Bible Thoughts – July 27, 2009

Bible Thoughts

Last Wednesday evening, Eric Kegley taught Hebrews chapter 6 in the adult class. There were some comments made and questions raised concerning the “Once saved always saved” doctrine. Eric handled himself well, and is certainly planning on revisiting the topic next week. In at least 2 of our monthly group studies later in the week, Scott Murff and I both lead our classes in discussion of the topic and laid out at least 10 definitive Bible passages that prove a Christian CAN fall from Grace, if one chooses to abandon the will of God.

For the sake of your notes and study and in an effort to help us all prepare to answer that false doctrine of “Preservation of Saints”, I will add those 10 passages below:

Acts 8:13-23 ; Rom. 11:17-22 ; I Cor. 9:24-27 ; Gal. 5:1-4 ; Col. 1:21-23 ;

I Tim. 1:19-20 ; Heb. 3:12-14 ; Heb. 6:4-6 ; Heb. 12:15 ; II Pet. 2:20-22, 3:17-18.

You may find it beneficial to make this list in your Bible. Or maybe create a chain reference, where you go to the first and note the second one in the margin… doing that all the way through until the last, where you write the first in the margin. That way, if you can remember where to find just one of the passages, you will have ready access to all ten.

(btw – as became evident in the group study I taught last week, there are many more passages that teach the truth on this subject, so be looking and always adding to your list).

In addition to those passages, please consider the Israelite example as written in I Corinthians 10:

“For I do not want you to be unaware brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ” (1-4)

Note that God’s people were saved, through baptism, from the bondage of slavery. They were delivered and nourished.

“Nevertheless, with most of them God was well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness” (5)

But many turned from God after being delivered, and God put an end to their lives. This proves by example that baptism unto freedom leading to the provisions of God is powerful and great, but if we then turn from Him, He turns from us.

“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed the he does not fall” (11-12)

Paul wrote of their fate to saved Corinthian brethren, for their learning. So that they, and we, would look to the freedom and blessing of the Israelites, and see that such 1) can be forsaken but 2) only if we turn away from serving God. Let us constantly increase our adoration for the freedom through baptism God provides and our resolve to keep serving Him. And we can do it. We can remain faithful unto death and receive the crown of life, for…

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (13)

Remember God isn’t looking for a reason to disqualify you from His grace. The opposite is true. He is looking for any reason, every reason to keep you in the fold, under the care of the Shepherd. Won’t you see that He works for you, and use His strength to fight any temptation to fall?

Kris Emerson

News & Notes – July 27, 2009

News and Notes: Monday, July 27th

VBS – Started Today! David Osteen came and spoke to the adults, while a whole slew of smiling kids went to their Bible classes. All totaled, we had 170 people gathered today. Tomorrow, Tony Mauck will be speaking to the adults and the kids classes will continue. Come Join Us!!! Our VBS continues through Thursday, and we’ll also have VBS classes Wednesday night. Joshuah Ellis will be coming to speak for us on Wed. and Thu.

News Among Members:

Sandra Brown has been diagnosed with colon cancer and is going in today to find out if surgery is possible.

Cindy Sisco went into the San. Jac. Methodist hospital this morning to have surgery on her broken hand.

Ginger Salinas is at home recovering following successful back surgery last week.

Linda Jones is finally over her bout with shingles and was able to worship with us Sunday.

Evelyn Dahlquist is now walking around and able to worship with us following her knee surgery. She is still going through rehab, but is getting stronger every day.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments: (Sign up please gentlemen)

July 29^th – VBS – Joshuah Ellis

Aug. 5^th – Cameron Greene

Aug. 12^th – Joe Scarborough

Bible Thoughts – July 20, 2009

Bible Thoughts

I really enjoyed hearing Steve Garrett preach for us yesterday evening. Since I was gone on vacation all last week, but didn’t miss a Sunday, the elders afforded me an evening off to recoup. Steve came and preached about seeking the kingdom as the treasure of life and making Christ the most valuable pursuit of our being. I was encouraged by his words.

Particularly, I am thankful for the reading of Hebrews 12:1-2. It is one thing for us to remember and read verses like Matt. 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness;” however, we also need some basic, attainable means to accomplish this in our daily lives. I thought it may be a compliment to Steve’s work and a useful means to apply what we’ve learned if we revisited this passage again today.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2).

Notice the opening phrase. The great cloud of witnesses is the men and women of faith listed in Hebrews 11. Those “of whom the world was not worthy.” Some of them were saved from peril in the flesh. Others perished horribly in the flesh. But all of them were living by the Spirit, “gained approval through their faith,” and are now enjoying the unending blessings of heaven! But what qualities will help us get through as they did?

The imagery of our verses draw to mind a runner trying to cross the finish line. He must first get rid of excess weight, burdens and anything that may slow him down… the prize is too important. Secondly, the runner must press on with endurance to the finish. He’ll get thirsty. His side will burn perhaps (I know mine does when I run over 100 feet). But he has not entered to quit half way. Thirdly, there must be a focus on what is at the end. Maybe a person who has run before him and waits to welcome him at the finish line. Maybe the prize. Most likely the sense of accomplishment for having stayed the course. These three things will keep him moving toward the goal, even when the road seems too hard.

In the same way we must… 1) lay aside every encumbrance and sin – Sin breeds weakness, guilt, and lack of focus. If we want to meet the cloud of witnesses gone before, we must lay aside the sin that can entangle our feet and draw our focus. Make the hard choices to get whatever sin slows you down completely out of your path. 2) run with endurance the race set before us – One thing you can say about the race we are running: it is not complicated. We simply must live by faith, search and obey the Scriptures and continue to pursue the holy God. But it will be hard. So what? All rewarding things come through much effort. 3) fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith – Jesus walked our path and has shown us that it ends with victory over death and forever in the Father’s presence. Christ knew this finish line was guaranteed and secure, so He pressed through incredible adversity. Keep your sights set upon the outcome to be seen in heaven. Focus on Christ at the finish line, victorious and joyful, with His arms extended to welcome you home.

Kris Emerson

News & Notes – July 20, 2009

News and Notes: Monday, July 20th

VBS – Next Week! July 27^th-30^th. Monday through Thursday at 10 a.m. Please invite your friends. And please know that we have some great adult class speakers coming, so it is an event for ALL ages!

Also, keep in mind the Open Bible Challenge for July… keep those pages turning.

News Among Members:

Ginger Salinas will be having back surgery at 1 pm on Tuesday at St. Johns in Clearlake. She has a nerve issue due to a herniated disk and will be in the hospital overnight.

Linda Jones has been diagnosed with Shingles. She was home yesterday trying to stay comfortable.

Ann Hale is having tests run on Thursday. She has dealt with many health problems in recent months and we pray these test results will give her some options to get past those difficulties.

Evelyn Dahlquist was able to be with us yesterday following her recent knee surgery. It was truly encouraging to see her. However, her therapy and recovery at home is still ongoing.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments: (Sign up please gentlemen)

July 22^nd – Robin Merritt

July 29^th – VBS – Joshuah Ellis

Aug. 5^th – Cameron Greene

Upcoming Schedule:

July Group Meetings:

Tim Johnson’s Group – Tonight, 20^th, 7 p.m., at the Turnbow’s home

Charles Chilson’s Group — Tuesday, July 21st, 7p.m., Zaruba’s home

Artie Williams Group – Thursday, 23^rd, 7 pm, Simmon’s home

Ronnie Hill’s Group – Thursday, 23^rd, 7 pm, Ronnie Hill’s home

Vacation Bible School

VBS – Next Week! July 27th-30th. Monday through Thursday at 10 a.m. Please invite your friends. And please know that we have some great adult class speakers coming, so it is an event for ALL ages!

See our Vacation Bible School flyer and feel free to print it off if you need copies.

Group Meetings July 2009

Artie Williams’ Group – Thursday, July 23rd, 7p.m., Simmons’ home

Tim Johnson’s Group — Monday, July 20th, 7p.m., Turnbow’s home

Junior High School Students — Sunday, July 19th, after evening service at Scott and Shonda Hill’s home

Charles Chilson’s Group — Tuesday, July 21st, 7p.m., Zaruba’s home

Ronnie Hill’s Group – Thursday, July 23rd, 7 p.m., Ronnie Hill’s home

Bible Thoughts – July 6, 2009

Bible Thoughts

God’s Time

There is not plenty of time, as we discussed in the morning lesson yesterday.

Satan wants us to believe there is plenty of time to follow after our own lusts, as did the men in II Peter 3. But Peter reminds us that God’s patience is only so that we can repent of such sin and build our relationship with Him.

Satan hopes we look in the mirror of the Word and walk away until a more opportune time to make obvious changes. But James 1 reveals that God wants us to be blessed and of great worth to Him, and we must make necessary changes now.

Satan wants us to believe that time is readily available and constant, so that we’ll focus on work and education and family over God for a season and later come to Him. But again, James 4 teaches that we are just a vapor that passes, and must do things as God wills and according to God’s will each and every day He gives us.

Satan convinced Felix to put aside the decision to become a Christian; to allow fear of change to override the gospel message Paul taught Him. The adversary wants us to do the same; but, this moment is all I have for sure to obey the gospel in baptism and faith. How often in torment does Felix think back on the one chance he let pass?

Satan told Eve to eat, “for you surely shall not die.” In fact, he told her she would be wise and blessed. He lied. Satan is telling you the same lie in the flesh, to eat the forbidden fruit and expect to consequences. Let us be wise enough to know that the time already passed in the futility of the world and death of soul is sufficient and the rest of our lives, starting right now, must be lived with wisdom and purpose… and in salvation!

Won’t we realize that there is not time but God’s time. He is the one who breathes life in us and hands out the seconds in which to exhale. And let us be mindful that God knows how much life we need on this earth and when that time is expired. Let us trust His judgment for the length of days he gives for us and those we love.

Solomon wrote: “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven – a time to give birth and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.” Are we humble enough to admit that we know almost nothing as to WHEN those appointed times will be? And in doing such, doesn’t it mean we must now and always be prepared for the appointed time to face Him?

Solomon goes on to write in Ecclesiastes 3: “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.” There is so much we do not know! When we will die… what eternity will be like… what God has laid out in the future for our flesh and, more importantly, our souls. But do you trust Him? Do you trust His appointed times and that He will allow events to unfold unto eternity in a manner that is appropriate to Him? I pray we will not question the wisdom of our God when time doesn’t flow in the manner we desire; but have faith in His ability to get us down that river unto heaven’s beautiful shore.

kris

News & Notes – July 6, 2009

News and Notes: Monday, July 6th

OPEN BIBLE CHALLENGE: From our study last night, please consider undertaking the challenge to do the following 3 things this month: 1) Open the Bible for yourself every day – maybe read a chapter, do Bible lessons, study certain topics. 2) Say “Yes” to every worship service – attend all classes and worship times and do so with open Bible and a ready heart. 3) Study with your family 3 times each week – maybe read the kids’ bible class assignments or work through a letter with your spouse.

“Study to show thyself approved, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth”

News Among Members:

We continue to pray for peace and security in the hearts of the Zaruba family: for Jessica, Jim, Margie, Lucas, Julie, Karyssa and all their family.

Evelyn Dahlquist is now recovering at home after knee surgery. Her rehab work is very challenging for her and Andrew as well. She’s been walking a little, but certainly still needs our prayers and support.

Johnny Partin continues to recover slowly at home. He will be back in worship as soon as he possibly can 

Bill Murff has really been struggling lately with complications from Diabetes. He’s been having trouble walking and the 3x weekly dialysis is having limited results.

Baptism: Rachelle Wallace was baptized into Christ Sunday morning. We are so thankful for and encouraged by her decision to put on Christ and her growing faith in Him.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments: (Sign up please gentlemen)

July 8^th – Randy Hogue July 15^th – Tim Johnson July 22^nd — ???

Upcoming Schedule:

July Group Meetings:

Artie Williams’ Group – Thursday, July 16th, 7p.m., Simmons’ home

Tim Johnson’s Group — Monday, July 20th, 7p.m., Turnbow’s home

Bible Thoughts, June 29, 2009

Bible Thoughts

When is the last time you read an article from The Costco Connection magazine? You can probably remember the first time … as it is likely occurring at this moment. Carol Smith forwarded an inspirational article from that magazine, and I thought you might enjoy the way it is laid out. This article addresses a very important issue among God’s people: Positivity. Negative, nit-picky, pessimistic attitudes are a disease to Love, Joy and Hope: emotions God wants to see in us every day.

When Paul said, “rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice,” he was facing a few difficulties: beaten, arrested, imprisoned, forsaken by friends, unsure of his future, and burdened with news of problems in the congregations he had helped to start. Oh there were so many things he could have scowled about with negativity and a defeated attitude; yet, he was positive, hopeful and still believed he could make a difference for the good in the lives of others with the Lord’s help.

While the following article is not a Biblically based article, perhaps it will serve as a helpful tool to making the bright side of life our first and only side…

Wally Amos: Be Positive (founder of Uncle Wally’s Muffin Co.)

Watermelon is the answer. Of course, I am known for cookies. However, I am also known for watermelon. In 1996 I wrote the book Watermelon Magic; Seeds of Wisdom. Slices of Life. In 2002 I wrote my Watermelon Credo that has become the structure for many of my talks. In has been a guide that has helped others and me through rough times. I share it with you in hopes it will help you through these rough times.

W – Whatever you believe creates your reality. Believe that life is a positive experience and it will be.

A – Attitude is the magic word. Your greatest asset is your attitude. Be positive regardless.

T – Together everyone achieves more. There are no limits to what we can accomplish together.

E – Enthusiasm is the wellspring of life. There is no limit to what can be accomplished with enough enthusiasm

R – Respect yourself, as well as others. When you begin to respect yourself, your whole world changes.

M – Make commitments, not excuses. There is overwhelming power in the words: “Yes, I will!”

E – Everyday can be a fun day. Fun is the lubricant that keeps life moving forward. Laugh a lot.

L – Love is the answer. Whatever the question, love is the answer. It’s the greatest force in the universe.

O – One day at a time. How do you eat an elephant? A bite at a time. All of life happens in increments of one.

N – Never give up. You are guaranteed to lose if you give up. It will work if you work it.

July 2009 – Costco Connection – pg. 11

Bible Thoughts – June 22, 2009

Bible Thoughts

Sarah Simmons is teaching 2^nd-3^rd grade class at services on Sunday this quarter. Last week she asked each of her students to write their own psalm. Her five students participated and below are those psalms. Their memory verse thus far in the quarter has been Psalm 100:

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
and His faithfulness to all generations.”

With this as inspiration, here are the psalms from our sweet young souls:

God is so powerful;
He has never been defeated before.
God is our one and only powerful God. (Will Broussard)

Oh God you are the almighty God;
You are so good.
You are my Savior.
You are my only God. (Taylor Colunga)

God is great and all He knows;
He gives us food and water and clothes.
I praise Him for He is good;
And I try to do all I should. (Hannah Emerson)

Shout to the Lord with gladness;
The Lord is God.
He deserves all of our praise. (Kyle Smith)

Give thanks to God;
Creator of all things.
Giver of life; Supplier of our needs.
Praise him forever more. (Karyssa Zaruba)

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