Grace And Love Intertwined

Pineapple Spectacular Pie 20 minutes active; 1+ hour inactive to prepare serves 8 INGREDIENTS 1 graham cracker crust, store-bought Filling: 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained, juices reserved Water, as needed (water w/ reserved pineapple juices should make 1 cup) 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature 1 (3.4) oz. package lemon or pineapple jello PREPARATION Place reserved pineapple juices in a measuring cup, then add enough water to make 1 cup liquid. Bring to a boil in a small or medium saucepan, then whisk in lemon jello mix. Place room temperature cream cheese in a medium bowl, then beat in 1/2 lemon jello. Beat until smooth and fully incorporated, then spread cream cheese mixture over cooled graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes, or until set. Arrange pineapple chunks on top of cream cheese layer, then pour remaining lemon jello on top. Return to refrigerator and chill until set. Recipe adapted from Vintage Ads Pine

Stephen is back from his Gospel Meeting. Morning Sermon Traits of the Bible 1. Inspired of God: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, - 2 Timothy 3:16 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Timothy3:16&version=NKJV Live by that inspired Word (Matthew 4:4). Holy men spoke as they were moved by God (2 Peter 1:21).  2. Authoritative: He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. - John 12:48 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John12:48&version=NKJV Live as though I will be judged by the law of liberty, which I most certainly will (James 2:12).  3. Sufficient:  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:17 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Timothy3:17&version=NKJV Rely on His Word only

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. - 1 Corinthians 13:8 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Corinthians13:8&version=NKJV Love never fails. God first loved us (1 John 4:10).  He chose us because He loved us (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).  Love is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We now already know we should love all with agape love as described in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Failure to do so is sin (James 4:17). Final lesson next week.

2 Peter Chapter 1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. - 2 Peter 1:1-4 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Peter1:1-4&version=NKJV We have like precious faith. Are the bondservants of Christ. We need only the Bible for life and godliness, not man made creeds and doctrines. Cling to the promises of God as we live the Christian life. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue

INGREDIENTS 3 cups quick-cooking oats 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup milk 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 stick butter, cubed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup peanut butter, optional PREPARATION Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine sugar, milk, butter and cocoa powder in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil and book for 3-4 minutes. Stir in oats, vanilla and salt (and peanut butter, if using) and stir vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined and coated. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to drop equal amounts of "batter" onto parchment paper. Let cool and set for 10-15 minutes. Refrigerate to speed up the process. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an air-tight container for 7-10 days. Recipe adapted from Saveur Classic No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies

This past week Stephen was in Alabama holding a Gospel Meeting. So Elliott Jackson preached in his place. Morning Sermon How God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit Saves Us  Part 1 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” - Genesis 1:26 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis1:26&version=NKJV We are made in the image of God. When we sin it grieves God (Genesis 6:5) and frustrates Him (Isaiah 5:4). If we reject Jesus, we have no eternal life (1 John 5:12). If we deny Him, He will deny us (Matthew 10:33). There is joy in heaven over one person who repents (Luke 15:7).  God is merciful (2 Chronicles 30:9) and even the king Manasseh humbled himself before God and repented (2 Chronicles 33:11-13). Jesus calls us to repentance (Mark 2:16-17). Once we obey the Gospe

If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 9:12 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Corinthians9:12&version=NKJV Bear others weaknesses lest we hinder the Gospel. but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— - Ephesians 4:15 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians4:15&version=NKJV As we speak the truth, let's make sure we speak it in love. God is not willing for anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). Shouldn't we feel the same way toward others? We should love and cherish others as Christ does us (Ephesians 5:29). Agape love remains steadfast even in difficult times. More next week  

1 Peter Chapter 5 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. - 1 Peter 5:1-4 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Peter5:1-4&version=NKJV The elders in our church do so much for us: this week find a way to encourage them. I've never encouraged an elder at my church before. It's about time I started. Let them know I appreciate them.  Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples

Cranberry Millionaire Salad 1 hour to prepare serves 6-8  Print Share Pin INGREDIENTS 3 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed 2 cups plain Greek yogurt 2 cups mini marshmallows 2 cups pineapple chunks, drained 1 1/2 cups coconut flakes 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped 3/4 cup water 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup orange juice 1 cinnamon stick Report Advertisement PREPARATION In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice and cinnamon stick. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer mixture for 10-12 minutes, or until mixture has thickened and reduced by half. Discard cinnamon stick. Remove from heat and refrigerate until chilled. Combine thickened cranberry mixture with yogurt, marshmallows, pineapple, coconut flakes and pecans in a large bowl, and toss together until fully incorporated and coated. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes, or until chilled, then serve and enjoy! Cranberry Millionaire Salad

Morning Sermon  Sin Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. - 1 John 3:4 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1John3:4&version=NKJV Sin is lawlessness. Transgression against God's law. Even things left undone is sin (James 4:17). Sin originated in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis chapter 3). Sin is universal as in we all sin and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Dont deny I have sinned. If I do so, I deceive myself,  make God a liar, and His truth is not in me (1 John 1:8,10). Sin leads to spiritual death (Romans 6:23), and spiritual death is hell, the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? - Romans 6:1-2 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans6:1-2&version=NKJV Dont live in sin, thereby abusing His grace. Instead confess and repent. He will forgive (1 John

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. - 1 Corinthians 13:7 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Corinthians13:7&version=NKJV. Love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. As the Lord's church we are to be of the same mind and judgement 1 Corinthians 1:10-11).  As New Testament Christians we should bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:1-5). True agape love will attempt to restore the fallen (James 5:19-20). More next week. 

1 Peter Chapter 4 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. - 1 Peter 4:1-6 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Peter4:1-6&version=NKJV Don't live in sin any longer, but live for Christ even if others t

Slow Cooker Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup Prep Time 10   mins Cook Time 6   hrs   30   mins Total Time 6   hrs   26   mins Southwest Chicken Soup - A delicious one-pot cozy and comforting meal that cooks itself! Course:   Soup Cuisine:   American, Mexican Keyword:   Chicken Soup Servings :  8   servings Calories :  343.2   kcal Author :  Holly Sander Ingredients 14   ounces   canned small white beans   (navy or great northern), drained and rinsed 14   ounces   canned black beans,   drained and rinsed 14   ounces   canned diced tomatoes 2   cups   chicken stock 1   cup   of lite beer like Corona   (or chicken stock if preferred) 1   large onion,   chopped 2   sweet bell peppers, red yellow or orange,   seeds and membranes removed and chopped 3   jalapeño peppers,   seeds and membranes removed, diced 5   cloves   garlic,   minced 1/3   cup   finely chopped cilantro,   plus more for garnish 2   tablespoons   cumin 1   tablespoon  

Morning Sermon  Selfless Service  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. - Galatians 2:20 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians2:20&version=NKJV Live for Christ, not self. It's not about me. It's all about Him. Deny myself, take up my cross, follow Him (Luke 9:23). Even Jesus came to do His Father's will (John 6:38). So I'm not here to do my own will or cater to my selfish desires, but to do His will.  according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:20-21 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians1:20-21&version=NKJV Let Christ be magnified in my life

does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; - 1 Corinthians 13:6 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Corinthians13:6&version=NKJV Love will not rejoice when others do wrong or ask others to do wrong. Love rejoices in the truth always. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. - 1 John 2:10 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1John2:10&version=NKJV Be careful how we live. Don't cause others to stumble through our influence. But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. - 1 Corinthians 8:12 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Corinthians8:12&version=NKJV When we cause others to stumble, we sun against Jesus. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. - Romans 12:15 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans12:15&version=NKJV Have empathy toward others. In this is love, not that we loved God

1 Peter Chapter 3 Wives, likewise, be  submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be  the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. - 1 Peter 3:1-6 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Peter3:1-6&version=NKJV Christian wives can attract their husbands to the faith by living a chaste, submissive, gentle, quiet life. And we all as Christians, not just husbands and wive

Forgiving Others

Leftover Turkey Corn Chowder This leftover turkey corn chowder comes together in about 30 minutes and is the most delicious way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. CourseMain Course, Soup CuisineAmerican Keywordchowder, soup, turkey Prep Time5 minutes Cook Time30 minutes Total Time35 minutes Servings4 AuthorTiffany Ingredients 2 cups shredded leftover fully cooked turkey (may sub shredded leftover fully cooked chicken) 2 15-ounce cans cream style corn 1 15-ounce can sweet yellow whole kernel corn 3 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth 1 celery rib, chopped 1 red bell pepper, diced 2 cups cubed golden or red potatoes 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon garlic powder salt and pepper to taste Instructions In a large stock pot combine cream style corn, whole kernel corn, broth, celery, bell peppers, potatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender and easily