Topic: Jesus

“What would the Apostles do?”

By Rev. Charles Moreland | October 12, 2008 |

WWJD is sometimes singled out as a standard for measuring moral beliefs and moral decisions. Perhaps we can receive spiritual motivation, too, by asking “What would the Apostles of the New Testament do?”

One Friday morning during my solitary time in fellowship with God, I read a passage of Scripture that spoke to me from Acts 4: 32-37. Verse 34 summarizes the result of corporate and united action taken by the disciples: “There was not a needy person among them.” The context sheds light on the meaning of the verse. The disciples shared their time, skills and talents as in response to God’s call. They sold their houses and land and shared everything.

In analyzing this verse we see first a direct giving spirit. Their graciousness and personal sacrifice is a principle incorporated into our faith. All major faith groups expose this idea of sharing and giving to others. How can we practice this concept and integrate it into our own lives? As a spiritual people, we recognize the benefits of giving. «Read the rest of this article»

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Does our “love” have a hook?

By David W. Shelton | March 30, 2007 |

I had a conversation recently which focused on matters of faith and Christian ideals. The person I was talking with had her share of Christianity, and was nonplussed at many of the things that were being presented. Quite frankly, I can’t really blame her.

She asked me if I felt like it was my responsibility to try to change people when they come to my church. It was then that I realized why so many people have been turned off by the Church in general. If I were to think of “church,” I have to ask myself what kind of a mental image I get.

What does someone who’s been turned away from the church think of it? I don’t think I want to get into any of the possible specifics right now, but some of the general elements surround a perception of religious arrogance. «Read the rest of this article»

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Passion for God, Compassion for People

By David W. Shelton | March 29, 2007 |

The more I use words like “love,” I am forced to consider the reality that its definition is as subjective as it is confusing. The English language is kind of awkward with some of its words, and “love” is one of them. It has several definitions, any of which can apply.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“No, I love you like a brother.”

“Well, I love you like a mom.”

“I love you like a slice of pizza.”

“I love you like a puppy.”

“I love you like I love a good movie.”

“I LOVE you love you.”

“Huh?”

“I’m in love with you.”

“But I love tennis.”

“Oh, never mind.”

“Love” and its many meanings always seem to make sense to us except where our faith applies. When the word “love” becomes sanctified into the Christian faith, it takes on a rather nebulous nature that sometimes defies definition. It’s especially evident when we try to apply our common definitions to the word when used in Scripture. «Read the rest of this article»

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Sam Sampson to perform at Christian Community Church of Clarksville

By David W. Shelton | March 21, 2007 |

Sam Sampson, pastor, teacher, and musician, will have a concert and sermon at 4:00 PM THIS SUNDAY, March 25 at The Riverview Inn! Some Clarksville residents might remember Sam from when he was pastor of Greenhill Baptist Church right here in Clarksville! You don’t want to miss it!

Make your plans to join us for what is sure to be a great time for everyone! His music is all over the charts, and his love for God is matched only by his heart for people. Come and hear him this Sunday! «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Events, Spirituality | No Comments

Grace: a license to sin?

By David W. Shelton | February 24, 2007 |

After last week’s update for Christian Community Church of Clarksville, I was hit with quite a few irritated emails. Yes, it was expected. Quite frankly, I was hoping to get a few people riled up. After all, if we’re so comfortable in our Christian recliners while we watch our Christian TV and read our Christian magazines as we send our children to Christian schools, then I question whether we’re being the salt of the earth that Jesus called us to be. Clearly, we find it far easier to be salt in someone’s wound than anything else.

I believe God is stirring our collective nests, and that He is bringing us out of our complacency to reach a world that is sick of religious tripe. They’ve seen the big churches, the polished pews, and the fancy preachers, and they are not impressed. Christian TV is as hokey as it is self-centered in its presentation of the Gospel: “Give money to us and God will bless you!” «Read the rest of this article»

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We’re sorry for being self-righteous, judgmental bastards!

By David W. Shelton | February 18, 2007 |

Good morning, and happy Sunday!

What an exciting time it is for us at Christian Community Church of Clarksville. We’ve never been more focused on our mission for Clarksville and the surrounding areas than we are right now. Sure, we’re small. That’s okay!

After all, how many people did it take to change the world? Twelve.

Yes, we’re focused. But before I start talking about our mission, I want to take a minute to apologize. I’m sorry, dear friends. I’m sorry that the church (in general, not just us) has failed to minister to so many of you who are hungry for real, genuine fellowship. I’m sorry that we’ve been hypocritical. We’re sorry for being a bunch of self-righteous, judgmental bastards. We’ve pointed fingers. We’ve gossiped. God knows that this goes on about anywhere you can imagine. «Read the rest of this article»

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Liberals provide hope, not fear

By David W. Shelton | November 19, 2006 |

Thank God for liberals. It’s about time that those of us who are tired of right-wing fear mongering show that our point of view is based in hope more than anything.

Of course, the usual suspects come out of the woodwork to denounce liberal ideology in typical fashion. In contrast, liberals focus on the reality that we can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. After all, that’s the definition of “insanity.” «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Politics | No Comments

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