THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ISELIN
  • Home
  • Welcome!
  • Online Worship
  • THE CHILDREN'S PAGE
  • NEW MEMBER FAQS
  • MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
  • Inspiratonal Songs
  • Calendar
  • Values & Beliefs
  • Mission & Outreach
  • Fellowship Opportunities
    • Our Choir
  • Photo Album
  • Our Partners
  • SPIRE Newsletter
  • Hours & Directions
  • Our Staff
  • DRIVE-IN SERVICE INFORMATION
  • ANNUAL REPORT

Pastor's Blog

LIVING IN THE 'IN-BETWEEN'   12/01/2019

12/2/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Each year, the first Sunday of Advent begins with an apocalyptic text from one of the Synoptic* Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).  This year, Year-A in the three-year lectionary, brings us Matthew's version of the importance of being watchful for the return of Christ.  A fascinating part of this passage is that it contradicts our commonly held beliefs of the "end times".  While the Left Behind series, and many others like it, point to a rapture of the faithful, Matthew tells us that the faithful will be the ones left behind to do the work necessary for bringing about God's Kingdom.  As we read these words, it is important to remember that living a faithful life should not be motivated by fear of judgment, but because we have been given the wonderful gift of a life in Christ.  Forget worrying about when the day will come.  Instead, let's focus on what Matthew is famous for telling us to do--feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and welcome the stranger.  When we stop worrying about the final days and stop acting out of fear, we will be able to open our hearts and live the grace-filled life God offers to each and every one of us.

*The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to as the synoptic Gospels because they include many of the same stories, often in a similar sequence and in similar or sometimes identical wording. They stand in contrast to John, whose content is largely distinct.  (SOURCE:  wikipedia.com)


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Rev. CHRIS HOUTZ

    Welcome to the pastor’s blog!  This page will have sermons uploaded so you can listen to them whenever you want, and I will add a brief reflection on the text, the sermon, or a little bit of both.  My hope is that you will be able to see that the Bible can still speak to our world today, and that we can always find a note of God’s grace in any passage, whether it is one of the most well-known and beloved passages, or one of the most difficult readings to grasp.

    Archives

    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Picture



​



Click Map for Directions
Address:

1295 Oak Tree Road
Iselin, NJ 1295

​GPS Address: 
​20 Middlesex Ave, Iselin, NJ
​

Virtual Office Hours
Monday - Friday
​     9AM - 1PM
Email:  fpcioffice2@comcast.net

Our Mission Statement

​We are a friendly, multi-cultural congregation that welcomes all to worship with us as we glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; sing praises to God, the Father; and let the Holy Spirit guide our footsteps. As faithful witnesses to our Christian beliefs, we dedicate ourselves to worship, stewardship and discipleship. We will always endeavor to nurture the youth in our congregation to grow in their commitment to God and the Church and to become active participants in the life and work of the Church.
We commit ourselves to evangelism and mission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all people in a variety of ways in our community and beyond.
​We will continue to be open to God’s presence, leading us into new pathways of ministry and service for the betterment of the community and to the glory of Jesus Christ our Savior.  -
                                                  -ratified by congregational vote, January 27, 2008

Connect with us!

Picture
Picture
Picture

Picture
Email:  fpcioffice2@comcast.net
@FPresIselinNJ

Submit
  • Home
  • Welcome!
  • Online Worship
  • THE CHILDREN'S PAGE
  • NEW MEMBER FAQS
  • MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
  • Inspiratonal Songs
  • Calendar
  • Values & Beliefs
  • Mission & Outreach
  • Fellowship Opportunities
    • Our Choir
  • Photo Album
  • Our Partners
  • SPIRE Newsletter
  • Hours & Directions
  • Our Staff
  • DRIVE-IN SERVICE INFORMATION
  • ANNUAL REPORT