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The theme of CFM's recent Wednesday Discipleship Class has been hearing the whisper of God. Hearing the voice or whisper of God is a common theme now throughout the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit is speaking to His people about learning to hear the still quiet voice of God.  In view of this we thought we would offer a couple of practical hints that will assist you in hearing the voice of God.

Stop talking

About a year ago the Lord began to challenge our church to look at the concept of freedom in a different way - a completely Biblical way. This journey the Lord set us on would shake us to the core and require us to give up and/or change some long held preconceived ideas in regards to what freedom is. My prayer is that as we share some of what God is saying to us about freedom - that you too will be challenged to let the Word of God and the Spirit of God speak to you about freedom.

At times in the pursuit of knowledge, information, and academic achievements, even within the context of a Bible College or seminary, we lose sight of a most fundemental and profound truth - if our pursuit of these goals is not brining us closer to Jesus Christ then there is no reason to continue the pursuit. We can learn all the facts and information about Jesus and the Bible, but if the process of learning is not deepening our relationship with our Lord and our God we should re-prioritize our goals and make knowing and being like Him our desire.

Five New Classes To Start October 25, 2011 at CFM Bible College

 

Openings are still available for CFM members and individuals from the community to audit classes – any of these classes would benefit individuals who are currently in ministry or aspiring or preparing for ministry.

The Counseling through Groups and the Expository Preaching classes would be especially beneficial to those working in pastoral ministry now or who are called to pastoral ministry.

Around the time of 34 AD a Jewish zealot that went by the name of Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus with letters from the high priest of Jerusalem authorizing him to bring members of a new religious movement called "the Way" back to face charges. Saul was convinced that these followers of "the Way" were a pervision of the true religion of Judaism.

What happened to him on that road to Damascus is recorded for us in Acts 9:3-8:

The schedule for the 2011-2012 academic year is now available on the CFM Bible College website - www.cfmbiblecollege.org. The schedule includes classes for 1st year students, 2nd year students, 3rd year students, two options for 4th year students and an elective class offering (The Truth Project). Enrollment is ongoing up to the first night of classes on August 30, 2011.

Nick Ulrich, CFM Bible College instructor and graduate of Cincinnati Christian University, has accepted a missionary assignment to teach at the Aparri Bible Seminary in Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines. Aparri is a city of approximately 60,000 people in the northernmost portion of the Philippines island of Luzon. The seminary strives to prepare Filipinos for work in churches in their country through various disciplines. The students that attend Aparri Bible Seminary are from the area around the city and are unable to afford a trip to Manila to study there.

In the rabbinical period of Israel the teachers would take on students or disciples to learn the law and the writings of the prophets. As the students learned and accumulated knowledge – they also began to take on the characteristics and even personality of their teacher and mentor. As a practical matter, the teacher was actually replicating himself.

Robert Bentley, the new Alabama Governor, has recently issued a public apology for remarks he issued at the Dexter Street King Memorial Baptist Church on Monday, January 17, 2011, after his official inauguration speech and ceremony. This ceremony at the ‘Baptist church’ was not part of the official inauguration nor were the remarks part of his inaugural address. Here are some of the comments that have caused the public uproar:

Wars, natural disasters, earthquakes and impending financial distress of nations throughout the world viewed within the context of what seems to be a complete moral meltdown paint a bleak picture of our world today. In Ezekiel chapter 22:23-30 we find the word of the Lord coming to the prophet and describing an equally dark picture of Israel in that day..

Ezekiel 22:23-30

In the historical timeframe from approximately 800 BC thru 400 BC God raised up sixteen men primarily to be His voice to His chosen people - Israel. However, some of these men (much to their dismay i.e. Jonah) were given messages of repentance and warning to neighboring peoples outside of Israel. These men are unique to all of human history - for their messages and manner of delivery were as different as they were as individuals -  yet there was a common theme in their messages and their writings. Exhortations to turn back to God and His ways and away from disobedience to God were central to the prophets messages. Primarily, they addressed the wickedness and sinfulness of the people and often their messages would include details of God's judgments and wrath that would come if repentance was not evident.

Taken from David's moving Psalm 34:18 is the following passage, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." Key to understanding the concept of servanthood is seeing the importance of humility and how brokenness facilitates our complete surrender and reliance on God. Exactly as Jesus did.

This concept is revealed to us in the writing of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5-11 on the subject of the attitude of Christ,

Pastor Robert Morris, of Gateway Church Southlake, TX., recently shared a teaching on the concept of being called vs. being sent. It is a relevant word for disciples of Jesus today - and especially those who feel the Lord is directing them into specific ministry assignments. In this scripture we find a post-resurrection Jesus saying the following to his disciples: John 20:21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

As you read the words of the Apostle Peter below I would like to challenge you to consider CFM Bible College as you think about how God may prepare you for His plan for your life. The Apostle writes in 1 Peter 1:3  -Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Is it worth the time, money and effort it takes to attend Bible College? Before I throw in my thoughts, let’s look at what Paul writes to Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:15  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (New International Version)