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?
Bethesda Baptist Church Logo
Monday, June 17, 2013
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.
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