The people of Israel complain:  “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost” as they lament the sad situation in which they find themselves.  But God is not done with them, or us.  We may go through those days when we feel discouraged or defeated, but God stands ready to breathe new life into us.

Worship this weekend: Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. – traditional worship

9:30 a.m. –  Sunday School and adult Bible study

10:30 a.m. –  contemporary worship

 December 8, 2013
Ezekiel 37:1-14

Key Verses: “Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: ‘I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people.’” Ezekiel 37:12-13

Time: late 500’s BCE

Background: The book of Ezekiel was written at a time when God’s people were in exile. The first chapters are proclamations of judgment for Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Later chapters, like the ones read today, include promises of restoration.

Ezekiel’s vision is a dramatic way for God to promise restoration. He tells Ezekiel to prophesy to a valley of dead bones, first renewing them with sinews and flesh, and finally bringing them to life with breath. This was an example of how God intended to bring Israel back to life, despite the despair they experienced at their exile.

Community: In what ways is your community dead or dying? What does it need to bring it back to life?

At Home: Think of a time when you needed to trust God, and God came through for you. Tell the story to one person this week. Thank God for God’s faithfulness.

Read This Week:
Monday, Dec 9, The Vision of the Chariot, Ezekiel 1:1-14

Tuesday, Dec 10, The Vision of the Chariot, Ezekiel 1:15-28

Wednesday, Dec 11, The Vision of the Scroll, Ezekiel 2:1-3:11

Thursday, Dec 12, The Vision of the New Temple, Ezekiel 40:1-19

Friday, Dec 13, The Vision of the New Temple, Ezekiel 40:20-37

Saturday, Dec 14, The Vision of the New Temple, Ezekiel 40:38-47

Next Week: Sunday, Dec 15, Return from Exile, Isaiah 55:1-11

 

 

This 4-session Bible study explores 4 word pictures in Isaiah and encourages participants to explore this book thoughtfully together:

• December 1^st — Peace for God’s People
  Isaiah 2:1-5
• December 8^th — Hope for God’s People
  Isaiah 11:1-10
• December 15^th — Joy for God’s People
  Isaiah 35:1-10
• December 22^nd — Promise for God’s People
  Isaiah 7:10-16

We will meet at 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings in the fellowship hall, and repeat the session on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. if there is enough interest.   Contact Pastor John with questions.

God’s people in exile were asked to bow down to other gods, but refused, and God delivered them.  What are we pressured to bow down to today, and will we stand for what is right?

Worship with Holy Communion this weekend –

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. traditional worship

9:30 a.m.  Sunday School and Adult Bible Study

10:30 a.m. Contemporary worship

 December 1, 2013
Daniel 3:1, 8-30

Key Verse:  “Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him.’” Daniel 2:28

Time: mid 500’s BCE

Background: The book of Daniel was written at a time when God’s people were in exile. They had been conquered and were being ruled by a succession of kings. These kings held terrible power and regularly behaved with evil intent.

Many of God’s people remained faithful, even in the face of danger. Three such followers were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They continued to worship God, even when the penalty was death.

King Nebuchadnezzar tried to have them burned in a furnace for failing to worship his gods. The three remained faithful, and God saved them from death. Their faithfulness, and God’s dramatic rescue, turned the mind of the king. He decreed that all people should respect their God, and he promoted the three to positions of power.

Community: What lies or false idols has culture perpetuated that influence the way your community behaves? How might God’s truth be told so as to influence your community differently?

At Home: To what cultural pressures have you bowed? Do one thing this week to resist the pressures of the world, and turn your attention toward God.

Read This Week:
Monday, Dec 2, Four Young Israelites at the Babylonian Court, Daniel 1:1-21

Tuesday, Dec 3, Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream, Daniel 2:1-16

Wednesday, Dec 4, God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream, Daniel 2:17-23

Thursday, Dec 5, Daniel Interprets the Dream, Daniel 2:24-35

Friday, Dec 6, Daniel Interprets the Dream, Daniel 2:36-45

Saturday, Dec 7, Daniel and His Friends Promoted, Daniel 2:46-49

 

Next Week: Sunday, Dec 8, Valley of Bones, Ezekiel 37:1-14

 

Begin your Thanksgiving celebration by taking time to honor the Giver of all good things as we join for a special service of Thanksgiving at 10:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.  We are privileged to have the ELC Senior Choir join in this beautiful traditional worship service!