As we wrestle with a rather uncomfortable story in 1 Kings 13, we discover an allegory intended to convey personal responsibility. While we try hard to point a finger and shift the blame, we must accept the fact that we are selfish and sinful. Amazingly, though, Scripture reveals that although we may be sinners, Jesus is indeed our Savior!
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Our readings this week take us to 1 Kings where we see God raise Solomon to greatness. Solomon, however, fails to remain faithful, and his dedication to the Lord fades away. Taking our cue from his mistake, we anchor ourselves to the cross, and we refuse to fade.
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Our readings this week remind us that God has always been interested the heart. Whereas Saul looked like a king; David had the heart of a king. Later, throughout his ministry, Jesus pointed his followers past the outward to the inward teaching us that rather than wasting time polishing the paint, disciples develop a heart for him.
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We are excited about this series of classes designed to help us grow deeper in the word, specifically the comprehension, interpretation and application of the word. These classes will target our further growth as disciples by equipping us with the tools necessary for the faithful and appropriate study of God’s word. in our culture, “boot camp” indicates something short-term and strenuous that will improve our future by enhancing a certain set of skills. Thus, Bible Boot Camp implies that, as disciples, we are determined to engage in conversation that will better prepare and equip us for growing deeper in the word.
With out question, God’s word is living and active (Heb. 4:12); it speaks in powerful and relevan ways to all people in all times in all places. However, we also acknowledge that his words were first uttered in a particular time, language, culture and context. As Fee and Stuart write, “God’s word to us was first of all his word to them.” Therefore, any attempt to determine the meaning of Scripture must begin with discovering what his words originally meant. In fact, Fee and Stuart later attest, “A text cannot mane what it never meant.” Exegesis, then, is the careful study of Scripture to discover its original, intended meaning. During this first series of Bible Boot Camp, we considered 5 aspects of Exegesis. Click on any of the links below to hear the class.
An Overview Class by Aaron Walling
A Look at Language by Phil Pettey
Understanding Context by David Dotson
A Look at Theology by Matt Stevens
An Openness to the Holy Spirit by Lance Rodgers
A Look at Style by Doug Robinson
In the opening chapters of 1 Samuel, there seems to be an assumption that whoever has the ark has the power, as if God can be contained and controlled by his holy box. While the people’s foolishness is quickly exposed, it raises another question, namely whether or not we will surrender to his control.
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The book of Judges ends with horrific scenes of a nation gone astray, a people who are living as if there is no king. They have forgotten God and are following their own whims. The Israelites, though, are not the only ones to live outside the reign of God. In every age, God’s people must proclaim with both their lips and their lives that he alone is king.
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Every kid loves a good story, whether it’s a book, a movie, or a video game. Get ready to be excited about the most incredible true story of all – God’s loving pursuit of us through time. We will help kids discover how they can be a part of the story when they turn up the power of God’s love in their life. Come have fun with your friends and enjoy games, crafts, and our fun praise and worship team. T-shirts can be purchased at the time of registration for $5.
When: July 21-25, 2013
Where: We will stay at Texas Baptist Encampment and drive each evening to El Campo COC
Who: Students entering 3rd to 6th grade as of fall 2013.
Cost: $150 a student, a $50 deposit is due at registration
REGISTRATION DEADLINE- July 10th, 2013
Come and join us as we take our VBS on the road to El Campo Church of Christ. Students will work during the day to prepare for the VBS and each evening we travel to El Campo to lead it. Students lead groups, games, crafts, centers and the Bible Story time while being supervised by our college and parent volunteers. We have a great time and lots of fun as we share God’s Word with kids from El Campo. We will be staying at Texas Baptist Encampment this summer. During the day we will have devos, hang out and enjoy the camp’s pool and do small service projects for the camp and local town. We end our trip with a stop by Splashway Water Park.
Click Here to Register for Kids Mission Trip
Additional Payment Link- Please use this link to make additional or final payments for the Kids MissionTrip after your initial registration
NOTE: ALL MISSION TRIP PARTICIPANTS NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR KIDS AND YOUTH MISSIONS AUCTION on May 4th, 2013. THIS IS AN ANNUAL FUNDRAISER TO HELP COVER THE COSTS OF OUR SUMMER MISSION TRIPS. ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WILL BE HOSTING AND SERVING AN ICE CREAM SUNDAE BAR. EMAIL AUBREE@CRCOC.ORG IF YOUR CHILD PLANS TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE.
Gideon seems like such an unlikely hero. He questions God. He’s afraid; he struggles to lead. Yet God uses Gideon for his glory. God has a habit of accomplishing his purposes through the most unlikely of people, even you and me.
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Mission Lazarus is an established mission in rural Honduras. Participants entering 9th grade and up will serve in a children’s VBS program, assist in construction projects, and distribute food to families in the mission’s nutrition program. We will be housed at the mission in camp style bunk houses. Delicious meals are served at the mission in an outdoor gazebo. The cost is $700. We encourage and assist participants in raising their support through letter writing or personal fundraising. A non-refundable $200 deposit due by May 5 is required for registration. The total trip cost is $700. Monthly payments may be made the first of each month with the final payment dueAugust 4. Registration and additional payments can be made by clicking on the button below.
