calvary updates 09/26

It's harvest time...farmers are busy people this time of year

Farmers have invested so much time and resources throughout the spring and summer and now comes the gathering of all that the soil has produced. The apostle Paul develops three "fruits from our labor" analogies in 2 Timothy 2 concerning a soldier, an athlete and farmer.

3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. 5Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops. 7Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things (2 Timothy 2:3-7).

From this passage, I see three virtues being extolled. For the soldier he practices clarity of focus. The athlete competes according to the rules so integrity directs them. The farmer is rewarded for their hard work. Fruitfulness comes after intentional investment. 2 Timothy 2:2 speaks of a discipleship investment in people. 2And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

Our sermon series called Discipleship Alignment is concentrating in 2 Timothy 2. The rewards that come to the diligent in 2 Timothy are ultimately coming to Christians who invest in seeing that other believers thrive in their faith by intentional discipleship.

If we carefully tend to the gospel seed in the lives of fellow believers, we will often have the joy of witnessing "a harvest of righteousness..." (Hebrews 12:11). As the mind and heart of Jesus takes root and grows within us we are transformed and our lives produce fruit that nourish and feed others. We don't ever come to know Christ to keep his goodness and power to do good a secret.

Women's Flourish: September 23rd 10-12 noon 

Men's Breakfast. October 4th, Saturday at 8:30am

Adult/Teen Challenge October 5th the men will be visiting us in our morning service

New Member's Class October 12th immediately after church.

Harvest Festival  October 17th, Friday at 5:30pm, our 3rd annual.

 Bible Reading Plan - Chronological  and other reading plans can be found at biblestudytools.com

Who is the soldier seeking to please when he makes sure his life does not get side tracked in the affairs of the world in the above passage?

Be mindful to invite friends to join us for the visit on October 6th from the guys at Adult and Teen Challenge. They always put on a great program.

In Jesus joy,

Pastor Frank Winfrey