Saturday, April 28, 2012

God never wastes a hurt!

 God Never Wastes A Hurt
Discussion Guide
April 29, 2012
1.​Text for Today's Lesson - Romans 8:18
2.​God uses the hurt in our lives to change our lives! When we hurt…our human inclination is to look down in shame or disgust, but God wants us to look up when we hurt. Because when we look “UP” when we hurt, we stop looking back…we stop looking around…and we begin to move forward.
Questions for Discussion
A.​What seems to be inhibiting your moving forward and how can you remove it?
B.​Can you identify the past hurts in your life and begin to see that God had you go through that, so you     can guide and comfort others?
C.​In Romans 8:17, what does it mean to be God’s heirs?
D.​What is Paul expressing in Romans 8:18 and what does this mean for us?
F. ​In what ways is it uncomfortable to carry “your” cross?
G.​Ultimately, what is our purpose and why is pain so important in this process?
H.​What key point with Nathan and King David in 2 Samuel 12 is so important for us to remember about our growth with Christ?
I.​In what ways does God use the hurt in our lives to change our lives and bring us closer to Him?
 
Scripture:
​Romans 8:17-18; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
​Real hurt leads to real change: James 5:16
​God allows our hurt to discover our purpose: Romans 8:28
We learn to rely on the Holy Spirit to help us in our weaknesses: Romans 8:26
When we’re hurt, we learn to trust God: 2 Samuel 12
 
 
 
 


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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Youth and Family Integration Minister


Youth & Family Integration Minister

Are you ready to try a new approach to youth ministry?
Has God blessed you with a passion for youth? Are you
frustrated by the tremendous number of youth that we lose to the world after high school?
Davis Park Church of Christ in Modesto, CA, a congregation of 350, is looking for an experienced youth and family minister, who is a team player and has a servant's heart, to partner with us as we redesign our approach to developing deep, lasting faith in our youth, children and their families. We believe that numerous authentic, enduring, cross-generational relationships between youth and the rest of the congregation, incorporating youth into the work of the church, and equipping families are keys to lasting faith. In addition to developing programs to achieve these and related goals, we expect that our new minister will share in pulpit duties as needed.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an effective record of:

·           Scriptural Integrity – reverent treatment of God’s word in interpretation       and    application.
·           Personal Integrity – honesty, trustworthiness, reliability.
·            Relationship Building – loving, compassionate, sincere; across generations   but especially strong with youth.
·           Influence – ability to lead and be lead with or without authority.
·            Motivation – drive, energy and passion; able to self-motivate.
·           Organization & Planning – efficient and focused.
·           Effective Communications – one on one, classroom, small groups, pulpit,      and impromptu.

            Salary will be commensurate with experience
.
                Please respond with a resume and a video of a presentation of a class or a sermon.
            Davis Park Church of Christ
            901 W. Rumble RD.
            Modesto, CA 95350                            email: davisparkcoc@sbcglobal.net
            Attn: Minister Search

Thursday, April 19, 2012


God Wants Your Heart Whole
Discussion Guide
April 22,  2012
1.         Text for Today's Lesson -  Matthew 22:37
2.         God makes it clear in His word that He expects us to deliver our best to Him.  Two things are for certain He wants your heart whole and He wants your whole heart.  Make no mistake that God loves you and has do everything He can for you to have a great relationship with Him.  It is up to us not to pollute our hearts and it is up to us to clear out all the worldliness from our lives so we can focus on kingdom work.
Questions for Discussion
A.         What are the greatest two commandments?
B.         What relationship do they have with one another?
C.         What four components make up the heart?
D.         What makes up a whole heart?
F.         What are some distractions that keep your heart from being whole?
G.         What effect do the distractions have on your heart?
H.         Where do we stand with God before coming to Christ?
I.          How encompassing is the term "all" in Romans 3:23?
J.          How do I prepare my heart for God?
K.         What is the first step in handing my heart over to God?
L.         Whose understanding should we lean on for life direction?
M.        What does repent mean?
N.         How important is the new life in Christ?  What if I messed up after finding the new life?

Scripture:
                Matthew 22:37                                 Romans 10:9                      Ezekial 1:15
                Galatians 5:19,22                             Acts 2:38                              Romans 12:2
                Proverbs 6:16                                    Proverbs 3:5                       2 Corinthians 5:17
                Romans 3:23                                      Mark 1:15

Saturday, April 14, 2012


God wants your heart whole

Apr 22, 2012                       God wants your Whole Heart and Your Heart Whole

Apr 29, 2012                       God never wastes a hurt.

May 6, 2012                        Hurt People Hurt People

May 13, 2012                      Mothers are a gift from God

May 19, 2012                      I Can't but God Can

May 26, 2012                      Don't stop before the miracle

June 2, 2012                       Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes

Most of us have hurts, habits and hang-ups that keep us from being the people that God wants us to be.  We will be take a biblical look at how God wants you to approach the issues that hurt your relationship with God.  God is working and active in our lives and we must work on solutions to create closer relationships with Him. Join us on Sunday's as we look at how God proposes to make your heart whole again after its been shattered into a thousand pieces.



Give to Caesar
Discussion Guide
April 15,  2012
1.         Text for Today's Lesson -  Matthew 22:17
2.         Taxes, make your blood boil because you see all the waste that goes on with Government, however, Jesus teaches us that paying taxes is the right thing to do.  For us we must submit to our governing authorities and help with the burden of the cost of governing whether we like it or not.

Questions for Discussion
A.         Who among us likes to pay taxes?
B.         What's the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion?
C.         What does 1 Peter 2 teach us about submission to authority?
D.         What is the temple tax?
F.         Why did Jesus pay the temple tax?
G.         What are by-products of submission to government?
H.         What is a poll tax?
I.          Why is the "coin" so insulting to the Jewish people?
J.          Why did God allow the formation of Governments?
K.         What are four reasons to submit to government?
L.         What are things God does not us to do?

Scripture:
                1 Peter 2:13
                Mathew 17:24  
                Matthew 22:17
                Romans 13

Friday, April 6, 2012


The Great Story Rarely Told
A Delivered People
Discussion Guide
April 8,  2012
1.         Text for Today's Lesson -  Isaiah 53:11b
2.         The chosen people of God were delivered from themselves and their worldly pursuits many times over hundreds of years.  Isaiah prophesied concerning Jesus and gave an uncanny vision of Him over 700 years before he was born.  This shoot of Jesse(Isaiah 11) came to be the one who would bear the sins of the world.
Questions for Discussion
A.         What are some descriptors of "Jesus" from Isaiah 53?
B.         From verses 4-6 we see the price Jesus paid for our sins, in what ways did he "pay" our sin with God?
C.         In verses 7-9 Isaiah points out three items concerning the trial, the death and the burial, what are             these points
D.         What was the result of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus from God's view.
F.         What are some of the first words of the women as they come upon the tomb?
G.         How many times did Jesus appear on His day of resurrection, and who did He visit?
H.         What are some important features of Jesus entry into Jerusalem?
I.          How did Jesus respond to those who came to arrest Him?
J.          What was Peter's response to the arrestors?
K.         Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important to all of mankind today?
L.         What does the resurrection mean to us today?

Scripture:
                Isaiah 53:1-12
                The Empty Tomb: Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; and John 20:1-10
                1 Co 15:3-7
                Resurrection appearances: Matthew 28:9-10; Mark 16:9-14; Luke 24:13-43; and John              20:11-25
The Entry - John 12:12-16, The Arrest-- John 18:3-9
Romans 1:4, 1 Peter 1:3, Acts 26:22-23, Acts 17:30-31,  Acts 2:24, Romans 1:4, Acts 2:24

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Elders Announcement For Ministry Positions


                                                            Elders Announcement

Good morning!
The elders would like to thank all of you for your participation and patience during this time of transition.  As a congregation you have participated by praying for the eldership as they seek God’s vision for the future of the body of Christ here at Davis Park. You have prayed for the heart of the man that God is preparing to be our next minister. Many of you have also participated by completing the survey which has proved to be beneficial in understanding  who we are as a church body, and what our understanding is on many topics which is helpful when bringing in a new minister to be a part of our family.  Our goal since all of this process began has been to keep you informed with the steps being taken to move forward. 
As we started this journey 5 months ago the elders had a plan as to how to move forward. That plan was to look at where God has lead us in the past and see where God want to lead us next, so that we could fill the pulpit minister position.
As the elders started meeting together each week to pray, asking God to show use his direction. We patiently waited for his answer. And after much time in prayer it has become clear that God has a different plan for this congregation.
So as a congregation we have come to the next part of this journey.   We have seen God speak through Buddy as he has preached over the last few months. We have heard your input which has helped us see that we have our pulpit minister.  Buddy Gray will continue as our preacher focusing on delivering God’s word and ministering to this congregation and Mark Donaldson will continue   part time as our intern recovery minister. 
With a congregation of this size we know we need another member on our ministry team and God is leading us forward with our search for Davis Park’s next minister, as I said earlier it looks a little different than we originally had planned.  God has a way of redirecting us, and through much prayer and discussion we are led to believe this new direction will bless our church family.  We covet your prayers as we begin the process of seeking a Youth and Family minister.  This man will be able to provide ministry in areas that we feel are important for this entire body of believers.  We will be looking for someone who will lead our youth and their families in their spiritual development with a focus on keeping our youth a vital part of our church family. Romans 12 many members,  one body and many functions.
This man will be involved in our children’s bible class program. He also will have skills in delivering Sunday morning sermons, sharing the pulpit with Buddy. This will allow Buddy to lead and serve in outreach disaster relief projects and community outreach projects as they arise. Let us all remember that we are called by Jesus to be His light outside of these four walls. This position of Youth and Family minister is becoming a need across all of the Christian community as we seek a way to develop a deep faith and spiritual commitment in our own children, a faith that they will continue to develop throughout  the rest of their lives.
As we begin advertising this position in various publications and websites, we are also expecting to hear of suggestions from you if you know of someone who might qualify for this diverse position.  We will be working on finalize the job description and announcement of the open position. We will inform you when it is finalized and then we will post it on our website and we will also have copies of the document available in the office for anyone who would like to view it.
God’s timing is not always our timing, but as we continue to lean on him and trust him more each day. He will lead us as he has promised.
God is good! Amen! He has provided us our pulpit minister through Buddy, and is leading us forward with the search for a Youth and Family minister.
The elders covet your prayers as we continue to follow Gods lead. 

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