Two Options

Scripture: Romans 6:23

This Sunday Blair will be taking a closer look at Romans 6:23. The Contemporary English Version says, "Sin pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord." Dwell on this verse, let it speak to you. Please take time to read and meditate on these scriptures before coming to e:ncounter this Sunday morning.


Questions to ponder:
What is the difference between a "wage" and a "gift"?
What is earned in this verse and what is given?
Why is this difference important to us practically?
When does eternal life start? What does it look like in the here and now?


Lectionary Scriptures for October 1, 2006:
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50

Slavery to Sin vs. Slavery to Obedience

Scripture: Romans 6:15-23

This Sunday Blair will be speaking about sanctification. In this week's scripture Paul talks about going from being a slave to sin to being a slave to obedience. We will be looking at what sanctification is and how it actually applies to our lives. Please take time to read and meditate on these scriptures before coming to e:ncounter this Sunday morning.

Questions to ponder:
What does it mean to be a slave to sin?
Why do you think Paul talks about slavery to obedience rather than righteousness?
How does sanctification differ from justification?
How does sanctification show in our lives?


Lectionary Scriptures for September 24, 2006:
Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 1
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37

The Ritual of Baptism

Scripture: Romans 6:1-14

This Sunday we are having our baptism service. To prepare our selves revisit the previous entries in this blog and review what we have learned about baptism. Please take time to read and meditate on these scriptures before coming to e:ncounter this Sunday morning.

Questions to ponder:
How does the physical act of baptism embody what we believe?
How can we make sure to show our spiritual baptism in our daily life?
How important is it that we consider baptism as a sacrament?
Does it matter how or where we are baptized?


Lectionary Scriptures for September 17, 2006:
Proverbs 1:20-33
Psalm 19
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38

Yield Signs

Scripture: Romans 6:11-14

This Sunday we will be looking later on in chapter 6 at what Pauls says about our life under God's grace. We look more intently at what it means to live in the grace that we recieve. We also learn the connection between being set part for God with living. Please take time to read and meditate on these scriptures before coming to e:ncounter this Sunday morning.

Questions to ponder:
How does it make a difference in our lives to be under grace?
What does it mean to be consecration?
What does it mean to offer our body parts as an instrument of righteouness?
How can fully live in grace?


Lectionary Scriptures for September 10, 2006:
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Psalm 125
James 2:1-10, 11-13, 14-17
Mark 7:24-37