STIRRINGS at BETHESDA, the weekly newsletter of Bethesda Baptist Church

January 13, 2014

THANK YOU!

Brenda Koelling thanks the entire church family for all their prayers, encouragement, and support this past week in the loss of her husband. Special thanks are extended to all who helped with the funeral services and the subsequent family dinner.

As your pastor, I also wish to thank the many folks involved this VERY busy weekend. The funeral service and the baptism included a family dinner and a church fellowship. I want to personally and publically thank those who helped out in one or more ways this past weekend.

* ALL those who contributed food for the Saturday dinner.
* Christi Bartner, Julie Brandel, Rachelle Brandel, Sandy Brandel, Christy Diamond, Karla Repperger, Debbie Walker for serving the food as well as for cleanup activities.
* Jon Bounds, Rich Norvell, and Bob Bobbitt for their work in cleaning, filling, and efforts to repair the baptistry.
* Steve Brook and Tom Wildgrube for hauling hot water to the baptistry.
* Jeff Mueller for running the sound during Saturday services.
* Jimmy Bartner and David Diamond for helping move furniture and aiding in the cleanup as well as other items.
* The Brook family for providing the food for the Sunday fellowship.
* Nolan Brook for being a “trooper”, braving the cold waters of baptism and for allowing me to have the honor of baptizing him!

Please forgive me if I have omitted anyone!

Recent Prayer Requests

* The Koelling family in their time of grief
* Meghan Bartner
* Jon Bounds, lost his voice
* Sali Standley, ill for several weeks
* Special prayer for Zachary
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Marilynn Norvell
* Debbie Walker, pending foot surgery
* Steve Brook and meeting with ordination council
* Brother Carl Schaefer, preaching next Sunday
* Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

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

January Bible Study

Dennis began our January Bible Study on the book of Colossians last Sunday evening. Join us this coming Sunday at 5 p.m. for this interesting look at the Word of God.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19

Sermon Extras

Since my sermon yesterday was on the ordinance of baptism, I thought it might be of value simply to provide my sermon outline and briefly comment on each point.

I. Baptism has a Prerequisite.
When we read the Bible, it becomes clear the teaching of Christ and others on baptism plus the actual examples of the ordinance reveal that only believers in Christ are to be baptized. It is a Believer’s Baptism we practice, not infant baptism.

II. Baptism has a Procedure.
The word itself, the examples in Scripture, and the symbolism contained in baptism demands that it be practiced by immersing the candidate into water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

III. Baptism has a Purpose.
Baptism does NOT save an individual. The Bible does not teach what some call “baptismal regeneration”. You must first be regenerated then baptized. Baptism demonstrates our unity to Christ in following His example. Baptism provides a picture of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism also testifies of our own death to sin, burial of the old man, and our resurrection to walk in newness of life.

IV. Baptism is Prescribed.
Baptism does not save but it is also not optional. Christ commanded it and his followers commanded it. Of all the spiritual disciplines listed in Scripture leading to spiritual maturity, the first discipline to be practiced by the follower of Christ is believer’s baptism by immersion.

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism…”
Romans 6:4

“Baptism is NOT required for salvation but baptism IS required for discipleship. From the teaching of the New Testament, you can not call yourself a disciple of Christ apart from being baptized.”

Pastor’s Postscripts

This pastor sincerely appreciates everyone’s encouragement and help this past weekend. So many things had to come together correctly for both the funeral and the baptism to go smoothly and the people of Bethesda rose to the occasion! While I expressed on the front page thanks for all you did, once again I want to say “Thank You”. I am blessed to have each of you as a member of our congregation and I do thank God for you every day!

Debbie and I will be away next Sunday morning (possibly evening as well). If the weather permits, we plan on visiting my sister in northwest Indiana over the weekend. It’s been a couple of years since we have made the trip and are looking forward to it.

In my absence, brother Carl Schaefer will fill the pulpit next Sunday morning. Brother Carl was the pastor of Bethesda Baptist during the 1990s and often preaches at area churches when the need arises. I’m sure you will welcome Carl and pray for him as he strives to proclaim the Word of the Lord!

One last time, thanks to everyone for your help! May the Lord richly bless each of you during the coming week.

January 6, 2014

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA

The weekly newsletter of Bethesda Baptist Church

January 6, 2014

Brother Pete Koelling

Brother Pete passed away yesterday morning (Sunday, January 5) around 11:15 a.m. He is now rejoicing in the presence of his Lord.

Please remember to pray for Brenda and the family especially during this coming week.

Recent Prayer Requests

* The Koelling family in their time of grief
* Special prayer for Zachary
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Marilynn Norvell
* Debbie Walker, ill
* Steve Brook and meeting with ordination council
* Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m including observance of the ordinance of believer’s baptism.
4. Discipleship Training, January Bible Study, Sunday, 5 p.m.

January Bible Study this Sunday evening at 5 p.m.

BAPTISM FELLOWSHIP

Immediately following the worship service this Sunday, the Brook family invites you to join in the celebration of Nolan’s baptism. Sandwiches, pizza and drinks will be provided. Please plan on attending if you are able.

Pastor’s Postscripts

2014 has arrived and it brought us more snow than we could handle! Since we had no service yesterday, our newsletter will be somewhat abbreviated this morning.

January Bible study will begin this Sunday evening so you have not missed anything to date. Mark your calendars for 5 p.m.

Wednesday evening, January 8, is actually our monthly business meeting. There is more snow in the forecast but we’ll see how things go. I encourage you to be present as we discuss the business facing the church.

When details are available concerning the services for brother Pete, I will send out the information via e-mail and Facebook. We will also contact by phone those families who do not access the internet in order to provide them with the information.

May the Lord bless you this week.

December 23, 2013

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Recent Prayer Requests

* Pete Koelling, health concerns
* Brenda Koelling, relationship with her daughters plus their salvation
* Special prayer for Zachary
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Marilynn Norvell
* Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
* Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Christmas Eve service, Tuesday, 6 p.m.
2. NO Wednesday service
3. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
including the Lord’s Supper
5. NO Discipleship Training
6. 5th Sunday Q & A Fellowship, Sunday,
6 p.m.

Christmas Eve Worship

Come join us tomorrow (Tuesday) evening for a brief worship service celebrating the birth of our Lord. We’ll begin at 6 p.m., sing a few Christmas carols, and read the Word of God before heading to our homes in preparation for Christmas Day!

Gabriel’s Message
(Christmas 2013)

To Nazareth the angel came
Sent from heaven above
Gabriel was the servant’s name
His message was God’s love.

Young Mary was the recipient
Jesus the Heavenly Word
Blessing from God on her was sent
Most favored by the Lord.

The angel spoke, the young girl heard,
“Mary, God gives you grace”
Troubled by the messenger’s word
Her mind began to race

She thought “What does this word imply?”
Her mind could not perceive.
“Fear not”, the angel did reply
Her troubles to relieve.

“For you are the chosen of god
To bring forth His own Son
The Highest’s son will He be called.
He will be the great one.”

Then Mary said, “May it be thus
His will with me be done.”
So the Savior was sent for us
Jesus born, Christmas begun.

Bruce D. Walker

Sermon Extras

Most people are familiar with the King James translation of the Luke passage. In verse 6, the KJV reads “while they were there, the days were accomplished …”. I really like that rendering more than the ESV which reads “while they were there, the time came…”. The word behind “accomplished/came” is a word meaning “to fill or to end”. It is related to the word “fullness” in Galatians 4:4. God had a specific time for the birth of His Son and that time had come. God’s plan was fulfilled and Mary gave birth.

Actually, this is true of the birth of every person. God has set the time of that birth (see Ecclesiastes 3) and, when His time has been fulfilled (when “the days were accomplished”).

Questions to ponder: (1) Do you ever reflect upon the hand of God in your daily affairs? (2) When the Lord commands (via His Word or via His appointed ministers, e.g., “rulers”), are you prompt to obey? (3) Is your celebration of Christmas centered on the Christ of Christmas?

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…”
Galatians 4:4

Pastor’s Postscripts

A couple of people have asked me where we are going relative to the Sunday morning messages. Having completed 1 Thessalonians and messages celebrating the Christmas season, what is next on the “sermon calendar”?

Well, I am open to any suggestions from the Lord but I still believe He wants us to continue the Thessalonian correspondence by turning our attention to 2 Thessalonians next. However, I do not plan on beginning that brief letter until the third Sunday of January.

That leaves the intervening three Sundays. Reflecting on my time here as your pastor, I recall preaching on the two ordinances of the church only three times: twice on the Lord’s Supper (last in 2011) and once on baptism. Since we are observing the Lord’s Supper this coming Sunday morning, the message will focus on that ordinance. And, since our present plans are to observe the ordinance of baptism on January 12 with the baptism of Nolan Brook, the message that morning will focus on baptism.

On January 5 I’ll present a message summarizing the 5th Psalm. When we began our exposition of John’s Gospel, my goal was to intersperse “chapter messages” from the Psalms at various breaks in the text. I was able to share with you on the first four Psalms but the “break points” in the Gospel were few in number and did not offer us the opportunity to look at other Psalms. So, our first Sunday in January will take us back to the Psalms.

That’s my plan. But, of course, the Lord is the One who has the final say. Whatever He decides will be the best for our church.

As I close the column this week, Debbie and I want to wish a very Merry Christmas to each of you! May the Lord pour out His blessings upon you especially at this time of year.

December 16, 2013

Recent Prayer Requests

* Sali Standley, illness
* Pete Koelling, health concerns
* Brenda Koelling, relationship with her daughters plus their salvation
* Brida’s daughter-in-law, Dawn
* Special prayer for Zachary
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Marilynn Norvell
* Gene Schulze
* Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
* Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Open House at the Walkers, Tuesday,
6-9 p.m.
2. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting,
Wednesday, 7 p.m.
3. Christmas Party, Saturday, 5 p.m.
4. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. NO Discipleship Training.

Open House

You are invited to drop in for a few minutes or a few hours at Bruce and Debbie Walker’s home tomorrow (Tuesday) evening between 6 and 9 p.m. Bring some snack foods to share. Your children are also welcome.

The Walkers live at 233 Cole Blvd. in St. Charles. If you need directions, please call the pastor (233-0645). We do have stairs as well as a dog and two cats!

Christmas Party

PARTY TIME! This Saturday evening, church members will gather in our fellowship hall at 5 p.m. to celebrate the birth of the Savior. We encourage you to come and join the fun and fellowship. Bring a snack food and spend some time with your brothers and sisters. We’ll eat, talk, share, and play games. We’ll close out the evening with some Christmas caroling.

Come out and join us!

Christmas Worship

Our Sunday morning service will focus on the birth of the Lord which we celebrate next week. Join us at 10:30 a.m. for worship.

Also, on Tuesday evening, we will spend 30-45 minutes singing praises to God and sharing His Word as we reflect on the birth of the Savior in our Christmas Eve service. This service begins at 6 p.m.

“… describing a king as righteous meant that he would not only execute justice, govern faithfully, and live with integrity, but also deliver the oppressed and generously support the weak and the poor.”
James Montgomery Boice

Sermon Extras

1. Zechariah 9:9 begins with the word “Rejoice”, “gili” in the original. The definition of the word alone provides great insight into the opening of this verse. First, it is a commandment from the prophet. Not only should we rejoice because our king is coming (in our case, has come and is coming again), but we are ordered to do so. Second, the word means to “leap for joy” and often describes the leaping and palpitation of one’s heart. Certainly no Christian who understands the first coming of Christ and its impact on their life should have any difficulty rejoicing in what Christ has accomplished in their behalf. Furthermore, what true believer does not rejoice over the knowledge that our King is returning as the VICTOR!

2. Most translations read “Behold, your king is coming”. Note how Zechariah draws emphasis on this coming king. The word “behold” (“hinneh” in the Hebrew) is an interjection. It may also be translated “Lo!” The purpose of the word is to act like a pointing finger. Zechariah is pointing his finger at the coming king and calling our attention to his approaching form.

Doesn’t that remind you of John 1:29? “The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” May you and me “point our fingers” at Jesus for those who do not know Him as their King!

Questions to ponder: (1) Can you list some of Christ’s accomplishments on your behalf? (2) Are you rejoicing in the fact that He has come and that He is coming back? Or do you never even think about His comings? (3) Is Jesus your King? If so, are you an obedient servant in His Kingdom?

Pastor’s Postscripts

Let all the people say “Amen!” first for the work of God in the life of young Nolan Brook! Having talked with him on a number of occasions and knowing his parents have shared with him consistently for well over a year, I firmly believe the Lord has saved this young man. Also, let us rejoice further that the Lord has convinced Nolan of his need to be baptized and given him the desire to do so. Baptism is the first act of obedience for any disciple of Jesus. As you heard from Nolan’s own lips yesterday, he wants to be baptized to show the church he has been saved! Amen! We will celebrate Nolan’s baptism soon.

If your family is like ours, it seems every day during the Christmas season brings something else to do. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook the true purpose for our celebration. The birth of Jesus, not the “coming of Santa”, is the true meaning for Christmas. I encourage you to join us on Christmas Eve as we worship our Lord in conjunction with the celebration of His birth.

I pray the Lord grant you a wonderful week and, if He hasn’t done so already, turn your heart to Christ so that Jesus dominates your thoughts, your words, and your actions especially at this time of year!

“Our king triumphs through suffering. His crown springs out of his cross.”
Johann Peter Lange