This Sunday
Let’s face it! We lead busy lives. With all that we do, day in and day out, our walk with the Lord can quickly turn into a race against ourselves and the clock. While it’s true that we are “running the race to win the prize”, sometimes we need slow down and take time to hear from the Lord.
Each week, this is where we will be posting our focus for the coming Sunday’s worship time. It is our hope that you will use this to prepare your heart and come, eager to worship Him!
We hope to see you Sunday!
February 5, 2012
I thought this was funny.
To me the Christian walk often feels like this. Only we don’t have dogs staring at us licking their chops, we have lions! 1 Peter 5:8 tells us,
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Comforting thought, I know. But take heart for herein lies the blessing and promise of God. We have been enlisted in the army of the LORD not because of our strength but because of His so that His glory might be shown in our weakness. Look at what the Lord said to the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
This Sunday Pastor Rick Ribble will be sharing with us from Act Chapter 4. Here we find John and Peter called before the Jewish ruling counsel to give answer to why they are preaching about Jesus’ resurrection. If you remember (as I’m sure they did) appearing before this council was the same path that led Jesus to the cross.
I know you will be encouraged yourselves as Rick applies the trials and courage of these disciples to our lives today. I hope you will join us for one of our morning services this weekend.
Music for this Sunday (Links are to iTunes):
Happy Day by Tim Hughes from the CD Holding Nothing Back
Open the Eyes of My Heart by Paul Baloche from the CD Our God Saves
At the Cross (Live) by Hillsong Live from the CD Mighty to Save (Live)
Before the Throne of God Above as performed by Selah from the CD Hiding Place
Jesus Paid It All as performed by Fernando Ortega from the CD Storm
I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) as performed by Chris Tomlin from the CD Passion: Everything Glorious
O the Blood as performed by Kari Jobe from the CD God Be Praised
January 29, 2012
I don’t like job interviews. I like to work hard at my job but the process of getting there is not on my list of favorite things. And of all the questions that are asked during the interview process, I think the one I dread most is this one: “What is your greatest weakness?” Yikes.
I don’t think I’m unique in that I try to avoid this topic. Like you, I don’t mind talking about what I’m good at but when it comes to revealing weakness and failure, I think it’s human nature to clam up. It’s often an area of embarrassment and shame. And sometimes, rightfully so.
In Acts, chapter 3, we find someone in just that place. We see a man, lame from birth, who is carried each day to the temple so he may sit outside and beg. For years this man saw the days pass in exactly the same way. Most would ignore him, some would scoff at him, and still others would give him money. But one day in particular was different. On this day, God would intervene and change his life forever.
This Sunday, Pastor Harry will be speaking from this scripture passage as continue his sermon series, “In the Absence of Jesus” with a message entitled, “Appreciate Your Weakness”. Weakness is a topic to which all of us can relate; both physically and spiritually. In fact, this Sunday could very well be the day God meets you in your weakness and changes you. That is our prayer.
Songs for this Sunday (Links are to iTunes):Friend of God as performed by Chris Tomlin/Israel Houghton from the CD Passion: Live from Passion07, Pt. 1
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Blessed Be Your Name as performed by Tree63 from the CD The Answer to the Question
God Is Able (Live) by Hillsong Live from the CD God Is Able (Deluxe Edition) [Live]
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) as performed by Casting Crowns from the CD Until the Whole World Hears
January 15, 2012
Each year we set aside at least one Sunday to showcase the students from our school, Fox Valley Christian Academy. This Sunday we will be doing just that. The students will be leading us in worship, prayer, and scripture reading. We will also have an update from the school administrator, Ron Halma. Even if you don’t have children in the academy, we think you will be blessed to see and hear these students worshiping the Lord.
This also gives the Academy a chance to share a little about what God is doing through their efforts. With many outreach and student ministries, they are having an impact for the Kingdom of God both here in the Fox Valley and around the world.
Also, Pastor Harry will be continuing his series entitled, “In the Absence of Jesus”. With this practical teaching we pray you will be motivated and better equipped to serve the Lord faithfull until His return.
Songs for this Sunday (Links are to iTunes)
The Lord Reigns as performed by Gateway Worship from the CD Wake Up the World (Bonus Track Version)
Everyday (Live) by Hillsong Live from the CD The Very Best of Hillsong Live (Live)
Happy Day by Tim Hughes from the CD Holding Nothing Back
For All You've Done (Live) by Hillsong Live from the CD The Very Best of Hillsong Live (Live)
Your Great Name as performed by Natalie Grant from the CD WOW Hits 2012
Lead Me to the Cross as performed by Hillsong United from the CD All of the Above
January 8, 2012
Given the opportunity to share the gospel with those who don’t know Jesus, many Christians will ask this type of question: “What would happen to you if you died tonight?” I think that’s a valid question and will rightly make an unbeliever think. But what about those of us who already know the Lord as our Savior? We can answer that question with certainty. Since we have placed our trust in Christ and his redemptive work on the cross, our sins are forgiven. We know we can stand before God with confidence. Now what? I think the opposite question becomes our motive for going forward: “What would happen to you if you didn’t die tonight?”
This Sunday Pastor Harry will begin a new series entitled, “In the Absence of Jesus, Part 1: Don’t Just Stand There”. The text will be Acts 1:1-11 and will focus on our calling to be people characterized by sharing the truth of Christ with the world.
Please join us as we begin this brand new series. We are prayerful that God will speak to you.
Music for this Sunday (Links are to iTunes):
Jesus My Redeemer by Chris Tomlin from the CD And If Our God Is For Us
Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster from the CD Let the Praises Ring
Hosanna by Paul Baloche from the CD Experience His Presence
Raise Up the Crown (All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name) by the Passion Band from the CD Hymns: Ancient and Modern