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!