RESOLUTIONS WORTH KEEPING

As we prepare for this Sunday and continue our discussion on "Resolutions Worth Keeping," consider the "hard statements" from Jesus found in the following blog entry:

http://fbctulsayfif.blogspot.com/

HOPE RESURRECTED: From the depths of our pain, Jesus brings forth hope.
We continue our look at five miracles of Jesus' ministry. This week, Jesus saves the Centurion's slave and brings the widows son back from the dead.
Read Luke 7:1-17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%207:1-17&version=NIV

These two, the Centurion and the widow, were from two completely different worlds. But, both experienced first hand a complete transformation from despair to hope. Our writer says "As we face life's challenging realities, we too need hope -- built on the solid foundation of faith in Jesus' authoritative power and compassionate heart."

Hope to see you Sunday.

Miracles, Signs & Wonders!

We are seeing miracles all around us. If you don't believe me, how about the fact that I made it to the age of 40 this week? Some would say that is a miracle. But seriously, think about everything we have seen together this year. This month we will take a look at Jesus' Top Five Miracles.

This Sunday, the first miracle: "Water Into Wine."

Read John 2:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%202&version=MSG

Bible giveaway trivia question:

How much wine (in number of bottles) was that?

How's your week going? Have you found your Nathaniel?

See you Sunday.

September Study Topic: ABUNDANT LIFE
This week, “GROW.”
We will look at the difficult but vital path to deeper faith.
Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%203:1-17&version=MSG
Our lesson writer states: “Growth in faith is something that lasts a lifetime and includes such pursuits as connecting to others, studying God’s Word, and following positive examples of others.”

September Study Topic: ABUNDANT LIFE

From our study writers: "How do you strive for a spiritually balanced life? And what's the importance of doing so? We'll consider these questions and more as we examine four major areas of spiritual growth emphasized in the New Testament": Connect, Grow, Serve, and Go.
This week, "Connect".
Read:
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Psalm 133:1-3

August Study Topic: DO UNTO OTHERS
The past couple of months we have been looking at the freedom of seeing God as the owner of everything (June) and that freedom and effect on our lives (July). When we open our hands to let go of our things, our hands are free to serve as God calls us (August). The lesson writers for this month say "Our society promotes individualism and encourages us to look out for number one. But the Bible teaches us to put others first. In this unit, we’ll study practical ways to do this by looking at some of the “one another” passages in the New Testament."
Following last week’s great discussion on Love, this week, we will discuss Forgiveness. This can be a very difficult subject. A good book I can recommend on the topic is “Forgive and Forget” by Lewis B. Smedes.
Our study will cover theses three points:
1. Christ Is the Example (Colossians 3:12-13)
2. Love Is the Motive (Philemon 8-16)
3. Restoration Is the Goal (Philemon 17-22)
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. Hope to see you Sunday. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

Free to Be . . .
A LOVING SERVANT
Through freedom in Christ, we have the opportunity to serve.
Read Galatians 5:13–6:10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205:13–6:10&version=NIV

Free to be . . .
A CHILD OF GOD
God wants you to be a part of his family.
Read Galatians 4
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%204&version=NIV

FREE TO BE . . .
SAVED BY GRACE
The endless struggle between trying to earn salvation and accepting it.

Read Galatians 3:1-26
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:1-26&version=MSG

Do you remember the book, “Life’s Little Instruction Book?" Here are some sample entries from the self-titled web-site:
1. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
2. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
3. Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.
4. Overtip breakfast waitresses.
5. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have.
6. Never resist a generous impulse.
7. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
8. Never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink.
9. Leave everything a little better than you found it.
10. Call your mother.
How about a bucket list? Maybe you have one. Turning a milestone this year and I find my self at times reviewing my progress, and accomplishments. This type of lifestyle can be obsessive-compulsive. Or lesson writer says:
“We tend to view our walk with Christ as a series of religious tasks to perform, such as praying, reading the Bible, tithing, and serving in ministry. When we can check things off our spiritual to-do list, we feel like we’re being good Christians. This task-oriented approach to Christianity is legalism, and it’s not good.” This week we will take a look at Paul’s take on legalism.

1. Our Legalistic Tendencies (Galatians 3:1-3)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:1-3&version=MSG


2. Works Don’t Set Us Free (Galatians 3:10-14)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:10-14&version=MSG


3. Resting in Faith (Galatians 3:19-26)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:19-26&version=MSG


We still have a lot of legalisms, in our congregation, let alone the Southern Baptists Convention. Our lesson writer says: “No wonder we have such a hard time accepting that our relationship with God isn’t performance-based. When we understand that, through God’s grace, our salvation is based on faith in Him alone and we can’t do anything to earn or lose it, we’re set free from the checklists and works that enslave us.”
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. Hope to see you Sunday. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

Free to Be . . .
Following last month’s look at materialism (and the chains that come with that to weigh us down), this month we will be taking a look at freedom. Of course. The name of this week’s study is “Selfless: Freedom in Christ leaves no room for selfishness.”
Read:
Philippians 3:17-21; 2 Peter 2:4-22
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:17-21;%202%20Peter%202:4-22&version=NIV
(Yes, NIV, published by Zondervan!)
Do you struggle with entitlement? How about people around you? People standing in line at the check-out counter? Our lesson writer says: “focusing on freedom can easily turn into a self-indulgent focus on ‘my rights.’ In this week’s session, we’ll look at what Peter and Paul wrote about the difference between self-indulgent ‘freedom’ and the personal rights of people truly free in Christ.”
1. Combatting Entitlement (2 Peter 2:10b-14)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%202:10b-14&version=NIV
2. A Challenge to Change (2 Peter 2:15-19)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%202:15-19&version=NIV
3. Freedom Exemplified (Philippians 3:17-21)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:17-21&version=NIV
In exercising our freedom, we will be faced will choices. Our lesson writer states: “Choosing the kingdom is at odds with our nature. It means allowing someone else to rule and lead our lives. It requires abandoning our will and control. But we do it because we know there’s a better way, and we know we can make a difference. Following Christ gives us a desire to change our ways and for the gospel to be known. And a life lived with that goal in mind is a life lived freely in Christ.”
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
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

Coming up for next Sunday, June 26th

We will be having a diaper shower for Koehn Goodwin, newborn son of Trent and Tori this coming Sunday morning during our fellowship time. Bring diapers, size 2 or larger, and a package of wipes on Sunday morning.

This Sunday is Jean and Backpack Sunday for our Caring Center Back to School Event. Target has girls jeans on sale this week for $2.48!!! Boys jeans are between $7 and $8 on the clearance rack. PLEASE go shop and let's bring various sizes of jeans to bless school children as they go back to school in August!

LIVING IN A MATERIAL WORLD:
HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
Finding contentment in God’s grace and provision. Is less more? Are you buying what they're selling? Then what?
Read Philipians 4:10-20 and 1 Timothy 6:1-19
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:10-20,%201%20Timothy%206:1-19&version=NIV
Look at the spiritual goals that Paul suggests in order to find contentment.
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

LIVING IN A MATERIAL WORLD:
WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE?
The counter-cultural concepts of foregoing the treasures of the world and serving God rather than money.

Read Matthew 6:19-34
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%206&version=NIV

Just for the record, I am not a hoarder. Now, take a quick mental tour of your closet, attic or garage. What items used to have great value to you but don’t any more? How can something be so necessary one minute and forgotten the next? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke to his followers about money and possessions, distinguishing between earthly treasures and heavenly ones. Consider the root of the word “treasures.” Translated, it came to mean a casket or a receptacle for valuables. Now what does that say about earthly treasures? Think about these two bumper stickers: (1) “He who dies with the most toys wins;” and (2) “He who dies with the most toys still dies.” As you read this week and prepare for our discussion on Sunday, consider these three points from our study:
1. Collect the Right Treasure (Matthew 6:19-21)
2. Select the Right Master (Matthew 6:22-24)
3. Reject Sinful Anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34)
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

LIVING IN A MATERIAL WORLD:
WHAT DO YOU OWN?
According to scripture, absolutely nothing.

To start thinking about this Sunday, watch this 8 minute YouTube video called "Seven," by Jen Hatmaker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXClW85yQsE

Read 1 Chronicles 29:1-20
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2029:1-20&version=NIV

"My Precious! O my Precious!" To you fans of J. R. R. Tolkien's “The Lord of the Rings,” think of the character Gollum who was completely consumed with the magical ring. And then Froddo Baggins, that had inherited the ring. Over time the ring consumed its owner to the point that he no longer owned the ring, but the ring owned him.

Our lesson writer this month states “All in all, we tend to view ownership as a natural, positive element of life. The problem is, we've fooled ourselves into thinking we're actual owners. In reality, God is the bona fide owner of everything on earth and in heaven, and while He allows us to possess some things in life, He remains the source and ruler of those possessions. This notion stands in stark contrast to the world's illusion of self-sufficiency, but it's crucial to understanding wealth, possessions, and God's plan for both.”

This week we will look at a biblical view of ourselves, our things, and our God.
1. God Owns Everything (1 Chronicles 29:10-11)
2. God Gives Us What We Have (1 Chronicles 29:12-16)
3. God Examines Our Hearts (1 Chronicles 29:17-20)

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
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

TAKE THE LEAD: INVEST IN OTHERS
How can I make the most impact with the influence God has given me?

Read:
Acts 9:1-31; 11:19-30; and 15:36-41
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%209:1-31;%2011:19-30;%2015:36-41&version=MSG

This month we are looking at leadership. As we have discussed, we each have positions of leadership in our homes, jobs, and in the Kingdom. We've looked at courage, influence, picking up God's agenda, and walking with God. This week we'll wrap up the study and talk about the messy part of leadership: investing yourself in others. Our lesson writer says: "If you are who you need to be, if you're leading for the right reasons, and if you're chasing God's purposes for your life, then the most important thing you can give to others is yourself."

1. INVEST RELATIONALLY (ACTS 9:26-27 HCSB):

26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

Relationships are risky, but they're worth it.
What are the risks we face in relationships?

2. INVOLVE OTHERS (ACTS 11:19-26 HCSB):

19 Those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Hellenists, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 Then the report about them was heard by the church that was at Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. 25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

One of the miraculous things about the church is that it's formed by people like you and me.
What can this passage teach us about teamwork within the church?

3. RECOGNIZE POTENTIAL (ACTS 15:36-41 HCSB):

36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they're doing." 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Sometimes spiritual leaders need to fight for the underdog.
What does this passage teach us about restoring people to ministry despite their past failures?

Our lesson writer says: "Relationships allow us to recognize how God is working in others. Relationships allow us to join God where He's working. They allow us to encourage others to look beyond their pasts so they can see their potential for future success. Relationships are a key measure to our ministry success. They're messy, but they're also rewarding."
How are you doing in your investments? Take time right now and check on them. If you haven't yet made your contacts in your Care Group, what are you waiting for? Make the investment.
Remember, today and always, in Joplin and all parts of the world, 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
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship - Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

Take the Lead: Pursue God’s Agenda
Why is a leader’s agenda so important?

Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Galatians 1:6-10, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%204:1-5,%20Galatians%201:6-10,%201%20Thessalonians%202:7-12&version=NIV

A leader will only go as far as his or her agenda. That’s why it’s so important to have the right one. No matter how good an agenda might be, if it’s not God’s, it will fall short. Today’s lesson is about staying focused on God’s agenda.
Recognize Your Accountability (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)
Trust God’s Gospel (Galatians 1:6-10)
Stay Connected to the Church (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12)
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
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

TAKE THE LEAD: WALK WITH GOD
How do I position myself for a lifetime of effective leadership?
Read Ezra 7-10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%207-10&version=NIV
Our lesson writer states: "Being a leader isn't a one-time event. . . . Godly leadership requires an ongoing, growing relationship with Christ. Effective leadership requires a prolonged amount of time; you can't stop searching for God's heart and listening to His voice."
We are fortunate at FBC Tulsa to be surrounded by spiritual leaders whose lives match their messages. Ezra was also one of these types of leaders. To get this right in our own lives, our study this week suggests we need to walk with God so that our lives match our message and so that our leadership draws people back to their need for a relationship with God.
Prepare today to:
Have a Heart for God (Ezra 7:1,6-10)
Build a Reputation of Integrity (Ezra 7:25-28)
Identify with the People You Lead (Ezra 9:4-6)
Don't focus on the specific acts that Ezra was talking about. Focus on the fact that Ezra identified them as "our iniquities", instead of those of the people.
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
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

TAKE THE LEAD: USE YOUR INFLUENCE
How do I become an influential leader?
Read Esther 1-10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%201-10&version=MSG
The Book of Esther tells a story of palace intrigue and genocide thwarted by a Jewish queen of Persia, Esther. How did she accomplish this? Influence. Our lesson for this Sunday takes a look at our ability to influence others.
1. Recognize Your Potential (Esther 4:13-14)
2. Realize God is Your Influencer (Esther 4:15-17)
3. Use Your Influence in Godly Ways (Esther 8:3-8)
We are encouraged to take a step of faith and leverage our influence in the lives of others.
Take a minute to look at this blog post, “5 Reasons We Are Outsourcing Our Faith”:
http://brianmosleyblog.com/2010/02/08/5-reasons-we-are-outsourcing-our-faith/
Among other questions and comments, Mosley asks “How are we encouraging people to be salt and light at work, at school, in the PTA meeting, in the Board room?” Think about your major circles of influence: family, work, church, neighbors, friends, etc. You have a position of influence in all of these areas. How can you overlap these circles and use your faith in God to influence all the circles of your life?
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
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

This month’s Bible study is called “Take the Lead.” No matter where we serve, work and live, as Christians, we have a position of leadership.
This week we will look at overcoming our fear. This study will lead us to face our fears when it comes to leadership so that we can accept responsibility for God’s call on their lives, listen to God’s commands, and act courageously.
Read:
Joshua 1:1-18
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+1%3A1-18&version=NIV

GOOD GRIEF: How do we move beyond?
Read John 20:1-8
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:1-8&version=NIV

In the conclusion of this month’s study on grief, our lesson writer states we can never overcome grief without a strong, healthy relationship with God. To move beyond a supernatural response to grief to completely overcoming it, we need to do three things:

1. Recognize that Jesus is the Messiah (John 20:1-10).
Where are you on your own spiritual journey? Are you able to see your life in perspective to God and His great and awesome plan for you that was known by Him before He placed the stars in the sky?

2. Resolve to trust Jesus in all circumstances (John 20:11-15).
A friend sent me this encouraging verse today:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version, ©2011)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil%204:6-7&version=NIV

Our lesson writer asks, "what’s the difference between believing in Christ and trusting in Christ?" And then states, "Without a firm resolve to trust in Christ, overcoming grief is an impossible dream."

3. Rejoice in the fact that Jesus provides everlasting life (John 20:16-18).
Our lesson writer states "Mary’s reaction demonstrates the final step in overcoming grief: rejoicing in the Lord. When we’re able to rejoice in all things, we can overcome even the most draining bouts of grief."

I don’t pretend for a minute to tell you or believe that you will not experience pain, doubt or fear, or that life will always be rosy. But, God is The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Source of Mercy and Compassion, and The Source of All Comfort. He is risen! He is risen indeed!
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
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers