First Steps – July 13, 2020

Lately I’ve been reading the Book of James. An apostle, a witness to the Resurrection, a son of Zebedee, and the first apostle to be martyred, James was considered the first Bishop of Jerusalem.

In his letter, he was greatly concerned about the inward influences that divide people when there should be unity. He warned his community to treat others the same regardless of economic differences. To favor another because of outward appearances was a violation of the gospel.

He would later remind his congregation that true faith is revealed in righteous living especially works of mercy toward the poor and justice toward the oppressed:

“What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has not works is dead” (James 2).

For James, and it is a lesson for us today, followers of Christ must be doers and not simply hearers of the word. I would even go so far as to say that when we are doers of the word, we affect change in the world. It is hard to deny a faithful life that is filled with multiple examples of Christian service. Our actions speak for themselves. Therefore, change the world by doing works, works that edify your Lord!

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – Revelation 7
  • Tuesday – Revelation 8
  • Wednesday – Revelation 9
  • Thursday – Revelation 10
  • Friday – Revelation 11

Please Pray for:

  • Our ministers and their families.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • The United Methodist Church family.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.
  • The Lost.
  • The lives of those touched by the Coronavirus.

Connect: July 12 – July 18 , 2020

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, June 12 | “Restart – Back To Basics”
w/ Rev. Dr. Shane Green
Worship @ 9AM, 11AM, 1PM & 4PM

Click here to join our online worshiping community.

CONNECTING YOUTH

All SPY Online events will be posted on the SPY Instagram account each week – Be sure to check in online every week!

Sunday, July 12 | “Sunday School Live”
w/ Christopher Badcock @12PM on the Zoom.
Look for link on the SPY Instagram.

CONNECTING CHILDREN

All Children’s Online events will be posted on St. Paul Kids Instagram account each week – Be sure to check in online every week!

Sunday, July 12 | “Children’s Sermon”
w/ Sally Key Bowden & Caroline Green @ 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, & 4PM

CONNECTING SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, July 12 | “Seekers’ Sunday School”
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, July 12 | “Bridges Sunday School”
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, July 12 | “Wildwood Sunday School”
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, July 12 | “Welcome In” Sunday School Class
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM
Contact Buddy for more information.

Tuesday, July 14 | “Grace Bible Study”
Why By Adam Hamilton
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM in M235 (Wildwood Classroom).
Contact Grace for more information.

Tuesday, July 14 | “Spring Harbor Bible Study”
The Book of Acts
w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM. Contact John for more information.
Call In: (706) 507-9085  PIN 1952#

Thursday, July 16 | “Preschool Mom’s Study”
You’ll Get Through This by Max Lucado
w/ Grace Bailey @9AM in M235 (Wildwood Classroom).
Contact Grace for more information.

Friday, July 17 | Men’s Morning Bible Study
The Book of Acts
w/ Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper @6:30AM in M220 (Fellowship Hall).
Contact Buddy for more information.