This summer I will be sharing (Lord willing) testimonies from our small groups.  It is my prayer that these testimonies from our church family will inspire you to join a small group...this story is submitted by Amy Elfrink about what God is doing in Celebrate Recovery.  At the bottom of this post you will find a recent article about CR in the Southeast Missourian!  Thanks Amy!!

At Celebrate Recovery a testimony is given every other week as a part of our large group time.  The format that those preparing a testimony are asked to follow is simple - "Tell us who you were before you came to know Christ and how you have changed as a result of following Jesus.  What part has Celebrate Recovery played in helping you find victory."  Testimonies can be life changing for those giving them and for those listening. 
 
I recently got the blessing of encouraging someone who had been putting off giving her testimony for months.  Celebrate Recovery had played a significant role in healing her family, but the thought of having to talk about her "stuff" in front of people was overwhelming.  She struggled to write it down, struggled with the right words, struggled with what to share, struggled to follow through, and choked back tears as she gave a wonderful testimony.  After it was all over, she realize what a blessing it was.  The joy and peace God blessed her with were overwhelming.  I believe giving a CR testimony brings  a person to a fullness of faith that they would not have otherwise experienced.  The process of reviewing what God has done in our lives seems to refresh and strengthen our faith.
 
Testimonies are often life changing for those listening.  When a person in the midst of a struggle hears about another persons victory, it can provide much needed hope.  The realization that they are not alone and that others have successfully walked before them is so important.  Revelation 12:11 says, "They overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony."  This verse speaks of the power of testimonies to overcome Satan and live victorious lives.
 
Testimonies tend to deepen our respect for those around us and tie us together as brothers and sisters in Christ.  They bring us to a deeper understanding of who the other person is and a greater appreciation for who they have become.  Maybe most freeing of all, is that testimonies challenge us to live transparent lives free of the hypocrisy of pretending to be someone we are not.  They are powerful and are key to Celebrate Recovery's success in helping its participants find victory.

http://www.semissourian.com/story/1541896.html

Please pray for this important ministry in the life of our church!!

Here are the new FCC Adult Bible Studies, beginning this Sunday, April 5, 2009

Isaiah – Maintain Spiritual Health.  How do our lives today intersect with prophets who lived 2700 years ago?  Just like in their day, living for God is our greatest need.  These lessons help us discover practical, yet biblical ways to know, love, and serve the Lord in our everyday lives.  This class meets in the front right auditorium.

Pictures from the Old Testament--Pastor Mike is preaching a yearlong sermon series on the heroes of the Bible.  We will be studying three of those heroes he will not have time to share with us.  We will look at the leadership of Joshua as he brought the children of Israel from the wilderness into possession of the Promised Land.  We will also look at the loving-kindness of God in the life of Ruth, a precious woman who was not of the chosen seed, but was nonetheless, treated with grace and kindness.  Lastly, we will look at a relatively unknown prophet, Nahum, who was called to pronounce judgment on a city and a nation who had previously experienced God’s love and grace, but failed to pass on a godly heritage to their children.   God loves all the people of the world, Jew or Gentile, but is also prepared to judge those who reject His loving-kindness.  Bill Fredenburg will teach this class in the left auditorium classroom.

Galatians "True Freedom comes only through Jesus Christ"--This and other topics we will study as we take an in depth study of the Pauline Epistle of Galatians the next 10 weeks.  Rick Scott will teach this class in the adult classroom down the main hallway.

Deepen your walk with the Lord by making Bible study a priority!!  See you Sunday!!

Mike

We've created this Bible Study blog to share news about Bible study at FCC.  We have exciting Bible study on Sunday mornings and through small groups during the week.  Check back regularly for news and testimonies about what folks are learning about God's Word!

Sunday morning we are starting a new adult Bible study:  Faith Lessons on the Life and Ministry of the Messiah.  Faith lessons is an in-depth video tour of the buried, distant, or otherwise forgotten places where the stories of the Bible actually happened.  Historian Ray Vander Laan will lead us through many of the places that Jesus walked and taught.  I will be faciliating this study in the adult classroom.

Hey we have two other adult studies on Sunday morning:  Titus and Isaiah.  Wow!  Go deeper by joining one of these three studies at 9:15.  We also have Bible study for youth and children!!

Small group Highlight of the week - The Case for Christian Belief at the Deans...this group meets at 5:15 - 6:40 and features videos The Case for Christ, The Case for a Creator, and The Case for Faith.  If you are interested please e-mail me at pastormike@fruitlandcommunity.com and I will give you more details.  I highly recommend this study!!

BIBLE STUDY IS ESSENTIAL FOR GROWTH IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE!!