Services in the Laurelbrook Seventh-day Adventist Church on July 6, 2019 began with a song service led by Gustavo (junior) and Eldric (junior), accompanied on the piano by Leilani (senior). The opening song was “Faith Is the Victory”. Jafat (sophomore) welcomed everyone.
Daryan (senior) read the scripture reading – Luke 17:6 “And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” Freddy (sophomore) had prayer.
Freddy read a mission story from Papua New Guinea about a young lady who brought the gospel to her parents. Freddy then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Ernesto (junior) and Heisler (sophomore).
Michael (senior) had the theme talk, which was on faith. then had the closing prayer and announced the classes. Students met behind the glass for their Sabbath School class. Stephanie Roy-Lavallee taught the student Sabbath School class. Jim Brenneman taught the Sabbath School class in the church sanctuary.
Following are a few notes on the theme talk:
- Luke 17:5-6 “5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”
- Matthew 21:18-21 “18 ¶ Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw [it], they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.”
- Ellen White says that we will not always be free from trouble. But we have assurance, which we have by faith, that God will be with us and help us.
- You have to learn to know God so you will have faith in the dark times.
- Faith without action is not really faith. Matthew 7:7-11 “7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
- God really wants the best for us.
- Matthew 15:21-23 “21 ¶ Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, [thou] Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.”
- Christ was reflecting the Jewish attitude towards the Gentiles. Even the disciples were blinded by the Jewish attitudes towards the Gentiles.
- But the House of Israel involves all His followers, not just the Jews.
- This woman believed that whoever knocks will receive. God cares for everyone.
- Faith without action is not really faith. Our faith binds us to God, and He helps us.
- Luke 10:38-40 “38 ¶ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”
- A constant relationship with God gives us faith and the ability to confront our problems.
- Hebrews 11 talks about the faith of various people. Hebrews 12 tells us how trials help increase our faith.
- You can start a close relationship with God anytime.
Personnel Other Than Students:
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Jim Brenneman – runs the church web site / works with the grounds department / teaches American History and English 11
Stephanie Roy-Lavallee – girls’ dean and assistant to Laurelbrook’s president / wife of Sebastian Roy-Lavallee, men’s work coordinator