Happy Advent,
It may seem early to talk about the new year, but I’d like to get us thinking about something important. People often take on new year resolutions and I have one for you to consider. I’d like you to participate in a church wide emphasis to take our relationships with God to a deeper level. God is always calling us to deeper relationships with himself. Jesus calls it abiding. He says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” It is in this place of abid- ing, deep relationship in Jesus that we can find the most joy and peace and fruitfulness for our souls. Heal- ing for our hurts and strength for our days.
Beginning January and running into March, our Wednesday night program for adults, HomeBuilders, will become a midweek worship service. Our study will be about taking a deeper dive into our relationships with God. I want to design this program to be flexible and helpful for every person whether you are a new Christian or new to quiet times, or a veteran of abiding in relationship with God. So no matter how much expe- rience or success you have had in prayer you will find this study beneficial.
More information will be coming out in the next few weeks, but before January you may want to get your hands on a book that will compliment our church wide emphasis. Here are some recommendations. If you are hurting, doubting, questioning God, then The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith would be an option for you. For those who are active, overly busy, or feel a little ADD, or maybe you want something down to earth, I recommend A Contrarian’s Guide to Knowing God by Larry Osborne. The Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes would fit for many of the men. If you would like background information and explanations about why prayer and other practices are helpful then Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer is for you. Lastly, if you want a deep Scriptural study from a Baptist seminary professor then Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney is the right choice. Additional options include Celebration of Discipline and Wasting Time With God.
I assure you, this is not a waste of time, but an important endeavor and worthy of your participation. More information will be available soon. Keep an ear open.
God bless and Merry Christmas,
Pastor Dave