Agape Newsletter, January 30, 2009: Special New Members Class and Sword of the Spirit Edition
Hello all,
I have no time to think up a clever introduction to this newsletter, because there is too much to say, and not enough time to say it, so let’s just start with our ultra quick summary:
5. Check out our blog! Pinsonchurch.com/blog Updated every week with this newsletter, as well as funny/amazing videos and other articles to build you up.
This Sunday’s message is going to include a surprise twist - what sort of twist? Well, you’ll have to wait and see, I’m afraid. What I can tell you is that we will be completing our 3 part series on holiness Sunday, with a message that will teach us how to overcome temptation and the enemy by using the Sword of the Spirit. The message should be practical as well as quite challenging, and I hope you can make it! The last two messages in the series are available on our website, thanks to David. Click Here for Agape’s online sermons.
Also this Sunday, directly after worship and word, we will be having a class for anybody who wants to join Agape. The class is very informal, quite short, and includes a free meal. What a deal! If you are planning on coming, and you haven’t already told me, or one of the other staff members, that you were, please email me as soon as possible so I can have an accurate count to give to our head chef Jennifer Z. At this point, I’ve heard from 31 people (including children, and staff families) that they plan on being there.
This Wednesday night, we will be tackling one of they great mysteries of Jesus’ teaching, the unforgivable sin. What did Jesus mean when He said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the unforgivable sin? Come join us as we complete our study of Matthew 12, and look towards Matthew 13.
Finally, check this website out: One Prayer 2009 (click here) this is a nationwide and worldwide unity and service effort of the Body of Christ to reach our neighborhoods and neighbors for Jesus. Be sure and watch the videos from Craig Groeschel and Dino Rizzo to get an idea of what this movement is all about. What do you guys think about doing this in Pinson for June, 2009?
To close, here are some links for the week that are interesting:
***** One of Ted Haggard’s close friends and ministry partners (at New Life Church) shares his reaction to the recent documentary about the former pastor and evangelical leader caught in a sex-scandal. “Something always does — and always did — smell off about the “Jesus makes life perfect” version of Christian witness” Click Here
***** Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks about his faith: CLICK HERE
***** Pendragon, a new movie made by a couple of homeschooling families, actually might be pretty decent: CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE
***** Hooray - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader has been picked up by Fox - Narnia Lives! CLICK HERE
***** The 2009 Christianity Today book awards: CLICK HERE
I conclude with the full text of Oswald Chamber’s devotional from this past Monday, sent to me by my wife. (from My Utmost for His Highest):
A warning which needs to be repeated is that “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches,” and the lust for other things, will choke out the life of God in us (Matthew 13:22). We are never free from the recurring waves of this invasion. If the frontline of attack is not about clothes and food, it may be about money or the lack of money; or friends or lack of friends; or the line may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it.
“I say to you, do not worry about your life . . . .” Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing-our relationship to Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, “That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink.” Jesus says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first.
“Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). How much trouble has begun to threaten you today? What kind of mean little demons have been looking into your life and saying, “What are your plans for next month— or next summer?” Jesus tells us not to worry about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the “much more” of your heavenly Father (Matthew 6:30).
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