February 1, 2012

In Two Weeks We Begin FOUR ZERO

by David Tarkington

We had a great turnout Sunday evening for our FOUR ZERO Leadership Prayer Meeting. I'm so glad the team from Mandarin Baptist Church was able to join us as well.

As we gathered this evening, I shared briefly what the FOUR ZERO strategy is all about. It's pretty simple really. We (church members and attendees) will be working individually through the FOUR ZERO Daily Guides beginning February 15. The Daily Guides will be $10 each and will be available for purchase in about a week. There is one book to be used by all teenagers and adults and a separate guide for pre-teens (4th - 6th graders.) The intent is to work through the study and prayer times focused around the final sayings of Jesus on the cross.

However, this will be no easy Bible study. The most stressful incident in Jesus' earthly life (the cross) will give us insight into how to deal with the daily stresses and "troublers" we face. Not only did Jesus say "Let not your hearts be troubled" but by believing in God and the Son, and the Holy Spirit too, by the way, we are given instructions in how to not let our hearts be troubled. Not only that, Jesus modeled it for us while on the cross.

It will be a difficult forty days. Why? Because whenever the children of God slow down and take a serious look at the message of the cross, the Enemy pulls out all the stops in his attacks. That is why our prayer meeting last Sunday was essential. More than an introduction to a program, it was a time of concerted prayer and intercession for all of us who will be taking this journey.

However, just to make it clear, last Sunday was only the beginning of prayer as a church for this. Please join me in praying daily, or continually, for God to transform us, teach us, and yes, even break us as we dig deeper into this vital account of the Gospel message.

Not only will there be daily devotionals, there will also be a mid-week teaching and a Sunday sermon connecting all of this together. No, you will not be using a different small group curriculum during this time, but I do encourage you to discuss what God is teaching you through this material in your small groups.

Pray today for the final words of Christ to sink in and shake us to our core. May we learn from Him and take the teaching to heart. May His words be our words in our lives today.

Kidz Camp Dates Have Changed

Due to a scheduling conflict at our campground, the dates for KidzCamp have changed. The new, correct, dates are July 23-27. Bookmark this page - http://realkidzcamp.homestead.com/ and check regularly for updated information and registration information regarding KidzCamp.

Bring your food items to church with you on the Second Sunday and place in the containers in the Benevolent Room located in the foyer of the Worship Center.

PLEASE NOTE: The Clothes Closet can no longer receive used medicine bottles or plastic containers.

Thank You for the School Supplies

We gathered many of the "4 items" requested for local teachers. Thank you so much for your donations. These items will be delivered to teachers at Grove Park Elementary, Montclair Elementary and Swimming Pen Creek Elementary this week and next.

Jackets Needed for "Community" Homeless Ministry

If you have any gently used jackets that you no longer need, would you consider donating them to the "Community" Homeless Ministry? If so, contact Ryan Rouse at ryan@opfirst.org or 904-264-2351 for more details.

New Members

Rhonda Bowers

Gabriel Fuentes

Jessica Horton & Joe Wainwright

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