Dear Church Family,
I wanted to share another article with you this week that I think is worthy of your attention. It makes the beautiful point that we should not allow our identity to be defined by our temptations. Check it out.
Here are a couple beautiful statements that were quoted in the article above:
There are thoughts and feelings suggested and aroused by Satan that annoy even the best of men; but if they are not cherished, if they are repulsed as hateful, the soul is not contaminated with guilt and no other is defiled by their influence. – That I May Know Him, p. 140
It is not in the power of Satan to force anyone to sin. Sin is the sinner’s individual act. Before sin exists in the heart, the consent of the will must be given, and as soon as it is given, sin is triumphant, and hell rejoices. – Signs of the Times, Dec. 18, 1893.
In the news:
- This Sabbath is International Sabbath and Kezia and friends have put together a very special day for us. We will enjoy celebrating the worldwide mission of our church with native food, dress, and lots of flags. I will share a message entitled, “A New Song” and the message will be translated into Spanish to reflect the diversity within our own congregation.
- Remember that everyone is invited to participate in our international fellowship dinner following the service. Bring your favorite ethnic food and please place your name on the dish.
- “Quattro Colore” (Four Colors) will share a musical Vesper program 5:30 pm It is the representative string quartet from Southern Adventist University. They are drawn together by the shared love of music, to be used in the service of God. The group members are Emily Drexler, music major; Janelle Glass, Music Education; Charissa Goosey, nursing major; Nathan Francisco, not yet in SAU, is cellist.
- There will be a school board meeting this Monday evening at 5:30pm at the school.
- We will resume our class on Ezekiel this coming Wednesday at 10:30am and 6:30pm with a look at Ezekiel 10-11.
- Today marked the conclusion of our 40 Days of Prayer. It was a blessing for those of us participating and was a refreshing way to begin the day with church family. Let’s continue to pray for revival and reformation in our church family and in our own lives. The danger of a 40 day challenge is that we treat this kind of intentional prayer as a punctiliar event rather than a way of life. May we move forward on our knees.
- At 4pm tomorrow, all delegates and really anyone who is interested is invited to join the pre-constituency session meeting at the Knoxville 1st Church located at 3611 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, TN. The meeting will be at 4pm and will involve reports of how God has led and blessed in our conference over the last 5 years. Remember, all delegates are asked to attend.
- Last weekend our church was blessed by the magnificent work of our youth under the leadership of Pastor Jason as they shared the entire book of Revelation in one message. Praise God for the impressions this exercise has placed in the minds of our young people and for the witness this has provided.
- Tina and I had a great time at the Key’s Camp Meeting in Florida last weekend. We enjoyed visiting with the Saladino’s, Juanita & Melissa Kretschmar as well as meeting many new people. It was a time of real spiritual blessing and fellowship as we worshiped together Friday evening, Sabbath, and Sunday morning. Even had the chance to baptize a young lady in the beautiful clear ocean water on Sabbath afternoon. Then on Sunday evening, we enjoyed a ride on a fishing boat where many from camp meeting came and together we shared supper out on the sea. Ray Saladino served as our ship captain for the evening. Also were amazed on Friday evening by the miniature deer that were so friendly after supper. Evidently, they gather for the scraps given in the evenings. Also enjoyed President’s day in the waters and canals of the Keys.
Blessings as you prepare for tomorrow’s International Sabbath.
In His Service,
Pastor Jeremy
The Greeneville Grapevine 