For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Romans 4:2-3
Like a skilled lawyer, Paul has been building his case that humanity abandoned God and that every person, Jew, and Gentile alike, stand guilty and condemned before Him. He has demonstrated that God's Law, which is perfect in every way, was not given to take away our guilt, but to make it all the more evident. Then, like a breath of fresh air on a beautiful morning sunrise, Paul pulls back the curtain to reveal what had been hidden for generations, "...the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe."
Crossing over into Chapter 4, Paul uses two prominent Old Testament figures to show both the "how" and the "blessing" of obtaining right standing with God by faith. He goes on to bring forward a question, an answer, and an explanation to further his argument that God's plan has always been to justify sinners through faith and not by works. I look forward to unpacking Romans 4:1-16 as we consider Abraham, A Portrait of Faith.
As we worship in fellowship, song, and the teaching of God's Word, we will also take time to worship by way of the bread and cup of Communion. In his first letter to the believers in Corinth, Paul exhorted the church to observe The Lord's Supper with the holy reverence it deserves. That each believer should "examine themselves" spiritually to ensure that are coming before The Lord with a clean heart that can celebrate the loving sacrifice Jesus made, with integrity. So, I encourage you on Saturday evening and again on Sunday morning to take time with The Lord, bringing any transgression before Him so that when you gather as the church, you are ready to worship Him collectively with nothing hidden, but with the fullness of joy that God's grace brings.
Looking forward to our time together.
Pastor Mike
Upcoming Events
December 4 - Cookies and Carols
December 11 - Drop and Shop
December 12 - Ladies Christmas event
December 13 - Aspire Christmas program and lunch
December 18 - Men's Breakfast
December 24 - Christmas Eve service
Welcome New Members
We are excited to welcome two new members to The Mission Church, Bill and Carol Coburn. As you encounter Bill and Carol in our hallways, please warmly welcome them. We're so glad they are here!
Cookies and Carols is TOMORROW!
Please join TOMORROW, Saturday, December 4 at 6:00 PM for Cookies and Carols! Will and his team will lead us in singing your favorite Christmas songs. Afterward, we will enjoy Christmas goodies in the TMC Café. If you would like to bring a plate of your favorite Christmas cookies to share please feel free to do so! We hope to see you there!
Ladies! This event is just for you. Make plans to join us for an afternoon of encouragement, fun and fellowship. We will laugh, cry and be encouraged! We will enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and sweet table as we hear an encouraging message from our guest speaker. We will spend a lovely afternoon together as we take time to focus our hearts on the real meaning of Christmas. What should you wear? Who should attend? All ladies are invited! Bring a friend, bring your mama, bring your daughters! All ages are encouraged to attend. And please, be comfortable. If that means your favorite sparkly Christmas sweater, perfect. If it means jeans and a sweatshirt.... also perfect. We just want you to come and be encouraged! This event is FREE, but please let us know you will be coming! RSVP by December 6th. Click HEREto register.
Men’s Breakfast
Men, join us for the last Men’s Breakfast of the year – hot breakfast, opportunities to learn, grow, be equipped, connect with men, and more. Saturday, Dec. 18 at 8 AM in the Community Room. RSVP here.
Sign up now for We Gather Together
Have you looked around at TMC and thought there are many people you haven’t met yet? Maybe you are relatively new and wonder how do I meet others at TMC? We have a new ministry to help you connect with others at TMC! Each group will meet once a month for three months - January, February, and March. “We Gather” groups will be formed for the purpose of fellowship and connection. New groups will form for April to June. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, December 15. Please clickHEREfor additional information and to sign up. Questions? Contactjchristiansen@themissiondsm.org.
Wednesday Night Meal This week is a new recipe: Taco casserole! We will offer a grilled cheese if you prefer. A chef salad will be available. A to-go meal can be ordered as well. $2 for kids, $3 for adults, $10 maximum family. ClickHERE to reserve your meal(s).
Mark your calendars!
Everyone! Please mark your calendar for Monday, December 13 at 10:30 AM. Aspire Homeschool Coop will be presenting their Christmas program and you are invited to attend! Immediately following the program there will be a lunch of ham, scalloped potatoes, veggie and dessert in the Community Room. Please RSVP for lunch by clicking HERE. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, December 8. A free-will offering will be taken to cover the cost of the meal.
Married Couples
Dream bigger, love better, and experience a deeper relationship with your spouse than ever before. In four brand-new video lessons, you'll learn from pastor, marriage counselor, and best-selling author Dr. Paul David Tripp. This on-demand conference also includes a Bonus Study Guide, to facilitate meaningful conversations with your spouse. TMC has purchased a streaming license for the entire church and would like to give you FREE access to this marriage resource! Start watching on-demand now until December 31, 2021. Feel free to share this with others at TMC, watch as a small group study, or use during your date nights! We hope that this intentional resource will foster intimacy and togetherness in your marriage with Jesus at the center and the gospel as the foundation. Bookmark this link for the conference videos and download the study guide here.
Global Partners Prayer Page
This week we are featuring Danny and Sarah Lightner. Click HEREfor the prayer bulletin.
We want to stay connected with you! If there’s anything you would like us to know, pray about or celebrate, please fill out the form HERE. If we can do anything to serve you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Sunday, December 5
Worship Service
We Sing Glory
Jesus Messiah
How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art
His Love is All I See
Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)
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