“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:4)

Given the reality of corruption in the world caused by evil desires, how do we escape?  How do we act responsibly in this world?  How do we keep from being drawn into the world and its ways?  How do we act so that the Spirit can produce the fruit in us?  Peter talks about two things.  First, he speaks about the calling and promises we have received in Christ.  Second, he speaks about what we are to do.

We combat corruption in the world by first realizing we have been called out of corruption by Christ's work on the cross.  We have been cleansed from our past sins and brought into a new spiritual reality-one of victory over death, and an glorious inheritance that awaits us.  It is crucial to Peter's instruction that we realize that we have been cleansed from sin.  Why would we want to return to indulge in that corruption once again?

Yet, based on our new spiritual reality in Christ, there are practical steps we must take so that we are not unfruitful.  We are to act by faith to grow in specific areas.  First we are to grow in “virtue” which can be understood as moral excellence and living a way that is honorable.  Next we must grow in knowledge-here Peter has wisdom in view that leads to self-control, perseverance and godliness.  In addition, our faith is Christ is to produce brotherly kindness and love.  These are choices of behavior.   When confronted with the desires of the flesh that would cause us to treat each other unkindly, we must resist those impulses, remember whose we are, and act accordingly.

As Peter says, we must make 'every effort' to grow in our knowledge of Christ. 

Calling Out Additional Shepherds and Deacons

Over the past weeks, we have been praying about calling out additional shepherds and deacons for the congregation.  Please pick up the forms on the back table.  We encourage everyone to respond. 
Use the forms on the back table for nominations.
If you have no one to nominate, please indicate that also.
Please put the forms in the box at the back of the auditorium
All information will be kept strictly confidential.
If you have not done so, please pick up a Green Connect Card that contains scriptures and notes concerning the Biblical qualifications.  If you have any questions, please see Charles or Mark.

Fielden & Janet Allison Travel Itinerary

October:
16-18 Leave Manzini, Swaziland and drive to Montepuez, Mozambique to Jeremy and Martha's.
20-21 Drive to Tanzania for some business in Dar es Salaam.
22 Drive to Tanga, TZ to spend the night with Tim and Rebecca Talley.
23 Drive to Nairobi and spend 2 nights.
25 Drive to Kisii, Kenya to hold a marriage workshop
29 To Mt. Elgon to visit the brethren and hold some meetings about the schools.

November:
1 Drive to Kampala, Uganda to spend the night in route to Arua, Uganda to teach a MF course.
2-6 Arua
7-8 Fort Portal, Uganda to do some mission team encouragement.
9-14 Mbarara, Uganda: Janet to teach a follow-up on our Marriage Workshop and Fielden to teach Hebrews.
15-19 Burundi to teach MF.
20-23 Travel to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and meet some friends.
24-25 Travel to Montepuez, MZ to spend Thanksgiving with our children.
25-30 In Montepuez

December:
1-3 Drive to our home in Swaziland.

October Hostess of the Month Betsy Tango