From the Pastor’s Heart: “Why would Jesus say such a thing?”

One of the most puzzling things I read as a new Christian were Jesus’ words, “Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I’ve come to divide people against each other.” Luke 12:51 Wow, I thought Isaiah had prophesied that the messiah would be a “Wonderful counselor, mighty God…prince of peace”?  Why would Jesus say such a thing?  Like all of scripture we must seek to understand it in its context.  Jesus said his very presence, and his words, would divide families and communities. Jesus’ very presence and the truth he spoke prompted a response in people. Unlike most people we can either agree with or disagree with them.  Jesus’ truth pierced hearts.  His words were convicting. When Jesus was on trial by the religious leaders Luke tells us, “Then they became insistent, “But he is causing riots by his teaching wherever he goes—all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem.” Luke 23:5  We really shouldn’t be surprised that Jesus’ words convicted people.  Did Jesus not say, “I am the way, the truth…” Not that he merely speaks truth but that Jesus is “Truth”.

One young man came “…running to Jesus and knelt at his feet asking, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life’”.  Mark tells us Jesus’ response to the rich young ruler was, “Looking upon him he loved him”. Then Jesus cut to the quick and said, “Go sell all that you have and give it to the poor. Then you will have treasures in heaven. Then come follow me.”  In other words, “only when God is first in your finances is God truly first in your life. What you have comes from God, and in sharing with others you are truly sharing the love of God with others!!” The young ruler went away sad because his money had him—God didn’t.
Jesus is stirring many of us on the inside with the challenge of Vision 2:28.

Our Goals For  Vision 2:28:

•  Plant 10 new churches in the next 3 years, one located in the Unifour area.
• Double Life Groups to over 100 life groups.
• Double baptisms and people joining the Christ Church family.
• Increase worship attendance by 25%.

Our response:  21 Days of fasting and prayer Nov. 2 through Nov. 23. Set your cell to 2:28 each day and pray for Vision 2:28.  Then pray what your sacrificial gift will be so we may accomplish:

•  Raising 5 Million dollars through sacrificial giving by each worshipper giving the largest gift you have ever given to any Christian organization.
• Tithe the first 10% as seed money to plant new churches.
• First Million to go towards building a new 11,700 sq. ft. worship center for the Lincolnton Campus with a fully functioning child development center. Cost is $2,840,000.
• Debt reduction by $3.5M over the next 3 years for all of Christ Church to take our $6,500,000 debt down to $1,800,000.  This will lower the burden of debt on next generation and enable us to have more money for mission.
• November 23: Commitment Sunday of pledges and First Fruits Giving.

Below you will see a copy of the Vision 2:28 Commitment Card so you may pray now for what your commitment will be over the next three years.  The young ruler went away sad because he could not part with his god of money and greed. When we put Jesus first in our lives, our finances, and relationships, we have peace.  Let’s pray Jesus will remove the deception and bring clarity.

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Charles

P.S. On Sunday, November 23 at the Mt. View Campus we will have baptisms and remembrance of baptism at the 11:!5am service. If you want to be baptized, please plan to attend the Baptism Orientation Class that morning at 10:45am. Check in at the Connections Desk.

Greetings Church and Life Group Leaders!

Next Friday, November 21st marks the official end of the 2025 Fall season. You are welcome to continue meeting after that date, but we wanted to remind everyone that rest is an essential part of preparation for the Spring season. As you wrap up your groups, please keep the following things in mind as we seek to expand the Kingdom:

• Complete end-of-season feedback conversations/emails with your groups.
• Capture and submit constructive feedback to Life Groups Pastor.
• Begin discussing topics for the Spring season.
• Identify any emerging leaders and recommend them to Life Groups Pastor.
• Notify Ann Denzer of your intention to lead a Life Group in the Spring, which starts in February 2026.

Thanks for all you do to create room for God's people, especially those who don't know him yet. May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

Blessings,
Pastor Joshua James
Life Groups Pastor
jjames@christnc.com