FUEL - Week 4 - Exodus 20 The 10 Commandments

This week’s FUEL study is on Exodus 20 and the 10 commandments. It is so great to have the whole church studying the same thing from the message in the main auditorium to my kids in Promiseland! Click here for an inspiring 4 minute video done by Promiseland kids explaining the 10 Commandments:
mms://media2.willowcreek.org/weekend/LoveGodLoveAll1024073.wmv

As I am focused on the 10 commandments this week I thought it would be fun (or not so fun) to have a Commandment Quiz. I figured I am a decent person so I should be able to keep most of the commandments, how about you?

1. Have no other gods before Me
2. Do not make any idols
3. Do not misuse the name of the Lord
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy
5. Honor your Father and Mother
6. Do not murder
7. Do not commit adultery
8. Do not steal
9. Do not lie
10. Do not covet (like envy – instead be content with what you have)

So, how did I do? Well, at this point I’m thinking it’s none of your business… LOL!!! Let’s just say in my life I have struggled to keep less than half of them. And if you factor in Jesus’ teachings (Mt. 5:21-48) of “if you think of doing it, it is a sin,” I’ll have to offer up a big mayday, mayday, I am going down, can’t hold her together captain, I am taken on water.

This seems like a bit of a downer but in actuality it helps me understand myself better and the Bible better. If everyone kept these 10 simple principles what kind of world would this be? These principles are a window into the very heart of God. Know these and you will know Him deeply. I also realize that these commandments show how sinful I really am (Romans 7:7). This really clarifies things – The Father’s ways are incredibly wonderful and would make the world the right kind of place but we can’t live by the Father’s ways. So there is clearly a dilemma. Enter Christ. It is through Christ the gap between us and the Father is crossed and through Christ we can begin to live like the Father wants us to. The key is you have to know Christ.

The 10 commandments show us the problem of sin and how God would want us to live. Christ is the answer to our sin problem and He is the power for living God’s way. See this weekend’s message for an in depth explanation: http://www.willowcreek.org/fuel/videostream.asp

This week drink in divine octane and you will have the strength to live it out!

Algonquin Neighborhood Toy Sale Benefits Africa

Last month we had an amazing outpouring of God's love and compassion in the Dundee Crown Area. This was the fourth year that area Home Schoolers had their used toy sale to benefit kids in Africa. We have gone from earning $670 the first year to $1765 the second year to $3500 to help orphans in Africa and… Drum Roll please...... this year’s sale of toys as well as concessions and raffles raised over $4500!!

All of this money will go directly to Bright Hope International Kenya Refugee Project. This project aims to help 28 refugee children attend school by paying for the fees, books and uniforms for each child. The annual cost for a child to attend school in Kenya is $350. With the help of your contribution, we are able to send 13 of these refugee children to school this year.

Over 45 families donated thousands of toys, 20 adults and over 30 children donated their time and energy to the running of the sale. A prime location, great weather and a large community of shoppers made the toy sale a success. We give God the honor and the credit for blessing this event, and we are filled with thanks to Him for giving us the opportunity to make a difference!

Way to Go Barb Olsson, Jodi Gustafson and Friends!

FUEL - Week 3 - Exodus 13-14

This week’s FUEL study is on Exodus chapters 13-14. In this passage we see the Israelites are caught between the Egyptian Army and the Red Sea! Their backs are up against a wall! Pastor Hybel’s message this week gave us a great application of this passage. His message mentioned 3 things that tend to happen to us when our backs are against the wall:
1. We become scared
2. We get sarcastic
3. We start to think of Worst Case Scenarios

But God would rather we:
1. Fear not – for God is with us
2. Stand firm and face what is before us
3. Expect God to help

At the end of the service anyone whose back was against a wall was invited to stand to be prayed for, hundreds of people stood. There are so many people in our church and communities whose backs are up against the wall. Maybe you are one of them.

The FUEL of God’s word and time spent in it can propel you from being up against the wall to finding the deliverance God has for you.

You can view Pastor Hybel’s message at:
http://www.willowcreek.org/fuel/videostream.asp

Have a great week!

Ryan Boldt – Willow Creek Area Pastor for Dundee Crown
224.512.1325

FUEL - Drink it in... live it Out!

Hi Dundee Crown Area,

Don't forget about the FUEL Series/Study starting this weekend on the book of Exodus. This is a great 5-week study that will bring your church, devotional, and group life together in a powerful way. The church will provide great teaching, the study guide provides great devotional direction and group discussion.

Forming a group maybe easier than you think, Shoji and I decided to host a study for those who live on our street! Whether it is 2 people or 12 people, this is going to be a great opportunity to explore God's word and the Life of Moses. So take a risk and ask someone to join you for 5 weeks.

FUEL guides are available FREE at this weekend's service and $6 in the Seeds Bookstore thereafter.

Drink it in… Live it out,
Ryan Boldt - Willow Creek's Pastor for the Dundee Crown Area.