I always look forward to summer and the special days that are part of it Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are wonderful reminders of God and country honoring those who faithfully served and gave their lives for both. We have a precious freedom, provided and preserved for us by many of our
Never forget the debt we owe to our fallen heroes and their families.
God
Pray
SOUNDCHECKWITHSTEVEN
BY STEVEN DAWES Associate & Music Pastor
Before the Walls, There was Worship ~Ezra 3:1-13
On Sunday, May 18, I had the privilege of leading our Adult Bible Study through a rich and moving passage in Ezra 3. As we explored the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile, I was struck by how relevant their story is for us right here, right now at Capri Christian Church
Ezra 3 tells us that before the Israelites rebuilt the temple, they first rebuilt the altar. In other words, before any walls were raised or foundations poured, they resumed worship That’s powerful It reminds us that worship isn’t about buildings or perfect conditions. It’s about hearts turning back to God together.
“The people gathered as one in Jerusalem ” (Ezra 3:1)
Unity was their first act of faith. They came together as one, led by Jeshua the priest and Zerubbabel, to restore proper worship despite fear and uncertainty Imagine being surrounded by hostile neighbors, starting over in a broken land, and yet choosing to rebuild God’s altar in obedience and faith.
We talked in class about how they feared the people around them but still built the altar anyway. That spoke to me. Sometimes, the pressures of life, culture, or our own insecurities make us hesitate in our walk with God.
BEYOND THE WALLS
BY WESLEY HASEKAMP Outreach Pastor
Comfort Zones Don’t Change the World
In our Youth and Children's programs, we are working through the entire Bible from cover to cover. While it is a long process that will take us nearly three years to complete, it is something that the leadership of the church thought to be vital for our children's development and spiritual health. One thing that I appreciate about the lessons we teach the kids is that all of them point back to Jesus, every single week. It does not matter if we are in the book of Judges, Lamentations, or learning about the kings of the divided kingdom; there is always a link to Jesus in every lesson.
That got me thinking, how does my daily life lead back to Jesus? Some days it is all about his grace because I have fallen short in some way, but other days my victories point out the work that He has already started in me This line of thinking brought me to the question I pose to you today: how do I tell people that my life relates to Jesus? Sometimes the gospel does not need words to work on people, but other days we need to say to people, this was not me, this was Jesus.
So this month let us focus on how our lives point to the gospel in action and in words.
Before the Walls, There Was Worship continued...
Like the Israelites, we’re called to act in faith not wait for comfort or safety. They didn’t stop with the altar; they kept going celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles, bringing offerings, and eventually laying the temple’s foundation. It was slow, humble, but faithful work When the foundation was laid, there was a mix of praise and tears joy from some, sorrow from others remembering the past.
Here’s what we wrestled with: Worship comes first. Not programs, buildings, or results. Worship From that, God rebuilds.
So what’s the “altar” in your life that needs rebuilding? Time with God? Trust? Simply showing up? Let’s take our cue from Ezra 3 and prioritize His presence.
ONMISSIONWITHTERRY
BY TERRY CAMPBELL Capri Board Member / Mission’s Ministry Team Leader
Fueled By Faithful Giving— Capri’s Mission Reach
Our mission partners represent the “soft heart and hard feet” of our church Their reach varies from local to global with the purpose of growing HIS Kingdom
Our church’s annual budgetary contribution allows us to financially support each one’s individual efforts During the month of May, Capri Christian Church sent approximately $40,000 00 in contributions to 18 Mission Partners This is possible because of your giving to CAPRI CHRISTIAN Church A big THANK YOU to all who contribute to our church
What’s happening with our Mission Partner’s?
Matt Proctor, President sent a thank you note for our contribution In the note he reviled OCC will send out its largest graduating class in history ready to serve because of church’s like us. We know they send out the best because we have Curt and Wes.
Troy Nelson, CEO/Donor Advisor in a thank you note reemphasized the importance of contribution for their efforts to place Baptistries, Bibles and conduct Bible studies in various prison systems.
BIBLE:
the only inspired record of God’s revelation to us
SIN: the only thing standing between God and man
JESUS CHRIST:
The only perfect One who paid for sin
THE GOSPEL:
The only record of Jesus’ life
SALVATION:
the only hope for sinful man
FAITH:
Is truly “saving faith” only when it includes repentance, confession of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and baptism just as every convert responded after Jesus’ resurrection.
Samual V. Sustaita, Director of church Engagement informed us that our May giving contributed to their matching campaign totaling $1.2MM to help fund 35 languages for Oral Bible Translation.
If you have questions about our Mission Partners contact Terry Campbell. Please remember to visit the Missions page of our website at https://caprichristianchurch.org/missions/ for more information.
