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FHU’s Annual Bible Lectureship

Give Us a King: Faith Failure, and Forgiveness in Samuel

One of the greatest marks of the divine inspiration of the Bible is the fact that thousands of years after it was produced it continues to be so applicable to “what’s happening now.” The focus of this year’s FHU Bible lectureship is testimony to that. Note the following quote from the Lectureship brochure:

“The books of Samuel challenge us to live faithfully in the midst of cultural confusion, generational change, and personal failure. These books present a God who reacts decisively to sin, but who stands ever ready to forgive. We observe both the tragic results of an unexamined life and the spiritual victories of those who learn from failure.”

“Cultural confusion, generational change, personal failure.” Does any of that sound relevant to today’s concerns? Indeed, the scriptures speak to what we are called to deal with in our personal lives and in our relationships.

On February 1-5, the FHU Bible Lectureship will bring hundreds of people to Henderson for a rich study of the books of Samuel. It is a great opportunity for us to join them in an examination of the scriptures as we seek to grow in our faith. Feel free to pick up a brochure at the welcome center in the lobby here at Estes and find some of the sessions to attend. See you there!

–Mark Blackwelder

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Visit to the Bible Lands

This is a brief summary of the recent trip made by a group of 20 pilgrims to Greece and Israel, led by our capable guides Mark and Dana Blackwelder.

In Athens we visited the Acropolis, a high rocky hill upon which the remains of several ancient structures stand, including the Parthenon – the old temple of the city’s patron goddess Athena. When the apostle Paul was in Athens over 19 centuries earlier, “his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols” (Acts 17:16). From atop the Acropolis, viewing the city’s myriad (tightly compacted) buildings and houses, it’s hard not to share the apostle’s deep concern for these precious souls. On the northwest side of the Acropolis, we climbed to the top of the Areopagus (“Rock of Ares”) or Mars Hill, where Paul had delivered his passionate speech about “the unknown God,” pleading for all to repent in view of the coming judgment (Acts 17:19-31). Read more

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New Members’ Recognition Dinner

newmembersIn Luke 19:10 Jesus reveals His main purpose for coming to this earth: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” He has always been concerned for the lost and he stresses how urgent the harvest continues to be. Jesus says again in John 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” Before ascending back up to heaven, he gave His disciples that same mission recorded for us in Mt 28:19-20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Jesus was all about saving people and wants His church to be dedicated to that mission as well.

Even though we can always do better and never want to become complacent in our service, it can be very beneficial to reflect how well we performed throughout the past year. We had a wonderful year at Estes in 2014! With 17 new members baptized into Christ and added to His church and 36 new members coming our way, the Lord added a total of 53 new members to the church at Estes just in 2014!

But with success comes a new problem. It’s hard to know who is new and who isn’t! So… the elders have asked the Connections team to coordinate a new members’ dinner to take place after evening services on the 25th. We will take this time to re-introduce ALL of the new members that came our way in 2014. We are asking the entire congregation to support this event and bring potluck dishes, except our new members of course. Just bring yourself and be ready for a fun-filled evening of food, fellowship and introductions.

–The Estes elders

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Looking Ahead to 2015

If you want to make 2015 a great year, here are a few suggestions.

Do everything with a higher purpose in mind. Be intentional and make decisions with a purpose in mind. Think about the consequences of your actions, and choose wisely before you act. Make a point to make sure your compass is guiding your day, not just the clock. Adopt a “do it now” attitude toward those things that are important but keep getting pushed back. Let the two greatest commandments–love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself–become central to your purpose. Read more

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Daily Bible Readings for 2015

Why read your Bible every day?

  • To know God better
  • To get wisdom
  • For spiritual nourishment
  • For deeper understanding
  • For instruction
  • For encouragement
  • To endure
  • For hope

Read more

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A Heavenly Focus amid Holiday Distractions

“All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3)
Well, it is almost here! The day that our children have been anticipating with visions of sugar plums and video games dancing in their heads. The day that has moms frazzled and worn. The day that has dads road-weary and bleary-eyed. Even though the holiday season is a wonderful time for us to be with our families and to share what we have with others, too often we become so wrapped up in the speed and frenzy of getting everything ready, getting everything just right, and purchasing just the right gift, that we forget to keep our focus on spiritual things. Read more

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What Grief Is

Grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss of any kind.
Grief is the conflicting feelings caused by a change or an end in a familiar pattern of behavior.
Grief is emotional, not intellectual.
Grief is individual, and relates directly to the uniqueness of all human relationships. No two relationships are the same.
Grief is a crisis, and in a crisis we tend to go back to our oldest, longest-held beliefs that relate to dealing with loss of all kinds.
Grief affects each person differently, therefore the application of ideas about grief is different. Read more

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Be Not Dismayed

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10

I often find myself relying on the illusion of the world, that somehow I am the master of my own destiny and that I have the capacity to upset the revolution of the celestial bodies. While it is true that God has given man the supremacy of choice, the aptitude to make decisions, and in many ways feel dominant; things still do not continually go our way. No matter how many times I think I am in charge, God reminds me that I am but a pilgrim traveling through this weary land, the master of naught excluding my ability to choose. Read more

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Widlord Thomas – new missionary to Haiti

Several years ago, Widlord Thomas, one of Roberta Edwards’ first kids in Sonlight Children’s Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, traveled to Freed-Hardeman University to study the Bible. After his graduation in December, he will return to Haiti to preach and teach the gospel and the Estes Church of Christ will provide oversight. Read more

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What is the world searching for?

According to a release from biblegateway.com the following is a list of the top ten Bible verses searched for on their website. It is interesting to see what people have need of just from skimming through a list of most searched Bible verses. My challenge to the church at Estes is to share at least one of these verses with someone outside the church this week. The world is yearning for truth, will you share it? Read more