Paul's Letters

"...being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,

Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2:20)

In 2011, we are continuing to lay a foundation for the church in Riga, Latvia as we study through the Bible book by book, chapter by chapter. We are currently studying the epistles (letters) of Paul to the churches in chronological order.

• Galatians
  
• 1 Thessalonians
  
• 2 Thessalonians
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Romans
• Colossians
  
• Philemon
  
• Ephesians
  
• Philippians
  
• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy

Paul was specifically called by Jesus Christ to be an apostle to the Gentiles and was sent out on missionary journeys "to testify to the gospel of grace" (Acts 20:24) and to "proclaim the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). By the grace of God, Paul laid a foundation as an expert builder. He planted churches from Antioch to Rome and God made them grow. As he moved on to other cities, he cared about how those churches were doing and wrote them letters to help them deal with questions and problems so they may stand firm in their faith and walk as Christians.

Peter considered Paul's writings as part of Scripture (2 Peter 3:15) and said that Paul wrote with the wisdom God gave him, which are sometimes hard to understand and things that people twist to their own destruction. That is why it's important for us to carefully read and correctly understand this great portion of Scripture (about half of the New Testament). We believe these scriptures are inspired by God and must be used for the equipping of the church for the lives God is calling us to lead.

I plan to follow Paul's instruction to young pastor Timothy: "devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching." (1 Tim. 4:13) Would you like to follow along these three simple steps:

1. Reading (observe/listen)

2. Teaching (interpret/understand),

3. Exhortation (application/live it!).

May we be "continually devoted to the apostles teaching" (Acts 2:42) and may we all "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18)

Trinity

Last Sunday, pastor Brenten taught one of the essential doctrines for Christians about the nature of God and our relationship with Him. The Trinity - although not a word found in the Bible - is a Biblical doctrine. According to the Bible, there is only one God, and there are three distinct persons who are called God (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit), thus these three persons are one God.

Here's a simple outline of Brenten's teaching on the Trinity:

I. There is one true and living God
II. Three persons are called God

1. The Father is God
2. Jesus is God
3. The Holy Spirit is God

III. These three persons are one God
IV. The person of the Holy Spirit
V. The work of the Holy Spirit in the world

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen."

2 Corinthians 13:14

MINISTRIES

NEW HERE? Get connected.

I. UPWARD:
RECEIVE CHRIST
The only way to come to God is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 3:12, Acts 20:21, 1 Tim 2:5)

• God is holy, just, and good, so he hates sin and cannot accept evil, he requires perfection.
  
• Man fell from the goodness he was created in by willfully sinning (breaking God's law).
  
• God became a man and lived a perfectly sinless life yet He died receiving our punishment.
  
• Jesus is risen to life, appeared to many, ascended to heaven, and lives to intercede for us.
• All who repent (change their mind), trust in Him, call upon him and receive Him are saved.
• To all who received him, to them he gave the right to be called born again children of God.
• Having been saved, He wants to sanctify you and prepare you for eternity. Follow Him.
  
• Continue to live by faith in Christ until you die, then you will go be with Him in heaven.
  

WALK IN HIM
This relationship with God through Christ is "daily" (Luke 9:23) and "At all times" (Luke 18:1)
Where? @ church, home, work, school, everywhere!
Emphasis: the most important one that we can know, love and serve is God.
Prerequisit: to be His disciple, you must love Jesus more than anyone else.
We encourage you to read your Bible, pray, trust and obey Jesus.

WORSHIP HIM
Acts 13:2, John 4:24

• We believe worship of God should be spiritual. Therefore, we remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship.
• We believe worship of God should be inspirational. Therefore, we give a great place to music in our worship.
• We believe worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, our services are designed with great emphasis upon teaching the Word of God that He might instruct us how He should be worshiped.
• We believe worship of God is fruitful. Therefore, we look for His love in our lives as the supreme manifestation that we have truly been worshiping Him.

II. INWARD:
CHURCH
The gathering of believers in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Sunday 10:30 @ Calvary (2nd floor of Agroprojekts in Riga).
Teaching, Fellowship, Prayer and Worship (see Acts 2:42)
We emphasize teaching all Scripture, it is profitable for Christian life and doctrine.
We encourage Christians to come worship God and learn of Him.
www.CalvaryLatvia.com

DISCIPLESHIP
Who/when/where? Talk to Brenten at 27803818 if you are interested.
Emphasis: Biblical Christian foundations for faith and practical living.
Importance: New believers need to build on a solid foundation.

CHILDREN
Ages 0-14 on Sundays 10:45 (after we worship together) @ Church.
Lena leads the children's ministry in Bible lessons and activities at their level.
This ministry to your kids is supplement (not a replacement for) parent's ministry.
We encourage parents to know God and teach their own children His ways daily.

MEN
From time to time, we have men's meetings for prayer, Bible study and fellowship.
1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."
2 Timothy 2:2 "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
1Timothy 2:8 "I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling."
We encourage single men and married men to serve the Lord faithfully at home, school, work and church.

WOMEN
Wednesday 10:30 @ Sveta's.
Emphasis: Biblical issues for women (various topics) and fellowship.
Importance: Older women are to teach the younger women (Titus 2:3-4)

HOME FELLOWSHIP
We will be starting a new Bible study in Jelgava soon!
Every other Thursday night in April, May and June 2011.
Emphasis: Bible study, fellowship, worship and prayer.
Importance: a great way to learn how to study and share your faith.
Call us for directions 2780 3818.

COMMUNION
Monthly (usually the first Sunday of the month) @ Calvary Riga.
Emphasis: Remembering the death of Christ and proclaiming His New Covenant.
Importance: The bread is the symbol of the body of Christ, the grape juice reminds of his blood.
We open the communion table to all Christians who repent and trust Christ.

III. OUTWARD:
EVANGELISM
Tuesdays 18:10 @ Laima clock in Vecriga.
Emphasis: Proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
Importance: How shall they be saved if they don't hear the word of God?
How? We give out tracts, conduct interviews & preach on the streets.
www.gospelforlatvia.blogspot.com

ORPHANS AND WIDOWS
Monthly visit to an orphanage
We give food, clothes and the word of God to children age 5-18.
"Pure and undefiled religion in God's sight is to visit widows and orphans in their distress." (James 1:27)

VIDEOS
We recommend subscribing to our video channels:
youtube.com/calvarylatvia
youtube.com/brentenlena

BLOGS
Prayer blog - www.powers-latvia.blogspot.com
Teaching blog - www.calvarylatvia.blogspot.com
Evangelism blog - www.gospelforlatvia.blogspot.com
Latvian blog - www.calvarylv.blogspot.com
Russian blog - www.calvaryru.blogspot.com
Our family blog - www.lenapowers.blogspot.com