Scripture at Sunrise 2.1.10

Sunday School | Matthew 13:53-58 | Bro. Randy Thomas

“And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.”  -Matthew 13:58
While visiting Nazareth, Jesus was a hometown boy (like a Kentucky boy making a free throw for UK, we tend to cheer extra hard for him!), but He was rejected.  Look at all that they missed out on because of their unbelief.

Morning Worship | 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 | Pastor Steve Wainright

“For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.”  -1 Corinthians 7:19
Wherever you are in life, be content because God has placed you there.  Don’t be so preoccupied with social issues that you push aside the main issue (the spiritual issue) and water down the Gospel.  The Corinthians were highlighting the social issues.  Paul is saying that the Gospel is what needs to be emphasized!  Live your life out loud for the glory of God so others may see how Christ has worked in your life!

Evening Worship | Leviticus 18:1-30 | Pastor Steve Wainright

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”  -Jeremiah 17:9
God knows the heart of man.  This heart is the same today as it was in Old Testament times.  God, as divine authority, creates boundaries (in this case, it’s guidelines for sexual behavior).  Whenever God says, “Don’t do something,” it’s for your benefit.  It’s because He loves you.

Scripture at Sunrise 5.18.09

Sunday School Devotion | Matthew 1-2 | Bro. Wayne Sparks
“…He did as the angel of the Lord commanded him…” -Matthew 1:24
Joseph was the first adoptive father.  He was obedient to the Word of God and the Lord provided for them at the first baby shower in the Bible: Matthew 2:11! 

Sunday School | Esther 8-10 | Bro. Steve Dawson
Read Esther 8 to find a lot of parallels to the Gospel! 
1) vs. 8- When we sin, God puts a seal that cannot be humanly reversed. (Ezekiel 4:9, James 2:10, Romans 2:12…)
2) vs. 9- Like Mordecai sent the message out (hastily), we should do the same. vs. 10- The Gospel message is a message that has the irreversible stamp of the King.  (Matthew 28:19, Ephesians 1:18, Ephesians 4:30)
3) vs. 10-14- There was an escape made through the blood of Christ (Romans 5:16-17)
4) vs. 15-17- Rejoice in your salvation as the Jews did. (Luke 10:19, John 16:22, Revelation 12:12)

Sunday Morning | Colossians 3:12 | Pastor Steve Wainright
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” -Colossians 3:12
Because of Christ’s great love in choosing us, we change our stinky clothes (Romans 13:14). 
Character Traits of a Christian:
1)Bowels of Mercy=Compassion (a deep concern and inward affection that moves us to action). 
Touch the untouchable.  Embrace the unembraceable.  Love the unloveable. 
2)Kindness=treating people with honor and respect no matter how they treat you. 
3)Humble-minded=lowly-minded
Attain this by acknowledging the sovereignty of God and recognizing His great grace!
4)Meekness=gentleness; soft and calm…lower your voice!  A soft answer turns away wrath.
5)Longsuffering=taking a long time to get hot=patient
Give someone time and room to grow.  Look at how patient God has been with you! 

Sunday Evening | Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 | Missionary John Mark Hatcher
“Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, ’Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”  -Matthew 13:30 

Chill out!
Stop judging.  We are not the judges, we are the rescuers.  God did not call us to make everybody stop smoking, drinking, etc., He called us to spread the Good News! 
Drop in!
Jesus dropped us into the dirt.  We are the seeds He has scattered!  How many friends do you have outside of your church?  Drop in the soil.  You never know who God is going to save.  It will be miserable for you in the soil. 
Sprout up and bloom!
Seek to live a life that adorns the Gospel…that attracts people and makes them want what you have.  Be careful not to be tempted while in the soil.  Strengthen your walk with Christ. 
Harvest!
The Lord will gather in those He has redeemed!