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Week of October 5 to October 11
 
Five Marks Of A Growing Christian

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

 

Sermon Outline:

Getting Started.

1. Thankful. 1:2

2. Prayerful. 1:2

3. Faithful. 1:3

4. Love-full. 1:3

5. Hopeful. 1:3

Conclusion: Our Response
 

1. Why is thankfulness a mark of a growing Christian? How can I engender thankfulness in my own life?

2. Since prayer is a mark of a growing Chrisian, how can I become a praying Christian?

3. What is hope according to the New Testament? 

4. What are at least two actions I can take to apply this sermon?

5. Spend time praying for self and others that these five marks will characterize us. 
 


Glorifying God 

 

There are some words we use as Christians that are a regular part of our vocabulary and yet we never stop to define them or to think about what they mean. There is no word of which this is truer than that of “glory” and “glorify.” We often talk about glorifying God and yet what does that mean and how do we glorify God?

 

If you can’t answer that, you have come to the right place, that is the sixth question and answer of The New City Catechism. We learned in question and answer four that one of the purposes for which God created us was to glorify Him. Now, the catechism explains how to do this. Here is what we read: “How can we glorify God? Answer: We glorify God by enjoying him, loving him, trusting him, and by obeying his will, commands, and law.”  

 

The Hebrew words behind “glory” and “glorify” mean literally “weight,” “weighty,” or “to show to be weighty.” God’s glory, then, is His weightiness, His magnificence and greatness that is unique and which He does not share with anyone else (Isaiah 42:8; 46:9-10). When we glorify God, then, we are not making Him look weighty or magnificence, but we are acknowledging and showing the weightiness, the magnificence which is part of the essence of God (Psalm 96:6-8). The Greek terms used in the Old Testament Greek translation and then the New Testament itself mean the same things (cf. Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 10:31). 

 

This sixth answer of the Catechism highlights some of the key ways we glorify God.

 

First, we glorify God “by enjoying Him.” Paul explains this in Philippians 1:20-23. Paul affirms that Christ is magnified in him when he values Jesus Christ even more than life. The way that this plays out for Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 is that God is glorified through the cheerful giving of self, resources, and finances to meet the needs of others. One of the points of each of these passages is that when the Lord is served out of delight, this glorifies Him more than doing it merely out of duty, just like when a wife is more honored when a husband brings home flowers out of delight for her as opposed to mere duty. 

 

Next, we glorify God by “loving him.” Since God is eternally and essentially love (1 John 4:8), one who has loved for eternity within the Trinity (John 17:24-26), and since He created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-28), this means that God made us to love Him (Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37) and others (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39). In fact, love of others flows out of our love for God (Matt. 22:37-40; 1 John 4:20). We are made to love and we will love something(s) or someone(s) first and foremost. We are to love our Lord and Savior more than anyone or anything else (Luke 14:25-26), for this not only displays His glory in whose image we are created, it also displays His worth, He is preeminent over all (Rom. 11:36; Col. 1:15, 17), and we should love Him as such. This glorifies Him.  

 

What is more, we glorify God by “trusting him.” One place we discover this is in Psalm 50:15, where Asaph reveals why God has ordained prayer as a means of provision. He has done so because in our dependence upon Him, our trust in Him, through prayer, we glorify Him: “…and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Let me illustrate how this works.

 

Imagine that you have had severe abdominal pain for a couple excruciating days and you finally meet with your physician about it. Tests are run and then he shares with you the good news. He has determined what is wrong and there is a medication for you to take for two weeks that will stop the pain. In fact, the pain should diminish within a couple days of starting on the medication. The question is, “Will you take the medication?” Imagine that you have been treated by your physician for several years and always found him to be very capable. You have had very good success with him. Let me ask again, “Will you take the medication?” No doubt the answer would be, “Yes.”

 

Suppose you go on the medication, and it works as he said it would. Two months later you have a friend who has the same abdominal pain you previously had. You tell them about your experience and recommend your physician. 

 

What has happened in this scenario? You went to your physician and asked for help, which is similar to prayer and asking God for help. Your physician receives the honor because you asked—demonstrating you were not sufficient to treat yourself, but he knew how to help you. As a result, you receive the benefit.

 

The same is true when we trust in God and go to Him in prayer.

 

There is something else that happened in this scenario. Not only did you trust your physician and asked for help. You also trusted him with his prescribed treatment, and you did what he told you to do. You took the medication. This leads us to the next and last way we glorify God, according to The New City Catechism.

 

Finally, it is said here that we glorify God by “obeying his will, commands, and law.”  In Deuteronomy 11:1 we read: “You shall therefore love the Lord your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always.” See also John 14:15, where Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” 

 

What we have shown, then, is that since God is glorified through enjoying, loving, and trusting Him, He also is glorified through our obeying Him.

 

The New City Catechism has reminded us in question and answer four God created us to glorify Him. Now, in this sixth question and answer, we have learned how to glorify Him. Nothing could be more important for us to understand and to do than this. May we, then, glorify Him in whatever we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

 

Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,

 

Tom

Church Unseen Backup Team, please pray for:

1. Sunday morning service, Sunday school, children's church, and Bible Fellowships, that the Spirit of God would work in hearts, that they would hear and respond to the Word of God they are taught. 
 
2. Fruitful ministry in our Unashamed Youth ministry on Wednesday night and our AWANA ministry.
 
3. Our church to be strong in the Lord and in the strength that comes from his might, to put on his armor, that we can stand against the schemes of the Devil. (Eph. 6:10-13)
 
4. Undertrained pastors throughout the world to receive more training. Pray especially for the ministry of Network Beyond and their training of pastors through International Training Institutes. Pray that God would enable this ministry to raise three million dollars that are needed to meet the ministry needs they have. Pray that God would use fruitfully any from our church in the future who would travel with Network Beyond to train pastors.  
 
5. Revival in our church and community.
 
6. Strong, Spirit-anointed, and fruitful private Word ministries (discipling and counseling).
 
7. May our church live and do ministry as a gospel centered church.  
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

On October 25th Daniel and Shannon Ginn will be sharing about their ministry with Wycliffe Bible Translators during a potluck following the Bible Fellowship hour. The missions committee invites all to participate in the potluck and hear an update from the Ginns. We will meet in the west wing at noon. Please bring food to share.
 
The Zambian Mission Project would like to ask for prayer as they strive toward the goal that their Orphan Care Ministry would be self-supporting, or nearly self-supporting, by July 2027.  For more information, or to make a monetary donation, visit Zambianmissionproject.org or check out their Facebook page!

 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sign up at the welcome center, or contact the office to register!
 

If you've not yet registered, this week is your last opportunity to be able to cast a vote and have a voice in the November 3 election. Voter registration deadline is Friday the 16th. Remind anyone you know who has been putting it off.   You can pick up the easy to fill out form on the welcome table or type "register to vote in Nebraska" in your internet browser online. Let's be in fervent prayer for these important elections.
 

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!
 

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 
To register, scan QR code or tvsmininstries/events
or call 903 756 8532.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

4    Presley Kohtz
5    Asa Heun
     Chris Kuehn
6    Eli Warner
10  Maddyn Petersen
11  Lucy Reed
      Sutton Stadler
13  Luke Poore
16  Nadine Bergen
17  Ryan Kulhanek
19  Matthew Kulhanek
      Meredith Johnson
      Ron Blecha
20  Jenny Reitz
21  Jenny Poore
      Ken McNeff
24  Tara Foth
26  Chelsey Kulhanek
27  Chelsey Petersen
28  Alan Farlin
      Scott Olson
29  Stetson Poore
30  Dusty Reed

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

14  Joe & Rachelle Warner
      Lige & Dusty Reed
16  James & Stephanie Wright
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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Week of October 5 to October 11
 
Five Marks Of A Growing Christian

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

 

Sermon Outline:

Getting Started.

1. Thankful. 1:2

2. Prayerful. 1:2

3. Faithful. 1:3

4. Love-full. 1:3

5. Hopeful. 1:3

Conclusion: Our Response
 

1. Why is thankfulness a mark of a growing Christian? How can I engender thankfulness in my own life?

2. Since prayer is a mark of a growing Chrisian, how can I become a praying Christian?

3. What is hope according to the New Testament? 

4. What are at least two actions I can take to apply this sermon?

5. Spend time praying for self and others that these five marks will characterize us. 
 


Glorifying God 

 

There are some words we use as Christians that are a regular part of our vocabulary and yet we never stop to define them or to think about what they mean. There is no word of which this is truer than that of “glory” and “glorify.” We often talk about glorifying God and yet what does that mean and how do we glorify God?

 

If you can’t answer that, you have come to the right place, that is the sixth question and answer of The New City Catechism. We learned in question and answer four that one of the purposes for which God created us was to glorify Him. Now, the catechism explains how to do this. Here is what we read: “How can we glorify God? Answer: We glorify God by enjoying him, loving him, trusting him, and by obeying his will, commands, and law.”  

 

The Hebrew words behind “glory” and “glorify” mean literally “weight,” “weighty,” or “to show to be weighty.” God’s glory, then, is His weightiness, His magnificence and greatness that is unique and which He does not share with anyone else (Isaiah 42:8; 46:9-10). When we glorify God, then, we are not making Him look weighty or magnificence, but we are acknowledging and showing the weightiness, the magnificence which is part of the essence of God (Psalm 96:6-8). The Greek terms used in the Old Testament Greek translation and then the New Testament itself mean the same things (cf. Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 10:31). 

 

This sixth answer of the Catechism highlights some of the key ways we glorify God.

 

First, we glorify God “by enjoying Him.” Paul explains this in Philippians 1:20-23. Paul affirms that Christ is magnified in him when he values Jesus Christ even more than life. The way that this plays out for Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 is that God is glorified through the cheerful giving of self, resources, and finances to meet the needs of others. One of the points of each of these passages is that when the Lord is served out of delight, this glorifies Him more than doing it merely out of duty, just like when a wife is more honored when a husband brings home flowers out of delight for her as opposed to mere duty. 

 

Next, we glorify God by “loving him.” Since God is eternally and essentially love (1 John 4:8), one who has loved for eternity within the Trinity (John 17:24-26), and since He created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-28), this means that God made us to love Him (Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37) and others (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39). In fact, love of others flows out of our love for God (Matt. 22:37-40; 1 John 4:20). We are made to love and we will love something(s) or someone(s) first and foremost. We are to love our Lord and Savior more than anyone or anything else (Luke 14:25-26), for this not only displays His glory in whose image we are created, it also displays His worth, He is preeminent over all (Rom. 11:36; Col. 1:15, 17), and we should love Him as such. This glorifies Him.  

 

What is more, we glorify God by “trusting him.” One place we discover this is in Psalm 50:15, where Asaph reveals why God has ordained prayer as a means of provision. He has done so because in our dependence upon Him, our trust in Him, through prayer, we glorify Him: “…and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Let me illustrate how this works.

 

Imagine that you have had severe abdominal pain for a couple excruciating days and you finally meet with your physician about it. Tests are run and then he shares with you the good news. He has determined what is wrong and there is a medication for you to take for two weeks that will stop the pain. In fact, the pain should diminish within a couple days of starting on the medication. The question is, “Will you take the medication?” Imagine that you have been treated by your physician for several years and always found him to be very capable. You have had very good success with him. Let me ask again, “Will you take the medication?” No doubt the answer would be, “Yes.”

 

Suppose you go on the medication, and it works as he said it would. Two months later you have a friend who has the same abdominal pain you previously had. You tell them about your experience and recommend your physician. 

 

What has happened in this scenario? You went to your physician and asked for help, which is similar to prayer and asking God for help. Your physician receives the honor because you asked—demonstrating you were not sufficient to treat yourself, but he knew how to help you. As a result, you receive the benefit.

 

The same is true when we trust in God and go to Him in prayer.

 

There is something else that happened in this scenario. Not only did you trust your physician and asked for help. You also trusted him with his prescribed treatment, and you did what he told you to do. You took the medication. This leads us to the next and last way we glorify God, according to The New City Catechism.

 

Finally, it is said here that we glorify God by “obeying his will, commands, and law.”  In Deuteronomy 11:1 we read: “You shall therefore love the Lord your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always.” See also John 14:15, where Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” 

 

What we have shown, then, is that since God is glorified through enjoying, loving, and trusting Him, He also is glorified through our obeying Him.

 

The New City Catechism has reminded us in question and answer four God created us to glorify Him. Now, in this sixth question and answer, we have learned how to glorify Him. Nothing could be more important for us to understand and to do than this. May we, then, glorify Him in whatever we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

 

Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,

 

Tom

Church Unseen Backup Team, please pray for:

1. Sunday morning service, Sunday school, children's church, and Bible Fellowships, that the Spirit of God would work in hearts, that they would hear and respond to the Word of God they are taught. 
 
2. Fruitful ministry in our Unashamed Youth ministry on Wednesday night and our AWANA ministry.
 
3. Our church to be strong in the Lord and in the strength that comes from his might, to put on his armor, that we can stand against the schemes of the Devil. (Eph. 6:10-13)
 
4. Undertrained pastors throughout the world to receive more training. Pray especially for the ministry of Network Beyond and their training of pastors through International Training Institutes. Pray that God would enable this ministry to raise three million dollars that are needed to meet the ministry needs they have. Pray that God would use fruitfully any from our church in the future who would travel with Network Beyond to train pastors.  
 
5. Revival in our church and community.
 
6. Strong, Spirit-anointed, and fruitful private Word ministries (discipling and counseling).
 
7. May our church live and do ministry as a gospel centered church.  
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

On October 25th Daniel and Shannon Ginn will be sharing about their ministry with Wycliffe Bible Translators during a potluck following the Bible Fellowship hour. The missions committee invites all to participate in the potluck and hear an update from the Ginns. We will meet in the west wing at noon. Please bring food to share.
 
The Zambian Mission Project would like to ask for prayer as they strive toward the goal that their Orphan Care Ministry would be self-supporting, or nearly self-supporting, by July 2027.  For more information, or to make a monetary donation, visit Zambianmissionproject.org or check out their Facebook page!

 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sign up at the welcome center, or contact the office to register!
 

If you've not yet registered, this week is your last opportunity to be able to cast a vote and have a voice in the November 3 election. Voter registration deadline is Friday the 16th. Remind anyone you know who has been putting it off.   You can pick up the easy to fill out form on the welcome table or type "register to vote in Nebraska" in your internet browser online. Let's be in fervent prayer for these important elections.
 

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!
 

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 
To register, scan QR code or tvsmininstries/events
or call 903 756 8532.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

4    Presley Kohtz
5    Asa Heun
     Chris Kuehn
6    Eli Warner
10  Maddyn Petersen
11  Lucy Reed
      Sutton Stadler
13  Luke Poore
16  Nadine Bergen
17  Ryan Kulhanek
19  Matthew Kulhanek
      Meredith Johnson
      Ron Blecha
20  Jenny Reitz
21  Jenny Poore
      Ken McNeff
24  Tara Foth
26  Chelsey Kulhanek
27  Chelsey Petersen
28  Alan Farlin
      Scott Olson
29  Stetson Poore
30  Dusty Reed

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

14  Joe & Rachelle Warner
      Lige & Dusty Reed
16  James & Stephanie Wright
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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Faith Family, 


CORRECTION: Jen from Pioneer Village is looking for help for her move on SATURDAY, October 3rd, at 10 am.  If you can help, please reach out to Alan Farlin at 402-987-8043.
 
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Faith Family, 


CORRECTION: Jen from Pioneer Village is looking for help for her move on SATURDAY, October 3rd, at 10 am.  If you can help, please reach out to Alan Farlin at 402-987-8043.
 
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Faith Family, 


Jen from Pioneer Village is looking for help for her move on Friday at 10 am.  If you can help, please reach out to Alan Farlin at 402-987-8043.
 
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Faith Family, 


Jen from Pioneer Village is looking for help for her move on Friday at 10 am.  If you can help, please reach out to Alan Farlin at 402-987-8043.
 
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Twitter
Link
Website






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]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:36:08 +0000 https://mailchi.mp/2cc21541bc3a/mefc-connections-newsletter-12780212 https://mailchi.mp/2cc21541bc3a/mefc-connections-newsletter-12780212
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Week of September 28 to October 4

"Trust and Obey God’s Good Word”

Psalm 119:67-72


 
Sermon Outline:


Getting Started

1. New Life In Christ: An Essential Plank.

2.God's Goodness In His Word: A Final Essential Plank.

A Conclusion To This Sermon's Teaching.

 

1. Have you ever come to the living waters to drink? In other words, have you ever trusted in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life and so you see evidence that you have the new life we talked of in this sermon?

2. We discovered in this sermon that if we are to see and savor with intense joy the goodness of God in Jesus Christ and, as a result want to express that goodness generously to others, we will take in regularly the Scriptures; will seek to obey the Scriptures consistently, will be incessantly dependent upon God in prayer, will habitually assemble together with other Christians who are part of your church, and will see the fruit of goodness produced in us by the Holy Spirit. Evaluate yourself honestly in each of these areas. In which ones are you strong? In which ones do you need to grow?

3. How do you plan on growing in each of the growth areas?

4. In what ways are you strong in expressing the goodness of God through your life? In what ways do you need to grow?
 

God’s Loving Rule 
 

During a recent morning walk I saw a sad encounter between a mom and her child on the sidewalk in front of their home. The mom was trying to get the young boy to go to school and he was yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs. Now I don’t know for sure what the context was. And there could be unseen factors. But one thing was for sure, that boy had missed a key goal that should be set for all young lives. The fifth commandment reads, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Sons and daughter are to learn to submit to the authority of their parents and this, in turn, helps them learn to submit to the authority of God. Leviticus 19:32 (NIV) captures the connection: “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.”
 
Why should we be motivated to submit to the authority of God? The answer is found in the fifth question and answer in The New City Catechism: “What else did God create? Answer: God created all things by his powerful Word, and all his creation was very good; everything flourished under his loving rule.” This answer is derived from Genesis 1:31: “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. . . .” To say that everything was “very good” in part means that it serves the well-being of the world through its having all it needs to bring about God’s glory and humans’ benefit. 
 
God’s rule in Eden was loving. It is always loving and it is best to live under His rule. Here are just a few statements from the Bible that demonstrate this.
 
1. God gave His people-benefiting revelation of His will and life wisdom for both His glory (Deut. 4:1-8) and the good of people (Deut. 10:13; Psalm 19:7-11). In other words, living under God’s rule is benefiting and good. 
 
2. Because of number 1, it follows that, God’s “commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
 
3. All the world’s brokenness arises from man’s sin, the curse of sin on the world, and thus, that humans want to live as their own kings and queens and not under God’s rule (Gen. 3:1-19; Rom. 8:18-25). 
 
4. The hope of the world is the coming of God’s kingdom, which has already started (Mark 1:14-15) but it is not fully here yet (Matt. 6:10). Once God’s kingdom is here in full, His loving rule will be restored fully (Rev. 21-22). 
 
5. Jesus Himself taught that those who have come into the kingdom of God and his loving rule through Jesus are the truly happy ones (Matt. 5:3-10). As a result, those who hear and keep the Word of God are blessedly happy (Luke 11:28), for they live under the loving rule of God.
 
6. Finally, teaching children the need to live under God’s rule for flourishing is loving since it shows us we all fail at this and need a Savior who has lived under God’s rule perfectly, as well as fully paid the penalty for their sins (See Paul’s argument in Romans 1-8, and his statement in Gal. 3:24-25). 
 
Scripture teaches us that God’s rule is loving. It is important to teach right and wrong from Scripture, but as number six above reminds us, it is not enough. It is only in and through the gospel we come to live under God’s loving rule. 
 
May we never fall for the lie that true freedom is freedom from authority. No! true freedom is knowing the King as Savior and living under His rule (Gal. 5:1, 13; Heb. 12:23)!
 
Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,
 
Tom

 
 

Church Unseen Backup Team, please pray for: 

1. Sunday morning service, Sunday school, children's church, and Bible Fellowships, that the Spirit of God would work in hearts that they would hear and respond to the Word of God they are taught. 
 
2. People in our church to be faithful to pray for our church, ministries, and missionaries. 
 
3. People to trust in the powerful Word of Jesus and turn to him in faith and prayer.
 
4. The welfare of our schools and town, as well as wisdom for our school board and city council. 
 
5. Brayden and Kelli Petersen, that God would produce much lasting fruit through them.
 
6. Undertrained pastors throughout the world, to receive the training needed. Pray especially for the Network Beyond ministry and the International Training Institutes they put on throughout the world, to meet this very need.
 
7. Revival in our church, community, and throughout the country.
 
8. That God would give wisdom to and enable our local, state, and national leaders to lead according to his truth and righteousness.
 
9. May our church live out its ultimate purpose, to magnify Jesus Christ by prizing him above all.
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Today, September 28, is National Good Neighbor Day. Scan the QR code below to get ideas of how you can be involved and do something nice for your neighbors!
 

Greetings Church!

The feeling of Fall is in the air. September is half over and winter is soon coming. I continue to have conversations with people about realizing there has been 50 years of camping ministry at Timberlake!. As we look forward to celebrating this milestone next summer, we rejoice at God’s grace and His provision for us. I am excited for the fall season and opportunities to be renewed at various conferences and meetings. Camp is exhausting but so rewarding. Our Maintenance man, Pastor Joe, had his church join him for worship at camp, Labor Day Sunday and one of his friends said how rough Joe had it at camp each day. It is a wonderful place, but there is much work to be done and resources needed for the work. We are truly thankful for you, and the way you lift us up. Whether by prayer, financial support, or sending people, we thank God for you! We have several focused retreats this fall and trust God will use the gospel as we proclaim Him as King!

 

Join us in prayer;

*For the upcoming JCL retreat Oct 24-25

*For financial provision as we head into the fall and winter

*For God to supply the perfect person to serve as Kitchen Director

*For the gospel to take root in the many hearts and minds that heard it this summer

 

As always, I’d invite you to reach out to me if you’d like to visit camp or learn more.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Joel Linn, Timberlake Staff
The Zambian Mission Project would like to ask for prayer as they strive toward the goal that their Orphan Care Ministry would be self-supporting, or nearly self-supporting, by July 2027.  For more information, or to make a monetary donation, visit Zambianmissionproject.org or check out their Facebook page!

 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sign up at the welcome center, or contact the office to register!
 

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!
 

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 
To register, scan QR code or tvsmininstries/events
or call 903 756 8532.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

4    Presley Kohtz
5    Asa Heun
     Chris Kuehn
6    Eli Warner
10  Maddyn Petersen
11  Lucy Reed
      Sutton Stadler
13  Luke Poore
16  Nadine Bergen
17  Ryan Kulhanek
19  Matthew Kulhanek
      Meredith Johnson
      Ron Blecha
20  Jenny Reitz
21  Jenny Poore
      Ken McNeff
24  Tara Foth
26  Chelsey Kulhanek
27  Chelsey Petersen
28  Alan Farlin
      Scott Olson
29  Stetson Poore
30  Dusty Reed

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

14  Joe & Rachelle Warner
      Lige & Dusty Reed
16  James & Stephanie Wright
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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Week of September 28 to October 4

"Trust and Obey God’s Good Word”

Psalm 119:67-72


 
Sermon Outline:


Getting Started

1. New Life In Christ: An Essential Plank.

2.God's Goodness In His Word: A Final Essential Plank.

A Conclusion To This Sermon's Teaching.

 

1. Have you ever come to the living waters to drink? In other words, have you ever trusted in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life and so you see evidence that you have the new life we talked of in this sermon?

2. We discovered in this sermon that if we are to see and savor with intense joy the goodness of God in Jesus Christ and, as a result want to express that goodness generously to others, we will take in regularly the Scriptures; will seek to obey the Scriptures consistently, will be incessantly dependent upon God in prayer, will habitually assemble together with other Christians who are part of your church, and will see the fruit of goodness produced in us by the Holy Spirit. Evaluate yourself honestly in each of these areas. In which ones are you strong? In which ones do you need to grow?

3. How do you plan on growing in each of the growth areas?

4. In what ways are you strong in expressing the goodness of God through your life? In what ways do you need to grow?
 

God’s Loving Rule 
 

During a recent morning walk I saw a sad encounter between a mom and her child on the sidewalk in front of their home. The mom was trying to get the young boy to go to school and he was yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs. Now I don’t know for sure what the context was. And there could be unseen factors. But one thing was for sure, that boy had missed a key goal that should be set for all young lives. The fifth commandment reads, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Sons and daughter are to learn to submit to the authority of their parents and this, in turn, helps them learn to submit to the authority of God. Leviticus 19:32 (NIV) captures the connection: “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.”
 
Why should we be motivated to submit to the authority of God? The answer is found in the fifth question and answer in The New City Catechism: “What else did God create? Answer: God created all things by his powerful Word, and all his creation was very good; everything flourished under his loving rule.” This answer is derived from Genesis 1:31: “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. . . .” To say that everything was “very good” in part means that it serves the well-being of the world through its having all it needs to bring about God’s glory and humans’ benefit. 
 
God’s rule in Eden was loving. It is always loving and it is best to live under His rule. Here are just a few statements from the Bible that demonstrate this.
 
1. God gave His people-benefiting revelation of His will and life wisdom for both His glory (Deut. 4:1-8) and the good of people (Deut. 10:13; Psalm 19:7-11). In other words, living under God’s rule is benefiting and good. 
 
2. Because of number 1, it follows that, God’s “commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
 
3. All the world’s brokenness arises from man’s sin, the curse of sin on the world, and thus, that humans want to live as their own kings and queens and not under God’s rule (Gen. 3:1-19; Rom. 8:18-25). 
 
4. The hope of the world is the coming of God’s kingdom, which has already started (Mark 1:14-15) but it is not fully here yet (Matt. 6:10). Once God’s kingdom is here in full, His loving rule will be restored fully (Rev. 21-22). 
 
5. Jesus Himself taught that those who have come into the kingdom of God and his loving rule through Jesus are the truly happy ones (Matt. 5:3-10). As a result, those who hear and keep the Word of God are blessedly happy (Luke 11:28), for they live under the loving rule of God.
 
6. Finally, teaching children the need to live under God’s rule for flourishing is loving since it shows us we all fail at this and need a Savior who has lived under God’s rule perfectly, as well as fully paid the penalty for their sins (See Paul’s argument in Romans 1-8, and his statement in Gal. 3:24-25). 
 
Scripture teaches us that God’s rule is loving. It is important to teach right and wrong from Scripture, but as number six above reminds us, it is not enough. It is only in and through the gospel we come to live under God’s loving rule. 
 
May we never fall for the lie that true freedom is freedom from authority. No! true freedom is knowing the King as Savior and living under His rule (Gal. 5:1, 13; Heb. 12:23)!
 
Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,
 
Tom

 
 

Church Unseen Backup Team, please pray for: 

1. Sunday morning service, Sunday school, children's church, and Bible Fellowships, that the Spirit of God would work in hearts that they would hear and respond to the Word of God they are taught. 
 
2. People in our church to be faithful to pray for our church, ministries, and missionaries. 
 
3. People to trust in the powerful Word of Jesus and turn to him in faith and prayer.
 
4. The welfare of our schools and town, as well as wisdom for our school board and city council. 
 
5. Brayden and Kelli Petersen, that God would produce much lasting fruit through them.
 
6. Undertrained pastors throughout the world, to receive the training needed. Pray especially for the Network Beyond ministry and the International Training Institutes they put on throughout the world, to meet this very need.
 
7. Revival in our church, community, and throughout the country.
 
8. That God would give wisdom to and enable our local, state, and national leaders to lead according to his truth and righteousness.
 
9. May our church live out its ultimate purpose, to magnify Jesus Christ by prizing him above all.
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Today, September 28, is National Good Neighbor Day. Scan the QR code below to get ideas of how you can be involved and do something nice for your neighbors!
 

Greetings Church!

The feeling of Fall is in the air. September is half over and winter is soon coming. I continue to have conversations with people about realizing there has been 50 years of camping ministry at Timberlake!. As we look forward to celebrating this milestone next summer, we rejoice at God’s grace and His provision for us. I am excited for the fall season and opportunities to be renewed at various conferences and meetings. Camp is exhausting but so rewarding. Our Maintenance man, Pastor Joe, had his church join him for worship at camp, Labor Day Sunday and one of his friends said how rough Joe had it at camp each day. It is a wonderful place, but there is much work to be done and resources needed for the work. We are truly thankful for you, and the way you lift us up. Whether by prayer, financial support, or sending people, we thank God for you! We have several focused retreats this fall and trust God will use the gospel as we proclaim Him as King!

 

Join us in prayer;

*For the upcoming JCL retreat Oct 24-25

*For financial provision as we head into the fall and winter

*For God to supply the perfect person to serve as Kitchen Director

*For the gospel to take root in the many hearts and minds that heard it this summer

 

As always, I’d invite you to reach out to me if you’d like to visit camp or learn more.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Joel Linn, Timberlake Staff
The Zambian Mission Project would like to ask for prayer as they strive toward the goal that their Orphan Care Ministry would be self-supporting, or nearly self-supporting, by July 2027.  For more information, or to make a monetary donation, visit Zambianmissionproject.org or check out their Facebook page!

 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sign up at the welcome center, or contact the office to register!
 

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!
 

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 
To register, scan QR code or tvsmininstries/events
or call 903 756 8532.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

4    Presley Kohtz
5    Asa Heun
     Chris Kuehn
6    Eli Warner
10  Maddyn Petersen
11  Lucy Reed
      Sutton Stadler
13  Luke Poore
16  Nadine Bergen
17  Ryan Kulhanek
19  Matthew Kulhanek
      Meredith Johnson
      Ron Blecha
20  Jenny Reitz
21  Jenny Poore
      Ken McNeff
24  Tara Foth
26  Chelsey Kulhanek
27  Chelsey Petersen
28  Alan Farlin
      Scott Olson
29  Stetson Poore
30  Dusty Reed

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

14  Joe & Rachelle Warner
      Lige & Dusty Reed
16  James & Stephanie Wright
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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Week of September 21 to September 27

See And Savor The Goodness Of God
 
Psalm 67

 

Sermon Outline:

Getting Started: The Comfort From God's Goodness."

1. God's Good Leads To Our Good. 

2. Our Good Has A Missions Flavor.

3. There Is A Bridge From God's Goodness To Ours.

4. The Bridge: See And Savor The Goodness Of God.

5. The Central Plank Introduced In Hebrews 12:2: Joy.

Conclusion: Our Response.
 
 

1. The greatest thing you can do for the sake of the world is to see and savor joyously the goodness of God in Christ. Do you agree or disagree, and why?
 
2. Why is it important to see and savor the goodness of God in Christ? What does this mean? How do you need to grow in this?
 
3. What part does joy have in seeing and savoring the goodness of God in Christ?
 
4. Why do so many people explain away the importance of joy or happiness? Why are they wrong? 
 
5. What steps can you take to develop the habit of grace in your life that consists of seeing and savoring the goodness of God in Christ? What steps can you take to develop the habit of grace in your life consisting of doing good to everyone, especially those of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10)?
 
6. Joy is diminished without God’s goodness; God’s goodness is hampered from being demonstrated in us apart from joy. Explain why this is true.

 


God’s Construction 

 

Imagine these following scenarios.

 

A car traveling east on Interstate 80 decides to construct its own rules and speed limit by driving in the west bound lane at 100 miles an hour. The outcome? Disaster!

 

A mom making a sandwich for her son who has a peanut allergy decides to construct her own guidelines for what is healthy and puts peanut butter in the sandwich. The outcome? Disaster!

 

After hearing that golf ball size hail is coming his way in a severe thunderstorm, a man decides to construct his own sense of a wise decision and leaves his new car out of the garage. The outcome? Disaster! 

 

In each of these scenarios we find examples of constructivism, a view that is convinced a person can construct their own reality. The disastrous results remind us that a person cannot construct their own reality.

 

In our next question and answer in The New City Catechism, #4 (“How and why did God create us? Answer: God created us male and female in his own image to know him, love him, live with him, and glorify him. And it is right that we who were created by God should live to his glory.”), several areas of life are addressed in which many people currently construct their own reality, and with disastrous results. They all revolve around God’s creation of the world. Let’s briefly look at these.

 

Creation 

In order to escape any accountability that would come with there being a God, many have constructed their own reality about the origin of the world in a theory known as evolution or macroevolution. The results have been disastrous in that people have been encouraged to believe only in what they can see and touch, human beings have been diminished to no more importance than animals, and belief in God has been thought to be obsolete. Yet, the Bible clearly tells us, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). 

 

The Image Of God

Because so many have lost sight of God in the origin of the world, it also follows that they have constructed their own reality about who humans are and how important they are. The prevalence of abortion, assisted suicide, and a devaluing of the aged and infirm are all a direct result of this loss. It is in direct contradiction to what the Bible teaches: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) Human life is sacred since humans are created in the image of God: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Gen. 9:6)

 

Binary Sexuality

One of the most prevalent ways constructivism is being practiced today is in this area. God created humans male and female and He ordained marriage as only between a male and female, to give a picture of the ultimate bridegroom and bride, Jesus Christ and the Church (Eph. 5:32). To recognize this and live out this reality brings happiness and results in the best way to live (Deut. 10:12-13; Ps 112:1; Luke 11:28). Today’s constructivism often concludes that, “God put me in the wrong body, so I must transition,” or “Rather than loving and/or being in an intimate relationship with one of the opposite sex, I will be happier in such a relationship with one of my own sex.” Such ends in disaster, God’s judgment (Romans 1:26-27), much pain to those who live “alternative lifestyles,” and it opposes the clear teaching of the Bible: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

 

The World’s Purpose

 To realize that God is the only God, the only Creator, and He has revealed how He constructed the world and humans best to live, leads to life purposes that fit with the reality of Him, His world, and our purposes: To know Him (Jeremiah 9:23-24; John 17:3), love Him (Matthew 22:37-40), live with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 21:1-7), and to glorify Him (Isaiah 43:7; Romans 11:34-36). 

 

There are many questions and answers in The New City Catechism that deal with very important topics, but none are more important than this fourth one because constructivism, in many ways, has replaced Secular Humanism as the number one challenge to a biblical worldview. In this one question and answer we find the biblical response in succinct form. 

 

Commit this question and answer to memory, teach it to the next generation, and talk about it often with your children. If you don’t, the world will catechize them in constructivism, otherwise known as sin. 

 

Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,

 

Tom
Church Unseen Backup Prayer Team, please pray:
1. For persecuted Christians through the VOM app.
 
2. For the members and regular attenders of our church through the MEFC daily prayer guide.
 
3. Philippians 1:9-11: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
 
4. Sunday morning service; Bible Fellowships, Sunday School, and children’s church.
 
5. Rick and Fairy Hattan, AWANA area missionaries.
 
6. In Luke 10:2 we read: “And [Jesus] said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” This is a prayer that Jesus would not only save many but that he would also make them into laborers in the harvest field who are sharing the gospel and make disciples. Consider making a commitment to pray this prayer for our church, ministries, and missionaries, every morning at 10:02.
 
7. For God to give you a heart for His Word.  Ask Him to help you approach His Word devotionally and obediently. Ask God to increase your faith in Him. Ask Him to make you more consistently aware of His plan of redemption and the role He wants you to play in that. (From the book, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, by Francis Chan, with Mark Beuving)
 
8. That God's people would not be wooed into silence when the truth is being trampled on.
 
9. That Christians realize it's the Lord's honor at stake in our lives, not our own honor.
 
10. For Muslims throughout the world to come to Christ in large numbers. 
 
11. That God would give wisdom to and enable our local, state, and national leaders to lead according to his truth and righteousness.
 
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Greetings Church!

The feeling of Fall is in the air. September is half over and winter is soon coming. I continue to have conversations with people about realizing there has been 50 years of camping ministry at Timberlake!. As we look forward to celebrating this milestone next summer, we rejoice at God’s grace and His provision for us. I am excited for the fall season and opportunities to be renewed at various conferences and meetings. Camp is exhausting but so rewarding. Our Maintenance man, Pastor Joe, had his church join him for worship at camp, Labor Day Sunday and one of his friends said how rough Joe had it at camp each day. It is a wonderful place, but there is much work to be done and resources needed for the work. We are truly thankful for you, and the way you lift us up. Whether by prayer, financial support, or sending people, we thank God for you! We have several focused retreats this fall and trust God will use the gospel as we proclaim Him as King!

 

Join us in prayer;

*For the upcoming JCL retreat Oct 24-25

*For financial provision as we head into the fall and winter

*For God to supply the perfect person to serve as Kitchen Director

*For the gospel to take root in the many hearts and minds that heard it this summer

 

As always, I’d invite you to reach out to me if you’d like to visit camp or learn more.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Joel Linn, Timberlake Staff
The Zambian Mission Project would like to ask for prayer as they strive toward the goal that their Orphan Care Ministry would be self-supporting, or nearly self-supporting, by July 2027.  For more information, or to make a monetary donation, visit Zambianmissionproject.org or check out their Facebook page!

 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sign up at the welcome center, or contact the office to register!
 
Prayer Opportunity

The Minden Police Department “Unseen Backup Team” is hoping to recruit a few more individuals or couples willing to pray regularly for an officer. Volunteers may also occasionally send them a card or treat. If you are interested or have questions, please talk to Pastor Tom.

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!
 

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 
To register, scan QR code or tvsmininstries/events
or call 903 756 8532.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Dee Jardon
Stephanie Wright
5 Ralph Seibert
12 Isabel Craig
14 Anisha Kuehn
Henry Heun
16 Sharesse Houchin
17 Emily Birnie
21 Hannah Bergen
23 Lily Ortgiesen
25 April Williams
Deb Lundeen
25 Luke Craig


SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

5 Matthew & Shannon Favinger
9 Brian & Karen Labenz
13 Nate & Ashley Gerry
23 Randy & Nancy Scheidies
25 Daniel & Tara Foth
26 Mel & Sharon James
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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Week of September 21 to September 27

See And Savor The Goodness Of God
 
Psalm 67

 

Sermon Outline:

Getting Started: The Comfort From God's Goodness."

1. God's Good Leads To Our Good. 

2. Our Good Has A Missions Flavor.

3. There Is A Bridge From God's Goodness To Ours.

4. The Bridge: See And Savor The Goodness Of God.

5. The Central Plank Introduced In Hebrews 12:2: Joy.

Conclusion: Our Response.
 
 

1. The greatest thing you can do for the sake of the world is to see and savor joyously the goodness of God in Christ. Do you agree or disagree, and why?
 
2. Why is it important to see and savor the goodness of God in Christ? What does this mean? How do you need to grow in this?
 
3. What part does joy have in seeing and savoring the goodness of God in Christ?
 
4. Why do so many people explain away the importance of joy or happiness? Why are they wrong? 
 
5. What steps can you take to develop the habit of grace in your life that consists of seeing and savoring the goodness of God in Christ? What steps can you take to develop the habit of grace in your life consisting of doing good to everyone, especially those of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10)?
 
6. Joy is diminished without God’s goodness; God’s goodness is hampered from being demonstrated in us apart from joy. Explain why this is true.

 


God’s Construction 

 

Imagine these following scenarios.

 

A car traveling east on Interstate 80 decides to construct its own rules and speed limit by driving in the west bound lane at 100 miles an hour. The outcome? Disaster!

 

A mom making a sandwich for her son who has a peanut allergy decides to construct her own guidelines for what is healthy and puts peanut butter in the sandwich. The outcome? Disaster!

 

After hearing that golf ball size hail is coming his way in a severe thunderstorm, a man decides to construct his own sense of a wise decision and leaves his new car out of the garage. The outcome? Disaster! 

 

In each of these scenarios we find examples of constructivism, a view that is convinced a person can construct their own reality. The disastrous results remind us that a person cannot construct their own reality.

 

In our next question and answer in The New City Catechism, #4 (“How and why did God create us? Answer: God created us male and female in his own image to know him, love him, live with him, and glorify him. And it is right that we who were created by God should live to his glory.”), several areas of life are addressed in which many people currently construct their own reality, and with disastrous results. They all revolve around God’s creation of the world. Let’s briefly look at these.

 

Creation 

In order to escape any accountability that would come with there being a God, many have constructed their own reality about the origin of the world in a theory known as evolution or macroevolution. The results have been disastrous in that people have been encouraged to believe only in what they can see and touch, human beings have been diminished to no more importance than animals, and belief in God has been thought to be obsolete. Yet, the Bible clearly tells us, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). 

 

The Image Of God

Because so many have lost sight of God in the origin of the world, it also follows that they have constructed their own reality about who humans are and how important they are. The prevalence of abortion, assisted suicide, and a devaluing of the aged and infirm are all a direct result of this loss. It is in direct contradiction to what the Bible teaches: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) Human life is sacred since humans are created in the image of God: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Gen. 9:6)

 

Binary Sexuality

One of the most prevalent ways constructivism is being practiced today is in this area. God created humans male and female and He ordained marriage as only between a male and female, to give a picture of the ultimate bridegroom and bride, Jesus Christ and the Church (Eph. 5:32). To recognize this and live out this reality brings happiness and results in the best way to live (Deut. 10:12-13; Ps 112:1; Luke 11:28). Today’s constructivism often concludes that, “God put me in the wrong body, so I must transition,” or “Rather than loving and/or being in an intimate relationship with one of the opposite sex, I will be happier in such a relationship with one of my own sex.” Such ends in disaster, God’s judgment (Romans 1:26-27), much pain to those who live “alternative lifestyles,” and it opposes the clear teaching of the Bible: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

 

The World’s Purpose

 To realize that God is the only God, the only Creator, and He has revealed how He constructed the world and humans best to live, leads to life purposes that fit with the reality of Him, His world, and our purposes: To know Him (Jeremiah 9:23-24; John 17:3), love Him (Matthew 22:37-40), live with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 21:1-7), and to glorify Him (Isaiah 43:7; Romans 11:34-36). 

 

There are many questions and answers in The New City Catechism that deal with very important topics, but none are more important than this fourth one because constructivism, in many ways, has replaced Secular Humanism as the number one challenge to a biblical worldview. In this one question and answer we find the biblical response in succinct form. 

 

Commit this question and answer to memory, teach it to the next generation, and talk about it often with your children. If you don’t, the world will catechize them in constructivism, otherwise known as sin. 

 

Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,

 

Tom
Church Unseen Backup Prayer Team, please pray:
1. For persecuted Christians through the VOM app.
 
2. For the members and regular attenders of our church through the MEFC daily prayer guide.
 
3. Philippians 1:9-11: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
 
4. Sunday morning service; Bible Fellowships, Sunday School, and children’s church.
 
5. Rick and Fairy Hattan, AWANA area missionaries.
 
6. In Luke 10:2 we read: “And [Jesus] said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” This is a prayer that Jesus would not only save many but that he would also make them into laborers in the harvest field who are sharing the gospel and make disciples. Consider making a commitment to pray this prayer for our church, ministries, and missionaries, every morning at 10:02.
 
7. For God to give you a heart for His Word.  Ask Him to help you approach His Word devotionally and obediently. Ask God to increase your faith in Him. Ask Him to make you more consistently aware of His plan of redemption and the role He wants you to play in that. (From the book, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, by Francis Chan, with Mark Beuving)
 
8. That God's people would not be wooed into silence when the truth is being trampled on.
 
9. That Christians realize it's the Lord's honor at stake in our lives, not our own honor.
 
10. For Muslims throughout the world to come to Christ in large numbers. 
 
11. That God would give wisdom to and enable our local, state, and national leaders to lead according to his truth and righteousness.
 
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Greetings Church!

The feeling of Fall is in the air. September is half over and winter is soon coming. I continue to have conversations with people about realizing there has been 50 years of camping ministry at Timberlake!. As we look forward to celebrating this milestone next summer, we rejoice at God’s grace and His provision for us. I am excited for the fall season and opportunities to be renewed at various conferences and meetings. Camp is exhausting but so rewarding. Our Maintenance man, Pastor Joe, had his church join him for worship at camp, Labor Day Sunday and one of his friends said how rough Joe had it at camp each day. It is a wonderful place, but there is much work to be done and resources needed for the work. We are truly thankful for you, and the way you lift us up. Whether by prayer, financial support, or sending people, we thank God for you! We have several focused retreats this fall and trust God will use the gospel as we proclaim Him as King!

 

Join us in prayer;

*For the upcoming JCL retreat Oct 24-25

*For financial provision as we head into the fall and winter

*For God to supply the perfect person to serve as Kitchen Director

*For the gospel to take root in the many hearts and minds that heard it this summer

 

As always, I’d invite you to reach out to me if you’d like to visit camp or learn more.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Joel Linn, Timberlake Staff
The Zambian Mission Project would like to ask for prayer as they strive toward the goal that their Orphan Care Ministry would be self-supporting, or nearly self-supporting, by July 2027.  For more information, or to make a monetary donation, visit Zambianmissionproject.org or check out their Facebook page!

 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sign up at the welcome center, or contact the office to register!
 
Prayer Opportunity

The Minden Police Department “Unseen Backup Team” is hoping to recruit a few more individuals or couples willing to pray regularly for an officer. Volunteers may also occasionally send them a card or treat. If you are interested or have questions, please talk to Pastor Tom.

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!
 

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 
To register, scan QR code or tvsmininstries/events
or call 903 756 8532.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Dee Jardon
Stephanie Wright
5 Ralph Seibert
12 Isabel Craig
14 Anisha Kuehn
Henry Heun
16 Sharesse Houchin
17 Emily Birnie
21 Hannah Bergen
23 Lily Ortgiesen
25 April Williams
Deb Lundeen
25 Luke Craig


SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

5 Matthew & Shannon Favinger
9 Brian & Karen Labenz
13 Nate & Ashley Gerry
23 Randy & Nancy Scheidies
25 Daniel & Tara Foth
26 Mel & Sharon James
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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Week of September 14 to September 20
 
God’s Abundant Goodness Through
The Good, Bad, And Beautiful, Part 2.
   
Passage: Romans 8:29-30


Sermon Outline:
Getting Started.

1. In Eternity Past God Set His Love Upon You.


2. In Eternity Past God Determined to Save And Sanctify You.


3. God Caused You To Be Born-Again, To Come To Christ.


4. God Imputed Christ’s Righteousness To You.


5. God Has Given You Many Benefits that Accompany Justification.


Conclusion: Our Response.
 

1. In addition to the rich and abundant benefits God has poured out on us and that we looked at from Romans 8:28-39 in the last chapter, in this chapter we have focused on 17 more benefits. List what some of these 17 benefits are and give thanks and praise to God for these.

2. Take some of the 17 benefits just mentioned and make them a matter of prayer, that God help you to focus upon these so they can build up your faith and hope in God and His goodness.

3. What is a circumstance you now face that threatens to challenge your trust in God’s goodness? How have these last two chapters given you help and hope?

4. Do you know someone who is facing faith-and-hope-threatening-affliction? In what way(s) can you encourage them from this chapter?
 
 
The Trinity
 
In Jeremiah 13:23 the prophet, after telling Judah they will face judgment from a northern enemy, addresses the topic of repentance. Yet rather than calling them to make a 180 degree turn from the immoral, disobedient direction they are going, the point he makes is that he knows they will not repent because they can’t. Sin has become a strong part of their nature, who they are. Here is the way he says this (literally): “Can the Sudanese change his skin or the leopard his spots? In the same way, you are able to do good, as disciples of evil.” Jeremiah’s point is that the inhabitants of Judah are as capable of doing good as the Sudanese person is of changing his skin color or the leopard getting rid of his spots. Doing evil has become who they are. Literally, he says they are “disciples of evil.” In the Hebrew mind, a disciple becomes like the teacher (Luke 6:40). The inhabitants of Judah, through the constant training and catechism of evil, are transformed into the same image. 
 
What Jeremiah 13:23 reminds us of is that someone or something (or both) will disciple (or catechize) us and/or our children through sheer repetition. Our task is to catechize intentionally self and family so that we become more and more like Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:18) and not like the world system that opposes God (1 John 2:15-17). This is why we are currently encouraging you to think through and memorize The New City Catechism. 
 
With this reminder of its importance in mind, we now come to the third question: “How many persons are there in God? Answer: There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.” Though the Bible does not use the word, “Trinity,” it very clearly teaches it, and highlights its importance. Let’s see how this is so.
 
What Trinity Means
The word Trinity means tri-unity. In other words, it means that God is one in three. 
 
To start, God is always and at each moment, He has always been, and always will be three persons. As the catechism says, “There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.” The Father is fully God, yet He is not the Son or the Spirit. The Son is fully God, yet He is not the Father or the Spirt. The Spirit is fully God, yet He is not the Father or the Son. 
 
Next, we must see that though God is three persons, He is only one God, as the catechism affirms: “the one true and living God.” 
 
Even more important than what Trinity means is that the Bible teaches it. Here are just a few examples. 
 
The Bible Teaches The Doctrine of The Trinity
Luke 3:21-22 highlights that God is three persons, distinct from each other, and God is always and at one and the same time three persons: “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (emphasis added)
 
In Matthew 28:19 Jesus commissioned us with these words and, in the process, shows that God is one God (one name) and yet three persons: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit….” (emphasis added)
 
In Paul’s closing prayer of blessing for the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 13:14, we see the three persons doing and being only what the one God can do and be: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (emphasis added)
 
These are just three of many examples we could give, yet they are enough to make the point that the Bible Teaches God has always been, is, and always be at all times and at each moment one God in three persons.
 
Of course many of us might think, “That’s all nice, but does this really matter?  Isn’t this a doctrine that only scholars care about?” Let’s answer this.
 
The Doctrine of the Trinity Is Important
There are a number of reasons this is important. 
 
1. This is who God is and God takes delight in us knowing who He is and what He is like (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
 
2. The only way that God can be eternally and at His very essence love (“God is love.” 1 John 4:8), is to be a Trinity. If God is only a one person God, He would have had no one to love until He created and so could not have been love in His very essence for eternity.
 
3. The Trinity shows God has always been at His very essence a Father, the “begetter” (1 John 5:1). The ultimate Word or communication to us from and about God is the Son (John 1:1, 14, 18; Heb. 1:1-3) and the Son reveals to us that for all eternity the first person of the Trinity has been Father (John 1:14; 3:16) and this means that he is one who “begets,” who gives birth, who gives life (Dt. 32:18; 1 John 5:1). This shows that at the very core of His being God is one who gives true and full life, who overflows with good and love. 
 
4. Related to number three is that the Father has always and eternally overflowed with, He has radiated out with His glory, embodied in the Son (Hebrews 1:3), which shapes how God overflows to create the world and to express His love in its most intense way through the love that saves sinners (John 3:16; Romans 5:6, 8; 8:28-39). This love has always been present in the Father and Son’s love for each other (John 17:24), which has been poured out among them by the Spirit (Romans 5:5).
 
5. The Savior, in addition to being fully human, had to be fully God, which means a triune God is important. He had to be God since God ultimately is the Redeemer or Savior of man (Isaiah 43:3; Jonah 2:9), most likely no mere man could have undergone the eternal wrath of God in that short period of time as a sin-offering (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 2:1-2), and the sacrifice and the priest offering the sacrifice had to be without sin (Rom. 5:12-19; Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:1-22)—and deity safe-guarded his sinlessness (Lk. 1:35). The Savior also had to be man since He was taking the place of sinful humans as the perfect man (Rom. 5:12-19; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:5-18; 9:1-14). To have a Savior who is fully God and fully man demands the reality and teaching of the Trinity behind it. 
 
6. The Bible tells us that the Trinitarian God, the one who has been in community as the three persons of the Trinity for all eternity, created man in His image (Genesis 1:26; 5:1-2; 9:6; James 3:9). This sets the stage or us to see we are meant to be individuals who are also community beings. What is more, we are alike and different. 
 
7. The Bible teaches us that God is eternally happy (1 Timothy 1:11) and that he does all things at some level out of his pleasure (Pss. 115:3; 135:6). Most often in Scripture pleasure, happiness, and joy are spoken of as radiating out of one’s being, but also in response to others. As a result, God’s eternal happiness and pleasure would relate to His being eternally a God of love as a God in community (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)—each person giving pleasure to the other persons. 
 
8. The Bible tells us that the Trinity is the model for how God created man and woman (different to be in marital union, that is, one (1 Corinthians 11:3). When we come to see what the Bible teaches about the persons of the Trinity being equal in value, glory, power, and significance, having different main roles, and each person sharing in all the works of the Trinity outwardly, what significance do all these truths have for how we should approach marriage?
 
9. Seeing the beauty of God is a great desire of the godly (Psalms 27:4; 96:6) and, as can be seen in the above teaching about the Trinity, we can conclude we see God’s beauty in the Trinity.
 
Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,
 
Tom
 
 
Church Unseen Backup Prayer Team, please pray:
1. For persecuted Christians through the VOM app.
 
2. For the members and regular attenders of our church through the MEFC daily prayer guide.
 
3. That motivated by the fact God has chosen us, loved us with an eternal, saving love, and he has set us apart unto him to live for his glory, we would put on compassionate hearts toward each other and others, including kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Col. 3:12).
 
4. For faithful prayer warriors among our church.
 
5. For Bob and Sandy Walz as they disciple young adults in Lincoln and also help disciple the leaders in their church.
 
6. Pray for people to come to know Jesus and to be equipped and have the desire to become  disciplemakers. Pray that we would be motivated by our ever-growing knowledge of Christ.
 
7. Ask God to purify the hearts of those in our church with regard to Scripture.  Ask Him to produce in us a longing for the pure milk of the Word. (From the book, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, by Francis Chan, with Mark Beuving)
 
8. For wisdom, financial resources, and people resources needed by Compass ministry in Kearney and the Zambian Mission Project. Pray that God would enable them to serve more and more children who need foster and adoption care, and other needs met as orphans.
 
9. That God would protect our children and grandchildren from the sinful LBGTQ+ agenda, confusion, and agenda. Pray that God would save those who have already been sucked in by this agenda.
 
10. That God would work in a mighty way through our Sunday morning sermons. May he bring revival to our church and community.
 
11. That God would work in our church to be glory-compelled, gospel-centered, great commandment-obeying, great commission-fulfilling, and greater community-pursuing.
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Pastor Tom is now sending out prayer requests for the Zambian Mission Project by email each Monday. If you are interested in receiving these, please let him know. 
 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sign up at the welcome center, or contact the office to register!
 
Prayer Opportunity

The Minden Police Department “Unseen Backup Team” is hoping to recruit a few more individuals or couples willing to pray regularly for an officer. Volunteers may also occasionally send them a card or treat. If you are interested or have questions, please talk to Pastor Tom.
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Dee Jardon
Stephanie Wright
5 Ralph Seibert
12 Isabel Craig
14 Anisha Kuehn
Henry Heun
16 Sharesse Houchin
17 Emily Birnie
21 Hannah Bergen
23 Lily Ortgiesen
25 April Williams
Deb Lundeen
25 Luke Craig


SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

5 Matthew & Shannon Favinger
9 Brian & Karen Labenz
13 Nate & Ashley Gerry
23 Randy & Nancy Scheidies
25 Daniel & Tara Foth
26 Mel & Sharon James
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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Week of September 14 to September 20
 
God’s Abundant Goodness Through
The Good, Bad, And Beautiful, Part 2.
   
Passage: Romans 8:29-30


Sermon Outline:
Getting Started.

1. In Eternity Past God Set His Love Upon You.


2. In Eternity Past God Determined to Save And Sanctify You.


3. God Caused You To Be Born-Again, To Come To Christ.


4. God Imputed Christ’s Righteousness To You.


5. God Has Given You Many Benefits that Accompany Justification.


Conclusion: Our Response.
 

1. In addition to the rich and abundant benefits God has poured out on us and that we looked at from Romans 8:28-39 in the last chapter, in this chapter we have focused on 17 more benefits. List what some of these 17 benefits are and give thanks and praise to God for these.

2. Take some of the 17 benefits just mentioned and make them a matter of prayer, that God help you to focus upon these so they can build up your faith and hope in God and His goodness.

3. What is a circumstance you now face that threatens to challenge your trust in God’s goodness? How have these last two chapters given you help and hope?

4. Do you know someone who is facing faith-and-hope-threatening-affliction? In what way(s) can you encourage them from this chapter?
 
 
The Trinity
 
In Jeremiah 13:23 the prophet, after telling Judah they will face judgment from a northern enemy, addresses the topic of repentance. Yet rather than calling them to make a 180 degree turn from the immoral, disobedient direction they are going, the point he makes is that he knows they will not repent because they can’t. Sin has become a strong part of their nature, who they are. Here is the way he says this (literally): “Can the Sudanese change his skin or the leopard his spots? In the same way, you are able to do good, as disciples of evil.” Jeremiah’s point is that the inhabitants of Judah are as capable of doing good as the Sudanese person is of changing his skin color or the leopard getting rid of his spots. Doing evil has become who they are. Literally, he says they are “disciples of evil.” In the Hebrew mind, a disciple becomes like the teacher (Luke 6:40). The inhabitants of Judah, through the constant training and catechism of evil, are transformed into the same image. 
 
What Jeremiah 13:23 reminds us of is that someone or something (or both) will disciple (or catechize) us and/or our children through sheer repetition. Our task is to catechize intentionally self and family so that we become more and more like Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:18) and not like the world system that opposes God (1 John 2:15-17). This is why we are currently encouraging you to think through and memorize The New City Catechism. 
 
With this reminder of its importance in mind, we now come to the third question: “How many persons are there in God? Answer: There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.” Though the Bible does not use the word, “Trinity,” it very clearly teaches it, and highlights its importance. Let’s see how this is so.
 
What Trinity Means
The word Trinity means tri-unity. In other words, it means that God is one in three. 
 
To start, God is always and at each moment, He has always been, and always will be three persons. As the catechism says, “There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.” The Father is fully God, yet He is not the Son or the Spirit. The Son is fully God, yet He is not the Father or the Spirt. The Spirit is fully God, yet He is not the Father or the Son. 
 
Next, we must see that though God is three persons, He is only one God, as the catechism affirms: “the one true and living God.” 
 
Even more important than what Trinity means is that the Bible teaches it. Here are just a few examples. 
 
The Bible Teaches The Doctrine of The Trinity
Luke 3:21-22 highlights that God is three persons, distinct from each other, and God is always and at one and the same time three persons: “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (emphasis added)
 
In Matthew 28:19 Jesus commissioned us with these words and, in the process, shows that God is one God (one name) and yet three persons: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit….” (emphasis added)
 
In Paul’s closing prayer of blessing for the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 13:14, we see the three persons doing and being only what the one God can do and be: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (emphasis added)
 
These are just three of many examples we could give, yet they are enough to make the point that the Bible Teaches God has always been, is, and always be at all times and at each moment one God in three persons.
 
Of course many of us might think, “That’s all nice, but does this really matter?  Isn’t this a doctrine that only scholars care about?” Let’s answer this.
 
The Doctrine of the Trinity Is Important
There are a number of reasons this is important. 
 
1. This is who God is and God takes delight in us knowing who He is and what He is like (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
 
2. The only way that God can be eternally and at His very essence love (“God is love.” 1 John 4:8), is to be a Trinity. If God is only a one person God, He would have had no one to love until He created and so could not have been love in His very essence for eternity.
 
3. The Trinity shows God has always been at His very essence a Father, the “begetter” (1 John 5:1). The ultimate Word or communication to us from and about God is the Son (John 1:1, 14, 18; Heb. 1:1-3) and the Son reveals to us that for all eternity the first person of the Trinity has been Father (John 1:14; 3:16) and this means that he is one who “begets,” who gives birth, who gives life (Dt. 32:18; 1 John 5:1). This shows that at the very core of His being God is one who gives true and full life, who overflows with good and love. 
 
4. Related to number three is that the Father has always and eternally overflowed with, He has radiated out with His glory, embodied in the Son (Hebrews 1:3), which shapes how God overflows to create the world and to express His love in its most intense way through the love that saves sinners (John 3:16; Romans 5:6, 8; 8:28-39). This love has always been present in the Father and Son’s love for each other (John 17:24), which has been poured out among them by the Spirit (Romans 5:5).
 
5. The Savior, in addition to being fully human, had to be fully God, which means a triune God is important. He had to be God since God ultimately is the Redeemer or Savior of man (Isaiah 43:3; Jonah 2:9), most likely no mere man could have undergone the eternal wrath of God in that short period of time as a sin-offering (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 2:1-2), and the sacrifice and the priest offering the sacrifice had to be without sin (Rom. 5:12-19; Hebrews 9:1-14; 10:1-22)—and deity safe-guarded his sinlessness (Lk. 1:35). The Savior also had to be man since He was taking the place of sinful humans as the perfect man (Rom. 5:12-19; 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:5-18; 9:1-14). To have a Savior who is fully God and fully man demands the reality and teaching of the Trinity behind it. 
 
6. The Bible tells us that the Trinitarian God, the one who has been in community as the three persons of the Trinity for all eternity, created man in His image (Genesis 1:26; 5:1-2; 9:6; James 3:9). This sets the stage or us to see we are meant to be individuals who are also community beings. What is more, we are alike and different. 
 
7. The Bible teaches us that God is eternally happy (1 Timothy 1:11) and that he does all things at some level out of his pleasure (Pss. 115:3; 135:6). Most often in Scripture pleasure, happiness, and joy are spoken of as radiating out of one’s being, but also in response to others. As a result, God’s eternal happiness and pleasure would relate to His being eternally a God of love as a God in community (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)—each person giving pleasure to the other persons. 
 
8. The Bible tells us that the Trinity is the model for how God created man and woman (different to be in marital union, that is, one (1 Corinthians 11:3). When we come to see what the Bible teaches about the persons of the Trinity being equal in value, glory, power, and significance, having different main roles, and each person sharing in all the works of the Trinity outwardly, what significance do all these truths have for how we should approach marriage?
 
9. Seeing the beauty of God is a great desire of the godly (Psalms 27:4; 96:6) and, as can be seen in the above teaching about the Trinity, we can conclude we see God’s beauty in the Trinity.
 
Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,
 
Tom
 
 
Church Unseen Backup Prayer Team, please pray:
1. For persecuted Christians through the VOM app.
 
2. For the members and regular attenders of our church through the MEFC daily prayer guide.
 
3. That motivated by the fact God has chosen us, loved us with an eternal, saving love, and he has set us apart unto him to live for his glory, we would put on compassionate hearts toward each other and others, including kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Col. 3:12).
 
4. For faithful prayer warriors among our church.
 
5. For Bob and Sandy Walz as they disciple young adults in Lincoln and also help disciple the leaders in their church.
 
6. Pray for people to come to know Jesus and to be equipped and have the desire to become  disciplemakers. Pray that we would be motivated by our ever-growing knowledge of Christ.
 
7. Ask God to purify the hearts of those in our church with regard to Scripture.  Ask Him to produce in us a longing for the pure milk of the Word. (From the book, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, by Francis Chan, with Mark Beuving)
 
8. For wisdom, financial resources, and people resources needed by Compass ministry in Kearney and the Zambian Mission Project. Pray that God would enable them to serve more and more children who need foster and adoption care, and other needs met as orphans.
 
9. That God would protect our children and grandchildren from the sinful LBGTQ+ agenda, confusion, and agenda. Pray that God would save those who have already been sucked in by this agenda.
 
10. That God would work in a mighty way through our Sunday morning sermons. May he bring revival to our church and community.
 
11. That God would work in our church to be glory-compelled, gospel-centered, great commandment-obeying, great commission-fulfilling, and greater community-pursuing.
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Pastor Tom is now sending out prayer requests for the Zambian Mission Project by email each Monday. If you are interested in receiving these, please let him know. 
 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sign up at the welcome center, or contact the office to register!
 
Prayer Opportunity

The Minden Police Department “Unseen Backup Team” is hoping to recruit a few more individuals or couples willing to pray regularly for an officer. Volunteers may also occasionally send them a card or treat. If you are interested or have questions, please talk to Pastor Tom.
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Dee Jardon
Stephanie Wright
5 Ralph Seibert
12 Isabel Craig
14 Anisha Kuehn
Henry Heun
16 Sharesse Houchin
17 Emily Birnie
21 Hannah Bergen
23 Lily Ortgiesen
25 April Williams
Deb Lundeen
25 Luke Craig


SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

5 Matthew & Shannon Favinger
9 Brian & Karen Labenz
13 Nate & Ashley Gerry
23 Randy & Nancy Scheidies
25 Daniel & Tara Foth
26 Mel & Sharon James
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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Week of September 7 to September 13

“God’s Abundant Goodness Through
The Good, Bad, And Beautiful,” Part 1

Romans 8:28-39


 
Outline: 

Getting Started

1. God Expresses Good Differently to the Saved And Unsaved.


2. God’s Good Toward His People Includes Good and Bad.


3. God’s Good Purpose In The World Is To Glorify Himself Through A Glorified, Christ-like People.


4. Regardless Of Circumstances, God Will Give Us All We Need.


5. Regardless of Circumstances, Nothing Can Separate Us From God’s Love.


Conclusion: Our Response.
 

1. Can you think of a time you suffered and benefited from it. How did you benefit?

2. The truths we have looked at in this chapter undergird Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where he writes: “give thanks in all circumstances.” Paul goes on to say that this is God’s will for us, which we can carry out in Christ Jesus and the power we have in Him. What is at least one thing you can begin doing on a regular basis to help develop the habit of thanksgiving for God’s good in the bad and the good?

3. After learning that God’s goal through all kinds of circumstances is to make us more like Jesus so that someday we are fully glorified, how does this encourage you?

4. In Philippians 1:6 Paul writes: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” In what way(s) did this chapter convince you that this is true.

5. It has been said both that God is our good, as well as God’s glory and our good are wrapped into one.  How did you see these truths emerge in this chapter? Why are these discoveries so important?

6.  In what ways did your view of God’s goodness change while reading this chapter?

7. Write down the things you discovered in this chapter that you believe you cannot do, and spend some time praying, asking that God will help you.  
 
 
Knowing God
 
When it comes to God, too many people, including Christians, are like an individual who thinks they know the president of the United States since he greeted them during a White House tour.  In other words, “I know God. I know about God. After all, I have gone to church.” 
 
Yet, the true knowledge of God is so much more important than merely knowing Him in a surface way or knowing something about Him. Consider the significance the Bible gives to this. 
 
True eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son. John 17:3 reads: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
 
Knowing the true God is more than knowing some things about Him or merely being outwardly religious. Rather, it includes being transformed internally by God. Jeremiah 9:25, in the context of knowing God, makes this point: “‘A time is coming,’ says the LORD, “when I will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit…” (NLT).
 
God delights in people knowing Him. Jeremiah 9:23-24 captures this: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.’”
 
The knowledge of God is crucial to navigating intense suffering, as we see in the book of Job: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; 6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5-6)
 
Israel was destroyed for their lack of knowledge of God, as Hosea 4:6 affirms: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
 
Finally, as we discover in the Psalms (Psalms 34; 46; 86; 96; and 100 are good examples), it is difficult to trust in, depend upon, bring our needs in prayer to, and/or worship God, unless we know Him and know what He is like. Here is how David prays to and worships God in Psalm 86:1-15: 
Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. 3 Be gracious to me, O Lord for to you do I cry all the day. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O LORD, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. 7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God…. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol…. 15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
 
Nothing will help us anymore to know God than to know what He is and what He is like. This is why The New City Catechism places early on in its questions (number two), “What is God?” It follows the Westminster Catechism, which placed the same question as number four. The answer given to the second question of The New City Catechism is this: “God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in His power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through Him and by His will.” The supporting Scripture is Psalm 86:8-10, 15 (see above).
 
If you would like to grow in your knowledge of God, to strengthen your trust in, dependence upon, prayer to, and/or worship of Him, I would encourage you not only to study Psalm 86:5-10, 15 more carefully, but also to memorize this second question and answer in The New City Catechism.
 
Few things will bring you greater joy. 
 
Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,
 
Tom
 
Thanks!
 
Church Unseen Backup Prayer Team, please pray:
1. For persecuted Christians through the VOM app.
 
2. For the members and regular attenders of our church through the MEFC daily prayer guide. Pray Luke 10:2 for our church.
 
3. For God’s blessing on us so that the nations will come to know God (pray Psalm 67 this week) and so that they will see and delight in the supremacy of Jesus Christ. In this same light, pray for God’s Psalm 67 blessing on the various ministries of our church.
 
4. For Rick and Fairy Hattan (AWANA missionaries), that God will use them in a mighty way for his glory.
 
5. For God to give you confidence in the Spirit’s power to use you in ministering to other people.  Ask Him for the wisdom to know what to do and the discernment to recognize people who need help.  Pray that God would use you and your church to continue His plan of redemption in your unique setting. (From the book, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, by Francis Chan, with Mark Beuving)
 
6. That those sold and abused for the sake of sex and labor trafficking will be found and will receive the offered help despite fear, threats, and deception (Matt. 10:28; Ps. 72:12–14); that they will experience restored minds, bodies, and lives through Christ (Zech. 9:11–12; Rom. 12:2); that they will follow through on treatment plans and learn to live in a new, healthy, and productive way (Eph. 4:22–24); and that they will desire Christ alone and allow Him to fill their need for belonging, acceptance, joy, hope, and peace (Rom. 8:15; 15:13).
 
7. A great spiritual awakening in our country.
 
8. Guidance and wisdom for our local school boards.
 
9. That God would work in a mighty way through all the teaching and preaching in our church.
 
10. May our church see the importance of spurring on one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25).
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Pastor Tom is now sending out prayer requests for the Zambian Mission Project by email each Monday. If you are interested in receiving these, please let him know. 
 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Contact the office to register!
 
Prayer Opportunity

The Minden Police Department “Unseen Backup Team” is hoping to recruit a few more individuals or couples willing to pray regularly for an officer. Volunteers may also occasionally send them a card or treat. If you are interested or have questions, please talk to Pastor Tom.

Area churches are working together to offer a “paper pantry” to provide household goods that food banks and SNAP will not cover for those struggling with sudden unemployment in Lexington. Please bring your donations of the new, unopened, unexpired paper, feminine, household cleaning, and personal care products to MEFC and leave them at the collection site in the fellowship room and we will deliver them to Lexington for distribution. Cash donations are also appreciated, and may be made (clearly marked) to the office. Thank you!
 
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Dee Jardon
Stephanie Wright
5 Ralph Seibert
12 Isabel Craig
14 Anisha Kuehn
Henry Heun
16 Sharesse Houchin
17 Emily Birnie
21 Hannah Bergen
23 Lily Ortgiesen
25 April Williams
Deb Lundeen
25 Luke Craig


SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

5 Matthew & Shannon Favinger
9 Brian & Karen Labenz
13 Nate & Ashley Gerry
23 Randy & Nancy Scheidies
25 Daniel & Tara Foth
26 Mel & Sharon James
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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Week of September 7 to September 13

“God’s Abundant Goodness Through
The Good, Bad, And Beautiful,” Part 1

Romans 8:28-39


 
Outline: 

Getting Started

1. God Expresses Good Differently to the Saved And Unsaved.


2. God’s Good Toward His People Includes Good and Bad.


3. God’s Good Purpose In The World Is To Glorify Himself Through A Glorified, Christ-like People.


4. Regardless Of Circumstances, God Will Give Us All We Need.


5. Regardless of Circumstances, Nothing Can Separate Us From God’s Love.


Conclusion: Our Response.
 

1. Can you think of a time you suffered and benefited from it. How did you benefit?

2. The truths we have looked at in this chapter undergird Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where he writes: “give thanks in all circumstances.” Paul goes on to say that this is God’s will for us, which we can carry out in Christ Jesus and the power we have in Him. What is at least one thing you can begin doing on a regular basis to help develop the habit of thanksgiving for God’s good in the bad and the good?

3. After learning that God’s goal through all kinds of circumstances is to make us more like Jesus so that someday we are fully glorified, how does this encourage you?

4. In Philippians 1:6 Paul writes: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” In what way(s) did this chapter convince you that this is true.

5. It has been said both that God is our good, as well as God’s glory and our good are wrapped into one.  How did you see these truths emerge in this chapter? Why are these discoveries so important?

6.  In what ways did your view of God’s goodness change while reading this chapter?

7. Write down the things you discovered in this chapter that you believe you cannot do, and spend some time praying, asking that God will help you.  
 
 
Knowing God
 
When it comes to God, too many people, including Christians, are like an individual who thinks they know the president of the United States since he greeted them during a White House tour.  In other words, “I know God. I know about God. After all, I have gone to church.” 
 
Yet, the true knowledge of God is so much more important than merely knowing Him in a surface way or knowing something about Him. Consider the significance the Bible gives to this. 
 
True eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son. John 17:3 reads: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
 
Knowing the true God is more than knowing some things about Him or merely being outwardly religious. Rather, it includes being transformed internally by God. Jeremiah 9:25, in the context of knowing God, makes this point: “‘A time is coming,’ says the LORD, “when I will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit…” (NLT).
 
God delights in people knowing Him. Jeremiah 9:23-24 captures this: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.’”
 
The knowledge of God is crucial to navigating intense suffering, as we see in the book of Job: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; 6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5-6)
 
Israel was destroyed for their lack of knowledge of God, as Hosea 4:6 affirms: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
 
Finally, as we discover in the Psalms (Psalms 34; 46; 86; 96; and 100 are good examples), it is difficult to trust in, depend upon, bring our needs in prayer to, and/or worship God, unless we know Him and know what He is like. Here is how David prays to and worships God in Psalm 86:1-15: 
Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. 3 Be gracious to me, O Lord for to you do I cry all the day. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O LORD, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. 7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God…. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol…. 15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
 
Nothing will help us anymore to know God than to know what He is and what He is like. This is why The New City Catechism places early on in its questions (number two), “What is God?” It follows the Westminster Catechism, which placed the same question as number four. The answer given to the second question of The New City Catechism is this: “God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in His power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through Him and by His will.” The supporting Scripture is Psalm 86:8-10, 15 (see above).
 
If you would like to grow in your knowledge of God, to strengthen your trust in, dependence upon, prayer to, and/or worship of Him, I would encourage you not only to study Psalm 86:5-10, 15 more carefully, but also to memorize this second question and answer in The New City Catechism.
 
Few things will bring you greater joy. 
 
Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,
 
Tom
 
Thanks!
 
Church Unseen Backup Prayer Team, please pray:
1. For persecuted Christians through the VOM app.
 
2. For the members and regular attenders of our church through the MEFC daily prayer guide. Pray Luke 10:2 for our church.
 
3. For God’s blessing on us so that the nations will come to know God (pray Psalm 67 this week) and so that they will see and delight in the supremacy of Jesus Christ. In this same light, pray for God’s Psalm 67 blessing on the various ministries of our church.
 
4. For Rick and Fairy Hattan (AWANA missionaries), that God will use them in a mighty way for his glory.
 
5. For God to give you confidence in the Spirit’s power to use you in ministering to other people.  Ask Him for the wisdom to know what to do and the discernment to recognize people who need help.  Pray that God would use you and your church to continue His plan of redemption in your unique setting. (From the book, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, by Francis Chan, with Mark Beuving)
 
6. That those sold and abused for the sake of sex and labor trafficking will be found and will receive the offered help despite fear, threats, and deception (Matt. 10:28; Ps. 72:12–14); that they will experience restored minds, bodies, and lives through Christ (Zech. 9:11–12; Rom. 12:2); that they will follow through on treatment plans and learn to live in a new, healthy, and productive way (Eph. 4:22–24); and that they will desire Christ alone and allow Him to fill their need for belonging, acceptance, joy, hope, and peace (Rom. 8:15; 15:13).
 
7. A great spiritual awakening in our country.
 
8. Guidance and wisdom for our local school boards.
 
9. That God would work in a mighty way through all the teaching and preaching in our church.
 
10. May our church see the importance of spurring on one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25).
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Pastor Tom is now sending out prayer requests for the Zambian Mission Project by email each Monday. If you are interested in receiving these, please let him know. 
 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Contact the office to register!
 
Prayer Opportunity

The Minden Police Department “Unseen Backup Team” is hoping to recruit a few more individuals or couples willing to pray regularly for an officer. Volunteers may also occasionally send them a card or treat. If you are interested or have questions, please talk to Pastor Tom.

Area churches are working together to offer a “paper pantry” to provide household goods that food banks and SNAP will not cover for those struggling with sudden unemployment in Lexington. Please bring your donations of the new, unopened, unexpired paper, feminine, household cleaning, and personal care products to MEFC and leave them at the collection site in the fellowship room and we will deliver them to Lexington for distribution. Cash donations are also appreciated, and may be made (clearly marked) to the office. Thank you!
 
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers willing to read with kiddos are needed at East Elementary. Please call the school office to learn more, or to sign up to help!

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Dee Jardon
Stephanie Wright
5 Ralph Seibert
12 Isabel Craig
14 Anisha Kuehn
Henry Heun
16 Sharesse Houchin
17 Emily Birnie
21 Hannah Bergen
23 Lily Ortgiesen
25 April Williams
Deb Lundeen
25 Luke Craig


SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

5 Matthew & Shannon Favinger
9 Brian & Karen Labenz
13 Nate & Ashley Gerry
23 Randy & Nancy Scheidies
25 Daniel & Tara Foth
26 Mel & Sharon James
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 
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]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:42:06 +0000 https://mailchi.mp/21162ff0cebc/mefc-connections-newsletter-12779845 https://mailchi.mp/21162ff0cebc/mefc-connections-newsletter-12779845
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Week of August 31 to September 6


"God’s Abundant Goodness Seen In Salvation.”   
Ephesians 2:1-10.


 
Sermon Outline:

Getting Started

 
1. When We Were Dead God Made Us Alive. 

2. God Made Us Alive Out Of Rich Mercy And Great Love.

3. God Saved Us By Grace Embodied in Christ.

4. God Made Us Alive And Saved Us By Grace To Show His Rich Grace In Kindness.

5. God Saved Us to Be His Good-Work-Doing-New-Creation.

Conclusion: Our Response.
 
 

1. When we discover that prior to being saved we were spiritually dead, and yet, God has made us alive in Christ, how does this strengthen our trust that God is good?

2. How do God’s love, mercy, and kindness relate to His goodness?

3. Paul reveals two main purposes for salvation. The first is that He might show to us in the coming ages the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. In what ways does this strengthen your understanding God is good?

4. According to Paul, how much do we contribute to salvation and what impact does the answer that he gives have on our awareness of our good God?

5. The second main purpose for salvation Paul reveals is that we might carry out good works as newly-created people. How should this impact us?
 

Our Only Hope In Life And Death 

 

In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus gives us an important lesson in hope without using that word. He says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

 

There are two reasons Jesus gives for His disciples to lay up treasures in heaven and not on earth: First, what or whom we are trusting for our treasure (our hope for happiness) other than God directs the heart in that same direction and away from God. Second, earthly treasures are not lasting, but heavenly treasures are. In other words, they are a better investment and reflect a better object of hope. 

 

What Jesus teaches here reveals that whatever we put our hope in other than God is a poor replacement for Him. Is your hope in your house and never allowing change to your familiar setting? There will come a day you must leave that home for the last time, in a family member’s car to the assisted living center, in an ambulance to the hospital, or in a hearse to the funeral home. Is your hope your physical ability and health? Someday they will be in your rearview mirror. Are you placing your hope in your vocation? Your working days are numbered. 

 

There is only one hope that we have in life that is certain and lasting, since it goes beyond death, and that is to know that we have eternal life through Jesus Christ and we have a true relationship with God (John 3:16; 1 John 1:3, 7).

 

This is the focus of the first question and answer of The New City Catechism, which reads: “What is our only hope in life and death?  Answer: That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.”

 

“Our only hope in life and death” speaks of the only ultimate object of hope that is certain and cannot be taken away. Standing behind the statement that, “We are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ,” is the awareness that the history of redemption and the Scriptures are organized around covenants that God makes with people that show He has committed Himself to be their God and for them to be His people, belonging to Him (Ex. 6:7; 19:4-6; 29:45; Lev. 26:12; Jer. 7:23; 11:4; 24:7; 30:22; Ezekiel 11:20; 14:11; 36:28; 37:27; 2 Cor. 6:16; Rev. 21:7).

 

The idea of covenant also highlights that God chooses, saves, and transforms His people by His sovereign grace. When a person has truly trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior, this means they are objects of God’s sovereign grace and love, which assures us of a certain future and eternity. This, then, is the point of this first question. Paul words the truth this way in Romans 14:7–8: "For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s."

 

The New City Catechism follows the Heidelberg Catechism (1562) in both including this question and answer and placing it first. It is not hard to see why. This is one of the most important questions we can ask and answer, and to settle in our own life. Make it your ambition to live by and in line with the truths communicated here. We belong to Him and He is committed to us. As such, the final words of Psalm 23 provide unequaled comfort: “Surely goodness and steadfast love shall hotly pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

 

Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,

 

Tom
 

Church Unseen Backup Prayer Team, please pray:
 
1. Daily for persecuted Christians through the VOM app.
 
2. For the members and regular attenders of our church through the MEFC daily prayer guide Scripture prayers. (available on wall display leading into the west wing).
 
3. For boys and girls to come to know Jesus Christ and to grow in him through our children’s ministries.
 
4. For people to hear and respond to the music and preaching during Sunday morning services. Pray for the Spirit to anoint and work through Pastor Tom as he preaches the sermon so that lives are changed.
 
5. For wisdom and fruitful ministry by Sandwell and Abigail Zgambo at Ambassador Int’l. University, and through their orphan care ministry.
 
6. Give thanks to God for Christians in your family and our faith family since God has qualified us to share in his inheritance, he has delivered us from Satan’s dominion, and he has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:12-14).
 
7. In reference to human trafficking: that traffickers and buyers will find their transactions interrupted and their wicked plans frustrated (Ps. 9:16, 10:15, 146:9). will see the reality of what they are doing and seek help (Phil. 2:3–4; 1 Cor. 6:18–20).
 
8. God’s guidance and wisdom for our city council and for area school boards.
 
9. Strong, Spirit-anointed, and fruitful private Word ministries (discipling and counseling).
 
10. May our church see the importance of being in community with one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).
 
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Pastor Tom is now sending out prayer requests for the Zambian Mission Project by email each Monday. If you are interested in receiving these, please let him know. 
 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Contact the office to register!
 
Prayer Opportunity

The Minden Police Department “Unseen Backup Team” is hoping to recruit a few more individuals or couples willing to pray regularly for an officer. Volunteers may also occasionally send them a card or treat. If you are interested or have questions, please talk to Pastor Tom.

Area churches are working together to offer a “paper pantry” to provide household goods that food banks and SNAP will not cover for those struggling with sudden unemployment in Lexington. Please bring your donations of the new, unopened, unexpired paper, feminine, household cleaning, and personal care products to MEFC and leave them at the collection site in the fellowship room and we will deliver them to Lexington for distribution. Cash donations are also appreciated, and may be made (clearly marked) to the office. Thank you!
 
VOTER REGISTRATION

One of the application points that comes out of our "Foundations" series in Genesis is to love people by shaping the public square in a way that people can thrive. The most basic way to do this is to vote. If you are not registered to vote, we have forms on the information table you can use to register. You can take the form to the courthouse or mail it to P.O. Box 339. You must register by October 16th.

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Dee Jardon
Stephanie Wright
5 Ralph Seibert
12 Isabel Craig
14 Anisha Kuehn
Henry Heun
16 Sharesse Houchin
17 Emily Birnie
21 Hannah Bergen
23 Lily Ortgiesen
25 April Williams
Deb Lundeen
25 Luke Craig


AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

31 Tom & Karen Barnes

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

5 Matthew & Shannon Favinger
9 Brian & Karen Labenz
13 Nate & Ashley Gerry
23 Randy & Nancy Scheidies
25 Daniel & Tara Foth
26 Mel & Sharon James
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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Week of August 31 to September 6


"God’s Abundant Goodness Seen In Salvation.”   
Ephesians 2:1-10.


 
Sermon Outline:

Getting Started

 
1. When We Were Dead God Made Us Alive. 

2. God Made Us Alive Out Of Rich Mercy And Great Love.

3. God Saved Us By Grace Embodied in Christ.

4. God Made Us Alive And Saved Us By Grace To Show His Rich Grace In Kindness.

5. God Saved Us to Be His Good-Work-Doing-New-Creation.

Conclusion: Our Response.
 
 

1. When we discover that prior to being saved we were spiritually dead, and yet, God has made us alive in Christ, how does this strengthen our trust that God is good?

2. How do God’s love, mercy, and kindness relate to His goodness?

3. Paul reveals two main purposes for salvation. The first is that He might show to us in the coming ages the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. In what ways does this strengthen your understanding God is good?

4. According to Paul, how much do we contribute to salvation and what impact does the answer that he gives have on our awareness of our good God?

5. The second main purpose for salvation Paul reveals is that we might carry out good works as newly-created people. How should this impact us?
 

Our Only Hope In Life And Death 

 

In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus gives us an important lesson in hope without using that word. He says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

 

There are two reasons Jesus gives for His disciples to lay up treasures in heaven and not on earth: First, what or whom we are trusting for our treasure (our hope for happiness) other than God directs the heart in that same direction and away from God. Second, earthly treasures are not lasting, but heavenly treasures are. In other words, they are a better investment and reflect a better object of hope. 

 

What Jesus teaches here reveals that whatever we put our hope in other than God is a poor replacement for Him. Is your hope in your house and never allowing change to your familiar setting? There will come a day you must leave that home for the last time, in a family member’s car to the assisted living center, in an ambulance to the hospital, or in a hearse to the funeral home. Is your hope your physical ability and health? Someday they will be in your rearview mirror. Are you placing your hope in your vocation? Your working days are numbered. 

 

There is only one hope that we have in life that is certain and lasting, since it goes beyond death, and that is to know that we have eternal life through Jesus Christ and we have a true relationship with God (John 3:16; 1 John 1:3, 7).

 

This is the focus of the first question and answer of The New City Catechism, which reads: “What is our only hope in life and death?  Answer: That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.”

 

“Our only hope in life and death” speaks of the only ultimate object of hope that is certain and cannot be taken away. Standing behind the statement that, “We are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ,” is the awareness that the history of redemption and the Scriptures are organized around covenants that God makes with people that show He has committed Himself to be their God and for them to be His people, belonging to Him (Ex. 6:7; 19:4-6; 29:45; Lev. 26:12; Jer. 7:23; 11:4; 24:7; 30:22; Ezekiel 11:20; 14:11; 36:28; 37:27; 2 Cor. 6:16; Rev. 21:7).

 

The idea of covenant also highlights that God chooses, saves, and transforms His people by His sovereign grace. When a person has truly trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior, this means they are objects of God’s sovereign grace and love, which assures us of a certain future and eternity. This, then, is the point of this first question. Paul words the truth this way in Romans 14:7–8: "For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s."

 

The New City Catechism follows the Heidelberg Catechism (1562) in both including this question and answer and placing it first. It is not hard to see why. This is one of the most important questions we can ask and answer, and to settle in our own life. Make it your ambition to live by and in line with the truths communicated here. We belong to Him and He is committed to us. As such, the final words of Psalm 23 provide unequaled comfort: “Surely goodness and steadfast love shall hotly pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

 

Your Joyful Catechizing Pastor,

 

Tom
 

Church Unseen Backup Prayer Team, please pray:
 
1. Daily for persecuted Christians through the VOM app.
 
2. For the members and regular attenders of our church through the MEFC daily prayer guide Scripture prayers. (available on wall display leading into the west wing).
 
3. For boys and girls to come to know Jesus Christ and to grow in him through our children’s ministries.
 
4. For people to hear and respond to the music and preaching during Sunday morning services. Pray for the Spirit to anoint and work through Pastor Tom as he preaches the sermon so that lives are changed.
 
5. For wisdom and fruitful ministry by Sandwell and Abigail Zgambo at Ambassador Int’l. University, and through their orphan care ministry.
 
6. Give thanks to God for Christians in your family and our faith family since God has qualified us to share in his inheritance, he has delivered us from Satan’s dominion, and he has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:12-14).
 
7. In reference to human trafficking: that traffickers and buyers will find their transactions interrupted and their wicked plans frustrated (Ps. 9:16, 10:15, 146:9). will see the reality of what they are doing and seek help (Phil. 2:3–4; 1 Cor. 6:18–20).
 
8. God’s guidance and wisdom for our city council and for area school boards.
 
9. Strong, Spirit-anointed, and fruitful private Word ministries (discipling and counseling).
 
10. May our church see the importance of being in community with one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).
 
 


If you are not currently a member of a group and would like help finding one, please contact the office or a Bible Fellowship leader listed below:

 

Leader: Tim Birnie                          Study: Sermon Review
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 12
 
Leader: Rod Shepherd                   Study: How (Not) to Read the Bible
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Library
 
Leader: Scott Pinkham                   Study: Habits of Grace
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 10
 
Leaders: Mark L. & Matt F.             Study: The Minor Prophets
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC East Room 11

Leader: Matthew K.                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 11am                              MEFC Sanctuary

Leader: Pastor Tom                       Study: Strategoi Leadership Training
Sundays, 6:30pm                           MEFC Fellowship Room
 

Pastor Tom is now sending out prayer requests for the Zambian Mission Project by email each Monday. If you are interested in receiving these, please let him know. 
 

We are in need of Sunday School teachers and substitutes. Please reach out to the office if this is a capacity in which you may be willing to serve. Thank you!
 

On Sunday, October 18, we will begin a six-week video series, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting," by Paul Tripp. Two identical sessions will be held each week, with the video lesson running in the worship center at both 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Contact the office to register!
 
Prayer Opportunity

The Minden Police Department “Unseen Backup Team” is hoping to recruit a few more individuals or couples willing to pray regularly for an officer. Volunteers may also occasionally send them a card or treat. If you are interested or have questions, please talk to Pastor Tom.

Area churches are working together to offer a “paper pantry” to provide household goods that food banks and SNAP will not cover for those struggling with sudden unemployment in Lexington. Please bring your donations of the new, unopened, unexpired paper, feminine, household cleaning, and personal care products to MEFC and leave them at the collection site in the fellowship room and we will deliver them to Lexington for distribution. Cash donations are also appreciated, and may be made (clearly marked) to the office. Thank you!
 
VOTER REGISTRATION

One of the application points that comes out of our "Foundations" series in Genesis is to love people by shaping the public square in a way that people can thrive. The most basic way to do this is to vote. If you are not registered to vote, we have forms on the information table you can use to register. You can take the form to the courthouse or mail it to P.O. Box 339. You must register by October 16th.

Men are encouraged to join us at our new, regular ministry meeting held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:00am here at MEFC. We will eat breakfast together, hang out with other men, have a short discussion of a Bible passage or topic, and occasionally incorporate fun events. There is no cost for the breakfast, but a free will donation will be taken. 

 

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Dee Jardon
Stephanie Wright
5 Ralph Seibert
12 Isabel Craig
14 Anisha Kuehn
Henry Heun
16 Sharesse Houchin
17 Emily Birnie
21 Hannah Bergen
23 Lily Ortgiesen
25 April Williams
Deb Lundeen
25 Luke Craig


AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

31 Tom & Karen Barnes

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

5 Matthew & Shannon Favinger
9 Brian & Karen Labenz
13 Nate & Ashley Gerry
23 Randy & Nancy Scheidies
25 Daniel & Tara Foth
26 Mel & Sharon James
 

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday
9-11am

Need to reach Megan outside of her office hours? Please email admin@mindenefree.org or you may leave a message at 308-832-1574 and she will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!
 

If you are interested in providing cookies (store bought or homemade are both appreciated!) or helping serve coffee and cookies on Sunday mornings, please sign up HERE!
 

We thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Minden Evangelical Free Church. Please leave your offering in the box in the foyer, give via the QR code below, or mail it directly to:

 

Minden E-Free Church

1310 W. 1st Street

Minden, NE 68959

If you have any questions or concerns,
please don't hesitate to reach out to us at: mindenefree@gmail.com or 308-832-1574.

 
Copyright © 2026 Minden E-Free Church, All rights reserved.


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