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The Bible is a love story
God is love. 1 John 4:16
For God so loved the world… John 3:16
May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. Ephesians 3:18 NLT
(Jesus asks) “Do you love me?” John 21:16
Personal relationship is at the heart of the gospel
1. The
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:2
The beloved of the LORD rests secure in Him… he rests between His shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12
2. The
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17
3. The
When you love someone
• You
• You
• You
• You
• You
(Jesus says) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
A prayer of commitment
“Lord, welcome into my life. Thank you for loving me so much you made a way for me to live in your love always. I want to turn away from sin and toward you. I believe in Jesus–that He died for my sins, was resurrected, and lives forever as Lord and Savior. I receive Jesus as Lord of my life. I want to grow in love. Help me love others as you love me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
QUESTIONS
For reflection and discussion
Have you done anything that you have difficulty believing God loves you in spite of? After reading Romans 8:1,2 and 1 John 4:16-19, what do you think God would say to you about that?
James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Have you found this to be true in your own life? Have you found any specific ways to regularly “draw near to God” that consistently bring you closer to God?
In the message, Rene said that when we love someone, we notice what they do, listen to what they say, thank them for what they do, serve them, and open our lives to them. How can you do those same things in your relationship with God?
- Read Revelation 3:20. Have you opened the door of your life to Jesus? Consider prayer of commitment above. If you have recently given your life to Christ, please email faith@tlc.org. We would love to encourage you and help you in your journey!
FALL FOOD DRIVE
Our goal: $200,000
Our deadline: Nov 19 (weekend before Thanksgiving)
Our local Second Harvest Food Bank is literally a bank of fresh produce and non-perishable food––one of the oldest and largest in the nation! In Santa Cruz County, 1 in 3 people face food insecurity at least intermittently. Zero food drive funds go to administration––it all goes to food for people! 65% more food is distributed now than pre-pandemic.
To give online, go to tlc.org/food.
Thank you for your generous and prayerful support!
“Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink?” “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:37,40)
LIFE AT TLC
STEPHEN MiNiSTRY
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one caring and prayer ministry. Twin Lakes Church equips and empowers Stephen Ministers to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. Visit our table in the lobby to learn more about this ministry, and our upcoming training in January!
ACTS OF KINDNESS MONTH
Community service projects around the county! Details at tlc.org/aok
WOMEN’S WORSHIP NIGHT
Wednesday, November 15 • 7 - 9pm • Women ages 9+ welcome. Light dessert and warm fall drinks will be served! Childcare available: pre-registration required at tlc.org/women
STAY CONNECTED
• Details on today’s announcements: tlc.org/life
• To get our daily devos, text tlc to 81411 or visit tlc.org/devos
• To receive our weekly newsletter,go to tlc.org/newsletter
• For a list of ways we can offer tangible help: tlc.org/help
• To receive prayer: tlc.org/prayer
• Participate in today’s offering: tlc.org/give
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
Nov. 5, 2023 – Organized by Christians worldwide, the IDOP is an annual, global event that unites Christians in prayer for the persecuted church.
From Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and beyond, over 360 million Christians now live in places where they face high levels of persecution, equating to one in seven Christians globally.
PRAYER POINTS:
• Pray for the safety and strength of persecuted Christians worldwide. Ask God to grant them courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Pray for governments in persecuted countries to uphold religious freedom and protect the rights of Christians and other religious minorities.
• Pray for policy changes that promote tolerance and respect for diverse beliefs.
• Pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones due to persecution. Ask God to provide them with comfort and support during their times of grief.
• Pray for the hearts of those who perpetrate violence and discrimination against Christians. Ask God to bring transformation and change their hearts towards love and understanding.
• Pray for a spirit of unity among Christians worldwide to stand in support of their persecuted brethren.
• Pray for increased awareness and advocacy efforts to address Christian persecution and protect religious freedoms for all.
“…we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8)