What do you think is the most controversial command in the Bible?
There are probably a number of them. But, I am convinced Jesus’ command to love your enemies and show mercy to those who are mistreating you has to be near the top. This has probably always been true, but it seems so especially now.*
And yet it’s at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus.
This Sunday we are going to look at Luke 6:39-45 and consider six reasons Jesus followers should be the most merciful people on the planet.
Come ready! Come praying! Come expectant!
Joshua
*See this article by Tim Keller: The Fading of Forgiveness
For the younger children this Sunday, you can have them listen for the word, “enemy.” To encourage them, Marda will have some treats afterward.
I thought I could share with you some helpful answers to important questions from church history. Here’s a pretty big one: Who is God?
There is but one only, (Deut. 6:4, 1 Cor. 8:4–6) living, and true God, (1 Thess. 1:9, Jer. 10:10) who is infinite in being and perfection, (Job 11:7–9, Job 26:14) a most pure spirit, (John 4:24) invisible, (1 Tim. 1:17) without body, parts, (Deut. 4:15–16, John 4:24, Luke 24:39) or passions; (Acts 14:11,15) immutable, (James 1:17, Mal. 3:6) immense, (1 Kings 8:27, Jer. 23:23–24) eternal, (Ps. 90:2, 1 Tim. 1:17) incomprehensible, (Ps. 145:3) almighty, (Gen. 17:1, Rev. 4:8) most wise, (Rom. 16:27) most holy, (Isa. 6:3, Rev. 4:8) most free, (Ps. 115:3) most absolute; (Exod. 3:14) working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, (Eph. 1:11) for His own glory; (Prov. 16:4, Rom. 11:36) most loving, (1 John 4:8,16) gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; (Exod. 34:6–7) the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him; (Heb. 11:6) and withal, most just, and terrible in His judgments, (Neh. 9:32–33) hating all sin, (Ps. 5:5–6) and who will by no means clear the guilty. (Nah. 1:2–3, Exod. 34:7)
God hath all life, (John 5:26) glory, (Acts 7:2) goodness, (Ps. 119:68) blessedness, (1 Tim. 6:15, Rom. 9:5) in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which He hath made, (Acts 17:24–25) nor deriving any glory from them, (Job 22:2–3) but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them. He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things (Rom. 11:36) and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever Himself pleaseth. (Rev. 4:11, 1 Tim. 6:15, Dan. 4:25, 35) In His sight all things are open and manifest, (Heb. 4:13) His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, (Rom. 11:33–34, Ps. 147:5) so as nothing is to Him contingent, or uncertain. (Acts 15:18, Ezek. 11:5) He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works, and in all His commands. (Ps. 145:17, Rom. 7:12) To Him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience He is pleased to require of them. (Rev. 5:12–14)
In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: (1 John 5:7. Matt 3:16–17, Matt. 28:19, 2 Cor. 13:14) the Father is of none, neither begotten, not proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; (John 1:14, 18) the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son. (John 15:26, Gal. 4:6)
Missions Highlight. October 23rd, 12:30 p.m. in wood floor room. God calls us to go to all nations - what about those nations with persecuted churches, unreached people groups, underground churches within the 10/40 window? Join us as Jim Bitong, Min Shigematsu and Hyon Seo share on these topics. Refreshments will be provided.
Thank you from Pam Couch. Pam wanted to express her appreciation to all of you for your prayers, visits, cards and gifts and the kindness you’ve shown to her during the loss of her husband Bill. She has been blessed by Cornerstone Bible Church during this difficult time.
CBC Annual Retreat. Mark your calendars and start saving for our annual CBC Retreat: February 17-20, 2023 at Oak Glen Christian Conference Center.
Membership Class continues this Sunday, October 23rd. The class will meet at 9 a.m. in the Infants Room. Questions? Please contact us.
South Africa Missions Pottery Workshop: Last session on Oct 30th
Last chance to sign up for the pottery workshop fundraiser! Details and sign up: tinyurl.com/summerpots. No experience necessary. Please do pass to family & friends.
Bible Reading Project. Thursdays at 6:30 a.m.
Snacks Ministry. Do you enjoy preparing refreshments and extending hospitality to others? Then we invite you to consider serving on the Snacks Ministry. For those interested, please contact Jim & Ces Bitong or any other snacks ministry servants at the snacks table.
When God saves someone through faith in Jesus Christ, he does a miracle in their lives. Paul's two-word summary of the change that follows is "in Christ" or "in Him." The more you grasp the extent of the miracle of being "in Christ", the more you will glorify Christ with your life. This Sunday in Equipping Hour, we’ll explore the blessing of reconciliation!
Welcome and Call to Worship
Singing
Announcements
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 44
Pastoral Prayer
Preaching of God’s Word: The World's Greatest Sermon - Luke 6:39-45
Singing