The Vineyard- January 27, 2013

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Luke 4:14-30

-          When the report begins circulating about Jesus, what is He doing?  What does this tell you about the importance of Jesus’ teaching versus His miracles?

-          Jesus reads a passage from Isaiah that is actually about Himself.  What do you think it would have been like to hear Jesus’ read a prophetic passage, knowing He was the fulfillment of that passage?

-          Why do you think that the crowd expected Jesus to perform miracles in Nazareth?

-          What connection is Jesus making between His ministry, and that of Elijah and Elisha?

-          Why does the crowd suddenly turn violent?

-          Have you ever reacted with jealousy, anger, or disappointment, when you realized that others were receiving blessings that you wanted?  Have you ever been resentful of the forgiveness God extends to others?

Hebrews 11:1-7

-         How does this passage describe faith?

-         How is it that Abel still speaks, if he is dead?

-         Why is it impossible to please God without faith?  What does faith lead to our seeking of God?

-         How is Noah’s construction of the ark an act of faith?  How did that act of faith condemn the world?

Prayer Requests- January 27, 2013

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Kristen Snyder, Carol Jean Fuller, Barbara Anderson, Ronald Golman, Eloise Babb, Mark Melder, Philip Mayeaux, A. G. Winegeart, Johnny Roberts, Sarah Martin, Jeffrey Cecil, Carl Giles, Tanner Giles, Becky Bankston, Butch Manuel, Mickey Hussong, Richard Simmons, Estelle Simmons, Richard Polk, Carter Poole, Lois Nesmith, Pam Giles, Priscilla Ackaret, Chris Cloud, Roger Richmond, Bob Peterson, Michael Fuller, Larry Randolph, Mike Nunnally, Darlene Holt, Claudette Ferrier, Sally Crooks, Charles Fletcher, Arvis Midkiff, Kowyn Austin, Sloan McInnis, Lynn King, Stacey Reeves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Deborah Fuller

The victims of the shootings in Connecticut.and New York. 

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Grayson Bieber, Conner Bouchie, Ray & Joyce Burge, Kathryn Hardy, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Drake Martin, Bob Melder, Dot Melder, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Joey Fix, Horace Greene, Tyler Johnson, Lance Ramsey, and all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Bonnie Bradley, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Gayle Gunter, Peggy Sue LeDoux Johnson, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Lisa Osman, Doug Pinkston, Bud Roach, Wes Roberts, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Elaine Simonson, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, W. H. Terrell, Danny Thompson, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Aunt Charlene Babb, Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Travelling:

Deaths: The families of Michael Edwards, Leon Fee, Louise Brindall,

Unspoken Requests

Praise: The group that travelled to New Mexico has returned safely. 

Dr. Ghanta and Sally Crooks are both doing better.   

The Vineyard- January 20, 2013

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Luke 4:1-13

-          In what ways does the devil tempt Jesus?

-          Why would it have been wrong for Jesus to change stones into bread?

-          Why do you think Jesus didn’t take the devil up on any of his offers?

-          What if Jesus had given in to temptation?  What would that have done for his ability to offer Himself up for our sins?

-          What does it mean to you to know that Jesus was tempted, just like you are?  What comfort do you find in knowing that Jesus has experienced temptation just like we have?

Hebrews 10:19-39

-          How do we enter into the holy place?

-          Because of Jesus, we know the truth about who God is.  What happens if we throw that truth away, and continue to serve ourselves?

-          How might we encourage one another, and stir one another up to do good works?

-          What had the recipients of Paul’s letter endured already?  Why do you think they were beginning to waver in their conviction?

Prayer Requests- January 20, 2013

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Johnny Roberts, Sarah Martin, Jeffrey Cecil, Carl Giles, Tanner Giles, Becky Bankston, Butch Manuel, Mickey Hussong, Richard Simmons, Estelle Simmons, Richard Polk, Carter Poole, Lois Nesmith, Pam Giles, Drake Martin, Priscilla Ackaret, Chris Cloud, Roger Richmond, Bob Peterson, Michael Fuller, Larry Randolph, Mike Nunnally, Darlene Holt, Claudette Ferrier, Sally Crooks, Charles Fletcher, Arvis Midkiff, Kowyn Austin, Sloan McInnis, Lynn King, Stacey Reeves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Deborah Fuller

The victims of the shootings in Connecticut.and New York. 

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Grayson Bieber, Conner Bouchie, Ray & Joyce Burge, Kathryn Hardy, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Bob Melder, Dot Melder, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Joey Fix, Horace Greene, Tyler Johnson, Lance Ramsey, and all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Bonnie Bradley, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Dr. Ghanta, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Gayle Gunter, Peggy Sue LeDoux Johnson, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Lisa Osman, Doug Pinkston, Bud Roach, Wes Roberts, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Elaine Simonson, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, W. H. Terrell, Danny Thompson, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Aunt Charlene Babb, Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Travelling: Those travelling to New Mexico for a ski trip

Deaths: The families of Michael Edwards, Leon Fee, Louise Brindall, Dr. Don L. Jones, and Andy Ashworth

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Pat Paul, Kathy Hardy, and Doug Johnson are doing better.  Johnny Roberts had successful shoulder replacement surgery, be praying for his rehabilitation.  Kowyn Austin was born to Kayla and Charles Austin.  Both are doing well, but Kowyn has some health issues that will have to be addressed through surgery.  Be praying for a successful outcome.    

The Vineyard- January 13, 2013

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Luke 3:23-38

-          How many of the names in this genealogy of Jesus do you recognize?  What do you think of the fact that we know nothing about many of Jesus’ ancestors?

-          What are some of the bad things that some of the people on this list did?  What are some crises of faith that they had?  What do you think of the fact that these same people are Jesus’ ancestors?

-          Where does Jesus genealogy finally trace back to?  What is ironic about the genealogy referring to Jesus’ as “Son of God” because he was descended from Adam?

-          How might you be used by God, despite your imperfections?

-          If you have a “suspect” lineage, how might you put that behind you to serve God?

Hebrews 10:1-18

-          What was it that was incapable of taking away our guilt?

-          What have we been sanctified by?

-          Where did Jesus sit down after he had offered Himself for our sins?

-          Where is God’s new covenant with us recorded?

Prayer Requests- January 13, 2013

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Leon Fee, Johnny Roberts, Sarah Martin, Jeffrey Cecil, Carl Giles, Tanner Giles, Becky Bankston, Butch Manuel, Mickey Hussong, Richard Simmons, Estelle Simmons, Doug Johnson, Jason Babb, Adam & Katie Poole, Richard Polk, Carter Poole, Ray & Joyce Burge, Lois Nesmith, Pam Giles, Drake Martin, Priscilla Ackaret, Chris Cloud, Roger Richmond, Bob Peterson, Michael Fuller, Larry Randolph, Mike Nunnally, Margaret McDonald, Darlene Holt, Claudette Ferrier, Sally Crooks, Charles Fletcher, Kathy Hardy, Arvis Midkiff, Kayla Austin and Kowyn, Sloan McInnis, Lynn King, Stacey Reeves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Deborah Fuller

The victims of the shootings in Connecticut.and New York. 

Richard Polk’s family, who lost their home in a fire recently. 

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Grayson Bieber, Conner Bouchie, Kathryn Hardy, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Bob Melder, Dot Melder, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Joey Fix, Horace Greene, Tyler Johnson, Lance Ramsey, and all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Bonnie Bradley, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Dr. Ghanta, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Gayle Gunter, Peggy Sue LeDoux Johnson, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Lisa Osman, Doug Pinkston, Bud Roach, Wes Roberts, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Elaine Simonson, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, W. H. Terrell, Danny Thompson, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Aunt Charlene Babb, Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Travelling:

Deaths: The families of Louise Brindall, Meredith Miller, Dr. Don L. Jones, Andy Ashworth, Kenneth Doyle, Louise Hudson, Linda Perkins

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Adam and Katie Poole were able to adopt a little girl named Lily.  Also, Gayle Gunter is making progress in her battle with cancer.    

The Vineyard- January 6, 2013

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Luke 3:1-22

-          How does John the Baptist fulfill the purpose prophesied of him? 

-          Whose children do those in the crowd claim to be?  Whose children does John the Baptist say that they are?

-          John the Baptist is preaching repentance.  When the crowd asks what they should do, what does John tell them?

-          How are repentance and love and service toward others related?

-          John the Baptist speaks of the Christ, the one who is greater than he.  How does he describe His greatness?

-          What happens at Jesus’ baptism that confirms His identity as the Son of God?

Hebrews 9:11-28

-          The blood which we are purified with is not the blood of animals.  Whose blood is it?

-          The new covenant is spoken of as a type of will.  In this case, how does Jesus’ death bring about the new covenant?

-          How does Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself differ from the animal sacrifice of the old covenant?

-          How is our experience similar to Jesus’ experience?

Prayer Requests- January 6, 2013

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Becky Bankston, Butch Manuel, Mickey Hussong, Richard Simmons, Estelle Simmons, Doug Johnson, Jason Babb, Adam & Katie Poole, Richard Polk, Carter Poole, Ray & Joyce Burge, Lois Nesmith, Pam Giles, Drake Martin, Priscilla Ackaret, Chris Cloud, Roger Richmond, Bob Peterson, Michael Fuller, Larry Randolph, Mike Nunnally, Margaret McDonald, Darlene Holt, Claudette Ferrier, Sally Crooks, Charles Fletcher, Kathy Hardy, Arvis Midkiff, Kayla Austin and Kowyn, Sloan McInnis, Lynn King, Stacey Reeves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Deborah Fuller

The victims of the shootings in Connecticut.and New York. 

Richard Polk’s family, who lost their home in a fire recently. 

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Grayson Bieber, Conner Bouchie, Kathryn Hardy, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Bob Melder, Dot Melder, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Joey Fix, Horace Greene, Tyler Johnson, Lance Ramsey, and all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Bonnie Bradley, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Dr. Ghanta, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Gayle Gunter, Peggy Sue LeDoux Johnson, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Lisa Osman, Doug Pinkston, Bud Roach, Wes Roberts, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Elaine Simonson, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Aunt Charlene Babb, Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Travelling:

Deaths: The families of Louise Brindall, Meredith Miller, Dr. Don L. Jones, Andy Ashworth, Kenneth Doyle, Louise Hudson, Linda Perkins

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Tammy Midkiff is doing much better after battling cancer.  Sloan McInnis was able to come home from the hospital 147 days after being born.  The Simmons made it back safely from their trip to Georgia. 

The Vineyard- December 30, 2012

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Luke 2:22-40

-          Jesus’ family is described as being very pious.  Five times the passage says they fulfilled the requirements of the law.  How does your family demonstrated piety through worship?  What about during the rest of the week, in your interactions with other people?

-          Simeon is portrayed as being righteous and devout.  Part of that righteousness and devotion is his waiting expectantly for Israel’s Messiah.  Are you waiting expectantly for Jesus’ return?  Is it what you truly long for?

-          Anna greets Jesus arrival and presentation in the temple with praise.  She too has spent her life waiting for the Messiah.  Is your life focused on God as Anna’s was?  How do you greet the coming of Jesus into our world, to live among us, with praise?

Prayer Requests- December 30, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Adam & Katie Poole, Richard Polk, Carter Poole, Ray & Joyce Burge, Lois Nesmith, Pam Giles, Drake Martin, Priscilla Ackaret, Chris Cloud, Roger Richmond, Bob Peterson, Michael Fuller, Larry Randolph, Mike Nunnally, Margaret McDonald, Darlene Holt, Claudette Ferrier, Sally Crooks, Charles Fletcher, Kathy Hardy, Arvis Midkiff, Kayla Austin and the baby, Sloan McInnis, Lynn King, Stacey Reeves, Horace Doyle, Cindy Pace, Deborah Fuller

The victims of the shooting in Connecticut. 

The victims of the shooting in New York. 

Richard Polk’s family, who lost their home in a fire this past week. 

Continuing Requests: Roanne Ballio, Grayson Bieber, Conner Bouchie, Kathryn Hardy, George Johnson, Darwin Jones, Bob Melder, Dot Melder, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Richard Simmons, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Martha Townsend

Deployed Military:  Joey Fix, Horace Greene, Tyler Johnson, Lance Ramsey, and all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Bonnie Bradley, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, William Chisholm, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Dr. Ghanta, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Gayle Gunter, Roger Johnson, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Tammy Midkiff, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Lisa Osman, Doug Pinkston, Bud Roach, Wes Roberts, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Elaine Simonson, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Aunt Charlene Babb, Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Travelling:

Deaths: The families of Dr. Don L. Jones, Andy Ashworth, Kenneth Doyle, Louise Hudson, Linda Perkins, Michael Edwards, Michael Avery

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Paige Johnson made it back safely.  Lois Johnson is doing better. Also, the Peter’s great-granddaughter Theresa was born this past week, and both mother and baby are healthy and doing well.