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March 30th, 2024

3/30/2024

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Greetings, Church Family and Friends! 
"Christ is risen!"
"He is risen indeed!"
"Hallelujah!"
So goes the traditional greeting of Christians for hundreds of years who meet with one another on the Feast of the Resurrection. We will keep that tradition as we meet this Lord's Day morning as we celebrate the empty tomb, the Risen Savior, and the new life we have in Him!

TODAY (3/30)
  • CHILDREN'S EGG HUNT, 10:30 am for all children Pre-K through 6th grade. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall right after the Maysville City Egg Hunt. A brief Gospel presentation will immediately precede the egg hunt. Bring your children, grandchildren, nephews & nieces, friends and neighbors! We need teens and adults to show up at 9 am to help "hide" the eggs.


THE LORD'S DAY (3/31)
  • RESURRECTION MORNING BREAKFAST, 8:30 am. Everyone is invited to share in breakfast as we begin our celebration of Jesus' resurrection. The men are preparing the meal that morning, and I'm sure it will be delicious! If you would like to contribute in some way, please contact Russ Wright at 816-724-0925.
  • Bible Study for All Ages, 9:45 am. Because of breakfast, our Sunday Morning Bible Study groups and Sunday School will be on a slightly modified schedule. Come on out and join with us as we explore God's Word together. Nursery through Senior Adults, we have a group for you! 
  • Resurrection Sunday Worship Choir, meet in Great Room for brief rehearsal at 10:30 prior to worship  
  • Worship Together at 10:40 am in the Sanctuary.  We are taking a three-week break from our study through the book of Acts in order to focus on Palm Sunday (3/24), Resurrection Sunday (3/31), and our observance of the Lord's Supper (4/7). This week we will be looking at the resurrection of Jesus in John 20:1-18 under the title "I Have Seen the Lord!"
  • 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
  • Call to Worship: Isaiah 25:6-9
  • Scripture Reading: Mark 16:1-8 
  • Assurance of Pardon: Romans 8:1-2
  • Sermon Text: John 20:1-18
  • Benediction: Numbers 6:24-26

  • Baptist Catechism Questions #113-114 "On the Lord's Prayer"
  • Question 113: What do we pray for in the second petition of the Lord’s Prayer?
  • Answer: In the second petition, which is, "Thy kingdom come," we pray that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed, and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced; that ourselves and others be brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
    Scripture: Matthew 6:10; 9:37,38; Psalm 68:1-18; Romans 10:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Revelation 22:20.

    Question 114: What do we pray for in the third petition of the Lord’s Prayer?
    Answer:
     In the third petition, which is, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," we pray that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.

    Scripture: Matthew 6:10; Psalm 103:20, 21; 25:4, 5; 119:26.

MONDAY (4/1) 
  • MEN'S DISCIPLESHIP GROUP, 1 pm (all groups meet in the church library unless otherwise specified)  We are reading the Parables of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. No study guide is required for purchase, just bring your Bible! Choose a group that fits your schedule. Groups are generally based on a spring and fall semester with a break of several weeks in the summer. 
  • Monday "Sunday School" online via ZOOM, 6:30 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 (4/3)
  • 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 in the youth room. All students, grades 7-12, are invited. 
  • MEN'S DISCIPLESHIP GROUP, 7 pm 

THURSDAY (4/4)
  • MEN'S DISCIPLESHIP GROUP, 7 pm


SUNDAY (4/7)
  • LORD'S SUPPER OBSERVANCE will be during morning worship. Please take some time this week to engage in self-examination, to seek to mend broken relationships with fellow Christians, and to contemplate Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross for our sins. 

COMING UP: 
  • RECLAIMING GLORY Conference, Friday April 12, 4:30 - 9 pm and Saturday April 13, 9 am - noon, at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church. Mark Clifton and one of his associates will be leading this church revitalization conference for our St. Joseph Baptist Association. If you haven't heard Mark speak, you are missing out. He is very engaging and down-to-earth, as well as experienced in this field. This FREE conference is for all church leaders, but the association needs to know by April 1 if you plan to attend.    Please let me know on Sunday if you are interested and able to attend.
  • CARRY-IN DINNER/BI-MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING, Sunday, April 14, immediately following morning worship.
  • CHIZ RIDER, Gospel trumpeter, will be with us for morning worship on Sunday, April 21. Chiz has been with us before, and will be playing a couple of tunes that morning. He will already be in the area doing a full concert at another venue that evening, and we get to enjoy his ministry as well. Chiz is a skilled and exciting player. You will not want to miss him!
SAVE THE DATE:
  • St. Joseph Baptist Association Semi-Annual Meeting, Sunday, April 28, 4-6:30 pm at FBC, Weston. All members are welcome to attend; messengers from the church are strongly urged to attend and represent our church family.
  • National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 2, noon public prayer for our nation, state, county, city, and our leaders.
  • Martha Spiers 100th Birthday Celebration, Saturday, May 4, 1 - 4 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited to help our oldest living member celebrate this milestone afforded to few.
  • SJBA Youth Camp at Grand Oaks: June 10 - 14, for students who have completed grades 7 - 12. 
  • Intro to Camp at Grand Oaks: June 21-22, for children who have completed grades 1-3.
  • SJBA Children's Camp at Grand Oaks: July 15 - 19, for students who have completed grades 4 - 6.

ICYMI: Last Sunday's sermon audio for Sunday, March 24, Matthew 20:17-19 "Blessed Is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord!"

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


FIGHTER VERSE: Our Fighter Verse this week is Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you have been saved.
 
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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March 23rd, 2024

3/23/2024

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Greetings, Church Family and Friends! 
Thanks to all who came for work day this morning! We were comparatively few in number, but those who came were able to accomplish quite a bit. The youth room is now primed and ready for paint, a new handrail was installed in the stairway leading to the crow's nest, and the church property to the south of our building has been spruced up. We still have sheetrock to hang in the Old Sanctuary loft and aluminum siding to hang on the storage shed, so be thinking about participating in those projects next time!
Take a few moments to prepare your heart for the Lord's Day  as we gather as the people of God to magnify and exalt Him tomorrow morning.

THE LORD'S DAY (3/24)
  • 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 be taking a three-week break from our study through the book of Acts in order to focus on Palm Sunday (3/24), Resurrection Sunday (3/31), and our observance of the Lord's Supper (4/7). This week we will consider Matthew 21:1-17, Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem with a sermon entitled "Blessed Is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord!"
  • 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
  • Call to Worship: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
  • Scripture Reading: Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12
  • Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 53:4-5
  • Sermon Text: Matthew 20:17-19; 21:1-17
  • Benediction: Numbers 6:24-26


Baptist Catechism Questions #111-112 "On the Lord's Prayer"
  • Question 111: What does the preface of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?
    Answer: 
    The preface of the Lord’s Prayer, which is, "Our Father, who art in heaven," teaches us to draw near to God, with holy reverence and confidence, as children to a father, able and ready to help us, and that we should pray with and for others.

    Scripture: Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:13; Romans 8:15; Acts 12:5; 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

    Question 112: What do we pray for in the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer?
    Answer: 
    In the first petition, which is "Hallowed be thy name," we pray that God would enable us and others to glorify him in all of life, and that he would dispose all things to his own glory.

    Scripture: Matthew 6:9; Psalm 67:1-3; Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

MONDAY (3/25) 
  • Holy Week Services, 12:30 pm, Monday - Friday, March 25-29: Take a half-hour each weekday prior to Resurrection Sunday to focus on Jesus' journey to the cross during the week leading up to His passion. Join us in the sanctuary for a brief service of song, prayer, and devotion on each weekday before Easter, culminating in Good Friday and the account of Jesus' crucifixion. All are invited to attend these brief devotional services.
  • MEN'S DISCIPLESHIP GROUP, 1 pm (all groups meet in the church library unless otherwise specified)  We are reading the Parables of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. No study guide is required for purchase, just bring your Bible! Choose a group that fits your schedule. Groups are generally based on a spring and fall semester with a break of several weeks in the summer. 
  • Monday "Sunday School" online via ZOOM, 6:30 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    

TUESDAY (3/26)
  • HOLY WEEK SERVICE, 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary

WEDNESDAY (3/27)
  • 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
  • HOLY WEEK SERVICE, 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary
  • Kids' Club, 3:30 - 5:15 pm
  • Easter Choir Rehearsal, 5:30 pm in the Sanctuary. All singers are welcome, see Pastor Kyle about singing with us.
  • Egg Stuffing, 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. If you are not singing in the choir, come and help stuff candy into plastic eggs for Children's Egg Hunt. (Any candy donations need to have individually wrapped pieces which can fit in a standard plastic Easter egg; please bring candy to the church office prior to Wednesday, Mar. 27).
  • 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 
  • MEN'S DISCIPLESHIP GROUP, 7 pm 
  • Youth Hangout and Bible Study, 6:30 pm in the youth room. All students, grades 7-12, are invited. 

THURSDAY (3/28)
  • HOLY WEEK SERVICE, 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary
  • MEN'S DISCIPLESHIP GROUP, 7 pm


FRIDAY (3/29)
  • HOLY WEEK SERVICE, 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary
  • Community Good Friday service, 7 pm, Hopewell Baptist Church

SATURDAY (3/30)
  • CHILDREN'S EGG HUNT, 10:30 am for all children Pre-K through 6th grade. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall right after the Maysville City Egg Hunt. Gospel presentation will immediately precede the egg hunt. Bring your children, grandchildren, nephews & nieces, friends and neighbors! We need teens and adults to show up at 9 am to help "hide" the eggs.

SUNDAY (3/31)
  • Easter Sunday Breakfast, 8:30 am: Come and join us for breakfast, and bring a friend with you! This is always a great time of fellowship and sharing in a meal on this very special day. Please see Russ Wright (816-724-0925) if you would like to help prepare, serve, or clean up after breakfast that day.
  • Sunday School/Bible Study for All Ages will meet on a modified schedule around 9:45 to allow enough time for fellowship and cleanup after breakfast.
  • Resurrection Sunday Worship Choir, meet in Great Room for brief rehearsal at 10:30 prior to worship. 


COMING UP: 
  • RECLAIMING GLORY Conference, Friday April 12, 4:30 - 9 pm and Saturday April 13, 9 am - noon, at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church. Mark Clifton and one of his associates will be leading this church revitalization conference for our St. Joseph Baptist Association. If you haven't heard Mark speak, you are missing out. He is very engaging and down-to-earth, as well as experienced in this field. This FREE conference is for all church leaders, but the association needs to know by April 1 if you plan to attend.    Please let me know this week if you are interested and able to attend.
  • CHIZ RYDER, Gospel trumpeter, will be with us for morning worship on Sunday, April 21. Chiz has been with us before, and will be playing a couple of tunes that morning. He will already be in the area doing a full concert at another venue that evening, and we get to enjoy his ministry as well. Chiz is a skilled and exciting player. You will not want to miss him!
SAVE THE DATE:
  • St. Joseph Baptist Association Semi-Annual Meeting, Sunday, April 28, 4-6:30 pm at FBC, Weston. All members are welcome to attend; messengers from the church are strongly urged to attend and represent our church family.
  • Martha Spiers 100th Birthday Celebration, Saturday, May 4, 1 - 4 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited to help our oldest living member celebrate this milestone afforded to few.
  • SJBA Youth Camp at Grand Oaks: June 10 - 14, for students who have completed grades 7 - 12. 
  • Intro to Camp at Grand Oaks: June 21-22, for children who have completed grades 1-3.
  • SJBA Children's Camp at Grand Oaks: July 15 - 19, for students who have completed grades 4 - 6.

ICYMI: Last Sunday's sermon audio for Sunday, March 17, Stephen Preaches the Bible, Part One, Acts 7:1-8

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


FIGHTER VERSE: Our Fighter Verse this week is Ephesians 2:1-3
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—  among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."
 
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,
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February 05th, 2024

2/5/2024

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Greetings, Church Family and Friends! 
The last few days have felt like spring, and the promise of new life is just around the corner. Praise the Lord for His grace and goodness toward us all, and especially us as His people!

BIBLE QUIZ MEET AT LAWSON BAPTIST CHURCH, today, noon to 4 pm. Pray for our quiz team "Switch" as they compete with 150+ other quizzers from the region. The team will leave from the church at 10:45 am and return by approximately 5 pm. For those who might like to observe the team in action, the church is located on Hwy 69 continuing south of the turnoff to downtown Lawson for about 1/2 mile or so. The church is on the west side of the highway. 


THE LORD'S DAY (2/4) 
  • 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.  This week, we will be in Acts 5:12-16, the third progress report in the book. While it is a brief passage of only five verses, it is packed full of insight into the public healing ministry of the apostles along with how outsiders perceived and related to the early believers.
  • 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
  • Call to Worship: Psalm 147:1-11, 20 
  • Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:27-36
  • Assurance of Pardon: Ephesians 2:8-9 
  • Sermon Text: Acts 5:12-16
  • Benediction: Numbers 6:24-26


Baptist Catechism Questions 
Question 95: What are the outward and ordinary means by which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?
Answer: 
The outward and ordinary means by which Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, especially the Word, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and Prayer; all of which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

Scripture: Romans 10:17; James 1:18; 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 14:1; 2:41, 42.

Question 96: How is the Word made effective for salvation?
Answer: 
The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith unto salvation.

Scripture: Psalm 19:7; 119:11, 18; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Peter 2:1, 2; Romans 1:16.

Question 97: How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effective for salvation?
Answer:
 That the Word may become effective for salvation we must attend to it with diligence, preparation and prayer, receive it in faith and love, lay it up in our hearts and practice it in our lives.

Scripture: Proverbs 8:34; 1 Peter 2:1, 2; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 2:1, 3; 4:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; Psalm 119:11; James 1:21, 25.


DISCOVER FBC, noon to 3:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. All those considering membership at FBC are encouraged to attend, but also any current member would benefit from it. Lunch will be served and the class will be taught in four sessions, seminar-style. Topics covered will be...
  • the Gospel, what it is and how we must respond to it
  • the nature, purpose, and polity of the local church
  • the history of FBC and how we relate to other churches, and
  • what it means to minister and serve in the local church
Please let me know if you plan to attend so that we can make adequate provisions for lunch.

COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION MEETING (suggested schedule to minimize conflicts
4:00 - 5:00 pm
  • Trustees: Ronnie Stahl, Randy Hardin, David Ousley, Chet Owen
  • Transportation: Jonathan Hackett, Robert Kendall
  • Counting: Sharon Carroll, Jan McElwain, Becky Rhea, Judy Hardin, Melissa Phillips, Ruth Albright, Gary Dolan
  • Mission Vision: Dianna Wright, Marry Morrow, Kyle Carroll, Marsha Smith (finance)
5 pm - Pizza served
5:00 - 6:00 pm
  • Stewardship: Russ Wright, Betty Graham, Randy Morrow, Marsha Smith (treas.), Melissa Phillips (asst. treas.), Randy Hardin (trustee rep)
  • Personnel: Peggy Harwood, Ron McElwain, Matt Adams, Judy Hardin, Robert Kendall
  • Nominating: Melissa Phillips, Kelly Adams, Alice Stahl, Judy Hardin, Mary Morrow
  • Youth: Lorie Scott, Jonathan Hackett, Lorrie Dixon

MONDAY (2/5) 
  • 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 (2/7)
  • 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: 
  • CHILI (AND SOUP) 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 Acts 4:32-5:11 "Lying to the Holy Spirit"

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


FIGHTER VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 5:18-22
... give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

 
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 28th, 2024

1/28/2024

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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
  • Call to Worship: Psalm 111 
  • Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 32:1-21
  • Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:12-26
  • Sermon Text: Acts 4:32 - 5:11
  • Benediction: Numbers 6:24-26

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

0 Comments

 
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
  • Call to Worship: Psalm 62:5-12 
  • Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-11
  • Assurance of Pardon: Romans 8:1-4
  • Sermon Text: Matthew 18:1-10; 19:13-15;
  • Benediction: Numbers 6:24-26
  • 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

0 Comments

 
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
  • Call to Worship: Psalm 139:1-18 
  • Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1:19-28 
  • Assurance of Pardon: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 
  • Sermon Text: Acts 4:13-31
  • Benediction: Numbers 6:24-26

  • 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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December 17th, 2023

12/17/2023

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

Nov. 5th 2023

11/5/2023

0 Comments

 
Greetings, Church Family and Friends! 
A big thank you to Walt Thomack for supplying the pulpit for me last Sunday. My family and I were able to attend the 75th Anniversary and Closing Service of Spring Valley Baptist Church in Raytown, a church I served on staff at shortly after Lorrie and I were married. It was a bittersweet celebration, but a celebration nonetheless, as around 500 folks gathered for worship in a sanctuary whose attendance has been averaging fewer than fifty for some time. As I mentioned last week in the update, the church voted to turn its property over to Lenexa Baptist Church to do a church replant coming in January. Please join me in praying for this dear congregation as it walks through this transition to a new day of ministry under new leadership.

This update is tardy because I participated in the Agros Fellowship Annual Conference today in Atchison as one of the speakers. This is an outstanding (free) small conference geared toward small town and rural churches. 
I encourage you to put this conference on your calendar for next year, normally on the first Sunday of November. 
You will be blessed.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS: Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed. But if you don't, the worst thing that will happen is you arrive one hour early for Sunday School or worship service:)

THE LORD'S DAY (11/5):
  • 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.  The sermon will be a special Reformation Sunday message from Romans 9 entitled "The Sovereignty of God." We will be picking back up with Acts 3 next Sunday, Lord willing.
  • 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
  • Call to Worship: Psalm 43 
  • Scripture Reading: Exodus 38:1-20
  • Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 107:19-22 
  • Sermon Text: Romans 9:1-29
  • Benediction: Numbers 6:24-26
  • Baptist Catechism Questions 55-58
    • Question 55: Which is the second commandment?
      Answer: 
      The second commandment is, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments."

      Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6.
    • Question 56: What is required in the second commandment?
      Answer: 
      The second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances, as God has appointed in his word.

      Scripture: Deuteronomy 12:32; 32:46; Matthew 28:20.
    • Question 57: What is forbidden in the second commandment?
      Answer: 
      The second commandment forbids the worshipping of God by images, or any other way that draws the heart away from his glory rather than toward his glory.

      Scripture: Romans 1:22, 23; Deuteronomy 4:15, 16; Colossians 2:18; 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31.
    • Question 58: What are the reasons added to the second commandment?
      Answer: 
      The reasons added to the second commandment are God’s holy jealousy for his name, and the zeal he has for his own worship.

      Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6; Exodus 34:14; 1 Corinthians 10:22.
    • Visit this link for the full catechism: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-baptist-catechism
  • Deacon Nominations will be received . Deacon nomination forms were distributed to the membership on last Sunday and will be once again this Sunday. Please take the opportunity to review the Scriptural qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 as you make your nominations. Completed forms will be received at the conclusion of the worship service (please submit only one nomination form). You are also encouraged to listen to the messages from last fall concerning Elder and Deacon selection, listed below:
    • Elders and Deacons: Qualifications and Selection
    • Elders and Deacons: Complementary Offices
  • Movie Night: “Essential Church” at 6 pm, Old Sanctuary. When California cracked down on churches during 2020 and essentially ordered them not to meet on pain of exorbitant fines and other legal measures, Grace Community Church stood up to the state government and won. "Essential Church" is the story of what happened there, along with what happened to James Coates, pastor of Grace Life Church in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, when he defied orders from the provincial government not to meet. Come out at 6 pm and join us in watching this account of courage in the face of government interference and overreach.

MONDAY (11/6)
  • 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 (11/8)
  • 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
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 10 am in the Library (Russ Wright, leader). This group has completed their study and is on hiatus until the new study begins.
  • KIDS' CLUB, 3:35-5:15 pm. All children, K-6, are invited to attend.  We pick up children from Maysville school at 3:30; parents/guardians may pick up children from the old sanctuary at 5:15 pm. 
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 7 pm in the Library (Robert Kendall, leader). 
  • YOUTH BIBLE STUDY meets at 6:30 in the Youth Room. All students in grades 7-12 are welcome to attend as we study through the Ten Commandments. This week will be #6 "You Shall Not Murder."
  • 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 20:13 "You shall not murder."  To join Zoom Meeting, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87573789453?pwd=Zjg5ZWZ2N1h5WklxOEFjM3IrVUt1QT09    Meeting ID: 875 7378 9453    Passcode: 478672 

THURSDAY (11/9)
  • Community Christmas Choir Rehearsal, 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. All singers who enjoy praising the Lord with the music of Christmas are heartily invited to attend. Just five rehearsals left! Presentation date is Sunday, Dec. 10, 3 pm and 6 pm.
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 7:30 pm in the Library (Greg Dixon, leader). 
FRIDAY (11/10)
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 3 pm in the Library (Ron McElwain, leader). 


COMING UP:
  • Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are available in the narthex for you to fill. Collection week is November 13-20, but you can bring filled boxes back anytime between now and then. 
  • Sunday, Nov. 12, following worship DIRECTORY PICTURES "RETAKE" SESSION:  We will be contacting families who have not had their picture taken for a "retake" session with Lindsay Jestes. Anyone who is not able to be present for this session will be welcome to submit photos of their own for the directory.                    
  • Tues., Nov. 21 - ThanksLiving Meal, 6 pm. Save the date and plan to come out and join us for our annual "ThanksLiving" celebration with songs, prayers, testimonies, a brief message, and of course a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the fixins'. 

ICYMI: Last Sunday's sermon audio Luke 1 Who Is John the Baptist?

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


FIGHTER VERSE: Our Fighter Verse this week is John 5:39-40
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.


READ THROUGH THE BIBLE The Five-Day Bible Reading Plan is attached to this e-mail for your convenience. You may want to access additional resources to support your reading available at this website. 



See you in church!


Grace & Peace,

Pastor Greg
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October 22nd, 2023

10/22/2023

0 Comments

 
Greetings, Church Family and Friends! 

TODAY will be a Church Work Day, 8 am - no later than noon. Several projects are available, including finishing the application of primer to youth room walls, some light concrete repair outside the north entrance, weedeating of the east bank of the church property, clearing the clematis from the trees on the south church property, and more.
I will bring the donuts!

THE LORD'S DAY (10/22):
  • 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.  The sermon will be an exposition of Acts 2:41-47, entitled "A Vital Church Grows." What should “ordinary” church life look like? What should an “ordinary” Christian look like? We find several clues to help answer this question by looking at the brand new church in Jerusalem. Come and find out the answer as we explore the text together.
  • 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
  • Call to Worship: Psalm 99 
  • Scripture Reading: Exodus 37:1-16 
  • Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 53:4-6
  • Sermon Text: Acts 2:41-47
  • Benediction: Hebrews 13:20-21

  • Baptist Catechism Questions 51-52
    • Question 51: Which is the first commandment?
      • Answer: The first commandment is, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
        • Scripture: Exodus 20:3.
    • Question 52: What is required in the first commandment?
      • Answer: The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly.
        • Scripture: Joshua 24:15; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Deuteronomy 26:17; Psalm 29:2; Matthew 4:10.
    • Visit this link for the full catechism: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-baptist-catechism
  • The Lord's Supper will be observed at the conclusion of worship on Oct. 22. Take some time if you haven't already for self-examination as you prepare to partake in this memorial meal. Here is a list of starter questions for you to use in that preparation.
    A few questions to aid in self-examination include, but are not limited to, the following:
    1.   Am I a believer? Am I truly in the faith? Or is it merely an outward profession?(Am I truly trusting only in Christ's finished work on the cross for my salvation?)
    2.   Have I obeyed Christ in believer baptism?
    3.   Am I living in fellowship with God’s people in a local assembly, covenanting with them for accountability and service? (This will be known partly by frequently assembling with the local church for worship and study of God's word).
    4.   Have I confessed and repented of all known sin?
    5.   Do I have any broken relationships with fellow believers which need to be restored before partaking? (Matthew 18:15-20)
    6.   Is my reputation in the community outside the church one of integrity and Christlikeness? 
    7.   Am I coming to the Lord's Table with a sincere heart to be fed by Christ?
  • Please take a few moments to examine your life in light of the observance of the Lord's Supper. Paul instructed the Corinthian believers to do this in 1 Corinthians 11:28, "But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup..."

MONDAY (10/23)
  • MISSOURI BAPTIST CONVENTION ANNUAL MEETING, Crossway Baptist Church, Springfield. Pastor Kyle, Sue, and myself are attending as messengers from our church. I found out this week that Bro. Gary and Louise Dean who were also planning on attending as messengers are unable to go since Louise has not been feeling well. If there are others who would like to attend as messengers or guests, please let me know.
  • Monday "Sunday School" online via ZOOM. (NOT MEETING THIS WEEK). 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   


TUESDAY (10/24)
  • MISSOURI BAPTIST CONVENTION ANNUAL MEETING, Crossway Baptist Church, Springfield. 
  • FREE APOLOGETICS EVENT: Dr. Frank Turek, author of the book “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist”, will be at MWSU in room 101 of Spratt Hall, 7-9 pm. This event is sponsored by Christian Challenge (Baptist Collegiate Ministries). Dr. Turek speaks regularly on college campuses, engaging atheists and other secularists with Scriptural truth. He has debated the late atheist, Christopher Hitchens. The public is invited, and there is no charge to attend.

WEDNESDAY (10/25)
  • I will be returning to Maysville on Wednesday afternoon after an overnight visit to my folks following the MBC Annual Meeting.
  • 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
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 10 am in the Library (Russ Wright, leader). We are studying Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. 
  • KIDS' CLUB, 3:35-5:15 pm. All children, K-6, are invited to attend.  We pick up children from Maysville school at 3:30; parents/guardians may pick up children from the old sanctuary at 5:15 pm. 
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 7 pm in the Library (Robert Kendall, leader). 
  • YOUTH BIBLE STUDY meets at 6:30 in the Youth Room. All students in grades 7-12 are welcome to attend as we study through the Ten Commandments. 
  • 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 20:13 "You shall not murder."  To join Zoom Meeting, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87573789453?pwd=Zjg5ZWZ2N1h5WklxOEFjM3IrVUt1QT09    Meeting ID: 875 7378 9453    Passcode: 478672 

THURSDAY (10/26)
  • DEACON/WIVES/WIDOWS & WIDOWERS Luncheon at Frederick Inn. Those planning to attend please meet at the church at 10:30 am and we will caravan over to St. Joe to eat lunch out together at Frederick Inn. We will return in the early afternoon.
  • Community Christmas Choir Rehearsal, 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. All singers who enjoy praising the Lord with the music of Christmas are heartily invited to attend. Presentation date is Sunday, Dec. 10, 3 pm and 6 pm.
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 7:30 pm in the Library (Greg Dixon, leader). 
FRIDAY (10/27)
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 3 pm in the Library (Ron McElwain, leader). 


COMING UP:
  • DIRECTORY PICTURES:  We will be contacting families who have not had their picture taken for a "retake" session with Lindsay Jestes. Anyone who is not able to be present for that session (day and time TBA) will be welcome to submit photos of their own for the directory.
  • Deacon Nominations will be received on consecutive Sundays, October 29 and Nov. 5. Please take the opportunity to review the Scriptural qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. You are also encouraged to listen to the messages from last fall concerning Elder and Deacon selection, listed below:
    • Elders and Deacons: Qualifications and Selection
    • Elders and Deacons: Complementary Offices
  • Tues., Oct. 31 - “Trick or Trunk” on the city square, 3 - 5 pm. Please drop off fun size candy in the green tub adjacent to the Operation Christmas Child table in the narthex.
  • Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are available in the narthex for you to fill. Collection week is November 13-20, but you can bring filled boxes back anytime between now and then.
  • Sun., Nov. 5 - Movie Night: “Essential Church” at 5 pm, Old Sanctuary. When California cracked down on churches during 2020 and essentially ordered them not to meet on pain of exorbitant fines and other legal measures, Grace Community Church stood up to the state government and won. "Essential Church" is the story of what happened there, along with what happened to James Coates, pastor of Grace Life Church in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, when he defied orders from the provincial government not to meet.
  • Tues., Nov. 21 - ThanksLiving Meal, 6 pm. Save the date and plan to come out and join us for our annual "ThanksLiving" celebration with songs, prayers, testimonies, a brief message, and of course a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the fixins'. 

ICYMI: Last Sunday's sermon audio Acts 2:25-41 "This is That: The Prophecy of Pentecost, Part Two" 

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


FIGHTER VERSE: Our Fighter Verse this week is 1 Corinthians 10:31
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."


READ THROUGH THE BIBLE The Five-Day Bible Reading Plan is attached to this e-mail for your convenience. You may want to access additional resources to support your reading available at this website. 



See you in church!


Grace & Peace,

Pastor Greg
0 Comments

October 15th, 2023

10/15/2023

0 Comments

 
Greetings, Church Family and Friends! 

As you prepare for the Lord's Day tomorrow, meditate on these words from The Valley of Vision entitled "Calvary's Anthem":
"Heavenly Father,
Thou has led me singing to the cross where I fling down all my burdens and see them vanish, where my mountains of guilt are levelled to a plain, 
where my sins disappear, though they are the greatest that exist, and are more in number than the grains of fine sand;
For there is power in the blood of Calvary to destroy sins more than can be counted even by one from the choir of heaven.
Thou hast given me a hill-side spring that washes clear and white, and I go as a sinner to its waters, bathing without hindrance in its crystal streams.
At the cross there is free forgiveness for poor and meek ones, and ample blessings that last forever;
The blood of the Lamb is like a great river of infinite grace with never any diminishing of its fullness as thirsty ones without number drink of it.
O Lord, forever will thy free forgiveness live that was gained on the mount of blood;
In the midst of a world of pain it is a subject for praise in every place, a song on earth, an anthem in heaven, its love and virtue knowing no end.
I have a longing for the world above where multitudes sing the great song, for my soul was never created to love the dust of earth.
Though here my spiritual state is frail and poor, I shall go on singing Calvary's anthem.
May I always know that a clean heart full of goodness is more beautiful than the lily, 
that only a clean heart can sing by night and by day, that such a heart is mine when I abide at Calvary."

TODAY
  • MACH 4 Men's Ministry will meet at Oak Christian Church this evening at 6 pm. All men and boys are invited to attend.


THE LORD'S DAY (10/15):
  • 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.  The sermon will be an exposition of Acts 2:25-41, entitled "This Is That: The Prophecy of Pentecost, Part Two." After the Holy Spirit came in power on the disciples at Pentecost, Peter preached the first apostolic sermon. That message is the essential message of Jesus' person and work which we still proclaim in order that people might respond to it in repentance and faith. Last week, we considered the first part of Peter's sermon, namely the Address (vv. 14-15), the Announcement of fulfilled Prophecy (vv. 16-21), and the Rehearsal of Jesus' Saving Person and Work (vv. 22-24). We continue by considering the Old Testament citation, what it means to affirm faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, and what it means to respond to the call to receive Christ. The saving response to God's free offer of forgiveness is repentance and faith in Christ alone. The believer responds with thanks, praise, and a continued desire to see souls turn to Christ.
  • 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
  • Call to Worship: Psalm 23
  • Scripture Reading: Exodus 36:20-38 
  • Assurance of Pardon: Ephesians 2:1-8 
  • Sermon Text: Acts 2:25-41
  • Benediction: Numbers 6:24-26

  • Baptist Catechism Questions 49-50 “On the Preface to the Ten Commandments”
    Question 49: What is the preface to the Ten Commandments?
    Answer
    : The preface to the Ten Commandments is, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."

    Scripture: Exodus 20:2.

    Question 50: What does the preface to the Ten Commandments teach us?
    Answer
    : The preface to the Ten Commandments teaches us that because God is the LORD, and our gracious Redeemer, his commandments are for our good and he does not will for us to depend on ourselves in keeping them, but to trust his grace and power.
    Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:13, 16; 30:6.
    • Visit this link for the full catechism: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-baptist-catechism
MONDAY (10/16)
  • 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   


TUESDAY (10/17)
  • CARE/PRAYER/SHARE Ministry Teams Meeting, 7 pm. We will meet in the Great Room to plan, organize, and prepare. If you did not yet indicate your interest in serving on one of these teams, come on out to the meeting and see what is happening! Thanks to all those who have responded to my call for the following ministry teams. A few weeks ago, I shared my desire to form three new teams this fall to help move our congregation to greater health, growth and biblical fidelity. They are:
    • Care Team: Making phone calls, writing cards and letters to absent members and attendees
    • Prayer Team: Targeted prayer for Kingdom growth and expansion, evangelism, missions
    • Share Team: Home visits for outreach to the community and reactivation of inactive members

WEDNESDAY (10/18)
  • Women's Wednesday morning ZOOM Bible Study.  The group is studying Heaven by Randy Alcorn, just beginning last week. 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
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 10 am in the Library (Russ Wright, leader). We are studying Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. The print version is $11. Extra copies are available on the literature rack in the narthex. 
  • KIDS' CLUB, 3:35-5:15 pm. All children, K-6, are invited to attend.  We pick up children from Maysville school at 3:30; parents/guardians may pick up children from the old sanctuary at 5:15 pm. 
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 7 pm in the Library (Robert Kendall, leader). 
  • YOUTH BIBLE STUDY meets at 6:30 in the Youth Room. All students in grades 7-12 are welcome to attend as we study through the Ten Commandments. 
  • 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 20:8-12 "Honor your father and your mother."  To join Zoom Meeting, follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87573789453?pwd=Zjg5ZWZ2N1h5WklxOEFjM3IrVUt1QT09    Meeting ID: 875 7378 9453    Passcode: 478672 

THURSDAY (10/19)
  • Christian Challenge Meal (Baptist Collegiate Ministries at MWSU). We will be providing the meal for about 40 students. It will be a baked potato bar with all the fixin's. Please contact Lorrie Dixon at 816-312-8031 if you would like to help.
  • Community Christmas Choir Rehearsal, 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. All singers who enjoy praising the Lord with the music of Christmas are heartily invited to attend. Presentation date is Sunday, Dec. 10, 3 pm and 6 pm.
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 7:30 pm in the Library (Greg Dixon, leader). 
FRIDAY (10/20)
  • Men's Discipleship Group, 3 pm in the Library (Ron McElwain, leader). 


COMING UP:
  • The Lord's Supper will be observed on Sunday, Oct. 22. Take time this week for self-examination as you prepare to partake in this memorial meal. Here is a list of starter questions for you to use in that preparation.
    A few questions to aid in self-examination include, but are not limited to, the following:
    1.   Am I a believer? Am I truly in the faith? Or is it merely an outward profession?(Am I truly trusting only in Christ's finished work on the cross for my salvation?)
    2.   Have I obeyed Christ in believer baptism?
    3.   Am I living in fellowship with God’s people in a local assembly, covenanting with them for accountability and service? (This will be known partly by frequently assembling with the local church for worship and study of God's word).
    4.   Have I confessed and repented of all known sin?
    5.   Do I have any broken relationships with fellow believers which need to be restored before partaking? (Matthew 18:15-20)
    6.   Is my reputation in the community outside the church one of integrity and Christlikeness? 
    7.   Am I coming to the Lord's Table with a sincere heart to be fed by Christ?
  • Please take a few moments to examine your life in light of the observance of the Lord's Supper. Paul instructed the Corinthian believers to do this in 1 Corinthians 11:28, "But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup..."

ICYMI: Last Sunday's sermon audio Acts 2:14-24 "This is That: The Prophecy of Pentecost, Part One" 

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


FIGHTER VERSE: Our Fighter Verse this week is Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'


READ THROUGH THE BIBLE The Five-Day Bible Reading Plan is attached to this e-mail for your convenience. You may want to access additional resources to support your reading available at this website. 


DIRECTORY PICTURES:  Thanks to everyone who had pictures taken for our directory over the past two Sundays. We had about 35 family units photographed with 15-20 currently attending family units left to go. We will be contacting those families for a "retake" session with Lindsay Jestes. Anyone who is not able to be present for that session (day and time TBA) will be welcome to submit photos of their own for the directory.


Man Knows Not His Time: Sarah Young, author of the best selling book "Jesus Calling," passed away several weeks ago on August 31 at age 77. She and her husband were missionaries with the Presbyterian Church in America, the conservative Bible-believing Presbyterians. She received a degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, known for its conservative Bible theology.  That's what makes it so hard to understand how she went into the area of mystical writing. Her original 2004 version of "Jesus Calling" spawned a whole host of other editions like "Jesus Calling for Kids", "Jesus Calling for Students," etc. It was a book of mystical writings which the author penned as though spoken to her by Jesus. She was deeply influenced by a similar book from the 1930s entitled "God Calling." In "God Calling" the two anonymous "Listeners" to which authorship is ascribed, claimed to hear messages from God and to write them down through "automatic writing," a technique by which the writer sometimes closes his or her eyes and allows the pen to move and write freely on the page, seemingly beyond the control of the one holding it. This practice is occultic at its foundation. Early editions of "Jesus Calling" acknowledged Young's indebtedness to "God Calling," although later editions took out that acknowledgement, likely because of the many of the obvious problems with "God Calling." 
     The main problem with Young's books (and "God Calling" as well) is that they undermine the sufficiency of Scripture and lead the reader to believe that "something more" is available through these extra-biblical mystical writings which claim to come from the very mouth of Jesus. If you have read these books and feel you have benefited from them, you are not alone. And you do not need to think badly of yourself for having done so. These books were marketed by a Christian publisher through Christian bookstores as Christian literature. You had every reason to believe that these were Christian books. Sarah Young was a professing Christian. I certainly hope that she is with the Lord and that she has been duly corrected and chastened from the error she espoused through "Jesus Calling." But more importantly, I urge you to mark and avoid these writings and any others which cast doubt on the total sufficiency of the Bible for faith, doctrine, life, growth in holiness, and every other area to which it speaks. 

     Here is a video from Tim Challies entitled The 5 Most Ridiculous Books to Ever Become Christian Best Sellers, and at the 8:14 time stamp he begins to talk about "Jesus Calling." The rest of the video is worthwhile, including critiques of The Prayer of Jabez (Bruce Wilkinson; this was considered obligatory reading for pastors/preachers in the early 2000s, and from which I preached a sermon series back then; I have since repented of it!); The Circle Maker (Mark Batterson); Your Best Life Now (Joel Osteen); various "heaven tourism" books (e.g. Heaven Is For Real) round out the list before he gets to Jesus Calling. Left off this list are other best-selling books which are labeled as "Christian" but whose messages are sub-Christian at best and anti-Christian at worst. If you have questions about a Christian book, I'd be happy to visit with you to help discern whether the message of it is truly compatible with the Bible or if it runs counter to Bible teaching.

See you in church!


Grace & Peace,

Pastor Greg
​
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    Pastor Greg Dixon
    First Baptist Church
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