Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! This week the adults examined the Ten Commandments in Sunday school. While many participated in the conversation, Dean C. made the comment that he sure wished more people spoke up during class. What do you think about that? As one who often shares in class I’ve often wondered what others were thinking who kept quiet during class, but never stayed silent long enough to hear them.
As I say less next week to let others a chance to speak (I heard that), I wonder who will speak and what they will say? We are indeed a community of faith and I can’t wait to hear from you! So, now the only question is will you show up and speak up? I hope so! Wouldn’t it be great if we needed a second adult class just to handle everyone who came to share in class? May it be so! God help us!
God’s message this week came from James 3:13—4-7a and was titled, “Memory and Wisdom.” Had I to do it again, I would probably title the message “Two Kinds of Wisdom.” James doesn’t hold back! If you’re a Christian, you ought to be living and acting differently! And if you want to act and live differently, your life must be rooted in the right source of wisdom.
James offers two choices. First, in 3:14-15ahe writes, “…if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, …. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.” This type of “wisdom” measures success and aims in worldly ways.
In the Greek, James equates this kind of wisdom with an animal. It’s the kind of wisdom that makes a cornered dog bite and only care about its own survival. When we use this kind of dog-eat-dog behavior, not caring who might get hurt, James argues this is actually wisdom from Satan. According to James, this is the kind of wisdom unsaved people live by.
In contrast, James speaks of a different kind of wisdom Christians ought to live by in verse 17. James speaks about this second source of wisdom beginning in verse 17. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Which source/system of wisdom best describes you?
While a life that lives according to the world is marked by chaos, disorder, and produces evil works, a life living for God and fully yielded to the Holy Spirit is marked by purity, peace, good fruit, and love. Finally, in chapter 4:1, James summarizes the problem and the solution.
The problem? “…don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4) When we live according the world’s standard, we are actually an enemy of God! Ouch! God help us!
The solution? “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you”(James 4:7-8a). My prayer is that we would all repent and return to the unchanging source of truth and wisdom found in God! Blessings Pastor Dan!
NEWS AND EVENTS
WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS IS OCTOBER 13TH
Meet at the church on Saturday at 10:30 AM for a time of fellowship and getting to know each other a little better. There are usually snacks too! Any questions, feel free to contact Cherry.
NEXT CHURCH POTLUCK IS OCTOBER 14TH
It is soon time again to celebrate birthdays for October and November, as well as get together for much yummy food! This lunch will be after the morning service and in the basement of the church.
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS OCTOBER 18TH
Meet at Hibachi Grill off Alpine Avenue and have some good food. There is much conversation and time with others. For any questions, feel free to contact Tracy T.
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:15 pm(before Bible study). Volunteers are needed to make main dishes, side dishes, or desserts. Please contact Cherry with any questions.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES ANYONE?
Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the paved White Pine Trail (9 miles). Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306
BOOTH PERSON STILL NEEDED:
The church is looking for someone who is interested in being a sound booth technician. You will need to be able to attend music practices Sunday morning at 9 AM. Let Janie know if you are interested at 616-204-2499 or hathjan@icloud.com.
GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you for collecting General Mills box tops! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for the Native American Christian Academy. Questions and box tops should go to Fran S. or Sherry J.
CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE!
Is there someone missing or would like to invite to church? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? A simple hand written note blesses everyone! You will find them on the table under the missionary bulletin board in the Annex.
DAILY DEVOTIONS – “REFLECTING GOD” IS AVAILABLE! FREE!!
“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available free to anyone interested. The devotions provide a brief truth from the Bible every day. Reflecting God also has a section for reading the Bible in a year and praying for our missionaries! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located on the table outside the sanctuary!
GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER REQUESTS:
Remember, to keep our prayer lists current, we only place requests in the newsletter and bulletin for 3 weeks without an update. If you want to keep your prayer request in the bulletin or newsletter, just keep filling out the tear off tabs and keep us informed!
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 7 Sunday afternoon bike rides @ 2:30 PM – Rogue River Park
October 13 Women’s Rendezvous 10:30 AM @ church
October 14 Church Potluck after AM service
October 18 Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM
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