless Felix made it safely back to earth after a 4 minute free fall.

Watch it here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_11587&feature=iv&src_vid=FHtvDA0W34I&v=dOoHArAzdug

Right before Felix jumped he made this statement: 

"I wish the world could see what I can see... Sometimes you have to go up really high to understand how small you really are." 

Our point of view or perspective is something that is so valuable right now. There are so many people wanting to capture our approval and gain control of our point of view. 

If we are not careful, our perspective can get so clouded. It is no secret that times are tense in our country about this upcoming election. You cannot turn on the television or even drive down a street where the evidence of this is not everywhere. As a christian, I think the way to make sense of all this is to change our perspective. The solution is to begin to see our world as God sees it. If we could have his perspective on the world we live in, how would that change how we do life? It scares me to try to have a perspective from God’s point of view because when I do have that perspective, it challenges me to consider what is truly important in my life. It means that the Gospel and making it known has to be priority number one. 

When Felix jumped, he put his faith and trust in one thing to get him back safely home - his total trust was that his parachute would work. The same goes for us as Christ followers when it comes living by God’s perspective. We have to give God complete trust with our lives and our point of view. It is wise to trust the only One who has the ultimate perspective!

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:1-6

- Marty Burgess

College Pastor, BCC

Am I Who I Was Created to Be?

How do you know if someone is good at what they do?

If I wanted to know if an artist was good at creating art, how could I find out? If I wanted to know if a hairstylist was good at cutting hair, how would I know? If I wanted to know whether or not a builder was a good at constructing houses, how could I know? I would look at what they have accomplished, right? I would look at the things they have created, the hair they have cut, and the houses they have built.

Well the bible says that when it comes to God there is a way to know if He is what He says He is. And that is by looking at the lives of the people who claim to have a relationship with Him.

Ephesians 6&7 says “For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.  So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”

When we accepted God into our lives, He rescued us from death so that when people want to see who God really is, how powerful He is and what He is capable of, all they have to do is look at us and the way we live our lives. I don’t know about you but when I read these verses, it’s a little overwhelming to think that I am going to be what God points at to show the world who He is and what He is capable of. And after reading this, the question I am left with is, are people in awe of God and who he is after they see what it is he has “done” in my life? Because the reality is if they’re not then I am portraying the wrong picture of who Jesus Christ is.

Few of us would disagree with the fact that God is awesome but the issue is not whether or not God is awesome; the issue is whether or not my life is showing how awesome He really is. It is important to understand that displaying God’s grace by the life you live is less about what you do and more about who you are. We were created to be an example of what God is capable of; the question is, what do people see when they look at you? Do people better understand who God is? Are you living the life God created you for? 

Today, before you step away from your computer and go on with your day I would challenge you to ask God this:

“God am I living the life you created me for am I a positive example of who your are and what you are capable of. If not what is keeping me from being who you created me to be?”

Ask Him; you may be surprised by the answer.

-Brad Snipes

Middle School Pastor, BCC