Prayer List for this Week:
Holmes- Please pray for Marty and family in the sudden loss of Marty's step-dad.
Endreola- Please pray for Sarah and Joe as they will be moving to Okinawa on May 27th with a toddler and 2 dogs. Also they don't have confirmed housing once they get there either.
Scasta- Please pray for Craig's assistant, Misty, who is on bedrest that she will have a healthy baby and not go crazy in the meantime. Also Tracey's friend who is trying to heal emotionally from a sexual assault.
Walsh- Praise! Jessica's tests all turned out normal!
Please pray for missionary, Jessica Van Slyke, who will be traveling to Russia in June. If you feel led to support her financially or otherwise contact her at javanslyke@gmail.com.
Social:
Ladies Night Out Tues, May 18th at Cafe Eccell at 6:30 ish and then Mugwalls for coffee on Harvey Rd around 8PM. If you have questions call Tracey cell 777-6244. See you there!
MISSIONARY TO RUSSIA
We were blessed to have Jessica Van Slyke come to speak to our Sunday School class this morning. Jessica is an Aggie graduate whom the Lord has called into mission work. What a blessing it was to hear her testimony and to learn of her submission to the Lord's call on her life. Jessica just graduated from A & M with a degree in International Studies and she will be leaving in June to work in a medical clinic in Moscow, Russia through the Agape Ministries. I hope you will join me in praying for Jessica and for her colleague Sarah who will also be headed to Russia this summer to minister to people who are in need of God's saving knowledge.
If you would like to contact Jessica personally, her e-mail is:
javanslyke@gmail.com
I have sent her e-mail asking that she send directions for making financial contributions to her ministry. When I receive her response, I will share it through this forum.
Best wishes for a great week. Please remember to pray for these missionaries and others as well as our own class members who are facing challenges this week.
Jimmy
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Love Your Neighbor
Today's lesson is based on Jesus' words in Matthew 22: 37-39: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Dr. Tackett shared many other scriptures that help us to understand the heart of God. Using the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus describes the behavior of a good neighbor--one who has a sincere concern for those around him. Dr. Tackett recalled a child in his elementary school who was an outcast. He also recalled his first dance in which his dad asked him if there were any girls who were not asked to dance. Dr. Tackett shared that his dad encouraged him to ask those girls to dance because he had a real desire to love those who were needy--those who were outcasts, unpopular, or even homely.
We followed the DVD lesson with a discussion about our own school days and most of us recalled at least one student who was treated as an outcast. Some of us even contributed to the painful actions directed toward these students. We discussed the fine line between teaching our kids to treat all people with RESPECT versus a display of disdain for those who are different. We talked about our experiences in schools in which we have seen a student sitting alone at the lunch table, ostracized from the other students. Kids can be cruel and such a scenario is not unusual in our schools today.
Dr. Tackett asked us to consider the heart of God and to have the same compassion for the needy as God has. If we felt this same compassion, we would be looking for opportunities to include the disenfranchised. I hope you will consider this issue this week and perhaps, even discuss it with your kids. We must not only talk to our kids about the heart of God, but we must be a role model. They tend to imitate what they see. Thanks to all of you who love the Lord and who seek to imitate Him before your kids. Have a great week.
jc
We followed the DVD lesson with a discussion about our own school days and most of us recalled at least one student who was treated as an outcast. Some of us even contributed to the painful actions directed toward these students. We discussed the fine line between teaching our kids to treat all people with RESPECT versus a display of disdain for those who are different. We talked about our experiences in schools in which we have seen a student sitting alone at the lunch table, ostracized from the other students. Kids can be cruel and such a scenario is not unusual in our schools today.
Dr. Tackett asked us to consider the heart of God and to have the same compassion for the needy as God has. If we felt this same compassion, we would be looking for opportunities to include the disenfranchised. I hope you will consider this issue this week and perhaps, even discuss it with your kids. We must not only talk to our kids about the heart of God, but we must be a role model. They tend to imitate what they see. Thanks to all of you who love the Lord and who seek to imitate Him before your kids. Have a great week.
jc
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Labor--Part 2
Today, we completed Part Two of Lesson 11 of The Truth Project in which we discussed the sphere of "Labor" in our lives. Dr. Tackett made the point that Labor is the source of all things in our lives. It pays for homes, cars, clothes, vacations, food, healthcare, etc. It also is the source of some evil things in our lives such as pornography, drug abuse, alcoholism, gluttony, and materialism. Dr. Tackett shared seven general principles related to money and economy:
1. All things belong to God.
2. God has made man a steward of His goods with ownership rights and accountability for the manner in which we manage God's goods.
3. Theft of another's goods is wrong and coveting of another's possessions is wrong as well.
4. The skills and abilities to work come from God.
5. Work is good, profitable, and to be pursued. Laziness is not.
6. Love God and not your goods.
7. Be compassionate and generous with your goods to those in need.
The last principle led to a discussion of our role as Christians in addressing the needs of the poor in our culture and society. Dr. Tackett pointed out that scripture directs us to leave the gleanings of our work for the poor. We talked about what this means. Dr. Tackett points out that it does not mean for us to harvest all the crops and give some to the poor. It means for us to leave some of the crops for the poor to harvest for themselves. In other words, we are not helping the poor by giving them a handout. We help the poor by providing an opportunity for them to work with their hands and provide for themselves. As Dr. Tackett says, it is our responsibility to "see the poor as beings of eternity who have a destiny beyond this world." The most meaningful thing we can do to help those who are poor is to help them find meaningful employment and make it possible for them to work with their own hands.
We also discussed the issue of the influence of the arts and media in our culture today. We debated the axiom, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." While there may be some differences in what one person perceives to be beauty and what someone else perceives to be beauty, Dr. Tackett took the position that all beauty should be measured against the standard of Truth as set out by God. We discussed the role of arts in our society and made note of the fact that there are productive and good roles for art and artists in our churches and in our society. We concluded that we should be encouraging our children to excell in their areas of talent and strength, but we should also be guiding them to use those talents in strength for the glory of God.
Wow! I thought today's lesson had some powerful truths that are especially relevant for this day and time. Of course, I have thought that about each of the lessons in the Truth Project. I am so thankful that God directed us toward this powerful curriculum. I hope it has been as meaningful to you as it has to me. Next week, we will begin the last lesson: Community. See you next Sunday.
The Country Fair is next Sunday evening. I am sorry that we will not be able to join you for this activity. I have a consultant job in San Antonio that will require me to leave right after church on the 2nd. However, I know you will do a great job with the putting booth. Best wishes for a great time with your kids and with the kids of our community.
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THIS WEEK:
Jackson- Karri's mom's church in Arkansas is going through the process of finding a new pastor. Please pray for guidance and resources for them as they look for the right person.
Please remember all of the kids and teachers that will be undertaking TAKS testing this Tuesday and Wednesday.
Scasta- Praise! The pianist at the church that Tracey grew up in is in stable condition and her heart problem will be able to be treated with medication.
Please pray for Franklin Graham and our nation. Franklin's invitation to the national day of prayer function at the Pentagon was rescinded because of negative comments he made in the past about the Muslim faith. Please pray for him as he stands for truth.
Remember to pray for the President and Congress.
Social:
The Country Fair is next Sunday at 5:00 at the church. Our class is manning the putt putt booth. If you can work a slot, let us know. We're trying to have 2 people for each 30 min. slot. The schedule is:
5:00 Swope
5:30 Gutierrez
6:00 Scasta/Holmes
6:30 Miles/Lowe
Bring your picnic blanket and hang out with us near the putt putt game!
Have a great week!
1. All things belong to God.
2. God has made man a steward of His goods with ownership rights and accountability for the manner in which we manage God's goods.
3. Theft of another's goods is wrong and coveting of another's possessions is wrong as well.
4. The skills and abilities to work come from God.
5. Work is good, profitable, and to be pursued. Laziness is not.
6. Love God and not your goods.
7. Be compassionate and generous with your goods to those in need.
The last principle led to a discussion of our role as Christians in addressing the needs of the poor in our culture and society. Dr. Tackett pointed out that scripture directs us to leave the gleanings of our work for the poor. We talked about what this means. Dr. Tackett points out that it does not mean for us to harvest all the crops and give some to the poor. It means for us to leave some of the crops for the poor to harvest for themselves. In other words, we are not helping the poor by giving them a handout. We help the poor by providing an opportunity for them to work with their hands and provide for themselves. As Dr. Tackett says, it is our responsibility to "see the poor as beings of eternity who have a destiny beyond this world." The most meaningful thing we can do to help those who are poor is to help them find meaningful employment and make it possible for them to work with their own hands.
We also discussed the issue of the influence of the arts and media in our culture today. We debated the axiom, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." While there may be some differences in what one person perceives to be beauty and what someone else perceives to be beauty, Dr. Tackett took the position that all beauty should be measured against the standard of Truth as set out by God. We discussed the role of arts in our society and made note of the fact that there are productive and good roles for art and artists in our churches and in our society. We concluded that we should be encouraging our children to excell in their areas of talent and strength, but we should also be guiding them to use those talents in strength for the glory of God.
Wow! I thought today's lesson had some powerful truths that are especially relevant for this day and time. Of course, I have thought that about each of the lessons in the Truth Project. I am so thankful that God directed us toward this powerful curriculum. I hope it has been as meaningful to you as it has to me. Next week, we will begin the last lesson: Community. See you next Sunday.
The Country Fair is next Sunday evening. I am sorry that we will not be able to join you for this activity. I have a consultant job in San Antonio that will require me to leave right after church on the 2nd. However, I know you will do a great job with the putting booth. Best wishes for a great time with your kids and with the kids of our community.
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THIS WEEK:
Jackson- Karri's mom's church in Arkansas is going through the process of finding a new pastor. Please pray for guidance and resources for them as they look for the right person.
Please remember all of the kids and teachers that will be undertaking TAKS testing this Tuesday and Wednesday.
Scasta- Praise! The pianist at the church that Tracey grew up in is in stable condition and her heart problem will be able to be treated with medication.
Please pray for Franklin Graham and our nation. Franklin's invitation to the national day of prayer function at the Pentagon was rescinded because of negative comments he made in the past about the Muslim faith. Please pray for him as he stands for truth.
Remember to pray for the President and Congress.
Social:
The Country Fair is next Sunday at 5:00 at the church. Our class is manning the putt putt booth. If you can work a slot, let us know. We're trying to have 2 people for each 30 min. slot. The schedule is:
5:00 Swope
5:30 Gutierrez
6:00 Scasta/Holmes
6:30 Miles/Lowe
Bring your picnic blanket and hang out with us near the putt putt game!
Have a great week!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
LABOR--WHAT SHOULD BE THE CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW OF WORK?
APRIL 18, 2010
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
We were pleased to have Scott and Melissa Blair visit with us in Sunday School this morning. Please join me in praying for Scott and Melissa this week asking the Lord to show them the place of service and participation that He has for them in the coming days. If the Lord so leads, we would be thrilled to have them join our class.
Cindy and I got to see Zoe Halbert this week. She is a precious little thing and her big sisters and mom and dad seem to be doing a good job of taking care of her. Please continue to pray for Natalie and Kyle and their family as they adjust to a new member of the family---who still does not sleep in synchronization with the rest of the family!
Also, please pray for the saint whom Tracey spoke of who has served the Lord in the Music Ministry for many years--played the piano in the church where Tracey grew up and is now facing issues with her heart and coronary arteries that have closed even after stints were placed in the arteries. In addition, Craig shared a concern about one of his patients who fell and broke her back recently. She and her husband have been married for more than 60 years and he is facing the possibility that his long-time partner may not survive this injury. Please pray for them both this week.
TODAY'S LESSON:
Today, in our DVD presentation, Dr. Tackett introduced the discussion of the "Labor Sphere." He made reference to Exodus 20:9-11. Some of you have heard it called "The Sabbath Commandment." Dr. Tackett labeled it "The Labor Commandment." He talked about work and labor as something that God gave clear directions about: "Six days you shall labor and do all your work..." Dr. Tackett pointed out that "work" is an opportunity for God's people to create, to be creative, to accomplish things that make a difference for the world.
He made reference to Gutenberg's work: the invention of the printing press in 1455. This single invention, perhaps more than any other, made it possible for the word of God to be shared with the world. Prior to the printing press, the scripture had to be copied by hand, usually taking about one year to create one copy. The Bible was the first book to be printed on the Gutenberg press. In 10 years after the printing press was developed, the number of books in the world went from 50,000 to 10 million. Indeed, the work of Gutenberg made a difference in the world and contributed to God's work on earth.
Dr. Tackett also made reference to the creative work of God and a segment of the DVD showed examples of God's creative handiwork displaying mountains, forests, seas, beaches, animals, insects, flowers, trees, and stars. He also referred to our role as stewards of God's handiwork. Perhaps, this could be viewed as a scriptural basis for green practices such as recycling and conservation.
One analogy made by Dr. Tackett in today's lesson did generate some debate in our car on the way home from church. In every other lesson from The Truth Project, our discussion has been one of complete agreement with the statements and assertions made by Dr. Tackett. However, on the way home today, Cindy took issue with Dr. Tackett's analogy of the sabbath command with a child being told that he must put up his toys and quit playing with them for one day of the week. As Cindy argued, and I tend to agree, most of us are looking forward to a day of rest when it finally comes each week and we do not view the Sabbath as a time when we are forced to put up our toys, but more as a day when we are allowed to put down our tools and focus on our Lord and restoration of our minds, souls, and bodies.
Next week, we will see examples of how the labor sphere is impacted and influeced by other components of labor such as the media, art, music, and literature. I asked the class today to be especially cognizant of the influence of the media and our culture on each of us as we go through this week. In the next section of the DVD, we will actually join the camera on the streets of Time Square where we will experience the sound, lights, people, and atmosphere that is indicative of our cultural influences. Finally, next week, we will see that God sets the standard for what is good in our work, whatever that work may be. Dr. Tackett will make reference to the standard that we should all be striving toward: "for God's glory alone!" In the meantime, I trust that you will work toward that end as you labor this week. Have a great week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
We were pleased to have Scott and Melissa Blair visit with us in Sunday School this morning. Please join me in praying for Scott and Melissa this week asking the Lord to show them the place of service and participation that He has for them in the coming days. If the Lord so leads, we would be thrilled to have them join our class.
Cindy and I got to see Zoe Halbert this week. She is a precious little thing and her big sisters and mom and dad seem to be doing a good job of taking care of her. Please continue to pray for Natalie and Kyle and their family as they adjust to a new member of the family---who still does not sleep in synchronization with the rest of the family!
Also, please pray for the saint whom Tracey spoke of who has served the Lord in the Music Ministry for many years--played the piano in the church where Tracey grew up and is now facing issues with her heart and coronary arteries that have closed even after stints were placed in the arteries. In addition, Craig shared a concern about one of his patients who fell and broke her back recently. She and her husband have been married for more than 60 years and he is facing the possibility that his long-time partner may not survive this injury. Please pray for them both this week.
TODAY'S LESSON:
Today, in our DVD presentation, Dr. Tackett introduced the discussion of the "Labor Sphere." He made reference to Exodus 20:9-11. Some of you have heard it called "The Sabbath Commandment." Dr. Tackett labeled it "The Labor Commandment." He talked about work and labor as something that God gave clear directions about: "Six days you shall labor and do all your work..." Dr. Tackett pointed out that "work" is an opportunity for God's people to create, to be creative, to accomplish things that make a difference for the world.
He made reference to Gutenberg's work: the invention of the printing press in 1455. This single invention, perhaps more than any other, made it possible for the word of God to be shared with the world. Prior to the printing press, the scripture had to be copied by hand, usually taking about one year to create one copy. The Bible was the first book to be printed on the Gutenberg press. In 10 years after the printing press was developed, the number of books in the world went from 50,000 to 10 million. Indeed, the work of Gutenberg made a difference in the world and contributed to God's work on earth.
Dr. Tackett also made reference to the creative work of God and a segment of the DVD showed examples of God's creative handiwork displaying mountains, forests, seas, beaches, animals, insects, flowers, trees, and stars. He also referred to our role as stewards of God's handiwork. Perhaps, this could be viewed as a scriptural basis for green practices such as recycling and conservation.
One analogy made by Dr. Tackett in today's lesson did generate some debate in our car on the way home from church. In every other lesson from The Truth Project, our discussion has been one of complete agreement with the statements and assertions made by Dr. Tackett. However, on the way home today, Cindy took issue with Dr. Tackett's analogy of the sabbath command with a child being told that he must put up his toys and quit playing with them for one day of the week. As Cindy argued, and I tend to agree, most of us are looking forward to a day of rest when it finally comes each week and we do not view the Sabbath as a time when we are forced to put up our toys, but more as a day when we are allowed to put down our tools and focus on our Lord and restoration of our minds, souls, and bodies.
Next week, we will see examples of how the labor sphere is impacted and influeced by other components of labor such as the media, art, music, and literature. I asked the class today to be especially cognizant of the influence of the media and our culture on each of us as we go through this week. In the next section of the DVD, we will actually join the camera on the streets of Time Square where we will experience the sound, lights, people, and atmosphere that is indicative of our cultural influences. Finally, next week, we will see that God sets the standard for what is good in our work, whatever that work may be. Dr. Tackett will make reference to the standard that we should all be striving toward: "for God's glory alone!" In the meantime, I trust that you will work toward that end as you labor this week. Have a great week.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The American Experiment--Part 2
Thanks to all of you who were able to join us for the class social last Friday evening. I love the "Pot-Luck" format for enjoying a nice meal together. It seems like good food always shows up. We all sat on the patio and enjoyed the comfortable spring climate as we ate and visited. Then, we spent the evening just socializing. I hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as Cindy and I did. If you have any ideas for class socials, please let me or Craig know. We cherish the time we have together when we can get to know each other better.
TODAY'S LESSON
In our lesson today from The Truth Project, Dr. Tackett referred to the change in the curriculum of American Law Schools and the application of the theory of evolution to our legal system...a system that now uses case law as the basis for determining right and wrong. In contrast to early legislation in which legislators proposed laws based on their perception of what the scripture required, we now have a system in which legislators often propose legislation based on what is best for their constituents or for their geographic area, many times with little or no concern for what God would have us do. Indeed, because of the doctrine of the separation of church and state, we avoid any reference to guidance from God and from His Word. I fear that Hosea 13:6 is becoming more and more descriptive of the American culture: "As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and being satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore, they forgot Me."
Lord, let it not be so. Let the scripture above not be used to describe the people of America. Amen. We talked in class today about how propserous our country has been because our nation, our laws, our government, our system is based on the foundation of morality and religion--God's principles of right and wrong, God's guidance, and His light. Dr. Tackett talked about the fact that darkness does not overcome light. The only time darkness prevails is when the light is blocked or is withdrawn. If darkness is spreading across our land, there can be only two explanations. Either someone is hiding the light or the Lord is withdrawing His lampstand from our land. Either way, we must take a stand to bring God's light back onto our land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 provides the ONLY solution: "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
We talked about the fact that we as parents should be teaching our kids to "Remember" what God has done for His people--teach them to understand the memorial stones of our nation and our faith. We should be going beyond the limitations of the public education system in helping our kids to understand the role God plays in the success and prosperity of our country, our families, and our people. Let us this week seek to humble ourselves before the Lord, let us pray diligently, seek His face, and turn from our ways that are not pleasing to God. He has promised to hear our prayer, forgive our sin, and heal our land. Let us all do our part to restore our nation, to restore our families, and to restore our culture to one that worships and serves the God of the Universe.
TODAY'S LESSON
In our lesson today from The Truth Project, Dr. Tackett referred to the change in the curriculum of American Law Schools and the application of the theory of evolution to our legal system...a system that now uses case law as the basis for determining right and wrong. In contrast to early legislation in which legislators proposed laws based on their perception of what the scripture required, we now have a system in which legislators often propose legislation based on what is best for their constituents or for their geographic area, many times with little or no concern for what God would have us do. Indeed, because of the doctrine of the separation of church and state, we avoid any reference to guidance from God and from His Word. I fear that Hosea 13:6 is becoming more and more descriptive of the American culture: "As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and being satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore, they forgot Me."
Lord, let it not be so. Let the scripture above not be used to describe the people of America. Amen. We talked in class today about how propserous our country has been because our nation, our laws, our government, our system is based on the foundation of morality and religion--God's principles of right and wrong, God's guidance, and His light. Dr. Tackett talked about the fact that darkness does not overcome light. The only time darkness prevails is when the light is blocked or is withdrawn. If darkness is spreading across our land, there can be only two explanations. Either someone is hiding the light or the Lord is withdrawing His lampstand from our land. Either way, we must take a stand to bring God's light back onto our land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 provides the ONLY solution: "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
We talked about the fact that we as parents should be teaching our kids to "Remember" what God has done for His people--teach them to understand the memorial stones of our nation and our faith. We should be going beyond the limitations of the public education system in helping our kids to understand the role God plays in the success and prosperity of our country, our families, and our people. Let us this week seek to humble ourselves before the Lord, let us pray diligently, seek His face, and turn from our ways that are not pleasing to God. He has promised to hear our prayer, forgive our sin, and heal our land. Let us all do our part to restore our nation, to restore our families, and to restore our culture to one that worships and serves the God of the Universe.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
He is risen!--April 4, 2010
"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying."--Matthew 28: 5-6
He is arisen! He is ALIVE! On Easter, Christians all around the world celebrate this fact. Jesus was crucified, died, and lay in a tomb until the first day of the week. On that day, the words above were spoken when two women came to visit Jesus' grave. Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph o'er His foes, He arose! Thank God, He arose.
Everything about Easter speaks of life. This week, I began to notice green leaves of grass in my otherwise dead lawn. For the first time since November, I mowed the lawn. This week, Cindy and I enjoyed the absolutely beautiful wild flowers on the side of the road as we traveled from one part of the state to another. The colors were vibrant, the fragrance was sweet and fresh. New life in all its varied forms manifests itself at Easter. All life celebrates this fact--Jesus died on an old wooden cross, but he did not stay dead. As the evangelist David Ring says, "Jesus is NOT dead. He is not even SICK!" He is alive and well, praise God!
As you worship this Easter and as you enjoy spending time with your family...even as you help little ones find Easter Eggs, I know you will continue to give thanks and praise to our God! He lives! Happy Easter!
SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIAL:
I hope you are all able to join us next Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. for a class "get together" at our home (8431 Turtle Rock Loop in Emerald Forest Subdivision). If you need childcare, please sign up with the church by Monday, April 5. We are looking forward to a time of fellowship and fun. The meal will be potluck, so bring whatever and come join us for a good time in Christian fellowship. If you know you are coming, please shoot me an e-mail to let me know you are coming and let me know what you plan to bring so that we can be sure we don't have all vegetables or all desserts. On the other hand, if we had all desserts, I wouldn't have any choice....I would have to eat sweets. If you are not sure of your availability and cannot make a commitment but find out that you can attend at the last minute, just come on! Our time together is informal so just come join us. Here is my contact information if you need to reach me or Cindy:
E-Mail: jimmycreel@suddenlink.net cindycreel@suddenlink.net
Home Phone: 979-695-1684
Cell Phone: 979-229-6606
Looking forward to seeing you all Friday Evening.
He is arisen! He is ALIVE! On Easter, Christians all around the world celebrate this fact. Jesus was crucified, died, and lay in a tomb until the first day of the week. On that day, the words above were spoken when two women came to visit Jesus' grave. Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph o'er His foes, He arose! Thank God, He arose.
Everything about Easter speaks of life. This week, I began to notice green leaves of grass in my otherwise dead lawn. For the first time since November, I mowed the lawn. This week, Cindy and I enjoyed the absolutely beautiful wild flowers on the side of the road as we traveled from one part of the state to another. The colors were vibrant, the fragrance was sweet and fresh. New life in all its varied forms manifests itself at Easter. All life celebrates this fact--Jesus died on an old wooden cross, but he did not stay dead. As the evangelist David Ring says, "Jesus is NOT dead. He is not even SICK!" He is alive and well, praise God!
As you worship this Easter and as you enjoy spending time with your family...even as you help little ones find Easter Eggs, I know you will continue to give thanks and praise to our God! He lives! Happy Easter!
SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIAL:
I hope you are all able to join us next Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. for a class "get together" at our home (8431 Turtle Rock Loop in Emerald Forest Subdivision). If you need childcare, please sign up with the church by Monday, April 5. We are looking forward to a time of fellowship and fun. The meal will be potluck, so bring whatever and come join us for a good time in Christian fellowship. If you know you are coming, please shoot me an e-mail to let me know you are coming and let me know what you plan to bring so that we can be sure we don't have all vegetables or all desserts. On the other hand, if we had all desserts, I wouldn't have any choice....I would have to eat sweets. If you are not sure of your availability and cannot make a commitment but find out that you can attend at the last minute, just come on! Our time together is informal so just come join us. Here is my contact information if you need to reach me or Cindy:
E-Mail: jimmycreel@suddenlink.net cindycreel@suddenlink.net
Home Phone: 979-695-1684
Cell Phone: 979-229-6606
Looking forward to seeing you all Friday Evening.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Rise of the State--March 22, 2010
During yesterday's DVD Lesson from The Truth Project, we considered the pathologies of the state. What happens, for example, when the state's role as "punisher of evil" begins to grow? Who defines 'evil' for the state and who decides the punishment for the manifestation of 'evil'? We talked about examples of how the power of the state has run amock. I shared with the class our emotional visit to the Memorial for European Jews in the heart of Berlin. The memorial was designed to make one think about the staggering loss of life in Europe when a government went out of control--when a government became judge, jury, and executioner. I mentioned that the number of people murdered by the government or in the name of the government created a list so long that it will take a narrator years to simply name the names of each victim. That narration is occurring in the Berlin memorial even as we speak and, having begun in 2008 and continuing 24-7, has not yet been read through a single time. As history has demonstrated time and time again, goverments can be evil and governments can abuse the power which they usually wield.
What about our government? Most of us would agree that the United States is the best place to live in the world and that our form of government is by far the best government under which to live. Yet, we can see the rise of the state in our own land. The state has extended its influence into all walks of life--marriage, education, work, the food we eat, the products we buy, our finances, and just about everything else one could imagine. Indeed, as of yesterday, the government has taken a huge step toward taking over the healthcare industry. Are these things bad? Should we be concerned about a goverment that makes it more lucrative financially for a couple to live together out of wedlock than to get married? Should we be concerned about a government that, in some states defines marriage as a union between same sex individuals as well as a union of members of the opposite sex? Should we take issue with a government that appears to feel entitled to take our first fruits and to spend without regard in order to fund its own agenda?
I am thankful that I can write such words without fear of goverment reprisal. That is not true in many parts of the world. However, I am also seriously concerned that our own government has headed down that road on which civil authority and the power of the government begins to assume that it is all-powerful and fails to recognize the sovereign power of God as the ultimate source of truth and life. We all need to pray diligently for our country and for our leaders. We need to pray for repentence and for revival in the United States of America!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Kyle Halbert was in Sunday School yesterday. I accused him of coming to Sunday School to get some sleep. Ha! He reported that Natalie and the new baby are doing well. Amen! Thank you Lord!
I spoke with Ashley Swope this week to check up on her surgery that had been scheduled. She did not have the surgery and has postponed the surgery. Please keep Ashley in your prayers.
As mentioned in Tracey's prayer list from class, please keep Laura Brittain in your prayers this week as she is undergoing testing to try to address chronic breathing and sinus problems. Laura is just recovering from sinus surgery and is still facing challenges from this condition. Let's pray that the doctors will identify the problem and relief will be forthcoming in a big way.
CLASS SOCIAL
Please mark your calendars and join us for a class social on April 9, 2010. Since the church is offering parent's night out on that date, we have scheduled a potluck supper at the home of Jimmy and Cindy Creel--8431 Turtle Rock Loop (Emerald Forest Subdivision) 979-695-1684. Everyone come and bring whatever you wish to share with others. We started a sign-up list this week. Here is the current sign-up information:
Meat/Main Dish
Laura & Brian Brittain--casserole
Beth and Bo Miles--Deer Sausage
Michelle and Terry Lovingshimer--Mexican Casserole
Cindy and Jimmy Creel--Chicken Tortilla Soup
VEGETABLES
Kathleen and Bill Gutierrez--Green Bean Casserole
DESSERT
Gena and Steven Higginbotham
Other
If you have not signed up and plan to attend, please send an e-mail to jimmycreel@suddenlink.net and let us know what you would like to bring.
What about our government? Most of us would agree that the United States is the best place to live in the world and that our form of government is by far the best government under which to live. Yet, we can see the rise of the state in our own land. The state has extended its influence into all walks of life--marriage, education, work, the food we eat, the products we buy, our finances, and just about everything else one could imagine. Indeed, as of yesterday, the government has taken a huge step toward taking over the healthcare industry. Are these things bad? Should we be concerned about a goverment that makes it more lucrative financially for a couple to live together out of wedlock than to get married? Should we be concerned about a government that, in some states defines marriage as a union between same sex individuals as well as a union of members of the opposite sex? Should we take issue with a government that appears to feel entitled to take our first fruits and to spend without regard in order to fund its own agenda?
I am thankful that I can write such words without fear of goverment reprisal. That is not true in many parts of the world. However, I am also seriously concerned that our own government has headed down that road on which civil authority and the power of the government begins to assume that it is all-powerful and fails to recognize the sovereign power of God as the ultimate source of truth and life. We all need to pray diligently for our country and for our leaders. We need to pray for repentence and for revival in the United States of America!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Kyle Halbert was in Sunday School yesterday. I accused him of coming to Sunday School to get some sleep. Ha! He reported that Natalie and the new baby are doing well. Amen! Thank you Lord!
I spoke with Ashley Swope this week to check up on her surgery that had been scheduled. She did not have the surgery and has postponed the surgery. Please keep Ashley in your prayers.
As mentioned in Tracey's prayer list from class, please keep Laura Brittain in your prayers this week as she is undergoing testing to try to address chronic breathing and sinus problems. Laura is just recovering from sinus surgery and is still facing challenges from this condition. Let's pray that the doctors will identify the problem and relief will be forthcoming in a big way.
CLASS SOCIAL
Please mark your calendars and join us for a class social on April 9, 2010. Since the church is offering parent's night out on that date, we have scheduled a potluck supper at the home of Jimmy and Cindy Creel--8431 Turtle Rock Loop (Emerald Forest Subdivision) 979-695-1684. Everyone come and bring whatever you wish to share with others. We started a sign-up list this week. Here is the current sign-up information:
Meat/Main Dish
Laura & Brian Brittain--casserole
Beth and Bo Miles--Deer Sausage
Michelle and Terry Lovingshimer--Mexican Casserole
Cindy and Jimmy Creel--Chicken Tortilla Soup
VEGETABLES
Kathleen and Bill Gutierrez--Green Bean Casserole
DESSERT
Gena and Steven Higginbotham
Other
If you have not signed up and plan to attend, please send an e-mail to jimmycreel@suddenlink.net and let us know what you would like to bring.
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