Chili Cookoff - October 26th 4:00pm

4:00 PM CHILI COOK-OFF at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area - COVERED PAVILION. GSMNP (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Same Day as the hike... Saturday October 26th.  It will be cool-crisp but it will be wonderful FALL FUN!!!!

Whether you hike or not...please join us at 4pm.  We have the pavilion reserved until 8pm

Come on later if you cannot make 4pm. 

Bring Chili....your best/favorite or creative recipe, 
a 2 liter and 
an easy desert (cookies, etc.) if you wish. (marshmallows will be roasted)  
Great time to be bring instant hot chocolate....we will have HOT H20.

If you have a Camp Stove/Coleman, etc. (no electricity is available) please bring to keep chili heat/warm would he helpful.

To make it more fun, think up a creative name for you chili. 

For example "Ken's Spicy- Smoky Mountain Chili"...."Paige's Lime Essence-Twangy Chili"

We want to sample your chili and declare a CHAMPION CHILI CHEF....complete with bragging rights until next year.

Directions - Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area is located on River Rd. in the GSMNP. 

 From Maryville -  Go to the Wye (Y ) and turn LEFT onto Little River Rd.(TN73) 

Metcalf Bottoms is approximately half way to the Sugarlands. (?5miles) It will be on the Left. 

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):

35.68028, -83.64944

35°40'49"N, 83°38'58"W

Directions From Knoxville...Go to Gatlinburg. - Take Bypass around Galinburg to Newfound Gap Road (aka US441) south from Gatlinburg. Turn RIGHT onto Little River Road (TN73) at the Sugarlands Visitors Center. Go 10 miles and turn RIGHT at Metcalf Bottoms picnic area sign. Picnic pavilion is on LEFT/west side of picnic area.

Google Maps works as well....https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=203389968209651568855.00049e3978f731bd48e93

We will enjoy the Chili and have a fellowship together!

Hike October 26 - 8:00 AM

TWO big events next weekend! OCTOBER 26th ...the hike and the Chili at 4PM.

The hike...it is one of the best hikes in the GSMNP.

For most of us in East Tennessee,when you say "Mt. LeConte" you must place your hand over your heart!

MEETING at 8:00 at the Trail Head for ALUM CAVE TRAIL. 

From Maryville,  go to the WYE/"Y", turn LEFT onto Little River Rd. (opposite of Cades Cove)

This road will be traversing the center portion of the park (very curvy and FOGGY in the early morning) to the Sugarlands Visitor center which is on the left. (FYI - take the bathroom break and stretch.)

Next, turn RIGHT onto (US441)NewFound Gap Rd. going toward Cherokee NC, . 8.7 Miles to the Alum Cave Trailhead is on the LEFT.

From Knoxville, etc...I would go toward Gatlinburg, use the bypass around the city and drop down at the Sugarlands Visitor center -(Which is on the corner of Little River Rd and New Found Gap Rd.)

 Take a break andNext,  turn RIGHT from Little River Rd onto (US441)NewFound Gap Rd. going toward Cherokee NC, . 8.7 Miles to the Alum Cave Trailhead is on the LEFT.

WARNING - PARKING WILL BE A ZOO!! The earlier you arrive the better!  Be Prepared - it is worth the effort, but generally,  people will be everywhere in October at the Trail Head.  Parking in the grass, etc. has generally been accepted by the Park Service.   When we come back to the cars after the hike you will be amazed at the inventive parking methods of the late arriving hikers. (a Note: I try to begin the hike in the dark, pre-daylight, to beat the crowds...but not this Saturday...just say'n.)

The hike is 10-11 miles round trip. (plan for 5-6 hours) It is uphill most of the 5 miles up and then downhill back to the cars.  A truly fabulous hike with vistas of fall leaves,  rock formations and of course the summit!

Layer your clothes....you can take layers off and change it up as needed through out the day. 

Bring water, bring food for the trail and lunch, and always bring rain jacket/pancho....(even on sunny days) and of course, comfortable walking shoes with excellent socks. (Synthetic or synthetic-wool blend (Smartwool) are best and provide the least chance of a blister.)

If needed - just buy $10-15 Excellent SOCKS and keep your OLD SHOES/ Running shoes, etc....Trust me. It's all about the socks.  Generally it is a bad idea to purchase new shoes and then go immediately on a hike...

just invest in EXCELLENT SOCKS (do you see a pattern?).

With the outdoors in general : "Cotton is ROTTEN"....Cotton socks, in my own personal experience and backpacking and hiking as a Boy Scouts leader,  will almost always get wet, causing friction and then wear a blister.  

Few things kill your morale more than hurting feet...and it so preventable. 

We will be taking our time and enjoying the day...Ken hikes slow.

EVENTS for FALL 2013

We are trying to have a couple events each month...some may fit with what you like to do and others may not. Hopefully there is something for everyone, some High Adventure and some Low Impact.  Everything is for the whole family except our Christmas party.

September 1 SUN- 1pm - After Church Swim Party at Jimmy and Wendy Hicks Home in Maryville. Bring your family, modest bathing suits and fast food or sack lunch to Wendy and Jimmy's  home in Maryville. (note: most folks visit, relax and watch the kids swim)
September 14 SAT- Dollywood Class Trip - if you have season passes or you want to buy tickets for the day...we are meeting at Dollywood at 10:00 am.

Join us if you can! This is one of those events that fits for some and not for others. No need to buy tickets and added expense if you don't want to do so.

September 21 SAT  Bake Sale in Alcoa to help Pat with her service Dog.  Great opportunity to minister. 

September 29 SUN  the Lunch in the APEX after church - 12:30pm Soups, etc. - We have reserved the entire APEX for fellowship. Fun for everybody...easy.

October 19 SAT  High Adventure....Moonlight Bike Ride around CADES COVE.  More info to follow.  All the adventure of loop + a headlamp.October 26th SAT High Adventure.....Dawn start - HIKE to Mt. LeConte - Alum Cave Trail/GSMNP early start up LeConte. 11 miles  http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com /lecontealum.htm This if for moderately experienced hikers/walkers.  11 miles, I have found is okay for "motivated" kids over 12 or so.  Again, not everybody likes hiking...so join as it fits.   Best Hike in the Smokies...certainly in top 3 hikes. 
October 26th SAT 4pm - 8pm  CHILI...2nd Chili Cook-off at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Shelter GSMNP  Time for a re-match....compete for the best chili, bring your favorite chili or just eat chili till you bust!  Metcalf Bottoms info-  Rain or shine...we have the large covered Pavilion reserved.
November 9 SAT  UT FOOTBALL Game at the Dave and Kim Long's home in Maryville. UT vs. Auburn....even if you are not a fan, come on and enjoy the fellowship.

December 6 FRI - Class Christmas Party - no kids....stating at 6:30
Jimmy and Wendy Hicks' home in Maryville. This is our ONLY event without our families.
It's a nice chance to visit, mingle and have fun fellowship.

 December 21SAT and 22 SUN - LCT Living Christmas Tree....JOIN us in ministry together and we will plan to eat our meals as a class together as we minister in the TREE!  Some people sing, some build stages and props, some dance, some act, some pray, some usher, some work backstage, some work lights, sound, cameras, paint scenery, fly angels on cables, some help with children's choirs, and so much more. ...there is a place for everyone to minister with our church.

Picnic at SHBC - July 2013 Photos

Fiesta Fellowship Photos at Ken & Paige's House from June

Evolution vs. God

Evolution vs. God  click to view
Ray Comfort and Way of the Master/Living Waters

Great video demonstrating Evolution is a belief system based upon "blind faith in the possibility of millions of years creating life and distinct species."

Check it out.

Ken

Fiesta Fellowship Saturday June 22 at 5-9

Just a reminder that next Saturday night from 5-9 is our Bible Fellowship Mexican Fiesta at Ken & Paige's House.  We live at 431 Westwood Drive, Maryville, TN 37803

Please email me at allenderpaige@gmail.com BY FRIDAY to let me know how many of your family will be in attendance so we can buy enough fajita fixins.

Also, go to www.perfectpotluck.com to sign up to bring your favorite mexican dishes!  

The last name is Allender, and the password is fiesta.  

We are looking forward to a fun night of fellowship and good food!

Email me at allenderpaige@gmail.com

Gracias!

Paige

Set Free, but on the Journey of Sanctification

John 8:36 "So if the son has set you free, you will be free indeed."  ...                                 Yes we are set free at the NEW BIRTH...the un-regenerated man is absolutely unable to do good, to free himself from sin.  Romans 3:11 There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God (NASB)    But if we are Born Again and Free from the control of sin...why do I still sin?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          God has consoled me with this scripture from Hebrews 12.                                               This is one of the ways we KNOW that we KNOW HIM. As long as I an in the flesh, I will sin. I will fall into sin...not make the pattern of my life to seek after sin.  But when I sin...I am broken...God disciplines the son He loves...                                  He doesn't chastise the sons of disobedience now, only at the judgement seat. The Un-Regenerated man isn't worried about how his sin has crushed the Lord -trampling under foot the grace of God...he may feel loss at the consequences his sin is bringing in his life, but it doesn't lead to repentance...the un-regenerated man doesn't have the Holy Spirit to remind him or correct him of his sin. I am reminded that I am on a journey of sanctification...Jesus is making me into what He wants me to be...to be MORE like my Savior.                                                                         I can best see this journey as a hiking trail up a mountain. I struggle along the trail...trip up and fall down, The LORD  picks me up and dusts me off as a Father picking up His son on a hiking trail. "Let's go on up the trail together."  Yes there are bumps and scrapes...but I never go off the trail - falling off the mountain side or turn back to go away...and it is the only hiking trail you never reach the top while wearing this Earthly "skin suit"...Only when we are Glorified.  But it is a journey with CHRIST...He is my guide on the trail and with me every step of the way. << Hebrews 12 >> New Living Translation

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God’s Discipline Proves His Love

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.^a Because of the joy^b awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;^c then you won’t become weary and give up. 4After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

5And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children?^d He said,

“My child,^e don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,

and don’t give up when he corrects you.

6For the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”^f

7As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?^g

10For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

12So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

John McArthur: Three Dangerous Gospel Appeals

 Here is a link to an 8 minute clip of Pastor John MacArthur...very conservative, mainstream preacher and one my favorite commentators on the scripture.
He is exposing 3 dangerous Gospel appeals which are grounded in manipulating people to get "decisions", which too often result in "stony ground hearers".

http://www.sermoncentral.com/pastors-preaching-articles/sermoncentral--john-mcarthur-three-dangerous-gospel-appeals-1591.asp?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=scnewsletter&utm_content=SC+Update+20130603

Sinner's Prayer - SBC Resolution June 2012 - David Platt

Link to SBC resolution on Sinner's Prayer June 2012

Below:
Pastor David Platt (author of the book RADICAL) remarking after the SBC Resolution.
David voted in favor of the Resolution. Sadly,  he was blamed as the main reason for the need for the resolution. He was deeply saddened by the rift in the SBC.

"...I believe without hesitation or equivocation that God loves all people in the world (John 3:16) and He desires all people’s salvation (2 Peter 3:9). As followers of Jesus saved by His matchless grace (Ephesians 2:1-10), we are compelled to go with urgency to all people to tell them compassionately of God’s love for them (2 Corinthians 4:5) and to call them clearly to repent and believe in Christ (Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:38). As we do this, I believe we simply need to be as biblical as possible (2 Timothy 2:15). Do I believe it is “wrong” for someone to pray a “prayer of salvation”? Certainly not. Calling out to God in prayer with repentant faith is fundamental to being saved (Romans 10:9-10). Yet as I pastor a local church and serve alongside pastors of other local churches, I sense reasonably serious concern about the relatively large number of baptisms in our churches that are “re-baptisms”—often representing people who thought they were saved because they prayed a certain prayer, but they lacked a biblical understanding of salvation and were in reality not saved. This, in addition to a rampant "easy believe-ism" that marks cultural Christianity in our context (and in other parts of the world), leads me to urge us, as we go to all people among all nations with the good news of God’s love, to be both evangelistically zealous and biblically clear at the same time (Matthew 28:18-20)...."  from Radical.net

http://www.radical.net/blog/2012/06/the-sinners-prayer-and-the-sbc-part-i/

JUNE 22, 2013 FIESTA FELLOWSHIP

SAVE THE DATE....June 22, 2013   5pm
Mexican Fiesta Fellowship at The Allender's Home
431 Westwood Dr., Maryville, TN 37803

Bring the WHOLE FAMILY!
Chicken Fajitas....More info upcoming.....

Salvation....stop, be still - be awed and rejoice!

When I say "salvation" what comes to mind?  Really...stop.... consider salvation for a minute or two....what is involved, why is it needed, what happens, what a miracle of God! 

If we have had the blessing of being involved in church for many years we have a tendency to not really think much about our salvation. 
I think we tend to hold our salvation as something that we have settled with God in the past and now we can focus on "living out the Christian life" (Of course, that just begs, "What does the Christian Life look like?",  but that is for another time.).

We almost dismiss a discussion of salvation as a silly question...so basic that discussing it is only for children or the new in Christ....."Everybody knows how salvation works." you might think.

Ok....stop and pretend you are telling the easiest person in the world to talk to (maybe your grandmother, for example)....
Just begin speaking aloud and explain how salvation works to an imaginary person. Act like your pretend person has NEVER heard of Jesus or the Bible and explain it. You can't say..."Just surrender to Christ" or "Call on Jesus". That is certainly a part of the process, but "churchy clichés" are not the GOSPEL.  I think you find the exercise revealing.

I would say that explaining salvation is inseparable from proclaiming the GOSPEL, the good news.  I heard someone say "We cannot give away what we do NOT possess."

We will be studying salvation for the next few weeks. 
We looked at Regeneration briefly last week in class.
Regeneration is a theological word....but don't dismiss REGENERATION as boring....it is an exciting MIRACULOUS word. 
God though His grace allows us to really hear the gospel message...the word of God suddenly penetrates through for us to finally hear.
We become ALIVE......it's like cotton balls suddenly fell out of our ears allowing you to hear the word of GOD.   The people around us might not have heard it...we may have been exposed to the Gospel message countless times before, but NOW...at this INSTANT, GOD, by His Grace, allows us to REALLY -REALLY hear for the first time about his LOVE.  We see HIS great sacrifice for us on the Cross and we GET IT! (that is a MIRACLE!) We may not have understood everything...but we are DRAWN to CHRIST.  It goes from obscurity or foolishness to suddenly the most PROFOUND thing we have ever heard.

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day." John 6:44 NASB

"A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul." Acts 16:14 NASB

If you have been BORN AGAIN...then God had to make himself known to you....YOU....GOD chose to allow YOU to HEAR the gospel. It is a miracle!
How does it work?
Nobody this side of heaven knows.....but regeneration happens EVERYTIME someone is saved - Born Again. 
What if regeneration doesn't happen...
We see it in the sower and seed parable...The stony ground hearer....The word is sown and the person merely made an emotional or moralistic decision to be a better person or to try out being a Christian...He rejoices for while, but as trials occur, temptation is faced with human effort, which only results in a life continuing in sinful behavior, tries reading the bible but it as boring as reading the dictionary, tries to pray but it bounces off the ceiling, falling away from fellowship or abandoning the faith altogether sometimes.  He or she sadly basically FAKES it..."I understand this is how a Christian is supposed to act, but I feel NOTHING"  Jesus warned that many would continue all the way to the end -even being active and serving in roles in the church  "un-regenerated" - never knowing Him, but pretending. (Matthew 7:21)

Regeneration is sometimes too simply equated with "Born Again", but there is also repentance and belief are also involved....we will discuss much more in class.

http://www.sbc.org/bfm/bfm2000.asp#iv see the SBC website for more info.