Hey Harvest South Bay
So, I’ve finally got posting messages to the website all ironed out! I’ll be trying to post all the archived messages here in the next few weeks.
Remember that this coming Sunday’s service is our 30th Anniversary service: DO NOT show up at Harvest at 9:45 AM! Instead come to the front sanctuary at 10:30 AM!
Hope to see you there!
Completely Full
Beginnings: 1 John 2:12-14
Exposition
The three blessings
1. Forgiveness 2 Love 3 Victory
Application
1. Full Forgiveness means Freedom.
2. Full Love means Completion.
3. Full Victory means the Competition is Over.
Weekly Application Exercises
1. Spend some time this week as you meet with God to count your blessings- the kind of permanent, unconditional blessings that God has given. As you examine the contours of your spirit and the things that you want and feel that you need to be complete, fill your thoughts instead with the abudance of what you have.
2. Examine the scripts that flash through your mind for a few days especially in regard to how you compete with others and with yourself. Rest instead in the victory that God has already given and see how life divorced from that competitive impulse changes your perspective (and stress level!)
True Believers
Hope you’re having a good week Harvest South Bay! Here are the notes for this week AND if you haven’t heard via the grapevine (or the interwebs) our annual Harvest Summer Retreat has been canceled (boo!). Hope you are all enjoying the summer weather that has finally arrived!
Byron
Harvest South Bay July 25th, 2010
True Believers
Jesus’ I Am Statements: John 8:31-59
Exposition: 3 Conversations
The Challenge: If these listeners were to become Jesus’ disciples they needed to continue in His Word (obey and embrace Jesus’ messiahship)
The Uncovering: These listeners, instead of embracing Jesus, were resistant because of their sin.
The Claim: Jesus’ Lordship and authority stems from the fact that He is God in human flesh, the I AM.
3 Tests
1. The Hearing Test: Our faith is true if we listen to God’s Word with a heart to obey.
2. The Following Test: Our faith is proven real as we see ourselves actually obeying God against our own tendencies.
3. The Heart Test: Faith that is real is a faith that changes what we desire.
Weekly Application Exercises
1. Our passage this morning follows a path where we are convicted by God’s Word, have our values changed, and then have our practical, day to day lives changed. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being never, 10 being consistently) rate yourself in terms of how often this process is occuring in your life. Where areas of your life prove the most difficult to change?
2. This week, during your daily Bible reading, write down an application every day that you will follow through with that day and commit to doing it.
Harvest Summer Retreat.
Due to low registration this year, our annual Harvest Summer Retreat has been cancelled. Mark your calendars for next year’s retreat (August 4-7th, 2011)!
Baptism Class
Our last baptism class is today. We will meet in the room with the couches!
Vacation Bible School 7/30-8/1
The Children and Youth Ministry will be conducting Vacation Bible School from 7/30 (Thurs) to 8/1 (Sun). Invite your friends and your children’s friends as we seek to reach our community with the message of the Gospel! Registration is $10. Kids 4-11 are welcome!
7/30 Fri 7:30-9:pm
7/31 Sat 9am – 4pm
8/1 Sun 10am to 12:30
Online registration at:
www.vacationbibleschool.com/efcsb2010
Gift for the Hsus
We will be taking a collection in order to buy a Target gift card and other “wish list” items for Danny and Lillian for when the come stateside for a visit. Please give your contributions to Willis Shu.
Local “Perspectives” Course
Gardena Valley Baptist is hosting the Perspectives on World Missions course. Be challenged concerning God’s worldwide plan and vision. Visit Perspectives.org (“Find a Class”) to sign up or call Tommy Park at 310-938-9979.
Welcome our new member!
Mia Tokudome was born last Sunday at 5:30 PM to Amy and Makoto. Let’s support our new family with prayer and practical help this week!
Gate Expectations
Good Morning and Good Week to you all, Harvest South Bay!
Just a reminder to all of the retreat-bound: please register at your earliest convenience. It makes planning go so much smoother when we know early what our headcount will be for the retreat! Again, if you need a registration form, go ahead and cut and paste the link from last week’s announcements!
The rummage sale is this coming Saturday at 7:00 AM! Many thanks for all the donations so far!
Byron
Gate Expectations
Jesus’ I Am Statements: John 10:1-10
Exposition:
Background-
Interpretation of Jesus’ I am the Door saying is rooted in the controversy over the blind man: The Pharisees were pressuring the blind man to betray Jesus. The blind man refused.
Passage-
Jesus’ I am the Door statement focuses on the fact that He is the one that we need to please, not man (like the Pharisees). It is His expectations that we should be concerned about fulfilling.
3 Principles to Freedom from Outside Pressures
1. Hone our Hearing: Listen to what Jesus says about us (we are already forgiven as believers) and not to the expectations of the world.
2. Reach for the Reward: Understand that Jesus hold abundant life- it might be here and now or in heaven but we need to wait on God and not rush to be enslaved to other masters because of our impulsive nature.
3. Understand the Opposition: Understand that life is full of pressures that seek to dictate expectations for us. When we understand that the opposition is there, we can better contrast them with Jesus’ expectations.
Weekly Application Exercises
1. Examine your sources of daily and weekly stress. What sources of pressure do you face? Who are you trying to either impress or satisfy beyond Christ? Present those pressures to Christ and refocus your motivation, knowing His full forgiveness.
2. Step out of your comfort zone this week to experience freedom from the opinions of others by trying to either share the gospel with someone or at least initiate a discussion about someone else’s faith background.
Gate Expectations
Good Morning and Good Week to you all, Harvest South Bay!
Just a reminder to all of the retreat-bound: please register at your earliest convenience. It makes planning go so much smoother when we know early what our headcount will be for the retreat! Again, if you need a registration form, go ahead and cut and paste the link from last week’s announcements!
The rummage sale is this coming Saturday at 7:00 AM! Many thanks for all the donations so far!
Byron
Gate Expectations
Jesus’ I Am Statements: John 10:1-10
Exposition:
Background-
Interpretation of Jesus’ I am the Door saying is rooted in the controversy over the blind man: The Pharisees were pressuring the blind man to betray Jesus. The blind man refused.
Passage-
Jesus’ I am the Door statement focuses on the fact that He is the one that we need to please, not man (like the Pharisees). It is His expectations that we should be concerned about fulfilling.
3 Principles to Freedom from Outside Pressures
1. Hone our Hearing: Listen to what Jesus says about us (we are already forgiven as believers) and not to the expectations of the world.
2. Reach for the Reward: Understand that Jesus hold abundant life- it might be here and now or in heaven but we need to wait on God and not rush to be enslaved to other masters because of our impulsive nature.
3. Understand the Opposition: Understand that life is full of pressures that seek to dictate expectations for us. When we understand that the opposition is there, we can better contrast them with Jesus’ expectations.
Weekly Application Exercises
1. Examine your sources of daily and weekly stress. What sources of pressure do you face? Who are you trying to either impress or satisfy beyond Christ? Present those pressures to Christ and refocus your motivation, knowing His full forgiveness.
2. Step out of your comfort zone this week to experience freedom from the opinions of others by trying to either share the gospel with someone or at least initiate a discussion about someone else’s faith background.
Announcements!
HI HARVEST!
I wanted to get these announcements to you this week at the END of the week so that you would remember the special missions offering this coming Sunday for our overseas team! Don’t forget that we will have a “second passing” of the offering bag for this very special trip! Also, don’t forget to register for the retreat. If you lost your form you can find one right HERE: http://www.flickr.com/photos/38301814@N00/4713205456/!
Harvest Summer Retreat!
Save the dates for our Harvest Summer Retreat- August 5-8, 2010! Our speaker this year is Alex Schweng. We look forward to a great time of growth and fellowship! Registration forms are now available and will be available online to send to friends!
Refreshments Sign Up
A new sign up sheet is in the lobby! Please sign up to help bring refreshments for the congregation!
Rummage Sale June 26th
The Children’s and Youth Ministry is having a Rummage Sale on June 26th from 7AM to 12PM. We have a couple collection boxes in the downstairs CYM room. Proceeds will be donated to overseas missions efforts.
Harvest Funday!
In lieu of Sunday School today, we will be enjoying the sun, sports, and recreation outside at Seaside Elementary! Bring your own lunch and hang out- invite your friends for next month’s Funday- again the second Sunday!
Baptism Class
Baptism Class will be held OUTSIDE at Seaside with everybody today. If you signed up, we will try and find a nice shady area to start our class!
Missions Offering
We are sending out another missions team this summer to China. If you would like to support the team,please make donations to “OMF International” with the memo line blank. The offering basket will be passed a second time during the month of June for the missions offering or see Amy & Makoto and give via them.
Get, Know Satisfaction
Good Morning Harvest!
Here are the announcements and notes for this week! Remember that this coming Sunday we will be having a “day at the park” during Sunday School so bring your sports equipment and appropriate clothing!
Also, don’t forget to bring stuff for the CYM rummage sale!
Byron
Harvest Summer Retreat!
Save the dates for our Harvest Summer Retreat- August 5-8, 2010! Our speaker this year is Alex Schweng. We look forward to a great time of growth and fellowship! Registration forms are now available and will be available online to send to friends!
Tibetan Earthquake
Please continue to pray for the victims of the Tibetan earthquake as well as for relief efforts. Keep in prayer all of our friends who are helping with the situation and the progress of God’s work there. Online donations can be made to:
http://yushuearthquakerelief.com
Refreshments Sign Up
A new sign up sheet is in the lobby! Please sign up to help bring refreshments for the congregation!
Inheritance Magazine
A new copy of our denominational magazine, Inheritance, is available in the foyer.
Rummage Sale June 26th
The Children’s and Youth Ministry is having a Rummage Sale on June 26th from 7AM to 12PM. We have a couple collection boxes in the downstairs CYM room for toys, clothes, books, DVDs and CDs, but anything else is also welcomed. Proceeds will be donated to overseas missions efforts.
Get, Know Satisfaction
Jesus’ I am Statements: John 6:22-40
Exposition
How to be Satisfied
1. Shake our own Sense of Satisfaction
2. Find Fulfillment in Jesus
A. Eternal Life Satisfies
B. Jesus’ Presence Satisfies
Weekly Application Exercises:
1. Schedule one hour this week to do nothing but spend time with God, reading His Word, speaking to Him, meditating on His character, and understanding the fullness of His blessings and Presence. Contrast your daily wants and needs with what God gives.
2. Make a mental list of all of the experiences and things that you desire: How does the blessing of eternal life make you less anxious for these? Compare the depth of satisfaction you will find in your current desires with the satisfaction you already have in what God has already given.
Good Times!
Hey Harvest!
As you noticed, the Harvest Summer Retreat registration form was in your bulletins this last Sunday: help us out with registration by registering early. As you know, we will be returning to Pine Valley Bible Conference Center this year. We will all be staying in the lodges this year (1 double/1 bunk) but we will be provided linens unlike last year. Also, if you’ve been to the website, then you know that the water slide and pool will be open this year.
Have a great week! Pray with someone, invite someone to church, disciple a younger believer! RUN PLAYS!
Byron
Announcements
Harvest Summer Retreat!
Save the dates for our Harvest Summer Retreat- August 5-8, 2010! Our speaker this year is Alex Schweng. We look forward to a great time of growth and fellowship! Registration forms are now available and will be available online to send to friends!
Tibetan Earthquake
Please continue to pray for the victims of the Tibetan earthquake as well as for relief efforts. Keep in prayer all of our friends who are helping with the situation and the progress of God’s work there. Online donations can be made to:
http://yushuearthquakerelief.com
Refreshments Sign Up
A new sign up sheet is in the lobby! Please sign up to help bring refreshments for the congregation!
Inheritance Magazine
A new copy of our denominational magazine, Inheritance, is available in the foyer.
Sermon Notes
Good Times
Live Like a Song: Psalm 133
Exposition
Theme if the Psalm:
Remember the Blessings of Community
How to Enjoy the Blessing
1. Enjoy God’s People: be a part of the Body of Christ
2. Prioritize the Unity of God’s People.
3. See Beyond God’s People…. to the spiritual realities of what it means when we dwell together in unity!
Weekly Application Exercises:
1. In your small groups this week, spend some time to share specifically how you appreciate different members of the congregation: how they have either touched your life or provided in times of need.
2. Make a “My Name is Earl” list (if you’re familiar with that show!) where you list relationships that could be improved or repaired within the body of Christ. Make a systematic plan to reconcile or improve those relationships.
RSVP
Good Morning Harvest South Bay!
Had a great discussion in Sunday School about “running the play” – who of us are getting all fired up in the huddle simply to rush to the sidelines and not run any plays? That is the picture of us who come to Sundays and get (hopefully… a little) fired up from God’s Word, but then go into our weeks without actually doing any of what God has called us to do…
Our question for the week then, would be: “What would your life look like this week if you were running the plays that God is calling?” Would it be sharing the gospel with someone or having compassion on the poor or loving someone who is unloved? Go and run!
Here are this week’s notes from the sermon: maybe a good start is to do the applications from our Psalm study!
Byron
RSVP
Live Like a Song: Psalm 132
Exposition
Verses 1-9
Verse 10-18
The One “Why” of Life
We need to
1. Prioritize the Presence of God.
because…
A. Life is about Worship!
and
B. Dependence brings Life.
Weekly Application Exercises:
1. Develop a new discipline this week to stop the busy-ness and to focus on spending time with God. Reflect daily on how this discipline might be changing how you experience and execute your everyday tasks.
2. Show up to worship! Place a new priority on showing up to worship on time in order to express to God your thanksgiving in a corporate setting. Make sure during worship that you apply your mind and heart to abiding with God and thanking Him for His many blessings through salvation.
Harvest Summer Retreat!
Save the dates for our Harvest Summer Retreat- August 5-8, 2010! Our speaker this year is Alex Schweng. We look forward to a great time of growth and fellowship! Registration forms will be available next week: think of someone to invite. (for a sneak peak of the new pool go to www.pvbc.net)
Tibetan Earthquake
Please continue to pray for the victims of the Tibetan earthquake as well as for relief efforts. Keep in prayer all of our friends who are helping with the situation and the progress of God’s work there. Online donations can be made to:
http://yushuearthquakerelief.com
Refreshments Sign Up
A new sign up sheet is in the lobby! Please sign up to help bring refreshments for the congregation!
Announcements for this Week!
Hi Harvest South Bay!
Many thanks to everyone who helped out with the Mother’s Day service: for the ushers, the gift preparers, the worship team, the flower procurers, the breakfast preparers, and everyone who helped out at the last minute who saw a need and met it!
Here are the announcements for the coming week! Keep your eyes open, we’ll be preparing and getting out a retreat registration form soon!
Thanks!
Byron
Harvest Summer Retreat!
Save the dates for our Harvest Summer Retreat- August 5-8, 2010! Our speaker this year is Alex Schweng. We look forward to a great time of growth and fellowship!
Tibetan Earthquake
Please continue to pray for the victims of the Tibetan earthquake as well as for relief efforts. Keep in prayer all of our friends who are helping with the situation and the progress of God’s work there. Online donations can be made to:
http://yushuearthquakerelief.com
Mission Gift
Praise our Lord! The offering to raise the airfare for Mike and Nancy’s parents trip, has reached the target goal. Thanks for your love and sacrifice in providing for this family!
Refreshments Sign Up
A new sign up sheet is in the lobby! Please sign up to help bring refreshments for the congregation!
Real Simple
Hey Harvest!
BIG REMINDER! Remember that this coming Sunday for Mothers’ Day that we are having a combined service with the rest of EFCSB at 10:30 AM. Let your friends and small group know just in case they haven’t been updated!
See you then!
Byron
Real Simple
Live Like a Song: Psalm 131
The One Point of the Psalm:
Hope in the Lord: King David shares his one secret to simple living. Be all about hoping in the Lord.
2 Applications
1. To Live in Humility. We cannot focus on God when we believe that we are in control of our lives and outcomes that are up to Him.
2. To Live in Contentment. If we find contentment in God and the blessings that He gives, we are free to pursue Him and only Him.
Weekly Application Exercises:
1. Map whatever stresses you have during this coming week. What are the sources and the underlying passions that drive your worry? Reflect instead on the great blessings and the deep contentment found in the blessings of Christ. Do not clear your mind of your stressors but contrast them to what you have been given.
2. Think on your own schemes in life: the plans you make which seemingly depend on your own wits, hard work, abilities, assets, or attributes. How are those genuinely out of your hands and in the hand of God? Preface the well motivated of those plans with a genuine “If the Lord wills…” and commit them to God’s power and wisdom.
Harvest Summer Retreat!
Save the dates for our Harvest Summer Retreat- August 5-8, 2010! Our speaker this year is Alex Schweng. We look forward to a great time of growth and fellowship!
Tibetan Earthquake
Please continue to pray for the victims of the Tibetan earthquake as well as for relief efforts. Keep in prayer all of our friends who are helping with the situation and the progress of God’s work there. Online donations can be made to:
http://yushuearthquakerelief.com
Mission Gift
Praise our Lord! The offering to raise the airfare for Mike and Nancy’s parents trip, has reached the target goal. Thanks for your love and sacrifice in providing for this family!
Refreshments Sign Up
A new sign up sheet is in the lobby! Please sign up to help bring refreshments for the congregation!
Lunch Clean Up!
Take note: the May lunch clean up is assigned to the families with older kids. Thanks to everyone who has pitched in so far in helping out.
Children and Youth Ministry
Tea Party
Our children are hosting a Mother’s Day Tea Party for all of the moms on Saturday, May 8th from 1:00-3:00PM in our church Social Hall.
Next Week’s Mothers’ Day Service!
Please note that next week’s service will be IN THE SANCTUARY at 10:30 AM and a joint meeting with both Taiwanese and Mandarin Services.