STANDING STONE BIBLE

WEEKLY

October 23, 2023

A Point from pastor

We concluded our Missions Conference time yesterday with Michael Cohen.  During our time, he spoke about the covenants with Israel and especially focused on the land covenant.   This tied in poignantly with the current conflict that is unfolding there these days.   God told Abraham, unconditionally, "Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land” (Genesis 12:7).  Although not following God as His true people today, the Israelites understand this promise.   The land is theirs says the LORD.

During the worship service, Mike shared about the Fall Feasts.  It was quite encouraging as we consider the promised that God has made to us and the hope we have in looking forward to the Lord's fulfillment.  We are reminded by these feasts that the Lord is present and one day the harvest will end.  We are reminded of the forgiveness we have from Jesus.  We are reminded of God's desire that we dwell with Him.  

We concluded the conference with a live Zoom time with Bayarra and Gerlee, missionaries in Mongolia.  They shared about their time sharing the gospel with soldiers and nomads.  They ended their time sharing about the ministry to homes and families - seeing that marriages are strengthened and that families are hearing of Jesus.  

Be in prayer for our missionaries, their work, those dear people they are reaching,  and how you might serve the Lord in the harvest.  

THIS WEEK

Here are the highlights of classes and events THIS week

18-26 -  The young adults are getting together tonight at 7pm.  Guys and gals:  Join in!  

Four the Master - This quartet group is ministering in a few locations this week.  This afternoon in LaVista, Thursday afternoon in Lincoln, and Friday afternoon in Omaha.   Here is the full schedule with details.

25th Anniversary - Wednesday night, during the OAsis meal, we will have a special time of honoring Pastor Ken on his 25 years of pastoring GCC/SSB. The meal begins at 6pm.  If you are coming and do not normally attend on Wednesday night, please let the office know so we may plan for the right amount of additional food.  

Kidz Club Gym Night (Location Change) -  The monthly gym night for K-5th grade Clubs will be at Gretna Elementary School this Wednesday (normally the Middle School).  Gretna Elementary is right next to the Middle School - around the curve.  Drop off at 6:45pm and pick up at 8:10pm.  

Ladies' Bonfire - The gals of SSB are lighting the world on fire!   Well, perhaps not that much.   Friday evening is a ladies' bonfire event at Liz Nelson's home.   There will be s'mores, singing, and a devotional.  Daugters are welcome.  You may join in carpooling if you wish from SSB at 6:25pm.  

High School Guys' Hangout -  The LIGHThouse guys (6th - 12th grade) are hanging out Saturday night beginning at 6:30pm.  

C-Club - Saturday nights (around 8 to 10pm) is the weekly coffee house (C-Club).   Come anytime, grab a cup of coffee, listen to some live music, enjoy some snacks, games, and fellowship.  

upcoming events

Make note of the classes and events available in the near future

Essential Church Movie Showing - Friday, November 17th, we will show "The Essential Church."   This documentary explores the struggle between Church and government throughout history.   You may view a trailer here.

Move Help (Barnes) - On November 3rd, make a note in your calendar to help Jimmy and Alice load up for their move to Tennessee.  Details to follow.  

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

- Isaiah 54:10

You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

- Micah 7:20

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

- Hebrews 13:20-21

the Lord's day

We opened with an update about our supporting area ministries.  They are a great benefit to us in providing services that assist us in helping to further share the gospel.  

Michael Cohen brought the message as he shared of the Fall Feasts.  Just as Jesus fulfilled the spring feasts, so will He fulfill these.  The feasts are, thus, reminders to followers and a marker for the future hope we have of His Second Coming.  Considering Yom Kippur and the blood on the atonement cover, inside of the ark were stored three articles that magnify the forgiveness God provides:  The 10 Commandments point to God's forgiveness of our breaking the Law.  The manna points to His forgiveness for not giving thanks.  Aaron's Staff points to God's forgiveness for not following His Leadership.   Let us contemplate what Jesus has done and look forward, in joyful anticipation, of His return.  

Who is Worthy?

Matthew, also called Levi, was a disciple of Jesus and the writer of the first Gospel.  We learn of his calling by Jesus in Matthew 9:9-13.  He left his toll booth to follow Jesus.  Tax collectors were typically well off as they prepaid taxes each year and then were allowed to recover that amount, with interest, from the people.   Although interest was to be fair, they often charged more.  Even with a fair amount of interest charged, the Mosaic law prohibited charging Jews interest at all.  Thus, all tax collectors were generally despised as sinners.  Wealthy as he was, Matthew left all to follow Jesus and his Gospel shows humility in the little detail he gives of himself.   Although he speaks of other disciples leaving their nets and boats to follow Jesus, he does not give himself that credit.  God’s grace shines in the choice of Matthew to write this Gospel.  God is worthy! 

“No sinner admits to the throne of God as being valid and the right of God to rule over him.  He can talk about God, and he will appeal to God, and he will use the name of God, but he will not obey God.  That is why he is what he is.”  

- A.W. Tozer

Prayer Prods

1.  Kathy Pieper and Kathy Page recovering from surgery - still in hospitals
2.  Several with cancer troubles:  Peggy O, Pattie Z, Magill's daughter, Becky S's daughters, Holly's mom.  
3.  Joanie B - Eye surgery this week (25th)
4.  McFarling's navigating courts and family struggles
5.  Four the Master as they minister
6.  Ashland Bible Church
7.  Michael & Lisa Cohen /  Bayarra and Gerlee

General Calendar