Urgent Prayer Requests
* Pete Koelling, health concerns and special request for prayer.
* Test results for Jimmy’s knee.
* Brida’s daughter-in-law, Dawn
* Glenda Averett, stress test
* Special prayer for Zachary
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Health of Cynthia’s mother and mother-in-law
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Sandy & Rachelle, working many hours (plus Rachelle is under the weather)
* Julie at Mizzou plus problems with ex-boyfriend.
* Dan, health concerns
* Mueller family, illness plus Alicia’s pregnancy
* Marilynn Norvell
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home
* Mark & Julie Johnson and the situation with their Illinois home
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Operation Christmas Child Packing Party,
Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the Walkers
2. Ladies Book Study, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
3. Bible Study (Brief Books) and 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. Discipleship Training (Elisha), Sunday,
5 p.m.
“… happy is the church family in which pastors and people recognize that God calls different believers to different ministries, exercise their own ministries with diligence and humility, and give to others the respect and love which their God appointed labour demands! They will live in peace with each other.”
John R. W. Stott
Operation Christmas Child
The Packing Party is this evening (Monday) beginning at 6:30 p.m. The party will be at the Walkers (233 Cole Blvd.; St. Charles).
Call the pastor if you need directions (636-233-0645).
Sermon Extras
1. It is interesting how the various translators render the second description of the leader in verse 12. Here are just a few:
ESV: “and are over you in the Lord”
KJV: “and are over you in the Lord”
NAS: “and have charge over you in the
Lord”
NIV: “who care for you in the Lord”
HCSB: “and lead you in the Lord”
AMP: “your leaders who are over you in
the Lord”
In the message yesterday, I mentioned the original word behind these translations meant (1) “rule over” as a government office (church government does include the office of pastor) and (2) to care for, have sincere interest in the welfare of those who are ruled.
When you look at these 6 translations, the NAS clearly emphasizes the government perspective. However, the NIV emphasizes the watch care element. The other translations are not as precise, leaving the door open for either definition.
In reality, there is always an element of “ruling” (authority) when it comes to leadership. I believe Paul is teaching us that the pastor is the God-ordained authoritative leader of a local congregation and that he is to lead in a sincere, caring way.
2. Notice also that Paul strictly limits the domain of the pastor’s “rule”. He writes, “and are over YOU IN THE LORD”. First, “you” implies the pastor’s rule is applicable only to “brothers”, fellow Christians and, I believe, Christians of a specific local flock. Second, “in the Lord” clearly specifies the extent of the pastor’s rule. His authority is valid only within the sphere of the Lord, in other words, in matters taught in God’s Word.
“Such ruling (that of a pastor) is not with an iron hand but with a humble heart.”
Nominating Committee
The function of our church Nominating Committee is to seek out the Lord’s will for the coming year in terms of the various offices we have in our church and who should fill these positions. The function of the church membership (that’s you and me) is to seek the Lord’s will as to which positions we could best serve the Lord in through our church next year.
Therefore, if you believe you know the specific ministry (or ministries) in which the Lord would have you serve in 2014, contact the Nominating Committee (Sandy Brandel and Debbie Walker) and let them know. If you are uncertain as to your 2014 role in our church then consider the position mentioned to you by the Committee if they contact you.
The New Testament knows nothing of an inactive Christian/church member except to correct them concerning their idleness. Join with the other members of Bethesda in preparing to step in and serve the Lord through our church in 2014!
“Those who have weak faith need to know there are brothers who will cleave to them during spiritually tough times.”
Pastor’s Postscripts
The holiday season is, once again, knocking at our door. Thanksgiving is only 3+ weeks away. In fact, our Thanksgiving potluck fellowship is 2 weeks from next Sunday (November 24)!
This year Christmas is separated from Thanksgiving by the fewest number of days possible (27, I believe). About the time you manage to digest your turkey it will be time to celebrate the birth of our Lord! So, just a couple of “heads up” concerning December this year.
We will have a Christmas party (not program) on Saturday, December 21. Please update your calendar and reserve the date. Specifics, including time, will follow. We do plan on caroling as part of this fellowship.
We will also have a Christmas Eve service again this year on December 24 (a good date for one since it is Christmas Eve!). Again, mark your calendar and plan on attending. It will be a brief service but hopefully an uplifting one.
I do pray our gracious God gives each of you a wonderful week!