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April 14, 2021

Greetings!

Our world is filled with opinions. Oddly enough, each person is entitled to their own opinion, and each opinion is right. Unless you are on the wrong side, of course. I observed this truth recently in the middle of a baseball game. During the game, a lively discussion developed in the dugout as to which flavor of sunflower seed was the best. Whether the choice was “pickle” or “cheeseburger” or “ranch,” each person’s opinion seemed to be the right one, or so that’s how they argued.

We are truly living in an age where everyone does what is right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). Decisions are made in the best interest of personal development, family interests, and selfish gain. We lean on our conscience as a crutch to justify our decisions. At some point though, we must understand that what we think is right in our eyes may not be really right in the end. I think we would all agree that we each have differing moral standards and belief systems for life and practice. What we fail to understand though is that our conscience can be deceiving. Yes, your conscience can impact your life in a positive manner, but as you read scripture, you discover quickly that your conscience can have negative aspects as well. Your conscience can be weak (1 Corinthians 8:7, 10, 12), wounded (8:12), evil or guilty (Hebrews 10:22), and seared as with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2).

So if your conscience cannot always be trusted, what should guide our decision making, and in the end, your belief system? The answer is simple, the Holy Spirit. Romans 8 describes the role of the Holy Spirit as the indwelling guide which provides encouragement, comfort, and instruction. While our conscience can deceive, the Holy Spirit cannot. If believers would only commit to the study of the Word of God and allow the Spirit of God to guide and direct, they would then discover the difference in right vs. wrong, truth vs. fiction. With enough time invested in the presence of God, His Spirit may even reveal to you which flavor of sunflower seed is truly the best!

Kids' Ministry

We are so excited to have our Kids classes meeting on Sundays. There are currently 2 classes for kids.

Those age 2 - Kindergarten will meet in room 104 with Mrs. Jackie. This month, they are learning about Jesus’ GREAT LOVE for them.

Grade School kids (1st—5th grade) will meet in room 105 with Ms. Katy. This month, the kids are learning about making peace with others. It’s like building a bridge across to the other side.

We are so excited to have these classes available for your family. Right now, we lack the number of volunteers and are unable to offer nursery for children younger than 2. If you would like to serve in this area, please contact Michelle in the office.

Click HERE to email Michelle

Youth Ministry

For the past two weeks we have covered Taming the Tongue and Wisdom from Above from James 3. This week, we will discuss Warnings Against Worldliness in chapter 4. Selfishness, jealousy, and pride are things that the Lord opposes, but He gives grace to those that confess their sins and humble themselves. Join us for the conversation this Wednesday, April 14, at 6 pm.

Please note: We will not have Youth Bible Study next week on Wednesday, April 21st

Don't forget this Saturday's trip. We will meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. and will return that evening around 8 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes lunch and dinner.

Click HERE to email Preston to let him know you are coming.

Coming June 21-25

Summer Basketball Camp

June 21-25

We are excited to host a Basketball camp for kids this summer. The camp will teach basketball skills such as dribbling and shooting baskets; but, we also want to teach children life skills such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and about serving on God’s team. Registration will begin soon, so be sure to invite friends and family to sign up.

We will need 2 host homes for the basketball camp team. We will have other people assist with meals and transportation, so you only need to provide housing. If you are interested, please contact Michelle in the church office.

Click HERE to email Michelle and let her know you are interested in helping with the Basketball Camp team.

Church Fellowship

Family Day at the Ballpark - May 16 @ 2:10

Join us for an afternoon of baseball at Dicky-Stephens Park. To guarantee tickets/seats together, we will pre-purchase 35 seats in a block. The cost is $7 per ticket. If you are interested in going, please let Michelle know, and she will get your name on the reservation list.

Click HERE to contact Michelle

This Sunday @ Baring Cross

It is so great to have our church family meeting on campus again. There is an excitement that come with gathering LifeGroups and corporate worship. This week, Derek will be bringing a message from the book of Ephesians.

LifeGroups meet at 9:30 a.m.

Worship begins at 10:30 a.m.

We hope that you will join us this week!

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