Weekly Newsletter 03/31/2022
Greetings to you dear church!
I’m not a fan of philosophy, especially since Scripture warns us to not get caught up in it since it can lead us away from Christ (Col. 2:8). But what do we do when we consider a Christian thinker? I’m currently reading a short book by Martsinkovsky about a Christian thinker named Vladimir Sergeevich Solovyov. I’ll share some quotes below that have grabbed my attention. I hope that they’ll make you think more about the surrounding world from a biblical perspective.
“Love for a person without love for God degenerates into one-sided humanism, people-pleasing, making people into god, which turns into human adoration. Asceticism without love and humility, the mortification of flesh without love for God and people, creates a type that Solovyov calls ‘holy satan’” (pgs. 12-13).
“Leo Tolstoy talked specifically about this, considering this psychological fact, that a person to whom we’ve done some good, becomes pleasing to us; and in contrast, we avoid meeting with a person to whom we’ve done evil” (pg. 14).
Scripture passages that talk about these observations in the life of people:
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:18-20)
“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” (1 John 3:14)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21). It’s talking about the fact that where we invest or give ourselves, that becomes naturally more valuable.
Prayer for the ministry in Poland:
Beloved, we continue praying for the work of Joseph and Julie Sheremet among the refugees in Poland. Here is what they have asked us to pray for:
(1) The guidance of the Holy Spirit in serving the people who are going through loss, grief, pain, and tears… There are thousands of people, but we can only help some.
(2) Wisdom in helping people – there are more needs than we can fulfill so it is important to help those with the highest priority.
(3) The development of teamwork in helping people.
(4) Caring for the spiritual condition of believers who are serving the refugees – unfortunately there is a weakening in being in the Word and prayer.
(5) THE MOST IMPORTANT – IN EVERYTHING WE DO AND WILL DO – THAT CHRIST AND THE GOSPEL WOULD BE CENTRAL.
Announcements
Scripture To Memorize
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Today we begin another month of corporate reading of the Scripture. Here is the link for the plan: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/902-lets-read-the-bible-together-part-four/together/50403768/invitation?token=GUC_rYZcw1jS8c8IYScwDQ
Upcoming Services and Meetings
Saturday (9:00 AM) – Women’s prayer breakfast
Sunday services
- Worship Service in Russian at 9:00 AM
- Worship Service in English at 11:15 AM