Sermon Notes - First Church of God

The “I Am” Sayings of Jesus: Jesus as The Resurrection and the Life- John 11:1-45
November 3, 2024, by Pastor Kenny Howard
John 11:25, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the ______________ and the ______________. The one who

__________________ in me will _________________, even though they _______________;”

Jesus as the resurrection and the life:

(1) Jesus’ ____________________ to _________________ to Lazarus- 11:1-16

11:3, “So the __________________ sent _________________ to Jesus, ‘_______________, the one

you _________________ is ___________________.’ ”

11:5, “Now Jesus ________________ Martha and her _______________ and _______________.”

I Peter 5:7, “_______________ all your _____________ on him because he ____________ for you.”

(2) Jesus ________________ Lazarus’ __________________- 11:17-37

11:17, “On his _________________, Jesus found that _________________ had already been in the

tomb for ________________ days.”

11:35-36, “35 Jesus _____________. 36 Then the ____________ said, ‘_______________ how he

___________________ him!’ ”

Romans 12:15, “____________ with those who rejoice; ________ with those who _____________.”

(3) Jesus ______________ Lazarus from the ________________- 11:38-45

11:39, “ ‘Take ____________ the ___________,’ he said. ‘But, Lord,’ said Martha, the sister of the

__________ man, ‘by this time there is a _________ odor, for he has been there _________ days.’ ”

11:43, “When he had said this, Jesus called in a ______________ voice, ‘_________________,

come _____________________!’ ”

11:45, “Therefore ________________ of the _______________ who came to Mary, and _________

what He had done, ____________________ in Him.”

Jesus ___________________ and ________________ and we are to _________________ Jesus in a

life of ____________________ for the Lord.

Announcements

The Grief Support Ladies meeting will be at the church on November 7th (Thursday) at 10:30am and then they will be going to lunch for those who would like to go after the meeting. If you have any questions, please see Linda Snyder.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of November at the church on Friday and Saturday, November 8th and 9th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

We are setting aside Sunday, November 10th as Pastors Appreciation Day. We will be honoring our Pastors, Pastor Kenny and Sorina and Pastor Tim and Doris. We hope you can attend.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30 pm.

The ANNUAL BAZAAR, SWEET SHOPPE AND TURKEY DINNER is coming on Saturday, November 16 from 8AM to 2PM. The Turkey Dinner is served from 11 AM to 1 PM and costs $10. It takes many hands to prepare for this event. We will begin setting upon Wednesday night, Nov.13, after service and continue working on Thursday and Friday. Sign-up sheets are available for options to help. Donations for Yesterdays Treasures can be brought in after Election Day. We do not sell any clothing, furniture, or large items at this sale. Please sign up if you can bring something to sell in the Sweet Shoppe.

Church Outings are starting again in November! Any adult is welcome to sign up! We have a fun season planned! Please see the board in the entry with the Outings. A big thank you to Janice and Bob Chapman for doing a great job in the past years and for helping Janet Teal and myself (Sara Hobbs) to get started this year! The first sign-up sheet is for 11/21 to the Living Water boat tour and lunch at the Harbor side restaurant in Winter Haven. We will meet at Harborside for the outing at 10 am. We also have a limited number of tickets for Dr Darr's Christmas at South on December 14th at 3pm. There will be a bus sign-up sheet. You must have tickets prior to signing up for the bus. See Sara Hobbs for the tickets. They are $8.00. We hope that you will join us and take the opportunity to connect with some new and some familiar people on the outings!

Everyone is invited to come out to the church on Saturday, November 30th at 9 am to help decorate the church for Christmas. We will have breakfast, a devotion, and then we will decorate the church for Christmas.

The all-church, carry-in Christmas dinner will be on Sunday, December 1st after the morning service and the church will provide the meat.

There are many people we know that do not know Jesus. Our country has turned from the Lord. Is there anything we can do about these problems? Yes, we can pray! We have started a special prayer meeting at the church beginning on Thursdays at 11 am. We want to pray for unsaved people to come to the Lord and for America and the world to come to Christ! Everyone is welcome to join us for this important weekly prayer meeting at the church.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares seven “I am” statements which include: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the gate for the sheep.” “I am the good shepherd.” “I am the resurrection and the life.” “I am the way and the truth and the life.” “I am the vine.” What do these seven statements teach us and what can we learn from them? Join us during our Sunday morning services, as Pastor Kenny is leading a series from the Gospel of John titled, “The ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus.”

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

The Sunday School program is from 9:30-10:15 am. In the church library room in room 9, Bobby Steadman is teaching the Joy Sunday School class and Bill Taylor is teaching the Ambassadors class in the fellowship hall. In room 8, Autumn Beeman is leading the preschool class. In room 4, Sorina Howard teaching the grades 1st through 5th children’s class. In room 2, Myron Coon is teaching the middle school and high school youth class.

Join us for our midweek service on Wednesday at 7 pm. Pastor Kenny will be leading us in a Bible study in the Book of Acts. Pastor Tim leads in worship. Bonnie Taylor leads us in our testimonies of praise and with our prayer concerns. Doris Cox updates our prayer and praise list. The service is also on Facebook Live. The middle school and high school youth are meeting in the youth room. Sorina Howard is leading the grades 1-5 children’s class called, “Kids 4 Christ.” They meet in room 4. Autumn Beeman is leading the preschool class and they meet in room 8.

The church playground is for ages 2-12, it has 10 activities, it has a capacity for 40 kids, and it’s called, ‘the Gorilla.’ Also, the basketball court is up and is being used by the children and youth!

Leadership Council Sub Committees: 1. Missions/Worship/Spiritual Emphasis (Pastor Kenny Howard, Pastor Tim Cox, Dave Hepler, and Gloria Clay), 2. Physical Facilities/Vehicles/Custodial Supplies (Bobby Steadman, and non-Leadership Council members Bob Chapman, Chuck Fennell, Russ Sheffield, and Frank Vega), 3. Christian Education and Evangelism (Myron Coon, Tammy Anthis, Sam Harding, and non-Leadership Council members Neil Brown, Darlene Coon, and Bill Taylor).

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, November 3, 2024

John 11:1-45, “Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick.’ 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.’ 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go back to Judea.’ 8 ‘But Rabbi,’ they said, ‘a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?’

9 Jesus answered, ‘Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.’ 11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.’ 12 His disciples replied, ‘Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.’ 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’ 16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’ 17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 ‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.’23 Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ 24 Martha answered, ‘I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.’

25 Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ 27 ‘Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.’ 28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. ‘The Teacher is here,’ she said, ‘and is asking for you.’ 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 ‘Where have you laid him?’ he asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ 37 But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’ 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 ‘Take away the stone,’ he said. ‘But, Lord,’ said Martha, the sister of the dead man, ‘by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.’ 40 Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.’ 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’ 45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.”

The “I Am” Sayings of Jesus: Jesus as The Good Shepherd- John 10:1-18
October 27, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
John 10:11, “I am the _______________ shepherd. The good ___________________ lays down his

___________________ for the ____________________.”

There are ________________ references in the __________________ where ________________ is

_____________________ as a _______________________ and his people as ________________.

Psalm 23:1, “The _________________ is my ______________________; I shall not ___________.”

Jesus as the Good Shepherd:

(1) The _____________________ against __________________ shepherds- 10:1, 8, 10a

(2) The _____________ between the good _____________ and the ____________- 10:2-7, 9, 10b

Four characteristics of sheep in John 10:27-28

1. _________________ to the shepherd: 10:27a, “My sheep ______________ to ________ voice;”

2. ______________ the shepherd: 10:27b, “I _____________ them, and they _____________ me.”

3. ____________________: 10:28a, “I _______________ them ____________________ life,”

4. _________________ by the shepherd: 10:28b, “and they shall never _______________; no one

will ____________________ them out of my __________________.”

(3) The _________________ shepherd’s __________________ to the ______________- 10:11-18

10:14, “I am the __________________ shepherd; I ___________________ my sheep and my sheep

_____________ me”

John 15:13, “Greater _________________ has no one than this, that he lay down his ___________

for his ____________________.”

Do you ______________ the good ________________________? Do you ________________ the

Lord Jesus Christ?

The only _____________ you can know __________ as your ________________ is because Jesus

__________ on the cross for your ___________. Come to the ___________ Shepherd ___________.

Announcements
We will have a special baptism service this Sunday. Congratulations to our baptism candidates: Dawn Bauerlein, Hunter Harris, and Isabella (Bella) Montoya!

It’s that time again! We are accepting donations for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. The packing party will be on Tuesday, October 29th at 6 pm. If you have any questions, please see Darlene Terrell.

The monthly men’s meeting will be on Saturday, November 2nd at 8am at Golden Corral in Winter Haven. We will have a breakfast, meeting, and a devotion. Please sign-up on the signup sheet in the lobby if you are planning on attending.

We are setting aside Sunday, November 10th as Pastors Appreciation Day. We will be honoring our Pastors, Pastor Kenny and Sorina and Pastor Tim and Doris. We hope you can attend.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30 pm.

The TURKEY DINNER AND BAZAAR is coming up on Saturday, November 16 from 8AM to 2 PM. We need all kinds of help for this event. Sign-up sheets will be available.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of November at the church on Friday and Saturday, November 29th and 30th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The all-church, carry-in Christmas dinner will be on Sunday, December 1st after the morning service and the church will provide the meat.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

The “I Am” Sayings of Jesus: Jesus as the Door- John 10:7-10
October 20, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
A __________________ is usually a ________________ or sliding __________________ by which

an __________________ is _________________ and _______________________.

_____________________ is the ___________________ to God. The ______________ way you can

_________________ a relationship with _______________ is through __________________.

Jesus is the door to God: (1) The _______ addressed: 10:7a, “Therefore ________ said ________,”

John 1:11, “He ________________ to His ______________, and those who were His ___________

did not ___________________ Him.”

(2) The _______________ announced: 10:7b, “Very ______________ I ______________ you, I

am the __________________ for the ____________________.”

Jesus the _______________ of God came in a ______________: John 14:6, “I am the ________ and

the _______________ and the ____________. No one comes to the Father except through ______.”

(3) The _______________ and ________________ are ________________: 10:8, “_______ who

have come ______________ me are _________________ and ______________, but the _________

have not __________________ to _________________.”

John 10:5, “But they will ____________ follow a ____________; in fact, they will _________ away

from him _________________ they do not _________________ a stranger’s ______________.”

(4) The __________ extended: 10:9, “I am the ___________; whoever enters through ______ will

be _______________. They will come ________ and go ____________, and find _____________.”

(5) The ________________ is ___________________- 10:10

The _____________ Jesus is the _______________ to God is He is the_______________ way to be

______________. If you want to be ____________, you must come _____________ Jesus Christ. If

you want a ________________ with God, you must come through Jesus Christ. Enter ___________

Jesus Christ by repentance and faith to come to ______________ God.

Announcements
CWC will be sponsoring a SOUP, SALAD AND DESSERT LUNCH immediately following the service on Sunday, October 20th. Janice Chapman if you have any questions. All are welcome!

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of October at the church on Friday and Saturday, October 25th and 26th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

We will have a special baptism service on Sunday, October 27th. Please see Pastor Kenny if you would like to be baptized.

We are setting aside Sunday, November 10th as Pastors Appreciation Day. We will be honoring our Pastors, Pastor Kenny and Sorina and Pastor Tim and Doris. We hope you can attend.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, October 20, 2024

John 10:7-10, “7 Therefore Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ ”

The “I Am” Sayings of Jesus: Jesus as the Light of the World (part 2)- John 8:12-20

October 13, 2024, by Pastor Kenny

In a __________ full of ___________, Jesus is still the ___________ of the _______. But, has Jesus

________ up your __________? He can today, as you repent of your ______ and trust in ________.

The ________________ for _______________ as the _____________ of the world _____________

is at the Feast of ____________________.

Jesus as the light of the world:

(1) The ___________________- 8:12

John 9:5, “While I am in the ______________, I am the ______________ of the ______________.”

John 12:46, “I have _______________ into the _______________ as a _________________, so that

no one who _________________ in me should _____________ in _________________.”

(2) The ___________________: 8:13, “The Pharisees ___________________ him, ‘Here you are,

appearing as your own ________________; your __________________ is not _______________.’ ”

(3) The _______________ of the _______________- 8:14-18

John 8:14, “Jesus answered, ‘Even if I ____________ on my __________ behalf, my ____________

is ______________, for I know where I _____________ from and where I am _____________. But

you have no ____________ where I _____________ from or where I am _______________.’ ”

(4) The ___________________ about the __________________ of the __________________:

8:19a, “Then they _________________ him, ‘________________ is your _________________?’ ”

(5) The ___________________: 8:19b, “ ‘You do not _____________ me or my _____________,’

Jesus replied. ‘If you ________________ me, you would ______________ my Father also.’ ”

(6) The ____________________- 8:20

Jesus ___________________ for us and _____________ for us so that we could be _____________

to God. To have the promise of eternal life, ____________________from your ______________

and ________________ in Christ for your salvation.

Announcements
The CWC Meeting will be October 15 at 6:30 PM. NEIL BROWN will be sharing his experiences in serving and outreach with us. Please join us.

The first of the WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS will be on October 16. If YOU are WILLING TO COOK on any Wednesday night, PLEASE SIGN UP! This is the only way we can make this happen and raise money for our missionary outreach.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Thursday, October 17th at 6:30 pm.

CWC will be sponsoring a SOUP, SALAD AND DESSERT LUNCH immediately following the service on Sunday, October 20th. Sign-up sheets are available if you are able to prepare a pot of your favorite soup, provide crackers, or dessert. See Janice Chapman if you have any questions. If you can join us to eat, just show up, you don't need to sign up. All are welcome!

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of October at the church on Friday and Saturday, October 25th and 26th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

We will have a special baptism service on Sunday, October 27th. Please see Pastor Kenny if you would like to be baptized.

We are setting aside Sunday, November 10th as Pastors Appreciation Day. We will be honoring our Pastors, Pastor Kenny and Sorina and Pastor Tim and Doris. We hope you can attend.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, October 13, 2024

John 8:12-20, “12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ 13 The Pharisees challenged him, ‘Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.’

14 Jesus answered, ‘Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.’

19 Then they asked him, ‘Where is your father?’

‘You do not know me or my Father,’ Jesus replied. ‘If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’ 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.”

The “I Am” Sayings of Jesus: Jesus as the Light of the World (part 1)- John 8:12-20

October 6, 2024, by Pastor Kenny

Today, we will look at the _____________ of Jesus’ ‘I am’ ____________________ from the

Gospel of John: 8:12a, “When Jesus ___________________ again to the people, he ____________,

‘I am the _______________ of the ________________.’ ”

Jesus as the light of the world: (1) The ________________- 8:12

John 1:9, “There was the true ____________________ which, coming into the _______________,

____________________ every ____________________.”

John 3:21, “This is the _________________: _________________ has _______________ into the

_____________, but people loved ____________________ instead of _________________ because

their deeds were ____________________.”

John 9:5, “While I am in the ____________, I am the ________________ of the ______________.”

John 12:46, “I have come into the ______________ as a ___________________, so that no one who

___________________ in me should stay in ___________________.”

When Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” what does it mean?

1. Jesus is _________________

2. Jesus is __________________

Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my ______________ and my _____________—whom shall I ________?

The Lord is the stronghold of my _____________—of whom shall I be ________________?”

3. Jesus is _______________

During this _______________ today, Jesus tells us in John 8:12a, “_______am the ______________

of the ___________________” but Jesus also tells his ______________ in Matthew 5:14a, “______

are the ________________ of the _________________.”

As Christians, we are spiritual ______________, exposing spiritual __________________, so that

others may come to _______________, who is still the light of the _________________.

Announcements
The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, October 8th at 6:30 pm.

CWC will be sponsoring a SOUP, SALAD AND DESSERT LUNCH immediately following the service on Sunday, October 13. Sign-up sheets are available if you are able to prepare a pot of your favorite soup, provide crackers, or dessert. See Janice Chapman if you have any questions. If you can join us to eat, just show up, you don't need to sign up. All are welcome!

The CWC Meeting will be October 15 at 6:30 PM. NEIL BROWN will be sharing his experiences in serving and outreach with us. Please join us.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of October at the church on Friday and Saturday, October 25th and 26th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

We will have a special baptism service on Sunday, October 27th. Please see Pastor Kenny if you would like to be baptized.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, October 6, 2024

19 Then they asked him, ‘Where is your father?’

The “I Am” Sayings of Jesus: Jesus as the bread of life- John 6:22-71
September 29, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
From the Gospel of ____________, Jesus declares _____________ “I am” ______________ that we

will be _______________ during our Sunday morning services for the next several ____________.

Exodus 3:14, “God said to Moses, ‘I _______ WHO I ________. This is what you are to _________

to the ______________: ‘I __________ has ______________ me to ____________.’ ”

John 6:35, “Then _____________ declared, ‘I am the _______________ of ___________. Whoever

______________ to me will never go ________________, and whoever _________________ in me

will never be _________________.’ ”

Matthew 6:11, “_______________ us this _____________ our daily ______________.”

Jesus as the bread of life:

(1) The ________________- 6:22-29

(2) The ___________________ on _________________ from _________________- 6:30-40

(3) The ____________________- 6:41-71

John 6:47-50, “47 Very truly I _____________ you, the ______________ who ______________ has

_________________ life. 48 I am the ______________ of ______________. 49 Your ____________

ate the __________ in the _____________, yet they ____________. 50 But here is the ___________

that comes down from ____________, which anyone may ___________ and not ____________.”

John 6:58, “This is the ________________ that came down from _____________. Your _________

ate manna and ____________, but whoever __________ on this __________ will live __________.”

John 1:14a, “The ___________ became ____________ and made his ____________ among _____.”

John 6:68-69, “68 Simon Peter ________________ him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we _________? You

have the _______________ of _________________ life. 69 We have come to _____________ and to

______________ that you are the _______________ One of God.’ ”

Jesus is heaven’s _________________ for earth’s _________________.

Announcements
In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares seven “I am” statements which include: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the gate for the sheep.” “I am the good shepherd.” “I am the resurrection and the life.” “I am the way and the truth and the life.” “I am the vine.” What do these seven statements teach us and what can we learn from them? Join us during our Sunday morning services, as Pastor Kenny is leading a series from the Gospel of John titled, “The ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus.”

The Grief Support Ladies meeting will be at the church on October 3rd (Thursday) at 10:30am and then they will be going to lunch for those who would like to go after the meeting. If you have any questions, please see Linda Snyder.

The monthly men’s meeting will be on Saturday, October 5th at 8am at our church. We will have a breakfast, meeting, and a devotion. Please sign-up on the signup sheet in the lobby if you are planning on attending.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, October 8th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of October at the church on Friday and Saturday, October 25th and 26th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

We will have a special baptism service on Sunday, October 27th. Please see Pastor Kenny if you would like to be baptized.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, September 29, 2024

John 6:22-71, “22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’ 26 Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.’ 28 Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ 29 Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’

30 So they asked him, ‘What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ’

32 Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ 34 ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘always give us this bread.’

35 Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.’

41 At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ 42 They said, ‘Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?’

43 ‘Stop grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered. 44 ‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.’ 52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’

53 Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.’ 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?’ 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, ‘Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.’ 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.67 ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve.68 Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’

70 Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.”

Growing Up to Maturity: How to help the backslider- James 5:19-20, Galatians 6:1

September 22, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
How are we ________________ to _____________ a ______________ come ____________ to the

_____________? That is what we are going to _______________ this ___________________.

Issues of church responsibility and individual Christian accountability- Galatians 6:1

(1) _____________ responsibility of __________ a sinning Christian: 6:1a, “Brothers, if someone

is ____________ in a _________, you who are spiritual should _____________ him __________.”

Two words for sin from the Greek in the New Testament:

1. Hamartia- __________________ the _________________

2. Trespass- __________________ a known ________________ (the one used here)

(2) ___________________ accountability to not ________________- Galatians 6:1b

How to help the backslider- James 5:19-20

(1) The ___________________: 5:19a, “My ____________________,”

(2) The ___________: 5:19b, “if one of you should ___________ from the _________”

(3) The ______________: 5:19c, “and ______________ should bring him _________,”

(4) The _______________ of the ___________________: 5:20, “______________ this: Whoever

turns a ________________ from the ________________ of his way will _____________ him from

________________ and_________________ over a _______________ of _________________.”

Four ways to help bring the backslider back to faith in Christ

1. ____________ that the ________________ would come _____________ to ____________.

2. Don’t ________ to other people about the person’s_________ that does not ________ to know.

3. If you ___________ the Holy Spirit ____________ you to _______________the sinner in their

___________, there is a good chance the ___________________ will be _________________.

4. The most ________________ way to lead people ______________ in the _______________

is by __________________ them.

Announcements
The funeral service for Bettie Jackson will be at the church on Friday, September 20th. Visitation is at 9 am and the funeral service will be at 10 am. Please remember the family the Jackson family in prayer.

There are many people we know that do not know Jesus. Our country has turned from the Lord. Is there anything we can do about these problems? Yes, we can pray! We are going to be starting a special prayer meeting at the church beginning on Thursday, September 26th. We want to pray for unsaved people to come to the Lord and for America and the world to come to Christ! Everyone is welcome to join us for this important weekly prayer meeting at the church.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares seven “I am” statements which include: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the gate for the sheep.” “I am the good shepherd.” “I am the resurrection and the life.” “I am the way and the truth and the life.” “I am the vine.” What do these seven statements teach us and what can we learn from them? Join us during our Sunday morning services beginning on September 29th as Pastor Kenny is leading a series from the Gospel of John titled, “The ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus.”

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, October 8th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of October at the church on Friday and Saturday, October 25th and 26th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

We will have a special baptism service on Sunday, October 27th. Please see Pastor Kenny if you would like to be baptized.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

The Book of James teaches us about practical Chrisitan living where we are both to know God’s truth and apply God’s truth in our lives. Join us during our Sunday morning services, as Pastor Kenny is leading a series from James titled, “Growing Up to Maturity.”

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, September 22, 2024

James 5:19-20, “19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

Galatians 6:1, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”

Growing Up to Maturity: The Power of Prayer- James 5:13-18
September 15, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
When ____________ we ____________? When we desire people to be ___________? __________

When we desire to see people _____________? ____________ When you ________________ Jesus

into your life, you _______________.

____________ is the ______________ thread that brings together this ____________: prayer

of the ___________(5:13), the prayer of the ___________ (5:14-15), the prayers of

companions and ____________ for one another (5:16), and then __________ of the

righteous prophet, _____________ (5:17-18).

Biblical prayer:

(1) The ___________- 5:13-15 (three needs are listed)

1. The ___________: 5:13a, “Is any one of you in _____________? He should _________.”

2. The _________: 5:13b, “Is anyone __________? Let him sing _________ of ________.”

3. The _________: 5:14-15 5:14, “Is any one of you _________? He should call the

____________ of the church to _____________ over him and anoint him with oil in the

___________ of the Lord.”

(2) With ___________ _________: 5:16, “Therefore ___________ your ________ to each

other and ___________ for each other so that you may be _____________.”

(3) The ___________ of the ______________- 5:16b-17

5:16b, “The ___________ of a ___________ man is _____________and _____________.”

Four concluding comments concerning prayer from this passage:

1. ____________ for one another is ____________; ___________ it!

2. The use of __________assistance is necessary for _________ healing along with ____________

3. When ___________ comes from __________, be sure to give Him the ___________!

4. The purpose of prayer for the _________, and prayer in __________, is to lead us to _________

Announcements
Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of September at the church on Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

Our first regular CWC meeting of the fall will be on Tuesday, September 17th at 6:30 PM. Several important decisions will need to be made. We will also share in a time of reaching out to others. Please put it on the calendar and plan to attend.

The funeral service for Bettie Jackson will be at the church on Friday, September 20th. Visitation is at 9 am and the funeral service will be at 10 am. Please remember the family the Jackson family in prayer.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares seven “I am” statements which include: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the gate for the sheep.” “I am the good shepherd.” “I am the resurrection and the life.” “I am the way and the truth and the life.” “I am the vine.” What do these seven statements teach us and what can we learn from them? Join us during our Sunday morning services beginning on September 29th as Pastor Kenny is leading a series from the Gospel of John titled, “The ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus.”

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, October 8th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of October at the church on Friday and Saturday, October 25th and 26th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

We will have a special baptism service on Sunday, October 27th. Please see Pastor Kenny if you

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, September 15, 2024

James 5:13-18, “13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

Growing Up to Maturity: Be Patient Since the Lord is Coming Back! (part 2)- James 5:7-12

September 8, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
To ___________ for ____________ means to live a life of ______________ for ___________.

Matthew 16:24, “Then __________ said to his ___________, ‘If anyone would come ________ me,

he must ___________ himself and take up his ____________ and _____________ me.”

Patience in suffering:

(1) The ________________- 5:7-9

(2) The _____________: 5:10-11, “10 _____________, as an ______________ of ____________ in

the face of ______________, take the ____________ who ____________ in the __________ of the

____________. 11As you know, we consider _____________ those who have ______________. You

have ____________ of ____________ perseverance and have seen what the Lord ______________

brought about. The Lord is full of ________________ and ________________.’ ”

Job 1:21-22, “21 and said: ‘____________ I came from my mother’s ____________, and naked I will

__________. The Lord _________ and the Lord has _______ away; may the name of the Lord be

________.’ 22 In ________ this, _______ did not _______ by charging ________ with wrongdoing.”

(3) The _____________ for _____________ in our _____________: 5:12, “12___________ all, my

__________, do not ____________—not by ____________ or by ___________ or by ___________

else. Let your ‘______’ be yes, and your ‘_______,’ no, or you will be ______________.”

In Jesus Christ, we have __________ that God ________ us because He was willing to have His Son

____________ by crucifixion so that we could be __________________ of our _____________.

Jesus has already ____________ the___________. We need to __________ firm in His _________.

The only _______________ our ____________ has any purpose is because Jesus first ___________

and died for our sins and rose again on the third ___________. Our _______________ should be to

______________ Jesus into our lives by ______________ from our _____________ and trusting in

______________. Turn to Christ for your __________________ today.

Announcements
The annual choir workshop is Friday, September 6th from 6-8 pm and Saturday morning, September 7th from 9 am – noon. The choir will begin during our Sunday morning service on Sunday, September 8th! Please sign up in the lobby if you intend to come to the choir worship to sing in the choir.

The monthly men’s meeting will be on Saturday, September 7th at 8am at Golden Corral in Winter Haven. We will have a breakfast, meeting, and a devotion. Please sign-up on the signup sheet in the lobby if you are planning on attending.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30 pm.

We will have a Christian Education meeting in the fellowship hall before the midweek service on Wednesday, September 11th at 5:45 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of September at the church on Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares seven “I am” statements which include: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the gate for the sheep.” “I am the good shepherd.” “I am the resurrection and the life.” “I am the way and the truth and the life.” “I am the vine.” What do these seven statements teach us and what can we learn from them? Join us during our Sunday morning services beginning on September 29th as Pastor Kenny is leading a series from the Gospel of John titled, “The ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus.”

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

The Sunday School program is from 9:30-10:15 am. In the church library room in room 9, for the next three weeks, Dave and Deb Hepler are teaching the Joy Sunday School class and Bill Taylor is teaching the Ambassadors class in the fellowship hall. In room 8, Autumn Beeman is leading the preschool class. In room 4, Sorina Howard teaching the grades 1st through 5th children’s class. In room 2, Myron Coon is teaching the middle school and high school youth class.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, September 8, 2024

James 5:7-12, “7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned.”

Growing Up to Maturity: Be Patient Since the Lord is Coming Back! (part 1)- James 5:7-12

September 1, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
Luke 9:22, “And he said, ‘The _______________ of Man must _____________ many things and be

_________________ by the _______________________, the chief ____________________ and the

____________ of the law, and he must be __________________ and on the _________________

day be ______________to ________________.’ ”

Luke 9:23, “Then he said to them ______________: ‘Whoever ____________________ to be my

___________________ must ________________ themselves and take up their ____________ daily

and ________________ me.’ ”

Patience in suffering:

The _______ for __________ in this passage in the _______ language means, ‘________-suffering.’

(1) The ________________: 5:7-9, “7 Be ________________, then, ________________, until the

Lord’s __________________. _______________ how the farmer ____________ for the _________

to yield its valuable ____________ and how ____________ he is for the _____________ and spring

_____________. 8 ___________ too, be _____________ and stand ___________, because the Lord’s

____________ is _____________. 9 Don’t _____________ against each other,____________, or you

will be ______________. The _______________ is _________________ at the _____________!”

In a ________________ that despises patience, let us _______________ to be _____________ as

we wait for Jesus’ _______________.

We don’t know when ____________ will come back, but we are ___________ for His __________.

We are to be faithfully ________________ for Jesus to _______________ back.

We _______________ a ___________ who was ________________ with us.

God’s _________________ toward _______________ should lead us toward _________________.

The ________________ we should learn _______________ is because God was _______________

with us and he sent Jesus to die for our ________________. ________________ Christ today.

Announcements
Happy Labor Day Weekend!

The Grief Support Ladies meeting will be at the church on September 5th (Thursday) at 10:30am and then they will be going to lunch for those who would like to go after the meeting. If you have any questions, please see Linda Snyder.

The annual choir workshop is Friday, September 6th from 6-8 pm and Saturday morning, September 7th from 9 am – noon. The choir will begin during our Sunday morning service on Sunday, September 8th! Please sign up in the lobby if you intend to come to the choir worship to sing in the choir.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30 pm.

We will have a Christian Education meeting in the fellowship hall before the midweek service on Wednesday, September 11th at 5:45 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of September at the church on Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

Our first regular CWC meeting of the fall September 17th at 6:30 PM. Several important decisions will need to be made. We will also share in a time of reaching out to others. Please put it on the calendar and plan to attend.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares seven “I am” statements which include: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the gate for the sheep.” “I am the good shepherd.” “I am the resurrection and the life.” “I am the way and the truth and the life.” “I am the vine.” What do these seven statements teach us and what can we learn from them? Join us during our Sunday morning services beginning on September 29th as Pastor Kenny is leading a series from the Gospel of John titled, “The ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus.”

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, September 1, 2024

12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned.”

Growing Up to Maturity: How Should Christians Prepare for the Future? (part 2)- James 5:1-6

August 25, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
Jesus __________________ more time in his __________________ about money than on any other

_______________, except for the __________________ of ______________.

The __________ reason __________ made the __________ of __________ such a __________ part

of his __________ is because ___________ reveals the _____________ of the human ___________.

Warning to the Wealthy:

(1) The _____________ to ____________: 5:1, “Now ___________, you ___________ people,

____________ and _____________ because of the ___________ that is __________ upon you.”

(2) The ___________ revealed: 5:2-3b, “2Your ____________ has ___________, and __________

have eaten your clothes. 3Your ____________ and _________ are corroded. Their ___________ will

_______________ against you and ___________ your _______________ like ______________.”

(3) The _______________ illustrated (four sins are revealed)- 5:3c-6

1. ___________ wealth: 5:3c, “You have ___________ wealth in the ___________ days.”

2. __________ to _________ workers: 5:4, “4Look! The _________ you _______ to ________

the workmen who mowed your _____________ are _____________ out against you. The ________

of the _______________ have reached the ______________ of the Lord Almighty.”

3. _________ of _____________: 5:5, “5You have lived on earth in ______________ and self-

______________. You have _______________ yourselves in the ___________ of _____________.”

4. ______________ the _______________: 5:6, “6You have ________________ and murdered

________________ men, who were not _________________ you.”

Instead of being ______________ with an _________________ of more things for yourself, seek to

________________ God and other people by ______________ yourself generously to the ________

of the Kingdom.

Announcements
Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of August at the church on Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of September at the church on Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, August 25, 2024

James 5:1-6, “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.”

Growing Up to Maturity: How Should Christians Prepare for the Future? (part 1)- James 4:13-17

August 18, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
A typical _______________ we ask is how do we _______________ for the ________________?

The better _________________ is how do we _______________ for the ________________?

Warnings to the self-sufficient in business:

(1) To ____________ upon the ______________ is _____________: 4:13, “Now ____________,

you who __________, ‘Today or _____________ we will _________ to this or that ____________,

spend a _____________ there, carry on _______________ and make __________________.’ ”

(2) The _______________ of the ______________ is a ____________: 4:14a, “Why, you do not

even _________________ what will happen __________________.”

(3) The ____________ of the ___________ of time: 4:14b, “What is your __________? You are a

____________ that ______________ for a ______________ while and then ________________.”

(4) The right _____________ on _______________ with the passing _________________ of our

_______________: 4:15, “_______________, you ___________ to say, ‘_______ it is the Lord’s

______________, we will _______________ and do this or ______________.’ ”

(5) ________________ planning is _____________: 4:16, “As it is, you ______________ and

__________________. All such boasting is ______________.”

(6) The clear ____________: 4:17, “Anyone, then, who ___________ the ____________ he ought

to do and doesn’t ___________ it, ______________.”

Preparing for the future involves…

1. ________________ God with His ______________ for you

2. Recalling that God has ______________ for you and they are for ________________

3. Working to ___________ your _____________ and the ______________ in which you ______

The ___________ we can have a __________ and a ____________ is because ___________ gave us

that hope and future when he _____________ on the cross for our ________________.

Announcements
It’s that time again! We are accepting donations for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. The packing party will be on Tuesday, October 29th at 6 pm. If you have any questions, please see Darlene Terrell.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of August at the church on Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of September at the church on Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, August 18, 2024

James 4:13-17, “13 Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

Growing Up to Maturity: Church Conflicts that Create Barriers to Unity (part 2) -

James 4:1-12

August 11, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
James ____________ us that God’s ____________ and human _______________ must go together.

Struggle with unruly desires:

(1) The __________________- 4:1-4

(2) The ____________________ (revealed in two ways)- 4:5-10

1. Divine ________________- 4:5-6

2. _____________ response: 4:7-10, “7 ____________ yourselves, then, to God. ___________

the ____________, and he will ______________ from you. 8 Come __________ to God and he will

come ___________ to you. _______________ your _____________, you _______________, and

_____________ your ____________, you ______________-minded. 9 _____________, mourn and

__________. Change your ___________ to ____________ and your __________ to ____________.

10 _______________ yourselves before the ____________, and he will ___________ you _______.”

(3) Unruly ____________: 4:11-12, “11 _____________, do not ___________ one ____________.

Anyone who ______________ against his brother or _______________ him _____________ against

the law and judges it. When you ____________ the _________, you are not keeping it, but sitting in

___________ on it. 12 There is ___________ one ____________ and _________, the one who is able

to ___________ and _____________. But you—who are you to _________ your _____________?”

Four questions for reflection:

1. Am I a _____________ of ____________ or a ______________ of the _______________?

2. Am I _________________ to God?

3. Is my ______________ lifting others _________ or tearing others _______________?

4. Have I ______________ from ____________ and turned to ___________________?

Announcements
We are looking forward to Sundae Sunday which is happening on Sunday, August 11th right after the morning service.

It’s that time again! We are accepting donations for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. The packing party will be on Tuesday, October 29th at 6 pm.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, August 13th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of August at the church on Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of September at the church on Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, August 11, 2024

James 4:1-12, “1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”

Growing Up to Maturity: Church Conflicts that Create Barriers to Unity (part 1) -

James 4:1-12

August 4, 2024, by Pastor Kenny
When there is _____________ in the ____________, one side against another side, the __________

of the conflict is the _______________, as the church becomes __________________.

Struggle with unruly desires:

(1) The __________________- 4:1-4

4:1-2a, “1 What causes _________________ and quarrels _______________ you? Don’t they come

from your ________________ that _____________________ within you? 2 You want something but

don’t get it. You ______________ and _______________, but you cannot have what you want. You

______________ and ______________.”

According to James, there are three kinds of fights that people have:

1. Fights among _____________________- 4:1

2. Fights ____________________ ourselves- 4:2-3

3. Fights with _________________- 4:4

(2) The ____________________ (revealed in two ways)- 4:5-10

1. Divine ________________: 4:5-6, “5 Or do you think ___________________ says without

________________ that the _______________ he caused to ______________ in us _____________

intensely? 6 But he gives us more _____________. That is why ______________ says: ‘God opposes

the __________________ but gives _________________ to the ___________________.’ ”

Since our Lord Jesus _______________ himself and ____________ us, we should ______________

ourselves before God and _________________ God and one another.

Jesus not only sets an _______________ for us to ________________. Jesus’ suffering __________

is also the ________________ way we can be ______________ from our __________. __________

from your ________________ and trust in ____________________.

Announcements
The monthly men’s meeting will be on Saturday, August 3rd at 8am at Golden Corral in Winter Haven. We will have a breakfast, meeting, and a devotion. Please sign-up on the signup sheet in the lobby if you are planning on attending.

We will have a Memorial Service at the church for Herb Taylor on Saturday, August 3rd at 2 pm. Please remember the family of Herb Taylor in your prayers. After the service, we will have a potluck meal at the church to celebrate Herb’s life.

We are looking forward to Sundae Sunday which is happening on Sunday, August 11th right after the morning service. The sign -up sheets for donations of food are on the table in the lobby for this event.

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, August 13th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of August at the church on Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

The Sunday School program is from 9:30-10:15 am. In the church library room in room 9, for the next three weeks, Dave and Deb Hepler is teaching the Joy Sunday School class and Bill Taylor is teaching the Ambassadors class in the fellowship hall. In room 8, Autumn Beeman is leading the preschool class. In room 4, Sorina Howard teaching the grades 1st through 5th children’s class. In room 2, Myron Coon is teaching the middle school and high school youth class.

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, August 4, 2024

Growing Up to Maturity: How to Become Wise? - James 3:13-18, Matthew 7:24-27

July 28, 2024, by Pastor Kenny

The _______________ we are to __________ is on ______________ and his _____________.

Two responses to Jesus’ words- Matthew 7:24-27

(1) The ______________________ of the two men

The same ______________________- 7:24, 26
The same ____________________- 7:24, 26
The same ____________________- 7:25, 27

(2) The _____________________ of the two men

Different ______________________- 7:24, 26
Different _____________________- 7:24, 26
Different _____________________- 7:25, 27

Heavenly and earthly wisdom contrasted- James 3:13-18

(1) The _______________ of __________________ wisdom: 3:13, “13Who is _____________ and

________________ among you? Let him ______________ it by his good _________________, by

________________ done in the _______________ that comes from ________________.”

(2) __________________wisdom- 3:14-16

(3) ____________ wisdom: 3:17-18, “17 But the ___________ that comes from __________ is first

of all _________________; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of ______________ and

_____________ fruit, impartial and ________________.18 __________________ who sow in

________________ raise a harvest of ___________________.”

In _______________, we have a __________________ foundation.

Consider Jesus Christ, who did not just ________________ the _______________. He lived a life of

perfect __________________ to God. We should follow Jesus’ __________________ as we seek to

be _____________ of the _______________.

Announcements

Tonight is the last evening of VBS from 6-8 pm. Thank you everyone for a wonderful week of Vacation Bible School!

The Grief Support Ladies meeting will be at the church on August 1st (Thursday) at 10:30am and then they will be going to lunch for those who would like to go after the meeting. If you have any questions, please see Linda Snyder.

The monthly men’s meeting will be on Saturday, August 3rd at 8am at Golden Corral in Winter Haven. We will have a breakfast, meeting, and a devotion. Please sign-up on the signup sheet in the lobby if you are planning on attending.

We will have a Memorial Service at the church for Herb Taylor on Saturday, August 3rd at 2 pm. Please remember the family of Herb Taylor in your prayers.

We are looking forward to Sundae Sunday which is happening on Sunday, August 11th right after the morning service. The sign -up sheets for donations of food are on the table in the lobby for this event. 

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, August 13th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of August at the church on Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Join us for our midweek service on Wednesday at 7 pm. Pastor Kenny will be leading us in a Bible study in the Book of Acts. Pastor Tim leads in worship. Bonnie Taylor leads us in our testimonies of praise and with our prayer concerns. Doris Cox updates our prayer and praise list. The service is also on Facebook Live. Bobby Steadman is meeting with the middle school and high school youth in the youth room. Sorina Howard is leading the grades 1-5 children’s class called, “Kids 4 Christ.” They meet in room 4. Autumn Beeman is leading the preschool class and they meet in room 8.

Leadership Council Sub Committees: 1. Missions/Worship/Spiritual Emphasis (Pastor Kenny Howard, Pastor Tim Cox, Dave Hepler, and Gloria Clay), 2. Physical Facilities/Vehicles/Custodial Supplies (Bobby Steadman, and non-Leadership Council members Bob Chapman, Chuck Fennell, Russ Sheffield, and Frank Vega), 3. Christian Education and Evangelism (Myron Coon and Sam Harding).

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, July 28, 2024

James 3:13-18, “13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Matthew 7:24-27, “24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Growing Up to Maturity: Taming the Tongue- James 3:1-12

July 21, 2024, by Pastor Kenny

We would be ____________ to listen James’ strong _____________ about our use of ___________.

The trouble with the tongue:

(1) The ______________ against ____________: 3:1-2, “1 Not many of you should ____________

to be ______________, my brothers, _____________ you know that we who ____________ will be

___________ more ____________. 2 We all ___________ in many _______. If anyone is ________

at _______ in what he says, he is a _________ man, able to keep his whole _______ in _________.”

(2) The two __________________- 3:3-4

The __________ with bits in the mouths of horses: 3:3, “When we put __________ into the

____________ of ________ to make them _______ us, we can _________ the whole __________.”

The example of ___________ rudders: 3:4, “Or take ___________ as an example. Although

they are so _________ and are ___________ by strong ______________, they are steered by a very

______________ rudder wherever the ____________ wants to __________.”

(3) The __________: 3:5-8, “5 Likewise the __________ is a __________ part of the __________,

but it makes great boasts. _____________ what a great ____________ is set on ____________ by a

___________ spark. 6 The _____________ also is a ___________, a world of __________ among

the parts of the ____________. It __________ the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on

___________, and is itself set on fire by __________. 7 __________ kinds of ____________, birds,

reptiles and creatures of the sea are being ___________ and have been tamed by _________, 8 but no

man can tame the ______________. It is a restless ____________, full of deadly ______________.”

(4) The ___________________- 3:9-12

3:9-10, “9 With the ________________ we ________________ our Lord and Father, and with it we

__________ men, who have been made in God’s ___________. 10 Out of the ____________ mouth

come ______________ and ________________. My brothers, this should ___________ be.

Announcements

On Saturday, July 20th at 9 am, everyone is invited to the church to decorate the church for Vacation Bible School.

Sorina Howard and Autumn Beeman will be leading our final Vacation Bible School meeting after the morning service on Sunday, July 21st in the fellowship hall.

Vacation Bible School will be on Monday through Friday, July 22nd-26th. Make plans to attend and help volunteer as we have another exciting VBS! Join the action at First Church of God, Winter Haven, FL for exciting Bible stories, crafts, games, puppet skits, yummy snacks, and prizes. Bring your friends ages 3 - 8 eighth grade and join us each day, on Monday through Friday, July 22nd to July 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Registration is required. Parents, please call to register your child/ children at 863-956-4601 or via e-mail at pastor@fcogwh.org or you can register when you arrive at the church for Vacation Bible School. For further information, please call us at the phone listed above or visit our church’s Facebook page First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida), or our church website fcogwh.org.

We are looking forward to Sundae Sunday which is happening on Sunday, August 11th right after the morning service. The sign -up sheets for donations of food are on the table in the lobby for this event. 

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, August 13th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of August at the church on Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

The Sunday School program is from 9:30-10:15 am. In the church library room in room 9, Bobby Steadman is teaching the Joy Sunday School class and Stan Weisbrod is teaching the Ambassadors class in the fellowship hall. In room 8, Autumn Beeman is leading the preschool class. In room 4, Sorina Howard teaching the grades 1st through 5th children’s class. In room 2, Myron Coon is teaching the middle school and high school youth class.

Join us for our midweek service on Wednesday at 7 pm. Pastor Kenny will be leading us in a Bible study in the Book of Acts. Pastor Tim leads in worship. Bonnie Taylor leads us in our testimonies of praise and with our prayer concerns. Doris Cox updates our prayer and praise list. The service is also on Facebook Live. Bobby Steadman is meeting with the middle school and high school youth in the youth room. Sorina Howard is leading the grades 1-5 children’s class called, “Kids 4 Christ.” They meet in room 4. Autumn Beeman is leading the preschool class and they meet in room 8.

Leadership Council Sub Committees: 1. Missions/Worship/Spiritual Emphasis (Pastor Kenny Howard, Pastor Tim Cox, Dave Hepler, and Gloria Clay), 2. Physical Facilities/Vehicles/Custodial Supplies (Bobby Steadman, and non-Leadership Council members Bob Chapman, Chuck Fennell, Russ Sheffield, and Frank Vega), 3. Christian Education and Evangelism (Myron Coon and Sam Harding).

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Our church website: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, July 21, 2024

James 3:1-12, “1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Growing Up to Maturity: The Perfecting of Faith (part 1)- James 2:14-26

June 30, 2024, by Pastor Kenny

What is the _________________ between ____________ and ___________ for ________________

and Christian living?

The perfecting of faith:

(1) The __________: 2:14-17, “14 What __________ is it, my brothers, if a man _____________ to

have ___________ but has no ____________? Can such faith _____________ him? 15___________

a brother or sister is without __________ and daily ___________. 16 If one of you _____________ to

him, ‘__________, I _______ you ___________; keep __________ and well ______________,’ but

does ____________ about his physical _________, what good is it? 17 In the same way, ___________

by ______________, if it is not accompanied by ______________, is ________________.”

There are two ways we can choose to live:

_______________- living according to _______________ appetites and freedom
__________________- living under the _________________ of God’s ______________

(2) The ______________ answered: 2:18-19, “18 But someone will say, ‘You have _____________;

I have _____________.’ ____________ me your ___________ without ___________, and I will

show you my _____________ by what I __________. 19 You _______________ that there is one

___________. Good! Even the _______________ believe that—and ________________.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “4 ______, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is _____. 5 Love the LORD

your ________ with all your _________ and with all your _________ and with all your _________.”

God desires each one of us to ____________ to Him with ___________ and ____________, as we

______________ from our _____________ and put our whole ___________ in _____________.

Jesus Christ showed us _______________ what ________________ and _______________ working

together looks like when he _____________ on the cross for our _____________. Repent from your

__________, trust in _________________, and ______________ to the glory of God.

Announcements

The International Youth Convention will be in Orlando from Thursday, June 27th through Saturday, June 29th.

Ladies Weekend of Fellowship and Fun through Crafts, Scrapbooking, Puzzles and/or games. Come and stay all day or come for an hour or two and just visit. We will be meeting in Fellowship Hall. They will be meeting during the month of June at the church on Friday and Saturday, June 28th and 29th. The group will be starting at 1 pm on Friday and 9 am on Saturday. Please see Deb Hepler if interested in attending.

Pastor Kenny and Sorina will be on vacation from Monday, July 1st - Monday, July 8th.

The Grief Support Ladies meeting will be at the church on July 2nd (Tuesday) at 10:30am and then they will be going to lunch for those who would like to go after the meeting. If you have any questions, please see Linda Snyder.

On Wednesday, July 3rd at 6pm, Come join the youth, children, and their families for a celebration of the 4th of July on the 3rd. We will have grilled food, music, and sparklers - talk about dinner and a show! There is a sign-up sheet in the lobby to bring sides and desserts. We will all come together for this special time together during the midweek service time starting at 6 pm. Please see Pastor Tim if you have any questions. 

The church office will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in honor of Independence Day. God bless America!

The Leadership Council will be meeting at the church on Tuesday, July 9th at 6:30 pm.

The monthly men’s meeting will be on Saturday, July 13th at 8am at Golden Corral in Winter Haven. We will have a breakfast, meeting, and a devotion. Please sign-up on the signup sheet in the lobby if you are planning on attending.

We will have a group from our church going on a mission’s trip to the country of Guatemala on Monday, July 15th through Saturday, July 20th. If you would be interested in going on this exciting trip or have any questions, please see Pastor Tim.

On Saturday, July 20th at 9 am, everyone is invited to the church to decorate the church for Vacation Bible School.

The church office hours are from 9 am through noon on Monday through Friday.

Join us for our midweek service on Wednesday at 7 pm. Pastor Kenny will be leading us in a Bible study in the Book of Acts. Pastor Tim leads in worship. Bonnie Taylor leads us in our testimonies of praise and with our prayer concerns. Doris Cox updates our prayer and praise list. The service is also on Facebook Live. Bobby Steadman is meeting with the middle school and high school youth in the youth room. Sorina Howard is leading the grades 1-5 children’s class called, “Kids 4 Christ.” They meet in room 4. Autumn Beeman is leading the preschool class and they meet in room 8.

Leadership Council Sub Committees: 1. Missions/Worship/Spiritual Emphasis (Pastor Kenny Howard, Pastor Tim Cox, Dave Hepler, and Gloria Clay), 2. Physical Facilities/Vehicles/Custodial Supplies (Bobby Steadman, and non-Leadership Council members Bob Chapman, Chuck Fennell, Russ Sheffield, and Frank Vega), 3. Christian Education and Evangelism (Myron Coon and Sam Harding).

Watch Pastor Kenny’s morning online devotions on Tuesday and Thursday on our Facebook page (First Church of God (Winter Haven, Florida)).

Please look at our new church website and all the information there: fcogwh.org

Please see Sorina Howard or Autumn Beeman if you would like to help be a Children’s Church worker or a nursery worker during our Sunday morning services.

Scripture reading for Sunday morning, June 30, 2024

James 2:14-26, “14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

For Such a Time as This: Remembering What God Has Done for You
Esther 9:20-32, Ephesians 2:11-22
October 8, 2023, by Pastor Kenny

God has ______________ us to _______________ the great things He has ___________ for us.

________________ Purim when God _______________ His people from ___________ and his __________ decree against the __________.

The Establishment of the Festival of Purim:

The ____________ of _______________ (includes five parts)- 9:20-28

1. Mordecai’s ___________ calling for the __________________ of the 14-15 Adar- 9:20-22

2. The Jews ____________ Mordecai’s _____________- 9:23

3. The _______ for this _________ with a historical __________- 9:24-25

4. The _________________ of the name ‘________________’- 9:26a

5. The Jews _____________ of Purim ___________________- 9:26b-28

The _____________ letter of ______________ and Mordecai- 9:29-32

9:29, “So Queen ______________, daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the _________, wrote with full _______________ to ____________ this second ______________ concerning ___________________.”
Remembering what God has done for you:

(1) The _______________: Gentiles ___________from the Jews- 2:11-12

(2) The _________: In Christ, Jews and Gentiles are __________- 2:13-18

(3) The ___________: four ____________ for _______ humanity- 2:19-22

The Jews were to ____________ on ________ what God did to ________ them from death in _________. As Christians, we are to _____________ what God has _______ to save us from eternal _______ from our _____.

For Such a Time as This: How Great is Our God
Esther 9:1-19
October 1, 2023, by Pastor Kenny

Galatians 4:6, “Because you are his ________, God sent the _________ of his Son into our _______, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, ___________.’ ”

A great move of God in favor of the Jews:

The great ___________________- 9:1-3a

9:1b-2, “ 1 On this ________ the ______________ of the ____________ had ________________to ________________ them, but now the ___________ were ___________________ and the Jews got the upper hand over those who _______________ them. 2 The _____________ assembled in their cities in all the provinces of King Xerxes to ____________ those determined to __________ them.”

The great _________________- 9:3b-4

9:3b, “because _________ of Mordecai had ________________ them”

The great __________________- 9:5-10a

9:5, “The Jews ___________ down ________ their _______________ with the sword, ______________ and destroying them, and they did what they ________________ to those who ________________ them.”

Romans 8:31, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If ________ is ________ us, ___________ can be _______________ us?”

The great ______________________- 9:10b-16

The great _________________- 9:17-19

From Esther 9:1-19, we have seen a great ___________ of God in favor of the ________. How much more so do _________________ have God’s ____________ in our lives when we ________________ Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our _______ and rose again on the __________ day!

Today come to _________ in the _________ God that ___________ you.