“MY OWN WORST ENEMY: How can I understand the reality and consequences of sin?”
Following our study in September, “In Search of Hope,” we are continuing our study on what we believe and how to communicate it. Our study this month is “Where Hope Lives.” Our hope is our faith in Jesus Christ. This month we’ll look at the truths about Jesus and the salvation He offers us. This week we will look at a definition of sin, sin’s consequences, and sin’s contender, Jesus Christ. Considering the question above, read this week’s study in the LIFE Matters Learner’s Guide (let me know if you need a copy) and the following passages:
1. Genesis 3:1-24; and
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%203:1-24&version=NIV
2. Romans 5:12-14.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:12-14&version=NIV
Check out William Lane Craig’s video podcast on objective morality, “Where Do Objective Morals Originate in the Universe.”
http://www.leestrobel.com/videoserver/video.php?clip=strobelT1199
Listen to Joshua Harris’ sermon, “Sin & Judgment.”
http://www.covlife.org/resources/2671489-Sin__Judgment
Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

Prayer Requests for the Week of Sept 26th

Please pray for these requests this week. Email me if you have others to add or have private requests you'd like us to pray take before the throne of grace.

Ingrams - Cindy's great-grandpa is having some issues with congestive heart failure. Pray for comfort and healing. Also continue to pray for their friend, Matt and his wife, who are having some marriage issues and are trying to resolve them and save their marriage.

Langleys - Courtney's cousin, Scott, is undergoing chemo after his surgery for a malignant brain tumor. Pray for healing for Scott and for provision due to no health insurance.

Whitakers - Continue to pray for Aaron and Lynsi and they struggle to work out issues in their marriage.

Elmores - Please pray for our daughter, Kelly, who has dibilatating migraines. She is a photographer whose busiest season is Fall. Yesterday she was completely incapacitated to due the extreme pain.

OCC Packing Party

Hey everyone! We had kind of a small group in class today so I wanted to recap the discussion we had on Operation Christmas Child. We are going to set a goal of 20 boxes for the class. This is based off the number of class couples on our roster (not including several guest couples we've had). If every family could do at least one box, we will reach our goal but let's try to blow that out of the water! Please click on the link on the main page of the blog for more information about OCC. Our boxes will go to Mexico so we don't need to include any cold weather items. Also, the age group that they need the most of is the 10-14 year olds so keep this in mind when deciding what to do. This is a great opportunity to get your kids involved if they are old enough to understand.

So on to the next point. Brenda is going to get our boxes to the processing center the week of Nov 15-22. We discussed having a packing party to pack the boxes and pray over them before we send them off. After looking at our upcoming calendar, Brenda and I decided that Sat Nov 13th would be the best day for this. Time and location will be determined later but please put this on your family's calendar!

And lastly, if you work for a company that would be willing to match what we do or even donate, don't hesitate to get them involved! Thanks!

Cindy Ingram

Prayer Request

Please pray for our friends, Jim and Terri, and their family, who are grieving after great loss and disappointment.

Caring Center Help Day

Well Brad Bendure is just full of great ideas today. He wants to help at the Caring Center on Sunday, Oct 3rd (not the 4th!) but said Janna will have to take the kids home for naps. Well that's probably the case for alot of you. He suggested that those that want to help meet at Mazzio's for lunch after the late service before heading to the Caring Center at 1:00. So if you want to join us for lunch and then come to help put summer clothes away and put out winter clothes just post a comment to count you in! BTW, I LOVE THIS BLOG!!

Jars of Clay at FBC!

Hey guys! Brad Bendure just reminded me that Jars of Clay and Brandon Heath will be holding a concert at our church on Nov 6th! This is so exciting! Tickets start at $20. However, if we can get a group of 10 or more, they are only $16. Plus, if we have a group of 10 or more, we get one free ticket. If we have a group of 15 or more, we get two free tickets. The concert starts at 7:00

If you're interested in going to this, please let me know by commenting on this post. Thanks Brad!

“GOD IS HERE: How does God’s involvement in my life allow me to trust Him more?”
This Sunday we will wrap up our study, “In Search of Hope,” an exploration of God’s existence, love and His relationship with us. Remeber, our goal in this study, looking at what we believe and why we believe it, is so we can talk about it.
In preparation for our discussion, read this week’s study in the Learner’s Guide on page 34 (let me know if you need a copy) and the following passages:
(1) Deuteronomy 8:1-10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%208:1-10&version=NIV
(2) Psalm 139
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20139&version=NIV
(3) Philippians 2:1-11
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202:1-11&version=NIV
Consider the following questions:
(1) Do you see God as personally involved and present in your life, or as distant and unconnected?
(2) What keeps you and other people from feeling God’s presence?
Take a look at the article by A. J. McRoberts, “When God is Silent,” from relevantmagazine.com, http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/19595-when-god-is-silent.
I look forward to our discussion on Sunday. Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John

Prayer Requests for week of September 19th

Osborns - Baby Eli will be having some tests done on Thursday to rule out a heart murmur. The drs thought they heard it at the hospital but then weren't so sure yesterday at his first drs appt. Please pray the tests will show there is no murmur and pray for peace for Ashlee and Jason as they wait for the results. (Care Calendar will be set up to start meals beginning next Monday. I'll email info on how to access it and sign up)

Whitakers - Please continue to pray for the Whitakers as they work through some issues with their marriage.

Ingrams - Terry's friend, Matt and his wife, continue to try to work to save their marriage. Pray for Terry as he ministers to Matt.

Picnic Pictures

Here are the pics we took during the Picnic at Chandler Park. We had a great time and missed those of you who were unable to attend.

“GOD OF LOVE: IF GOD IS LOVING, WHY DOES HE ALLOW EVIL AND SUFFERING?”
As we discussed Sunday, I hope you are finding time this week to see God reveal Himself to you in nature and in His Word. This revelation should help us prepare for this next Sunday, when we will tackle a huge topic, the above question. Like a photo mosaic, sometimes it’s hard to see the big picture when we are focused on our own situation. While some are quick to give an answer (such as “God has some purpose in this” or “Something good will come out of this”), in reality, this can be a painful and difficult test. Remember, our purpose in this study is to look at what we believe and why we believe it so we can talk about it.
In preparation for our discussion, read this week’s study in the Learner’s Guide (copies were passed out on Sunday, let me know if you need a copy) and the following passages:
(1) Job 38:1 – 42:9 (The Message) (read this as if you were reading it for the first time and know nothing about the story)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2038:1%20–%2042:9&version=MSG
(2) Romans 8:12-39 (NIV)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:12-39&version=NIV
These links are to BibleGateway.com. On that page, you can select the version that you want to read. Notice I have selected The Message for the passage in Job. For more information about The Message, see: http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Message-MSG-Bible/.
Take a look at the following:
(1) “Why, God, Why? Facing the painful questions that life keeps asking” by Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Billy Graham, http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/theology/060329.html; and
(2) Blog Post by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, titled “Does God Hate Haiti?,” http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/01/14/does-god-hate-haiti/.
For examples of a photo mosaic, eat at the Hideaway or go to:
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-us%3AIE-Address&rlz=1I7GDNA_en&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=photo+mosaic&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
I look forward to our discussion on Sunday. Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John

Homebuilder's Picnic

Okay everyone - Cindy and I staked out the potential area's for the picnic last night. There are several pavilions to choose from, and Tatum helped us pick our top choices. We will find out Saturday for sure which pavilion we will be at. Since we decided not to pay to reserve the pavilion, when you arrive at Chandler please look for signs to guide you to the pavilion that we are going to be at that day. That being said, Cindy and I will be bringing trash bags for 'smocks' and painting supplies for the kids. Of course there will be plenty of areas for them to run as well so Cindy will bring a t-ball set too. Zach will be bringing a football in case any of you gentleman are feeling young! I will be bringing a five gallon drink cooler with water and possibly one with Strawberry Lemonade. There is an area to set up horseshoes if anyone has a set (comment below if you can bring one) and we welcome any other ideas for outside games - just comment below if you have any ideas. We can't wait to see you all on Saturday - it looks like we will have a beautiful, sunny day in the park.

Andrea Dolan

Praises and Prayer Requests for the week of Sept 12th

Waldens - Please pray for Allison and Chris to sell their house in Ft. Smith. It has been on the market for 15 months now.

Langleys - Courtney's cousin, Scott, is going through chemo for treatment of a brain tumor. Pray for healing and provision for him.

Ingrams - Cindy's Nana is in ICU recovering from numerous health complications. Also continue to pray for Terry's friend, Matt, as he tries to work on saving his marriage. Pray for Terry as he ministers to Matt.

Dolans - You read the big praise from Andrea that the lymph node removed from their friend, Brad, was not cancer. Yea God! Please pray for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Elmores- I had asked you several weeks ago to pray for Baby Ella who was born with some very serious heart defects and had surgery. She was able to leave the hospital on Friday for a trial 'going home test'. She was with her parents at the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas in anticipation of returning to OKC hopefully very soon. Her parents, Amy and Jon, are only 22 and have no health insurance. Jon is a self employed home remodeler. Baby Ella continues to do well but please continue to pray for this precious family.

Update on Triplett's

Brad's wife let me know that they got back part of the results from his lymph node biopsy last Thursday. The praise report is that it is NOT Cancer! This is amazing that he received results this fast. They still do not have the full results so they are not sure what exactly he has, but this is amazing news. Knowing that he does not have Cancer will make waiting until the 27Th for the full results from the biopsy much more bearable. They wanted me to extend their thanks for the continued prayers.

Andrea Dolan

Who's Coming to the Picnic?

Leave a comment here to let me know if you and your family are coming on Saturday so we can get a headcount. Thanks and I hope to see you all there!

Earlier this year, Eric "C" led an evening study on what we believe and how to communicate it. This study had a big name, “Apologetics.” Apologetics is the discipline of defending a position (usually religious) through the systematic use of reason. Before we can defend a position, or tell people around us what we believe, we’ve got to know something about it. In the next three months, we’ll take a look at what we believe and why. A few important reasons for doing this is so that we are ready to talk about it when we get a chance, are faced with a debate, or find ourselves in a crisis.
This month, our study theme is “In Search of Hope.” This week our study is titled “God Revealed.” Our study will look at three points through scripture:
1. “Nature Points to God,” Psalm 19:1-6;
2. “The Word Reveals God,” Hebrews 1:1-2; and
3. “My Spirit Craves God,” Acts 17-22-29.
Take a minute to read through these scriptures this week, and ask yourself “How has God made Himself known, and how does that affect my faith?”
Listen to the lyrics from the song “Indescribable,” by Chris Tomlin: “You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.”
A book suggestion from our lesson is “A Ready Defense,” by Josh McDowell. Read an excerpt on the Campus Crusades for Christ website at http://www.ccci.org/how-to-know-god/who-is-jesus-god-or-just-a-good-man/index.htm.
Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John

Picnic

I just posted a poll to see where we should have the picnic on Sept 18th. The choices are Chandler Park and LaFortune Park. Here is what is available at each park:

Chandler
Lots of open space for the kids to run around.
Playgrounds.
Picnic shelters.
Restrooms.
Horseshoe pits.
18 hole disc golf course.

LaFortune
Playgrounds.
Picnic shelters.
Batting cages.
Centrally located.

Please vote on which park you'd like to have the picnic at. At either park, we can reserve a shelter for $25 to make sure we have the shelter, or we can chance it and hope that one is available. You can leave a comment under this to let me know your thoughts about reserving.

Let's meet there at 11:30 and stay as long as you'd like. Bring a picnic lunch for your family and feel free to invite friends!

Class Picnic

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 18th! We are going to have a picnic at a park. I'm not quite sure of the exact time or park, but make sure you have that day clear! I'll post all the details as soon as I have them. Thanks!

Prayer Requests for the week of Sept 6th

Osborns - Ashlee is due September 12th. Pray for baby Eli to arrive safely, healthy and ON or BEFORE the 12th! :) I'll be in touch with Ashlee concerning when she wants us to begin taking meals after his birth. Pray for Ashlee and Jason to get alot of GOOD sleep this week. (we all know they are going to need it!!)

Langleys - Courtney's cousin, Scott, had to be taken back to the hospital with serious pain. It was discovered he had a blood clot in his leg and in his lung. Please pray for Scott to receive the care he needs as he is to begin his cancer treatments soon. He has no insurance. Also pray for his mom who is caring for him.

Whitakers - Pray for Aaron and Lynsi as they seek to work out some issues in their marriage and their finances; for Lynsi as she manages her college schedule

Dolans - Their friend, Brad Triplett, has a biopsy on Thursday to determine if he has cancer. Please pray the results are negative and that they will have peace while they are waiting for the results.

Ingrams - Their friend, Matt,and his wife are struggling with their marriage. Continue to pray as Terry ministers to Matt and that God will heal the pain that has occured.

Skinners - Kevin is currently pursuing an opportunity as a college minister at a church in Ft Worth where he has a friend on staff. Pray for clear direction from God as to whether this is where He wants Kevin to be. Also they are praising the Father as their neighbor will now be watching Emilie on Mondays. Kevin and Sarah will save alot of money not having to pay for her to be in daycare full time AND the amount they are paying the neighbor to watch her on Mondays is the exact amount that family had been short every month on their bills. They had been praying for some way to supplement their income when the Skinners approached them about keeping Emilie. God is so faithful and so awesome in meeting our every need! Don't you just love that about Him!!!

Thank you for praying for these needs. I'm so thankful I can count on you all to be faithful prayer warriors. What a privilege we have to go before the throne on grace!

Dinner Groups

Don't forget that we started a new month so get in contact with your respective group for dinner this month. For those of you that joined the class after we formed these groups, I don't want to leave you out. Just start picking couples to have dinner with (a different couple each month). For the rest of us, grab the new couples and have dinner with them! Here's the group list for this month:
Applegate & Teel
Remke & Tomberlin
Elmore & Zachary
Folks & Walden
Ingram & Langley

Remember, you can meet at a restaurant or in each others' homes and you decide if kids are involved or not. The only purpose for this is to get to know people you would otherwise not get to know! Have fun!

Announcement

Lynsi Whitaker has some stuff she would like to give away to anyone in need. Here is the link to her Craiglist listing http://tulsa.craigslist.org/zip/1929764481.html