August 30, 2009 "Eternal Living" Romans 6: 19-23

At the beginning of our discussion today, we looked at the results of several polls that suggested there are a large number of people in our society who do not believe in heaven or hell and who do not believe that Jesus is the only way to attain salvation and eternal life. One of the surveys to which we referred can be accessed at the following web address:


http://www.beliefnet.com/News/2005/08/Newsweekbeliefnet-Poll-Results.aspx





Our lesson today focused on this progression as outlined in Paul's writing:


Obedience leads to righteousness (Romans 6:16) which leads to sanctification (6:19) which leads to eternal life (6:22).





We looked at Romans 6:23 from the perspective of a believer. While the wages of sin is death, the Gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Living eternally should begin the moment we are saved and we should always live life as if we are dead to sin and free from the slavery and death that are the consequences of sin. We should be "living for eternity" in all the areas of life:


marriage, finances, parenting, the future, our vocation, when dealing with stress, in acquiring possessions, in our prayer life, in church attendance, and in witnessing to others. Let's all strive to live a life of eternity this week, one that is dead to sin and free to the gift of life that comes from Christ Jesus.





CLASS SOCIAL


We had a great time at the class social on Saturday night. We enjoyed watching the kids swim and visiting with each other. I know it is hard to schedule such events, but it is really enjoyable to be able to learn more about each other and to see the kids. I enjoyed swapping rattlesnake and hunting stories with Bo, hearing about the warm water on the carpet at midnight in their home--and what Bo assumed it was--, learning about John Brick's new teaching challenge this semester and hearing about Jamee Brick's "surprise" recruitment as a soccer coach, getting updates on Liz and John Chivis and their do-it-yourself remodeling project, and watching Bill and Kathleen keep up with their little ones. Wow! It made me tired just watching! Cindy and I really enjoyed meeting the kids. Hallie and Becka Scasta reminded us so much of our own two daughters as their age difference is similar and they both have their own distinctive personalities that are quite unique and yet, they have many similarities as sisters growing up together. We also enjoyed seeing the new technology in kid stuff (floatie belts, life preservers, and water guns) as well as the fast food preferences of different families. I also had an opportunity to learn about the work that Stefanie and Patrick Miles do in Fort Worth and learned how they met and courted. In addition, Bo told me about the history of the "Raising a Modern Day Knight" training that is an important offering in our church today. Bo also shared this website with me if you would like to learn more about this program:

http://www.rmdk.com/



I am going to try to publish a link to a slideshow of the pictures I took at the Sunday School Party. However, I am going to put it on another post to be sure that I don't destroy the writing that I have done above. If you were unable to attend this social, I hope you will make every effort to attend the next one. It really is good to get to know our Christian brothers and sisters better.



Have a blessed week.



Jimmy

In addition to the prayer requests listed below, I received an update on Tyler Collins this evening. Tyler is the three year old son of Tammi and Chris Collins who had surgery on Thursday. Tyler is on the mend but has had a virus that is slowing his recovery. He has had fever. Please keep Tyler and his parents in your prayers this week.
PRAYER REQUESTS COPIED FROM TRACEY'S E-MAIL:
Day- Praise! Jayden's dad was baptized today!Jackson- Praise! Hollis' uncle's bypass surgery went well and he goes home today! Please continue to pray for Hollis' parents as they prepare to move from Arkansas to Texas.Scasta- Praise! Craig's dad's leg surgery went well. Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for our friends who are going through divorce.Creel- Please continue to pray for niece's baby, June Creel. She is still having a lot of health issues and has been in the hospital more than she has been home.Gutierrez- Please continue to pray for Kathleen's brother. He has already started partying and hanging out with old friends who are bad influences.Please pray for our nation as Congress considers healthcare reform and consider contacting your representative.LNO: Hello girls! Please meet us this Thursday at 6:30 ish at Pei Wei on University Dr. Then let's move to the Benjamin Knox gallery on University for coffee about 8PM. Please call or email so we'll know to look for you. Tracey 777-6244 or Heather 574-8998. See you there!