Week of 6/14 and Double Nickels/Youth BBQ and Ice Cream Social

Dear Church Family,
Some of you may have wondered what the Berean part of our name is. I confess I haven't been great at reminding us of this. It comes from Acts 17:10-15, particularly verse 11, which says, "These(people of Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things(what Paul was saying about Jesus) were so." Berean was put in the title of a church in the Midwest desiring that its members would be those who search the scriptures to receive Jesus and are eager to know him better and make him known. Those people gathered with that purpose has grown into what today is the Berean Fellowship of Churches we are connected with.
That is all fresh on my mind as Tyce Jensen, our fellowship president, will be visiting this Sunday. If any of you would like to hear about what the fellowship is involved in in Southeast Asia in advancing the gospel I would welcome you to come to Sunday School at 9am in Hebrews to hear from Tyce. There will also be a chance to talk with him after the main service.
God does wonderful things through our connection with each other and the broader body of Christ. Is that a delight and strength you are experiencing today? Reach out to someone(s) over the summer, who you might not otherwise, and share a meal and ask about their life story and faith and point each other towards Christ.

I forgot to announce Sunday that there is a multigenerational Double Nickels and Youth Families BBQ and Ice Cream Social at the Wetzig's after church on Sunday 6/14. This is always a great time, please call the church office to RSVP by Friday.

Berean Enjoyment : )
Read Titus 3:4-15.
What is the 'trustworthy statement' that vs 8 is talking about?
How does the 'trustworthy statement' of who Jesus is lead us to 'be careful to devote [our]selves to good works?
What does verse 14 give as a hint/one example of these good works?

Verse 9 contrasts good works born from faith in Jesus finished work(4-8) with those who would question or argue about the sufficiency of salvation by faith in Jesus alone.
How would foolish controversies distract people from the simple gospel?
Can you think of examples in history(biblical or otherwise) of people on heredity or geneology instead of on salvation through Jesus alone? Read John 8:39-40.
What are some examples of people falling into dissensions about the person of Jesus that lead to appropriate separation from the church? Read 1 John 2:18,19 and 4:1-3. Also read 1 Corinthians 11:17-19.
How do quarrels about the law end up making our works a big deal and Jesus' work for us less? Read Galatians 1:6-8 and 5:1-7.
Can you think of ways that people get distracted by these things today?
Why would you say Paul says these things that people fixate on end up being 'unprofitable and worthless'? See also Romans 16:17-18.

How does understanding the heart of these divisions and controversies help you understand the intensity of verses 10 and 11?
How many cult leaders fit the description of verse 11?
Contrast Paul's words to Timothy concerning genuine ministers of the gospel in 2 Timothy 2:1-3.

In verses 12-13 and 15 what hints do you see of concern, caring for one another, or being generous in the ministry of the gospel? How can you grow in those things?
Are you meeting urgent needs around you from a heart that is watered by Jesus' words? Is there fruit? (Galatians 5:22-23)

Extra Credit
Go through the letter to Titus and find specifically the motivation given in every place it speaks of godliness or wood works. Pray for God to show where your motivation needs to either grow or shift towards a loving response to God's great love.

Brothers and Sisters, devote yourselves to good works that reflect faith in Jesus as the One who died for your sins and rose again to guarantee your freedom from guilt and death that you might be with him forever in eternity!!

In Christ,
Pastor Phillip