Week of 12/1/24
Dear Church Family,
I am thankful for the opportunity we had to gather this last Sunday, even with "Jack Frost nipping at [our] nose". I hope everyone had safe travels and a true Thanksgiving last week.
And with the Thanksgiving holiday concluded we know we are quickly headed into Christmas and everything that comes with that. There are advent resources on the tables in the foyer to help you and your families keep the main thing the main thing this Christmas! Remember the key is not just doing one more thing in order to make the holiday holy, but doing what is necessary to focus your heart on the source of joy and hope, which is Jesus Christ so you don't place false or counterfeit joys and hopes.
Home Enjoyment
Read 1 Samuel 6.
Do you think any part of the Philistines' response was commendable?
What is a guilt offering? Have you ever given a 'guilt offering' to try and fix a problem in a relationship?
Is a guilt offering sufficient in restoring a relationship? Why not?
Is there any part of the Philistines' response that strikes you as lacking? Why?
What are some ways we offer God guilt offerings, but stop short of entering into relationship, worship, and obedience with Him? Is there anywhere you are doing that in your life right now?
What do you see that is commendable in the response of the people of Beth-shemesh?
Why did God strike them 'with a great blow'?
What was their reaction to the weight of God's holy presence?
How does Jesus and faithful community change this? (Read Hebrews 10:19-25).
Then is it ok now to treat God as common or familiar? (Read 1 John 3:2-6)
If you were a Philistine standing on the hill of Beth-Shemesh, would you be content with the guilt offering or would you be willing to leave everything you knew to know and follow the God that forgives guilt at his own expense?
Is there any that is hard for you to give up in order to follow him or treat him as the greatest in your life? Any place where you are tempted to treat God as familiar or 'understanding' where he has called you to obedience and purity?
May we become and respond as dearly beloved children, eager to obey our holy Savior.
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
I am thankful for the opportunity we had to gather this last Sunday, even with "Jack Frost nipping at [our] nose". I hope everyone had safe travels and a true Thanksgiving last week.
And with the Thanksgiving holiday concluded we know we are quickly headed into Christmas and everything that comes with that. There are advent resources on the tables in the foyer to help you and your families keep the main thing the main thing this Christmas! Remember the key is not just doing one more thing in order to make the holiday holy, but doing what is necessary to focus your heart on the source of joy and hope, which is Jesus Christ so you don't place false or counterfeit joys and hopes.
Home Enjoyment
Read 1 Samuel 6.
Do you think any part of the Philistines' response was commendable?
What is a guilt offering? Have you ever given a 'guilt offering' to try and fix a problem in a relationship?
Is a guilt offering sufficient in restoring a relationship? Why not?
Is there any part of the Philistines' response that strikes you as lacking? Why?
What are some ways we offer God guilt offerings, but stop short of entering into relationship, worship, and obedience with Him? Is there anywhere you are doing that in your life right now?
What do you see that is commendable in the response of the people of Beth-shemesh?
Why did God strike them 'with a great blow'?
What was their reaction to the weight of God's holy presence?
How does Jesus and faithful community change this? (Read Hebrews 10:19-25).
Then is it ok now to treat God as common or familiar? (Read 1 John 3:2-6)
If you were a Philistine standing on the hill of Beth-Shemesh, would you be content with the guilt offering or would you be willing to leave everything you knew to know and follow the God that forgives guilt at his own expense?
Is there any that is hard for you to give up in order to follow him or treat him as the greatest in your life? Any place where you are tempted to treat God as familiar or 'understanding' where he has called you to obedience and purity?
May we become and respond as dearly beloved children, eager to obey our holy Savior.
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
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