“First Things First” Series
This month we are talking about First Things First. But how do you keep those first things as your top priority? Motivational speakers excel at helping us keep the right priorities. I bet there are times you have been motivated by someone who made you want to go right out there and apply what they said. You were most likely motivated by both their words and their own personal experience. What did they say?
This is the best in the whole world . . . don’t quit, don’t quit, don’t quit!
Jesus motivates us to cherish the opportunity for heaven with all we have. Over and over again he paints a picture of the kingdom of heaven and asks us to look at it – from this angle and that angle – until we begin to see its value. Jesus’ greatest desire is for us to understand how tremendous it is. And so he talks and talks.
Come listen to his stories this Sunday and receive the greatest gift God has for you. To prepare, read Matthew 13:44-53 and ask yourself these questions:
- What holds great value in your life?
- How is the kingdom of heaven valuable to you?
- How will you embrace and enjoy what God has given to you?
READ THE SERMON: How Valuable is the Kingdom!
“First Things First” Series
This summer the congregation gathered on Wednesday nights for “The Conversation,” in which we listened to Scripture to hear God’s voice. The next four weeks we will talk about what we heard during our conversations. This week’s topic is Abiding in Christ.
What in the world is that, you might say. Sounds like something a monk would do. Does that mean I have to become some sort of a religious fanatic? Not exactly! But it certainly has a little different focus than the average American lifestyle.
Jesus desires, and even insists, that we live in close connection to Him, sharing our life with him while drawing upon his life. It’s symbiotic and collaborative. Abiding (not rule-keeping) shapes us, fosters spiritual growth, and promises greater fruitfulness. Abiding opens the door to receiving God’s gift of answered prayer.
Do you want to learn more? We are a church that seeks God and asks questions. Seeking God is worth the time! Join us. To prepare read John 15:4-16. After the service we’ll celebrate our new youth pastor with a reception. ALL ARE INVITED.
WELCOME STEVE NETNISS!
READ THE SERMON: Abiding In Christ
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Have you ever read something in the Bible and thought, “That sounds awful! Why is that in there? I would have left that out.” You might think that about the time of the Judges when “Another generation grew up who did not know the Lord or the work God had done” (2:10). At that time God’s people abandoned the Lord and followed other gods, and as a result, God allowed others to plunder and oppress them. But, each time the people would finally pray and God would take pity and send them a judge to rescue them. Perhaps you have experienced God’s rescue in your own life.
Gideon’s story teaches us about God’s amazing grace and power during a very dark period of time. Because times were troubled, people often lost sight of God, but God never abandoned them. All they had to do was call. This Sunday we take a strong look at our wonderful God who never fails. It’s one of the most creative victories in the Bible. Our youth, along with First Presbyterian Church Idaho Falls youth and their pastor Tom Wylie, will tell the story.
It’s going to be GREAT! Join us at 10:30. Read Judges 7:9-23 to prepare.
READ THE SERMON: What’s God Up To Today?
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