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One of the most glorious ways God shows us His grace is through salvation. Though there are many common graces that apply to everyone—life, breath, relationships, and more; salvation is a gift of God’s grace experienced by only some. In Psalm 51, David recalled the holiness of God, repenting of his sin and ultimately seeking to enjoy the nearness of His gracious God once again. Amid this confession, David asked God for many things, one of which was to restore to him the joy of salvation. Why, in the middle of this moment of confession and repentance, did David ask God to bring back the joy of salvation? If you’ve ever felt the true weight of your sin, you know that these moments can bring the temptation to lose all joy. Sin can take you to a place that brings misery and heartache more than a sense of nearness and happiness. In David’s lowest moment, he knew what he needed was not just forgiveness for a sin, but a reminder that through faith in the Lord, he had total forgiveness. David had come to know the depth of his own sin. He understood the implications of the thoughts and actions derived from his wicked heart. And as he discerned these things, he couldn’t help but realize that he needed God’s full forgiveness. And so David asked the Lord to take him back to the elementary principles of God’s salvation. In moments of failure, it is good for us to return to the cross. It is good for us to return to the salvation that God has given us. When we do, we can recall the fullness of God’s forgiveness through the sacrifice of Christ—the shed blood of our Savior who has provided what we need for every moment. Would you pray today for God to restore the joy of His salvation to you? Ask God to help you remember with gladness the blood of Jesus shed to pay for your sin. Jesus takes our sin and completely frees us to live for Him. God is good to give grace, and He is worthy of all praise. The Gospel Project At Home: God is Good to Give Grace has resources to help your family read and experience Scripture together. FAMILY TALKING POINTS How can we receive God's forgiveness? How should we respond to God's forgiveness? Why does God give people grace? CHRIST CONNECTION This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus. ●      Babies & Toddlers: God forgives everyone who trusts in Jesus. ●      Preschool: David was sorry for his sin and asked God to change his heart. We can tell God about our sin and ask Him to forgive us. Jesus died and rose again to take away our sin and change our hearts so we can live with God forever. ●      Kids: David confessed his sin and asked God to change his heart so that he would not want to sin again. When we realize our sin, we can confess to God and ask for His forgiveness. Jesus covers our guilt and changes our hearts so we can have life with Him forever. BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. Preschool: What is grace? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it. Kids: What is grace? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it. KEY PASSAGE This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. Babies & Toddlers: God forgives our wrong choices. Ephesians 1:7 Preschool: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 Kids: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8 ** Next week on March 10: God Gave Solomon Wisdom (1 Kings 2–3)

I'm thankful for Godly dads. Before yesterday's gathering, I got to chat with a dad who is praying for his prodigal and is seeing God answer in some tangible ways. During the gathering, I was glad to share about the example a Godly witness from a Godly dad in Joe Kilman. Then, after the gathering, I got to watch as Phil Thurman, a Godly dad, baptized his daughter Mollie! What an awesome moment! Mollie, we celebrate with you! Keep Joining Jesus! Young families, you serve the body in a way I'd never realized As that finished up, I noticed one of our older members sitting on the stage with a big smile. I sat down beside them and asked how they were. "I'm just taking this all in and enjoying this. These kids. Running around and playing. They're full of so much life!" So there you have it young families. Those stressful moments where you're telling your kid to quit running, not get on the stage, or whatever other unexpected reprimand you need to give, know that what matters is that you're there. And that the life your little family brings to the larger church family is invaluable. Getting to church is worth it. Not just for you, but for your neighbor. Your brothers and sisters in Christ. Your kids remind us of the life we have in Jesus. Who needs Jesus? D.J. mentioned yesterday that we should begin thinking about who we might bring with us to Easter celebrations at the end of the month. It's something I've said many times in the past, but hearing it yesterday caused me to think a bit more about it. Behind that question is the question, "Who needs Jesus?" And I realized that I often convince myself that most people are ok. I treat people in my life like the man beat up on the side of the road in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Life is beating them and I walk by assuming that someone else will introduce them to Jesus. There's probably some people in my life who need Jesus and I need to stop and tell them. How about you? Who in your life needs Jesus?

Here at CCC there a ton of things God is doing from our kindergarteners all the way to our seniors in high school! As they grow to know the lord through some amazing teaching and love through Community Kids we are blessed to see them let the lord work in their life then and as they grow! Check out some things happening with Edge students and how you can pray!

We had an AWESOME response last week to begin filling our GAP trips! We need 11 more people to fill our Gap trip in April! Are you one of them?! Click on the links below for details and to register! April 1st-3rd GAP Mission Trip

I'm really excited about how God could use our marriage mentors! Saturday morning, a room full of people invested time in being trained so that your marriage could be invested in later. Sarah Murphy led an excellent training, and I'm really excited for couples in our church to be invested in over the coming months and year! Marriage mentors aren't just here for the crisis moments, they're available to help you walk through the good times, the times of not knowing, and more. Head to loveshelbyville.com/MARRAGE to learn more. Stories are especially inspiring when God's Spirit is the only explanation. That was evident to me as Melissa Chesterfield shared yesterday! But it's also been true of a lot of "behind the scenes" stories. "Little" victories in people's lives that are only explained by Spirit promptings that lead to Spirit power. CCC, let's not settle for the victories we can gain by our own power, let's seek the power that comes from Him! That requires this... We need to pray more big prayers. I'm reading a book by Paul Miller entitled "A Praying Church." Get you a copy. After looking at Paul's prayer in Colossians 1:9-11, Miller says this: "A Jesus vision, in tension with our current situations, energizes our prayers. It's quite simple: when the body of Christ prays the passions of Christ, we come alive. We were made to dream his dreams." In case you want to pray that prayer from Colossians now.. For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. I can't share enough resources on the fight against sexual sin. Our fight against sexual sin is crucial in seeing God and in seeing his kingdom advance. I mentioned brainheartworld.org yesterday. If you're a reader, pick up Unwanted by Jay Stringer. If you're a podcast person, check out this episode from Trevin Wax's podcast Reconstructing Faith: The Secret Catastrophe. If you need someone to talk to, call us at 502-633-8003. Just don't let shame and pride win this battle. Jesus wants to shine his glory through your story. Leaders, both seen and unseen, are stepping up. Are you next? I was so thankful for Tommy Rowe's heart in leading worship yesterday! That we would glorify God with our singing! I was so thankful for TJ Vogt who is leading out in some big ways for our GAP Mission Trips. I was thankful for Brent and Beth Whitehouse who, after heading up hospitality this weekend, led their community group to pack bags for the backpack project sight unseen. And I KNOW I'm missing others! But here's the thing. God is bringing some growth and our faithful response has to start with caring well for the people God is bringing. So are you next? What does joining Jesus look like in this next season for you? On this Monday, I'm pondering who I need to have coffee with.. ;)

This Sunday, we read in 2 Samuel 12 that even though David was chosen by God to be king, he gave into temptation and grievously sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, and ultimately the Lord. David’s sin had snowballed as he tried to cover it up. Ultimately, David’s sin escalated to the point of murder. He quickly moved on to the next phase of his cover-up operation and seemed to have satisfactorily dealt with his failure, keeping the circle of those who knew the truth as small as possible. But Nathan was able to confront David in his sin. Nathan helped David see the sickness of his own heart and actions, and he shared with David what he could expect as a consequence of his sin. David needed what each of us needs as well: someone else to help us walk with the Lord and show us what we are sometimes unwilling to see about ourselves. What Nathan did for David was painful but powerful. Nathan helped David see sin in his life that needed to be dealt with. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” Iron is sharpened by one surface rubbing against another so that the imperfections can be broken away. As we follow Jesus, we need one another to walk in the light and find forgiveness in the Lord. The Gospel Project At Home: David Sinned and Was Forgiven has more resources for a weekly family discipleship time. FAMILY TALKING POINTS Why is it that we can be so quick to see the sins of others, but have such a hard time seeing our own? Can we hide our sin from God? What should we do when we have sinned? Who in your life has the Lord used or could the Lord use to help bring about true repentance? CHRIST CONNECTION This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus. ●      Babies & Toddlers: God forgives our sin when we trust in Jesus. ●      Preschool: When we sin, God forgives us because Jesus took the punishment for our sins when He died on the cross. Jesus changes our heart so that we no longer want to sin. ●      Kids: When David repented of his sin, God forgave him, but sin always comes with a price. God spared David’s life, but David’s son died. When we sin, we deserve death. But we can receive God’s forgiveness because God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sin. BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. Preschool: What is grace? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it. Kids: What is grace? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it. KEY PASSAGE This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. Toddlers: God forgives our wrong choices. Ephesians 1:7 Preschool: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 Kids: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8 ** Next week, Sunday, March 3: God Is Good to Give Grace (Psalm 51)

Several CCC teens are already discovering their gifts as they begin to serve in a variety of ways, but our deacon team identified a 2 sided gap that needed to be filled. On one side was the growing need for volunteers as the church grows. On the other, was parents of teens wanting them to experience CCC as they do - as a place that encourages them to Join Jesus in Going Out to Make Disciples through volunteering. So if you're a teen, or if you know one, send the this post (or the form below) and let's unleash a generation to be the church!

Community Kids are continuing to read about the life of David in 2 Samuel. David is described in the Bible as a man after God’s own heart. (1 Sam. 13:14) Though at times David showed the depth of his depravity, he also demonstrated a love for God that was radical. In 2 Samuel 6, we see this take the form of David dancing with all his might before the Lord. There was much external evidence of David’s love for God, including his praising and rejoicing, dancing, and playing instruments. We also see in David’s life a depth of love for God as evidenced in the way that he prayed. This week, we see in 2 Samuel 7:18, after David heard from the Lord through Nathan, we find the beginning of an incredibly humble prayer of thanksgiving to God. David’s first response to the great things that God had promised Him was to say, “Who am I, Lord GOD, and what is my house that you have brought me this far?” David didn’t stand up taller or display an attitude that suggested he deserved God’s blessing. He did just the opposite of that. David recognized that he simply didn’t deserve the good things that God had done and had promised to do. As you talk with your family this week, check out the The Gospel Project At Home: God Made a Covenant with David for more resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience. FAMILY TALKING POINTS When you think about God’s great work in your life or when you read His Word and recall His precious and very great promises, what is your response? What is the difference between a promise that human makes and a promise that God makes? What are some of the great things that God has done for you, your family, and/or friends? Humbly thank God for what He’s done, and boldly ask Him to continue to work—not because you deserve it but because you desire to see, know, and love God more. CHRIST CONNECTION This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus. ●      Babies & Toddlers: Jesus will be King over God’s people forever. ●      Preschool: God promised that future kings of Israel would come from David’s family. God kept His promise. God sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus will be King over God’s people forever. ●      Kids: God promised David that future kings of Israel would come from David’s family, and David’s kingdom would last forever. God kept His promise by sending His Son, Jesus, as one of David’s descendants. Jesus is our King who will rule over God’s people forever. BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. Preschool: What is grace? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it. Kids: What is grace? Grace is when God gives us something good even when we do not deserve it. KEY PASSAGE This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. Babies & Toddlers: God forgives our wrong choices. Ephesians 1:7 Preschool: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 Kids: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8 ** Coming Up Next Sunday (2/25): David Sinned and Was Forgiven (2 Samuel 11–12)

I'm really thankful for a church family that challenges and changes me. Yesterday, I was in and out of a meeting where our missions leadership team heard from some new partners we're preparing to send out. Then I heard from GAP, and Kenny, and our deacons in their meeting yesterday. And that doesn't count a ton of conversations in between! The common thread in most of those conversations was that CCC is full of people striving to JOIN JESUS IN GOING OUT TO MAKE DISCIPLES. I was challenged yesterday to ask if I was doing that or if I'd settled into a comfortable place and routine. It changed me. I'm thankful for a church family that does that. It's life giving! I keep coming back to people I need to forgive. Kenny's encouragement to keep letting God search me for anger and resentment has caused me to keep coming back to people I need to forgive. How many times have I murdered those people emotionally? Ouch. More and more thankful with each passing moment that I'm NOT the author of life and death, but that I know the one who is. My God, why have you forsaken me? I'm hearing that question a little differently after hearing Nik Ripken's sermon at Southeastern Seminary's chapel service this week. I'd encourage you to give it a listen starting at the 24:30 mark: https://www.youtube.com/live/fgKls6IXutk?si=U1K5YFvvKT0SahrS "We want the gospel to be attached to everything we do." I was so encouraged by our friends from GAP, but perhaps most encouraging and challenging was that statement above. If we're going to "Be the Church," we have to work towards that being true in our lives as well. Not just when we go serve with a partner or go on a trip. Speaking of "Be the Church.." I'm looking forward to teaching what we believe and what it means to be a member of the CCC family. It's the last class in our membership class. Even if you haven't made the others, if you're interested in becoming a member or learning more about what it means to become one, you're invited! RSVP to blake@loveshelbyville so we can get a count on food and childcare. One more thing... a blood drive! Josh Settles and the team at Kingdom House had faithfully served our community by hosting blood drives for the American Red Cross. With their building situation in flux (A prayer point!), he messaged and asked if CCC could take this on for 2024. Come donate life-giving blood this Tuesday, tell your friends, and you might even share Jesus with the person who sticks a needle in your arm. ;)

The nice weather tease brings up hopes and dreams of summer life. One thing that happens during summer CAMP and we don’t want you to miss out! If camp wasn’t on your mind yet let us help you in some of your summer planning! June 12th-16th Edge students are headed to Crossings @Cedarmore. 7th-12th graders will experience a impactful week of camp alongside friends, new and old, as we lean in to the ins and outs of being Reconciled. Get registered, make payments, find extra resources right——-> HERE Total Cost is 200$ and a 75$ deposit is due February 28th! Pay deposit or full amount to save your students spot—-> HERE Have any questions feel free to call or text Kenny @859-559-1797

Throughout the month of February we will be collected the following items to be donated at Touched Twice Shelbyville (a FREE medical/dental clinic for our community) Shampoo/conditioner Disposable razors Bar soap Bring them when you come to church on Sundays or drop them off M-Th anytime from 8:30am-1:30pm