Posted on

September 16, 2013

Urgent Prayer Requests

* Bill Sugar, friends of the Diamonds, Lymphoma
* Brenda, having a card cath on Tuesday.  Also pray for Pete’s health.
* Zachary recovering from gall bladder surgery
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Sandy & Rachelle, working many hours (plus Rachelle is under the weather)
* Dan, health concerns
* Mueller family, Alicia’s pregnancy
* Marilynn Norvell
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home
* Mark & Julie Johnson and the situation with their Illinois home
* Julie away at school at Mizzou; pray she remains in good health
* Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Trustee Meeting, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
2. Bible Study (Brief Books) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
3. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training (Elijah), Sunday,
5 p.m.

“Sanctification is that life-long process in which God works within a true believer to conform him to the image of His Son, the Lord Jesus.  The believer is daily separated from sin unto holiness in all avenues of his life until that day he is finally and forever with his Lord.”

Ladies’ Book Study

A new ladies book study begins on Tuesday, October 1st.  Ladies will meet at the church each Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. for 7 weeks.  The book being studied is “Duty or Delight?  Knowing where you stand with God” by Tammie Head.

Our sister Pam DePriest has once again agreed to lead the study.  If you have an interest in joining the study and the fellowship, please sign the sheet in the foyer so Pam will know how many books to purchase.

This will be a great study as well as a good time to get to know one another. There are 9 ladies already registered!

CHURCH WORK DAY!

This Saturday morning (September 21) beginning at 8 a.m.  Come and help out.

“A Christian engaging in sexual immorality is telling the lost world God’s Word has no authority.”

Sermon Extras

Verse 4 has challenged Bible scholars for centuries.  The two most viable translations of the verse are as follows:

(1) that each of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor…

(2) that each one of you know how to take a wife for himself in holiness and honor…

In the message yesterday I briefly discussed the two words which make this verse somewhat difficult.

“control/take” – has more of the idea of acquire or get

“body/wife” – is actually the word vessel

If the latter word refers to one’s own body then “acquiring or getting one’s own body” really makes little sense.  And since “vessel” is used elsewhere in the New Testament to refer to wife, I prefer the 2nd translation.

In defense of the first translation, though, “acquire” could be viewed in the sense of “possessing”.  And if you possess something, you “control” it.  If you translate that word “control” then surely the second word should be rendered “body”.  Otherwise our translation would be “that each one of you know how to control his own wife…”

Oh, my, that would really get me into trouble!

“Marriage is for Promoting the Honor of your Partner and the Holiness of God, not your Personal Happiness.”

We have 2 Sundays remaining for you to contribute to the Missouri Missions Offering for 2013.  Our church goal is $500 and our church will match up to that amount.

Please pray and give as the Lord directs.

Pastor’s Postscripts

A big thank you to all who helped make yesterday’s fellowship such a success.  I include those who prepared and brought the food, those who set up the tables, and those who helped clean the facilities afterwards.

Sunday evening, September 29 at 6 p.m. will be our next “5th Sunday Q & A”.  This is an hour of informal fellowship where the pastor attempts to respond to questions from our members.  You may submit questions early by writing them out and placing them in the container on the table in the foyer (no name required).  So, if anything is on your mind, get your questions ready and I will do my best to answer them.  However, I reserve the right to say “I don’t know!”

Also, please pray for our Trustees as they close in on a proposal for a new church sign.  The committee’s goal is to bring a recommendation to the church in our October business meeting.  This is a major investment for our church and we certainly want to do the Lord’s will in this.

See you Sunday, Bible in hand!

Posted on

September 9, 2013

Urgent Prayer Requests

* Bill Sugar, friends of the Diamonds, Lymphoma
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Sandy & Rachelle, working many hours (plus Rachelle is under the weather)
* Pete & Brenda, grieving over loss of her father; their health
* Dan, health concerns
* Mueller family, Alicia’s pregnancy & Jeff’s need for work
* Marilynn Norvell
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home
* Mark & Julie Johnson and the situation with their Illinois home
* Julie away at school at Mizzou; pray she remains in good health
* Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Trustee Meeting, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
2. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
3. Apple Picking, Grafton, Saturday, 10 a.m.
4. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. September Soup, Salad, Sandwich Fellowship, Sunday, 12:15 p.m.
7. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

“… those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.”
Titus 3:8

“A Christian man is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none.  A Christian man is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” Martin Luther on our freedom in Christ

Sermon Extras

1.  In verse 2 of chapter 4 Paul writes, “For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus”.  The Thessalonians “knew” the teaching Paul had shared.  They knew God’s Word.  How about you and me?

2.  Many of our English translations render verse 3 as “For this is the will of God, your sanctification”.  Such a translation gives the reader the impression that God’s entire will (“THE will”) has to do with your sanctification.  Actually, the original writing does not contain the article (“the”) before the word “will”.  So, what Paul is talking about is not the entire will of God but a portion of His will.

3.  The Contemporary English Version translates verse 3 in an interesting way:  “God wants you to be holy”.  Holiness, indeed, is the very heart of sanctification.  Only holy people can dwell in the present of our thrice holy God.  God declared us holy in our justification; He is making us more and more holy in our sanctification, and will complete our holiness in our glorification!

September Soup, Salad, Sandwich Fellowship

Bring soup, salad, sandwich, or dessert and drink to share this coming Sunday morning (September 15).  We’ll fellowship following our morning worship service.  Come out and enjoy good food as well as good conversation and sharing!

“A regenerated, reconciled soul living contentedly on in sin, ‘that grace may abound’—the very conception is in Paul’s estimation a horror and an impossibility.”
John Lillie

APPLE PICKING!

If you wish to pick apples this Saturday (14th) with church members, please contact Karla.  Everyone is meeting in Grafton, IL at 10 a.m.

CHURCH WORK DAY!

The Trustees have scheduled a church work day for Saturday, September 21.  Members will gather at 8 a.m. and work around the facility, preparing it for the upcoming winter.

“A Christian can never be fully satisfied with his spiritual growth (i.e., sanctification).  He must always push onward and upward until he is with the Lord in glory!”

Pastor’s Postscripts

This Wednesday is our monthly business meeting and I am aware of at least two of the items we will cover at the meeting.

1.  The Diamonds have requested to join our fellowship.  Per our church bylaws, we will vote on their request during the business meeting.

2.  The Trustees have been considering options for replacing our church sign.  I’m certain we will have an update on their progress.

I encourage our members to plan to attend and participate in the meeting at 7 p.m. this Wednesday.

On another note, Pam and Dennis are back from Texas!  We praise the Lord for their safe travel and look forward to seeing them this Wednesday.  I am especially delighted they have returned so Dennis can, once again, lead our hymn singing next Sunday morning!

Lastly, we will continue our exposition of 1 Thessalonians this Sunday as Paul further shares thoughts on the matter of sanctification.  This will naturally lead us to his discussion of the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I say naturally for:  (1)  the Lord’s coming marks the end of our sanctification and (2) our sanctification is designed to prepare us for His coming.

So bring your Bible on Sunday and join me in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4!

Posted on

September 3, 2013

Urgent Prayer Requests

* Bill Sugar, friends of the Diamonds, has Lymphoma
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Pete & Brenda, grieving over loss of her father; their health
* Dan, health concerns
* Mueller family, Alicia’s pregnancy & Jeff’s need for work
* Marilynn Norvell
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis and Pam on their trip to Texas & return home
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home
* Mark & Julie Johnson and the situation with their Illinois home
* Julie away at school at Mizzou
* Our church and need for revival

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.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Deacon Elections

Nominations for deacon are now closed.  Over the next few weeks, the pastor and deacons will be talking with those who were nominated.  The election will be held on the first Sunday of October at the conclusion of the morning worship service.

Please be much in prayer over this upcoming election.

Sermon Extras

1.  For those of you with a keen interest in the second coming of our Lord and the various theories surrounding that event, take a moment and consider verse 13:

“… at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”

Throughout the New Testament, “saints” refers to those who have been redeemed by Christ:  the saved, the born again, the true believers.  Paul is obviously teaching the Lord’s second coming will be accompanied by saints.

But Paul makes it clear the coming will be with ALL his saints, not just some.  It will include those from the Old Testament era as well as the 1st century.  It will include the believers who have died since the time of Christ.  It will include those who are alive at the time of his coming.

So, this coming (“parousia”) can NOT be a coming prior to the tribulation for those who hold such a position teach there will be people saved during the tribulation.

Furthermore, this coming must close the door on salvation for how could people be saved after the coming (e.g., during the Millennium) and yet “all the saints” be at Christ’s coming?

Stand by!  There is more to coming in this epistle.

2.  Verse 11 is quite fascinating on its teaching concerning the nature of God.  Remember, Paul is NOT writing a theology or a discourse on God’s nature.  He is merely expressing his heart in a blessing upon the Thessalonians.  Yet, Paul is so firmly entrenched in the Bible that he cannot prevent the Biblical teaching of the nature of God from being expressed.

a.  God is more than one person.  This is clearly shown by:

(1) the word “the” appearing before both “God and Father” and “our Lord Jesus”.
(2) the “and” connecting these two persons.

God is, therefore, a being who is at least 2 distinct persons:  God the Father and the Lord Jesus.  Of course, the Bible teaches us He is actually 3 persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

b.  God is one united being, each person having the same mission and purpose.  He declares this truth by:

(1) the “himself” appearing at the beginning of the verse before both names.
(2) the singular verb (“direct”) following this compound subject (“God and Father… and our Lord Jesus”).

God is one being consisting of 3 co-equal, co-eternal persons who are united in their mission and purpose in all things.

“Unless love prevails, selfish motives inhibit ethical development by turning us toward ourselves and away from God and blameless living.  The holiness that belongs to God is the ideals we must seek.”
Robert L. Thomas

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 final article of that confession.

XVII. Religious Liberty

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

Pastor’s Postscripts

We have a full newsletter so I will simply say “See you Sunday with my Bible at my side.”

Posted on

August 26, 2013

Urgent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Pete & Brenda, grieving over loss of her father; their health
* Dan, health concerns
* Mueller family, Alicia’s pregnancy & Jeff’s need for work
* Marilynn Norvell
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis and Pam on their upcoming trip to Texas
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home
* Mark & Julie Johnson and the situation with their Illinois home
* Julie away at school at Mizzou
* Our church and need for revival

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.
4. NO Discipleship Training this Sunday!
5. LABOR DAY, Monday

And Old Quote But Still Applicable

“There has been times, brethren, in the history of the church of God, when they that believed ‘continued steadfastly’ in attendance on her instructions and her prayers; whereas now it often happens that, out of perhaps a hundred disciples, scarcely a dozen can be mustered to a weekly prayer meeting or lecture, or a monthly missionary concert.”
John Lillie (1860)

Deacon Elections

This Sunday is your final opportunity to nominate one or more men for the position of deacon in our church.  If you wish to nominate someone, write the name of your nominee(s) on a piece of paper (or nomination form), sign your paper, and give it to one of the deacons or the pastor.

Sermon Extras

1.  1 Thessalonians 3:10 begins “as we pray most earnestly night and day”.  Literally the verse begins “night and day earnestly imploring”.  I referred to the word “earnestly” yesterday in the sermon.  It is formed from an adverb (perissou) meaning “abound”, prefixing a preposition (ek) meaning “out of”, and then prefixing another preposition (huper) meaning “over” (in English huper is “hyper”).  That gives you some idea as to the sincerity Paul put in his pleading to God to be able to visit the Thessalonians.  He pleaded “overly out of abundance” to be able to see the Thessalonians again.  He leaves no doubt as to how much he loves them!

2.  Verse 6 begins “But now” describing the arrival of Timothy and his report.  Verse 8 begins “For now” describing the “jolt in the arm” Paul received from the report.  Interestingly, Paul uses two different words in these verses translated “now”.  Greek scholars claim the two words were pretty much used interchangeably by the 1st century.  The “now” in verse 6, though, sometimes carried the idea of “immediately” (“at this time”).  I believe Paul used this specific word (arti) in this verse to indicate Timothy had just arrived, promptly the writing of this letter.  Good news demanded a quick reply, hence, 1 Thessalonians.  Maybe there is a lesson here for us.  When we receive good news, let us respond promptly with thanksgiving and encouragement.

3.  Verse 8, one of my favorites in the book, literally reads “because now we live if you are standing firm in the Lord”.  A couple of observations on this text:

(1) The word “live” is the verb “zao” which often refers to spiritual life, the highest form of living.  Knowledge that the Thessalonians are standing firmly in the faith has really encouraged and excited his soul.

(2) At first glance, the “if” in the sentence appears to raise some doubt.  However, for those interested in Greek, the construction of the sentence is known as a 1st class conditional sentence.  This simply means the “if” is actually a reality.  That’s why some translators (e.g., NIV) translate the “if” as “since”.  Paul is saying he now lives because he has heard that, yes, the Thessalonians are standing firmly in the faith!

“… in these two words he comprehends briefly the entire sum of true piety.  Hence all that aim at this twofold mark during their whole life are beyond all risk of erring; all others, however much they may torture themselves, wander miserably.”
John Calvin (on the words “faith and love”)

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 16:

XVI. Peace and War

It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love.

Pastor’s Postscripts

Thank you to the unknown gift giver for the “giraffe” paperweight!  It is now comfortably resting on my desk at home.

See you next Sunday!  Don’t forget your Bible!

Posted on

August 19, 2013

Urgent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Pete & Brenda, grieving over loss of her father; their health
* Dan, health concerns
* Mueller family, especially Alicia
* 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
* Our church and need for revival

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.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Deacon Elections

You have 2 weeks remaining to nominate men to serve as a deacon for the next three years.  Write the name of your nominee(s) on a piece of paper (or nomination form), sign your paper, and give it to one of the deacons or the pastor.

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.  Test yourselves.  Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test?
2 Corinthians 13:5

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 15:

XV. The Christian and the Social Order

Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his own life and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus. The Christian should oppose in the spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice. He should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and his truth.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

“Such faith to believe in Jesus is not found in the heart of a lost man. That man needs a new heart to believe.  He needs a spiritual birth.”
Reminders

1.  The “prayer stars” are available on the board in the foyer.  Please take one home, attach it to your refrigerator, and pray for that family all week.

2.  Next Sunday is the last one for giving to the baby collection for Lacey Mueller.  She specifically needs diapers and wet wipes.

Sermon Extras

1.  One of the more interesting aspects of 1 Thessalonians is trying to determine the movements of Paul, Silas, and Timothy during their 2nd missionary journey.  For example, Acts 17 tells us Paul left Berea for Athens but Silas and Timothy remained.  Yet, in our text from yesterday, Paul is sending Timothy to Thessalonica with words that imply Timothy was in Athens with him.  Paul also uses the plural pronoun “we” in our passage yet notes at the end of verse 1 says he has been left alone in Athens.  And where is Silas through all of this?  I challenge you to read through 1 Thessalonians and then sit down with Acts 17 and see if you can piece together a reasonable explanation for their movements (there are multiple possibilities)!

2.  The latter part of verse 5 is very interesting as well.  The ESV reads:

“for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.”

First, Paul uses both the verb and noun forms of the word “to tempt”.  It’s quite appropriate to call Satan “the temper” since he is so good at “tempting”.  Williams Hendriksen said of Satan:  “His manners consists especially in this, that he first tempts a man into sin and then accuses him of it!”

Second, Paul states the reality of the temptation (“had tempted”) but only the possibility that his work would have come to nothing (“would be”).  The NIV better translates the last part of the verse as “our labors MIGHT have been in vain.”  It’s a fact we will be tempted.  It is only a possibility we might prove to be a false believer!

3.  In verse 3, Paul teaches that we are “destined” for affliction.  The basic meaning of the word is “to recline, to appoint.”  The idea of “destiny” may be seen by its use in Luke 2:34 when Simeon, upon seeing the infant Jesus, says:

“Behold this child is APPOINTED for the fall and rising of many in Israel.”

Pastor’s Postscripts

Thanks to everyone who made our fellowship such a success yesterday:  Karla for planning it, bringing the pizza, and helping with the cleanup.  Tom for all his efforts in cleanup.  Pam for bringing the salad.  And, of course, to everyone who brought the ice cream, toppings, and fruit!  I thought it was an enjoyable time and I hope everyone else did as well.

Finally, I do hope each of us have taken the time to examine ourselves per the commandment of Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:5.  If you have not then I encourage you (and, as your pastor, exhort you!) to do so.  Make certain your spirit and the Spirit of God agree that you are, indeed, a child of God.

We continue with Philemon on Wednesday evening.  Join us for study and prayer time!

Pastor Bruce

Posted on

August 5, 2013

Urgent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Pete & Brenda, grieving over loss of her father; their health
* Brazel family
* Mueller family, especially Alicia
* 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
* Rachelle in California
* Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study (Brief Books) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Men’s Breakfast & Book Study, Saturday, 8 a.m.
3. Church Council Meeting, Saturday, 9 a.m.
4. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Deacon Elections

Deacon nomination forms are now available.  You may nominate more than one man to fill the only deacon position opening at the end of the year by (1) writing your nominations on a piece of paper (2) signing your paper, and (3) handing it to one of the deacons or the pastor.  Nominations are open through Sunday, September 6.  We will vote to fill that position in early October.

Sermon Extras

Of the Thessalonians, Paul says they “accepted” the Word not as “the word of Men but as what it really is, the word of God”.  The word “accepted” means “to welcome” as I described in the message yesterday.  Paul writes this word in a way implying a decisive event.  The Thessalonians welcomed the Word.  They grabbed hold of it once and for all.  They have received it as the Word of God and that conviction remains with them.

But Paul doesn’t just describe the impact of the Word upon them in this one time event.  He then continues by adding “it is truly the word of God, which also continually energizes (works) in you, in the believing ones” (my translation).  Paul’s statement is true for the believer only.  The Word is constantly energizing the believer for its author, the Holy Spirit, dwells within us.  It is a work which began when the Word was received (regeneration, new birth, i.e., when you were saved) and continues to work each and every day.

I like the remarks of John Jewell, Bishop of Salisbury, who lived from 1522-1571:

“If there be any, in whom it worketh not this effect, if there be any which (though they hear it) believe it not, nor are thereby renewed in their minds; it is a token, that they have not received the love of the truth of the Gospel; they despise the word of salvation, and it shall judge them in that day.”

May those of us who profess Jesus as Lord see the working of God’s Word in our lives every day!

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 13:

XIII. Stewardship

God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.

“(The Word) is the voice of God—the very breath, so to speak, of His infinite essence—in itself, therefore, a higher, more Divine thing, than any product of creative power.”  
John Lillie

Other Items to Note

1.  We are collecting diapers and wet wipes for Lacey Mueller who is expecting her first child in September.  If you can help, please place your contribution in the box on the table in the foyer sometime this month.  Lacey is the daughter of Jeff Mueller.

2.  The “prayer stars” are available on the board in the foyer.  Please take one (or more) home and attach them to your refrigerator.  Then, every time you see the family name on the star during the week, take a moment to prayer for that family.  Bring the star back to church on the following Sunday, attach it to the board, and take a different star for the next week.

Let’s keep one another in prayer at all times!

Pastor’s Postscripts

I don’t believe there was any better place to be yesterday at 10:30 a.m. than in the auditorium of Bethesda Baptist Church!  What a terrific time of worship and what a wonderful presence of the Spirit!

A reminder to our men to bring their breakfast (McDonald’s is always a good choice though some may prefer Chick-Fil-A!) on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. for a brief time of fellowship and study.  We’ll continue our examination of Dr. Whitney’s book.  And, if you do not have a copy of the book, do not let that keep you away.  Our time is an informal one and you are very welcome to join us!

And to our church council members, we need you present at 9 a.m. this Saturday to discuss upcoming events including Thanksgiving and Christmas.  If you are a council member and unable to be there Saturday, please have someone take your place.

Praise God for all He has done in, with, and by our church!  See you next Sunday, if not sooner, with my Bible in hand.

Posted on

July 29, 2013

Urgent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Tom, home has significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health & personal needs
* Brazel family
* Mueller family, especially Alicia
* 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
* Rachelle in California
* Our church and need for revival

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.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Deacon Elections

Deacon nomination forms will be available on Sunday.  Brother Dan’s term as an active deacon is completed at the end of a year and our church needs to elect someone to fill the position.  Beginning Sunday you may nominate a man you believe should serve as our next deacon.  You may nominate as many men as you wish (and you nominations may include Dan).  To help you as you consider your nominations, here are the Biblical qualifications for the office of deacon.

The Biblical Office of Deacon

Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.  And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.  Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.  Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.  For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.  I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.  And by common confession great is the mystery of godliness:  He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, beheld by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:8-16

Sermon Extras

Paul instructed the Thessalonians “to walk worthy of God”.  He uses similar expressions elsewhere in his letters (“worthy of the gospel”; “worthy of the calling”; “worthy of the Lord”).  Here are John Piper’s thoughts on the phrase.

So it is with the phrases “worthy of God” and “worthy of the Lord” and “worthy of the gospel” and “worthy of the calling.” They mean: Act in a way that fits the great value and glorious nature of God and the gospel and your calling. And what fits with that great value? Faith. Above all things, faith and its fruit of love fits the worth of God and the gospel.

So think this way. NOT: I must have faith and love so as to be worth God’s favor; BUT RATHER: God’s favor is free and it is infinitely worth trusting. Walking worthy of that favor means walking by faith, because faith is the one thing that agrees with our bankruptcy and God’s infinite “worth.” Looking to God’s infinite worth for our help and satisfaction is “walking worthy of God.”

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 12:

XII. Education

The cause of education in the kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian schools is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people.

In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.

Pastor’s Postscripts

Once again I thank the band and Dennis for their leadership in the musical component of our worship service yesterday.  I fear there are too many times when I fail to express my appreciation for their commitment and ministry to the Lord through the use of their gifts and abilities!  Thank you, men!

Normally our church council would meet this coming Saturday (3rd).  However, due to some conflicting events this week, we have postponed both the men’s breakfast and the church council meeting to Saturday the 10th.  Please mark your calendars accordingly.

Finally, at the conclusion of the service I mentioned brother Pete was in the hospital.  I am grateful I can report that he was dismissed from the hospital Sunday afternoon and is now back at home.  Praise God!

See you Sunday!

Posted on

July 22, 2013

Urgent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney, plus applying for a job at Menards
* Tom, home has 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. Bible Study (Brief Books) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service including the Lord’s Supper, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Deacon Elections

Our deacon election process for the year begins in August with Deacon nominations.  Dan’s term as an active deacon expires at the end of the year.  To fill his role, you may nominate another man (or Dan once again) to serve as our 3rd deacon beginning in January.  Be much in prayer concerning whom you will nominate next month.

Sermon Extras

1.  Verse 2:  “… to declare to you the Gospel of God”.  “Declare” is a simple word meaning “to speak”, “to say”, or “to tell”.  The phrase “to you” means “face-to-face to you”, translating the same preposition found in John 1:1, “…and the Word was WITH God…”.  That’s the way the Gospel is to be shared:  face to face, personally, for the Gospel is very good PERSONAL news!

2.  Verse 3:  “For our appeal”.  Several translations render this phrase “for our exhortation”.  The specific word here is paraklesis (para – “along”; klesis – “called”) from the same word translated “Comforter” when describing the Holy Spirit.  The word has several related meanings and refers to one who is called alongside another.  Such an individual is a counselor, a comforter, an encourager, an exhorter, a Helper.  In this specific context, “exhortation” is an excellent choice since Paul’s exhortation was the Gospel, that good news which exhorts us to turn from sin and to turn to Christ!

3.  Verse 4 uses the same word twice.  In the ESV it is translated as “have been approved” at the beginning of the verse and as “tests” at the end of the verse.  The word, “dokimazo”, means to examine or test as one deals metal with fire.  To pass such a test is to be approved.  Paul indicates he and his cohorts have been examined and accepted by God for the positions they hold and have been forever approved.  Plus Paul indicates we need to please God for it is God who continuously examines our hearts.

“God tests ours hearts … and he is the only one whose approval matters in the end of the day.”  
A. T. Robertson

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 11:

XI. Evangelism and Missions

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Hugh Mackail’s Farewell

“Now I begin my intercourse with God, which shall never be broken off. Farewell, father and mother, friends and relations; farewell, the world and all its delights; farewell, meat and drinks; farewell, sun, moon and stars. Welcome, God and Father; welcome, sweet Lord Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant; welcome, blessed Spirit of grace, and God of all consolation; welcome, glory; welcome, eternal life; welcome, death. O Lord, into Thy hands I commit my spirit; for Thou hast redeemed my soul, O Lord God of truth!”
Last words spoken from a scaffold in  Edinburgh, 1666

Pastor’s Postscripts

I was once asked what I thought was the mission and vision of our church.  So, here are my responses, completely my own and not officially adopted by our church.

As Pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church, I see the mission and vision of our church as follows:

Our Mission

Bethesda Baptist Church exists to glorify Jesus Christ by engaging the lost with the truth of God’s Word and equipping Christians to grow in their love for and service to Jesus.

Our Vision

As a local church in one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri, Bethesda Baptist Church will be a witness for our Lord Jesus Christ by faithfully proclaiming the Word of God, demonstrating the love of God to our members and the community, supporting other churches and servants of God in their work, and planting Biblical churches wherever God leads.

While these are not official statements of our church, they should provide you with my thoughts relative to our church.  I firmly believe all we do must revolve around the Word of the Lord.   The local church has the responsibility to share the Lord Jesus through His Word with each other and with the lost world.  And, brother and sister, you and I ARE the church.

So, are you sharing His Word with those around you?

Posted on

July 15, 2013

July 15, 2013

 

Urgent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw, 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. 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.
4. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Christ, by highest heaven adored
Christ, the everlasting Lord
Late in time, behold Him come
Offspring of a virgin’s womb
Veiled in flesh the God-head see
Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell
Jesus our Immanuel
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.
Charles Wesley

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 10:

X. Last Things

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in heaven with the Lord.

“The Judge will have His final reckoning with evil at the Great White Throne followed by the wrath of the fire of Hell.  We were in that ‘judgment line’ until Christ delivered us.”

 

Sermon Extras

As I mentioned in the message, the phrase in v. 10 “delivers us from the wrath to come” has been interpreted by some to support the teaching that Christians will be removed from the world via the rapture prior to the Great Tribulation when God pours out His wrath upon the earth.  In their understanding, Christ will deliver us from experiencing this wrath by removing us before it occurs.

But the phrase in the original uses the preposition ek meaning “out of” implying we are delivered from a wrath we are already under.  The same preposition is used earlier in this verse when Paul writes “Son from heaven”.  In both cases, “from” means “from within” or “out of”.  So it is unlikely this verse provides any support for a “pre-tribulation rapture”.

Furthermore, even the time of God’s wrath known as the Great Tribulation has a “wrath to come”, namely the Great White Throne Judgment.  That judgment is followed by the eternal pouring out of God’s wrath upon the lost in Hell itself.  My understanding of the “wrath to come” believes this is a reference to the time of the final judgment.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.  Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2:12

 

Pastor’s Postscripts

Another mysterious gift giver struck this Sunday!  I walked out of my office shortly before worship and found a giraffe coffee cup sitting by my door.  I’m assuming someone gave this to me as a gift and I thank whoever it is!

I want to remind you of our Bible Study on Wednesday evenings.  We are spending about 15 minutes each week working our way through the “brief books” of the Bible.  By brief books I am mean those books which contain only one chapter.  We have completed Obadiah and are starting the first of four New Testament books this week with the book of Philemon.  So come out and join us as we begin this new study.

Also, there are some changes coming to our prayer time which follows the Bible study.  About a month ago, those present spent some time discussing the various prayer needs of our church and several good suggestions were made.  You will see some of those “rolled out” over the coming weeks.

Our Trustees are working on several matters of importance relative to our facility.  As many of you know, our church sign needs to be replaced.  They are examining various possibilities and I suspect a proposal for a new sign will be coming from this committee soon.  Please keep this body of members much in your prayers as they examine the various designs and associated costs.

The Trustees are also checking possible solutions to problems with our irrigation system.  Please pray and ask the Lord to give them wisdom.

I’ll close out this week’s edition with an appeal to those who are members of our church but who, for whatever reason, are not joining us for worship on Sundays.  We really would love to have you back with us.  Furthermore, the Lord expects His followers to be with brothers and sisters on the Lord’s Day worshiping Him!  So why don’t you plan on returning next Sunday and join us in singing praises to our great God?

This Sunday’s message will come from the opening verses of chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians.  I trust I will see you there with your Bible in hand!