What's On Your Mind?

Happy May!

(It's almost summer!!)

April 26 - Lesson Recap

Thanks to Paul and Pam Highfield for visiting and telling us about their work with the Mausi people of Kenya. When they began their work this group of Mausi had never heard of Jesus. Paul and Pam learned the language, formed relationships with the people, and introduced them to Christ. They planted churches and began training leaders. Paul now writes Bible studies and commentaries in the Mausi language to help these churches study and grow strong spiritually. They travel back to Kenya twice a year to minister to the churches and people personally. During these visits they lead studies, help with evangelism and work to meet physical needs as well. We're excited to be going to meet the Mausi people and to worship with them. We know they have much to teach us. We hope we can help minister to them as well. Please keep us in your prayers!

April 19 - Lesson Recap

1 John 3:17 - 24 "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need..."

Our response to others in need can either reflect God's love in our heart - or not. This is why it is good to do a "heart check-up" regularly by asking yourself questions like: Do I feel pity and have compassion when I see others in need? Do I share in others' burdens? Do I see having the ability to give as a privilege? Do I ask for wisdom in how to give responsibly? Do I find joy in giving?

vs 23 "And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." Have a great week loving each other!

April 12 - Lesson Recap

1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

Ultimately Christ laid down his life for us when he took on our sins and died for us. But this was only after he had laid down his life each day for us. His willingness to share burdens and battle evil daily could only be accomplished through his right relationship with God. He then righted our relationship with God! Wow! We can now live like he did! Through our right relationship with God we can share burdens and battle evil, too! And we can be victorious! Afterall, He did rise again!! Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!

April 5 - Lesson Recap

1 John 2:18-27; 1 John 4:1-6 False Prophets and Antichrists This is not a problem specific only to the time when John wrote this letter. Jesus warned us about false prophets, Jeremiah talked about false prophets in the OT and we still have false prophets today. Sometimes they are easy to spot but often they are "ferocious wolves in sheep's clothing." Sometimes they can even have Christian origins. So how do we defend ourselves?

John points out three defenses against false prophets. First - Anointing; vs. 3:20, 24 & 4:4 assures us that we have the Holy Spirit living in us, His word planted in us, and that the One that is in us is greater than the one who is in the world! WooHoo! Second - Tests; 4:1-6 says we can test the spirits, using our eyes and ears and minds to see if what they are saying and doing matches up with what we know. And Third - Each Other; v. 4:6, Hebrews 3:12-13 tells us that by listening to wise leaders and by encouraging one another daily we can keep each other from being hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Have you been on the look out for false teachings this week? They are definitely out there disguised as spiritual truths and wisdom. Feel free to share some of your experiences in the comments sections.