Week of 1/11/26 and Men's Breakfast
Dear Church Family,
What can prayer do for our nation? Fervent prayer unites us with God's will and purposes, whether it is his revealing of justice or mercy. Scripture shows examples of God relenting from the judgement a nation deserves leading to a display of his mercy (Think of Nineveh in the book of Jonah). Scripture also shows God's justice finally coming to a head and prayer is what prepares and sustains the hearts of the faithful remnant (Think of Elijah and the faithful priests, Isaiah and King Hezekiah, and Daniel in Babylon). Do not give in to fear or anger, but be prayerful and diligent in what God has given you to do.
The following scripture connects what we have been learning in 1 John with this picture of faithfulness in the small things. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
We are to pray continually, but there are times when joining in prayer with others gives us the opportunity to see God working in a different way. Franklin Graham posted a call to prayer for our nation this Wednesday at 12:00. You can find his statement and call to prayer here. I would encourage you to participate if possible.
Home Enjoyment
Read 1 John 4:19-5:5
Take a few minutes and think about how different aspects of creation, science, mathematics, and whatever facet you can think of display the love and intention of God.
Does that obligate God to save us?
How do we know what the cost of the fall is?
How does this passage help you consider the greatness of God's love in dying for your sin without falling into despair? (Consider going back to 4:17-18 for more perspective)
What causes us to forget this 'ever-present love' when it comes to dealing with our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Why does scripture repeatedly make love for God contingent with love and forgiveness for our brothers and sisters in Christ?
What do you think the union of love for God and our brothers and sisters has to do with being born of God (5:1) and being part of the family of God (3:2)?
Why do we often think of God's commandments as burdensome?
How does loving God (as a response to his love) by obeying his commandments show our love for our brothers and sisters? Write or share at least 4 examples.
How does the promise of verse 4 encourage you?
Does it convict you at all?
Read 1 John 2:15-17.
What things in the world are you still trying to hold onto? What does it look like to increasingly have faith in Jesus that would help you to let go of that which is passing away?
Finish your time by looking at John 16:33. Meditate on this verse in light of our study in 1 John and your life.
Confess the One who overcomes in your life and actions today and obey his commandments knowing his sacrificial love and mighty power will lead you in overcoming for His glory.
Announcements
Men's Breakfast this Saturday at 8m - Wonderful food, fellowship, and testimony or Bible Study.
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
What can prayer do for our nation? Fervent prayer unites us with God's will and purposes, whether it is his revealing of justice or mercy. Scripture shows examples of God relenting from the judgement a nation deserves leading to a display of his mercy (Think of Nineveh in the book of Jonah). Scripture also shows God's justice finally coming to a head and prayer is what prepares and sustains the hearts of the faithful remnant (Think of Elijah and the faithful priests, Isaiah and King Hezekiah, and Daniel in Babylon). Do not give in to fear or anger, but be prayerful and diligent in what God has given you to do.
The following scripture connects what we have been learning in 1 John with this picture of faithfulness in the small things. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
We are to pray continually, but there are times when joining in prayer with others gives us the opportunity to see God working in a different way. Franklin Graham posted a call to prayer for our nation this Wednesday at 12:00. You can find his statement and call to prayer here. I would encourage you to participate if possible.
Home Enjoyment
Read 1 John 4:19-5:5
Take a few minutes and think about how different aspects of creation, science, mathematics, and whatever facet you can think of display the love and intention of God.
Does that obligate God to save us?
How do we know what the cost of the fall is?
How does this passage help you consider the greatness of God's love in dying for your sin without falling into despair? (Consider going back to 4:17-18 for more perspective)
What causes us to forget this 'ever-present love' when it comes to dealing with our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Why does scripture repeatedly make love for God contingent with love and forgiveness for our brothers and sisters in Christ?
What do you think the union of love for God and our brothers and sisters has to do with being born of God (5:1) and being part of the family of God (3:2)?
Why do we often think of God's commandments as burdensome?
How does loving God (as a response to his love) by obeying his commandments show our love for our brothers and sisters? Write or share at least 4 examples.
How does the promise of verse 4 encourage you?
Does it convict you at all?
Read 1 John 2:15-17.
What things in the world are you still trying to hold onto? What does it look like to increasingly have faith in Jesus that would help you to let go of that which is passing away?
Finish your time by looking at John 16:33. Meditate on this verse in light of our study in 1 John and your life.
Confess the One who overcomes in your life and actions today and obey his commandments knowing his sacrificial love and mighty power will lead you in overcoming for His glory.
Announcements
Men's Breakfast this Saturday at 8m - Wonderful food, fellowship, and testimony or Bible Study.
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
Recent
Archive
2025
April
May
July
August
September
2024
February
November
Categories
no categories
No Comments