1/3/2021 Sunday’s Sermon by Nick Perez
Christ Descended to the Dead
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. II Peter1:21
***Join us at the church for a Drive-In Service 10:45, OR streaming on YouTube.
The Holy Spirit Says
The writer of Hebrews has a curious way of quoting Scripture. Curious for us, but it helps realign our minds concerning how we should view Scripture. Chapter three of Hebrews is about how Jesus is greater than Moses. Having made this case, the writer quotes a Psalm written centuries before the time in which he was writing. To introduce this text, though, he writes, “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says” (3.7). “Says” is in the present tense. The writer does not say “A long time ago the Holy Spirit said” or even “the Holy Spirit said” using the past tense. “The Holy Spirit says” is present tense as if to say He is still speaking. This is not an isolated incident; in chapters one and two he uses the present tense to introduce various Old Testament
texts also.
For us it may seem odd – the Psalmist wrote centuries before the writer of Hebrews put pen to parchment. Yet the writer quotes the Psalm as if it were written that day, even at the same time he
was writing. Should we be surprised? God’s word is eternal and timeless. The Bible is old as yesterday, as modern as today, as new as tomorrow. Indeed, although the text of Scripture, Old and New Testament, was written centuries ago, it is still as fresh as though it were written today.
“Today” is still today. “Today” He – the Holy Spirit – is still speaking. The Bible is not a dead letter written a long time ago by culturally backward people to other culturally backward people. It is no wonder the writer goes on to say that this word is a “living and active” word which is from God for us (cf. 4.12). God’s word is ever speaking, ever calling. He Who spoke at the beginning and worlds leapt into existence is He Who speaks today through His word. So “do not harden your hearts.”
~Nick Perez
Online Resources
Fairmont Park Church of Christ (Midland, TX)
Live Streaming & Recorded Sermons & Bible Classes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPCOFC/
Website: https://www.fmpchurch.com/
App: (Apple & Android) Fairmont Park Church of Christ
*Children’s resources now available
The Christian Chronicle
The Christian Chronicle has compiled a list of Churches of
Christ nationwide who offer live streaming services.
https://christianchronicle.org/churches-of-christ-offeringlivestream-worship/
“Let the Bible Speak” – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/LetTheBibleSpeak
Coronavirus Response
- We are complying with state and county guidelines
- Sunday morning worship is now open, and still online
- Sunday Bible classes canceled until further notice
- Junior Worship canceled until further notice
- Wednesday Bible classes canceled until further notice
- Potlucks canceled until further notice
- Food Pantry by appointment only
- Travelers Motel – food service only
- Shower Shuttle canceled until further notice
- Recommendations – Those who are over 60 or have underlying health conditions are encouraged to stay home.
- Guidelines – If you are sick, stay home. Wash your hands. Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
Contact Info for our Shut-Ins
- Jewel Cherry, 2117 Bridgewood Way, Modesto, CA 95355
- Nadine Greff, Vintage Faire, 3620 Dale Rd, Rm. 25, Modesto, CA 95356
- Betty McGoldrick, 13754 Jasper St., Lathrop, CA 95330
- Russ Ortloff, 511 East D Street, Oakdale, CA 95361
- Evelyn Wood, Bethel Assisted Living, 2345 Scenic Ave., Apt. 323, Modesto 95355
***Please submit additions, corrections & updates to the office.
NOTE: Our Shut-ins are not allowed visitors at this time. Please take the time to send them a card or note of encouragement if you can.
Mourning the loss of loved ones
The family of Jody Thompson
The Patton family lost Gary’s father Herman Patton
Recovering from Surgery
Brenda Smith – Don Feland has infection following surgery
Melissa Shook – brother Alan Russell
COVID-19
David & Anna (Serrano) Vargas & Anna’s stepmom Liz
Gary Patton – dad Herman’s wife is sick, family members exposed
Russ Ortloff – daughter Janelle Carrillo hospitalized
Willie Barnes
Allegria Rice – Ashlee is home but still on ventilator
Battling Cancer
Julie Vergara – 2 yr old grandson Bryce is cancer-free, will have monthly scans
Brenda Smith – friend Judy has stage 4 cancer
Monte & Sharon Corley – daughter-in-law Mandy starting chemo, upcoming surgery
Cathy Dixon – sister-in-law Nancy
Lyn Brocco – lung cancer
Jacqui Coulter – father, Gene Fisher diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer
Patton Family – assistant high school basketball coach Leo Griggs
Mason – teenager in Ripon
Sheila Walls
Grace Whited – 6 year-old at Murphys Church of Christ
Dee Rambo
Other Requests
Michael Brown – coworker’s daughter having biopsy of lymph node; coworker’s brother recovering from heart valve replacement & has COVID
Jane Linder – Michelle Brink’s birth mom, Raegina has been hospitalized for a month
Melissa Shook – depression
Sharon Corley – uncle Neil Williams is back in the hospital
Paula Meler – approved for surgery on thumb & knee replacement
Eddie Vargas – sister’s boyfriend Aaron has digestive issues
Nick Perez – grandmother Ruth Lehnick has congestive heart failure
Wayne Coulter – step-dad John Henry has a mass under his arm
Helen Potterf – Hospice care
Tonya Barnard – waiting for surgery to be scheduled
Kari Laguna – leg not healing correctly
Leadership / Essential Workers / Unemployed
