Brothers and Sisters,
…“Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him…For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:14-15, 21-23
The heart is of great concern for the biblical writers. Jesus’ words in Mark remind us that an individual must understand that from within comes all kinds of evil acts and thinking. Church on Mill is better prepared after hearing a strong challenge during our Worship gathering to guard our hearts (Pr 4:23). Two thoughts must permeate our activity and thinking this week 1) God himself through the work of Christ has given us a new heart (Ez 36:25-27 / Heb 10:22) and 2) the Scriptures are our greatest defense against heart trouble (Pr 4:20-21). As wise people might we “Ponder the path of [our] feet; then all [our] ways will be sure” (Pr 4:26). Follow up with each other this week on these important truths!
Harold and Nora Gault
We had hoped to announce Harold and Nora Gault’s return, but they will be delayed due to a medical situation in their family. Please pray for Kevin Gault and his wife Elka. Kevin is Harold and Norah Gault’s oldest son and his wife Elka has brain cancer and as a result had surgery last week. The latest update is that the nine hour surgery went well and she retained full functionality after—which is a huge positive. The CT showed most of the cancer was removed and now she will begin chemo. Harold and Nora will be helping with her care and asked that we continue to pray.
Has Science Buried God?
Professor John Lennox from Oxford will be presenting a lecture answering that very question on Feb 25 at 7:30pm. The lecture will take place on the campus of ASU and Church on Mill will be a host site by broadcasting the lecture in our auditorium. Save the date! One of our distinctives is to be “passionately engaged in both our community and the world” so an event like this thoroughly captures our desire to impact our community. Please consider inviting a friend, family member, co-worker, or anyone asking tough questions about the relevance of God in our world today.
TGCAZ Women’s Conference in March
Last week we mentioned this opportunity as a way for the ladies of Church on Mill to be encouraged spiritually and to engage in mentoring relationships. If you are interested sign up now before the price increases on Feb 12th and again on Feb 26th.
Members Meeting Minutes
If you missed our quarterly Members Meeting, have no fear because you can get caught up by following this link.
In Christ,
Bryan
