Category: Bible Study

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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green – August 25, 2024

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.  

August 26

Often I feel like my prayers are foul balls, or I really don’t know what to pray.   During these times, I borrow from other people. I pray their prayer, using their words until I can find my own. Their words prime the pump of my mind so that I can eventually unlock my own voice.

If you are like me and find yourself in a season of busyness, a hectic schedule, or pulled from one place to the next; then consider this prayer:

Ever-present God, thank you for being here with me right now. In the chaos of my life, I often forget that you are always with me, always seeking to bring me peace.  I feel overwhelmed, as if the world around me is a heaving, crashing sea; and I am adrift in a small boat, unable to keep the waves from closing over me. Only you can bring order out of this chaos. Say the word, all-powerful God, and I know that the seas will be calmed, and I will be safe. Even as I say these words, I can hear how foolish they are. You, the God of my life, are also the God of order. Bring order to my life, and in doing so, take care of all those concerns that rise up around me like stormwaves. Calm the seas of my busyness; still the waters of my “doingness.” Let me drift on the gentle swells of your love and care. (Pat Wilson—Contemporary Christian Writer).

This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Exodus 26
Tuesday – Exodus 27
Wednesday – Exodus 28
Thursday – Exodus 29
Friday – Exodus 30

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We have completed Genesis and are now reading Exodus. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:
Pray for our country and the 2024 Presidential Election.
Pray for guidance.
Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
Pray for comfort for those who are grieving.
Wisdom for our church leaders, local leaders, and world leaders. 
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued growth of the faith of the people.Pray for inner peace. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green – July 29, 2024

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.

I’m sure you have heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” This adage holds much truth and wisdom. The idea is if I do something over and over again, then I will achieve whatever goal I set out to reach. This modern proverb wasn’t lost on the early church fathers and mothers. One father linked time in mediation with immediate action so that nothing was lost. He wrote:

“After a time of meditation, immediately begin to put into practice the resolutions you have made. Don’t wait another day to get started. Without this application, meditation may be useless or even detrimental. Meditate on a virtue without practicing it, and you will mislead yourself into believing that you have actually become someone you are not. If I have resolved to win the heart of my enemy by being gentle toward that person, I will try to find a way this very day to be friendly to him. If I am not able to see that person face to face, I will at least pray for him.”

Living as a Christian is practicing our faith. The more we do it, the more mature we become which yields greater affinity with Christ. The practicing requires both meditation (reflection) AND follow-through (action). Begin this week! Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you during your prayers and to help you follow through as you walk with Him.

This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Exodus 6
Tuesday – Exodus 7
Wednesday – Exodus 8
Thursday – Exodus 9
Friday – Exodus 10

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  We have completed Genesis and are now reading Exodus. You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:
Pray for those affected by natural disasters.
Pray for words of kindness, to you and from you.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith. 
Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Wisdom for our church leaders (especially through the special called Church Conference), local leaders, and world leaders. 
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued growth of the faith of the people.
Pray for inner peace. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.

July 15, 2024

“What do I really desire from Christ?” Have you ever thought of that question? William Law, an English mystical clergyman, answered it this way: How is it that Christ helped the lame and the blind, the lunatic and the leper, the publican and sinner? It is because they desire it. They come in authentic faith. Christ would respond to them, “Your faith has made you well.” Therefore, what we desire is the real issue.

Law would infer that people wanted Christ for the current world and the next world. They wanted a changed life so that everything was altered: a new way of thinking, acting, and speaking. This change is so radical that the blind see, the lame walk, and the mute speak.

He would continue by stating being saved is nothing other than being made like Jesus. It is to gain his humility, meekness, and self-denial. It involves doing God’s will and seeking to please God alone. He would often wonder that if one was not able to plead for them with the same intensity as the sick who came to Christ, then maybe one needs to consider if he/she really wants Christ as a savior. So, I ask you again, “What do you really desire from Christ?”

This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Genesis 46
Tuesday – Genesis 47
Wednesday – Genesis 48
Thursday – Genesis 49
Friday – Genesis 50

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  You may join anytime.  Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:
Pray for those affected by natural disasters.
Pray for words of kindness, to you and from you.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith. 
Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Wisdom for our church leaders (especially through the special called Church Conference), local leaders, and world leaders. 
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued growth of the faith of the people.
Pray for inner peace. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
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“First Steps” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green

This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.

July 8, 2024

After spending a few days on the Georgia coast at Annual Conference, I was bothered by flies and gnats that were a little pesky. Driving back to Columbus, I thought about this comparison: There is a vast difference between being tempted and yielding to it. And yet, if I know in advance that certain places will tempt me and I go there anyway, I am guilty of each temptation that comes my way. The way to deal with temptation is to look away from them and at the Lord. If you are still subject to them, continue to resist. There is no sin as long as you say, “No.” For every great temptation there will be many small ones. Wolves and bears are more dangerous than flies, but we are bothered most by the latter. You may never murder anyone, but you will certainly become angry. You may avoid adultery, but it is not easy to control your eyes. You may never steal anything from your neighbor, but you may covet it.

Let these flies and gnats buzz around you. Instead of fighting with them, do the very opposite of what the temptation is suggesting. For instance, if you are tempted to be vain, think about the troubles of others. If you are greedy, remember how death will take it all away from you, and then go give something away or pass up a profit. Make the effort and you will be hardened against future temptations (Francis de Sales—The Devout Life).

This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Genesis 41
Tuesday – Genesis 42
Wednesday – Genesis 43
Thursday – Genesis 44
Friday – Genesis 45

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year!  Our sermon series, “Genesis: All in the Family” coincides with the first book of the Bible.  May we suggest that you watch or listen to sermons starting on April 21, 2024, through June 30, 2024, to accompany your recent readings.  You may find these on our website at spumccolumbus.com.

Things to Pray About:
Pray for understanding and patience, especially when bad things happen.
Pray for words of kindness, to you and from you.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith. 
Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
Comfort those who are grieving.
Wisdom for our church leaders, local leaders, and world leaders. 
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued growth of the faith of the people.
Especially pray for those in conflict and extreme distress at this time.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
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A “Stellar” VBS for 2023!

This year’s Vacation Bible School centered around a space theme, with the motto “Shine Jesus’ Light.” Just like a star, we are reminded to continuously shine with Jesus’ teachings in mind. All astronauts enjoyed fantastic voyages each day with science, arts and crafts, story time, recreation, cinema, and of course, snacks!

Thank you to our volunteers! You made this happen! We want to send a “stellar” thank you to Molly Coleman, Anna Garcia, Rachel Williams, and Sara Rumph. Also, thank you to parents and children for your donations to the Ukraine Ministries! Because of your giving, our children in orphanages will receive $1512.71! We’d also like to announce that our Space Rangers group raised the most money for this important mission!

Thank you again for a successful week of VBS!

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Get Ready for Small Groups!

If you missed being part of a small group in the Fall, please consider joining Small Groups this season! Think of how much Jesus’ friends learned in His small group setting. Groups are fun, easy-going, non-intimidating, and often work very well to find a time of worship among peers. Plus, our Small Groups are supported with Sunday Sermon Series.

You will be hearing from Group Leaders soon! If you want to join a group, please contact [email protected].

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