A Note From Pastor HD

Most people like new stuff. We all go try out the new restaurant in White House; everyone likes new clothes; and many of us long for a new car or house (even if it is just new to us). This fall there are a lot of new things going on all around us. Some families are experiencing new schools; some are experiencing new realities because of changes in the family; and all of us at Temple will have NEW Connect Material. That sounds exciting and I hope you will enjoy the new opportunities with this new material.
But there are some familiar and comforting things with this new material:
We will still be studying the Bible - nothing new there. God’s word is final and we are warned not to add to it or take away from it. 
We will still provide this wonderful resource for our church so that you can study God’s word more thoroughly. This book is your Connect Book! Read it, write in it, and bring it to church with you and share your thoughts in Connect. 
You will still get this great introduction letter with each book. I know many of you have waited patiently for my wisdom and whimsical insight in each new publication. Now to the important stuff. 
Over the next 3 months we will be studying the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy. Don’t let the Old Testament scare you because it is here that we get the foundations for God’s plan of redemption.
 The Book of Numbers is about the wanderings in the wilderness. The central truth focuses on holiness and blessings vs sin and curses. What should have taken only a few weeks will take the Israelites over 40yrs. God had promised a land flowing with “Milk and Honey” and yet they wasted so much time. I wonder how much time we waste not listening to God. In this book we learn about the unblemished Red Heifer and Bronze Snake all of which point to Jesus. 
The Book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ challenge and commission to a new generation. This group did not see God’s miracles in Egypt nor hear the law given at Sinai but they were about to be God’s people that would possess the land. Moses wanted to prepare them for the task at hand. Here we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, His blessings, His holiness, and His warnings to live surrendered to Him.
 So, enjoy the New Connect Material this fall but also be comforted by 
some familiar resources and processes. Your staff works diligently to
provide sound Biblical materials and helps so that the “people of God” 
can be fully equipped to do the work they were created to do before the
foundations of the world.

Keep up the good work Temple and we love you,
 Pastor HD and Susan