This coming Lord’s Day {March 2nd} marks the day we begin our chronological march through the Word of God. As was stated earlier, The Story is a guide to enhance our study of God’s Word. This morning’s lesson is designed to gear us up to begin our methodical approach to scripture. The following passages will be shared by me during the sermon. I wanted to list them so as to allow you to stay one step ahead of my message. 

Genesis 3: 8
Exodus 13: 21-22
Exodus 19: 10-12
Exodus 33: 7
John 1: 14
Ephesians 3: 17; 5:18
Acts 2: 1-4
Revelation 22: 3-5
There’s a word you’ll hear this morning; a word that epitomizes the ultimate desire of God. It’s the word ‘closer’. Some have been misled to believe that because of our rebellion and sinfulness that it’s up to us to make a slow, steady march back to God. Nothing could be further from the truth. God continually shows Himself to us in amazing ways, not only through scripture but in our lives as well. It’s not that we don’t have decisions to make in regard to God’s mercy toward us; it’s more that in view of God’s unfailing love we need to base our decisions on His ways and His truth. We’re glad you’re here and it’s my prayer that your heart will be changed as you worship your Creator today. Please complete this form and return to me letting me know of your intentions. In no way am I trying to ‘guilt’ anyone to attend services on Sunday evening; I simply want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to join in one of our discussion groups. Please continue to pray for our efforts!

We can fall into the trap of emphasizing one part of discipleship over another. There was a time when disciples read God’s Word to obtain not only knowledge, but stability in tumultuous times. Today it seems as if, because of our technological age, that folks have become more apt to open their computers and click on various insights given by popular authors in order to form their opinions on certain biblical truths. Nothing can usurp God’s Word!! NOTHING! God’s Word is its best own commentary. I recently read an article written about why bible reading is down in the church. One of the main reasons less people are reading the bible today is because folks have a tendency to read it in fragments. If I read a passage of scripture to merely prove my point, I’ve missed the point. A second reason less people are reading God’s Word is because too often it’s seen as ONLY historical literature. Although the bible is a history book it’s so much more! It is living…it is alive…it is our true north! A third reason the author sites for a lack of biblical reading is that too often folks read it in isolation. God’s Word is to be enjoyed with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. There’s nothing greater than the warm, satisfying fellowship of sitting down to a gourmet meal of Psalms, Proverbs or one of the Gospels in the presence of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Our up and coming study through The Story promises to be a delightful treat! I pray that each of you will see the privilege of joining us in our bible study of The Story. Be not merely readers of His Word…be doers and do so in the presence of your brothers and sisters!

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!

Kevin

Annuities, CD’s, thrift options, stock, life insurance, inheritance, and savings. Each item I just listed brings to mind the idea of investment. There’s not a person I know who doesn’t desire to invest so as to leave something for their children. It might be a treasured heirloom, a savings account or even photo album of days gone by. What if I told you you could leave your children the greatest gift of all? What if I told you you could give them a gift that has the ability to give for a lifetime and beyond? Interested? We are soon to begin The Story, a 31 week highlighted study of God’s Holy Word. In no way does this study replace the bible! I liken it to an appetizer for the entrée! Anything I can read which will prompt me to spend more time being a student of God’s Holy Word, I’ll do it! Not only will this study lend itself to us spending more time learning God’s ultimate love story, it will afford our parents opportunity to study the same material their children are studying. Conversations can carry on throughout the week as parents can share truth with their children as they sit at home, walk down the road, when you lie down and when you get up. A study of this magnitude is only as successful as you make it! If you see this as an opportunity to draw your family closer to both God as well as each other, The Story will be a great tool. We will begin The Story on Sunday, March 2nd. I’m trying to get an idea of which folks will be joining us for our Sunday evening services, as this will be the “application” section of our study. Once I’ve determined which families are able to be here on Sunday evenings, I can form our discussion groups which will be facilitated by me, Joel and our Shepherds. Please complete this form and return to me letting me know of your intentions. In no way am I trying to ‘guilt’ anyone to attend services on Sunday evening; I simply want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to join in one of our discussion groups. Please continue to pray for our efforts!

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!

Kevin