PREPARE FOR IT! - iROCK - 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 During the iRock sermon series, we're studying 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.

"For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

- I Corinthians 10: 1-13

Living on Mission – Remembering God is Faithful and We are Not Alone

Living on Mission – Remembering God is Faithful and We are Not Alone

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

It’s easy to feel isolated and alone. It creates a certain feeling of safety and even a distorted satisfaction. Plus it makes us feel special. "Nobody else on the entire planet had ever experienced anything as bad as I have it right now. No one can relate, so I’ll just sit here by myself and suffer." That's quite a distinguished place to live. Maybe it’s even a temptation for you.

Our enemy would like nothing more than to isolate us. Why? Because we’re weaker when we are alone. What was one of the first things God said after He created Adam? It’s not good for man to be alone.

We were made to share life together. The truth is, the temptations that come your way will always be less tempting if you’re sharing your life with people who are striving to become more and more like Jesus.

We all face temptations. What we do when we’re tempted determines whether we stand firm or fall into the temptation. Two things are mentioned in this week’s passage that will help us stand: Don’t isolate, and remember God is faithful. We can trust God to give us wisdom and strength to endure.

Let’s practice Living on Mission and remember that we are never alone and our God is faithful.

Pastor Angela

iPray: 1 Corinthians 10:13

The end of self-revelry is the start of freedom and victory, of relief, of peace and security, of love, of something so much greater than we could ever hope to be or achieve on our own... in the "death" of our "selfies" we find new life in Christ. 

1 Corinthians 10:13:  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

What words of hope Paul presents us with, as our most wonderful sermon series, iRock:  The End of Self-Revelry, comes to a close.

We are not alone.

We should be encouraged.

We overcome.

Because of Jesus.

Jesus says in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Prayer is definitely key, as it connects us to our source of strength, our capital G God.  We do not overcome against temptation alone. 

In light of this wonderful Scripture, how then do we pray and prepare our hearts and minds for Sunday?

Because we are not alone, but instead are blessed not only by God's presence, but also by the presence of brothers and sisters in Christ who are walking the same path and encountering similar struggles, let us pray for accountability and truth.  Isolation from God and from His Body has no place when it comes to freedom and victory from temptation and from sin.  John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Because we are encouraged by God's faithfulness, let us pray for continued daily presence on our part.  He is always available - let us strive to meet with Him daily.   John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Because we know this victory, or way out, comes from God and not our own strength, let us also pray for dependence on God as we set aside our prideful attitudes and fully lean into Him for support and strength.  1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for Your faithfulness, for the truth of Your Word, and for Your strength.  Refine us.  We need you.  Please draw near to us as we draw near to you. 

Amen

PoC|Coverage is tonight at 6pm... try it, you'll like it!

Blessings,
Pastor Celia

Family It!

Supplies: Bible, an action figure of a super hero.

SHARE
What superpowers do the following heroes have?  Batman.  Aquaman.  Superman. Hulk.  Wonder Woman.  Flash.

READ
Read I Corinthians 10:13 with your family. 

CONSIDER
1)  Sometimes when we are tempted to do wrong, we think we HAVE to sin.  This verse tell us a couple of things about temptation:

1. Everyone you know is tempted.
2. We are all tempted in very similar ways.
3. Jesus, our hero, comes through for us.  Jesus to the rescue!

2)  Jesus can help us when we have temptation any way he chooses.  He has incredible super powers also, because He is God.

a.  Jesus can choose to remove the temptation.

b.  Jesus can choose to help us get out of the temptation.

c.  Jesus can help us endure and stand through the temptation.

d.  Jesus is for us and wants us to stand for Him.

PRAY
Jesus, thank you for helping me endure temptation.  You are the real hero.  Amen.

REPLY
Did you and your family enjoy this devotional blog? We'd love to know about it! Our hope is to continue providing this weekly opportunity for families to do a devotion together. If your family did this devotion, please shoot us an email, text or just post a comment to this blog.

READ IT! - iROCK - 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 During the iRock sermon series, we're studying 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 each day.

"For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

- I Corinthians 10: 1-13

PREPARE FOR IT! - iROCK - 1 Corinthinas 10:1-13

 During the iRock sermon series, we're studying 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.

"For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

- I Corinthians 10: 1-13

Living on Mission with Humility

Living on Mission with Humility

We all know someone who has a “No worries, I’ve got this!” attitude toward just about everything. They speed around town, ignoring posted limits. They NEVER read instructions. They can’t be bothered going to a class. Don’t tell them how the rest of the known world accomplishes anything; they have a better way – their way.

Isn’t it frustrating when this person is someone you love? You want to spare them the pain of mistakes. You want to share the lessons you learned the hard way. You love them so much that it hurts you to see them hurt themselves and/or others. You warn. You give examples from your own experience.

This is exactly the loving posture God takes toward us (through Paul) in 1 Corinthians 10:11-12, “These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”

In this chapter of 1 Corinthians, we’ve seen some pretty serious consequences for sins that were common then and now. Wouldn’t it be great if we could avoid destructive patterns that lead to ruin, slavery, and death? We can! We can listen to the warnings. We can pay attention to the examples and check our behavior.

Let’s practice Living on Mission and humble ourselves. Let’s heed the warnings and learn from the examples that are graciously given from our Father’s heart of love to keep us from falling.

Pastor Angela

iPray: 1 Corinthians 10:11-12

Warning labels can be helpful, scary, and sometimes funny as they state the seemingly obvious.

Consider these "funny"/"obvious" supposed warning labels:

For a Go-Kart:  "This product moves when used."
For an iPod Shuffle:  "Do not eat."
For a hairdryer:  "Do not use while sleeping."
For a tube of squeeze cheese product:  "For best results, remove cap."
For a Dremel:  "Not intended for use as a dental drill." 

Maybe it all started with someone needing a reminder that McDonalds coffee is hot.
Or maybe it started with grumbling and golden cows.

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.  So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"  -1 Corinthians 10:11-12

When it comes to warnings, it seems as though they exist to advise, that they are informed by previous examples, and that they are relevant to us now.  Paul makes his purposes very clear in our beloved 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 passage.  He is intentionally pointing out the antics of the Israelites as more than just a "nice" story... more than just something to shake our heads at and go "wow, those Israelites"... no, Paul implies a relevance to readers ("were written down as warnings for us")... And it's not that complicated as to why... "if you think you are standing firm, be careful...") 

Warning:  You shouldn't eat an iPod Shuffle.
Warning:  You should indeed remove the cap from the cheese-squeeze product for best results.
Warning:  We need Jesus, our Rock, and His provision.  We cannot do it on our own.  Attempts to do so may result in golden cows and wandering for decades, snakes, destruction, and death.

How then should we pray?

Thankfully.  Jesus provides.
Dependently.  Jesus provides.
Vigilantly.  Jesus provides.
Constantly.  Jesus provides.

Dear Jesus,
Please be with us.  Thank you for Your provision.  Thank you for this reminder in your Word .  Thank you that in my powerlessness I find Your strength.  Please help me keep my eyes fixed on You and myself in Your presence so that through You I can stand firm.
Amen.

See you tonight at 6pm for PoC|Coverage.

Pastor Celia

Family It!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Family It!

Supplies: Bible, computer or smart phone to watch the youtube video “Mama Bear Wrestles Tree To Rescue Cub”.

SHARE
How many times a day do your parents tell you to “be careful”?  Do you listen to them?  Why should we listen to people when they try to warn us?  What could happen if we do not listen to the warning?

READ
Read I Corinthians 10:11-12 with your family.  Remember that this is a warning from Paul to the Christians in the church in the city of Corinth.

WATCH THE CLIP
What was the mother bear doing in the clip?  Why did the baby bear need the mom’s help?  What could have happened if the mother bear didn’t step in a help?

DISCUSS
1)  In the verses we read, Paul is giving a very important warning for us to be careful in our relationship with Jesus. Jesus cares for us in big ways.  What are some ways that Jesus has cared for your family?

2)  In the verses we read, Paul tells us to be careful so that we do not fall.  In your opinion, what does it mean to “fall” in our relationship with Jesus?

3)  Why would it be bad to “fall” in our relationship with Jesus?

4)  How is Paul kind of like the mother bear?  In what way is God like the mother bear?

PRAY
Jesus, thank you for these verses and warning.  Teach us to obey you when you call.  Teach us to quickly obey everyone who tries to keep us from danger.  Amen.

REPLY
Did you and your family enjoy this devotional blog? We'd love to know about it! Our hope is to continue providing this weekly opportunity for families to do a devotion together. If your family did this devotion, please shoot us an email, text or just post a comment to this blog.

READ IT! - iROCK - 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 During the iRock sermon series, we're studying 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 each day.

"For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

- I Corinthians 10: 1-13

PREPARE FOR IT! - iROCK - 1 Corinthians 10:1-3

 During the iRock sermon series, we're studying 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.

"For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

- I Corinthians 10: 1-13

Living on Mission without Grumbling

Living on Mission without Grumbling

Satisfaction is a recurring theme in this passage in 1 Corinthians 10.  This week we look at verses 9 and 10, “Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.”

Death is a pretty serious consequence for grumbling. And why was Paul talking to the Corinthians about this anyway? They weren’t eating manna. They weren’t in the desert.

Maybe they felt like it though, just like we do sometimes. Maybe they felt like they had given up a lot to live as Christians.

Sometimes the way the Lord leads us doesn’t seem fair. If we compare our path to the path of someone else, it might seem like we’re really missing out on something great – like a happy marriage or a job that is both enjoyable and well paid. Sometimes the Lord leads us to or through tough places in order for His will to be done in our hearts and lives. (Just like the people of Israel in the desert.)

How will we respond? We have a couple of choices: we can grumble, or we can give thanks.

If we choose to grumble, it’s a sign that we don’t trust Him. We’re unsatisfied with His provision. We fear that He has forgotten about us. We feel like He doesn’t care.

If we choose to give thanks (and we can always find something to be thankful for,) it proves that we trust Him. We appreciate the way He provides for our needs and we are satisfied. We know He loves and cares for us.

Let’s practice Living on Mission without grumbling; choosing instead to give thanks to God for all that He has given us. God and the people around us are listening.

Pastor Angela

iPray: 1 Corinthians 10:9-10

"We should not test Christ, as some of them did - and were killed by snakes.  And do not grumble, as some of them did - and were killed by the destroying angel." 1 Corinthians 10:9-10

Have you ever "grumbled" in the "wilderness"?  Did it help?  Did it solve anything?  What was the result?  Maybe you weren't killed by snakes or a destroying angel, but what possibly did die or suffer as a result of lack of trust in Christ?  A relationship?  A growth opportunity?  A chance to represent Christ well to someone else? 

As we continue to follow along this wonderful passage in 1 Corinthians, as well as the corresponding journey of the Israelites in the Old Testament, we can see the benefit in choosing to trust our God and settle in His comforting presence rather than forgoing wisdom and reacting in some of the ways the Israelites did.

In light of this passage, how should we pray in preparation for this week's upcoming sermon?  Remember that we are praying to our Big G God!  Scripture is a great way to assist/guide our prayer time.

Feeling overwhelmed by burdens? 
     Remember, you are praying to God, The Burden-Bearer (Psalm 68:19).

Feeling distressed and worried? 
     Remember, you are praying to God, my Peace (Romans 16:20).

Feeling like no one is reliable or comes through? 
     Remember, you are praying to A Faithful God (Psalm 36:5, Lamentations 3:23)

Dear Jesus,

Please continue to guide us as we walk with You.  Please continue to reveal all the wonderful ways you love us, come through for us, and provide for us.  Please help our first response to be praise, prayer, and trust, rather than lack of trust, grumbling, and a bad attitude. 

Please also guide each of us as we ask You to help us "find our awe" and fully lean into whatever You would have us do as we walk in faith during this capital campaign time.

We love You.  We need You.  Please be with us and guide us.  We are listening.

Amen.

See you tonight for PoC|Coverage, at 6pm!

Pastor Celia

Family It!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Family It!

Supplies: Bible, a phone voice recorder (app)

SHARE
I once heard a grandfather talk about how he helped his grandchildren “hear” how they sounded when they were whiny, complaining, and fighting with each other.  One day after school he left a voice recorder running -and recorded the grandkids.  It just happened to be the perfect day for the recording to take place because both grandkids were especially agitated and this brought out a meanness and whininess that helped make the grandfather’s case is an extra impactful way.  He played the recording for his grandkids and said, “When you hear these kids, what do you think?  Are they thankful?  Are they grateful?  Are they kind?  Are they appreciative?  Are you proud of them?  How would you describe what you hear?”  

Well, it worked.  The kids admitted that they did not sound thankful or grateful, kind or appreciative.  And, they were not proud of themselves.  They thought they sounded spoiled and selfish.

READ
Read I Corinthians 10:9-10 with your family.

PLAY
Using the voice recording app on your phone, record each member of the family saying the following statements one at a time.  When every family member has recorded one line, move on to the next.

“God, why did you lead us here to die?!  Are you going to take care of us or not!”

Then,

“God, we know that you have a great future for our family!  Thank you for taking care of us!”

Discuss
1)  As we’ve been discussing the Israelites journey the last few weeks, we have heard them become a whining and complaining people.  Why do you think they are complaining so much?

2)  Play the recordings of your family.  What do you think of the way you sound?  Is it funny?  Sad?  Does it make you proud?  

3)  How would you rather have your family sound?  Complaining, like recording one?  Or trusting, like recording two?


PRAY
Jesus, we want to be a family that trusts you AND sounds like we trust you.  Help us learn to talk like we trust you, Lord.  Amen.


REPLY
Did you and your family enjoy this devotional blog? We'd love to know about it! Our hope is to continue providing this weekly opportunity for families to do a devotion together. If your family did this devotion, please shoot us an email, text or just post a comment to this blog.

READ IT! - iROCK - 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 During the iRock sermon series, we're studying 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 each day.

"For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to indulge in revelry.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

- I Corinthians 10: 1-13