http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/ I love to study the Bible and share the Good News of Jesus. My hobbies include playing guitar, singing, hunting whitetail deer in the fall and turkeys in the spring. Kim and I have three beautiful daughters who we love more than life. Links BibleMaps.org Bible Gateway ESV OnlineStudyLightBiblosBiblica.comBible Study ToolsBlue Letter BibleLogos.comWord Search   PM Notes – Matt Richard Ravi Zacharias Dallas Willard Max Lucado Joshua Graves Otter Creek Church Larry Chouinard Monergism Sermon Central NavPress PM Notes – Matt Richard SermonCentral.com Southeast Christian Church Saddleback Resources Bob Russell Charles Stanley Andy Stanley (North Point) Lynn Anderson Brian McLaren Ray Stedman John MacArthur Chuck Swidoll John Stott Howard Hendricks Precept Austin Kay Arthur Beth Moore Don Matzat (Christ Esteem) Greg Laurie Watchman Nee Joyce Meyer Elder Link ACU David Lipscomb University Wheaton ... Mon, 07 May 2012 14:31:17 GMT en-us Copyright 2012 Norway Avenue Church of Christ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/kevin-haywood-video-candidate-for-family-life-minister/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/kevin-haywood-video-candidate-for-family-life-minister/ Mon, 07 May 2012 14:31:07 GMT The Search Committee asked Kevin Haywood (Candidate for Family Life Minister) to create a video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvAI25YuZkE so we could share it with the rest of the congregation. You know the other two candidates. ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/themes-of-resurrection-in-the-gospel-of-john/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/themes-of-resurrection-in-the-gospel-of-john/ Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:29:14 GMT We are studying through the Gospel of John on Sunday mornings. Last week we discussed the woman at the well (John 4:1-42). We are going to take a break from the narrative because this Sunday is Easter Friend day and we will look at select ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/mistreated/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/mistreated/ Sun, 18 Mar 2012 10:23:00 GMT  Mistreated Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/nine-dreams-for-the-future/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/nine-dreams-for-the-future/ Sat, 03 Mar 2012 11:19:50 GMT 1. The dream that Jesus would be the star and the message and the true Lord of our church. And that the Church of Christ would be a description of whose we are and not a denominational designation or a sectarian category.  2. The dream ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/an-interview-with-john-r-w-stott/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/an-interview-with-john-r-w-stott/ Sat, 25 Feb 2012 06:32:15 GMT An Interview with John R. W. Stott: "Between Two Worlds"  from http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/08/08/between-two-worlds-an-interview-with-john-r-w-stott/ The funeral for John R. W. Stott, one of the most famous evangelical ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/what-the-bible-says-about-tithing/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/what-the-bible-says-about-tithing/ Sun, 08 Jan 2012 08:03:06 GMT Tithing during the days of the Patriarchs Tithing was a common practice in the ancient world centuries before Moses formalized the practice as a religious obligation. Abraham, who lived 400 years before Moses, gave a tenth of the spoils of war ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/steve-martin-singing-atheists-dont-have-no-song/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/steve-martin-singing-atheists-dont-have-no-song/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:07:09 GMT http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/how-rich-are-you/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/how-rich-are-you/ Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:09:52 GMT HOW RICH ARE YOU? Every year we gaze enviously at the lists of the richest people in world. Wondering what it would be like to have that sort of cash. But where would you sit on one of those lists? ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/bible-passages-relating-to-money/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/bible-passages-relating-to-money/ Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:31:27 GMT Bible passages relating to 'Money' (sorted by relevance): Click any Bible reference to search for Biblical principles, practices or illustrations related to money, stewardship or the blessings associated with generousity.  1 Timothy 6:10 ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/bible-reading-plans-print-email-web-mobile-rss/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/bible-reading-plans-print-email-web-mobile-rss/ Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:01:29 GMT Bible Reading Plans (Print, Email, Web, Mobile, RSS) If you decided to read through the Bible in 2012 you need a Bible Reading Plan. Reading the Bible is rewarding and these plans can help you stay on track. I listed seven options below. ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/sm-lockridge-on-king-jesus/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/sm-lockridge-on-king-jesus/ Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:07:45 GMT We purchased the video of S.M. Lockridge's sermon "My King" and used it during an Easter service a few years ago. It is powerful! Lockridge preaches it with conviction. If you have not seen the video search "S.M. Lockridge" ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/jesus-the-central-figure-of-the-human-race-by-james-allen-francis/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/jesus-the-central-figure-of-the-human-race-by-james-allen-francis/ Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:32:09 GMT James Allen Francis wrote: “He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. Then for three years he was an itinerant preacher. He never ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/if-mary-and-joseph-used-facebook/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/if-mary-and-joseph-used-facebook/ Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:23:56 GMT Bruce just sent me this link of "If Mary and Joseph Used Face... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/bruce-johnson-and-his-41-pickup-full-of-toys-for-tots/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/bruce-johnson-and-his-41-pickup-full-of-toys-for-tots/ Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:07:05 GMT Bruce Johnson loves God, people and antique automobiles. Today Bruce packed his 41 Pickup full of Toys for Tots and drove to several antique automobile clubs like the AACA Huntington Chapter, MARC River & Rail A's.  Then he drove ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/napoleon-bonaparte-on-jesus/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/napoleon-bonaparte-on-jesus/ Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:38:00 GMT I am preparing to preach through the Gospel of John and was reading Ray Stedman (one of Chuck Swindoll's mentor).  Stedman begins his exposition of John 1:5-13 by quoting what Napoleon Bonaparte said about Jesus.   "I know men, ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/sit-walk-stand-ephesians/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/sit-walk-stand-ephesians/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:08:57 GMT I love the way Watchman Nee outlined Ephesians into three sections: sit, walk, stand.  Sit with Jesus (Ephesians 1-3) - 1:20 He raised him (Jesus) from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms ...AND... 2:6 And ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/im-in-love-with-another-man-by-joe-beam/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/im-in-love-with-another-man-by-joe-beam/ Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:44:15 GMT This is the best advice I've ever read on this subject.  I'm In Love With Another Man  by Joe Beam This question came via email: “I have been married to a man for 20 years (2 children later) that I do not ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/spiritual-gifts/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/spiritual-gifts/ Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:08:03 GMT Inventory of Spiritual Gifts The purpose of this document is to help you discover and encourage you to use your spiritual gifts. What is a spiritual gift? A spiritual gift is a God-given skill or ability that enables Christians to be fruitful ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/lily-and-josie/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/lily-and-josie/ Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:56:09 GMT Todd and Julie are teaching Lily and Josie how to serve others during the 40 day challenge.  They even got a special ride as a reward when they were done. ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/praying-the-psalms/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/praying-the-psalms/ Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:39:16 GMT God placed a book of prayers in the middle of the Bible. It contains psalms for nearly every emotion and circumstance we encounter: psalms of thanksgiving, psalms of  praise, lpsalms of lament  and so on. Some psalms contain a mixture ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/volunteers-needed-an-important-message-from-mark-jessica-hall/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/volunteers-needed-an-important-message-from-mark-jessica-hall/ Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:45:42 GMT The 40 Day Team has been preparing for the Fall Journey since March. It’s called “40 Days of Serving Others”. It begins October 16. Our theme verse this fall is Mark 10:45. Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/the-time-of-the-gentiles-mark-driscoll/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/the-time-of-the-gentiles-mark-driscoll/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:56:50 GMT Mark Driscoll wrote a paragraph that captures what I believe Romans 9-11 is saying. Driscoll was preaching through Luke when he wrote it but my mind goes to many different passages throughout OT  & NT - it's a good summary. Driscoll ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/matthew-berlin-and-meghan-hardy-were-just-baptized-into-christ/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/matthew-berlin-and-meghan-hardy-were-just-baptized-into-christ/ Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:35:17 GMT Matthew Berlin and Meghan Hardy were just baptized into Christ. Matthew is Butch and Claudia's son. Matthew and Meghan are engaged. Tonight they were united with Christ in baptism and next May the will be united in marriage. Wonderful! We ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/the-narrow-gate-matthew-713/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/the-narrow-gate-matthew-713/ Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:32:21 GMT Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/max-lucado-ask-three-questions/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/max-lucado-ask-three-questions/ Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:01:48 GMT Had you been a German Christian during World War II, would have taken a stand against Hitler? Had you lived in the South during the civil rights movement, would you have taken a stand against racism? When your grandchildren discover you ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/serving-our-community-books-for-childrens-place/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/serving-our-community-books-for-childrens-place/ Sat, 16 Jul 2011 03:56:20 GMT When Bob and Janet Dozier learned that Children's Place Early Learning (on Richmond Avenue) did not have enough books for the 94 children enrolled, they purchased a big box of books. Susie and I took the books to Children's Place this ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/a-word-about-the-emerging-church-by-chuck-swindoll/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/a-word-about-the-emerging-church-by-chuck-swindoll/ Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:27:33 GMT Chuck Swindoll posted a word about the Emerging Church.   http://insightforliving.typepad.com/insight_for_living_blog/2010/04/a-word-about-the-emerging-church.html   A Word about the Emerging Church by Chuck Swindoll When Paul ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/searching-for-a-strategy-for-making-disciples-3-approaches/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/searching-for-a-strategy-for-making-disciples-3-approaches/ Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:20:28 GMT We want to be more intentional in our approach to making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). We are considering three approaches.  Thoroughly Equipped: Discipleship Curriculum - http://thoroughlyequipped.net/  The 2:7 Series ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/read-what-hollie-schoolcraft-wrote-about-chris-lemasters-hands/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/read-what-hollie-schoolcraft-wrote-about-chris-lemasters-hands/ Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:23:47 GMT I want to share what Hollie Schoolcraft (Chris' cousin) wrote about Chris. She read it during the memorial service at Spencer. i loved it and ask her to email it to me so i could share it with you.  _______________________ In Celebration ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/summer-reading-schedule-10-minutes-a-week/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/summer-reading-schedule-10-minutes-a-week/ Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:45:16 GMT Set aside 10 minutes during each week and read the scripture for Sunday's lesson before you come to church. I pasted my teaching schedule for the summer below so you can read the passage prior to the sermon. God's word is powerful and ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/check-out-pm-notes-%26ndash%3B-matt-richard/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/check-out-pm-notes-%26ndash%3B-matt-richard/ Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:23:12 GMT i discovered a new blog - Matt Richard's PM Notes. It's been been there all along and thousands of bloggers visit it daily but it's new to me and I want to share it with you.  I've read only a few post and skimmed several others. The post I ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/ben--pats-granddaughter-danielle-grigsby-md/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/ben--pats-granddaughter-danielle-grigsby-md/ Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:38:29 GMT Danielle Nicole Grigsby   B.S. , Spelman College MD:  The University Of Texas           Health Science Center At Houston           The ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/the-holy-spirit-is-our-teacher/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/the-holy-spirit-is-our-teacher/ Mon, 16 May 2011 17:34:20 GMT The Holy Spirit does many things for us. He convicts us of sin. He draws us to Jesus, helps us repent, makes us alive, assures us of salvation and shapes  us into the image of Christ.  It is not possible to say  "Jesus is ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/preaching-through-the-bible-21-books-in-7-years/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/preaching-through-the-bible-21-books-in-7-years/ Tue, 10 May 2011 11:03:25 GMT I have preached through 21 books of the Bible during my 7 years at Norway Avenue Church. I surveyed Genesis, Deuteronomy, and Judges (5-6 lesson each) to provide an overview of Moses’ writings and dark period of Judges. I spent a little ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/four-years-of-gradual-steady-growth-chart-of-the-average-attendance-from-2008-to-april-2011/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/four-years-of-gradual-steady-growth-chart-of-the-average-attendance-from-2008-to-april-2011/ Mon, 09 May 2011 21:50:07 GMT http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/great-friend-day-attendance--424/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/great-friend-day-attendance--424/ Mon, 09 May 2011 20:32:57 GMT Easter is the most important day of of the year for churches (my opinion). Two holidays seem to attract more people than any other calendar day - Easter and Christmas. But Easter seems to be the best time to invite a friend. We invite everyone ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/just-a-house-wife-a-letter-to-ann-landers/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/just-a-house-wife-a-letter-to-ann-landers/ Mon, 09 May 2011 04:00:31 GMT I wanted read a letter to Ann Landers yesterday during my Mother's Day Sermon but I ran out of time. I pasted the letter below.  "Ann,  I'm so tired of all those ignorant people who come up to my husband and ask him if his wife ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/how-to-invite-a-friend-to-friend-day-april-24/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/how-to-invite-a-friend-to-friend-day-april-24/ Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:51:36 GMT Most people come to know Jesus through the simple invitation of a family member or friend. That's the way it has been from the beginning. Andrew invited Peter (John 1:40-42), Philip invited Nathaniel (John 1:46), and the Samaritan woman invited ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/blessed-are-the-meek-matthew-55/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/blessed-are-the-meek-matthew-55/ Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:45:21 GMT Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek" (Matthew 5:5). This beatitude was nothing new. Jesus was echoing an Old Testament scripture - one of David's songs (Psalm 37:10-11). Some people confuse the word "meek" with "weak". But meek actually means ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/friend-day-april-24th/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/friend-day-april-24th/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:43:54 GMT Easter is a great time to invite friends and family to church. The majority of people in the Tristate area do not have a church home but many of them will attend church somewhere on Easter. Pray as we prepare for Easter. Plan to invite your ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/watch-jay-propose-to-lacy/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/watch-jay-propose-to-lacy/ Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:06:37 GMT In 2007, at the end of service, Jay Barrow (a former minister) proposed to Lacy in front of the church. It was an incredible moment. They are perfect for each other. Watch Jay propose to Lacy ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/mark-and-jessicas-group-serving-at-the-ronald-mcdonald-house/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/mark-and-jessicas-group-serving-at-the-ronald-mcdonald-house/ Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:53:24 GMT Mark Hall sent the email below on Feb 27th. Mark and Jessica's small group served at the Ronald McDonald House. Mark writes ... I wanted to share with you our experience with the Ronald McDonald House.  It was a fantastic ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/thank-you-lord-for-being-with-chris/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/thank-you-lord-for-being-with-chris/ Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:16:58 GMT Father,  Thank you for being with Chris. When you answer our prayers like this it makes us love you more. You saw our concern and heard our prayers.  So many people are praying for him and You heard every prayer (Psalm 6:9).  You ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/praying-for-chris-james-515/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/praying-for-chris-james-515/ Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:26:34 GMT Father,  Take care of Chris during this long and difficult surgery. Be with Kelly, the boys, and Chris' mom and dad. Fill them with your Holy Spirit. Comfort and strengthen them as they wait throughout the day. Send your angels  to ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/david-brightens-up-the-depressing-story-of-saul/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/david-brightens-up-the-depressing-story-of-saul/ Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:28:49 GMT I love to read stories of Old Testament characters but the story of Israel’s first king is painful to read. It begins so well but ends in tragedy.   Saul was a tall, good-looking man (1 Samuel 9:2) with a modest view of himself (1 ... http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/bob-russell-retreat--refreshing/ http://www.norwayave.org/jeffs-blog/bob-russell-retreat--refreshing/ Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:23:34 GMT I am refreshed! I enjoyed spending time with seven ministers and I loved being with Bob Russell. Amazing! He is  so full of Christ and has so much knowledge and wisdom – Bob is a man with rock solid integrity and genuine humility. ...