en http://www.mefc.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=7 Senior Pastor, Brian Cooper Joining our staff on November 1st is Brian Cooper, a native of central New Jersey. He is married to his wife Judy and together they have three teenage children. We are looking forward to a new era of Kingdom work as he comes to be our Senior Pastor. Pastor Brian Cooper and his wife Judy grew up in Hopewell Township, New Jersey. They both attended Hopewell Valley Central School. Neither knew the Lord until they were young adults. He felt the call to the ministry early in his Christian life and volunteered in his home church’s youth ministry. He has a hunger to keep learning and to keep growing and enjoys sitting under good teaching. He is so thankful for his salvation and never wants to grow cold in his love for the Lord. Brian has been in the pastorate for twenty five years, serving first as a Youth pastor for 7 years, then an Associate Pastor for 6 years. He served as Senior Pastor in his present church, located in Bethlehem for 13 years. During that time the church has grown from a congregation of 200 to its present size of 750. Brian oversees a staff of nine including three pastors. His giftedness lies in communication (preaching/teaching), leadership and mercy. Brian is an Honors Graduate of Eastern College, St. David’s, PA with a BA in History and Political Science. He graduated from Biblical Theological Seminary, Hatfield, PA with a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Arts in Christian Counseling. More information, including sermons, can be found at his former church website: www.aplaceforyou.org Director of Music, Mark Hahn A native of central New Jersey, Mark first felt a call to ministry while in High School. It was through various influences and the guidance of Donna Rose, choir director of his home church, and Dr. Samuel Hsu, that Mark's call to full time music ministry was confirmed. He attended Philadelphia Biblical University (formerly Philadelphia College of Bible) and graduated with a B.S. in Bible and a B.Mu. in piano performance. Since graduating in 1986, Mark has held positions at churches in the greater Philadelphia area and has been in full time ministry here at MEFC since 1992. He enjoys participating in the musical culture of the surrounding communities as accompanist and soloist as well as administrating and directing the many choirs and ensembles of the church community. Mark, his wife Cinderly, and their two children, KateLynne and Jacob, currently reside in Ewing, NJ. In addition to his love of music, Mark also enjoys the outdoors, his dog Luke, and is an avid stamp collector and sci-fi/historical fantasy buff. Director of Youth Ministries, Eric Couch Born and raised in a Christian home, Eric came to Christ at an early age. He felt a call to ministry in his early twenties after a time of falling away from Christ. He enrolled in Word of Life Bible Institute and continued his education at Liberty University to earn a bachelor’s degree in Youth ministry. Eric married his wife, Amy, after graduating from Liberty in 1997. They have two daughters, Mikayla, who is nine and Olivia, who is seven. He served as Youth Pastor at the Findlay Evangelical Free Church in Findlay, Ohio for almost eight years, leaving there to move east to be closer to family. He spent the last year serving in New Hartford, NY as an Associate Pastor of Youth and Children. Eric’s passion for youth is CLEAR. His goal is to Connect with students inside and outside of church and Love them to Christ, to Equip them to reach their friends for Christ and to Answer life’s challenges with Biblical principles and to ultimately Raise up students to do Christ’s work. Eric enjoys being outdoors. He loves to hunt, fish, camp and play sports. He is a die hard Giants and Syracuse fan. While he can only play to radio and ipod, he loves all kinds of music. Administrator, Shelley Mathisen Staff Assistant, Denise Loock Sexton, Dan Homan Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:34:57 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=63 Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! God made the human body to communicate within itself. For instance, your eyes can read this cryptic sentence, “L_ve th_ Lo_d y__r G_d” and your mind can fill in the blanks to make sense of what you read. If the mind makes the wrong assumptions, however, it can come to the wrong conclusions. It could mistakenly read, “Live the Loud year God” which of course makes no sense whatsoever. The point is this – the lack of clear communication often leads to poor results. The same is true within the body of Christ. God designed the body of Christ, his church, to co-labor together, uplift one another. Effective churches are churches where good communication within the body is an ongoing priority. I have a friend who co-labored in ministry with me. In the midst of a growing church, he sensed there was a growing confusion among our people due to the number of ministries, equipment, room needs, and so on. He said something I will never forget: Our job as leaders is to keep confusion away from our people. In order to do this we must “Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!” We took his words to heart and the ministry improved for the better. People had more confidence in the leadership, events went more smoothly and people were less frazzled. Here’s the point - we are a church with lots of activities. We share people, room space and equipment. If you are a leader of an activity, in order to keep confusion away from our people, please “Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!” Ask yourself three questions: What resources do we need (rooms, equipment, vans, etc.)?How are we going to advertise this event/activity (verbal announcement, bulletin insert, email, etc)?Who else needs to know about this event (the church office, the pastors, the elders, the trustees the deacons and deaconesses to name a few)? If you will “Communicate, Communicate, Communicate” you will be more respected as a leader, you will be less frazzled in running your event, and you will minimize the risk of hurting other people’s feelings. Communication - it really works! Because Christ is worthy of our best! Pastor Brian Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=62 Hello! Many thanks to all of you who helped move us in on Friday and those of you who have been helping us get settled ever since then. We are finding our way around both our moving boxes in the parsonage and the Montgomery area. So, here we are at the start of a new era! Let’s see what God will do through us in the future! As I stated once before in another Thursday Thoughts, we are beginning a series on “The Marks of a Healthy Church”. 11/09 “The Mark of Authentic Fellowship” - 1 Corinthians 13:1-7,13 11/16 “The Mark of Heartfelt Worship” - Psalm 95:1-7 11/23 “The Mark of Spiritual Growth” - Ephesians 4:17-24 11/30 “The Mark of Gifted Ministry” - Romans 12:4-8 12/07 “The Mark of Penetrating Our Community” - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I hope to make this series very applicable to us all as these are also some of the marks of a healthy Christian. Next week, as time allows, we will have a more detailed Thursday Thoughts. We are enjoying meeting our new church family. Blessings on you! Pastor Brian Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=61 Thursday Thoughts October 23, 2008 “Farewell and Hello” In a little more than a week, your life and ours will never be the same. We will build bonds of friendship, grow in our faith together, encourage one another through the difficult times, serve the Lord together, pray for God’s blessing and seek to advance the Kingdom of God together. It is a time for tender farewells here in Bethlehem. They have been precious to us. Yet we have enjoyed the many enthusiastic hellos from you as we are getting to know our new church family at MEFC. (You really are a neat group of people!) If there was a biblical foundation for a healthy pastor/people relationship it would be found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Philippians, as you may know, is a thank you letter to a church for their long standing friendship and support. It is a warm and friendly letter, exuding a joy that surpasses any of his other letters. In fact, he uses the words "joy" and "rejoice" no less than 16 times in this short letter. Here’s what he says to them: Philippians 1:3-5 - I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now... Whenever Paul prays for them, he can't help but pray with thanksgiving and joy. Why? It’s because they have partnered with him in the gospel, in seeking to advance the Gospel. They had done it “from the first day until now.” Many of you have served “from the first day until now.” You have served long and faithfully and I have seen your heart for the Lord and his church. I look forward to partnering with you at MEFC. I am filled with expectant joy because of the partnership we will have in the gospel being co-laborers together for Christ and his beloved church. I know that there is some natural apprehension as a new pastor comes (to tell you the truth, I’m a little scared myself). To rid myself of those thoughts, I was thinking of all that you and I already have in common: I was lost in my sin, selfishness and rebellion against a holy God. You were lost in your sin, selfishness and rebellion against a holy God. Someone loved me enough to tell me the truth about myself and my need for God’s mercy. Someone loved you enough to tell you the truth about yourself and your need for God’s mercy. You saw your need for a Savior. I saw my need for a Savior. I need to be part of a healthy church family for mutual support and nurture. You need to be part of a healthy church family for mutual support and nurture. I desire others who don’t have this saving relationship with Christ to come to my precious Jesus. You desire others who don’t have this saving relationship with Christ to come to your precious Jesus. You desire those who do have a saving relationship with Christ, including yourself, to grow in their faith. I desire those who do have a saving relationship with Christ, including myself, to grow in their faith. I live in a fallen world with a sinful nature and therefore mess up and need forgiveness. You live in a fallen world with a sinful nature and therefore mess up and need forgiveness. You can encourage me. I can encourage you. See how much we already have in common? See how much we share in God’s grace? To quote that great American actor, Humphrey Bogart in the movie Casa Blanca, “This looks the beginning of a beautiful friendship!” See you on November 1st! Pastor Brian Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=60 Who Speaks for God?   In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1,2 One of the most important aspects of teaching spiritual truths is this – the teacher’s responsibility is not to put words in God’s mouth but to take words from God’s mouth and make them applicable for today. By taking words from God’s mouth I mean to focus on biblical truth that God has spoken either directly or indirectly through others. The faithful teacher offers real hope and real help for the real world by unpacking the truths found in Scripture and presenting them to that specific audience. There is the danger of error when we begin to put words in God’s mouth – when we claim to speak for God. For example, Job’s three friends claimed to speak for God and gave Job false information which incurred the Lord’s anger (Job 42:7). The false prophets of Ezekiel’s day falsely calmed the idolatrous Israelites against God’s impending judgment by saying, “Peace, when there is no peace”(Ezekiel 13:10). They claimed to speak for God, putting words into God’s mouth that were not true. That is not a good place to go when claiming to speak for God. Having said that, you can understand our need for caution when someone claims to speak directly for God, whether it be an author or speaker. One example is the very popular book, The Shack. Its author, William Young, seeks to answer, through story, God’s response to our cries of injustice in the face of suffering. Although the story is fictional God’s responses are meant to be true. The plot centers on the abduction and murder of a six year old girl. As a result, the girl’s father, known as Mack, lives under what he calls “The Great Sadness”. The plot takes a dramatic turn when a few years later God drips Mack a note inviting him to the isolated shack where his daughter was murdered for a special meeting. There God, in the form of all three members of the Trinity, meets with him for the weekend giving Mack new insights about God’s dealings with the world. As a result Mack goes home a changed man. The book has gotten mixed reviews. One prominent author has said, “this book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyon’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his. It’s that good!” But others are not so positive and have called the book “undiluted heresy” because in The Shack, Young’s god says some things that seem opposed to Scripture. I would suggest that, if you read The Shack or any other book which claims to speak for God, you read such a book with your mind fully engaged. Not all truths we read in the Bible, such as the teaching about hell, are palatable but that does not make them any less true. Ultimately, God speaks for God. We are to be his faithful servants sharing his revealed truths with others. For a more detailed presentation of the proposed errors in The Shack, please see the website: http://www.challies.com/media/The_Shack.pdf On a personal note, I peeked in my office the other day and saw the fresh coat of paint. Thank you for these labors of love! Also, Judy and I are looking forward to coming to the Family Fall Harvest on the 18th. We are looking forward to being with our new church family again! We are planning on moving over two days – Friday night, October 31st and Saturday morning, November 1st. If anyone would be available to unpack the moving trucks on those days (people here in Bethlehem are packing them up) please let us know via Shelley at the office. Thank you. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=58 It’s autumn, one of my favorite times of the year (I enjoy living in the Northeast with its seasons). The leaves are a big part of it. What color, what artistry! Autumn is a time to gain fresh perspective on God’s creative genius. Psalm 24:1 - The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it... While speaking on the glory of God at a recent gathering of Lehigh University’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we talked about the glory of God being displayed upon the earth. We also talked frankly about Lehigh’s strong unwritten atheistic policy when it came to the origin of the earth, despite the fact that one of the leading proponents of intelligent design is a professor there (Michael Behe) I wanted to offer them some hope. Perhaps this will give you some as well: The psalmist wrote: Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. What Psalm 19 is saying is this – the more that creation is studied, the more we can see laws and functions that utterly amaze and give God the glory. Albert Einstein, Time Magazine’s Person of the Century, saw the orderliness of the universe. He came to the conclusion that such and intelligent design points to an intelligent designer. He would argue with those who were atheist marveling, In view of such harmony in the cosmos which I, with my limited human understanding, am able to recognize, there are yet people who say there is no God. Allbert Einstein Prof. Antony Flew, 81 years old, is a legendary British philosopher and atheist and has been an icon and champion for unbelievers for decades. In a change of mind which has shocked his cohorts, he has abandoned his atheism and accepted the existence of God. (This would roughly be equivalent to Billy Graham becoming an atheist). Here’s what he said in an interview: I think that the most impressive arguments for God’s existence are those that are supported by recent scientific discoveries...I think the argument to Intelligent Design is enormously stronger than it was when I first met it. Antony Flew You can read more at http://www.existence-of-god.com/flew-abandons-atheism.html While neither Einstein nor Flew would believe in a personal God who interacts with his creation like our God revealed in the Bible, they do believe in a creator. Einstein would accuse the local Princeton pastors of blasphemy because the god that he saw displayed through the microscope and the telescope was much greater than the god that was portrayed from the pulpits. He accused the pastors of making their god too small and their worship too feeble for such a magnificent designer. So how big is your God? May I suggest that you take a walk outside, enjoy the leaves, smell the autumn smells and rejoice that you and I have a God that not only knows the stars he created by name, but knows our names as well because we are his children through Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for the church here in Bethlehem as they are interviewing for a youth pastor and an associate pastor at the same time they are beginning to search for a new Senior Pastor. Thank you for caring about your brothers and sisters in Christ. I enjoyed attending the Missions Committee meeting the other night. Thanks to Donna and her team for making me feel welcome. The parsonage is looking great and thank you to the ones who have diligently worked on it. Blessings on you, Pastor Brian Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=57 “Depression – A Stubborn Darkness” That’s what Christian Counselor Ed Welch has named his book on the subject of depression. While in Romania recently, I co-taught a seminar on the subject of depression. While there are many kinds of depression we focused on two types – situational depression and biological depression. I focused on situational depression and the effects it has on us spiritually, emotionally, physically and relationally. Some people say that depression feels like a black curtain of despair coming down over their lives. People experiencing it are sad, lack interest in everyday activities and events, and feel a sense of worthlessness. Situational depression can be triggered by a tragic event (mourning) while biological depression treats your brain as a malfunctioning organ with medication, sleep, proper eating and exercise as helpful to get back on track. Someone has rightfully said that ‘the most sensitive thing that God ever made was the human soul’. There are many verses in Scripture which speak of situational depression: Proverbs 15:13 - A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Think about how Job suffered emotionally through his trials: Job 16:12 - All was well with me, but I feel as if God has crushed me. and Job 19:6-11 - Know that God has wronged me and drawn his net around me. 7 "Though I cry, 'I've been wronged!' I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice. 8 He has blocked my way so I cannot pass; he has shrouded my paths in darkness. 9 He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. 10 He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree. 11 His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies. Jeremiah, a faithful prophet, in seeing tragedy happen in the lives of people he loved: Jeremiah 8:21 - Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn, and horror grips me. David, a man after God’s own heart, cries out to God in his despair over the guilt he feels in his life that has drained him of any joy: Psalm 38:4,8 - My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. Caring for the Depressed While depression calls for a visit to trained health professionals, there is also much that the church can do to the person who is depressed. Look at how Paul was helped in his depression. 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 - For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. Conflicts without, fears within is a good way to describe a person who is running on emotional fumes. But look at how God comforts Paul: 6 But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort...he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more. (NASV) See how God uses the church’s powerful gift of encouragement to uplift those around us? When his wife died, this pastor said this to his congregation: “I do not understand this life of ours. But still less can I comprehend how people in trouble and loss and bereavement can fling away their Christian faith. In God's name, fling to what? Have we not lost enough without losing that too?” "You people in the sunshine may believe the faith, but we in the shadow must believe it. We have nothing else." Pastor John Gossip Look at these verses and see God’s heart on the power of encouraging others: Hebrews 10:23-25 - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 - But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I don’t know where I would be without the encouragement of the Saints. I hope that you feel the same way. Encourage one another! Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=55 Transitions I apologize for this week’s Thursday Thoughts being late this week. The reason is that we have just returned from a long trip to Michigan where we got our freshman son, Matthew, situated at Calvin College. During our orientation, the college did a nice job of hosting a seminar for parents on the art of “letting go” – of making the transition to having our child away from home. In my life, I’ve discovered that letting go is not all that easy. Transitions can be hard, especially if we liked life the way it was. There is usually a feeling of loss. We step from the known to the unknown. As the saying goes, “Life will never be the same again”. Yet, in the midst of life’s transitions, I find in myself a season of reflection. There is the renewed sense of how precious a gift this life is, how quickly it passes and how important it is to love and be loved. Things like faith, family and friends become dearer to me during these times. We lean on God more during these times – at least we should. It’s during transitions that Paul’s description of our Heavenly Father being a “God of all comfort” (1 Corinthians 1:3) really takes center stage in my heart. Many of you are in transition as well. Whether it is moving into a new phase of life or moving to a new location, life is moving you onward. In the midst of transitions, I would encourage us with four thoughts: Christ promises to keep working in and through our lives. Let’s trust him! Philippians 1:6 - He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Christ empowers us for the tasks ahead. Let’s find our strength in him! Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. We have a light to shine. Let’s shine it! Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. The faith that walks through the darkness is the greatest faith of all. Let’s keep walking! 2 Timothy 4:7-8 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. And certainly, we as a church are in transition as two new pastors come aboard. I am sorry to hear that the Couches have had so much trouble in their transition here. Please continue to pray for them. Thank you for praying for us. We are very excited that Pastor Eric has personally invited our daughters to the upcoming youth retreat at Camp Orchard Hill. To those of you who prayed for a safe trip to Michigan and back, thanks so much. We never realized how long a state Pennsylvania was before now. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=53 Thank You Teachers! (Part 2) Listen to the goal of one teacher - “My mission is to experience God and growth through teaching others.” I agree. Last we week we noted these two qualities of a good teacher: “What comes from the heart goes to the heart!” God speaks to us before he speaks through us. Effective teachers have learned the importance of engaging with the truth before teaching it to others. Ask yourself two key questions. 1. What do you want your students to know? What truth should they be taking home with them? What are the “big ideas” that you want them to remember? As teachers are clear on this question, so will their students be. 2. What do you want your students to do? Now that they’ve learned about it what do you want them to do with it? A good lesson has points of application connected with it. Let’s consider two more qualities for this week:We are teaching people the Bible as well as the Bible to people. I have delighted in training other men in our church to preach on Sunday mornings to make for a stronger church. I marvel that they all make the same mistake at the start – they work hard on content (which is good) while they ignore their audience’s needs (which is not so good). On Sunday morning, their audience contains anyone from third graders through 95 year olds. But who is their target audience? People just like themselves. So the single men speak as if we are all single and the men with young children speak as if we all had young children. Do you see their mistake? Working only on content but ignoring their context (audience) makes them much less effective in their message. Who is your audience? What is their level of comprehension? What is their background and experience? Jesus spoke in simple language to uneducated folks. He spoke deeper truths to the more mature. He looked around and saw object lessons which they all could understand. He spoke truth but spoke it in a way that would make the greatest impact on his hearers. When I have taught children’s sermons, I have learned the hard way to first run the lesson by Judy, my wife, who has taught elementary school. She helps me to focus on “the big idea” while dropping the big words before I speak to the children. Along with this comes one more for this week:We understand that “People Matter to God” My greatest frustration in teaching high school history was the negative attitude of some of the older teachers. They were teachers who had lost their passion and their attitude was evident to their students who found these teachers to be mean irritable and impatient. In contrast, people matter to God. Sure there are problem people and discipline situations that come up in teaching but we must not lose sight of the fact that Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), touched people whom no one else would touch (Matthew 8:2,3), talked to people that others ignored (John 4:9) and saw potential in people that others overlooked (Matthew 9:9). People matter to Jesus. While on earth, he prayed for people, talked to people showed concern for people, sought to meet the needs of people and so on. (Very often in marriage counseling we will look at Ephesians 5 where husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. We will then explore the ways that Christ tangibly loved the church so the husbands can make the connection.) People matter to God. Do they matter to us? Please continue to pray for the Bethlehem church. It is a tender time for all of us. We know, however, that coming to MEFC is the leading of the Lord. We look forward to November 1st. Blessings on you! Pastor Brian Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=50 Thank You Teachers! The church is always on the lookout for teachers since we are called by our Lord to be “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). That command comes with a promise, “and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." We all remember teachers who had a positive impact on our lives. What made them special? I have spent a good deal of my life teaching in one form or another. I have sat under some effective teachers whether in Sunday School or a small group. In trying to encourage you in your teaching, in these next two weeks, let me share some common characteristics I have found among them: · “What comes from the heart goes to the heart!” Charles Wesley is credited with those words of wise advice. If you know anything about his hymns such as “And Can It Be That I Should Gain” and “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”, you know what I mean. He writes great truth from a heart that’s full of love for God. In return, his hymns touch our hearts and minds, leaving their indelible impressions. John MacArthur, when asked what drew people to his preaching responded, “God sets me on fire and people come and watch me burn!”He understands his responsibility to prepare his heart before the Lord as much as he prepares his message. Allow what you are teaching to impact you. Has God spoken to you through the lesson you are going to teach to others? If so, I find that I am more passionate about what I am teaching. Because it has impacted me I want it to impact others. I saw this sense of passion for a subject so clearly demonstrated when I was s passing through the fish department in a pet store. A store employee was asked a simple question about fish. What happened next gathered a crowd. He was so passionate about fish, their habits, coloring and other such fishy things, that it was clear he liked what he was talking about. He held my attention for ten minutes ...and all I came in for was a dog collar. God speaks to us when we are preparing a lesson for Sunday School, small group, etc. He speaks to us then speaks through us to communicate his transforming truths to others. · Ask yourself two key questions. These questions really help as I teach and hopefully, they will be of help to you as well. 1. What do you want your students to know? What truth should they be taking home with them? What are the “big ideas” that you want them to remember? As teachers are clear on this question, so will their students be. 2. What do you want your students to do? It is not enough that the information on your paper is transferred to their paper. Now that they’ve learned about it what do you want them to do with it? A good lesson has points of application connected with it. Abraham Lincoln once went to hear a prominent pastor. When his aides on the way home asked about the sermon, they were surprised to hear the president’s tepid appreciation of what they thought was a great sermon. They asked him, “Wasn’t the sermon great?” Lincoln responded with disappointment, “Yes, but he didn’t ask us to do anything great!” Ask your students to do great things like loving their neighbor or telling the truth. Challenge them to do the right thing which is not always the easy thing. Hold them accountable by asking how they applied the lesson learned the week before. Obviously your applications are age appropriate but you probably will find that you students will rise to the challenge. More on this subject next week. In closing, many of you have communicated with delight the great outpouring of love for Alan Sweeton. I am so pleased to be linking up with a church family like ours! Blessings on you! Pastor Brian Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=48 What You Get From Giving Bob Buford, author of the book, Half-Time, notes that at mid-life, many people discover they’ve built their lives around “success” only to find it empty. So they reinvent themselves to build the second half of life around “significance”. A survey was done to see if people saw a relationship between ministering to others and their own spiritual growth. 92% answered that the growth was “positive”, 8% answered “neutral” and none responded that ministry had a negative effect. As a matter of fact, most people responded that service to others had been a key motivator for significant spiritual growth. In stark contrast, of those who were not involved in ministry to others, over half (58%) felt either “not satisfied” or only “somewhat satisfied” with their level of spiritual growth. What’s the point? Ministry to others in not just benefiting the recipients of that ministry but also benefits those doing the ministry. This is how Jesus’ ministry is described – “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and he went around doing good...because God was with him” (Acts 10:38). It was Jesus who said that the key to significance really is gained through service to others. “But whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant (Matthew 20:26). Think about it! On another note, responses to those three questions are still coming in. Thanks for taking the thought and time to get back to me. You have given those of us in leadership some good discussion material. Need a reminder of the three questions? Here they are: 1. What you like about our church? 2. What you would change about our church?3. How we could better reach our community for Christ? Thanks! My email address for your responses is bcooper@mefc.org I would really appreciate your prayers as this is the Sunday where I tell our church here in Bethlehem about God’s call to a new ministry at MEFC. It will be one of the hardest things that I have ever done but it is the right thing. Blessings on You! Pastor Brian Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:48:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=33 A gift for our community... A re-enactment with actors and live animals! Saturday, December 13th 5:30 - 9:30 PM Sunday, December 14th 5:30 - 9:30 PM Montgomery Evangelical Free Church 246 Griggstown Road, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 ADMISSION IS FREE Rain/Snow Date the following Saturday, December 20th For more information please call the church office at (908) 874-4634. Wed, 5 Nov 2008 08:49:53 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=34 Please join us for our Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 26th at 7:30 PM. All are welcome! Wed, 5 Nov 2008 08:49:53 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=35 Join us for an evening of delightful music of the Christmas season presented by The Music Ministries of the Montgomery Evangelical Free Church this Sunday, December 21st at 6:00 PM. Wed, 5 Nov 2008 08:49:53 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39&article_id=174 Study Two: A New Beginning Joshua 1: 1-18 Imagine for a moment that you have been asked to “say a few words” after Billy Graham delivered a salvation message. Or how about being asked to perform after a diva like Whitney Houston or Barbra Streisand? Feeling a little apprehensive? Absolutely. Feeling a little underqualified? Definitely. Imagine then how Joshua felt as he watched Moses walk away toward Mt. Pisgah. Moses had been his mentor for 40 years. He had watched Moses lift his rod and part the Red Sea. He had witnessed Moses’ glowing countenance after spending six weeks on Mt. Sinai with God. He had seen the ground swallow those who challenged Moses’ authority. He had cringed when God announced that Moses would not enter the Promised Land. Now he grieved as his beloved leader disappeared into the desert landscape. Perhaps Joshua turned and looked at the hundreds of tents scattered across the plain. Scholars estimate that the Israelite encampment stretched for twelve miles. Joshua loved these people, yes, but they were so willful, so obstinate, so annoying. How could he manage them without Moses, the friend of God, guiding him? What would he do when they revolted against him as they had rebelled against Moses? I wonder if Moses gave Joshua the “rod of God” before he left. Did Joshua cling to it, hoping that some power still resided in the worn shepherd’s crook? Did Joshua wander into Moses’ tent, touching his belongings? Did Joshua close his eyes, imagining that at any moment Moses would pull back the tent flap and give him a brotherly slap on the back? The simple answer to all these speculations is “we just don’t know—the Bible doesn’t say.” What we do know is that Joshua was a man of faith. He had proved that when he stood with Caleb at Kadesh-Barnea, pleading with his fellow Israelites to enter the Promised Land. We also know that God reached out to Joshua with compassion and encouragement at this crucial junction in his life. Read Joshua 1. Study carefully God’s words to Joshua. 1. What instruction does God Joshua in verse 1? Why do you think God told him to do this? (See Deuteronomy 34: 8) 2. What promises does God give in verses 1-8? What phrase is repeated three times? Why do you think God repeats it? 3. What warnings does God give in verses 1-8? What do you think the word “prosper” means? (See Proverbs 10:5; Psalm 14:2) 4. What does Joshua do after his conversation with God? Why does he choose to do that? 5. How do the people react in verses 16-18? Do you believe them? Do you think Joshua believed them? Why or why not? 6. Moses had spoken to God face to face on a regular basis. According to Joshua 1:8, what was going to be Joshua’s source of guidance? Why is that significant? 7. Have you ever been at a crossroads like Joshua’s? What fears did you have? How did God encourage you? Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:38:58 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=42 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=42&article_id=175 Are you overseeing or providing care of an aging, chronically ill, or disabled family member or friend?Do you have new responsibilities as a caregiver without the benefit of formal training?Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety, anger, resentment or isolation as a caregiver?Would you like to meet others on this journey?Would you like to share your concerns where confidentiality is embraced and feelings can be expressed without fear of judgment?Would you like to be empowered with biblical principles as you face the challenges of care giving? Join Us... Who: MEFC family, both men and women; Open to the community as well. When: 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month Where: Montgomery Evangelical Free Church 246 Griggstown Road Belle Mead, NJ 08502 Time: 7:30 - 9:00 PM Topic: Max Lucado's Facing the Giants in Your Life Cost: No fee for registration; study guide is $8.00 Contact: Nancy MacKay (by September 12) stephenministry@mefc.org Include your name, address, phone number, and email address. Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:22:40 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=64 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=64&article_id=88 Why are we here? We are here to maximize God's fame and our happiness by treasuring Jesus Christ above all else. What do we want to see? Our vision is to see teens making Jesus Christ the Treasure of their HEARTS and HUDDLES. How will we get there? We will strive towards our vision by maintaining an ACTS environment in the heart, home and huddle. What is an ACTS environment? ACTS is an environment that has: Passionate Adoration Loving Community Uncompromising Truth-telling Radical Acts of Service Treasuring Christ in the HEART Small groups are provided for your teens to learn how to make Christ first in their hearts and to encourage their peers to do the same. Small groups meet at the church from 7:00 - 8:30 PM on Sunday evenings. Each group has their own meeting location, leader, and topics of discussion. In addition, each small group will take part in exciting ministry projects throughout the community. Treasuring Christ in our HUDDLES Fellowship activities are frequently provided to nurture teen relationships with each other and with God. The regular opportunities to get involved in real fellowship include: Youth Group A time of real friends, real fun, and real life. Junior and Senior High students meet together in the "upper room cafe" for music, worship, entertainment, and games in this coffeehouse. Join them on Friday evenings from 7:30 - 9:30 PM. Sunday School Senior High students gather to get real with God's Word and to satisfy their souls. They meet in the Youth Room to soak in God's Word from 9:40 - 10:40 AM on Sunday mornings. Junior High students gather to learn more of God's promises and what they mean for their lives. They meet in Rooms 209 and 210 from 9:40 - 10:40 AM Sunday mornings and are taught by Eric Mindrebo and Stephan Nash. Quiz Team Teens compete with District church teens in their Bible knowledge. Quiz team meets Sundays from 5:45 - 6:45 PM. Retreats During the year teens take part in a few retreats. Some of the retreats are experienced by the Junior and Senior High together and others are seperate. Service Projects We do many service projects to bring joy to our own souls as well as to others. We serve at events locally like New York City and Newark and beyond. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:55:50 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39&article_id=172 Born in slavery, Hoshea grew up in the shadow of despair. Yet his parents must have been two of the few who clung to the ancient promise of deliverance. Hoshea was the firstborn son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim. The blood of the legendary Joseph flowed in this baby’s veins. Hoshea means “salvation.” Every time his father or mother awakened him, called him to a meal, or bid him “good-night,” they were reminded of Jehovah’s covenant—a covenant that even 400 years of enslavement could not erase. Hoshea was a young man when Moses reappeared in Egypt, when Aaron stood beside his fugitive brother and cried, “God has seen our misery” (Ex. 4:31). Hoshea witnessed the destruction of Egypt’s vast resources, he walked between the watery walls of the Red Sea, and he heard the cries of the Egyptian warriors as they perished. At some point, soon after the Red Sea crossing, Moses took notice of the young Ephraimite. Was it Hoshea’s military prowess, his even temperament, or his steadfast loyalty? Perhaps God just said to Moses, “This is a man you want by your side.” We don’t know. What we do know is that when the Israelites fought their first battle as a nation, young Hoshea was their commander (Ex. 17: 8-16). Maybe Moses had already changed his name to Joshua, which means “Jehovah is salvation” (Num. 13:16). Discussion Questions: 1. What impression do you get of Joshua in Exodus 17:8-16? What do you think he remembered most about this day? 2. Moses is on the mountain with God for forty days; Joshua is alone. What do you think those forty days were like for him? (Ex. 24:13-18) 3. Exodus 33:7-11 records that Joshua remained at the “tent of meeting” outside the camp. What does this demonstrate about his relationship with Moses? With God? 4. What is the greatest difference between Joshua/Caleb and the rest of the Israelites?(Contrast Numbers 13:27-33 with Numbers 14:6-10) 5. Deuteronomy 31 recounts the transfer of authority from Moses to Joshua. Moses speaks in vv. 1-13, God speaks in vv. 14-23, and then Moses speaks again in vv. 24-29. What common threads of thought run through these three sections? (Note that Joshua says nothing during the entire chapter.) 6. What significance do you see in Hoshea’s name being changed to Joshua? 7. Consider God’s description of Joshua in Numbers 27:18 and Deuteronomy 34:9. 8. What does He emphasize about Joshua? How do you think He would describe you? Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:00:06 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39&article_id=158 Numbers 20; Deuteronomy 34 Some wise person said, "It is the constant pitter-patter of little defeats that ultimately tramples us." For forty years, Moses had endured the constant strain of leading the Israelites on their circular journey through the desert. According to Numbers 20:2-3, the "new" generation of Israelites was hardly an "improved" one. They were still grumblers. They had memorized the mantra of their parents, "Why did you bring us out into the desert to die?" The waters of Moses' frustration reached their flash point at Meribah. His anger poured out on the Israelites as vehemently as the water from the rock did. God's punishment for this outburst seems too severe: "you will not bring community into the land I give them" (v12). Moses even asked God to change His mind; however, God said, "Do not speak to me anymore about this mater" (Dt. 3:23-26). So Moses climbed Pisgah alone (Dt. 34:1), but once he reached the peak, the LORD joined him. Together they viewed the fertile valleys and vast olive groves of the promised land. I like to think Moses felt God's compassionate arm around his shoulder as they stood side by side on the mountain heights. Then the angels ushered Moses into the heavens, and I am certain that he heard God say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Discussion Questions: 1. Slip your feet into Moses' sandals as you read Numbers 20:1-5. What was he thinking and feeling that day? 2. According to verse 12, what exactly did Moses and Aaron do that was wrong? 3. Psalm 106:32-33 comments on this incident. What point is the psalmist making? 4. In Deuteronomy 3:223-28, what is Moses' attitude about his punishment? 5. Read Deuteronomy 31:6, 32:3-4, and 33:26-29. What is Moses' attidude in these final speeches? 6. Moses wrote Psalm 90 near the end of his life. What attributes of God does he emphasize? 7. C.S. Lewis referred to the death of a love one as as "severe mercy" - a "mercy that was as severe as death, a death that was as merciful as love." In what ways was Moses' death "a severe mercy"? Relevant Reading: Meyer, chapters 26-28 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:18:36 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39&article_id=157 Exodus 32-34 Before God ever inscribed the tablets of stone with his moral code, the Israelites were breaking that code. Before Moses ever told them what it meant to dwell in the presence of God, the Israelites had already decided to dishonor that privilege. When we read Exodus 32 we wonder, How could Aaron be so stupid? How could the Israelites be so ungrateful? Yet we also quickly succumb to sin when life does not meet our expectations. We do not erect golden calves and resort to pagan rituals, but we may blaspheme God in other ways. We doubt His goodness and His provision when we worry and complain. We mock His sovereignty and wisdom when we assume our plans are better than His plans. Moses, Aaron, and all the Israelites confronted the horror of their own fickleness and depravity in these chapters. Nevertheless, God did not abandon them. He wrote the tablets again. His glory still filled the Holy of Holies when the tabernacle was completed. He accepted their sacrifices and offerings. Moses reminded them in Deuteronomy 7:-9 that God's love was unconditional and His covenant was eternal. He will not abandon us, either. He will remain faithful. His unfailing love will draw us back every time we stray. What an awesome God. Discussions Questions: 1. Why did the Israelites ask Aaron to make them gods (Exodus 32:1-2)? Review what happened in Exodus 20:18-21. 2. Does God's response in Exodus 32:7-9 surprise you? Why or why not? 3. Wiersbe suggests that God was testing Moses )p.166). What does Moses' response in verses 11-14 and 30-35 reveal about Him? 4. Aaron had been chosen as the high priest. In what ways did he violate his office? Why do you think he failed so miserably? 5. What happened when Moses said, "Whoever is for the LORD, come to me" in verse 26? Why did Moses praise the Levites in verse 29? 6. The aftermath of the golden calf episode is recorded in Exodus 33:1-34:8. Whatdo the people do? What does Moses do? How does God respond? 7. One Bible scholar, Maxie Dunnam, defines an "idolator" as "one who having known God refuses to glorify Him; one who gives the praise and worship which belongs to God to someone or something else." How was this true of the Israelites? How is it true of us? Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:18:36 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39&article_id=156 Exodus 28-29 In a sense, the sacrificial system of offerings began in the Garden of Eden when God Himself slew a ram and provided clothing for Adam and Eve. From that point on, men continually offered to God sacrifices of atonement and praise. Adam and Noah did it. Abraham and all of his descendents did it. However, once the Israelites left Egypt, God declared to Moses that now He would "dwell" with the Israelites. To do that, God created a "kingdom of priests" to serve Him, and He consecrated them so that they would be able to enter His presence. As Wiersbe says, the priesthood had a two-fold job description. The priests stood in God's place before men; they also stood in man's place before God. In other words, they were God's ambassadors to men as well as man's ambassadors to God. In this way, most of all, they represent Jesus Christ. In man's presence, they symbolized the holiness of God as well as His mercy and grace. They accepted the Israelites' offerings. They communicated God's law. They provided the means of atonement. In God's presence, on behalf of all Israelites, they offered humble service, confession, and worship. Peter says that we are a royal priesthood (2 Peter 2:5,9). As we study these chapters, consider how our roles as New Testament believers mirror the privileges and responsibilities of the Old Testament priests. Discussion Questions: 1. According to Exodus 28, what was the purpose of the priesthood? (See vv.1-3, v. 38, Exodus 29:44-46, and Exodus 30:10). 2. Why do you think the priest were given special garments (29:2-3, 40-42)? 3. Based on what we learned about the tabernacle curtains, why are the colors of the high priest's garments significant (29:5-8, 31-35)? 4. Why were the sons of Israel named on the shoulder stones and the twelve tribes named on the breastpiece (28:9-21, 29)? 5. What was the purpose of the Urim and the Thumim (28:30; Numbers 27:21)? Why don't New Testament Christians have access to something like these stones? 6. Consecration was an elaborate ceremony. What aspects of it interest you most? (Exodus 29:1-26). How does the ceremony add meaning to Romans 12:1-2? 7. What similarities exist between the high priest's garments and the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:11-17? Relevant Readings: Wiersbe, chapter 12. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:18:36 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39&article_id=154 Exodus 25:10-22 Adam and Eve enjoyed the privilege of sinless fellowship with God. Ever since the Fall in Genesis 3, God has been orchestrating human history to restore that state of blissful harmony. Someday in Heaven, we will again enjoy that most sacred relationship: absolute communion with our Creator. The Most Holy Place of the tabernacle symbolizes that communion which existed in Eden and will exist again in Heaven. The ark of the covenant represents the essence of who God is and how he relates to us. As C.W. Slemming wrote, “With reverence and holy awe we step beyond the veil into the [Most Holy Place] and gaze upon the ark of the covenant, a thing the Old Testament saints were never permitted to do”(160). As we enter this veiled room, the place where God dwells, we truly stand on holy ground. Discussion Questions: Why was the ark placed in a room all by itself? Consider its purpose (Ex. 25:22). Based on what we learned about cherubim in lesson nine, why do cherubim sit atop the ark and overshadow the mercy seat? The Greek word hilasterion is translated “propitiation” in Romans 3:25, but it is translated “mercy seat” in Hebrews 9:5. What connection exists between these two verses? What objects were contained inside the ark? (See Heb. 9:4) Why do you think these three items were chosen? Who was allowed to enter The Most Holy Place? Why? (Ex. 25:22, 29:42-46; Lev. 16: 15-17; Num. 7:89; Heb. 9:6-7, 10:19-22) In what ways does the Ark of the Covenant symbolize the entire gospel message? How does this explain the full significance of the torn veil mentioned in Matthew 27:51 and Mark 15:38? Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:18:36 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39&article_id=126 Exodus 25:23-40, Exodus 30:1-10 The courtyard of the tabernacle was a place of sacrifice. Noisy and smelly, it was filled with activity all day. However, once a priest passed through the veil into the Holy Place, he was immersed in tranquility, surrounded by beauty, golden light and fragrant incense. What a contrast! The furniture of the Holy Place symbolizes both Christ's past ministry and his present ministry. Many biblical scholars, including Wiersbe and Slemming, also draw connections between the furniture and the current ministry of Christians since we are now part of "a royal priesthood" (1Pet. 2:5,9). Only the priests assigned to ministry within the tabernacle were ever allowed to gaze on its beauty and to serve God in that hallowed place. How privileged we are as believers to commune with God whenever we wish. And someday, as Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, we will be in God's presence forever. No wonder he told the Thessalonians to "encourage each other with these words" (1 Thess. 4:18). Discussions Questions: 1. At first, the exquisite lampstand reminds us that Jesus in the light of the world (John 8:12). Read the description carefully in Exodus 25:31-40. How else is this work of art symbolic of Jesus? 2. The table of showbread probably reminds you of Jesus' words in John 6:26 - "I am the bread of life." What other Bible stories and/or familiar verses does the image of bread bring to mind? 3. The altar of incense stood right in front of the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Why do you think it was placed there? See Psalm 141:2, Hebrews 9:12, and Revelation 5:8 for some clues. 4. How does the altar of incense relate to Christ's current ministry as our High Priest? See Hebrews 5:10, 7:23-28, and 9:24. 5. In what ways are we Christians light, bread, and incense? 6. The Holy Place was a rectangular space thirty feet long and 15 feet wide. It contained just three objects. Doe you see any significance in that number? Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:18:36 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=39&article_id=125 Exodus 26:1-36, Exodus 36:8-19 According to M.R. DeHaan, "in its complete form, [the tabernacle] is the most comprehensive, detailed revelation of Jesus and the plan of salvation in the entire Old Testament" (The Tabernacle, Zondervan, 1955). We have already learned how clearly the curtains of the courtyard, the entrance, the bronze altar and the laver symbolize our Savior and His redemptive work. Now as we study the tabernacle itself, we will discover that the tabernacle also depicts His current ministry as our high priest and His future ministry as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. First, we will examine the building and its covering. Each aspect of the tabernacle from its silver foundations to its waterproof tent coverings add to our understanding of who Jesus is and how it is possible for us to enter the presence of God. Discussions Questions: 1. The tabernacle building was made entirely of boards overlaid with gold and stabilized in sockets of silver. Why were these two metals used in this way? Consider what we learned about the silver bands on the posts of the courtyard curtain. Then read Revelation 21:18-21. 2. The individual boards of the building were joined with crossbars. Read Esphesians 2:19-21 for some New Testament insight on the symbolic meaning of this. 3. The tabernacle was draped with four coverings. What were the practical reasons for the four coverings? For the spiritual significance of the coverings, study the following verses: Isaiah 53:2, Exodus 29:15-37 and Leviticus 16:5-28. 4. Why were the innermost "ceiling" curtain and the curtains that hung at the entrance of the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place embroidered with cherubim? Examine the following verses: Ezekiel 1:22-28, Ezekiel 10:18-22 and Revelation 4:6-9. 5. Only the priests were allowed to enter the tabernacle. No ordinary Israelite ever had the privilege of seeing its glorious interior. Why? Consider the implications of Psalm 24:4, John 14:6, and Hebrews 4:14-16. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:18:36 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43&article_id=90 THURSDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUP As we study and chare our lives together, applying God's word t our struggles and successes, we learn and grow in our walk as Christian men in a more personal way. Location: Cochran's House 7:30 - 9:30 PM Facilitator: Brad Cochran FRIDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUP Do you think of Jesus as the One with all the answers? His death and resurrection provide the answer to where we will spend eternity, but there are many other questions that life throws our way. We have many choices, but each involves a decision that will affect our walk with the Lord. Jesus asked some questions that go to the very heart of living the Christian life. Join us as we explore some of those issues in the Gospel of Matthew in our Friday Night Men’s Small group. We welcome newcomers! Room: MEFC Library 7:30 - 9:00 PM Facilitators: Don Sears and Bill McGowan SATURDAY MORNING SMALL GROUP BREAKFAST Currently using the monthly publication TABLETALK by Ligonier Ministries and R.C. Sproul, we follow each monthly issue's daily devotionals and articles devoted to a theme of concern to Christians. We take turns each Saturday preparing breakfast and leading a devotional, sharing how the Lord has spoken to us through the week. Room 106 7:30 - 9:00 AM Facilitator: Manuel Ponte SERVICE PROJECTS New York City Relief (feeding the poor and the poor in spirit on the streets of New York City this Fall); Habitat for Humanity (building homes and building up men and women for God in Spring 2008) Brad Cochran and Don Sears Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:26:59 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=5 Montgomery Evangelical Free Church's mission is "glorifying God by reconciling, nurturing, and equipping people according to His Word." We seek to be a church where individuals and families can find God and develop a deeper relationship with the Him; where there is practical bible-based teaching to prepare us to face the challenges of being a Christian in today's changing world; and where we can acquire the knowledge, character, and confidence to make a difference in the world we live in. Founded in 1965, Montgomery Evangelical Free Church (MEFC) continues to faithfully serve God by producing mature Christians through sound biblical teaching and preaching; quality corporate worship, helpful programs and small groups for men, women, teens, and children; robust music ministry; supporting a wide array of missions; frequent community outreach; and providing numerous opportunities for people to serve both God and others. MEFC is a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America--an association of approximately 1300 like-minded bible-based, evangelical churches across the country. For more information on the EFCA, click here. We invite you to visit us on any Sunday or contact us with your questions. We would really love to have you. Mon, 1 Sep 2008 19:32:00 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83&article_id=171 Maybe she grew impatient. Maybe she never quite recovered from Abram’s bizarre behavior during their Egyptian sojourn. Maybe she just gave in to despair. Whatever the reason, in Genesis 16 Sarai certainly began to live out the meaning of her name, “contentious.” She was 75 years old. No baby was going to be born of her womb, she concluded. It was definitely time to take matters into her own hands. So she went to Abram with a culturally approved plan. “Take Hagar, my Egyptian handmaid as a second wife. Let her bear you a child in my name. It’s all we can do now,” she advised. The need to control her life had become an obsession. She most likely badgered Abram until he agreed to her plan. Unfortunately, her grand scheme unraveled into a heap of bitterness, malice, and abusive behavior. The cacophony of Sarai’s actions still echo in the seething cauldron of hatred that we now label “the Arab-Israeli conflict.” Why did God permit such a thing to happen? Why did He allow Hagar to become pregnant so quickly when He had denied Sarai that privilege for 60 years? We don’t know. What we do know is that God forgave both Abram and Sarai for their lack of faith. Although God waited fourteen years, He renewed His covenant with Abram in Genesis 17. He gave Abram and Sarai new names—Abraham (father of a multitude) and Sarah (princess). And in Genesis 21, at the age of 90, Sarah delivered a son, Isaac. Read Genesis 16:1-18:15 and Genesis 21:1-21 1. Sarai’s plan was not just culturally acceptable, it was culturally sanctioned. If a man’s first wife was barren, he had the legal right to bear an heir by either a concubine or a second wife. Sarai gave Abram her approval to take Hagar as a wife (Gen. 16:3). Obviously, we don’t do that sort of thing in the twenty-first century. What would be culturally sanctioned acts for twenty-first century Christians that New Testament teaching would consider wrong? 2. When Hagar becomes pregnant, Sarai blames Abram (Gen. 16:5). I make a similar mistake when I blame others for my wrong responses/attitudes. What do you think Sarai should have done? 3. Are you surprised that God renews the covenant in Genesis 17 in spite of Abram’s and Sarai’s disobedience regarding Hagar? Why or why not? (Consider God’s words in Isaiah 43:1-7 and 45:3-6). 4. I chuckle as I read that Sarah was eavesdropping in Genesis 18:10. It’s so human! She also laughs (scoffs) at the idea that she will bear a son even though God assures Abraham that she will (v. 12). Have you ever shaken your head in disbelief regarding one of God’s promises? Has he been faithful to the promise anyway? In what way? 5. Sarah’s words in Genesis 21:9-10 could not be more venomous. They reveal an unforgiving, bitter spirit that had festered inside her for more than years. Hebrews 12:15 cautions believers about the destructive “root” of bitterness. What “pesticides” does the writer of Hebrews recommend in Hebrews 12:14? 6. Family conflicts can be excruciating. In Ephesians 4, Paul gives the church of Ephesus some advice on solving conflicts in a godly manner. What does he say in verses 14-32? What aspect of his advice is most helpful to you? Conclusion: Like most humans, Sarai wanted to feel as though she could control her life. The more helpless she felt, the more obsessed she became with control. Ultimately, she decided the best way to meet her need was to “take charge.” When she did, she failed miserably, creating conflicts that have trickled down through the centuries. But our God is a gracious God. He compassionately rerouted Sarah’s road to bring great good to Sarah’s family and her descendents. Next week we will see how God shed His love, grace, and mercy on both Hagar and her son Ishmael. Isaac brought great joy to his mother. His name, which means “he laughs” indicates that Sarah learned to laugh at herself. However, her attitude toward her step-son Ishmael and his mother imply that she had some rough edges on her spirit that may never have been completely smoothed out. Sarai died when Isaac was 37, before he married. Consequently, she never knew that her grandson Jacob inherited her “scheme gene.” I wonder if she would have recognized her image so obviously stamped on his character?! Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:10:26 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83&article_id=165 She walks onto the biblical stage as if she were a bit player—identified simply as the daughter-in-law of a wealthy farmer/herdsman, the wife of one of his sons (Gen. 11:29-31). That should not surprise us. Almost all women who lived in Sarai’s day were merely the daughters, wives, or mothers of one man or another. For Sarai, this fact was particularly painful. What gave a woman significance was her ability to produce a male heir—not her beauty, and certainly not her brain. Sarai had remarkable beauty; she was so beautiful that Abimelech wanted her as a member of his harem when she was 89! Her husband, Abram, was apparently devoted to her, for even though Sarai was barren, he did not take a second wife, not even a concubine, until Sarai herself forced him to do so. Nevertheless, her infertility reduced her to an object of pity and disdain in the eyes of her peers. Sarai grew up on the outskirts of a major city—Ur. At the time, Ur was a center of civilization and religion, a port city that proudly boasted about its temple to the moon god, Nannar. Almost everyone Sarai knew worshipped either Nannar or some other idol, everyone, that is, except her husband, Abram. The God who identified himself as YAHWEH appeared to Abram in a vision (Acts 7:2-3). He told Abram to leave Ur and his family. “Go where I tell you, to Canaan, and there I will make of you a great nation.” Abram convinced his father and a few other family members to go with him (Gen. 11:31-12:5). So Sarai, who controlled so little of her life, at age 65 left the world she knew and followed her husband to a distant land. Perhaps she resented the move. Perhaps she felt only relief—at least she and Abram would escape the constant ridicule prompted by their inability to conceive a child. What we know is that Sarai was considered a submissive wife (1 Pet. 3:5-6). That is where our study of Sarai begins. Read Genesis 11:27-12:20 1. Think about all the things that Sarai could not control in her life. Then consider all the aspects of your life that you cannot control. How difficult is that for you? Do the truths of Matthew 6:25-34 comfort you or annoy you? Why? 2. Sarai had probably been praying for a child since the day she married, yet at 65 she was still childless (she remained barren until she was 89). Unanswered prayers can deflate our faith quickly, especially when we are praying for something we perceive to be “good” for us. What do you think is a biblical response to unanswered prayers? (Meditate on Isaiah 50:10; Micah 7:7-8) 3. God required that Abram and Sarai leave the “familiar” and venture into the “unknown.” Why do you think He did that? Has He ever asked you to make a similar sacrifice? What was the outcome? 4. Soon after Abram and Sarai settled in the Negev, famine struck. He decided to go to Egypt (Gen. 12:10). Was that an act of faith or an act of fear? Why? (Read Isaiah 30:1-5, 15-18 for some insight) 5. Sarai had little choice in the decision to go to Egypt or the decision to deceive Pharoah. Do you ever feel trapped like that? What do you think would be a godly response for someone in situation similar to Sarai’s? (Consider Daniel 1:8-20; 1 Peter 3: 1-6). How did God intervene? 6. In Hebrews 11, the great Hall of Faith, verses 8-19 are devoted to Abraham. Sarah is the subject of verse 11 (Note: only the NIV has Abraham as the subject of verse 11’s sentence. All other versions place Sarah’s name in the subject position). What could the absence of her name in verses 8-10 indicate about her faith before she conceived Isaac? Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:07:17 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83&article_id=163 Study One: Eve, Part II Eve was vulnerable to Satan precisely because she was sinless. He came disguised as an "angel of light," a messenger of God. He spoke a message she wanted to hear: you can be like God and know everything. She didn't detect evil because she had never encountered evil. Satan knew his deception would work simply because it had worked on him. He, too, aspired to be like God (Isa. 14). He, too, wanted knowledge beyond what his creator had given him. He, too, allowed his heart to desire what God had forbidden. Paul makes it clear in 2 Corinthians that Eve’s flaw was naiveté. Her sin was unbelief. She doubted God’s word. She then disobeyed because she questioned His goodness. Apparently, Adam never doubted the truth of God’s word. Most commentators agree that Adam sinned willfully in direct defiance of God’s command. Both Adam and Eve compounded their initial sins by trying to hide them, by professing innocence, and by blaming someone else. As James M. Boice and Warren Wiersbe noted in their commentaries on Genesis 3, the knowledge of evil brought Adam and Eve three new experiences: guilt, shame and fear. (Certainly not what Eve had expected!) Adam and Eve’s actions after they sinned illustrate the wrong response to sin in our lives. Studying God’s remedy for sin shows us how to restore our relationship with God when we go astray. 1. How does Eve react when God confronts her? How does Adam respond? How do you react when the Holy Spirit convicts you? 2. 1 John 1:9 gives us the pattern for repentance. John says we must “confess” our sins. “Confession” and “remorse” are not synonyms. What do you think the difference is? (See 2 Cor. 7:9-10) 3. God’s remedy for sin is given in Genesis 3: 14-24. What do His actions reveal about both judgment and redemption? (Contrast his response to the serpent with his response to Adam and Eve) 4. What advice do you think Eve would give you about the feeling that “something’s missing” in your life? 5. Eve wanted “the knowledge of good and evil.” She thought the fruit would make her wise. What does Solomon say about the source of wisdom in Proverbs 1: 7? What do you think he means by “the fear of the LORD”? 6. Our culture uses two clichés to extol the virtues of knowledge and experience. How often have you heard that “knowledge is power” and “experience is the best teacher” What would be a biblical response to those philosophies? Conclusion: Satan convinced Eve that God was “holding out” on her. He often tries that same tactic on us. James 1:17 and Psalm 84:11 tell a different story—all good things come from God. C. S. Lewis put it this way: “The source of every good thing is God. That there could be any other good is an atheistic dream.” Satan also uses God’s good gifts to lure us into sin. He promises to provide love, security, knowledge, and significance, but he cannot deliver them. They aren’t his gifts to give. Meditating on God’s Word is one way we develop a proper fear of God—a reverential trust that motivates us to willingly obey his commands. When we are tempted to doubt the truth of God’s word or the certainty of His goodness, we can meditate on Scriptures such as James 1:17 and Psalm 84:11. Thought for the Week: If it is truly good for us, God will give it to us. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:07:17 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83&article_id=161 Study One: Eve, Part I She had a husband who loved her as purely and completely as a man could. She communed with God every day. She enjoyed perfect health, and her beauty had no equal. Eve lived a life that would make a fairy tale princess envious. It certainly appeals to me - no laundry, no bathrooms to clean, no cooking. Yet hidden beneath that cloak of perfection was a voice that whispered in her soul, "Something's missing. There must be more." We do not know how long the voice haunted her. We only know that it eventually took the shape of a breathtaking creature, a serpent, who made the voice audible, visible, and irresistible. For every woman who has berated herself for being stupid, foolish or naive, Eve becomes a comfort. After all, she had everything - absolute perfection,unparalleled love, unrestricted fellowship with God. Yet she risked it and lost it because of a promise that she could have more: "you will be like God knowing good and evil" (Gen.3:4) What beckoned Eve most persuasively was the promise of knowledge - the ability to understand everything, to figure it all out, and thereby master it. She became, in essence, the first rationalist, the first human to conclude that knowledge produces happiness, success, and fulfillment. Genesis 3:6 reveals Eve's logical, but erroneous, thought process: the fruit was good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom. Three good outcomes. Three wrong motives. We can all identify with Eve. We have all traveled the "seemed like a good idea at the time" highway. We've all made the left turn onto the "what could be wrong with that" exit ramp. This week we will study Adam's and Eve's mistakes Next week we will look at God's remedy. Read Genesis 2-3. 1. What strikes you most about the life Eve lived before the Fall? Is your life in any way similar to hers? What makes it different from yours? 2. What does Genesis 3:1 reveal about the serpent's character and tactics? What does 2 Corinthians 11:3, 14-15 reveal about Satan's character and tactics? 3. Most conservative scholars agree that Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-15 are descriptions of Lucifer. What light do these passages shed on his ability to deceive a sinless woman? 4. What mistakes does Eve make in Genesis 3 when she converses with the serpent? How can we avoid those mistakes? (Compare God's words in 2:16-17 with the serpent's words and Eve's words in 3:1-4) 5. Paul makes it clear in Romans 5:12-19 that sin entered the human race because of Adam's disobedience. Why isn't Eve included? 6. What advice would you have given Eve if you had been standing next to her as Adam was? (Gen. 3:6) Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:07:17 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83&article_id=167 It's tempting, isn't it, to label Hagar a "sinful indulgence" and Ishmael, a "mistake"? However, God did not treat either one of them with that kind of calloused contempt. In fact, He deliberately, miraculously reaches out to them, blessing them with His favor and extending His covenant with Abraham to include these two outcasts. I don't think any Old Testament story conveys God's love for the downtrodden quite as poignantly as Hagar's does. She was merely a foreign slave, probably given to Abraham and Sarai by Pharoah during their sojourn in Egypt (Gen. 12:16). Though Abraham's household included dozens of servants, Sarai chose just one to be the cornerstone of her plan to "help God out" and provide an heir for her husband. Hagar would have had no choice at all in the matter. Ironic, isn't it? As soon as Sarai determined to take charge of her own life, she began to oppress someone else. But Hagar was not fool. As soon as she realized she was pregnant, she began to assert her own rights as "bearer of the heir.? The cat fights began. The harmony in Abraham's home lay in shambles for more than fifteen years until God finally said to Abraham, "Let them go. Let me take are of them" (Gen. 21:12-13). Most of us can identify with Hagar. All she really wanted was security - a home, a steady income, a future for her son. Unfortunately, she searched for physical, emotional, and spiritual safety in all the wrong places. Mercifully, God sought her out and gave her "immeasurably more" than she had ever imagined (Eph. 3:20). READ GENESIS 16:1-16 1. When you read that Hagar "began to despise her mistress" (Gen. 16:4), do you sympathize with Hagar or do you condemn her? Why or why not? 2. Respecting those who mistreat us is challenging, to say the least. What advice does Paul give servants/slaves in Ephesians 6:5-9? When does "mistreatment" become abuse? What should twenty-first century Christians do in situations similar to Hagar's? 3. Genesis 16:3 records the first biblical appearance of "the angel of the LORD." For more information about the identity of this individual, read Judges 2:1-4, 6:21-22, and 13:13-21. Who do you think this angel is? 4. In Genesis 16:13, Hagar gave God a new name: El Roi, "the God who sees me." Why do you think she does this? What name would you give God? 5. At least 16 years elapse between Genesis 16:15 and Genesis 21:9. What do you think Hagar's life was like during that time? Why do you think God insisted that she return to Ahram's home? 6. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God doesn't think like we think or do what we think He should. I'm sure Hagar often second-guessed her decision to remain in Abraham's household, but she was exactly where God wanted her to be. How about you? Do you wonder why God has put you where you are right now? Are you second guessing His management of your life? What truths do you cling to during such puzzling times? Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:38:43 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=9 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=9&article_id=6 Our Goal: Presenting everyone mature in Christ. Our goal at MEFC is to worship the Lord by allowing Him to transform us into His image. The small group ministry is designed to help individuals mature in their relationship with God, no matter where they begin the process. Our Focus: The primary focus of our small group ministry is building relationships. Our Strategy: We believe that the process of developing maturity involves three vital experiences-A vital learning experience with the Word of God;A vital relational experience with other believers;A vital ministry experience using our spiritual gifts. These three vital experiences are like a three-legged stool. If any of the legs is missing, the stool isn't useful. We seek to keep the stool balanced as a church. In our small groups, all three "legs" are present. While these three vital experiences can be seen as individual experiences, they are actually interrelated. What makes them related is relationships. We believe that as individuals and as believers, we were created to need relationships to grow. We weren't created to live in isolation nor can we grow spiritually in isolation. With our common relationship to Christ through the cross, using the Bible as our foundation and guide, small groups can help us grow to a mature, balanced life demonstrated by the fruit of loving God and others. Therefore, it's our goal to involve all who attend MEFC in relational, discipleship small groups. Small groups provide the atmosphere of love needed for individuals to have a group identity within the church. When there is a group identity, then there can be shared purpose and ministry. The small group format provides an arena in which a person can participate in the three vital experiences and can grow toward maturity. Group meetings normally consist of a time of sharing and prayer, Bible study, and meaningful fellowship.Most groups meet bi-weekly.Some groups have specific stage-of-life targets, while others are broader in their scope.Most groups begin meeting in September, but new groups are formed as needed.Some current groups concentrate on Bible study, topical, age-specific, geographical, or stage of life. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:14:29 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=51 We are pleased to welcome both Brian Cooper as our new Senior Pastor along with Eric Couch our new Youth Director starting this fall. You can read more about them in our Meet our Staff tab on our website. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:10:18 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=2 EFCA Statement of Faith Adopted by the Conference on June 26, 2008 The Evangelical Free Church of America is an association of autonomous churches united around these theological convictions: God 1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory. The Bible 2. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises. The Human Condition 3. We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed. Jesus Christ 4. We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus—Israel's promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate. The Work of Christ 5. We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation. The Holy Spirit 6. We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service. The Church 7. We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer. Christian Living 8. We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed. Christ’s Return 9. We believe in the personal, bodily and premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission. Response and Eternal Destiny 10. We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen. The Evangelical Free Church of America, 901 East 78th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55420 USA. (800) 745-2202. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:22:20 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=83&article_id=169 Both Ishmael’s actions and Sarah’s words in Genesis 21:9-10 indicate that Abraham’s household was a cauldron of conflict. Ishmael jealously resented the step-brother who now monopolized Abraham’s attention and claimed his love. Sarah’s words indicate that she had never viewed Ishmael as her son; he had always been that slave woman’s son. She most likely resented Abraham’s love for Ishmael and bristled whenever he treated Hagar kindly. What did Hagar think? The Hebrew word used in Genesis 16:4-5, qalal, implies that Hagar treated Sarah with contempt. We might say she “looked down her nose” at Sarah. (The picture that comes to my mind is Bernadette Peters as Cinderella’s step-mother.) Apparently, Sarah responded to Hagar with similar disdain. Why did Hagar stay? Where else could she go? According to Genesis 16:3, she was married to Abraham. Abraham loved Ishmael. For years, Ishmael had been the only heir to Abraham’s fortune. Why would Hagar relinquish her son’s rights? Sarah could despise her, but Sarah had no authority to get rid of her. Only Abraham had that right. And he wasn’t about to give up his only son. However, once Isaac was born, the dynamics in the home changed drastically. In the 2-3 years that passed between Isaac’s birth and his weaning, Hagar may have been reduced to slave status again. Her son’s heirship evaporated. Both Ishmael and Hagar saw a whirlwind of disaster headed their way. Read Genesis 21:1-21 Hagar really had no one to turn to other than Abraham for protection and security. In Genesis 21:12-13, God tells Abraham to send Hagar away. Why do you think God did that? In Galatians 4:21-11, Paul uses Ishmael as a symbol of the law and Isaac as a symbol of grace. What point is he trying to make in these verses? God never recognized Hagar as Abraham’s wife even though his marriage to her was culturally acceptable (Compare Genesis 25:10 with 25:12). What conclusions can we draw from that? Some of the hardship that Hagar faced was self-inflicted, but much of it was the result of Abraham’s and Sarah’s wrongdoing. God mercifully saved her life and Ishmael’s life at least two times. Although Isaiah 54 is specifically speaking about Israel, it symbolically addresses women who find themselves in situations similar to Hagar’s. What does God say in these verses? After verse 21, Hagar is never mentioned in the Bible again. What happened to Ishmael? Read Genesis 25:9-18 for “the rest of the story.” According to Genesis 21:11, Abraham was “greatly distressed” when God told him that Hagar and Ishamel had to go. According to Warren Wiersbe, the Hebrew word means “to shake violently.” Being separated from the son he loved was very painful. Have you had to let someone you love go? How has God comforted you during such a sorrowful time? Conclusion: Like most women, Hagar loved her son. She fiercely protected his rights and what she believed would make him happy. She also tried to protect what few rights she had as a second wife. She had good intentions; however, she made several poor decisions. Hagar found herself homeless, jobless, and friendless at least two times. In both instances, God Himself became her rescuing knight, not because she deserved to be rescued but because He loved Hagar and her son. God provided—not the life she may have wanted, but the life He deemed best. God truly is El Roi, the God who sees. He is also the God who hears us when we cry out to him. Sometimes His answers are puzzling, but His ways are always right. The path He chooses for us may seem unattractive or even dangerous, but He promises to bring us safely home. Isn’t it comforting to know that one Egyptian slave woman was precious in His sight? So are you. So am I. Thought for the Week: Security is not a place or even an attitude; security is an effect produced by the reality of God’s sovereignty and His love. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 06:56:51 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=44 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=44&article_id=26 The purpose of the library is to provide resources for the inspiration and spiritual growth of the congregation. "And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times." Isaiah 33:6Location: The east wing of the church building.Hours: All times that the church is open. Librarian is available Sunday morning 9:30-11:30 am to assist patrons.Collection: Over 5200 books and 200+ videos, DVD's.Lending Policy: Books: 1 month; Audio/Video: 1 week. Contact: Through email or call church office 908-874-4634. Click here to browse the Collection online! The library is affililated with the Evangelical Christian Church Library Association (ECLA). MEFC Library is maintained by volunteers. Wed, 4 Jun 2008 12:44:12 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=52 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=52&article_id=44 Teen handbell choir is a challenging ministry for teens who play an instrument in school or take music lessons. Open to both junior and senior high youth, the group meets on Thursdays from 4:30 - 5:15 pm. This is a fun way to use your God-blessed talent to make music for His glory. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:45:23 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12&article_id=42 Worship Orchestra is open to all those who are currently playing (in a high school or college setting) or who have played in the past. The orchestra ministers to the congregation at least once per month, and employs many different instruments - strings, brass, woodwinds, and keyboards. This is a wonderful oopportunity to use the musical skills you have acquired and to glorify our God through your talent. The group rehearses once per month on Sundays from 9:40 - 10:40 am. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:49:06 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=55 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=55&article_id=46 Tone Chime Choir is for children in 4th through 6th grades who have begun some musical training either privately or at school. Tone chimes are hand-held tubular instruments, very similar to handbells. This ministry is a fun way for kids to learn basic music and instrumental skills. Rehearsals are Wednesday afternoons from 5:30 - 6:15 pm. A commitment to weekly rehearsals is essential. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:38:04 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=24 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=24&article_id=19 Jeri Ann Banks ReachGlobal Birmingham, England Rick and Donna Burke ReachGlobal Area Director, Europe Budapest, Hungary Gary and Terri Camlin ReachGlobal Portuguese Bible Institute Mealhada-Loures, Portugal John and Aruna Desai International Students, Inc. (ISI) Campus Co-Directors Princeton, New Jersey Curt and Carol Detwiler Trans World Radio (TWR) Global Media Services Monte Carlo, Monaco Mike and Caryn DiGena ReachGlobal Church Planting Lyon, France Fred and Mary Kay Eichelman Commission to Every Nation Madrid, Spain Steve and Joan Eisinger Reach National Department of EFCA Ministry to Immigrants Indianapolis, Indiana Hans and Liliana Frank New Tribes Mission Evangelism Columbia, South America Bob and Patricia Grahmann InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Associate Regional Secretary, IFES Region of Eurasia Kiev, Ukraine Jason Ingalls InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Graduate and Faculty Ministries, Campus Staff Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN Roy and Judy Larsen EFCA-Eastern District Association (EDA) Urban & Intercultural Mission (UIM) Allentown, Pennsylvania George and Cyndy McGovern Athletes in Action/Campus Crusade for Christ Metro New York and New Jersey Doug and Audrey Smith U.S. Center for World Mission Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS) Ibero-America and Buena Vista, Colorado Marcos and Colleen Solt EFCA-Eastern District Association (EDA) Urban & Intercultural Mission (UIM) Hispanic Church Planting Allentown, Pennsylvania Lou and Andrea Ulrich SEND International Alaska Radio Ministries Missionary Appointees to Alaska Choice One Pregnancy and Teen Abstinence Counseling Lawrenceville, New Jersey/ Bucks County, Pennsylvania TouchGlobal Humanitarian Development White Cross, Tandala Hospital, Congo, Sudan, Tsunami and Hurricane Relief Friendship Center for New Beginnings New Moms Residential Christian Counseling Life Skills Training Flemington, New Jersey Good News Home for Women Residential Christian Rehabilitation Center Women with Chemical Dependencies Flemington, New Jersey Trinity International University EFCA Seminary, Institutional Advancement Deerfield, Illinois Mon, 4 Feb 2008 09:18:49 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=44 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=44&article_id=122 The Last Jihad, The Last Days and Copper Scroll by Joel Rosenberg “If you are a follower of last day events then you'll enjoy reading Joel Rosenberg's novels. The library currently has three of his books on the shelves. “The Last Jihad” and “The Last Days” are action packed with intrigue and plot twists. The action is non stop. Tom Clancy for Christians! “The Copper Scroll” takes you on a treasure hunt of enormous proportions and a discovery that is beyond description. “Each book has a true salvation message and will bring tears to your eyes as you see Jews come to believe in Christ as the Messiah.” reviewed by Bob Brock Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:48:46 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=44 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=44&article_id=121 Jesus Among Other gods by Ravi Zacharias “I found Ravi Zacharias “Jesus Among Other gods” is a great book for those interested in Christian Apologetics (the defense of Christianity) especially in a culture whose worldview embraces multicultural political correctness, tolerance and the shunning of absolutes. It’s not meant as a means with which to blast back at those opposed to Christian truth, but rather a way to understand the basic faults of other religious underpinnings and why they fail when measured up to the truth of Jesus Christ. “Postmodernism seeks to “invent” the truth as it goes, rather than embrace any one truth. Ravi consistently brings the reader back to the truth of the cross, as opposed to other “religions,” (Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam). Ravi does not get overly deep, argument/philosophy-wise, but there is still plenty of meat here for the Christian reader, and the book is an excellent primer for Mr. Zacharias’ “Can Man live Without God”, which I’m currently reading.” reviewed by Gene Bulmer Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:47:39 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=44 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=44&article_id=112 Galway Chronicles by Bodie and Brock Thoene “This summer I read the Galway Chronicles by Bodie and Brock Thoene. The series includes four books and takes place in the mid-1840's in western Ireland. The books are historical novels written about real people and events that took place in this turbulent time in Irish history. The rise of the Repeal movement to break away from harsh English rule, life through the 7-year potato famine, and the contrast of good and evil land-owners all mark this period. “The stories are written in a realistic fashion and do not sugar-coat the events of poverty and famine. Though somewhat graphic in nature, these books are very well written to take you into this life. As in all of the Thoene's books, the main characters trust God and find Him faithful through adversity. I not only enjoyed these books very much, but I felt I learned so much through them. I highly recommend these books, especially for those interested in Irish history.” reviewed by Melissa Arnesen Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:45:40 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=33 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=33&article_id=10 Beginning Fall Session September 16th Sunday School begins at 9:40 and ends at 10:40 AM. All classes are taught with bible-based curriculum geared for exciting and instructive class time. The following classes are available for children: Ages 3 & 4 Room 103 Teachers: Connie Sosa & Kristin Orcinolo Kindergarten and 1st Grade Room 104 Teachers: Debbie Bowen and Martha Acosta 2nd, 3rd & 4th Grades Room 201 Teacher: Jo Falzone 5th & 6th Grades Room 302 Teacher: Jeanne Haas Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:14:56 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=8 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=8&article_id=4 The Christian Education Ministries of MEFC have as their goal to present everyone mature in Christ. The ministry of equipping involves helping people mature in their relationship with God, no matter where they are in the discipleship process. We believe that this growth process involves three vital experiences:A vital learning experience with the Word of God.A vital relational experience with other believers.A vital ministry experience serving God and others. In order to meet these needs, we have a variety of programs. One of our primary programs to help people have a meaningful experience with God in His Word is Adult Bible Fellowship. Adult-Identifies the target audience These classes are designed to meet the needs of adults. We have other wonderful Sunday School classes available for children and teens. Adults have a variety of needs depending on their stage of life, spiritual maturity, and/or specific needs. Bible-Identifies the content The Bible functions as the primary source and center of the ABF classes. All faith and practice are tested by their correspondence with Scripture. Therefore, we attempt to have a balanced, holistic, and practical curriculum. We have book studies of the Old and New Testaments, topical studies, and special issues classes. ABF seeks to teach information for transformation. Fellowship-Identifies the atmosphere The atmosphere is designed to make individuals comfortable by giving opportunities to interact, to develop relationships, and to have input into the subject material. Get to know and love God and learn what it means to live in a dynamic relationship with Him! Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:01:58 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=51 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=51&article_id=43 Handbell choir is a great opportunity for ministry for those who have had musical training, although training is not a requirement. This choir meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:25 pm. Handbells are for the "hidden" musician in all of us! Wed, 5 Sep 2007 13:35:28 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=30 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:04:17 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=38 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=38&article_id=15 The mission of the Women's Ministries of MEFC is to encourage women to grow in grace. "But to each one of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it" (Ephesians 4:7). We seek to accomplish this goal by providing opportunities for fellowship where we may nurture our love for God and our love for each other. Tue, 10 Apr 2007 10:31:12 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=42 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=42&article_id=24 The Stephen Ministry is a complete program of trained lay people providing one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in and around our congregation. The Stephen Ministry provides MEFC with the structure, training, and resources to offer a complete system for lay caring ministry both to members of our congregation and others God brings across our path. Through the Stephen Ministry, lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide one-to-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing a crisis or life challenge. The Stephen Ministry helps MEFC provide quality caring ministry for as long as people need it. If you, or someone you know would benefit from a visit with a Stephen Minister, contact Nancy MacKay or Beth Sears. Since this is a very confidential program, make sure you ask the person in need BEFORE contacting us. Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:56:47 MST http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=48 http://www.mefc.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=48&article_id=40 Santuary Choir is open to everyone who is at least 18 years of age. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 - 9:00 pm and sing a wide variety of musical styles such as hymn arrangements, spirituals, and contemporary songs. The choir enjoys sharing a commitment to ministering to the congregation in song as well as fellowship with one another. If you want to offer your singing talent to the Lord, please consider joining the ministry of the MEFC Sanctuary Choir. Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:15:10 MST