December 20, 2010... Training Materials

Since this is the last blog before Christmas... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

What a joyous time of the year! It is a time that we set aside to remember the birth of our Savior those many years ago in Bethlehem.

PERSONAL NOTES: I need to thank several people and groups for their participation in the Sunday services. First, I thank the Savior Singers for their special music. Second, I thank Bud and Sallie for the Advent candle lighting. Third, thank you choir for the Bethlehem Suite presentation. Fourth, I want to thank "Mr. Bud" for arranging and "mothering" the entire Christmas program. Bud. I really enjoyed it. I pronounce it a winner!

Last but not least, a mighty thank you to Mary and the gang for all of the treats after the Christmas program. It was great!

REMINDER: Friday, the 24th, features a candle light Christmas Eve. Service at 7pm. It will last no longer than one hour. We invite you out to it. Also, don't forget to pick up all of your Christmas cards at the church mail center (in the lobby).

MONTHLY AUDIO: Please see the December 6th blog in order to find the link to the audio (if you have not already done so).

FEATURED LEADERSHIP TRAINING ARTICLE: Please click on this LINK in order to read and download the article: God's Discipline.

BONUS THEOLOGY ARTICLE: Please click on this LINK in order to read and download the article: Second article concerning "Questions About Jesus' Birth". I believe that you will find it interesting.

YOU CAN KNOW THE WILL OF GOD: In Second John, verses 10 and 11 we see these words: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work." [NIV]. This passage may seem hard to grasp at first, but, in context it is a reference for accepting false teaching of the day and actually lending support to it by helping those who spread it.

Most scholars agree that the "teaching" being refered to was a basic Gnostic heresy that said Jesus did not come in the flesh, but rather temporarily came upon Jesus between baptism and crucifixion.

By taking these teachers in (in to the congregation and giving them a platform and support), this local Church was inadvertently helping the spread of this error. The same would be true for any local Church and who they allow to teach and preach. Care must be taken in our choices of teachers and messages. This is God's revealed will for you.

ADVANCED DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING: Please click on this LINK in order to read and download the article: Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. I believe that you will find this interesting.

PARENTING HOPE: Please click on this LINK in order to read and download the CULTURE BRIEF for 12/17/10. Parents are wise to read this material to be aware.

LEADERSHIP QUOTE: "The safest place to be is within the will of God." Anonymous

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL: Please click on this LINK in order to view Today's devotional.

The Lord bless you as you celebrate His season... the birth of the Christ child. I trust that your Christmas celebrations will be joyous.

In His Majesty's service, Pastor Darrell