Genesis 32 is quite a chapter, indeed!  We went from Jacob meeting some "angels of God" on his way home, to dividing all his property into two and sending half ahead of him as a present to his brother Esau.  Then we learn about how scared he was to see his brother after what he did to him, so he sent his family ahead of him that night.  Then, we find out he was alone that night, and wrestled with a 'man'.  All night.

Through chapter 32, Pastor Luke reminds us that God wanted to get Jacob face to face first, before being face to face with his brother Esau.  So this man, who was in a wrestling match with Jacob, was Jesus.  Who we know was a man.  

We know that God has the power, and could've overtaken or 'prevailed' as verse 25 calls it.  However, He does not.  He waits until morning, and then he gives Jacob a reminder that will stay with him for the rest of his life.  He touches Jacob's hip, and provides a physical representation of dependence on God.  Proof that God can change you - by just a touch.

Moses even records here, that the people understood what the permanent limp represented.  Yes, they had to slow down on their journey, or provide livestock for Jacob to ride.  But it was way more than that.  They wanted to remember that God is the one in control.  So to this day they do not eat any sinew from the thigh/hip area (verse 32).

How does this apply to us today?  Why would Moses record it like this?  Pastor Luke provides the answers - but you have to listen for yourself:

Youtube for entire recorded service Livestream https://youtube.com/live/Cp55zdLY2wU?feature=share

Vimeo Channel https://vimeo.com/807282862- sermon only

Spotify Podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/27gs2eU7J5Mz9Y5jOlaVik?si=5ffacd70629c47e1 - sermon only

Welcome to our weekly Liturgy!  We hope you continue to find it useful to see the way plan to worship our King in advance!

SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2023

ORDER OF WORSHIP:

Call To Worship - Psalm 96:1-4

Responsive song - All Praise to Him

ANNOUNCEMENTS / OFFERTORY

PASTORAL PRAYER

RESPONSIVE SCRIPTURE READING:  Psalm 108:1-13

Responsive song - I Stand in Awe

SERMON -  Pastor Luke Wartgow  "Reconciliation" Genesis 33

Hymn - 10,000 Reasons

Hymn - He Will Hold Me Fast

BAPTISM

BENEDICTION

Until we meet, have a blessed week!

We're excited for this weekend!  There is truly nothing like witnessing part of our church family publicly proclaim their faith...  We get to do this together this weekend!

 If you have questions about baptism - such as why?  How?  Do I need to, in order to be saved?  Please set up a time to speak with one of our Pastors - just email us here and we'll get back to you!  admin@carsonvalleybiblechurch.com

If you're ready to test the water, you'll have to email before this Thursday, March 23rd!

1 Peter 3:21-22  "and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him."

If you missed the News last week, our beloved Ken Douglas announced he would be stepping down as Elder for Carson Valley Bible Church on Sunday, March 12th.  If you weren't here to celebrate his long term committment serving at CVBC, you can watch the clip of that portion of the service here:  https://vimeo.com/808409870

Although we will miss him in some regards, he and Sharon will still be active in our church family!  If you know him, you can't keep a good man down!  If you'd like to sign one of the cards with your good wishes, they will be available at the Connect Desk this weekend...

All of us thank you Ken, for your dedication and service all these years!

 

Our church family is continuing to grow in Christ, and in our relationships with each other.  If you'd like to be a part of that, come and join one!  Right now there are 3 groups, getting bigger by the minute, which means yes!  We will have to add another!  :)

If you're not plugged into one, we are praying you are able to do so.  Jesus taught us having regular fellowship with other believers is so beneficial. There is a group for all schedules, even bi-weekly.  Try one out - you won't be disappointed!

  These groups are weekly or bi-weekly that meet to discuss the previous sermons being taught at CVBC.  Held at CVBC member's homes, or at the church due to weather lately!

Here is the schedule...

Wednesdays

This Community Group meets at 6:00pm in the Foothill and Waterloo Road area.  This group meets every other week.

Thursdays

Both of these groups meet in the Minden area at 6:00pm.  One meets every week, the other meets every other week.

These groups are special and always open for new attendees!  For more information, address, etc., please reach out to us here at the church - we'll direct you to your new best place to be during the week!  admin@carsonvalleybiblechurch.com.  

Hope to see you there!

Meet our new missionary team and hear about their awesome work at Love Justice International!

Here's the schedule for all of our weekly CVBC Bible studies...

Tuesdays

Every Tuesday at 5pm with "Blessed Hope"! 

Fridays

Men's Friday 9am bible study Pastor Luke is going to teach a book of Romans Bible Bootcamp. First Friday is 3/24/23.

Ladies Friday 9am bible studies every other Friday, from the Dr. Steve Lawson series, "Rejoice in the Lord" - a look at Paul's book of Phillipians.  If you haven't studied this incredible author's work, you will learn so much in this in depth study!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact admin@carsonvalleybiblechurch.com.  Have a great week!

Men's Breakfast - always the first Saturday of the month!

Join us a 9:00am for bibles and bacon... and more!

This week, you can see what we are singing by reading the Liturgy column above.  We're choosing to feature

"I Stand in Awe"

As we move into the Ressurection calendar, this 'new to us' hymn really identifies what the result of the Ressurection is.  Awe.

Mark Altrogge is a pastor at Saving Grace Church, in Indiana, PA.  He writes in 2015 how this particular song took multiple years to write, and maybe didn't even plan on finishing the hymn until prompted by a friend of his, who needed a song for Easter (https://theblazingcenter.com/2015/04/the-story-behind-the-song-i-stand-in-awe.html.)

 Not only did they get the benefit, but we do too.  Thanks Mark!

We hope you love these lyrics as much as we do...

You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp your infinite mercy?
Who can fathom the depth of your love?

You are beautiful beyond description
Yet God crushed You for my sin
In agony and deep affliction
Cut off that I might enter in.
Who can grasp such tender compassion?
Who can fathom this mercy so free?
You are beautiful beyond description
Lamb of God who died for me.

Chorus

And I stand, I stand in awe of you
I stand, I stand in awe of you
Holy God, to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of you.

Although we will repeat some of the lyrics, the melody and arrangment will take you to a place where you can stand, in awe.  

Looking forward to Sunday,

Trending in our culture the last few years, the word gratitude has been the subject of many a book, tv show, podcast, you name it.  Why?

Psychologists, psychiatrists and neurologists have been talking about this for years.  It might have been known (back in the day) as the "glass half full" metaphor, or optimism vs. pessimism, negative vs. positive.  But science finally figured out that yes, it actually has a physiological affect to our human brains.  On top of that, they've proven (yes, scientifically) that the brain can be 'rewired' for the desired effects.

Even modern science agrees positivity is healthier for our bodies and minds.  Their studies have shown that humans are inherently wired negative.

The common theme a few years ago is a gratitude journal, which can help 'rewire' us to think more about what we're grateful for, bringing it to the forefront of our awareness, and helping us to build those new pathways.  I think the suggestion was to write 5 things you were grateful for that day, in this journal.  Not a terrible idea, I might say!  But let me tell you about something better...

There is one true event in history that defines gratitude to me, and leaves anything else in this world far behind.   Can you guess what that is?

The Resurrection.

Folks, no other religion - ever known to man - claims a resurrection. None.  Certainly, none claim historical, physical evidence of the same.  Eyewitness accounts, and many, as well as the Holy Bible - which cross-references some of these personal, eyewitness accounts of the Jesus being alive after death.

To me, this is the ultimate reason for gratitude.  

I've done a search for that exact word in the bible.  Depending on the version you search for, all I could find was Colossians 3:16 (NIV):  "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."

Even though the literal word gratitude doesn't appear much in the word of God (possibly due to the culture's language at the time), you can bet there are many, many places that it is inferred.  In the online topical bible, I never even got to the end of reading the thankful scripture list! For example... https://www.openbible.info/topics/gratitude

However, in this particular verse Paul writes to the Colossians - Christ's message is the key subject/verb.  The Gospel.  The Good News of Christ.  

This friends, is the real gratitude journal.

But let me tell you about something else almost as good...

It's when you're a part of a church family, that has relationships with each other outside of Sundays. Outside of just corporate gatherings.  The real kind of relationships where food is shared together, fellowship and phone calls, and needs are met (even sometimes without asking).  People who are 'all in'.  People who are literally the feet of Jesus to each other, and to people they don't even know.

They are being Jesus in the world.

They have been Jesus to me, and to my family.

And I am forever grateful.  

I'm grateful for the preaching of the Gospel every weekend here at CVBC.  Pastor Luke, we see you.  And it's working...

Where is your gratitude 'all in'?  Do you talk about it?  Do you let it show?

My hope and prayer is we all have the freedom to show our gratitude, with the God-given emotions we so often supress.  Reason is, I don't think we will be supressing it when we meet our King face to face, do you?  What are we waiting for?

Join me in my Praise and Gratitude to the King.  May it be loud and clear!

Till He comes again,

Julie

"Gratitude" Brandon Lake:  https://youtu.be/dQdfs5S6jyA