Nearing the End

This is probably the last post for this blog. I've already created the new one, but am yet to post anything. The new blog's address will be theavenuecc.blogspot.com.

Sorry to not have a reading plan ready for December. I've been busy with other things. Hopefully you've been able to search the Bible on your own. Trust me, it's full of great stuff. I do however have a topic for our Christmas series. Perhaps this alone will be enough to spur some discussion
"Christmas: God's Mission Trip"

Vision

A few years ago, we sat down as a church and outlined some things that God had laid on our hearts about what the future of Four Seasons' ministry would look like. You can read the full vision at our church website, but here is the short version. We believe in the power of prayer, intimate fellowship, diversity, using multiple campuses, children and youth ministry, helping those in need, equipping people for life, partnering with fellow believers and business as a resource for ministry. As you think about this list, perhaps for the first time (or first time in a while), what about it jumps out at you? What speaks to your heart? As we look at some major changes in the future, these values will not. In fact, the changes we are making are for the express purpose of being able to BETTER do these things. When I consider this, my heart races with joy. What is your heart feeling?

Thy Kingdom Come - final

Time to tie up as many loose ends as we can regarding the Kingdom. Of course, we haven't even come close to exhausting all there is to contemplate about the Kingdom, but hopefully we have gone far enough to expand our vision and increase our obedience. This week we will be looking at some of the "yet to come" aspects of the Kingdom. Regardless of how we interpret some of these passages (and their timing), one thing is certain, Jesus is coming again and this is a very good thing. Please post your thoughts and questions. I will be out of town most of the week, but hopefully I'll be able to check in. God bless you!

Thy Kingdom Come - week 3

Many people characterize the time in which we live as the "already" and the "not yet" of the Kingdom. This reflects the truth that in some ways, the Kingdom was instituted with Christ's first advent. It also tells us that things are not yet finished. This week we will focus on the "already" parts of the Kingdom. This aspect of the Kingdom is very different from what many people expected when Christ came. I think they had eyes for the finished product, not realizing that first the Kingdom would be established spiritually. Jesus' teaching confronted this confusion. This time in history (our time) has also been referred to as the church age, because of the prominent role the church has in God's unfolding plan. However, this does not mean that "the church" is an interchangeable term with "the Kingdom." What's the difference? What's your opinion?

Thy Kingdom Come - week 1

Hey...J had a great idea for a sermon series...take a closer look at the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is an often references item in the New Testament. Many of Jesus' parables teach us about the Kingdom. Paul also has some great things to say about it. Despite all this, the Kingdom is still somewhat of a mystery. What is it? Where is it? When is it? These are all great questions. We are going to take the next four weeks and investigate the beauty and the mystery of the Kingdom.

We will start by focusing on the history of Kingdom thinking. When Jesus taught about the Kingdom, He was often challenging people's ideas about what the Kingdom was or would be. Where did they get their ideas? A big part of their picture comes from the writings of Daniel. This Sunday we will take a closer look at Daniel 2 and 7, examining how these chapters helped form the Jewish idea of the Kingdom of God. What comes to your mind when you think about the Kingdom?

The new reading plan for all four weeks is posted at the church website.

The Future

Just thought we might take this week to discuss our thoughts and questions about the future of Four Seasons. Obedience is the goal. Please pray this week for our church and then share what God is telling you. Maybe God is leading you to a Scripture you think we should all read. Whatever it might be, just pray and share. That's what this week is for.

Ezra - week 5

The last two chapters of Ezra are really challenging. Ezra confronts sin (which is good), but in doing so he divides families (that's the tough part). We will take a closer look at this on Sunday, but after reading the passage, what about it challenges you?

Although not a part of the "official reading list", I suggest comparing Ezra 9-10 with Nehemiah 13:23-31. The same issue is being addressed.