05-13-12. There’s an App for That: The Patience App

Be patient. Your suffering is temporary (James 5:7-11; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Be encouraged. You are not alone.

• Remember the example of those who’ve gone before (James 5:10-11; Hebrews 12:1).
• Reach out to those who are near you today (James 5:9; 13-16).

Be faithful. Trust in the goodness of God (James 5:11).

The INVESTMENT App from TOCC Media on Vimeo.

05-06-12. There’s an App for That: The Investment App

Your life is short. Do good with it. (James 4:13-17; Proverbs 23:4; Luke 12:15)

Your wealth is corrosive. Be generous with it. (James 5:1-3; 1 Timothy 6:9-10)

• Remember where it came from. (Deuteronomy 8:18; Chronicles 29:14)
• Remember who it belongs to. (Psalm 24:1; Malachi 3:8)
• Remember why you have it. (Luke 12:48; 1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Your integrity will leave a legacy. Be careful with it. (James 4:15; 5:4-6)

Next Week’s Message: “The HEALING App”

Why Should I Trust the Bible? from TOCC Media on Vimeo.

Claims – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Historical accuracy – 2 Peter 1:16

Remarkable consistency

Indestructibility – Mark 13:13; 1 Peter 1:23-25a

Science and prophecy – 2 Peter 1:19-21

True to life – Luke 6:37; Matthew 7:12; Ephesians 5:33

If you are looking to spend more time in the Bible (and you should), here are a few tips:

1. Find a Bible you can understand
2. Read it deliberately—Have a plan
3. Do what it says

Someone asked me recently if the 100th person to be baptized would receive something special. My initial reaction was “Probably not. 100 is just a number and every decision for Christ is just as special as the others.” But the more I thought about it I realized “Yes, they will actually receive several things that are pretty special.” They’ll receive a new heart as Jesus washes away all of their sins (Acts 22:16). They’ll receive new power as God gives them the gift of His Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). They’ll get a new set of clothes as Jesus dresses them with His righteousness (Galatians 3:27). They’ll receive new peace as God gives them full assurance of their salvation (1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16). They’ll receive a new start as He buries their old life and resurrects them to new life (Romans 6:3-4).

Wow!!! With all that in mind wouldn’t you love to be the 100th person baptized at Twin Oaks this year? Or the 99th, or 101st? If you’ve never been baptized by full immersion as an expression of your own faith in Christ, give me a call today and let’s set that up. As you open all of these gifts of grace from God this is sure to be your most blessed Christmas ever!

Decisions for Christ – Speaking of baptisms, we rejoiced last weekend as Cassy and Cheyenne Richards, and Melanie Mangiapane were baptized into Christ. Melanie and her husband Bobby also became official members of Twin Oaks. Put faces with their names at http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147812@N05/sets/72157603995712040 and welcome these folks next time you see them.

THIS SUNDAY - We’ll continue our “Shine Bright” message series with a look at “Shining Peace”. You may be surprised to know that many of the same things that threaten your peace this Christmas also threatened the peace of those in the Christmas story 2,000 years ago. Be here Sunday as we look at how the coming of Jesus shines the light of peace in our lives. Don’t forget, this is the best time of the year to invite a friend to come to Twin Oaks.

Birthday Present for Jesus – If you weren’t able to give your “Birthday Present for Jesus” offering last Sunday you can still do so this Sunday. There are special envelopes available at the Ministry Center and Information Center. Just write on the envelope whether you want it to go to the Building Fund or the General Fund.

Wish Upon a Star – Don’t forget to bring your gifts THIS SUNDAY, wrapped and with the star attached. There will be a time in the service for you to bring the gifts to the stage and give them as an offering to Jesus. After church they will be sorted and delivered to the Woodhaven schools (we could use a lot of volunteers to help sort the gifts).

Men’s Breakfast - Saturday, December 12 8am @ TOCC – Enjoy a warm breakfast and a sizzling hot bible study on this cold winter morning. No charge (free will offering taken) and no need to register just come in and join us.

Parents of teens meeting – THIS Sunday, right after the service, there is a meeting for all parents of middle and high school students. It will be brief, 20 minutes or less, and will release the schedule of events for 2010. Nathan will give you all the stuff coming up next year, including costs (so you’re not surprised the night before when little Jimmy says ‘I need $200 for this trip tomorrow’). You’ll also hear about what’s going on right now in student ministries, what’s coming up for parents, and have any questions you have answered. Hope you’ll be there

Hospital bed needed – Carolyn Adkins’ mom is trying to bring her stepfather home from the nursing home this weekend but is in need of a hospital bed. Unfortunately the VA will not provide one. If you know of a bed that they could borrow please contact Carolyn at (313) 580-2715 or AdkinsC@courts.mi.gov.

Cans for Cambodia – We forgot to remind you to bring your cans for Cambodia last week so the trailer will be out again this Sunday. If you have cans you’d like to donate to help us take God’s love to the girls of Rapha House bring them Sunday.

Christmas Eve – December 24th – 5 and 6:30pm. Christmas Eve is the most traditional thing we do all year. It is a very beautiful time of reflection through songs, carols, communion, and candle lighting that is guaranteed to move you and to bring your focus to Jesus – the greatest gift ever given. Invite your friends and family to join you for this special night. Make Christmas Eve at Twin Oaks a new part of your family tradition. Childcare for infants-toddlers will be provided (and we encourage parents to take advantage of it please).

New small groups – New small groups will soon be forming for January based on the “Why? Pursuing Answer to Life’s Biggest Questions” sermon series I’ll be starting January 10th. We’ll cover questions such as: Why Am I Here? Why Should I Believe in God? Why Should I Trust the Bible? Why is the World So Messed Up? Why the Conflict… Science and the Bible? Why Jesus? This will be a great series to bring your questioning friends to and a great small group to invite them to join. More details soon.

Poinsettias – Once again the church will be decorated with poinsettias for Christmas beginning this Sunday. After the 10:30 service on December 20th you may purchase these poinsettias for only $6 each (correct change would be appreciated).

Blood drive – Twin Oaks will be hosting a Red Cross blood drive again on Tuesday, January 5th. Please sign up Sunday at the Ministry Center to reserve your time.

Joke of the week - A sloth named Herman is walking through the forest one day. A gang of snails approach him and beat him up. He is left at the bottom of a tree with several cuts and bruises. Several hours later, he gathers up enough strength to go to a local police station. Herman walks into the sergeant’s office. "What happened to you?" the officer asks. "A gang of snails beat me up," Herman replies. "Can you describe what they looked like?" "I don’t know," the sloth says. "It all happened so fast."

Have a great week and I’ll see you (and your guests) Sunday,

Randy