STANDING STONE BIBLE
WEEKLY
February 3, 2025
A Point from pastor
Nearly every teenager (and even young adult) today struggles with defining who they are, where they fit in, and what difference they can make in the world. You can adopt those questions in the Christian church context and ask, “Who am I? Where do I belong? What is God’s Will for in my life?” The struggle to address these questions are influenced by expectations of others, including friends, parents, teachers, coaches, and the local church. All of those closest to a student could have a profound impact on their life and faith, for the better… or worse.
We can find answers in Scripture, of course! Romans 12:1-2, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Identity (dirty word today, yet relevant), belonging, purpose—three categories we in the Body of Christ must clearly define for our students. What is our identity? It is found in Christ. Where do we belong? We belong in the Body of Christ. What is our purpose? It is to be living sacrifices for Christ! This is all well and good… one thing that the Church has failed to address: How?
Athanasius, an early Church Father and Bishop of Alexandra, coined the term, Contra Mundum, “Against the World.” Romans 12:2 tells us that conformity to the World and discernment of God’s Will cannot coexist in a believer. In order to be for God, you must be against the World. That is how students must go about answering those essential questions in life. Values that we learn to advocate according to our faith are generally at odds with those forced upon each and every one of us in our society. So, can we as God-glorifying, Christ-loving, Spirit-following, Bible-believing Christians purpose to follow God and not the World?
We can find answers in Scripture, of course! Romans 12:1-2, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Identity (dirty word today, yet relevant), belonging, purpose—three categories we in the Body of Christ must clearly define for our students. What is our identity? It is found in Christ. Where do we belong? We belong in the Body of Christ. What is our purpose? It is to be living sacrifices for Christ! This is all well and good… one thing that the Church has failed to address: How?
Athanasius, an early Church Father and Bishop of Alexandra, coined the term, Contra Mundum, “Against the World.” Romans 12:2 tells us that conformity to the World and discernment of God’s Will cannot coexist in a believer. In order to be for God, you must be against the World. That is how students must go about answering those essential questions in life. Values that we learn to advocate according to our faith are generally at odds with those forced upon each and every one of us in our society. So, can we as God-glorifying, Christ-loving, Spirit-following, Bible-believing Christians purpose to follow God and not the World?
THIS WEEK
Here are the highlights of classes and events THIS week
Ladies Life Group - The Ladies LG will be in a new study on the doctrines of the faith. They meet the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 9:30am at SSB. Childcare is provided (for a donation).
Life Group "R" - Now meeting at 10am instead of 7pm (still on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays).
Baptism Classes - Join this class Sunday.... for anyone interested in being baptized or learning more of how SSB practices it, you may still attend this Sunday during the SS hour at 8:45 am.
Life Group "R" - Now meeting at 10am instead of 7pm (still on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays).
Baptism Classes - Join this class Sunday.... for anyone interested in being baptized or learning more of how SSB practices it, you may still attend this Sunday during the SS hour at 8:45 am.
upcoming events
Make note of the classes and events available in the near future
Joyous Hearts - Wednesday, February 12th is the monthly meeting for those ages 55 and older. This begins at 10am. Join for a snack, fellowship, and JOY!
Valentine's Banquet - Friday evening, February 14th is our annual One Another / Valentine's Banquet. Express your interest in attending this free event by sending a note to Jettie and/or Whitney W.
Four the Master - Sunday evening, February 16th is a special Four the Master concert at SSB at 6pm. They will also be ministering at Silver Ridge on 2/13 and Richmont Village on 2/22.
Valentine's Banquet - Friday evening, February 14th is our annual One Another / Valentine's Banquet. Express your interest in attending this free event by sending a note to Jettie and/or Whitney W.
Four the Master - Sunday evening, February 16th is a special Four the Master concert at SSB at 6pm. They will also be ministering at Silver Ridge on 2/13 and Richmont Village on 2/22.
the Lord's day
We worshipped Jesus in song and in action. We who are "clothed in righteousness," the righteousness of Christ partook of Communion remembering the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
During communion, we considered a parable from Matthew 22 about a great wedding banquet given by a king for his son. This pictures the wedding supper of the lamb. We, thankfully, have been invited but we must GO . . . we must respond to the invitation by repenting of our sin and believing in Christ and we must be dressed in wedding garments. We must be clothed in the righteousness of Christ! Communion is for those who have responded to the invitation and have rightly responded, dressed accordingly to enter the banquet.
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Sunday night, SSB members met to celebrate 2024 and discuss this year ahead. We voted for the budget, chose two for the financial review team, and voted for elders and an assistant treasurer (those results will be provided later this week). It was a good meeting. We have such a GOOD God and we are all representative of His GOOD church.
During communion, we considered a parable from Matthew 22 about a great wedding banquet given by a king for his son. This pictures the wedding supper of the lamb. We, thankfully, have been invited but we must GO . . . we must respond to the invitation by repenting of our sin and believing in Christ and we must be dressed in wedding garments. We must be clothed in the righteousness of Christ! Communion is for those who have responded to the invitation and have rightly responded, dressed accordingly to enter the banquet.
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Sunday night, SSB members met to celebrate 2024 and discuss this year ahead. We voted for the budget, chose two for the financial review team, and voted for elders and an assistant treasurer (those results will be provided later this week). It was a good meeting. We have such a GOOD God and we are all representative of His GOOD church.
Prayer Prods
- Connie V - grieving son, Angel
- Ron A, Joyce B, and Steve P - all recovering from procedures last week
- Tami still needing aid from breathing struggles (potential surgery)
- Elders as they consider serving in '25
- Several in cancer treatments (Joe noted they are monitoring some brain cancer)
- Linda W's legal estate issues
