Ambassador Presbyterian Church

For the past ten years, I have preached from the New International Version (NIV) translation of the bible.  My reason for this was two fold.  First, since it came out in the late 70’s, the NIV has probably been the most widely read and memorized bible translation by evangelical Christians because of its easy readability.  It was the first bible I owned and used most during my early years of spiritual growth, and I knew it would likely be the one which most people in a young church like ours would be familiar with.  Secondly, the more literal translations (I’ll explain this in a moment) such as the New American Standard (NAS) or New King James (NKJ) which I often use in my study and preparation are at times awkward or even archaic in their expressions and thus come across to many as difficult to read or understand. 

Over the last couple of years, I’ve become more familiar with the English Standard Version (ESV) which came out a few years ago billed as more literal (than say the NIV) yet more readable (than say the NAS of NKJ), and over those years has received commendation from other pastors and theologians whose opinions I respect.   At the start of this new year, I am going to start using the ESV as opposed to the NIV on Sunday mornings.  
Why a different translation?  As most of you probably know, the bible was originally written in Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT), and the versions we have in our native languages (ie: English) are translations from the originals.  We who speak English are blessed to have many translations available to us, but that is also cause for greater understanding and discernment of the differences.  

Translations range from what we call formal equivalent or word-for-word translations which seek to adhere to the wording and order of the original documents, to dynamic equivalent or thought-for-thought translations which sometimes replace original words or phrases with more modern equivalents, to paraphrases which try to capture the essence of the originals using modern colloquial expressions.  All translations fall somewhere on that spectrum with the NAS being a good example of a formal equivalent translation, the NIV being a good example of a dynamic equivalent translation, and the Living Bible or the Message being an example of a more straight-forward paraphrase translation.   The first is optimal for in-depth study, the second seeks to blend the best of both and the third is more conducive to personal devotional use but would lack the needed correspondence with the originals for accurate study, teaching or preaching.   For a good overview and review of some different translations see this article.  
The ESV lies between the NIV and the NAS on that translation spectrum, favoring a more literal word-for-word translation like the NAS, while seeking to retain the readability of the NIV and capture the poetic beauty of the older versions such as the KJV.   For that reason, I hope a switch to the ESV in the coming year will further inspire our love for God’s word and satisfy our hunger for God’s truth.  

On Sunday December 9th, the group formerly known as the “young marrieds” bible study (currently looking for a new name) gathered at the Clark’s beautiful house for their annual Christmas party.

There was lots of food - which Link greatly enjoyed!

Ayla and Lincoln.

The anticipated White Elephant exchange. There were some well fought over items such as the Superman kit, a decorative shelf and the “Goonies” movie. Of course, there were the not so desirable gifts…sorry about the Barry Manilow tape Dan…

The very funny end times poster…fit right in with the most recent discussion in bible study.

Well, Ambassador Presbyterian Church is not actually going to Hollywood, but one of our own has already been there and is going back. 

As many of you know Link Neal, along with his friend Rhett McLaughlin, have been making waves on the internet with their videos, podcasts, and funny songs.   Their talent and humor has caught the eye of those in the entertainment industry, and they are going to be hosting a new national TV series on CW Network called “Online Nation” which debuts this Sunday, September 23^rd at 7:00 pm.   I’m writing this for two reasons. 

First, I’m sure Link would want you to know about the “preview party” this Sunday at 6:00 pm in Garner, open to all fans.  There will BBQ, music and of course watching the preview together.  You can get info and RSVP to that at their website at www.rhettandlink.com.  If you haven’t been there, you can check out some of their creative work as well.  

The second reason I’m writing is to reflect for a minute on this opportunity from a biblical perspective.  As I’ve been studying 1^st Corinthians for our Sunday morning series, two themes which are prominent in that letter are the idea of calling and gifting.   God calls us into a relationship with himself through the grace of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (1 Cor. 1:9).  God also gifts us with all kinds of gifts to be used for his glory (1 Cor. 1:7).  Then, interestingly enough, God brings those two things together in our lives by “calling us” into various vocations and circumstances where our calling and gifts can be used to magnify the glory and greatness of God (1 Cor. 10:31).  

Link and Rhett have been given an opportunity to work in what some believers might consider “the lions den” that is Hollywood and the entertainment industry.  But appropriately, it was God who called (literally sent) Daniel, a young Jewish man, into the service of a pagan king in a very pagan culture.   Daniel, by God’s grace and power and through the use of his gifts, rose to prominence and had a profound impact for God’s kingdom, despite the temptations and trials that literally had him facing lions. 

Having spoken with Link and Christy about these amazing developments in their life, I know they see these opportunities before him as a chance to glorify God by doing what he does well and by being in a strategic place where his work and their life together may open doors for the gospel.  We need to be praying for the Neals to have Daniel-like faith and courage and Christ-like grace and truth, as God opens those doors. 

At the same time, it is a good reminder that God has called and gifted each and everyone of us with similar opportunities wherever He has placed us, in the workplace, in our homes, in different roles in our lives.  May we be praying for each other to “do all that we do” for His glory, wherever that may be.  For God who has called you is faithful.     

Every now and then, I attend a conference both as a means of personal spiritual refreshment and as a pastor, it serves as a kind of continuing education opportunity.  I’ve been to different conferences with different emphases, and in every case I’ve come away both more encouraged and better equipped in my faith and walk with God.  I write this because conferences are not just for pastors or people in full time ministry.  There are a host of great opportunities out there for anyone to get away for a few days (often to a new or different location), sit under some great teaching and engage in fellowship with other believers that often develops into new friendships.  

I want to recommend a few conferences that I’ve attended, in case you want to take advantage of any of these.  Cathy and I have gone together, and it has been a wonderful getaway for us that also strengthens our faith together.  I’ve also gone as a personal retreat on my own.   If you’ve been to a good conference that you’d like to recommend, post a comment and let people know of that opportunity. 

Here’s a few recommendations and descriptions of upcoming conferences.  Click on the title of the conference for more information:

The Sovereignty of God: In the Shadow of the Almighty — Sept. 7-8, 2007 Charlotte NC (This is sponsored by Ligonier, the ministry of Dr. R.C. Sproul.  It is a great teaching conference with R.C. and other well-known pastor/teachers speaking.  There’s also one in the spring in Florida)

Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints — September 28-30, 2007, Minneapolis, MN (This is sponsored by Desiring God, the ministry of Dr. John Piper.  A great time of worship and teaching as well as good fellowship — Minneapolis is a beautiful city to visit outside of winter).  

Running Scared: Fear, Worry & the God of Rest — November 2-4, 2007, Valley Forge, PA  (This conference is sponsored by the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation with speakers like Paul Tripp and Ed Welch.  Usually focused on a particular counseling issue and addressing it from a thoroughly biblical and gospel-centered perspective.)

A Weekend To Remember - Family Life Conference — October 19-21, 2007, Durham NC  (This is a wonderful marriage enrichment weekend put on by Family Life ministries.  If your marriage needs a little fine-tuning or even a complete overhaul, this is a good place to start.)

Our mission team returned from Mexico tired, but filled with praise at God’s work in and through us. We went to Rio Verde in the state of San Luis Potosi and worked hard with a group from Covenant ARP in Statesville doing painting and repair work, children’s bible clubs and evangelism in the plaza at night. Our young people rose to the occasion, working hard and putting on a great puppet show for the kids in the clubs. We rejoiced to see several people come to faith in Christ, in particular a young student named Raul with whom we developed a great friendship that will now last into eternity. Many thanks to our Ambassador family for all your prayers and support, to Ruth and Juan Carlos Bonilla of World Witness for helping with arrangements and training, to Jeff and Sheila Osbourne for being gracious hosts to our team and showing us a servants heart for the Mexican people, and to our Lord Jesus who calls us and equips us to be his witnesses.

Check out the video of the trip on youtube.

As we’ve been meditating on Isaiah 53 the during the past two Sundays, I’ve been reminded of the great price Jesus paid to secure our forgiveness and acceptance into God’s kingdom as his children.   At Easter, we are reminded afresh that the payment was sufficient, the sacrifice acceptable as God raised Jesus from the dead for our justification.  

Join us this Sunday as we gather to worship our risen King Jesus.  We will have a Sunrise service at 7:00 am at the church property, 722 Center Street (directions), followed by a continental breakfast at the home of Laura and Scott Smith, 306 Kettlebridge Drive in Cary (directions).  Then we will have our regular Easter service at 10:00 am at Olive Chapel Elementary School.   I eagerly look forward to our glorifying God together this Easter.  Blessings!

We rejoice together at the election of seven new men to serve as officers at Ambassador.  Tony Clark and Steve Brown were elected as Ruling Elders and Joe Ballou, Buck Hodges, Matt Peedin, John Page and Scott Smith were elected as our first team of Deacons.   Please keep these men and their families in your prayers as they seek to shepherd and serve God’s flock at Ambassador. 

Each year we sponsor a team in the T-ball and Machine Pitch leagues run by the Apex Jaycees.  If you have a son or daughter (age 5-8) interested in playing, you can register online during the month of February at the Jaycee’s website.   You can request being on the Ambassador team.  We don’t have anything to do with running of the league and registration is on a first-come basis, so sign up early. 

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  — Romans 10:14-1

One thing I’ve never been accused of is having “beautiful feet.”   Yet, God has ordained that the good news of the gospel travel via “the feet” of his people taking that message to those who have not heard, and that’s a beautiful thing indeed.   
 
We have an opportunity this summer to send a group of “beautiful feet” from Ambassador to Rio Verde Mexico.   It promises to be an exciting, enriching, enlightening experience as we seek to serve our brothers and sisters south of the border, and I’m pretty sure God has blessings in store for us through their ministry as well.  
 
Here is a link to a World Witness’ s website where you can get a better idea of what this trip will be like.  If you click on “media” and then go to “movies” there is a short video for Mexico. 
 
I’ve heard from a couple of you regarding your interest, but I’d love to hear from more.   If you think you might be interested and just want to learn more about the trip, please email me or call the church office. 

What can be more Christlike that fighting over a bag of potpourri?

What can be sadder than a party where the best two gifts are a fake Wrestling Magazine with Matt Peedin on the cover and Pee Wee’s Big Adventure on DVD?

Below…Karl sniffs the potpourri, Kati unveils something worth nothing, Emily gloats over her new sweater, Matt and Ayla look on dismayed, and Jen fakes surprise after accidentally picking the gift she brought to the party. Click for a closer look.