May 24th

Greetings,

Why did we show the film “Patterns of Evidence” about the Exodus last week? What did you glean from watching it?

Of course there is the obvious. Facts and findings from archeology and Egyptology that support or refute history. That is the narrative. But what I find utterly fascinating is how experts in these fields, knowledgable about the same facts could dismiss the striking evidence and remain spiritually blind to what we believe is truth. The truth of the Bible and the Biblical account?

How does that happen? I had hoped we might discuss that this week at home group if there was time around dinner. But we’ve taken a different dinner tact, and are meeting with another life group, The Small’s, at the home of Bobbi Cardew, Wednesday night, 6:30 pm, 1923 Hendricks. See you there! (Please RSVP to Patty if you haven’t already so they will know how many to prepare for dinner. )

In closing I’ll share some thoughts and quotes that are apropos to the questions I started out with about the film. You can mull them over yourself and perhaps discuss them among yourselves. How do people come to faith? Come to be Jesus’ sheep?

I noted Jesus’ discussion of those who know Him and those who don’t?  John 10:25-30. “…you don’t know Who I Am, because you are not My sheep.” “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them… and give them eternal life.”

And I noted these interesting quotes for you to ponder….

“It matters little what we think of the Lord; it matters for eternity what God thinks of us.”

C.S. Lewis

“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’”

C.S. Lewis

“People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive.” Blaise Pascal

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

“The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him.” A.W. Tozer

Godspeed…

TUESDAY May 16th

Greetings,

ATTENTION! Home group is meeting tomorrow, Tuesday May 16th, 6:30 p.m. at the Bell's. Please be on time as we plan to start the movie promptly at 6:45 p.m.. Popcorn will be served! :)

The movie Patterns of Evidence is refreshing in it's approach to history, faith, and science. It's also beautifully done (cinematography and music) -- the way he tells the story of his quest and journey into this area of life and human experience.

It may also spark a little discussion about soteriology (look it up :)). It will spark some mystery and wonder in your soul about our God and His interaction with men -- the same yesterday, today, and forever -- working out His wonderful plan for His Son, His children,  and His friends.

Hope to see you there!

Dwayne

Movie description on iTunes

Trailer

May 3rd

Greetings,

Home group tonight will meet at the Bell's 6:30pm, as usual. We'll be picking up were we left off in the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ, looking at the seven churches in Asia Minor (Modern Western Turkey), that were used by Jesus during the last half of the Roman empire to spread His kingdom far and wide, even down to the USA today.

Tonight we finish with the last church, number seven, Laodicea, Rev 3:14-22.

Dr. Stan asks that I, "also encourage folks to share a scripture" or “what the Lord is teaching them”. So please bring a Scripture to share that's meaningful to you of late, or some lesson the Lord has taught you lately about life, others, or Himself. Thank you.

Shalom,

Dwayne





   “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: ... ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:14–21)

   “‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”” (Revelation 3:22)

Ray Stedman Commentary on Laodicea