Our small groups are continuing their study of James, and this week’s lesson—built around chapter 3—offered a powerful reminder about the impact of our words. James spends an entire section of his letter reminding Christians of the potentially destructive power of words.

Words are powerful. A simple statement can make someone’s day…or ruin it.

Thanks to today’s technology, we can instantly share our words in emails, text messages, Facebook comments, instant messages, and cell phone conversations—and they’re often done without much thought. Few sentences have the power of “I love you” or the disappointment of “no, I’m not interested.” A seemingly innocent joke or comment can make someone feel awkward and worthless. At the same time, an encouraging letter or comment may restore confidence.

I’m sure you’ve spent plenty of time over the years encouraging your child to speak positively to and about other people, so it might be quite natural to sit down this week and have a conversation about the power of our words. Here are some questions you could include in this chat:

• Why can it be so tough for us to compliment other people—and avoid making negative statements?
• Why do you think God cares about the words we speak or write?
• Based on your small group conversation, when does a wise person speak? When might a wise person choose not to speak?

Each day you and your student have opportunities to use words in a way that encourage, protect, and build up others. One night, during a meal, take time to have family members encourage one another. Tell your kids what traits and qualities stand out as examples of God’s work. Talk about your love for your children—be as specific as possible, and use recent examples. Your words will be powerful!

Thank you for encouraging your student through this process of becoming the person God has created, planned, and desired!

God Bless,

Joe Russell

Our small groups have launched a new four-week study of the book of Revelation. The first lesson offered a challenge for students to fully understand their ever-present need for God. Our students were challenged to realize their complete dependence on Christ for their purpose, passion, and power.

As you go throughout the week, help reinforce this lesson in your child’s life by asking the following questions as you have the opportunity.

• What are some examples of how we can have a positive spiritual impact on the world? What are some ways we might have a negative or minimal spiritual impact on the world?
• Why is it spiritually risky to place worldly wealth as one of your highest goals in life?
• If you think about your attitude toward your stuff, your possessions, do you find satisfaction and comfort in them? How can you begin to seek more comfort, fulfillment, and satisfaction in Christ?

Thanks for all your prayers for our small group ministry. Have a blessed week!

Joe Russell

God has a plan for the structure and organization of our families and has established clear roles for the husband and the wife!

Listen to the Latest Sermon here: http://refc.org/sermons/

Download the Sermon Outline Here: 2-19-2012 Outline-Svendsen

Click here to download this week’s Home Group Questions: Homegroup Questions 02192012 HomeMakeoverPt3

Click here to download this week’s Home Group Questions: Homegroup Questions 02052012 HomeMakeoverPt1

This week our small groups continued their series in the book of James by discussing ways to display their faith. In chapter 2 of his letter, James says that if we’re going to claim to be Christians, then it’s important that we act like Christians. Our faith is dead when we don’t respond to it with actions in our lives, but our actions can become tangible, vibrant ways of pointing people to Jesus.

I’d encourage you to find some time to talk with your child about this week’s lesson. Here are some questions you could include during your conversation:

• James wrote that just believing God exists isn’t enough for true faith, so what does it take to have a living, genuine, truth faith?
• James also wrote that faith without good works is dead. Does that mean good works can revitalize a person’s dead or dying faith, or is something else required?
• What is one way you can respond to God’s love and do something this week that reflects your faith?

Talk about ways to display faith in God by the way your students has treated others, used words to encourage or chosen not to use words to discourage, dealt with stress at school, or treated those who are hard to love. Share how you demonstrate your own faith as an adult and where God is challenging you in this. Thank you for being part of the team and encouraging your student to respond to God’s love by loving others!

Pastor Joe Russell

Click here to download this week’s Home Group Questions: Homegroup Questions 02122012 HomeMakeoverPt2

God doesn’t want love to simply be a feeling, but a lifestyle of Christ-like actions and attitudes!

You Can listen to the audio of the sermon here: http://refc.org/sermons/

Click Here to download the Sermon Notes to today’s sermon: 2-12-2012 Outline-Svendsen

Marriage begins, continues, and grows with a total God-honoring commitment of unconditional love to your spouse.

Download the latest sermon outline here: 2-5-2012 Outline-Svendsen

Listen to the latest sermon in the series Awesome Home Makeover: http://refc.org/sermons/

All for Him,

Pastor Mel