march 2015 vol. 64 no. 3 - clover...
TRANSCRIPT
Ron Otto
Preaching Minister
The Mind of the SkepticThe Mind of the Skeptic
Do you know what you believe about God, the
Bible, Jesus? Have you ever been asked by a
skeptic a really tough question about your beliefs
you didn’t feel qualified or equipped to answer?
Or maybe there is a little skepticism in you? Are
there good answers to these hard questions? You
bet there are!
You know the old joke: An atheist was spending
a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was
attacked by the Loch Ness Monster. The beast
tossed him and his boat high into the air and was
about to swallow both when the man cried out,
“Dear God! Save me!”
At once the ferocious attack scene froze in
place, and as the atheist hung in midair, a deep
and booming voice came down from the heav-
ens saying, “I thought you didn’t believe in Me!”
The atheist pleaded, “Come on, God, give me
a break here! Two minutes ago I didn’t believe in
the Loch Ness Monster either!”
The atheists of our world are spreading their
material in massive amounts. Young people are
bailing out of church in staggering numbers. They
are all asking big questions:
Does God really exist?
Why does God allow tragedy?
Isn’t the Bible full of myths?
Why is Jesus considered the Son of God?
Here’s something you don’t hear very often; we
have good answers for them. Skeptics want the
truth. We have it! They want eyewitnesses. We
have them, too! They want evidence. No problem!
According to Richard Dawkins, one of our
time’s current leading atheists, “Faith is believing in
something without evidence.” That couldn’t be
further from the truth. The vast majority of evi-
dence is on our side. We have an embarrassment
of evidences. We have never been in a better
time to provide good answers. In fact, most skep-
tics are just two or three answers away from
becoming believers.
The Apostle Peter told us, “But in your hearts
revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give
an answer to everyone who asks you to give the
reason for the hope that you have.” (I Peter 3:15)
Good answers are not only our best defense,
they are also our best offense.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “We live in this world, but
we don’t fight our battles in the same way the
world does. The weapons we use are not human
ones. Our weapons have power from God and can
destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy
people’s arguments, and tear down every proud
idea that raises itself against the knowledge of
God. We also capture every thought and make it
give up and obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV)
Beginning on Easter Sunday, we will launch into
a new sermon series we titled, “The Mind of the
Skeptic.” This will be a 5-week study that unpacks
some of the biggest questions people have about
the Christian faith, including: Who is Jesus? Can the
Bible be trusted? Why do bad things happen? Do
we really need the church? Is sin really a big deal?
Etc. . .
We will be taking an honest look at the doubts
that might reside in all of us. What kind of faith do
we have if it can’t stand up to the questions life
throws at us?
Then, we will also have an open question and
answer time on Wednesday nights with a panel of
experts. Bring your toughest questions. Bring your
most hardened skeptic. Bring your doubts. We’re
about to unpack the mind of the skeptic.
Upcoming Sermon Series
April 5 Life After Death Is a Fable…Right?
April 12 Aren’t All Religions an Equal Path to God?
April 19 If God Is Good, Why Is There So Much Evil
in the World?
April 26 Hasn’t Science Proven the Bible Is a Myth?
May 3 Can I Still Be a Christian and Have Doubts?
Brandon Boyd
Minister of
Adult Discipleship
Interested in Membership?
Ready for your Next Step? Join our LifeStep 1: Discover Lincoln
Christian Church. Explore your faith
and the beliefs of Lincoln Christian
Church in a relaxed setting with Ron
Otto and Brandon Boyd. You’ll get to
ask any questions you have as well as
meet others who are exploring the
same journey. This class meets on Sunday, April 12
from 5:00-7:00 p.m. It’s free, it’s casual, and we pro-
vide dinner (but not childcare). Sign up at the Wel-
come Center.
New Wednesday Study
The Mind of the Skeptic
On April 15, 22, 29, at 6:30 p.m., join world-class
experts as they answer some of the most challeng-
ing questions about Christianity. Each evening,
there will be a brief presentation on the question
covered in the previous Sunday’s sermon, and then
we will open the floor for questions.
We know that sometimes people struggle with
doubts about their faith. These sessions will allow
you to hear quality evidence to these challenging
issues. Invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers
to have their questions answered. (In fact, bring the
most skeptical person you know.)
Because of the anticipated turnout for this event,
this series will take place in the Sanctuary of Lincoln
Christian Church.
New Men’s Study Man On Fire is a men’s disci-
pleship group meeting
weekly on Wednesday
nights, 6:30-7:45 p.m. in Fam-
ily Room 2. This men only
group covers relevant and
timely topics affecting single
and married men alike in this increasingly post-
Christian society. Open to all men regardless of
where you are in your relationship with God, or even
if you haven’t made that step yet. We’re here to help
and guide.
Our next big
series entitled ‘Be
Her Hero’ features
Pastor Doug Fields.
Let's get honest--
most men need as
much help as they
can get to make
their marriage bet-
ter. This series will provide that needed help…in a big,
big way! Doug has an amazing ability to get guys
laughing and then jam them full with needed Biblical
truths that are doable and "men-friendly." This 4-part
series will leave the guys encouraged and hope-filled
by the 7 simple action steps as well as wanting more
from Doug.
Come join us for this video-driven series Wednesday
nights, April 8-April 29, 2015. No workbooks and free
of charge! Watch for your FREE ticket to attend this
event in Family Room 2.
Contact Tim Becke, Man On Fire discipleship leader,
at [email protected] or 217-871-2681 for details.
Discipleship Website For the latest information on the adult discipleship
ministry, check out the website—
lccdiscipleshipministry.wordpress.com.
Zach Ramsey
Student Ministry
Parent Texts Hey Parents, please sign up for our
text messages for Jr. High and High
School. For Jr. High, text Join Fuel to
40650. For High School, text Join
Gathering to 40650. This is the easiest
and fastest way to get updated news about
the ministry.
Photo Scavenger Hunt – Jr. High Hey 6th-8th Graders, join us Friday, May 15, 5:30
-7:30 p.m. at Kickapoo Park for a Photo Scav-
enger Hunt! FREE! It’s going to be EPIC!
Post – High School We will have Post after the Gathering Sunday,
April 19 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. Girls, bring snacks,
and guys, bring pop.
Move – High School Move is June 21 – 27 in Johnson City, TN. $340.
We will have our Buy a Stake Fundraiser in
April to help you raise funds for your trip. Be
sure to grab a packet for more information at
the Youth Info Desk (back of Welcome Cen-
ter). Non-Refundable deposit of $80 is due at
Sign Up. For more information, visit ciy.com/
move.
Camp and CIY Move Scholarships
Available We have 12 scholarships available for Jr. High
and High School students to help them attend
camp at Little Galilee. We also have 10 - $100
scholarships available for 8th Grade Students
who attend CIY Believe to use for CIY Move
this year. Applications can be picked up at
the Youth Info Desk (back of Welcome Cen-
ter) and are due May 3. If you would like to
use Family Fundraising Account funds for
camp, contact Jenni by May 3.
Open Gym – High School Schedule Change!!! Monday, April 13, we will
have an Open Gym from 6:00-9:00 p.m. We will
play basketball and dodgeball.
House Change –
High School Because of a schedule
conflict, starting April 15,
we will only have one
House group which will
meet at Rondel Ram-
sey’s, 114 8th St. Starting that night, they will
study a four-week series on God’s ability to
restore our hearts.
Expanding Our Fundraising Account
We will continue to use on-hand physical gift
cards/certificates that earn rebate percent-
ages for Students and Families to use for trips,
but we’re now calling it Family Fundraising
Accounts because we’re adding Scrip; an
online option, featuring many stores and instant
electronic cards whose rebates credit your indi-
vidual family account. Because of this addition,
you can go online and order electronic gift
cards/certificates that you can print out and
use immediately, or even email to family or a
friend! For more details about how to register
and order, please see Jenni at the Youth Info
Desk (back of Welcome Center).
At-a-Glance:
IGA-$10 on-hand rechargeable
cards=10% to Gen. Youth Fund quarterly
Sorrento’s-$10 on-hand certificates=15%
to Individual Acct. monthly
Thornton’s-$10 on-hand rechargeable
cards=2% fuel / 7% food to Individual
Acct. quarterly
Walmart-$25 or $100 on-hand
cards=2.5% to Individual Acct. monthly
Scrip-online of various amounts for hun-
dreds of stores to use instantly & credit
Individual Accounts!
Marcia Wells
Children’s Minister
KIDS WORSHIP – April
The of Prayer
Kids, join us for Kids Church in April as we worship
and study prayer! We will dig deep to find out
what Jesus, David, and Jonah teach us about
prayer! Our key verse for the month comes from
1 Thessalonians 5:17. “Never stop praying.” You will
want to be there every Sunday as we get real in
our prayer time, learning how to put everything in
God’s hands!
Little Galilee Christian Assembly Sign-ups for Little Galilee
are now available. You
may go online to register or
get a form at the Children’s
Welcome Center. Ask for
scholarship information.
Some camps fill up quickly,
so don’t delay! Don’t miss
this opportunity to connect
with other kids at camp!
Sign up today! You will
need to ask Miss Marcia for
the amount of scholarship
money available to you.
Applications are available for the 2015-2016 school
year. Sign up soon, and save your preschooler’s spot
for next year! Children learn skills needed for kinder-
garten in a Christian environment. You may call the
Church Office at (217) 732-7618 (ask for Jenni or
Marcia) for an application.
Vacation Bible School June 28 – July 2, 2015 Stop by the Welcome Center to see what the needs
for this year’s VBS will be! You will find a place to sign
up to work at VBS and sign-ups to bring supplies for
snacks or crafts. Please begin praying today for all
that will be done in Jesus’ name at VBS this year. Pray
for our workers and all they will give to introduce kids
to Jesus. Pray we will have more kids than we can
imagine at this year’s VBS!
Laurin Hill
Worship Minister
It’s not too late to join our Easter Worship Choir! We
will be singing and leading the congregation in
worship at our Combined Easter Worship Service,
April 5, 9:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Christian University
Chapel. Rehearsal is THIS SUNDAY, March 29, 3:45-
4:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary. You’ll have the music
and CD to continue your preparation for the ser-
vice. Lift your voice with us in celebration of our
risen Lord!
Thank you again for all of
your support of the minis-
try of GOOD NEWS Crea-
tive Arts. The Ultimate All-
You-Can-Eat Breakfast
Fundraiser was a huge
success thanks to you. We
served 693 people! A few
students were able to
raise all the funds needed
for tour from ticket sales for this event. We couldn’t
have done it without you!
MOVE THAT BUS! It’s time to MOVE THAT BUS!
Each mile of GOOD NEWS
Creative Arts 2,310-mile
tour can be sponsored for
$3.72. We currently have
470 miles sponsored, which leaves 1,840 miles left
to go. Please pick up a “MOVE THAT BUS!” enve-
lope from the table under the big map in the Fam-
ily Room, and place your gift in the offering or
bring it to the Church Office. Check the map
each week to see the progress of the bus. Help us
MOVE THAT BUS on down the road so we can
share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus!
Upcoming Events for
Lincoln Christian Church
Get These on Your Calendar:
THIS SUNDAY, March 29 – Retirement Reception
and Celebration for Jan Shelton; 2:00-4:00 p.m.
(Brief Program at 3:00 p.m.)
Thursday, April 2 – Service of Shadows; 7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 3 – Community Good Friday Service
at Jeff Street Christian Church; 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 5 – Easter Sunday; 9:30 a.m.
Combined Worship Service at LCU Chapel
April 11-12 – CIY Believe for Jr. Highers
Sunday, April 12 – LifeStep #1: Discover Lincoln
Christian Church; 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 18 – Spring for Tea (for Harvest of
Talents); 10:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Monday, April 20 – Kid’s Choirs Spring Musical;
6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 – Walk for Life (for Living Alter-
natives Pregnancy Resource Center)
April 25-26 – 5/6 Choir Mini-Tour
Sunday, April 26 – 5/6 Home Concert; 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 – Heart & Soul Concert (for Har-
vest of Talents); 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 17 – Student Sunday (Honoring
Graduates)
Thursday, May 21 – Preschool Graduation; 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 – Princess Tea (for Harvest of Tal-
ents); 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Monday, June 8 – GNCA Home Concert; 7:00 p.m.
June 9-16 – GNCA Tour to Colorado and Texas
Sunday, June 21-27 – CIY Move for High Schoolers
Sunday, June 28-July 2 – VBS
News for the Family New Members by Baptism: Allison Wood - 3/1/15
New Members by Transfer: Erica Tomkinson - 3/15/15
Sympathy We want to express our heartfelt sympathy to
Rachel Lessen and family at the death of her hus-
band, Scott Lessen; to Mark & Susan Radespiel at the
loss of Mark’s father, Walter Radespiel; and to Dean
Hill and family at the passing of his wife, Jeanette Hill.
Thank You Thanks so much for the love, concern and many
prayers lifted on my behalf during my hospitalization
and return home after my fall resulting in a broken hip.
I am grateful to all of you and truly appreciate your
kindness.
In Christian love,
Diane Shawgo
Appel Scholarship Forms Available L. H. Appel scholarship application forms are now
available from the Church Office. If as a member of
Lincoln Christian Church you are planning to attend a
Bible college within the Restoration Movement in the
coming year, stop in the office to pick up a copy.
These scholarship awards are made each year to
qualifying members of our church family. Completed
application forms are due on April 1.
Spring for Tea Tickets Available The Harvest of Talents Spring for
Tea is Saturday, April 18 in the
Fellowship Center, and tickets
are available for purchase in the
Church Office. The cost is $25.00.
Doors will open for the Tea at 10:45 a.m., and Tea will
be served at 11:30 a.m. All proceeds go to feed starv-
ing people worldwide.
LCU’s Christian Women’s Conference
“Stronger” This year’s conference will be Wednesday, April 29,
2015, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Come enjoy the messages of
two extraordinary women of faith: Michelle Pillar,
author, singer, and Christian speaker, bringing her
popular “Clothesline” messages; and Ellie Lofaro,
back by popular demand, bringing messages derived
from Biblical principles, exposing life’s deeper truths
with her plainspoken ways of sharing with common
sense and disarming humor. Registration is $35 through
April 22 and $40 after. Register online at
www.lincolnchristian.edu/cwc. Lunch is included with
registration fee.
April Global Impact Highlights Luciano, Andreia, Gabi, and Luciano, Jr.
Rodrigues
Guinea-Bissau, West Africa
Just over a month ago,
Lincoln Christian Church
sent Leslie Starasta, Susan
Spencer , and Barb Mess-
ner to Guinea-Bissau to
learn, encourage, advo-
cate, and pray for our mis-
sionaries Luciano and
Andreia Rodrigues and the
Christians there. While in the country, they witnessed God
working powerfully among and through His people. From
the initial 2002 church plant in Cacheu, the Christian
churches have grown to 8 congregations, 4 preaching
points, and 3 new evangelistic efforts. Three of the chur-
ches have started Christian schools, and a new school
and Bible Seminary will be starting in the fall of 2015 and
2016 respectively.
After coming to Guinea-Bissau in 2000 then leaving to
further their own education, Luciano and Andreia Rodri-
gues returned to Guinea-Bissau to live and work in the
late summer of 2013. The Rodrigueses are partnering with
Hisportic Christian Mission and Team Expansion. The pur-
pose of the Guinea-Bissau Outreach is to multiply pre-
pared leaders to serve effectively in three different levels
of ministry: church planting, community development,
and children and youth education, so that the gospel
might be preached holistically among the people of
Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau is the 5th poorest country in
the world with a life expectancy of 42 and an illiteracy
rate of 62%. Muslims account for 55% of the population,
and 38% adhere to witchcraft. One of the main goals for
Guinea-Bissau Outreach is to see churches planted in
each district of Guinea-Bissau by the end of 2019.
The Rodrigueses and the Christians of Guinea-Bissau
are currently reaching out to evangelize 7 unreached
people groups in their country. Please join with us in pray-
ing for these 7 unreached groups and those who are
reaching out to them: Balanta, Bijago’, Cobiana, Fulani,
Jola, Mandjak, and Nalu. Prayer guides are also avail-
able at the Welcome Center.
Please also pray for the health and encouragement of
Andreia and Luciano. Gabi and Jr. are attending a
boarding school (373 miles away) in neighboring Sene-
gal. They have adjusted well, but it is difficult for the fam-
ily to be separated. Pray for strength and power and the
discernment and wisdom of the Holy Spirit for this family
as they reach the lost.
Luciano asked us to pray for the following needs as
well: money/labor to complete the elementary school
and the Seminary/Institute; curriculum for the elementary
school and for teacher training; people who will come
and assist in training teachers and teach in the Seminary;
missionary partners who will join them in Guinea-Bissau to
support the training and evangelistic efforts that are in
process. Thanks for praying for these dear brothers and
sisters in the faith!
The Call is published monthly by Lincoln Christian Church,
204 N. McLean St Lincoln, IL 62656-2847. U.S.P.S. 559620
periodical postage paid at Lincoln, IL 62656-9998 Postmas-
ter: Send change of address to Lincoln Christian Church
204 N. McLean St, Lincoln, IL 62656-2847