Posted on

March 30, 2016

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Monthly Publication of

Bethesda Baptist Church

March 30, 2016

 

Game Night Fellowship

Friendly Christian competition begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 at the church. It’s our Game Night Fellowship!  Attendees are asked to bring a finger food or a snack plus a drink.

Ladies Tea

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 30th, ladies.  The annual Ladies Tea will begin at 2 p.m. More information will follow later.

BUSINESS MEETING
Wednesday, April 13th, 7 p.m.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY… !

Happy Birthday to the following Bethesda family members:

* Jimmy Bartner on the 11th
* Karla Repperger on the 23rd
* Christi Bartner on the 26th
* Cynthia Wordlaw on the 29th

and Happy Anniversary to:

* Bruce & Debbie Walker on the 20th
Ladies Book Study

Pam DePriest leads another Ladies Book Study beginning on Tuesday evening, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. The ladies will meet each Tuesday evening into May with a brand new study on the book of Nehemiah. If you wish to participate, either sign up on the sheet in the church foyer or inform Pam of your intention.

The Luther Monthly

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”  Attributed to Martin Luther

Pastor’s Postscript

Spring is here and everywhere we look we see rebirth! The leaves are coming out, the flowers are blooming, and my lawn needs mowing.

April promises to be rebirth at Bethesda as well. One Saturday features friendly competition at our Game Night Fellowship.  Another Saturday has the Ladies Tea. And the spring book study for the Ladies begins in only 2 weeks!

Also, we draw very close to the end of our exposition through the book of Romans meaning we will begin a new book in less than 2 months. Our weekly Bible reading from the book of Acts also finishes soon and that spells new readings from a new book. The adult Sunday school class completes its study of parables this month as well and a new study will begin in there.

Yes, April marks a rebirth at Bethesda. If you are not part of all that is going on, why not plan on joining us in the coming weeks? The Game Night is April 9. The book study begins on the 12th. The ladies tea is on the 30th. And the other changes take place throughout the month.

If you are a member of our church, then be a member who is engaged with what the church is doing. Get involved! Use your gifts and abilities to serve Christ through our church.  There is so much we can do, so much we should do, so let’s get busy doing it!

May our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, richly

bless you this month!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com

Posted on

March 31, 2015

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA

A Monthly Publication of Bethesda Baptist Church

March 31, 2015
Upcoming Activities

* Good Friday Tenebrae Service.  This year marks our 3rd Good Friday worship service scheduled for April 3 at 6:30 p.m.  The service will last about an hour and will focus on the events of the day marking the death of our Lord.  Brother Gary Robnett, the former pastor of Highland View Baptist Church in St. Charles, will deliver the message.  You are encouraged to join us for this special time of worship.
* Resurrection Sunday (Easter) is this Sunday, April 5.  The message will be the final in a series on the “professions of Jesus Christ”.  We have already examined the Private Profession of Simon Peter and the Public Professions of the crowd.  On Sunday we look at the Angelic Profession based on Matthew 28.  While every Sunday is a reminder of our Lord’s victory over death, this Sunday is most special since it marks the anniversary of his resurrection.

* Election Day, is Tuesday, April 7.  Our church is a local polling place and will be busy on that day providing local citizens with an opportunity to vote.

* Business Meeting:  our monthly business meeting is Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m.  Each member is encouraged to attend and participate in the decision making process of our church.

* Ladies Book Study has already begun with an introductory meeting.  But the study begins its weekly sessions on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m.  It’s not too late to be a part of this time of study and fellowship.  If you failed to sign up but would like to participate, contact Pam DePriest as soon as possible and plan on being there on the 14th.

* Spring Clean Up is Saturday, April 18 beginning at 8 a.m.  We need volunteers for our church work day.  We want to do some landscaping, clean up around our property line and, yes, paint our fellowship hall!

* Ladies Tea is scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m.  Last year’s tea was well attended and everyone had a great time.  This year should be no different.  Mark your calendars.

“WHY do you seek the LIVING among the dead?  HE is NOT here, but has RISEN.”
Luke 24:5
The Luther Monthly

“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”
Martin Luther
.
Pastor’s Postscript

This Sunday is Easter.  Therefore I am making a personal request to each of you:  Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join you in worship at Bethesda!

Most “unchurched” (or uncommitted) individuals will usually make an effort to attend one or two services a year.  They likely choose Christmas, Mothers’ Day, and/or Easter.  So this Sunday provides a great opportunity for you to invite someone who rarely attends church.

Let’s face the truth for a moment.  Most small churches in America are holding their own or declining.  Lost people are highly unlikely to simply visit our church.  If they do go to a church they will select a large one where they may get lost in the big crowds.  We can NOT wait for those outside the church to seek us out.  We are commanded to take the Gospel to them.

I realize many believers are uncomfortable sharing their faith with others.  Some of Christ’s faithful struggle with this their entire life.  But this is what God has called us to do.  And, surely if you are unable to share the Gospel with those in your family, with your neighbors, or with your co-workers, you can at least invite them to church where they will hear the Gospel preached.

So take advantage of Easter this Sunday and reach out to those you know who do not attend church.  Ask them to go with you this one time to celebrate Easter.  If you can’t share your faith then at least share your time and bring them to our church this Sunday.

May the Lord bless our ministries at Bethesda and our efforts in sharing the Gospel with the lost in our community and around the world.

Pastor Bruce

Posted on

February 28, 2015

STIRRINGS AT BETHESDA
A Monthly Publication of
Bethesda Baptist Church

February 28, 2015

“In fact, anyone who claims to be a Christian yet is not an active member of a church may not actually be a follower of Christ.”
David Platt
President, SBC International Mission Board
 
Upcoming Activities

* Easter Egg Hunt and Soup/Salad Fellowship.  Yes, Easter is almost here!  Following our worship service on Sunday, March 29, the children will hunt for some Easter Eggs and everyone will join together for soup & salad and a time of fellowship.  Please mark your calendars and watch upcoming bulletins for specific information.

* Our monthly business meeting is Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m.  Every member is encouraged to attend as we look to the practical matters of the church.  Join us as we seek the Lord’s leadership in deciding the various issues which confront our church family!

“Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Ephesians 5:25

Wednesday Evening

“Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:1

We have made some changes to our Wednesday evening prayer service.  First, we are no longer meeting in the auditorium, rather, we are gathering in the Fellowship Hall.  I believe it helps us feel more like the church family we are as we pray.  Second, we have dropped the use of the two sided prayer request sheet that has been part of our prayer meeting since before I came as your pastor.  Instead, we are praying over requests made at the beginning of our prayer time and as the Holy Spirit leads.  Furthermore, we are selecting different Bethesda families each week, gathering their specific requests, and lifting those requests to the Lord.

Our new approach is only two weeks old but I have been blessed by our time together.  We all know the Bethesda membership is not very large (only 37) BUT there are NOT 37 members attending our prayer meetings!  Those of you not joining us are missing out on one of the most important elements of Christian service:  prayer.

Before our prayer time this past Wednesday, I read and shared briefly on the text above, 2 Peter 1:1.  The various translations brought out different aspects of this text and we had a brief discussion on it.  I enjoyed the discussion enough that I decided to engage in just a little personal study and seek some clarification as well as illumination from this passage.

1.  The ESV uses “Simeon” for Peter’s name while other translations use “Simon”.  Both forms of his name are used interchangeably in the NT.  The difference in this verse lies with different manuscripts.  Some of the ancient texts use “Simon” while others use “Simeon”.  I think you will agree it really makes no difference relative to the content.  Peter is doing the writing!

2.  The phrase “have obtained” in the ESV is rendered “have received” in other versions.  “Obtain” almost sounds like the faith they received is something they reached for and got.  But the word translated “obtained” actually means to “obtain by lot”.  In today’s speech we might say “I got lucky!”  You received something you weren’t striving for, it just came.  Surely that is true of our faith.  God alone must provide the faith we require.

3.  “A faith of equal standing with ours” is another phrase we spent some time discussing.  The NAS renders this phrase as “the same kind of faith as ours”.  The King James reads “like precious faith with us”.  The NIV is similar with “a faith as precious as ours.”

The differences come from the word Peter used:  “isotimon”, a word only used here in the New Testament  You may recognize the “iso” prefix from English words such as “isotope” (from the Greek “equal place”), used to describe two forms of the same element.  This prefix means “equal”.  The last part of the word means “honor” or “price”.  So Peter is describing our faith as “equal honor” or “equal value”.  That is why the various translations read slightly differently.  The translators either take the “equal honor” aspect (hence, “equal standing”) or the “equal value” aspect (giving us “like precious”).

The great Southern Baptist Greek scholar A. T. Robertson wrote, “The faith which they have obtained is like in honor and privilege with that of Peter or any of the apostles.”  WOW!  The faith we have in Christ is just like the faith Peter had, a man who was with the Lord, saw the Lord, heard the Lord, walked on water with the Lord, etc.!

That thought alone blows my mind!

Come join us this Wednesday evening as we share some Scripture and then lift our requests to the throne of our heavenly Father.

The Luther Monthly

Since your pastor is fond of Luther, I thought I would invoke some personal privilege and include a Luther quote each month.  Much of what the good doctor says stirs one’s mind as well as “stirs the pot” of discussion!

“Apart from the church, salvation is impossible.”
Martin Luther

Good Friday Service

Easter is the first Sunday of April this year, only a month away.  For the past two years, Bethesda has held a Good Friday evening service and that will be the case once again this year.  Please watch the bulletins over the coming Sundays for announcements relative to our Good Friday service on April 3, make plans to attend, and bring family and friends.

“If you call yourself a Christian but you are not a member of the church you regularly attend, I worry that you might be going to hell.”
Mark Dever
Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Some special prayer requests have been shared this week and I want us to keep lifting them to the Lord.

First, former pastor Randy Curless lost his mother this week.  Randy is well known not only by our church but also throughout the St. Louis community.  Please keep him and the family in your prayers.

Second, our brother Nolan Brook is still fighting a high fever which comes and goes.  In diagnosing the problem, doctors have found that three of his lymph nodes are very swollen.  As of this writing, doctors are pursuing the possibility it is the result of a fungal infection actually common in our area.  Please continue to pray for Nolan, those treating him, and his parents.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7-8

Special Ministry Opportunity

On Saturday, March 28, Bethesda members may take a tour of our local fire station from 11 a.m. to noon.  Cottleville Station #1 is at the corner of N and Motherhead.  This opportunity is led by our Outreach Committee which is also organizing a meal to take to the station.  We are showing our appreciation for all that the firefighters do.

There will be sign-up sheets in the foyer of the church for those who wish to take the tour and/or donate food.

Ladies Book Study

Ladies, Pam is leading you in a spring book study beginning this month!

The introductory session will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.  The study will then meet on Tuesdays from April 14 through May 19.  You will be studying the book “He Speaks to Me:  Preparing to Hear from God” by Priscilla Shirer.

This is a great opportunity not only to study a book but also a time to study Scripture and fellowship with one another.  Mark your calendars and watch future bulletins for more information.

Pastor’s Postscript

A public thank you to brother Gary Robnett for stepping in at the very last minute and preaching for me last Sunday morning.  I truly appreciate his willingness to do so.

Furthermore, I appreciate the prayers of everyone at Bethesda on my behalf.  I am feeling much better and more like myself (I don’t know, is that good?).  If the Lord wills I will be back in the pulpit this Sunday.

Debbie mentioned to me last evening how quickly February has gone.  We are already two months through 2015.  Spring will be here before we know it!  I know the Trustees will be having a work day within the next two months, somewhat like our spring cleaning day for our church.

As February ends and March begins, I pray the Lord would pour out His blessings on each of you.  I also pray that He gives us both the wisdom and the desire to serve Him in our community.

May all we say and do bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Pastor Bruce

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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 Gospel—a definite form of Truth—and 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 joy—I 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,
I’d 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 soul—for the sake of which he had suffered the loss of all things and did count them but dung—for the sake of which he was willing to stand before Nero and proclaim, even in Caesar’s 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!

Posted on

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.!  It’s 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.  We’re 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
* “Don’t 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 don’t even want the Father.  They want their sins forgiven and they want to escape hell, but they don’t want God.  They don’t 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 Lord’s 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!

Posted on

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

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.

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!

Posted on

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 don’t 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 don’t believe the shirt’s 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 don’t 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”).  God’s 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.

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!