A special letter from Pastor Craig Lile:
THE GREAT COMMISSION – MATTHEW 28:18-20 – “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”
Our Lord Jesus has been given all authority over heaven and earth. His last command before leaving for heaven was for His believers to go in His authority to all nations and make disciples. His key commission in this passage is to “make disciples.” Making disciples is then accompanied by “Going” (being intentional in our life pursuits), “Baptizing” (giving evidences of new and changed lives as new creations in Christ), and 3) “Teaching” (instructions, exhortations, reproofs in Christian living).
Will you take seriously the Christian process of growth and the fulfilling of the Great Commission? We are offering age-graded classes on Sundays and topical studies on Wednesdays that cover many areas pertaining to making disciples through going, baptizing and teaching. It is time with children, youth and adults that never returns void.
I don’t know about you, but I want to love God, love others and find places to serve Him. I believe that is the standard that God will evaluate my life around when I stand before Him to give an account some day. I love Him through worship. I love others through bible study and growing together. I serve Him with a mature, vibrant and strong spiritual walk.
There is an excellent movie, The End of the Spear, which tells the story of five missionaries who gave their lives sharing the gospel to an unreached tribe in Ecuador. Elisabeth Elliot, one of the five widows left behind was speaking on their behalf one year after the death of their husbands. She said these words about being disciples and the process of discipleship. “We pray that if any, anywhere, are fearing that the cost of discipleship is too great, that they may be given to glimpse that treasure in heaven promised to all who forsake.”
Come and commit to that process of discipleship with us. We will be excited to walk beside you!
Craig Lile, Pastor
THE INHERITANCE: BETH MOORE STUDY
10 weeks
Psalm 16:5-6 "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."
This Beth Moore Women’s Study series takes an in-depth look at “inheritance” throughout God's Word. The concepts of inheritance and heritage are used over 300 times in scripture, and this study will bring you to a personal understanding of exactly what it means to be an “heiress” of God and the faithful promise God has made to you as His child.
CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED BY RICO TICE & BARRY COOPER
10 weeks
Christianity Explored is for anyone who wants to investigate Christianity informally with a group of other people. Whether you have previous experience of Church, Christians and the Bible, or none at all, this course is for you. Everyone is welcome - from the most sympathetic Sunday schooler to the convinced atheist. Each evening includes a talk (or DVD) designed to explain an aspect of Christian belief and to stimulate discussion. Hopefully you'll find it challenging and amusing. The group leaders will facilitate discussion and answer questions.
Parenting The Early Years by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
6 weeks Many parents out there are wondering, “Do I have what it takes to be a good parent?” A lot of times parents need help, but nobody likes to ask for help.
That’s why we’re offering this study by Les and Leslie Parrott called Parenting: The Early Years. Now, this goes deeper than any technique of just getting kids to eat their broccoli and clean their room. It takes a Biblical approach into the traits parents want their children to have and what traits they want their children to see modeled in them. A team took their cameras into the homes of 20 families and captured real-life parenting moments. Some of these are funny moments and some are just completely honest moments that every parent can relate to. Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott are best selling authors, who have sold over one million copies of their books.
Parenting Your Teenager by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
6 weeks
Identity questions. Emotional turmoil. Rebellion. Welcome to the teenager’s world. And if you’re their parent, you’re already in that mix. It’s a tough job, you know, and you’ve got to do it. Nowadays, you have to play counselor, cop, and crisis manager all rolled into one. Good parenting means using your head, your heart, and your faith. Parenting Your Teenager equips moms and dads to recognize common patterns, plan effective strategies, and build character.
In 24 gut-level interviews, parents and teens talk openly about rebellion, conflict, pain, and identity. Plus, there’s a candid chat with singer Steven Curtis Chapman about faith and family.
The Seven Seasons Life Plan
6 weeks
Men’s study. Real men measure the year by seasons – football or deer or baseball or quail. But life in general is seasonal and learning to depend on God in every season is a key to being the man God wants you to be.
This study is excellent for men to discover God's teachings in each season of their life, whether through crisis or success, and every season in between. Topics include: Reflection, Building, Crisis, Renewal, Suffering, Success and Rebuilding.
Bring a friend and journey together to become the men God wants you to be.
The Truth Project by Dr. Del Tackett, Focus on the Family
12 weeks
In a recent study, the Barna Research Group revealed a stunning statistic that continues to reverberate throughout the evangelical world. Only 9 percent of professing Christians have a biblical worldview. Because of this, today's believers live very similarly to non-believers.
This study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Each lesson discusses in great detail the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life.
Islam: History, Culture and Theology
5 weeks
This study reviews the historical beginnings of Islam, the life of its founder Mohammed, and the cultural impact and perspectives that Islam continues to demonstrate around the world. A special emphasis is placed on the Islamic doctrine of “submission”, the Quran’s teaching on the meaning of “infidels” and the religion’s requirements toward non-Muslims.
Testing in the Wilderness: The Temptations of Christ
6 Weeks
As our example, Christ has demonstrated real life strategies on how to deal with temptations, even those that seem to be powerfully overwhelming. In this study of Matthew 4, you will discuss and recognize how God’s plan for dealing with temptations goes back to the Old Testament and how Jesus demonstrated these God-given instructions. Along the way, we will discover some very special things about Jesus the man.
Fireproof Your Marriage: Never Leave Your Partner Behind
6 weeks
Couples study. Relationships are wonderful gifts given to us by God. As we read in the Bible, the most intimate relationship is marriage between a husband and a wife. Unfortunately, relationships today are under more cultural and interpersonal pressure and stress than ever before in our history. But it doesn’t have to be that way. This study uses movie clips and honest discussion to provide you and your spouse with the tools and attitude necessary to strengthen your relationship. Together, we can make a long-term difference for healthy relationships and marriages, starting with yours. Includes a Fireproof: The Movie night for couples on campus.
Discerning the Voice of God: Priscilla Shirer
spring 4 weeks
Women’s study. Having a hard time knowing what God is saying versus what others are saying? This Bible study from author and speaker Priscilla Shirer is designed to help you know the voice of God: His language, character, and tone of voice. By growing closer to God through His Word, participants will be able to discern God's voice from the voice of strangers. Look for this study to be available in the spring.
Revelation: The ultimate book of the New Testament
10 weeks
This study in the book of Revelation provides you the opportunity to study verse by verse and gain insight into one of the most mysterious and profound books in scripture. The remainder of 2009 will be spent studying the last 10 chapters of this, the last book of the New Testament. Conversational and historical, this group study will help you develop a love for biblical prophesy, history, and the faithfulness of God’s plan for mankind.
Daniel: A special book of history and prophecy of Christ
winter and spring – 12 weeks
This study of the book of Daniel is a chapter and verse analysis of the Word of God provided to the Old Testament prophet Daniel. Daniel is more than a Bible story of the Lions’ Den or Shadrach, Meschak and Abednego and the fiery furnace. This book includes God’s specific prophecy regarding the coming of the Messiah and the future of the land of Israel. This study will be an in-depth look at these events and prophecies.
Galatians for Guys: Rewired from Performance to Passion
6 weeks
Men, move from Performance to Passion in this 6 week study that focuses on the defining moment of Christianity! The apostle Paul was able to identify himself completely with Christ. When we can say, “It’s not about me” it will be our defining moment. There is an incredible power and freedom that comes when we surrender our self-reliance to Christ reliance.
Conversational Spanish
12 weeks
What is the common thread in much of our current missions activities in Ecuador, Mexico, and Texas? Many, and often all, of the persons we are seeking to serve and share the gospel with speak only Spanish. So, if you are thinking about making a mission trip this year, or if you just want to learn some Spanish, be a part of this class!
I love a small group Bible study
continuous
This small group study is based on the intimate, conversational, open discussion that is truly possible in a small group setting. The study is made available to any group that would like to get together at any time (although childcare is only provided on Wednesday nights). Individuals and couples are welcome to join or create their own study groups. Bible studies will dig more deeply into scriptures included in Pastor Lile’s current sermon series with discussion and study questions he has developed for small group study.
Jesus the One and Only
11 weeks
Jesus The One and Only by Beth Moore, is an in-depth study of the life of Jesus based on the book of Luke. Come along with Beth on a life-changing journey which will lead you through the hills of Galilee with the Teacher, across the lake with the Master, and finally, on the road toward the cross with the Savior. Get to know Jesus intimately...as though you had walked with Him during His days of earthly ministry.
A note from Danny Walker, Faith’s Minister to Adults
There exists a short list of the things in God’s creation that can be classified as pure and simple joy. Experiencing a true discovery of God with a family member or close friend is one of those things. Our discipleship offerings in 2009-2010 have been selected to help you experience God in such a way. As a staff, we have prayed and researched to find the Bible-based studies that will make a difference for you in your daily life by growing your relationship with God. To that end, we are pleased to be able to expand our studies into new and broader areas.
Not all of these classes are available for Fall 2009. Some are planned for Winter 2010 and Spring 2010. It is our hope that the most effective of these studies will be available in multiple seasons so that you may experience several of them.
If you or a spouse are experiencing a job loss this year, we want to make doubly sure that finances do not prevent you from being involved in discipleship. Therefore, Faith will cover the materials or book cost of the study you would like to be a part of.
Find a friend or family member to share this experience. Christian or not, church member or not, it does not matter. God has promised to make Himself known in amazing ways as we seek Him and seek to grow according to his plan for us. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Danny Walker, Minister to Adults