Urgent Prayer Requests
* Cynthia Wordlaw, need for a kidney
* Tom, home has significant storm damage
* Pete & Brenda, their health & personal needs
* Brazel family
* Mueller family, especially Alicia
* Marilynn Norvell
* Aaron Wordlaw and his arthritis
* Dennis fighting kidney failure
* Gene & Lois Schulze at home
* Mark & Julie Johnson and the situation with their Illinois home
* Rachelle in California
* 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, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Deacon Elections
Deacon nomination forms will be available on Sunday. Brother Dan’s term as an active deacon is completed at the end of a year and our church needs to elect someone to fill the position. Beginning Sunday you may nominate a man you believe should serve as our next deacon. You may nominate as many men as you wish (and you nominations may include Dan). To help you as you consider your nominations, here are the Biblical qualifications for the office of deacon.
The Biblical Office of Deacon
Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. And by common confession great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, beheld by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:8-16Sermon Extras
Paul instructed the Thessalonians “to walk worthy of God”. He uses similar expressions elsewhere in his letters (“worthy of the gospel”; “worthy of the calling”; “worthy of the Lord”). Here are John Piper’s thoughts on the phrase.
So it is with the phrases “worthy of God” and “worthy of the Lord” and “worthy of the gospel” and “worthy of the calling.” They mean: Act in a way that fits the great value and glorious nature of God and the gospel and your calling. And what fits with that great value? Faith. Above all things, faith and its fruit of love fits the worth of God and the gospel.
So think this way. NOT: I must have faith and love so as to be worth God’s favor; BUT RATHER: God’s favor is free and it is infinitely worth trusting. Walking worthy of that favor means walking by faith, because faith is the one thing that agrees with our bankruptcy and God’s infinite “worth.” Looking to God’s infinite worth for our help and satisfaction is “walking worthy of God.”
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 12:
XII. Education
The cause of education in the kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian schools is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people.
In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Pastor’s Postscripts
Once again I thank the band and Dennis for their leadership in the musical component of our worship service yesterday. I fear there are too many times when I fail to express my appreciation for their commitment and ministry to the Lord through the use of their gifts and abilities! Thank you, men!
Normally our church council would meet this coming Saturday (3rd). However, due to some conflicting events this week, we have postponed both the men’s breakfast and the church council meeting to Saturday the 10th. Please mark your calendars accordingly.
Finally, at the conclusion of the service I mentioned brother Pete was in the hospital. I am grateful I can report that he was dismissed from the hospital Sunday afternoon and is now back at home. Praise God!
See you Sunday!