Max and Debbie Harmon: Missionaries to Peru {Col. 4:2-6}

Since 1982, the Harmons have been in the missionary field of Peru. Their sending church is Fellowship Baptist Church of Perryton, TX; however, Friendship Baptist Church has offered support since its foundation.

Special thanks to Max Harmon for his presentation to our class this morning!

Theirs is a work of faith in the field; our faith promise is a work of faith on our part.  Rom. 14:22-23

He became a Pastor at the ripe old age of 23 in Illinois (1978-1982); our Pastor Slayden came to be their song leader and his Mom was treasurer for the church, and Miss Carla can play the piano beautifully!  I Tim. 4:12

We all have to be led by the Spirit to our own "missions".  Luke 4:1

"Project Peru" has been very successful in assisting struggling churches financially.  (More will be discussed at evening service.) 
 

Check them out:


http://bbfi-southamerica.org/Harmon_M/

Grace and Truth

Special thanks to Dan Jeffers of Park Street Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, FL, for being our guest teacher this morning!

What is grace and how does it apply to me?
Grace is favor, kindness, and graciousness.

As an example of one receiving grace, Noah was just, perfect in generations, and walked with God. Heb. 11:7

There is merited favor and grace (assuming there is already a relationship with God). Ps. 84:11 ; Prov. 3:4 ; James 4:6-8 ; II Cor. 9:8

Grace as defined as "unmerited favor" is received upon Salvation. Eph. 2:4-10 {v.8: "...and that not of yourselves..."}

Grace should be the motivation for everything we do.  A list of laws will not please God without the relationship first. Rom. 5:1-2, 6-10, 12-17, 19-21

Truth: is it absolute or relative?  John 1:1-4, 14
Grace allows us to present truth in a gracious way. Truth without grace is often rejected.

Spiritual Living in a Secular Society

We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.  Heb. 12:1-10

There are many challenges and conflicts in the world: war, generational, racial, religious

Daniel was distinctively different in his society.  Dan. 1:1-7

*Study to be continued next week...

Special Project

Penny has been her creative self and come up with a wonderful idea!  We are going to use one gallon Ziploc bags as "blessing bags" for Mission Tulsa...just fill one up with the following suggestions or whatever else the Lord would lay on your heart.  These can be put in the Mission Tulsa boxes or given to Penny. Thanks so much for being a blessing!

Blessing Bags for Mission Tulsa

List of suggested things to put in a 1 gallon Ziploc bag

Chap Stick                                                                Packages of tissues

Toothbrush & Toothpaste                                            Comb

Soap or hand wipes, or baby wipes                            Trail Mix

Granola Bars                                                             Snack Crackers

Pack of Gum                                                             Band Aids

Alcohol Free Mouthwash                                            Hand Wipes

Pair of Socks                                                             Instant Coffee Packets

Washcloth                                                                 Fruit Cups

Juice Packets                                                             Nuts

Beef Jerky                                                                  Tuna Packets

Sample Size Shampoo                                                 Pudding Cup

Hard Candy                                                                Notepad and Pen

Deodorant                                                                  (We will add tracts.)

If you are vacationing, keep your hotel lotion, small soaps & shampoo, for the bags!  If you want to donate some items but not a whole bag, we will add items before we distribute.  I am thankful that I am not homeless and want to have compassion on those who are.  Let’s be a blessing! 

Note:

Next week we will be meeting in the Sanctuary for Sunday School hour with Jimmy DeYoung. He will be presenting Bible prophecy.

Life with a Purpose

Sowing to the Spirit and Reaping a Purposeful Life

You need HOPE to COPE.
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick." Prov. 13:12

"Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee..." Is. 26:3

Knowing God's will gives meaning, simplifies, and makes our lives purposeful; it motivates us.
Keep focused on the goal; the past isn't our prison. Phil. 3:12-15
Purpose produces passion:  recognize who we are, what we're called to do, and don't let the weights of the world distract us.  Heb. 12:1-2
We'll have a good testimony through faith. Heb. 11:39-40

What have you done with what God has given you?

1.  We need to have enough faith to accept whatever God designs for our lives.  Jer. 18:16


2.  We need to have a life so yielded to God that we realize His purpose for us.  Phil. 1:6

3.  We need to have gratitude enough to be thankful for His blessings and mercies.  Rom. 11:33

4.  We need to have patience enough to not be bitter.

5.  We need God's smile and approval in all we say and do.

6.  We need grace enough to be sweet under all circumstances.  II Tim. 4:2 

Our Purpose: What Drives You?

(continued from last week)

What drives your life?
*Some are driven by guilt
*Some are driven by anger and resentment
*Some are driven by fear
    (This is a self-imposed prison.)
*Some are driven by materialism
    (Our value is not determined by our valuables.)
*Some are driven by a need for approval
    (Those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it.)

Key verses:  Ecc. 7:9 ; Matt. 10:19-20 ; Rom. 12:3 ; Matt. 6:33 ; Rom. 8:32 ; Matt. 6:24 ; Prov. 12:3

Without God, life is trivial and fruitless.

Of all the words
from speech or pen,
The saddest of these:
"It might have been."