The Value of One!

Happy Monday everyone! Another great Sunday...and TONIGHT, a great night of fun and fellowship with a couple thousand friends from our community for our annual Light the Night outreach at the Linn County Fair Grounds!

Yesterday, we began a new series entitled, “Making Friends for Eternity” based on Jesus’ words recorded in Luke 15.

The following are some questions to consider as we seek to live out the truths from this passage.

1. In Luke 15, Jesus shares three consecutive parables to illustrate the same eternal truth. What does that say about the importance of reaching one single person who has no relationship with the God of the Bible?
2. You and I have never seen a person that God doesn’t love. How should that truth affect the way we view pre-Christians?
3. Read Luke 16:22-26 again. Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 16 illustrates the reality, agony and finality of eternal separation from God. How should this affect the way we view people without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Given this truth, who will you pray for between now and the end of the year, who doesn’t enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus?
4. Each group of people Jesus shared these parables with (tax collectors sinners, religious leaders and disciples) represent three different chairs that people “sit” in today. Jesus’ three parables offer encouragement to all three groups. To the first group, He says “Give Up”...give up trying to fill the emptiness in your life and come to Jesus. To the second group He says “Wake Up”... wake up to your critical and condemning heart, and turn to Jesus so He may forgive and heal you. To the third group He says “Look Up”... look up to Jesus, keep your eyes on Him and His mission. Keep searching for those who are not currently connected to God because each one is loved by Him, lost without Him, and it is God Himself who longs they be found. Which encouragement best fits where you are currently sitting?

Light the Night tonight is a wonderful opportunity to show and share God’s amazing love...may He help us to be a bright light of love and grace in dark places.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank 

No Limits!

Well, I’m writing my “Monday Morning Blog” on Wednesday, which provides a little insight into my week! Thus, I believe it is appropriate to claim the old adage which says, “Better late than never!”

God chose to grace us with His presence last Sunday in some wonderful ways. I received a great deal of encouraging feedback...God is good!

The following are some questions to consider as we seek to live out the truths from Acts 16.

1. A.W. Tozer said “what comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Our story in Acts 16 illustrates the profoundness or mystery of God, as well as His powerful and personal nature. Describe a time when you were amazed by something God did. How about a time when He did or didn’t do something that caused you to ask “why?”
2. The more we learn to love and trust a God of “No Limits” the more we are equipped to face some of life’s most common obstacles. Describe a time when God gave you courage to face a fear or concern. Courage grows through small steps of obedience. What is the next step God has for you? Reread 1 John 4:18 and then discuss how it relates to courage.
3. Uncertainty is a subtle but power obstacle that can hinder us from healthy levels of risk for God. Worshipping a “No Limits” God cultivates confidence in who He is and what He says He will do. Describe a time when you sensed God’s leading to take a step of faith, but you chose not to do so. What about a time when you did take the step? How did it make you feel?
4. Adversity is perhaps one of the greatest potential hindrances to being used by God. The obstacle of adversity is merely an opportunity for God to deepen our level of commitment to Him. Describe a time when God used a difficult situation to develop and deepen your commitment to Him.

Nothing is every wasted with God! The more we entrust to Him, including the fears, uncertainties and adversities life brings, the more He will accomplish in and through our lives!

Make it a great week!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank     

Everyone Needs One To Follow

Happy Monday everyone! How important is it to have those in our lives who serve as mentors or spiritual mothers and fathers? It’s vital if we are to achieve all that God has for us! Where would the ancient leaders, Timothy and Titus have been without the influence of an Apostle Paul?

The following are some questions to consider as we seek out spiritual mentors in our lives.

1. Describe what delighting in God means to you? What are some tangible signs the Bible gives about a person who delights in God (see Proverbs 8)? Who do you know that demonstrates this quality in his/her life?  
2. To be a disciple of Jesus is to serve Him as an apprentice. List several qualities and skills Jesus exhibited that show we are following Him faithfully.
3. Disciples love God’s Word, obey God’s ways and submit to God’s will. We “love,” “obey” and “submit.” What are some ways that happens in your life?  
4. Refreshing others or putting others ahead of one’s self is at the core of a missionary heart. Read Philippians 2:1-11 and discuss all of the actions that are described in verses 1-5, and all the actions in the Christ Hymn recorded in verses 6-11. Now read John 13:13-17.  

As we go about this week let’s purposefully take “a walk across the room” and connect with those who are wiser and (often) older than us. Many have gained a lifetime of wisdom and experience that we can learn from as we offer them our respect, appreciation, and time!

Have a great week...and let’s continue to pray and believe God for an amazing iMissions Missions Convention!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank