Welcome. August 20, 2017

Transcription

1 Welcome August 20, 2017

2 CONNECT CHURCH If you are visiting with us for the first time, WELCOME! We are glad it was your choice to worship Christ with us today. We hope this time of praise and the study of God s Word will be an encouragement for you. Please join us between services for refreshments and fellowship. I love this church because it s a great church to learn about God and meet wonderful people. I serve Jesus with you by working in Awana with the Sparks every Wednesday. Also, I am part of the breakdown team at Acreage campus. Don t miss out on the upcoming Wednesday evening programs, and Bible study activities. There are Connection Groups and University of Christian Life Bible studies for all adults, Student Ministry for Middle and High school students, and Awana for children at both campus locations. Join us as we fellowship with one another and honor Jesus mid-week.

3 WORSHIP Join us this evening for a time of celebration as we sing the songs of our faith in a sing - along format. This time of praise will feature soloists, narrations, small ensembles, and instrumental music. There will also be a time for fellowship and refreshments at the conclusion of the evening.

4 Church Life Are you searching for an exciting and fun way to serve at Connect Church? Then don t miss out on this opportunity! Today, at 11:00 AM in room 201 on the Royal Palm campus there is an AWANA volunteer meeting for all new recruits. This is the time to learn about the abundant enthusiasm which takes place each week during the AWANA Club sessions. Join us today! It s TIME! A year of games, snacks, Bible lessons, and fun is about to begin! We look forward to meeting all AWANA Clubbers this Wednesday evening, for the AWANA Year! August 25th 6:00 PM Parents, Make plans to attend the upcoming family friendly movie night with your children. There will be free popcorn, candy, pizza and drinks for everyone to enjoy. Please register at cc.today for this free event to reserve your seat and treats today.

5 Church Life Do you have plans to grow spiritually with God? Connect Church is offering Bible studies this fall to assist and encourage you in this endeavor.

6 Church Life More Than A Feeling If you re going to get God involved in your finances, you need to understand that there will be moments when it s not 100 percent comfortable. Or even 50 percent. You re going to have to be willing to trust something besides your gut because your gut is simply not a good gauge....fear and uncertainty make us irrational. And if we respond out of fear, we often end up doing very irrational, destructive things financially. Moreover, since money is an emotional subject, we re especially vulnerable to irrational thinking when it comes to our finances. That s why it s so important to base your financial decision on truth rather than instinct. You would never advise someone to buy a stock just because it felt right. You would first examine things like price/earnings ratios and earnings per share. Likewise, you should be careful not to allow your financial theology to be corrupted by emotions. If we decide to hold back from God because it doesn t feel right, our giving is based on emotion rather than truth. This sort of irrational thinking will keep you from enlisting the God of the universe to be involved in your finances. Isn t that like being afraid to call police to save you from an armed robber because police carry guns too? Or avoiding the doctor because you re afraid he might give you a shot, a shot that could save your life? And yet when we withhold from God financially we distance ourselves from the one person in the universe who can forever dispel our fear about making ends meet. It s like saying, I m going to protect myself financially by withholding from God and make sure He s not involved in my finances. For additional ministry information visit CC.TODAY That, my friend, is completely irrational. From Fields of Gold

7 Mission Statement To glorify God by leading others to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Teaching Pastor Schedule August 20, 2017 Royal Palm campus 9:30 AM - Dr. Dale R. Faircloth 11:00 AM - Pastor Sam Jay Acreage campus 9:30 AM - Pastor Jim Sims 11:00 AM - Dr. Dale R. Faircloth August 27, 2017 Royal Palm campus 9:30 AM - Pastor Mike Eleveld 11:00 AM - Dr. Dale R. Faircloth Acreage campus 9:30 AM - Dr. Dale R. Faircloth 11:00 AM - Pastor Duval Madrigal Last Week s Attendance & Offering Royal Palm campus 646 Acreage campus 183 TOTAL 829 Offering $ 28, Vision $ Royal Palm campus 6:00 PM $5.00 per person This week s meal: It s a Chick-fil-a evening! Photographs contributed by: Dennis Jordan & Gaby Altman

8 God s Word - Devoted to Him Do not be anxious about anything. Philippians 4:6 Anxiety should never be found in a believer. In spite of the magnitude, quantity, and diversity of our trials, afflictions, and difficulties, anxiety should not exist under any circumstances. This is because we have a Father in heaven who is almighty, who loves His children as He loves His "one and only Son" (John 3:16), and whose complete joy and delight it is to continually assist them under all circumstances. We should heed His Word, which says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." "In everything" not simply when our house is on fire or when our beloved spouse and children are gravely ill, but even in the smallest matters of life. We are to take everything to God little things, very little things, even what the world calls trivial things. Yes, we are to take everything, living all day long in holy fellowship with our heavenly Father and our precious Lord Jesus. We should develop something of a spiritual instinct, causing us to immediately turn to God when a concern keeps us awake at night. During those sleepless nights, we should speak to Him, bringing our various concerns before Him, no matter how small they may be. Also speak to the Lord about any trial you are facing or any difficulties you may have in your family or professional life. "By prayer and petition" earnestly pleading, persevering and enduring, and waiting, waiting, waiting on God. "With thanksgiving" always laying a good foundation. Even if we have no possessions, there is one thing for which we can always be thankful that He has saved us from hell. We can also give thanks that He has given us His Holy Word, His Holy Spirit, and the most precious gift of all His Son. Therefore when we consider all this, we have abundant reasons for thanksgiving. May this be our goal! "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7). This is such a wonderful, genuine, and precious blessing that to truly know it, you must experience it, for it "transcends all understanding." May we take these truths to heart, instinctively walking in them, so the result will be lives that glorify God more abundantly than ever before. George Mueller, from Life of Trust Search your heart several times a day, and if you find something that is disturbing your peace, remember to take the proper steps to restore the calm. Francis de Sales From Streams in the Desert Devotional Genesis 1:31 Psalm 19:1 Romans 3:23 Romans 6:23A Romans 1:25 Proverbs 14:12 Discipleship is not a gift of the spirit; it s a command. It s not some special call; Philippians 2:13 Ephesians 2:10 John 3:16A Colossians 2:14 Mark 1:15B Ephesians 2:8-9 Romans 10:9 it s a way of life. Billy Graham

9 God s Word - Time With God Today s SOAP from Dr. Dale R. Faircloth Scripture: Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous one strike me it is an act of faithful love; let him rebuke me it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Observation: King David understands that the Lord s love necessitates correction in the life of those He loves as well as judgement on those who hate Him. David is reminding himself that sometimes his hardships are discipline from the Lord it is an act of faithful love. David, in this evening prayer, is actually calling for the Lord s rebuke because it is oil for my head a quietening of the soul. The rebuke of the Lord comes from His righteousness, is an indication of His love, is a rebuke of care, and soothes David as a constant reminder that he is God s child. He reminds himself not to refuse it. Application: If all these benefits are available from God and one of the ways they come to us is through a rebuke, then shouldn t we embrace the rebuke? David proclaims let me not refuse it. I should make room in my prayer of thanksgiving to request the addition of asking God to convict and rebuke any disobedience He sees in me. I should not only be open to it I should seek it. He will soothe my soul with His loving rebuke and correction. Prayer: Lord Jesus, please highlight disobedience in my spirit as I seek You. Through my prayers and the reading of Your Holy Word, convict me of every offense that needs eradication by the forgiveness You provide through Your death and resurrection. I believe in You and seek Your guidance in my soul. I love You and thank You. Amen. Scripture Observation Application Prayer S.O.A.P. Grab your Bible, a pen, and a notebook. Get ready to hear from God through His Word! This Week s SOAP M Psalm 42:1-4 T Psalm 42:5 W 1 Peter 1:3 TH Psalm 42:6-8 The Longing F Psalm 42:9-11 S Psalm 42:14-16 Main Passage for August 20 Psalm 42:1-11 CSB How Do I SOAP? Scripture - Read the passage of Scripture for the day and allow God to speak to you. Look for a verse that spoke to you. Write it down. Observation - Write your observation as to what is happening in the text. What do you believe is the point of the passage? Application - Ask yourself how this Scripture applies to your life right now. Write down how it can apply to you today. Prayer - This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or even a prayer for a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out. Memory Verse: Psalm 42:8 The LORD will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night a prayer to the God of my life.

10 The Protector Scripture 1 Lord, I call on you; hurry to help me. Listen to my voice when I call on you. 2 May my prayer be set before you as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening offering. 3 Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. 4 Do not let my heart turn to any evil thing or perform wicked acts with men who commit sin. Do not let me feast on their delicacies. 5 Let the righteous one strike me it is an act of faithful love; let him rebuke me it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Even now my prayer is against the evil acts of the wicked. 6 When their rulers will be thrown off the sides of a cliff, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasing. 7 As when one plows and breaks up the soil, turning up rocks, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol. 8 But my eyes look to you, Lord, my Lord. I seek refuge in you; do not let me die. 9 Protect me from the trap they have set for me, and from the snares of evildoers. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely. Psalm 141:1-10 CSB Main Point Believers should seek refuge in God because He is the only One who can give them strength to face temptation and evil. *Notes adapted from Explore the Bible, LifeWay Christian Resources. All scripture passages from the Christian Standard Bible.

11 Notes Next Steps Look to the Lord for help in resisting temptation. Live a life of purity and focus so you can call on His name in times of trouble or seek purity now through the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Additional Resources Explore the Bible, Psalms, Robert Smith, Jr., General Editor; Psalms, Bible Readings, F. B. Meyer; Layman s Bible Book Commentary, Psalms, Alton H. McEachern; A Commentary on The Holy Scriptures, Psalms, John Peter Lange.

12 Leadership Team Dr. Dale R. Faircloth Elder and Lead Pastor Clayton Hutcheson Elder Fred Rogers Elder Josh Sharpe Pastor of Ministries Tate Soles Pastor of Students Mike Eleveld Elder Will Lopes Pastor of Worship Jimmy Maltese Pastor of Ministries Jim Sims Campus Pastor Duval Madrigal Pastor of Ministries Carey Julien Worship Leader Royal Palm campus Okeechobee Boulevard Royal Palm Beach, FL phone cc.today S B C Acreage campus 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd. Loxahatchee, FL phone cc.today