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07.10.04
pearls of wisdom
One, Two Three!
A numbers version of
rock, scissor, stone:
coming up with the sum total of
5
then when we finally got that
we tried for 11
and when that was accomplished
we went for 21!
Just a fun game, but in real life,
when you
don't have control
do you
become easily frustrated?
How do irritations affect your attitude?
Remember how pearls are made? 
A pearl forms when an organic irritant
becomes trapped in the oyster mollusk.
The oyster senses the foreign object
and coats it with two materials
--a mineral and a protein--
that results in mother-of-pearl,
the substance called nacre (NAY ker)
what are irritants in your life? 
Take those irritants and create a pearl!
Spiritual lessons from the Pearl:
The pearl is the product of suffering
Isaiah 53:1-6
The pearl is formed from
something
worthless
Ephesians 2:1-3
The pearl is indivisible
Philippians 1:27
The pearl reflects light
Matthew 5:16
The pearl is a thing of immense beauty
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us!
Just look at it--we're called children of God!
That's who we really are.
But that's also why the world
doesn't recognize us or take us seriously,
because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to. But friends, that's exactly who we are: children of God.
And that's only the beginning.
Who knows how we'll end up!
What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed,
we'll see him--and in seeing him, become like him.
All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready,
with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own.
1 John 3:1-3
The pearl is a valuable object
Pearls can be worth a fortune.
Scientists say that one natural pearl can be found in every 10,000 oysters!
That is why some strings of pearls can literally be worth millions of dollars.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.
When a man found it, he hid it again,
and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Matthew 13:44
God is the pearl merchant
This is how much God loved the world:
He gave his Son, his one and only Son.
And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed;
by believing in him,
anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
John 3:16
God loves Me
sinful me,
wrapped in the Grace of Jesus Christ,
coated in His
Mercy and Love,
reflecting the beauty of the Father,
his beloved child. 
yes, we all got our own oyster with a beautiful pearl inside to
remind us of the Kingdom of Heaven!
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If
you have an interest in painting, either as a serious artist
or have a budding interest, you are encouraged to bring your
artist paints and canvas. An easel will be available for your
use to facilitate your worship experience.
Don't
see yourself as the creative type? It's OK, you will still
feel blessed during the worship experience at red.
An
offering will be taken. You may participate as you desire.
We understand that red may not be the only church you
attend. |
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check
out previous red worships--archive
Resource
List for 07.10.04
The
Holy Bible (Message, NAS, NCV, NIV, NLT)
online
Pictures from the Pearls
sermon online
Oysters with pearls--search on eBay
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