Good Morning, Bethesda!
Praise the Lord for a great Lord’s Day yesterday! Our worship service was a blessing and our discipleship training class in the evening was quite lively! Mark your calendar and join us next Sunday evening at 5 p.m.!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Cynthia Wordlaw, recovering at home; also need for a kidney
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health & personal needs
* Brazel family
* Mueller family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home
* Mark & Julie Johnson and the situation with their Illinois home
* Anne Overton’s family
* Rachelle in California
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. BUSINESS Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Bethesda Men Breakfast & Book Study, Saturday, 8 a.m.
3. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
6. Skating Fellowship, Great Skate Skating Rink in St. Peters, Sunday, 5:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read here. This is the 9th article concerning the Kingdom of God.
IX. The Kingdom
The kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Outreach Effort
Energy bars are still available on the table in the foyer. Please take some and hand them out to those you encounter who have a need for them.
“A witnessing Christian can not do so without sharing the Word and living the Word.”
“The Apostle employs a word never used anywhere else in the New Testament to describe the conspicuous and widespread nature of this testimony of theirs.”
Alexander Maclaren
Roller Skating Fellowship
Sunday, July 14, 5:15 p.m.
Contact Karla if you are planning to attend and let her know if you are planning on skating.
Sermon Extras
1. In verse 8 of 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul says the word has “sounded forth” and the Thessalonians faith in God “has gone forth”. Both of these verbs are written in a form which indicates a completed action with results which continue on. So I might loosely translate this verse something like this to communicate this aspect of the verb form:
“For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you and continues to ring out in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere and continues to impact others even today...”
2. In verse 9 Paul notes that others from around the Empire are talking about what has taken place in Thessalonica. He writes, “For they themselves report”. The word “report” literally means “to proclaim” and Paul says they continue to do so. The reports on the Thessalonians keep coming in and those proclaiming it keep talking about it! What a significant work the Lord accomplished in that city!
3. Here is the quote from William Hendriksen on Paul’s use of the word “turned” in verse 9:
“When God converts a man, he changes the entire person, not only the emotions, so that one regrets his former manner of life (cf. the idea which predominates in the verb metamelomai), but also the mind and will, with respect to which he experiences a complete change-over (cf. the thought that is placed in the foreground by metanoia), and all of this becomes apparent in his outward conduct (this being the main import of the verb used her in 1 Thess. 1:9).”
Pastor’s Postscripts
A brief “thank you” to whoever gave me the picture of the giraffes. I truly appreciate the gift and your thoughtfulness. I apologize for not seeing it sooner but I have found that I am rather focused on the message in the moments before I preach it and often oblivious to things around me!
I intend to hang it in my church study since it was given by a church member plus the fact my “giraffe pen” at home is a bit overcrowded these days (not to mention that my wife has told me to transfer some of my giraffes from my home study to the church study!).
I guess if the picture was NOT intended to be a gift to me, whoever placed it by the pulpit will need to see me and reclaim it. Good luck with that!
See you Sunday with Bible in hand!
Bethesda Baptist Church Logo
Monday, July 8, 2013
Monday, July 1, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - July 1, 2013
Monthly Church Calendar
The July church calendar is being sent with this newsletter. As with last month’s edition, the July calendar also has a birthday/anniversary section to it.
If you have a birthday and/or anniversary in July and you do not see it on the calendar that means your pastor has no record of it. Please let me know so we can include it on future calendars.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Cynthia Wordlaw, recovering in hospital; also need for a kidney
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brazel family
* Mueller family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Rachelle in California
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. NO Prayer Meeting, Wednesday.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
5. Business Meeting, Wednesday, July 10, 7
p.m.
“The missionary for Christ must reveal Jesus in his life as well as in his words.”
Outreach Effort
More bags containing energy bars are available on the table in the foyer. Please take some and hand them out to those you encounter who have a need for them.
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the 8th article on the Lord’s Day.
VIII. The Lord's Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from secular employments, work of necessity and mercy only being excepted.
Roller Skating Fellowship
Sunday, July 14, 5:15 p.m.
More information to follow.
“...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 3:18
Sermon Extras
In verse 6, the ESV reads “And you became imitators”. The King James translates “imitators” as “followers”. The original in the New Testament is from “mimetes” and is the basis for the English word “mimic”. Paul reveals the Thessalonians “mimicked” him.
Also, in verse 7 Paul writes, “so that you became an example”. As I mentioned in my message, while the word “you” is plural (you Thessalonians, you individuals), the word “example” (tupos from where our word “type” originates) is singular. In other words, the multiple imitating Thessalonians AS A GROUP (or body) has become an example, a type, or a model. The church is an example of a growing church in Christ because its believers are growing by imitating others and the Lord.
I find it interesting Paul notes the Thessalonian church “became” an example, they weren’t original created that way. Becoming a mature Christian or a model church takes time and perseverance.
Finally, the Thessalonian church is a model to all the believers in Greece (Macedonian & Achaia). “Believers” is literally “the believing ones”, the ones who persist in their faith, who always believe. Faith in Christ is never a one time, one event faith. One does not merely believe in Jesus to get saved. Rather, one believers to be saved and continues to believe throughout their life. Lastly, the Thessalonian church had become a model church for not just a few of the believers in Greece but ALL of them. While Paul may be using a bit of hyperbole, he has likely received good reports from multiple cities in which churches have started as a result of his ministry. These reports obviously indicate the example of the Thessalonians has made its mark on these other believers.
Deacon Nominations
Please begin praying concerning our deacon nomination process which begins in August. By our constitution, we are permitted to have 3 deacons at this time. These deacons serve for 3 year terms and then rotate off our active deacon list. Presently our deacons are Dennis DePriest, Rich Norvell, and Dan Repperger. Dan completes his term of service at the end of this year. Beginning in August the church may nominate some man (including Dan) to serve another 3 years beginning in 2014.
I encourage you to begin praying for deacons and the man who should serve for the next 3 years. Consult 1 Timothy 3 for the Biblical qualifications of this office.
More on our deacon election process in the coming weeks.
Pastor’s Postscripts
This will be a busy week for many as we celebrate our country’s 237th birthday. Our nation has radically changed since its founding and, regrettably, much of this change has been very negative when weighed against Biblical principles. But our God is still on the throne. He builds nations up and tears nations down as His Sovereign will decides. Those of us who are born again may confidently live our lives in the hope of Christ even in the midst of a decaying society.
Celebrate the freedoms we have as well as those who help procure and secure them over the years. And pray that God will bring repentance and a great revival to our land.
The July church calendar is being sent with this newsletter. As with last month’s edition, the July calendar also has a birthday/anniversary section to it.
If you have a birthday and/or anniversary in July and you do not see it on the calendar that means your pastor has no record of it. Please let me know so we can include it on future calendars.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Cynthia Wordlaw, recovering in hospital; also need for a kidney
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brazel family
* Mueller family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Rachelle in California
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. NO Prayer Meeting, Wednesday.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
5. Business Meeting, Wednesday, July 10, 7
p.m.
“The missionary for Christ must reveal Jesus in his life as well as in his words.”
Outreach Effort
More bags containing energy bars are available on the table in the foyer. Please take some and hand them out to those you encounter who have a need for them.
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the 8th article on the Lord’s Day.
VIII. The Lord's Day
The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from secular employments, work of necessity and mercy only being excepted.
Roller Skating Fellowship
Sunday, July 14, 5:15 p.m.
More information to follow.
“...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 3:18
Sermon Extras
In verse 6, the ESV reads “And you became imitators”. The King James translates “imitators” as “followers”. The original in the New Testament is from “mimetes” and is the basis for the English word “mimic”. Paul reveals the Thessalonians “mimicked” him.
Also, in verse 7 Paul writes, “so that you became an example”. As I mentioned in my message, while the word “you” is plural (you Thessalonians, you individuals), the word “example” (tupos from where our word “type” originates) is singular. In other words, the multiple imitating Thessalonians AS A GROUP (or body) has become an example, a type, or a model. The church is an example of a growing church in Christ because its believers are growing by imitating others and the Lord.
I find it interesting Paul notes the Thessalonian church “became” an example, they weren’t original created that way. Becoming a mature Christian or a model church takes time and perseverance.
Finally, the Thessalonian church is a model to all the believers in Greece (Macedonian & Achaia). “Believers” is literally “the believing ones”, the ones who persist in their faith, who always believe. Faith in Christ is never a one time, one event faith. One does not merely believe in Jesus to get saved. Rather, one believers to be saved and continues to believe throughout their life. Lastly, the Thessalonian church had become a model church for not just a few of the believers in Greece but ALL of them. While Paul may be using a bit of hyperbole, he has likely received good reports from multiple cities in which churches have started as a result of his ministry. These reports obviously indicate the example of the Thessalonians has made its mark on these other believers.
Deacon Nominations
Please begin praying concerning our deacon nomination process which begins in August. By our constitution, we are permitted to have 3 deacons at this time. These deacons serve for 3 year terms and then rotate off our active deacon list. Presently our deacons are Dennis DePriest, Rich Norvell, and Dan Repperger. Dan completes his term of service at the end of this year. Beginning in August the church may nominate some man (including Dan) to serve another 3 years beginning in 2014.
I encourage you to begin praying for deacons and the man who should serve for the next 3 years. Consult 1 Timothy 3 for the Biblical qualifications of this office.
More on our deacon election process in the coming weeks.
Pastor’s Postscripts
This will be a busy week for many as we celebrate our country’s 237th birthday. Our nation has radically changed since its founding and, regrettably, much of this change has been very negative when weighed against Biblical principles. But our God is still on the throne. He builds nations up and tears nations down as His Sovereign will decides. Those of us who are born again may confidently live our lives in the hope of Christ even in the midst of a decaying society.
Celebrate the freedoms we have as well as those who help procure and secure them over the years. And pray that God will bring repentance and a great revival to our land.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - June 24, 2013
5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship
Our next “5th Sunday Q & A” Fellowship is scheduled for this Sunday evening at 6 p.m. following our Discipleship Training hour. Bring a snack to share and a drink plus any questions you may have and join us for an hour of Q & A and fellowship!
This is a very informal time but if you have a question but do not wish to ask it publically, jot it down and place it in the container on the table in the church foyer Sunday morning.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brazel family
* Mueller family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Rachelle in California
* Our church and need for revival
“Free will is a mere empty term, whose reality is lost.”
Martin Luther
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) & Prayer
Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
including the Lord’s Supper.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
5. 5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship, Sunday,
6 p.m.
Outreach Effort
We do have a few bags of energy bars remaining to distribute on the table in the foyer. Please feel free to take them and give them to those who may have a need.
If you would like to donate additional bars, please place the on the table in the foyer. We will attach Bible verses to them and bag them for future distribution.
Thank you to every one who has participated in this effort. May the Lord bless our labors!
“When immoral men and women who live constantly in sin, prate about being God’s children, we discern them at once. ... If Divine Grace does not make us holy, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, it is not worth the having! Brothers and Sisters, if we are God’s elect we must have some substantial evidence to attest it!”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is article VII on the two ordinances of the local church.
VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Sermon Extras
My second fact in my message yesterday concerning those who make up the local church was that we are beloved. I noted that it is God who loves us and He does so sacrificially as demonstrated by the death of His only Son. I also mentioned this love God pours upon us is an eternal love. I based this on the form of the word translated “loved” in the ESV.
In the original, this word is actual a participle from the word “agapao”, the verb form of “agape” (love). I believe I would translate the beginning of this verse as “knowing brothers HAVING BEEN LOVED by God”. The form of this participle indicates the love God gives to us is a love given in the past and the results of that love continues forever.
In other words, God, from all eternity, place His love upon those who would be His children (the elect) and that love will never, ever be removed. Here again we have evidence of the perseverance of the saints (or security of the believer). For how could a true child of God ever lose his eternal salvation if the love of His heavenly Father is always upon Him?
Pastor’s Postscripts
During a brief conversation this weekend, someone mentioned to me, with some concern, the low attendance we have been seeing. There are some legitimate reasons why we are down somewhat. It is summertime and folks are taking vacation. We also have some members battling illnesses which keep them at home. Here are some brief thoughts on addressing our low attendance.
1. If you are a member, do your best to be here every Sunday. The Lord wants you in the local church and in public worship.
2. If you have friends, family, co-workers, etc., who are not attending a church, invite them to attend ours.
3. Make an effort to share the Gospel with those lost souls you encounter during the week. Whether they receive Christ or not, invite them to join you Sunday here at Bethesda.
See you Sunday if not sooner!
Our next “5th Sunday Q & A” Fellowship is scheduled for this Sunday evening at 6 p.m. following our Discipleship Training hour. Bring a snack to share and a drink plus any questions you may have and join us for an hour of Q & A and fellowship!
This is a very informal time but if you have a question but do not wish to ask it publically, jot it down and place it in the container on the table in the church foyer Sunday morning.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brazel family
* Mueller family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Rachelle in California
* Our church and need for revival
“Free will is a mere empty term, whose reality is lost.”
Martin Luther
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) & Prayer
Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
including the Lord’s Supper.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
5. 5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship, Sunday,
6 p.m.
Outreach Effort
We do have a few bags of energy bars remaining to distribute on the table in the foyer. Please feel free to take them and give them to those who may have a need.
If you would like to donate additional bars, please place the on the table in the foyer. We will attach Bible verses to them and bag them for future distribution.
Thank you to every one who has participated in this effort. May the Lord bless our labors!
“When immoral men and women who live constantly in sin, prate about being God’s children, we discern them at once. ... If Divine Grace does not make us holy, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, it is not worth the having! Brothers and Sisters, if we are God’s elect we must have some substantial evidence to attest it!”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is article VII on the two ordinances of the local church.
VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Sermon Extras
My second fact in my message yesterday concerning those who make up the local church was that we are beloved. I noted that it is God who loves us and He does so sacrificially as demonstrated by the death of His only Son. I also mentioned this love God pours upon us is an eternal love. I based this on the form of the word translated “loved” in the ESV.
In the original, this word is actual a participle from the word “agapao”, the verb form of “agape” (love). I believe I would translate the beginning of this verse as “knowing brothers HAVING BEEN LOVED by God”. The form of this participle indicates the love God gives to us is a love given in the past and the results of that love continues forever.
In other words, God, from all eternity, place His love upon those who would be His children (the elect) and that love will never, ever be removed. Here again we have evidence of the perseverance of the saints (or security of the believer). For how could a true child of God ever lose his eternal salvation if the love of His heavenly Father is always upon Him?
Pastor’s Postscripts
During a brief conversation this weekend, someone mentioned to me, with some concern, the low attendance we have been seeing. There are some legitimate reasons why we are down somewhat. It is summertime and folks are taking vacation. We also have some members battling illnesses which keep them at home. Here are some brief thoughts on addressing our low attendance.
1. If you are a member, do your best to be here every Sunday. The Lord wants you in the local church and in public worship.
2. If you have friends, family, co-workers, etc., who are not attending a church, invite them to attend ours.
3. Make an effort to share the Gospel with those lost souls you encounter during the week. Whether they receive Christ or not, invite them to join you Sunday here at Bethesda.
See you Sunday if not sooner!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - June 17, 2013
CHURCH PICNIC!
Join us for our annual summer picnic on Saturday, June 22nd! Please bring an item for grilling along with a side or dessert. The church will provide drinks, ice and condiments. Weather permitting, we'll also have a small pool set up for the kids, while the adults relax, kick back and enjoy some quality fellowship time. We may even get a couple of games going!
Grilling starts at 12:00 PM, so we hope to see you there!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brazel family
* Mueller family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Rachelle in California
* Our church and need for revival
“Christian thanksgiving is an act of GRACE when a servant of God, GRACIOUSLY saved by God, expresses his GRATITUDE to a GRACIOUS God for His GRACIOUS provision.”
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Church Picnic, Saturday, Noon
3. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Sermon Extras
In the opening verse of 1 Thessalonians, Paul addresses the church by writing,
“...to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”.
Some of the older translations put the preposition “in” before both “God the Father” and “the Lord Jesus Christ”. However, the autograph (the original writing) only contains the first preposition. Paul is teaching all who read this verse at least two important truths.
1. God the Father and Jesus Christ are on the same “plane”. They are co-equals. The attributes of God the Father are the same as those of Jesus Christ. In other words, Jesus is, indeed, God in the flesh.
2. The church (a reference to saved individuals, not to a building) is established in, grounded in, built upon God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Only the true followers of Christ comprise the local church.
“Grace, God’s kindness to man.”.
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is article VI on the church, a Baptist distinctive.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.
This church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation, members are equally responsible. Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages.
Outreach Effort
There are a few of the bags containing energy bars remaining in the foyer. Feel free to take as many as you need and hand them out to various folks you meet during the day.
“Their living faith was clothed upon with work; it was not a belief dead, barren, and alone.”
John Eadie
Pastor’s Postscripts
In those opening verses of 1 Thessalonians, Paul notes the hope in Christ the Thessalonian Christians have. He recognizes this hope in them because it has produced endurance. They endure; they persevere even in the midst of persecution and suffering.
Many Baptists are quite comfortable with the doctrine known as the “security of the believer”. This doctrine is Biblical. Passages such as Philippians 1:6 (my favorite verse) and 2 Timothy 1:12 support this teaching. If you have truly been saved (born again) then you are secure in Christ. You WILL have an eternal home in glory with Him.
But the Bible also teaches endurance or what is commonly known theologically as the “Perseverance of the Saints”. For a person to actually have that eternal home in glory they MUST persevere in Christ; they must endure. This teaching is revealed in Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, 2 Timothy 2:12, and Hebrews 10:35-36. You MUST endure if you are to have an eternal home in glory.
While these teachings appear to contradict one another, they are actually complements. The true believer will persevere as a result of the hope that is in them, namely Jesus. Those who wander from the faith during their journey here on earth are, most likely, those who were never truly born again.
Are you steadfast like the Thessalonians? Are you enduring in your faith? Are you persevering because of the hope you have in Christ?
Join us for our annual summer picnic on Saturday, June 22nd! Please bring an item for grilling along with a side or dessert. The church will provide drinks, ice and condiments. Weather permitting, we'll also have a small pool set up for the kids, while the adults relax, kick back and enjoy some quality fellowship time. We may even get a couple of games going!
Grilling starts at 12:00 PM, so we hope to see you there!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brazel family
* Mueller family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Rachelle in California
* Our church and need for revival
“Christian thanksgiving is an act of GRACE when a servant of God, GRACIOUSLY saved by God, expresses his GRATITUDE to a GRACIOUS God for His GRACIOUS provision.”
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Church Picnic, Saturday, Noon
3. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Sermon Extras
In the opening verse of 1 Thessalonians, Paul addresses the church by writing,
“...to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”.
Some of the older translations put the preposition “in” before both “God the Father” and “the Lord Jesus Christ”. However, the autograph (the original writing) only contains the first preposition. Paul is teaching all who read this verse at least two important truths.
1. God the Father and Jesus Christ are on the same “plane”. They are co-equals. The attributes of God the Father are the same as those of Jesus Christ. In other words, Jesus is, indeed, God in the flesh.
2. The church (a reference to saved individuals, not to a building) is established in, grounded in, built upon God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Only the true followers of Christ comprise the local church.
“Grace, God’s kindness to man.”.
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is article VI on the church, a Baptist distinctive.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.
This church is an autonomous body, operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation, members are equally responsible. Its Scriptural officers are pastors and deacons.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages.
Outreach Effort
There are a few of the bags containing energy bars remaining in the foyer. Feel free to take as many as you need and hand them out to various folks you meet during the day.
“Their living faith was clothed upon with work; it was not a belief dead, barren, and alone.”
John Eadie
Pastor’s Postscripts
In those opening verses of 1 Thessalonians, Paul notes the hope in Christ the Thessalonian Christians have. He recognizes this hope in them because it has produced endurance. They endure; they persevere even in the midst of persecution and suffering.
Many Baptists are quite comfortable with the doctrine known as the “security of the believer”. This doctrine is Biblical. Passages such as Philippians 1:6 (my favorite verse) and 2 Timothy 1:12 support this teaching. If you have truly been saved (born again) then you are secure in Christ. You WILL have an eternal home in glory with Him.
But the Bible also teaches endurance or what is commonly known theologically as the “Perseverance of the Saints”. For a person to actually have that eternal home in glory they MUST persevere in Christ; they must endure. This teaching is revealed in Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, 2 Timothy 2:12, and Hebrews 10:35-36. You MUST endure if you are to have an eternal home in glory.
While these teachings appear to contradict one another, they are actually complements. The true believer will persevere as a result of the hope that is in them, namely Jesus. Those who wander from the faith during their journey here on earth are, most likely, those who were never truly born again.
Are you steadfast like the Thessalonians? Are you enduring in your faith? Are you persevering because of the hope you have in Christ?
Monday, June 10, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - June 10, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
Despite our low attendance, it was obvious that the Spirit was present during our service yesterday. There were at least 9 members out on vacation, another who was required to work, and yet another at home with a child. Our prayers are with each one who was unable to attend and hoping to see everyone next Sunday morning.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family
* Mueller family
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Business Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
1 Corinthians 11:1
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is article V on grace.
V. God's Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
1 Timothy 1:15
Sermon Extras
In verses 2 & 3, we have a brief explanation on Paul’s methodology for sharing the Gospel. “... he REASONED with them from the Scriptures, EXPLAINING and PROVING...”. A couple of observations on these verses:
1. What Paul was doing in the synagogue on the Sabbath was reasoning with the Jews. The word is dialegomai meaning “to speak through or with”, hence, “to converse or even to debate. Our English word “dialogue” comes from this word. This same word was used by Greek authors to describe Socrates method of teaching.
2. The words “explaining” and “proving” in verse 3 tell us how Paul accomplished his “reasoning”. Both words indicate this was an on-going activity, not a one time thing. Sharing the Scriptures with the lost often require more than one attempt.
3. The word “explaining” means “to open the mind”. It is the word Luke used to describe how Jesus opened the minds of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk. 24:32). Luke also uses the word concerning Lydia in Acts 16:14 when he writes, “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” Paul uses the Scriptures, not sad stories, inspirational music, or altar calls, to open the mind of the lost to Christ.
Concerning the Jews in Thessalonika, Dr. A. T. Robertson wrote:
“... this small group of Jews were given Paul and Silas by God’s grace.”
Outreach Effort
A reminder that the bags of energy bars in the foyer are yours free for the taking. Each bar contains a Bible verse plus the church’s address and phone number. Take a bad or two and pass out the bars to those you encounter during the day. They serve as a very simple way to share some Scripture to those who may need Christ.
Our Graduates
We will briefly recognize our graduates during this coming worship service. Congratulations to Meghan Bartner (Ft. Zumwalt West) and Julie Brandel (Francis Howell)!
Faithfest 2013
Bethesda’s praise band, Broken4One, will be performing as part of Faithfest 2013 this Saturday, June 15, at Diekroeger Park in Wright City. They will begin between 10 and 10:30 a.m.
Pastor’s Postscripts
Since we are out of space for this week’s issue, my “postscripts” will be brief. May our gracious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, richly bless you throughout this week!
See you Sunday with Bible in hand!
Despite our low attendance, it was obvious that the Spirit was present during our service yesterday. There were at least 9 members out on vacation, another who was required to work, and yet another at home with a child. Our prayers are with each one who was unable to attend and hoping to see everyone next Sunday morning.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family
* Mueller family
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Business Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
1 Corinthians 11:1
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is article V on grace.
V. God's Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the cause of Christ, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
1 Timothy 1:15
Sermon Extras
In verses 2 & 3, we have a brief explanation on Paul’s methodology for sharing the Gospel. “... he REASONED with them from the Scriptures, EXPLAINING and PROVING...”. A couple of observations on these verses:
1. What Paul was doing in the synagogue on the Sabbath was reasoning with the Jews. The word is dialegomai meaning “to speak through or with”, hence, “to converse or even to debate. Our English word “dialogue” comes from this word. This same word was used by Greek authors to describe Socrates method of teaching.
2. The words “explaining” and “proving” in verse 3 tell us how Paul accomplished his “reasoning”. Both words indicate this was an on-going activity, not a one time thing. Sharing the Scriptures with the lost often require more than one attempt.
3. The word “explaining” means “to open the mind”. It is the word Luke used to describe how Jesus opened the minds of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk. 24:32). Luke also uses the word concerning Lydia in Acts 16:14 when he writes, “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” Paul uses the Scriptures, not sad stories, inspirational music, or altar calls, to open the mind of the lost to Christ.
Concerning the Jews in Thessalonika, Dr. A. T. Robertson wrote:
“... this small group of Jews were given Paul and Silas by God’s grace.”
Outreach Effort
A reminder that the bags of energy bars in the foyer are yours free for the taking. Each bar contains a Bible verse plus the church’s address and phone number. Take a bad or two and pass out the bars to those you encounter during the day. They serve as a very simple way to share some Scripture to those who may need Christ.
Our Graduates
We will briefly recognize our graduates during this coming worship service. Congratulations to Meghan Bartner (Ft. Zumwalt West) and Julie Brandel (Francis Howell)!
Faithfest 2013
Bethesda’s praise band, Broken4One, will be performing as part of Faithfest 2013 this Saturday, June 15, at Diekroeger Park in Wright City. They will begin between 10 and 10:30 a.m.
Pastor’s Postscripts
Since we are out of space for this week’s issue, my “postscripts” will be brief. May our gracious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, richly bless you throughout this week!
See you Sunday with Bible in hand!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesday - June 3, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
We are thankful God protected our facilities on Friday night as the tornado passed nearby. Also, we praise the Lord there were no fatalities or serious injuries from the storm.
As of this writing, we are aware of only one church member who suffered loss and that’s brother Tom. His house was significantly damaged and it will take some time before he and his children are able to return to it as their home. Please keep him in your prayers and, if there is any way you may be able to help him out, please do so. Thank you to those men who have already been to the house to help him out.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Our church and need for revival
“For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.”
Psalm 135:5-6
Outreach Effort
The Outreach Committee has provided church members with bags containing energy and/or granola bars. Each bar contains a Bible verse plus the church’s address and phone number. Please take one or more bags and pass out individual bars to those you meet who have a need. For example, if you pull up to a light and a person is asking for money, hand him a bar.
The bags are located on the table in the foyer.
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
3. Bethesda Men Breakfast & Book Study, Saturday, 8 a.m.
4. Church Council Meeting, Saturday, 9 a.m.
5. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
6. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
7. NO Discipleship Training
“God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don’t understand
When you don’t see His plan
When you can’t trace His hand
Trust His Heart.”
Babbie Mason
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the article on Salvation.
IV. Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.
1. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.
2. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
3. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Saturday, June 8
Men, bring your breakfast and join us for some fellowship and study this Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. We’ll fellowship for 15-20 minutes and then continue our study of Dr. Whitney’s book. Even if you have been unable to attend in the past, join us this Saturday.
Our church council will meet at 9 a.m. this Saturday to discuss and schedule upcoming activities. If you are on the council and cannot attend, please ask someone to take your place.
Pastor’s Postscripts
To those who attended Sunday, thank you for your attentiveness during the message. For a variety of reasons, I had great difficulty in delivering this Sunday’s sermon. But God is good and His Word powerful!
This Sunday we begin a new series. We’ll take a look at the Thessalonian church by working our way through Paul’s letters to them. We’ll begin this series, however, not in 1 Thessalonians but in the book of Acts. This Sunday we examine “The Beginnings of a Local Church.”
I look forward to seeing you there! God bless!
We are thankful God protected our facilities on Friday night as the tornado passed nearby. Also, we praise the Lord there were no fatalities or serious injuries from the storm.
As of this writing, we are aware of only one church member who suffered loss and that’s brother Tom. His house was significantly damaged and it will take some time before he and his children are able to return to it as their home. Please keep him in your prayers and, if there is any way you may be able to help him out, please do so. Thank you to those men who have already been to the house to help him out.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Tom, significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton’s family
* Our church and need for revival
“For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.”
Psalm 135:5-6
Outreach Effort
The Outreach Committee has provided church members with bags containing energy and/or granola bars. Each bar contains a Bible verse plus the church’s address and phone number. Please take one or more bags and pass out individual bars to those you meet who have a need. For example, if you pull up to a light and a person is asking for money, hand him a bar.
The bags are located on the table in the foyer.
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
3. Bethesda Men Breakfast & Book Study, Saturday, 8 a.m.
4. Church Council Meeting, Saturday, 9 a.m.
5. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
6. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
7. NO Discipleship Training
“God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don’t understand
When you don’t see His plan
When you can’t trace His hand
Trust His Heart.”
Babbie Mason
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the article on Salvation.
IV. Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.
1. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace. Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a relationship of peace and favor with God.
2. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.
3. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Saturday, June 8
Men, bring your breakfast and join us for some fellowship and study this Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. We’ll fellowship for 15-20 minutes and then continue our study of Dr. Whitney’s book. Even if you have been unable to attend in the past, join us this Saturday.
Our church council will meet at 9 a.m. this Saturday to discuss and schedule upcoming activities. If you are on the council and cannot attend, please ask someone to take your place.
Pastor’s Postscripts
To those who attended Sunday, thank you for your attentiveness during the message. For a variety of reasons, I had great difficulty in delivering this Sunday’s sermon. But God is good and His Word powerful!
This Sunday we begin a new series. We’ll take a look at the Thessalonian church by working our way through Paul’s letters to them. We’ll begin this series, however, not in 1 Thessalonians but in the book of Acts. This Sunday we examine “The Beginnings of a Local Church.”
I look forward to seeing you there! God bless!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - May 27, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
Memorial Day saw many of our folks out, likely visiting with relatives and friends. Nevertheless, the Lord blessed us with not only a great weather day but also a great worship time!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton's family
* Our church and need for revival
Outreach Effort
The Outreach Committee is collecting energy or granola bars. If you would like to donate some, please place them in the box at church. The committee will add a Scripture verse and basic church information to each bar. You may then take bars to distribute to those you encounter who may have need of them (e.g., homeless individuals). Some bars should be available for distributing beginning this coming Sunday. This is a very simple way to share a witness for Christ and to provide very basic help to those in need.
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the article on Man.
III. Man
Man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence; whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfil the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Sermon Extras
In that final verse of the Gospel which we looked at yesterday morning, John writes “Now there are also many other things that Jesus DID.” At the time John wrote these words, he was pondering the many works Jesus had done in history prior to that moment. “That moment” was almost 2000 years ago! Consider how many more things Jesus has done since then! Think about all He has done just in your life alone. Praise God the works of Jesus did not end when John put down his pen!
Graduates
Unless I am mistaken (and there’s always a high probability of that!), we have 2 graduates in our midst this year: Meghan Bartner and Julie Brandel. Congratulations to them on completing their high school days!
We will recognize them this coming Sunday during our worship service. If I have overlooked a graduate, please accept my apologies and let me know whom I missed.
“... no infinite number can ever record the deeds performed by Infinite Love.”
William Hendriksen
Pastor’s Postscripts
Since I concluded our exposition of John’s Gospel yesterday by quoting a stanza of Frederick Lehman’s great hymn “The Love of God” and since that hymn is not in our hymnal, I thought I would simply share with you the hymn in its entirety as my column this week.
The Love of God
by
Frederick M. Lehman
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
Refrain: O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Refrain
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Refrain
I do pray the Lord grants you a terrific week! Bring your Bibles Sunday as we begin a new journey in God’s Word!
Memorial Day saw many of our folks out, likely visiting with relatives and friends. Nevertheless, the Lord blessed us with not only a great weather day but also a great worship time!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Anne Overton's family
* Our church and need for revival
Outreach Effort
The Outreach Committee is collecting energy or granola bars. If you would like to donate some, please place them in the box at church. The committee will add a Scripture verse and basic church information to each bar. You may then take bars to distribute to those you encounter who may have need of them (e.g., homeless individuals). Some bars should be available for distributing beginning this coming Sunday. This is a very simple way to share a witness for Christ and to provide very basic help to those in need.
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the article on Man.
III. Man
Man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence; whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfil the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Sermon Extras
In that final verse of the Gospel which we looked at yesterday morning, John writes “Now there are also many other things that Jesus DID.” At the time John wrote these words, he was pondering the many works Jesus had done in history prior to that moment. “That moment” was almost 2000 years ago! Consider how many more things Jesus has done since then! Think about all He has done just in your life alone. Praise God the works of Jesus did not end when John put down his pen!
Graduates
Unless I am mistaken (and there’s always a high probability of that!), we have 2 graduates in our midst this year: Meghan Bartner and Julie Brandel. Congratulations to them on completing their high school days!
We will recognize them this coming Sunday during our worship service. If I have overlooked a graduate, please accept my apologies and let me know whom I missed.
“... no infinite number can ever record the deeds performed by Infinite Love.”
William Hendriksen
Pastor’s Postscripts
Since I concluded our exposition of John’s Gospel yesterday by quoting a stanza of Frederick Lehman’s great hymn “The Love of God” and since that hymn is not in our hymnal, I thought I would simply share with you the hymn in its entirety as my column this week.
The Love of God
by
Frederick M. Lehman
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
Refrain: O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Refrain
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Refrain
I do pray the Lord grants you a terrific week! Bring your Bibles Sunday as we begin a new journey in God’s Word!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - May 20, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
The music and singing yesterday morning was simply inspiring and Christ exalting! Thank you to our musicians and to everyone who sang from their hearts!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Ladies Fellowship. Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7pm.
3. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m. including the Lord’s Supper.
5. Bowling and Late Lunch Fellowship, Sunday after morning worship.
6. NO Discipleship Training
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
Ephesians 5:1
Ladies Fellowship!
Ladies, an evening of fellowship will begin Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall. All ladies are welcome to attend and join in the fun!
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the 3rd part of the article on God.
3. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fulness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
Luke 6:40
Sermon Extras
Jesus’ remark concerning John expressed in verse 22 was misunderstood by many to mean John would not die until the Lord returned. John set the record straight in verse 23, indicating that was not what the Lord was saying. And, of course, John ultimately did die prior to Christ’s return. Yet there is a comment on these verses by Arthur W. Pink which speaks truth:
“The ministry of John actually goes on to the end, for in the Revelation he treats at length of those things which are to usher in the Lord’s return to the earth, aye, and beyond to the new heaven and the new earth!”
Outreach Effort
The Outreach Committee is asking church families to donate energy or granola bars for an outreach effort. We are going to add Scripture verses to these bars and then make them available to church members to hand out to homeless individuals or anyone who has a need for some food and the Gospel.
We’ll start our collection this Sunday. So if you would like to provide some energy or granola bars for this simple outreach effort, please bring them to church this Sunday.
Pastor’s Postscripts
This Sunday marks a minor milestone relative to my ministry at Bethesda. If the Lord wills, we complete our exposition of John’s Gospel which we began on April 11, 2010. After 3 years and 128 messages, we will put John down (for now) despite there being so much more in the Gospel to discuss.
Since coming to Bethesda, we have moved through John, Ruth, and Colossians together. Combined with my previous pastorate, God has given me the privilege of preaching through a total of 11 books now (1/6th of the Bible). As a math geek, I calculated that, at that pace, I would have to live to the age of 377 to complete an exposition of all 66 books! Holy Methuselah!
I sought the Lord’s direction on where in the Word we should now turn. Repeatedly my mind turned to the local church. God’s Word has much to say on the church and I believe one great way to do that is to examine a specific New Testament church. So, beginning in June, we move from the work of the Lord while on this earth to the work of the Lord through His church. And we will do this by looking at the church of the Thessalonians.
Unless the Lord intervenes, my first message in June will be from the book of Acts in order to provide the background for the following weeks. Then, on June 9, we open the Word to the book of 1 Thessalonians and see what God had to say to that local church and how His Word applies to us at Bethesda Baptist today.
I began working on these messages a few weeks ago but I covet your prayers as we begin this new series. May the Lord bless our journey together with the Thessalonians as He brings to a close our study of the Gospel of John!
The music and singing yesterday morning was simply inspiring and Christ exalting! Thank you to our musicians and to everyone who sang from their hearts!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Ladies Fellowship. Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7pm.
3. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m. including the Lord’s Supper.
5. Bowling and Late Lunch Fellowship, Sunday after morning worship.
6. NO Discipleship Training
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
Ephesians 5:1
Ladies Fellowship!
Ladies, an evening of fellowship will begin Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall. All ladies are welcome to attend and join in the fun!
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the 3rd part of the article on God.
3. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the assurance of God to bring the believer into the fulness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
Luke 6:40
Sermon Extras
Jesus’ remark concerning John expressed in verse 22 was misunderstood by many to mean John would not die until the Lord returned. John set the record straight in verse 23, indicating that was not what the Lord was saying. And, of course, John ultimately did die prior to Christ’s return. Yet there is a comment on these verses by Arthur W. Pink which speaks truth:
“The ministry of John actually goes on to the end, for in the Revelation he treats at length of those things which are to usher in the Lord’s return to the earth, aye, and beyond to the new heaven and the new earth!”
Outreach Effort
The Outreach Committee is asking church families to donate energy or granola bars for an outreach effort. We are going to add Scripture verses to these bars and then make them available to church members to hand out to homeless individuals or anyone who has a need for some food and the Gospel.
We’ll start our collection this Sunday. So if you would like to provide some energy or granola bars for this simple outreach effort, please bring them to church this Sunday.
Pastor’s Postscripts
This Sunday marks a minor milestone relative to my ministry at Bethesda. If the Lord wills, we complete our exposition of John’s Gospel which we began on April 11, 2010. After 3 years and 128 messages, we will put John down (for now) despite there being so much more in the Gospel to discuss.
Since coming to Bethesda, we have moved through John, Ruth, and Colossians together. Combined with my previous pastorate, God has given me the privilege of preaching through a total of 11 books now (1/6th of the Bible). As a math geek, I calculated that, at that pace, I would have to live to the age of 377 to complete an exposition of all 66 books! Holy Methuselah!
I sought the Lord’s direction on where in the Word we should now turn. Repeatedly my mind turned to the local church. God’s Word has much to say on the church and I believe one great way to do that is to examine a specific New Testament church. So, beginning in June, we move from the work of the Lord while on this earth to the work of the Lord through His church. And we will do this by looking at the church of the Thessalonians.
Unless the Lord intervenes, my first message in June will be from the book of Acts in order to provide the background for the following weeks. Then, on June 9, we open the Word to the book of 1 Thessalonians and see what God had to say to that local church and how His Word applies to us at Bethesda Baptist today.
I began working on these messages a few weeks ago but I covet your prayers as we begin this new series. May the Lord bless our journey together with the Thessalonians as He brings to a close our study of the Gospel of John!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - May 13, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
What a beautiful day the Lord gave us yesterday not only with the weather but also with the spirit of our service! Those who were absent missed a blessing from the Brandels when Rachelle and Julie presented special music via their flutes! May the Lord continue to bless our church as we share the Gospel with those we meet.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health, especially Brenda’s back
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family and especially baby Willow
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, recovering from low blood pressue in the hospital; need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7pm.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5:00 p.m.
Ladies Fellowship!
All ladies are invited to a special ladies fellowship at the church on Tuesday, May 21. Activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. are you are invited.
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the 2nd part of the article on God.
2. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, partaking of the nature of God and of man, and in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
Mothers!
The following are the comments on mothers from Martin Luther (1483-1546) which the pastor shared with those at worship yesterday.
Our natural reason looks at marriage and turns up its nose and says, "Alas! Must I rock the baby? Wash its diapers? Make its bed? Smell its stench? Stay at nights with it? Take care of it when it cries? Heal its rashes and sores? And on top of that care for my spouse, provide labor at my trade, take care of this and take care of that? Do this and do that? And endure this and endure that? Why should I make such a prisoner of myself?"
What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful and despised duties in the spirit, and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels.
It says, "O God, I confess I am not worthy to rock that little babe or wash its diapers, to be entrusted with the care of a child … How is it that I without any merit have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? Oh, how godly will I do so. Though the duty should be even more insignificant and despised, neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor will distress me for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight."
Sermon Extras
The message yesterday hinged so much on the original Greek words I thought it may be of value to share the ESV text and note the various words I referenced in yesterday’s message. Here is John 21:15-17:
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agapao) me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know (oida) that I love (phileo) you.” He said to him, “Feed (bosko) my lambs. (arnion)” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agapao) me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know (oida) that I love (phileo) you.” He said to him, “Tend (poimaino) my sheep.(probaton)” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (phileo) me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know (oida) everything; you know (ginosko) that I love (phileo) you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed (bosko) my sheep. probaton)
agapao – sacrificial love; cross-like love
phileo – friendship love
oida – perceived, intellectual knowledge
ginosko – knowledge gained via experience
bosko – feed
poimaino – shepherd (care, counsel, guide)
arnion – lamb (infant sheep)
probaton – sheep (mature sheep)
What a beautiful day the Lord gave us yesterday not only with the weather but also with the spirit of our service! Those who were absent missed a blessing from the Brandels when Rachelle and Julie presented special music via their flutes! May the Lord continue to bless our church as we share the Gospel with those we meet.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health, especially Brenda’s back
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family and especially baby Willow
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, recovering from low blood pressue in the hospital; need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7pm.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5:00 p.m.
Ladies Fellowship!
All ladies are invited to a special ladies fellowship at the church on Tuesday, May 21. Activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. are you are invited.
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the 2nd part of the article on God.
2. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, partaking of the nature of God and of man, and in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
Mothers!
The following are the comments on mothers from Martin Luther (1483-1546) which the pastor shared with those at worship yesterday.
Our natural reason looks at marriage and turns up its nose and says, "Alas! Must I rock the baby? Wash its diapers? Make its bed? Smell its stench? Stay at nights with it? Take care of it when it cries? Heal its rashes and sores? And on top of that care for my spouse, provide labor at my trade, take care of this and take care of that? Do this and do that? And endure this and endure that? Why should I make such a prisoner of myself?"
What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful and despised duties in the spirit, and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels.
It says, "O God, I confess I am not worthy to rock that little babe or wash its diapers, to be entrusted with the care of a child … How is it that I without any merit have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? Oh, how godly will I do so. Though the duty should be even more insignificant and despised, neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor will distress me for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight."
Sermon Extras
The message yesterday hinged so much on the original Greek words I thought it may be of value to share the ESV text and note the various words I referenced in yesterday’s message. Here is John 21:15-17:
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agapao) me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know (oida) that I love (phileo) you.” He said to him, “Feed (bosko) my lambs. (arnion)” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agapao) me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know (oida) that I love (phileo) you.” He said to him, “Tend (poimaino) my sheep.(probaton)” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (phileo) me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know (oida) everything; you know (ginosko) that I love (phileo) you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed (bosko) my sheep. probaton)
agapao – sacrificial love; cross-like love
phileo – friendship love
oida – perceived, intellectual knowledge
ginosko – knowledge gained via experience
bosko – feed
poimaino – shepherd (care, counsel, guide)
arnion – lamb (infant sheep)
probaton – sheep (mature sheep)
Monday, May 6, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - May 6, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
Our Lord is gracious! Two new visitors were with us yesterday morning. While they will not likely return for some time (they live in Canada!), it is always a blessing when the Lord brings visitors to our church.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health, especially Brenda’s back
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family and especially baby Willow
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7pm.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. NO Discipleship Training
“When a believer truly discerns the Lord’s direction for their life, they quickly step that way.”
Wednesday Evenings
This Wednesday evening is our monthly business meeting at 7 p.m. Please make every effort to attend as we discuss matters facing our church.
Next Wednesday, the 15th, we will resume our study of “Brief Books” as we dive into the depths of the book of Obadiah!
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the 1st part of the article on God.
II. God
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. To him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
1. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in his attitude toward all men.
Sermon Extras
Here is an interesting note concerning our text from yesterday. Using the English Standard Version, the noun “fish” appears 7 times in these verses. However, John (and Jesus!) use 3 different Greek words translated fish.
In verse 5 the word refers to a “relish eaten with bread” (a relish often made of fish). The King James Version translates this word as “meat”. This is the only time in the entire New Testament this specific Greek word is used.
In verses 6, 8, and 11, the original word is “ichthus”, which is the usual word for fish. Ichthyology, the study of fishes, comes from this word.
Finally, verses 9, 10, and 13 translate a 3rd Greek noun, usually referring to cooked food (including fish) or “preserved fish”.
Ladies Fellowship!
Ladies, are you missing the weekly book study? Would you simply like to get together with your fellow sisters from the church? Here is an opportunity for you!
ALL ladies are invited to a special ladies fellowship at the church on Tuesday, May 21. Activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. are you are invited. Prior attendance at the ladies book study is NOT required.
Please come out and enjoy the evening.
“I believe the proclamation of the gospel in Word and deed is the work of missions. Prayer is the power that wields the weapon of the Word, and the Word is the weapon by which the nations will be brought to faith and obedience.”
John Piper
Pastor’s Postscripts
I was truly blessed Sunday by the congregational singing. The songs and the way everyone sang were very uplifting to my soul! I also appreciate those who prayed that I would be able to speak given the way my voice opened the message. The cough remains despite two weeks of antibiotics. But the Lord was gracious and enabled me to complete the message without further problems with my throat and voice.
Some advanced warning: June is a “5 Sunday” month. That means June 30th will mark our first “5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship” for 2013 (the Lord used snowy weather to cancel our first scheduled fellowship back in March). Therefore, any time you have questions you would like the pastor to answer, you may write them out and place them in the container by the front door. Your name is optional.
If the Lord wills, we will finish John’s Gospel with three final messages. See you Sunday with your Bible in hand! May the Lord bless you this week.
Our Lord is gracious! Two new visitors were with us yesterday morning. While they will not likely return for some time (they live in Canada!), it is always a blessing when the Lord brings visitors to our church.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health, especially Brenda’s back
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family and especially baby Willow
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7pm.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. NO Discipleship Training
“When a believer truly discerns the Lord’s direction for their life, they quickly step that way.”
Wednesday Evenings
This Wednesday evening is our monthly business meeting at 7 p.m. Please make every effort to attend as we discuss matters facing our church.
Next Wednesday, the 15th, we will resume our study of “Brief Books” as we dive into the depths of the book of Obadiah!
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp. Here is the 1st part of the article on God.
II. God
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. To him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
1. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in his attitude toward all men.
Sermon Extras
Here is an interesting note concerning our text from yesterday. Using the English Standard Version, the noun “fish” appears 7 times in these verses. However, John (and Jesus!) use 3 different Greek words translated fish.
In verse 5 the word refers to a “relish eaten with bread” (a relish often made of fish). The King James Version translates this word as “meat”. This is the only time in the entire New Testament this specific Greek word is used.
In verses 6, 8, and 11, the original word is “ichthus”, which is the usual word for fish. Ichthyology, the study of fishes, comes from this word.
Finally, verses 9, 10, and 13 translate a 3rd Greek noun, usually referring to cooked food (including fish) or “preserved fish”.
Ladies Fellowship!
Ladies, are you missing the weekly book study? Would you simply like to get together with your fellow sisters from the church? Here is an opportunity for you!
ALL ladies are invited to a special ladies fellowship at the church on Tuesday, May 21. Activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. are you are invited. Prior attendance at the ladies book study is NOT required.
Please come out and enjoy the evening.
“I believe the proclamation of the gospel in Word and deed is the work of missions. Prayer is the power that wields the weapon of the Word, and the Word is the weapon by which the nations will be brought to faith and obedience.”
John Piper
Pastor’s Postscripts
I was truly blessed Sunday by the congregational singing. The songs and the way everyone sang were very uplifting to my soul! I also appreciate those who prayed that I would be able to speak given the way my voice opened the message. The cough remains despite two weeks of antibiotics. But the Lord was gracious and enabled me to complete the message without further problems with my throat and voice.
Some advanced warning: June is a “5 Sunday” month. That means June 30th will mark our first “5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship” for 2013 (the Lord used snowy weather to cancel our first scheduled fellowship back in March). Therefore, any time you have questions you would like the pastor to answer, you may write them out and place them in the container by the front door. Your name is optional.
If the Lord wills, we will finish John’s Gospel with three final messages. See you Sunday with your Bible in hand! May the Lord bless you this week.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - April 29, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
A BIG thank you to everyone who helped out with our work day on Saturday. Even the rain couldn’t prevent us from completing several work items including changing light bulbs, repairing doors, cleaning various rooms, replacing filters, and painting the adult Sunday school room. Thanks also for those who prepared our breakfast buffet dishes! We not only made some repairs and had a good breakfast but we also enjoyed some fun fellowship time.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health, especially Brenda’s back
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family and especially baby Willow
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
“These are not all of Jesus’ signs. But they are enough. For countless multitudes reading them have believed, and have found life through His name.”
Herschel Hobbs
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
6. Business Meeting, Wednesday, May 8, 7 p.m.
Sermon Extras
1. In John 20:30-31, John teaches the sufficiency of Scripture. He notes that his work does not contain everything Jesus did (or said) but what he did write was “written so that you may believe...” John firmly believed the words of his Gospel (and, in fact, of the Scripture in general) were sufficient for salvation. As Paul writes in Romans 10:17, so faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
2. In each of these two verses, John uses the word “written”. Many translations render this word as “are written”. The New American Standard version, though, provides us with a little more information by translating the word in verse 31 “have been written”. The word construction in both verses inform us that John wanted to communicate the “signs” were written down in the past but the effect of this recording would go on forever. In other words, God’s Word never changes, endures forever, and is always effective in any and every generation.
Wednesday Evenings
Beginning this Wednesday, we start a new Bible study series before our weekly prayer meetings. Titled “Brief Books”, we will examine the five shortest books in the entire Bible. We’re going to look at them in chronological order by moving through the text of one book verse by verse. When we complete that book we’ll move to the next one.
Although these five books contain only one chapter each, those chapters are the very Word of God like the rest of Scripture. Their brevity makes them no less important or inspired than the longer books of the Bible.
Come join us Wednesday for a brief 15 minute study (we begin with Obadiah) and then join us for our weekly prayer meeting. Bible study begins at 7 p.m.
Statement of Faith
Our church constitution indicates we use the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message (BF&M) as our statement of faith. We understand there are some who are unfamiliar with that document, so we’ll share portions of it over the coming weeks. The entire statement may be found at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp.
Since the pastor’s message yesterday discussed the Word of God, here is the first article of the 1963 on the topic of the Scriptures.
I. The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.
Pastor’s Postscripts
In case you are unable to join us for prayer meetings on Wednesdays, we do have some copies of our prayer list (albeit a week out of date) on the table by the front door. You are always welcome to take one.
If the Lord wills, our exposition of the Gospel of John will conclude on Sunday, May 26. Although we will have taken over 3 years to make the journey through this wonderful book, there is so much more in it which we either had to pass over or only brief touch upon. Just because we have listened to John’s words for 3 years, do not let that keep you from returning to, reading, and studying this terrific book!
May Christ richly bless you this week!
Pastor Bruce
A BIG thank you to everyone who helped out with our work day on Saturday. Even the rain couldn’t prevent us from completing several work items including changing light bulbs, repairing doors, cleaning various rooms, replacing filters, and painting the adult Sunday school room. Thanks also for those who prepared our breakfast buffet dishes! We not only made some repairs and had a good breakfast but we also enjoyed some fun fellowship time.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health, especially Brenda’s back
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brazel family and especially baby Willow
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
“These are not all of Jesus’ signs. But they are enough. For countless multitudes reading them have believed, and have found life through His name.”
Herschel Hobbs
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
6. Business Meeting, Wednesday, May 8, 7 p.m.
Sermon Extras
1. In John 20:30-31, John teaches the sufficiency of Scripture. He notes that his work does not contain everything Jesus did (or said) but what he did write was “written so that you may believe...” John firmly believed the words of his Gospel (and, in fact, of the Scripture in general) were sufficient for salvation. As Paul writes in Romans 10:17, so faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
2. In each of these two verses, John uses the word “written”. Many translations render this word as “are written”. The New American Standard version, though, provides us with a little more information by translating the word in verse 31 “have been written”. The word construction in both verses inform us that John wanted to communicate the “signs” were written down in the past but the effect of this recording would go on forever. In other words, God’s Word never changes, endures forever, and is always effective in any and every generation.
Wednesday Evenings
Beginning this Wednesday, we start a new Bible study series before our weekly prayer meetings. Titled “Brief Books”, we will examine the five shortest books in the entire Bible. We’re going to look at them in chronological order by moving through the text of one book verse by verse. When we complete that book we’ll move to the next one.
Although these five books contain only one chapter each, those chapters are the very Word of God like the rest of Scripture. Their brevity makes them no less important or inspired than the longer books of the Bible.
Come join us Wednesday for a brief 15 minute study (we begin with Obadiah) and then join us for our weekly prayer meeting. Bible study begins at 7 p.m.
Statement of Faith
Our church constitution indicates we use the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message (BF&M) as our statement of faith. We understand there are some who are unfamiliar with that document, so we’ll share portions of it over the coming weeks. The entire statement may be found at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp.
Since the pastor’s message yesterday discussed the Word of God, here is the first article of the 1963 on the topic of the Scriptures.
I. The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ.
Pastor’s Postscripts
In case you are unable to join us for prayer meetings on Wednesdays, we do have some copies of our prayer list (albeit a week out of date) on the table by the front door. You are always welcome to take one.
If the Lord wills, our exposition of the Gospel of John will conclude on Sunday, May 26. Although we will have taken over 3 years to make the journey through this wonderful book, there is so much more in it which we either had to pass over or only brief touch upon. Just because we have listened to John’s words for 3 years, do not let that keep you from returning to, reading, and studying this terrific book!
May Christ richly bless you this week!
Pastor Bruce
Monday, April 22, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - April 22, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
Yesterday was a glorious one! The weather was outstanding as was the spirit during our worship. God, once again, sent visitors our way for which we are thankful. Pete and Brenda, who have been out ill for some time, were able to return for the first part of the service before Brenda’s back began troubling her again. We are glad they could join us for part of the service.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health, especially Brenda’s back
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brida Lovett and a job
* Brazel family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Breakfast Fellowship and Church Work Day, Saturday, 8 a.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service including the Lord’s Supper, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Breakfast Fellowship and Church Work Day!
Join us for a breakfast fellowship and church work day on Saturday, April 27 at 8:00 a.m.! Bethesda members will work collectively to spring clean (and repair) our church following a hearty breakfast potluck. Members should bring a breakfast dish, drink and side to share.
Please contact Karla Repperger if you have any questions.
Sermon Extras
1. At the very end of verse 25, Thomas says without the proofs he demands, “I will never believe.” While the use of double negatives in English is a “no no”, it was commonly used in the language of the New Testament to convey a very strong negative. Thomas uses the double negative here. Literally, you could translate the clause “Not not I will believe”. He is making it clear that, in his mind, believing in the risen Lord is an impossibility apart from his demands being met. What audacity!
2. In verse 27, Jesus tells Thomas “do not disbelieve but believe”. The construction in the original indicates Thomas was already becoming unbelieving and he needed to stop that trend. Instead (the “but” is very strong) he should be believing. “stop becoming unbelieving instead (start becoming) believing.”
Martin Luther on the Story of Doubting Thomas
It is now the power of the resurrection of Christ that St. Thomas, who was so deep and obdurate in unbelief, even more than any other disciple, was so suddenly changed, becomes an entirely different man, who publicly and freely confesses that he not only believes that Christ is risen but is also enlightened by the power of Christ's resurrection so that he firmly believes and confesses that he, his Lord, is true God and man, through whom, as he is now resurrected from unbelief, the fountain of all sin; so he will also arise from the dead at the judgment day and live forever with him in indescribable glory and blessedness. And not only he, but all who believe thus, as Christ himself further says to him: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
From a sermon preached by Luther the Sunday after Easter, 1540.
_____________________________________
“Give up everything you have, carry a cross, and hate your family. This sounds a lot different than ‘Admit, believe, confess, and pray a prayer after me.’”
David Platt on Jesus’ call to those wanting to follow him.
_____________________________________
Wednesday Evenings
We meet together on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7 p.m. for a brief Bible study (about 15 minutes) followed by prayer time. Beginning on May 1, we are going to begin an exposition (verse by verse study) of those books in the Bible having only one chapter (there are 5 of them; do you know which ones they are?). We’ll begin one of those books on May 1 and spend 15 minutes a week going through the book until we have completed it. Then we will move on to the next one. Those of us who read the Bible through every year only spend one day reading through each of these books during our journey. This study will give you an opportunity to go more in-depth on each book.
Please join us for our study and for our prayer time on Wednesday evenings!
Pastor’s Postscripts
Spring is upon us! I hope to see many of you on Saturday at our breakfast fellowship and church work day!
Our weekly prayer meeting is Wednesday at 7pm. As noted above, starting next Wednesday, May 1, we will begin a new Bible study. This is a great opportunity to (1) study God’s Word, (2) spend time with fellow believers in prayer, and (3) engage in some fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ! Why not join us?
May the blessings of the Lord be upon you this week. See you Sunday if not sooner.
Yesterday was a glorious one! The weather was outstanding as was the spirit during our worship. God, once again, sent visitors our way for which we are thankful. Pete and Brenda, who have been out ill for some time, were able to return for the first part of the service before Brenda’s back began troubling her again. We are glad they could join us for part of the service.
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health, especially Brenda’s back
* Brenda’s father who is very ill
* Brida Lovett and a job
* Brazel family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Breakfast Fellowship and Church Work Day, Saturday, 8 a.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service including the Lord’s Supper, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Breakfast Fellowship and Church Work Day!
Join us for a breakfast fellowship and church work day on Saturday, April 27 at 8:00 a.m.! Bethesda members will work collectively to spring clean (and repair) our church following a hearty breakfast potluck. Members should bring a breakfast dish, drink and side to share.
Please contact Karla Repperger if you have any questions.
Sermon Extras
1. At the very end of verse 25, Thomas says without the proofs he demands, “I will never believe.” While the use of double negatives in English is a “no no”, it was commonly used in the language of the New Testament to convey a very strong negative. Thomas uses the double negative here. Literally, you could translate the clause “Not not I will believe”. He is making it clear that, in his mind, believing in the risen Lord is an impossibility apart from his demands being met. What audacity!
2. In verse 27, Jesus tells Thomas “do not disbelieve but believe”. The construction in the original indicates Thomas was already becoming unbelieving and he needed to stop that trend. Instead (the “but” is very strong) he should be believing. “stop becoming unbelieving instead (start becoming) believing.”
Martin Luther on the Story of Doubting Thomas
It is now the power of the resurrection of Christ that St. Thomas, who was so deep and obdurate in unbelief, even more than any other disciple, was so suddenly changed, becomes an entirely different man, who publicly and freely confesses that he not only believes that Christ is risen but is also enlightened by the power of Christ's resurrection so that he firmly believes and confesses that he, his Lord, is true God and man, through whom, as he is now resurrected from unbelief, the fountain of all sin; so he will also arise from the dead at the judgment day and live forever with him in indescribable glory and blessedness. And not only he, but all who believe thus, as Christ himself further says to him: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
From a sermon preached by Luther the Sunday after Easter, 1540.
_____________________________________
“Give up everything you have, carry a cross, and hate your family. This sounds a lot different than ‘Admit, believe, confess, and pray a prayer after me.’”
David Platt on Jesus’ call to those wanting to follow him.
_____________________________________
Wednesday Evenings
We meet together on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7 p.m. for a brief Bible study (about 15 minutes) followed by prayer time. Beginning on May 1, we are going to begin an exposition (verse by verse study) of those books in the Bible having only one chapter (there are 5 of them; do you know which ones they are?). We’ll begin one of those books on May 1 and spend 15 minutes a week going through the book until we have completed it. Then we will move on to the next one. Those of us who read the Bible through every year only spend one day reading through each of these books during our journey. This study will give you an opportunity to go more in-depth on each book.
Please join us for our study and for our prayer time on Wednesday evenings!
Pastor’s Postscripts
Spring is upon us! I hope to see many of you on Saturday at our breakfast fellowship and church work day!
Our weekly prayer meeting is Wednesday at 7pm. As noted above, starting next Wednesday, May 1, we will begin a new Bible study. This is a great opportunity to (1) study God’s Word, (2) spend time with fellow believers in prayer, and (3) engage in some fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ! Why not join us?
May the blessings of the Lord be upon you this week. See you Sunday if not sooner.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - April 15, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
It was good seeing those of you who were with us in worship yesterday morning. Every time God’s children gather together gives us a small glimpse of what awaits us in glory!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brida Lovett and a job
* Brazel family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw having medical tests this week
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4.Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Ladies’ Book Study
The final session of the current Ladies’ Bible Study will be held this Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Come and enjoy the fellowship.
Sermon Extras
1. In verse 20 of yesterday’s text, Christ “showed” his hands and side to the disciples. The word translated “showed” means “to make known, to point out, to explain, to prove”. Christ’s actions, therefore, was an explanation and proof of His identity and His resurrection.
2. Verse 23 is one of those “difficult” texts in Scripture. A simple reading of the verse may lead someone to conclude that men have been given the power to forgive sin. But, as I noted yesterday, such power is in the hands of God alone. John Calvin, the Genevan reformer, explained the verse this way:
“When Christ enjoins the apostles to forgive sins, He does not convey to them what is peculiar to Himself. It belongs to Him to forgive sins—He only enjoins them, in His name, to proclaim the forgiveness of sins.”
FELLOWSHIP!
Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m.
This will be a fellowship and work day at our church. First, we will have a “potluck” breakfast at the church. Then, we’ll pitch in and help with various work tasks needed on our facilities. Finally, if we have enough people still on site around lunch time we’ll end the day with a pizza lunch!
Pastor’s Postscripts
I want to share with you this week from my heart out of concern for the spiritual welfare of some of those in our congregation. It is possible some of you who are reading this article are members of our church yet have never come to Christ. If so may God use His Word to convict you of your sins. Some of you who are reading this article are members of our church who are in the process of “falling away.” May God convict you of your need to return to Him.
I begin with the Word:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Bethesda “meets together” at various times during the week, primarily on Sunday mornings, evenings, and Wednesday evenings. The only scheduled worship service of our church is Sunday mornings at 10:30. Without question, it is the largest gathering of our membership at any time of the week (as well it should be!). It is quite difficult for us to “stir one another to love and good works” as well as “encourage one another” when some of you do not attend Sunday morning.
Some of our members have not attended any morning worship services in the 4 years I have been at our church. I truly hope you are attending somewhere else. If not then I fear for your salvation because the true child of God would be prompted by the Holy Spirit within him to meet together with brothers and sisters for worship. If you are attending elsewhere then God bless you. Let us know and we will simply remove you from our membership roll.
Some of our members attend once or twice a year (e.g., Christmas and/or Easter). Where are you the remainder of the year? Do you make excuses for not attending worship regularly (e.g., “It’s too early in the morning.”)? Then I am also concerned for your soul. A true saint of God longs to worship the Lord Jesus with others as often as possible, certainly more than twice a year.
Some of our members attended worship fairly consistently but now have dropped “out of sight”. What has happened? Have you begun to make excuses for your absences? Have you found yourself uninterested in the public worship of God? Heed the warning of the Hebrews text and do NOT neglect public worship? Cry out to God for a renewed desire to worship with your brothers and sisters in Christ. And if there is no such desire then search your soul and make certain you are a true child of God.
I realize this article is not going to be well received by some in our congregation who read it. Nevertheless, it needs to be said. If you are a member and not faithfully attending on Sunday mornings you need to ask yourself “why”. If you are attending a church somewhere else then why do you remain a member of our church? Join the church you are attending and serve God through it. Otherwise, you need to be in public worship with your fellow members on Sunday morning. PERIOD.
The true believer in Christ does not simply relax on his profession of faith made years ago. The true believer in Christ perseveres in the faith, taking up his cross daily, and following His Lord. Such obedience is evidence of a saving faith. Such obedience includes joining together in public worship. If that evidence is lacking in your life then, membership or not, be very concern for the eternal destiny of your soul!
This word comes from a pastor’s love and concern for his flock. I ask you receive it as such.
May Christ bless His Word and His people!
It was good seeing those of you who were with us in worship yesterday morning. Every time God’s children gather together gives us a small glimpse of what awaits us in glory!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brida Lovett and a job
* Brazel family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Aaron Wordlaw having medical tests this week
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4.Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Ladies’ Book Study
The final session of the current Ladies’ Bible Study will be held this Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Come and enjoy the fellowship.
Sermon Extras
1. In verse 20 of yesterday’s text, Christ “showed” his hands and side to the disciples. The word translated “showed” means “to make known, to point out, to explain, to prove”. Christ’s actions, therefore, was an explanation and proof of His identity and His resurrection.
2. Verse 23 is one of those “difficult” texts in Scripture. A simple reading of the verse may lead someone to conclude that men have been given the power to forgive sin. But, as I noted yesterday, such power is in the hands of God alone. John Calvin, the Genevan reformer, explained the verse this way:
“When Christ enjoins the apostles to forgive sins, He does not convey to them what is peculiar to Himself. It belongs to Him to forgive sins—He only enjoins them, in His name, to proclaim the forgiveness of sins.”
FELLOWSHIP!
Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m.
This will be a fellowship and work day at our church. First, we will have a “potluck” breakfast at the church. Then, we’ll pitch in and help with various work tasks needed on our facilities. Finally, if we have enough people still on site around lunch time we’ll end the day with a pizza lunch!
Pastor’s Postscripts
I want to share with you this week from my heart out of concern for the spiritual welfare of some of those in our congregation. It is possible some of you who are reading this article are members of our church yet have never come to Christ. If so may God use His Word to convict you of your sins. Some of you who are reading this article are members of our church who are in the process of “falling away.” May God convict you of your need to return to Him.
I begin with the Word:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Bethesda “meets together” at various times during the week, primarily on Sunday mornings, evenings, and Wednesday evenings. The only scheduled worship service of our church is Sunday mornings at 10:30. Without question, it is the largest gathering of our membership at any time of the week (as well it should be!). It is quite difficult for us to “stir one another to love and good works” as well as “encourage one another” when some of you do not attend Sunday morning.
Some of our members have not attended any morning worship services in the 4 years I have been at our church. I truly hope you are attending somewhere else. If not then I fear for your salvation because the true child of God would be prompted by the Holy Spirit within him to meet together with brothers and sisters for worship. If you are attending elsewhere then God bless you. Let us know and we will simply remove you from our membership roll.
Some of our members attend once or twice a year (e.g., Christmas and/or Easter). Where are you the remainder of the year? Do you make excuses for not attending worship regularly (e.g., “It’s too early in the morning.”)? Then I am also concerned for your soul. A true saint of God longs to worship the Lord Jesus with others as often as possible, certainly more than twice a year.
Some of our members attended worship fairly consistently but now have dropped “out of sight”. What has happened? Have you begun to make excuses for your absences? Have you found yourself uninterested in the public worship of God? Heed the warning of the Hebrews text and do NOT neglect public worship? Cry out to God for a renewed desire to worship with your brothers and sisters in Christ. And if there is no such desire then search your soul and make certain you are a true child of God.
I realize this article is not going to be well received by some in our congregation who read it. Nevertheless, it needs to be said. If you are a member and not faithfully attending on Sunday mornings you need to ask yourself “why”. If you are attending a church somewhere else then why do you remain a member of our church? Join the church you are attending and serve God through it. Otherwise, you need to be in public worship with your fellow members on Sunday morning. PERIOD.
The true believer in Christ does not simply relax on his profession of faith made years ago. The true believer in Christ perseveres in the faith, taking up his cross daily, and following His Lord. Such obedience is evidence of a saving faith. Such obedience includes joining together in public worship. If that evidence is lacking in your life then, membership or not, be very concern for the eternal destiny of your soul!
This word comes from a pastor’s love and concern for his flock. I ask you receive it as such.
May Christ bless His Word and His people!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Stirrings at Bethesda - April 8, 2013
Good Morning, Bethesda!
Although our attendance was down considerably from our Easter Sunday service, the spirit of worship was great! The singing was quite spirited for a small gathering of believers. But, of course, as believers we have a lot to sing about!
Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete & Brenda, their health
* Brida Lovett and a job
* Brazel family
* Marilynn Norvell
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Jimmy’s wife’s family in the loss of her grandfather over the weekend
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
* Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, and family – terminal brain cancer
* Our church and need for revival
“For many, when spiritual darkness comes, we ‘remove’ Jesus as our Lord. No longer do we open our Bibles. No longer do we attend church. No longer do we pray. “
Annie Armstrong
Thank you to everyone who gave to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American missions over the past several weeks. Our emphasis ended yesterday and our collection is complete. While I do not have a final count, I do know that the good folks of Bethesda once again demonstrated their generosity and gave over $2000! The total more than doubles our church’s goal for this year’s offering, a true testimony of the giving spirit of our church. May the Lord bless each of you and use this donation to His glory!
Upcoming Activities
1. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
2. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4.Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Ladies’ Book Study
Yes, you are meeting this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Yes, you are meeting in the church fellowship hall. Yes, you will have a wonderful time studying together and spending time in fellowship. Yes, Pam will do her usual great job in leading you. Yes, you will come and enjoy the time!
Business Meeting
Wednesday evening, 7pm!
We will be voting on an addition to our church by-laws.
Sermon Extras
1. As I noted yesterday, the King James renders John 20:17 as “Touch me not”. The better translation is “Stop clinging to me”. The Greek construction has a present tense imperative verb (“cling, take hold”) with a specific negative adverb (“not”). In such a construction, it is a command to stop doing something already being done. Mary has already grabbed the Lord and is being told by Him to stop.
2. Did you notice that the angels in verse 13 ask the identical question Jesus asks of Mary in verse 15? In Christ’s perfect kingdom there is perfect harmony. The angels always say what their Lord says! Contrast that with some of his saints here on earth!
3. Also notice how Jesus expands Mary’s thinking in v. 15. She has been looking for an “it”, Jesus’ body. But Christ asks her, “WHOM (not what) are you seeking?”
“Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.”
William Cowper
FELLOWSHIP!
Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m.
Join us for a “potluck” breakfast at the church. Then, after we enjoy our meal together, help us work around the church, cleaning up certain areas and performing minor repair work as part of our first 2013 work day.
If we have enough people still on site around lunch time we’ll end the day with a pizza lunch!
“... sometimes work is better than worship—or rather, work is worship in its best form.”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Pastor’s Postscripts
Ladies, have a great time on Tuesday! Church family, I encourage you to be part of our business meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Finally, I hope to see everyone this coming Sunday as we sing praises to our great God and hear from His Word.
May He give each of you a blessed week!
Pastor Bruce
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Good Friday "Tenebrae" Service
“Tenebrae” is a Latin word
which means “darkness, shadow”. The word
became part of the motto of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century:
“post tenebras lux” which means “after darkness, light”. The motto referred to the darkness of
spiritual insight prior to the Reformation followed by the light of the
Reformation.
The word is often used today
for worship services held on the Thursday, Friday, or Saturday of the Passion
Week. These were days of darkness for
Christ and His followers as He was arrested, beaten, sentenced, crucified, and buried. Thank God we can
celebrate “post tenebras lux” on Easter Sunday morning!
This year we are having a
Tenebrae service, i.e., a Good Friday service.
The objective is to take us through the darkness of that Friday and
prepare us for the celebration which follows on Sunday!
Our service will begin at
6:30pm on March 29 and last approximately 90 minutes. Pastor Scott Lee of the Rockport Baptist
Church in Arnold will deliver the message.
Please mark you calendar and plan on being here. You won’t want to miss it!
If you need further information on this service or our church, please contact Pastor Bruce Walker at 636-233-0645.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Revival Questions
I was recently asked some questions on the subject of revival. Here are those questions and my responses albeit brief.
1. How exactly do you define "revival"? The word gets thrown around a lot, and I know you well enough to rule out several possible definitions but not to know the exact one you would support.
Until about 1830, the word "revival" had a common definition among Christian groups. As noted by Iain Murray,
"a revival was a sovereign and large giving of the Spirit of God, resulting in the addition of many to the kingdom of God."
Yet, revivals are not limited to the conversion of many to Christ but also a renewal among the people of God (e.g., Psalm 85:6). Concerning the American revival of 1905, J. Edwin Orr comments:
"the movement was characterized by an intense sensation of the presence of God in the congregations."
I like John Murray's definition of revival.
"Revival is God coming down in His glory in a real and manifested way among His people. Revival is a copious effusion of the influence of divine grace. Revival is a sovereign and powerful activity of the Spirit of God in large numbers of people at the same time. Revival is a time when spiritual concerns become the pressing and absorbing concern of many."
Similarly, John Piper writes,
"Revival is the sovereign work of God to awaken his people with fresh intensity to the truth and glory of God, the ugliness of sin, the horror of hell, the preciousness of Christ's atoning work, the wonder of salvation by grace through faith, the urgency of holiness and witness, and the sweetness of worship with God's people."
2. What is your view on past revivals, particularly those that have made it into church history books? Do you feel they were legitimate? And if so, do they provide us with any kind of road-map for future revival?
Some revivals truly originated by God and may be deemed legitimate. I would classify the several revivals seen throughout the book of Acts, the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings in the United States, and others as "legitimate" revivals. Other "revivals" were contrived by men and are not true revivals. However, even in revivals given by God, you will find excesses and abuses which are not from God. And, even in "revivals" forced upon the church by the hand of man, you will find God working at times DESPITE what man is doing.
I guess I would ask the questions of any revival: (1) Did this work originate with the sovereign hand of God and (2) Does this work produce some of the common results of true revivals such as refreshing the souls of true believers by filling them with a restored sense of wonder and praise, and the conviction and conversion of sinners in great number? A "yes" answer to both would tell me this is a true, God-sent revival.
3. What causes revival? Obviously God plays far-and-away the most important role, but is there any room for human agency? I know we can't "make" God do anything, but we are given a variety of promises in Scripture that if man does X then God will do Y (Ephesians 6:1-3, Malachi 3:10). Do you feel the parameters for revival fall inside this realm or that revival is instead an un-promised, discretionary act of God?
Without question, God causes revivals. Only God can bring life to a dead soul, i.e., only God can "revive" the soul. In a sense, any time God brings salvation to a lost individual that act may be deemed a revival. Usually, thought, the term "revival" is reserved for cases when the number of conversions are much larger.
F. Carlton Booth made these observations:
"No man can schedule a revival, for God alone is the giver of life. But when darkness deepens, when moral declension reaches its lowest ebb, when the church becomes cold, lukewarm, dead, when 'the fulness of time' is come and the prayer ascends from a few earnest hearts, 'Wilt thou not revive us again that thy people may rejoice in thee', then history teaches it is time for the tide of revival to sweep in once more. Revival always involves the preaching of divine judgment, confession of sin, repentance, acceptance of salvation as a free gift, the authority of the Scriptures and the joy and discipline of the Christian life.
Certainly the church in America needs revivals. Certainly many in our churches need revival. Since true revival is sovereignly bestowed by God, what we can do is to (1) pray for God to bless us with revival and (2) be faithful in preaching the Word and exalting Christ. Such actions on our part will not guarantee a revival but clearly such actions are commanded from the Word of God and, therefore, should be obeyed. Furthermore, as Piper notes, we should be compelled to pray for such revival.
"Love pleads, love persuades, and love prays. Love prays until its dying breath for that wonderful, ordinary work of the Spirit to save one here and one there, month after faithful month. And love prays for that extraordinary outpouring of the Spirit that we call revival."
4. What causes revival to end? Presuming you subscribe to the idea that (1) any event in the past was a revival and (2) we are not presently in a state of revival, then what happened?
What causes revival to end? That is a great question. If one believes, like many in modern religious circles, man can bring about revival by scheduling one, bringing in a fiery evangelist and a tearful music leader, and holding nightly services, then revival should never end. Again, Iain Murray writes,
" ... if revival is something which can be secured by the fulfilment of conditions then there is no reason at all why it should not be permanent."
My answer to this question is the same as my answer to what brings a revival. It is a sovereign work of God. It begins on His schedule and it ends the same way. Why God permits some revivals to continue for months or even years while others seem to end after days or weeks is known only to Him. I've heard some tell me that revival ends when those involved develop pride or fall into sin. Well, God might have planned on ending a revival because some would engage in some un-Scriptural practices, but, ultimately, revival ceases when God decides in His infinite wisdom it is time to end.
Are we in a revival now? Oh, there may be some local revivals taking place in our nation. Some churches may be experiencing revival. But obviously revival on the scale of the historic revivals of the past is not taking place in our nation at this time. Simply examine most local churches and you will see clear evidence of the lack of revival. The lost are not being converted. The saints have no deep longing for God (e.g., even members fail to participate in the life of the church). There is a significant ignorance of the Scripture among the Christian community. Our nation desperately needs a revival. Our community needs a revival. Our church needs a revival. And I need revival!
Personally, I have never been involved in a true revival on a church or community level. However, I would love to be! I want to see God move in a powerful way among our church and in our community. I want to see lost souls in our neighborhood converted and the saints of God truly praising and serving Him. I want to see God's power in a mighty display among His people here at Bethesda and in St. Charles. And I have prayed for such a revival since coming to Bethesda. I will continue to do so. As one writer has written,
"God is free in the worst of times to do this (revival) beyond all our calculations and expectation. O to be among the number of those who pray and proclaim in this hope."
1. How exactly do you define "revival"? The word gets thrown around a lot, and I know you well enough to rule out several possible definitions but not to know the exact one you would support.
Until about 1830, the word "revival" had a common definition among Christian groups. As noted by Iain Murray,
"a revival was a sovereign and large giving of the Spirit of God, resulting in the addition of many to the kingdom of God."
Yet, revivals are not limited to the conversion of many to Christ but also a renewal among the people of God (e.g., Psalm 85:6). Concerning the American revival of 1905, J. Edwin Orr comments:
"the movement was characterized by an intense sensation of the presence of God in the congregations."
I like John Murray's definition of revival.
"Revival is God coming down in His glory in a real and manifested way among His people. Revival is a copious effusion of the influence of divine grace. Revival is a sovereign and powerful activity of the Spirit of God in large numbers of people at the same time. Revival is a time when spiritual concerns become the pressing and absorbing concern of many."
Similarly, John Piper writes,
"Revival is the sovereign work of God to awaken his people with fresh intensity to the truth and glory of God, the ugliness of sin, the horror of hell, the preciousness of Christ's atoning work, the wonder of salvation by grace through faith, the urgency of holiness and witness, and the sweetness of worship with God's people."
2. What is your view on past revivals, particularly those that have made it into church history books? Do you feel they were legitimate? And if so, do they provide us with any kind of road-map for future revival?
Some revivals truly originated by God and may be deemed legitimate. I would classify the several revivals seen throughout the book of Acts, the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings in the United States, and others as "legitimate" revivals. Other "revivals" were contrived by men and are not true revivals. However, even in revivals given by God, you will find excesses and abuses which are not from God. And, even in "revivals" forced upon the church by the hand of man, you will find God working at times DESPITE what man is doing.
I guess I would ask the questions of any revival: (1) Did this work originate with the sovereign hand of God and (2) Does this work produce some of the common results of true revivals such as refreshing the souls of true believers by filling them with a restored sense of wonder and praise, and the conviction and conversion of sinners in great number? A "yes" answer to both would tell me this is a true, God-sent revival.
3. What causes revival? Obviously God plays far-and-away the most important role, but is there any room for human agency? I know we can't "make" God do anything, but we are given a variety of promises in Scripture that if man does X then God will do Y (Ephesians 6:1-3, Malachi 3:10). Do you feel the parameters for revival fall inside this realm or that revival is instead an un-promised, discretionary act of God?
Without question, God causes revivals. Only God can bring life to a dead soul, i.e., only God can "revive" the soul. In a sense, any time God brings salvation to a lost individual that act may be deemed a revival. Usually, thought, the term "revival" is reserved for cases when the number of conversions are much larger.
F. Carlton Booth made these observations:
"No man can schedule a revival, for God alone is the giver of life. But when darkness deepens, when moral declension reaches its lowest ebb, when the church becomes cold, lukewarm, dead, when 'the fulness of time' is come and the prayer ascends from a few earnest hearts, 'Wilt thou not revive us again that thy people may rejoice in thee', then history teaches it is time for the tide of revival to sweep in once more. Revival always involves the preaching of divine judgment, confession of sin, repentance, acceptance of salvation as a free gift, the authority of the Scriptures and the joy and discipline of the Christian life.
Certainly the church in America needs revivals. Certainly many in our churches need revival. Since true revival is sovereignly bestowed by God, what we can do is to (1) pray for God to bless us with revival and (2) be faithful in preaching the Word and exalting Christ. Such actions on our part will not guarantee a revival but clearly such actions are commanded from the Word of God and, therefore, should be obeyed. Furthermore, as Piper notes, we should be compelled to pray for such revival.
"Love pleads, love persuades, and love prays. Love prays until its dying breath for that wonderful, ordinary work of the Spirit to save one here and one there, month after faithful month. And love prays for that extraordinary outpouring of the Spirit that we call revival."
4. What causes revival to end? Presuming you subscribe to the idea that (1) any event in the past was a revival and (2) we are not presently in a state of revival, then what happened?
What causes revival to end? That is a great question. If one believes, like many in modern religious circles, man can bring about revival by scheduling one, bringing in a fiery evangelist and a tearful music leader, and holding nightly services, then revival should never end. Again, Iain Murray writes,
" ... if revival is something which can be secured by the fulfilment of conditions then there is no reason at all why it should not be permanent."
My answer to this question is the same as my answer to what brings a revival. It is a sovereign work of God. It begins on His schedule and it ends the same way. Why God permits some revivals to continue for months or even years while others seem to end after days or weeks is known only to Him. I've heard some tell me that revival ends when those involved develop pride or fall into sin. Well, God might have planned on ending a revival because some would engage in some un-Scriptural practices, but, ultimately, revival ceases when God decides in His infinite wisdom it is time to end.
Are we in a revival now? Oh, there may be some local revivals taking place in our nation. Some churches may be experiencing revival. But obviously revival on the scale of the historic revivals of the past is not taking place in our nation at this time. Simply examine most local churches and you will see clear evidence of the lack of revival. The lost are not being converted. The saints have no deep longing for God (e.g., even members fail to participate in the life of the church). There is a significant ignorance of the Scripture among the Christian community. Our nation desperately needs a revival. Our community needs a revival. Our church needs a revival. And I need revival!
Personally, I have never been involved in a true revival on a church or community level. However, I would love to be! I want to see God move in a powerful way among our church and in our community. I want to see lost souls in our neighborhood converted and the saints of God truly praising and serving Him. I want to see God's power in a mighty display among His people here at Bethesda and in St. Charles. And I have prayed for such a revival since coming to Bethesda. I will continue to do so. As one writer has written,
"God is free in the worst of times to do this (revival) beyond all our calculations and expectation. O to be among the number of those who pray and proclaim in this hope."
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