A Saving Faith

MESSAGE. “… grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: “ye were bought at a price,” and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

My sermon topic tomorrow morning is “A Saving Faith”.

MINISTRY. This morning I woke up to 50F but this refreshing temperature was not a hindrance for the OAKS Water Day. At 9 a.m. sharp, students were outside for fun water rides, jump ropes, pavement chalk painting, snow cones and tons of other activities. I noticed that some teachers had warm sweaters on while their kids were sliding into chilly water. I was glad that it was sunny and the kids could warm up on the towels spread on the church parking lot. Everyone seemed to truly enjoy themselves and be happy.  Here are a few photos:

OAKS students are very serious about the Hurricane relief effort. They truly want to help everyone who was affected by the recent hurricane in Texas. Here is a brief report from the Melissa: “Thanks to your support, we were able to collect over 12,000 bottles, with more coming in today as well!  A couple pictures are attached below, one with just the water bottles and one of the whole school with them.  Way to go everyone!”

This Sabbath morning we can all participate in a special Hurracain Relief offering (ACS). Please mark your tithe envelope accordingly and the donated funds will go to the disaster stricken areas through the Adventist Community Services.

Volunteers are welcome to cook and feed the homeless tomorrow morning at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. Cooking starts at 6 am, food distribution and visiting with the kitchen guests at 7 am.

Men’s Ministry is going full speed with the Habitat for Humanity project. We are joining hands with a number of churches in the area to build a home for a family. The goal is to raise $5,000. Please, watch for the brochures and flyers in the church bulletin tomorrow morning. I invite our church to pray that we raise these funds with no delay. Here is short video about this exciting community project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fkWmwkkzIE

Here is more from Edymar Penagos: “Ooltewah men showed up strong in support. Let me tell you, it was a real heart string tugger and wake up call. There were several powerful testimonies from guys in all four seasons of life. The bottom line: we need each other, we need structure and most of all, we need God. All four of the men that shared had one thing in common, small groups. We do not have to fight this war for our souls alone. God is with us and he has given us brothers to stand by our side. If you would like to join a small group, please reach out to either myself, Dan Turkenkopf (423-503-9768) or Lucas Patterson (423-582-1678). 

After the Men’s Rally there was a flapjack dinner and Lumber Jack contest (see attached photos). It was a blast! We battled hard and the Ooltewah team came really close to winning the log splitting part of the contest. I for one learned that it is not all about muscle, but more about technique, which got me thinking… This life is hard and we will not be able to power ourselves through its many challenges. We need God, and his technique (wisdom). In Mathew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. 

PRAYERS. Please pray unceasingly for all the areas and states on the path of Hurricane Irma. Among the millions fleeing Florida, our daughter, Stacey and her husband and their three week old baby made it safely to TN after a 16 hour drive from Ormond beach. I invite you to continue your prayers for many other friends and relatives of our church family who are on the road escaping the rage of the coming hurricane.