We've been studying the "I am's" of Jesus, and these next two Sundays we will be studying "I am the Alpha and the Omega". As we bring 2013 to a close, it's comforting to know God has the "last word" on the year - and as we begin 2014, it's good to know He has the "first and last word" on the new year! We'd love to see you at Open Door Sunday at 11:00 a.m.!

Sunday, Dec. 22, 11:00 A.M. will be our "Christmas Sunday". We will sing familiar Carols, read the Christmas story together, and take the Lord's Supper. You are welcomed to meet with us for this time of celebrating the birth of Christ.

You may have had this happen at work, or at a family gathering, or with a group of people - the topic gets to church/religion, and someone says, " Well, I don’t believe in God”. If you were wise, you just listened for awhile, and quite probably heard them describe a God that is nothing like the God of the Bible and you wanted to say, - and maybe you did - “I don’t believe in that god, either.” And you wanted to help them learn what God is really like – and that’s not always easy! You want a concise way to describe the God of the Bible – what is He like? Moses felt the same way when he was at the burning bush - Ex. 3:13 - "Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, "the God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is His Name?" Then what shall I tell them?" v. 14 - God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM has sent me to you." We often read that and say, "Gee, thanks. That helps a lot!" But it does when we learn that the name "I AM" comes from the Hebrew word YHWH, which is Jehovah, which is the name God uses when He wants us to know that He is a PERSONAL God. You may know the "compound Names" for God in the OT: "The Lord our provider", "The Lord our shepherd", "The Lord our peace", etc. IN fact, in v. 15, God basically tells Moses - "this is My Name forever." Jehovah - the personal God! We know the ultimate revelation of what God is like is in Jesus – “The Word was made flesh”, “If you’ve seen Me you’ve seen the Father.” And it’s interesting that 7 times, as recorded by John, Jesus picks up on the Father’s “I am” statement, and elaborates: "I am......" and we’ll be studying those descriptions in coming weeks. I hope to see you Sunday at Open Door!

Wow, I didn't realize how long it's been since I've posted here! I apologize. Sunday, Nov. 3, we conclude our study of David's life by looking at the prayer he prayed at the end of His life. I hope to see you tomorrow - and remember to turn your clocks BACK one hour before going to bed tonight!!

As we continue to study David's life, we enter a very dark time for him. He has sinned, and now he's paying the consequences. I encourage you to read II Samuel 12 - 18 in preparation for our lessons Sept. 8 and 15. On the 8th we will see what David teaches us about how to keep walking through a valley. On the 15th we will learn how to pray when you're overwhelmed.

"I've fallen, and I can't get up!" I'm sure you remember that commercial. Sunday, Aug. 25, we will study the steps that led to David's sin with Bathsheba (adultery) and her husband (murder) - "I've fallen." Sunday, Sept. 1 we will look at David's repentance and restoration - "I can and will get up!" What wonderful news! "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us..." I look forward to seeing you at Open Door at 11 a.m. Sunday!

Sometimes we say "God didn't answer my prayer" - but He did, and the answer was "no!" We don't like "no" as an answer. Children don't think "no" is an answer when they ask their parents for something; and we adults often exhibit the same characteristic! When God says "no", there's a reason. I invite you to meet with us Sunday at 11:00 A.M. at Open Door Community Church to learn what to do "When God Says 'No'".

There are many well-known people who teach on worship. I wonder what people would pay to hear King David teach on worship? Meet with us Sunday, July 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door - it's free!! - as we study I Chronicles 16 - David teaching on worship.

David is finally King over all Israel! It's taken 22 1/2 years, but the dream is finally realized! One of the first actions David takes is to bring the Ark (the symbol of God's presence) to his headquarters in Jerusalem. Some very interesting events happen - at least one will make you go, "Why did God do that?" In preparation for our study Sunday,July 21, at 11:00 A.M. at Open Door, please read II Sam. 6:1 - 11 and I Chronicles 15:2, 13-15.

Lessons from David

We are continuing our study of the life of David. This Sunday (July 7) we will be looking at some of the character qualities that went into making him "a man after God's own heart." These are qualities each of us can build into our lives. I hope you can meet with us at 11 a.m. at Open Door Community Church!

One of the hardest things for me to do is wait. It feels as if I'm not doing anything productive! Our family's done a lot of "waiting" this year - I imagine you have, too! In my work as a health-care Chaplain, I spend many hours waiting with families. Sometimes waiting is the hardest part of their whole experience - at least that's what they tell me! In our study of King David's life, we learn he did a lot of waiting, too. Here's the chronology of his life, as best as we can put it together. David was about 15 when he was anointed to be the next King. He killed Goliath not long after that. He spent about 7 years in the Palace, being Saul's musician. During this time he marries Saul's daughter Michael, and Saul tries on numerous occasions to kill him. This phase comes to an end in I Sam. 19:10 when David escapes from Saul. He's 22 or so when he begins his life living in caves and the wilderness. This period of David "on the run" from Saul lasts for about 8 years, until Saul dies in I Sam. 31. II Sam. 5:3 tells us that David was 30 when he began to reign over Judah - but it was another 7 1/2 years until he began to reign over all Judah and Israel. Are you following this? The period from David being anointed by Samuel to be the next King, until he becomes King over Judah is 15 years - and other 7 1/2 years until the prophecy is totally fulfilled. He reigned over Judah 40 years, and over all Israel and Judah for 33 years. AND HE HAD TO WAIT OVER 15 YEARS TO BEGIN, AND 22 ½ YEARS TO SEE THE FULL FULFILMENT!!! There are temptations that are unique to "the waiting room." Please read I Sam. 24 in preparation for our study this Sunday, and pick up on this key principle from David's life: WHILE YOU'RE WAITING for the promise to be fulfilled, stay true to your principles! I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 11 a.m. at Open Door Community Church!

THE ORIGINAL "DEAR ABBY" - I Samuel 25 - is our study for Mothers' Day. You are welcome to meet with us at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door Community Church.

"Keeping Your Balance When Things Seem Out Of Control" I Samuel 18 - 21:9 This is the topic for Sunday, April 21. One of the keys to keeping your balance through the challenging times of life is to lean on trusted friends. Among the areas we'll be studying will be "the marks of a good friend." I encourage you to read I Sam. 18 - 21 in preparation for our study together Sunday!

Pollster George Gallup, Jr., reports that about 80% of people surveyed for his study of “The Next American Spirituality” acknowledge a desire to “experience spiritual growth.” My guess is that most people who visit a Pastor's blog share that desire. For some of us, that desire is minimal and our spiritual journey is at a very early stage. Others of us have been on our spiritual journey for years, and the desire for spiritual growth is one of our main priorities. King David was on a spiritual journey. God Himself calls David “a man after My heart.” (I Sam. 13:14, Acts 13:22) This should encourage us on our journey, because the Scripture doesn't present David as some super-hero but as a real flesh and blood human being, with strengths and weaknesses. He is famous for his victories (Goliath), and infamous for his failures (Bathsheba). He was a poet (he wrote most of the Psalms), and he was a soldier. But, through it all, he was on a spiritual journey. Sixty-six chapters of the Old Testament talk about his life, and there are fifty-nine references to his life in the New Testament. David takes on added significance when we remember that Jesus came from David’s lineage, and is often called “The Son of David.” Using David as our guide, Sunday, April 7, we begin a series of studies entitled, “LIVING A LIFE THAT COUNTS: LESSONS FOR THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY”. We will be looking at such topics as: How God prepares us for our destiny How to overcome the obstacles in our lives How to deal with the different types of people we meet on the journey What to do when you hit bottom What to do when you “really mess up” April 7's message will be from I Samuel 16. I encourage you to read I Samuel 15 and 16 this week in preparation for our time together next Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Open Door Community Church 607 Shartom Dr. Augusta, Ga. 706-860-3007 www.opendoorcommunity.net

HAPPY EASTER! You are invited to celebrate the most important day in history with us at Open Door. 10:00 A.M. Adult Small Group 11:00 A.M. MORNING CELEBRATION - we'll be talking about the HOPE Easter brings us!

TIME CHANGE!! Remember to turn your clocks AHEAD one hour this evening. Tomorrow at 11 a.m. we will be continuing to look at Christ's Words from the Cross.

CHRIST'S WORDS FROM THE CROSS Some of the most sacred words recorded in the Bible are Christ's words from the cross. We will be studying these words during March. March 3: Words of Forgiveness and Salvation March 10: Words of Human Suffering March 17: Words of Victory and Triumph! March 24 is Palm Sunday, and we will be partaking of The Lord's Supper together. March 31 is Easter - make your plans to bring someone with you as we celebrate the Resurrection! We welcome you to meet with us Sundays at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door Community Church.

Please read I Samuel 13 and 14 in preparation for Feb. 17's study. Notice the difference in how Jonathan and Saul react to crisis. Which are you more like?

We are currently studying I Samuel. Sunday, Feb. 3, we will be looking at chapter 9 - what do lost donkeys have to do with God's will? It's an exciting study! I invite you to meet with us at Open Door at 11 a.m.

Eli, Samuel, God - and us! In preparation for our time together Sunday at 11 a.m, I encourage you to read I Samuel 2 and 3. Look for these truths: 1. You don't have to be perfect to help others. 2. Circumstances don't have to be perfect for God to speak to you! I'm excited about sharing this lesson!

HAVE YOU THANKED GOD TODAY? One of the challenges I face is to be grateful. I don't have trouble asking God for things, but I could do better at thanking Him when He answers my prayers! I have an idea you face the same challenge! I invite you to join us at Open Door Sunday, Jan. 13, at 11:00 a.m., as we study I Samuel 2:1-10, and allow Hannah to teach us to thank God for His answers!