DEVOTION: Hebrews 11:1-16 (ESV)
"By Faith"
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
There are about 100 sermons in this one little section of Scripture. I wish we knew who the human writer of this book is. I would thank him over and over again for this wonderful theology!
If you want a perfect definition of what it means to have faith in God, read verse 1.
If you want to know how the Old Testament people were (and are) saved, read verse 2.
Those who think that God didn't create the universe. Just read verse 3.
Those who don't know why Abel's sacrifice was accepted and Cain's wasn't, read verse 4.
Those who don't know why Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying, read vs. 5.
If you want to know what kind of works please God and which ones don't, read verse 6.
If you want to know why God saved Noah and his family read verse 7.
If you want to know why God picked Abraham to be the father of as many nations as the stars in the sky, read verses 8-12
If you want to know if the people in the Old Testament, who had faith in God's promises, are in heaven, read verses 13-16.
ALL OF THIS IS BY FAITH AND BECAUSE OF FAITH!
We are saved because we believe in and understand Christ's teachings. We have faith in what Jesus did! We have faith that what he did, by dying on the cross and rising from the dead, he did FOR US!!
Faith in a loving God who sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross FOR ME AND FOR YOU, is what separates us from all other religions. The Old Testament faithful didn't depend on themselves or their good works any more than we should depend on ourselves or our good works. Everything has already been done for us and all we need to do is accept it by faith!
That real and true faith will then work itself out in a life lived in God's grace, which shows itself to others in love and forgiveness. Let's live BY FAITH today!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making all of your gifts ones that can only be received BY FAITH. Amen.
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CALENDAR
Acolyte- 8:30- Lydia Miller 11- George Pezold
Ushers- Dave Winter, Gary Scott, Larry Schulze, Scott Schulze
Altar- Set up- Dane and Jodi Baldwin; Clean Up- Pam Linke
Elders- Sat- Jason Cluver; 8:30- Randy Sweet; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- Rich and Peggy Talbert; 11- Steve and Sandy Robine
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier 8:30- Randy Sweet; 11- Steve Robine
Piano- Sat- Kathy Barrow;
"By Faith"
11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
There are about 100 sermons in this one little section of Scripture. I wish we knew who the human writer of this book is. I would thank him over and over again for this wonderful theology!
If you want a perfect definition of what it means to have faith in God, read verse 1.
If you want to know how the Old Testament people were (and are) saved, read verse 2.
Those who think that God didn't create the universe. Just read verse 3.
Those who don't know why Abel's sacrifice was accepted and Cain's wasn't, read verse 4.
Those who don't know why Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying, read vs. 5.
If you want to know what kind of works please God and which ones don't, read verse 6.
If you want to know why God saved Noah and his family read verse 7.
If you want to know why God picked Abraham to be the father of as many nations as the stars in the sky, read verses 8-12
If you want to know if the people in the Old Testament, who had faith in God's promises, are in heaven, read verses 13-16.
ALL OF THIS IS BY FAITH AND BECAUSE OF FAITH!
We are saved because we believe in and understand Christ's teachings. We have faith in what Jesus did! We have faith that what he did, by dying on the cross and rising from the dead, he did FOR US!!
Faith in a loving God who sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross FOR ME AND FOR YOU, is what separates us from all other religions. The Old Testament faithful didn't depend on themselves or their good works any more than we should depend on ourselves or our good works. Everything has already been done for us and all we need to do is accept it by faith!
That real and true faith will then work itself out in a life lived in God's grace, which shows itself to others in love and forgiveness. Let's live BY FAITH today!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making all of your gifts ones that can only be received BY FAITH. Amen.
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CALENDAR
Thurs- Alzheimers support group 1pm; Red Cross Blood Drive 3-7; L 101 7pm
Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11; Preschool reserved noon; Fellowship Hall floor stripped and waxed noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11; Preschool reserved noon; Fellowship Hall floor stripped and waxed noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
(NOTE: The youth service has been postponed till September 11)
Acolyte- 8:30- Lydia Miller 11- George Pezold
Ushers- Dave Winter, Gary Scott, Larry Schulze, Scott Schulze
Altar- Set up- Dane and Jodi Baldwin; Clean Up- Pam Linke
Elders- Sat- Jason Cluver; 8:30- Randy Sweet; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- Rich and Peggy Talbert; 11- Steve and Sandy Robine
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier 8:30- Randy Sweet; 11- Steve Robine
Piano- Sat- Kathy Barrow;
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: ????? A new schedule will be put together this week
Projectionists: ????? A new schedule will be put together this week
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: How old was Josiah when he became king, and how long did he reign?
8 years old and 31 years (Thanks DOUG HERZOG!)
Here's a more lengthy answer with some additional information from Pat King:
So, I'll keep this simple today, since no one has bothered to write any cute songs, with Joe as their lead. Anyway.... He became king when his dad was killed. He was 8 years old at the time. And he died when he was 39, so technically, his reign lasted 31 years. But for the first part of his 'legal' reign, he was hidden by the priests – mostly because members of his father's court were the ones who had offed him. Plus, back then – as now – he was considered too young to rule, so others did it for him. Anyway, although he was brought up in a pagan household, he 'found' God by the time he was 15 and started cleaning house. He is considered to be one of the greatest kings since David.
Here's a nifty article about him:
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was Nabopolassar?
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NEWS!!!! (Lots of new news so make sure you read it all the way through!!)
THE LAST TWO WEEK'S SERMONS TO WATCH/LISTEN AND THEN SHARE WITH SOMEONE WHO NEEDS THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL
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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE THIS THURSDAY!!!!! YOUR HELP IS NEEDED DESPERATELY!!
Call 456-2888 to donate blood or to volunteer to help!!
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BACKPACK BLESSINGS THIS WEEKEND!!
Bring your kids, grandkids and backpacks to church this weekend so that the Lord can bless them and their school year!
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GUN CLUB OUTING COMING UP SATURDAY, AUGUST 13!!!
Our next Gun Club outing will be at Whetstone Creek Conservation Area Gun Range on Saturday, August 13, from 9am-Noon. You can either bring your own guns and ammo to shoot at the range or we will have a whole range set up for a special "fam fire" (armed forces code for familiarization fire) on a separate range for those who don't own a gun but would like to learn to shoot and learn about various types of firearms. Paul Brockfeld and others will have several different firearms and ammo to use for $20 per person. Please sign up on the sheet on the counter in the narthex so we know how many are coming and who is or is not bringing their own guns and ammo.
Directions to the range: DO NOT follow the signs to Whetstone Creek. If you follow the signs, you will not go to the firearms range. From Warrenton take I-70 to the Williamsburg exit. At the top of the ramp turn right and head north into Williamsburg. At the first stop sign go straight (Sign will tell you to turn left to go to Whetstone Creek CA - do not turn left). At the second stop sign go straight. Road will turn to gravel as you leave Williamsburg. Once road turns to gravel it is approximately 2.3 miles to the range on the right. Parking lot is before the range.
Directions to the range: DO NOT follow the signs to Whetstone Creek. If you follow the signs, you will not go to the firearms range. From Warrenton take I-70 to the Williamsburg exit. At the top of the ramp turn right and head north into Williamsburg. At the first stop sign go straight (Sign will tell you to turn left to go to Whetstone Creek CA - do not turn left). At the second stop sign go straight. Road will turn to gravel as you leave Williamsburg. Once road turns to gravel it is approximately 2.3 miles to the range on the right. Parking lot is before the range.
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ST. JOHN'S ANNUAL FLOAT TRIP COMING UP LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 5!!
Would you like a relaxing and peaceful day on the river in God's creation? Do you want to grow in fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Come and join us!
Here are the details:
1. Meet at 9:30am at Ozark Outdoors www.ozarkoutdoors.net
2. PRICES
canoes $20 per person
kayaks- $28 per person
rafts- $29 per person
tubes are $25 per person
If you have your own equipment it is $30 per craft to ride the bus.
Children ages 7-12 are $15 and 7 and under are free
3. What you will need:
sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, food, beverages, a good attitude.
4. Contact Teresa Scott to sign up
cell- 636-359-0274
work- (Schraer HVAC) 456-5041
Remember, this is a float, not a race. It is a leisurely float down the river with lots of stops along the way!
If you choose to spend the weekend, please make camping, motel, or cabin arrangements through Ozark Outdoors or with Onondaga State Park www.mostateparks.com. Hiking and cave tours are also available in Onondaga State Park.
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T-3 MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP SEPTEMBER 23-25 AT MARK TWAIN LAKE!
Go to www.t3mensretreat.org for details or give me a call at 636-359-1061.
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STEPHEN MINISTRY NEEDS MORE STEPHEN MINISTERS!!
Stephen ministry is a one on one caring ministry in which a person goes through 50 hours off training to be a better listener and care giver. Even if you don't become an active Stephen Minister, this training is beneficial just for your daily life!
Please consider going through the training! It is very beneficial.
And please consider becoming a Stephen Minister. It has been a huge help and benefit to our congregation for the last 13 years, and I would love to see it grow!
Call me at 636-359-1061 to let me know you're interested. Or go to www.stephenministry.org to learn more about it.
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SCRIP PROGRAM CONTINUES!!
Here's how it works:
Here's how it works:
1. Pick up an order form from the counter in the narthex or from Marilyn in the office.
2. Mark how many cards you would like to order from each retailer you use, and fill in the totals. (If you need help, stop by the office or talk to Marilyn or ask me after worship.)
3. Attach a check to your order form made out to St.John's.
4. Marilyn will place the order on a certain date each month.
5. Pick up your cards from your church mailbox.
6. Use your cards just like money at the various stores.
Please use this program! It is an easy way for you to help YOUR church raise money for its ministries!
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GENERAL PRAYER
For the TINNIN FAMILY at the loss of Dave's mom Sunday night.
for LENA OWENS as she has knee replacement surgery Thursday.
For BOB RUHL, who is at Barnes Hospital recovering from sepsis due to a perforated bowel, and also recovering from a heart attack. He is on the mend.
For DON BRAZEE as he is in failing health and is now confined to a bed on hospice care.
For SHERRY BEASLEY as she recovers from gall bladder surgery.
For Lead a Child, as they continue to provide much needed financial assistance for children in third world countries to go to school and get the care they need.
For the HARGROVE FAMILY as they mourn the loss of Dave's dad Charles. (His memorial visitation and service will be Saturday, August 20, 1-3pm.
For LAW ENFORCEMENT EVERYWHERE, that we would keep the 4th commandment and honor those who serve and protect us from evildoers.
For BRIAN TAMPOW, a friend of Steve and Toni Mauch, who has an inoperable tumor near his carotid artery and will need to go through extensive chemo and radiation treatment.
For CHERYL, a cousin of Tony and Sandra Perricone, who is going through breast cancer treatment right now.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she begins her work as a teacher of English as a second language in the Czech Republic and transitions to regular life there.
