Acts 21

The Sunday we will be teaching from Acts chapter 21. In this chapter Paul goes to Jerusalem. He had been warned many times by fellow believers not to go. Verse 13 gives an example of Paul's desire to go.

"For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus"

--Craig

Great chapter Sunday -- Acts 20!

I hope everyone is able to read and study our focus chapter for this week - Acts 20. This is one of the best chapters in the Bible. Paul gives the Elders of Ephesus some final instructions about ministry. These words are very relevant for all of us today. As we read these words, remember we are all in some type of ministry whether it be our family, friends, co-workers, or church.

"...neither do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus..." (Acts 20:24)

As the days click off, we need to remember the importance of finishing strong. This means staying positive, encouraging others, and staying passionate about our love for our Lord Jesus Christ. I look forward to hearing how God uses these inspired words from Acts 20 to teach us Sunday.

--Craig

Sunday Reminder - Acts 19

This Sunday we will be studying Acts Chapter 19.

In this chapter Paul starts his third missionary journey and continues to boldly preach the gospel.

Lets open God's word and see what He has to teach us.

--Craig

Acts 18 in a nutshell

Here's a good summary of Sunday's chapter (Acts 18) from G. Campbell Morgan:

Leaving Athens, the center of the intellectual life of Greece, Paul came to Corinth, its commercial center. There he joined Aquila, and gave himself to the work of tent-making, while reasoning on the Sabbath in the synagogue with both Jews and Greeks.

When opposition arose, he turned from the synagogue and found his base of operations in the house of Titus Justus. Unquestionably the opposition was keen, but he was encouraged as the Lord spoke to him in a vision. The result was that he remained in Corinth for a year and six months.

The opposing Jews at last arraigned Paul before Gallio. Gallio treated these Jews with supreme contempt, and by this fact the overruling God delivered His servant.

At last he left the city and passed to Ephesus, from Ephesus to Caesarea, from Caesarea to Jerusalem, where he tarried long enough to salute the Church, and so back to Antiock, completing the second missionary journey.

Then we see him starting on the third journey, going first over old ground. It was in this period that we have the account of a vow. It is perhaps a little difficult to explain, and expositors have taken different views.

The account of Apollos follows. By birth and training he was especially fitted for work in that area. He was evidently a remarkable man, "eloquent, might in the Scriptures, instructed in the way of the Lord, fervent in spirit." Nevertheless, it is equally evident that he was limited in his knowledge of Jesus, which knowledge resulted from the ministry of John the Baptist. It was on account of this that he was more carefully instructed by Aquila and Priscilla.

From An Exposition of the Whole Bible, copyright 1959, Fleming H. Revell Company.

--Mark

Sunday Preview

Please remember to read and study Acts chapter 18 for this week.

During our Christian walk we cross paths with many godly believers that help and encourage us. In Acts chapter 18 Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla who encourage and help him in ministry. A lot of great lessons can be learned from Acts 18.

See you Sunday!

-- Craig

Men's meeting summary

Sunday afternoon, the men gathered in the brisk but sunny outdoors for a quarterly men's meeting around the picnic tables. Here is a brief summary of what was discussed:

(1) Dean presented a financial report, including a summary of income and expenses for 2008. See copy posted on the church bulletin board for details. There was discussion of increasing support of Family Legacies ministry, and it was agreed this would be explored.

(2) We talked briefly about the teaching, prayer and singing time ... we discussed the need for enthusiasm on the part of the fathers, as a leadership example to our families.

(3) After our study in Acts ends, we will be studying one of the minor Prophets (which one to be determined). Then we will do a topical study on one or more Bible doctrines. The possibility was mentioned of using the Baptist Faith and Message booklet as a guide for this doctrinal study.

(4) We discussed increasing our church's participation in mission and service opportunities. It was reemphasized that the church is willing and able to financially support young people and families wishing to participate in mission trips and similar opportunities. Support was expressed for students attending Summit Ministries' worldview conferences at Bryan College in Dayton, TN. Also we agreed to explore the possibility of participating in mission trips with Youth Unlimited Gospel Outreach (see www.yugo.org). We expressed the desire to be involved in local ministry as well, and encouraged the men and their families to be alert for potential needs and opportunities.

(5) We talked about the need to revive the HFC blog with fresh content and frequent updates.

(6) We discussed the need for each of us to be alert to visitors, absentee members, or others that may need friendly follow-up or encouragement in the Lord.

(7) We will be posting a sign-up list for church cleaning. Families that want to participate can sign up for a particular month. At least once during their month, the family would spend an hour or two doing a thorough cleaning of the church building. We also agreed to have the carpets and bench fabric steam cleaned again.


After the men dismissed, the real powers-that-be took over the picnic tables: