Blog Archives

January 28th, 2024

1/28/2024

Greetings, Church Family and Friends!
On Tuesday, five of us from St. Joseph Baptist Association attended the Midwest Leadership Summit in Springfield, IL. This is a biennial event designed to inform, train, equip, and encourage SBC pastors, staff ministers, church planters, and associational missionaries across 12 midwestern states. I was personally encouraged by the fellowship and renewed relationships made possible by such an event. I was able to reconnect with a church planting pastor from Wichita who was a fellow-pastor with me in our association in southeast Kansas over 20 years ago, an associational missionary in Cleveland, OH (but originally from Republic, MO) with whom I became acquainted at a doctoral seminar a decade ago, and a youth pastor from Leavenworth, KS, who was a teenager in our church in Arkansas more than a decade ago. We returned Thursday afternoon refreshed. I'll be giving a fuller report on the sessions I attended at our member meeting in a few weeks.

Christian Sympathy
On behalf of the church, Christian sympathy is extended to the family of Terry Riley (Trish Abernathy's brother-in-law) on his passing Monday, January 22. His services are today at Passion Church (visitation at 1 pm, service at 2 pm).
Christian sympathy is also extended to the family of Frances Hall who passed away Tuesday morning. Her services were yesterday at First Baptist. Thanks to all who helped with the service and the meal.

THE LORD'S DAY (1/28)

Bible Study for All Ages, 9:30 am. Nursery through Senior Adults, we have a group for you!
Worship Together at 10:40 am in the Sanctuary. We will once again be returning to our study through the book of Acts, this time in Acts 4:32 - 5:11. What does "lying to the Holy Spirit" mean and what effect did it have on the unity of the early church? That is the question we will be exploring during our time together in God's Word.
Scriptures for Sunday. Here are the Scriptures we will be reading that will shape our corporate worship. Take a few moments to read and meditate on them as you prepare for worship tomorrow. Click anywhere on the link to see a printable version of these passages on biblegateway.com

Baptist Catechism Questions

Question 92: What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?
- Answer: To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption.
  - Scripture: Acts 20:21; 16:30, 31; 17:30.
Question 93: What is faith in Jesus Christ?
- Answer: Faith in Jesus Christ is saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, trusting him to forgive our sins, and guide us to eternal joy, on the basis of his divine power and atoning death.
  - Scripture: Hebrews 10:39; John 1:12; 6:35; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:15-16, 20; Matthew 14:31.
Question 94: What is repentance unto life?
- Answer: Repentance unto life is a saving grace, by which a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it to God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience.
  - Scripture: Acts 2:37; Joel 2:13; Jeremiah 31:18, 19; 2 Corinthians 7:10, 11; Romans 6:18.

Birthday Offering for Missouri Baptist Children's Home and Anniversary Offering for Baptist Homes and Healthcare Ministries will be received following morning worship. If you would like to know more about these ministries to the orphans and aged, please click on the links.

(COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION MEETING POSTPONED TO FEB. 4, see announcement below)

MONDAY (1/29)

Monday "Sunday School" online via ZOOM, 7 pm. See Pastor Kyle to join this virtual Bible study group. To join Zoom Meeting, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87573789453?pwd=Zjg5ZWZ2N1h5WklxOEFjM3IrVUt1QT09 Meeting ID: 875 7378 9453 Passcode: 478672

WEDNESDAY (1/31)

Women's Wednesday morning ZOOM Bible Study. Please see Jan McElwain for further details. To join Zoom Meeting, use this link (different from the one above): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3665081666?pwd=N21LSEJaYURhUzZVSmRLcFhPdW8zZz09 Meeting ID: 366 508 1666 Passcode: 844160
Kids' Club, 3:30 - 5:15 pm
Bible Study and Prayer, 6:30 pm in the Great Room, live and via ZOOM. Join us for a time of prayer and time in God's Word walking through the book of Exodus. To join Zoom Meeting, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87573789453?pwd=Zjg5ZWZ2N1h5WklxOEFjM3IrVUt1QT09 Meeting ID: 875 7378 9453 Passcode: 478672

Youth Hangout and Bible Study, 6:30 pm. All students, grades 7-12, are invited.

COMING UP:

BIBLE QUIZ MEET AT LAWSON BAPTIST CHURCH, Saturday, Feb. 3. See Lorrie Dixon for details.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION MEETING, Sunday, Feb. 4, 4-6 pm (NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE FROM LAST WEEK'S UPDATE DUE TO A FEW CONFLICTS. NOT JANUARY 28). All committees and ministry teams are encouraged to meet at least annually to organize for the year. The existing committees are carrying over from the previous year until the Nominating Committee meets to draft a new slate. Two time slots (4-5 pm and 5-6 pm) should allow anyone who is on more than one committee to attend both with minimal conflict. More information on exact times for committees will be in an upcoming communication.
DISCOVER FBC CLASS will be held Sunday, Feb. 4, noon to 3:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. This will be a luncheon followed by workshop sessions for those exploring membership at First Baptist, or for members seeking a refresher on what church membership is all about. Let me know if you plan to attend so we can make adequate preparations for lunch.
CHILI COOK OFF, Sunday, Feb. 11 at 4:30 pm. Just before the Super Bowl, we'll gather for a chili supper. Bring your chili entries to the fellowship hall at 4 pm for judging. We will watch the game together at 5:30 pm and have a devotional service during half time.
BI-MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING, Feb. 18, following morning worship. There will be a carry-in dinner with the church supplying drinks and table service and the members supplying everything else.
JEREMY POPE IN CONCERT, Sunday, February 25 at 6 pm. Come and join us for a wonderful evening of Gospel music. Many of you are familiar with Jeremy as he sang with the quartet "4 His Love." Now he is a solo artist and we are excited to have him back. Bring a friend! A love offering will be received. Here is a link to a video of Jeremy singing at his home church, FBC Kearney, where he also serves as a deacon.

ICYMI: Last Sunday's sermon audio for last Sunday from Matthew 18:1-10; 19:13-15 "Let the Little Children Come to Me" (Sanctity of Human Life message)

Other previous messages are archived here . Please visit our YouTube Channel to see the edited service video.

FIGHTER VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-17
[And] we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. ¹⁵See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. ¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing ...

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE The Five-Day Bible Reading Plan for 2024 is attached to this e-mail for your convenience. Plan to make this year a year centered on God's Word. One way to do that is by having a definite plan to read Scripture this year. You may want to access additional resources to support your reading available at this website. If you would like to see other Bible reading plans, visit ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans .

See you in church!
Grace & Peace,

Pastor Greg

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January 21st, 2024

1/21/2024

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Greetings, Church Family and Friends! Last week we used a modified schedule of services due to the extreme cold weather, encouraging folks to exercise caution in getting out. Thanks to all those who braved the weather to join us in person and enable us to have sound and video for those unable to get out. This week, we will observe our regular schedule (see below). Hope to see everyone in the Lord's House tomorrow!

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is always the Sunday closest to January 22. That was the date in 1973 when the Supreme Court handed down the now overturned Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion on demand in all 50 states. Since Roe was overturned in 2022, that decision has been remanded to the individual states. While the overturning of Roe should be considered a moral victory, it has also served to show just how deep the moral divide is in our nation concerning the unborn. The pro-abortion political machine is better organized and more well-funded than the anti-abortion side, so states thought unlikely to go pro-abortion in legislation (like Kansas and Kentucky) did.
While abortion has been condemned by the Southern Baptist Convention more than twenty times since 1980, recent overtures to offer a stronger position on the abolition of abortion have had a harder time being brought out from committee to the floor (sorry about the "inside baseball" talk here). One that failed to be brought to the floor of the 2022 Anaheim convention was the Resolution on Equal Protection of the Law for Preborn Children. The essence of that resolution was summarized in a promotional piece advocating its adoption:
"From the moment of fertilization/conception, preborn children are created in the image of God and the same laws protecting our lives ought to protect them. This should not be controversial among Southern Baptists. As Christians, we are commanded to uphold justice for the fatherless, love our neighbors as ourselves, and treat others as we wish to be treated. We are not at liberty to deny preborn children the same legal protections that we enjoy. We must demand the abolition of abortion through equal protection for preborn children."
With respect for all the moral ground gained through incremental pro-life work and legislation, we as Christians, living in a culture of death, ought to be working for the abolition of all murder of all image-bearers. All the while offering help, grace, and forgiveness for all who have been involved in abortion in the past.

THE LORD'S DAY (1/21)

Bible Study for All Ages, 9:30 am. Nursery through Senior Adults, we have a group for you!
Worship Together at 10:40 am in the Sanctuary. For Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, we will be in Matthew 18:1-10 and 19:13-15 for a message entitled "Let the Little Children Come to Me." Jesus loved little children and pointed to them as living pictures of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as Jesus elevated their significance by comparison to the prevailing culture, so must we. Valuing the sanctity of human life means, at the very least, not devaluing or destroying children, but exalting the picture of them Jesus gave to us. So we will ask and seek to answer the question: “Why did Jesus elevate the value of children in His earthly ministry?”
Scriptures for Sunday. Here are the Scriptures we will be reading that will shape our corporate worship. Take a few moments to read and meditate on them as you prepare for worship tomorrow. Click anywhere on the link to see a printable version of these passages on biblegateway.com

Baptist Catechism Questions #90-91 “On the Severity of Sin’s Deserts”
- Question 90: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?
  - Answer: Some sins in themselves and by reason of several aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others.
    - Scripture: Ezekiel 8:13; John 19:11; 1 John 5:16.

Question 91: What does every sin deserve?
- Answer: Every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come.
  - Scripture: Ephesians 5:6; Galatians 3:10; Proverbs 3:33; Psalm 11:6; Revelation 21:8.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERS MEETING, brief meeting following worship (around noon) in Church Library. Leaders will be introduced to Planning Center, our new church information database, and how to best use it for class organization purposes.
PRAYER/SHARE/CARE TEAM MEETING, Sunday, Jan. 21 - Luncheon meeting following Sunday School leaders' meeting (around 12:30 pm). This will be a "re-grouping" meeting from our initial meeting in the fall. I plan to be finished no later than 1:45 pm. (If you have not yet let me know you are attending, please do so ASAP for lunch planning purposes).

MONDAY (1/22)

Sewing Circle meets at 5 pm. All ladies are invited to attend even if you don't sew!
Monday "Sunday School" online via ZOOM, 7 pm. See Pastor Kyle to join this virtual Bible study group. To join Zoom Meeting, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87573789453?pwd=Zjg5ZWZ2N1h5WklxOEFjM3IrVUt1QT09 Meeting ID: 875 7378 9453 Passcode: 478672

WEDNESDAY (1/24)

Women's Wednesday morning ZOOM Bible Study. The group is studying Heaven by Randy Alcorn. You will need to secure your own copy of the book. Please see Jan McElwain for further details. To join Zoom Meeting, use this link (different from the one above): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3665081666?pwd=N21LSEJaYURhUzZVSmRLcFhPdW8zZz09 Meeting ID: 366 508 1666 Passcode: 844160
Kids' Club Resumes, 3:30 - 5:15 pm
Bible Study and Prayer, 6:30 pm in the Great Room, live and via ZOOM. Join us for a time of prayer and time in God's Word walking through the book of Exodus. To join Zoom Meeting, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87573789453?pwd=Zjg5ZWZ2N1h5WklxOEFjM3IrVUt1QT09 Meeting ID: 875 7378 9453 Passcode: 478672

Youth Hangout and Bible Study, 6:30 pm. All students, grades 7-12, are invited.

COMING UP:

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION MEETING, Sunday, Jan. 28, 4-6 pm. All committees and ministry teams are encouraged to meet at least annually to organize for the year. The existing committees are carrying over from the previous year until the Nominating Committee meets to draft a new slate. Two time slots (4-5 pm and 5-6 pm) should allow anyone who is on more than one committee to attend both with minimal conflict. More information on exact times for committees will be in an upcoming communication.
DISCOVER FBC CLASS will tentatively be held Sunday, Feb. 4 (NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE FROM LAST WEEK'S UPDATE), noon to 3:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. This will be a luncheon followed by workshop sessions for those exploring membership at First Baptist, or for members seeking a refresher on what church membership is all about. Let me know if you plan to attend so we can make adequate preparations for lunch.
CHILI COOK OFF, Sunday, Feb. 11 at 4:30 pm. Just before the Super Bowl, we'll gather for a chili supper. Bring your chili entries to the fellowship hall at 4 pm for judging. We will watch the game together at 5:30 pm and have a devotional service during half time.
BI-MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING, Feb. 18, following morning worship. There will be a carry-in dinner with church supplying drinks and table service and the members supplying everything else.
JEREMY POPE IN CONCERT, Sunday, February 25 at 6 pm. Come and join us for a wonderful evening of Gospel music. Many of you are familiar with Jeremy as he sang with the quartet "4 His Love." Now he is a solo artist and we are excited to have him back. Bring a friend! A love offering will be received. Here is a link to a video of Jeremy singing at his home church, FBC Kearney, where he also serves as a deacon.

ICYMI: Last Sunday's sermon audio for last Sunday from Acts 4:13-31 on Spirit-Filled Boldness.

Other previous messages are archived here . Please visit our YouTube Channel to see the edited service video.

FIGHTER VERSE: John 14:6
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE The Five-Day Bible Reading Plan for 2024 is attached to this e-mail for your convenience. Plan to make this year a year centered on God's Word. One way to do that is by having a definite plan to read Scripture this year. You may want to access additional resources to support your reading available at this website. If you would like to see other Bible reading plans, visit ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans .

See you in church!
Grace & Peace,

Pastor Greg

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January 14th, 2024

1/14/2024

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Greetings, Church Family and Friends!
The sun is finally shining as I write on this Saturday afternoon, and it is a welcome sight. After a week of ice and snow, we are looking at record cold temperatures today and tomorrow. Due to the dangerous cold and uncertain conditions of streets and roads, we (the deacons and I) made the decision to dismiss Sunday School for the day.
We will have in-person worship for those able to make it safely to the building. BUT, we are encouraging everyone to exercise extreme caution in getting out tomorrow as the temperatures will be in the range of 15-17 below zero, with wind chills in the 40 below range. The service will be streamed on Facebook Live as usual for those not able to attend in person. Again, please use caution in getting out. The parking lot and entrances will be accessible, but please err on the side of caution if you have any doubt about your personal safety. Please let me know if you have any needs that we can help you with due to the extreme weather.

THE LORD'S DAY (1/14) - MODIFIED SCHEDULE

NO Sunday School due to extreme cold and winter weather conditions.
Worship Together at 10:40 am in the Sanctuary. Acts 4:13-31 will be the focus of our time in God's Word, "Spirit-Filled Boldness." Following Peter and John’s arrest and jailing, they were tried by the Sanhedrin. But in the face of Peter’s stirring testimony, these rulers were unsure what to do with them. After conferring together, they decided to release Peter and John with a strong reprimand not to speak again in the name of Jesus. That is when they encountered the signs and the source of their Spirit-filled boldness.
Scriptures for Sunday. Here are the Scriptures we will be reading that will shape our corporate worship. Take a few moments to read and meditate on them as you prepare for worship tomorrow. Click anywhere on the link to see a printable version of these passages on biblegateway.com

Baptist Catechism Questions #88-89 "On Man's Ability to Keep God's Law"
Question 88: Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
Answer: No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but daily falls short of inward and outward perfection.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:20; Genesis 6:5; 8:21; 1 John 1:8; James 3:2, 8; Romans 3:23; 7:15; Philippians 3:12.

Question 89: What then is the purpose of the law since the fall?
Answer: The purpose of the law, since the fall, is to reveal the perfect righteousness of God, that his people may know the path of faith that leads to life, and that the ungodly may be convicted of their sin, restrained from evil, and brought to Christ for salvation.
Scripture: Psalm 19:7-11; Romans 3:20, 31; 7:7; 8:13; 9:32; 12:2; Titus 2:12-14; Galatians 3:22, 24; 1 Timothy 1:8; Luke 10:25-28.

SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERS MEETING, scheduled for Jan. 14, will be rescheduled due to inclement weather.

MONDAY (1/15)

Monday "Sunday School" online via ZOOM. See Pastor Kyle to join this virtual Bible study group. To join Zoom Meeting, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87573789453?pwd=Zjg5ZWZ2N1h5WklxOEFjM3IrVUt1QT09 Meeting ID: 875 7378 9453 Passcode: 478672

WEDNESDAY (1/17)

Women's Wednesday morning ZOOM Bible Study. The group is studying Heaven by Randy Alcorn. You will need to secure your own copy of the book. Please see Jan McElwain for further details. To join Zoom Meeting, use this link (different from the one above): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3665081666?pwd=N21LSEJaYURhUzZVSmRLcFhPdW8zZz09 Meeting ID: 366 508 1666 Passcode: 844160
Kids' Club Resumes, 3:30 - 5:15 pm
Bible Study and Prayer, 6:30 pm in the Great Room, live and via ZOOM. Join us for a time of prayer and time in God's Word walking through the book of Exodus. We will be in Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet ... anything that is your neighbor's." To join Zoom Meeting, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87573789453?pwd=Zjg5ZWZ2N1h5WklxOEFjM3IrVUt1QT09 Meeting ID: 875 7378 9453 Passcode: 478672
Youth Hangout and Bible Study, 6:30 pm. All students, grades 7-12, are invited.

COMING UP:

CHURCH DIRECTORY PICTURES have arrived back and we will be updating you soon about those. If you did not have your picture taken, please submit a family and/or individual photo to the church office by January 14. If you need assistance, please call me at 479-238-3772, and I will direct you to the right person for help. We want to have as complete a directory as possible. This is to help you know your fellow church family members and friends by face and name. It is especially helpful for our newer members, so please consider their need to put faces and names together.
PRAYER/SHARE/CARE TEAM MEETING, Sunday, Jan. 21 - Luncheon meeting following morning worship. We will be finished no later than 1:30 pm.
CHILI COOK OFF, Sunday, Feb. 11 at 4:30 pm. Just before the Super Bowl, we'll gather for a chili supper. Bring your chili entries to the fellowship hall at 4 pm for judging. We will watch the game together at 5:30 pm and have a devotional service during half time.
BI-MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING, Feb. 18, following morning worship. There will be a carry-in dinner with church supplying drinks and table service and the members supplying everything else.
DISCOVER FBC CLASS will tentatively be held Sunday, Feb. 25, noon to 3:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. This will be a luncheon followed by workshop sessions for those exploring membership at First Baptist, or for members seeking a refresher on what church membership is all about. Let me know if you plan to attend so we can make adequate preparations for lunch.

ICYMI: Last Sunday's sermon audio for last Sunday from Hebrews 8 on Jesus, Our Great High Priest.

Other previous messages are archived here . Please visit our YouTube Channel to see the edited service video.

FIGHTER VERSE:Isaiah 43:1-3
..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. ³For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE The Five-Day Bible Reading Plan for 2024 is attached to this e-mail for your convenience. Plan to make this year a year centered on God's Word. One way to do that is by having a definite plan to read Scripture this year. You may want to access additional resources to support your reading available at this website. If you would like to see other Bible reading plans, visit ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans .

BONUS: And now, here is that great Stephanie Boosahda classic from 1983, "Somewhere It's Snowing," sung by the writer. Enjoy!

See you in church! (But possibly not tomorrow!)

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Greg

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