MESSAGE. As we are starting a new year we hope for a smooth ride through the next twelve months. And I pray that our hopes come true. However, I want us to be alert so we can avoid the traps of the enemy. In Eph 6:12 Paul gives us a warning “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places].”
He is saying that our battle is not with the person who does not believe like we do or those who ridicule us and belittle us for believing in Jesus Christ or even for questioning His reality… Our battle is not with an out of control government, judicial system or society…our battle is not even physical. Our battle is spiritual warfare.
This Sabbath morning I’m starting a new sermon series which will help us learn how we can be battle ready. Please read Ephesians 6:10-17.
“And how this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan?—By the Word of God. Only by the Word could He resist temptation. “It is written,” He said. And unto us are given “exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Every promise in God’s Word is ours. “By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the Word. All its strength is yours. “Thy word,” says the psalmist, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” ” (EGW, ST August 23, 1905, par. 7)
MINISTRY. Our church WILL BE OPEN tomorrow morning for both services. Actually, the Georgia-Cumberland Academy Camerata consisting of 25 singers and musicians is performing during our second service. Please, do not drive to church if the roads around your house are slippery and you do not feel safe.
Pastor Aubrey was planning a Youth church for tomorrow, but because of a death in the family she had to fly out of town to attend the funeral service and be with her family. Please, pray for Pastor Aubrey and her family. The Youth is invited to join the service in the sanctuary to hear the GCA camerata and to stay for lunch prepared for the GCA students. This will be a great way for our youth to learn more about the GCA academy.
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Week of Prayer. This Monday morning, January 9, our church is starting a Week of Prayer. There will be two sessions every day: at 8 am and at 7 pm. I invite you to experience the transforming power of prayer. We believe your life and the lives of those you pray for will be changed as you join fellow church members in praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, whom the Father has promised to give to those who ask Him. You do not have to stay for the whole hour. Stop by and pray for ten minutes.
During both sessions there will be a short Bible study. During the Week of Prayer, we will take a trip into the sanctuary and try to see what lessons we can learn from it. The subject of the sanctuary should be carefully studied, as it is one of the foundational stones of our faith and hope. It shows us the work that Christ is doing for us. It reveals to us His character. It also tells us what Christ expects from us and how we should live on earth. It reminds us that we should live with a view of eternity and that we cannot do anything in our own power. It is only because of Christ and His sacrifice that our sins can be forgiven and His righteousness is given to us.
“The subject of the sanctuary . . . should be clearly understood by the people of God” (The Faith I Live By, p. 203). “We all need to keep the subject of the sanctuary in mind. God forbid that the clatter of words coming from human lips should lessen the belief of our people in the truth that there is a sanctuary in heaven, and that a pattern of this sanctuary was once built on this earth. God desires His people to become familiar with this pattern, keeping ever before their minds the heavenly sanctuary, where God is all and in all. We must keep our minds braced by prayer and a study of God’s Word, that we may grasp these truths” (E. G. White Letter 233, 1904, emphasis supplied).
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The Health Ministries team is actively preparing for “A Fresh Start.” Do you want a fresh start this New Year? Join with others in your community for a free 8 week health and fitness challenge! Experience physical, mental, social and spiritual renewal starting Sunday, January 22 at 4pm at the Ooltewah SDA Church at 9209 Amos Rd. in Ooltewah. Every 2 weeks participants will meet for group sessions to learn from and be inspired by some of the area’s most health-conscious individuals and enjoy free giveaways! Come join the Health Ministries team for this free health and fitness challenge starting Sunday, January 22 at 4pm for the kickoff event at the Ooltewah SDA Church at 9209 Amos Rd in Ooltewah. See you then!
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Light of Hope Ministry. We are exactly 6 weeks away from the opening night of the evangelistic meetings in Moscow, Russia. New restrictions imposed by the Russian government make it almost impossible to invite visitors to come to the meetings. This is why the Light of Hope team made arrangements to broadcast these meetings live on TBN-RUSSIA. This is truly a historic opportunity for our church in Eastern Europe. Your prayers and financial support for this outreach is very much needed and would be greatly appreciated. The cost of the ten day contract with TBN is $10,000. I have know doubts that the Lord has a way to make this happen.
It is negative -25 degrees in Moscow today. They certainly need to hear the warming Words of Hope. For more information on the upcoming mission you can visit www.lohtv.com
PRAYERS. Shirley Stevens had surgery on her hip yesterday. The surgery went well. She is recovering well at Memorial hospital. Her family is greatful for your prayers.
Nick Wilson, who we supported for a mission trip to Indonesia, is coming home tomorrow. Unfortunately, during the trip his friend Jordan had a leg injury and had to fly to a hospital in Singapore. Nick accompanied Jordan to Singapore. Here are a couple of updates from Nick’s Facebook:
Tuesday UPDATE! Jordan’s surgery went well. He is tired but not it two much pain. The doctor didn’t close up the wound on his knee so that it will be less prone to infection. Thursday or Friday he will close it the rest of the way and we will hopefully be on our way home Saturday or Sunday. Thank you all for your prayers! God is good!
Friday “UPDATE! Jordan’s surgery went well. He is tired but not it two much pain. The doctor didn’t close up the wound on his knee so that it will be less prone to infection. Thursday or Friday he will close it the rest of the way and we will hopefully be on our way home Saturday or Sunday. Thank you all for your prayers! God is good!
Steve Bremner has had a cold this whole week, but would not stop working at the church office. His voice turned into real opera baritone… I wonder if he may be preparing to sing tomorrow for our special music 😃. Please, pray for Steve’s full recovery.
Dorothy Champion is still at Ooltewah LifeCare. Her condition has improved but lots of prayers are still needed.
RESOURCES. Church weekly bulletin can be accessed by clicking here.
If you are stranded at home because of the inclement weather you can use the online giving option for your tithe and offerings: www.ooltewahchurch.org
See you tomorrow,
Peter
Ooltewah Seventh-day Adventist Church 