Sermon Preview
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
This coming Sunday morning we will be returning to our series of messages on some of the ‘Great Events in the History of Salvation.’ And you will recall that in this series we have been considering several of the noteworthy events in the Bible’s storyline that link its central message concerning the way that God rescues and redeems sinners by His grace, mercy, and power. Once again we will be tracing the beautiful story of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ–a story and a plan that began in eternity past, and will flow into eternity future. It is a blessed story of the rescue of desperate sinners through the Beloved and Only-Begotten Son of God!
And as we have learned, the inspired record of this beautiful drama did not begin with the birth of our Savior in the manger, but in the very first book of the Bible! There (Genesis 3:15), God promised Adam and Eve that one of their descendants would come and destroy the works of Satan, and would redeem all who turn from their sins and place their faith in Him!
On Sunday, we will begin probing 2 Samuel 7, what has been called “one of the most important chapters in the Bible,” and a critical link in “the Bible’s storyline of salvation.” It is in this chapter that we will encounter God’s covenant made with king David. And this reminds us that the storyline of redemption is framed upon a series of covenants, or sacred agreements and promises, that God has made to us, which find their consummation in our Savior. This is why 2 Samuel 7 is regarded as a “constitutional text” not unlike our Declaration of Independence.
When we speak of ‘covenant theology,’ we are referring to the fact that God’s plan of salvation, the only one there is, has been progressively revealed through history, and specifically though the history of God’s Old Testament people, Israel. And this means that there is but one way that God has chosen to save us from our sins and from His wrath! And that beautiful plan is woven into the very fabric of God’s Word from beginning to end! The Bible is all about Jesus!
As you prepare your heart and mind for worship, read 2 Samuel 7 very carefully. And let us join together in prayer that God’s Word will bless and transform us as we worship Him on the Lord’s Day.
I love you all,
Mike
Upcoming Events:
March 26, 9 AM – Mother’s Morning Bible Study
March 26, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Bible Study at the Church
March 27, 10 AM – Women’s Morning Bible Study at the Church
March 20, 6 PM – Deacons Meeting
March 29-30 – Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park
March 31, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
April 2, 9 AM – Senior Fellows Breakfast
April 4, 11:30 AM – Women’s Monthly Lunch at Timbers Edge Clubhouse
April 12, 11:15 AM – Senior Fellows Downtown Rescue Mission feeding
April 14, 12 PM – Fellowship Lunch
April 16, 8 AM – Senior Fellows fishing at Madison County Lake
April 26, 5:30 PM – Parents Night Out
April 28, 4 PM – Church Picnic at Monte Sano State Park
May 11, 10 AM – Gibson Wedding with Reception at Church
May 19, 5 PM – End of School Cookout at Church House
Order of Worship:
You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here
If you’d like to sing the songs with your family beforehand, the songs for this week are:
I Know Whom I Have Believed – Hymn 705, vs 1-4
This Is My Father’s World – Hymn 111, all 3 vs
Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul
More Love To Thee – Hymn 649, vs 1, 2, 4
Announcements:
Church Picnic: Save the date, there will be a church picnic at Monte Sano State Park on April 28. More details coming soon.
HPRC: Our church is partnering with the Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center (HPRC). If you would like more information on how you can help please contact Norman Dean ndeaniv@gmail.com.
Senior Fellows: On Tuesday, April 2 at 9 AM the Senior Fellows will enjoy breakfast, fellowship and a devotional at the Church. Guests are welcome. On Friday, April 12 the Senior Fellows will meet at Entrance 2 of the Downtown Rescue Mission at 11:15 AM and start feeding at 11:30 AM. Carpools will leave the church at 10:30. On Tuesday, April 16 at 8 AM the Senior Fellows will go fishing at Madison County Lake. Carpools will leave the church at 7:15 AM. Bring the kids and grand kids, and pack a lunch.
Youth Group: Youth Group for ages 13-18 meets March 31 at the church at 4:30 PM.
Bridal Shower: Women of the church, you are invited to a bridal shower for Victoria, bride-elect of Juan Rodriguez, at the home of Ashley Turnbull on April 6 at 10:30 AM. RSVP HERE.
Men’s Spring Retreat: I am enthusiastic to share the plans for our Spring Men’s Retreat at Guntersville State Park Lodge. Mike will be leading four sessions on the theme: Counsel and Encouragement from the Apostle Peter. Session One- (1 Peter 1:1-2) “Living With Purpose”, Session Two- (1 Peter 1:3-5) “Living With Hope”, Session Three- (1 Peter 1:6-9) “Living With Joy” and Session Four- (1 Peter 1:13-16) “Living With Purity”. Logistics for the retreat are outlined below.
When: Friday night and Saturday morning, March 29-30.
Lodging and food plan: The cost per man is $75 which includes logging for Friday night (double occupancy), supper Friday night and breakfast Saturday morning. We will have a signup sheet for attendance and roommate name this Sunday and for the next three Sundays; or you can email Mark Cooper at cooperma777@gmail.com. Please pay by check made out to Christ Presbyterian Church noting Men’s Retreat on the memo line – deposit checks in the offering boxes by March 24.
This retreat is a great opportunity to have fellowship as brothers and be uplifted by God’s word.
Our preliminary outline for the event is as follows:
Friday Night
Arrive and Check In: 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 – 6:45 PM
Music: 7:00 – 7:15 PM
Session 1: 7:15 – 8:00 PM
Session 2: 8:15 – 9:30 PM
Saturday Morning
Checkout before 11:00 AM
Breakfast: 8:00 – 8:45 AM
Music: 9:00 – 9:15 AM
Session 3: 9:15 – 10:15 AM
Fellowship and Check-out: 10:15 – 10:45 AM
Session 4: 10:45 – Noon
There is planning underway for a golf outing by Ben Calvert. Other possible activities, such as hiking, are being considered.
If you have questions please contact Mark Cooper.
Food Help for RUF UAH: We have the opportunity to help RUF UAH (college ministry) provide snacks for their large group sessions on Monday evenings. We are taking on two Mondays remaining in this semester. Please consider helping! The dates are March 25 and April 15 but the food items need to be brought to the church the Sunday prior to those dates (March 24 April 14). Someone will be in the kitchen area to assist the collection. Judi Fikes will be in the narthex area for the next few Sundays to sign you up so we know what we have. Items will be finger foods and can be homemade or bought… Cookies, mini brownies, chips, pretzels, cheese cubes, etc. They usually have around 100 students and leaders! Look for Judi and the RUF logo this Sunday! If you can’t be there you may email: judifikes@gmail.com
Parents Night Out: We are excited to be having a Parent’s Night Out on Friday, April 26th from 5:30 – 7:30pm. The event is a great time for our children to be together with their church family and will include games, crafts, dinner and short teaching on Christian life from Hebrews 12. We will send out a reminder email closer to the date but please consider participating or volunteering. We will need 12-15 volunteers and it’s a wonderful way for all ages (teen to retired) to get to know the children and serve our parents. The link to sign up is http://evite.me/R1k5weXa8z . You can also contact Meghan Elliott directly.
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Clay Davis, Pat Galecki, Andy Trent, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Katie Dyer, Robin Holloway, Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant family, expecting in September.
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).
Emails:
general inquiries: admin@christpreshamptoncove.org
benevolence needs: benevolence@christpreshamptoncove.org
counsel and ministry needs: matthew@christpreshamptoncove.org
men’s ministry: men@christpreshamptoncove.org
women’s ministry: women@christpreshamptoncove.org
children’s ministry: children@christpreshamptoncove.org
youth ministry: youth@christpreshamptoncove.org
senior fellows: seniorfellows@christpreshamptoncove.org
Address:
288 Old Highway 431
Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763