Fall Creek Christian Church

"'How long has this been happening?' Jesus asked the boy's father. He replied,'Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.' 'What do you mean, If I can?' Jesus asked. 'Anything is possible if a person believes.' The father instantly cried out, 'I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!'"  Mark 9:21-23 I love hearing stories of people doing big things. Don't you? Specifically, regular people just like you and me who through means we cannot fully explain get to be a part of the impossible. The stories of our Congressional Medal of Honor winners are great examples. Mother Theresa and Billy Graham are two more. One life with lifetimes of impact. The father in our story today was struggling with the impossible. He had watched his son suffer terribly for years. With his back against the wall and tales of deliverance ac...

"With a shriek, he screamed, 'Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don't torture me!' For Jesus had already said to the spirit, 'Come out of the man, you evil spirit.' ... The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs ... A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. ... And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone." Mark 5:1-20 Some of us are one thing at a time type people. I'm the poster child. Getting focused is a challenge, but when I get there fire alarms and earthquakes are required to get my attention. Many times my wife has done jumping jacks in front of the TV to try to get my attention. Unfortunately, I typically don't handle the interference very well. I need to be a whole lot better at embracin...

"The Lord has given them special skills as jewelers, designers, weavers, and embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on fine linen cloth. They excel in all crafts needed for the work. Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other craftsmen whom the Lord has gifted with wisdom, skill, and intelligence will construct and furnish the tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded." Exodus 35:35 - 36:1 The DIY gene made a detour when I was being put together. For example, the other day my dad spent over an hour trying to explain a single switch circuit to me. The jury is still out whether I truly understand it or not. We'll see. Now, I am willing to give most projects a go, but I typically need to call in some reinforcements if it moves beyond changing a light bulb.  The men and women in this story today had serious skills. They could design and build anything plus they had the ability to teach others how to do it too. The first thing that jumps out is the acknowledge...

"Know this: A homeowner who knew exactly when a burglar was coming would stay alert and not permit the house to broken into. You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected." Matthew 24:43-44 I really like frozen pizza. Granted, it's not the healthiest of fare, but ... I really like frozen pizza. I have noticed over the years, however, there is a real art to cooking it correctly. Too short and it's chewy. Too long and it's a charred cracker. You have to watch carefully to make sure you take it out when it's ready. Great attentiveness results in a delicious dining experience. Did I mention I really like frozen pizza?  Jesus was a big advocate of being ready. His concern was not food but faith. He was very clear in his teaching that the story of what is to come includes him returning in power. His followers not only needed to know that, but they also needed to be ready for it by living faithfully, obediently and lov...