Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell:
Welcome Visitors!
If you are a first time visitor today, please know that we have been praying that you would come to worship with us. If you are looking for a new church home, we would be delighted to tell you more about our church family. Please share your questions and comments with us. If there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable, please let us know.
Chronicles of Narnia
The third movie based on the C.S. Lewis books, The Chronicles of Narnia, arrived in theatres this past Friday. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the title of this episode. The books are full of allusions to biblical truth, and worthy of consideration. Of course, how well the movie tells the story is only now being seen.
One of the main characters in Dawn Treader is Eustace, who "considers himself superior to most" in knowledge. He likes books of information. He knows about things that can be measured, counted, (and) pinned onto cards - such as his beetle collection. Priding himself on knowing his rights, he demands that he be put off at the next port to get a hearing at the British consulate. So the prospect of being in another world, far from filling him with Lucy's excitement (see last Sunday's bulletin), makes him physically and emotionally ill. He cannot imagine such a possibility because he has neglected the life of the imagination and apparently doesn't read enough fiction. It is obvious that he does not like people much, either - and he is highly intolerant of other species, as is evident in his dealings with Reepicheep.
"In fact, such a 'noble' one as Eustace feels it is his duty to warn the other pilgrims and adventurers of the inherent dangers of the 'wishful thinking' they display in enjoying Narnia. Yet our dreams and desires, aspirations, high expectations for ourselves and our families - these are all the stuff of wishful thinking.
"In his Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner said this about the matter: 'Christianity is mainly wishful thinking. Even the part about Judgment and Hell reflects the wish that somewhere the score is being kept ... Children playing at being grown-up is wishful thinking. Interplanetary travel is wishful thinking. Sometimes wishing is the wings the truth comes on. Sometimes the truth is what sets us wishing for it."
"If we perceive our lives as purposeful, if we perceive that God is directing our course, then we are actively involved in fine-tuning our abilities to imagine and determine what God would have us wish for and what direction he would have us go. As David, the psalmist and king, reminded us, the first step is to 'take delight in the Lord.' For in delighting in him, in imagining for ourselves lives worthy of a calling, we may just find our 'wishful thinking' has come true."
(From The Soul of C.S. Lewis, by Wayne Martindale, Jerry Root, and Linda Washingtion, page 63)
Remember Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Regular Services at Grace Bible Church
Every Sunday, 9:45 am:
Sunday School for children and adults in the Fellowship Hall and the classrooms downstairs.
Every Sunday, 10:45 am:
Kids for the Lord Children's Church (through grade six) meets downstairs; Adult Worship Service in the main auditorium; infant nursery upstairs for the little ones.
Every Wednesday for the Children, 6:30-8:00 pm:
TeamKIDz meets for crafts, singing, games and Bible study.
Every Wednesday for the Adults, 6:30-8:00 pm:
A theological and biblical study in the Signs of Life Room entitled "The Doctrines of Grace" followed by Prayer Meeting.
Special Activites at Grace
Sunday, Dec. 19, 10:45 am: Children's Christmas Program
Sunday, Dec. 26, 10:45 am: Christmas Sermon
Missionary OfferingWe are happy to announce that because of the generous giving in the special offering last Sunday, $300.00 is being sent to each of the three missionary families: The Fullers in Thailand, the Hardy's in Ann Arbor, and the Ounanians in Detroit. Praise the Lord!
Christmas Dinner
A grand time was had by all at our annual Christmas Dinner this past Friday night. Thanks so much to all who had a part in organizing and executing a delightful celebration of Christmas to the glory of our Lord Jesus.
Prayer Opportunities
Family of the Week
Tom & Wanda Gabbert
Missionary of the Month
Biblical Education through Extention - BEE
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