This past Lord’s Day Pastor Tony preached on Philippians 1:18-16. This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. It is so because it draws me to focus on the essence of life when it says, “To live is Christ.” Many years ago this verse caught me off guard and I wrote about it moments later in my journal which was worded as a letter to my father which was later sent. I do not often feel comfortable sharing such things, but do wish to share this. The text of that journal entry is below.

In Philippians 1:21 Paul says, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This is where I and we usually stop and say wow, what a statement. In fact we ought to stop there more often and really think about what he says there and in response say a bigger WOW. But read on past that point. Paul continues, “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.” Did you hear that? Read it again. “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.” Did you see it that time? Which shall I choose? You mean Paul was at a place where he could choose death or life? This was not a situation like euthanasia where Paul was in great pain and thought death itself would be better than the pain. He was in prison, surely some pain, but that is not why he says this. I wish we knew the situation better to understand how it is he could have “chosen” death. Obviously that part is not something God intended us to know, so don’t dwell on it for long. Besides it’s yet the next verse that is the absolute jaw dropper.

I type the whole dialogue here for you to see, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” Can you believe that?! I am hard pressed between the two. Should I die or continue living? I am hard pressed between the two. So either Paul is absolutely nuts, or his Damascus experience(Acts 9) has given him a clear vision of what he gains in death. Can you think like that? I can’t, but I wish to, I long too and I am pleading with God to. Imagine you have the chance to go to some “closed country” to evangelize the lost. If you go you will probably be put to death for your Christianity and if you stay in America you will probably live safely to an age where you can see your grandchildren grow into adulthood.

I wonder how many of we Christians would respond to that with, “I am hard pressed between the two.” Go, preach, possibly in vain, and die some glorious and painful martyr’s death or stay and live out your years in a safe country. Oh how I wish I could think like that! You know what makes you think like that? I suppose the big difference between Paul and us is that Paul did not think or believe that Christ existed, is the Son of God, and will reign through out eternity. No, Paul knew that those things were true. His faith did not consider those things as possibly true or even more than likely true, he believed them as absolutely true. If we could do that we would no longer love this world, we would no longer seek the pleasures of this world, but the pleasures found in intimacy with Jesus Christ. Yet we seek our pleasure else ware. I too seek pleasure in the world. And I don’t mean sinful things, I mean neutral or even good things that become evil only because we love them more than God. We say we don’t love them more, but the choice of quiet prayer, time in God’s word, or a moment of worship and the choice of our favorite hobby, a good movie or hanging out with a close friend we routinely do not choose God. I really am just in shock and awe at Paul’s response to death or life. I’ve never seen it that way. Who says to those options, “I am hard pressed between the two”? Who says that? Oh how I long to answer me, I say that.

The next Communicant’s Class is on Saturday March 13th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. To sign up please call the church office at 913-685-2322

Thanks to all our helpers with the Progressive Dinner this year. This year Norma and Travis helped with driving. The night began at Redeemer and immediately headed to the Thomas’ home for peach cobbler, apple crisp and ice cream. After that the group stopped by the Creecy’s home for tasty fondue. We dipped chunks of apple and bread into the pot, great experience many had never had before. Spring Hill had their prom Saturday and The Lutz hi-jacked Zach’s limo and stopped by so we could all get in. I expect it would be very hard to parallel park that thing, but then who parallel parks a limo. The third stop of the night was at the Basham’s where we munched on tatter tots and french fries while playing air hockey in the basement. The final stop of the night was at the Vos’ home for homemade lasagna and bread sticks. Thank you to everyone who took part in this annual event. More pics after the link below.  

The Vos’ front room with lights strung up. There was also Italian music playing, some famous guy Dean Martin and the song, “Hello Mother, Hello Father, Greeting from camp ?” This song however changed the words to something else.

I left my camera at the Vos house and it returned with this photo on it. I also did some re-decorating in their basement, not sure if they found it yet.

Here is the students table at the Vos home.

Lights in the kitchen too. When Laura tasted the Lasagna she said, “This is good, did you make this?” Julie of course understood that to mean she was surprised that it could be both good and made by Julie. Laura then back peddled as we laughed.

Katie, Julia and Devon enjoying some tots at the Basham’s home.

Chris is convinced his photos from the Progressive Dinner over two years ago look silly so he was a bit camera shy. Sam and Nick made an effort to help him pose for a photo. For the record is pictures look fine from two years ago.

There we go.

Sophie came straight from a dance competition

Katie and Julia

Julia and Devon. Devon has a name compatibility test to determine relationships. I’m pretty sure this is what Pastor Nathan uses in Pre-Marriage Counseling. For the record Norma and Larry’s full maiden names are 91% compatible, Laura and I are 88%.

Connor discovered dipping large pieces of bread into fondue is more efficient than little pieces of bread on a stick.

The girls

Rico is coming up with a future game in this picture. Shotgun it would be called and involve 3 hockey pucks.

Early at fondue (picture by Carmen)

Pierce tasting Fondue (picture by Carmen)

Again with the dance

Chilling in the Creecy living room. (picture by carmen)

Texting and Cutting.

The Limo arrives, Devon’s glass is empty. Devon’s glass began empty

Fondue! (Picture by Carmen)

14 people rode in this thing, but I’m pretty sure 30 could have fit.

Fondue for all. (picture by Carmen)

Grace enjoying this giant thing

Inside the limo

Kevin and Scott discussing the pros and cons of Texas succeeding. (picture by Carmen)

More inside the limo shots

Fondue again (picture by carmen

Pierce in Limo

Ubuntu showing them how to ride in style

Fondue

No pictures pleeeaaaaseeee

I now have at least 10 photos of Mich posing like this. Someday I’ll open a photography studio and sell nothing but photos of Mich doing this.

Fondue again (picture by Carmen)

Don’t mind if I do…

Devon is showing what he plans to eat, Sam is showing what he is eating.

Nick looks like he might not trust the photographer. Sweet jersey.

Thanks again for everyone’s help on this night.

This Saturday we are joining up with area PCA churches for a youth square dance. We’ll be meeting at New Hope PCA (directions) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a great time of fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. 6th grade through high school are invited to wear costumes, western wear or just come dressed “normal.” No need to know how to dance or square dance, we’ll teach you. If you have any questions please call me at 913-439-9319 or email at bhough@redeemer-pca.org.

Best looking calendar ever Printable PDF Version

Every Sunday Morning: Junior High and Senior High Sunday School

Every Sunday Evening: Junior High and Senior High Discipleship

Every Wednesday Evening (if school is in session): Breakaway (Youth Group), Soccer 7^th grade and up

Spring

February 16^th Junior High Hangout @ the Reymonds

March 7^th Freedom Fire

March ? High School Fellowship at Vos’ (Featuring Super Smash Bros. Brawl)

March 29^th Pancake Feed

April 4^th Heartland Presbytery Youth Group

April 6^th Dec

k the Walls

April 19^th Progressive Dinner

May 2^nd Taco Diner

May 10^th Youth Fundraiser, Parents Night Out

May 23^rd Short Term Lock-In

Summer/Winter

Each Tuesday in Summer: Fellowship/Study at Hough’s

June 2-7 Youth Front Camp

June

16-20 VBS

June 23-27 RiverRanch ‘08

Aka Heartland Presbytery Camp

June 11 Girls Night In

June 21 Juarez Hog Roast

July 25 Juarez Ice Cream Social

July 26-August 2 Juarez Mission Trip

August

17 Juarez Reflect Night

August 23rd Youth Led Bingo at Good Samaritan Center (10 am)

September 26-27 In Town Retreat (includes video scavenger hunt)

October 24th Guys Night

November 15th Paintball (w/Presbytery)

December 13th Good Samaritan Center Christmas Program (10 am)

December 17th Youth Christmas Party

Dates TBA

Flamingo Season: Just know it’s coming.

Movie Night: Expelled (no release date yet)

Saturday, February 16th 2008 is the Junior High Hangout Night at the Reymonds Home. All students (WCA and Redeemer Presbyterian Church) 6th grade through 8th grade are invited for a night of games, snacks and fellowship. Invite your friends and mark your calendars for this time as Laura and I are looking forward to this time of fellowship with all who can attend. For directions follow the link above.