Southside Oracle Archive

Vol. 49, No 39             SOUTHSIDE ORACLE                       December l, 2006

Focusing Our Faith

         In one of the lesser known stories recorded in the gospels, John tell us-about some Greeks who approached Philip asking to see Jesus. Since they had gone to Jerusalem for the Passover, they were likely "God-fearers." These were Gentiles who accepted the ethical superiority of the Jewish faith, but were unwilling to embrace its ceremonial aspects. Cornelius was a God-fearer (Acts 10:1,2) as were many early Gentile converts (Acts 17:4).

         Why the Greeks went to Philip we are not told. They simply said, "Sir, we would see Jesus" (John 12:21). Philip discussed it with Andrew and together they took the request to Jesus. Whether Jesus gave them an audience we are not told.

         Our interest in this story centers in the Greeks' request - "We would see Jesus:"." Is seeing Jesus not what the Christian faith is all about? We cannot see Jesus in the flesh, but in a spiritual sense each of us must "see" him if we are to understand the essence of his teachings. Moreover, as disciples seeking to bring others to the Great Teacher, we must be certain that it is Jesus himself that we help them to see.

         The apostles and early Christian teachers saw the person and mission of Jesus as the heart of their faith. They did not just teach facts about Jesus, but spoke of him as one with whom they enjoyed a personal relationship. Their core message focused on Jesus with everything else being secondary. Paul declared, "When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:1, 2).

         The Christological nature of the apostolic proclamation is reinforced by reading the sermons recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. A study of seven of them reveals that though each presentation was tailored to the audience, the ultimate message always centers on Christ. Other passages tell us, "And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ" (Acts 5:42). "Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told them the good news of Jesus" (Acts 6:35). "Others said, `He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities' - because he preached Jesus and the resurrection" (Acts 17:16).

         The epistles are permeated with language that pictures the complete union of the Christian with Jesus. For example, in Colossians 2:12 - 3:4 Paul uses the term "with Christ" or its equivalent seven times. The disciple of Jesus is said to die with him, to be buried with him, to be raised with him, to be made alive with him, to have his life hidden with him, and to ultimately appear with him in glory.

         Over and over again we are informed that Christians are "in Christ." This is the theme of Romans 6 that is designed to establish the complete identification of each believer with Christ. In Colossians 1:27 Paul reverses the image by stating that the mystery of God "is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Truly, Jesus Christ is the focus of our faith.        Monroe E Hawley

The Bulletin Board

         Sunday Night Live Youth Worship will be this Sunday night beginning at 4:30 p.m. for the young people. Our young people will host the youth from area congregations and Adam Mearcer of Naperville, IL will be the speaker. The adults are invited to join them for worship at 5:30. Please note that we will meet then rather than 6:00 p.m., the usual time. This is an opportunity for those of us who are older to connect with our young people.

         The Sick - Elfriede Wandsnider is still in West Allis Hospital at this writing. She hopes to go home soon.... Becki Kidd was scheduled for surgery on Tuesday.

         The Wisconsin Challenge will be assembled for mailing Monday at 7:00 p.m. All who are interested in helping should come to the church building at that time The Challenge is a news publication of churches in Wisconsin that is published three times a year. Roy Ratcliff of Madison is the editor. We publish the paper and are responsible for its assembly and mailing.

ATTENDANCE RECORD

(*) first service, 117: second service, 82

         You are invited to join the Tweens (pre-teens) in Christmas Caroling this Friday night. The singing group will meet at the church building at 6:00 p.m. for a short practice before visiting some older people with the caroling. Parents who can help drive are asked to contact John or Glynda Giemza.

Calendar of Events

December 3 - Sunday Night Live Youth Worship, 5:30 p.m.

December 4 - Assemble Wisconsin Challenge for mailing, 7:00 p.m.

December 10 - Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.

December 10 - Praise and Palate, 7:00 p.m.

December 19 - Christian Workers' Meeting, 9:00 a.m.

To Top