Community News 6/30/17

DAY 5 OF WEEK 2

1 Peter 3:7; Proverbs 12:18

Be a Man for Your Family

In our marriages, we have control over ourselves. We don’t control what our spouse does. This passage helps us to understand that if we want our spouses to give us grace, and be considerate and patient, we first must extend that to them. Men might be quick to complain that they tried it for a week and nothing changed – we need to be men of endurance, following God’s word regardless of what our spouse might choose.

However, we often see that when we start to model God’s word, it’s contagious and those closest to us catch it. Begin creating a culture of grace and being considerate in your marriage by carefully choosing your words and by refusing to let your anger get the best of you.

Practical Steps

1. Today, pay close attention to the way you react in your interactions with your wife – treat her with grace in the same way you would want grace.
2. Do not go to bed tonight this week angry with your wife if you can help it – resolve any issues by going the extra mile to extend grace and patience.
3. If you are not married, practice this in your interactions with friends and family – be a man of patience and grace.

Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/29/17

DAY 4 OF WEEK 2

Ephesians 5:25; Ecclesiastes 9:9

Be a Man for Your Family

Christ gave up God-powers to come to a fallen earth to be spat on, cursed at, beaten, and ultimately killed for our sake. Christ is to be our example for our wives. What are you willing to sacrifice for your wife? Hobbies, friends, and everything from our single-life becomes secondary to our wives when we get married.

What things have you been holding onto and elevating above your wife? What things do you need to give up? We need to remember that marriage isn't something to be considered easy - it's hard work, day in and day out. Real men have what it takes to treat their wives like Christ treated the Church: giving up everything for them.

Practical Steps

1. Today, focus on your wife’s concerns and needs before all else.
2. If you’re not married, prepare yourself and understand that all your priorities must shift when you get married. Keep this in mind when considering marriage.

Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/28/17

DAY 3 OF WEEK 2

Proverbs 18:22; Judges 8:33-34

Be a Man for Your Family

Now that we are in our second week of our 'Momentum' Devotional Series, we will focus on being men in our relationship with our wives, family, and kids. As men, we need to daily remember how much of a blessing our wives are. Proverbs 18:22 puts it plain and simple. If you’re not married, spend your time now preparing to be a great husband – study what it means to be a Godly man/husband. It doesn’t get easier when you get married.

For those of us who are married/engaged, Revelation 2:5 tells us we need to go back to the things we did at first to get our 'first love' back. When you first started dating your wife, you probably didn’t ever want to pick her up if your car wasn’t clean, or you didn’t have deodorant on – go back to that time. Treat your wife as special. Be a respectful man.

Practical Steps

1. Do one special thing for your wife in the next week that you wouldn’t normally do – preferably take her out on a nice date. Get childcare, and go out!
2. If you’re not married, take time this week to think about what type of husband you want to be. Think about men that you’ve seen do it right and others that have done it wrong, and learn from them.

Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/27/17

Care Network

Participate every Wednesday at BCC's Care Network.  Enjoy dinner by donation tomorrow evening from Sagebrush at 6:00 PM and at 6:30 PM we will serve the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of those who find themselves in difficult situations.  One on One "Care Coaching" allows you to share a burden.  At "Care Reach," during July, we will be caring for 300 tomato plants and they will be distributed to under-resourced families.  At "Care Support Groups," we will move through divorce, grief, abortion, and addiction. 

New Sunday Service Times

Sunday services will start at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.  Early weekend service times on Thursday evenings will not change and they will continue to start at 7:30 PM.  

Tuesday, July 4th

On July 4th, we will participate in the annual Heart of Brevard Fourth of July Bicycle Parade.  Bring your kids and their decorated bicycles to compete for the Most Patriotic and Most Creative categories, and then you and other BCC families will parade through downtown.  The parade will start at 1:30 PM.  Please note, check out the media for more Brevard Fourth of July Festival details. Another fun opportunity is to gather before the fireworks start around 9:00 p.m. for more family fun where we will wait for the annual fireworks to start.  Look for the "BCC Banner" on the Brevard College Campus. 

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Come Saturday, July 8th at 7:30 a.m. to the student center for a breakfast that will help men move with God, move with others, and move others to God.  Mark Hunnicutt and Reggie Nichols will encourage men to discuss and apply the Momentum series.  

Community News 6/27/17

DAY 2 OF WEEK 2

1 Samuel 17:37; Deuteronomy 4:9

Be a Man in Your Relationship with God

Here, David is asking to go against what is arguably one of the most fearsome Biblical characters – Goliath. Saul tells him he’s ridiculous – he’s just a youth, and this is a monster of a man he requests to fight. David goes on to show us how faith works – he looks back to the times that God has provided and protected him in the past, as if to say, ‘It’s only logical/reasonable that He will come through for me again!’

What a great insight to faith – we all have at least one surefire act of love to fall back on: God’s sending of His son for our sins. Why then, would He not come through for us in our current predicament? Spend time considering all the things God has come through for in the past, and use that to help boost your faith in any current struggles.

Practical Steps

1. This morning, thank God for all the things He’s provided/come through for in the past, and then, ask for continued faith in the midst of new, tough circumstances.

Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/26/17

DAY 1 OF WEEK 2

Judges 1:23-31; Proverbs 24:16

Be a Man in Your Relationship with God

Samson, in the midst of his greatest life failure learns to sacrifice everything in order to do what is right. He defeats the Philistines, and redeems himself. Too often, after our greatest failures, we want to shrink back and hide – avoid confrontations and people. Real men own up to their failures and find redemption. This is where we find our true character. In the thick of our greatest messes, we are given a choice – retreat or repent and restore.

Practical Steps

1. Pray this morning and ask God to give you the courage to repent and restore instead of retreat after failing.

                                                                                       Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/23/17

DAY 5 OF WEEK 1 

Job 42; Romans 8:28

Be a Man in Your Relationship with God

Job went through it all – everything was stripped from him. And yet, in this last chapter of Job, we see him coming to the realization that now, he truly knows God. Not only so, but also, after proving faithful, and willing to wait in the ‘meanwhile,’ God blesses him more than ever before. We don’t always need to understand why we go through difficult times – instead, our job during these times is to remind ourselves daily, sometimes even hourly, that God is sovereign and in control of everything.

Practical Steps

1. If you are in the ‘meanwhile,’ that is, you’re waiting on direction from God, or you’re in the midst of a difficult trial, audibly remind yourself at least three times today that, ‘God is still in control.’

Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/22/17

DAY 4 OF WEEK 1

1 Corinthians 13:11; Galatians 5:22-23

Be a Man in Your Relationship with God

There is a clear difference between men and children. Children avoid pain. Men understand pain is often necessary for growth. Children look to blame others. Men take responsibility for their actions. Children look out for themselves. Men look out for their families and friends. Choose to be a man today.

Practical Steps

1. Today, do one act that shows you choose to put others before yourself – whether that means giving your wife a back rub after you’ve had a long day, going out of your way to help a friend, or even just lending an ear to someone when it may feel inconvenient to do so.

Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/21/17

DAY 3 OF WEEK 1 

1 Timothy 6:11; Titus 3:2

Be a Man in Your Relationship with God

Men often feel they need to act boastful or rude to be manly. Real men are self-confident, and can let God show them how they should act. We are to pursue righteousness and Godliness, becoming more like Him. We are to have bold, courageous faith – following God even in times where it feels foolish, with steadfastness.

And finally, men should be gentle with those around them – their wives and children. Being harsh and rigid doesn’t make you a man; it just makes you difficult to love. In our gentleness, we create an atmosphere that invites and creates a culture of love in our homes.

Practical Steps

1. Pay close attention to your words/mood with your family, friends, and co-workers today – reflect God’s gentleness even with those who wrong you.

Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/20/17

Care Network

Participate every Wednesday at BCC's Care Network.  Enjoy dinner by donation at 6:00 PM and at 6:30 PM we will serve the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of those who find themselves in difficult situations.  One on One "Care Coaching" allows you to share a burden.  At "Care Support Groups," we will move through divorce, grief, abortion, and addiction.  Tomorrow night, dinner will be from Subway. 

DISCOVER  

On Sunday, June 25th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM come to DISCOVER.  This event will have two tracks, DISCOVER My Church and DISCOVER My Spiritual Habits.  At DISCOVER My Church you will find out what it means to be a Christ-follower, the significance of baptism and communion, what we believe, who we are, and BCC's strategy for reaching the world.  At DISCOVER My Spiritual Habits you will learn how to jump start your development of habits of spiritual growth through daily time with God, giving, and fellowship.  

New Sunday Service Times

Sunday service times will start at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.  Early weekend service times on Thursday evenings will not change and they will continue to start at 7:30 AM.

Community News 6/20/17

DAY 2 OF WEEK 1

Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7

Be a Man in Your Relationship with God

When we go through hard times, it’s easy to feel that God has left us. Here, we see that we can lead our families, friends, and communities with absolute knowledge that God is with us wherever we go. Just because times are hard doesn’t mean God is not at work. Our circumstances don’t define God. Therefore, we have no reason to be afraid – if the God who created Heaven and Earth is on our side, nothing can stop us. In fact, God commands us to be strong and courageous – it’s not a choice. Obey God in your courage.

Practical Steps

1. This week, begin every morning by simply saying; “I know that God is with me, regardless of my circumstances.”
2. This week, pray for courage to make Godly decisions even when He feels absent.

Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/19/17

DAY 1 OF WEEK 1

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be a Man in Your Relationship with God

During this first week of our 'Momentum' Devotional Series, we will focus on being men in our relationship with God. God calls us to be men, and in this passage, shows us one aspect of being a man of God. We need to keep in mind that we are in a spiritual battle every single day (‘Be watchful’). Any day that we fail to recognize this is another day we are unprepared for an attack from the enemy.

Every day is a chance to build your family, community, and church to prepare for the spiritual battle that will take place that day. We never know which day could bring catastrophe, heartache, or trouble. With that in mind, we stand firm in the faith, starting every morning strong. In this, we show our love to those around us.

Practical Steps

One way we can prepare for spiritual battle is to ask God to bring wisdom to us – to make wise decisions in tough times.

Another way we can prepare is to not shy away from reminding our family and friends that we need to stay united with each other – quarrels are the enemy’s way of dragging us apart and making us weaker. Don’t allow yourself to hold grudges over trivial things.

Adapted From: http://bible.com

Community News 6/16/17

DAY 5 OF WEEK 3

SOWING SEEDS OF THE GOSPEL: ARE YOU AN AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST? Pt. 2

2 Timothy 1:6; Jeremiah 14:14; 20:9; 1 Corinthians 2:1-2,5

Called to Serve

(Continued From Day 4) Third, we are under authority in our service. It is God who has called us to serve. We are not free to choose the place or the manner in which we will serve Him. I am always amazed at the variety of gifts that God has given to the church. Every person has been given a gift from God. You may be a farmer, or a laborer, or a doctor, or a professor, but you have been given a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Paul says, “Stir up the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV). What is your gift?

Jonah tried to flee from God’s authority in his ministry, but God had a fish to stop him and bring him back.

Jeremiah tried to flee from the authority of God’s Word for his ministry, but he could not. “Then I said, ‘I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name” (Jeremiah 20:9, NKJV). That is, “I’m sick and tired of talking about God and warning these people to repent because judgment is going to come.” Then he said, “But His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not” (Jeremiah 20:9, NKJV). “I had to tell the people the message of God.”

I know for many of us there are times of discouragement, times when we wish we did not have the responsibility of being an ambassador for Christ. But we’re under orders. It is God who has called us; we are under His authority.

Our Message

Fourth, we are under the authority of God’s Word for a message. Our message is not our own. It is God’s. That is why our witnessing and our preaching must be biblical. If it is not founded on the Word of God, it becomes our ideas and our opinions, and we would be like the prophets of Jeremiah’s day. God said, “The prophet’s prophesy lies in my name. I have not sent them, … nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart” (Jeremiah 14:14, NKJV).

Instead we should be like the Apostle Paul, seeking only to proclaim the Word of God. He said, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

That your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:1-2,5, NKJV). I have had the privilege of preaching this Gospel on every continent in most of the countries of the world. And I have found that when I present the simple message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with authority and simplicity, quoting the Word of God, He takes that message and drives it supernaturally into the human heart.

Adapted From: https://billygraham.org/story/sowing-seeds-of-the-gospel-are-you-an-ambassador-for-christ/

Community News 6/15/17

DAY 4 OF WEEK 3

SOWING SEEDS OF THE GOSPEL: ARE YOU AN AMBASSADOR FOR CHIRST? Pt. 1

Leviticus 20:7; 2 Timothy 1:6

We represent the Kingdom of God in a foreign and an alien world. We are citizens of two communities–the community of God and the community in which we live.

To be an ambassador is a position of dignity, although the world may not praise us. It is a position of importance, although the world may neglect or even persecute us.

What is an ambassador? An ambassador is a person, a friend of authority. Ambassadors are servants of their government in a foreign land. They are not free to set their own policies or develop their own message. In the same way, we are called to live under the authority of Jesus Christ and the authority of the Scriptures. We are servants. We must live under the authority of the Word of God. We are called not to do our will, but Christ’s.

Under Authority

What does it mean to live under the authority of the Word of God? First of all, it means that we live under the authority of God in our personal lives. “Be ye holy as I am holy” (Leviticus 20:7), says the Scriptures. We are to be holy men and women of God; we are to live what we preach in our personal lives. A disciplined, devotional life–a life of separation from such sins as lying, hatred, cheating, prejudice, greed and lust.

The world today is looking for holy men and holy women to live under the authority of the Word of God. They’re not going to listen to what we say unless we back it up with the way we live in our personal relationships.

Social Action

Second, we are under the authority of the Word of God in our social relationships as well. As Christians we’re not isolated persons; we are part of society with all of its difficulties and problems and hopes. The Bible has much to say about social justice and social actions. Human society is affected by sin, and we know that any effort we make to improve society will always be incomplete and imperfect. We are not going to build a Utopia on earth. Why? Because of human nature. Sin keeps us from building a paradise on earth.

But we are to work for social justice–that is our command in Scripture. We’re to do all we can so that we can live a peaceable and a free life, and a life of human dignity. There is going to be a new Heaven and a new earth when Jesus Christ Himself comes to set up the Utopia that we all dream of and hope for and long for. That day is yet to come.

Only Christ can change hearts, but that does not mean that we neglect social and political responsibilities. Christ is concerned about the whole person, including the society of which he or she lives. Many of the great social reforms of the 19th century in Great Britain and America were inspired by evangelical Christians.

But the time came when many forgot that the Gospel was both vertical and horizontal. This has changed now. Evangelicals are once again proclaiming a balanced Gospel of personal salvation on one hand and social responsibility on the other, bringing their social action and responsibility under the authority of the Scriptures. (Continued Day 5)

Adapted From: https://billygraham.org/story/sowing-seeds-of-the-gospel-are-you-an-ambassador-for-christ/

Community News 6/14/17

DAY 3 OF WEEK 3

CONFRONTING CONFLICT

Galatians 2:11-16

The Scriptures record many instances of conflict between nations, among friends, and in families. Today we see the same types of problems. While fighting, people can say harsh and even unfair words. Their accusations create turmoil and emotional pain. What we believe will determine the way we respond to such difficulties.

God’s Word proclaims His sovereignty over nature (Ps. 135:6), government (Job 12:23), and mankind (Acts 17:25). Nothing in heaven or on earth is hidden from Him or outside of His control. So, how does this help us in a conflict? First, our Father knows when people verbally attack us, and He has promised to protect us. Nothing can touch His children apart from His permissive will. Second, He has the power to work the painful times we endure into something beneficial (Rom. 8:28). We can have hope because His will cannot be thwarted, even in bad circumstances. Finally, we are His beloved children. He is a loving Father who understands what we are going through and always remains by our side. As His sons and daughters, we are not on our own.

When we believe in the Lord’s sovereign rule, our perspective on hard times changes. Instead of responding with fear, anger, or resentment, we will turn to Him in prayer and ask for guidance.

Conflict is inevitable. When we, or something we have done, is the source of the turmoil, we are to apologize. If others are at fault, we may have to confront them the way Paul did with Peter. But we are also called to forgive without exception. As Christ’s ambassadors, the way we respond really matters.

Adapted From: https://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/confronting-conflict

Community News 6/13/17

Care Network

Participate every Wednesday at BCC's Care Network.  Enjoy dinner by donation at 6:00 PM tomorrow evening from El Rancheros and at 6:30 PM we will serve the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of those who find themselves in difficult situations.  One on One "Care Coaching" allows you to share a burden or help carry a burden.  At "Care Reach," during July, we will be caring for 300 tomato plants and then will distribute them to under-resourced families.  At "Care Support Groups," we will move through divorce, grief, abortion, and addiction.

New Sunday Service Times Starting Sunday, June 18th

Starting this Sunday, June 18th Sunday services will start at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.  Early weekend service times on Thursday evenings will not change and they will continue to start at 7:30 PM. 

Momentum: Moving Into Biblical Manhood

What does it mean to be a man?  Look around.  What's so desperately needed where we live, in our church, country, and in our world are men who embrace all that God created them to be.  To get there we need to dig deeper into the doctrine of manhood.  We challenge you to join us for this four week series, June 15/18-July 6/9 Thursdays at 7:30 PM or Sundays at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM, as we create life altering moMENtum by moving into a more dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Baptism

Baptism is going public about your decision to receive Jesus Christ as the forgiver of your sins and leader of your life.  It's the next step after salvation.  On Thursday, June 15th and Sunday, June 18th we will celebrate with those individuals that have decided to go public with their faith through Baptism.  If you want to take the next step toward baptism, want to know more about the process, or would like to learn more, please call the church office at 884-5932 or email lauren@brevardcommunity.org. 

Community News 6/13/17

DAY 2 OF WEEK 3

ARE YOU REFLECTING CHRIST?
Luke 4:18-19

As His ambassadors, God has entrusted to us His message of reconciliation and God is making His appeal through us. An ambassador does not represent his own interests, but the interests of the ruler he represents. The big question, then, is what are the primary interests of our King? What are His desires, values, and priorities?

Jesus was incredibly clear about His mission: proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom to those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18-19). As we read through the gospels He may restate it somewhat, but He returns to this over and over again. We can repeatedly see Jesus living this out as He seeks the lost and serves the least.

Eliminating pain, poverty, and suffering are noble goals, BUT the elimination of these things alone will we not bring people true contentment. If modern western culture has taught us anything it is that we can have access to everything we want, attempt to minimize pain and suffering, and still live empty lives. By addressing the obvious external needs we win the opportunity to address the most important spiritual needs of people’s lives. This is Jesus 101. Jesus always addressed both the obvious external needs and the deeper internal needs. If we don’t address the deepest need of the human soul which is to know God, we’ve just given people in our community, our culture, and this world a repackaged version of empty consumerism.

Adapted From: http://shortdailydevotions.com/2-corinthians-520-ambassadors-for-christ/