azle-christian-churcha6168c8a

The Mutant Problem

russellclarkauthor@yahoo.com (Russell Clark) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:46:42 GMT

The Mutant Problem: Appreciating our Differences & Diversity

Rev. Russell Reflections

6-18-25

“You know , outside the circus, most people were afraid of me. But I didn’t hate them. I pitied them. Do you know why? Because most people will never know anything beyond what they see with their own two eyes.” – Nightcrawler, X2: X-men United

Kurt Wagner a.k.a. Nightcrawler is one of my favorite superheroes. He is all blue with a giant tail. His superpower is he can transport himself to different locations on his own. To the naked eye, he can be frightening to look at. When you get to know him, he is really gentle and kind and a great philosopher. In the comic books, he was once a priest.

Because of his appearance, he ended up in the circus – a freak show. He was used to being judged for his appearance.

We all have our own prejudices and stereotypes – whether we want to admit it or not. We can assume how an encounter is going to go with a stranger before we get to know them based on their appearance or our pre-judgment of them. Sometimes this behavior comes from past encounters and fear for our safety. But sometimes it is simply fear of the unknown.

The beauty of meeting new people and learning more about them is we find often our fears were unwarranted. We get excited about something new we learned about someone who is different than us. We expand our worldview. Appreciating our differences and diversity can open us up to see God’s creativity in the kaleidoscope of Their creation.

We’ll be talking more about seeing more than “what we see with our own two eyes” on Sunday with “X-men and Diversity.” See you Sunday!

Friends We Haven't Met Yet

russellclarkauthor@yahoo.com (Russell Clark) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:20:23 GMT

Friends We Haven't Met Yet

by Rev. Russell Clark

6-11-25

“It is fatally easy, and I mean fatally easy, to typecast “people like us” as basically good and “people like them” as basically evil. This is a danger we in our day should be aware of, after the disastrous attempts by some Western leaders to speak about an “axis of evil” and then go to war to obliterate it. We turn ourselves into angels and “the other lot” into demons; we “demonize” our opponents. This is a convenient tool for avoiding having to think, but it is disastrous for both our thinking and our behavior.” – Henri Nouwen

I’ve been thinking about this quote often for the past couple of months, especially as we’ve been exploring this Superheroes and Scripture Sermon Series. Is the biggest difference between our enemies and friends simply the fact that we’ve allowed ourselves to “think” – to get to know them and understand them and find common ground? We “demonize” someone who is “not like us.” It’s easy to classify someone as a villain when we don’t understand them.

In the Christian landscape in America, I’ve seen this acted out way too often lately. Modern Christian songs speak of “pulverizing our enemies” as an act of prayer or faith. Some preachers go so far as demonizing political opponents. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has rejected Christian nationalism because it’s dangerous to think “we” are “God’s chosen people” and “they” are “enemies” or “demons” or “villains” to our faith. Anne Lamott says, “It’s safe to say we’ve made God in our own image when God hates the same people we do.”

Jesus took the forgotten, the despised, the rejected, the outcast – and calls them friends. This Sunday is Campfire Sing-Along Sunday. Campfires bring with it a sense of community, serenity, and belonging. Jesus would often have meals with tax collectors and sinners, with the rejected and despised. He would bring the outcast in. He would ask us to love our enemies. He would welcome the poor, the orphan, the widow. He would tell the thief on the cross that “today, you will be with me in paradise.”

May we welcome the outcast to our campfire. May we choose to think differently of those “not like us” and find they’re actually friends we haven’t met yet. I look forward to discussing this more with you on Sunday with “Guardians of the Galaxy and Outcasts.”

🔥 Holy, Not Hulk Smash: A Worship Journey Through Emotion and Surrender

jessien@kw.com (Jessie Button) — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:40:44 GMT

This Sunday’s setlist is all about transformation. Not just spiritual, but emotional. Pastor Russell's message explores the anger inside us and how, like the Hulk, we sometimes feel out of control. But unlike the Hulk, we have the Holy Spirit, not gamma rays.

Anger isn’t a sin. Jesus got angry. But He used it for righteousness, not destruction. Our worship this week invites the Spirit to refine us, walk with us, and draw us nearer, even in our rage.

�� Opening Hymn: "All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name"

A royal declaration: Jesus is Lord over every emotion —even the ones we’re scared of. This hymn reminds us that all power (even our own inner power) bows to Him.

�� Holy Spirit Come – Patrick Mayberry

We can’t do this on our own. This song is a cry for the Spirit to invade our chaos and bring peace to the storm inside us.

“Like a fire in the night / Like a flood that’s running wild / Holy Spirit come.”

�� Responsive Hymn: "Refiner"

This is where things get real. We don’t just want comfort—we want to be changed. “I wanna be tried by fire…” We’re offering our anger, our fire, our very selves for refinement.

�� Communion Hymn: "Nearer, My God to Thee"

A soft landing. From the fire of anger to the nearness of peace. At the table, we trade rage for rest, war for wine, control for communion.

��‍♂️ Benediction Hymn: "Just a Closer Walk with Thee"

We don’t leave here fixed, we leave walking. Step by step, a little closer to Jesus, and hopefully, a little farther from the Hulk inside.

Closing Thought:
When we worship through our anger, we don’t lose ourselves; we find the version of ourselves God is calling out. Refined. Bold. Brave. Still fierce, but now filled with fire from above, not just within.

Next time your blood boils, remember this: you weren’t made to smash, you were made to shine.

See you Sunday!

Flipping The Script

russellclarkauthor@yahoo.com (Russell Clark) — Wed, 28 May 2025 19:54:00 GMT

Jesus’ sermon on the mount is considered to be one of the greatest sermons ever. But when it was first preached, I doubt it was very popular. It was challenging and different and against the status quo. The beatitudes flipped the script on who was considered blessed and holy. Dare I say that Jesus’ words probably made a lot of people uncomfortable and angry. When we hear challenging theology that we’ve never heard before, it’s often hard to swallow. But the best teachers don’t tell us what we want to hear; they tell us what we NEED to hear. And if we allow ourselves to truly listen, we will become much better persons because of it. Pick up your Bible and read Matthew chapters 5-7 again (or for the first time) and allow Jesus‘s words to transform how you live, love, & treat your neighbors.

We will be discussing Matthew 5:7 and “Black Panther and Power” as we continue our Superheroes and Scripture series this Sunday. Black Panther is one of my favorite superhero movies because it creates this fictional country, Wakanda, and like the sermon on the mount it flips the script of who is most powerful in the world. I encourage you to watch it too before Sunday. See you Sunday!

Reverend Russell Reflections

russellclarkauthor@yahoo.com (Russell Clark) — Wed, 21 May 2025 01:02:40 GMT

“I run for dear life to God, I’ll never live to regret it. Do what you do so well: get me out of this mess and up on my feet. Put your ear to the ground and listen, give me space for salvation. Be a guest room where I can retreat; you said your door was always open! You’re my salvation—my vast, granite fortress.” – Psalms‬ 71:1-3

Thank you all so much for all of your prayers, love, and support this past month while I have been attending to my parents and after my dad passed away. After sitting with many of you during the time you all prepared to lose a loved one, it means the world for you all to do the same for me during this time of grief and loss. My friend, Rev. Mike Love, said to me this past week, “We know resurrection is real when we see God bring glimpses of new life to us after loss.” You all have made resurrection a reality in my life.

From Holy week to Easter to Star Wars Day to Mother’s Day, worship has been so meaningful lately. I know I’m not the only one going through personal struggles right now and because of this I feel that there is something sacred about us worshipping together amidst our pain. I can feel the deeper connection we have with one another because it feels like we are in the valley together right now. I pray that God gets us out of our mess – financial struggles, building struggles, personal struggles. Prayer and leaning on one another has never been so important in the life of our church. To laugh and find joy together at a time we could just as easily dip our head in the sand is powerful. To have a little fun on Star Wars day and talk about superheroes to take our mind off of current realities helps us to breathe a little lighter.

I’ve been really impressed with the inspiration of our leaders lately. The music with Jessie’s leadership has been getting better and better. Joey wrote a great poem for Mother’s Day and a journal for the eBlast last week. Inspiration from the Holy Spirit has found you all and that is really important that we continue to feed our creative juices to keep being the church.

I hope we can really build on Vacation Bible School this year and pray for all the kids we can impact this year. It’s important that we are at the VBS planning meetings on Wednesday, May 28 and Sat, May 31. It is also imperative that you all are at “The Five Languages of Allyship” luncheon and presentation on Sunday, June 1 after worship. This will be an important discussion on how we can help empower marginalized persons and it is essential that we are present for this discussion.

I know my family has an extremely busy summer coming up with camps, trips, and vacation. My office hours will vary this summer as I’ll be taking my kids all over the place. I pray that even with the busyness of life we all find the space to allow God to rejuvenate our souls this summer.

This Sunday is Batman Sunday as we will be discussing Romans 12:21 and “Batman, Suffering, and Identity.” See you Sunday!

Grace and peace – Pastor Russell

Rev. Russell Reflections

russellclarkauthor@yahoo.com (Russell Clark) — Thu, 08 May 2025 22:04:16 GMT

��‍♂️ Flawed Heroes. Redeemable Villains. Real Grace.

Stan Lee, the creator of Marvel Comics, wanted to do something no one else was doing in the

comic book industry. He made superheroes who were flawed and villains who had the

possibility of redemption. He blurred the lines between good and evil, superheroes and villains.

In the real world, we are also capable of doing something nice one minute and something

completely terrible the next. The reality is “we are all sinners who have fallen short of the glory

of God” (Romans 3:23).

But the truth of the Gospel is we are all “now justified by his grace as a

gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

John P. Bowen says this is the difference between definitions vs. decisions. Definitions try to put

people in a box, to put labels on someone. But humanity is not so easily defined. We are more

free to not be defined by the sins of our past or our history, but who we decide to be now.

Every moment we have the capability through the grace and freedom of Jesus Christ to do good

now, to use the superpower of God’s love to reach people in a new way. What will you do now

with what you’ve been given?

We’ll be talking about this more on Sunday as we start our “Superheroes and Scriptures”

sermon series based on Dr. Russell Dalton’s book Marvelous Myths.

This Sunday is about “Superheroes, Villains, and Humanity” and exploring Romans 12:17-18.

Come have fun with us this Sunday!

✨ May the Fourth Be With You

jessien@kw.com (Jessie Button) — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:33:17 GMT

Star Wars, The Spirit, and the Battle Within

This week, Pastor Russell gave me homework.

And not your average scripture or commentary assignment...He told me to go home and watch Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

Confession: I’d never seen it. ��

And since our service theme this week is “May the Fourth Be With You,” it was time to repent of my sci-fi ignorance.

Pastor explained something that blew our minds. George Lucas didn’t start with Episode I. He started in the middle — with Episode IV — because that’s where the best part was: the action, the hope, the turning point.

And that’s when Pastor dropped a Jedi-level mic drop:

He explained that this is just like the Bible. God didn’t begin the New Testament with the beginning of time.
He started it with Jesus — "because Jesus is the best part.”

Cue brain explosion. ��

It made me think: the Bible doesn’t just tell a linear story — it tells a rescue story. And Jesus is the center of it all.

The hope.
The light.
The New Beginning.

So this Sunday, as we celebrate Star Wars Sunday , we’re not just geeking out (though we are doing that too) — we’re diving into the power of the Holy Spirit and how it equips us to fight temptation and stay in the light.

Here’s our worship set for May the Fourth :

�� Worship Setlist:

Spirit – #249
Battle Belongs – Phil Wickham
Waymaker – Leeland
Anthem Medley: Surrounded (Fight My Battles) / Back to Life
Communion Hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – #65
Benediction Hymn: I Am the Light of the World! – #469

We’ve got battle songs, Spirit songs, resurrection songs — all laser-focused (pun intended) on walking in victory and shining in the dark.

So whether you're a full-on Jedi or more of a Padawan like me, come ready to worship, laugh, reflect, and get real about the forces at work in this world — and how the Spirit empowers us to choose the Light.

May the Lord be with you.

(And also with your lightsaber. ��)

🌅 Sunday Worship Reflection – New Birth

jessien@kw.com (Jessie Button) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:08:18 GMT

Setlist Blog for April 27, 2025 | John 3:3

"Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." – John 3:3

New birth. It sounds poetic, but Jesus meant it quite literally— a complete spiritual rebirth , not just a moral refresh or a lifestyle tweak. On Sunday, every song in worship tells the story of that rebirth. Let’s walk through it together:

�� Morning Has Broken – Hymn #53

Like the first light over Eden, this song opens worship with a sense of freshness and innocence. The new mercies of God come every morning, just like the miracle of new birth. The old has passed away, and the light of Christ breaks into our hearts—again and again.

“Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from heaven...”
We are reminded: rebirth begins not in striving but in grace.

✝️ This Is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickham

Grace is the cradle of new birth. We are not born again through religious performance but through the wild, unearned love of Jesus who bore the cross and broke the grave.
When we sing this anthem, we’re not just celebrating a gift—we’re declaring the Gospel that transforms tombs into testimonies.

“Who makes the orphan a son and daughter? The King of Glory, the King of Glory.”

�� I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry – Hymn #75

This is one of my ALL-TIME favorite songs.
This song takes us from our first breath to our final one, reminding us that God has seen every version of us —even the broken, rebellious, and confused ones.
And still, He calls us His.
And still, He calls us born again.

“When you heard my name, you turned around to see…”
God’s love doesn’t wait for perfection—it meets us in the moment of surrender.

�� Born Again – Cory Asbury

This is the anthem of resurrection.
Not just a feel-good song, but a soul cry : “I am not who I was. I’ve been changed.”
It echoes the words of John 3:3 with raw beauty and conviction—if we’ve been born again, our identity is now rooted in grace and anchored in eternity .

�� All the Way My Savior Leads Me – Chris Tomlin

After new birth comes the walk—sometimes wobbly, sometimes strong, always guided.
This Communion song reminds us that Jesus didn’t just save us, He stays with us .
He leads, He feeds, He sustains.
From first breath to final rest, we are never alone.

�� All The People Said Amen – Matt Maher

We end in celebration.
Because once you’ve been born again, you can’t help but shout it .
This benediction song is a praise party for the broken and redeemed.
You don’t have to be perfect to say “Amen”—you just have to be alive in Christ .

Final Thought ��

New birth isn’t a one-time emotional high.
It’s a daily surrender , a divine do-over, a brand-new start with every “Yes” to Jesus.

This Sunday, let these songs speak over your soul. Let the Spirit breathe new life.
Let the Father call you child again.

Because in Christ, the old has gone—
and the new has come.

��️ Born again, beloved, and not of this world.

Allyship

russellclarkauthor@yahoo.com (Russell Clark) — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:08:01 GMT

From Tolerance to Transformation

About six years ago I was asked to be an administrator for a well-known parenting group. I became friends with one of the members – asking them questions and seeking to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. They would respond – sometimes harshly – to parents who were leaving negative comments and I thought as an administrator, “Should I take this post down?” If an online conversation tends to go sour, the natural reaction is to take the post down but they were different. They encouraged the rocky conversations because in these comments we learned something. They weren’t afraid of the controversial comments because they taught us all a little more about ourselves.

After a couple years, the other administrators had enough of this person striking controversy. To me, on the other hand, they were the reason I loved this parenting group so much. When they asked them to leave, I left shortly after and made up some excuse as to why I couldn’t be an administrator anymore. Most of the reason I stayed was because of what I learned from them.

Years later, my friend, Jeffrey Bernstein, has grown so much – just as they have taught me to grow. Their willingness to show grace and allow these rocky conversations is exactly what a person of faith should be doing. They are Jewish and I am a Christian pastor but I feel like I learn more from them than vice versa.

We met for the first time in person at the National At-Home Dad Network’s Home Dad Convention last year and it was like running into an old friend. We had breakfast with multiple Jewish persons and some Christians one morning and it was the highlight of my trip. We were laughing and sharing our frustrations and explaining how we have all fallen short and it was a difficult discussion anyone could relate to.

It means a lot to me that their picture is now hanging on our bulletin board in our hallway. We’ve asked them to share their presentation on “The Five Languages of Allyship” which I saw first at Home Dad Con last year. They will be sharing their presentation with us on June 1. Even though I know our church is ecumenical and inclusive, I love to see this Jewish Gay Person on our bulletin board.

There are moments Jeffrey could have given up on me for asking stupid questions or doing stupid things, but they never did. They helped me to grow and become a different person and for that I am forever thankful. I am ecstatically looking forward to Jeffrey teaching us – like they taught me – how to be better and do better.

Reverend Russell Clark

🕊️ From Table to Triumph

jessien@kw.com (Jessie Button) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:52:18 GMT

Join Us for Holy Thursday & Easter Worship ��✝️

This Holy Week, you're invited to a sacred journey — one that starts at the table and ends at the empty tomb.

We’ll begin together in the upper room, just as Jesus did, and remember His prayer that we would be united with Him and with one another. Then on Sunday, we’ll raise the roof in celebration — because He lives, and everything changes because of it.

Here’s a preview of the powerful worship we’ve prepared for you on Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday. Each song has been prayerfully chosen to draw us deeper into the story of Jesus — His love, His sacrifice, and His victorious resurrection.

✝️ Holy Thursday – April 17 at 7pm

Theme: Complete Unity

Scripture: John 17:20–23

"That they may all be one... just as You are in Me and I am in You."

On this sacred night, we remember the last meal Jesus shared with His disciples — and what it means for us today. We’ll reflect on the unity we have through His body and blood, and how the cross still calls us to love one another deeply.

�� Worship Setlist Preview:

As Grain on Scattered Hillsides (#491) – Unity through communion

O Come to the Altar – Elevation Worship – A song of invitation and surrender

Via Dolorosa – Sung by Anne Cummings – A stirring musical journey through Christ’s suffering

An Upper Room Did Our Lord Prepare (#385) – A hymn echoing the Last Supper

The Table – Chris Tomlin – A song of grace, welcome, and restoration

Weave (#495) – A benediction asking God to knit us together in love

��️ Communion will be served.

�� Easter Sunday – April 20 at 11am

Theme: KNOWN

Scripture: John 17

"He is not here; He has risen!"

Resurrection Sunday is not just a holiday — it’s everything. Come ready to celebrate the Risen King with powerful music, heartfelt praise, and a message of hope that changes everything.

�� Worship Setlist Preview:

Blessed Assurance (#543) – “Jesus is mine!” A triumphant declaration

The King Is In The Room – Phil Wickham – A bold proclamation of Jesus’ presence

The Glory – Avalon – Sung by Dede — a moving anthem of power and praise

I Know a Name – Elevation Worship – The name of Jesus is our anchor and our victory

How Great Thou Art (#33) – Communion reflection on the greatness of God

He Lives! (#226) – An Easter classic that shouts the truth we stand on: He lives!

�� We’ll have communion, joyful music, and a powerful Easter message.

�� Final Word

This week is the heart of our faith.

Come to the table.

Stand at the cross.

Celebrate the empty tomb.

Let’s walk this road together — from scattered grain to risen glory — and discover what it truly means to be united in Christ.

Sent & Sanctified: The Soundtrack of Palm Sunday

jessien@kw.com (Jessie Button) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:52:14 GMT

Stories through playlists

This Sunday at Azle Christian Church, our worship set isn’t just a playlist — it’s a story. It’s the sound of saints on the move. It’s the soundtrack of Palm Sunday: the beginning of Holy Week, the arrival of Jesus as King — not just to be admired, but to be followed, to be sent.

Pastor’s sermon this week is all about what it means to be Sent & Sanctified — called out by God, set apart for His purpose, and sent into the world as His witnesses. And you’ll hear that truth echoed straight through the songs we’re singing.

When The Saints Go Marching In

We kick it off old-school and joyful. Kennedy on the recorder (c’mon!) leading our kids in with palm branches — because this is a marching day. Palm Sunday reminds us Jesus didn’t ride in to stay still — He came to set things in motion. Saints go. They march. They move toward the Kingdom.

Fill This Place — Red Rocks Worship

We cry out, “Spirit of God fall fresh on us!” Because before the saints march out, they get filled up. Sanctified doesn’t mean perfect — it means set apart. Marked by His presence. This song is our prayer: Lord, fill this place... but even more, fill these hearts.

Hosanna (Praise Is Rising) — Paul Baloche

Palm Sunday is a Hosanna day. It’s joy in the streets — but it’s also prophetic. The people shouting “Hosanna!” didn’t even know the full story yet. But we do. We know the King came not just to save them from Rome... but from sin and death itself.

What Wondrous Love Is This (#200)

Here’s where we slow down and stare at the cross, even while we wave palm branches. The real wonder of Palm Sunday isn’t just the crowd’s excitement — it’s the love that would lead Jesus from the streets of Jerusalem to the hill of Calvary. “What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul?” That’s sanctifying love.

Goodness of God — Bethel Music

I had to sneak this one in (no regrets). Because this song reminds us: God’s goodness isn’t just a feeling — it’s been chasing us our whole lives. Palm Sunday is the start of Holy Week, but the goodness of God was in motion long before that first donkey ride into Jerusalem. And it’s still running after you.

Communion: Fill My Cup, Lord (#351)

We come to the table empty-handed, empty-hearted, sometimes empty-mouthed from the singing. And we ask again: “Fill my cup, Lord; I lift it up, Lord.” Sent people are filled people. Sanctified people are satisfied people — not by this world, but by Jesus alone.

Benediction: Day by Day (#599)

And then we send the kids loose with shakers, tambourines, and a whole lot of joy. Because being sent isn’t solemn — it’s celebratory. We go “day by day,” trusting in His grace, leaning on His promises, and shaking every tambourine in reach to let the world know: Our King has come — and He’s coming again.

Final Thought:

Palm Sunday is not the finish line — it’s the starting line. This week, we don’t just wave branches; we follow Jesus. We don’t just sing songs; we live them. We’re the saints — marching out, filled up, crying Hosanna, stunned by His love, running after His goodness, and ready to go wherever He sends us.

The Last Leg

russellclarkauthor@yahoo.com (Russell Clark) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:03:44 GMT

"All of life is a coming home.”–Robin Williams in Patch Adams

We’ve had a memorable Lenten journey this year. Much thanks to Dr. Edwards, Rev. Love, Dr.Cady, Dr. Hays, & Rev. Calton for being our guest preachers this Lent! This has been a sacred time of reflection as we’ve been exploring Jesus’ longest prayer in John 17 in worship and doing our own Lent devotional at home. We have our last Lent reflection this Thursday from our worship minister, Jessie Button. Then, Holy Week will be upon us starting with Palm Sunday this Sunday. The journey to Easter is almost here!

Do you remember what it’s like to be on the last leg of a long trip? Sometimes we drive a little faster because we’re ready to be at home in our own bed. Whether we’ve been on vacation orbusiness, we’re ready to return to our family and friends and pets.There’s no place like home,Toto.

Maybe home for you is when all your children and grandchildren are with you under the same roof. Some of us have our home away from home at a special location–a family cabin, the beach, the lake, or a precious destination.Home is really where the heart is.

We call Azle Christian Church our home. We love each other like family and would do anything for one another. Those of you reading this who have moved far away or have been unable to make it to church in a while, you still consider ACC your home and we will always call you family. No matter how far away we are from each other, we can always call ACC home.

Holy Week is that last leg of a long trip. It starts with palms and celebrations. We stop for a meal with our group, which becomes much more significant than we first realized. Then, our journey seems to end with tragedy on Good Friday. On Saturday, we are silent and broken. The idea of home seems lost. But return and resurrection arrive on Easter Sunday!

The reunion we were longing for has arrived. We can embrace the reconciliation of our hearts as we meet our Savior. We take the trip–with its roadblocks and wrong turns and lasting memories–because we know we’ll make it home.

Let’s continue this journey together until we all breathe that sigh of relief because we finally made it. And all will be well with our souls.

Not of This World: A Worship Reflection for April 6, 2025

jessien@kw.com (Jessie Button) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:23:41 GMT

Worship That Refuses to Blend In

This Sunday, Pastor Russell is bringing us back into sacred ground as part of his sermon series “The Longest Prayer: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”, Jesus' final prayer in John 17. As Jesus prepares for the cross, He prays not just for His disciples, but for us . And tucked inside this intimate conversation with the Father is one of the most powerful truths about the Christian life: we are not of this world (John 17:14-16).

We live in the world, but our identity, our hope, and our missions do not come from this world. As Christians, these fundamentals are rooted in Jesus rather than culture, or politics, or popularity. This week’s worship set is built around that tension: how to live with purpose, love, and joy in a world we are called to influence, not imitate.

Opening Song 1: "They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love" (#494)

We begin with a classic that answers the question: What sets us apart? Not just our beliefs, but our love. If our lives were a TV show, this particular season of “Earth 2025” is all about division and self-promotion. But Jesus says people will know we belong to Him by our sacrificial unity and care for one another. This song is a declaration of identity and purpose.

Opening Song 2: "House of the Lord" – Phil Wickham

Next, it’s partytime! We move into joyful celebration that we’re not of this world, nor are joyless exiles- we are alive in the presence of God! This song reminds us that even in hard times, we have reason to rejoice: because we gather not in fear, but in the house of the Lord!

Reflective Hymn After Prayer: "Graves Into Gardens" – Elevation Worship

After prayer, we shift to personal reflection. This song is a testimony of transformation- how God takes what is broken, buried, and dead, and brings life. The way I see it, the world has nothing better to offer than what we’ve found in Christ. “There’s nothing better than You” is more than a lyric- it’s a confession of being set apart.

Anthem: "We Are" – Kari Jobe

This is our declaration moment. “We are the light of the world” - straight from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 and echoed in His prayer in John 17. We don’t hide, we don’t blend in- we shine! This song challenges us to live with courage, but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be different.

Communion: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (#195)

There’s no greater reminder of why we’re not of this world than the cross. The world sees weakness; we see victory. The world clings to pride; we kneel in awe. This hymn leads us into the heart of our faith: the sacrificial love of Christ that redefines everything .

Benediction: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (#585)

We close with the truth that even though we are not of this world, we are not alone in it. Jesus walks with us, bears our burdens, and calls us friend. What a privilege! It’s the comfort we need as we step back into the world- different, but not distant; set apart, but deeply engaged.

This Sunday, let this worship set do more than stir emotion- let it shape identity. You are not of this world. You are sent, loved, changed, and empowered. Let’s live like it! See you Sunday!

Faith in small things

dudaadmin@acst.com (Duda-Realm Admin) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:03:00 GMT

Faith is in every matter of life. The big events, and the small ones.

I was looking at old photos and I saw an image of myself, from a time before I re-found my faith.

Be the change you seek

dudaadmin@acst.com (Duda-Realm Admin) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:01:27 GMT

Learn to see differences and embrace them.

It is not easy to see the world through another person's eyes, and we must strive to do that every day.