Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Mark 10:27 (NIV)

Last Sunday's ABF Recap:
rg

The Rich Young Ruler

Wow. The money talk. The story of the rich young (good looking; according to mk, all rich young guys must be good looking, too) ruler has the ability to prick us all pretty deep. Did Jesus really mean sell everything he had? Ouch.

We're all rich. I know none of us really feel rich. Sure there are times when we know we've been blessed or that we've got it pretty good, but when it comes to thinking about what bills are due when, and tuition on the horizon, and our daily cost of living... things often seem pretty tight. But in the grand scheme of things, we're rich. That's why this story hits so close to home... for all of us. And if it's up to us, nothing that we could do or accumulate could bring us salvattion. Only Jesus.

That's why verse 27 is such an encouragement. The disciples had just asked the question, "If it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God, then who can be saved?" But Jesus tells us that all things are possible with God.

It was pretty clear from the discussion that no one present this past Sunday morning has this all figured out. No one has the market cornered on Spiritually Fiscal Responsibility. We agreed that while money may not be our top idol, it certainly can feed our idols, "hi-liting" areas of our life where we can stand to have Jesus take priority. Take some time on your own to Observe, Interpret & Apply this story in Mark 10:17-31 and find what the LORD has to say to you.

We've only got a couple weeks left for our morning Fellowship schedule before summer break comes. Take advantage of the next couple of weeks to connect with other folks in the Fellowship. Some summer events are in the planning stages (teasers, stage left)... so keep an eye on facebook and in your e-mail box for details. Also, there is great need within the Children's Ministry... if you're able, why not take the time that you spent in ABF during the 10am hour and volunteer with the kids?

click here for more info

If you're looking for work, take advantage of Cross Reference. There are literally dozens of folks at HCC who are absolute All-Stars when it comes to helping those in need and finding jobs for those who are looking. Some very helpful men and women have offered their time and their talents to help those laid off to find work again. If you have a need, take advantage of this! These folks can help! Cross Reference meets on the first and third Mondays of the month at HCC.

Supper Six will continue through the summer. Consider whether you'd like to stay connected with other folks through Supper Six. Summer sign-ups will start shortly!

He Did It Just For You
Max Lucado

When God entered time and became a man, he who was boundless became bound. Imprisoned in flesh. Restricted by weary-prone muscles and eyelids. For more than three decades, his once limitless reach would be limited to the stretch of an arm, his speed checked to the pace of human feet.

I wonder, was he ever tempted to reclaim his boundlessness? In the middle of a long trip, did he ever consider transporting himself to the next city? When the rain chilled his bones, was he tempted to change the weather? When the heat parched his lips, did he give thought to popping over to the Caribbean for some refreshment?

If ever he entertained such thoughts, he never gave in to them. Not once. Stop and think about this. Not once did Christ use his supernatural powers for personal comfort. With one word he could've transformed the hard earth into a soft bed, but he didn't. With a wave of his hand, he could've boomeranged the spit of his accusers back into their faces, but he didn't. With an arch of his brow, he could've paralyzed the hand of the soldier as he braided the crown of thorns. But he didn't.

Want to know the coolest thing about the coming?

Not that he, in an instant, went from needing nothing to needing air, food, a tub of hot water and salts for his tired feet, and, more than anything, needing somebody-anybody-who was more concerned about where he would spend eternity than where he would spend Friday's paycheck.

Not that he kept his cool while the dozen best friends he ever had felt the heat and got out of the kitchen. Or that he gave no command to the angels who begged, "Just give the nod, Lord. One word and these demons will be deviled eggs."

Not that he refused to defend himself when blamed for every sin since Adam. Or that he stood silent as a million guilty verdicts echoed in the tribunal of heaven and the giver of light was left in the chill of a sinner's night.

Not even that after three days in a dark hole he stepped into the Easter sunrise with a smile and a swagger and a question for lowly Lucifer - "Is that your best punch?"

That was cool, incredibly cool.

But want to know the coolest thing about the One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns?

He did it for you. Just for you.

Enjoy your week. Send an encouraging e-mail to a friend.

RG