Urgent Prayer Requests
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Pete & Brenda, grieving over loss of her father; their health
* Dan, health concerns
* Mueller family, Alicia’s pregnancy & Jeff’s need for work
* Marilynn Norvell
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis and Pam on their upcoming trip to Texas
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home
* Mark & Julie Johnson and the situation with their Illinois home
* Julie away at school at Mizzou
* Our church and need for revival
Upcoming Activities
1. Bible Study (Brief Books) & Prayer
Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday school, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. NO Discipleship Training this Sunday!
5. LABOR DAY, Monday
And Old Quote But Still Applicable
“There has been times, brethren, in the history of the church of God, when they that believed ‘continued steadfastly’ in attendance on her instructions and her prayers; whereas now it often happens that, out of perhaps a hundred disciples, scarcely a dozen can be mustered to a weekly prayer meeting or lecture, or a monthly missionary concert.”
John Lillie (1860)
Deacon Elections
This Sunday is your final opportunity to nominate one or more men for the position of deacon in our church. If you wish to nominate someone, write the name of your nominee(s) on a piece of paper (or nomination form), sign your paper, and give it to one of the deacons or the pastor.
Sermon Extras
1. 1 Thessalonians 3:10 begins “as we pray most earnestly night and day”. Literally the verse begins “night and day earnestly imploring”. I referred to the word “earnestly” yesterday in the sermon. It is formed from an adverb (perissou) meaning “abound”, prefixing a preposition (ek) meaning “out of”, and then prefixing another preposition (huper) meaning “over” (in English huper is “hyper”). That gives you some idea as to the sincerity Paul put in his pleading to God to be able to visit the Thessalonians. He pleaded “overly out of abundance” to be able to see the Thessalonians again. He leaves no doubt as to how much he loves them!
2. Verse 6 begins “But now” describing the arrival of Timothy and his report. Verse 8 begins “For now” describing the “jolt in the arm” Paul received from the report. Interestingly, Paul uses two different words in these verses translated “now”. Greek scholars claim the two words were pretty much used interchangeably by the 1st century. The “now” in verse 6, though, sometimes carried the idea of “immediately” (“at this time”). I believe Paul used this specific word (arti) in this verse to indicate Timothy had just arrived, promptly the writing of this letter. Good news demanded a quick reply, hence, 1 Thessalonians. Maybe there is a lesson here for us. When we receive good news, let us respond promptly with thanksgiving and encouragement.
3. Verse 8, one of my favorites in the book, literally reads “because now we live if you are standing firm in the Lord”. A couple of observations on this text:
(1) The word “live” is the verb “zao” which often refers to spiritual life, the highest form of living. Knowledge that the Thessalonians are standing firmly in the faith has really encouraged and excited his soul.
(2) At first glance, the “if” in the sentence appears to raise some doubt. However, for those interested in Greek, the construction of the sentence is known as a 1st class conditional sentence. This simply means the “if” is actually a reality. That’s why some translators (e.g., NIV) translate the “if” as “since”. Paul is saying he now lives because he has heard that, yes, the Thessalonians are standing firmly in the faith!
“… in these two words he comprehends briefly the entire sum of true piety. Hence all that aim at this twofold mark during their whole life are beyond all risk of erring; all others, however much they may torture themselves, wander miserably.”
John Calvin (on the words “faith and love”)
Statement of Faith
Bethesda’s statement of faith is “The 1963 Baptist Faith and Message” and may be read at http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfmcomparison.asp.
Here is article 16:
XVI. Peace and War
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love.
Pastor’s Postscripts
Thank you to the unknown gift giver for the “giraffe” paperweight! It is now comfortably resting on my desk at home.
See you next Sunday! Don’t forget your Bible!