Sunday, we will be having a special evening worship service starting at 7pm down on the river at Curt and Jennifer Kneese’s house. There are several folks that will be baptized that evening. We will also have a reaffirmation of baptism liturgy for anyone who is already baptized and would like to reaffirm their commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ. All are invited, please bring a lawn chair. We will have refreshments afterward, please bring a snack to share. There will be golf carts available to drive anyone needing assistance down to the island where we will gather. If you have questions or need directions, please call the church office.
A national day of prayer called "The Response: a call to prayer for a nation in crisis" is scheduled to be held on August 6, 2011 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas from 10 am to 5 pm. A prayer vigil will take place Friday, August 5, 2011, at the Pavilion in the city park from 6-8 p.m.
Scripture:
Philip. 3:1-11 (ESV)
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. [2] Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. [3] For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— [4] though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless. [7] But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. [8] Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— [10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Questions for Reflection:
If you were to update your resume today, what recent accomplishment would you want to include?
What do you feel are your most valuable skills and gifts?
What autobiographical facts did Paul give? (3:4-6)
In what sense was Paul not boasting, even though he was calling attention to his accomplishments? (3:7-9)
Why did Paul view his former accomplishments as “rubbish”? (3:8)
What was Paul’s status in Christ? (3:9)
What sorts of things tend to draw you away from Christ?
What do you usually boast about?
Why do we tend to base our worth as Christians on our performance?
Why should our identity and confidence be in the Lord?
