Advent - Abiding Between Advents
Abiding Between Advents
1 John 2:28
And now, dear children, abide in Him,
so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not shrink back in shame when he comes back.
Message Slides
Abiding - William Kynes
The Fruit of Abiding - Swindoll
The Bible in a Nutshell - John Hannah
Introduction: Advent and Advents
Non-Technical Usage with a Message
Abiding is the place where you live
(John 1:38-39; 2:12; 4:40; 14:2, 23)
Dependence
Abiding is a Mutual Relationship
(John 15:4-7, 9-10, 1 John 4:13)
Christlikeness
Abiding Means Living as Christ Lived
(1 John 2:5-6)
Fellowship
Abiding Means Loving other Christians
(1 John 2:10, 3:15, 4:12)
Depth
Abiding Means Being Strong in the Word
(1 John 2:14)
Connection
Abiding Means Living in Christian Community
(1 John 2:19)
Grounding
Abiding Means Holding Basic Truths of Christianity
(1 John 2:24; 2 John 1:9)
Obedience
Abiding Means Keeping God's Commandments
(1 John 3:24)
Witness
Abiding Means Confessing Christ Publicly
(1 John 4:15-16)
Abiding in Christ is a mutual relationship of ongoing dependence
which is expressed and maintained by
Christlike obedience and love.
Next Steps
• Prioritize your relationship with Christ this year with time, attention and focus.
• Go deeper into God’s Word in order to know His character and obey His commands.
• Fervently love God and consistently love His children.
This Week's Growth Guide
God’s Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.
•. Monday - 1 John 1
•. Tuesday - 1 John 2
•. Wednesday - 1 John 3
•. Thursday - 1 John 4
•. Friday - 1 John 5
Mission Highlight - Pray for the Unreached: The Japanese
The Japanese people, numbering over 117 million, primarily practice a blend of Shintoism and Buddhism. Only 1.2% identify as Christians and just 0.3% as evangelical believers. Though Japan has a rich cultural history and a highly developed economy, many are spiritually indifferent, focused on materialism, careers, and possessions. Japan’s honor-shame culture places immense pressure on individuals, contributing to high suicide rates, as people fear bringing dishonor to themselves or their families. The need for laborers to share the Gospel is urgent, with over 2,300 workers needed to reach them. Pray that the Lord will raise up laborers to share the message of Christ with the Japanese, particularly through business connections and local churches. Ask the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts and open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel, so they will boldly share their faith with family and friends.
Finances
Weekly Budget 35,297
Giving For 12/15 44,365
Giving For 12/22 65,677
YTD Budget 882,429
Giving 850,826
OVER/(UNDER) (31,603)
Fellowship 101
We invite you to join us on Sunday, January 12, at 9:00 a.m. to learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to hear about our mission, values, and our ministries. If you’re new to Fellowship, join us in the
conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Christmas Offering
This December, Fellowship’s Christmas Offering is for The Operation Christmas Child Special Pack (held in October 2025). The gifts received will determine the number of boxes we can send. Please consider giving above and beyond your regular giving to the worthy cause of getting the gospel to sensitive areas that are difficult to reach. You can use an envelope or give online by selecting “Christmas Offering” from the options.
Year End Giving
For contributions to be counted on your 2024 taxes, checks must be received in the Fellowship ministry office no later than Tuesday, December 31, by 12:00 PM or be postmarked by December 31.
Fellowship Women’s bible Study
“Gideon” by Priscilla Shirer, led by Susan Woole, will be January 27-March 17, 9:30-11:00 a.m. here at Fellowship. Please purchase your workbook ahead of the class. For more information, contact Susan Woole at 501-269-2666. Child care is available by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332.
Fellowship Men’s Breakfast
Men, join us for a great breakfast and fellowship on Wednesday, January 8, at 6:00 a.m. here in the Fellowship atrium. No sign-up is needed. Come with your Bible ready to eat, fellowship with other men, and start your day off right through prayer and Biblical insight. Questions? Contact Michael at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org.
Fellowship Kids 101 Lunch - Sunday, January 12, 12:30 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about what we offer for your family in Fellowship Kids. If your family is new to Fellowship Kids or even if you’ve been here for a while but would just like to get more information about our ministry, please join us! Registration deadline is January 3. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register Childcare is available by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332.