Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
Let me start by wishing you a very Happy New Year!! I hope this next year will be one of the best year's you have had yet.
With the new year comes all kinds of resolutions. At the beginning of every new year we make promises to ourselves that we are going to change something about our life or ourselves. People make resolutions like losing weight, get a new job, get a raise, go on a certain vacation, get their finances in order, etc. Let me make a suggestion for you. Why not make this year's resolution that you Don't Waste Your Life? You want your life to count for something, right! Of course you do, we all do, so why not start this year in living your life with intentionality and purpose?
John Piper encourages us to not waste our life and be lulled into the ways and thoughts of success of the world. But to live our lives in reckless abandon for Real Purpose, with intent, All For Jesus! Pick-up Piper's book today and begin reading and being encouraged as he excites us to live a life of purpose and not waste this gift God has given us. The only purpose in life is to live for Christ, so why not resolve to start with this year and live intentionally for Christ with passion!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
December Delight
Praise Habit: Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi
By: David Crowder
I've been wondering about what book I should recommend for December. As I reflected in the somber twilight of my florescent lit office and aroma candles burning I once again asked myself.
"Self, what book should I recommend this month?" and self replied back "Well, it is December. It would be good to recommend something on the birth of Jesus Christ or about His coming." I thought told self "Yes, that would be good, it would be good to recommend a book that would praise Jesus' coming in human flesh and being born by a Virgin as foretold by the prophets and being born in a manger. But why just focus on praising Him now?! We should praise Him all the time! It should be a habit!" Then self thought told me "You're right, you should recommend Praise Habit by David Crowder because he takes several of the Psalms and reflects on them and how they direct us to make praising God a habit in all things of life. It's not a thing we do but more of who we are." So, I thought said to self "That's a great idea. I think a lot of people would enjoy reading Praise Habit by David Crowder. He makes some really great points about Praise being a Habit and not something we do on Sunday mornings. And the way he wrote it is hilarious, whimsical, and yet brutally honest." Then self thought replied back to me "yeah, that's what I was thinking. And, a lot of people know him from his Christian Band with Sixsteps Records called 'The David Crowder *Band'. He rocks your face off with music that praises God and he writes words that are bound together with pages that praises God too! It has to be good stuff." And I thought told self "oh, it is good stuff I've read it before. Have you read it before?" and self thought told me "oh, yeah, man, I've read it a couple of times. It's that good. And it's good to be reminded about making Praise a Habit in your life and not just an event." And I thought said to self "Right On! Right On!"
By: David Crowder
I've been wondering about what book I should recommend for December. As I reflected in the somber twilight of my florescent lit office and aroma candles burning I once again asked myself.
"Self, what book should I recommend this month?" and self replied back "Well, it is December. It would be good to recommend something on the birth of Jesus Christ or about His coming." I thought told self "Yes, that would be good, it would be good to recommend a book that would praise Jesus' coming in human flesh and being born by a Virgin as foretold by the prophets and being born in a manger. But why just focus on praising Him now?! We should praise Him all the time! It should be a habit!" Then self thought told me "You're right, you should recommend Praise Habit by David Crowder because he takes several of the Psalms and reflects on them and how they direct us to make praising God a habit in all things of life. It's not a thing we do but more of who we are." So, I thought said to self "That's a great idea. I think a lot of people would enjoy reading Praise Habit by David Crowder. He makes some really great points about Praise being a Habit and not something we do on Sunday mornings. And the way he wrote it is hilarious, whimsical, and yet brutally honest." Then self thought replied back to me "yeah, that's what I was thinking. And, a lot of people know him from his Christian Band with Sixsteps Records called 'The David Crowder *Band'. He rocks your face off with music that praises God and he writes words that are bound together with pages that praises God too! It has to be good stuff." And I thought told self "oh, it is good stuff I've read it before. Have you read it before?" and self thought told me "oh, yeah, man, I've read it a couple of times. It's that good. And it's good to be reminded about making Praise a Habit in your life and not just an event." And I thought said to self "Right On! Right On!"
Monday, November 30, 2009
December Happenings
Friday, Dec. 4th
Student Ministry Christmas Party
6:30-9:30pm in the CLC. We've got full reign of the CLC and are going to rock it out!! Invite your friends to join in on the fun and food. There will be raffles, contests, games, and food. Don't forget to wear your tackiest Christmas sweater! Decorate it, make it, buy it, borrow it, just make sure you come tacky sweater and all.
Dec. 11-13
Singing Christmas Tree
This is one of the greatest traditions of Abilene and the biggest outreach we do in the community. So be sure to attend and invite your lost friends and family. Performances will be Friday @ 7pm, Saturday @ 7pm, and Sunday @ 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are FREE and available in the church office or in the back lobby after services.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
Primetimer's Christmas Party
We have an opportunity to help serve the the senior adults at their Christmas Party. We have many signed up but we need MORE! If you are available, make plans to help serve our church. To sign-up contact the Student Ministry office or sign-up on the info table before or after Elevate on Wednesday nights.
Friday, Dec. 25
Celebrating the birth of our LORD and SAVIOR, Jesus Christ.
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus."
Matthew 1: 18-25 (ESV)
Student Ministry Christmas Party
6:30-9:30pm in the CLC. We've got full reign of the CLC and are going to rock it out!! Invite your friends to join in on the fun and food. There will be raffles, contests, games, and food. Don't forget to wear your tackiest Christmas sweater! Decorate it, make it, buy it, borrow it, just make sure you come tacky sweater and all.
Dec. 11-13
Singing Christmas Tree
This is one of the greatest traditions of Abilene and the biggest outreach we do in the community. So be sure to attend and invite your lost friends and family. Performances will be Friday @ 7pm, Saturday @ 7pm, and Sunday @ 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are FREE and available in the church office or in the back lobby after services.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
Primetimer's Christmas Party
We have an opportunity to help serve the the senior adults at their Christmas Party. We have many signed up but we need MORE! If you are available, make plans to help serve our church. To sign-up contact the Student Ministry office or sign-up on the info table before or after Elevate on Wednesday nights.
Friday, Dec. 25
Celebrating the birth of our LORD and SAVIOR, Jesus Christ.
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus."
Matthew 1: 18-25 (ESV)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
November dares you to Read
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
This amazingly delightful short book is the brilliance of one of the most coveted and revered Christian authors of all time, C.S. Lewis.
C.S. Lewis has written many wonderful works that Christians will be reading til the return of Christ. His works are insightful, beautifully written, and stand the test of time. Others works include Mere Christianity, The Chronicles of Narnia, Out of the Silent Planet, The Four Loves, and Til We Have Faces. Lewis has written wonderful literature in both Fiction and Non-Fiction. There are now university classes devoted to the study of his works.
What makes Lewis so enchanting is his ability to teach such profound and hard hitting Christian truths wrapped in a delicate and entertaining gift. You get caught up in the story that he is telling and then get convicted deeply when you realize the character in the story could have just as well been you.
The Screwtape Letters ranks among the top of Lewis' brilliant cast of literary works. Simple and easy to read, Lewis takes you into the world of demons. From the viewpoint of an apprentice demon named Wormwood, we are taken on a journey of discovery of the training and tricks of the demons to cause Christians to stumble, fall, cause others to turn away, and even turn from Christ themselves.
Wormwood beseeches the help of his uncle Screwtape, an accomplished demon, as he learns the skills and tricks of the demon trade. Wormwood is assigned to a man and it is his goal to keep from the "The Enemy". It picks up with Wormwood being discouraged because his man has chosen to become a Christian. With the encouragement of his uncle he is instructed to not let it bother him because many have been "reclaimed" after deciding to side with "The Enemy". Throughout the rest of the book Lewis exposes how demons use little things in our lives to affect us and those around us. They don't just outright onslaught us but are crafty and cunning in deceiving us or luring us asleep with the world or even in Christianity.
This is a great whimsical easy read but filled with powerful observations and warnings for every Christian to observe and evaluate how effective or ineffective we truly are for the name of Jesus Christ.
This amazingly delightful short book is the brilliance of one of the most coveted and revered Christian authors of all time, C.S. Lewis.
C.S. Lewis has written many wonderful works that Christians will be reading til the return of Christ. His works are insightful, beautifully written, and stand the test of time. Others works include Mere Christianity, The Chronicles of Narnia, Out of the Silent Planet, The Four Loves, and Til We Have Faces. Lewis has written wonderful literature in both Fiction and Non-Fiction. There are now university classes devoted to the study of his works.
What makes Lewis so enchanting is his ability to teach such profound and hard hitting Christian truths wrapped in a delicate and entertaining gift. You get caught up in the story that he is telling and then get convicted deeply when you realize the character in the story could have just as well been you.
The Screwtape Letters ranks among the top of Lewis' brilliant cast of literary works. Simple and easy to read, Lewis takes you into the world of demons. From the viewpoint of an apprentice demon named Wormwood, we are taken on a journey of discovery of the training and tricks of the demons to cause Christians to stumble, fall, cause others to turn away, and even turn from Christ themselves.
Wormwood beseeches the help of his uncle Screwtape, an accomplished demon, as he learns the skills and tricks of the demon trade. Wormwood is assigned to a man and it is his goal to keep from the "The Enemy". It picks up with Wormwood being discouraged because his man has chosen to become a Christian. With the encouragement of his uncle he is instructed to not let it bother him because many have been "reclaimed" after deciding to side with "The Enemy". Throughout the rest of the book Lewis exposes how demons use little things in our lives to affect us and those around us. They don't just outright onslaught us but are crafty and cunning in deceiving us or luring us asleep with the world or even in Christianity.
This is a great whimsical easy read but filled with powerful observations and warnings for every Christian to observe and evaluate how effective or ineffective we truly are for the name of Jesus Christ.
Monday, October 19, 2009
True Love Waits
True Love Waits Weekend
Friday, November 13th 7pm-9pm: Sessions 1 & 2
Saturday, November 14th 10am-1pm: Sessions 3 & 4, Lunch and ceremony.
Cost: $10 per person
Ages: 6th - 12th grades
True Love Waits is a weekend seminar dealing with sex, love, relationships, and what God's Word speaks to all of them. This weekend will be dealing with information and challenges that may make some uncomfortable to talk about. It is not our intent to be shocking or provocative, we won't go there, but we will be honestly discussing God's intent for sex, relationships, and the lures that the world tries to entice our students with.
This weekend is not only for the students but for the parents as well. I encourage there to be at least one parent attend with their child for the weekend. Sessions 1,3, and 4 will be geared toward the students. I will be dealing with the idea and definition of love, the creation and purpose of sex by God, and why marriage is the only acceptable means to God by which it is granted, as well as Scriptural and non-scriptural reasons to abstain until marriage.
Session 2 on Friday night will be for adults only. The students will be sent out for the night to their host homes while I talk to you, the parents and adults, about the challenges your children face in today's world; current trends, realities of what is going on, and resources to keep you informed. PLEASE make time to attend these sessions with your child, and especially session 2. They need your support in this. You will make the greatest impact in your child's decisions, even if you think they aren't listening.
Purity Ring and Lunch Ceremony
After session 4 on Saturday we will be having lunch served and have a ceremony in which our students will be challenged to live in purity both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Usually, during this ceremony purity or promise rings are given and worn by the students. We will not be doing this during the ceremony for a couple of reasons; 1) The purity ring is a personal decision that each student needs to make on their own. In no way, do I want them to wear a purity ring out of felt obligation or popularity. I want it to be a personal and individually made decision. I don't want hypocrites, phonies, or trendiness. 2.) Each ring costs around $25 from the licensed True Love Waits website. Due to the previous mentioned and cost of the ring I wanted to keep the cost of the event at a bare minimum so everyone can attend. I want to be and am aware of the times. I would much rather you and your student attend than to not attend because of the added cost of a ring. With that said, I fully support the students wearing the purity ring, if they make that decision themselves, and I will encourage them and you to pursue the purchase and wearing of the rings. We will not be, however, issuing the rings at the ceremony. I want them to seek you out or you initiate that conversation with your child together.
Licensed True Love Waits rings and necklaces can be purchased at this link.
Please let me encourage you to mark your calendars for this event, pray and prepare for this weekend. I pray that it serves and teaches you well that you might further these conversations with your child that they might follow in obedience what God has planned and willed for us as Christians.
Friday, November 13th 7pm-9pm: Sessions 1 & 2
Saturday, November 14th 10am-1pm: Sessions 3 & 4, Lunch and ceremony.
Cost: $10 per person
Ages: 6th - 12th grades
True Love Waits is a weekend seminar dealing with sex, love, relationships, and what God's Word speaks to all of them. This weekend will be dealing with information and challenges that may make some uncomfortable to talk about. It is not our intent to be shocking or provocative, we won't go there, but we will be honestly discussing God's intent for sex, relationships, and the lures that the world tries to entice our students with.
This weekend is not only for the students but for the parents as well. I encourage there to be at least one parent attend with their child for the weekend. Sessions 1,3, and 4 will be geared toward the students. I will be dealing with the idea and definition of love, the creation and purpose of sex by God, and why marriage is the only acceptable means to God by which it is granted, as well as Scriptural and non-scriptural reasons to abstain until marriage.
Session 2 on Friday night will be for adults only. The students will be sent out for the night to their host homes while I talk to you, the parents and adults, about the challenges your children face in today's world; current trends, realities of what is going on, and resources to keep you informed. PLEASE make time to attend these sessions with your child, and especially session 2. They need your support in this. You will make the greatest impact in your child's decisions, even if you think they aren't listening.
Purity Ring and Lunch Ceremony
After session 4 on Saturday we will be having lunch served and have a ceremony in which our students will be challenged to live in purity both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Usually, during this ceremony purity or promise rings are given and worn by the students. We will not be doing this during the ceremony for a couple of reasons; 1) The purity ring is a personal decision that each student needs to make on their own. In no way, do I want them to wear a purity ring out of felt obligation or popularity. I want it to be a personal and individually made decision. I don't want hypocrites, phonies, or trendiness. 2.) Each ring costs around $25 from the licensed True Love Waits website. Due to the previous mentioned and cost of the ring I wanted to keep the cost of the event at a bare minimum so everyone can attend. I want to be and am aware of the times. I would much rather you and your student attend than to not attend because of the added cost of a ring. With that said, I fully support the students wearing the purity ring, if they make that decision themselves, and I will encourage them and you to pursue the purchase and wearing of the rings. We will not be, however, issuing the rings at the ceremony. I want them to seek you out or you initiate that conversation with your child together.
Licensed True Love Waits rings and necklaces can be purchased at this link.
Please let me encourage you to mark your calendars for this event, pray and prepare for this weekend. I pray that it serves and teaches you well that you might further these conversations with your child that they might follow in obedience what God has planned and willed for us as Christians.
Monday, September 28, 2009
October strongly suggests...
The Darkness and the Dawn: Empowered by the Tragedy and Triumph of the Cross
by Charles Swindoll
"Darkness covered the earth that day. The sun fled. From noon until three the darkness of death hovered over the hill where the Son of God was dying. As Christians we know the story well- the nails in His hands, the thorns on His head, the gambling soldiers, the taunting thieves.
Charles Swindoll invites us to, "Return with me to those epochal days when our Lord walked into the awful darkness- which He did not deserve- only to arise into the sunlit dawn of triumph, providing us a victory from which we shall never know defeat." Go with him and you will find that, as only he can, Dr. Swindoll uncovers new meaning in the Cross and the Resurrection for those who face death and darkness today. His fresh perspectives on these core events of faith can help you see beyond the darkness to the new light of dawn." (Taken from book excerpt)
Dr. Swindoll takes you into the the darkness and depth of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross. The pain, torment, suffering, and wrath of God poured out on our Savior and Lord. But in wonderful splendor raises our heads to the Hope and Victory given to us by such an unrivaled display of Love, Mercy, and Forgiveness encouraging us to live daily with a fresh blessing of Salvation.
by Charles Swindoll
"Darkness covered the earth that day. The sun fled. From noon until three the darkness of death hovered over the hill where the Son of God was dying. As Christians we know the story well- the nails in His hands, the thorns on His head, the gambling soldiers, the taunting thieves.
Charles Swindoll invites us to, "Return with me to those epochal days when our Lord walked into the awful darkness- which He did not deserve- only to arise into the sunlit dawn of triumph, providing us a victory from which we shall never know defeat." Go with him and you will find that, as only he can, Dr. Swindoll uncovers new meaning in the Cross and the Resurrection for those who face death and darkness today. His fresh perspectives on these core events of faith can help you see beyond the darkness to the new light of dawn." (Taken from book excerpt)
Dr. Swindoll takes you into the the darkness and depth of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross. The pain, torment, suffering, and wrath of God poured out on our Savior and Lord. But in wonderful splendor raises our heads to the Hope and Victory given to us by such an unrivaled display of Love, Mercy, and Forgiveness encouraging us to live daily with a fresh blessing of Salvation.
October Happenings
There are only a few announcements for October.
Oct. 3rd paintball (as scheduled in the forecast book is CANCELED)
Wed. Oct. 7th
Flu Shots - Call church office for an appointment
Provided by Columbia Co. Health Dept.
Time: 4-6.30pm
Cost: $25; receipt is available to turn in to your ins. provider.
Sat, Oct. 10th
Fall Golf Tournament
Pine Ridge Country Club
Shot gun start @ 9.30am
Cost: $40.00
Deadline is Thursday, Oct. 1st
Sat, Oct. 17th
Kackleberry Farm Corn Maze
Cost: $11 per person
Please call and register so we can give them a head count. Payment will be made at the door.
This will be a fun time for the whole family. There will be lots of things to see and do.
Also, the Brad Davis Band will be giving a free concert from 6-6:45pm courtesy of WAFJ for their "Family Fun Day".
Time: Leave CLC at 3pm
Return to CLC at 9pm
Sun, Oct. 25th
Solid Rock
7.30ish to 9pm
Fun, games, free food, and lots of fellowship.
Oct. 3rd paintball (as scheduled in the forecast book is CANCELED)
Wed. Oct. 7th
Flu Shots - Call church office for an appointment
Provided by Columbia Co. Health Dept.
Time: 4-6.30pm
Cost: $25; receipt is available to turn in to your ins. provider.
Sat, Oct. 10th
Fall Golf Tournament
Pine Ridge Country Club
Shot gun start @ 9.30am
Cost: $40.00
Deadline is Thursday, Oct. 1st
Sat, Oct. 17th
Kackleberry Farm Corn Maze
Cost: $11 per person
Please call and register so we can give them a head count. Payment will be made at the door.
This will be a fun time for the whole family. There will be lots of things to see and do.
Also, the Brad Davis Band will be giving a free concert from 6-6:45pm courtesy of WAFJ for their "Family Fun Day".
Time: Leave CLC at 3pm
Return to CLC at 9pm
Sun, Oct. 25th
Solid Rock
7.30ish to 9pm
Fun, games, free food, and lots of fellowship.
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