Demons? Really? Pastor Coye Still

Transcription

1 January 9, 2015 Demons? Really? I ve heard it said that people cannot fly in airplanes and know about modern medicine and, at the same time, believe in demons. In other words, intelligent modern people don t believe in demons. I ve never gotten what airplanes and demons have to do with one another. In fact, I don t get why I can t know about germs, genetics, and cognitive therapy and still believe in evil spirits. CS Lewis an intelligent modern person wrote that belief in demons explains a good many facts. Further, it accords with the belief of most people in most times. Finally, it agrees with the plain meaning of scripture. That last point clinches the case for me. The Bible is straightforward regarding demons and, as always, I believe the Bible got it right. We should clarify that the Bible does not chalk up all disease and abnormal behavior to demons. It does not see a demon behind every tragedy. The Bible does teach that Jesus was tempted by Satan. It does reveal that demons are evil spirits that can possess and oppress people. It is not important, as far as I can tell, to become demonology experts distinguishing precisely between demonic oppression and possession or explaining every nuance of demonic strategy. It is important to recognize that demonic influence can contribute to patterns of thought, to battles with temptation, and to extreme bondage to sin and deviance. Most of all, it s essential to recognize Jesus Christ s authority over demons. He showed it during His earthly ministry. Right now, as our Lord enthroned in heaven, He is greater than the ruler of this age! Our souls have enemies. Our souls have a Victor! Demons? Really? Yes. This Sunday in our second study in Mark s gospel we ll hear about our real enemies and our real Victor! Pastor Coye Still

2 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International missions Our Goal: $30,000 Given to date: $29, SOME FOLKS HAVE BIRTHDAYS IN THE WINTER, OTHERS HAVE EM IN THE FALL, BUT NO MATTER WHAT THE SEASON, WE RE GOING TO CELEBRATE THEM ALL! SOUP & SANDWICH LUNCH / BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS PROGRAM: KEN TURNER, Music Performing Artist Tuesday, January 20, 12 Noon * Church Fellowship Hall Sign up for your favorite soup, sandwich or dessert to share

3 Teams and Committees Night On Sunday evening January 25th at 5:30 p.m. we will have an opportunity to dedicate the work of our 2015 teams and committees to the Lord. Our Sunday Evening Special Services Team will coordinate a fellowship supper, and there will be a motivational presentation by Candy Phillips. So, if you're on a team or committee, please come. If you're not a member of one of the groups, come talk with the Ministry Involvement Team to find the spot that's right for you. Bill s Backpack Blessings It is the season of giving and there are many opportunities to do so! Please continue to remember our year-long ministry of providing food to 20 Newell Elementary students on a weekly basis during the school year. Our cupboards are in need of stocking! We are in need of Beanie Weenies, Chef-Boyardee pastas, cheese crackers or goldfish, raisins, cereal bars, pudding cups and Oodles of Noodles. Monetary donations are also accepted. Girls Movie Night Calling all Youth Girls (Moms invited too) Movie: Grace Unplugged When: Jan 23, 6:30-9:30pm Where: Student Center Click here to sign up!

4 The UHBC Family extends deepest sympathy to Terry Beth, Alex and Zachary Warren in the passing of their father and grandfather, Malcolm Leon Warren January 8, 1928 January 4, Altar Flowers The new Flower Calendar for the coming year will soon be posted on the bulletin board across from the church office. If you see a date you would like to reserve for a particular Sunday, write your name by that date and then call Avery Phillips to make sure that date is still open. More than one arrangement may be placed in the sanctuary for morning services and the person or persons you wish to honor or remember do not have to be a UHBC member. Remember to call Avery at (704) Dates now open are: January 11 and 25 February 1, 8, and 15 March 8, 15, 22 and 29 April 12, 19 and 26 May 17 and 24 June 14 July 12 August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 September 6 and 20 October 4, 11 and 25 November 8, 15 and 22 December 27th Mother's Day Roses will be in the worship service on May 10th, Father's Day Roses on June 21st and Christmas Poinsettias will grace the sanctuary on December 20th. Remember to call Avery Phillips at (704) to reserve your date Offering Envelopes are available for pickup in the Gathering Place

5 Sunday, January 11 8:30 a.m. Prayer Time (Prayer Room) 9:15 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Church Library Open 3:30 p.m. Bible Study Lead Team Meeting 4:30 p.m. Moms in Prayer (Room 130) 4:30 p.m. Youth Choir 5:00 p.m. Ministry Development Team Meeting 5:30 p.m. Ignite Praise Band Practice 5:30 p.m. Youth Choir Parent Meeting 5:30 p.m. Bible Skills and Drills 6:00 p.m. Deacon s Meeting Tuesday, January 13 7:00 p.m. Ministry Involvement Team Meeting 7:30 p.m. Men s Bible Study and Prayer Time Wednesday, January 14 4:00 p.m. Senior Adult Choir 5:00 p.m. Youth Handbells 5:00 p.m. Family Night Dinner: Chicken Pot Pie over Biscuits Call by 10 AM TUESDAY to RESERVE or CANCEL MEALS 6:00 p.m. Children s Missions & Music 6:15 p.m. Adult Worship 6:15 p.m. Ignite Youth Worship 6:15 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Church Library Open 6:20 p.m. Adult Handbells 7:15 p.m. Adult Choir Thursday, January 15 6:30 a.m. Men s Prayer Breakfast (Tryon House) If you have any announcements you would like to be put in the newsletter, please them to catherinenorkett@universityhills.org no later than Wednesday. Deacons of the Week: January 11 and 14 Lewis Walker, Vernon Allen, David Colson ETC Workers Serving January 11 Janine Waits, Cameron/Cristy Lee, Becky Kumar, Kim Watt, Ryan/Shannon Lawrence, Jamie/Carol Bruckmann