Sarah, Caleb, and Steve

Steve Goes Deep

Not Just Peter

Where does real love for people come from? Here's something I read this morning from Paul in his letter to the Colossians:

Colossians 1:3-5 (ESV) 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.

When do we experience the hope laid up for us in heaven? the past? the present? the FUTURE!

Because we hope in the grace that will be brought to us in the future (remember 1 Peter 1:13), we love others now. Let's believe God's better promises today - and love our brothers.

Let's Pray

Guys, don't forget to pray for Josh Miller and his gospel opportunity today at 11:00.

What is Humility?

Here's the rough sketch of Guy Night from last week. Take a look at the passages again and ask God to continue to work in your heart to pursue humility. How will you pursue humility today?

What is Humility?
Phil. 2
1 Pet. 5:5-7
James 4

Luke 18:9-14: Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
The humble one comes to God realizing that he has nothing of any value to bring. Christ has already brought the valuable sacrifice. We must trust his work, and not ourselves.

Matthew 18:1-4: Question of Who is the Greatest?
Jesus answers that whoever humbles himself and becomes like this child is the greatest in God’s kingdom. What does that mean? What quality is it about a little child that Jesus is pointing to in this example? Dependence is the quality. Humility is dependence on God – pride is dependence on anything else.

1 Peter 5:5-7: What is One Way to Humble Myself?
Humble yourselves by casting all your anxiety on Him, trusting that he really does care. Oh, and he is mighty (humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God).

Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 18:12; Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Peter 5:6; Humility Leads to Exaltation
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Humility comes before honor.
The reward for humility and the fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Psalm 138:6 God regards the lowly.

From Guy Night, but For Everyone

In what specific ways will you fight against pride and pursue humility today?

Memorial Day Summer Kick Off

Event: Summer Kick Off

Date and Time: Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day); 3-9 p.m.

Activities: We'll be going boating*, tubing, and water skiing on Lake Keowee.**

Food: We'll have a cookout around 7 p.m.

Cost: Please bring $5 to help cover the cost of gasoline for the boat.

Location: The Hockema Residence: 304 Crossover Dr., Seneca, SC 29672

Directions: Take 123 south through Seneca to 28 North - turn right on 28. Take 28 to 188 and turn right onto 188. After crossing one bridge, at the first intersection you will turn right on Biggerstaff Rd. Take your first left - Fairview Church Rd. God to Crestview Subdivision (Crestpoint Rd.) and turn left. God to Crossover Dr. and turn left. House is on the right.

* If you have your own life jacket, you are more than welcome to bring it. Of course, there will be life jackets for everyone, even if you don't have your own to bring.

** The guys and the girls will be taking separate boating trips to tube and ski and will be wearing shirts and shorts when they are together in the cove area near the Hockemas' home and dock. The changing areas for guys and girls will also be on separate levels of the house.

Please let me know if you are planning to come for our Summer Kick Off on Memorial Day. Feel free to leave a comment here or give me a call at 864-508-0153.

Graduation Tonight

Jenni Miller's graduation from Oakwood Christian School in Anderson will be at 7:30 tonight. I know that she would appreciate you being there to support her. We will look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Guy Night

Here's one more text to help us think about our work and God's work in our growth in Christlikeness:

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV)

Pics from Joe's Birthday

Ryan has several pictures from Joe's Birthday Party last week. They are posted over at Hegreness.net. Go check 'em out!