PART TWO :: PRAY UNTIL PEACE COMES

Have you ever noticed that God seems to get our attention more during the "bumps"of life than when things are going smoothly? During times of national crisis, church attendance skyrockets. During times of personal crisis, the same is true for us - we turn to God.

In the previous session, we said that God is at work even in uncertain times. It is good to know that he is working, but what should we be doing? How should we live in the midst of uncertainty? How can we keep from being overwhelmed by the fears and insecurities that often go hand in hand with uncertainty? God has a plan, and his plan is to replace our anxieties with peace.

See you Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Bobby

In light of current economic and social trends, perhaps the best word to describe how a lot of us are feeling right now is uncertain. We are uncertain about our jobs, our ability to pay our bills, and in some cases, our ability to retire. If that isn't enough, there is growing uncertainty about our national economy and the worldwide economy. So how are we supposed to respond to this kind of uncertainty? What are we supposed to do? And how should our faith impact our response? Andy Stanley explores these issues in this 3-part series, He's Still* Got the Whole World in His Hands.

PART ONE :: NOTHING NEW


Uncertainty.

As a society, we live in a world of uncertainty. Uncertain social conditions. Uncertain economic times. Uncertain global developments. Yet uncertainty is nothing new. The characters in the Bible experienced wildly fluctuating levels of uncertainty often feeling as if life was moving backwards or getting worse.

And the questions remain the same. Where's God? Is he going to show up? Is he still in control?

See you Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Bobby

Part Two :: Luring Them Into The Open

It grows in the darkness and shrinks from the light. It lodges itself inside your heart and begins to infect all of your relationships. Carrying it with you wherever you go, this creature called guilt becomes a heavy burden. But what can you do? How can you break its power over you? There is a way to gain freedom from the power of guilt and the method will surprise you.

I believe that God can use this one message to help so many people who feel like they are living defeated lives. Remember, we want to partner with you to reach people with the life-changing message of a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Invite someone this Sunday to come and experience the irresistible environments we are creating for adults and children.

Do what only you can do.

Invest and Invite

We'll do what only we can do.

Create irresistible environments where people are encouraged and equipped to pursue intimacy with God, community with insiders and influence with outsiders.

And we'll all trust God to do what only He can do.

Change lives!

If you missed Part One of "It Came From Within, just click here
and it will take you to our "Online Messages."

Memory Verses for Week One

Matthew 15:18 - "For what comes out of the mouth gets its start in heart."

Proverbs 4:23 - "Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that is where life starts."

See you Sunday for part 2 of "It Came From Within."

Bobby

Imagine That

We cannot wait for church tomorrow. We welcome back Brett Stanfill and the guys leading worship tomorrow. Waumba Land and UpStreet is ready to partner with our parents as we continue to create irresistible, fun environments for children.

Here's the set list:

The Time Has Come
Glory to God Forever
God of this City
Point of Difference

We also have a great opener, so you will not want to be late. Our lead pastor, Bobby Jones, will be concluding the "Imagine" series. Here's where we are going in part 3.

When you stop to think about it, it's almost impossible to imagine; a fledgling religious movement led by a crucified carpenter in the backwaters of the Roman Empire eventually took hold in the most advanced nations of the world and is still thriving two millennia later. Hard to imagine, but the powerful way Christianity spread across the globe can't be denied.

Don't miss Auburn Church tomorrow. You will also hear about our new partnership with an organization that will help us lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ around the world!

It will be one of our best services to date! See you at 11 a.m.

War Eagle!

Orange Families

Orange is a color that is actually the combination of two colors, red and yellow. Red and yellow are great, don't get me wrong. But combining red and yellow makes a color, orange, that is more vibrant, interesting, and alive than either of the two colors by themselves.

"Orange Families" is a dream to see parents and the church as powerful partners leading children in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. As the church partners with parents, something amazing can happen. Too often the church doesn't engage parents to be the primary leaders in the development of their child's faith. Too often parents drop their children off at church expecting the church to "fix" them. But at Auburn Church, we want to come together with parents with a common vision and strategy to lead the next generation into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Within the next few days, you will receive an introduction to your child's small group leader in Waumba Land and UpStreet. Our small group leaders are excited for the opportunity to partner with you. Also keep your eyes open for resources like the Refrigerator Door, God Time cards, Family Time Virtue packs and Small Talk cards. Each will help you continue the conversation and lead you child into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Can't go wrong going "ORANGE" in Auburn!

Bobby Jones
Lead Pastor

Staying Love :: Part One :: The "Juno" Dilemma

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love, being committed to each other, is a bit more difficult. Ever wonder if people can stay together for good...like people in love? Is it even possible for two people to stay happy together forever?

Yesterday, Andy Stanley shared with us that the plan to stay in love was given over 2000 years ago. In John 13:34, Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." If you are not careful, you will miss it. Jesus takes the word "love" that is usually used as a noun and makes it as a verb. Love (verb/action word) one another.

You can watch part one of "Staying in Love" here: The Juno Dilemma

Andy also gave us homework.

1. Read the following verses every day in preparation for part two of "Staying in Love."

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:3-8

2. Answer the following questions (Andy recommended that you work through these questions alone):

What is one thing you can do to show someone close to you that you value him or her above yourself?

What is one specific way you could show interest in the things that are most important to someone you love?

What act of service could you do for someone you love that would come as a shock to him or her?

What emotions surface when you think about acting on these ideas?

What keeps you from making these ideas habits in your relationship?

What would you do differently this week if your goal were to actively love the person you are closest to the way he or she desires?

Making love a verb,

Bobby

We all know what's required to fall in love.

A pulse.

Falling in love is easy. But staying there? That's something else entirely. With more than 1,500 matchmaker organizations in the United States, finding someone is easier than ever, but staying together seems to get more difficult every day.

So. . . is it possible for two people to fall in love and actually stay there? Absolutely! Find out how in Andy Stanley's 4-part series, "Staying In Love."

See you Sunday at 11 a.m.

Bobby