Small Groups start Sept. 13!

INQUIRE will resume in the Fall in the form of Sunday night small groups. There are three groups forming now, so sign up this Sunday, or contact Alan Crim for more information!

Crazy Love
Francis Chan challenges Christians to live out their faith by realizing the extent of God’s love for us and encouraging us to leave lukewarm living behind in the wholehearted pursuit of Jesus. This group meets Sunday evenings at Tim and Kara O’Byrne’s home in Grimes. All ages are welcome! This is the same study we did last fall for anyone who missed it or wants to repeat it.

Love & Respect
Jeff and Vicki Westphal will be leading a discussion through a Dr. Emerson Eggerich’s great book on marriage titled Love and Respect. Geared for couples of all ages, this study meets Sunday evenings at Norb and Karen Metzler’s home in Johnston.

Vintage Jesus
This book by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears tackles common questions about Jesus related to his deity, humanity, death, resurrection, and mission in the world. Vintage Jesus meets Sunday evenings at Rollie and Debbie Clarkson’s home in Johnston.

Worship Action

Nick Reed, 9.8.09

How often during our day do we really stop and think about being the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus. Many times I see a situation where i know I should act I just don't know how. I am willing to bet there are many times in my week and yours that we just miss opportunities to love and serve others because we don't really know what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus. 

We heard during the CONNECT service Sunday morning from Deuteronomy 18 that God the Father would raise up a prophet like Moses, and that the people are supposed to listen to Him and do what he says. 

The problem was that when Jesus came he was rejected by men and crucified. Today we have the Bible that is God-breathed. Essentially we have the very words of God telling us exactly how Jesus lived, and in turn how we should live. 

Many times I use the excuse that Jesus’ day was very different culturally than ours so I just don't know how to act like Jesus did. Though I ask myself, when was the last time I read the gospels and studied how he actually lived?

Read these for yourself (some scratching the surface examples):

Matthew 5:43. When was the last time I truly loved my enemy, and prayed for them?

Mark 2:17. When was the last time I spent time with sinners purposefully to show the love of Christ?

Luke 21:1-4. When was the last time I gave sacrificially, let alone give all I have?

John 13:1-17. When was the last time I lowered myself to serve another, when have I "washed my brothers’ feet"?

Matthew 17:14-23. When was the last time I had faith to see God heal someone, or answer prayer and it happened according to my faith?

When was the last time I shared my faith, became least to be first, gave to the poor, shared with the needy, used my gifts to minister to others, supported the widows?

Jesus’ life is so important that there are four gospels on Him alone. When was the last time I really sought to know How he wants me to live?

Let’s be challenged to know Christ and act upon what He tells us to do. We don't need the church’s permission. Jesus himself has commissioned every believer to live as He did. 

In His Power and Love,

Nick