NEW STUDY!!! “Forgotten God”

I am so excited about the new study that is beginning on June 25th “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan.  I truly believe that God is going to use it in a mighty way to open our eyes to the true power in living for God – the Holy Spirit.  I can’t wait to get started!!!

Here is what to do to prepare:
BUY THE BOOK!!!  It is available at local Christian Book Stores and online for around $10-$12.  Please let me know if the cost is prohibitive for you – we will make a copy available for you.  PLEASE, don’t let this stop you from taking part. 

These links will take you to several online options.
- Lifeway Bookstore – http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/product.asp?isbn=1434767957&mscssid=XBPDMLKS3B978PFM402G6233FRGPFN9C

- Amazon Books – http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-God-Reversing-Tragic-Neglect/dp/1434767957

- Christianbook – http://www.christianbook.com/forgotten-god/francis-chan/9781434767950/pd/767950

 Also, check out this intro video:

Saul’s Salvation

INFORM:

Apr 16 (Friday) – 11:00 am Guy’s Lunch – be looking for an email from Eric Trees w/ more details

Apr 16-17 – 7-9:30 pm Friday/8-12 AM Saturday – Marriage Conference w/ Steve Farrar ($40/per person)

Apr 18 - 8:00 am – Men’s Breakfast in the FLC

Apr  20 – 10:00 am- 12:00 pm – (Churchwide) Ladies Study Group – (“Redeemed” by Beth Moore on the life of David)

INSPIRE:

Ok, so here’s an easy question…What are the top seven most important things in your life? AND… How would you PROVE they are important to you? 

I believe most of us would list some things like family, children, jobs, God/church, etc.  But, how can we really know these are important to us?  Do you think it is possible for us to be self-deceived about what we truly value? 

The answer in my life is a definite “YES” -Ever heard the phrase “ACTIONS speak louder than words”?  It is so easy for us to con ourselves into THINKING something is of value, yet living in a way that screams out something different.  Christ put it this way: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21) – teasure here is referring to your time, your talents, and your possessions.  So what is your LIFE saying if you can spend hours at work, caring for the home, in front of the TV, working in the yard, playing sports, talking on the phone, facebook (haha, I said it!), gaming (you didn’t get away either ), and even involved in “Christian” activities, but you can’t find the time to spend even 15 mins for a quiet moment with God reading His Word and in sincere prayer?  I heard it said recently that we have a big choice in life: DISCIPLINE or REGRET (discipline here meaning self-control not punishment).  So, I ask myself this question “What will I say to God when I stand before Him about the time I spent on “meaningless” things and neglected what He values?”  Take a moment to think about this!

Then, READ ACTS Chapter 9.  This week we’re going to look at the amazing conversion of Saul (the Christian persecutor).  You don’t want to miss this!

INCLUDE:

Here are a few questions for ACTS 9 we’ll be discussing Sunday:

1. Why is the conversion of Saul so important that it is repeated three times in Acts?

2. What is unique about this conversion account?

3. What does Saul’s conversion have to do with people today?

Fellowship with God!

INFORM:

- APR 8th - 6:30 pm @ Melting Pot (BridgeStreet) Lady’s Fellowship – Brandi Neals Going-Away Party

-APR 11th (Sunday) - 4:30 pm in the FLC VBS Worker’s Training

- APR 16-17 – (7-9:30 pm Friday/8-12 AM Saturday) – Marriage Conference w/ Steve Farrar ($40/per person)

INSPIRE:

Read Hebrews 9 – It is amazing how cheap we take our salvation at times (if we’re being honest).  This chapter is such a beautiful reminder of the sinless sacrifice that was offered for our sins.  As we read in verse 12: ^“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” 

What can wash away our sin?  We can only say NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS.  By His sacrifice the Holiest communion with God was tore open (Matt 27:51) that we may enter where even the high priests feared to tread.  So here is the challenge from the writer of Hebrews in chapter 10: 19-25;

 ”¹⁹Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Think about these words!

 INCLUDE:

- What came to your mind as you read Hebrews 9?

- What does it mean to you that the Temple veil was torn?

- How does this encourage you?

Thankful for GIC!!!

INFORM:

Mar 26 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm - Night of Prayer

Apr 16-17 - God’s Game Plan for Marriage w/ Steve Farrar -Ticket on sale now $35/person

INSPIRE:

WOW, as I sit and think on the experience of last week and the great priviledge it was to be at the GIC, the thought that comes to mind is – THANKFUL!  I am so thankful for the chance to turn our eyes to the great need in the world for the Gospel.  Maybe you all are feeling like I am: I don’t want this to fade away in a week or two!  Once the blinders are off, why would we put them on again?  Let’s be praying that God would allow us to see the truth of what is really going on around us each day and what is truly important! 

CHECKOUT THE WHITTEMORE LINKS AT THE TOP-RIGHT OF THE PAGE!!!

Also, I  want to briefly share with you about a unique and special class event – the Night of Prayer.  Mark your calendars for March 26 - from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.  This night is an awesome opportunity to come together and simply pray together.  If it seems intimidating, new, or you’re thinking ”What in the world would I pray about?”  let me strongly encourage you -  GIVE IT A TRY!!!  I promise you will be so glad you did (money-back guarantee ).  If we really have a desire for God to use our class (our lives) the starting line is PRAYER.  A few week s ago we saw how God used Peter to be His Voice to the people on the Day of Pentecost.  Isn’t it amazing that God came to them while they were meeting in prayer.  I take very seriously prayers for health and those in need, but there are so many other things we should bring before the Lord.  We may need to pray a confession, a thanks to God, a cry out in hardship, for lost loved ones, or that God would fill our lives more fully.  Be planning now to be there and I’ll update you with more details in the coming weeks (prayer guide, etc).   And parents, don’t worry - there will be arrangements for kid care during this time.

INCLUDE:

YOUR THOUGHTS ON GIC…

WHAT DID YOU THINK?

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

LET US KNOW!!!

Please click the leave a comment/comment tab just below and share!!!

Silence of the Lambs!

INFORM:

Mar 3-7 – GLOBAL FOCUS – see schedule at http://www.capshaw.org/globalimpactcelebration

Mar 7 – 9:00 Breakfast Time with the Whittemore’s - NOTE we’re starting early and will be hearing about their ministry!!! 

***CANCELED*** Mar 6 (evening) – Class Missionary Fellowship

Please be praying for our missionaries Richard and Ashley Whittenmore and be thinking of creative ways to be a blessing to them.

Apr 16-17 - God’s Game Plan for Marriage w/ Steve Farrar

INSPIRE:

I have not stopped or been able to escape thoughts of our lesson this past week.  As I sat remembering the events of  Acts 4, a great evil began to emerge, to become  clear…the Silence of the Lambs.  Oh, I mean no Hollywood creation or screenplay, but an altogether worse serial killer; one that is destroying the souls of mankind for eternity.  “What could it be?” you ask.  It is this: the great and devastating SILENCE of the Gospel by Christians, the flock – the sheep of God.  Those who claim repentance, forgiveness and salvation in Christ alone.  Yet each day, they (we) speak not a word to a neighbor, co-worker, close friend, father, mother, child…those who know no Savior, who are lost and heading for an eternity in Hell.  As I listened to our pastor on Sunday plead for us to see the reality of Hell, my heart was so convicted by the duplicity between my words/thoughts and my actions.  I fully believe God’s Word is true, not just stories or moral lessons, but absolute truth!!!  I read how often Christ warned of Hell as a REALITY to those who reject salvation.  I would boldly teach our class that Hell is real and tell of the great and terrible  jeopardy of people without Christ as their Savior.  But the thought that makes me weep as I type these words is that knowing this truth, believe this truth – that I would be SILENT - speaking not a word of the Gospel to those around me in great peril.  How is it that I can go through life looking the world in their eyes, making pleasant conversations, carrying out ”my” plans – without blinking that so many all around are lost and perishing.  “Oh, you’re to hard on yourself”, you might say…but in my heart I feel I’m not hard enough!!!  Time is fleeting, days are passing, and the call of Christ remains “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Luke 10:2.  The harvest is NOW, the day of God’s grace is NOW – what keeps us from the field?  They arrested Peter and John, they ridiculed them, questioned them, insulted them, they sought to keep them quiet - but Peter and John stayed in the “field” sharing the Gospel.  We are not lacking a new method, a more enticing sale pitch, or great theological degrees.  What we need is to see though the eyes of Christ.  We need to be broken at the thought of those with no HOPE, no SAVIOR - those like the lame man who so desperately need someone filled with the Holy Spirit to pass their way extending God’s grace and healing…

INCLUDE:

- Just spend sometime thinking about this…

- What keeps us SILENT?

- Pray God would give you a deep burden for someone who is lost in your life.  Then, (if you feel comfortable) send me an email kirk121@gmail.com with their name or tell me on Sunday during class, and we’ll begin to earnestly pray that the Gospel would become real to them and they would make Christ Lord of their life.

Acts of Healing!

INFORM:

Feb 21 – Breakfast by the Johnson’s

Feb 21 – 6:30 pm Night of Praise

Feb 23  – 6:30 pm Ladies Night at Brandi Neal’s House

Mar 3-7 – GLOBAL FOCUS (some additional info in class this week)

Mar 6 (evening) – Class Missionary Fellowship *CANCELED*

***Please be praying for our missionaries Richard and Ashley Whittenmore and be thinking of creative ways to be a blessing to them.

Apr 16-17 - God’s Game Plan for Marriage w/ Steve Farrar

INSPIRE:

Each of your days begins with the same humiliating journey in the arms of your relatives.  You completely depend on their strength and charity to carry you to the beautiful temple gate to beg.  Life for you has always been this way.  From your parents first shock at seeing the birth of your deformity, their hopes for you quickly vanished.  You are a disgrace to them and a sign to those around you of the judgement of God.  “Who sin was it, yours or your parents?”, they ask.  You remember days as a child, being left out by the temple with your helpless difigured legs exposed to the crowd.  You remember seeing other children running, dancing, and leaping.  But, this was not for you.  Your lot is full of awkward glances, dimissive gestures, and ridicule.  Your presence is not cherished, but rather endured and pitied.

Can you see this?  Can you imagine yourself in this way?  In Acts 3 we will meet a man who knew this reality everyday.  Yet he was about to encounter the power of the Holy Spirit through the lives Peter and John.  This week in class we will be looking into this miraclulous account.  Read through Act 3!

INCLUDE:

- How do we commonly respond to those with a disability?

- What do you think the man expected from Peter and John?

- Do we know anyone like this lame man?

Acts of Unity!

INFORM:

(See 2/9/2010 post for key upcoming dates)

INSPIRE:

Last week we had a chance to look at the miraculous events that took place on the Day of Pentecost as the Spirit of God was poured out on mankind.  The promise of the counselor, comforter, and power made by Jesus Himself was fufilled.  So..what happened?  This week we will look again at Act 2 in verses 42-47 and Acts 4: 32-37 for this answer and a chance to see the ACTIONS that resulted.  Also read – Philippians 2:1-11 & Romans 12:3-7.

Watch this video:

INCLUDE:

- Describe what you think as you listen to the song?

- How would you describe churches you have been a part of? 

- What views do people have about churches? 

- How is the Church suppose to function as the Body of Christ?

Introducing the Whittemores!

Please be praying for the Whittemores as they are preparing for full time missions in Brazil through mission aviation.

I am so excited about our class’s unique opportunity to get to know this couple.  We have the amazing chance to be a direct and personal blessing to their ministry.  It is amazing how God puts things together.  I have had a passion for mission aviation for a very long time and can’t wait to hear  first hand how God is and will be using their abilities in Brazil.  So….LET’S BE CREATIVE in how we  support and encourage them.  I have watched you all be so thoughtful and considerate of others needs, and I look forward to hearing what you come up with.  Send me an email or comment below with your suggestions.

Also, here is a video and some links to their mission organization for more information:

http://scoreinternational.org/about/our-people/missionaries

http://scoreinternational.org

We are His workmanship!

INFORM:

• Feb 14 - Breakfast by the Rogers (in-class – please don’t show up at their house )
• Feb 21 - Night of Praise
• Mar 3-7 – GLOBAL FOCUS – remember we need to make some cool posters for our missionary for the first night (3rd).
• Mar 6 (evening) – Class Missionary Fellowship – special dinner in honor of our missionaries Richard and Ashley Whittenmore

 

• Breakfast coordinator: Brooke Thompson
• Care and Outreach coordinator: Candace Landers
• Ladies “aka Divas” Event Planners: Brandi Neal & Stephanie Good

Still looking for…. Please be prayfully considering and let me know if you’re interested (especially you guys)

• Guy’s Event Planner: plan one guy’s event a month
• Class Fellowship Lead: whose role is to lead a team in planning larger class events (i.e pinics, bowling, etc.), service opportunities (nursing homes, foodbank, etc.), and other big events such as rafting trips, camping, ski trips, etc.  I will work closely with this team to plan events to enhance what we are studying.

INSPIRE:

“Could what I think or how I live really need to change?” 

If you’re like me, thoughts and questions similar to this one often go with the study of God’s Word.  They occur at times when our ”normal” way of living and thinking is confronted by the truths of God.  Let me give you an example.  In the book of James 1:2 we read: 

 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

So we say to ourselves, “You mean I should be joyful in life when I experience trials?   But that isn’t NORMAL!!!  Trials bring sorrow, anger, depression…how can I be joyful?”  Yet, God is telling us to look beyond the “normal” thinking of this world and grasp His wisdom – knowing trials of our faith produce perseverance, strength, maturity, and completeness.   

At the end of class this week, we talked about the way we view ourselves in relationship to God.  In particular, the danger of viewing God as a tool or means to accomplish our will & goals, instead of seeing that we are His tools, His instruments, empowered by His Holy Spirit to bring about His plans – His will.  It may seem like a small thing at first, but this difference is foundational to God truly using our lives and for our understanding the actions of the men and women we will be studying throughout the book of Acts.  God did not pour out His Spirit to simply make our lives a little happier, a little more prosperous, a little less stressful, the bills not so high, the children a little less disobedient… He poured out His Spirit that our “normal, nature, worldy” lives be cast out and in their place are raised new lives filled with His all consuming power.  The purpose of this indwelling is that we may be His respresentation (His Body) to a lost and dying world for His glory.  He gave His Spirit that the actions of our hands, the words of our mouths, and the motivation of hearts be empowered by God.  So let me share with you how I respond to this truth.  I prayed this:

“God please forgive for my pride and arrogance in believing this life is about my will and my glory.  Lord forgive me for relying on my own strength instead of yours to accomplish your work.  God help me today to remember you and your power.  Lord, take the actions of my hands and the words I say that they may effectively communicate your love and truth to those around me”

Please know that I am only sharing the word of this prayer with you so that you know how important it is to respond to God.  There is nothing significant about them other than I sincerely meant them to God.  I encourage to read again Act 2 1:13 - think about what it said; God sending His Spirit – and spend time in prayer with God in your own words.   ALSO READ THIS VERSE:  EPHESIANS 2:10

INCLUDE:

- Tell me what you think about God using us, instead of us using Him.  Do you think it makes a difference?

- Describe a time you know God was working through your life?

- Any other thoughts as you read Acts 2? Please share!!!

Acts of the Spirit!

INFORM:

Feb 5 (Friday): Pre-School Funtime in the FLC (9:30 – 11:00 am) / Family Funtime in the FLC (6:00 – 8:00 pm)

Feb 7 (Sunday): SUPERBOWL Party!!! (5:00 – end of game) Remember: bring 2-liter and favorite game food ***LOCATION CHANGE*** The Lander’s House

A big thank you to our class volunteers.

• Breakfast coordinator: Brooke Thompson
• Care and Outreach coordinator: Candace Landers
• Ladies Event Planners: (tentative) Brandi Neal & Stephanie Good

Still looking for….                Let me know if you’re interested

• Guy’s Event Planner: plan one guy’s event a month
• Class Fellowship Lead: whose role is to lead a team in planning larger class events (i.e pinics, bowling, etc.), service opportunities (nursing homes, foodbank, etc.), and other big events such as rafting trips, camping, ski trips, etc.  I will work closely with this team to plan events to enhance what we are studying.

INSPIRE:

Is there anything that could be better than having Jesus walking with you everyday???  Well, according to Jesus that answer is YES!!! Listen to his words from John 16:5-11:

⁵“Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

This week we will see the fulfillment of Christ’s words as we study Act 2: 1-41.  Read these verses.  We are going to talk about the miraculous events, the soveriegn timing, and what it means to us today.  Also read Luke 3:15-22 (the baptism of Christ) and John 16 as we will also be looking at these verses.

INCLUDE: (for you to comment)

• What do Churches today think about the work of the Holy Spirit?
• How has the Holy Spirit affected your life?
• Why do you think Christ said it would be better for us to have the Holy Spirit than Him here with us physically?
• Who is  going to win the SUPERBOWL (just seeing if you’re reading )