Advent Series - The Journey, Walking the Road to Bethlehem - Adam Hamilton

Our Advent series begins today.  We will be using Adam Hamilton's The Journey, Walking the Road to Bethlehem.  Please join the class as often as you can throughout this Advent season!

Amazon Link for The Journey

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Forty Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Forty Scripture - Mark 9:35 - Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."
Day Forty The Heart of The Matter:

• How do you think serving others could help deepen your relationship with God?
• Is there anything that hinders you from serving more often?  What would that be?
• How can serving others with the right motives help demonstrate Jesus' love to the world?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty-Nine Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirty-Nine Scripture - Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.  Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone . . .
Day Thirty-Nine The Heart of the Matter:

• Has tithing been a challenge for you?  Why or why not?
• Has this study changed your perspective on generosity?  If so, how?
• Why do you think it is important for Christians to model generosity to the world?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty-Eight Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirty-Eight Scripture - Revelations 19:6-7 - Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!  For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Day Thirty-Eight The Heart of the Matter:

• Have you ever experienced a deeply moving worship service?  How did you feel?  How did that experience have an impact on your life?
• How are you doing with your commitment to attend worship?  Are there areas where you could improve on your vow to be present in your family of faith?  If you have any resistance to this idea, take it to God in prayer.
• Has your time in this study helped you focus more on paying attention to God?  Have you experienced any changes as a result?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty-Seven Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirty-Seven Scripture - 1 John 5:14-15 - This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.
Day Thirty-Seven The Heart of the Matter:

• Do you consider prayer the least you can do for someone, or the most?  Why do you think that is?
• Have you ever prayed for someone and seen that prayer answered?  Remember the experience now.  How did that encourage your faith - as well as the faith of the person you prayed for?
• Do you keep a list of people and situations to pray for?  Some Christians find it helps keep them on track.  If you don't have such a list, would you consider starting one now?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty-Six Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirty-Six Scripture - Phillipians 1:4-6 - . . . I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Day Thirty-Six The Heart of the Matter:

• Have you ever questioned whether the promises of the Scriptures apply to you personally?  If so, take that to the Lord now.
• Do you consider it a privilege to be a Christian?  Why or why not?
• What does it mean to you to be a partaker of grace?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty-Five Scripture

Day Thirty-Five Scripture - Matthew 28:19-20 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty-Four Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirty-Four Scripture - 1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Day Thirty-Four The Heart of the Matter:

• Why do you think Christianity is spreading so much more quickly in other countries than in the United States?  What kind of hindrances has our society put in place?
• Is your congregation more of a "come-to" or "go-to" church?  Why do you think that is?  What can you personally do to help it become more "go-to"?
• Think now of the last time you experienced something miraculous.  Thank God for that miracle once again.  (And if you don't believe you ever have experienced a miracle, ask God to show you how he is at work around you.)

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty-Three Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirty-Three Scripture - Acts 2:42-43 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
Day Thirty-Three The Heart of the Matter:

• When you hear stories about the couples who gave up the comforts of their suburban neighborhoods for the challenges of poverty-stricken communities, how does that make you feel?  Inspired?  Challenged?  Uneasy?  Why do you think that is?
• Where do you personally find fellowship in the body of Christ?
• How is your congregation like/unlike the early church?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty-Two Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirty-Two Scripture - 1 Peter 2:10 - Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.
Day Thirty-Two The Heart of the Matter:

• What has God taught you through the fellowship of other Christians?
• Why might congregational evangelism - the idea of the church itself being the witness - be as important as individual evangelism?
• What does it mean to you to love your neighbor as yourself?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty-One Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirty-One Scripture - 1 John 4:7 - Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 
Day Thirty-One The Heart of the Matter:

• On a scale of one to ten (ten being the highest), how "addicted" would you say you are to God?  Why is that?
• In what ways could holiness be contagious?  What about joy?
• Is your congregation bound by common love, common worship and common mission?  In what ways can you individually improve - or detract - from the situation?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Thirty Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirty Scripture - 1 Corinthians 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Day Thirty The Heart of the Matter:

• What does it mean to you to be a part of the body of Christ?
• In what ways has the church represented the body of Christ to you?
• If you were to be honest, how do you do at seeing others through the eyes of Christ?  Why do you think that is?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-Nine Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty-Nine Scripture - Ephesians 1:22 - And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church . . .
Day Twenty-Nine The Heart of the Matter:

• Be honest, how do you feel about the idea of the church as the home for all?
• Is it difficult for you to share with others what God has done in your life or to invite them to church?  Why do you think that is?
• How did you end up in your current congregation?  Did you first come because you believed it could be a home of wonder or grace?  If someone invited you, take a moment to thank God for that person now.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-Eight Scripture

Day Twenty-Eight Scripture - Psalm 51:10, 12 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-Seven Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty-Seven Scripture - Proverbs 3:6 - . . . in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Day Twenty-Seven The Heart of the Matter:

• In what ways has God offered you guidance?
• Do you relate more to the tree planted by the water or the bush in the wastelands?  Why?
• Is there anything God has revealed to you about your life that you have yet to take hold of ?  What's standing in your way?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-Six Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty-Six Scripture - Matthew 6:9-10 - Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Day Twenty-Six The Heart of the Matter:

• How would you describe your prayer life?
• Describe a time that God directly answered a prayer.  How did that make you feel?
• What steps could you take to make your prayer times even more personal and relevant to your life?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-Five Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty-Five Scripture - James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Day Twenty-Five The Heart of the Matter:

• When you hear the word discipleship, what comes to mind?  Is the term positive, negative, or a mixture of both?
• Does your family of faith have structured discipleship programs?  And if so, have you considered being involved?  Why or why not?
• How can discipling others help us grow?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-Four Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty-Four Scripture - John 19:30 - When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished."  With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Day Twenty-Four The Heart of the Matter:

• How do you think perserverance in suffering leads to character, and how do you think character leads to hope?
• Have you experienced rebellion and/or resignation in your relationship with God?  Describe your experience.
• What does "sharing Christ's sufferings" mean to you?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-Three Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty-Three Scripture - John 14:12 - I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Day Twenty-Three The Heart of the Matter:

• When you hear that you will do greater things than Jesus, how does that make you feel?  Why do you think that is?  What is your deepest desire in that area?
• Have you ever gone through the Bible in search of the promises God has made to you?  If not, consider doing so now, and jotting down a few that you find.  You might also consider memorizing these Scriptures, so you'll have them immediately on hand in your times of need.
• Are there any areas where it's hard for you to completely trust Jesus?  What are they?  Why do you think obstacles are present there?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-Two Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty-Two Scripture - Romans 8:11 - And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit . . .
Day Twenty-Two The Heart of the Matter:

• If you didn't actually stop to probe your heart regarding the questions (What are the areas in which you haven't yet found freedom?  What is holding you back from receiving it?)  in today's lesson, please do so now.  Pray for God's revelation, rather than simply going by your own insights.
• How do you understand the process by which Christ "fits us" for kingdom living?  In what ways can we help - or hinder - that process?
• How has Christ been "fitting" you in your own life?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-One Scripture

Day Twenty-One Scripture - Colossians 3:4 - When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty Scripture - John 15:5 - If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Day Twenty The Heart of the Matter:

• On a scale of one to ten (ten being the highest), how compassionate would you say you are?  Why do you think so?
• What does it mean to you to  "be Christ to others"?  Is it difficult for you to do so?  Why or why not?
• Think now of a time that someone else showed the love of Christ to you.  How did that affect you?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Nineteen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Nineteen Scripture - Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Day Nineteen The Heart of the Matter:

• Has Jesus been an affirming presence in your life?  Has he been a healing one?  Describe your experience of the indwelling Christ.
• Think of a time in your life when you pursued something with all your energy, like the friends of the paralytic sought Christ for their comrade's healing.  What motivated your search?  How might your energies be focused more on seeking Jesus?
• Why do you think Jesus so clearly connected physical healing and forgiveness?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Eighteen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Eighteen Scripture - Matthew 5:7-8 - Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Day Eighteen The Heart of the Matter:

• Are there any obstacles that prevent you from being more humble or available in your own life?  If so, what are they, and how can they be overcome?
• Why is it so important for Christians to model humility to the world?
• Recall a time when you chose to humble yourself rather than see a reward.  What happened next?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Seventeen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Seventeen Scripture - John 15:9-11 - As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Now remain in my love.  If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love.  . . . I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Day Seventeen The Heart of the Matter:

• What does abiding in Christ mean to you?  In what ways do you practice abiding in him, and in what ways do you not?
• Is worry a constant challenge for you?  If so, what are some steps you can take to overcome it?
• In what ways can we tap into the re-creating force of the Spirit in our lives?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Sixteen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Sixteen Scripture - Colossians 1:27 - To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Day Sixteen The Heart of the Matter:

• What does the phrase "hidden with Christ in God" mean to you?
• Do you know anyone you would consider alive in Christ?  What characteristics make you think so?
• When you gained new life, what parts of your self were you able to bury with the old?  Take a moment now to thank God for that experience.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Fifteen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Fifteen Scripture - 2 Corinthians 4:6 - For God, who said, "let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Christ.
Day Fifteen The Heart of the Matter:

• In what ways do you reflect the radiant glory of God in your life?  Are there areas where you feel a bit "dim"?
• Have you had a personal "Mount Tabor" experience, when God allowed you to see a huge portion of his glory?  If so, describe it.  If not, how do you imagine God might reveal himself to you?
• Are there certain things you think about Jesus that have shaped your life for the better?  How might some of your thoughts about Jesus be keeping you from experiencing the light of the knowledge of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ in your heart?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Fourteen Scripture

Day Fourteen Scripture - Hallelujah!  Salvation and glory and power belong to our God . . . . Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!  Revelations 19:1, 6-7
Day Fourteen is a time to reflect back on the past weeks' reading, scripture and questions.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day ThirteenScripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirteen Scripture - 1 Corinthians 15:2 - By this gospel you are saved . . .
Day Thirteen The Heart of the Matter:

• Have you ever felt that the things you wanted most and the things you thought would set you free have not done so?  How did you react to that awareness?
• Have you ever visited the "far country"?  What drew you back home?
• Can you identify with Paul's statement, "By the grace of God, I am what I am?"  Why or why not?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twelve Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twelve Scripture - Luke 24:2-3 - They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Day Twelve The Heart of the Matter:

• What "stones" in your life has Jesus helped you roll away?  What stones remain?
• Think now of a time you've experienced unexplained hope.  Describe it here.
• Think of a time when you felt more like the grumbling Israelites after Moses' death.  Were you able to see beyond your circumstances and ignite a new hope?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Eleven Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Eleven Scripture - Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Day Eleven The Heart of the Matter:

• Is it difficult for you to believe that God loves you unconditionally?  Why or why not?
• How has your relationship with your earthly father colored your perception of God as a heavenly Father?
• Are there any areas in your life in which you lack confidence?  Why do you think that is, and how do you think God can help?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Ten Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Ten Scripture - Luke 19:38 - Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Day Ten The Heart of the Matter:

• When you think of Jesus, how do you picture him coming to you?  In compassion?  In humility?  In judgment?  Why do you think that is?
• How might things have been different in Jerusalem had Jesus shown up on a horse, ready for battle, rather than a donkey?
• In what areas of your life do you live out Jesus' peace, compassion, or judgment?  In what ways do you not?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Nine Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Nine Scripture - Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Day Nine The Heart of the Matter:

• Think of a time in your life when you were aware of being guilty of something.  How did you deal with your feelings in those circumstances?
• Have you ever received the gift of forgiveness?  Describe your experience.
• Are you holding on to feelings of guilt and sin in your relationship with God?  If so, have you considered asking God to release you from that burden so you might fully embrace the extravagant love Jesus embodied on the cross?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Eight Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Eight Scripture - John 1:18 - No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
Day Eight The Heart of the Matter:

• Has God ever revealed himself to you through hints or guesses?  How has your understanding been shaped by such revelations?
• What is your favorite verse of Scripture?  How does it speak to you with poetry and images?
• How does Jesus' Incarnation offer hope and meaning for your life?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Seven Scripture

Day Seven Scripture - Psalm 100:1, 5 - Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth . . . . For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

There is no "Heart of the Matter" section at the end of this day's reading but it did end with these questions:
Have you been able to develop a regular diet of the Word that can help you grow?  If not, what's standing in your way, and what can be done to remove those obstacles?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Six Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Six Scripture - Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Day Six Heart of the Matter:

• How does the Bible fit into your walk with God?
• What stands in the way of you having a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Scriptures?  How could that challenge be overcome?
• How do you think God could use the Bible to help guide, encourage, and esteem you?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Five Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Five Scripture - Luke 12:32 - Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Day Five Heart of the Matter:

• When you hear the story of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15, how do you feel?  Do you identify with the son, the father, or even the older brother who is challenged by the prodigal's return?  How so?
• Are there any challenges in your life that might be hindering you from coming home to the open arms of the Father?  If so, how do you think you can overcome them?
• Are you more likely to think of God as demanding and punitive, or loving and good?  Why do you think that is?  Give an example of a time you experienced the goodness of God.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Four Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Four's Scripture - James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father . . .
Day Four's The Heart of the Matter:

•  If you were asked to draw a picture of God, what would it look like?
• Of the three affirmations you just read about - God never lets us down, God never lets us off, and God never lets us go - which one challenges you the most?  Why?
• Think of a time in your life when you experienced a consequence of sin.  How did that affect your relationship to God?

Irresistible Invitation ~ The Heart of the Matter from Day One's Scripture; Day Two & Three Scripture

Day One's Scripture - Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Day One's Heart of the Matter:

• What do you feel when you reflect on the first few lines of Genesis?  How does this feeling color your perception of God?
• How could a deeper understanding of the creation story affect your relationship with God?  Does this story challenge any of your previous assumptions?
• Have you experienced moments of incadescent amazement?  If so, how have those experiences informed your understanding of God?

Day Two's Scripture - Genesis 1:31 - God saw all theat he had made, and it was very good.
Day Two's Heart of the Matter:

• Have you been aware of God's presence in a time of darkness and suffering?  Describe your personal experience.
• Have there been times of hardship in your life that, looking back, you are able to recognize as forming your character for the better?  Are you aware of a purpose in those times of struggle?
• Have you given or received a show of love like the one described in the story of Manuel Garcia?  If so, how did that experience affect you?

Day Three's Scripture - John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Day Three's Heart of the Matter:

• Think about your habits, good and bad.  How have they shaped your life as a whole?
• Have you chosen to "start to become" a new person?  Why or why not?
• What does it mean to you to choose to be in relationship with God?  Do you make it a habit to seek God's company each day?

"Irresistible Invitation" Church-Wide Series Begins!

The ENTIRE Church  will embark on a new 6-week Sunday School study, Irresistible Invitation, that will also correlate with the message delivered during the Sunday worship services. The first message was delivered on Sunday, October 9th and the 40 day daily Bible readings begin today.

Today's scripture is Genesis 1:1 . . . In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Next Sunday we begin the first class lesson. The books are available through the church for $5.00. They are also available on Kindle at a slightly higher price.

New Study Series Begins July 17th!

Beginning July 17th, we will start a series of studies based on Max Lucado’s book Outlive Your Life, http://www.maxlucado.com/outliveyourlife/.  "What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth.  It’s not enough to do well. We want to do good. We want our lives to matter. So, let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.", says Max Lacado.  Whose life will YOU change? 

Sunday, June 26, 2011 - Thore Family Reception

Reception in honor of Pastor Chris Thore and his family - during the Sunday school hour (9:45-10:45) on June 26th - no Anchors in Christ Sunday School class that day!  If you are interested, you may provide a love offering gift for their family on your own.

Anchors in Christ Regular Class to Resume on May 8th

The Anchors in Christ Class will resume meeting in its regular classroom on Sunday, May 8th (Mother's Day!).  Mark and Jan Portis will conclude the series they have been teaching to the combined classes on Sunday, May 1st with a lesson on Apologizing.  Please join the Portises on May 1st and then be ready to kick off a new series on May 8th!

Lenten Series with Mark & Jan Portis

The Anchors in Christ Class will join with the Spiritual Growth Class in A201 for a six week study during Lent as a follow up on Bishop Goodpastor's sermon on loving your enemy.  Mark and Jan Portis will lead this series for the two groups using "Love as a Way of Life" by Gary Chapman!  The Anchors in Christ class will then continue with the Experiencing God series after Easter.

Experiencing God ~ Lesson Notes February 6, 2011

From “Experiencing God” Session 4:  Love and God’s Invitation

1)     Know God

a.    Know God more intimately as He reveals Himself to us through our experiences with Him.

b.    Who is God to us, i.e. Advocate, Comforter, Hope, Judge, Redeemer,….other?

2)    Worship God

a.    To worship is to reverence and honor God, to acknowledge Him as worthy of your praise.

b.    Ways to worship God are blessing His name, rejoicing in His name, calling on His name, declaring His name,….others?

3)    Love God

a.    If we love Him, we will obey Him.

b.    If we have an obedience problem, we have a love problem!

4)    God invites us to join Him

a.    When we see the Father at work around us, that is our invitation to adjust our life to Him and join Him in that work.

b.    God must take the initiative to open our spiritual eyes so that we can see what He is doing.

c.    We must have our intimate and personal relationship with God in order for us to have our eyes opened!

Experiencing God ~ Lesson Notes January 16, 2011

Looking to God

Bible Verse - "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."  Psalm 20:7

Self-Centered vs God-Centered

To live a God-centered life, one must focus on God's purposes, not our own plans.  We must seek to view situations from God's perspective rather than from our own distorted human outlook.  When God starts to do something in the world, He takes the initiative to reveal His will to people.

To know and do God's will, we must deny self and return to a God-centered life.

God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.  

If God has a great task for you, he will expand your character to match the assignment. 

Experiencing God ~ Lesson Notes January 9, 2011

Scripture ~ John 15:5

I am the vine, you are the branches.  If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Two different ways to approach the Lord and His plan for us: “Lord, tell me everything.” or “Lord, just go with me and direct me.”

Don’t ask God about tomorrow, but, instead, ask about today.

Phillips 2:5-8  (God’s Word Translation)

            ⁵Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

       ⁶Although he was in the form of God and equal with God,
        he did not take advantage of this equality.
       ⁷Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by becoming like other humans, by having a human appearance.
       ⁸He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, death on a cross.

Being a servant of God is serving in God in order to serve one’s fellow man.

The Potter shapes the clay.  We have to be open to be molded,   and open to be used.

New 12 Week Series Begins January 9, 2011 ~ Experiencing God

The following information was provided by Debbie Fisher . . .

Our current series is Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby.  It is based on seven Scriptural Realities that teach us how to develop a true relationship with the Creator.  By understanding how God is working through us even as we try to fathom His ways, we can begin to clearly know and do His will and discover our lives greatly and gracefully changed.

7 Scriptural Realities:

  1.. God is always at work around you.

  2.. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.

  3.. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.

  4.. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church.

  5.. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

  6.. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.

  7.. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you.

This study will have varying insights and concepts about knowing and doing the will of God, that hopefully will help us build upon our Half Time series, as we continue to strive for significance in our second half.

Having a fruitful second half is more than just slowing down or being able to control your date book.  It has to do with a mind set, an inner compass, that is fixed on those things that define the true self.  ~ Bob Buford

Commit your actions to the Lord,

and your plans will succeed.

(Proverbs 16:3 New Living Translation)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

(Proverbs 3:5-6 New Living Translation)

Welcome, Anchors Class!

Hopefully, this site will be helpful in keeping up with class studies and activities.  Please note that you should be able to subscribe to the site so that you can be notified when updates are made.  A posting will follow soon on our current lesson plan and upcoming news!

Happy New Year!!!