Main Idea: The church is like a body where all the parts are connected and working together. The health and well-being of one part should be a concern of the entire body.
Discussion Questions:
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
How did you get connected to this church?
Why does our relationship with God necessitate relationship with other believers?
Why is it tempting for some to give up on church?
How has God used this church or another church in your life?
How can we pray for you? email pastortito@tddtampa.org
Text: Genesis 50:15-21 (Chapters 37-46 serve as the backstory)
Topic: Providence, Suffering, New Year’s Resolutions
Main Idea: God used Joseph’s heartache and pain to preserve the nation of Israel, as well as to save the lives of many others during a period of great famine. Your suffering can bring glory to God and help others who are experiencing difficult circumstances.
Discussion Questions:
What is one thing that stood out to you from this message?
What is one spiritual goal you have for this new year?
How would you describe Joseph’s attitude?
Have you ever experienced suffering? How did your relationship with Godaffect that?
Is there any one or anything in your life you need to forgive so you canstart the new year with a clean heart?
It’s so easy to get distracted with everything that we have going on in our lives. One thing that unfortunately get’s ignored first is our relationships with God. If you feel dry or like you are running on empty, we want to encourage you to come to ow night of worship this Saturday, March 5 at 5:30pm and experience God’s presences in a refreshing way.
This time of year, millions of people begin to fast and focus during the weeks leading up to Easter. This practice needs to be something that we all do not only once a week but every week of the year.
Check out this video on prayer. Our challenge to you is to take this time and pray. Pray for your neighbors and who you can invite to Church this Easter. Pray for your family, friends, and your church.
No matter who you pray for, enjoy your time with God and stand in awe that He cares to hear what you have to say and is willing to take action on your behalf!
Have you started your new years resolutions yet? Have you but you’ve already given them up?
We found this great article from www.Christianity.com that features 30 ideas for 30 days to create some great habits. CLICK HERE to read the article.
Also, make sure to select a Bible reading plan for this year. YOUVERSION has some great ones that last a few days and cover one topic to reading the Bible from cover to cover in one year.
No matter what you do, make sure to SEEK GOD 1st and admire His love for you that He displayed in the life of JESUS CHRIST and you’ll see how 2016 will be better than 2015!
Today is New Year’s Eve. Which means that tomorrow is DAY 1 when it comes to fulfilling one’s new year resolutions.
Almost 25% of people who attempt new years resolutions will give them up before January is even over! The sad truth is that most people fail to maintain their momentum past February.
GotQuestions.org has a great article about if Christians should do new years resolutions and how to approach them.
Also, if you desire to read the entire Bible everyday throughout the year, visit YouVersion.com and select the reading plan SOLID LIFE READING PLAN. That is the same one that Pastor Tito will be doing all year.
No matter the resolution you set, or the ones you fail to keep, know that you serve the same God who is faithful, loving, and compassionate not only yesterday, but today, and forever!
Many Christians every year wonder how they should approach Christmas. Should we tell our kids about Christmas?
Should we watch non-Christian Christmas movies?
Should we have a tree because pagans used to use it during their worship services?
Yes it’s true that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th and that what we celebrate today as “Christmas” used to be a pagan holiday. The question really is, why do YOU celebrate it?
Last time I checked, God created the evergreen tree…not pagans. Also, we cannot lose who the true Saint Nicholas was compared to the more fluffy version that Coca-Cola has given us. Here is an interesting article from Christianity Today.
Some stories, such as fables and parables, are not empirically true, but they are true in that they point to realities about God’s world and the human condition. Some stories are empirically true and also communicate this kind of truth. The Nativity story is a perfect example of the latter. The Santa Claus myth is a great example of the former. Santa Claus embodies Christian values such as kindness, generosity, forgiveness—every child soon realizes that even if they have not been perfect all year, Santa comes through. Santa brings gifts to children both deserving and undeserving. While Santa is not a Christ figure—that must be clear—the Santa myth is not the problem. The problem is that we have let advertisers hijack Santa, turning Christmas into a retail event. READ MORE
Regardless of the history of December 25th, my family will gather together and open up gifts under the lights that are hung on our family evergreen Christmas tree. The reason is to celebrate the gift of eternal life that we have because the light of the world once hung on a tree. What we need to focus on is more WHY we do what we do more than WHAT should we be doing.
Pastors Tito & Alisha Sotolongo
P.S.
Just in case you want more JESUS vs SANTA info to think about, consider sharing this video with your kids.
Driving around and watching houses light up for Christmas
Going caroling
Watch classic Christmas movies
Even ELF ON A SHELF is a tradition people love to do
The list goes on and on. Not even to mention things like, serving in the community, going to church, and reading the Christmas story of Jesus. We love traditions because the give us a great sense of community and connection with the past.
www.FamilyLife.com has a great article on Christmas traditions we thought would bless you.
CLICK HERE to read about 10 GREAT IDEAS for Christmas Traditions that you can start this year!
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