RECAP: CHANGING THINGS UP based on 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
We live in a day where many of us are greatly concerned about the future of our country, but also our church. How do we reach the young people? How can we bring people into the church again? Sometimes, especially lately, it seems like the language of the Bible is a foreign language to so many, falling on deaf ears.
The apostle Paul understood these same questions in his day. Peter and the other apostles had a radical encounter with Jesus, but their ministry mainly stayed within their own borders. Paul was the one who primarily pushed to gospel throughout the Roman empire. How did he see church growth? And how can we reverse the tide in our day?
1) Focus on the mission–making Jesus known. Paul was willing to become a slave to everyone so they can hear the message of the gospel. Is everything we do for others to hear the gospel message? Or do we put the gospel to the back burner, and allow the enemy to distract us?
2) Speak the message in a way others understood. Paul changed the delivery of the message, not the content, based upon whom he was ministering to. This is not a changing of the gospel or a watering down of the gospel. Satan wants us to compromise the gospel, saying we must change the message in order to be relevant. However, the truth of the gospel should never be changed. But some people need to hear it in a way they understand.
3) Keep your eye on the prize. The early Olympic athletes devoted their entire lives to win the prize and what that prize represented. Our ultimate prize is Jesus. If our focus is on anything else or any other prize, we are amiss. People need the hope of Jesus. If we are not focused on the hope that he brings, would people really want to see?
4) Don’t be disqualified. An athlete is disqualified if they take any substance into their bodies which are not approved or to engage in activities outside of the scope of the rules. The same is true in our faith; we become disqualified if we take in sin or participate in activities outside of the rules of God’s word.
The early church grew in leaps and bounds. They were focused on making Jesus known. They understood their neighbors and spoke hope in a way they understood. Their ultimate goal was Jesus and heaven, and they lived in such a way they never were disqualified. If we want to see that kind of move in our day, we need to get back to keeping the main thing the main thing!
Questions for Reflection
1) What happens if our focus is distracted?
2) Who can you relate to that others cannot? How can you share the gospel with them?
3) Can you honestly say that Jesus is enough? If not, what is holding you back?
4) What activities in your life trip you up from following Jesus fully?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, we will worship outdoors and celebrate new commitments of faith through baptism (possibly). Pastor Ryan will conclude the Vision series with the sermon titled, “Not Afraid,” based on Matthew 14:22-33. What should our attitude be as we follow Jesus? And how can we leave fear behind? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for September 14 – 20
September 14: Numbers 13:26-33 What was the difference of perspective between the spies?
September 15: 1 Samuel 8 What unhealthy perspective had Israel adopted?
September 16: 1 Kings 12:25-33 What unhealthy perspective did Jeroboam adopt for Israel?
September 17: Isaiah 39 What unhealthy perspective did Hezekiah display?
September 18: Galatians 2:11-21 What unhealthy perspective did Paul confront in Peter?
September 19: Judges 4 How did Deborah show no fear?
September 20: Ruth 1 How did Ruth show no fear?
This Week’s Events:
Sunday, September 19–Outdoor Worship Only (no Sunday School) & First Sunday Offering for the Food Pantries!
Sunday, September 19–Teacher Appreciation Sunday & New Member Sunday & Baptism (if possible)
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, September 25–Alma Long’s 100 birthday celebration!
Sunday, October 24–Council Mtg (tentative)
Sunday, October 31–Love Feast (tentative)
Announcements:
COVID UPDATE for worship (updated from Leadership Team 9/9):
As you know, we have had many within our congregation that have contracted COVID. The current amount of active cases in the entire congregation sits at 15 that we know of. Although many of the members who came down with COVID acquired it in the community, we can reasonably conclude that a few may have indeed contracted it through church or activities related to church. We have not had as many new cases this week, but there still have been a few.
In light of this, the Leadership Team last evening affirmed that every week we will evaluate current cases to see if the spread is slowing, making decisions for the following Sunday based upon current data. The current plan is to meet in person on Sunday, September 19. On that day, we will collect the first Sunday offering for the food banks, recognize new members and our teachers. We will also do baptisms if it is safe to do so, but it is more likely baptisms might not take place until October.
When we do return in person, we are going to have outdoor worship as much as we are able as the weather allows. Leadership team is asking that all wear masks, whether indoor or outdoor, and resume to socially distance. We are not going to tape the pews again; however, we are asking for the time being that all are spread apart and sitting by family groups. September 19 will be outdoor worship if the weather allows.
We have also, in light of current case count, decided that it would be prudent to temporarily suspend meal activities until the cases are back under control. The Men’s Fellowship spaghetti dinner will be postponed. The first Sunday breakfast for October will be postponed. Love Feast on October 3 will be pushed back to a later date.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ann as chair or myself. We wish we could all be together in person, but for the time being, let’s be safe and stop the spread of this virus.
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
As we look at the ability to reopen in the coming weeks, we are in need of both worship leaders and children’s story. We are looking for one person each week, rather than a month at a time. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Card Shower
On September 21, Alma Long turns 100! Let’s bless her with a card shower!
Call to Prayer & Discernment
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Fidelis Class
The Fidelis Class will begin a new book study for Sunday School called Altar Ego by Craig Groeschel. If you are not actively involved in a Sunday School class, you are invited to participate in this book study! It will start October 3.
Nursery
Misti Wheelbarger is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour for next year. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to her and let her know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
John Bennington (health)
Justin & Maryissa Cooper (COVID)–Pastor Ryan’s brother and sister-in-law
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Garland Diehl (COVID)
Bill Eckard (recovery)
Bonnie Sue Eckard (COVID)
Brad & Theresa Eckard (COVID)
John Fix (addiction)
Janet Good (health)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Hensley family (COVID)
John Jordan (COVID)
Jason & Jay Jordan (COVID)
Amelia Kimmell (COVID)
Heath Kimmell (health)
Larry LaPrade (COVID)
Lent family (work)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Marty Moore (recovery)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Lottie Ritchie (health)
Chris Shirk (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Tammy Stine (broken ankle)
Alex & Cole Wheelbarger (COVID)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Brian Whitmore and family (COVID)
Tom Wilfong (COVID)
John & Joyce Wright (COVID)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek COB