Surprising Sources of Encouragement

Who do you allow to speak into your life? For me, one of those people is a pastor that lived in the 1800's. His name is Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I have read several biographies about him and have enjoyed some of his writings and sermons. I found the following quote encouraging and wanted to share it with you.

"Cast the burden of the present, along with the sin of the past and the fear of the future, upon the Lord, who forsaketh not his saints. Live by the day - aye, by the hour. Put no trust in frames and feelings. Care more for a grain of faith than a ton of excitement. Trust in God alone, and lean not on the reeds of human help. Be not surprised when friends fail you: it is a failing world."

My Explore

This week at Explore Church we are starting a five week series entitled “My Explore.” During this series we will answer questions such as: “What is church and what is its mission?”; “How should a church be lead?”; “How should a church function?”; “What is my responsibility to the church?” and “Why does membership matter?”

To get ahead, consider reading the following passages from the Bible:

Week 1—Jeremiah 29:4-14
Week 2—1Timothy 3:1-13
Week 3—Acts 2:42-47
Week 4—1Corinthians 12:12-31
Week 5—2Corinthians 5:1-13

For additional reading on the church, I recommend the following books:

Total Church by Chester and Timmis speaks into the mission and responsibility of the church.

Biblical Eldership by Strauch provides helpful insight as to how the local church should be lead.

Dever's Nine Marks of a Healthy Church points out nine crucial qualities that are often neglected by many of today's churches. It is necessary that these qualitites be recaptured for the sake of the church.

Stott is one of my favorite authors. In The Living Church, he considers the essentials of God's vision for His church.

In Vintage Church Driscoll and Breshears provide a great contemporary overview of the church. They address many of the challenges facing the church today. Well written.

Grudem is a great writer and has a knack for making the complex understandable. His section on the doctrine of the church is extremely helpful.

Also, be aware that we are offering a “Burst Class” to supplement the Sunday Morning sermons. Each Wednesday night during the series, Pastor Rick Gutierrez will be teaching on the topics listed above and will also allow for some question and answer time. The class will start and 7PM and finish up at 8PM.

7 Questions To Ask Before You Make A Purchase

More financial wisdom from Surviving Financial Meltdown by Ron Blue and Jeremy White.

1. Do I really need this?

2. Can I borrow it, rent it, or try it before purchasing it?

3. Will I change my mind because of cost once I have it?

4. What will I have to cut back on to buy this?

5. Have I had a cooling-off period to avoid making an impulse purchase?

6. Have I checked with my spouse or accountability friend?

7. Have I compared prices on the Internet or other sources?

8 Things Not to Skimp On During Tough Economic Times

The following is from the book, Surviving Financial Meltdown, by Ron Blue and Jeremy White.

1. Giving (acknowledging God's provision in this way really does bring peace)

2. Mortage payment and property taxes

3. Utilities

4. Car maintenance

5. Health insurance

6. Fun times with your spouse and kids (just look for the many free or low-cost options available)

7. Patience and long-term vision

8. Bible reading and prayer.