In Mark chapter 3 Jesus healed a man whose hand was withered. During Jesus’ traveling and teaching ministry He visited many cities and villages throughout Israel. It must have created a real buzz to see Jesus and His entourage rolling into your village. Jesus was always accompanied by His disciples and a few supporters, the curiosity seekers, and, of course, His enemies. If He happened to be in a town on the Sabbath, He went to the synagogue. The Pharisees, who seemed to care more about rules than relationships and liked power more than people, watched His every move and parsed His every word.
Picture the Disabled Man
In one particular village there was a disabled man who attended the synagogue service. Mark says his hand was “shriveled.” Whatever the medical reason for it, his hand was unusable. Have you ever been without the use of one of your hands? You never think about how much you use it or need it until you are deprived of it. How many daily activities require two hands? How many jobs require both hands? Was he embarrassed for people to see his bad hand? I wonder how many opportunities this man lost because he had only one good hand? How did he feel when His hand was suddenly, miraculously restored? How did that change the way he used that hand from then on? Now he could praise God with both hands in the air!
The Bible talks about using our hands in service to God. I wonder what part of your life or mine is disabled and in need of healing? What area of your life is “shriveled” and unused. Is it poor health, lack of relationships, the scars of abuse, the lack of resources, a missed education, a record, poor choices of the past, a past failure, some shameful habit, or something else? This man at least went to the synagogue to worship. Maybe he always went on the Sabbath, or maybe he just knew that is where Jesus would be. One thing is clear, everybody there was aware of his handicap.
Picture the Pharisees
The Pharisees attended the synagogue that day, too. Not to worship God, but to validate themselves. They went to watch Jesus, not with an attitude of loving devotion, but more like an investigative reporter hoping to scoop a scandal. Their eyes were filled with judgment and their hearts were full of self-righteousness. It is hard to imagine it, but they were so intent on finding fault with others that they would rather let people suffer than break their own misguided laws. Jesus never broke one Old Testament command, but He was guilty of breaking the popular manmade religious rules of His day, and the makers of those rules hated Him for it. According to them it was wrong to heal, but alright to plot evil on the Sabbath.
Their lack of sympathy for this man actually angered Jesus. He asked, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath…?” Mark says He was both angry and grieved with them. I wonder which of my attitudes towards people anger the Lord? Do I ever set up rules that keep me from reaching out to others? What kind of inner thoughts do you and I have about people who have been disabled by sin, situation, or sorrow, that actually grieve the heart of our Savior? Is the homeless man a sheep that needs a shepherd or merely an interruption to remove? What about the illegal alien, the smart-alecky skeptic, or the dirty unreached village in another hemisphere? Jesus read the hearts of the Pharisees and He searches ours, too.
Picture Yourself?
Did you “get the picture?” That is just day 2 of the “Picture It” method of daily Bible study in 40 Days In The Word. Picture yourself in the place of the different characters in the story. It can help you read the Bible with new eyes and feel it with a new heart. Email us with your insights and blessings so we can share with others what God is doing!
Revolutionize Your Bible Study and Revolutionize Your Life!
You are loved,
Bro. Kelly
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Here are some photos from 2011 for Higher Purpose Ministries
Preaching at HTBC 2011
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Preaching at HTBC 2
My eyes are closed because we are having the invitation prayer, or I have fallen asleep again. lol
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with Susie McEntire, Gospel Hall of Fame Singer, and Mark her husband, Bro. Steve Payne, Bro. Bobby Atkins and Marie, and Cindy
Susie McEntire came and sang in all of our services on Sunday morning and gave a concert on Sunday Evening. It was a great time. Our Women’s Ministry, BLOOM, also hosted a luncheon for the ladies that day.
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our men did the Courageous Bible study
Our entire church participated in the Courageous Movie. We bought out 2 and 2/3 showings at the Majestic in town. Our Men’s Ministry followed up with the Courageous Bible Study.
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The Honor Flag at Highland Terrace Baptist Church
This was a sad day as HTBC and many friends honored a fallen hero, Todd Krodle, who gave his life in the line of duty, fighting fire.
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leading a men's ministry meeting at the Lighthouse
We began a Men’s Ministry at Highland Terrace Baptist Church in 2011. Randy Jackson, Texas High School Football Coach of the Year was one of our speakers at this meeting. He is not pictured here.
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We are preparing to embark on a great adventure in spiritual growth and transformation! Get buckled up and ready. It will move fast. (During the holidays I went to Six Flags with the family and some friends for Holiday in The Park. So getting buckled up and ready took on a new meaning for those coasters and rides.)
We have been preparing for “40 Days In The Word” for a couple of months and the excitement and momentum are really building. More and more of our members are stepping forward to become HOSTS and preparing to have small groups in their homes for 6 weeks. Many are asking about where to sign up for a group. We have asked for 100% participation and I think we will be close to achieving it!
Our church’s education and discipleship ministry is built around the Sunday Morning Bible Study which was traditionally called, Sunday School. It is the strongest organization in most churches and the best equipped for teaching and ministering to members and involving new people into the fellowship of the church.
Why would we want to do “40 Days In The Word” in Small Groups in the homes of our members for six weeks?
Here are several reasons:
The fact is that we all need a safe place to truly know people and be known ourselves, and a safe place to ask questions, share struggles and pray without fear. A home environment is more conducive to that type of openness. It is also more conducive to the type of learning that will take place in this campaign. Home groups also remove some of the limitations of Sunday School such as meeting times, locations, discussion times, etc.
Another reason is because small groups are biblical. The early church had to meet in homes because they did not even have church buildings. It really allowed for the rapid expansion of the first century church. In fact, phrases like “one another” appear in exhortations over 50 times in the New Testament. Believers are exhorted to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, forgive each other, etc. We cannot even obey those commands unless we are part of a group of believers!
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
Another great reason for meeting in home groups for this campaign is the fact that we will be able to reach some people in home groups that we may not be able to reach otherwise. Some people who are not willing to come and visit a church right now, are open to visiting in a neighbor’s home. In fact, after six weeks of studying God’s Word together, praying together, and fellowshipping together with our great people, they may even be ready to give the “church” a try.
When is the best time to have your 40 Days In The Word group?
The answer is the time that is most convenient for you. I think we will be having groups meet almost all the time.
What about Sunday Evening? Didn’t we do 40 Days of Purpose on Sunday Evenings before?
The answer is “Yes!” The church did 40 Days of Purpose on Sunday Evenings in place of the Sunday evening services several years ago. We are encouraging groups to meet during that same time slot now, as well. Even though we are not cancelling our Sunday evening services, we are encouraging groups to meet during that time frame. In fact, if your group needs child care, it will be available during that time.
Where is best place to sign up?
The best place to sign up is in your Sunday Morning Bible Study Class. See who in your class is Hosting a group and when and where they are meeting. You will be able to meet with people you already know. If no one in your class is hosting a group, then volunteer and automatically fill up your group with people from your class.
If one of those groups will not work out for you, then we will begin allowing HOSTS who have not yet filled up a group to put their sign-up sheets in the Atrium this week.
Books will be available either on January 8, 11, or 15.
Don’t miss out on this once in a great while adventure that will be experienced by millions of people around our country. Catch the Wave!
You Are Loved!
Bro. Kelly
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Our 40 Days In The Word Campaign will be here before you know it, and we are thrilled about all the Hosts that are stepping forward to offer their homes during the campaign for people to meet and watch the weekly Bible lesson and discuss “How Can I Study My Bible and Really Understand It?” This is one of the most essential questions for believers and unbelievers, too. Everyone needs to know how to read the Bible with understanding because it is God’s message to us.
Our Youth Leaders are also getting on board and will be leading small groups of teens who will be learning how to study the Bible for themselves on a daily basis. Think of what kinds of amazing things can happen when young people begin to hear from God daily.
“Everyone needs to know how to read the Bible with understanding because it is God’s love letter to us.”
Today Bro. Will told me that our College and Career students will be using this study on Tuesdays during the campaign!
We are still looking for Host Homes, or for Discussion Leaders who will assist the Host by leading the discussion after the group watches the video teaching.
Last Sunday evening we had our first Orientation meeting for Hosts and Facilitators. It was well attended and answered a lot of questions. We also provided a “Host Orientation Packet” for the new people who have stepped forward to host a small group.
Here are a few FAQ’s about 40 Days In The Word.
FAQ’s
Is the “40 Days In The Word” Campaign, a fund-raising campaign? Absolutely not! This is NOT a capital campaign, or a building campaign, or even a tithing campaign. It is strictly a spiritual growth and discipleship program that is designed to help any believer develop their enjoyment and understanding of the Bible. The word, “campaign” is used simply because it is something our entire church is doing together at the same time.
Is there a cost involved in the “40 Days In The Word?” There is a minimal cost involved for your materials. The church is providing the DVD’s for each small group to use. Each individual should purchase his or her own workbook which is $10 / each. It is preferable for each person to have their own workbook, but a couple could share a book. The book is also a resource that you will refer back to after the campaign.
Are the materials for “40 Days In The Word” available is Spanish? Si! I mean, Yes. It is available in Spanish and we have purchased one set in Spanish for preview by our Spanish speaking member and friends. We are excited about the possibility of having several Spanish speaking groups.
40 Days of Purpose had a “Kickoff Event.” Does “40 Days In The Word” also have a “Kickoff Event?” We have not decided for sure. 40 Days of Purpose had an evening event which was a dinner that was followed by a simulcast by Saddleback Church. Many churches also offered a special event on the first Sunday of the campaign. There does not appear to be a simulcast in association with this program. However, a kickoff breakfast would be nice! Stay Tuned…
How do we handle childcare, if we have people in our group with small children? Here are several options for groups that need childcare:
• Have everyone in the group be responsible for their own babysitter
• Pool your money together and hire a babysitter who can watch the kids in another room
• Keep all the kids at another group members’ house with a babysitter
• Parents rotate watching kids in another room
• Another option for some who have elementary children and youth is to have your group meet on Wednesday evening, or Sunday evening when we already have activities for youth and children. Your group could find a room at the church, or your home if you live nearby, or even at a restaurant with a back room.
After the New Year we will begin signing people up for the small groups.
You are loved,
Bro. Kelly
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Need to find and download some Christmas Games in a hurry?!
I know the feeling. You have a crowd coming for a Christmas party for your Sunday School class or small group and you are in charge of the entertainment. Your entertainment fell through and now it is up to you! What can you do in a hurry that will be a hit?
Fast Downloadable Christmas Party Games To the Rescue!
Try some downloadable Christmas party games from printable games. They are fast, downloadable, easy to understand, and fun to play.
I have been hosting parties, scheduling parties, finding entertainment for parties, and attending parties for many years. I know that sometimes the difference between a so-so party and a great party is the entertainment or activities that were there. I have enjoyed many parties where the guests just stood around and talked and that can be fun sometimes. However, if you are in charge, you do not want to get the reputation for having boring class parties or church gatherings.
A good game can really spice up the party and make it memorable. And printable games can work for all ages from children to adults. Some even use pictures for children who cannot read. Some downloadable and printable games force you to use your brain a little bit. It can be fun to see people who are normally very calm and easy going, begin to get competitive in a social way.
I have used some of these and they are very affordable and fun. Give them a try.
Why not add some extra spice to the group time by introducing some Christian games. You could even do this at the beginning of a Sunday School class or in your home group. Most of their games use really professional graphics. These games can enhance the education of your Bible Study Classes, Youth Department, Children’s Bible Studies and even your family time. The deluxe Christian Games Collection contains over 40 printable games with answers that you print right from your computer.
I started with the Deluxe Christian Games Collection. It has more than 40 printable games with answers that you print right from your computer.
You can print out as many as you need of each game. You can print one game or all the games. You get a password to use in your confirmation email. Just a word to the wise, is do not delete that email and save your password in a file. Some of the packages have 90 days, but this one is good for one full year. One thing I like about it is that there is no hidden “shipping” charge. Yay!
Take a look at some of the games by clicking below. And enjoy your party stress free! Your party will be the one people are talking about for a long time!
Downloadable Christian Christmas Games
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“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11 NASB)
This passage refers to the people in the city of Berea. They were more noble than those from Thessalonica because they received the Word. They were also eager to know the Word. They were also disciplined to personally study the Word. Are you that noble?
“ I believe one reason more people do not study the Word of God is that they do not know how to study it.” Dr. Kelly Carr
One advantage they had was a great teacher like Paul who could teach them how to study the Bible. I believe one reason more people do not study the Word of God is that they do not know how to study it. They do not have the skills or resources. No one has ever taught them how to study it or given them a simple and practical PLAN for personal Bible study.
Join us for 40 Days In The Word and find a simple plan for personal Bible study. It will change forever the way you interact with God’s Word and hear His voice.
Be Noble,
Bro. Kelly
40 Days In The Word
Are you passionate about getting people into the Word? Are you passionate about helping people get involved in small groups? Then be a part of our 40 Days In The Word leadership team. Positions needed:
Publicity Coordinator
Prayer Coordinator
Small Group Coordinator
Weekend Coordinator
100 Small Group Leaders
Get informed to see how God wants you to be involved. Meet Bro. Kelly in B206 at 5:00 PM on Sunday.
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