STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of
Bethesda Baptist Church
St. Charles, MO

June 23, 2014

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Bible Study & Prayer 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

* Cynthia sees the doctor today about further surgery.
* Betty Lesley is at home under hospice care.
* Debbie has additional foot surgery tomorrow (Tuesday).

Coming Sunday…

Next Sunday, the Lord willing, we examine Romans 1:11-15, “Preaching the Gospel”.

“Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. … Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.”

John Hancock
1st Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Spurgeon Speaks

“Man’s intellect seeks after rest, and by nature seeks it apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. Men of education are apt, even when converted, to look upon the simplicities of the cross of Christ with an eye too little reverent and loving…the temptation with a man of refined thought and high education is to depart from the simple truth of Christ crucified, and to invent, as the term is, a more intellectual doctrine. …whoever you are, good reader, and whatever your education may be, if you be the Lord’s, be assured you will find no rest in philosophizing divinity. You may receive this dogma of one great thinker. or that dream of another profound reasoner, by what the chaff is to the wheat, that will these be to the pure word of God. All that reason, when best guided, can find out is but the A B C of truth, and even that lacks certainty, while in Christ Jesus there is treasured up all the fullness of wisdom and knowledge. … Jesus satisfies the most elevated intellect when He is believingly received, but apart from Him the mind of the regenerate discovers no rest. ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.’ ‘A good understanding have all they that do His commandments.’”

“The Bible … is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed.”
Patrick Henry
Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution

5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship

Bring a drink and snack to share and join us for our next 5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship this coming Sunday evening at 6 p.m. immediately following Discipleship Training. I recommend you come at 5 and join us for both sessions!

Congratulations…

* Happy Birthday to Austin Wildgrube who celebrates his birthday on June 26.
* Happy Birthday to Ian Carapella who celebrates his birthday on June 29.

The Bethesda Academy

Tonight, with the introductory material behind us, we move into chapter 1 of the book of Revelation. So it is not too late to join us in our journey through this final book of the Bible. We meet for an hour beginning at 6:30 p.m. so come and study God’s Word with us beginning this (Monday) evening.

“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”
George Washington
1st U.S. President

Pastor’s Postscript

Thank you to Brother Carl Schaefer for being willing to “pinch hit” for me yesterday morning. It is such an encouragement to find a fellow preacher who, on very short notice, is willing to step in the gap and proclaim the Word of God on behalf of another!

I guess I had some type of “bug” which lasted about 36 hours or so. I’m still not convinced part of my lunch on our way home from Springfield on Saturday didn’t have something to do with it! But I am much better this Monday morning other than being a little tired. I really missed not being with you for worship yesterday.

Debbie told me the service went well. Thank you, Brother Dan for leading the Scripture reading. Praise the Lord for the visitors we had.

Since I was unable to do so yesterday, let me say “CONGRATULATIONS” to Jon and Kate Bounds on the birth of their 3rd son, Samuel Philip, last Monday! Keep both the baby and his mother in your prayers over the coming weeks.

The Lord is good and greatly to be praised. May He bless your week!

June 16, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church
June 16, 2014

NEW MEMBERS!

Welcome to our newest members, Georgia and Glenda! Here is the information for your church directory:

Glenda Averett
   1248 Shirley Ridge Dr.
   St. Charles, MO 63304
   636-441-2476

Georgia Baggett
   1284 Shirley Ridge Dr.
   St. Charles, MO 63304
   636-441-2118

Upcoming Activities

Coming Sunday…

Yesterday we looked at “Prayer and the Gospel”. Next Sunday we examine Romans 1:11-15, “Preaching the Gospel”.

“Those things for which you are thankful tells you and others what you believe is really important in life.”

Spurgeon Speaks

“God has beloved ones in the darkest parts of the earth! There is all the more reason for them to be saints because they are surrounded by sinners. They must have had true faith, or they could not have confessed Christ between the jaws of a lion, for they lived in Rome, with Nero hunting after Christians as if they had been wild beasts! And yet they were not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.”

5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship

Plan on joining us for our next 5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship. Bring a snack, a drink, and any questions you may have on June 29 and we will meet at 6 p.m. Even better, come at 5 p.m. for Discipleship Training and remain for our Fellowship!

New Additions to Our Church Library

* Another sermon by John MacArthur on CD entitled: “The Truth About False Disciplies”

“God, by His providence, regulates all that takes place. There is nothing with which Christians should be more habitually impressed than that God is the disposer of all events.”
Robert Haldane

* Cynthia has requested special prayer. She is struggling with her fluid levels.

Sermon Seconds
Verse 10 of yesterday’s text has an interesting phrase. The ESV renders it “… somehow by God’s will I may now at last …”. In the original Paul uses 4 simple words to convey his emotions on his desire to travel to Rome. The King James captures these words very well: “…if by any means now at length…” You can almost sense Paul’s yearning and hope that God will permit him to finally travel to Rome.

Those of you who know early church history know that Paul DOES finally make it to Rome: as a PRISONER! He travels there in chains by ship which is shipwrecked. Once there he is kept in prison for 2 years. A few years later he will return to Rome once again arrested and, finally, executed for his witness for Christ!

Pastor’s Postscript
To all who planned, organized, and brought to pass our church picnic, THANK YOU! It was a wonderful time on a wonderful day with wonderful people!

We welcome Georgia and Glenda to our church family! In the past 2 months three new members have joined Bethesda and they all live on the same street! (Perhaps we should rename Bethesda to Shirley Ridge Baptist!).

The Academy will restart tonight (Monday) with a close examination of the book of Revelation. This will not be a brief excursion so bring your Bible, your notebook, and your pen and prepare for an exciting journey.

I also encourage those members who do not normally attend our Wednesday evening service to make every effort to do so. We spend 15 minutes in Bible study and then commit the remaining 30-45 minutes for prayer. Presently our Bible study has been focusing on various Bible characters who are not mentioned very often in the Scriptures. Come out and look with us at the characteristics of these individuals. Perhaps you’ll find a character quality which might benefit your spiritual growth.

We are, once again, revising our deacon family ministry list given our new members. The list should be ready following our July Deacons’ meeting. Also, our church directory is being revised with a target publication date of August 1. If you have directory updates, please let the pastor know as soon as possible.

Lastly, anybody interested in learning Greek? It’s been a couple of years since our last class and I am open to doing another one. Or, if you are very brave, we could try and learn some Hebrew!

Praise our Lord for all the blessings He has poured out on each of us. And praise the Lord for the blessing of Bethesda Baptist Church!

May your life bring glory and honor and praise to Christ throughout this coming week.

Pastor Bruce

June 9, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church
June 9, 2014

CHURCH PICNIC!

Join us for an Outback B-B-Q!

Our church picnic is THIS Saturday, June 14 beginning at 4 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and any type of umbrella you want to use for shade plus any games you may like to play in addition to our planned activities.

The church will provide the hamburgers, hot dogs, and buns. Bring 2 side dishes and a drink. If you would like a brat instead, just bring it and our master griller will fix it for you!

You are welcome to bring family, friends, and neighbors. Just call Debbie or Karla so they have a good headcount and can purchase the meat accordingly.

SEE YOU SATURDAY!

Upcoming Activities

1. BUSINESS MEETING, Wed., 7 p.m.
2. Church Picnic, Saturday, 4 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.

Congratulations to…

Austin Wildgrube in graduating from Francis Howell Central this past weekend!

Business Meeting

Our monthly business meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m. Some of the items we will be deciding this month are:

* Georgia Baggett & Glenda Averett’s request for membership in our church.
* Amendment to Section 6 on the Deacons of our church bylaws.
* Possibly some recommendations from the Nominating Committee.

So join with us as we try to discern God’s will for our church.

Coming Sunday…

We begin the body of the book of Romans this Sunday by looking at Romans 1:8-10 in a sermon entitled “Prayer and the Gospel”.

Spurgeon Speaks

“He is kind to the unthankful and the evil, and makes His rain to fall upon the field of the miser as well as on the ground of the gracious.”

New Additions to Our Church Library

* Several works of author Janette Oke including:
– “Love’s Enduring Promise”
– “When Hope Springs New”
– “Love’s Long Journey”
– “When Calls the Heart”
* On CD, a sermon by John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church, entitled: “Sanctification and Sins of the Mind”

Sermon Seconds

Here is Martin Luther with some thoughts on a Christian being both a sinner and the “beloved of God”.

“Paradoxically, a Christian is both right and wrong, holy and profane, an enemy of God and a child of God. These contradictions no person can harmonize who does not understand the true way of salvation. Under the papacy we were told to toil until the feeling of guilt had left us. But the authors of this deranged idea were frequently driven to despair in the hour of death. It would have happened to me, if Christ had not mercifully delivered me from this error.

We comfort the afflicted sinner in this manner: Brother, you can never be perfect in this life, but you can be holy. He will say: “How can I be holy when I feel my sins?” I answer: You feel sin? That is a good sign. To realize that one is ill is a step, and a very necessary step, toward recovery. “But how will I get rid of my sin?” he will ask. I answer: See the heavenly Physician, Christ, who heals the broken-hearted. Do not consult that Quackdoctor, Reason. Believe in Christ and your sins will be pardoned. His righteousness will become your righteousness, and your sins will become His sins. …

A Christian is beloved of God and a sinner. How can these two contradictions be harmonized: I am a sinner and deserve God’s wrath and punishment, and yet the Father loves me? Christ alone can harmonize these contradictions. He is the Mediator.”

Pastor’s Postscript

I encourage every member of our church to attend our picnic this coming Saturday at 4 p.m. Maybe you do not wish to participate in any of the games. Maybe you have no one to bring with you. That’s fine. Bring your drink and a couple of side dishes to share and then enjoy the time of fellowship where we may share our joys (and sorrows) with one another and get to know each other better than we do. Such fellowship enables us to better pray for one another in the coming days. It is important in your growth as a Christian to spend time with your Christian family and that means more than just Sunday mornings! I look forward to seeing you there.

May Jesus be magnified in all you do and say this week!

Pastor Bruce

June 2, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA – A weekly publication of Bethesda Baptist Church

June 2, 2014

CHURCH PICNIC!

Join us for an Outback B-B-Q!

We call our church picnic an “Outback” BBQ because it will be held “outback” of our church building! Our church picnic will be held on Saturday, June 14 beginning at 4 p.m. In case of rain we’ll move the picnic indoors.

Bring your lawn chairs and any type of umbrella you want to use for shade. We are also asking everyone to bring a drink and 2 side dishes. The church will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, and buns and we’ll BBQ them “outback”. If you would like a grilled brat instead, just bring your own and we’ll grill it!

Our picnic will include an inter-generational kick ball game. If you have other ideas (games, etc.) bring them along!

To help us with planning the picnic, there will be a sign up sheet on the table in the foyer. Invite your friends, families, and neighbors!

“Love that looks upward is worship. Love that looks outward is affection. And love that stoops is grace.”
Donald Barnhouse
Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
3. Men’s Breakfast and Book Study, Saturday, 8 a.m.
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.

Congratulations to…

Dennis & Pam DePriest celebrating their wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 7!

Coming Sunday…

We complete the salutation of the Epistle to the Romans in our exposition of Romans 1:7, “The People of the Gospel”.

Spurgeon Speaks

“That is a sweet name for every truly converted man, ‘called of Jesus Christ.’ He has called you personally. He has called you effectually. He has called you out of the world. He has called you into fellowship with Himself—‘the called of Jesus Christ.’”

PRAISE THE LORD!

Yesterday, Georgia Baggett and Glenda Averett presented themselves for membership to Bethesda Baptist Church by transfer of letter! We rejoice that the Lord has led these dear ladies to our fellowship and we welcome them! If you were not able to be here yesterday, make sure you greet them next Sunday and welcome them to our congregation.

Per our church bylaws, their request for membership will be formally voted on next Wednesday, June 11, during our monthly business meeting.

Amendment to the Bylaws

A reminder that we will vote on an amendment to our church bylaws at the June 11 business meeting. This amendment is fairly lengthy (3 pages) and completely replaces section 6 of the bylaws on Deacons. Copies of this amendment are available on the table in the foyer of the church. Of, if you would like an electronic copy, just let the pastor know. If you have questions, please direct them to Pastor Bruce.

Julie’s Mission Trip

Julie is in San Diego on her mission trip. Please keep her in your prayers and consider helping her with the cost of this trip.

Sermon Seconds

I spent a few moments in yesterday’s message discussing grace in general because I truly believe we do not take the time to seriously ponder all that God has done for us. Everything in our life is a result of the grace of God for we do not even deserve to be alive. In verse 5, however, Paul is discussing the saving grace provided by the Gospel. While God’s grace is continually poured out upon us, Paul writes “we have received grace”. He is talking about specific grace we (Christians) have received in the past and the most specific act of grace any Christian can point to is the grace God gave him in salvation!

Let us praise God every day for all He graciously does for us. But especially let us praise Him for the salvation that He purchased for us and provided to us!

Pastor’s Postscript

This past Saturday I had the privilege of marrying my grandson to his fiancé in our building. The service went very well and many of those in attendance complemented the church facility on its appearance both inside and outside! What a tremendous testimony of stewardship this is for each of you and especially our Trustees who have the responsibility for the building. My hat is off to you for all your time and efforts!

While I applaud all the Trustees, I do wish to single out two: Rich Norvell and Jon Bounds. Thank you both for all you did over the past couple of weeks to prepare the facility for the wedding. I am grateful.

May our Lord bless your entire week!

Pastor Bruce

May 26, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA – A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church – May 26. 2014

Julie’s Mission Trip

Julie will be leaving tomorrow (Tuesday) for 10 weeks in San Diego. Keep her and the team in your prayers. After services yesterday I was told some of the team were driving to San Diego and had their cars break down in route. So especially pray for them as they try to get the necessary repairs made and to San Diego in time.

You may still contribute to help with the cost of Julie’s trip if the Lord so leads.

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Wedding at Bethesda, Friday & Saturday.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Servicer, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training (“The Attributes of God”), Sunday, 5 p.m.

Congratulations to…

Bruce Walker celebrating ANOTHER birthday on Tuesday.

Coming Sunday…

We continue our look at the salutation to the Epistle to the Romans as we examine “The Provision of the Gospel” from Romans 1:5-6.

Church Picnic!

If you check the June calendar you will see our church picnic is two weeks from this coming Saturday on June 14 (Flag Day) at 4 p.m.

More information to follow in upcoming newsletters and bulletins. Mark your calendars!

Spurgeon Speaks

“He (Jesus) was a Man, therefore He died, but He rose again for He was more than Man—‘declared to be the son of God in power’.”

Amendment to the Bylaws

We will vote on an amendment to our church bylaws at the June 11 business meeting. This amendment is fairly lengthy (3 pages) and completely replaces section 6 of the bylaws on Deacons. Copies of this amendment are available on the table in the foyer of the church. Of, if you would like an electronic copy, just let the pastor know. If you have questions, please direct them to Pastor Bruce.

5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship

COMING IN JUNE: our second “5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship” on June 29. Submit your questions early and mark your calendars!

Sermon Seconds

Paul penned verses 3 and 4 in Romans 1 using symmetry. Let me show you:

v. 3 – “was descended” is a participle meaning “the one having become”; v. 4 – “was declared” is a participle meaning “the one having been marked out

v. 3 – “from David” is a prepositional (ek) phrase meaning “out of seed of David”; v. 4 – “by the resurrection of the dead” is a prepositional (ek) phrase meaning “out of resurrection of dead ones”

v. 3 – “according to the flesh” is a prepositional (kata) phrase meaning exactly what it says. ; v. 4 – “according to the Spirit of holiness” is also a prepositional (kata) phrase with that meaning.

Paul intended for the structure of these two verses to be extremely similar. In doing so, he has communicated some of the greatest Christological (“about Christ”) truth in the Scripture! Yes, His Son is a human (verse 3). Yes, His Son is God (verse 4).

That’s wonderful and awesome at the same time!

WHO is JESUS?

The following is from an article by A. W. Pink

The Lord Jesus was completely God, but he was also completely man. This is something to be believed and not for proud reason to speculate upon. The personhood of Jesus is not a fit object for intellectual diagnosis; rather must we bow before Him in worship. … While then there is much about the person of Christ which we cannot fathom with our own understanding, yet there is everything about Him to admire and love: foremost are His deity and humanity and the perfect union of these two in one person. The Lord Jesus was not a divine man, nor a humanized God; He was the God-man. Forever God, and now forever man. …

The One born at Bethlehem was the divine Word. The Incarnation does not mean that God manifested himself as a man. The Word became flesh; he became what He was not before, though He never ceased to be all He was previously. He who was in the form of God and thought it not robbery to be equal with God “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7). The babe of Bethlehem was Immanuel – God with us – He was more than a manifestation of God. He was God manifest in the flesh. He was both Son of God and Son of Man. Not two separate personalities, but one person possessing two natures – the divine and the human.

“The resurrection only declared him to be what he truly was.”
James Denney

Pastor’s Postscript

Since our newsletter is usually only 2 pages, I have little space remaining this week. I will be brief (yes, it is possible for me to be brief). Bethesda Baptist, you, the good people who comprise this church, are a blessing to me!

Have a wonderful week and may God grant some of your desires along with all of your needs!

Pastor Bruce

May 19, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA – A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church – May 19, 2014

LADIES TEA PARTY!

The Ladies Tea Party is this Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m. The party is open to all adult ladies and you are encouraged to bring relatives, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. There is a signup sheet in the church lobby but, if you are unable to sign the sheet by Wednesday evening yet desire to attend the party, PLEASE contact Debbie Walker and inform her how many will be attending. It is imperative we know how many are coming in order to prepare for the party. A reminder: child care will not be provided.

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Ladies Tea Party, Saturday, 2 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service & the Lord’s Supper, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training (“The Attributes of God”), Sunday, 5 p.m.

We Welcome to Our Membership…

Bobby Henson was approved as a member of Bethesda Baptist Church based on his statement of faith and his testimony of Biblical baptism. Welcome to Bethesda, Bobby! Please add Bobby to your church directory:

Bobby Henson
1205 Shirley Ridge Drive
St. Charles, MO 63304
636-486-2160
rhenson003@att.net

Recent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw’s need for a kidney.
* The Mueller family
* Alicia’s mother
* Meghan Bartner
* Zachary Mueller
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Marilynn Norvell
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Prayer for the conversions of the lost, especially those in our community
* Praise to the Lord for our visitors
* Our church and need for revival

Julie’s Mission Trip

Julie leaves next week for her mission trip to San Diego. She will give us a brief update on this trip as part of Sunday morning’s worship service. You may still contribute financially, if you so desire, by writing a check to Bethesda Baptist and note that it is for “Julie’s Trip”.

Congratulations to…

Alicia Mueller, celebrating a birthday on Friday, May 23 and Nick Brandel, celebrating a birthday on Sunday, May 25. . Happy Birthday to each of you!

Also, congratulations to Rachelle Brandel who graduated from UMSL with a Bachelor of Arts in English and in Modern Languages (Japanese). Well done,

Rachelle!

Coming Sunday…

We continue our look at the salutation to the Epistle to the Romans as we examine “The Person of the Gospel” from Romans 1:3-4.

Church Directory Updates & Corrections

Pam DePriest’s e-mail address is pdepries@att.net .

If you have corrections or updates, please send a note to the pastor. We will issue a new directory later this year.

Spurgeon Speaks

“Notice, Brothers and Sisters, how reverent the Apostles were to Holy Scriptures. They had no doubt about its Inspiration! They quoted the Old Testament and delighted to make it a kind of basis for the New Testament…”

Sermon Seconds

My sermon yesterday was on the promise of the gospel of God, focusing on verse 2 of Romans chapter 1. Obviously, the key phrase in the verse is “he promised beforehand”. These 3 English words translate one word in the original which comes from the word: proepaggellomai. This word is found only here and in 2 Corinthians 9:5. It is a compound word actually composed of 3 words.

* aggellomai – to proclaim (aggelos is one who proclaims a message; this is the Greek word for “angel”)
* epi – “upon”; “to proclaim upon” (epaggelomai) is to make a promise.
* pro – “before”

So, in the case of the gospel of God, it is the promise of God made long before Christ came to fulfill the Gospel.

Pastor’s Postscript

While our numbers were very low yesterday, I thought our worship together was quite uplifting and certainly glorified God. Aren’t you glad Jesus told us it only takes 2 gathered in His name for Him to be present and not 200?!

For some I know this has been a challenging week. In such times it is critical you lean upon God and not trust your own judgment. Search His Word and open your heart and mind to His direction. May God grant you wisdom and may you trust Him more and more each passing day.

God has called me to be your pastor and has guided the church to elect 4 men to serve as your deacons. If at any time we may be of assistance, please give us a call.

May the Lord bless Bethesda Baptist!

Pastor Bruce

May 12, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA, A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church

LADIES TEA PARTY!

LADIES, you are invited to a Ladies Tea at the church on Saturday, May 24 beginning at 2 p.m. Please invite your mothers, daughters, sisters, neighbors, friends to join you at this event. All ladies are welcome but, for obvious reasons, we need a very accurate head count. Please sign the signup sheet in the foyer during the coming week and/or contact Debbie Walker and let her know how many will be attending. This event is for all adult ladies. No child care will be provided.

Upcoming Activities

1. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
2. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training (“The Names of God”), Sunday, 5 p.m.

“Not what we must do but what God in Christ has done for us is the most prominent part of the good news.”
William Hendriksen

Julie’s Mission Trip

Julie leaves for her mission trip to San Diego in two weeks. If you wish to contribute, please write your check to Bethesda Baptist and note that it is for “Julie’s Trip”. By the way, Julie will personally provide us with information on her upcoming trip during our worship service on May 25.

The Bethesda Academy

The Academy will resume on Monday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. as we begin a study of the book of Revelation. Mark your calendars and plan on attending.

Recent Prayer Requests

Congratulations to…

Meghan Bartner, celebrating a birthday on Friday, May 16. Happy Birthday, Meghan!

LADIES Book Study

This Ladies will meet for their final session in their current study this Tuesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss it, Ladies!

Coming Sunday…

We continue our look at the salutation to the Epistle to the Romans as we examine “The Promise of the Gospel” from Romans 1:2.

Spurgeon Speaks

“I do not think that we are called to have anything to do with party politics, or social problems, or any such questions—we are set apart for this purpose—‘separated unto the Gospel of God.’ There are plenty of people who can attend to those things better than we can. If we mind our own business, or rather, if we mind our Master’s business, we who are ministers will have quite enough to do.”

Sermon Seconds

Yesterday’s text, Romans 1:1, is only 10 words in the original. They easily divide into the 4 facets I presented in my message on the preacher of the Gospel. “Paul” presents the human identity of the preacher who wrote the letter and, with the mention of his name, one immediately reflects on his
reputation both before and after his conversion. “a servant of Christ Jesus” points to his rank as a preacher. He is a servant or slave of His master, Jesus Christ. “called to be an apostle” delineates his responsibility as the preacher. God has called him to the office of Apostle, the authoritative representative and messenger of Christ. Finally, “set apart for the gospel of God” reveals his
role as the preacher. He has been set apart for one specific task: the good news of God, namely, the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The phrase “set apart” translates one word which means “appointed”. The word is in what is known as the perfect tense in Greek. Paul has been set apart; it is a completed action. Yet this action has results which continue into the future. I see in this phrase (along with Galatians 1:15) Paul’s
understanding that his appointment is from God’s eternal plan.

The phrase also has what is known in Greek as the passive voice. Paul was set apart; he did not doing the “setting”. Rather, it was done to him. Clearly Paul is referring to God’s actions. Paul was not seeking God or Christ. He was not seeking to be an officer in the church of God. But God had different plans for him. As a result, we are the benefactors of a great blessing: the possession of the book of Romans written by this Apostle for Christ!

Pastor’s Postscript

I trust all the mothers had a great Mother’s Day. You are well deserving of our honor and recognition for all you have done over the years for us and for the children. May God richly bless you ladies in the years to come for your faithfulness to Him!
And may God bless Bethesda Baptist Church as we continue our mission to magnify and glorify the name of Jesus Christ throughout our community and to wherever the Lord sends us!

Have a wonderful week!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

May 5, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church
May 5, 2014

LADIES Book Study

Ladies, you have two more sessions in your book study. Plan on being there this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
3. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
4. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
5. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
6. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
7. NO Discipleship Training this Sunday.

Julie’s Mission Trip

Julie is about to leave on her 10 week mission trip to San Diego. If you wish to contribute, please write your check to Bethesda Baptist and note that it is for “Julie’s Trip”.

The Bethesda Academy

This evening at 6:30 p.m. we begin our final three nights of our study of “future events” in the Academy. We start a very high overview of the prophecy recorded by the Apostle John in the book of Revelation and compare it with our observations concerning the future we have made from other books. Join us tonight (Monday) and be a part of our group.

Recent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw and her family in the death of her mother. Also Cynthia’s need for a kidney.
* Elijah Mueller
* Alicia’s mother
* Meghan Bartner
* Zachary Mueller
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Marilynn Norvell
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Prayer for the conversions of the lost, especially those in our community
* Praise to the Lord for our visitors
* Our church and need for revival

Congratulations to…
Jon and Kate Bounds celebrating a wedding anniversary on Sunday, May 11. Happy Anniversary!

“When peace like a river attendeth my way.
When sorrows like sea billows roll.
Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’”
Horatio G. Spafford

Coming Sunday…

“The Preacher of the Gospel” from Romans 1:1 is our text for this coming Sunday as we begin a new
adventure in the Scriptures. This journey will last for some time, nevertheless, we will see many interesting (and important) truths along the way.

Sermon Seconds

One interesting thought on yesterday’s text is Paul’s use of the word “all”. Remember, in the context of this 3rd chapter of 2 Thessalonians, Paul has dealt firmly with those who have ceased working and, instead, are “sponging” off the church. In chapter 2 he had to correct some false teaching on the 2nd coming. In other words, there were some “problem children” among the members of the Thessalonian church.Yet, in his closing prayer, Paul omits no one from his request, not even those with whom he has corrected in this letter.

* Verse 16 teaches the Lord gives us peace at ALL times.
* Also, He gives us peace in EVERY (the word “all” in the Greek) way.
* Then, Paul requests the Lord be with you ALL (yes, even the disobedient members).
* Even in verse 17, Paul notes that his signature (sign) is the same in EVERY (again the word “all”) letter.
* Finally, in verse 18, Paul requests grace be with you ALL

Five “alls” in 3 verses: I think Paul has made his point! I don’t know about you, but I am glad that he uses “all” and that “all” includes me! Does “all” include you? Do you know Jesus Christ? Have you professed Him as Lord?

Spurgeon Speaks

Charles Haddon Spurgeon is considered the greatest English speaking Baptist pastor in history. He pastured the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London for almost 4 decades in the 19th century. The building would hold 7000 folks every Sunday to hear him preach the Gospel. Here are two quotes from Spurgeon I read this week while preparing to preach on 2 Thessalonians 3. I didn’t use them in my sermon but thought you might enjoy them.

“Numbers of professors are very fretful, excitable, agitated, hasty and fickle. It should not be so, Brothers and Sisters—you ought to have more weight about you, more Grace, more solidity. Your soul’s affairs are all right, are they not? All is right forever—everything is signed, sealed, and delivered—the Covenant is ordered in all things and sure, and everything is in Divine hands for our good. Well, then, why not let us be as happy as the angels are?”

“So whenever a Providence puzzles you, take it as a sign that the Lord does not mean you to understand it—and be content to take it upon faith. When curiosity and other restless things are gone, peace is enjoyed.”

Pastor’s Postscript

Since this edition is almost full, let me say I will pray for you this week that the Lord of peace may give you peace at all times and in every way! May you truly be blessed this week!

April 28, 2014

Stirrings at Bethesda

Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church
April 28, 2014

Julie’s Mission Trip

You still have time to financially contribute to support Julie’s 10 week mission trip to San Diego. She will be leaving in a month or so. Even if you cannot give, please pray for her and the team.

LADIES Book Study

Three more weeks remaining in the Ladies Book Study. You meet again this Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Activities

1. Bethesda Academy, Monday, 6:30 p.m.
2. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
3. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
4. Bethesda Men Breakfast & Book Study, Saturday, 8 a.m.
5. Church Council meeting, Saturday, 9 a.m.
6. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
7. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
8. Discipleship Training, Sunday, 5 p.m.

The Bethesda Academy

Tonight (Monday) we complete our review of the Gospels concerning future events. Our next stop will be the book of Revelation where we will conduct an overview of the end of time. Plenty of time to join us for the remainder of this study. We meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

Recent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw and her family in the death of her mother. Also Cynthia’s need for a kidney.
* Elijah Mueller
* Alicia’s mother
* Meghan Bartner
* Zachary Mueller
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Marilynn Norvell
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Prayer for the conversions of the lost, especially those in our community
* Praise to the Lord for our visitors
* Our church and need for revival

Congratulations to…

Tom Wildgrube celebrates a birthday on Saturday, May 3. Happy Birthday!

“Exemplary conduct serves as a constant reprimand to wrong doers and is an incentive for them to turn from their delinquency.”
Robert Thomas

Coming Sunday…

“Peace and Grace” from 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 will close out our exposition of Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians.

Sermon Seconds

The 3 verses we examined yesterday are interesting from a number of points of view. One of those has to do with the vocabulary the Apostle uses. In verse 13, Paul instructs us not to weary doing good. The words “doing good” comes from a compound Greek word, kalopoieo, and is used only in this verse by any New Testament writer.

In verse 14, we are told to “take note” of any believer who is disobedient. The phrase translates a single word, semeioo, which was used to describe signing for a formal notice. Like kalopoieo, it is also only used here in Scripture. The noun form of the word, semeion, is often translated “sign”. In fact the word is used repeatedly by John in his Gospel to describe the signs of Jesus. John saw the Lord’s miracles not from the perspective of their power or from wonder but as a pointer to the worker of the miracle, namely Jesus. These signs “marked” Him as the Incarnate God.

Also in verse 14 Paul tells us that after we take note of the disobedient we are to “have nothing to do” with him. Once again this phrase is the translation of one Greek word, sunanamignumi. This word is a combination of three Greek words:

* sun = “together with”
* ana = “again, up”
* mignumi = “to mix, mingle”

So the compound word means “to mix up together with”. We might worship together with the disobedient but we are not to get mixed up together with them. In other words, avoid close and intimate associations with those who are living in disobedience to God.

Pastor’s Postscript

This Sunday marks the conclusion of our exposition of the Thessalonian correspondence. These 2 letters mark some of the Apostle Paul’s earliest writings and some of the earliest books forming what we know as the New Testament. There is much within the two books we have not looked at but one can never fully examine all of Scripture. God’s Word is infinite in its depth, as deep as the knowledge of God Himself. We have merely “touched the hem of the garment” with our messages over these two books. So much more awaits our examination and the illumination of the Holy Spirit. For now, though, we move on to other texts given to us by God.

May Christ bless each of us as we strive to learn more of Him from His Word. and may He bless each of you this week.

April 20, 2014

April 21, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA

A Weekly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church

April 21, 2014

Julie’s Mission Trip

Julie’s 10 week mission trip to San Diego is just about a month away. Please keep her and the team in prayer. If you wish to contribute financially towards this trip, simply write a check made out to the church with a note that indicates it is for “Julie’s Trip”.

North American Missions

This Sunday will be your last opportunity to give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions. We have met our goal of $1200 but you may still give if the Lord so impresses you to do so.

LADIES Book Study

The Ladies will meet again tomorrow (Tuesday) evening at 6:30 p.m. Come out and join the fellowship and study time!

Upcoming Activities

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

“He is not here. He has Risen!”

The Bethesda Academy

The Academy has 5 more Monday meetings including this evening. Come out and join us as we consider what the Bible says on future events. We begin at 6:30 p.m.

Recent Prayer Requests

* Cynthia Wordlaw and her family in the death of her mother. Also Cynthia’s need for a kidney.
* Elijah Mueller
* Alicia’s mother
* Meghan Bartner
* Zachary Mueller
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Marilynn Norvell
* Debbie, recovering from foot surgery
* Prayer for the conversions of the lost, especially those in our community
* Prayer for those involved in North American missions.
* Praise to the Lord for our visitors
* Our church and need for revival

Congratulations to…

* Karla Repperger celebrating a birthday on Wednesday, April 23. Happy Birthday!

Coming Sunday…

“Final Exhortations” from 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 plus we will observe the Lord’s Supper.

“He (Ben-Hur) persisted, as men do yet today in measuring the Christ by himself. How much better if we measured ourselves by the Christ.”
Lew Wallace

Good Friday and Easter Services

Thank you to everyone who participated in our weekend services. Both our Good Friday and Easter services were well attended.

I want to publically thank several individuals for their service:

* Bill Savage for his wonderful message on Friday.
* Audrey for playing and for her special music in both services.
* Dennis for leading our singing in both services.
* Jeff for his work in the sound room both days and to Alicia for her help in the morning service.
* Steve, Jon, Christy, Debbie, and Dennis for reading the Scripture on Friday night.
* Our band for leading us in worship with song during the Easter service.
* Sandy for volunteering to read even though she then could not attend on Friday.
* And to those who worked the nursery yesterday morning. I’m not 100% certain who was in there (though I think Tom was one of them!).

How wonderful it is to see God’s people willing to serve Him!

A new Discipleship Training class begins this Sunday at 5 p.m. Why don’t you plan on coming out and joining us for study and fellowship?

Pastor’s Postscript

We praise God for leading Bobby Henson to our church. On Friday evening, Bobby asked to join our church! He is reading through our Constitution and Statement of Faith and then I will sit down and chat with him. He professes knowing Christ as His Lord and has been baptized. If you haven’t already done so, make sure you welcome him to our church.

I have two more messages from 2 Thessalonians to share with you over the next couple of weeks. Then we will prepare for a longer study of another book. Since coming to Bethesda first as an interim pastor and then as your pastor, we have traveled together through 5 of the 66 books of the Bible (Colossians, Ruth, John, 1 & 2 Thessalonians). I am so grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to preach through His Word and intend to continue doing so until I am no longer physically able to do so (and that includes being called home to glory!). I truly believe preaching through books is the best method for proclaiming the Gospel. Such a procedure forces me to address matters I might ignore with another approach. Furthermore, this form of expository preaching keeps us in the context of the author’s writing. We can’t simply pull a verse out of the Word and then say what we want. May our Lord continue to bless our Scriptural journey!

And may Christ overwhelm you with blessings this week! He and He alone is worthy of our praise!