Why you need to read your Bible each day

Why you need to read your Bible each day -- a true story from a friend:

Clay

Before work Tuesday, I decided to read ch 3 of James, figuring it is next in line for your sermon series.  A quick glance revealed that it was mostly about taming the tongue.  My wife and I are in a good place now as well as the kids...work is fine...so I figured this scripture was not directly related to my present state. But I read it anyway.  Check "read bible" off the list today and get on with the day unaffected.

Until I saw my younger son crying as he approached my truck after school..........

Apparently, one of his friends was playing his iPod after school, when another friend came by and slapped it out of that friend's hand.  It crashed on the cement and shattered the screen.  My son saved for over a year to buy that iPod.  He was devastated.  Inside me, the Bad Wolf broke the lock on the cage and was let loose.  I strode into the school to find out what was going on...and looked for a hide to tack on the wall.

As it turned out, the kid most-likely-to-break-your-prized-possessions was in fact the guilty one.  When I learned that, I spun my son around and said, "We are going to his Dad's office to settle this now!!"

I was 2 steps outside the school door when God tapped on my shoulder.  "Watch it you fool.  I knew what you needed this morning even before you did.  The tongue is a dangerous weapon.  Remember my scripture?  The tongue can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself."  Wow.  The hair on the back of my neck stood up and I felt a tad dizzy.  OK, ok,  I get it.... I'll calm down first, pray about the matter and see what YOU lead me to do.

Later, I called the Mom of the kid and we discussed a suitable resolution to the sad situation.

I shudder to think what would have happened if I had not taken 5 minutes that morning to read chapter 3.

Understanding South Carolina - from the Charlestonian Viewpoint

I've lived in South Carolina for 17.5 years.  This map comes as close as anything I have seen to understanding this challenging state!

Thankful You “Get It” …

God has opened the door for me to talk with other pastors and to consult with other churches.  I enjoy it – but each encounter makes me grateful for you, the people of Alice Drive.  I am grateful that you get it.

You get that people matter to God.  It’s not tradition.  It’s not program.  It’s not worship style.  It’s people.  Jesus died so people’s sins would be forgiven.  Our focus unapologetically is to help people know they matter to God – to help them know Jesus.

You get that church is to be a place of grace.  Does it really matter if a teenager wears a hat in church?  If a couple is living together, would you rather them be in church or would you rather judge them?  Do we want to spend any energy trying to look put together when everyone knows all people are flawed – and they all need grace from God and grace from each other.

You get that people need to be like Jesus.  Just acting like a Christian is not the goal.  Being like Jesus is.  Being like Jesus leads to the happiest life possible for you and for me.  Growing character like Jesus’ is hard work – really!  But what in your life is worth doing that isn’t hard?

You get that everyone has a purpose.  A life ignorant of God’s purpose is a life wasted. I have a story to share, resource to share, and gifts to share!  I need to live my purpose and let other people be responsible for living their purpose.

We’re not a perfect church by any means – but Alice Drive is taking next steps toward Jesus.

Thanks for being a church that “gets it!”

Monday Reflections

Hello Good People of Alice Drive

Despite the rain and clouds, ADBC'ers showed up, 1449 strong! Well done! Thanks to all who brought an offering as a sign of their faith.

Remember Money+attitude = Heart that takes ACTION!
"For where your Treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:21


Big Thought for the week: Is your Faith a saving faith? Are there signs of life?

Smile:
Bank accounts give a person a good feeling until they realize that banks are insured by an agency of a federal government that's over $2 trillion in debt.

Sermon Discussion Questions

Sunday, January 22, 2012

 

 Series:  Moneytudes

Sermon Title: Faith in Motion

Text: James 2:14-26

1. Describe someone you know whose faith is dead.  Do they know it?

2. In your opinion, why do Christians not help Christians in need?  Do we as a group need to do something about that?

3. How would you respond to the person who says, “I’m doing more good in the world than those Christians?”

4. In your opinion, what’s the difference between a demon believing in God and a person who believes but has no action?

5. God asked Abraham to do a very hard thing.  Describe someone you know who has been asked to do something very hard for God.

6. If action shows the reality of faith, how many self-described “Christians” aren’t really Christ followers?

7. Rehab was able to believe in a new future and it leads her to action.  If a person believes in a new future in Christ, what actions will they do?

8. How would you check to see if someone’s faith is alive and breathing?

Look, Down in the Pew – It’s FAITHMAN!

During the week, he is a mild mannered cubicle dweller.  Quiet.  Goes about his business.  Never ruffles feathers.  Goes home to his wife after swinging by to get Little Caesar’s Pizza.  Asks the kids, “How was School?”  Grunts in response to questions about his day.  Watches Sports Center.  Goes to bed.

But on Sunday, he morphs into FAITHMAN!  He raises his hands during the praise songs for five whole minutes!  He corrects his Bible Community Group teacher on miniscule points of theology!  He pulls the pastor aside to chastise him for not praying about the latest political crisis!  Mentally, he preaches better sermons than the pastor and sings better solos that the praise team!  Yes, he is FAITHMAN!

Oddly, when asked to serve, he declines, citing schedule, or the incorrect theology of the event, or unqualified leaders of the ministry.

He is able to complain about the ministry of the church though he never gives.  He justifies this because of the poor stewardship of the church.

FAITHMAN is never in doubt, never wrong in his own mind.  He will tell you his wife and kids submit to him and respect him (but don’t ask them how they feel).

One Problem with FAITHMAN:  Whatever faith he has is dead.  It’s sterile. It’s all talk, no action. It’s the kind of faith that dominates too many churches and is embraced by too many people. 

Poor FAITHMAN – he only deceives himself.  Sadly, though people try to tell him about a different kind of faith, his self-righteous attitude keeps him from ever hearing the truth. 

James told us the truth from his older brother Jesus:  Faith without works is dead.

Check the mirror – make sure FAITHMAN isn’t you.

Money + Attitude = Heart…

Definition of Money:  something generally accepted as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment.

Definition of Attitude:  A settled way of thinking or feeling, typically reflected in a person's behavior.

Definition of Heart:  regarded as the center of a person's thoughts and emotions, esp. love or compassion.

$100 + Fear = Stingy

$100 + Anger = Impulsive

$100 + Jealousy = “I deserve this” = Selfish

$100 + Addiction = Lies

$100 + Greed = Risk

$100 + Pride = Deceit

$100 + Laziness = Foolish

But,

$100 + Love = Generosity

$100 + Humility = Selflessness

$100 + Patience = Wealth

$100 + Self-control = Freedom

$100 + Diligence = Vision

$100 + Wisdom = Righteousness

$100 + Kindness = Jesus

Your Money + Your Attitude = What Kind of Heart?