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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/27/11)

Announcements:
1. Norma Dye (Anna Henry’s mother) went home to be with her Lord this past Monday. Services will be Friday morning at 10:00am in San Angelo at the Johnson Funeral Home chapel.
2. Savannah Lombrana is at Kimble Funeral Home. Viewing and family visitation will be today, Wednesday 10am to 8pm. The funeral will be on Thursday at 2:00 at the funeral home.
3. Joshua Ryan Dickerson arrived early February 21st. He weighed 7lbs 12oz. Donnette Dickerson is the proud grandmother.

Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may (1) damage your health, (2) cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts, (3) disrupt your productivity, (4) negatively affect the way you treat others, and (5) reduce your ability to trust in God. How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing? Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern—worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action.

Scripture
Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. [34] "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Questions
1. What are your top three worries?
2. What priorities should we have in life?
3. If God is really in control of the universe, why do we worry so much about so many things?
4. How do you think worry is affecting you emotionally, physically, and spiritually?
5. What is the difference between planning for the future and worrying about the future?
6. What worries do you struggle to keep under control?
7. What can help you entrust your worries to God?

Friday, February 18, 2011

Scripture and Questions for Sunday (2/20/11)

Scripture

Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV)
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [48] You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Questions
1. What underlying emotions and attitudes create cliques or cause divisions between groups of people?
2. What character quality more than any other says to the world, “This person is a Christian”?
3. How did Jesus say we ought to treat our enemies? (5:44)
4. What did Jesus say we ought to do for those who persecute us? (5:44)
5. If our holy God is able to exhibit grace and mercy to everyone, why is it difficult for us to be like Him?
6. What would have to happen in your heart in order for you to be able to pray for an enemy?

Friday, February 11, 2011

Scripture and Questions for Sunday (2/13/11)

Announcement
Congratulations to Don and Marlene Jones on the birth of their first grandson Cole Allen Russell, weighing in at a healthy 9lbs 1oz, 21 inches, dark hair and healthy lungs.

Scripture
Matthew 5:21-26 (ESV)
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' [22] But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. [23] So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. [25] Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. [26] Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Questions
1. When do you tend to get angry?
2. What sort of realization did Jesus say should interrupt our worship? (5:23)
3. If a person becomes aware of a relational problem, how quickly should he or she act? (5:24)
4. What should be a believer’s goal in strained or shattered relationships? (5:24)
5. Why did Jesus zero in on the emotions behind our violent actions?
6. What modern-day equivalents to “Raca” do we level at others?
7. What attitudes and emotions tend to lead to name-calling?
8. Which of our religious activities would be closely akin to “offering your gifts at the altar”?
9. According to Jesus, how do problems in our relationships with others affect our relationship with God?
10. Why is it necessary to get things right with people before we come to worship God?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/6/11)

Announcement
Men’s breakfast Saturday morning 8:00am Breakfast Tacos. Come and See!

Scripture
Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV) 
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. [14] "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Questions

1.    To what valuable substance did Jesus compare His disciples?
2.    What is an essential characteristic of salt?
3.    How did Jesus imply that a Christian’s positive influence can wane or disappear?
4.    What happens to salt that loses its flavor?
5.    What did Jesus mean when He called His followers salt?
6.    What sort of effect does salt have on food?
7.    How can a Christian lose his or her saltiness?
8.    What specific behaviors mark the life-style of a salty, shining Christian?
9.    To whom in your neighborhood, family, or workplace can you be salt and light this week?

Have you been thinking about which person without a church home that you can invite to meet Jesus.  Come and See!