Week of 11/16/25 and Potlunch(11/23)

Dear Church Family,
Believe it or not we are nearing the season of Advent. This is a time that in the tradition of the Christian church has been used to remind people of the awe of Immanuel, God with us, the coming of Jesus in the flesh, as a baby, to save mankind from his sins. It also reminds us that he is coming again and so our hearts should not only 'prepare him room' but be ready and looking for his appearing. So as you consider what you might do with this season, please think of these two things.
1) Tradition is only as valuable as the engagement of the heart in its true purpose.
Romans 14:5-6 - One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
If you are celebrating Christmas and Advent as thanksgiving and honor to God, how does that shape your heart in your activities?
2) What opportunity does this give you in your spheres? Personal, Family, Friends.
Whether you celebrate advent or not, everyone is preparing for Christmas. What are you doing to prepare your heart and mind for honoring and acknowledging the Lord Jesus in this season and focus on what is eternal (Remember 1 John 2:15-17)? How are you leading your children in understanding gift giving, materialism, family holiday craziness? Pray and consider now not just the challenges and gifts and food to be gotten, but what opportunities the Lord would provide you to honor and acknowledge him in this season. May you 'prepare him room', that others see him in you this Christmas!

Home Enjoyment
Read 1 John 3:11-24.
Where does the command John is speaking of come in vs 11 come from?
Why is that significant?
Do you think Cain is a good example to use here? Why?
What does Jesus say about the heart of murder in Matthew 5:21,22.
Should we all go to prison? What is Jesus' (and John's) point?
Darkness is the absence of light and hatred is the absence of love. Would you say this passage supports that idea? What about vs 10? (Also ch.1:5-7)
How do you see that in the overall theme of scripture?

Looking at verses 16-18:
What does it sound like for us to justify not helping someone? (If they were/weren't..., if they would just...)
Now looking at Jesus' words and actions in helping us, what would he say to each justification?
What does it look like to close our heart to someone?
Can you have an open heart when you are disciplining someone?

Re-read verses 19-24 together with John 21:15-21. How do these passages display what John is talking about in 1 John?
How does this help you understand assurance in the midst of failure to love?

Personal Application
Do you have any assurance from the evidence of Jesus' sacrificial love flowing through your life? If not, call out to Jesus to forgive you and wash you clean with his perfect life offered in your place. Believe that it is his undeserved love and grace that saves you!
Are you weary in doing good and in following his commandments? Stop and remember the source! Give thanks for his indescribable gift in giving you salvation and  the promise of reward in following him faithfully.
Where are you using more 'word and talk' than loving in deed and truth? Ask the Lord to awaken you to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and listen to him in the moment to act as he would.

**Potlunch this coming Sunday(11/23). Please bring enough food to share!
I am already looking forward to being together again!
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip