Community News - 2/26/13

Join Us for MidWeek U Tomorrow Evening!

This MidWeek University semester is halfway through and what an incredible time it has been! Join us tomorrow for a time of study and growth in one of our 4 incredible classes at 6:30 PM! See you there! 

2 New Ladies Bible Studies:

A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place - Starting This Friday, Mar. 1st! 

Calling all ladies! Join us for our new Beth Moore Bible Study taking place on Friday mornings at 9:30 starting March 1st! God longs to live among His people and in our hearts. Come grow with us! For more information, contact Carissa Sellers at 828-884-4459 or Paula Hennie at 577-9459. 

How to Study the Bible - A David Platt Study - Starting March 12th!

Join us on Tuesday evenings starting March 12th in the Blue Room for a 7-Week workshop on how to study the word of God. Books are $5! If you have any questions, contact Trudy Pierron at gtpierron@citcom.net. 

Men's Breakfast This Saturday, Mar. 2nd!

Calling all men! Make plans to attend the Men's Breakfast this Saturday at 7:30 AM in the Student Center. Start your day off right with a time of food, fellowship, and prayer! We'll see you there! 

Share Your Heart in the Children's Ministry! 

There are several leader positions coming available in March in the Children's Ministry that will need new people! Leading kids into lifelong relationships with Jesus is a great privilege we have here at BCC! Contact Chris at chris@brevardcommunity.org or at (828)884-5932  if you'd like to know more! 

Sign Up for Secret Sisters at BCC! 

Interested in having a secret sister who will pray for you and surprise you with encouraging cards and small gifts?  The commitment is for one year (March 2013 - Feb. 2014) and we will cap off the year with a pot luck dinner and a big reveal of who she is.  Sign up at the back of the church, or get more information by contacting Trudy Pierron at gtpierron@citcom.net.  

New Keys at BCC on Mar. 14th!

We are re-keying all the doors on our campus. If you have a key to the church, it will no longer work on Thursday, March 14th! If you need a church key for ministry purposes, please contact Stan Metcalf at stan@brevardcommunity.org or 828-884-5932!

Mark Your Calendars for These Two Upcoming Events!

Communion on Sunday, March 17th!

We will be celebrating Communion on Sunday, March 17th during both worships. We take Communion to remind us of the sacrifice Christ paid for us on the cross! How beautiful the blood flow! Let us join together in reverence to remember the depths of God's unconditional love for His people! 

Baptism on Sunday, March 24th!

Join us as we celebrate with believers who want to make their faith and devotion known! Baptism itself isn't salvation; it's the proclamation of it - it's the public declaration of a heart that has been switched from allegiance to self to submission to the reigning lordship of Christ! Join us during both worships as we celebrate all Christ has done! If you are interested in being baptized, or would like to be baptized in order to join the church, contact Bre at (828)884-5932 or breanna@brevardcommunity.org! 

The Gospel and a Timeshare Offer

Have you ever been promised a free gift or vacation and the only requirement is that you listen to a 90 minute sales presentation? I am sure you have seen the offers before: Free Cruise, $200 free cash, or my favorite, Free Flat Screen TV. The scam is if you listen to their free sales pitch, you then receive your free gift. However, it never seems to work out the way you think. There are always stipulations or the free gift ends up not being what you thought. You suffer through listening to a sales person tell you how this product or time share is what you need, and how it is not that expensive. They tell you, “I am going to write down a price that no one else is getting.” It is funny the things we are willing to do to get a good deal.

Sometimes people treat the Gospel like it’s a timeshare offer. We love the deal or prize of eternal life but they just don’t understand what it truly means. People look at the Gospel and think,  “If I say a prayer, commit my life, go to church then I am getting the reward”. The problem with this is that their pursuit is the reward, which is eternal life and freedom from hell.  When they follow this plan they’re left with a spiritual life that is built on a false foundation. People then end up spending a lifetime on a spiritual roller coaster trying to work hard at earning God’s approval and acceptance.

The truth is that there is nothing we can do or offer God that gains us Salvation.

Romans 11:35 says “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” There is nothing that we can do that will earn us salvation. The Gospel tells us that Christ freely gave his life for us. Romans 8:32 says “He who did not spare His own son, but gave him up for us all.” We did not earn this by our goodness, or wealth or skin color or any other earthly thing. Freely Christ died for us.  Again in Romans 5:6-8 it says “You see at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That is overwhelming!

So if you are a Christian, what motivated you to receive this free gift from God. Was your salvation experience a one time event? You accepted Christ and then began to work at keeping that salvation.  Is that what the Gospel is? Do you live everyday trying to earn this free gift over and over again? These are the areas where I have spent many days battling . Thoughts like “How can God use me?” or “I need to make it right with God.” We confuse this Christian life with a timeshare offer. We think we have to continue doing this or that to gain the reward. Our problem is we set our eyes on the reward or gift and we take our eyes off Christ. He is the reward! In Colossians 3:1-3 it says “Since, then you have been raised with Christ, set you hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”  When we become Christ followers by receiving the free gift of a relationship with Jesus, our old life is dead, no more earning God’s favor.  This passage goes on to talk in verse 5 about how we are to put to death the things below, which is our earthly nature.  Understand this passage doesn’t tell us to put to death the things below first so that we can set our eyes on the things above. 

We need to understand that truth that Christ freely gave you his life as a sacrifice for your evil earthly things. He paid in full the debt that was required for those sins. Live in that reality daily and understand that there is nothing in our life that can earn us God’s favor. Only a life that is found in Christ Jesus which is given to us freely can make us children of God. Stop living your life like you have to earn the Gospel and live a life worthy of the Gospel.

The reward is Jesus and He is free! Truly free!

-Marty Burgess

College Pastor, BCC

Community News - 2/19/13

Join Us for MidWeek U Tomorrow Evening! 

You don't want to miss MidWeek U tomorrow evening! Here's a taste of what to expect in every class! 

The End: A Study of Revelations & Prophecy  will be learning about the Antichrist - who he is and what to expect from him. 

Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships will be digging in further to learn what true love looks like in comparison to infatuation. 

One to One Discipleship will be walking through Week 4 of the discipleship book, seeing what God has to say about prayer. 

Max Q (For Students Only) will be looking at accountability relationships and how these relationships are absolutely critical to our walk with God and influence with others. 

As you can see, we have a great line-up tomorrow so if you have not yet got involved with one of these classes, now is a great night to start! Come grow with us tomorrow evening at 6:30 PM!

Mom to Mom This Thursday, February 21st!

Calling all Moms for a morning of fellowship, inspiration, and parenting encouragement Thursday, February 21st from 9:30 to 11 AM in the Blue Room. Sign your child up for childcare in the Welcome Center, and come grow and be uplifted in your week with other mothers

Get Involved with One of These Three New Studies at BCC!

Inheritance of Hope: Relying on God in our Weaknesses - Going On Now!

Join us for this new Sunday night Study every week from 6-7 PM. Run to God in your weaknesses and vulnerabilities and cling to Him! For more information, contact Kevin Myers at 828-777-5906. 

Ezekiel Precept Study Starting This Sunday, Feb. 24th!

Join us for our new 2 Part Precept Study journeying through the book of Ezekiel! This study starts Sunday, February 24th at 8:15 AM in the Brown House. Email Sheila Alewine at sheila.alewine@victorychurchproducts.com or call the church office for information on purchasing your book. The Part 1 book is $22.50 and Part 2 is $15.75. Have the first lesson completed before the first meeting this Sunday! 

A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place - Starting Friday, Mar. 1st! 

Calling all ladies! Join us for our new Beth Moore Bible Study taking place on Friday mornings at 9:30 starting March 1st! God longs to live among His people and in our hearts. Come grow with us! For more information, contact Carissa Sellers at 828-884-4459 or Paula Hennie at 577-9459. 

Dominican Republic High School Mission Trip Informational Meeting This Sunday, Feb. 24th! 

Calling all High School students and parents! Are you interested in going to the DR on June 17th - 26th? Then come to an informational meeting this Sunday after 2nd Worship. This meeting is the best opportunity to find out details and ask questions about the trip. If you are interested in being apart of this mission team but can not attend the meeting, please contact Brent at 828-884-5932. 

Share Your Heart in the Children's Ministry! 

There are several leader positions coming available in March in the Children's Ministry that will need new people! Leading kids into lifelong relationships with Jesus is a great privilege we have here at BCC! Contact Chris at chris@brevardcommunity.org or at (828)884-5932  if you'd like to know more! 

Sign Up for Secret Sisters at BCC! 

Interested in having a secret sister who will pray for you and surprise you with encouraging cards and small gifts?  The commitment is for one year (March 2013 - Feb. 2014) and we will cap off the year with a pot luck dinner and a big reveal of who she is.  Sign up at the back of the church, or get more information by contacting Trudy Pierron at gtpierron@citcom.net.  

New Keys at BCC on Mar. 14th!

We are re-keying all the doors on our campus. If you have a key to the church, it will no longer work on Thursday, March 14th! If you need a church key for ministry purposes, please contact Stan Metcalf at stan@brevardcommunity.org or 828-884-5932!

Discipline Over Desire

When you think of the word “discipline” what do you think of? For some it may be getting in trouble or something that happened to you when you were younger. But for me, when I hear the word “discipline” I think of having to do things that I don’t want to do. I don’t know about you but being disciplined to do things that are hard or I prefer not to do is not easy for me. One example of this is running. I can’t stand running; it’s like torture to me. But the thing about discipline is whether we enjoy it or not, it is a necessary part of our lives, not just our daily life but our spiritual life as well.

Spiritual disciplines are things we do that draw us closer to God, deepen our understanding of who he is, and help make us into the men and women he desires us to be. One thing I have discovered about spiritual disciplines is that as undisciplined as I can be in every day life, the same is true in my relationship with God. I have the same tendencies to be lazy and give up easily on God the same way I do with running or other things that don’t come easy to me.

There is one area specifically that God has begun to challenge me in over the last couple of months and that’s the discipline of memorizing scripture. And to be honest, memorizing scripture is one of those disciplines that I view a lot like running: complete torture. It has always been something I struggle with and so instead of fighting through it, I had just chosen not to do it at all. But through Gods word and Pastor Todd, God has begun to challenge me in my thinking and in my willingness to quit on something God commands us to do. So through much prayer and encouragement of others, I have decided to start memorizing the book of James. This is my favorite book of the Bible and I felt God telling me that it’s hard to claim it as my favorite book if I don’t know any verses from it. I am slowly memorizing this book and have done eight verses so far. And I am discovering that memorization is considered a discipline for a reason. It has not been easy and even a little painful at times but God is growing me and teaching me so much though this process.

To do anything of value in life, it takes hard work and discipline. Our relationship with God is no different. It takes us being willing to challenge ourselves and push ourselves to grow in our relationship with Him. One thing I have learned over the years is it’s not enough to just want to grow in my relationship with God; eventually it comes down to what am I willing to do for that to happen. Do not be fooled into believing that your desire is enough; it always comes down to your willingness to actually do something about it.

 

So let me ask you a few questions.  What are doing in your life to grow closer to God? How hard are you working at your relationship with Him?  What discipline or disciplines do you need to start implementing in your life? 

-Brad Snipes

Middle School Pastor, BCC

Community News - 2/12/13

Join Us for MidWeek U Tomorrow Evening!

What a rewarding time MidWeek University has been so far! And it's not too late to get plugged in to one of the 4 classes! Join us at 6:30 PM tomorrow evening! Even though we will no longer be having our MidWeek Meal, we will still set out tables in the back so you and your family can feel free to grab dinner and bring it to the church to eat before class! We'll see you tomorrow! 

Share Your Heart in the Children's Ministry! 

There are several leader positions coming available in March in the Children's Ministry that will need new people! Leading kids into lifelong relationships with Jesus is a great privilege we have here at BCC! Contact Chris at chris@brevardcommunity.org or at (828)884-5932  if you'd like to know more! 

Middle & High School Spring Retreat Coming Up March 1st and 2nd! 

Attention Switch students! Make plans to join us for a Friday night and Saturday conference exploring a humble servant worldview and a Great Commission lifestyle. Speakers include JD Greear, Jeremy Kingsley, & Ed Newton and worship will be led by Aaron Keys & Unhindered. The conference is held at Biltmore Baptist, and we will be staying Friday night at a church in Arden. Cost is $75 and is due by THIS SUNDAY, February 17th. Sign up for fun, fellowship, and digging into God's Word to discover that eternal joy does not come from being all about "me," but rather when we strive to BE LAST.  

New Precept Study - Ezekiel!

Join us for our new 2 Part Precept Study journeying through the book of Ezekiel! This study starts Sunday, February 24th at 8:15 AM in the Brown House. Email Sheila Alewine at sheila.alewine@victorychurchproducts.com or call the church office for information on purchasing your book. The Part 1 book is $22.50 and Part 2 is $15.75. Have the first lesson completed before the first meeting on Feb. 24th! 

Mom to Mom Coming Up Next Thursday, February 21st!

Calling all Moms for a morning of fellowship, inspiration, and parenting encouragement Thursday, February 21st from 9:30 to 11 AM in the Blue Room. Sign your child up for childcare in the Welcome Center, and come grow and be uplifted in your week with other mothers!

Pray for Gambia!

Don't forget to pray for the Gambia mission team as they journey into the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau to meet with and teach leaders how to plant 3 New Testament churches in the region. Pray for safety for the team, for the Spirit to lead, and for men and women in these areas to come to know the beautiful redemption in Jesus Christ! 

Community News - 2/05/13

MidWeek U is Back in Session Tomorrow Evening!

The bad weather last wednesday halted our MidWeek U plans, but all signs point to sunny skies and MidWeek U classes back in session tomorrow night! We'll pick up where we left off two weeks ago so make plans to join us at 6:30 PM for one of our four incredible classes! Even though we will no longer be having our MidWeek Meal, we will still set out tables in the back so you and your family can feel free to grab dinner and bring it to the church to eat before class! We'll see you tomorrow! 

Pray for the Gambia Mission Team!

This morning, a small team from Brevard Community Church along with a few from Element Church in Woodruff, SC left headed for the Gambia in Africa. Keep this team in your prayers as they go into the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau to meet with and teach leaders on how to plant 3 New Testament churches in the region. Pray for safety for the team, for the Spirit to lead, and for men and women in these areas to come to know the beautiful redemption in Jesus Christ! 

The BCC Children's Ministry Classrooms Need a New Coat of Paint!

Would you be willing to lend a hand to spruce up our Children's classrooms? We are in need of some painters to repaint our kids' classrooms! If you are interested in volunteering a little bit of your time and painting expertise, contact Pastor Chris at chris@brevardcommunity.org or call the church office at (828)884-5932! 

Middle & High School Spring Retreat Coming Up March 1st and 2nd! 

Attention Switch students! Make plans to join us for a Friday night and Saturday conference exploring a humble servant worldview and a Great Commission lifestyle. Speakers include JD Greear, Jeremy Kingsley, & Ed Newton and worship will be led by Aaron Keys & Unhindered. The conference is held at Biltmore Baptist, and we will be staying Friday night at a church in Arden. Cost is $75 and is due by February 17th. Sign up for fun, fellowship, and digging into God's Word to discover that eternal joy does not come from being all about "me," but rather when we strive to BE LAST.  

Mom to Mom Coming Up Thursday, February 21st!

Calling all Moms for a morning of fellowship, inspiration, and parenting encouragement Thursday, February 21st from 9:30 to 11 AM in the Blue Room. Sign your child up for childcare in the Welcome Center, and come grow and be uplifted in your week with other mothers!

Playground or Battleground

A couple of weeks back, a friend gave me something they found in The Lamplighter. It was a copy of an editorial A.W. Tozer wrote. It was stressed that he wrote the editorial below IN 1950, an era that we often think of as inhabited by a society more friendly to the cause of Christ. As you will see, Tozer wasn’t so sure about that. Many years later we can see even more evidence of the trend he saw, and arguably, much more reason for concern.

“In the early days, when Christianity exercised a dominant influence over American thinking , men and women conceived the world to be a battleground. Our fathers believed in sin and the devil and hell as constituting one force, and they believed in God and righteousness and heaven as the other. By their very nature, these forces were opposed to each other forever in deep, grave, irreconcilable hostility. Humans, our fathers held, had to choose sides – they could not be neutral. For them it must be life or death, heaven or hell, and if they chose to come out on God’s side they could expect open war with God’s enemies. The fight would be real and deadly and would last as long as life continued here below. People looked forward  to heaven as a return from the wars, a laying down of the sword to enjoy in peace the home prepared for them…

“How different today. The fact remains the same, but the interpretation has changed completely. People think of the world, not as a battleground, but a playground. We are not here to fight; we are here to frolic. We are not in a foreign land; we are at home. We are not getting ready to live, but are already living, and the best we can do is rid ourselves of our inhibitions and our frustrations and live this life to the full.

“Prayer: Lord, we’ve lost too much by becoming friendly with the enemy. Help me to be willing to take a stand for righteousness, to choose clearly to be on Your side against the enemy, to pay the price – and then to look forward to laying down my sword later in heaven. Amen”

- Chris Schlender

Children's Pastor, BCC