Gospel Math

Have you ever done any gospel math? Try to solve this equation:

The Gospel + _________________ = salvation

If you answered nothing then you are right. The gospel is profound yet strikingly simple. We do a harm when we add things to or in some way complicate its message.

There was a group in the early church who wanted to say that the gospel plus the OT law equaled salvation. They had stirred up a real mess and had created problems for the church leaders. In order to deal with this problem the elders at Jerusalem affirmed the simple gospel message that salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ alone...plus nothing.

This is what you will be teaching this Wednesday from Acts 15:22-35

How is your gospel math?

Opposition is a Mirror

Have you ever experienced opposition? Paul and Barnabas faced it constantly. This week we get to study how they responded to it and how God used it for his glory. Opposition is a mirror, it will reveal things about us that we might not have known. What is opposition revealing to you today?

Notes for 3/24/10

Worm Food

I remember a little poem from my childhood that made fun of death. A couple of lines went something like this,

the worms crawl in,
the worms crawl out,
the worms play pinochle on your snout.

I know it was silly but whenever I read Acts 12:20-25 I am reminded of that dumb poem. The reality is that no matter how overinflated our egos get, we will all face death. We are not immortal.

God's word, however, will stand firm and flourish long after we are gone. This can be a great source of comfort to us. Especially if we invest our lives in humbly teaching and proclaiming the gospel.

Here are the notes for 3/17/10. The worms are added in at no additional cost. :-)

Emily Newton Update And Reminder

Hey Team,

I wanted to give a quick Emily Newton update. Its 6:13pm Saturday evening and I am sitting in the waiting room. Emily came out of surgery several hours ago. Every sign so far as I know has been positive but we need to remain prayerful that progress will continue.

There has been an overwhelming outpouring of support for Richard, Elaine and the family. They are extremely grateful and thankful. Many of our students are asking in they can come and visit Emily. For now its best that we ask them to be patient and give her a chance to rest and be with her immediate family. If you and and of our students want timely updates they can check out her blog:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/emilynewton

or they can email me at:

ncstateredwhite@gmail.com

Also, if you are available we are having a special Sunday school service during the 9:30 hour on the 3rd floor. We could use your help in facilitating a prayer time, and some special projects that we will be doing for Emily.

Thanks again for your faithful service,

Mike

Good News For Emily Newton

Dear Refinery Family,

In case you haven't heard, one of our dear students, Emily Newton, had to be hospitalized earlier this week for liver failure. Her condition was brought on by a rare disease that attacks the liver and causes it to shut down. Yesterday (Thursday 3/5/10) she was placed at the top of the list to receive a liver but there was no definite time period as to how long the wait might be.


As of an hour or so ago (Friday 3/6/10 3:30pm), we were informed that a liver has been found and that she should go into surgery late tonight. This is a huge answer to prayer!

Here are a few prayer points going forward:

• Pray that the liver will arrive on time and that the surgery is not delayed.
• Pray that the doctors will have skill and wisdom as they transplant the liver into Emily.
• Pray that she will recover quickly and that there will be no complications.
• Pray for Richard, Elaine, and Elizabeth Emily's dad, mom, and sister respectively. Pray that God will continue to comfort them and show them His love and peace.
• Pray for the witness of Emily and her family to the doctors, nurses, and other patients at the hospital.

We will be having a special Sunday School service about Emily and what God is doing, this Sunday morning (3/7/10) during the 9:30 hour. You are all cordially invited to come and be with your students during that time.

Also, we have received many requests about visiting Emily at the hospital. For right now we ask that you do not plan any visits or call Richard or any of the family members. They love you guys so much and want to share with you but they are obviously focusing their attention on Emily and each other at this time. If you have any questions, please email me at ncstateredwhite@gmail.com.

With a thankful heart,

Mike Hall