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.