Stirrings at Bethesda Archives - Page 4 of 13

September 8, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of
Bethesda Baptist Church

September 8, 2014

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
3. Business Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
4. Men/Boys Camp Out, Friday, 7:00 p.m.
5. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
6. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
7. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Missouri Missions

Yesterday marked the beginning of the week of prayer for Missouri Missions. If you have not done so already, please consider making a contribution to help the various ministries our convention leads in the state of Missouri. Our church’s goal is $500 and the church will match up to that amount.

Ask the Lord what He would have you give!

Men/Boys Camp Out

The camp out is this Friday at the church and begins at 7 p.m. If you are planning on being a part of this event but forgot to sign up, please contact Karla and let her know as soon as possible.

Spurgeon Speaks

There are many now among us, as there were then, who walk in such a manner that we recognize them at once as the enemies of the Cross of Christ. I fear that the evil, instead of having decreased, has multiplied and grown in danger! We have more profession, now, than there was in the age of Paul and, consequently, we have more hypocrisy. It is a crying sin with our Churches that there are many in their midst who never ought to be there who would be fit members of an ale-house or any favorite resort of the merry and frivolous, but who never ought to sip the sacramental wine or eat the holy bread, the emblems of the sufferings of our Lord! We have, O Paul, how would you have said it, tonight, and how would you have wept while saying it! we have many in our midst who are the enemies of the Cross of Christ, because their god is their belly, they mind earthly things, and their life is not consistent with the great things of God!

Bethesda Baptist Church Library

Some more messages on CDs have been added to our church library. You are more than welcome to listen to these great preachers of God’s Word!

“God So Loved” by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
“Rethinking Privacy in the Christian Life” by John MacArthur

Business Meeting

Our monthly business meeting is this Wednesday, at 7 p.m. As always, I encourage each member to come out and be a part of the decision making process when it comes to the business of the church.

Wisdom from Others

Here is some wisdom from Albert N. Martin, former pastor for over 45 years in New Jersey. He presents four strands of the Bible’s answer to the question, ‘What is a biblical Christian?’

1. According to the Bible, a Christian is a person who has faced realistically the problem of his own personal sin.

2. A biblical Christian is one who has seriously considered the one divine remedy for sin.

3. A biblical Christian is one who has wholeheartedly complied with the terms for obtaining God’s provision for sin.

4. A biblical Christian is a person who manifests in his life that his claims to repentance and faith are real.

Pastor’s Postscripts

How shall we describe those who say they follow Jesus but have lives which do not match their words? Many expressions and slogans have been used over the years and I thought I would share a few of them with you.
* They profess Christ but they don’t possess Christ.
* They know the facts of God but not the face of God.
* They know a lot about the Word of God but do not know the God of the Word.
* Jesus is on their lips but not in their life.

No matter how you may describe a person who claims to know Jesus but has never been truly born by the Spirit of God, such people are in serious jeopardy. They are deceiving themselves and stand on the precipice of eternal condemnation and punishment. The Matthew 7 text I read yesterday (Depart from me) should give each of us pause. Do we know Christ? Has God’s Spirit worked a work of regeneration in my soul? Does my life give testimony of my conversion?

I encourage you to take a moment for self-evaluation. No one, not even those who have been truly saved, will live a perfect life on this present planet. But the signs of the indwelling presence of God’s Spirit should be evident. If not, seek the Lord and ask Him for wisdom.

May the Lord grant you peace and assurance!

September 1, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of
Bethesda Baptist Church

September 1, 2014

Upcoming Activities

1. NO Bethesda Academy, Monday
2. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
3. Bible Study and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
4. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
5. Football Team Dinner, Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
6. Men’s Breakfast & Book Study, 8 a.m.
7. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
8. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
9. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Missouri Missions

Yesterday marked the beginning of our emphasis on Missouri state missions and our collection of the South Mission Offering. Our church’s goal is $500 with the church matching the first $500. Please prayerfully consider what the Lord would have you give and then be obedient to His leadership.

Congratulations

* Happy Birthday to Dennis DePriest celebrating a birthday on Tuesday, September 2.
* Happy Birthday to Aaron Wordlaw who celebrates his birthday on Wednesday, September 3.

Ladies Book Study …

continues TOMORROW evening (Tuesday, September 2) at 6:30 p.m. with lesson 3!

Men/Boys Camp Out

The camp out is Friday, September 12 at the church beginning at 7 p.m. If you intend to be a part of this event and did NOT sign the sheet in the foyer, please call Karla as soon as possible.

Church Work Day

The Trustees have scheduled a work day on Saturday, September 27. Meet at the church around 8 a.m. and help with some minor maintenance so that we may be good stewards of the facility the Lord has given us.

The love and the reverential fear of God, which are the true principles of obedience, have been effaced from the mind; but a degree of knowledge of His justice, and the consciousness that the violations of His law deserve and will be followed by punishment, have been retained.
Robert Haldane

Spurgeon Speaks

In another place he speaks of our Gospel, thus using a possessive pronoun, to show how Believers identify them-selves with the Truth of God which they preach. He had a Gospela definite form of Truthand he believed in it beyond all doubt. Therefore he spoke of it as, my Gospel. Herein we hear the voice of faith which seems to say, Though others reject it, I am sure of it and allow no shade of mistrust to darken my mind. To me it is glad tidings of great joyI hail it as my Gospel. If I am called a fool for holding it so, I am content to be a fool and to find all my wisdom in my Lord.

Should all the forms that men devise
Assault my faith with treacherous art,
Id call them vanity and lies,
And bind the Gospel to my heart.

Is not this word, my Gospel, the voice of love? Does he not, by this word, embrace the Gospel as the only love of his soulfor the sake of which he had suffered the loss of all things and did count them but dungfor the sake of which he was willing to stand before Nero and proclaim, even in Caesars palace, the message from Heaven? Though each word should cost him a life, he was willing to die a thousand deaths for the holy cause. My Gospel, he says, with a rapture of delight, as he presses to his bosom the sacred deposit of Truth.

My Gospel. Does not this show his courage? As much as to say, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God onto salvation to everyone that believes. He says, my Gospel, as a soldier speaks of, my colors, or of, my king. He resolves to bear this banner to victor y and to serve this royal Truth even to the death.

Pastor’s Postscript

Have a very blessed week as you strive to be obedient to His commands in all that you do!

August 25, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of
Bethesda Baptist Church

August 25, 2014

Ladies Book Study …

continues TOMORROW evening (Tuesday, August 26) at 6:30 p.m.! Its not too late to join in!

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
3. Bible Study and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
4. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.
7. 5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship, Sunday, 6 p.m.

The Bethesda Academy

Tonight (Monday) we study chapter 8 on the topic of the judgment trumpets. Come out and join us at 6:30 p.m.

5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship

Our next Q & A fellowship is this Sunday evening from 6-7 p.m. Bring some snack to share and a drink plus your questions and enjoy the fellowship time.

Everyone is welcome to join us for this fun hour! Put it on your calendar and come out and join us.

Discipleship Training

The study of Spiritual Gifts continues during the Discipleship Training hour at 5 p.m. each Sunday evening. Were nearing the end but there is still time to join us!

Library Additions

More new sermons on CDs have been added to our church library.

* Jesus is Lord by John MacArthur
* Dont Waste Your Life by John Piper
* Loved by God by R. C. Sproul

Congratulations

* Happy Birthday to Isabel Mueller on Friday, August 29.
* Happy Birthday to Zachary Mueller on his birthday next Sunday, August 31.

”The word of God contains the most awful denunciations of the Divine wrath. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Robert Haldane

Men/Boys Camp Out

Friday, September 12 at the church beginning at 7 p.m. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the foyer for everyone who is interested in being a part of the campout.

Church Work Day

Did you update your calendar for this event? If not, stop reading now and go do so.

The work day is on Saturday, September 27. Be a part of the day and help us make some minor repairs to our facility.

“One of the reasons there is false faith is that some people think they are trusting Christ to bring them to the Father, when they dont even want the Father. They want their sins forgiven and they want to escape hell, but they dont want God. They dont love him. The very notion of knowing him and loving and wanting him above all things is foreign to them. So they may say that they are trusting Christ to bring them to the Father, but, in fact, they are trying to use Christ to get the gifts of God, not God.”
John Piper

Pastor’s Postscripts

Next Sunday is the last Sunday of the month which means we will observe the Lords Supper during our morning worship service. It is also the 5th Sunday of the month. Therefore, our next Q & A Fellowship will be at 6 p.m. this Sunday evening. And, of course, the Q & A Fellowship follows Discipleship Training at 5 p.m. So I encourage everyone to come out this Sunday and participate in the activities of our church.

I am pleased, but not surprised, to hear the good reports from the first week of the Ladies Book Study. The women are meeting again this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and it is not too late to be a part of this group. If you have never attended one of the sessions of previous book studies, I strongly recommend you come Tuesday night and give it a try.

May Jesus bless each of you this week as you strive to minister in His name!

August 18, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of
Bethesda Baptist Church
August 18, 2014

Ladies Book Study …

begins TOMORROW evening (Tuesday, August 19) at 6:30 p.m.! If you have not signed up but wish to come, give Pam a phone call. Even if you forget to do that but would like to be a part of the study, make sure and show up for the first session!

Upcoming Activities

The Bethesda Academy

Tonight (Monday) we examine the 144,000 of Revelation chapter 7. Come out and join us at 6:30 p.m.

5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship

Our next Q & A fellowship is on Sunday, August 31 from 6-7 p.m. Bring some snack to share and a drink plus your questions and enjoy the fellowship time.

If you have any questions you would like to submit early, please place them in the container on the table in the foyer of the church.

Discipleship Training

The study of Spiritual Gifts continues during the Discipleship Training hour at 5 p.m. each Sunday evening. It’s not too late to be a part of this study.

Library Additions

Some new sermons on CDs from John MacArthur have been added to our church library.

* The Simple, Surprising Truth About Tongues
* The Invincible Christian

I encourage you to check out our library if you have not visited it for some time. There are several fine Christian books plus CDs available for your use.

Congratulations

* Happy Birthday to Lacey Mueller on Friday, August 22.

Each man thinks every man is mortal but himself. Each man thinks every man is guilty but himself.

You say, “Well, John, what do you do? If I look into my heart and I see in my heart that I’m not right with God and I know the truth and I’m playing the religious game and I may be condemning the sin in others and knowing that it’s all boiling within me and I’ve restrained it for the sake of my self- righteousness, and I know that God knows it all and when God sees it all He’ll send me to hell, what do I do? How do I escape?” There’s only one place and that’s to run to Jesus Christ because the Lord Jesus Christ has already paid the penalty, hasn’t He? He’s already received the judgment of God.
John MacArthur

Men/Boys Camp Out

Friday, September 12 at the church beginning at 7 p.m. Update your calendar and keep your eyes on future bulletins and newsletters for specific information.

Church Work Day

Although the work day is over a month away, this is a good time to update your calendars so you don’t miss the opportunity to help out around our church building. Work days are also a good time of fellowship. Our next work date is Saturday, September 27 so make a note and plan on joining us on that date.

Pastor’s Postscript

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he IS a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Three weeks ago, my trip to the dentist indicated I needed a crown on one of my teeth. After preparing the tooth and making impressions, a temporary crown was put into place. Its purpose is to serve as the new tooth until the real crown is ready.

The preparation work the dentist did on my old tooth was to prepare the way for the new one. Now, with the temporary crown, the new one has come. Although not yet perfect in itself, it is both an example of, the beginning of, and the assurance of the new tooth.

When the Holy Spirit worked his work of regeneration in my life, he took up residence in my life, making me a new creation. My changed spiritual nature is an example of the perfect spiritual nature of Christ. My new life is the beginning of an eternal life. And His presence is an assurance of a fully new life.

Without any disrespect toward the Holy Spirit, my present condition is somewhat like that temporary crown. A new life has begun. An eternal new life is assured. It will come in time.

May the Lord bless you this week!

August 11, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of
BETHESDA BAPTIST CHURCH

August 11, 2014

Ladies Book Study!

The next Ladies Book Study, Desperate, Seeking Simplicity finding the cross begins in just 8 days! The sign up sheet remains on the table in the foyer so, if you would like to join the study, either sign the sheet or call Pam and let her know.

The first class is Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Business Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

The Bethesda Academy

Chapter 6 is our focus for tonight (Monday). We begin our examination of the 7 seals. Come out and join us at 6:30 p.m.

Business Meeting

Our monthly business meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m. I encourage every member to come and help our church make the decisions the Lord has placed before us.

Once men invent gods of their own making, they can then rewrite the rules of human conduct.
Ray Pritchard

Discipleship Training

Our Sunday evening class time is covering the topic of Spiritual Gifts. Dennis is leading this study each week at 5 p.m. Come out and be a part of this training as well as enjoy the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ!

When we reject God and we reject his standards, we dont become more free and more human. We become less free. We become bound. We become in bondage to those desires. And we become less human, because we are less reflecting the image of God, because God is holy.
J. Ligon Duncan

Pastor’s Postscript

I saw a young adult (probably mid-30s) wearing a T-shirt this week which caught my eye. On the back of the shirt were the following words:

Every day is a role play.

Take a moment and think about what that shirt is communicating concerning the individual who is wearing it. Of course, I dont believe the shirts designer or the man wearing it really meant what the shirt said. It was simply intended to be funny. But I wonder how many people actually live their life using that philosophy? Perhaps they do not even realize they are doing so.

To say every day is a role play implies each and every day you live is an act. Depending upon the day, the people you meet, the activities you have scheduled, your life is simply that of an actor playing some prescribed role. You are not the person you pretend to be. No one can truly know you. How can they when you wear a mask at all times?

Actually, I think many people live their life exactly that way. I believe even some professing Christians (could some possibly be members of our church?!) have such lives. They park their car in the church lot, put on their Sunday Worship mask, and enter the church. Once church is over, they return to the car, remove their mask, store it until next week, and then put on another mask for their next event: a mask for their job, another mask for their school, a third mask for home, and so on.

True Christians do not wear a mask to church. They dont have a Jesus mask because they have been born again into the image of Jesus Christ! They look like Jesus 24 hours a day, every day of the week, every week of the year because they are a new creature!

This takes place in what the Bible and theologians call regeneration (i.e., the new birth, being born again). Gods Spirit comes into our lives and raises that spiritually dead person to new life, the life of Christ.

So, the role believers play each and every day is not an act; it is a life lived as Jesus lived and a life lived for Jesus sake. Jesus is not our mask: He is who we are.

I do pray the Lord gives you a wonderful week and blesses you more than you deserve and expect!

P.S. Thank you to everyone who turned out on Saturday evening for our Roller Skating Fellowship. It was a fun time and we had a great turn out. Also, thank you to the Fellowship Committee who planned the fellowship and reserved the skating rink.

August 4, 2014

Stirrings at Bethesda
A Weekly Publication of
Bethesda Baptist Church

August 4, 2014

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
3. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
4. Roller Skating Fellowship, Saturday, 5:15 p.m.
5. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
6. Worship Service,Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
7. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Roller Skating Fellowship

Invite your friends to our church’s fellowship at Great Skate Roller Rink in St. Peters! You do not have to skate to attend the fellowship. We have the rink from 5:15 – 7:15 p.m. on Saturday evening, August 9. If you are planning on attending and did not sign the sheet in the foyer, please call Debbie Walker and let her know.

The Bethesda Academy

Last week we examined God’s Sovereignty over all creation as seen in the vision of John in Revelation chapter 4. We continue looking at that vision this evening (Monday) at 6:30 p.m. as we review chapter 5. You are more than welcome to join us this evening!

“Apart from God’s intervention, man’s religious development is
D O W N W A R D.”

Ladies’ Book Study!

The new book study, “Desperate, Seeking Simplicity … finding the cross” by Cindi Wood, begins on Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m. We have a sign up sheet on the table in the foyer if you are interested in being a part of the study Or, simply contact Pam and let her know you are coming so she has an accurate count of the books she needs.

Every ladies book study so far has been well attended and well received. The ladies have reported having a great time and I am certain this study will not be an exception! So plan on joining the group in 2 weeks.

Future Fellowships

You might want to update your calendars with these upcoming dates:

* Sunday, August 31, 6pm – 5th Sunday Q & A fellowship
* Friday, September 12 – Men & Boys Campout
* Saturday, October 11 – Church Bonfire

“Titles (e.g., ‘Dr.’, ‘PhD’) apart from the wisdom & knowledge of God mean nothing in the eyes of the Lord.”
Pastor’s Postscript

For several years now I have been somewhat bothered by the continual rise of “parachurch” organizations. Some of them do tremendous work for the Lord Jesus; others appear to be bent on replacing the local church.

Debbie and I continue to support some of these organizations financially. My concern has been with some of the people who serve with these parachurch organizations and, over time, slowly drift away from their local church and devote all their time and energies to the parachurch group. This is NOT God’s way.

Recently I received an article written by Dr. Keith A. Mathison on the topic of parachurch groups and I wish to share his conclusion with each of you.

“Parachurch ministries should not confuse themselves and their mission with the distinctive calling of the local church. It is within the context of the local church, not the parachurch, that Christians gather regularly to hear the preaching of the Word of God and to partake of the sacraments. Parachurch ministries must also beware of watering down the distinctive confessions of the local churches represented by those involved in the ministry. Parachurch ministries are not identical to the local church, and when they behave as if they are, they require criticism and correction. However, when those who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, even if they are in different evangelical denominations, see a way to meet a legitimate need that the local church cannot meet because the need is too big or that the local church is not meeting for some other reason, the local church has no reason to hinder such Christians in their attempts to gather their resources, pool their relents, and use their gifts for the furtherance of the kingdom and the glory of God.”

I agree with the author. Parachurch organizations that help the church in their mission are a blessing. Those involved in such ministries who are using their gifts to serve Christ are to be praised.

On the other hand, if those working with such ministries begin substituting their work with that group for their work with the local church then they have gone too far. Or when the parachurch organization is not contributing to the growth and work of the local church, it should be closed. Let me close by sharing with you once more the quote from Burk Parsons that was in our Sunday bulletin this past week.

“Parachurch ministries exist to come alongside and serve the local church, but if they ever try to replace the church, they should close their doors. The ordinary-means-of-grace-ministry of the local church is the primary means of growth, and parachurch ministries exist to remind us of this and point us back to the church. As such, every parachurch ministry should have as its long term goal to work itself out of existence. …”

Amen!

May the Lord give you a great week!

July 28, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA

A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church

July 28, 2014

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.

2. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

3. Men’s Breakfast & Book Study, Saturday, 8 a.m.

4. Church Council, Saturday, 9 a.m.

5. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.

6. Worship Service,Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

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

Congratulations!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

* NOLAN BROOK, Wednesday, July 30

The Bethesda Academy

Having completed the letters to the seven churches, tonight (Monday) we press on to chapter 4 and the vision of heaven the Apostle John is given. It’s never too late to join our study! We meet at 6:30 p.m. each Monday.

“Even though they have been constantly surrounded by the evidences not only of God’s existence but also of his infinite powers, adorable goodness, and incomparable wisdom, they have refused to acknowledge him as their God, and to worship him.”

William Hendriksen

Ladies’ Book Study!

“Desperate, Seeking Simplicity … finding the cross” by Cindi Wood

Ladies, this study begins on Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m. If you wish to attend, please add your name to the sign up sheet in the foyer or contact Pam DePriest and inform her.

Remember, the book study begins Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Roller Skating Fellowship

Our church has Great Skate Roller Rink on Saturday, August 9 from 5:15 – 7:15 p.m. Even if you don’t roller skate, you are more than welcome to come out, watch your fellow members glide around the rink, and spend some time in fellowship.

There is a sign up sheet in the foyer if you plan on coming whether you skate or not.

“Though the light of nature cannot save, it is sufficient to condemn.”

William Plumer

Spurgeon Speaks

“Our Savior could plead for some, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ But what plea is to be used for those who know what they do and yet do evil? Who known what they ought to do and do it not? These have the Light of God and close their eyes or, to use another figure, they have the Light of God and use it to sin. They take the golden candlestick of the Sanctuary into their hands and, by its help, they perform their evil deeds the more dexterously–and run in the way of wickedness the more swiftly. Accursed is that man who heaps to himself knowledge till he becomes wise as Solomon and then prostitutes it to base ends by using it to aggrandize his wealth, to pamper his appetites, to holster his unbelief, or to conceal his vices!”

Coming Sunday…

Paul has some serious words for the Gentiles among us in a sermon from Romans 1:21-25 entitled “God Gave Them Up – Part 1”.

Pastor’s Postscript

Once again it was good to see visitors in our midst. The Lord graciously continues to send them our way. Please keep them in your prayers. Some of them are lost and need Christ. Others are believers and need to unite with a local church.

A huge thank you to Dave and Christy Diamond for opening their home and their pool for our church fellowship. Although it was an extremely warm day, everyone appeared to have a great time either in the pool or simply sitting nearby and sharing with one another.

As you will see, we have another church fellowship in just 2 weeks! The last one was for swimmers; this one is for skaters, roller skaters, that is! Of course, you don’t have to skate if you choose not to, yet, you can come and join the fellowship as we watch those who do.

The Ladies are preparing for another great book study led by Pam. They will meet each Tuesday evening from August 19 through September 30. Each session begins at 6:30 p.m.

If you are not participating in our Monday night Academy class, it’s never too late. We are studying the book of Revelation and just now beginning the heavenly vision of chapter 4. We are having a great time together.

And speaking of Bible study, are you taking advantage of class on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m.? How about Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m.? Or our 15 minute study each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. prior to our prayer meeting? We have PLENTY of opportunities for studying God’s Word here at Bethesda. Take advantage of them!

Now may God grant you a good week and bring you back safely next Sunday!

July 21, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church
July 21, 2014

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
3. Swimming Fellowship, Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
4. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service & the Lord’s Supper, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

Congratulations!

Several congratulations are in order for this week:

* Georgia Baggett, Saturday, July 26
* Elijah Mueller, Sunday, July 27
* Aaron & Cynthia Wordlaw, Anniversary, Sunday, July 27

Coming Sunday…

We enter Paul’s doctrinal explanation for verses 16 & 17 by examining verses 18-20 in a sermon entitled “Without Excuse”.

The Bethesda Academy

Tonight (Monday) we continue our look into the book of Revelation by reviewing the final four letters to the churches of Asia in chapters 2 & 3. Our time together begins at 6:30 p.m. and we meet for an hour. Everyone is invited and it’s not too late to join our study. Come, participate, and enjoy the fellowship!

Ladies’ Book Study!

We have exciting news for you today! Another book study begins soon so
mark your calendars!

“Desperate, Seeking Simplicity … finding the cross” by Cindi Wood

Pam DePriest will lead this study each Tuesday evening from August 19 through September 30 beginning at 6:30 p.m. If you have attended before then you know how much you will enjoy the time together. If you have not attended a previous study then plan to come and join the fun. Remember, the book study begins Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Reminder: We observe the Lord’s Supper as part of our worship service this coming Lord’s Day!

Spurgeon Speaks
“And now I hear one cry, ‘That is an extraordinary doctrine.’ Well, so some may think; but let me say to you, it is a doctrine professed by all protestant churches, though they may not preach it. It is the doctrine of the Church of England, it is the doctrine of Luther, it is the doctrine of the Presbyterian church; it is professedly the doctrine of all Christian churches; and if it seems strange in your ears, it is because your ears are estranged, and not because the doctrine is a strange one. It is the doctrine of holy writ, that none can condemn whom God justifies, and that none can accuse those for whom Christ hath died; for they are totally free from sin. … In the moment they believe, their sins being imputed to Christ, they cease to be theirs, and Christ’s righteousness is imputed to them and accounted theirs, so that they are accepted.”

Swimming Fellowship …

…is THIS Saturday, July 26 beginning at 2 p.m. at the Diamond’s home. Bring a side dish and a drink to share and enjoy the fellowship. Swim suits are NOT required.

If you did not sign the sheet in the foyer but intend to come, you are more than welcome. However, it would help Dave and Christy in preparing the meat if you would kindly call them and let them know you will be attending.

See you on Saturday!

Pastor’s Postscript

Once again, it is good to be back with you. Debbie and I enjoyed a nice few days at my sister’s home in Indiana. We traveled there and back with my son and his family (they were on their way to a reunion in Ohio). I took in a Ft. Wayne Tin Caps baseball game and Debbie spent some time shopping in a nearby Amish community. We also enjoyed an Amish home cooked meal one evening and, of course, we visited the pickle factory (yes, we did buy some!). It was a very relaxing week off but we are glad to be back.

I know for some of us swimming is the last thing we want to do. No way are we going out in public in a swimming suit. Well, that’s ok. Our swimming fellowship this Saturday is a fellowship first and swimming second. If you don’t intend on swimming, that’s fine. Come anyway. Christian fellowship is vital to our growth in Christ!

Don’t forget the Academy this evening and our Bible study/prayer meeting on Wednesday.

May our gracious Lord and Savior grant you a wonderful week full of His blessings!

July 6, 2014

July 7, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church
July 7, 2014

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Business Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training (“The Attributes of God”), Sunday, 5 p.m.

Special Prayer Requests

* Pam at home recovering from knee replacement surgery.
* Bill, father of Walkers’ son-in-law, in hospital with blood clots in his lungs.

Congratulations!

Since there will NOT be a newsletter next week, here are the birthdays for the next two weeks:

* Caitlin Brook, Monday, July 7
* DiAndre Wordlaw, Monday, July 14
* Denise Hall, Tuesday, July 15
* Rich Norvell, Thursday, July 17
* Ellen Brook, Friday, July 18

Coming Sunday…

This Sunday brother Curtis McClain will fill the pulpit in my absence. Please keep him in prayer as he prepares to preach the Word.
“The Gospel is not advice; it is power!”

Julie and San Diego

If you want to send Julie any gift cards, just plan to mail them directly in the next week as I, Debbie, will be out of town. She could use Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell, or Target cards. Send them to:

Julie Brandel
Campus Crusade for Christ
824 Santa Clara Place Unit #2
San Diego, CA 92109

The Bethesda Academy

It’s never too late to join our Monday night study of the book of Revelation. We are studying the seven letters to the seven churches from chapters 2 and 3. Come join us tonight (Monday) at 6:30 p.m.

Spurgeon Speaks

“When we preach Christ crucified, we have no reason to stammer, or stutter, or hesitate, or apologize; there is nothing in the gospel of which we have any cause to be ashamed.”

Swimming Fellowship!

Saturday, July 26 is a swimming fellowship for everyone even if you are not swimming! The fun begins at 2 p.m. at the home of David and Christy Diamond. Check future bulletins and newsletters for specifics but mark your calendars now!
“It (the Gospel) is a means made use of by God in quickening dead sinners, enlightening blind eyes, unstopping deaf ears, softening hard hearts, and making of enemies friends; to which add, the manner in which all this is done, suddenly, secretly, effectually, and by love, and not force.”
John Gill

BUSINESS MEETING

The second Wednesday of each month is our church business meeting. That means we will all gather at 7 p.m. this Wednesday to discuss the business of the church. Come out and be a participant.

Pastor’s Postscript
Bethesda family,

As you probably know by now, Debbie and I will be out of town next Sunday. We had planned on visiting my sister in northeast Indiana this past January. But, at the last moment, we had to postpone the trip due to weather. So we are leaving this Thursday and will return late next Tuesday.

In my absence Dr. Curtis McClain of Missouri Baptist University will preach. I encourage you to be present, lift him up in prayer as he proclaims the Word, and enjoy the spiritual meal he provides you next Sunday.

Finally, there is another matter that has been on my heart for some time (long before I came to Bethesda). Expressing my thoughts will result in a longer newsletter but I pray you take the time to read it.

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 1 John 2:3-4

Here are two critical verses from God’s Word which, in my humble opinion, many who profess the name of Jesus in our day need to carefully ponder. What follows is my translation with emphasis on the verbal forms in the two verses.

And by this we are presently and constantly knowing that we have come to know him once and forever, if we are presently and constantly keeping his commandments. Whoever is saying “I have come to know him once and forever” and are not keeping his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

In verse 3 John gives us the positive key to having assurance of our salvation. “To know him once and forever” is a statement implying a permanent relationship with Christ, i.e., salvation. If our lifestyle reveals we are consistently keeping the commandments of Jesus then we may have confidence that we are, indeed, His children.

But in verse 4, John presents the other side of the equation. If someone is claiming they possess salvation (“I have come to know him once and forever”) but they are not living a life which consistently keeps the commandments of Jesus, John says that person is a liar. Furthermore the truth is not in him. I believe that last remark means this liar is a false professing individual. He does not have God’s Spirit (the Spirit of TRUTH) dwelling in him. He is NOT saved.

Professing Christians, examine your life. Are you consistently and continuously keeping the commandments of Christ? If not then John says you should NOT trust your profession of faith. If you know Christ has commanded you to do something and you refuse then you are disobedient. And if that disobedience is habitual, you have not been born again. You are not saved. You are under God’s wrath.

What are “His commandments”? They are the 10 commandments, yes. They are the two great commandments given by Christ, yes. But they are all the commandments Christ has given in the New Testament. Here are a few:

1. Repent of your sins.
2. Trust (believe) Jesus.
3. Be baptized.
4. Join with a local church.
5. Be filled with the Spirit.
6. Worship together with fellow believers.
7. Share the Gospel with others.
8. Study the Word.
9. Pray without ceasing.
10. Give (time, money, service).

These are some of the commandments given by Christ. A person who has been truly born again DESIRES to keep all of these commandments (and more). We are saved by grace not by keeping the law. But once saved, we long to keep our Lord’s commands and we strive to do so.

People in our nation say the church is no longer effective. They claim the church has lost its power. Well, they are partially correct. The church is comprised of God’s people. Unfortunately many of those who are members in our churches are professors only. They have never truly repented. They
have never truly believed. God has not regenerated them and implanted His Spirit into their heart. They are simply trying to live a different kind of life on their own, the kind of life they know “church people” expect them to live. Why would we be surprised if a church has no power when it consists of many members who are unbelievers?

I am grateful that God has called me to be your pastor. However, God has not given me the ability to read hearts. Therefore, I challenge you and exhort you to examine yourself. Are you keeping Christ’s commandments because you long to please your Master? Or does your life reveal that you really have no interest in the things of God and obeying the Lord’s commands?

May Christ give you wisdom as you examine your own soul. And may He bless next Sunday’s service!

June 30, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA

A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church
June 30, 2014

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
3. INDEPENDENCE DAY, Friday
4. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. Discipleship Training (“The Attributes of God”), Sunday, 5 p.m.

Special Prayer Requests

* Cynthia recovering from surgery.
* Pam has knee replacement surgery on Wednesday.
* Rich and the family in the loss of his uncle. The funeral is Tuesday.

Coming Sunday…

This Sunday we deal with the theme of the book of Romans as we look at verses 16-17 of chapter 1 in a message entitled “The Power of the Gospel”.

Men’s Breakfast

Men, bring your breakfast on Saturday at 8 a.m. and we’ll spend some time in fellowship before turning to J. C. Ryle’s book, “Holiness”.

All Christians are but God’s stewards. Everything we have is on loan from the Lord, entrusted to us for a while to use in serving Him.
John MacArthur

Spurgeon Speaks

“Beloved, I believe that every Christian person should follow Christ in the waters of baptism, and, having done that, should join the Church of Christ, not so much to follow the Church, as to follow Christ. We are not to follow men, even the best of men, any farther than they follow Christ; but we must take care that we do boldly stand up as adherents of his cause, so that, if it be asked, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” we may put in an appearance directly, and avow ourselves as his followers. … If you would really serve Christ, come right out from the world, and say, “Let others do as they wilt as for me and my house we belong to Christ, and we will never hide our colors. We will bind the scarlet thread in the window, and we will let all who come by this way understand that here live those who have been redeemed with precious blood, and who therefore cannot, dare not, and will not conceal the gracious fact.” “If any man serve me, let him follow me by taking up my cause, and working for it with all his heart.”

Happy Independence Day!

“The general principles on which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.”
John Adams

The Bethesda Academy

We complete chapter 1 of Revelation this evening (Monday) and begin chapter 2 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Come out and join us.

For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us. Isaiah 33:22

Pastor’s Postscripts

A couple of notes concerning our July calendar:

1. We have a swimming fellowship scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 at the Diamonds. You don’t have to swim to enjoy the fellowship. Mark the date on your calendars.

2. Our business meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9.

3. You will notice on the church calendar that Dr. Curtis McClain is preaching on Sunday, July 13. Debbie and I will be out of town from the 10th through the 15th and Curtis will fill in for me on that date. We are finally making the Indiana trip we had to cancel back in January. I appreciate you supporting Dr. McClain’s labors.

I do hope each of you have some plans for July 4th. Despite the current “goings-on” in Washington, we live in a great country. God has blessed us with the freedom to worship Him as citizens of this land, a freedom many around the world have lost. That’s a good reason to celebrate our nation’s birthday even if you can’t think of any others.

Our family has always enjoyed the day. We’ll take in the St. Charles parade Friday morning and end the day somewhere watching fireworks. Romans 13 teaches that it is God who has ordained governments. Furthermore, it is God who has put you in this country at this time in history. So celebrate our nation’s birthday.

As you enjoy the 4th, please pray and (1) thank God for giving us our nation and (2) ask God to heal our land. Government can not fix the problems we are experiencing in America. We need a sweeping move of God’s Spirit to bring revival! Changed lives, lives that have been born again, will change the direction we are headed.

May you enjoy the 4th of July with family and friends. May our Lord turn the United States back to Him. And may Christ bless you throughout the remainder of the week.

I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!