In the Class Room 11-22-09

HAVE A GREAT TURKEY DAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND DON’T FORGET TO GIVE THANKS FOR ALL OUR MANY BLESSINGS!

BIBLE STUDY
We continued studying Chapter 22 of II Samuel Sunday, beginning with verse 15. This chapter is a parallel with Psalm 18, which was written by David as a song of praise to his God. So far we have learned that David realized that only by calling upon his Lord could he receive the help he needed, verse 4. When David actually called upon the Lord, guess what, God heard his voice! (verse 7). The following nine verses tell of the Lord’s response to David’s distress.. God was angry that His child was being confronted with troubles and sorrows. We learned a startling truth, at times God does indeed becomes angry!

When He became angry at David’s distress, it seemed as everyone knew it! The earth shook and trembled, smoke came out of His nostrils and fire came out of His mouth, He bent the heavens and came to earth, He walked on the dark clouds and rode on the wings of an angel with darkness surrounding Him. What an attention getting entrance on the scene!

Previously, we learned some of the things that make God angry:
1) Wickedness: Psalm 7:11
2) His enemies: Psalm 21:8-9
3) When His children are hurt: Nahum 1:2-3
4) Ungodliness: Romans 1:18
5) Unbelief: Psalm 78:21-22, Hebrews 3:18-19, and John 3:36
6) Idolatry: Psalm 78:58-59
To learn the answer to appease God’s anger, turn to Romans 5:9. Jesus is the answer! When God became offended (angry) by sin and man’s disobedience to Him, He justified his anger by sending His Son, Jesus, to pay our sin debt. Again, look at John 3:36; anyone who believes on the Son shall have everlasting life. Also read I Thessalonians 5:9.

Continuing into the chapter, we find that God administered solace to David, and rescued him from the everyday problems of life. The ‘why’ He did this is the good part! Verse 20 tells us that He delighted in David. Our lesson’s theme and objective today was to discover what delights the God Almighty. To learn this, we were referred to the following Scriptures:
1) Obedience and showing Him honor: I Samuel 15:22
2) Honesty: Proverbs 11:1
3) Sincerity and living upright: Proverbs 11:20
4) Truthfulness and keeping promises: Proverbs 12:22
5) A prayer life and living a righteous life: Proverbs 15:8
6) Loving kindness and righteousness: Jeremiah 9:24. This verse also tells us to glory in
knowing Him.
It was interesting to note that each time the Word first names something that is an abomination to the Lord, then follows it with something that delights Him.

Since God heard David’s distress, responded in an earth shattering manner, and rescued him, I think it is safe to conclude that David practiced the things that delighted the Lord. Perhaps, that is why he was a man after God’s own heart. Perhaps, if we practice this kind of life, He will find delight in us and answer us in time of distress! Just a thought!

Be with us Sunday as we continue our study of Chapter 22 of II Samuel, beginning with verse 21, discussing why the Lord rewards His children. Be ready to share your insights and thoughts on this passage of Scripture as we study and learn God’s Word together.

Be prepared for next week’s study.
Read: 2 Samuel, Chapter 22

ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHRISTMAS IS NEAR!!
TAKE OUT YOUR CALENDAR AND MARK THESE DATES!
DECEMBER IS A FULL MONTH!

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 6 PM is Family Light Night at the church. Lights are needed to light up the church courtyard and campus for Christmas. A certain kind of light is requested; so check a bulletin or call the church office for description. They can be purchased at Home Depot, Michael’s, and Hobby Lobby; Ellis Pottery has sold out. Activities on family light night will include kids, students, and seniors and will be held outside. Bring the family and help light up the campus, enjoy the activities and refreshments.

Friday, Dec. 11, 7 PM Robert and I will host our annual Christmas class party at Shane’s restaurant, Bossier City on East Texas (Highway 80). The banquet room has been reserved for us. There will be a varied menu, a choice of several meats and side dishes. Good fellowship, good fun, games, and prizes! Sounds like us, so plan to be there.

Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 PM and 6:30 PM a Christmas concert, Gloria, featuring Mac Powell of Third Day will be conducted at FBB.

Friday, Dec. 18, 6 PM Tim Hawkins, a family night of Christmas comedy held at the church.

Thursday, Dec. 24, 6 PM Birthday Party for Jesus, a Christmas Eve service for the whole family at FBB.

Saturday, Dec. 26 Boxing Day – Details to be announced.

Thursday, Dec. 31, the Lord’s Supper will be available at 6 PM. This is a come and go service.

PRAYER REQUESTS
Carla – friend of Gertie; recovery after back surgery
Paul & Cosmo Sullivan – Roger’s granddaughter & husband; new job and relocating

If you would like to receive the weekly news letter, let us know by sending us an email at finlyssc@gmail.com

Robert’s book, The Holy Spirit: Our Helper is now available on Amazon.com and at Christian Life Books at 8026 Jewella Ave. If you would like a copy, you can save taxes/S&H by obtaining a copy from us. The publisher has priced the book at $12.99.

In the Class Room 11-15-09

Sunday worship service or class Bible study was not as planned. Dr. Fred gave us the ‘wonderful’ news that Bro. Jerry Ables was healed, because he now has a new body and is in the presence of our Lord. Dr. Fred felt his planned message was not appropriate and instead delivered a powerful message on what death is for the Christian and for the unbeliever. He told us how Jerry had continued to the end to ask all who came into his presence “Did they know that when they died they would go to heaven?” Dr. Fred stated that he knew nothing would please Jerry more that his death resulting in someone coming to know Christ. We know of Jerry’s passion for the lost as well as the hurting. He was active in the Celebrate Recovery program since its inception at FBB and dreamed of establishing a Celebrate Recovery halfway house in our city. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made toward a memorial fund to help make that dream come true.

Needless to say, we are all saddened by his death, but happy that he is now pain free. Jerry’s daughter, Amy, posted this on her facebook wall yesterday: “Soon you will read in the newspaper that I am dead. Don’t believe it for a moment, I will be more alive than ever before.” D. L. Moody. She followed with these words: My dad finished his battle with cancer earlier this morning. Cancer lost.. Dad is cancer-free, pain-free, and is in the presence of the Savior he served. We miss him already, but…“you must not carry on over him like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and brook loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus….. She finished with I Thessalonians 4:14-18, The Message translation.

Visitation: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4 PM – 8 PM at FBB Worship Center
Service: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2 PM at FBB Worship Center

In class, we continued with a discussion on being prepared for death and reaching out to family members, friends, or any one who crosses our path to learn if he/she is prepared to meet the Lord.

PTL!
Gale was back in class Sunday after a hospital stay and gave thanks for healing. His blood platelets are normal and he is back to work.

TO LET YOU KNOW…..
The Shaws and Debbie joined Robert, Amanda, and me at El Chico’s for an evening meal Sunday. El Chico’s had agreed to donate 10% of the ticket of all who ate there from 5-10PM on behalf of the Hub Ministry, if over 100 people did so. When we finished our meal and left around 7 PM, over 240 had eaten representing the organization! The Hub ministry was started by Cassie Hammett, greeting people at the bus station with bottled water, snacks, and Biblical tracks. The ministry has grown into a weekly meeting of feeding and clothing the homeless and the needy. All cash, food, and clothing contributions are appreciated and can be donated through our class. So clean out your closet and bring your ‘do away with’ clothes Sunday.

REMINDERS
Monday, November 23, is the last day to get your Christmas shoeboxes to the church to be shipped. So, finish packing your box and bring it to church Sunday.

Also, bring your cans of corn if you volunteered to help FBB serve a Thanksgiving meal for the Celebrate Recovery group. We needed four volunteers and you were: Diane, Donna, Eva Lee, and Nell. Bring your corn to class and I will get it ready to serve and take it to the church Monday evening, Nov. 23.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHRISTMAS IS NEAR!!
TAKE OUT YOUR CALENDAR AND MARK THESE DATES!
DECEMBER IS A FULL MONTH!

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 6 PM is Family Light Night at the church. Lights are needed to light up the church courtyard and campus for Christmas. A certain kind of light is requested; so check a bulletin or call the church office for description. They can be purchased at Home Depot, Michael’s, and Hobby Lobby; Ellis Pottery has sold out. Activities on family light night will include kids, students, and seniors and will be held outside. Bring the family and help light up the campus, enjoy the activities and refreshments.

Friday, Dec. 11, 7 PM Robert and I will host our annual Christmas class party at Shane’s restaurant, Bossier City on East Texas (Highway 80). The banquet room has been reserved for us. There will be a varied menu, a choice of several meats and side dishes. Good fellowship, good fun, games, and prizes! Sounds like us, so plan to be there.

Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 PM and 6:30 PM a Christmas concert, Gloria, featuring Mac Powell of Third Day will conducted at FBB.

Friday, Dec. 18, 6 PM Tim Hawkins, a family night of Christmas comedy held at the church.

Thursday, Dec. 24, 6 PM Birthday Party for Jesus, a Christmas Eve service for the whole family at FBB.

Saturday, Dec. 26 Boxing Day – Details to be announced.

Thursday, Dec. 31, the Lord’s Supper will be available at 6 PM. This is a come and go service.

TODAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ables family; death of Bro. Jerry
Jean White – Jim’s sister – surgery needed for mass on ovary; trying to relocate to BC
Jim – heart cath Thursday
Family of Eva Lee’s brother-in-law; passed away last week
Gregory Lee – Veronica’s brother; nursing clinical tests Mon.; 2nd attempt

BIBLE STUDY
We will continue studying Chapter 22 of II Samuel Sunday, beginning with verse 15. This chapter is a parallel with Psalm 18, which was written by David as a song of praise to his God. So far we have learned that David realized that only by calling upon his Lord could he receive the help he needed, verse 4. When David actually called upon the Lord, guess what, God heard his voice! (verse 7). The following nine verses tell of the Lord’s response to David’s distress. God was angry that His child was being confronted with troubles and sorrows. A startling truth, at times God becomes angry? Is it okay to become angry?

God was not just miffed, he was angry. The earth shook and trembled, smoke came out of His nostrils and fire came out of His mouth, He bent the heavens and came to earth, He walked on the dark clouds and rode on the wings of an angel with darkness surrounding Him. What an attention getting entrance on the scene!

Robert backed the fact that God does indeed experience anger, and things that make Him angry, with the following Scriptures:

1) Wickedness: Psalm 7:11
2) His enemies: Psalm 21:8-9
3) When His children are hurt: Nahum 1:2-3
4) Ungodliness: Romans 1:18
5) Unbelief: Psalm 78:21-22, Hebrews 3:18-19, and John 3:36
6) Idolatry: Psalm 78:58-59

To learn the answer to appease God’s anger, turn to Romans 5:9. Jesus is the answer! When God became offended (angry) by sin and man’s disobedience to Him, He justified his anger by sending His Son, Jesus, to pay our sin debt. Again, look at John 3:36; anyone who believes on the Son shall have everlasting life. Also read I Thessalonians 5:9.

Be with us Sunday as we continue our study of Chapter 22 of II Samuel, beginning with verse 15, learning how He administered solace to David, rescued David from the everyday problems of life, and why (this is the good part!) He did so. Hint: Verse 20. Be ready to share your insights and thoughts on this passage of Scripture as we study and learn God’s Word together.

Be prepared for next week’s study.
Read: 2 Samuel, Chapter 22

If you would like to receive the weekly news letter, let us know by sending us an email at finlyssc@gmail.com

Robert’s book, The Holy Spirit: Our Helper is now available on Amazon.com and at Christian Life Books at 8026 Jewella Ave. If you would like a copy, you can save taxes/S&H by obtaining a copy from us. The publisher has priced the book at $12.99.

In the Class Room 11-08-09

BIBLE STUDY
It should come as no surprise to anyone that we did not finish Chapter 22 of II Samuel Sunday. After all, this chapter has 51verses and we have only been studying it two Sundays! We started with verse 5 and went through verse 14. This chapter is a parallel with Psalm 18, which was written by David as a song of praise to his God. Last Sunday, we learned that David realized that only by calling upon his Lord could he receive the help he needed, verse 4. This week we find David actually called upon the Lord and guess what, God heard his voice! (verse 7). The following nine verses tell of the Lord’s response to David’s distress. God was angry that His child was being confronted with troubles and sorrows. A startling truth, at times God becomes angry? Is it okay to become angry?

God was not just miffed, he was angry. The earth shook and trembled, smoke came out of His nostrils and fire came out of His mouth, He bent the heavens and came to earth, He walked on the dark clouds and rode on the wings of an angel with darkness surrounding Him. What an attention getting entrance on the scene!

Before going further, Robert backed the fact that God does indeed experience anger, and things that make Him angry, with the following Scriptures:
1) Wickedness: Psalm 7:11
2) His enemies: Psalm 21:8-9
3) When His children are hurt: Nahum 1:2-3
4) Ungodliness: Romans 1:18
5) Unbelief: Psalm 78:21-22, Hebrews 3:18-19, and John 3:36
6) Idolatry: Psalm 78:58-59
To learn the answer to appease God’s anger, Robert asked us to turn to Romans 5:9. Jesus is the answer! When God became offended (angry) by sin and man’s disobedience to Him, He justified his anger by sending His Son, Jesus, to pay our sin debt. Again, look at John 3:36; anyone who believes on the Son shall have everlasting life. Also read I Thessalonians 5:9.

Be with us Sunday as we continue to study Chapter 22 of II Samuel, beginning with verse 15, learning how He administered solace to David, rescued David from the everyday problems of life, and why (this is the good part!) He did so. Hint: Verse 20. Be ready to share your insights and thoughts on this passage of Scripture as we study and learn God’s Word together.

Be prepared for next week’s study.
Read: 2 Samuel, Chapter 22

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHRISTMAS IS NEAR!!
TAKE OUT YOUR CALENDAR AND MARK THESE DATES!
DECEMBER IS A FULL MONTH!
Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 PM Michael W. Smith will be in concert at FBB. Visit firstbossier.com for ticket information.

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 6 PM is Family Light Night at the church. Lights are needed to light up the church courtyard and campus for Christmas. A certain kind of light is requested; so check a bulletin or call the church office for description. They can be purchased at Home Depot, Michael’s, and Hobby Lobby; Ellis Pottery has sold out. Activities on family light night will include kids, students, and seniors and will be held outside. Bring the family and help light up the campus, enjoy the activities and refreshments.

Friday, Dec.. 11, 7 PM Robert and I will host our annual Christmas class party at Shane’s restaurant, Bossier City on East Texas (Highway 80). The banquet room has been reserved for us. There will be a varied menu, a choice of several meats and side dishes. Good fellowship, good fun, games, and prizes! Sounds like us, so plan to be there.

Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 PM and 6:30 PM a Christmas concert, Gloria, featuring Mac Powell of Third Day will conducted at FBB.

Friday, Dec. 18, 6 PM Tim Hawkins, a family night of Christmas comedy held at the church.

Thursday, Dec. 24, 6 PM Birthday Party for Jesus, a Christmas Eve service for the whole family at FBB.

Saturday, Dec. 26 Boxing Day – Details to be announced.

Thursday, Dec. 31, the Lord’s Supper will be available at 6 PM. This is a come and go service.

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TODAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Adam Edmonds – 5 yr. old grandson of Roger’s friend; rehab after reattachment of severed arm
James Campbell – leg infection after artery graft for heart surgery; oxygen treatments daily
Gale – hospitalized, WK Bossier; blood platelets low (released Mon. from WK)
Thelma Owens – Donna’s co-worker’s mother; mammogram abnormal cells; cancer previously
Glass family members
Nell - unspoken

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If you would like to receive the weekly news letter, let us know by sending us an email at finlyssc@gmail.com


Robert’s book, The Holy Spirit: Our Helper is now available on Amazon.com and at Christian Life Books at 8026 Jewella Ave. If you would like a copy, you can save taxes/S&H by obtaining a copy from us. The publisher has priced the book at $12.99.

In the Class Room 11-01-09

BIBLE STUDY
What a fitting day for a study on praise! After the turbulent week of too much rain, high winds, and tornadoes, we are so blessed that no lives have been lost. Though some of us have received property damage, none of us are homeless and we have jobs to provide an income to meet our needs. And the sun is shining and will do so all week!

We began our study Sunday with Chapter 22 in II Samuel and made it through the first four verses. In our study book this chapter is discussed on pages 87-88, Day 4, ‘A Great Celebration’ of ‘Back Where He Belonged’. In this passage David is reflecting on the victorious battles God has brought him through and the many times he was delivered from the hands of Saul. An old song David had sung many years before comes to mind and is recorded in this chapter. David acknowledges without God, no victory would have been won. Many times David’s strength was exhausted, and the conflicts with his enemies seemed endless; he had no choice but to rely on the Lord.

In times of trouble and conflict, it is reassuring to remember that we still have reason to give praise! He is our rock when we are slipping; He is our fortress when we are crumbling; He is our deliverer when we are trapped; He is our shield when we are exposed; He is our salvation from death; He is our Savior when we are ‘drowning’; and He is our refuge when we are pursued, verses 2-3. Look at verse 4 and note that David makes this a personal song of praise. I will call on the Lord. Reread this paragraph and change the word ‘our’ to ‘my’ and the word ‘we’ to ‘I’. He is a personal God, to you, to me, to everyone. He is all this and so much more! He is worthy to be praised!! When life spins out of control, He is my Lord!

This hymn of praise is also recorded in Chapter 18 of Psalms, the book that records many songs David wrote. The two sets of verses are almost identical, but one exception should be noted. The first verse of Psalm 18 reads, ‘I will love thee, O Lord…. David first tells his Lord that he loves Him. No demands. No despair. Just I love you. His love for us (me) is so great, so enduring, so unconditional, how could we (I) not love him in return. May we (I) never forget to tell Him of our (my) love for Him. Worth repeating, He is worthy to be praised!

Be with us Sunday as we continue to look at David’s song of praise recorded in Chapter 22 of
II Samuel, beginning with verse 5. Be ready to share your insights and thoughts on this passage of Scripture as we study and learn God’s Word together.

Be prepared for next week’s study.
Read: 2 Samuel, Chapter 22

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TO LET YOU KNOW……..
The bad weather Thursday hit several of Bossier Parish neighborhoods hard and three of our class members have damage to their homes. Ron and Kay received roof damage and the master bedroom cannot be used at this time. All walls and ceiling will have to be replaced in the kitchen. They lost all the trees in their back yard and the fence will have to be replaced. A neighbor’s roof landed in their back yard. They also lost trees in the front.

Jim and Diane had a tree blown onto their roof, but no major damage done.

Leonard and Donna had roof damage from the previous week’s high winds and rain. As far as we know, everyone else was safe, had no property damage, and have no threat of flooding.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lights are needed to light up the church courtyard and campus for Christmas. A certain kind of lights are requested. They can be purchased at Ellis Pottery. Tell the clerk they are for FBB and a discount will be given and they can point you in the direction of the red boxed lights!

Nov. 14, Saturday, Michael Smith concert at the church. Tickets available at LifeWay in Shreveport and online.

Many things are coming up in December, the Christmas program, a family night event, birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Eve to name a few. Will keep you posted.

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TODAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Jean White – Jim Shaw’s sister; relocating to Bossier; safe travel & needs to find a home
Lester Nichols – Joel and Brenda’s Dad; abdominal health problems
Mindy & Cole Pasquier – Donna’s daughter/grandson; awaiting test results of a genetic disease
cell discovered in Cole’s tumor; test to reveal if there are cells to cause future problems

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If you would like to receive the weekly news letter, let us know by sending us an email at finlyssc@gmail.com


Robert’s book, The Holy Spirit: Our Helper is now available on Amazon.com and at Christian Life Books at 8026 Jewella Ave. If you would like a copy, you can save taxes/S&H by obtaining a copy from us. The publisher has priced the book at $12.99.