All human relationships come with the opportunity for tension. That means tension (and conflict) are inevitable. You can try and avoid tension by running from relationships, or you can learn how to deal with tension. We open our new series by looking at some key things to keep in mind in order to see your relationships survive when tension shows up. Join us at 9 am or 11 am to find out to the Biblical way to deal with tension in our Tension in our lives.

Join us Wednesday evening at 7 pm as we continue to study 1,2,3 John.

Holy Culture and Merge will meet in the Garage same time!

Want to hear what you missed last Sunday or listen again? Listen online at believersstatesboro.com.

Below are the Sermon Notes to follow along with!

Just the Way You Are Mother’s Day Believers Statesboro 05-13-12

Mothers live under a lot of pressure these days. They are expected to look perfect, be perfect, act perfect, be the encourager, and loving care giver in the home, and sometimes when we have a special day, like Mother’s Day, where we honor our mom and tell them how awesome they are, moms may actually feel a little inadequate, not that we are trying to make our moms feel that way, but they may be thinking, “I really wish I was all of those things that this card says that I am.” Then to make matters worse, many moms will head to church today and hear a message on The Virtuous Woman found in Proverbs 31, who is pretty much the ideal Mother.

Some moms will hear this taught on this Mother’s Day and they may just want to throw their hands up and quit. That’s not me. I can’t do all of that. Every mom is not designed to be a Proverbs 31 woman in every aspect listed in this text, but God has uniquely designed you “Just The Way You Are”, and we love you and God loves you “Just The Way You Are”.

Moms, today we want to encourage you and we want to give you the freedom to be and celebrate who you were created to be! Moms, if you are great and wonderful, if you are not always so great and wonderful, no problem, we extend to you unconditional love. Yes, we all have room for improvement, and yes, this text gives us great things to aspire too, but you don’t need to feel like you have to be the woman in this text. You just need to be who God created you to be. Be who God called you to be.

Because if you do… if you will be who God designed you to be, then you will be…

Prov 31:10-12

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. (NIV)

And if you are a faithful steward of the gifts God has given you …

Prov 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: (NIV)

We Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Ps 139:13-16

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV)

We Are Gifted

1 Cor 7:7 I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. (NIV)

Rom 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us… (NIV)

1 Pet 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV)

We All Are Created To Do Good Works

Eph 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

Prov 31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city

gate. (NIV)

We Have a Created Purpose

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no revelation (vision), the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law. (NKJV)

Acts 20:24 “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and

complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me– the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (NIV)

Matt 24:45-46 "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? "Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. (NKJ)

You Are Beautiful Just The Way You Are

Prov 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to

be praised. (NIV)

1 Pet 3:3-4

3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.

4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (NIV)

Prov. 31

28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Call the Church office if you would like to attend, 681.1440!

Also, give us a call if you are planning on attending New Member Class and did not sign up on your Communication Card. New Members Class will be this Sunday @ 5:30 p.m.

Moms, today we want to encourage you and we want to give you the freedom to be and celebrate who you were created to be! We extend to you unconditional love. Join us Sunday at Believers Church for Mother’s Day as we celebrate each and every Mother, “Just the Way You Are” at  9 and 11 a.m.

You are invited to join us Wednesday evening for “One Hour On Wednesday” bible study. We are currently studying 1,2,3 John. We will have a great time of worship, prayer and study so don’t miss Wednesday evenings at Believers!

Have YOUTH? Then drop them off in the “GARAGE” for MERGE & HOLY CULTURE! They will have a great time of fellowship and study.

We have something for the whole family-hope to see you this Wednesday!

Missed Sunday’s sermon or want to listen again?

Listen online @ http://believersstatesboro.com/home/audio-sermons/. Below are the notes!

Goodness – Eleven Years of Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness

Believers Statesboro 5-6-12

Ps 27:13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (NIV)

Goodness Expressed in Authenticity

Mission Statement To teach, encourage, and inspire Authentic Christianity to the people of Statesboro, Bulloch County and Surrounding Areas.

Au then tic \ 1: worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to fact or reality: TRUSTWORTHY. 2 a: not imaginary, false, or imitation

2 b: conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features

Characteristics of Authentic Christians:

· Authentic Christians honest look at their spiritual condition and seek forgiveness.

· Authentic Christians are willing to Change.

· Authentic Christians seek to live a Life of Holiness.

· Authentic Christians practice “The Divine Exchange”.

· Authentic Christians are Truly Free.

· Free from the Bondage of Sin.

· Free from the Spirit of Fear.

· Authentic Christians are People of Prayer.

It is Good to Teach Authentic Christianity (2 Tim 3:16-17)

It is Good to Encourage Authentic Christianity (Heb 3:12-13)

It is Good to Inspire Authentic Christianity (1 Cor 11:1)

Goodness Expressed in Love

“I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.” Forrest Gump

At Believers Church, we know how to love.

We may not be the smartest church, the largest church, the wealthiest church, or the most cutting-edge church. But we know something about love. Because love has been demonstrated to us.

Rom 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NKJ)

The second part of the Great Commandment says, “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.” Matt 22:39

LOVING ONE ANOTHER AS JESUS LOVES US

Eph 5:2 “And walk in love, (HOW?) as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” (NKJ)

LOVE STARTS AT HOME

Jn 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

“God is Love” 1 Jn 4:16

LOVE IS THE KEY TO AUTHENTIC MINISTRY!

Matt 9:35-36 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (NKJ)

CHRIST’S LOVE CONTROLS US, RESTRAINS US, AND COMPELS US.

2 Cor 5:13-15 Why do people serve at Believers Church? Why? Because they are compelled by Love!

Goodness Expressed in Acceptance

Eph 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, (NIV)

Rom 12:5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (NIV)

Rev 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, (NKJ)

Goodness Expressed in Forgiveness

Matt 18:21-35 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (NKJ)

Matt. 18:35 "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses." (NKJ)

I am still confident of this: As we walk in love, acceptance, and forgiveness we will continue to see the goodness of the LORD and this will be the land of the living. (NIV)

Ps 27:13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (NIV)

We are celebrating our 11 year anniversary at Believers Church this Sunday with a Picnic Celebration immediately after our 11 am service.  Make plans to attend the 9 am or 11 am service and then stay for great food, games, jumps for the kids and music!

Hey Believers,

Pastor Dan here. Wanted to be sure to remind you to send me your pictures for Mothers Day! We are trying to put together a short video with all the pictures you will be sending in to make our Moms feel special. Think of all they have done for us. Changed our stinky diapers as babies, kissed our scrapped knees, attended all our special events, gave us encouragement when we were down and so much more. If you are a young mom or dad, please send us a a picture of your children with their mom so we can be sure to include them in our Sunday service.

Send all pictures to danfriesen@me.com.

In addition to this, be sure to take your mom out to lunch on this special day. Give her a gift, write her a letter, just do something special for this very special lady. We love you Mom’s!

Pastor Dan

Bring your family and join us this Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. for an hour of prayer, worship and study!

Merge & Holy Culture will meet in the “Garage” at 7 p.m.

Sermon Notes from Sunday, 04-29-12, “Livin’ Forgiven.”

Forgiveness “Livin’ Forgiven”

April 29, 2012 Believers Statesboro

Listen online @ http://believersstatesboro.com/home/audio-sermons/

Col 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of

sins. (NIV)

Memory Verse

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn 1:9 (NIV)

WHEN I’M FORGVEN, GOD REPLACES…

· MY DOUBT WITH SECURITY.

Heb 10:17-18

17 Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."

18 And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. (NIV)

* On a scale of 1 to 10, how much doubt do you have about being forgiven? ____

· MY GUILT WITH PEACE.

Ps 38:4 My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. (NIV)

Acts 13:39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. (NIV)

*On a scale of 1 to 10, how much guilt do you experience from the past? ______

· MY GRUDGES WITH FREEDOM.

“Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life.” George McDonald

Col 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)

*On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you hold on to grudges? ______

· MY REGRET WITH HOPE.

Rom 4:7 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are

covered. (NIV)

Alexander Graham Bell said this, “When one door closes another opens, but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that which has opened for us.”

Katherine Mansfield said, “Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can’t build on it, it’s only good for wallowing in.”

* On a scale of 1 to 10, how much regret do you have in your life? _____

· MY FEAR WITH COURAGE.

2 Tim 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of

self-discipline. (NIV)

*On a scale of 1 to 10, how much fear do you live with? _____

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.” Heb 12:1 (NLT)

Prayer:

God, today I receive your forgiveness into my life. As you have forgiven me, help

me to forgive others. From this day forward, I want to live forgiven. Thank you.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

*Add your 5 scores together for a final score: _______

Forgiveness Scale:

1 – 15 – You are “Livin’ Forgiven.”

15 – 25 – You are able to receive and give forgiveness, but there is room for you to grow.

25 – 35 – You experience some forgiveness, but an inability to completely receive and

give forgiveness can cause emotional baggage and limit your freedom.

35 – 50 – You do not regularly experience forgiveness in your life from God or others. As a

result there is a lot of hurt in your life from the past and from your relationships.

My next step today is to:

□ Memorize 1 Jn 1:9.

□ Today, I want to begin “Livin’ Forgiven” by accepting God’s forgiveness for the very first time.

□ I will attend Life Group Orientation on Monday Night May 7^th, 7 p.m.

□ I will attend and invite a friend next week to Believers 11 Yr. Anniversary Picnic on May 6^th.

Community Group and Family Devotional Questions

1. If Jesus has already forgiven us of our sins, why do we need 1 Jn 1:9?

1. Rom 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

because through Jesus Christ the law of the Spirit of life

set me free from the law of sin and death. (NIV) Are we still in bondage to sin, or do we

just willfully participate from the things in which we are free?

3. We talked about five burdens that people carry around with them that God wants to replace with something good. Which one’s have you had to deal with the most?

4. How did you score on the Forgiveness Scale? What steps do you need to take to lower your score?

Don’t miss out on the fun tonight at Believers Church! Come to Kid stuff for some great worship and fun with you children & invite your friends!

We are introducing our May virtue, RESPONSIBILITY! PARENTS don’t miss this opportunity to praise, worship and learn with your children!

Bring along your favorite finger food for our After Party in the pavilion.

On a scale of one to ten, how much doubt, guilt, grudges, regret, and fear do you have in your life? Your score will determine if you are “Livin’ Forgiven”. Join us this Sunday and we will rank ourselves and figure out our score.

FORGIVENESS “Livin’ Forgiven”, Believers Statesboro, 04-29-12, 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

We began this series looking at God’s forgiveness of the woman caught in the act of adultery. Jesus offered her unconditional forgiveness with no condemnation. All she had to do was receive Jesus’ forgiveness and forgive herself. That power act of forgiveness would empower her to forgive others as well!

We are not told what happened to the woman after she left Jesus that day, but the question is…

Would she be able to live forgiven?

Well, that’s the same question you and I have to ask ourselves. Am I living forgiven? Have I received God’s forgiveness in my life and if I have received God’s forgiveness in my life, has it transformed my life radically, like only God’s forgiveness can do? Or am I still living the same life I was living before?