Revive Sunday School

PRAISES!!!

2012-02-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

Eliana- Her mentor's mom received Christ this week!!!! Praise!

Brittnie- Received "No Objection Certificate" for Bella this week!! woohoo!

January 22nd-Prayer requests

2012-01-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

Prayer Requests:

Andrea- She is having Echo cardiogram and stress test this TUESDAY! Trying to assess her high blood pressure.

Jamie- possibly two job offers early this week. please pray that it will be clear if she needs to make a choice. she is hoping one will pan out.

Brittnie- Pray we get the call this week about Bella!!

Announcements
Mark your calendar for our next class prayer meeting THIS Sunday January 29th at 4:45 in room E113.
Class Girls night out Friday February 10th at 6:00pm. Mexican food and bowling!
Class mission project coming on Weekend of March 10th for the KnoW Orphans Conference at Hunter Street.

Sunday January 15th

2012-01-15T18:11:00.000-08:00

Prayer Requests

Eliana- she has finally been diagnosed with Pre-diabetes II. Diet, exercise and meds will hopefully reverse it!
Pray also for revival in the state of Washington

Sandra- mom is having some outpatient surgery on Tuesday.

Leslie- Pray for her divorce situation. It has left her feeling broken and depressed. Pray for her to continue to look to God for strength.

Brittnie- Pray Bella home this week. :-)

Announcements

1.The First Hunter Street missions team serving in Clarkston in 2012 will do so on Saturday, January 21. Opportunities are still available for anyone wishing to be part of this team. For more info, contact Shaun brady, shaun_brady@hotmail.com

2. The Orphan Care ministry is hosting a movie night, Friday Jan 20th from 6:30 to 8:30pm in the Hunter Street high school worship room at the (student building) of the movie RESCUED!
Here is the link about the movie. http://rescuedthemovie.com/ This is a pre-screener release that we are offering for free Jan 20th. Movie releases next month. Please consider joining us.
More details here. https://www.facebook.com/events/337770292903710/

3. Mark your calendar for our next class prayer meeting on Sunday January 29th at 4:45. Place is TBD.

Sunday January 8, 2012

2012-01-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Prayer Requests-

Anna- pray for her sister and her family.
Wendy- Pray that Cousin Todd will be paroled this year!
Brittnie- pray that Bella will come home SOON!
Eliana- pray for the victims of the flood in Brazil- (her home state) of Minas Gerais has been affected. Many lost lives. Pray for revival through this trial. Pray that people will turn to Jesus for healing.

Pray for Sally Hubbard due to the death of her father after only a 3 week battle with cancer.

December 18th Prayer Requests/Annoucements and Angel Tree Family

2011-12-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

Kim-Pray for her sister Kelsey and her pregnancy. She failed her first glucose test and they are going to have further tests done to check the baby for gestational diabetes. Pray for a healthy baby!

Eliana- Pray for one of her students and her health. Having health problems that doctors can not identify.
Pray also for Ben and Eliana and possible jobs for them both in Brazil.

Jamie- traveling home for 2 weeks. Safe travels.
Also wisdom and discernment on 2 job offers

Savannah- pray for family situation at home.
______________________________________
December 21 - No evening services or activities.
December 23 & 26 - Church office and The ROC are closed.
December 24 - Christmas Eve service, 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services will be identical.
December 25 - Christmas Day Service- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
December 28. No evening services or activities.
January 1st- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Announcments 12.12.11

2011-12-12T07:27:00.000-08:00

December 14 - Beautiful Star Christmas Musical
December 17th- take Angel Tree Gifts to family at 3pm
December 18 - Candlelight Worship Service
December 21 - No evening services or activities.
December 23 & 26 - Church office and The ROC are closed.
December 24 - Christmas Eve service, 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services will be identical.
December 25 - Christmas Day Service- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
December 28. No evening services or activities.
January 1st- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Prayer Requests December 4th

2011-12-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

Wendy- Molly needs healing
Paula- Praise- Baby Park doing well.
Carin- Praise- Auburn guy is doing better
Ree- Pray for her daughter Reagan- been through tough year
Brittnie- Bring Bella Home
Eliana- Luciana-miscarried twins
Eliana- Testing glucose this week.

December 7 - Grace Extended: Hunter Street Missions 2011
December 9th Sunday School Christmas Party/Angel Tree- Friday night Possibly at
December 11 - Christmas Worship Concert--NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
December 14 - Beautiful Star Christmas Musical
December 17th- take Angel Tree Gifts to family at 3pm
December 18 - Candlelight Worship Service
December 21 - No evening services or activities.
December 23 & 26 - Church office and The ROC are closed.
December 24 - Christmas Eve service, 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services will be identical.
December 25 - Christmas Day Service- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
December 28. No evening services or activities.
January 1st- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Announcements for November 27th

2011-11-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 7 - Grace Extended: Hunter Street Missions 2011
December 9th Sunday School Christmas Party/Angel Tree- Friday night Possibly at
December 11 - Christmas Worship Concert--NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
December 14 - Beautiful Star Christmas Musical
December 18 - Candlelight Worship Service
December 21 - No evening services or activities.
December 23 & 26 - Church office and The ROC are closed.
December 24 - Christmas Eve service, 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services will be identical.
December 25 - Christmas Day Service- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
December 28. No evening services or activities.
January 1st- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Prayer requests 11.20.11

2011-11-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

Prayer Requests-

Bashan- prayer for Erin as she has had a hard week last week.

Paula- Pray for baby Park. His lungs collapsed this past week and still has a long road ahead.

Sandra- Father's cousin had some pretty big improvements this week. PTL! Pray for continued healing.

Brittnie- Please Pray Bella comes home!

Savannah- Pray for her sweet broken heart over her mom.

Sonya- Pray for her during husbands deposition this Tuesday about divorce. Pray for her and children and for husband to come back to the LORD.

Carin- prayer over a friend's boyfriend who had a terrible accident this week. Needs healing.

TUES- November 22 - Worship with Lord's Supper
November 24 & 25 - Church Office Closed
December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 7 - Grace Extended: Hunter Street Missions 2011
December 9th Sunday School Christmas Party/Angel Tree- Friday night Possibly at
December 11 - Christmas Worship Concert--NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
December 14 - Beautiful Star Christmas Musical
December 18 - Candlelight Worship Service
December 21 - No evening services or activities.
December 23 & 26 - Church office and The ROC are closed.
December 24 - Christmas Eve service, 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services will be identical.
December 25 - Christmas Day Service- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
December 28. No evening services or activities.
January 1st- NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Prayer and Praises 11.13.11

2011-11-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

Bashan- discernment in job decision.
Wendy- cousin Hillary -turn to God
for Mac and miracle healing
Paula- Baby Park-healing
Brittnie- Pray for Bella to come home.
Anna- Praise that sister and family and all their stuff made it to Atlanta.
Sandra- Praise that Andrews reports from school are better.
Pray now for inflammation and pain in his hip- healing.
Bashan- Pray for Tommye Lambert and daughter Amy Crews.

Announcements

November 15- Joy to the World Women's Event
TUESDAY November 22 (instead of Wednesday) - Worship with Lord's Supper
November 24 & 25 - Church Office Closed
December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 9th Christmas social/Angel Tree- Friday night Possibly at Sandra’s house.

Prayer Requests for Sunday November 6th

2011-11-07T09:13:00.001-08:00

Kim- Coworker Latessa- Mom passed away. Pray for comfort for family

Sandra- dad's cousin- Off the vent and in long term care facility. Pray for healing to continue.

Sandra- Employee- Kelly's family- Pray for comfort due to sudden death of her cousin.

Wendy- Pray for The Vine's family and the Dakis family. Both are adopting new born babies that are on ventilators and waiting for them to get well to come home.

Anna- Pray for encouragement.

Jamie- Pray for job interview to go well and discernment.

Paula- that Bella will come home soon!
Also -Baby Park still very sick.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
November 13- Lunch at Student Building to learn about Orphan Care Ministry
November 15- Joy to the World Women's Event
TUESDAY November 22 (instead of Wednesday) - Worship with Lord's Supper
November 24 & 25 - Church Office Closed
December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 9th Christmas social/Angel Tree- Friday night Possibly at Sandra’s house.

Prayer Requests and Praises for October 30th

2011-10-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sandra- Cousin back in ICU. Not doing well at all. Pray for healing and comfort.

Eliana- PRAISE that God continues to confirm her move to Brazil for ministry.

Anna- Continued prayer for her sister and family as they continue to travel across the country for move.

Bashan- Appraisals at work this week- pray that it goes well.

Brittnie- Praise! feeling much better.
Continued prayer for Bella to come home soon!

November 6- Orphan Sunday!
November 15- Joy to the World Women's Event
TUESDAY November 22 (instead of Wednesday) - Worship with Lord's Supper
November 24 & 25 - Church Office Closed
December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 9th Christmas social/Angel Tree- Friday night Possibly at Sandra’s house.

Trunk or Treat Pics

2011-10-27T13:58:00.001-07:00

Prayer Requests/Praises for 10.23.11

2011-10-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the ladies that helped put together lollipops on Sunday! It was exhausting. :-)

Prayer Requests

Eliana- was in ER for dehydration and exhaustion. Please pray for her to recover. In the mean time, plans for Brazil continue to come together.
Also, please pray for Eliana's family in the loss of her uncle Joao Antonio. Pray especially for for Joao's wife Neusa.

Anna's sister leaves today (Tuesday) for her cross country trip.

Sandra- Praise for cousin Gary is off ventilator and can now receive cancer treatments.

October 26 - Trunk or Treat
November 6- Orphan Sunday!
November 15- Joy to the World Women's Event
November 22 - Worship with Lord's Supper
November 24 & 25 - Church Office Closed
December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 9th Christmas social/Angel Tree- Friday night Possibly at Sandra’s house.

Prayer requests and Announcements Oct. 16th 2011

2011-10-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

Pray for Kim to feel better. She has had the stomach bug.
Pray also for Andrea. She has not been feeling well either.
Anna's sister- Big move across country
Carin's- Praise! sister passed test!
Allison- Praise! 17 people completed the divorce Hope and Healing class.
Wendy- cousin Hillary to get plugged in to small group/church
Brittnie- continued prayers for warfare and adoption!
Continued pray for the Allreds!
Sandra- pray for Andrew- he had a rough week.
___________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS

October 26 - Trunk or Treat
November 6- Orphan Sunday!
November 13th-Lunch/social- go to lunch after Sunday school with families.
November 17- Joy to the World Women's Event
November 22 - Worship with Lord's Supper
November 24 & 25 - Church Office Closed
December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 9th Christmas social/Angel Tree- Friday night Possibly at Sandra’s house.

Prayer requests and Announcements Oct. 9th 2011

2011-10-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

Prayer Requests

Scott and Melody Allred and family in the loss of their son Kenny.

Eliana- Continue to pray for David Denson, Gadsen Minister who was attacked in his home.
Pray also for Kurt Denz who had a heart attack
and also for God's will in their Brazil move.

Sandra- Cousin Gary to heal.

Erin- Julie Head's husband who has cancer. They have 2 young girls.

Carin- Sister April- comfort during lie detector test (Monday am)
PRAISE- sister is leading bible study for 40 people!

Bashan- Kim and Rick who un-expectantly lost their mom.

Brittnie- continued prayer through Spiritual Warfare
health
that GOD would bring daughter HOME!
___________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS

October 16 - The Parenting Seminar
October 17 - Monday Night Men
October 26 - Trunk or Treat
November 6- Orphan Sunday!
November 13th-Lunch/social- go to lunch after Sunday school with families.
November 17- Joy to the World Women's Event
November 22 - Worship with Lord's Supper
November 24 & 25 - Church Office Closed
December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 9th Christmas social/mission focus- Friday night Possibly at Sandra’s house.

Prayer Requests and announcements 10.2.11

2011-10-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

Wendy- Praise Aunt Margaret Ann- test results show no cancer
Kim- Mom's Pet Scan- Pray for good news. Also, for dads colonoscopy.
Sandra- Dad doing better. Pray for relative Gary who has serious case of pneumonia.
Brittnie- More adoption delays. Praying for a miracle to bring Bella HOME!
Pray also for health and spiritual warfare.
Eliana- Cousin Ricardo in London. Salvation/lifestyle
Amanda- God dropped free India trip in her lap last week. Traveling to India for 6 weeks and leaving THIS FRIDAY!!! Pray for safety travels and God's glory in it all.
Carin- long hours and pneumonia. Pray for restored health.

_____________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS

October 8 - Girlfriends' Day
October 9 - Parent Child Dedication
October 16 - The Parenting Seminar
October 17 - Monday Night Men
October 26 - Trunk or Treat
November 13th-Lunch/social- go to lunch after Sunday school with families.
November 17- Joy to the World Women's Event
November 22 - Worship with Lord's Supper
November 24 & 25 - Church Office Closed
December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 9th Christmas social/mission focus- Friday night Possibly at Sandra’s house.

Prayer and Announcments

2011-09-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Prayer Requests:

Brittnie- ER- Doctor Wed to find out what is going on.
Praise- all but about $300 dollars raised for Bella to come home! Now we need to pray her home soon!

Wendy- Aunt Thyroid biopsy- Tuesday. Pray for no cancer. Pray for parents as they travel to visit.
Cousin who had a miscarriage is struggling with depression. Pray for her to be ministered to.

Eliana- Praise- parents and cattle protected in a fire on their property.

Sandra- dad's surgery went well, but he is still dizzy. Pray for good recovery.
Also neighbor (Hazel) fell broke nose and face injured. Pray for recovery. _______________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS

September 28 - Church Wide Prayer Gathering
October 2 - Lord's Supper
October 2 - Praise 150 Everyday Grace - 6 pm
October 8 - Girlfriends' Day
October 9 - Parent Child Dedication
October 16 - The Parenting Seminar
October 17 - Monday Night Men
October 26 - Trunk or Treat
November 13th-Lunch/social- go to lunch after Sunday school with families.
November 17- Joy to the World Women's Event
November 22 - Worship with Lord's Supper
November 24 & 25 - Church Office Closed
December 4 - Membership Information Class
December 9th Christmas social/mission focus- Friday night Possibly at Sandra’s house.

Prayer Requests 9.18.11

2011-09-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

Eliana- Praise!- decision to move back to Brazil to serve in ministry.
Jamie-Travel safety's while on road for next two weekends. /pray for discernment on job opportunities.
Wendy- Cousin Hillary had a miscarriage.
Carin- Former assistant to find a good job.
Sandra- dad having surgery on wrist Friday.
Pray for the Golson family
Kim- Praise! Daniel got a new job! Seeing God's hand in it all.

Prayer Request 9.11.11

2011-09-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sandra- Her company lost 300 employees on 9/11. Comfort for families
Paula- Baby Park- has not been doing well. Pray for healing/comfort for family
Ashely- continued prayer for Dr. Borden and his health and struggle with cancer
Eliana- Ben recovering from mini stroke/pray for his health and trust in God.

Prayer Request 9.4.11

2011-09-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Leslie- Needs prayer for family as she goes through divorce.
Eliana- pray for husband Ben, who possibly had a mini stroke and is awaiting test results.

Prayer Requests for 8.28.11

2011-08-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

Pray for Libya
Those affected by earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Baby Olivia (Shae's new baby) who is in NICU
Pray for Tommye's daughter Amy Crews
Also for Amy (in our youth group) who had 3 back to back surgeries to remove a tumor from her brain)

Sandra- co-worker Chad has been diagnosed with 2 different types of cancer. Pray for him and his family.

Prayer Requests for 8.21.11

2011-08-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Sandra- hard time at work. Also, continue prayer for Andrew especially after a hard first week at kindergarten.

Leslie- Safe travels this weekend as she fly's to Tampa for a photo-shoot as possible hurricane threats are surfacing.
Continued prayer for her marriage.

Ashely- Grandfather has Alzheimers. Very hard for family and her grandmother.
Continued custody battles with Zach.
Her sanity during the terrible twos. :-)
Dr. Borden- will need a heart surgery before having the ileostomy reversal. He is dissapointed by the set back.

Shalanda- pray for her as she goes back to the classroom to teach intervention reading and that she can make a difference in those kids lives.

Eliana- Continued prayer for tornado victims who are still struggling/healing from this event.
Also. Just found out that one of her eighth graders got killed in a car accident.(today, Monday) Please pray for Austin's family.

Prayer Requests for 8.14.11

2011-08-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Eliana- Pray for "Nuesa", Eliana's Uncle's wife. Uncle is probably not going to make it through this week with cancer.

Sandra- Pray for her employee who had a son last week. And for another friend having baby boy anytime now. Pray for continued health for both and their sons.

Andrea- pray for Greenwood Elementary in Jeff.Co. Lots of teacher adjustments/needs and it affects her children. Pray for teachers and children to get settled.

Debra- found a large fatty tumor on father in law's left side (it is unrelated to the other tumor they found last year in his stomach) He is going to have it removed and another procedure done as well. In God's Will, Praying for a "benign" diagnosis. He has a surgical consult today (Monday)

Brittnie- paper work held up in India. Pray things move forward soon.

Prayer Requests-

2011-08-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

Eliana- Discernment direction from the LORD as to whether or not to move to Brazil.
Also for Luz Marina- whose husband passed away after only being married 2 years.

Melissa- Caroline goes back to school this week.
Pray for all the children who go back to school in the next week or two.

Ashely- continued prayers for Dr. Borden. Not feeling well and anxious.
Also for her sister Angela and husband Tristan who are looking to go on mission. That God would provide all they need to go.

Pray also for Katie who lost baby girl at 5 months pregnant.

Prayer Requests- July 31st

2011-08-01T10:31:00.001-07:00

Kim-Pray for Kaylie and Family
Also for Kims mom's friend Jan who is sick. Pray for Kim's mom to be able to visit Jan.

Wendy-Travel safeties this week.
Continued healing for her dad after hernia surgery.

Eliana-Continued healing for uncle.

HSBC- discernment for Missions in 2012.

Prayer Requests 7.24.11

2011-07-25T14:26:00.001-07:00

Ashely- Dr. Morton had a stroke. He is better, but pray for healing and recovery.
PRAISE---Seth had a interview!

Jamie- Frank Blackwell as he discerns God's direction for missions at Hunter Street for 2012.

Wendy-Amy Crews back in Hospital again. :-(

Brittnie- remaining approvals to get Bella home. Also, updated pictures of her coming this week!

Prayer Requests 7.17.11

2011-07-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

Kim- Praise! You'll have to ask her because she said we had to be quiet. :-)
Eliana- sweetness in marriage. :-)
Ashley- Boyfriend needs a job/encouragement
Mom- Baby Park
Twins-Peace in Iran.
Jamie-God would provide for the people and children of Uganda.

Prayer Requests for June 26th

2011-06-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

Bryndis- Co-worker has breast cancer and some other family matters going on.
Buddy's brother in law- Jewish
Eliana- Uncle in Brazil. Very extensive cancer.
Paula- continue to pray for baby Park. He is at day 43!
Brittnie- Pls pray that we get all approvals soon so we can travel next month.

Prayer Requests for June 19th

2011-06-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Jamie- driving to Shreveport, LA on Friday and back on Monday. Please pray for safe and uneventful travel.

Heather-struggling with current job situation. Pray for good attitude while she is there, but also pray that God will help her/lead her to a new job.

Brittnie- Please pray that all approvals for Bella to come home will happen in the next couple of weeks! We need to get this girl home!!

Prayer Requests for June 12th

2011-06-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

Sandra- continued guidance with Andrew
Kim-pray for Daniel/marriage and for them while Daniel is away for pharmacy internship. Pray for godly friend to come along for Daniel.
Ashley- Custody papers over Shawn.
Brittnie- For approvals in India for us to travel this summer.

Prayer requests and Praise for 5.29.11

2011-05-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Joy-husband/counseling

Laura- Brett's grandmother passed away- comfort for family.

Brittnie- Cousin had baby "Park" at 26 weeks. Pray for Park and fam.
Pray for adoption process to be finished soon as Agency travels to India this week!

Carin- April's (Carin's sister) job search

Ashley- Dr. Borden's recovery
Child custody/child support paper work to be finished.

Jamie-Praise for God's faithfulness in Grace's Kitchen

Kim-Dainiel will be in Selma for 1 month for rotation in Pharmacy school.

Andrea- Claire, 3 y/o neice, recovering from E-coli.

Prayer for Sunday May 22, 2011

2011-05-22T13:15:00.001-07:00

Lindsey-pls pray for her dad as he has been given on a very short few weeks. :-(

Brittnie- Pls pray for my cousin and his wife who gave birth to their baby boy, (Park) at only 26 weeks. He is only 1 pound.

Prayer requests for 5.15.11

2011-05-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Eliana- Praise for Enzo's good blood word report!
Bryndis- Co worker has breast cancer and has surgery today (Tues)
Laura- Brett moving home!! Pray for move and transition.
Sandra-Andrew still having struggles.
Pray also for her coworker who was in a wreck and now now finding herself in an unnecessary legal mess.

Prayer Request 5.8.11

2011-05-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Wendy-sister Holly going through a divorce. (3 children)
Heather- discernment for current job.
Ashley-continued prayer for boss who has colon/rectal cancer
Lindsey-continued prayer for dad's cancer and healing.

Prayer Requests from 4.17.11 (am SS)

2011-04-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

Sandra-
Praise over Beth Chapman's (Alabama Sec of State) powerful testimony of her faith in Christ to many after the recent death of her husband. Pray for her as well as she deals with this loss.

Bryndis-
Sisters best friend going through divorce with 5 kids.

Leslie-
prayer over her marriage

Ashley-
Vet she works for has rectal cancer. Surgery on the 25th.

Prayer and Praises 4.10.11

2011-04-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

Wendy- for dad's continue healing and now pneumonia

Amy Crews back in hospital.

Lindsey- treatment for dad will get rid of cancer.

Praise- Carin.....Was given opportunity at work that she has prayed for about 6 years.

Prayers and Praises 4.3.11

2011-04-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

Eliana- Praise that Enzo is recovering and did not need surgery!

Wendy- Travel grace's
comfort for family due to grandmother's death.

Jamie- Job interviews for next 2 weeks. Pray for direction

Debra- hip to heal
Praise report just in (MRI results indicated some Frayed Hip Cartlidge (no labral or cartlidge tear. After getting the results, they forwarded me to make an appt with a surgeon for a consult--wtg for the callback from them tomorrow. )

Debs husband had moles removed....pray for good pathology report.

Kim-Daniel needs some sinus relief through meds and avoid surgery.

Britt-Praise for money raised at Painting fundraiser.
Pray for remaining $14,000 to be provided before travel in June!

Anyone interested in a Spanish Class?

2011-03-28T14:03:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to let you know that I will be teaching a Spanish class as a fundraiser to bring Brittnie's daughter home. It will be some time in April or early May. We are still deciding on time and location. There is no cost on me, so all proceeds will go to Brittnie. It will be a 2 -3 hour event. I will cover basics of the Spanish language and Latin culture. There will be music, dancing (if you are interested), but we will also work on skills that can help you learn Spanish or even another language on your own. I have not taught adults in a while, so I am very excited about this.

Please reply letting me know if you would like to participate.

Have a blessed week!
Eliana

Prayer Requests 3.27.11

2011-03-28T10:15:00.001-07:00

Wendy-grandmother in the hospital with Pneumonia
Joy- Christy's 4yr old son Evan that fell out of the 2 story window passed away.
Debra-Family member has recognized drub problem and getting help.
Melissa- Friend April lost her baby at 37 weeks.
Carin- Cousin Sarah.
Sandra- Andrew having issues of anger and defiance. Pray for wisdom for her as well as she parent's him.

Prayer Requests and Praises

2011-03-14T13:39:00.001-07:00

Wendy- Continued prayers for recovery for her dad after surgery.

Laura- Continued prayer for Amy Crews (Tommye's daugther). Still on ventilator & a kidneys not functioning well.

Kim- Friend of hers.....parents were lost in Japan and was having a hard time trying to reach their son there in Japan.

Sandra- Wisdom in answering all of Andrew's (5 yr old) difficult questions.

Pray for all those affected by the Earthquake and Tsunami.

PRAISE---
Brittnie- I'm getting referral paper work in the mail TOMORROW! (3.15.11)

Praises and Prayers

2011-03-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

PRAISES
Carin - Grandfather "Shot" is out of the hospital and doing much better

Tiana - Mom is home from the hospital

PRAYERS
Carin - unspoken request for her cousin

Paula - Julie Walker as she goes to have memorial service for her husband Mickey with his family

Wendy H. - Dad still in the hospital and also friends husband who received a heart transplant

Laura H. - Amy Crews daughter of Tommye and Kerry Lambert still in hospital with complications from Cystic Fybrosis

Kimberly B. - Sister and her husband joined HSBC praying for and looking for a Sunday School Class

Leslie H. - Trying to find balance between home and going back to work

Tiana - friend gained custody of her 15 yr old stepson after he got into too much trouble and his mom did not want him to live with her anymore

More Retreat Pictures

2011-03-07T16:05:00.001-08:00

Prayer Requests for 2.27.11

2011-02-27T13:55:00.000-08:00

Bryndis-Father hip replacement Surgery this week.

Laura- Tommye Lambert's daughter, Amy is has CF and is currently in the hospital with pneumonia. Her condition worsened and is in very critical condition.Please pray for Amy and the Lambert's.

Carin- grandfather (Shot) is in the hospital and is very ill.

Carin- please lift us her cousin Sarah. (details unspoken)

Prayer Requests-2.20.11

2011-02-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

Wendy- continued prayers for Mac as he goes for MRI this week.
Eliana- Safety and protection over her and classroom kids at school.
Kim-prayer for strength in her continued prayer over husband.
Tiana-Prayer for her as she is upon the 1 yr anniversary of losing Todd.
Brittnie-Adoption stuff.

Hunter Street Ladies Retreat

2011-02-14T08:49:00.001-08:00

Praise and Prayers

2011-02-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Praise
Eliana - going home for her brothers wedding summer of 2012

Carin - law firm voted her partner

Kimberly Blair - Daniel brought her a John Piper book

Tiana - my mom is off the ventilator and may get to go home this week

PRAYERS
Joy - continue to pray over relationship with her ex-husband

Tiana - my friends cousin who was diagnosed with stomach cancer is having surgery this Wed.

Prayer Requests

2011-01-31T16:53:00.000-08:00

Debra Hanks - neighbor Louise is in the hospital with cancer

Eliana - Sharon Jordan diagnosed with breast cancer - also, high school friend Cassio Vinicius Castro was killed by one of his students, please keep his family in your prayers

Brittnie - husband Jeff's shoulder was badly injured in a dirt biking accident.

Tiana - Mother in intensive care with pneumonia and a staff infection in her lungs. She is on a ventilator.

Prayer Request

2011-01-24T19:03:00.001-08:00

Wendy H - Continue to keep Mac in your prayers. His last radiation treatment is this week. Praying for complete healing and restoration.

Prayers and Praises

2011-01-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

PRAYERS
Eliana's grandfather is in the hospital.

Debra's uncle passed away this week after suffering a fall.

Kimberly's sisters father-in-law is a diabetic has a cut on his leg that they are watching hoping that he doesnt have to have his leg removed.

Wendy is still requesting prayer for Mac, the little boy with brain tumor who is in treatment. Praying for healing and recovery for him.

PRAISE
Sandra received a referral bonus after recommending a friend for a job. Thankful that God provides and she was able to pay off some bills.

Prayer Requests 1.9.11

2011-01-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

Our study is off with a bang! Good to see everyone back today!

Prayer requests:

Kim-friend quit her job and needs some direction and guidance.

Debra- Uncle fell and Dr. is not giving him long to live. Please pray for comfort and for the family.

Ashley- pray for the Dr. she works for who was just diagnosed with cancer and looking into treatments.

Ashley- pray for her as her boyfriend moves to Mississippi this weekend to take on a new job. Pray as they adjust to a long distance relationship as well.

Hosea

2011-01-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

Join us for our brand new Hosea Study starting Sunday January 9th!

Prayer Request 12.5.10

2010-12-21T08:28:00.001-08:00

Joy- Continued emotional and financial healing from divorce. Really struggling with ex since Thanksgiving.

Prayer Requests for November 21st and 28th

2010-11-29T07:40:00.001-08:00

November 21st-

Wendy- Mac McNeal-9 Yr old son of good friends-had brain tumor removed. pray it is not cancer, pain management, comfort for parents/siblings, complete healing.

Andrea- pray for physical energy and motivation, to get more healthy, physically, mentally and emotionally to be able to care for my home and family as she should.

Marla- my Uncle Tom Thomley passed away. He was a believer so there is comfort in that yet it will be a sad week for us all.

November 28th-

Eliana- pray for sister in law as she is struggling with marriage. Pray for guidance and decisions and family involved.

Brittnie- will be renewing all adoption stuff this week. Pray for the renewing, the finances involved and the selling of our house (because this will effect the adoption renewals)

Prayer Requests for Nov. 14th

2010-11-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

Laura Y.- 3 of her 5th grade students have been trying to start a bible study in her classroom on Tuesday mornings. Pray that they would encourage other students to come and that they can share Christ with others!

Brittnie- pray for healing after surgery.
Pray also for adoption process. Having to start over because our immigration stuff is expiring and needs to be renewed.

Prayer Requests 11.7.10

2010-11-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

Carin-(Praise) sister's request for Child visitation was granted this week. (Carin has been working and praying for this for month's!)

Carin-Direction about Home Remodel and meeting with the city of Hoover this week about combining lots. If shouldn't do this, hope God would close the door quickly.

Jamie- Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer last week and is having surgery on Thursday to hopefully remove it all. Please pray for her comfort and the surgeons. Our hope is that the cancer is small and limited and they can get it all.

Prayer Requests October 31st

2010-11-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

Brittnie- pray for Lindsey Eaton's trip to Kentucky to spend time with dad. Also, pray for her dad as he continues to battle cancer.

Sandra-Divorce is final. Continue to pray for reconciliation.

Tiana- Continue to pray for her dad as he goes into the hospital on Tuesday.

Prayer Requests 10.24.10

2010-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Laura- Teacher friend who has had MD for years and bound to wheelchair, in bad car wreck Monday. At Lakeshore for rehab and long road ahead of her.

Esmeralda- Thanks be to God for answering her prayer.

Kim- Kathy Stevens (friend of family) her son just died by suicide.
The same week the son died, Kathy was in a head on collision car crash.

Lindsey- Dad's cancer is back and results are not good. Please pray for this family!

Brittnie- House to sell. adoption referral!

10.10.10 Prayer Requests

2010-10-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Melissa Adams- Friend Amy, still having anxiety attacks. Pray that she will seek hep she needs and that God will be her peace.

Brittnie- Uganda team made it safely. PTL!! Continue to pray for them as they do God's work.

Prayer Requests 10.3.10

2010-10-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ashley- Friend Meredith lost baby in miscarriage.

Lindsey- Pray for peace. She has so much going on she is feeling overwhelmed. Pray for her dad as well - he has been in remission from cancer but his recent tests reveal some new spots.

Sandra- praise that brother received a consulting contract for next year!
Pray also for Sandra as Friday would have been the 16th anniversary of her and her husband.

Melissa- Nancy Gray (mother of 4) has pancreatic cancer and it has spread. they have exhausted all treatment options- done all they can medically.

Jamie- pray for safe travel to and from Uganda and while there. Pray also that God will be glorified and the team will share His love. That the team will be open and willing to be used in His will only.

Fredia L.- biopsy in 2 weeks.

Prayer Requests 9.26.10

2010-09-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Eliana- Pray for the salvation of Carlos (brother)and his girlfriend.

Brittnie- house to sell

Prayer Requests 9.19.10

2010-09-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

Laura-Whether to move closer to work. If so, house to buy and her house to sell.

Eliana- Pray for Maria (her mom) who just started reading the Bible for the first time. Pray also for Mr. and Mrs. Campbell spreading the gospel in Brazil!

Brittnie- House to sell!

Prayer Requests from 9.12.10

2010-09-12T12:59:00.001-07:00

Wendy- Sharing her Testimony next weekend at her 20 year reunion. Please pray for her as she share's her story and how the LORD has used her in and through this situation!

Brittnie- Pray for house to sell please and for God to provide financially in the mean time.

Prayer Requests 8.29.10

2010-08-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

Pray for Tiana...for healing after Mtn. bike accident.

Lindsey- Continue to pray for answers and solutions on conception. Current doctor is referring her on to another specialist.

Brittnie- Please pray for our old house to sell and for God to provide in the waiting. Also, the LORD has changed our hearts in our adoption and we believe the LORD may be leading us to an older child in India. We could have that referral very soon. Please pray for us during this time.

8/22/2010 Prayer Requests

2010-08-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

Kim Blair - Pray for wisdom on a family issue - need prayer for direction from God.

Bryndis has a 3rd interview on Monday 8-23-10!!!

Jamie Barnhart - Going to Uganda in October. Please pray that I will be brave and be willing to share with people here before I leave and that I will be brave and bold while I am there.

Esmerelda - Continue to pray for brother in law that he will find Christ and get his life together. Learn some responsibility and stability.

Tiana - Continue to pray for Hayley Lunsfords family. Her grandfather was put in a nursing home, he has become to sick for her grandmother to be able to care for him.

Transformers

2010-08-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Ladies,

Please join us in Sunday school as we start a new series called, "Transformers". Transformers is Sunday School lessons on spiritual disciplines. We will be learning to develop and apply habits in our everyday lives that will lead us to more fully know and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

You can view more info on the series here:
TRANSFORMERS ONLINE

Brittnie

First Day Pray!

2010-08-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

First Day Pray August 11

At the start of each school year the Hunter Street family comes together for a time of focused prayer for all educators and students, K5 through college. We call this prayer time First Day Pray and invite you to this special prayer service on August 11.

All children, students and adults will worship together in the Sanctuary. No other age-graded activities or services will be held. Preschool care will be provided as usual for birth to age 3.

Teachers, school employees, bus drivers, home school parents and others involved in educating our children are welcome. Invite your friends who teach or work in our schools – you don’t have to be a member to attend. Fellowship Dinner will be served in the gym from 4:45 to 6:00 p.m. and worship will begin at 6:15 p.m.

NO Sunday School July 4th

2010-06-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that there will be no Sunday school July 4th.

Brittnie

New Look

2010-04-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hey girls!

I had to give the blog a do-over. The other one was getting on my nerves and not doing what I wanted it to. So, I changed it!

Hope you like!

Brittnie

Good Friday and Easter Sunday

2010-03-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Good Friday Remembrance Service Times Thursday April 1st at 6:30pm and Friday April 2nd at Noon.

Easter Sunday services are 7:00,8:05, 9:30 and 10:45am.

Blessings,
Brittnie

Jeremiah 2:1-5 Bible Trivia

2010-03-22T12:26:00.001-07:00

Get ready for our Bible Trivia game this Sunday 3.28.10!
Study your notes!

Brittnie

Planning Your Year With the LORD

2010-01-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

While we can make plans anytime of the year, the new year is often a good time for each of us to take a good look at the coming 12 months and plan out our goals. A couple of weeks ago in Sunday School we took a look at a basic outline for how to plan your devotional time with the Lord in the new year. The outline is very basic but my hopes are that it will help many of you to nail down time with the Lord this year that will be transforming!

Planning Your Year with the Lord

Devotional Time:

1. Remove the Distractions:

List the distractions that are currently keeping you from spending regular, intimate, time with the Lord.

_______________________________

Distractions are everywhere. Some you can eliminate, some you cannot. The key is to remove yourself from the distractions as much as possible by choosing the best time and place to remove as many distractions as possible.

2. Set a Time:

Circle the two best times of the day for you to have a good 30 minutes to an hour of undistracted time with the Lord:

Before Breakfast/work While Kids @ School During Lunch Break

Before Bed After Work/Before Dinner Other________

No matter what your circumstance, there is most likely a time you can find that will work for you. You may need to get up earlier or stay up a little later in the evening. You schedule out numerous activities each day. The same tools can be applied to your devotional time with the Lord. Put it on your calendar, schedule it out just like all of your other commitments.

3. Name the Place:

List the best place for you to meet with the Lord. Ideally this will be a location free from most distractions including talking, technology, cold or hot conditions, etc.

___________________________________________________________________

4. Choose a Reading Plan:

Choose a plan to read through the Bible or a portion of the Bible in a year or some other set time. Pray through what the Lord would have you study and then get started with one of the plans or websites listed below.

Reading Plans

Chronological - Read through the Bible in the order of the events happened.

Brook Hills Chronological - Read through the Bible as the events occurred.

M’Cheyne One-Year Reading Plan - Mix it up with some OT, some NT, Psalms & Gospels each day

ESV Study Bible - Several different topical plans including: 1. Psalms & Wisdom Literature, 2. Pentateuch or History of Israel; Chronicles or Prophets; Gospels or Epistles

Custom:

For a plan customized to your Bible Translation and reading plan, visit the websites listed below and print out your customized plan.

http://www.ewordtoday.com/year/

http://bibleplan.org/

5. Listen:

Don’t take up the entire time doing all the talking. Remember that the Lord wants to speak to you so take time to listen. Generally, the best method for this is simply setting a time and sitting in silence after praying that the Lord would speak to you about whatever is on his heart much like Samuel did, “Speak for your servant is listening.” (1 Sam. 3:10)

6. Journal:

Try recording your prayer time, lessons learned from the reading and anything the Lord reveals to you through your daily listening.

7. Don’t Give Up:

If you get behind, keep going! The enemy’s one goal will be to distract you from spending intimate time with the Lord. Fight on and keep going!

Additional Resources:

If you struggle with understanding what you are reading, here are some tools that can help you out:

The Drama of Scripture Craig G. Bartholomew

God’s Big Picture:Tracing the Storyline of the Bible Vaughan Roberts

ESV Study Bible Crossway Publishers

A Chronicle of Redemption - Sermon Series that walks through the "Brook Hills Chronological" Reading Plan listed above with sermons that follow each week's reading.

How to Study the Bible David Platt

Outlines and MP3'S

2009-12-22T12:24:00.000-08:00

All Outlines and MP3's of our SS lessons will be here from now one.
There is also a link on the top left hand side of this blog (Picture of the bride) that will take you there as well.

Brittnie

Orphan Sunday!

2009-11-09T13:23:00.001-08:00

Love this message by Kay Arthur!

2009-11-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

Orphan Sunday. November 8th 2009- Concert

2009-10-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the Steven Curtis Chapman concert live via webcast from Nashville in the Hunter street Chapel. Make plans to be there. Doors open at 3:30 and concert starts at 4:00

Orphan Sunday. November 8th 2009

2009-10-18T19:36:00.001-07:00

Orphan Sunday from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Miracle in Franklin

2009-10-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here is the video I mentioned to you in class.

Wendy's Testimony

2009-09-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Baptism!

2009-09-14T09:18:00.001-07:00

We are so proud of you Lindsey!

Shelly's having twins!!

2009-09-14T09:15:00.001-07:00

Our Love for the LORD (Part III)

2009-09-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Girls, this one is going to be hard to interpret with out all the extra info I gave in class. Lynsey is also going to make her notes available for anyone who is interested.

Return to the LORD
A study of Jeremiah 2:1-13

Our Love for the LORD part III

Jeremiah 2:1-2 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the LORD, "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.

1. I remember the devotion of your __youth_____

Na`uwr means___youth, early life___

Hosea 2:15 "Then I will give her her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor as a door of hope. And she will sing there as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.

Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

Ezekiel 16:8"When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord GOD, and you became mine

Ruth 3:9-He said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative."

2. Your love as a ___bride___

Keluwlah means ___espousal, betrothal___

Exodus 6:6-7 Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians

Exodus 19: 1-8 On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, while Moses went up to God. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. All the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do."

Exodus 19:10- the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments.

Exodus 19:17 -Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain.

Exodus 24:3-8 Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, "All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do." 4And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD.

In our words today, simply, __I do_____.

Jeremiah 31:31-32 "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD.

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

How is your love for the LORD?

God cannot bless a nation that turns away from Him

2009-09-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Our Love for the LORD (part II)

2009-09-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

9.6.09 Revive Sunday School

Return to the LORD
A study of Jeremiah 2:1-13
Our Love for the LORD Part II

Jeremiah 2:1-2 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the LORD, "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.

1. "I remember the __devotion_____ of your youth

Chesed means loving kindness, faithfulness, devotion, loyalty, unchanging love, steadfast love

(Chesed is used as a covenant word and especially of the covenant between God and Israel.)

Exodus 13:18 But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.

Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.

Exodus 14:29 The people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Exodus 14:31 Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.

Exodus 15:1-20 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, "I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war; YHWH is his name. "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode. The LORD will reign forever and ever."

2. God desires our __persistent__ love and devotion.

Hosea 6:4-6 What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away. 5Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light. 6For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings

3. Even when our devotion _diminishes_, Gods devotion endures forever. (Isaiah 40:6,8)

Psalm 136 (look up)

Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

4. God’s chesed for us is entirely ___undeserved____.

Our Love for the LORD (part I)

2009-08-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

Return to the LORD

A study of Jeremiah 2:1-13

Our Love for the LORD Part I

Jeremiah 2:1-2 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the LORD, "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.

1. The word of the LORD came to me saying, “Go and __proclaim_____ in the hearing of Jerusalem.

Qara' means to call, call out, cry out, proclaim, utter a loud sound, to read aloud

2. Thus says the LORD, "I _____remember__

Zakhar means of, be mindful of, to think upon_

Psalm 8:4 what is man that you are mindful of him, andthe son of man that you care for him?

3. Never are God’s people absent from His heart and mind. They are __engraved___ on the palm of His hands (Isaiah 49:16) and set as a __seal____upon His heart (Song of Solomon 8:6)

4. Sometimes it may seem as though God has __forgotten__ us when we call out to Him and we do not get an ____immediate_______answer.

1. Genesis 8:1-But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark.

2. Genesis 19:29 So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.

3. Genesis 30:22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb.

4. Exodus 2:24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

5. Ezekiel 16:60 “Nevertheless, I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.

God does not forget His people nor does He forget His covenant with them.

5. God remembers _(fill in your name here)__

Lesson from 8.23.09

2009-08-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

Return to the LORD

A study of Jeremiah 2:1-13

Setting and Background on Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1:1-19

Vs. 1 The words of Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah, one of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, 2 to whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

2 Chronicles 34; 2 Kings 22; 23:1-30

8^th year of reign-Began to seek the LORD. (He was 16)

12^th year of reign-Purging Judah of Idolatry. (He was 20)

13^th year of reign- this is when the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah.

18th year of reign- began a reform .

Vs. 3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, and until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the captivity of Jerusalem in the fifth month.

The Call of Jeremiah

Vs. 4-5 Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were bornI consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

God is completely __Sovereign___and knows all things even before they happen.

God __knew____ you and me __before______ we existed.

Ephesians 2:10--For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

3. Before we were born, God designed us for a ____specific_________ work.

Vs. 6 “Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth."

4. So here come our __excuses___!

Vs. 7-10 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, andwhatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." ⁹Then the LORD put out his hand andtouched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. ¹⁰See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

We don’t have to worry…..God will ____accomplish___ in and through you what he has set out to do despite our inadequacies.

Vs. 11 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Jeremiah, what do you see?" And I said, "I see an almond branch." ¹²Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it."

Vs. 13-14Jer. 1:11–12

Jer. 1:13–14

The word of the LORD came to me a second time, saying, "What do you see?" And I said, "I see a boiling pot, facing away from the north." ¹⁴Then the LORD said to me, "Out of the north disaster shall be let loose upon all the inhabitants of the land.

Vs. 15-16 For behold, I am calling all the tribes of the kingdoms of the north, declares the LORD, and they shall come, and every one shall set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, against all its walls all around and against all the cities of Judah. ¹⁶AndI will declare my judgments against them, for all their evilin forsaking me. They have made offerings to other gods and worshiped the works of their own hands.

Vs. 17 But you,dress yourself for work;arise, andsay to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.

4 Directives for your assignment.

1. Get ___ready_______

2. Get __up_________

3. God’s __ways____ only

4. Get rid of __fear______

Vs. 18 And I, behold, I make you this daya fortified city, an iron pillar, andbronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. ¹⁹They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the LORD, to deliver you."

6. Your assignment will not be ____comfortable_____, but God will get you through it!

Return to the LORD

2009-08-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Ladies,

As I shared in class we are beginning a new in depth study of Jermemiah chapter 2 called "Return to the LORD".I am very excited about what is ahead. We are going to study this as long as the LORD permits. We'll take a look at what God had to say to His people through the prophet Jeremiah and also what He has to say to us today!

Here are the verses we will look at (and memorize as well)!

Jeremiah 2:1-13
1The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2"Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the LORD, "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride,how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. 3 Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest. All who ate of it incurred guilt; disaster came upon them,declares the LORD."

4Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all the clans of the house of Israel. 5Thus says the LORD: "What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me,and went after worthlessness, and became worthless? 6They did not say,'Where is the LORD who brought us up from the land of Egypt,who led us in the wilderness,in a land of deserts and pits, in a land of drought and deep darkness,in a land that none passes through, where no man dwells?'

7 And I brought you into a plentiful land to enjoy its fruits and its good things. But when you came in, you defiled my land and made my heritage an abomination. 8The priests did not say, 'Where is the LORD?' Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me;the prophets prophesied by Baal and went after things that do not profit.

9"Therefore I still contend with you, declares the LORD, and with your children’s children I will contend. 10For cross to the coasts of Cyprus and see,or send to Kedar and examine with care; see if there has been such a thing. 11 Has a nation changed its gods,even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.

12Be appalled, O heavens, at this;be shocked, be utterly desolate,declares the LORD, 13for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

We see immediately in Verse 2 that the LORD is doing some reflecting on how things once were with He and His Bride. So, we'll do some studying from the OT that will show us Israel's deliverance and God's covenant with them. We'll look at the establishing of God's people, Priests and Temple worship. We'll study what God expected from His people and how that applies to us today as Christ followers.

As I mentioned in class yesterday, it is heavy on my heart the fact that God longs to be one with His Bride but that She is defiled/unclean. He is seeking a Pure and Spotless Bride and we have much purification that is needed. As we study we'll also see that when God's people are defiled, that judgment can be expected unless we hit our faces and repent and beg God to relent. This is so applicable to our time today in our country.

I am so excited about what God is doing and will do through our study. My prayer is that we will (as a class) make every attempt to be in attendance each Sunday seeking God through His word together and asking Him to come and do a work in and through us! Come join us!

For His Kingdom,

Brittnie

Desperate Deliverance

2009-08-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Lesson Overview

Biblical Passages: 2 Kings 17:3–8, 18:1–7, 18:26–36, 19:14–20, 19:35–37

Supporting Passages: 2 Chronicles 29–32; Isaiah 36–39

Memory Verse: 2 Kings 18:5

Biblical Truth: God delivered Hezekiah and Judah from the Assyrian army because they desperately turned to the Lord in repentance and prayer.

Context: Judah found itself in a desperate situation. With no allies and minimal military strength, what would the nation do when Assyria turned its eye to the southern kingdom? Hezekiah, the new king, knew what his father would do: forget the Lord and try and make alliances with other nations. But he also knew what the prophet of the Lord, Isaiah, had told him. Hezekiah found himself in a time of crisis with fundamental questions just as real then as they are now: What do you believe? Where is your security found?

Learning Goals:

Learners will examine Hezekiah’s feelings of insecurity as he faced the threat to his kingdom.
Learners will consider ways to find their security in God when they feel threatened during times of insecurity and loss.

Lesson 3 : Is God Listening?

2009-07-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Biblical Passage: 1 Samuel 1:1–28

Supporting Passages: 1 Samuel 2:1–21; Psalm 42

Memory Verses: 1 Samuel 1:27–28

Biblical Truth: God answered Hannah’s desperate prayer by giving her a son, showing He is faithful to hear and respond to the requests of His people.

Context: Years of barrenness had left Hannah humiliated and verbally abused. Desperately, she petitioned God to grant her a son. Even in the midst of her desperation, she promised God she would give her son back to Him if He heard her cries. Her story, the third in this series, shows how God hears and responds to our prayers of desperation.

Learning Goals:

Learners will examine Hannah’s passionate struggle with unfulfilled hopes.
Learners will consider opening their hearts to God when they struggle with unfulfilled hopes.

The Darkest Hours: Seeking God in Desperation

2009-07-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Darkest Hours: Seeking God in Desperation
	LIFE COURSES \| 4-WEEK STUDY Life’s not easy. Period. Sure, there are a lot of great and wonderful and happy times in life, but there are also a lot of not-so-cheery times. Sometimes, our day to day can seem downright terrible. And here’s the tough part: It gets worse. No matter if we’re struggling because of bad choices, indecision, unfulfilled hopes and dreams… or maybe a broken heart… Life has a way of beating you when you’re down. Grief, fear, guilt… It’s relentless! So what do you do? Where do you turn? How in the world are you gong to get this train back on the tracks! The Darkest Hours: Seeking God in Desperation is a revealing, four-week look into the lives of Samson, Ruth, Hannah and Hezekiah and the real-life struggles they all faced: shame, grief, loneliness and fear. We are reminded that even the strongest people in life will face tough times… Sometimes, even when they are seeking God’s will. This series was created to reveal how God is present in the good times and in the bad. These are real, applicable life lessons and explorations into God’s Word that will make discovering all of His promises a comforting reality. Each week’s study will allow groups, large or small, to uncover a genuine understanding of spiritual growth, and they will each reveal an exciting look into how we all fit into God’s masterful plan.

Summer Quest 2009

2009-06-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

Ladies,

Summer Quest was a huge success! Over 860 1st thru 6th graders and 1400 total with workers and preschool. It was a fabulous week! Here are the videos of the day to recap the week. (bloopers are in there as well.) Click here for the videos!

Blessings,
Brittnie

Take Courage!

2009-06-01T13:55:00.001-07:00

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."

- Mark Batterson

God of this City

2009-05-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

thought you girls would enjoy this!

Click here to read and see video

You'll also want to read this as well to go with video!

Brittnie

Summer Quest Items needed

2009-05-18T08:20:00.001-07:00

Summer Quest June 1^st-5th

Empty Styrofoam egg cartons
clean, empty soup/vegetable cans
clean, empty toilet paper rolls
clean, empty paper towel rolls
scrap yarn
scrap fabric

Bring these items to the Kid Quest desk by Sunday May 31^st

Signs of Christ's Return -As In the Days of Noah

2009-04-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Signs of Christ's Return
As In the Days of Noah

As we watch the downward spiral of our society today, we realize that a powder keg is ready to explode. Something has got to change.

by Chuck Smith

We look at the deteriorating moral values in our nation—the divorce rate, abortion, pornography, drug addiction and child abuse. We witness what has transpired in the homosexual community. We are shocked at the violent crimes, the drive-by shootings and the terrorism that plagues our world. What is the world coming to? Is the end near?

What will be the signs of Jesus’ coming and the end of the world? This was the very same question Jesus’ disciples asked. Jesus’ answer to them and to us is found in Matthew 24:37-39:

As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that [Noah] entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.

Genesis 6:5 tells us what was going on in the days of Noah. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” As we look at our world today, we see the parallel—the movie industry corrupting our values, television defiling our homes, children’s video games teaching violence—all these are polluting people’s minds until the thoughts and the imagination of man’s heart is continually evil.

We read in Genesis 6:11 that “the earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” Pick up the newspaper and you will see the hostility that fills the earth. Our nation’s morality has sunk to the place where Ruth Graham once said, “If God doesn’t judge America, He will need to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah!”

I would say that the world right now is very much like it was in the days of Noah. Jesus pointed out that in Noah’s day, the people were totally oblivious to the coming judgment of God. They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. It was pretty much business as usual. There was no awareness that the judgment of God was about to fall upon them. They did not realize anything was wrong until Noah went into the ark and the rain began to fall.

People today do not realize how ripe the world is for judgment. God is trying to shake us from our lethargy and wake us up. We see a worldwide financial crisis, disasters, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, famines and the AIDS epidemic. But try to suggest to a worldly person that these indicate the beginning of sorrows and God’s judgment, and they will laugh at you. The world may acknowledge their belief in the existence of God, but they live as though God does not exist. There is a total lack of fear of a holy and righteous God.

The Prophet Isaiah said, “Woe unto them who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). Speaking of the future woes that are coming upon the earth, the angel proclaims in Revelation 8:13, “Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” A day of reckoning is coming.

We see prophecies rapidly fulfilled before our very eyes. I believe the current economic crisis—and it’s not just a crisis here in America but a worldwide crisis—is going to force a joining together of the nations, a one-world union as prophesied in the Book of Revelation. It’s going to be moving in that direction. And as we look at the situation in Israel, we see their concern about the need to defend themselves against the possibility of a nuclear attack from other nations. Who and what can save us? Increased knowledge can’t save us. The government can’t save us. Neither can science nor Greenpeace save our planet.

So what does America need today? Rather than the homosexual community coming out of the closet, we need godly parents who will go into the closet and pray for their children, for their families, for the school system and the community. We need a spiritual revival to sweep our land. I believe more could be accomplished for good if we gathered together for times of prayer. Without a spiritual awakening, let’s face it, our nation is through. We need to realize that the only hope is to pray and to teach morality from a biblical base; that the Bible is the only true basis for morality.

We need men and women in our Congress and Senate who love God and fear Him. We need God’s people to humble themselves and pray, and seek God’s face and turn from their wicked ways. You see—we’re either part of the problem or we’re a solution to the problem!

The only hope for the future is the coming again of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can save us. This is what Jesus is talking about in Matthew 24, the day of the Lord’s coming, the day of the establishing of the Kingdom of God. He said, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days … they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:29-30).

This will be the day when, according to the Book of Revelation, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4). The day when “He [that is, Jesus] shall judge among the nations. … nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4).

As we face the conditions of the world today, we see the same conditions that existed in the days of Noah. We realize that judgment is not far off. So let us pray that God will draw our hearts unto the things of the Spirit and free us from the bondage of corruption that holds the world in its grip. And let us pray—as God’s people—to have a real heart and concern for our families and for our nation—for a spiritual revival in our land. As we see the deteriorating condition of the world around us, it should be a wake-up call for us to live godly, righteous, holy lives, placing our minds, hearts and priorities on eternal values.

We don’t know what 2009 may hold for us—joys, sorrows, victories or defeats. But we do know that the Lord has promised to be with us, and He’s promised to help us. He has promised to guide us. So with this reminder, let us commit our ways to Him, knowing that He will bring to pass His perfect will in our lives.

May the Lord be with you and bless you. May the Lord’s hand be upon you to guide you. May His Spirit inspire you to a greater commitment to Jesus than you’ve ever had before, as we look forward to that glorious day of the Lord and the establishment of His Kingdom on the earth.
Chuck Smith
Chuck Smith is senior pastor at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (nondenominational), in Santa Ana, Calif. He and his wife, Kay, are parents of four grown children and live in Newport Beach.

Are you Ready for the End?

2009-03-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

Are You Ready for the End?
The world is racing toward the final judgment. How do you stand before God?

A Message by Billy Graham

Almost every headline, television news report and radio bulletin these days proclaims one essential truth: The modern world is in chaos, and no one has a realistic solution. Wherever you look today, there are storm clouds of anger and outrage. There is violence, abuse and unhappiness swirling about us. There is crime and unrest in the inner city. The whole world is crying out for some word of hope, but all we hear is the babble of wishful thinkers and charlatans. Psychologists, educators, social scientists, physicians and media wizards of every stripe offer pronouncements and speculations, but even the best ideas generally collapse under closer scrutiny. So far, our modern secular society has produced no positive answers; yet we continue to reach out in hope.

Actually, there is still good reason to hope. There is still time. For with society’s failure comes the chance to repent and seek renewal. If we recognize the failures of living without God and turn from our foolishness and disobedience, we may yet be able to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Today’s headlines are God’s warning to a sinful world. The television news flashes are a shadow of His loving hand at work, pushing for the world’s redemption. The radio bulletins are a reminder that in spite of our compulsive determination to ruin the earth and destroy God’s program of salvation, He has not given up on us completely. Until that day when God’s final judgment affixes each of us into place for eternity, there is a chance to begin again. Jesus said, “You must be born again” (John 3:7, NIV). That is the last best hope for this world. Ultimately it is our only hope.

At the risk of eternal peril, we must not fail to recognize the warning of future judgment in the Book of Revelation. We can still heed the rolling thunder, flee the rising storm and humble ourselves before Almighty God while there is yet time. Jesus warned us of this reality, saying, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28, NKJV). If we truly fear the ultimate Judge of all mankind, we must turn from our sin and be renewed through faith in Christ.

This is the reality: Death is universal and total in every generation. The generation in which we are now living will soon be dead, and another generation will follow. For many intellectual unbelievers, life is meaningless and hopeless. They do not know where they came from, why they are here or where they are going. They stumble on in the cosmic darkness. Those of us who have put our trust and faith in Christ know where we have come from, the purpose of our existence and the glorious future toward which we are headed. This makes life more than worth living. It gives us a hope for the future.

I cannot help but be reminded of the statement that Paul made as a great comfort to all those who believe in Jesus Christ. He said, “Christ Jesus ... brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10, NIV). That is a wonderful comfort to those of us who believe. But it’s one of the most terrifying verses in the Bible for the unbeliever, because it means that if you have never repented of your sins and received Christ by faith, you are doomed.

Thank God that the power of the great enemy of mankind—death—has been broken. The last enemy to be destroyed or nullified is death (1 Corinthians 15:26). That is what Jesus Christ did on the Cross. God raised Him from the dead. Paul exclaimed: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, NIV). By the death and resurrection of Christ we can read with joy and certainty, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18, NIV).

For the unbeliever, however, death is solemn and terrible. The unbeliever goes immediately to await the Great White Throne Judgment. One cannot read the Bible and miss the references to hell. They are unmistakable in the teachings of Christ Himself. For each time He spoke of heaven, He spoke several times of hell. To be in hell is to be out of the presence of God forever.

Jesus used these three words to describe hell. First, “fire.” “For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29, NIV). Jesus used this symbol over and over. I believe that it means a thirst for God that is never quenched. The second word is “darkness.” The Scripture teaches that God is light (1 John 1:5). Hell will be the opposite for those who are outside of Christ, for they “will be thrown outside, into the darkness” (Matthew 8:12, NIV). Those who have rejected Christ will be separated from this light and subsist in eternal darkness. The third word is “death.” God is life. Therefore hell is separation from the life of God. God takes no delight in people going to hell. He never meant that anyone would ever go to hell. He created hell for the devil and his angels.

But if we persist in going the devil’s way, we are going to end up there. The Scripture says that God’s desire is that all should be saved. The death of Christ was a judgment. God laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). He bore our judgment. We cannot be saved by our good works. Only Christ can save us, because on the Cross He took our place and bore the punishment we deserve for our sins. All we have to do is put our trust in Him.

But we have a responsibility to accept His free gift of salvation. We are not automatically saved just because Christ died for us. You personally must make your decision for Christ, and if you refuse to do so, you are, in a sense, already making a decision—the decision to reject Him and turn your back on His salvation.

For the true believer in Christ, one who has repented of sin and has been born from above, the judgment is past. There will be no hell. There will be no eternal death. Christ died for our sins, and by His death He destroyed eternal death. In Christ, we no longer regard death as the king of terrors. Paul wrote, “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Philippians 1:23, NIV). Why? Was it because he had suffered so much? No. He was ready because half a lifetime earlier he had met Christ on the Damascus road. In 1 John 3:14 we read that we have already “passed from death to life.” You can have eternal life now. Physical death is a mere transition from life on earth with Christ to eternal life in heaven with Christ.

An unbeliever only sees a hopeless end to life. But the Christian sees an endless hope. I do not look forward to the prospect of dying, but I do look forward to death itself. It will be a glorious release. It will be the fulfillment of everything I have ever longed for. The Scripture says, “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11, KJV).

You can have peace in your heart and assurance of salvation if you will humbly acknowledge yourself as a sinner in God’s sight, ask for His forgiveness by the blood of Christ shed on the Cross, and trust in Jesus, God’s Son, as your Savior and Lord. Christ died to do all this.

You do not have to do some wonderful thing to be saved. All you have to do is to accept the wonderful thing Christ has done for you. I invite you to bow your head right now and ask Christ to forgive you and come into your heart. God has promised, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God” (John 1:12, NIV). This can be your experience today as you turn in faith to Christ and give your life to Him. Don’t let another day go by without committing your life to Christ.

2009-03-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

Sheep and Goats
Which side are you on?

When Jesus was asked to describe His second coming, He answered first with warnings, second with stories, and finally with a plain statement about “when the Son of Man comes in is glory.”

by Ray Hollenbach

The fifth and final discourse in Matthew’s gospel provides a vivid picture of Jesus standing just outside the Temple in Jerusalem as He tells his followers about the second coming. The irony could not have been greater. Even as Israel rejected the first coming of Jesus, He spoke to them of His second coming.

With each pronouncement in Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus’ words become more and more forceful. Now, in his final saying, Jesus speaks plainly enough for us to hear Him twenty centuries later. (Matt: 25: 31-46)

The words of Jesus in a single verse are breathtaking: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.” (Matthew 25:31) These statements fall on us with breathtaking rapidity. The carpenter from Nazareth claims plainly to be the Son of Man described in Daniel’s prophecies from centuries before (Daniel chapter 7); He will command all the angels of heaven; and He will sit on a throne of judgment that oversees all of human history.

What kind of person could make such claims? What kind of person claims that he will return after a long absence, sit on a throne, and separate the gentle from the stubborn? What kind of person declares that his choices alone qualify people for everlasting reward or eternal punishment? Jesus not only predicts his return, he issues a warning that the second coming will not be like the first.

Christian writer C.S. Lewis reminds us that we cannot separate the teachings of Jesus from his astounding claims about himself. In a famous essay Lewis points out: “Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” (Mere Christianity, 1952)

In his first appearance on earth Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29) Jesus reveals in Matthew 25 that in His second coming He will return as the judge of all humanity. His bold statements outside the Temple that day force us to re-evaluate all we have learned about His teaching.

Jesus not only called the religious leaders of his day into account. He is calling us into account even now. Just as His resurrection was the Father’s vindication of Jesus’ claim to be the Savior of the world, so his second coming will be the vindication of His claim to be Lord of Heaven and Earth.

Watch a video about the Second Coming:

After describing the difficulties of the last days and telling stories about His return Jesus calls us to choose what we will do with His teaching. We can recognize Him as Lord now or in the day of His coming. Indeed, we should make our choice now because in the day of His coming the time for choosing will be over. The day of His coming tilts the scale from our choices to His final judgments.

In these final words about His second coming Jesus says plainly that He will separate the sheep from the goats. In that day our opinions about ourselves will not matter. Only His opinion will matter. In that day Jesus sets people aside for eternal reward or everlasting punishment. But we can do something about our destiny now, before that day. We can bow before Him now.

In the second coming only Jesus’ choice will matter. Our choices matter now. How important is that choice set before us? It is so important that at the second coming all the angels in heaven assemble to witness the results. It is so important that God Himself prepared His Kingdom “before the foundations of the world.” The words from Matthew’s gospel are not set before us to satisfy our curiosity. They are divinely inspired to set before us the most important choice we will ever make—will we be sheep or goats in God’s eyes?

Ray Hollenbach,a native of Chicago, has been the pastor of Vineyard Campbellsville (KY) for eleven years. His desire is to see the Kingdom of God advance in Campbellsville and beyond, as well as to see the next generation of leaders raised up and released into ministry.

The Virgins and the Bridegroom

2009-03-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

Christians of every generation have been interested in the return of Jesus Christ to the earth. And no surprise: the second coming of Christ has been the hope of the church in every age.

by Ray Hollenbach

Jesus Himself instructed us to “keep awake” and be aware of the signs of the times:

At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

At midnight the cry rang out: "Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!"

Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out."

'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. — Matthew 25: 1-13

In this parable Jesus gives his disciples the assurance of his return and provides instructions for how they should order their lives in light of the promise of his coming. His message was not only for them; it is for us as well. What can we learn from the Lord’s story?

From the very opening words of the parable we can discover something about the community of faith: we wait together for his return. His coming will certainly involve personal accountability as Jesus returns to judge each person, but until he arrives we are called to remain in community.

It is a fact demonstrated in every century and every culture: Christians flourish in community and wither when they attempt the Christian life on their own. We have a duty to await the bridegroom together.

The young women in this story also carry lanterns. It is a beautiful image of those pure in their faith, filled with expectancy, acting in obedience to the Lord’s command to be the light of the world. Jesus said, "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5). But he also said to his followers, "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14).

In his absence he wants us to carry God’s light. In a world darkened by sin we are the evidence that a new day is coming. For some people trapped in the darkness of depression or disobedience, we may be the only light they see. And the light we carry is not our own, it comes from the Spirit he has given us.

Jesus spoke of the oil that enabled the lamps to burn. Throughout the Scripture oil is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that He would not leave us alone. While He is away he provides his Holy Spirit to comfort and empower his disciples.

In this parable it is the oil that gives the lanterns their light, and the virgins must trim the lamps. This speaks of our devotion and fervor. We have a responsibility to trim our lamps. No one can do it for us. We alone must be sure that we steward the precious resource of his presence in the Person of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul reminded us that we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, and instructed those who waited for the Lord’s return, "do not to put out the Spirit’s fire."

This passage also reminds us that things may take a little longer than we might expect. The bridegroom was a long time coming. He was delayed so long that both the wise and the foolish both fell asleep, but we are still commanded to be ready for his return at any moment.

Ultimately, only the Father knows the day and the hour of the Son’s return. While we recognize along with the Psalmist that our times are in his hands, we also need to recognize that the End Times are most definitely in his hands.

Much has been made of the end of Jesus' parable. When word finally comes that his return is at hand, the foolish virgins must leave to find more oil, and they eventually find themselves on the outside looking in.

This verse can be the source of argument and division or we can take from it one sure lesson: instead of fearing the words, "I don't know you," we can prepare now for the assurance that the door to the feast will be open to us.

Have we made Jesus both Savior and Lord of our lives? Do we guard the gift of the Spirit given to us? Do we look eagerly to the day of his coming?

The end of this parable is the beginning of the wedding feast. And Christ Himself has made a way for all to come and dine. The second coming is really the beginning: the beginning of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Will you be ready?

Signs of Christ's Return

2009-02-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Signs of Christ's Return
How Then Should We Live?
Christians have been looking for Jesus’ Second Coming ever since He left the first time. We have always longed for the time when our Savior will come from heaven and make everything right once again on the earth. I hope you’re looking for it because Paul says at the end of 2 Timothy that there is a crown awaiting all of those who are longing for His appearing. Are you longing for it? Do you get up in the morning thinking, This could be the day?

by Skip Heitzig

Christians live with hindsight and foresight. We look back to our redemption: the once-for-all finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross on our behalf. And we look forward to restoration, where there is a total do-over, a make-over on Planet Earth, and Jesus Christ rules and reigns.

As we look forward, how should we live? The Apostle Paul wrote in Titus 2:12-13: “Live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

As we anticipate, what should we know? What should we be aware of? Consider the parable of the fig tree that Jesus tells in Matthew 24:32: “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.”

Notice that Jesus did not say, “Interpret what the fig tree means.” He simply said, “Learn a lesson from it.” He didn’t say, “Now you go to your theological libraries and try to figure out every little meaning of every detail.” He just said, “Look at the fig tree. Take a lesson from it.”

I believe there is a simple, straightforward meaning to the parable of the fig tree: You can tell what’s coming ahead by what you see right now. Jesus gave a series of signs earlier in this chapter—massive worldwide persecution (Matthew 24:2-13); worldwide evangelization (Matthew 24:14); the abomination of desolation and the mass exodus of the Jews from Jerusalem (Matthew 24:15-20); and the cataclysmic catastrophes that occur on the earth and in the heavens (Matthew 24:21-31).

Jesus said these signs would be “the beginning of sorrows.” The word that is used to mean sorrows is the same word that means birth pains. Birth pains are different from abdominal pains. Birth pains are more frequent and more intense. And when the birth pains come, you know the birth is about to take place.

If you ever travel to South Dakota, there’s a little town there known as Wall, and there is a drug store called Wall Drug. When Ted Hustead started the store back in the 1930s, he knew it would not get much traffic from his small town, so he put up signs—everywhere. He decided that everyone should know about his store. So he put a sign in all 50 states that tells the distance from that state to Wall Drug, S.D.

In Memphis, the sign reads: “Wall Drug: 1,192 miles.” In Paris, France, it says: “Wall Drug: 5,961 miles.” At the South Pole: “Wall Drug: 9,333 miles.” There’s a sign in Moscow and Kenya. There’s one outside the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. But if you’re driving on Interstate 90 and you’re 45 miles outside of Wall, you can count 53 signs in that 45-mile stretch leading into the little town. The signs get bigger and brighter. So, just seeing a sign for Wall Drug isn’t necessarily an indication that you’re close, but when those signs become more frequent and more intense, you know you’re almost there. Jesus gave a whole list of signs, or time indicators, so that already we can say, “I’m noticing the world shaping up toward His coming.”

Matthew 24:35 gives us a promise: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” There are two parts to this promise: The world of men will end, and the Word of God will endure. If you’re a materialist, I feel sorry for you. If your only hope is that new home or that wonderful garden or the new car, enjoy it now, because it’s all going to burn. The Lord has been faithful to remind me of this throughout the years. It seems that every time I buy something new, even though I try really hard to take care of it, it gets dinged or scratched. It still works, but it’s as if the Lord is saying, “It’s all going to burn.”

Matthew 24 closes with a parable about a wealthy master who leaves for a period of time and places all that he has with a servant. He comes back and catches his servant “in the act.” But what does he catch his servant doing? If the servant is wise, he is working; if the servant is foolish, he is wasting time.

The foolish servant says, “The lord is delaying his coming,” inferring that his master wouldn’t come for a long time, if at all. And in this section of Scripture Jesus goes on to tell two other parables. One speaks of 10 virgins going to meet the bridegroom, and the bridegroom is delayed in his coming. The other is the parable of the talents, in which a man gives his servants money and immediately goes on a journey. In that parable Jesus said, “After a long time, the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.”

It seems to me that, in telling these parables, the Lord was preparing His disciples for what would turn out to be a long absence. He was using imagery to say, “I’m going, and I’m coming back—but it’s going to be a long time.”

And the question for us is this: What are we to be doing in the meantime?

The answer is found in this story in Matthew 24. There are two kinds of servants: wise and wicked. The wise servant is caught in the act of faithful service. The wicked servant is caught in the act of fickle selfishness.

We who follow God are His servants. He is the Master. I want to remind you that if you are a Christian, Christ owns you. When you gave your life to Christ, you gave your life to Christ. He is the Boss. He calls the shots. You can never see your life as independent from God. In fact, that’s the very essence of sin.

Jesus says, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?” (Matthew 24:45). This indicates a task done in God’s household, the church. How are you helping to build up other believers in God’s household? How are you sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who don’t know Him?

Notice that the first servant is given two adjectives, faithful and wise. Let me ask you: What if your car started one out of three times? Would you say the car is faithful? What if you didn’t show up for work two or three days a month—just because you didn’t want to? Would your employer say you are faithful? What if you decided to make your mortgage payments most of the time, but a couple times a year you didn’t, because you wanted to buy something else? Would the bank say you’re faithful? In the same way, if you just come to church sporadically, but not enough to get involved, are you faithful?

Wise is the second adjective. Wise means you have enough insight that would prompt your obedience. Do you know that the wisest way for you to live is in absolute surrender to Christ? Romans 12:1 says “I beseech you, therefore, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” It’s the smartest way to live. It’s faithful and it’s wise.

And it’s how we are to live in light of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Skip Heitzig
Skip Heitzig is senior pastor at Ocean Hills Church, in San Juan Capistrano,
Calif.

Proclaiming Christ's Return

2009-02-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

Proclaiming Christ's Return

I have felt for a long time that the church has long neglected prophetic truth and, as a result, has failed to carry out God’s revealed program not only for the church itself but has failed to tell the world of God’s plan for the future.
by Billy Graham

The church has failed to keep divine objectives in view because she has neglected the prophetic message of the Word of God. This neglect has caused Christians bewilderment, confusion and ignorance in a world that seems to be disintegrating around them. Many Christians needlessly wring their hands and ask, “What is going to happen to us? What does the future hold?” Many of them are filled with fear, even though our Lord said, “Fear not.”

I believe there is a worldwide tragedy as a result of a neglect of the prophetic Scriptures. Through the centuries men and women have been experimenting with their own social, national and international programs. They have been trying to bring about a righteousness that is not of God and, therefore, it is not obtainable. Instead, it results in a recurring national collapse and sometimes in worldwide calamity. We are heading for one of those collapses at the present hour.

Today, when the church should be leading the way out of the darkness that covers the Earth, it is all too obvious that we are unable to do so because of our spiritual impotence and lack of knowledge. The church today stands sadly in the midst of the ever-increasing ruins of a civilization the church itself helped to create but seemingly has little power or even desire to save.

Acts 15:14-18 is the record of the first all-church conference. It was held in Jerusalem and concerned the work of the church in the first century. The chairman of the conference was the Apostle James. He said: Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: “After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things.” Known to God from eternity are all His works.

Thus the program of the church is outlined. It begins with the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, His resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It continues with the Great Commission to go into all the world and proclaim the message of the Gospel.

The church is not a political organization or a social reform society. Individual Christians may work for political reforms and for social betterment, and in many cases we should do so. As the salt of the earth, we have a responsibility for being the preservative of society. As the light of the world, we must let our light so shine that people seeing our good works may glorify our Father in heaven.

But the church must keep on the main highway outlined in the Word of God and witness to the nations not only concerning the truth of salvation but also the truth of the program of God for the whole world, especially witnessing to the glorious consummation of the age when Jesus Christ is going to return.

This is what the Apostle Paul did when he preached to the Athenians as recorded in Acts 17. Taking his text from the altar of the unknown god, which he discovered while walking around Athens, he declared, “In Him we live and move and have our being” and “we are also His offspring” (Acts 17:28).

Warning against the worship of gods of gold and silver and graven stone, Paul continued, “These times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30, 31).

The church should be boldly proclaiming the deity and authority of Jesus as the powerful antidote to the present trend toward world chaos. The whole human race is going after false messiahs and false prophets, false religions and other gods. They will continue this way unless they are continuously taught that God has been manifested authoritatively in the flesh and the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

While there has been a great evangelical revival in the church throughout the world, there are many evangelicals who neglect the prophetic program as laid out in Scripture. Therefore, millions of people and millions of professing Christians have little hope in the future. They have not been told that our hope is in the return of Jesus Christ.

Many have turned from regeneration to the philosophy of humanism. This supposedly universal solvent in the last analysis is truly the opium of the people. It blinds them to truth so that while they ignore the reality and nature of evil, they are also deluded into believing that even the present evil is some sort of process of change for the better. They declare that even this latest reversion to savagery is but the birth pangs of a better day. The progressive humanistic interpretation of the message of the Bible is the basis of many of the programs of so-called Christian conferences today, and the gospel of social change has taken the place of the Gospel of regeneration.

Don’t get me wrong. I am for social change. In many countries of the world it is desperately needed. Even in our own country some of the structures of society need to be changed, even though most people do not know how they need to be changed or by what methods they should be changed. I have yet to find a person to tell me where the ideal government exists in the world. There can be no ideal government based upon human nature as it is. That is why it is so important that human nature be changed. That is why Jesus said, “You must be born again” (John 3:7).

There is one clear mandate to the church, and that is to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. The results of the church’s neglect of the prophecies of the Bible are pathetic and tragic. Had we kept the message and program true to the prophetic Word, it would have been kept in its proper spiritual orbit. There would never have been the deadly ecclesiasticism of the Middle Ages—which caused the church to glory in her form, ceremonies and temporal power. There might never have been the divisions that followed the Protestant Reformation, which brought a section of the church to the truth and yet created confusion in the world by sectarianism. The expectancy of Christ coming again would have kept the church unified, holy, otherworldly and energetic, balanced with a passion for social reform and social justice.

I have found that where churches are preaching the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the churches are evangelistic and concerned with the social needs of the people round about them. These churches also recognize the Bible as the authoritative Word of God instead of denying it.

Only God knows the future and can foretell it with accuracy. In this connection, Peter says, “we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:16). But he did say that in the message of prophecy there shines a light in a dark place, until the darkness of this day is over and the day of the Kingdom of God dawns.

The Bible teaches that the future Great Ruler of the world will be Jesus Christ. He shall rule in righteousness and equity, and shall make the knowledge of God to cover the earth as the waters cover the seas. He shall destroy wars and its miseries. Upon His shoulder, world government shall rest. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.

If you don’t know Christ, you can come to know Him personally today by confessing and turning from your sin, and receiving Christ into your heart right now, and you can be prepared for the future. ©BGEA

from the February 2009 issue of "Decision" magazine