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!
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