Come and See!

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Scripture for Sunday (3/1/15)

Scripture
Matthew 20:1-16 (ESV)  
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. [2] After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. [3] And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, [4] and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' [5] So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. [6] And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' [7] They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' [8] And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' [9] And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. [10] Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. [11] And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, [12] saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' [13] But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? [14] Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. [15] Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' [16] So the last will be first, and the first last." 

Friday, February 20, 2015

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/22/15)

Scripture
Matthew 18:15-35 (ESV)  
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.  [16] But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.  [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.  [18] Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  [19] Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  [20] For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." 
[21] Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?"  [22] Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. 
[23] "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.  [24] When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.  [25] And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.  [26] So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'  [27] And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.  [28] But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.'  [29] So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'  [30] He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.  [31] When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.  [32] Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.  [33] And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'  [34] And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.  [35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Questions for Reflection
1. What are some typical approaches people adopt in conflicts or disagreements?
2. What did Jesus set forth as the first step in resolving conflict? (18:15)
3. What should we do if a person will not listen to correction and does not want to work things out? (18:16)
4. What assurance did Jesus give His disciples about answered prayer? (18:19)
5. What special promise did Jesus make to groups that gather in His name? (18:20)
6. Why is it best to resolve conflicts in private?
7. How can a third party help resolve a conflict?
8. If Christ is with us always (Matthew 28:20), in what unique way is He with us when we gather in His name?
9. Why is praying in a group a good idea?

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Scripture for Sunday (2/22/15)

Scripture
Matthew 18:15-35 (ESV)  
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.  [16] But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.  [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.  [18] Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  [19] Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  [20] For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." 
[21] Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?"  [22] Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. 
[23] "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.  [24] When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.  [25] And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.  [26] So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'  [27] And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.  [28] But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.'  [29] So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'  [30] He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.  [31] When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.  [32] Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.  [33] And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'  [34] And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.  [35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." 

Friday, February 13, 2015

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/15/15)

Scripture
Matthew 16:24-17:8 (ESV)  
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?  [27] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.  [28] Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." 
[17:1] And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  [2] And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.  [3] And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.  [4] And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."  [5] He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."  [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.  [7] But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."  [8] And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 

Questions for Reflection

1. What is the most spectacular event you have ever witnessed?
2. Where did Christ and his three disciples go? (17:1)
3. What happened to Christ on the mountain? (17:2)
4. Who else appeared and began talking to Jesus? (17:3)
5. What did Peter volunteer to do? (17:4)
6. What do you think prompted Peter to say he would build shelters? (17:4)
7. What happened while Peter was speaking? (17:5)
8. How did the disciples react when God spoke out of the cloud? (17:6)
9. Who calmed down the disciples? (17:7)
10. What memories or insights do you think Peter, James, and John took home with them from this incident?
11. How might seeing Christ in all His glory prompt us to obey Him more completely?
12. In what ways does God reveal Himself to us today?

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Announcements & Scripture for Sunday (2/15/15)

Announcements:

  • Come to Fellowship Hall for donuts and coffee then prayer @ 9:15 then stay for Sunday School.
  • After School Program for grades k-5 – Tuesday, at 3:30-5 PM.
  • Youth Group for grades 6-12 – Wednesday, 6-7:30 PM.
  • If you are interested in providing dinner, there is a sign-up sheet in the back of the church. 
  • New Flower Calendar is in the bulletin board in the hallway.
  • Ash Wednesday is February 18th, the Lenten luncheons begin and will be held at First Baptist church.  We are responsible for desserts on February 18th and we are responsible for the entire meal March 4th. If you are willing to help provide food please contact Linda Johnston.
  • We now have a “taxi service” for any children or youth that desire to come to Sunday School if they cannot secure a ride.  Please contact:  Bill McMillan 325-446-3439  (home) or 325-446-7983 (cell) or Charles Hagood at 325-446-3554 (home) or 325-446-6265 (cell), by 8:30 AM each Sunday.  They will gladly come to get the children.  Parents are responsible for getting their children back home.  Be sure the child has all the contact numbers with them in case of an emergency.  
  • Sunday School starts at 9:45 for all ages Angela Ervin is there to provide child care for those too young to attend a class.
    • PreK-1st meet in the Concrete Room taught by Marcia Clark
    • 2nd-5th meet in the Blue Room taught by Zee Wootan
    • Middle and High School meet in the Red Room taught by Ford Johnston
    • We also have 3 adult classes meeting 
      • Taught by Jim or Laurie in the green room currently studying Church History
      • Taught by Jennifer Kneese in the Fellowship Hall currently studying the names of God
      • Taught by Phil Stapp meets in the church parlor currently studying The Story
Scripture

Matthew 16:24-17:8 (ESV)  
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?  [27] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.  [28] Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." 
[17:1] And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  [2] And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.  [3] And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.  [4] And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."  [5] He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."  [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.  [7] But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."  [8] And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 

Monday, February 9, 2015

Scripture for Sunday (2/8/2015)

Announcements:

  • Come to Fellowship Hall for donuts and coffee then prayer @ 9:15 then stay for Sunday School.
  • After School Program – Tuesday, at 3:30-5 PM
  • Youth Group – Wednesday, 6-7:30 PM
  • If you are interested in providing dinner, there is a sign-up sheet in the back of the church.
  • New Flower Calendar is in the bulletin board in the hallway and VERY EMPTY!
  • Meals on Wheels Fish Fry Sunday, February 8th at the Kimble County Senior Center. For more information call 325-446-3621.
Scripture for Sunday
Matthew 14:13-33 (ESV)  
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.  [14] When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.  [15] Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves."  [16] But Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."  [17] They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish."  [18] And he said, "Bring them here to me."  [19] Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.  [20] And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.  [21] And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. 
[22] Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  [23] And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,  [24] but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.  [25] And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.  [26] But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear.  [27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." 
[28] And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."  [29] He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.  [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me."  [31] Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"  [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  [33] And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."