Week of 10/12/25
Dear Church Family,
I am reflecting on the Israeli hostages being released and the effort it has taken, millions of dollars in expenses for those involved in negotiations, years of heartache and struggle for families and a nation, the cost of the exchange... It's a lot, but it is worth it.
Consider then for one moment the price that was paid to set us free!?!
Inestimable worth in the life that was laid down for us, the planning that went into it, the final negotiation, which was the perfect life of Jesus in exchange for our broken life.
I don't mean to be dramatic or disrespectful, but to take the analogy a little farther... it's like we are the terrorists being set free for the innocents, more specifically THE INNOCENT ONE!
It is not an equal exchange, but we rejoice because we have been given life.
Stop and consider your freedom today that Jesus secured for you, he alone is worthy of our worship!
This Saturday - Men's breakfast at 8am and work on the church garage roof and fascia for those available to help after the breakfast.
Home Enjoyment
Read 1 John 2:7-14 and John 13:34-35.
In the same way that John contrasted light and darkness we looked at love and hate. Darkness is the absence of light, hate is the absence of love. What is challenging to you about that definition?
What do we normally consider to be hateful?
How does the definition 'hate is the absence of love' change the way you look at vs 9?
Does it seem consistent with Jesus' commandment?
How does Jesus' command give a more active interpretation of what love is?
How does Jesus cause the old commandment to be new?
Considering vs 10. How is choosing to not love your brothers and sisters in Christ blinding or misleading to you or others?
How does it look for us to love the Church family like Jesus loved us?
You may or may not want to share your thoughts on the following with your small group, but I would encourage you to consider the question of your growth.
Looking at verses 12-14. As you hear John 'writing to you', where do you see yourself? Are you maturing? Is anything holding you back?
Children - Are you cherishing the new found blessing of freedom from sin and doing your best to follow God's instruction as your loving Father?
Mature believers - Are you steadfast in trusting him, having seen God prove his love and power, and seeking to continue resting in who God is and encouraging others to do the same?
Maturing believers - Are you actively seeking to take every thought captive and partake in work of setting others free from the Satan's schemes?
There is more to each of these, but the question is... Are you actively maturing in your faith towards God? (Further study 1 Cor. 13:11 & 14:20, Hebrews 5:12-14, Eph. 4:11-14, Col. 1:9-12)
I am thankful to be a child of God, seeking to grow and mature as a young man who wants to grow in Christ-likeness and show Him to others. I hope to become a father in the faith who gives daily testimony to the faithfulness of God until I see His face.
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
I am reflecting on the Israeli hostages being released and the effort it has taken, millions of dollars in expenses for those involved in negotiations, years of heartache and struggle for families and a nation, the cost of the exchange... It's a lot, but it is worth it.
Consider then for one moment the price that was paid to set us free!?!
Inestimable worth in the life that was laid down for us, the planning that went into it, the final negotiation, which was the perfect life of Jesus in exchange for our broken life.
I don't mean to be dramatic or disrespectful, but to take the analogy a little farther... it's like we are the terrorists being set free for the innocents, more specifically THE INNOCENT ONE!
It is not an equal exchange, but we rejoice because we have been given life.
Stop and consider your freedom today that Jesus secured for you, he alone is worthy of our worship!
This Saturday - Men's breakfast at 8am and work on the church garage roof and fascia for those available to help after the breakfast.
Home Enjoyment
Read 1 John 2:7-14 and John 13:34-35.
In the same way that John contrasted light and darkness we looked at love and hate. Darkness is the absence of light, hate is the absence of love. What is challenging to you about that definition?
What do we normally consider to be hateful?
How does the definition 'hate is the absence of love' change the way you look at vs 9?
Does it seem consistent with Jesus' commandment?
How does Jesus' command give a more active interpretation of what love is?
How does Jesus cause the old commandment to be new?
Considering vs 10. How is choosing to not love your brothers and sisters in Christ blinding or misleading to you or others?
How does it look for us to love the Church family like Jesus loved us?
You may or may not want to share your thoughts on the following with your small group, but I would encourage you to consider the question of your growth.
Looking at verses 12-14. As you hear John 'writing to you', where do you see yourself? Are you maturing? Is anything holding you back?
Children - Are you cherishing the new found blessing of freedom from sin and doing your best to follow God's instruction as your loving Father?
Mature believers - Are you steadfast in trusting him, having seen God prove his love and power, and seeking to continue resting in who God is and encouraging others to do the same?
Maturing believers - Are you actively seeking to take every thought captive and partake in work of setting others free from the Satan's schemes?
There is more to each of these, but the question is... Are you actively maturing in your faith towards God? (Further study 1 Cor. 13:11 & 14:20, Hebrews 5:12-14, Eph. 4:11-14, Col. 1:9-12)
I am thankful to be a child of God, seeking to grow and mature as a young man who wants to grow in Christ-likeness and show Him to others. I hope to become a father in the faith who gives daily testimony to the faithfulness of God until I see His face.
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
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