The Power Sunday School Class

Class,

What a wonderful attendance this morning for the middle of summer, and seven visitors as well!  We will be getting the visitors contact info out by email and I hope they will get a note from a number of us in the next few days.  I’ve challenged the Care Group Leaders to each make it a priority to contact the visitor who was in their group (I think we had visitors in all of them) and I will do the same.  Still, it would be wonderful if God moves the hearts of some others to drop them a note.

Thanks to Steven Kaplan for sharing with us about his ministry to the Jews both here and in Israel.  God’s blessings Steve as you continue this courageous work.

The notes from today’s lesson are posted on the LESSON NOTES page.  I enjoyed studying Galatians 5:1-15 (and 5:1 and 5:13 in particular) with you.  Hope I didn’t ruffle too many feathers as I tried to accurately portray FREEDOM as believers.  Here me well: FREEDOM is FREEDOM, but that isn’t a license to unplug and miss the blessings God has for us.  While rules and regulations don’t change our status in Christ, disobedience to His UNIQUE plan for each of us is another matter.  Remember that Jesus said if we LOVE HIM we will OBEY HIM.

But how to we keep from abusing that FREEDOM and using it as a LICENSE to sin?  That’s what we’ll talk about NEXT WEEK as we continue in chapter 5 of Galatians as we learn to FOLLOW THE SPIRIT!  Being July 4^th weekend I know many of you will be off and we pray for safety and enjoyment with your families.

One final note, we had a TERRIFIC Ministry Leadership Team meeting after the 9:30 service today with your Care Group, Outreach, and other leaders.  We are BLESSED with a team of talented and dedicated servants in these roles and we are challenging ourselves as a TEAM to strive for EXCELLENCE in how we minister to each of you.

Don’t forget the social at our house coming up on July 18^th.  More to come on that.

Susan and I love you all and thank God for you!

Allen