Grace Fellowship Church: Site News http://www.grace-fellowship.com/mod/news/group.php?category_id=1 Feed en-us no@body.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-20T20:33:17-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 GRACE POINTS! http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points.html Pastor Brent's Bulletins
Sunday's Message: God's Global Purpose
This is part 4 in the series: RISING ABOVE THE CULTURE, in which we discover what God really wants us to do with our life and why. If we get this, we will be on target with God's eternal purposes and in the very center of his will. If you are floundering in life, this could be a game changer!
 
Baptism & Family Swim Picnic
One of the next steps every Christian should take after they become a Christ follower is to be publicly baptized as testimony of their faith to others. We want to offer that opportunity to you Sunday, 7-9p @ the Country Club. Please contact Pastor Brent if you have not already done so. We are going to broaden this gathering to include our entire church family and guests to a picnic/swim event. The food will be potluck in style. Bring a lawn chair.
 
New Women's Life Group
Thursday Night LifeGroup - Just as the prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressure to compromise his faith in a hostile culture and was constantly confronted by temptations and threats, today's believers face similar trials. This 12 session study by Beth Moore covers these topics as well as the amazing prophecies the LORD reveals to us through the book of Daniel. This small group for women will be meeting @ 6:15pm beginning September 8th here at Grace. If interested please contact Bernadeen Strohm at 701-9577 asap so that materials can be ordered.
 
Discovery Club Leaders
The midweek children’s ministry, Discovery Club, is gearing up for a new season under the direction of Becky Shoemaker. Our ministry is growing which will require more leaders to serve. We invite you to attend the planning meeting to find out how you can plug in. Join us this Wednesday @ 630p, or contact Becky.
 
The Hope Clinic
We are so grateful for over 20 people signed up to be part of the Hope Clinic ministry that will launch at the end of October! The Hope Clinic is a holistic approach to serving the needs of the medically uninsured. You should have already received information via email or phone for next steps for training and essentials. Let’s get prepared so that God can work through us to extend his grace and glory in our own community. If you missed out on the sign ups and would like more information, please contact us.
 
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I am praying you will know the presence of the LORD and that he will release into your life the Spirit of wisdom and understanding for leadership, the Spirit of counsel and power to carry out his wise plans, and the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD for holiness. Isaiah 11.2. If Jesus needed the ministry of the Spirit in his life, how much more do we?
 
See you Sunday!
 

BRENT ROLSTEN
]]> 2011-08-25T00:00:00-05:00 THE GREAT EXCHANGE http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/the_great_exchange.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/the_great_exchange.html For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2Cor. 5.21
A well known TV/Radio host wrote today: Easter is not all about rabbits, eggs and chocolate candy. It's about the love God has for us. So it doesn't matter what religion you are, just go and show love to people and that will be the expression of Easter.
 
He is partly right, but he forgot the first part of the equation. Easter is indeed an expression of God's love for us. In fact, Paul writes, But God demonstrates his love for us in that while were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5.8. The host forgot about the reason for Easter---our problem with sin.
 
Easter is all about God doing something about our sin problem that separates us from his presence. He didn't have to, but out of his great love for us, and through his unbelievable grace and mercy, he reached out to sinful humanity and offered us his goodness in exchange for our sin.
 
How? For our benefit, He made his own Son to become sin, who was sinless and perfect, and he put all of our sin upon him. In exchange he made us acceptable to God on the merit of his Son. I call it The Great Exchange.
 
Christ then, is the bridge that allows sinful man to cross over into a relationship with a holy God. There is no other religious religion; there is no other religious individual; there is no other religious practice that is acceptable to God that offers a means of relationship with him. There is only One God, and One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 2Timothy 2.5.
 
That means whoever comes to God by faith based on the finished work of Jesus is delivered from the penalty of sin and offered the promise of eternal life. He is the only One making intercession for you right now---pleading your case before a righteous Judge saying: "yes, he is guilty of breaking your commands, but I, Jesus, have paid for his crime and have chosen to take his place so that he might go free. He won't have to pay." The Great Exchange. My sin for his righteousness. That's what Good Friday is all about.
 
That exchange has been guaranteed by the resurrection of Christ. Anyone could have been crucified on the Cross, but it is the Resurrection that proves Jesus is God, and he alone can fulfill what has been promised. The apostle Paul said it this way:
 
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 1Cor. 15.17
 
But Paul goes on to affirm, But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead.... 1Cor. 15.20
 
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ! 1Cor 15.58.
 
Only Christ guarantees The Great Exchange through his Resurrection! We have much to celebrate on Resurrection Sunday!
 
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GRACE POINTS!
 
The Resurrection Sunday Message: The Bridge
This is the Sunday to invite your friends and family to Resurrection Celebration. When they come, we will invite them to meet Jesus at the bridge and be transformed by the power of his resurrection.
 
Class 301 Ministry
This is the last Sunday to sign up for this class. Once you become a Christ follower, God wants you to be equipped to serve others with his grace. He wants you to strengthen the body with your gifts and abilities so that together we can fulfill his purpose in the world and make his Name famous. Class 301 is a 3 week course that begins Sunday, April 15 @ 4p.
 
I can't wait to celebrate the risen LORD with you this Sunday!
 
 
BRENT ROLSTEN

 

]]> 2012-04-06T00:00:00-05:00 Points of Grace! http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/points_of_grace.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/points_of_grace.html This Week's Message: Living In God's Presence
This week concludes our study in the Old Testament Feasts of Israel and how they each are fulfilled or will be fulfilled in Christ. The Feast of Booths is considered the greatest feast of them all. It is full of great joy and celebration. Christ, in his fulfillment, shows us how to live in that kind of joy and how it breaks the stronghold of ungratefulness in our lives.
 
Mother's Day!
We look forward to honoring every mother in attendance this Sunday. We love you and appreciate who so consistently demonstrate what the hands of and feet of Jesus look like.
 
Honoring Graduates
We will be honoring our graduates from high school, college and masters programs on Sunday, May 20. Please let us know that you or your loved one will be graduating or has recently graduated.


 

Missions Team
We are beginning to form our Mission Team that will help the disbursement of financial support for the sharing of the gospel both globally and locally. We also want to develop more outreach opportunities and environments to meet the needs of people to show them the love of Christ. Meeting frequency would be about 6 times a year. Please indicate on the Connection Card your interest in this ministry.
 
Kids Camp Ministry
There is always tremendous opportunity for life change in the lives of our kids at Kids Camp. We invite you be part of impacting the next generation on June 22,23, Friday night and Saturday, at the Lashbrook farm. We will have a list of ways you can participate next week, and you may also contact Kathy Newsome or one of the Children Leaders for more details.
 

This Week At Grace

Sunday

845a Adult LIFE Group with Todd Strohm

Tuesday

630p Student Impact

Wednesday

545p The Church @ Prayer

Thursday

615p Women’s LIFE Group with Bernadeen Strohm

Sunday Honor Graduates

Helping Hands Ministry

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Discontent stems from the sin of ingratitude and a lack of faith that God loves you enough to provide for all that you need.
 
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Phil. 4.11
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Phil. 4.12
 
Come and bless the LORD with us this Sunday for all he has done in our lives! He is worthy!
 

BRENT ROLSTEN
]]> 2012-05-11T00:00:00-05:00 GRACE POINTS! http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points-3.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points-3.html  
This Week's Message: Getting Ready To Meet The King
Before entering into the presence or royalty, one must properly prepare for such an encounter. The Day of Atonement Feast, has powerful implications for how believers are to come before God and what that means to God's people as we look for the 2nd Coming of Christ. Join us as we look at Feast number 6 out of 7.
 

Financial Peace

Next Wednesday will be our last class with Dave Ramsey and his teaching on managing our resources God’s way. We welcome all of you to join us at 630p as we look at the topic: THE GREAT MISUNDERSTANDING, Unleashing the Power of Generous Giving. We will discover how being good stewards opens the door for God to work powerfully through us.
 
Honoring Graduates
We will be honoring our graduates from high school, college and masters programs on Sunday, May 20. Please let us know on the Connection Card that you or your loved one will be graduating or has recently graduated.
 
Women's LIfe Group
"Stepping Up" with Beth Moore is a new women's study around the themes of unity, joy, gratitude, redemption, repentance, the power of blessings, facing ridicule and more. Plan to join this study on Thursday nights at 615p. Contact Bernadeen Strohm for more details.
 
Missions Team
We are beginning to form our Mission Team that will help the disbursement of financial support for the sharing of the gospel both globally and locally. We also want to develop more outreach opportunities and environments to meet the needs of people to show them the love of Christ. Meeting frequency would be about 6 times a year. Please indicate on the Connection Card your interest in this ministry.
 
Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling! Psa. 43.3
 
Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God. Psa. 43.4
 
On this National Day of Prayer, ask God to send forth his light and his truth into our nation, and into the hearts and minds of those who are leading this great land. If we will walk in his light and seek his truth, he will dispel the darkness of this world's system that is hostile to God, and the wisdom and discernment revealed in his truth will bring us to a place of righteousness, making us a nation that honors him, and a nation he can bless for his glory.
 
Come and be blessed in the LORD this Sunday!

 

]]> 2012-05-04T00:00:00-05:00 HAVE YOU MOVED ON? http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/have_you_moved_on.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/have_you_moved_on.html  

It usually happens sometime after the loss of a loved on. Some well meaning soul will strongly urge the one who is grieving to move on in life and start thinking about other things and plan new endeavors.
 

 
I agree that prolonged mourning can be detrimental to one's healing, but sometimes the impact of our loved one is too great to move on so quickly to other things in life.
 
Such is the case with the impact of Easter. Easter is one of the most powerful, transforming seasons of the year in our walk with God. Our celebration of our LORD's resurrection was just a couple of weeks ago, but I am wondering if we have moved on to other things? The next event? The next project? The next responsibility? I hope we are not in a hurry to move on from the impact of Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday. Linger a little bit longer with me in these life changing reminders:
 
1. Jesus demonstrated his love for us. Matthew 27.26-35 records the depth of his passion and commitment to secure the forgiveness and payment of our sin. Say these words slowly with me: he was scourged...delivered...stripped...mocked...led away...crucified. Don't move on too quickly. Paul brings it to a focus in Romans 5.8: But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
 
2. God then demonstrated his power over all creation. Matthew 27.51-53 tells us that at the very moment of Jesus' death on the Cross the following took place: the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom...there was a great earth quake...rocks were split...tombs were opened...bodies of saints were raised as the first fruits of victory over death...these saints appeared to many as testimony to the power of God.
 
The whole reason for the demonstration of love of Jesus and the power of God is so that we may be brought to God: For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit. 1Peter 3.18.
 
Honestly, I hope we never move on from the impact of the death and resurrection of our loved one, Jesus Christ. Here's why...Ephesians 2 says that before we came to Christ in relationship, we were dead spiritually in our sins, but because God is rich in mercy, and because of his great love for us, he has made us alive together with Christ.
 
If you have moved on from Cross and the Empty Tomb, come back. There is nothing more important in your life than the love of Jesus and power of God be manifested in such a way that others are also brought to a life changing relationship with him.
 
*******
 
POINTS OF GRACE!
 
This Week's Message: The Feast of Trumpets
We are right in the middle of our study on the Feasts or Israel and discovering that they point to a fulfillment in Christ in remarkable detailed ways. The feasts also remind us of God's faithfulness and provision for our physical and spiritual needs and the importance of keeping God first place in our lives. The Feast of Trumpets point to prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled by Christ, but will be at the appropriate time. Todd Strohm and I are coming together to help you see what is yet to come as the Feast of Trumpets is about to come alive right in front of our eyes.
 
New Community
This is our monthly gathering on the first Wednesday of the month in the Transparent Ministry Building in Central Center. It is a great time in the middle of the week for extend worship, serving one another, and believing God for healing. Join us on Wednesday, May 1 @ 7p for Kingdom ministry.
 
New Women's Life Group
The Beth Moore study will start on Thursday, May 3, 615p @ Grace. The study will center on "Stepping Up," exploring themes of unity, joy, gratitude, redemption, repentance and the power of blessings. Bernadeen Strohm will be leading the study.
 
Honoring Graduates
We want to honor your graduate on Sunday, May 20. Please let us know by May 6, so that we will be prepared to recognize your high school, college, or post college graduate achievements.
 
Whom will you invite to meet Jesus on Sunday?


BRENT ROLSTEN
]]> 2012-04-25T00:00:00-05:00 Ceramics Studio http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/ceramics_studio.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/ceramics_studio.html Grace Fellowship is partnering with 2 other churches to offer an outreach ministry through ceramics working with clay and pottery materials. The idea is to offer a venue by which we can connect with individuals through this medium and through building of relationships, to make disciples and followers of Christ. This ministry is still in the conceptual stages, but details are starting to come together quickly. We wanted to let you know how God is working and perhaps how we can join him in pointing others to Jesus. If anyone has any experience or interest in working with ceramics and clay materials, please indicate on the Connection Card or talk with Brent about more of the details. Jesus said GO and make disciples. This may be one of those GO opportunities!

]]> 2012-04-12T00:00:00-05:00 Financial Peace Class http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/financial_peace_class.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/financial_peace_class.html Our topic of study this week with Dave Ramsey is “That’s Not Good Enough!” How to buy only big, big bargains. Joins us on Wednesday @ 630p in The Commons.

]]> 2012-04-12T00:00:00-05:00 New Message Series – Finding Jesus In The Feasts http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/new_message_series_finding_jesus_in_the_feasts.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/new_message_series_finding_jesus_in_the_feasts.html Feasts in the Bible were more than just a reason to gather for a celebration. They were powerful reminders of God’s faithfulness and his promises to his people. In doing so, they helped each family make sure that God has first place in their lives. At the heart of each Feast was its prophetic significance. That is, each Feast pointed to the life and work of the coming Messiah, Jesus. The first 4 Feasts have been fulfilled in Christ, the last 3 are yet to come in fulfillment. The impact for believers through this study will be rich. Join Todd Strohm and Brent Rolsten as they team up for this new series, beginning next Sunday, April 15.

]]> 2012-04-12T00:00:00-05:00 CHRIST IS RISEN! … CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED! http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/christ_is_risen_christ_is_risen_indeed.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/christ_is_risen_christ_is_risen_indeed.html RESURRECTION JOY!

When the disciples first looked into the empty tomb, there was fear and sadness because the body of Jesus was gone. But that sadness turned to great joy when Jesus revealed himself in bodily form to the disciples and to over 500 hundred at one time. The Resurrection of Jesus absolutely proves that Jesus is God, who has gained victory for us over sin and death, and offers the hope of eternal life. We ask you to give God your best worship in celebration of the living and resurrected LORD!

]]> 2012-04-05T00:00:00-05:00 Palm Sunday http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/palm_sunday.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/palm_sunday.html Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week---a week of turning events that would impact all of history, and certainly all of us. The Jewish people believed Jesus was the Messiah to deliver them from Roman rule. But Jesus came as Messiah Savior, to deliver them from Satan, sin, death and all enemies of righteousness. On this day Jesus offered himself as the rightful King of Jerusalem, but by the end of the week, as Scripture says, ­He came to his own, and is own people did not receive him. JN 1.11. Today, join us in proclaiming him as the King of all kings who is worthy to receive our palm branches of worship and praise! “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the Name of the LORD!”

]]> 2012-04-05T00:00:00-05:00 Easter Connection http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/easter_connection.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/easter_connection.html Jesus in the Gospel of Luke

Start to finish, Easter all about Jesus. To help you connect in a deeper way to him, we want to suggest reading through the Gospel of Luke. Luke brings the life and ministry of Jesus forward in such a powerful way that the reader cannot miss the truth that Jesus is the only Son of God. We will start our reading of one chapter a day together as a church family on Thursday, March 15 and will finish Chapter 24 on Saturday, April 7 with the Resurrection. If you will take time to read each day---a great idea to do as a family---we believe God will speak to you about his Son, Jesus. This week’s reading: Chapters 11-17

]]> 2012-03-23T00:00:00-05:00 Easter @ Grace! http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/easter_grace.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/easter_grace.html Significant upcoming events

 Eggxtravaganza – Saturday, March 31, 2-4. Outreach for kids

 Palm Sunday – Sunday, April 1. What does it mean to cross the bridge of Christ?

 Passion Night – Thursday, April 5, 630p. Experiencing the Feast of Passover

 Resurrection Sunday – Sunday, April 8. The Bridge. Invite your friends to the bridge.

]]> 2012-03-17T00:00:00-05:00 Easter Connection – Jesus in the Gospel of Luke http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/easter_connection_jesus_in_the_gospel_of_luke.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/easter_connection_jesus_in_the_gospel_of_luke.html Start to finish, Easter all about Jesus. To help you connect in a deeper way to him, we want to suggest reading through the Gospel of Luke. Luke brings the life and ministry of Jesus forward in such a powerful way that the reader cannot miss the truth that Jesus is the only Son of God. We will start our reading of one chapter a day together as a church family on Thursday, March 15 and will finish Chapter 24 on Saturday, April 7 with the Resurrection. If you will take time to read each day---a great idea to do as a family---we believe God will speak to you about his Son, Jesus. This week’s reading: Chapters 4-10

]]> 2012-03-17T00:00:00-05:00 The Easter Season http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/the_easter_season.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/the_easter_season.html Easter at Grace

 Our theme for this Easter Season is THE BRIDGE…the idea being that God, who is holy, bridged to humanity, who has a sin problem. It is in the bridge of Christ that we are able to relate to God the Father. Jesus is the only bridge to span the chasms of sin, relational conflict, and eternity. It is because of the power of the Bridge, that we can build bridges of forgiveness in our relationships. Expect God to build bridges in your life with others this Easter Season. At the heart of building bridges in our relationship with God is being intentional with a daily devotional time. Make it a point to connect with The Bridge every day as we move toward Easter.

]]> 2012-03-17T00:00:00-05:00 GRACE POINTS! http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points-2.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points-2.html GRACE POINTS!
 
Financial Peace
Dave Ramsey is well known for helping people establishing biblical foundations for Godly stewardship of our resources. Financial Peace is a great course with all kinds of financial building blocks to help us maximize what God has entrusted to us so that we can honor God in a greater way and experience his blessing that comes through financial freedom. This week we look at: DUMPING DEBT. There is no cost to take the course, which means no workbook or handouts. But we will offer interaction with the teaching and Scriptures. Join us on Wednesdays @ 630p
 
Child Care Ministry
During the Financial Peace course, we have need for a couple of people to help with pre school child care, on Wednesdays @ 630p. Please contact Amie Lindsey right away if you are able to serve in this ministry.
 
Easter Connection
Start to finish, Easter all about Jesus. To help you connect in a deeper way to him, we want to suggest reading through the Gospel of Luke. Luke brings the life and ministry of Jesus forward in such a powerful way that the reader cannot miss the truth that Jesus is the only Son of God. We will start our reading of one chapter a day together as a church family on Thursday, March 15 and will finish Chapter 24 on Saturday, April 7 with the Resurrection. If you will take time to read each day---a great idea to do as a family---we believe God will speak to you about his Son, Jesus.
 
Elizabeth's Hope Bottles
Elizabeth’s Hope is a ministry to unwed mothers that provides spiritual counsel, guidance, and the meeting of some needs. The passion of Elizabeth’s Hope is for the life of every unborn child and for the spiritual well being of every mother. Bring your baby bottles this Sunday filled with change.
 
Website and Audio Recording
We are seeking some additional help to serve in the ministry of website development and getting our Sunday messages recorded to the website. Please let us know of your interest and skills related to this ministry.
 
*******
 
If you don't tell you money where to go, you will always wonder where it went. ---John Maxwell.
 
I am inviting every single one of you to come worship the LORD this Sunday---and if at all possible, reach out and bring someone with you!
 

BRENT ROLSTEN
]]> 2012-03-01T00:00:00-05:00 Operation Christmas Child http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/operation_christmas_child.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/operation_christmas_child.html You can have global impact in extending the message of Jesus to children all around the world by filling one shoe box filled with fun things. The message of the gospel will also be included before the box is sealed. Forms are available in the Foyer or from Sharon Sprouse. The deadline to bring in your boxes is Sunday, November 13. Don’t forget a $7 donation to cover the cost of the shipping. This is a great opportunity to help your kids think of others this holiday season.

]]> 2011-10-20T00:00:00-05:00 Daughters of Ruth http://www.grace-fellowship.comwww.daughtersofruth10.org http://www.grace-fellowship.comwww.daughtersofruth10.org There is an emergency women and children’s homeless shelter that just opened on October 15, called the Daughters of Ruth. Check out possibilities for your involvement in this ministry at www.daughtersofruth10.org . Please contact Missy Forcum for more details.

]]> 2011-10-20T00:00:00-05:00 Secret Church http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/secret_church.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/secret_church.html What if you could block out 6 hours to study the Bible to discover what the gospel has to say about Marriage, Family, Sex and all of the components that go with it? You can on Friday, November 4 @ 7p-1a @ Church Triumphant on St Rt 180. The cost is $5 for the book and the teaching is done by David Platt via simulcast. These are topics that are front and center in our culture that need God’s voice of truth and direction. You will need to get your ticket from Tami Schumaker or Terri Werr by 10/23/2011. There is also room to help serve in a light way. We will enjoy a time of worship and praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters who are standing up for their faith in Christ. See Tami for more details.

]]> 2011-10-20T00:00:00-05:00 Grace Points! 10/19 http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points_10192011.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points_10192011.html 7 BILLION PEOPLE ON THE PLANET
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2Pet. 3.9
 
This year marks the seventh “billion-person” milestone in the planet’s history. On or around October 31, 2011, the world’s 7 billionth person will be born, the United Nation estimates.
 
Yes, the population has risen very quickly over the last century when compared to the last 2500 yrs. For example in 500 B.C., there was a population of only about 100 million. It took 2400 years to reach 2 billion people. It has taken only 84 years to add 5 million more.
 
The exponential growth is staggering! The demands and needs for basic living is overwhelming. Add to that increasing catostrophic events and the world soon becomes very complicated, raising uncertainties about the future.
 
The Bible tells us that world events are moving us toward the unfolding of God’s plan for the 7 billion people and the nations at an acclerated pace. The Bible also says that God has a passion for each of the 7 billion people. We are more than just number or a statistic to him. God’s passion is that all 7 billion would embrace him in a right relationship. His desire is that none would be eternally separated from him, but that all would turn from their sin and receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
 
The point: every single person on the planet matters to God---EVERY ONE!. So much so, that God is waiting patiently for each person to choose him and trust him for their eternal destiny. The reality is that Peter talks about a day of judgment coming when it will be too late to decide for Christ, and that promise will be fulfilled in due time. And the reason God is holding back his day of judgment on sin is because he is passionate about 7 billion people having the opportunity to personally choose him in relationship and become a member of his family by faith.
 
I want to invite you to begin praying globally for those who are far from God. Of the 7 billion, 4.5 billion people will spend eternity separated from God in a place called hell---unless someone shares the gospel with them. That ought to get the attention of every believer.
 
It’s hard to get our arms around those numbers, but you can start with a local focus. Between now and December 25, I encourage you to make a list of 10 people who need Christ. You begin to pray for each asking God to open their heart to believe and receive the good news of the gospel. And then ask God to show you how to talk to each person about the greatest gift they could ever receive...the gift of Jesus. Honestly, could there be anything more important?
 
Listen...you may not be able to impact 7 billion people, but by the grace and power of Jesus Christ, you can point 10 people toward heaven. It’s only 10 out 7 billion!
 
*** *** ***
 
GRACE POINTS!
 
New Message Series -- Make A Decision
One of the most challenging aspects of the Christian life is trying to discern God’s will for any given situation…jobs, relationships, where to live. It can become so challenging that it actually becomes a stumbling block that prevents us from making any decision at all. In this new series, MAKE A DECISION, we’ll take a fresh approach in what it means to trust God and do the next thing. We’ll take a look at some problematic questions: Does God have a secretive will? Does God have a plan for my life…and if so how do I find out what it is? What do you do when you feel directionally challenged? MAKE A DECISION series is cutting through the verbiage and getting to the heart of what God wants to do in your life for his glory. Make the first decision and bring a friend with you this Sunday when we look at the topic: If God Has A Plan For My Life, Why Won't He Tell Me?
 
Secret Church
In many parts of the world, believers hunger to study the Bible in secret because of persecution. What if you could block out 6 hours to study the Bible to discover what the gospel has to say about Marriage, Family, Sex and all of the components that go with it? You can on Friday, November 4 @ 7p-1a @ Church Triumphant on St Rt 180. The cost is $5 for the book and the teaching is done by David Platt via simulcast. These are topics that are front and center in our culture that need God’s voice of truth and direction. You will need to get your ticket from Tami Schumaker or Terri Werr by Sunday. There is also room to help serve in a light way. We will enjoy a time of worship and praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters who are standing up for their faith in Christ. See Tami for more details.
 
Daughters of Ruth
There is an emergency women and children’s homeless shelter that just opened on October 15, called the Daughters of Ruth. Check out possibilities for your involvement in this ministry at www.daughtersofruth10.org. Please contact Missy Forcum for more details.
 
Operation Christmas Child
You can have global impact in extending the message of Jesus to children all around the world by filling one shoe box filled with fun things. The message of the gospel will also be included before the box is sealed. Forms are available in the Foyer or from Sharon Sprouse. The deadline to bring in your boxes is Sunday, November 13. Don’t forget a $7 donation to cover the cost of the shipping. This is a great opportunity to help your kids think of others this holiday season.
 
Look for opportunities over these next 2 months to extend God's grace to others! Why not start this Sunday in the fellowship of believers!
 
 
BRENT ROLSTEN
]]> 2011-10-20T00:00:00-05:00 GRACE POINTS! 10/07 http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points_1007.html http://www.grace-fellowship.com/n/grace_points_1007.html Pastor Brent's Notes
TRANSFORMERS
 
I know...you are thinking of the movies or those little action figures that with a few moves and clicks become something all together different. They change from what they were into a dynamic more powerful and stronger. My little friends keep me posted on the latest updates of these super powers.
 
Let me share with you the updates on our dynamic calling as a church. Under the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we are to be cooperating with God in being agents of transformation in a couple of ways:
 
1. We are to lead people into an encounter with Jesus that transformes them from unbelievers to followers of Jesus Christ. The Bible calls that transformation being born again. Jesus said to Nicodemus, a religious do gooder:
 
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” JN 3.3
 
We cannot cause anyone to experience a supernatural transformation in moving out of the dark into the light or from separation from God to an eternal relationship with him. But we can point them toward heaven; we can pray for the Holy Spirit to invade their lives and show them their need for the Savior.
 
2. We are to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus...the process of transforming believers into disciples. It is the moving from the profession of faith to a devoted and commited lifestyle that reflects the person of Jesus at every turn. This process has a couple of clicks attached to it:
 
First, the Bible indicates an urgency in turning away from the world’s system and connecting with a biblical world view. In essence, the apostle Paul indicates we should do that now, without delay.
 
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Rom. 12.2
 
Second, the transformation is on going and will continue until we see Jesus face to face.
 
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2Cor. 3.18
 
If you have been transformed by the living and resurrected Christ, then, I now commission you as spiritual transformers, unleashed in the power of the Holy Spirit, to extend his glory to all people. That’s the calling of our faith family!
 
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POINTS OF GRACE!

New LIFE Groups
2 new LIFE groups are now underway. The Men’s LIFE Group, led by Don Newsome, will target a study on what it means to be a courageous man in your home and in our culture. It meets on Wednesdays @ 7p. The new Women’s LIFE Group is led by Debbie Long and the topic of the study is Expecting To See Jesus. It will also meets Wednesday @ 7p.
 
The Blessing of Serving
Our culture has been programmed to believe that blessing comes in the receiving of whatever. God says the true blessing comes in serving him by serving others. We want to invite you to consider the blessing in serving in our Children Ministry, Student Ministry, Helping Hands, Projection and Sound Ministry, Greeters, Visitation, Prayer and many more. Take a look at the Ministry Leaders list in the Foyer and then contact the leader of that ministry to learn more of how you can be a blessing to others. The blessing is in the giving! If you are not serving, your are missing out on the blessing!
 
The Hope Clinic
The Hope Clinic is an opportunity to demonstrate the gospel visibly and to share the love of Christ to those who have medical needs but are without medical insurance. Areas of ministry would include doctors, nurses, greeters, prayer counselors, janitorial, clerical, child care, registration, hospitality, security, facility set up/tear down, social workers, translators pharmacists and techs, IT support…there is a place for you. The next orientation to be able to serve is this Monday, 6-9p @ the Health District Building [former Harts building]. You can apply online @ www.hopeclinicfree.org or apply when you come to the orientation on Monday. The Hope Clinic will operate on Mondays from 6-8p. We anticipate the opening for later this month.
 
Step out and invite someone to worship the LORD with you on Sunday!
 
 
BRENT ROLSTEN
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