Prayer
Lord Jesus, we lift up those who do evil in our government and throughout the world for salvation. Please call them quickly, Lord Jesus. We lift up all the missionaries in the world for increase and all blessings and protections. All this we ask in Your Great Name. Amen.
The Ekklesia
This week we continued our series The Ekklesia. The subtitle continues to challenge me personally: the Church that Jesus Built. My greatest desire as a servant of Christ is to see my life reflect the life and teaching of Jesus. It should not surprise you then that I also desire to see my family reflect God’s purpose for my marriage and family. My prayer today for our church is that we would be a church that reflects the love, grace, mercy, and truth of Jesus Christ.
This week we looked at the Family of God. As we explored Acts 2:42-47, we discussed the four things that early church was devoted to: (1) the apostles teaching (the Word of God), (2) the fellowship, (3) the breaking of bread, and (4) the prayers. In these four things, I see the beautiful simplicity of the early church. They were focused on Christ, on each other, and sharing the Gospel with their family, friends, and neighbors. The very real thought hits me that it is time for us to get back to the basics.
So, what does it look like to “get back to the basics?” I believe it starts here: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34 ESV) When we understand and believe the love that Jesus has for us as individuals and then show that love to others, something powerful begins to happen. Jesus continues in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” People may have questions about the Bible. People may reject the truths of the Christian faith. They may disregard what we say. What they cannot ignore is the radical way in which we love one another and the world around us.
The love we have for Christ and the love we have for one another should overflow according to the Scripture. Known as the One Another commands, this is what Christian love should look like:
Love one another (John 13:34)
Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10)
Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)
Build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Welcome one another (Romans 15:7)
Admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)
Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)
Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
Be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2)
Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, 25)
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
Consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3)
Look to the interests of one another (Philippians 2:4)
Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)
Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)
Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13)
Stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)
Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another (1 Peter 5:5)
Pray for one another (James 5:16)
Confess your faults to one another (James 5:16)
Do not lie to one another (Colossians 3:9)
Stop passing judgment on one another (Romans 14:13)
Don’t grumble against each other (James 5:9)
Remember… K.I.S.S – Keep it Simple Saints. May God bless us with wisdom, discernment, and strength to live out this way of love as we honor Jesus in all we say and do.
Community Outreach
Please join us this Saturday, August 27 at 8:30am at RM Moore Elementary School as we share food with families from the surrounding communities in North Georgia. This outreach, in partnership with Never Alone (neveralone.org) allows us to share the love of Jesus by helping the food insecure in our area. Our guests are men and women of all ages, from all backgrounds, all walks of life, all races, education levels, and statuses. We serve senior citizens, single moms and dads, children, and any who are in need. This ministry is a practical way to live out Matthew 25:40. We offer prayer and Bibles to all of our guests.
We are excited to be a part of Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry! Our goal is to pack 300 shoeboxes for children around the world. You can make this a family project or donate items for our church packing party in November. In addition to receiving a box filled with needed items, each child will hear the Good News of the Gospel. Look for more information soon on how to help and check out this link: Operation Christmas Child | Shoebox Outreach of Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Wednesday, August 24, 6:30pm – Bible study
Saturday, August 27, 8:30am – Never Alone @ RM Moore Elementary
Sunday, August 28, 9:45am – Adult Sunday School
Sunday, August 28 after church – Moving day
Sunday, August 28, 6:30pm – Sunday night discipleship service
Rededication Ceremony and Moving Preparation:
August 28 following the morning service – Is the first move day. We will start the move right after the Sunday service. The sanctuary will be turned over to us the week prior. We will need help moving chairs, tables, sound stuff, etc. Volunteers are welcomed and needed!
September 3 at 1PM – Meet at the church for a review and moving updates in the fellowship hall.
September 10 at 1PM – Meet at the church sanctuary for a final meeting to discuss the order of service, responsibilities, final details, etc.
Sanctuary Rededication. Join us September 11th, 2022 at 11am as we remember the history of Shoal Creek Baptist Church and celebrate where God is taking us.
You can now view upcoming events and important dates on our website at https://cometothecreek.com/events/. For a quick list of dates, you can access the Events List at https://cometothecreek.com/events/list/.
NOTE: If you have an announcement, please send it to cometothecreek@gmail.com by 12 noon on Monday. Thank you!
How Can We Pray for You?
Please visit https://cometothecreek.com/contact/ to submit your prayer request. You can also submit your request to prayer@cometothecreek.com.
In His Service,
Michele Olson
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. (Proverbs 12:22 NKJV)
