New Series at Oasis

Let the series begin...
pure love

The Sweatshirts are Here!

In your anger do not sin...

"In your anger do not sin..."
Ephesians 4:26

Sometimes I wonder whether I'm preaching to middle school students or myself. I've been talking about anger at Oasis. How it's your natural sinful tendancy to push/hit back, when someone pushes/hits you...and how it's no different when it comes to words. When someone verbally lashes out at you or someone you care about, you want to verbally lash back. I had one of those opportunities last week. One of those instances where I wanted to say "game on". But then, I remembered what I tried to speak into students just two days prior, so I didn't. It was hard, but I know I chose rightly. I know that no one ever wins in those situations. I'm still a little ticked, but I know it'll pass. In light of eternity and the Kingdom work that needs to be done, it's ridiculous to waste any time or energy on.

I almost didn't go - that would have been sad

Louie Giglio

If you weren't at the Chris Tomlin - Louie Giglio - Matt Redman deal at the Morris Civic tonight, you missed out...big time! Wow! Seriously...Wow! I had already seen the show in Grand Rapids, but it wasn't anything like seeing it at the Morris Civic. The Morris Civic was so much cooler. First of all, worshipping in the Morris gave me a glimpse of what it will be like to worship in heaven. The architecture...or whatever you call that intricate detail on the walls...surrounding us was heavenly. Second, we had a much better view of the stage. Third, having Josiah and his sister right behind me made it all the more better. They are worshippers and they are hilariously fun! Finally, it was cool to share the experience with a dozen or so Oasis leaders, along with a boatload of GCC staff. That too reminds me of what heaven will be like.

Walk with me question of the day #6 - James 3 & 4

James 3 & 4 are full of some great stuff, especially about taming the tongue. Below are two of many great verses.

With the _______ we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:9-10

Submit yourselves, then, to God. _______ the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:7-8

Post or email me at jgregory@gccwired.com your answers.

It is Finished

A moment of celebration. Months and months and months and months ago, a few friends and I began the journey through the Bible when GCC was doing the "Old Testament Challenge". Well, as of yesterday, we officially made it through the entire Bible. Here are a few highlights...

Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (still dig second half of 1 Samuel 17:26, 1 Samuel 17:45, Proverbs, 18:21 and 2 Chronicles 16:9)

Favorite Testament: Old

Favorite Character Besides Jesus: Hands down, still David (although Ezra was pretty cool)

New Understanding:
1. Book of Hosea
2. Judah (tribes of Judah and Benjamin) vs. Israel (other tribes)
3. Adam's sin and it's effect to this day

Still Confusing: Revelation

Bible Summarized in Two Words: Remember Me

Book of the Bible I'm working on memorizing: John

Favorite Place to have Bible Study: Karens (she feeds us really well, it's usually the one and only home-cooked meal of the week)

What's next you might ask? Genesis! We're beginning Round 2, only this time we're studying the Bible chronologically.

Thanks Karen, Loretta, Wendy and Carole. I love going through life and the Bible with you!

Walk with me question of the day #5 - James 1 & 2

Great job...Over a dozen of you finished up Hebrews with me...now, after a brief pause, we're on to the book of James. The book was written by James, Jesus' brother, who was considered to be a pillar in the church (Galatians 2:9).

All of chapter one is worthy of memorizing, but there is one particular verse I love...

Do not merely _______ to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22

Chapter two talks about how Abraham was called God's friend...very cool!

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by ________, is dead.
James 2:17