Our lesson this week comes from the Masterwork book. John Piper will be leading the study for the next few weeks. This week he chose to focus on Christian Hedonism. There are several key things about Christian Hedonism that Piper points out. First is to establish the sovereignty of God. Scripture he uses to support that is Psalms 115:3; Isaiah 46:9-10; Daniel 4:34-35; Job 42:2. The second thing is biblical basis for God's sovereign happiness. Scripture he uses to support this is Psalm 104:31; Amos 3:6; Acts 2:23. At this point in the lesson, Joey pointed out that this is where it can be difficult for Christians to listen to Piper's views. We are raised to see a merciful and loving God. Piper challenges us by asking is God for us or Himself? The third thing is how is he a God of love? The scripture used for this is 2 Thessalonians 1:10 and Ephesians 4:6. Christians do not like to hear that God exalts Himself and welcomes the praises of men because the bible teaches us not to be boastful or expect these things from each other. What Piper wants us to understand is if God is going to be for us, He has to be for Himself. What could God give us to enjoy that would prove He loves us? Himself. When we are given something we love it, praise it, treasure it and adore it. We praise what we enjoy because the delight of enjoying something is not complete until you praise it. In order for our joy with God to be complete we must praise Him and hold Him worthy of being the one and only Savior. This is what John Piper says is the basis for Christian Hedonism. As you go this week, ask yourself if you are holding God as highly esteemed as He should be. After all, that is what he commands us to do.
Announcements:
Keri's Prayer and Pamper shower is this Saturday at 6pm at Joey and Kelly's house. Look for an email about the food you signed up for.
Prayer Requests:
Brad and Ashley - Margaret, Ashley's mom, was visiting with us today. Glad to have you. She along with Ashley asked us to pray for her Ashley's father who has hurt his back while working. His name is Eddie Pennington. Brad is still on the hunt for a job. Pray he can find one soon.
Joey and Kelly - Teresa's,who works with Joey,father had a bad stroke this past week and is in the hospital. Pray for healing.
Scotty and Lesley - Scotty's mom is still sick and his dad is getting tired from helping out. Pray for strength for both of them and healing for Scotty's mom. They go back to PA in a few weeks.
Brian and Keri - They will be traveling to Gadsden for Easter. Pray for safe travels. Ray Greer, friend who lost his home in fire, heard that the insurance will pay to rebuild their home and cover things lost in it. His son who was burned int he fire is doing well.
Amber and Jon - Continue to pray for my Papa as he decides how to deal with his cancer. Jon's mom is doing well from ankle surgery. Pray for quick recovery. I go back to the doctor on Tuesday to find out the course of treatment for my neck. Pray it will get better soon. My friend Tammy's mom (Pat) has been re diagnosed with breast cancer. Pray for her to be healed. And last but not least, count down to wedding is 12 days (for my brother). Pray for everything to come together and for all of us traveling to CA.
Chris and Anna - Pray for Chris' job search. Possible opportunity at Grissom in Huntsville. Pray about this decision because they would have to move. Katy's thumb was broken and is in a cast for 10 days. Pray it will heal so she can have the cast off.
Amanda and Brandon - It was so good to see Amanda back. We have missed you. It was Mary Charles first time in the nursery Sunday. Hope it went well!!!
John and Kim - Jed is still not sleeping through the night. Kim's grandmother's twin was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to remove it but it has come back in her thyroid and the diagnosis does not look good. Pray for her and Kim's grandmother who is struggling with the thought of loosing her twin sister. A friend of John's had a baby and it was born with a birth defect. He had to go to Children's and have surgery shortly after birth. He will probably have to have more surgery in the future. Pray he will be healed. His name is Carson Hutto.
Have a blessed week and we will see you on Sunday!
Amber
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