Weekly Message / Prayer Request

Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship

“For whatever things were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6 NKJV

As we continue to journey down this road together, endurance is certainly a key factor in the race ahead. For the life of a disciple is not a sprint to the finish line; but instead a marathon full of many different trials and hurdles that we must overcome.

The Apostle Paul understood this which is why he used the word patience here in this passage to describe the nature of the scriptures (Romans 15:4-6 NKJV). Probably no person endured as many trials and hurdles as a disciple of Christ then the Apostle Paul; but he endured them all and made it to the finish line with a sustaining faith in Jesus Christ.

Throughout each one of his thirteen letters in the New Testament, he continually referenced scripture from the Old Testament. Throughout his life as a Christian he continually professed the scripture and even charged others to preach the Word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Throughout his ministry Paul said that all scripture is given by and from the inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Each time the scriptures were mentioned and every time they were referenced, they were held out as a shining light to reveal the true nature of God during a time a great darkness.

And this light is our hope as well and the key to our endurance for the marathon ahead. Because the word patience that Paul used in this passage is the Greek word hupomonē (ὑπομονή) which is most commonly translated into the English word endurance—the ability to remain under tremendous weight and pressure without succumbing.

The world we are living in today is much like the day of Paul’s world. For the culture we are all a part of is continuing to move faster and faster and is becoming more about the sprint, then the marathon. Each day all of us are living under the tremendous weight and pressure of this world. Each day we find ourselves being pressured into keeping up with the pace or trying to fit in. And the darkness at times seems to be overwhelming when you watch the nightly news.

Paul understood these pressures because he lived them. The world was trying to do the same thing to him; but he knew the enduring nature of the Word and where to rest his hope. He connected his life to this light and throughout each trial endured by the strength of the Word.

The Apostle Peter knew this quality about the scriptures as well which is why he cited the prophet Isaiah:

“But the word of the Lord endures forever… Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:25 NKJV

Brothers, this is a marathon that we are a part of. It is a race that is going to take each one of us through various trials and difficulties. And this race is going to be run right through the darkness of this world.

Regardless upon how difficult the race may become or how much weight and pressure you may be under, remember that one thing endures forever—the word of the Lord.

Therefore in the weeks and months ahead may we connect our lives to this Word through prayer and love. May we begin to live a life similar to the Apostle Paul by making the scriptures an integral part of our lives. May the light of the Word connect us to the God of endurance who can sustain us through all difficulties and trials. May we run the marathon with endurance into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father to hear ‘well done, good and faithful servant…’ (Matthew 25:21)

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I look forward to meeting with you on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. We are going to be diving into discipleship during our time in the Word. Please be aware that we are going to be meeting in room C214 which is on the academy side. I look forward to spending time together in the Word, prayer, and fellowship with all of you as we journey together down the road of life…

Mark

Prayer requests

Jeff – pray for more quality time with children and family

Monte – pray that he may find a job and hear God’s wisdom and guidance as he deals with some financial trouble

Ramon – pray that his wife may be healed and that he may understand what she is going through

Mark – pray for the health of our unborn child, pray for financial discernment as we continue to adjust to our financial situation, pray that this group can continue to walk in the will of the Lord

Larry – pray for financial security as he works on building a new house near Arlington

Carmine – pray that he can find peace with his coworkers

Gary – pray for sister-in-law who has serious infection in organs, pray for wife Terry who may have to have surgery here in the near future to take care of a serious health issue

Tim – pray that he will continue to see how great life is when he walks with Christ (John 5:24)

Vince – pray that the Lord will continue to heal wife and her mental problems, pray the Lord will continue to help him in his financial needs

Steve S – pray that he can continue to find faith in God

Kelcy – praise God for this group and what the Lord is doing here

Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in his Bible reading, pray that all pain will be removed someday from his body

Greg – pray for his home small group and that it will make an impact on people’s lives

Ernie – pray for his wife who is having some pancreas problems and needs healing, pray that he may be able to sell his motor home

Brett S – pray for a small girl in his wife’s class which had a heart transplant

David – pray that he will continue to hear the Lord throughout his daily life, pray that new members will begin to find this group, pray the Lord will use this group for His purpose

Mike – pray that his interview will go well with the City of Everett

Bret – pray for rest, pray for a the right relationship with a girl he recently met

***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message


Continued prayer needs

Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college, pray that Nate will be able to find a job

Gary Cercone – pray that daughter Jennifer and grandson will receive continued blessings from the Lord

Norman – praise for the health of daughter in dealing with her seizures

Dick – pray for strength in new employment

Joe – pray that his condo may sell and that he may finally be settled here in Mukilteo

Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life


Future Meetings

Wednesday, May 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in room C214 on the academy side of the church

Wednesday, May 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church

Wednesday, May 28th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church


Memory Verse

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV