Day 5: Review

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-31

What Scripture verses stuck out to you the most this week? Take the opportunity to share at least one encouraging scripture verse with a friend or loved one.

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: 2 Kings 5 & 6:1-23

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Church:

1. Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
2. Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
3. Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 4: Unity & Love

 

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity (or love).” ~ St. Augustine, often quoted by John Wesley

South Ridge Church is a faith community made up of believers from many different Christian backgrounds and upbringings who have been brought together by God to fulfill a unified vision.  In order to uphold our core value of unity and love, we live out our beliefs in various “jars”.  The jars help us to major on what is major and minor on what is minor, while protecting the church from divisive issues.  A brief description of these jars is below.  

Jar 1: Cardinal doctrines—The Gospel and what is essential for salvation. 

Examples: man’s sin and spiritual depravity; deity of Christ; Jesus’ atonement on the cross; physical resurrection of Jesus Christ; salvation made possible by God’s grace and through faith alone in Jesus Christ, completely apart from human works.

Jar 2: Basic teachings of the Christian faith.

Examples: The Second Coming; heaven and hell; believers’ resurrection, marriage as a one-flesh relationship between one man and one woman

Jar 3: Convictions and practices in a church or group of churches.

Examples: Church governance; only male elder/ pastors; assurance/ eternal security; role of charismatic/ sign gifts in the church today; believer versus infant baptism

Jar 4: Personal beliefs or convictions on various doctrines.

Examples: timing of the rapture, millennial viewpoints, different viewpoints of election

Jar 5: Divisive issues that the Bible spends little to no time talking about so we don’t either.

Examples: party politics, moderation/ social consumption of alcoholic beverages, coffee in the sanctuary, choice of Christian Bible translation, hymns vs. contemporary music, etc.

While we strongly encourage people to study and discuss Scripture and form personal convictions as the Spirit leads, we will not allow items in jars 4 or 5 to divide our church.  In fact, we will rarely bring them up unless it is to make the point that we rarely to never talk about them on purpose.  Majoring on the majors means we devote most, if not all, of our attention to jars 1-3 in that order! 

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31, EPHESIANS 4:29

What thoughts or questions came to mind as you read through the “Jars” examples? 

In what ways does SRC’s focus on Jars 1-3 (in that order) help maintain love and unity within the church?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: 2 Kings 2

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the a friend or colleague. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Friend:

1. Thank God for the miracle of friendship.
2. Thank God for any way in which your friend has changed your life.
3. Commit your friend’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 3: Communion

1. Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth, but He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection and future return.  He gave the church two visible symbols (called “ordinances”) as reminders of His death.  These two ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  The Lord’s Supper is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.

   A.  What is the Lord’s Supper?  (1 Corinthians 11:23-29)

   1. It is a simple act.

   “On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread…”

   (1 Corinthians 11:23)

   2. It is a reminder.

   “…and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” (v.24)

   3. It is a symbol. 

   “In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” (v.25)

   4. It is a proclamation.

   “For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.” (v.26)

   B.  Who should take the Lord’s Supper?

   1. Only those who are already believers. 

   “For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself.” (1 Corinthians 11:29)

   C.  How do I prepare for the Lord’s Supper?

   “So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.  That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:27-28)

   By…

   1. 1. Self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:27)
      2. Confessing my sins (1 John 1:9)
      3. Recommitment (Romans 12:1)
      4. Restoring relationships (Matthew 5:23-24)

   D.  When and how often should we observe the Lord’s Supper?

   Jesus never said when believers should observe the Lord’s Supper, but the book of Acts records that the early church was devoted to the breaking of bread.  Jesus instituted it at a dinner, and the early church broke bread from house to house.  It seems to be an informal affair.  Whenever Christians come together they can break bread with one another.  At SRC, we believe that the Lord’s Supper can be celebrated both in the weekend service and in the Community Groups.  Typically, we celebrate it once a month in our weekend services.

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31, HEBREWS 10:24-25

What questions, if any, do you have about Communion? (Do the Scripture passages / examples provided in today’s reading answer all of your questions?)

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 focuses on both Unity and Diversity within the church. Think of a time when you experienced both Unity and Diversity. What was that experience like? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: 1 Kings 21 & 22

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for your children or another loved one. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your children or children that God has placed in your life:

1. Thank God for the miracle of the children God has placed in your life.
2. Thank God for any way in which these children have changed your life.
3. Commit these children’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out how you may best guide and lead them.

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     Day 2: Baptism – Commonly Asked Questions

1. WHAT IS BAPTISM? 

Literally, the word means, “to dip, immerse, place into.”  Water baptism is a way of saying publicly that Jesus Christ is now your Lord.  You are stating that your life is under “new management”!  It is the first step of commitment to Jesus Christ after receiving Him as your personal Savior.  In ancient times, slaves were baptized into the name of the temple god to be a temple slave.  When a person gets baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48), he is saying that he is considering himself a lifetime servant of Jesus Christ.

2. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED? 

All who have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day…”(Acts 2:41a)

3. WHY GET BAPTIZED? 

Because Christ commanded it.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

4. WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED? 

As soon as possible after accepting Christ as Savior.  In Acts 16:33, the Philippian jailer was baptized quickly, sometime after midnight.  Even Paul was baptized before he ate, having gone without food or water for three days (Acts 9:9,18,19).  These and other examples show us that we should not put off getting baptized if we want to be obedient children of God.

5. HOW SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?     

The definition (“to place into”) and examples from Scripture show us that the method used was total submersion.  About Christ’s baptism, Mark says, “As Jesus was coming up out of the water” (Mark 1:10a).  In Acts 8:38,39 both Philip and the Ethiopian got out of the chariot and went into the water and came out.  It is recorded that John the Baptist baptized “at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water” (John 3:23).

6. WHAT ABOUT INFANT BAPTISM?      

In the New Testament, baptism always involved individuals who had already made an independent decision to accept Christ (e.g. Acts 8:12, “both men and women”).  However, at SRC parents have the opportunity to participate in a ceremony to dedicate their children to bring them up in the ways of the Lord.

7. IS BAPTISM A REQUIREMENT FOR SALVATION?        

No.  Baptism cannot save anyone (Ephesians 2:8,9).  However, it is a requirement for being an obedient follower of Jesus Christ.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

8. WHAT IF I HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTIZED?        

Take some time to re-read the Bible passages listed above and then ask God what He wants you to do.  At this point in the life of our church, baptisms are scheduled as needed.

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11

Did the Commonly Asked Questions from today’s reading answer any lingering questions you had about Baptism? 

What questions, if any, came to mind as you read through 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 over the past two days? Take the opportunity to refer to a good Study Bible or other resource to see if you can find answers to these questions.

Note: If you would like to talk with a pastor about any of our beliefs and values, please contact the church office.

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: 1 Kings 18 & 19

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for your spouse, or another loved one. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Spouse or Another Loved One:

1. Thank God for the miracle of your spouse and marriage or the loved one in your life.
2. Thank God for any way in which your spouse or loved one has changed your life.
3. Commit your spouse’s or loved one’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 1: Baptism

WHY BE BAPTIZED?

1. To follow the example set by Jesus.

“One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.” (Mark 1:9)

2. Because Christ commands it.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

3. It illustrates what happened to me when I placed my faith in Jesus.  Essentially, it is an outward demonstration of an inward reality.

“Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?  For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:3-4)

But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:4-6)

WHY IMMERSION?

1. The word “baptize” means “to immerse, dip, dunk, or submerge”.

The Greek word baptizo means, “to immerse or dip under water”.

2. Because Jesus was baptized that way.

“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water…” (Matthew 3:16)

3. Every example of baptism in the New Testament was done by immersion.

(Example)” …and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39).

4. It illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection.

“…Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

“Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:3-4)

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11 & Colossians 2:12

What questions, if any, do you have about Baptism? (Do the Scripture passages / examples provided in today’s reading answer all of your questions?)

Have you taken the opportunity to be Baptized? 

How would you respond to a friend or loved one who told you they were considering being baptized? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: 1 Kings 16:29-34 & 17

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Church:

1. Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
2. Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
3. Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 5: Review: Love One Another

LOVE ONE ANOTHER:

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of South Ridge Church.

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31)

Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)

Additional “one another” verses in the New Testament:

“…Be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)

“…Wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

“…Love one another…” (John 13:34)

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…” (Romans 12:10)

“…Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)

“Live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 12:16)

“…Love one another…” (Romans 13:8)

“…Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13)

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you…” (Romans 15:7)

“…Instruct one another.” (Romans 15:14)

“Greet one another with a holy kiss…” (Romans 16:16)

“…When you come together to eat, wait for each other.” (I Cor. 11:33)

“…Have equal concern for each other.” (I Corinthians 12:25)

“…Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (I Corinthians 16:20)

“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (II Corinthians 13:12)

“…Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

“If you keep on biting and devouring each other…you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:15)

“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:26)

“Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2)

“…Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)

“Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32)

“…Forgiving each other…” (Ephesians 4:32)

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” (Ephesians 5:19)

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

“…In humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

Do not lie to each other…” (Colossians 3:9)

“Bear with each other…” (Colossians 3:13)

“…Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” (Colossians 3:13)

“Teach…[one another]” (Colossians 3:16)

“…Admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)

“…Make your love increase and overflow for each other.” (I Thessalonians 3:12)

“…Love each other.” (I Thessalonians 4:9)

“…Encourage each other…”(I Thessalonians 4:18)

“…Encourage each other…” I Thessalonians 5:11)

“…Build each other up…” (I Thessalonians 5:11)

“Encourage one another daily…” Hebrews 3:13)

“…Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)

“…Encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)

“…Do not slander one another.” (James 4:11)

“Don’t grumble against each other…” (James 5:9)

“Confess your sins to each other…” (James 5:16)

“…Pray for each other.” (James 5:16)

“…Love one another deeply, from the heart.” (I Peter 3:8)

“…Live in harmony with one another…” (I Peter 3:8)

“…Love each other deeply…” (I Peter 4:8)

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (I Peter 4:9)

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” (I Peter 4:10)

“…Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…”(I Peter 5:5)

“Greet one another with a kiss of love.” (I Peter 5:14)

“…Love one another.” (I John 3:11)

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-13

Which of the “one another” passages in today’s reading sticks out to you the most? 

What would it look like to “be at peace with each other,” at all times and in every situation, even when two or more people have a different perspective? 

Read: 1 Kings 11 & 12

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Church:

1. Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
2. Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
3. Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 4: Statement on Gender, Marriage & Sexuality

LOVE ONE ANOTHER:

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of South Ridge Church.

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31)

Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)

MARRIAGE & SEXUALITY:

We believe God created the marriage relationship to be between one man and one woman, with the purpose of marriage to be a reflection of Christ’s relationship with His people. Similarly, we affirm sexual fulfillment only within the context of marriage. Therefore, in accordance with the Bible, we consider any sexual expression outside of or apart from the marriage covenant (including adultery, viewing pornography, practicing homosexuality, and other forms of fornication) to be against God’s design. 

“As the Scriptures say, ‘A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.” (Ephesians 5:31-32) 

“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” (Genesis 2:24) 

“The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. 

Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer.” (1 Corinthians 7:3-5) 

“You must not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) 

GENDER:

Though He is gracious, God is also holy and we believe that God wonderfully and immutably created each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)

RESPONDING TO GOD:

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. (Acts 3:19-21)

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 13:11-13

What questions, if any, came to your mind as you read through the statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality? 

How do you respond to questions from others about these topics in love and grace? 

Read 1 Cor. 13:11-13 in two or three different translations? Which verse sticks out to you the most? Why do you think that is?

Read: Proverbs 31

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the a friend or colleague. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Friend:

1. Thank God for the miracle of friendship.
2. Thank God for any way in which your friend has changed your life.
3. Commit your friend’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 3: Core Values of SRC

GRACE OF GOD: God’s grace through Jesus Christ is the basis and power, not only of our personal lives, but also of our ministry.

COMMITMENT TO GOD AND HIS WORD: Our aspiration is that our ministries will be marked by a wholehearted devotion to God, through prayer and by studying, obeying and teaching His Word.

GREAT COMMISSION: Our ultimate goal and mission is to reach the whole world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to make disciples of all the nations.

LOCAL CHURCH: The local church is God’s vehicle for accomplishing the Great Commission. The church is the place for winning people to Christ, building them to maturity, raising up leaders, and for preparing church planting teams to be sent out for the expansion of God’s kingdom.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP: We place a priority upon raising up pastors and other leaders of Christ-like character within the local church.

LOVE AND UNITY: We desire our ministry to be marked by a Christ-like, selfless love, loyalty, and unity with fellow believers.

EVERY MEMBER A MINISTER: All Christians are empowered through the Holy Spirit to be workers in the church, not just the pastors. Therefore, we seek to equip and empower each member to utilize his/her spiritual gifts to serve others.

STRONG FAMILIES: Strong families are the foundation for strong churches. Therefore, we make it a priority to equip members and pastors in building their marriages and families.

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 13:8-10

Of the three ways we believe you can experience Spiritual Growth in Real Purpose, which of these do you find most difficult to apply regularly? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Proverbs 16, 17, & 18

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for your children or another loved one. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your children or children that God has placed in your life:

1. Thank God for the miracle of the children God has placed in your life.
2. Thank God for any way in which these children have changed your life.
3. Commit these children’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out how you may best guide and lead them.

 

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     Day 2: What We Believe: Part 2

SALVATION 

Men and women are freed from the penalty for their sins not as a result, in whole or in part, of their own works, goodness, or religious observances, but by the undeserved favor of God alone which was given through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God forgives and accepts all who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation.

THE HOLY SPIRIT 

The Holy Spirit has come into the world to reveal and glorify Christ, to convict men and women of their sins, and to impart new life to all who place their faith in Christ. He permanently indwells believers from the moment of spiritual birth, guides them into truth, and empowers them to live a life pleasing to God.

BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER 

Jesus commanded that those who believe in Him are to be baptized in water as a declaration of faith and a symbol of new birth in Christ. He also instructed His followers to remember Him by partaking in the Lord’s Supper, which reminds us of His death, resurrection, and future coming.

ASSURANCE 

All who are born again of the Spirit can, through the sure promises of God, be fully assured that God will complete the work He has begun in them. They are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is God’s deposit, guaranteeing their eternal inheritance. Good works are not the basis for acceptance by God, but as believers grow in doing good, they grow in their assurance that they are truly children of God and that they will be with the Lord when they die.

JESUS’ FUTURE COMING 

The Lord Jesus Christ will physically return to earth to reign in glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will be sent to eternal punishment. The righteous will receive immortal bodies and be welcomed into eternal fellowship with God in a world where all things will be made new.

THE CHURCH 

All true believers, whether Jew or Gentile, male or female, rich or poor—people of all ages and races—make up the Church worldwide as God’s family. They should gather together in local churches for worship, prayer, fellowship, and teaching, in order to become conformed to the image of Christ and to become equipped to carry out the “Great Commission” that Christ gave His followers in Matthew 28:19-20.

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 13:5-7

What questions, if any, came to your mind as you read through the final six statements of the SRC Statement of Faith? What do you find most encouraging about SRC’s Statement of Faith? 

Read 1 Cor. 13:5-7 in two or three different translations? Which verse sticks out to you the most? Why do you think that is?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Proverbs 3 & 4

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for your spouse, or another loved one. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Spouse or Another Loved One:

1. Thank God for the miracle of your spouse and marriage or the loved one in your life.
2. Thank God for any way in which your spouse or loved one has changed your life.
3. Commit your spouse’s or loved one’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

Click here if you would like to provide feedback to help us make the daily devotional and scripture reading guide even better.

     Day 1: What We Believe: Part 1

THE SCRIPTURE 

The sole basis of our beliefs is the Bible, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is unique in that every portion and every word was inspired by the Holy Spirit. It was without error in the original manuscripts and has been passed down to us with great accuracy. It is the supreme and final authority in faith and life in this age.

GOD 

There is but one God, everywhere present; infinite in power and knowledge; perfect in justice, goodness, and love; Creator of the universe; eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each of whom possesses all the attributes of Deity and the characteristics of personality.

MAN 

God created the first man and woman in His own image and appointed them to rule and care for the earth. They lived in perfect relationship with God and each other. God instituted marriage, which is the life-long union of one man and one woman and the foundation for bearing and raising children in a family.

THE FALL 

The first man and woman doubted God’s goodness and rebelled against Him. In judgment, God brought death into the world and creation fell from its state of perfection. Since then, all human beings are born with a corrupted nature and without spiritual life and are under the wrath of God because of their sin.

JESUS CHRIST 

God the Father, by His own choice, for His own glory, and out of love for sinful men and women, sent his Son, Jesus, the Christ, into the world to reconcile sinners to Himself. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He was God in the flesh, both true God and true man. Jesus lived a sinless life and voluntarily suffered and died as our substitute to pay the penalty for our sins, thus satisfying God’s justice and declaring righteous all those who trust in Him alone.

THE RESURRECTION 

Three days after His crucifixion, God raised Jesus from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He lived and died. He bodily ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, makes intercession for His own.

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-4

What questions, if any, came to your mind as you read through the first six statements of the SRC Statement of Faith? What do you find most encouraging about SRC’s Statement of Faith? 

Read 1 Cor. 13:1-4 in two or three different translations? Which verse sticks out to you the most? Why do you think that is?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Proverbs 1 & 2

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Church:

1. Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
2. Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
3. Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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