Connect

04/11/2023

09/07/2015

Moving to Wednesday nights starting 16 Sep 2015!

11/03/2013

Connect: Sunday, 3 November 2013 - "Jonah: Traveling West"

As we start our four-week study of the book of Jonah, I remind everyone that we are all called to do... something. Sometimes that calling is direct and unmistakable as it was in the case of Jonah, who, somewhere around 759 B.C., found himself directly commanded by the Lord to witness to the wicked and idolatrous people of Ninevah - the capital city of the Assyrian Empire.

The Assyrians had brought destruction and captivity to the Israelites and were especially known for their cruelty. This mission was not one that Jonah found particularly appealing so, instead of traveling northeast to Ninevah, Jonah sought passage by boat for the farthest western port known at that time - Tarshish. So, not only did he not answer his call, he fled in the opposite direction as far as he could go. Can we relate to this?

Not long after setting sail, the Lord sent a deadly storm - so deadly that even the seasoned crew was afraid. They appealed to their false gods for deliverance and were flabbergasted that Jonah was asleep in the hold. Eventually, the Captain of the ship asks Jonah to seek deliverance from his God, effectively providing an opportunity for Jonah not only to repent from his own behavior but also to witness to the sailors. Jonah did neither. How often do we also turn our backs on opportunity to right our wrongs?

In fact, Jonah was so indifferent that he would rather have died in the sea than to repent and face the Ninevites. Jonah, in his interactions with the crew, displayed guilt and compassion for their plight but was still determined to stay turned away from God. So, according to Jonah's wishes, the sailors reluctantly throw him overboard. After which, they petitioned God for favor.

God, in His divine compassion and determination to fulfill His plans, sent a fish to swallow Jonah whole - where he was to spend three days and three nights in its belly. Sometimes God's deliverance feels like another consequence - a punishment perhaps. But, we are unable to see the bigger picture. How can we know from what worse situation He protects us?

Next week, we'll see what happens next as Jonah finds himself in the giant fish....

06/16/2013

Connect: Sunday, 16 June 2013 "What is God Like?"

Scripture is the ultimate authority about itself.
God is the ultimate authority about Himself.

God Exists
Belief in God is not based upon “blind faith”, but rather upon evidence.
(Genesis 1:1) The first verse of the Bible matter-of-factly presents God as preexistent and as the Creator.
(Romans 1:19) Scripture tells us that all persons have a deep, inner sense of His existence…
(Romans 1:20) …and continues to say that knowledge of Him can be clearly perceived in our environment.

God is Knowable
Not only does God exist, but in a way that we can know things about Him and know Him personally.
(Psalms 145:3; 147:5; 139:6, 17-18) We will never fully know God…
(John 17:3; Jeremiah 9:24) …but we can personally know Him…
(1 John 4:8, 1:5; John 4:24; Romans 3:26) …and we can know about Him from what He tells us about Himself.

God is Independent
We were not created because He needed us, or because He was lonely.
(Acts 17:24-25) He does not require our attendance to Him...
(Psalms 90:2) …because He was there before we ever could attend to Him.
(Romans 11:36) Instead, we need Him and are dependent upon Him.

God is Constant
God is unchangeable in His being, attributes, purposes, and promises.
(Psalms 102:27; Malachi 3:6) While we change, God’s being and attributes stay the same forever.
(Psalms 33:11) Once God has determined He will bring something about, it will be achieved.
(Numbers 23:19) God doesn’t break His promises or lie.
(Jonah 3:4, 10; Exodus 32:9-14; Isaiah 38:1-6) Instances where God seems to change should be understood as God’s present attitude or intention related to a specific situation. When the situation changes, His attitude or expression of an intention will change as well.

God is Eternal
God has no beginning and no end.
(Psalm 90:2) He has always existed.
(Revelation 1:8) He is the beginning and the end.
(Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8) His perspective of time is radically different from ours.

God is Omnipresent
He is unlimited with regard to space, because He created it.
(Jeremiah 23:23-24; Psalm 139:7-10) He is everywhere.
(1 Kings 8:27) He is uncontainable.

God is Spirit
With no parts, no size, and no dimensions, He is unable to be perceived by our bodily senses.
(John 4:24) He is not limited to a spatial location.
(John 1:18) He is invisible.
(Isaiah 6:1; Genesis 18:1, 32:30; John 14:9) We can, however, see outward manifestations of God.

God is Omniscient
God is always, at all times, fully aware of everything.
(Hebrews 4:13) No creature is hidden from Him.
(Matthew 11:21) He knows all possible events and outcomes of events, even if they don’t happen.

God is Good
There is no higher standard of goodness than God’s character.
(Luke 18:19) No one is good, except God.
(Genesis 1:31) His goodness and approval of goodness is seen through His creation.
(James 1:17) God is the ultimate source of all goodness.

God is Love
God eternally gives of Himself for the good of others.
(1 John 4:8) He is love.
(1 John 4:10; John 3:16; Romans 5:8) He loves us.
(Matthew 22:37-39; 1 John 3:16-17) He shares His ability to love with us.

God is Holy
God is separated from sin.
(Psalm 99:9, 71:22; Isaiah 6:3) Scripture constantly reminds us of His holiness.
(Leviticus 19:2; Hebrews 12:10, 14; Ephesians 5:26-27) His holiness provides the pattern for our emulation.

God is Just
Because He is righteousness, His ways are the epitome of justice and fairness.
(Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4) Moses describes the equity of His ways.
(Isaiah 45:19) He speaks truth.

God is Jealous and is Wrathful towards Sin
It is not wrong for God to continually seek His own honor, for only He deserves it.
(Exodus 20:5; Isaiah 48:11) In His jealousy, God protects His honor and will not give it away.
(John 3:36; Romans 1:18) God intensely hates sin.
(Hebrews 1:9) Because of His wrath, He is worthy of our praise and worship and we can be encouraged to hate sin.

God is Omnipotent
All things are no match for God.
(Jeremiah 32:17) Nothing is too hard for Him.
(Matthew 19:26) God’s power is infinite…
(Titus 1:2; James 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:13) …but there are some things He cannot do.

06/11/2013

Enjoy!

jesus culture your love never fails full concert 0:00 Your Love Never Fails 8:04 Sing My Love 15:21 King of Glory 20:38 You Won't Relent 34:12 Beautiful 41:5...

06/09/2013

Recap for Sunday, 9 June 2013: "Learning to Read the World's Greatest Library"

We’ve learned from John’s class why it is important to study the Bible and how we can benefit from such study. Because the Bible is so important and because it provides unparalleled eternal benefits, the following should be your response to it:

• Believe it (see John 6:68-69)
• Honor it (see Job 23:12)
• Love it (see Psalms 119:97)
• Obey it (see 1 John 2:5)
• Guard it (see 1 Timothy 6:20)
• Fight for it (see Jude 3)
• Preach it (see 2 Timothy 4:2)
• Study it (see Ezra 7:10

Who can study the Bible?
Not everyone can be an effective Bible student. As a follow-up to John’s two-part class on self-introspection, we should check ourselves on the qualifications for studying the Word with blessing:
• Are you saved by faith in Christ? (see 1 Corinthians 2:14-16)
• Are you hungering for God’s Word? (See 1 Peter 2:2)
• Are you searching His Word with diligence? (See Acts 17:11)
• Are you seeking holiness? (see 1 Peter 1:14-16)
• Are you Spirit-filled? (see Ephesians 5:18)

What’s in the Bible?
OLD TESTAMENT. Begins with the creation of the universe and closes about 400 years before the first coming of Jesus Christ. The 39 books provide a common theme - a need for salvation and the promise of a coming savior, outlined as follows:
- Creation of the Universe
- Fall of Man
- Judgment flood over the earth
- Fathers of the chosen people (stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob)
- History of the Nation of Israel (exile in Egypt, Exodus and the wilderness, conquest of the promised land, era of Judges, the United Kingdoms of Saul, David, and Solomon, the Divided Kingdoms of Judah and Israel, exile in Babylon, the return and rebuilding of the land)

NEW TESTAMENT. Records the rest of the story of God’s redemption of humanity beginning with the birth of the Messiah (Jesus) and ending with the culmination of history to come – the final eternal state. The 27 books of the NT major on the person of Christ and His teachings and the establishment and conduct of the church, outlined as follows:
- The Gospels (record of Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension)
- Acts (the impact of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the establishment of the church)
- The 21 epistles are letters written to churches and specific individuals to explain the significance of the person and work of Jesus Christ, with its implications for life and witness.
- Revelation – pictures the current church age and culminates with Christ’s return to establish His earthly kingdom, bringing judgment on the ungodly and glory and blessing for believers.

The Basics of Bible Study

READING (See Isaiah 28:9-10). Develop a plan; read all of it; then read it again with a new, different plan! There are many ways to read:
• Cover to cover
• NT vs. OT
• 1-, 2-, and 3- year plans
• Order of revelation
• Chapter division

INTERPRETING (See Acts 8:30). What does the Bible mean by what is written? It is not enough to read the text and jump directly to its application to our lives; we must first determine what it means. Let the Holy Spirit be your teacher and use the Bible as its own cross-reference using comparative passages, concordances, indices, etc. Of course, ask wise Christians for understanding in areas that are confusing. Be sure to avoid these common errors:
- Don’t draw conclusions at the price of proper interpretation – don’t make the Bible mean what you want it to mean, but rather let it say what God intended.
- Don’t forget to understand the text in its proper context as it relates to language, culture, geography, and history.

EVALUATING. Remembering that the Bible does not contradict itself (if you think it does, you have misunderstood some text), consult others to ensure you have the proper interpretation. Group studies, written commentaries, theologians’ notes and introductions, and discussions with other Christians will help enrich your thinking. Be one who accepts the truth of God’s Word even though it may cause you to change what you have always believed or cause you to alter your life pattern.

APPLYING (See John 13:17). How does God’s truth pe*****te and change one’s life? Studying scripture without letting it pe*****te to the depths of your soul would be like preparing a banquet feast without eating it. How does the Word apply to you in terms of your attitudes and actions? The ultimate goal should be to let it speak to you and enable you to grow spiritually. If there is a COMMAND to be obeyed, we should obey it. If there is a PROMISE to be embraced, we should claim it. If there is a WARNING to be followed, we should heed it. Neglecting to do so will mean never enjoying your Bible studies and the Bible will never change your life.

CORRELATING. The last step connects the doctrine you have learned in a particular book or passage with divine truths and/or principles taught elsewhere in the Bible to form a big picture. Always keep in mind the Bible is a collection of 66 books that teach numerous truths and principles over and over again but in a variety of ways and circumstances. By correlating and cross-referencing, you will begin to build a sound doctrinal foundation by which to live.

05/23/2013

Connect is cancelled this Sunday (Memorial Day Weekend). We'll pick up the Prize Wheel on Awesome Sunday (2 June). Comment so I know you know! :) Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and don't forget about who this holiday is about - our servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

05/15/2013

Josh Havens and Matt Fuqua play Light Up The Sky on Air1.

05/15/2013

Recap for Sunday, 12 May 2013
The Bible: To Read or Not to Read

To read or not to read; that is the question. Of course, every Christian knows the answer to that. But do they know why? Do they have an answer to the doubts that prevail?

Here's some scripture to back up the answer:
It's important to study the Bible because:
- it is infallible in its totality (see Psalms 19:7)
- it is inerrant in its parts (see Proverbs 30:5-6)
- it is complete (see Revelation 22:18-19)
- it is authoritative and final (see Psalms 119:89)
- it is totally sufficient for your needs (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- it will accomplish what it promises (see Isaiah 55:11)
- it provides the assurance of your salvation (see John 8:47)

I will benefit from studying the Bible because:
- the Bible is the source of truth (see John 17:17)
- the Bible is the source of God's blessing when obeyed (see Luke 11:28)
- the Bible is the source of victory (see Ephesians 6:10-17)
- the Bible is the source of growth (see 1 Peter 2:2)
- the Bible is the source of power (see Romans 1:16)
- the Bible is the source of guidance (see Psalms 119:105)

05/15/2013

Recap for Sunday, 5 May 2013
Evangelism: Bold Now

After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples various times over a period of about 40 days. His ascension into Heaven is recorded in the gospels, but also in the book of Acts.

Read Acts 1:4-11
Here we have an account of Jesus telling the disciples what to do. And yet, even after hearing His instructions, they have questions.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do they ask if Jesus is finally going to restore the Kingdom? What do they mean? (The disciples still think of an earthly kingdom, and they wonder when it will come. It was a confusing time for them.)
2. Why do you think they stood there staring up into the sky? What do you think they were thinking as they watched Jesus float away? (Perhaps they were waiting for Jesus to come back right away. They must have been feeling sadness, confusion, bitter-sweetness, fear, etc.)

We don’t have to go much further in the book to find that the disciples did what Jesus said. They made themselves available to him, and the Spirit of God worked in their lives. Let’s see what happened next.

Read Acts 2:36-41
Peter preaches a great sermon in Acts 2. He is a great example of what a Big Mouth should be.
Discussion Questions:
1. In the passage we read, what is Peter's basic message? (Christ needs to be accepted by the hearers.)
2. What happens as a result of Peter challenging the audience to respond to Christ? (3,000 people respond and are baptized.)

Can you imagine 3,000 baptisms in one day!? (You may want to talk about how many baptisms your church celebrates each year and compare that to this unbelievable event)

Read Acts 4:1-4
Peter and John have been preaching (see healing and sermon in Acts 3), so much so that they are arrested. But we hear in this passage that their preaching was not in vain.
Discussion Questions:
1. How many believers do we hear there are now? (5,000)
2. Why do you think the church is growing so rapidly?
The church really takes off thanks to a bunch of big mouths. In fact, over the next 300 years, the church goes from a group of 12 disciples to a worldwide community of over six million believers.

Obviously, today the church of Jesus is even larger. There are about 2 billion believers in Christ alive today, all thanks to some unashamed big mouths from the first century.

The number of those who are saved is not the only impressive thing—it is also impressive who is saved.

Read Acts 7:59-8:1 and Acts 9:1-19
Discussion Questions:
1. When we meet Saul for the first time, what is he doing? (Witnessing the stoning of Stephen.)
2. In Acts 9, what happens to Saul? (Christ confronts him, he’s converted.)
3. What do you know about Saul from that time forward? (He was a great missionary and Christian writer.)
4. Have you ever witnessed a transformation as dramatic as that one?

There’s more interesting stories of people being saved.
Read Acts 18:7-9
Discussion Questions:
1. Who believes in Jesus in this passage? (Many people, including Crispus, a synagogue ruler.)
2. What is God’s encouragement to Paul? (Not to be afraid, to keep preaching.)
It is not a bad paraphrase to say that God told Paul, “Be a Big Mouth! Don’t be silent! Keep on preaching.” God says the same to us. As we end this series on evangelism, remember not to give up. Chances are all five of the people you wrote down in our very first week aren’t believers yet. If they are, pick five more. Don’t be silent! Be a Big Mouth! Be a Big Mouth no matter what. Paul and the rest of the original Big Mouth partners faced a lot of trials, as we see in Acts.

Read Acts 21:27-32
Paul and others faced physical pain because they spoke up for Jesus. You will face opposition, too.
Discussion Questions:
1. What should your reaction be to people trying to quiet you of your witness for Christ?
2. How can you obtain courage like Paul, Peter, and the rest?

05/04/2013

Recap for Sunday, 28 April 2013
Evangelism: Room 4 Jesus

It’s pretty clear that if we expect, through evangelism, for people to “make room for Jesus” in their lives, we need to make room for Him in our lives first. But, what does it mean to make room for Jesus in our lives? What kind of “house-cleaning” needs to be done? First, it’s important to understand that we don’t need to be perfect. How can we in this flesh? We also don’t need to be Bible experts or understand everything about God in order to talk about Him and what He has done for us. We do need to be gentle, repentant, loving and caring, walking in an authentic faith. How else would you expect to get others to listen to you? Authentic faith, even in our flaws, lends credibility – especially to the people who know our sinful tendencies – the skeletons in the closet, so to speak.

What are some things that we can “do” to demonstrate an authentic faith? Perhaps it’s being the one who forgives others, or asks for forgiveness, or stands up for what’s right, or loving the “unlovable”.

Once you have enough credibility for someone else to listen to you, be prepared for the response to your evangelism. In most cases, that response can be categorized in one of two ways:

1) Hostility

and…

2) Conviction

If your prospect, is hostile, you can be emboldened by relying on the words of Ezekiel (2:4-8) who reminds us that we will be sent to stubborn, obstinate, rebellious people. Because the Lord says that whether they listen or not, even in their hostility, they will at least know that a “prophet” was among them. We can be encouraged not to fear that hostility and, instead, receive God’s message as an inward passion (“eat what He has given you”) and pass it on with boldness. If we are expected to fully consume his Word, we must make room in our bellies, so to speak, for His truth. If we swallow deception or lies, there won’t be any room for Jesus and we will lack boldness in proclaiming the Gospel.

If your prospect is convicted, you will have at least planted or watered a seed of faith. What makes a person convicted? Certainly it isn’t us – our example can hardly do that. The Holy Spirit causes conviction – which is why conviction is so prevalent among Christians. When the Spirit of God lives within you, you become ever more aware of sin. But what good is conviction without repentance? Again we are reminded to make room for Jesus. Repentance is necessary, but it’s useless without Jesus. Repentance with Jesus is what cures conviction – He is the healer and redeemer! We must be prepared to explain the consequences of repenting without Jesus or, worse, not repenting at all. Fortunately, we are blessed to know that the authority to back up the details of such consequence comes from scripture and not from ourselves. And, any judgment that is part of that consequence is also from God, not from ourselves. This fact makes discussing it easier to swallow because otherwise we would come off as self-righteous. More important than the consequence of repentance without Christ (or no repentance) is the reward of faith repentance. Jesus, as I mentioned above, is the redeemer. Through Him, all of our sins are washed away – no reason to wallow in guilt! It is clear that room for Jesus in our conscience is needed. Our testament to this is a valuable evangelism tool.