Click here to download the Chapter 6 Personal Study Guide
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Founding Father
Some of the greatest principles we can draw from the life of Abram surround the issue of faith. As Bill pointed out in the message on Sunday, we trace our spiritual heritage back to Abraham - our “founding father."
I thought Pastor's comments about faith were worth considering again so in case you missed them here they are ...
1. True faith originates with God.
This is the story about God. And it was God who was reaching out to bridge the divide that sin had caused. It was God who searched for Adam and Eve when they were hiding in their shame, and it was God who called Abram, not Abram who had been seeking God.
Faith begins with God. It begins with a God who wants to get you back; and God wants to get you back in spite of yourself, not because you and I are so prone seek after God.
2. True faith means actively responding to the call and promises of God.
The promise of God is a theme throughout the Bible. God’s promise to Abraham was repeated to his son, Isaac, and Isaac’s son, Jacob.
FAITH IS AN EXPEDITION! Faith is NOT about getting God to bless you where you are, it is about leaving where you are and following God because you believe He has a better way for you to live, and a better place for you to be!
3. True faith has the betterment of others as its goal.
God’s intention was for this chosen nation to be a source of blessing to all the nations. True religion exists for the blessing not only of its own, but ultimately for the betterment of all people.
Those are some foundational thoughts about faith that were exemplified by the way Abraham lived his life - even though he wasn't perfect and made some significant mistakes along the way.
Think for a moment about who first pointed you in the direction of a faith-filled life. Who was it? How did they demonstrate a life that was full of faith in the promises of God?
I thought Pastor's comments about faith were worth considering again so in case you missed them here they are ...
1. True faith originates with God.
This is the story about God. And it was God who was reaching out to bridge the divide that sin had caused. It was God who searched for Adam and Eve when they were hiding in their shame, and it was God who called Abram, not Abram who had been seeking God.
Faith begins with God. It begins with a God who wants to get you back; and God wants to get you back in spite of yourself, not because you and I are so prone seek after God.
2. True faith means actively responding to the call and promises of God.
The promise of God is a theme throughout the Bible. God’s promise to Abraham was repeated to his son, Isaac, and Isaac’s son, Jacob.
FAITH IS AN EXPEDITION! Faith is NOT about getting God to bless you where you are, it is about leaving where you are and following God because you believe He has a better way for you to live, and a better place for you to be!
3. True faith has the betterment of others as its goal.
God’s intention was for this chosen nation to be a source of blessing to all the nations. True religion exists for the blessing not only of its own, but ultimately for the betterment of all people.
Those are some foundational thoughts about faith that were exemplified by the way Abraham lived his life - even though he wasn't perfect and made some significant mistakes along the way.
Think for a moment about who first pointed you in the direction of a faith-filled life. Who was it? How did they demonstrate a life that was full of faith in the promises of God?
Monday, September 22, 2008
What's In A Name?
If you heard the message yesterday you know how the Sovereign God was revealed in some amazing ways through different names. Specifically, we looked at ...
"El Roi" (The One Who Sees Me)
"God Almighty" (El Shaddi)
"The Lord Will Provide" (Jehovah Jireh)
It was through a variety of amazing events in the lower story that led to those revelations which help us to understand the nature and character of God who is in control of the upper story.
In addition, we discovered the meaning of several other cast members' names - Abraham, Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac.
All of this got me to thinking about the importance of a name. I'm named after my father and the Biblical character who became king of Israel. My first name means "beloved" and my last name means “brave chieftain.”
I'm sure many of you have done some research on the meaning of your name. We'd like to hear from you. What does your name mean? Beyond that, what do you want your name to reflect about your character? In other words, when people hear your name what do you want them to think of as it relates to you?
"El Roi" (The One Who Sees Me)
"God Almighty" (El Shaddi)
"The Lord Will Provide" (Jehovah Jireh)
It was through a variety of amazing events in the lower story that led to those revelations which help us to understand the nature and character of God who is in control of the upper story.
In addition, we discovered the meaning of several other cast members' names - Abraham, Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac.
All of this got me to thinking about the importance of a name. I'm named after my father and the Biblical character who became king of Israel. My first name means "beloved" and my last name means “brave chieftain.”
I'm sure many of you have done some research on the meaning of your name. We'd like to hear from you. What does your name mean? Beyond that, what do you want your name to reflect about your character? In other words, when people hear your name what do you want them to think of as it relates to you?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Chapter 5 - Personal Study Guide
Click here to download the Chapter 5 Personal Study Guide
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Chapter 4 - Personal Study Guide
Click here to download the Chapter 4 Personal Study Guide
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Work
After God got the ball rolling in the Garden of Eden the Bible says that God put Adam in it to work (page 3 of The Story). As has been pointed out by others throughout the ages, the idea of work comes BEFORE the fall of humankind so we can't link work to sin (Unfortunately I can't seem to convince my 6 year old daughter of this!).
We all have a responsibility to work hard. It's a principle throughout the Bible and we are told in the New Testament to do our work as unto the Lord. In other words - work for an audience of One. The good news is that our worth and value in God's sight do NOT come from what we do. God loves US - not what we do to make a living.
So today many of us are heading off to our respective places of employment. Others will be working from home or in the home. We'll be teaching, practicing medicine or law, driving, researching, studying, serving, cleaning, creating, computing, managing, listening, speaking, training, traveling, etc. How will we do our work?
We'd like to know what kind of work you do. Take a moment and comment about what you enjoy as it relates to your work. What brings you satisfaction? What causes you grief? What vision do you have for improving your work experience? How do you share the love of Christ with those in your workplace?
We all have a responsibility to work hard. It's a principle throughout the Bible and we are told in the New Testament to do our work as unto the Lord. In other words - work for an audience of One. The good news is that our worth and value in God's sight do NOT come from what we do. God loves US - not what we do to make a living.
So today many of us are heading off to our respective places of employment. Others will be working from home or in the home. We'll be teaching, practicing medicine or law, driving, researching, studying, serving, cleaning, creating, computing, managing, listening, speaking, training, traveling, etc. How will we do our work?
We'd like to know what kind of work you do. Take a moment and comment about what you enjoy as it relates to your work. What brings you satisfaction? What causes you grief? What vision do you have for improving your work experience? How do you share the love of Christ with those in your workplace?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thanks for Coming to the EPIC Experience!
Dear Friends,
Thank you for attending the EPIC Experience last night! We had an incredible turnout and an amazing time together! It was great to hear from some already who were touched by God and challenged in their faith journey. Please feel free to share your experiences with each other - if you want you can leave comments about what God did or is doing in your life through this event, or through future events, devotionals, teachings, readings, etc on those posts.
I know that I was personally encouraged by the time of celebration and food out front - it was awesome to see so many people under the tents. Folks were driving by and definitely took notice that something exciting was happening at RCC!
I was also challenged through the worship to draw deeper in my relationship with Christ, to shed off more of my own selfishness and sin and take on more of God's purpose for my life.
Thank you again for coming out! Blessings!!
Thank you for attending the EPIC Experience last night! We had an incredible turnout and an amazing time together! It was great to hear from some already who were touched by God and challenged in their faith journey. Please feel free to share your experiences with each other - if you want you can leave comments about what God did or is doing in your life through this event, or through future events, devotionals, teachings, readings, etc on those posts.
I know that I was personally encouraged by the time of celebration and food out front - it was awesome to see so many people under the tents. Folks were driving by and definitely took notice that something exciting was happening at RCC!
I was also challenged through the worship to draw deeper in my relationship with Christ, to shed off more of my own selfishness and sin and take on more of God's purpose for my life.
Thank you again for coming out! Blessings!!
Rest
On Day 7 (page 3 of The Story) the Scriptures say that God rested. Today happens to be my day of rest and I'm going to spend it with my family. Recently Pastor Bill spoke on the need for us to heed the Sabbath Sign - we need a day of rest (check out the RCC Podcast if you missed it!).
I'm just thinking out loud here and wondering how we do as a church family at resting. What does your day of rest look like? How frequently do you take seriously God's example (and later a command) of rest? Who do you spend time with when you're resting or do you prefer to rest alone? Let us know!
I'm just thinking out loud here and wondering how we do as a church family at resting. What does your day of rest look like? How frequently do you take seriously God's example (and later a command) of rest? Who do you spend time with when you're resting or do you prefer to rest alone? Let us know!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Which Day?
If you've read Chapter 1 of "The Story" then you know that in those first six days God was up to some pretty creative stuff. I couldn't help but think about which day I would have liked to have been there for the most. If you could have a ticket to watch only one day of the creative process, which day would you choose & why?
Day 1 - Day/Night
Day 2 - Sky (Atmosphere)
Day 3 - Seas, Plants & Trees
Day 4 - Stars, Sun & Moon
Day 5 - Aquatic Life & Birds
Day 6 - Livestock, Wild Animals & Us
I'll go with Day 5. I happen to enjoy eagles and it would have been cool to watch them coming into existence. Now it's your turn!
Day 1 - Day/Night
Day 2 - Sky (Atmosphere)
Day 3 - Seas, Plants & Trees
Day 4 - Stars, Sun & Moon
Day 5 - Aquatic Life & Birds
Day 6 - Livestock, Wild Animals & Us
I'll go with Day 5. I happen to enjoy eagles and it would have been cool to watch them coming into existence. Now it's your turn!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Chapter 3 - Personal Study Guide
Click here to download the Chapter 3 Personal Study Guide
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
Chapter 2 - Personal Study Guide
Click here to download the Chapter 2 Personal Study Guide
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
Chapter 1 - Personal Study Guide
Click here to download the Chapter 1 Personal Study Guide
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
As with all pdf files such as this, be sure to click on the save document icon in the toolbar within your browser to save this pdf file to your computer. You can also print directly from that toolbar.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
EPIC Experience
COME JOIN US! We are going to kick-off the start of EPIC with a time of food, fellowship and worship on Wednesday, September 10th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at our Oakmont campus. All children’s ministry activities resume that evening so childcare will be provided. Come early for some 'gormet' hot dogs and chips outside on the lawn!
This will be an exciting time where all four services will have a chance to worship together as one! Please sign up on the communicator so that we can prepare for food. See Dave Longstreth or Chad Zollo for more information.
COME EARLY FOR FOOD (5.30 PM)
Welcome to EPIC Blog
We are going on a journey together - an EPIC adventure if you will - through the Bible in a form that is "The Story". This blog will give you an opportunity to...
1. Download resources pertinent to the teaching that you receive every week.
2. View media from our services in the form of audio, video and illustration.
3. Read devotions written by RCC staff and other sources.
4. Interact with each through the comment features of this blog.
5. Link to this blog or connect your friends to it to help spread the word.
In the column to the right we have provided a way that you can receive email updates for posts and/or comments. We have also provided links to the church's web pages, a contributor list linked to our websites or blogs, archives of posts by month and other gadgets from time to time.
Thank you for taking the time to visit EPIC Blog and be sure to check back daily for updates and new posts.
Blessings!
1. Download resources pertinent to the teaching that you receive every week.
2. View media from our services in the form of audio, video and illustration.
3. Read devotions written by RCC staff and other sources.
4. Interact with each through the comment features of this blog.
5. Link to this blog or connect your friends to it to help spread the word.
In the column to the right we have provided a way that you can receive email updates for posts and/or comments. We have also provided links to the church's web pages, a contributor list linked to our websites or blogs, archives of posts by month and other gadgets from time to time.
Thank you for taking the time to visit EPIC Blog and be sure to check back daily for updates and new posts.
Blessings!
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