FreshBread

Good Morning Friends…..

Two days till Sunday and I am pumped to start our new series! We also will have a special time around the communion table. Don’t miss this weekend.

To close out our discussion this week, I asked a FreshBread reader if I could reprint his E-mail response to me about 1 Timothy 4:16. Here is what he had to say:

Scott,

Thanks for keeping us on our toes with the questions you throw out. I have never been challenged more than I have when contemplating what you put out there for us to chew on.

I don’t know why I am choosing to respond today to this question vs. any other day… I guess maybe just feeling the need this morning.

So about the vs. 1 Timothy 4:16

As I understand the passage, it comes from a letter from Paul to Timothy. Timothy, I am sure, is enduring what most pastors, church leaders, and teachers of the Word feel at times… the pressure to comply. No doubt Timothy’s age played a part in this and I am sure he had many older than him in the groups that he taught.

People watched Timothy closely and by his actions were influenced. By his doctrine (what he taught) he was questioned. Timothy didn’t have the benefit (or detriment) of a 1000 years of tradition to back up what he taught. He was for the most part treading on some fairly new ground, at least from the perspective of the Messiah.

Then the question is in the part of the verse.… save both yourself and those who listen to you…. I don’t think this is the eternal salvation for all… however, for some, it could be. If the doctrine that is being taught does not point to Jesus, new “hearers” of the doctrine may not come to realize who Jesus is. Another possible thought is for Timothy and his hearers, Paul may also be saying… Stay focused and you won’t get burnt out on those things that are not essential.

I look forward to hearing what you and others might have to say as well. The one thing I have realized by reading FreshBread and listening to your messages… The answer is sometimes not as clearly defined as we try to make it be.

Take care Scott and thanks for challenging me!!!

Have a Great weekend…see you Sunday!

Scott

Good Morning Friends,

We have been working on the auditorium for a whole new series beginning this Sunday. I am so excited about this weekend and pray you can join us. We have a new set, new drama, and will have a great time in God’s word and finish around a celebration of the Lord’s table. So to get us thinking about this weekend….check out this verse…..

16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:16

So what does this verse say to you? What does it mean to watch your life? How about your doctrine? I’d love to hear from you on this one but meditate on these questions and allow God to prepare your heart for this weekend.

See you then……..but let’s talk tomorrow!

Scott

Good Morning Friends,,/br>

If you were not able to be in church on Sunday, I highly recommend you go to www.freshstartchurch.com and listen to Dr. Stiliha’s message….it is a classic! Many of us are struggling with depression, and pain, or anxiety and stress, and the list could go on. Doc laid out for us how to handle the situations at the “midnight” hours of our life. I encourage those of you who might be struggling in these areas to give the office a call and make an appointment with Dr. Stiliha. He is a super counselor who has helped me beyond measure! Allow God to give you the strength to be honest with yourself! Have a Great day and we will talk in the AM!

Plan to join us Sunday for a brand new series….”Life-Guard”. Do not miss it!

Scott