Sermon Preview
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
This coming Lord’s Day we will begin looking at one of the most well-known characters in the Book of Judges, second only to Samson, and his name is “Gideon.” I’m confident that most of you know a good bit about this man, whose Hebrew name means something rather odd like ‘one who cuts down,’ or ‘chops.’ And you will also likely remember that this man “Gideon” is mentioned in the New Testament. He appears in that place in the Epistle of Hebrews where we find the ‘roll call’ of those Old Testament men and women who believed God’s Word and served Him faithfully (11:32).
Well, on Sunday we are going to begin telling Gideon’s remarkable story, which is the subject of chapters 6-8. We will get our study underway by looking at the setting for his appearance on the scene of Israel’s colorful history. This is set forth in Judges 6:1-10. And as we get to know this man, as well as his times and place in the drama of redemption, we will learn some very important lessons about being Christians, true and faithful believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
As you reflect upon this passage (and the larger context of Judges 6-8), take notice of the statement that ends chapter 5: “And the land had rest for forty years.” Then compare it to the blunt words that begin chapter 6: “The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord . . . .” How did God’s redeemed people go from “rest” to “evil” in the mere span of one verse? Let’s pray that the Lord will show us the answer!
Before I go, let me say one more word to our Men and Young Men about our Fall Bible Study. We have enjoyed two great weeks of study and fellowship as we have focused upon the critical theme of moral and sexual purity. What a joy it has been to see so many of our boys and young men participating in this study along with our adult brothers! There are two more weeks left, so it’s certainly not too late to join us! We will gather once again from 2:30 to 4:00 PM this Sunday and again on October 1.
Also, on Thursday morning September 28 from 6:00-7:00 AM, our Men’s Every-Other Thursday Study and Fellowship will begin studying the book Redemption Accomplished and Applied, by John Murray. This is a classic on Reformed Theology, and will be an appropriate subject as we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Below is the Amazon link, so purchase your copy and join us next week at the Church in the Fellowship Hall!
I love you all, and always have you in my prayers!
Mike
Upcoming Events:
September 24, 2:30 PM – Men’s Fall Study
September 24, 4:00 PM – Children’s Choir
September 24, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
September 26, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Study
September 27, 9:30 AM – Women’s Morning Study
September 27, 8 AM – Senior Fellows Bags of Blessings at The CARE Center
September 28, 6 AM– Men’s Morning Bible Study
October 28 – Church Work Day
December 6– Women’s Christmas Party
Order of Worship:
You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here
The songs for this week are:
Be Unto Your Name
Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted
Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul
All Creatures of Our God and King
Announcements:
Men’s Bible Study: The Fall Men’s Bible study continues Sunday at 2:30 PM at the church. The subject is maintaining purity. All men are encouraged to participate, and please invite guests. There is also the morning study, meeting every other Thursday at 6AM at the church.
Women’s Bible Studies: There are two Fall Women’s Bible Studies going on, Tuesday evenings at 6PM and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM. For more information about these or any other women’s ministries please contact Denise Scrip.
Youth Group: Youth Group meets Sunday at 4:30PM at the church. All students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend, and please bring friends!
Children’s Choir: Children’s Choir starts Sunday at 4 at the church house.
Church Work Day: We will have a Church Workday Saturday, October 28, starting at 8 AM. The purpose is to perform needed maintenance including landscaping and cleaning at the Church and Church House. In doing this we will have a great time of fellowship. We need the help of about 20 -25 adults and teens to help with this job. We also need tools. Please sign up to help and to bring designated tools in the narthex starting Sun, Oct 1. We will provide a light breakfast (coffee and donuts) and snack food. We plan to finish around noon. If the weather is bad, our backup day will be Saturday, November 4.
Women’s Christmas Dinner: Save the date for the Women’s Christmas Dinner at the Monte Sano Lodge on December 6 at 6 PM.
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nolan Osmer, George Boyd, John Baxter, Joyce Bosley, and Sondra Behmer
Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant family, expecting in December, the Townsley family, expecting in March, and the Staffords, expecting in April.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).