5/25/08 Sermom “Doubting Thomas No More” (John 20:24-31)

Hey, just wanted to followup the sermon this morning with some additional thoughts and reemphasize some main points.

• Thomas was not with the disciples at Jesus’ first visit and while we don’t know for sure why he was absent…it is fair to say that he missed out on seeing Jesus. It is important for us to also be in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ or we will miss out on the blessings Jesus has for us.
• Thomas could hardly imagine that his famous words, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe”, would turn into a prayer. Jesus heard this confession of unbelief and responded graciously to show up a second time especially for Thomas because He wanted Thomas to doubt no more.
• Thomas’ profession of unbelief turns into a bold profession of belief,  “My Lord and my God!”. It is only because Jesus showed up that Thomas could say such. So also it is only because of Jesus showing up in our lives that we would ever love Him.
• In this 20th chapter of John, Jesus shows up to a weeping Mary, a fearful and fickle group of disciples, and a doubting Thomas. Mary’s tears translate into a bold witness that Jesus was in fact risen. The disciples’ fears translate into an abiding joy and empowerment for their new commission. Thomas’ doubts are erased and he proclaims boldly that Jesus is his Lord and God.
• The whole point of John’s Gospel is recorded in vs. 31 “these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name”.
• Do you believe in Jesus? If not, I pray that He would visit your weeping, fearful, fickle, sinful, unbelieving heart and translate it into a heart of joy, peace, boldness, and faithfulness!!!

http://www.sovereigngracefellowship.org/john/JOHN_PART56.mp3

6/15/08 Father’s Day Sermon “Prodigal Son”

This beloved story of the Prodigal Son is truly a Father’s Day story from Jesus of our heavenly Father’s love towards sinners who repent and turn to Him. Our Father will reject none who turn to Him. His love embraces all shapes and sizes of sinners and forgivess all manner of sin.

http://www.sovereigngracefellowship.org/topical/PRODICAL.mp3

Youth BBQ on June 29!!!

Youth Group BBQ

Where? Cooper Residence 12364 Iowa Ave.

When? June 29^th 6-8:30pm

What? Burgers, Hot Dogs, Swimming at Lake

Who? All 6-12^th graders

Bulletin- June 22

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Bulletin- June 15

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Sovereign Grace Softball wins Twice in One Day

No doubleheader, just two teams winning their opening games. One team, coached by Cody Ziemer, won 26-5 in their opener. The other team, coached by Larry Nowland, won a thriller…coming from behind in the bottom of the 7th inning to pull out a 14-13 victory.

I will try and get the schedule posted so that you can come and join in the fellowship. Just so you know, the Johnson home group on Thursday nights has turned into a traveling park picnic wherever the softball game will be played for the team coached by Larry Nowland. Come out and eat with us!!!

Pictures From 6/5 Home Group

6/1/2008 Sermon Recap “Peter’s Welcomed Deja Vu”

Peter is restored by His Lord!!! It is interesting to note that Peter’s life seems to be cast with the backdrop of water.

• He was first called by Jesus on water
• He caught a bunch of fish at the Lord’s direction, then declared himself sinful
• He walked on water
• He caught a fish with tax money in it from the water
• He is again directed by His Lord what to do in gaining a huge catch of fish and is subsequently restored on the shore while eating some fish.

Peter “threw” himself into the water and swam to His Lord on the shore. He knew He was forgiven and welcomed by the mere repeat of how he was first called by his Lord.

http://www.sovereigngracefellowship.org/john/JOHN_PART57.mp3

Why Our Church Logo is a Cross

Many newer churches are now being built without crosses and are instead highlighting new innovative logos…many of which have no identifying connection with the Gospel or Church in general. While I am not necessarily opposed to the creation of such logos, I am opposed to those who are intentionally avoiding the cross and attempting to image their church much like the local restaurant or corporation.

Many view the cross as an antiquated symbol and would instead prefer a picture of a sunset and palm trees, or an ocean wave to promote their church. If such a transition is due to shame and embarrassment over the cross or because one feels that the cross doesn’t have enough promotional umph, then shame on them.

Paul said the following about Christ crucified:  1Co 1:22-25

For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, (23) but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, (24) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (25) For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

I love the cross because it is there where my sins vanished into the body of Christ…it is there where God’s wrath towards me was satisfied…it is there from which I receive the most marvelous gifts of justification, sanctification, and glorification.

May our eyes and hearts never grow dull from the cross…it is the power and wisdom of God for us who are being saved!!!

Bulletin June 8

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Bulletin- June 1

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