I've gotten with a few people about the Cardinal Game I have tickets for on June
16th. It's the Royals at 1:15. IF you have children in school above the 3rd
grade, I'll be happy to take them on the field with me as part of the deal I can
give. I've given tickets to a couple people and you can catch me on Sunday to
pay for them or pick them up as some of you have already requested some as
well. Thank you to those who have also purchased from me, too. I'll be by the
info center between service and the 2nd Sunday school session with my ticket bag
in hand. Let me know how many you would like in advance and I'll be sure to
pull them out and have them ready for you. See ya on Sunday!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Mid-Week Update
Lesson Recap
Philippians 3: 1-21
Look Up To Heaven
Recap: The Lives of the early Christians were being observed. Paul encouraged his friends to make their salvation evident in their daily living.
In This Lesson: We are encouraged to look at the things of the world from heaven's point of view.
Intro: Three men of wealth and prestige hear of an island in the remote part of the Pacific Ocean. This island has many inhabitants but no Christian influence. It is reported the people of this island practice a religion centered around cannibalism. These three men decide God is calling them to go and share the good news with the people on this island. They go. They are welcomed, befriended, and treated well. They even begin to start making friends and learning the language. One day without any warning, the three men are captured, bound, and placed in a large pot of boiling water. Guess what's on the menu for supper that day? Word gets back to the states of this occurrence. All the friends, family and church family are horrified.
Why would God allow such a thing to happen?
1-11
Paul's past
The accountant.
In these verses Paul sounds like an accountant. "I count" is a key phrase. Paul states his losses but what are his new values? What does it appear Paul meant in v8 by "everything...a loss"? In v10 Paul states he wants to know Christ. How can we know Christ better?
12-16
Paul's present
the athlete
What does Paul sound like in these verses? (see vv13-14) "I press" is a key phrase.
What sense of vigor do we see in Paul? What efforts did Paul describe toward reaching his goal? Think of your life. What is your prize? For Paul, it was Christ likeness.
17-21
Paul's future
the alien
Why does Paul consider himself an alien? "I look" is a key phrase. What vision does Paul project?
Do you think Paul was being arrogant when he said the Philippians should imitate him? What is the value of being an accountability partner? In v18 Paul refers to enemies of the cross. He might be referring to some Jewish Christian teachers, unsaved people, or professing Christians with shameful pagan lifestyles. Whoever Paul was referring to they were enemies of the cross because their lifestyles contradicted their professed commitment to Christ.
Look at the lives of Job, Ruth, and Queen Esther. What can we learn from their positive examples?
Conclusion: Your teen comes to you one day and announces he/she feels that God is leading him/her to go and share the gospel with a people group on an island in the remote part of the Pacific Ocean. There are a few other friends that feel the same. They plan to go after they finish college. What do you say?
Oh. And our true story above? One of the slain men's wife went went a few years later to the same island that her husband was killed on. As a result , she lead the tribal leader to Christ and the rest of the islanders followed.
Quote of the Week
Snacks
- 5/20 Stubbs
- 6/03 LaRowe
- 6/10 Hurt
Prayer Requests
- Brock will be home next week with his wife. Pray for safe travel and a good visit.
- JT's back!
- Brock and Kristi are preparing to move back next year and start a new church on the Loop.
- Kevin is having a few neurological issues. Pray for guidance for the doctors and patience all around.
- Lesa's job search
- Jim's strife at work (problems).
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The Abbreviated Mid-Week Update..
...I just got out of the hospital so I am keeping this one short. No lesson recap this week!
Snacks
- 5/13 Bradshaw
- 5/20 Stubbs
Prayer Requests
- Kevin's mom is home and doing well after having some heart issues
- Men singing for Mother's Day
- Brian Mulder's dad is having health issues
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The Mid-Week Update!!!
Sorry this is a tad late. A bit under the weather here.
Our Priority 2: 1-4
To help us better comprehend Paul's statement in v. 1, we would benefit by replacing "if" with "because".
As motivation for unity, in v. 2 & 3, Paul pointed to four of believer's deepest experiences with Christ. They are:
Our Attitude 2: 5-8
Look at the attitude of Christ Jesus stated by Paul in these verses. In the workplace, on the sports field, and in relationships, attitude is often the first thing that either attracts or repels people from the message of Christ. Our task as Christians is to be aware of our attitudes, and continually try to make them like Christ.
How will our attitude affect our ability to live up to the gospel?
Our Confession 2: 9-11
How can one use vv 10-11 to argue the point that all will eventually be saved? With your background knowledge of the Bible, what do you think vv 10-11 means? When you declare that Jesus is Lord, what do you mean? What is your favorite way to confess (acknowledge) Jesus as your Lord?
Conclusion: We have discussed what we thought being true to the gospel required of us. A right understanding of this concept is important because Christians spread the gospel by living in ways that are true to it.
Lesson Recap
Philippians 1: 27-2: 11
Live Up To The Gospel
Recap: Paul is in prison and writing this letter to the believers in Philippi. He wants them to know not only is he doing well, but is in fact able to spread the gospel in his confinement. Our challenge from last week's lesson was-if Paul could find a way to share the gospel in prison, certainly God can show me ho to share His love with other believers in my life.
In this lesson: Paul uses the thought of his anticipated visit as a segue to begin discussing his major concern for the Philippians; unity among the believers.
Intro: Salvation is both gift and demand. When we accept God's immeasurable gift, we come under the demand that our lives progressively reflect Christ's character. It's a lot like adoption. It is a gift to the adopted children to be accepted into the family. But accompanying acceptance is the task of adapting to the family's way of life including: goals, values, and general lifestyle. This adaptation will prove to be an ongoing task. Similarly, meeting the demands of salvation requires a lifetime of consistent, focused effort. In this lesson we saw that Paul is going to admonish the believers to lead a life worthy of the gospel. What do you think being true to the gospel requires of us?
Our Conduct 1:27-30
What might a believer's life look like if he lived worthy of the gospel? Living a life worthy of the gospel produces unity within the community of believers. Let's identify the 4 results of unity Paul mentioned:
- Standing firm in one spirit=(as one strong group) or (the Spirit of God)
- Contending as one man=with one mind
- For the faith of the gospel= working side-by-side for the "faith of the gospel" (the gospel message) or (what the gospel produces)
- Without being frightened= as they saw that Paul was not frightened when he was being persecuted (see Acts 16:16-24) We can see that he was not frightened in Acts 16: 25
Our Priority 2: 1-4
To help us better comprehend Paul's statement in v. 1, we would benefit by replacing "if" with "because".
- Because you have encouragement from being united with Christ.
- Because there is comfort from his love.
- Because there is a fellowship with the Spirit.
- Because there is tenderness and compassion.
As motivation for unity, in v. 2 & 3, Paul pointed to four of believer's deepest experiences with Christ. They are:
- Be like-minded= thinking the same way
- Have the same love= demonstrate the same distinctive Christian love
- Be one is spirit and purpose- share the same feelings and focus on one goal
- Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit=consider others a higher priority than self.
Our Attitude 2: 5-8
Look at the attitude of Christ Jesus stated by Paul in these verses. In the workplace, on the sports field, and in relationships, attitude is often the first thing that either attracts or repels people from the message of Christ. Our task as Christians is to be aware of our attitudes, and continually try to make them like Christ.
How will our attitude affect our ability to live up to the gospel?
Our Confession 2: 9-11
How can one use vv 10-11 to argue the point that all will eventually be saved? With your background knowledge of the Bible, what do you think vv 10-11 means? When you declare that Jesus is Lord, what do you mean? What is your favorite way to confess (acknowledge) Jesus as your Lord?
Conclusion: We have discussed what we thought being true to the gospel required of us. A right understanding of this concept is important because Christians spread the gospel by living in ways that are true to it.
Quote of the Week
"All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God
because they reckoned on His power & presence being with them.”
-Hudson Taylor
Snacks
- 5/6 Meinhardt
- 5/13 Bradshaw
- 5/20 Stubbs
Prayer Requests
- Pastor Gene's mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She is 82.
- Jim's mother is dealing with Alzheimer's and loss of memory
- Both of Pam Stanfield's hearing aids broke. They have to buy two new ones.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The Mid-Week Update!!
Lesson Recap
Philippians 1:12-26
Lift Up The Gospel
Quick Recap: Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians, and he wrote it from jail. He wrote the churchi n Philippi to thank them for their partnership, to let them know that he was doing well, and to settle some issue within the church.
In this lesson we saw that while Paul was in prison, he told others about Jesus. His example encouraged others to also share the good news with courage. However-some were encouraged, by Paul's circumstances, to "preach" the gospel with false motives. And finally, Paul states his belief that his trial would result in acquittal. But either way, he was in a win-win situation. He was torn between going on living so that he could help the Philippian Christians and dying so that he could be with Christ!
Some opportunities only come once. Think of some once in a lifetime opportunities. Think of one you missed, and how you felt about missing the one you missed.
Opportunities to share the gospel is unique-they have eternal consequences and are orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. All of us have missed opportunities to share Christ with someone at some point in time. In this lesson we saw how Paul's imprisonment, which could have impeded the gospel, actually served to advance it!
In Limiting Situations 1:12-14
How is this situation limiting to Paul sharing the gospel? Look at verse 11. There you will see Paul's attitude about his circumstances. What can you and I learn about this? How can we be bold regardless of our circumstances?
In Imperfect Situations 1:15-18a
What imperfect situation of sharing the gospel is referred to in these verses? How did the other "preachers" attitudes affect Paul? How did the other "preachers" attitudes affect the spread of the gospel? What are some less than perfect situations in our life? How can you and I make use of these situations to spread the gospel?
In Stressful Situations 1:18b-20
Paul's not knowing whether he will live or die creates a stressful situation for him. However, his perspective concerning his future is to honor God regardless the outcome. How do you think it was possible for him to honor and rejoice Christ in his circumstances?
So that was Paul-what about us?Stressful situations come in a variety of shapes and sizes; job loss, terminal illness, car accident, or even a week with the flu. While most of us cannot identify with Paul's prison time, we would agree that it is difficult to rejoice in the previous stated circumstances. How we handle ourselves in the midst of these events can be a real testimony to people around us. Just something to think about.
In Unresolved Situations 1:21-26
Few, if any of us, will ever know if we will be released from prison or not. But we all face unresolved situations. What are some examples of some?
Look at verse 21. What do you think Paul means by this statement? Secondly, do you agree with Paul's declaration in this verse? Why or why not?
Because of his imprisonment, Paul did no know if he would live or die. His future was a mystery. As followers of Christ, we recognize that life is a gift. While we cannot know the future any more than Paul could, we rest in the assurance of eternity with Christ. Paul was firm in his conviction that, whether in life or Death, his desire was to point others to Christ. What an example for us to follow!
Conclusion: If Paul can find an opportunity to share Christ while in prison-certainly God can show me how to share His love with others in my life.
SPOT Lunch...
...will be this week after class at Chili's. We will decide on the location when we see who is going!
Quote of the Week
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Mid-Week Update
Lesson Recap
Philippians 1:1-11
Link Up With Others
Intro to Philippians: Philippi is a city is Macedonia. Macedonia is located north of Greece. It is a rich tract of land centered on the plains of the gulf of Thessalonica and is famous for its timber and precious metal. Its kings dominated Greek affairs from the 4th century BC. Subsequently its federations of republics were incorporated into a Roman province with a proconsul at Thessalonica. After his vision of a man of Macedonia (Acts 16:9), Paul began to take advantage of his high social status and spread the good news throughout the region.
The letter is broken down as follows:
- Greetings (1:1-2)
- Thanksgiving and prayer (1:3-11)
- Paul's ambition and joy (1:12-26)
- Exhortation and example (1:27-2:18)
- Anticipated future plans (2:19-30)
- Digression about false teachers (3)
- Encouragements, appreciations, and greetings (4)
- His primary purpose was to prevent division in the church. A disagreement between two members threatened the church's unity.
- He wanted to inform the church that he was doing well, in fact, even in prison he was advancing the gospel.
- He desired to warn against the teachings of some legalistic Jewish Christians.
- He needed to correct some Christians who were claiming spiritual perfection.
- He wished to thank church members for their gift.
Support can mean different things to different people:
- To a parent of a teenager/college student it can mean monetary support.
- To a painter on a ladder it can mean physical help, as in the holding of the ladder.
- To a friend with a physical ailment it can mean emotional support.
- A marathon runner can get support from motivation by others.
Get Started 1-2
The letter is addressed to all saints (Christians), overseers & deacons (leaders). Here Paul passes the blessing of grace and peace to them. What is grace? What is peace? Where does a believer obtain grace and peace? (See v2)
Be Involved Now 3-6
Paul felt grateful to the Philippians for their financial support, and he felt thankful for their involvement with his ministry from start to finish. What does it mean to partner with someone? How can you and I partner with others to spread the gospel? How would you explain verse 6 to your teen? What does it mean to you?
Assist in Various Ways 7-8
The Philippians were faithful supporters of Paul. He received financial and emotional support from them. These believers also joined Paul in spreading the good news to the Gentiles. Paul was honored to partner with them in the work of spreading the gospel. What does it mean to share the gospel with someone? In what ways can you and I assist in sharing the gospel?
Stay With It 9-11
In his prayer, Paul request love, knowledge, insight, discernment, and purity on behalf of the Philippian believers. Think of the difference between a child's and adult's attitude and motivation to stick with a task or long-term commitment. Paul commended the church in Philippi for their growing maturity in Christ. He encouraged them to stay with it. What Steps can one take to help them be consistent with spiritual growth?
Conclusion: What steps can I take to ensure I continue to grow in Christ?
Class Muny Visit
The poll on what Muny show the class should go and see this year is in the folder. Vote early and often! All dates listed are Saturday nights, and we will sit in the free seats!
Baseball Tickets
As mentioned previously here on the Blog, Brad Slinkard has reduced price Cardinal ticket for sale, and he is offering the special price to the SPOT class. He sends along this message:
" I was not at church last Sunday, nor will I be there this Sunday as I will be in
Minneapolis. I've received replies for tickets and I have those names saved in
an email folder. As a reminder, they are $37.00 tickets in the Left Field
Pavillion that I'm selling for $17.00 per ticket so that's more than 1/2 off. I
can meet you in the lobby at church tonight or next Wednesday since I won't be
at church this weekend or I can meet you in the lobby after Church service on
Sunday April 29th. We always can just set a time and meet, too as the game
isn't until June 16th. We'll make it happen. Enjoy your week!"
Here are the prior details:
Brad Slinkard, once again, has plenty of tickets to the Cardinal's game on Saturday, June
16th at 1:15 for the Cardinals/Royals game. He is opening it up to the SPOT
class again. Tickets are normally 32.00 for this game but getting them for only
$17.00 so almost 1/2 off. Please see him at church or respond here (or call) and
let me know if you'd like any. It's also Purina Pet day where you get a Dog
bowl for your pet =)......
Brad Slinkard
314-494-5081
Quote of the Week
If our mission is centered on the cross, we will still address social and political concerns, but we will do so without concern for our own power an influence.-Russell D. Moore, Tempted and Tried, Crossway, 2011
Snacks
- 4/22 Perry
- 4/29 Phillips
- 5/6 Meinhardt
- 5/13 Bradshaw
Prayer Requests
- God found Karen's pearls for her that have been lost for at least 15 years. Rusty gave them to her before they were married!
- Mike Zimmer, who used to be a member here 7 years ago and was in Fine Arts, was here on Sunday. Pray that he continues to stay clean and sober.
- Zenobia's dad's level of cognition is declining. Pray for transition needed, and for her mom.
- J.T. got a job! (Now Lesa needs one.)
Monday, April 16, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Mid-Week Update
This week we will only have an abbreviated update up as on Sunday we have NO CLASS!!! There are two Easter services this week.
Lesson Recap
Deuteronomy 31:1-34:12
Be Positive 33:1-5 & 34:1-12
Last Time We Met: Before entering Canaan, God reminded Israel to remain faithful to their commitment to Him. By doing so they would live productive, prosperous lives. However, failure to honor their commitment to God would result in unpleasant consequences. But even then- God was willing to forgive acts of unfaithfulness with genuine repentance. We determined the words God gave to Israel years ago applies to us today.
Summary of Background Material: The life of Moses covered a period of tumultuous and important events in Israelite history. Moses name, "drawn out of the water", pointed to his providential rescue by the daughter of Pharaoh. As a young man, Moses turned his back on wealth and power to identify with the Israelite people. His defense of an Israelite slave being beaten by an Egyptian led to Moses' fleeing Egypt as a fugitive. During that period of exile, God called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses led the liberated Israelites to Mount Sinai, where they entered a covenant with the Lord and received the law they were to live by. Afterward, Moses led the people to Kadesh-barnea-located at the southern edge of the promised land. There a failure of faith by the majority resulted in decades of wandering in the wilderness. Now a new generation stood ready to enter the land, but Moses would not be the one to lead them in.
The final four chapters of Deuteronomy report Moses, last actions and teachings as he passed the leadership mantle to his successor, and as he prepared for his impending death. To the very end of his life, Moses sought to carry out the calling the Lord had given him.
Introduction: Many people stay so preoccupied with living today, they never consider what kind of legacy they will leave for future generations. If you were writing your own funeral eulogy, what would you want it to say?
This lesson challenges us to be intentional about building a positive legacy that points to and glorifies God.
Brag on God to the End 33:1-5
NOTE: In v. 5, Jeshurun= Israel (see Isa. 44:2). If you knew nothing about Moses, what would the description "the man of God" suggest to you about him? What do people today need to do to be considered a "man or woman of God"? What do you imagine Moses thought about when he viewed the promised land from atop Mt. Nebo? Moses life might have been different had he chosen to pursue his own purposes because if Moses would have chosen his own goals he would never have seen God's purpose fulfilled through his life's work. (See Heb. 11:24-27). In choosing to put God's purposes above our own we can make an impact on others that has eternal results.
Prepare and Encourage New Leadership 34:5-9
According to v7, Moses was obviously healthy and strong until he died. He laid hands on Joshua to pass the leadership mantle on to him because part of Godly leadership is preparing successors to lead after our departure. Teaching and training others to take our place is a gift we give to the next generation. What are some things parents of teens can do now to prepare them to eventually fill our shoes?
Grow in Your Relationship with God 34:10-12
What do you think the phrase "face to face' says about the kind of relationship Moses had with God? If we were to strive to develop that kind of relationship with God, what might it take? Moses legacy is about what God did through a man, not about what a man did for God. This is the evidence that showed God was working in Moses' life.
Conclusion: Realizing the importance for those who follow, I will work towards the goal to leave a positive, Godly legacy.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for a neighbor of the Robbins who is dealing with the aftermath of a stroke.
- Pray for Jeanette's friend Cheryl, who is depressed due to unemployment.
Monday, April 2, 2012
CSM Parent Newsletter
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Sunday, April 1, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Mid-Week Update
Lesson Recap
Deuteronomy 27:1-30:20
Be Repentant 30:1-8,15-20
Last Time We Met: God warned His people to be honest and fair with each other. He also instructed those who judged to do so with integrity. Reason being, when God's people treat their fellow man with honesty and fairness they demonstrate God-like characteristics. When judges judge honestly they judge as God does. When God's people demonstrate similar behavior in today's world-they too demonstrate God-like qualities.
Summary of Background Material: As Moses prepared the new generation of Israelites to enter the promised land, he taught them God's law and the holy ways God expected them to live. In this section of Deuteronomy, Moses called the people to solidify their devotion to the Lord God by renewing the covenant.
Preserving and Affirming God's Law 27:1-26
Blessings and Curses Associated with Obedience and Disobedience 28:1-68
Standing Before and Returning to the Lord 29:1-31:10
Choosing Life or Death 30:11-20
Introduction: A lot of country music deals with cheating on a spouse. What are some other acts of unfaithfulness we see in our society? Broken relationships are just one affect of unfaithfulness. All throughout our studies of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy we have noticed the Israelites in a cycle of obedience-disobedience-repentance-restored relationship. This lesson reminds us when God's people disobey, it is necessary for us to repent in order to have a restored relationship with Him.
The first generation of Israelites freed from Egyptian slavery received the law and agreed to the covenant at Mt. Sinai. Sadly, a disastrous failure of faith at Kadesh-barnea prevented that generation from entering the promised land. Fast forward 40 years. Despite the present generation's verbal commitment to the covenant, Moses knew that future generations would rebel and experience the severe discipline of God.
Repentance is Possible 30:1-5
Why might Moses assume the people would stray from God and need restoration? In verse 3 we see three things that God will do when Israel returns to Him after a time of rebellion.
- restore fortunes
- have compassion (see Ps. 103:8-13)
- gather them back to Israel
God Works in Repentant Hearts 30:6-8
How is a heart that has been circumcised different than before? To circumcise your heart means to change your heart or cut away the thick calluses on your heart. God transforms the hearts of those who come to Him in repentance. He cuts away the hardened, rebellious parts and leaves a heart that is soft toward Him. When we mess up spiritually, the things we can change ourselves or to stop sinning, admit our wrongdoing, and apologize to the offended. Why are we unable to repent of sin without God's enablement? Only God can address the source of our sinfulness by transforming the heart and giving us a desire to obey Him. When one repents and experiences spiritual circumcision, he will love the Lord with all his heart and soul (see Mt. 3:8).
Life Comes Down to a Choice 30:15-20
As we read these verses we might see a picture of a road with a fork in it. The two prongs would be faithfulness and unfaithfulness. Faithfulness leads to life and prosperity, where unfaithfulness leads to death and adversity. Assuming the principle of these words were applicable to you and me today, what is God's message to us? Look at v 20. You will note the words, "He is your life". What does that phrase mean to you?
Conclusion: As a result of today's lesson, I will search my heart and repent of any unfaithfulness to the Lord.
Baseball Tickets
Brad Slinkard, once again, has plenty of tickets to the Cardinal's game on Saturday, June
16th at 1:15 for the Cardinals/Royals game. He is opening it up to the SPOT
class again. Tickets are normally 32.00 for this game but getting them for only
$17.00 so almost 1/2 off. Please see him at church or respond here (or call) and
let me know if you'd like any. It's also Purina Pet day where you get a Dog
bowl for your pet =)......
Brad Slinkard
314-494-5081
Snacks
- 4/1 Stanfield
- 4/8 EASTER- No Class
- 4/15 Hurt
- 4/22 Perry
Prayer Requests
- Phil's friends (Tim and Terri) son who was 25 years old died. Pray for this family.
- Pray for Ed Stanfield that God would grant him wisdom in his job search.
- Pray for Don and Lori as they are called to minister to a neighbor that had a massive stroke.
Friday, March 16, 2012
The Rather Late Mid-Week Update...
My apologies for the delay, had a bit of a technical glitch here!
Prayer Requests
Lesson Recap
DEUTERONOMY 12:1-16:17
Be Different 14:1-2, 9-11,19-23
Last Time We Met: All of us face change in life. Israel was about to enter the promised land and their life was about to undergo significant change. They were going to be faced with confrontation and temptation unlike anything they have ever known. God instructed them regardless of circumstances. He wanted them to maintain exclusive devotion to Him.
The Lost Lesson: This lesson guided us to passionately affirming that God is our source of life and well being. Read the following: Love That Shows Priority 6:4-9. Devotion That Never Forgets 6:10-14, Grace That Is Undeserved 7-6-9. How well do these verses help us passionately affirm that God is the source of our life and well-being?
Summary of Background Material: Chapters 12-16 includes a variety of laws, regulations,and instructions God Gave the Israelites to govern their behavior as His covenant people. Topics covered included: worship, diet, generosity, and celebrations. Results being that God's people are about to be a different people.
Introduction: Our teen children face tremendous pressure by their peers to fit in-to be like everyone else. But we adults also face this pressure. When was the last time you felt pressured by your peers to be like everyone else? This lesson challenged us to exhibit a lifestyle that reflect a right relationship with God. This will cause us to be different from most of our peers. It's that difference that identifies us as God's people and makes us a witness for Him to "the world".
Maintain A Godly Worldly View 14:1-2
Cutting of self sounds a lot like 1 Kings 18:28. The bald spot on the head may be related to Jeremiah 16:6. Bottom line? Inflicting pain to show devotion is foreign to biblical principles or worship. There are a lot of differences in the way that believers and unbelievers view life. They include: looking out for #1, eat, drink, and be merry, the one that dies with the most wins for the unbeliever, etc. For the believer it is live life in the light of eternity, death isn't the end, lose life to gain it, love enemies, etc.
Choose a Clean Lifestyle: 14:9-11, 19-21
What do you think was the purpose of God's people keeping a diet different than that of the culture around them? It was because some of the foods had health risks, and also simply because God said so! In what ways does God call His people today to be holy and distinctive. We are to be the light and salt of the world.
Exhibit Consistent Stewardship 14:22-23
One reason God wants His people to give of our resources to Him as a form of worship is to maintain a healthy fear of Him. How does the way we use our money indicate the condition of our relation ship with God? How does one determine where to give when there are more needs than one could possibly meet?
Conclusion: In a secular environment, what would others notice as being different about me? My answer to this question will help me determine where I am in my relationship with God.
Easter Eggstravaganza
...is right around the corner on March 31st. Some of the class are volunteering to man a game booth that day. Come join us, or consider volunteering in some other way. A sign-up sheet is in the SPOT folder!
Snacks
- 3/18 LaRowe
- 3/25 Phillips
Prayer Requests
- Ed's wife Pam says thanks for our prayers. She felt good last week.
- Ed Stanfield asks us to pray for his little girl Amber. She is struggling with guilt of the death of her mother. She feels responsible.
- Pray for Ed also, as he lost his job.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The Mid-Week Update!!!
Many Thanks...
...to Greg Mason and his class for sharing with us this week. The lesson was on 1 John 5, and living the victorious life.
Easter Eggstravaganza
The Easter Eggstravaganza is coming up on March 31 from 9-11 AM. Please consider helping in a game room, with the Easter egg hunt, in a craft room, or by donating a gift basket. Details are in the SPOT folder.
Snacks
- 3/11 Meinhardt
- 3/18 LaRowe
- 3/25 Phillips
Prayer Requests
- Prayer of thanks for the wonderful things in the Fine Arts department.
- Praise for how quickly Zenobia has healed from her trigger finger surgery.
- Pray for Don and his family on the death of his step-mother.