Every trip I take for the first time—even if it’s only a few miles away—I make a wrong turn. It’s become a joke in my family. Once I took a wrong turn in Orlando, FL and turned into the parking lot of a psychiatric hospital. The family almost left me there while they enjoyed the rest of our vacation. Carolyn tries to help by telling me the next turn. But my pride causes me to send subtle messages, like groans and eye-rolls, that say, "You don't have to tell me where to go." But then I still make a wrong turn someplace. She's a beautiful and patient wife (as she watches Facebook to avoid my bad habits!) It's hard for me to admit my mistakes, especially big ones.

Admitting we’ve made a “wrong turn,” figuratively or literally takes courage and humility. But we must learn to admit when we need to turn around.

Last week in my weekend message I defined sin in most basic and literal terms: “missing the mark.” All of us have “missed the mark” of the plan and purpose for which God created us. It’s a human problem, and it’s a personal problem. Every culture recognizes some kind of “wrong doing” that must be corrected.

Before Jesus began his adult ministry on earth, his cousin John called people to recognize the error of their ways, turn around and obey the ways God was teaching them to live. Their change in behavior was a sign to God that they desired and intended to follow him. Turning around and following God did two things. First it showed their trust in God. Secondly, the people learned that God’s ways were the best way to a full, joy- and purpose-filled life. We all want that! God’s way is the way of life abundantly and eternally. Any other way leads away from God for eternity.

Perhaps you can't say that you “believe” all the things in the Bible. But what if you simply started just to DO what God says and let God show you the wisdom of His ways instead of demanding to do things according to your own understanding? It’s a challenge, for sure. I’m trusting that God will prove Himself to you.

I am committed to admit the error of my ways, trust that Jesus is who he says he is, and that the way he teaches me to live is the way for life abundantly and eternally. I don’t always succeed, but I will continue to make the turns necessary to follow Jesus. I hope you’ll join me.

At CtC, we seek to help all people experience the life-changing love of Jesus, and we commit to love, serve, and engage God and people for this purpose. Come join us...

Saturday, July 17

Relax with Friends.
Sip some coffee. Get inspired.
7:00pm
Elsmere Campus

Welcome to the CtC family!

If you'd like to become a member, please reserve your seat at our next class
Sunday, September 26

LOVE. Worship God with us.

• In-Person at Bear Campus, Saturday 6pm and/or Sunday 9 and 11AM
• In-Person at Elsmere Campus, Sunday 11AM
• Online Campus, Sunday 9AM at ctcde.online.church



SERVE.

• What in the world are you here for? Discover your spiritual gifts at 
• Volunteer to serve during weekend services. Contact Lynne Poindexter. 

ENGAGE.

• Meet people with similar interests, needs, and passions. Contact Crissy Carroll. 
• Pray for others, encourage, and give care to others. Contact Pastor Vaughn.
• Information for Children Ministries: Contact Crissy Carroll 
• Information for Student Ministries: Contact Daniel Carroll

Heavenly father, You love us so much that you sent Jesus to tell us and make the pathway straight to you. We know we stumble, fall, get side-tracked, and tired. Give us your Holy Spirit so that we can trust you every day and act according to your way which leads to life abundantly forever. In Jesus' name, amen.

- Pastor Roger