Thursday, May 31, 2012

Regarding Needs in Children's Classes

Dear Adult Class Teachers,
 
Our preschool department has three classes that need teachers for the new Sunday School year beginning August 12th. The “Puppies” 2 year old class, the “Kittens” 2 year old class, and the “Dolphins” 3 year old class all need teachers to serve during the 9:15 Sunday School hour.
 
In the past we have always asked individuals to make the commitment to lead our children, but as we do during each baby dedication, we are now asking the church as a whole to lead our children. Many times people are hesitant to commit to teaching because they feel they are taking on the responsibility alone, so we are trying a little different approach….
 
Would you ask those in your class to pray and ask if the Lord would have them commit to serving as Preschool Sunday School teachers for just one year? And if a couple of people are willing to step out, would your class be willing to come along beside them and support their fellow class members by serving as substitutes when they need them?
 
As an Adult Class Teacher, would you be willing to pray for your class members that they would follow the Lord’s leading? Will you commit to supporting the Preschool Department by taking the time to make this announcement each Sunday during the month of June?
 
We would like to have our teachers in place by July 1st so we can begin planning for the new year. If anyone has questions about what serving as a preschool teacher is all about, I am happy to talk with them.  Also, if through this discussion your class has questions about other ways they can support the Preschool Department please feel free to contact me. I can be reached by email at preschool@opfirst.org or by phone at 215-3443.
 
Thank you,
Lisa Tharp
Preschool Sunday School Director

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Isaiah 41:13


In the midst of our trials, hurts, or even just everyday routines, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Thank you, God, for giving us the help and strength we need to make it through the day, every day.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Living Proof

This month's emphasis of leaving a spiritual legacy for our children has focused on three primary factors: faith, hope, and love. Paul connected the three in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 as characteristics evident in the life of those who are fully committed to Christ. We often talk about these words in church settings, but do we really know what they mean? And more importantly, how do they work together?

The Greek word for "faith", pistis, denotes a supreme confidence in the truth of something. When we have faith in God, we believe that He is exactly as He describes Himself to us.

Agape, "love", is set apart from the other two types of love-brotherly love and romantic love-in that it is the love Christ had for us and the love we should have for others. To agape someone is to love them as Christ loves them: sacrificially, unconditionally, and radically.

The word translated "hope" is the Greek word elpis, meaning "to anticipate". It can actually mean an expectation of fear or evil, but when used in context of the Christian faith, it always denotes something good, such as the expectation of eternal salvation.

Though the words are quite different in their meanings, they have one thing in common: a degree of difficulty. First Thessalonians 1:3 highlights this. It is a work of faith, a labor of love, and endurance of hope. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit working in us to have faith in God and salvation in His Son. And that faith gives us the ability to hope in a future we can't prove in earthly terms. And when we let that faith guide our relationships, we can then genuinely love others through our knowledge of Christ's compassion instead of our preferred relationships or comfortable settings.

These three characteristics of believers don't fall on us when we are saved, we must choose to cultivate them. However, when these elements are observable in the lives of believers, we see Christ revealed in them, evidence to a world in need of Jesus.

"We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ..." - 1 Thessalonians 1:3


From May 27th "Deepen Your Understanding" in Life Truths study

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Dress For Success

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness,humility, meekness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

 There is an inner attire Almighty God expects His people to wear. They are adorned with an attitude of compassion, kind words, a humble heart, a gentle demeanor, and patience with people and problems. Each day disciples of Jesus choose to clothe themselves with the character of Christ or remain naked to the world’s influences. Chosen people of God gladly put on spiritual apparel for they want first impressions to point people to Jesus.

Jesus loves us lavishly, so we will love, even the unlovely, lavishly. Jesus blankets us with His compassion, so that we will extend the same depth of mercy to those caught up in their cares. Jesus’ kind words, “friend I forgive you” or “I am with you” are examples of how we extend kindness to hurting hearts. His humble heart of service leads us to serve. His gentleness with children changes how we correct and train our children. And Jesus’ patient endurance in adversity gives us hope and faith to persevere.

 “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Hebrews 12:3

Are you as conscientious about clothing your inner self with God’s expectations, as you are in dressing to impress the world with its latest fashion statement? Indeed, your outward adornment is an indicator of your inward beauty. So, make sure it is the security of your humble heart that draws attention to your compassionate countenance. Be intentional to cultivate a kind soul, so it spills over into gentle words and patient actions.

"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.".” 1 Peter 3:4
                                                 
                                                                                     (excerpts from Boyd Bailey)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Funeral Information

For those of you who would like to attend  Keith's funeral, it will be held at Hibernia Baptist Church on Wednesday the 23rd. The viewing will be at eleven a.m., and the service will be at one p.m., with a two p.m. reception on the church campus.

Scott has been in contact with Teresa. The family doesn't need meals at this point but will let us know if they do need anything.Instead of flowers, they would prefer that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation in Keith's name. Please continue to pray for them during this difficult time.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Spiritual Labor



"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

What is spiritual labor? It is work done with the Lord and for the Lord. It is a new mother rocking her baby, while she prays God's blessing over her little one. It is a blue-collar laborer, who, in Jesus name, is diligent in his or her duties. They are punctual when others are late and they are eager to work more, when others look for ways to work less. Spiritual labor sets high standards of service for the Lord.

Spiritual labor is an executive, a manager or administrative assistant who will not compromise their character to make more cash. Their word is their bond and their behavior points other people to Jesus. We are spiritual laborers when we do our work first and foremost for our heavenly Father. We stand firm in faith-motivated work and when we wake up every day grateful to represent Jesus in our job.

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:3

This describes your public spiritual labor, but you are also called to be consistent in your private spiritual labor. Your personal empowerment by the Holy Spirit gives you courage for Christ and gumption for God. Your quieted soul quietly influences your noisy world. You go deep with Jesus in prayer and He expands your influence at home, in your community, and at your workplace.

Indeed, your spiritual labor is laborious. Thus, as you perspire for the Lord, pray to persevere through rejection and do not be surprised if your integrity irritates others. You continue to toil in trust, even when results are not immediately evident. Your higher calling from Christ fuels your service for Him. Let nothing move you from moving forward with God. Your spiritual labor in the Lord is not in vain, as it brings joy and satisfaction to you, Him, and friends!

"This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things." 1 Timothy 4:9-11
                                                                              -Boyd Bailey