September 2008
GOD'S LOVE AND GRACE
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:1-10)
GOD'S WRATH
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—-His eternal power and divine nature—-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—-who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-29)
We will receive God's love and grace, or His wrath, depending on what we do with Jesus.
IT'S YOUR CHOICE!
Lizetta Williams
THE DIRECTOR'S CORNER
Thoughts while riding in a trailer (in the annual Pembroke parade)
• I'm pleased that two of our High School boys wanted to help build and decorate it.
• Becky and I feel a little conspicuous and strange since this is the Camp's first time.
• When we line up, the children walking by make us feel welcome and several want to ride in our trailer.
• I'm glad we're behind the Grade School band. The director made a good choice of instru-ments--nothing but drums.
• Collecting candy seems to be the highlight of the parade. One little boy stands with his bag until the parade is past, then pedals quickly to the front of the parade again. I think I know that boy.
• My float riders are very generous with my supply of candy. We run out before the end of the parade.
• I see a lot of children's and adults' faces. Many I don't know. Many seem sad.
• There must be more we can do to share God's love. For sure I need to get out more.
• Maybe our after-school clubs this fall will bring in some new children that want to try God's way.
• I'm grateful for many friends who make it possible for us to freely focus our time and energy,
for God's kingdom in this, our community.
MORE GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN FOR LIZETTA
#42 #43
Miles Rowan Williams Cora Gracie Williams
August 4, 2008 August 16, 2008
Parents: Toby & Debra Williams Parents: Tad & Amber Williams
Grandparents: David & Sharon Williams Grandparents: David & Sharon Williams
Many, many thanks to friends who have come to help us with our monthly mailing.
We appreciate you and thank God for you!
DATES TO REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR:
Saturday, September 20, 3:00 PM
Praise Banquet
(Please come!)
Wednesday, October 1, 5:30 PM
AWANA Leaders' Meeting
Monday, October 6
Boys AWANA starts
(Grades K-8)
Wednesday, October 8
Girls AWANA starts
(Grades K-8)
Thursday, October 9
Teen Club starts
(high school)
Friday and Saturday, October 24, 25
Women's Fall Retreat
Speaker: Rebecca Osaigbovo
Dave and Becky McMillan; Lizetta, Mary, Mark and Karen Williams; Judy Chesebro;
Joji Barredo, Philippines; Trudie Hayon, Trinidad
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