Growing Together Blog

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Written by Sparky Pritchard Saturday, 17 October 2009 07:00

Who will ever forget the horror and tragedy of 9/11?  (I can’t tell you how often I have glanced at a clock and seen that it is 9:11 AM or PM and images rush back into my mind!)  Thousands of lives were lost in the attacks on twin towers of New York, at the Pentagon in D.C., and in the fields of Pennsylvania.  “Where was God in all of this?”  It’s a question many have asked.  And with the approach of Veterans Day, we have invited Lt. Col. (Ret) Brian Birdwell, a survivor of the terrorists attack at the Pentagon, to share how God “fit” into that ugly scene that left Birdwell marred for life.  The American Airlines jet struck just 20 yards from this man.  The ensuing explosion and fire threw him to the floor, a flaming mass.  By God’s grace and in His sovereign plan, Birdwell survived though severe burns covered 60% of his body.  Those who have heard his testimony have been moved to tears and strengthened in their faith.  I want you to experience this first hand.  Join us on Sunday night, November 8, at 6:30 P.M. as we honor veterans and celebrate our heritage in Patriotic song and a soul-stirring video presentation.  After the service you will have an opportunity to meet Lt. Col. (Ret) Birdwell at a reception in our Fellowship Hall and get a copy of his book, Refined by Fire.  To learn more about this man visit his website at www.facethefire.org

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Written by Michael Saunders Friday, 09 October 2009 16:14

There are a lot of things in life that don’t seem to make sense. Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are hurting…but why?

Let me ask you this, are you hurting? Are you going through a tough time? The odds are, you have gone through your fair share of problems. So what is God doing in all of this? He is Sovereign isn’t He? So if He’s in control, the natural conclusion would be that He could STOP the bleeding. He could STOP the hurting. So why hasn’t He?

I think it’s questions like this that lead a brother in Christ to these words:  “I  was  sure  by now, God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away,  stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen and it's still raining as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you“ and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.  And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where  I  am.  And every tear I've cried You hold in your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm.”

Don’t know where to go? Are you confused? Are you wondering why you’re going through what you’re going through? Tonight we will see the Biblical perspective on trials, until then; will you praise God for the storm you’re in? He knows. He cares. Just hang on to Him.

In Christ Alone,

Michael Saunders

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Written by Sparky Pritchard Monday, 05 October 2009 09:53

Times were hard and people were concerned.  The year is 1857.  Many believed, and rightly so, that America was a nation in decline spiritually, politically, and economically.  The evidence was all there.

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Written by Sparky Pritchard Friday, 25 September 2009 15:32

While explaining the nature of salvation in John 3, Jesus referred to a story from the days of Israel’s exodus from Egypt.  “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14).