Responding to the Gospel by Pastor Dale Beaver
Read Romans 11:33-36 and Romans 12:1-21.

1. Pastor Dale notes that Romans 1–11 establishes a massive theological foundation: that all stand equally guilty, but are justified freely by grace through Christ's death and kept secure by the Spirit. Why is it essential to fully grasp this "glorious place of deliverance" before we attempt to enter "the fruitfulness of sanctified transformation" in Romans 12?
2. Read Romans 11:33-36. This passage is a doxology—a hymn of praise—celebrating that everything comes from God, exists by His power, and is intended for His glory. Pastor Dale compares this to a wife who buys, wraps, and places her own preferred birthday gift on the bed for her husband to give back to her. How does God similarly "design the gifts" He wants us to live with and then present us with the very things we need to give back to Him in worship?
3. Read Romans 12:1-2. We are pleaded with to offer our bodies as "living and holy sacrifices". Pastor Dale clarifies that being a "living sacrifice" does not mean getting on an altar to die for our sins, because Christ has already mounted the cross as our final altar. What does it mean practically to participate in "getting on the altar" by allowing God to put things to death in us so we can think and live in a new way?
4. In Romans 12:3-6a, Paul warns against several traps or "flags" in the transformation process, such as thinking we are better than we are, or saying, "I don't really need the rest of you". How can we take an honest assessment of ourselves to ensure we are neither arrogant nor falsely humble about the spiritual contributions we are called to make?
5. Read Romans 12:6-8, which outlines various spiritual gifts like serving, teaching, encouraging, and leadership. Pastor Dale uses the common phrase "stay in your lane" to describe how we should confidently exercise the specific gifts God has given us. In what ways does staying in your own lane actually enhance the unity and health of the church, rather than creating division?
6. Pastor Dale references a quote by Frederick Buechner: "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet". How have you seen this truth play out in your own life? Where does your deepest joy in serving meet a significant spiritual or physical need in the people around you?
7. Read Romans 12:9-10, where Paul instructs us to have "authentic relationships" by really loving others without pretense. Pastor Dale defines this as "taking off the mask" so we can love each other with genuine affection, flaws and all. Why is a small group setting uniquely suited for this kind of "unmasked" community, and what makes it difficult to practice in daily life?
8. Read Romans 12:13. To illustrate what it means to be "service ready" and eager to practice hospitality, the sermon contrasts modern self-service gas stations with the "sudden service" of 1957, where crews ran out to wash windshields, check under the hood, and fill tanks the moment a car pulled up. How can we develop a "sudden service" mindset when we spot physical or emotional needs in our church family?
9. Read Romans 12:14-16. We are commanded to "live in harmony," weep with those who weep, and enjoy the company of ordinary people. Pastor Dale notes that we are always tempted to want to sit at the "cool table" with popular or influential people. Why does true Christian humility require a supernatural transformation, and how does remembering that "at some point, we are all the ordinary person" keep us grounded?
10. Read Romans 12:17-21, which calls us to "victorious forbearance" by never paying back evil with evil. Pastor Dale shares the powerful story of Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who survived a concentration camp but lost her sister Betsy there. In 1947, she was approached in Munich by a former Ravensbrück guard who stood with a whip when they were processed, but who now extended his hand and asked for forgiveness as a believer. What does her supernatural ability to take his hand and say, "I forgive you, brother" teach us about how the gospel empowers us to conquer evil with good?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank God for the incredible gift of justification that secures our relationship with Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to work supernaturally in your heart this week, giving you the grace to "climb onto the altar" daily as a living sacrifice, to stay in your gifted lane, and to love others with authentic, unmasked devotion.

______________________________________

Analogy for Understanding: Living out Romans 12 is like a musician participating in a grand orchestra. Our "ticket" to be in the concert hall was already purchased and fully paid for by the Conductor (justification). We aren't playing our instruments to earn our seat on the stage. Instead, "staying in our lane" means playing the specific instrument we've been handed with excellence, cooperating with the rest of the section rather than trying to drown them out (humility and gifts). When we submit to the Conductor's lead and play our part, our individual lives blend together to create a beautiful, harmonious doxology that fills the hall with His glory.

Romans 1-11 reveals how the gospel demonstrates God's own righteousness by reclaiming sinners through faith alone. Because all stand equally guilty, all are justified freely by grace through Christ's death, all are kept secure by the Spirit, and even Israel's present unbelief cannot finally undo God's covenant faithfulness.

Romans 11:33-36 (Doxology)
33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! 34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice?
35 And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? 36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

From this glorious place of God's deliverance through justification, we enter the fruitfulness of sanctified transformation.

Romans 12:1-2
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

The Traps Within the Transformation (12:3-6a)
“You should think and act just like me.”
"I've arrived; I don't need this anymore."
"I don't really need the rest of you."
“My spiritual gift is more important than yours.”

Romans 12:6-8
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.”
-F. Buechner, Wishful Thinking, 1973

Practical Guidance (12:9-21)
Authentic Relationships (9-10)
Passionate Devotion (11)
Hopeful Perseverance (12)
Service Readiness (13)
Helpful Humility (14-16)
Victorious Forbearance (17-21)

For deeper study, we have some articles curated for you at the CFC for You! Center.

Good morning, CFC!
 
As we prepare to celebrate the life and legacy of Pastor David, we want to share a few important details with you.
 
Our Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, August 29, at 2PM in the CFC Worship Center.
 
We expect the service to be full, but we will have overflow areas in both the Chapel and Room 106. Just as we ask our church family on Easter and Christmas Eve, please arrive early if you can and move all the way to the center of the row when you are seated. This will help us make room for everyone and allow as many people as possible to participate in this special service. 
 
We know that everyone felt like David was “their David.” We all loved and were loved by David. So, here are two things you can do to be a blessing and honor our dear friend: 
 
First, one of David’s greatest priorities and passions was prayer. Two weeks before his passing, the Elders met with him and received perhaps his final reminder to us. David said three key things that day:

1. "We need to spend more time praising than asking."
2. “I wish 30 years ago I had prayed more.”
3. “I don’t know how much time I have left. If it's one month, then I will pray every day for one month for CFC.”

If David, a prayer warrior, wished he had prayed more, then maybe there is an invitation for each of us to pray a little more.
 
Because prayer was such a significant part of David’s life, we want to gather people and create a prayer vigil for this week before the service. We invite you to join us as we pray, reflect, and prepare our hearts to honor David and celebrate what God has done through his life. Sign up for one or more 15-minute increments between tomorrow and next Saturday HERE. 
 
Second, we would like everyone to submit one word to describe David. This is very easy! If you had to choose one word that describes David or the impact he had on your life, what would it be? Look for the form at the bottom of the page HERE. 
 
Thanks for signing up for the vigil and submitting your one word! As always, if there is any way we can serve you, please let us know. We can't wait to worship with you this Sunday!

Stay up to date with what's happening at CFC by reading the eBulletin each week.

Proverbs 6:20-24
20 My son, obey your father’s commands,
   and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
21 Keep their words always in your heart.
   Tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
   When you sleep, they will protect you.
   When you wake, they will advise you.
23 For their command is a lamp
   and their instruction a light;
their corrective discipline
   is the way to life.
24 It will keep you from the immoral woman,
   from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman.

A wise child considers whose words to follow.

Proverbs 6:24-26
24 It will keep you from the immoral woman,
   from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman.
25 Don’t lust for her beauty.
   Don’t let her coy glances seduce you.
26 For a prostitute will bring you to poverty,
   but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life.
Proverbs 7:1-4
1 Follow my advice, my son;
   always treasure my commands.
2 Obey my commands and live!
   Guard my instruction as you guard your own eyes.
3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
   Write them deep within your heart.
4 Love wisdom like a sister;
   make insight a beloved member of your family.

A wise child follows wisdom because his loves are in the proper order.

Proverbs 7:6-20
6 While I was at the window of my house,
   looking through the curtain,
7 I saw some naive young men,
   and one in particular who lacked common sense.
8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,
   strolling down the path by her house.
9 It was at twilight, in the evening,
   as deep darkness fell.
10 The woman approached him,
   seductively dressed and sly of heart.
11 She was the brash, rebellious type,
   never content to stay at home.
12 She is often in the streets and markets,
   soliciting at every corner.
13 She threw her arms around him and kissed him,
   and with a brazen look she said,
14 “I’ve just made my peace offerings
   and fulfilled my vows.
15 You’re the one I was looking for!
   I came out to find you, and here you are!
16 My bed is spread with beautiful blankets,
   with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
17 I’ve perfumed my bed
   with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.
   Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,
19 for my husband is not home.
   He’s away on a long trip.
20 He has taken a wallet full of money with him
   and won’t return until later this month.”

What are your God-given desires or loves?

Proverbs 7:24-27
 24 So listen to me, my sons,
   and pay attention to my words.
25 Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her.
   Don’t wander down her wayward path.
26 For she has been the ruin of many;
   many men have been her victims.
 27 Her house is the road to the grave.
   Her bedroom is the den of death.

A wise child guards his heart and his feet to protect his future.

Matthew 18:1-4
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

A Wise Child Follows and Loves by Reid Schultheis
Read Proverbs 6:20-24; Proverbs 7:1-27; and Matthew 18:1-4.

1. This sermon concludes a summer series on the characteristics of a wise child, moving from listening and seeking to discerning and following. How has your understanding of "wisdom" shifted from being a set of rules to a characteristic of a growing child of God?
2. Reid argues that because we are created, dependent beings, every single one of us is a follower. Why do we often resist this idea in favor of wanting to be "independent" or "leaders," and how can acknowledging our neediness actually lead us to the right person to follow?
3. Read Proverbs 6:24-26. The cost of sexual sin is described starkly as "your life". Reid asks why we still make the "foolish trade" for a few moments of satisfaction even when we know the high price. How can we better believe God’s warnings when sin looks "sweet as honey" on the surface?
4. Even though Solomon was full of wisdom, he famously "messed up" in the very areas he warns against. How does the reality that there is hope, healing, and redemption in Christ change the way you view your own past failures?
5. Reid suggests that those who have found healing from sin can become "older siblings" in the church to warn younger ones. How can we create a culture in our small group where we can confess and learn from each other's mistakes without shame?
6. Read Proverbs 7:1-5. The way to fight "illicit love" (sinful desires) is with "holy love" (a greater delight in wisdom). How does being "staggered and captivated" by God's truth act as a defense when the "smooth tongue" of temptation comes calling?
7. Discuss Augustine’s concept of "disordered loves" (ordo amorus)—the idea that our problem is not that we desire things, but that we love them in the wrong order. What is a good, God-given desire in your life that you are currently tempted to love more than God Himself?
8. Reid lists several core soul-desires that sin preys upon, such as the desire to be initiated with, sought after, or safe. How does the truth that Jesus satisfies every one of these desires at a "soul level" help you take your longings to Him instead of to "illicit places and people"?
9. Read Proverbs 7:24-27. A wise child guards both their heart (the desire level) and their feet (the behavioral level). Reid notes that wisdom is often about avoiding temptation entirely rather than just trying to fight it once you're in it. What practical "guardrails" (like internet accountability or life boundaries) can you put in place this week to guard your feet?
10. Read Matthew 18:1-4. Jesus teaches that to enter the kingdom, we must change and become like little children. How does the "lowly position" of a child contrast with the "arrogant adult" who refuses to be told whose words to follow?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank the Holy Spirit for giving us an increased understanding of our God-given desires. Ask the Father to help you move from "disordered loves" to a satisfaction found only in Jesus, and pray for the courage to guard your heart and your feet in the coming week.

_________________________________

A Wise Child Discerns by Pastor Dale Beaver
Read Proverbs 5:1-23; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5; and Ephesians 5:25-32.

1. Pastor Dale describes our journey through Proverbs as moving from listening and seeking wisdom to a place of maturity where we can discern. He defines discernment as a tool for decision-making that allows us to differentiate between what is good and what is destructive. In your own life, how do you distinguish between a choice that is merely "good" and a choice that is "best" for your spiritual growth?
2. The sermon teaches that wise children discern the appropriate direction for their God-designed desires. While God created us with desires that are holy and good, sin often twists them. What is the danger in assuming that just because a desire "feels natural," it must be right to act upon it?
3. Read Proverbs 5:1-4. Pastor Dale shares an illustration about parasailing where he was 100 feet up in the air enjoying a moment of quiet wonder, only to look down and see a massive shark swimming below. He uses this to explain that while something may look "sweet as honey" on the surface, there is often a dangerous substance beneath. When has "surface appeal" blinded you to the "sharks" or consequences hidden in a decision?
4. The father in Proverbs 5 warns his son about the "immoral woman," whose path leads straight to the grave. Pastor Dale notes that if this were a father talking to his daughter, the warning would be about "silver-tongued devils" who promise love but seek only to take advantage. Why is it essential for parents to have honest, gritty conversations with their children about the cost of misdirected desires?
5. Read Proverbs 5:12-14. These verses describe a "deathbed reflection" filled with regret over ignored warnings and hated discipline. Pastor Dale suggests we often try to learn from the "school of hard knocks" instead of listening to wise counsel. What is one "warning" the Holy Spirit is currently prompting you to heed so you can avoid future regret?
6. Read Proverbs 5:15-19. The instruction to "drink water from your own well" means to fiercely guard and delight in the spouse God has given you. Pastor Dale even suggests that single people should protect their future spouse by how they live today. How does viewing your current purity as an act of protection for a spouse (present or future) change the way you view boundaries?
7. Read 1 Corinthians 7:3-5. By design, physical intimacy in marriage is meant to be "intoxicating" (the Hebrew word שׁגה shaga). Pastor Dale challenges the idea that intimacy is just for the young, stating that for couples married 30 or 40 years, it remains a vital way to stay in touch with the "joy of your youth". How can couples in the church prioritize this "fiercely guarded" area of their marriage against the distractions of life?.
8. Pastor Dale admits that when he hears about infidelity, his heart breaks and he "rages" against what sin does to families. He notes that the "wise child" knows a foolish trade is being made when a covenant is broken for a moment of pleasure. How can our small group serve as a "safety net" for one another to prevent the isolation that often leads to such foolish trades?
9. Read Ephesians 5:25-32. The sermon describes returning to "factory settings" in marriage, which means realizing that a husband and wife are an illustration of Christ and the Church. How does the "great mystery" of marriage—as a shadow of God's love for His people—elevate the importance of how you treat your spouse?
10. The Plot Twist. The sermon concludes by explaining that Proverbs 5 is actually a comparison between Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. The father is urging his child to "marry" Lady Wisdom because she is a covenant keeper, while Lady Folly is a covenant breaker. In what area of your life this week do you need to "flee" from a foolish impulse and instead "embrace" the freedom found in God's wisdom?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank the Father for being the "biggest daddy in the room" who understands our desires and provides a safe path for them. Ask the Holy Spirit for the gift of discernment to see beneath the surface of temptations and for the strength to guard the "covenants" He has placed in your life.

_________________________________________

Analogy for Understanding: Discernment is like looking at the ocean from a parasail 100 feet in the air. From the beach, the water looks inviting, blue, and calm—it's pure "surface appeal". But from the higher perspective of wisdom, you can see the sharks swimming just beneath the surface of that enticing water. Folly wants you to focus only on the "sweet honey" and the "smooth oil" of the moment, but the Wise Father warns you to look deeper. Discernment allows you to see the "double-edged sword" and the "poison" hidden in the depths, giving you the clarity to stay in the safe waters of God's design.

Wise children discern the appropriate direction for their God-designed desires.
 
When desire is engaged, it is critical to discern the substance unseen beneath the surface that is appealing.
 
Proverbs 5:1-4
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
   listen carefully to my wise counsel.
2 Then you will show discernment,
   and your lips will express what you’ve learned.
3 For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
   and her mouth is smoother than oil.
4 But in the end she is as bitter as poison,
   as dangerous as a double-edged sword.
Proverbs 5:12-14
12 You will say, “How I hated discipline!
   If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
13 Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
   Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
   and now I must face public disgrace.”

This is the destination of misdirected desire and a foolish choice.
 
When desire is engaged, we have to know what is at stake and worth protecting.

Proverbs 5:15-19
15 Drink water from your own well—
   share your love only with your wife.
16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
   having sex with just anyone?
17 You should reserve it for yourselves.
   Never share it with strangers.
18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
   Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
   Let her breasts satisfy you always.
   May you always be captivated by her love.

By design, intercourse is to be intoxicating, captivating, and fiercely guarded in marriage.
 
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
3 The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. 4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Ephesians 5:25-26, 31-32
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.
31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

The wise child knows a foolish trade.

Proverbs 5:20-23
20 Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
   or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?
21 For the Lord sees clearly what a man does,
   examining every path he takes.
22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
   they are ropes that catch and hold him.
23 He will die for lack of self-control;
   he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

Study Questions will be posted on Sunday afternoon.

Wise children discern the appropriate direction for their God-designed desires.
 
When desire is engaged, it is critical to discern the substance unseen beneath the surface that is appealing.
 
Proverbs 5:1-4
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
   listen carefully to my wise counsel.
2 Then you will show discernment,
   and your lips will express what you’ve learned.
3 For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
   and her mouth is smoother than oil.
4 But in the end she is as bitter as poison,
   as dangerous as a double-edged sword.

Proverbs 5:12-14
12 You will say, “How I hated discipline!
   If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
13 Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
   Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
   and now I must face public disgrace.”

This is the destination of misdirected desire and a foolish choice.
 
When desire is engaged, we have to know what is at stake and worth protecting.

Proverbs 5:15-19
15 Drink water from your own well—
   share your love only with your wife.
16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
   having sex with just anyone?
17 You should reserve it for yourselves.
   Never share it with strangers.
18 Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
   Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
   Let her breasts satisfy you always.
   May you always be captivated by her love.

By design, intercourse is to be intoxicating, captivating, and fiercely guarded in marriage.
 
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
3 The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. 4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Ephesians 5:25-26, 31-32
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.
31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

The wise child knows a foolish trade.

Proverbs 5:20-23
20 Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
   or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?
21 For the Lord sees clearly what a man does,
   examining every path he takes.
22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
   they are ropes that catch and hold him.
23 He will die for lack of self-control;
   he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

David Mason Niednagel
David Mason Niednagel, beloved husband, father, pastor, teacher, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, entered into the presence of his Lord on August 1, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born on March 4, 1944, in Evansville, Indiana, David was the son of Phyllis and Roland "Dick" Niednagel. He was raised on Plaza Drive alongside his three brothers. His mother and grandmother exercised a profound influence on him and his brothers. Through their godly example, faith, family, and music became the foundation of his early years. Their home hummed with the activity of four boys at play while their mother faithfully taught piano lessons. David played the trumpet and was part of a trumpet trio that won the philharmonic contest during his senior year of high school. He also served as sophomore class president and graduated with honors from Central High School in 1962.

David attended Wheaton College in Illinois, where his love for Christ continued to deepen. During the summers he served as a counselor at a Christian youth camp in New York, discovering a lifelong passion for teaching and opening God's Word. He even purchased and restored a school bus to transport youth to camp, church, and mission opportunities.

A beloved professor at Wheaton, Dr. Phillip Hook, greatly influenced and encouraged David. He asked David to serve at a summer camp in New York. David was so impressed with Dr. Hook’s life and knowledge of the Bible that he enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary, where Dr. Hook had attended. David wanted to study the Bible to determine whether he could also trust it fully.  

At that time in his life, David had no desire to be a preacher and no intention of enrolling in preaching classes. However, he found himself in a required class called Homiletics, where he learned both the privilege and responsibility of preaching God’s Word. He was surprised and encouraged when he received the senior Preaching Award for his senior sermon.

While in Dallas, David met Judy Trautman from Yuma, Colorado. She had also attended Wheaton College, though they did not know each other while attending Wheaton. They quickly fell in love, became engaged during seminary, and were married at Judy’s home church in Yuma in 1968. Judy taught junior high English while David finished his last two years of seminary.

Following graduation from Dallas, David was called to Evansville to be the Area Director for Young Life, an evangelical ministry that reaches out to high school teenagers. David’s special gift for teaching and making things clear made him especially effective in leading Young Life clubs. He served as Young Life Director from 1970 to 1972 before becoming Youth Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, where he ministered from 1972 to 1974. His job at the church also involved preaching each week.

During those early years of ministry, their greatest joy was found at home. They welcomed their son, Paul David, in 1971, and their daughter, Christy, in 1975. The family made their home on Mulberry Street and created countless cherished memories.

God's calling to be a pastor-teacher became increasingly clear, and in 1974 David, together with a group of faithful friends, established Christian Fellowship Church in Evansville on August 4, 1974. During a season when many were searching for truth and biblical direction, the Lord graciously blessed those humble beginnings. What began with an unexpectedly crowded inaugural service grew into a church family committed to proclaiming the gospel, discipling believers, and supporting missionaries around the world.

David’s role as a pastor was demanding, so he was grateful for the month of vacation the church provided each year. Each summer, the family explored the country together, often helping with the wheat harvest on Judy’s family farm near Yuma, Colorado, visiting Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks, and spending time with family and friends on both coasts. In later years, they enjoyed northern Wisconsin, where David had vacationed as a boy.

David's heart for ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church. He possessed a deep and abiding passion for missions, both locally and around the world. In 1986, Christian Fellowship Church purchased the Central Turners building in downtown Evansville and established Impact Ministries. Through the faithful service of countless volunteers, neighborhood children received tutoring, encouragement, and practical life instruction. Local physicians, dentists, and many others generously gave their time and expertise to serve these families. True to its name, Impact Ministries became a lasting expression of Christ's love within the Evansville community.

David led the church to embrace a vision for the world. CFC has sent many missionaries and mission teams around the world. Judy and David traveled together to minister in the Dominican Republic, Cyprus, Peru, Bolivia, China, Taiwan, Mongolia, Uganda, India, Costa Rica, Myanmar, and Kazakhstan. In addition, David trained leaders in Russia, Jordan, Ghana, and taught on eight different occasions in India.

David was passionate about the study of scientific evidence for intelligent design and therefore was a Designer. He taught a class on Creation Science for seven years and wrote a booklet summarizing the scientific evidence for Creation in astronomy, cosmology, genetics, geology, and biology. This teaching strengthened the faith of many in the truth of God’s Word.

For forty years Pastor David regularly taught the Scriptures from the pulpit with clarity, conviction, and humility. His preaching was marked by careful exposition of God's Word and an unwavering commitment to the finished work of Jesus Christ. One passage, 2 Corinthians 5:21, beautifully summarized both his message and his life: "For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

David never tired of pointing people to Christ as their only hope before a holy God.  After semi-retiring in 2013, he continued to disciple men, lead a small group, teach a men’s Bible study class, provide counseling, and take ministry trips to India until 2019.

Those who knew David best understood that his ministry was never measured by numbers, buildings, or accomplishments, but by faithfulness. Whether preaching from the pulpit, teaching a Bible study, counseling a struggling believer, or serving on missionary journeys around the world, he remained the same gracious, thoughtful, Christ-centered servant. His quiet humility, deep love for the Scriptures, genuine compassion for people, and unwavering devotion to his Savior left an enduring imprint upon countless lives.

Pastor David's legacy lives on through the church he faithfully shepherded, the missionaries he encouraged, the leaders he mentored, and the generations of believers who were strengthened through his faithful teaching of God's Word.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Judy; his son, Paul David Niednagel (Joyce) of Taipei, Taiwan; his daughter, Ava (Christy) Farouche of Denver, Colorado; his granddaughter, Charissa Niednagel; his brothers, Paul Niednagel (Lynn) of Laguna Niguel, California, and John Niednagel (Barbara) of Nottinghill, Missouri; his sisters-in-law, Marie Wenger of Yuma, Colorado, Kate Kallis of Hingham, Massachusetts, Sue Kilgore (Roger) of Denver, Colorado, and Lori Kaufman of Denver, Colorado; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland "Dick" and Phyllis Mason Niednagel, and by his brother, Roland Niednagel.

His greatest desire was to finish well, be faithful to the end. More than being remembered himself, he wanted others to know and treasure the Savior he loved and proclaimed.

A Celebration of David’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Christian Fellowship Church, 4100 Millersburg Road, Evansville, Indiana 47725. A number of friends and family will be leading the Celebration of Life Service. It will also be livestreamed HERE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Global Missions at Christian Fellowship Church.

David wanted his final act to support science and medical research, so he donated his body to the Indiana University School of Medicine Anatomical Education Program.

Browning Funeral Home is handling the arrangements alongside David’s Christian Fellowship Church family. We are all honored to serve the Niednagel family.
 

Daniel 12:13
“As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”

Philippians 1:20-23
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

With joy for David and sorrow for all who love him, we share the news we knew would come soon: David Niednagel, Founding Pastor of Christian Fellowship Church, has passed away and is now with his Savior in Heaven. This comes after a recent pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
 
For David, the hope he preached for so many years is now sight. The Savior he loved, served, and proclaimed has welcomed him home - where faith has become reality and every earthly sorrow has given way to the presence of Christ. Today, we imagine David fully healed, fully joyful, and fully at home in the glory of Heaven.
 
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
 
We think of the many, many people who came to know Jesus as their personal Savior because they heard Pastor David tell of the “great swap” that happened through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. No doubt, David would want you to know Jesus as your Savior, too. If you have questions about salvation or the great swap, contact CFC at 812-867-6464, submit a prayer request, or watch “The Story."
 
We will work closely with the family to glorify God through a celebration of David’s life and legacy in the future. As details come together, they will be shared on our website. The gathering will be livestreamed from CFC’s Worship Center - onlineCFC.com/livestream - and will also be recorded for later viewing. You can view his obituary HERE. 
 
Please join us in praying for Judy and the family. Out of love and care for them, please refrain from contacting them directly during this time.

School will start soon, and we love ending the summer with our annual CFC Night at Burdette, which is this Sunday night! If you’ve been to it before, you know what a great night it is! We’ll start with snacks and fellowship at 6:30PM near the pool entrance. The pool closes to the public at 7PM, and we should be able to gather around the pool deck at 7:15PM to prepare for baptisms. Then, we’ll celebrate with those being baptized at 7:30PM. After that, we have the pool to ourselves for a free private pool party until 10PM. We love it when the church is able to come together to celebrate!
 
Although the deadline to be baptized at Burdette has passed, you can still be baptized in the Worship Services later this fall. You can start the online class HERE to be ready.
 
Make plans now to come to one of our 4 worship services this Sunday, then join us at Burdette on Sunday evening. We can’t wait to see you!

Proverbs 4:1-7
1 My children, listen when your father corrects you.
  Pay attention and learn good judgment,
2 for I am giving you good guidance.
   Don’t turn away from my instructions.
3 For I, too, was once my father’s son,
   tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.
4 My father taught me,
   “Take my words to heart.
   Follow my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
   Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
   Love her, and she will guard you.
7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
   And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.”

Wisdom is inherited before it is developed.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7
6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.

Proverbs 4:10-11
10 My child, listen to me and do as I say,
   and you will have a long, good life.
11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways
   and lead you in straight paths.

The path you walk is forming you.

Proverbs 4:14-17
14 Don’t do as the wicked do,
   and don’t follow the path of evildoers.
15 Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way.
   Turn away and keep moving.
16 For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.
   They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.
17 They eat the food of wickedness
   and drink the wine of violence!

John 8:12
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Proverbs 4:20-25
20 My child, pay attention to what I say.
   Listen carefully to my words.
21 Don’t lose sight of them.
   Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22 for they bring life to those who find them,
   and healing to their whole body.
23 Guard your heart above all else,
   for it determines the course of your life.
24 Avoid all perverse talk;
   stay away from corrupt speech.
25 Look straight ahead,
   and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

Guard your heart above everything else.

Philippians 4:6-9
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

A Wise Child Develops by Pastor Dale Beaver
Read Proverbs 4:1-7, 10-11, 14-17, 20-25; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; John 8:12; and Philippians 4:6-9.

1. Pastor Dale teaches that wisdom is inherited before it is developed, noting that Solomon was first his "father's son" and "tenderly loved" before he was a king. How does the realization that wisdom is often a "gift" passed down from others change the way you view the mentors or parents in your life?
2. Read Deuteronomy 6:6–7. This passage commands believers to repeat God’s words "again and again" to their children in every setting—at home, on the road, at bedtime, and in the morning. Why is repetition and consistency so vital for developing a "wise child" in a world of constant distractions?
3. Read Proverbs 4:1-2. We are told to "listen when your father corrects you" and to not "turn away from instructions". Why is our natural reaction often to resist correction, and how can viewing it as "good guidance" help us grow in good judgment?
4. Solomon declares in Proverbs 4:7 that "getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do". If you were to audit your current schedule and priorities, would they reflect that seeking wisdom is your top priority, or has it been pushed aside by more urgent, external demands?
5. Read Proverbs 4:14-17. The sermon emphasizes that the path you walk is forming you, warning that evildoers actually "eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence". How have you seen the "environment" of your daily habits or social circles gradually shape your character, for better or for worse?
6. Read John 8:12. Jesus identifies Himself as the "light of the world" and promises that those who follow Him "won't have to walk in darkness". How does the light of Christ provide a clear direction when the "straight paths" of wisdom feel obscured by the culture around us?
7. Read Proverbs 4:20-22. We are instructed to let God's words "penetrate deep into your heart" because they bring "healing to their whole body". Can you share a time when a specific truth from Scripture provided spiritual or emotional healing during a difficult season?
8. Read Proverbs 4:23. The "heart" (lev) is described as the center of our inner lives, determining the entire course of our life. What are some practical ways you can "guard" your heart this week against influences that might pull you off course?
9. The sermon notes connect guarding the heart with corrupt speech and distraction. Read Proverbs 4:24-25. How does "avoiding perverse talk" and "fixing your eyes on what lies before you" serve as a practical defense mechanism for your spiritual health?.
10. Read Philippians 4:6-9. Paul encourages believers to replace worry with prayer and to fix their thoughts on things that are true, honorable, and right. Which of the qualities listed in verse 8 (true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable) do you find most difficult to focus on in your current circumstances?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank the Father for the "good guidance" He provides through His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you guard your heart and stay on the "straight paths" of wisdom, trusting that He is the light that leads to a long and satisfying life.

__________________________________________
Analogy for Understanding: Developing wisdom is like maintaining a reservoir. Your heart is the basin that determines the "course of your life," and everything you allow into your mind—the words you hear, the paths you walk, and the things you look at—acts as the inflow pipes. If you allow the "food of wickedness" or "corrupt speech" to flow in, the water becomes polluted and the output of your life will eventually turn bitter. However, when you guard the reservoir by fixing your eyes on Christ and filling your mind with what is true and pure, the outflow becomes a source of "life and healing" for everyone around you.

Today’s eNews is mostly about our Men’s Ministry, but, ladies, we hope you read it too! Please share it with the men in your lives.
 
The men of CFC have come to anticipate a Men’s Meat Up every August. This event is fun and meaningful, and it brings our men together for fellowship and faith-building. 
 
This year at the Men’s Meat Up, our men will receive a challenge from a man who was notoriously opposed to the Christian faith and antagonistic toward his wife’s new relationship with Jesus. The Lord got ahold of his heart and turned his life’s direction around in a huge way. Fast forward to the present, and now he and his wife serve with CRU and are supported by CFC. Come hear his amazing story!  
 
The Men’s Meat Up is Friday, August 7. It will start at 5PM with a car show in the parking lot, and the dinner and program start at 6PM in the gym. The cost is $10, and you can register online or by texting MEATUP to 812-867-6464. There will be plenty of door prizes, including a mini-chainsaw! You can find out about what’s happening in the CFC Men’s Ministry, how God is using small groups to encourage and grow men in their faith, and how you can get involved. The deadline to register is Sunday, August 2. We hope you will join us and bring a friend along, too! 
 
We look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!

A Wise Child Remembers by Pastor Dale Beaver
Read Proverbs 3:1-7, 11-18 and Deuteronomy 8:11-18.

1. Pastor Dale describes the progression of this series as a journey for the "wise child": first listening (shama) to the Father, then actively seeking wisdom as a treasure, and finally reaching the point where they do not forget what they have learned. Why is "remembering" a critical final step in the growth of a believer's character?
2. The sermon notes that memories can be powerful tools for either wisdom or foolishness. Pastor Dale mentions that his wife, Andree, wants him to remember their first kiss together, but certainly not his first kiss with anyone else. How do you discern which memories are "wise" to turn over in your mind and which ones you should "take captive" to prevent them from leading you toward folly?
3. Pastor Dale teaches that as followers of Jesus, we must prioritize "the word before the world," processing every narrative we hear through the lens of Scripture. In a culture saturated with 24/7 news and social media, how can you practically ensure that God’s Word is the primary "regulator" of your inner life?
4. The sermon uses the analogy of a person sitting in a boat who becomes so focused on their own thoughts that they look up to find they have drifted miles from the shore. In what area of your life—marriage, work, or spiritual habits—do you feel the most "prone to drift" away from the safety of God's wisdom?
5. Read Deuteronomy 8:11-18. Moses warned the Israelites that the most dangerous time for their faith would be when they were full, prosperous, and successful. Why is it often harder to remember the Lord when life is going well than when we are in the "terrifying wilderness" of a crisis?
6. Read Proverbs 3:5-7. Pastor Dale shares a personal story about his niece’s sudden stroke and the overwhelming medical information that followed. While medical "understanding" is a blessing, how can it become a stumbling block that prevents us from putting our full weight (batak) on the Lord?
7. Read Proverbs 3:13-18. Wisdom is personified here as more precious than rubies and is described as a "tree of life" to those who embrace her. How does viewing wisdom as a "person" (the person of Christ) rather than just "being smart" change the way you value your relationship with God?
8. Pastor Dale notes that the "tree of life" lost in the Garden of Eden was "mercifully" guarded by God so humans wouldn't live forever in a fallen state. How does the resurrection of Jesus reclaim that "tree of life" for those who trust in the "wisdom of the cross"?
9. Read Proverbs 3:11-12. Discipline is described as a tool used by a loving father to prevent the drift in a child’s life. Can you share a time when a "correction" from God—though painful at the moment—actually dragged you back to the safety of the shoreline?
10. The sermon concludes with communion, focusing on Jesus' command to "do this to remember me". What makes us "worthy" to sit at the Lord’s table: is it our own perfect record, or is it our humble acknowledgment of the "high cost" Jesus paid for our rescue?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank the Father for being the "biggest daddy in the room" whose voice we can trust even in a crisis. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you anchor your heart in the truth of the Gospel this week, so that you do not drift from the grace in which you stand.

_______________________________

Analogy for Understanding: Living with wisdom is like staying anchored to the shoreline. The world, the "wicked crowd," and even our own internal thoughts act like a subtle current that constantly tries to pull our boat out to sea. We often don't realize we are drifting until we look up and realize we can no longer see the coast. Remembering the Lord is the act of dropping the anchor of his Word and trust (batak) into the depths of our hearts. It isn't just about knowing the "rules" of the shore; it's about staying constantly connected to the One who stands on the beach and calls us back to safety every time we begin to wander.

Proverbs 3:1-7
1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
   Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
   and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
   Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
   Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
   and you will earn a good reputation.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart;
   do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
   and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
   Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

What do you do when the threat of evil moves subtly inside?

Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart;
   do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
   and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
   Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Deuteronomy 8:11-18
11 “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. 12 For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, 13 and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! 14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. 15 Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! 16 He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. 17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ 18 Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

Remember that wisdom is worth far more than we might first imagine.

Proverbs 3:13
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
   the one who gains understanding.

Proverbs 3:15-18
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
   nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
   and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
   all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
   happy are those who hold her tightly.

Submit to the discipline designed to prevent the drift.

Proverbs 3:11-12
11 My child, don’t reject the LORD's discipline,
   and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the LORD corrects those he loves,
   just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

"Do this to remember me."

Next Wednesday, we will have 42 4th & 5th grade students and 16 adult leaders heading to Kids Camp. We'd love for our entire church family to partner with us in prayer for them!
 
One of our greatest desires as a church is to make disciples of the next generation. We want our children to know God through His Word, to trust in Jesus Christ, to grow in their love for Him, and to follow Him faithfully for the rest of their lives. We believe that Kids Camp provides a unique opportunity for students to step away from the distractions of everyday life and build Christ-centered friendships. They will spend focused time worshiping, learning from God's Word, and hearing the truth of the gospel while having an absolute blast!
 
Please pray that every student would encounter Jesus in a meaningful way and that the Holy Spirit would use His Word to transform hearts. Pray that those who have not yet trusted Christ would respond to the gospel in faith and that those who already know Him would grow deeper in their love for God and confidence in Him. Pray that the lessons they learn during this time would take root in their hearts and produce lasting fruit long after camp has ended.
 
Please also pray for safe travel, good health, and protection throughout the week. Ask God to give our 16 leaders wisdom, strength, patience, and joy as they faithfully invest in the lives of these children. Pray that every conversation, every activity, and every worship service would point our students to the greatness of God and encourage them to walk closely with Him.
 
Thank you for faithfully praying alongside us! We believe God delights to work through the prayers of His people, and we're excited to see how He will use this camp to shape the hearts and lives of our students for His glory. They will be gone July 23-26. 
 
We can't wait to worship with you Sunday!

Church Family,
We want to share an update regarding our founding pastor, David Niednagel. We also want to thank you for the incredible love and encouragement you have shown him and his family and your faithfulness in praying for them!

David has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After consulting with his medical team, surgery is not an option. Because of his current condition, chemotherapy is not considered a feasible treatment either. There is a possibility that he may qualify for an experimental medication if further testing shows he has the specific form of cancer that the treatment is designed to address. We are praying for wisdom as they wait for those results. David is also past due for a pacemaker generator change, but doctors haven’t recommended the procedure given his current condition.
 
Through it all, David has experienced a remarkable peace that comes from the Lord. He is receiving each day as a gift from God, filled with gratitude and cherishing every opportunity to spend time with his family. Physically, however, he has become increasingly weak. The cancer has significantly affected his digestive system, making it more and more difficult for his body to receive the nutrition it needs.

Recently, when asked by a member of CFC leadership if he had any fear, worry, or anxiety about dying, David responded with a smile, “None, brother… I’m more confident than ever.” That testimony reflects the deep hope and assurance he has in Christ, even in the midst of this valley.

The family has been deeply encouraged by the outpouring of love from our church family. Your prayers, cards, meals, and countless expressions of kindness have been a tangible reminder of the body of Christ caring for one another. At this stage, David is resting for the majority of each day, so the family would kindly ask that you refrain from visiting unless specifically invited. The greatest gift you can give right now is to continue praying faithfully and supporting the family through your encouragement and acts of kindness.

As a church, we are asking God for a miracle. We know that He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, and we continue to pray boldly for His healing. At the same time, we trust His perfect wisdom, His unfailing mercy, and His sovereign timing, knowing that whatever lies ahead, His grace will be sufficient every step of the way.
Please continue to lift David, Judy, and their entire family up before the Lord. Pray that God would strengthen David day by day, sustain Judy with His peace and grace as she faithfully cares for her husband, and surround their family with His comfort, wisdom, and presence. Pray also that the Lord would grant wisdom regarding every medical decision and, if it is His will, provide miraculous healing that would bring great glory to His name.

As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." We are grateful to serve a God who is always faithful, always good, and always worthy of our trust!

We can't wait to worship our great God with you this Sunday!

A wise child asks for wisdom with dedication and devotion to God, who not only commands that we ask but delivers what is sought.

Ask for wisdom as if your life depends on it. (2:1-4)

Proverbs 2:1-4 (NLT)
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. 2Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. 3Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 4Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.

Matthew 7:7-8
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
 
Trust God to give you wisdom, grow your understanding, and guard your path. (2:5-11)

Proverbs 2:5-6
"Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
 
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (1:7). Rather than a posture of hiding or shame, this type of fear describes a posture of awe. Awe acknowledges God as the Creator, center, and steadfast foundation of all truth. Many experiences in life can be confusing, disorienting, and even imprisoning. Yet, all one needs to receive wisdom is humility (11:2).” 
- What is Wisdom? Meredith Lee Myers

James 1:5
"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." 
 
You aren’t insulated from evil, but Christ is your foundation and direction for life. (2:12-22)

Proverbs 2:20-22
"So follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the upright will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted."

1 Corinthians 1:18-19, 24-25
“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.  As the Scriptures say,
 “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
    and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” 
 “But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.”

A Wise Child Asks by Pastor Dale Beaver
Read Proverbs 2:1-22; Matthew 7:7-8; James 1:5; and 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.

1. Pastor Dale defines wisdom simply as the ability to see things from God’s perspective. He suggests a "daily dose" of wisdom by reading one chapter of Proverbs each day to match the day of the month. Have you ever tried a consistent spiritual discipline like this? How does viewing the world through God's "lens" change your reaction to daily frustrations?
2. Read Proverbs 2:1-4. The sermon points out a "staircase" of intensity in these verses: crying out for insight, asking for understanding, searching as if for silver, and seeking like hidden treasure. Why do you think God requires this level of active pursuit rather than just giving us wisdom automatically?
3. Pastor Dale uses the analogy of a man with a metal detector on a beach (the "Redneck Riviera") to illustrate that God has hardwired us for adventure and discovery. How can the "Easter egg hunt" of discovering God's truth in your daily work or relationships make your faith feel more like a joy and less like a duty?.
4. Read Matthew 7:7-8. Jesus commands us to "Keep on asking... seeking... knocking." Pastor Dale notes that in our immaturity, we often don't know what to ask for, and we must learn that God is not manipulated by our selfishness. Can you share a time you asked God for something, were told "no," and later realized that what you asked for wasn't actually for your benefit?.
5. There is a distinct difference between having a "hunger" and having an "appetite". Just as someone might develop a taste for coffee over time, Pastor Dale shares that at 61, he is finally developing a true appetite for holiness—something that didn't seem "cool" to him at 13. What is a spiritual "taste" or discipline you are currently trying to develop an appetite for?
6. Read Proverbs 2:5-7. Wisdom is described as a "treasure of common sense" granted to the honest. Pastor Dale clarifies that "common sense" (tushaya) is the practical application of God's perspective to life. How does having "God's common sense" help you navigate difficult decisions at your workplace or in your family?
7. Proverbs 2:10 says wisdom will enter your heart (lev), which is described as the center of our inner lives where our will meets our emotions. When your emotions want one thing but your will knows another is right, how does the "sugar withdrawal" of choosing wisdom eventually lead to a total life change and joy?.
8. Read Proverbs 2:12-22. The sermon warns that while we aren't "insulated" from evil, Christ is our foundation and our direction. How does the contrast between the "joy" of the wise and the "pleasure in doing wrong" seen in the wicked help you identify the true source of lasting satisfaction?.
9. Pastor Dale notes that the "immoral woman" in Proverbs is a "covenant breaker". In a broader sense, how does our own tendency toward "covenant breaking" or rebellion against God lead us away from the "paths of life" He has planned for us?.
10. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Solomon tells us to "follow the steps of the good," but Scripture also says "no one is righteous". How does knowing that Christ is the wisdom of God resolve the problem of our own imperfection while we are "being saved"?.
11. Close in Prayer: Thank the Father for being a generous God who does not rebuke us for asking for wisdom. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you move from a "starting block" faith to a "pavement" faith, where the fear of the Lord supports every step of your journey this week.

_____________________________________
Analogy for Understanding: Seeking wisdom is like metal detecting on a vast beach. The treasures are there, washed up on the shore by the Creator, but they are often hidden just beneath the surface. To find them, we must be like the dedicated seeker—willing to put in the time, use the right tools (Scripture), and listen for the "beep" of the Spirit's conviction. We don't find the treasure to become owners of the beach; we find it to better understand the wealth and character of the One who owns the shore and invited us there for an adventure.

A Wise Child Listens by Pastor Dale Beaver
Read Proverbs 1:1-7, 20-33; Matthew 7:24-27; and Matthew 11:28-30.

1. Pastor Dale opens by asking, "Are you a good listener?" and distinguishes between merely hearing a sound and actually processing what is being said. In your closest relationships, what is the difference between "hearing" someone and truly "listening" to them?
2. The sermon notes state that wisdom isn't a subject to master—it's a relationship to enter. How does viewing wisdom as a "walk with someone" change your approach to reading the Bible compared to seeing it as a textbook of facts to learn?
3. Read Proverbs 1:7. The "fear of the LORD" is described as a reverential awe that provides security rather than a terror that repels us. How does the image of a "larger-than-life" father figure who fills a room with authority and love help you understand what it means to fear God?
4. Pastor Dale argues that the fear of the Lord is not just a "starting block" to get us moving, but the "pavement" that supports our feet for the entire race of life. Is there an area of your life where you have tried to "take it from here" on your own strength instead of remaining dependent on God's foundation?
5. Read Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus compares a wise person to someone who builds on bedrock and a fool to someone who builds on sand. What "shifting sands" of culture or public opinion are you most tempted to build your life upon instead of the teaching of Jesus?
6. The Hebrew word for hearing is "Shama," which implies both listening and heeding (obeying) what was said. Why is it impossible, according to the biblical definition, to say you have "listened" to God if you have not applied His words to your life?
7. Pastor Dale references the song "In the Living Years" by Mike and the Mechanics to illustrate a son and father who talked at each other but never understood each other. How can we ensure we are opening our lives to "listen as well as we hear" when God speaks to us through His Word?
8. Read Proverbs 1:10-15. The sermon emphasizes that "bad company corrupts good character" and warns us to turn our backs on those who entice us toward folly. Discuss the idea that "showing your friends" can predict your future; how have you seen your social circle impact your spiritual direction?
9. Read Proverbs 1:20-23. Wisdom is personified as a woman shouting in the "public square" and the "marketplace" rather than just in the church. How can you be a "voice of wisdom" in your specific workplace or business dealings this week?
10. Pastor Dale warns that "sin will always cost you more than you want to pay" and that a "bill comes due" for foolishness. How does the urgent appeal in Matthew 11:28-29 to "come and find rest" offer a better alternative to the heavy burdens of living as a fool?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank the Father for being a "good father" whose voice we can trust. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you move beyond merely possessing knowledge to the active application of wisdom in your home and marketplace this week.

_____________________________________
Living with wisdom is like running on solid pavement instead of just pushing off a starting block. Many people treat God like that starting block—looking to Him for a strong beginning or a boost in crisis, then trying to run the rest of the race in their own power. True wisdom realizes that the fear of the Lord is the road beneath our feet, the foundation that supports every step we take, so our lives don’t collapse when pressure and hardship rise.

Wisdom isn't a subject to master — it's a relationship to enter. A wise child has learned to know and trust the Father’s voice.

Wisdom Starts in the Right Place

Proverbs 1:7a
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge.

Matthew 7:24-27
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."

Wisdom Knows the Company It Keeps

Proverbs 1:10, 15, 18
My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them.
My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths.
But these people set an ambush for themselves;
they are trying to get themselves killed.

1 Corinthians 15:33b
…”bad company corrupts good character.”

Wisdom Is Calling — and Won't Wait Forever

Proverbs 1:20-23
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets.
   She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street,
   to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 “How long, you simpletons,
   will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
   How long will you fools hate knowledge?
23 Come and listen to my counsel.
   I’ll share my heart with you
   and make you wise.”

Matthew 11:28–29
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Proverbs 1:24-25; 28-29
24 “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come.
    I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
25 You ignored my advice
    and rejected the correction I offered.
28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer.
    Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
29 For they hated knowledge
    and chose not to fear the LORD.