Slave:  The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ
by John MacArthur

Did you know that every time you utter the word “Lord,” you make a subtle yet profound declaration that God is your Master and you belong to him?  Best-selling author MacArthur explores what it means to follow Christ without hesitation–and why we as believers should consider ourselves slaves who were bought at a price.  This audio book brings the doctrine of our slavery to Christ into its proper place in our thinking.  Check it out!  It will change how you see your relationship to our dear Savior.  To see a promotional audio, go to http://www.gty.org/products/books/451170.

 

A service for the Dedication of Children will be held on Sunday morning, January 20, 2013. The Elders invite you to take part.  Please contact Daniel Kain, Tom Borck or any of the other elders if you are interested in having your child dedicated.

We place a very high priority on the Christian family–godly parents bringing up their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4).  An important part of the parents’ obligation to their children is to pray earnestly for them, dedicating them to God for His salvation and their spiritual growth.  Many parents want to make a public declaration of their desire to dedicate themselves to this task, and in so doing ask the body of believers to join them in prayer for their children.

This is not a baptism of infants as practiced in some churches, but simply a witness to the whole church of the parents’ desire to raise their children for God.  In no way does a public dedication of this kind guarantee the child’s salvation nor does it gain any special merit with God.  But this does indicate the parents’ resolve and gives us all an opportunity to join our hearts with them.  We believe God will honor such an act and we commend those parents who wish to do so.

 

Systematic Theology
by Wayne Grudem

The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, studying theology and doctrine organized around fairly standard categories such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. This introduction to systematic theology has several distinctive features: – A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching – Clear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimum – A contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church today – A friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellect – Frequent application to life – Resources for worship with each chapter – Bibliographies with each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies.  Excellent for the new theologian.  Check it out!

Have you ever wondered what heaven is like?  Have you ever heard a message about heaven?  For this coming Sunday, December 30, Terry Priestap will look at answering some questions:

1.  Are you looking forward to heaven?

2.  How can you KNOW you are going to heaven?

3.  What will heaven by like?

4.  Which world are you living for?

 

On January 6, 2013 we will have a celebration and remembrance service.  This will be a time to share how you have seen God’s hand of blessing, mercy, comfort, provision and strength in your life.  We will give praise and thanksgiving back to God for the myriad ways He cares for us.  There will also be lots of good music and a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Calvin wrote this book in 1545 to give the believers (of France) a summary of the basic teachings of the Christian faith.  It has been translated into many languages through history.  Believers today still find “The Institutes” of great benefit in the Christian walk.  Borrow our copy and see for yourself the richness within–then you’ll need a copy of your own!

It’s new in our Library, so CHECK IT OUT!

Please join us for a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Monday, December 24 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.  This will be a wonderful time to celebrate the birth of our Savior with the whole family.  There will be special music, favorite Christmas Carols, a wonderful children’s program, a message by David Kaiser and the lighting of the candles to celebrate the eve of His birth.

Some of our women enjoyed a Fall getaway at Potawatomi Inn, Angola IN during November.  It was a time of personal relaxation and spiritual refreshment through worship and reflection.   A few women from Christian Fellowship also shared their testimonies.  It was a great opportunity to get to know each other better.  Thanks to all who helped organize this event.

Our December 16th Mosaic service at Western Avenue ministries will focus on Jesus, the greatest gift.  Come join others from different races, classes, interests and neighborhoods. In a Mosaic, loose pieces come together in creative ways to form a new element, replacing brokenness with beauty.  The service starts at 5:00 pm.

For this week, I have long sensed that God wants us to look at some of the most basic of truths.  We are hoping to reaffirm our belief and trust in the Bible as God’s very word and the only true guideline for our understanding of His will for our lives.  I am boiling over with excitement on this topic and hope to communicate it in a way that is both inspirational as well as instructional, but overall, honoring to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.

I am drawing my input from God, of course, but also men like Charles Ryrie, F.F. Bruce, and Warren Wiersbe.  What writers, teachers or other influences give you confidence in God’s word?