MESSAGE NOTES
Square One - Origins of Rest
Genesis 2:1-3
Dr. Jeffrey Clark
The Big Idea: After completing the heavens and the earth, God rested from his work.
Question: Why would an all-powerful God choose to rest on the seventh day?
- On the seventh day, God celebrates completion.
- On the seventh day, God sets himself apart for worship.
- On the seventh day, God foreshadows salvation.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Quick Review: Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
My Story: In past generations a Sabbath Day for rest and worship has been supported by legislation sometimes called “blue laws.” However, modern day values have almost obliterated such values. What difference do you see these trends making in our culture?
Digging Deeper:
- Christians have consistently affirmed that God is all-powerful. Given this premise, how do you explain God’s decision to rest on the seventh day?
- It appears that God’s work is not complete unless and until it has been appreciated. This can be a meaningful pattern for human beings to follow. Identify some accomplishments and take time to appreciate your work.
- Israel was to set apart one day in seven for the purpose of worship. However, the Pharisees introduced legalistic parameters as to what was, and was not allowed, on the Sabbath. How does the spirit behind God’s design keep us away from a legalistic application of this passage?
Taking It Home: A New Testament application of this passage may be found in Hebrews 4:1-11. The author of this passage summarizes: “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest…” What does it mean to strive to enter this rest? How does one do this?
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
If you are visiting today, we want to extend a special welcome to you and invite you to an informal reception immediately following our worship service. On Saturday, Pastor Jeff is available in the Celebration Center, and on Sunday, Pastor Jeff and his wife Mary will meet you at the Welcome Center in the entryway.
CALLING ON ANGELS
Pastor Jeff would like to invite any and all, and especially those who have a heart for intercession, to pray for our corporate worship services. You are welcome to join us in the Celebration Center 20 minutes before each service.
BASKETBALL
If you play basketball, we would like to invite you to come out on Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM. We meet in the Celebration Center and would love to have you join us.
THE GATHERING
The Gathering is open to all, meeting in Room 104 during the 9:00 AM hour. Please join us as Norm Lewis takes a look at Covenants through February and first Sunday in March. God makes promises to those He claims as His own – but what does this really mean? What about when God gives us an unconditional promise?
Then in March, The Gathering will revisit The Truth Project. The Truth Project is a Focus on the Family 12 week series that looks at the Christian Worldview, and provides impetus to living a full, God honoring life. For more information on this fascinating series, please contact Andy
Betsch at andrew.betsch@mac.com.
A NEW ATTITUDE IS COMING - SPRING SERIES
In the Apostle Paul’s Century-One letter to the church in Rome, he makes an appeal that concerns every believer’s attitude toward God and the way it works out in service. In light of God’s sovereign grace, and in light of His mercy in the Christian gospel, Paul says: “I appeal to you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice… which is your spiritual service of worship.” In the same way that Paul challenges Roman believers, so he challenges us to bring a new attitude to our service of worship.
STUDENT MINISTRIES
Calling all students! Usually on Mondays, Hunter will be providing pizza and fun for anyone who wants to hang out after school. But this next get-together will be held on Tuesday (2/18) due to the holiday on Monday. We had a great turnout and a great time last week, please join us!
Don’t miss our regular scheduled meetings this week. They are DV8 Middle School on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:00 PM and DV8 High School on Thursdays from 6:00 – 8:30 PM.
FREEZER MEAL PREP
Hello Ladies! The next freezer prep will be Tuesday, March 4. Meals will be set at $12.00 per meal and you will need to pay in advance to reserve your spot. There is a maximum of 2 of each menu item (20 meals). The menu selections are available on the church website. We will try to accommodate as many as we can, but space is limited. Payment and order must be received by Monday, February 17. Please contact Michelle Schroeder at michlewis24@yahoo.com for questions or to reserve a spot with your menu selections. Checks can be made payable to Michelle Schroeder. You can leave the check and your list of
selections in an envelope marked with Michelle’s name in the church office (please also e-mail food selections).
MISSIONS OUTREACH
Mauricio Erazo, JPC/YFC Honduras
PRAISE
- for completing 2013 by evangelizing over 10,000 youth. Staff and volunteers did an amazing job with dramas, camps and music.
PRAY
- for the Central American Camp coming up in April.
- for JPC's Staff budget and donations for 10 Camps.