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August-September Collection List

Tools for boys ages 10-12 (need to fit in a shoebox)
Sewing Kit
Fishing Kit
Kids Underwear

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SUNDAY SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT (Spirit Class)

The Spirit class is a group of adults of all ages using LifeWay’s “MasterWork” Series, studying Scripture along with current and classic works of respected Christian authors in a challenging Bible Study Format.  We believe the love of God flows through relationships formed in our Bible study group.  The purpose of our group is to help us develop meaningful relationships with one another and to help us grow spiritually as we seek to apply God’s Word to our lives. The class has been faithfully taught by Sandra Ellis for many years.  The name for our class is based on Galatians 5:22-23.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.” (R.S.V.)

Giving as of August 30, 2022

Budget for 2022 . . . . . . . .  $322,471.00
Tithes Needed to Date . . . . $217,044.95
Received to Date . . . . . . . . $188,387.30
Needed for weekly budget . . . $6,201.37
Tithes Received this week . . .  $2,598.60

MID-WEEK DEVOTION

Don’t forget to check out Brother David’s Mid-Week Devotion in the book of Psalms. They are uploaded each Wednesday on the sermon page.

From our Family and Music Minister

Believe it or not, I was a plain eater growing up and even into my late teens. I saw nothing wrong with eating a hamburger steak, with nothing on it, with French fries every night of the week. I didn’t even want ketchup. On the other hand, my mother was very different.  One of the special treats my parents liked to do was go to a nice Chinese restaurant. Chinese restaurants did not serve hamburger steaks, and they did not serve potatoes. (Who would want rice when you have potatoes?) So why would I want to eat there? I am sure I showed my displeasure multiple times, until one meal when we were eating at a nice Chinese restaurant in Athens.  They ordered several different dishes for the table. I had already planned to stop by and get myself something after we left since I was the driver, but my dad said,” Try it! You might like it!”  Long story short, I enjoyed everything on the table, even the rice. I am sure I was stubborn as a youth, but I am glad I decided to be open-minded this time. My opinion completely changed in one meal. 

In Ephesians 5, Paul tells believers that we are to reflect God’s change in our lives.  Paul clearly emphasized to the Ephesians that they had been completely changed from their old nature. They had once been living in darkness, but they had become light through the saving grace of Christ.  They were the opposite of what they were, so they should not live as they had before. Paul stated that the desire of their changed lives should be to please God and bear fruit that glorifies Him.

When Jesus saves us, our lives change forever.  We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us live for Him.  However, returning to what is familiar is easier than venturing out on a mission with God.  To follow Christ fully, we must choose in our hearts to find out what pleases God and then do it. God will sometimes call us to get out of our comfort zone.

Paul continues in Ephesians 5 that we must be on guard from the world’s evils.  Paul emphasized that there is evil in the world and that Christians should have nothing to do with it.  He even told the Ephesians that part of their duty was to expose evil for what it is. He called believers to be aware of the reality of the sinful world around them so that they could shine the light of Christ on it.

Unfortunately, we live in a society that often chooses not to see situations as right or wrong.  Instead, every action is put into a shade of gray. Yet, Christians are still called to share His truth in a world that refuses to call evil what it is.  We cannot be silent on sin because our lack of involvement can easily be misconstrued as approval.

Paul finally urged the church at Ephesus to be very careful concerning their conduct, time, and mind.  This meant taking advantage of all the opportunities that God had given them. We, as Christians, should always take advantage of the opportunities God has given us to impact the world around us.  We must also pay attention to the opportunities God provides us to serve Him daily. Believers must be careful to walk in a way that honors God always. We must continually educate our minds with the Word and allow our lives to reflect the changes God has made in us.