Reading the Word with Profit
July 17, 2008 | Comments Off
Every believer should know intrinsically the importance of reading the Bible. But many times Christians really struggle reading the Word with profit. Sadly, reading Scripture can become a fruitless exercise that leaves many believers actually feeling worse about themselves and their relationship with God rather than better. It is important to realize and to remember that the goal of reading Scripture is to encounter God. It is through Scripture that we are to come to know experientially and personally the living God of the universe. So the most pressing question that we should seek to answer when we open up Scripture is, What does this teach me about God? So how does this work? Let me explain:
This morning I read my daily Psalm, chapter 15:
“O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? 2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; 3 who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; 4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; 5 who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.”
Psalm 15 challenged me to holiness. I thought carefully about how I talked about others. I thought about promises that I made. I thought about how I viewed money. But as I viewed this text from the question, What does this teach me about God?, I was reminded that God is holy. That is why He requires that I be holy. And that is why I must listen to this text with attentive ears. It was a solemn time for me reflecting upon the holiness of God.
Then I went to another of my Psalms-of-the day, chapter 75:
“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds. 2 “At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. 3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah 4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn; 5 do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with haughty neck.’” 6 For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, 7 but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. 8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs. 9 But I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.”
Now my mind was already tuned to seek out the character of God. I was excited to explore more of what Scripture would reveal to me about God. And in Psalm 75 it was easy and plain to see what God was revealing: He is absolutely sovereign! Even though the pillars of the earth – economically, socially, politically – seem to be tottering, God alone is able to keep them steady! The pillars of our life often totter, but God’s omnipotent rule steadies the mind. As another Psalm says, “Therefore we will not fear; though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea…” (Psalm 46:2). Reminded of the sovereignty of God specifically over the wicked, I too was ready with the Psalmist to sing praises to the God of Jacob!
The pursuit of this question, What does this teach me about God?, should really frame and undergird our reading of Scripture. Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Ultimately, every promise in Scripture, every warning, every instruction, every hope, every truth, and every grace is rooted in the character of the Triune God!
Witnessing: Every Believer Called and Equipped
July 12, 2008 | Comments Off
I was reading through Don Whitney’s chapter on evangelism again the other day in his book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. I was reminded of Peter’s words to the church, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…” 1 Peter 2:9
You might wonder…”What does that passage have to do with witnessing or evangelism?” Don points out that most people who are familiar with this passage “do not have a clue how the rest of it goes.” 1 Peter 2:9 goes on to say that the privileges that are mentioned in the first half of this verse are ours, Christians, “that [we] may declare the praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
Don says; “We normally think of this verse as establishing the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. But it is equally appropriate to say that it also exhorts us to a kind of prophethood of all believers.” God expects each of us, every believer, to “declare the praises” of Jesus Christ.
This truth is so important for us, the church, to understand because the misunderstanding prevails that the responsibility of witnessing falls only on those who have the gift of evangelism. In this regard, many appeal to Ephesians 4:11: “it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” But this passage, like 1 Peter, goes on to explain why these gifts are given; “for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry,…”
Don explains;
While it is true that God gifts some for ministry as evangelists, He calls all believers to be His witnesses. Just as each Christian, regardless of spiritual gift or ministry, is to love others, so each believer is to evangelize whether or not his or her gift is that of evangelist.
I think that at this point most believers are, understandably, struck with fear…”If it is true that we are all called to be witnesses…what do I do?” “I don’t know what to say!” “I do not feel equipped!”
In his book, Don makes the point that, as believers, we are all equipped to evangelize:
Why don’t we witness more actively? Some say it’s primarily because many Christians aren’t adequately trained to share their faith. There is some truth to this. There are worthwhile advantages to going through some guided thinking about the specifics of sharing the gospel. But when we think about the blind man Jesus healed in John 9:25 it should become evident that we cannot attribute our failure to witness to a lack of training. Though he had been a believer in Jesus only for a few minutes and obviously had no evangelism training at all, he was willing to tell other what Jesus had done for him (“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”). Moreover, any Christian who has heard biblical preaching, participated in Bible studies, and has read the Scriptures and Christian literature for any time at all should have at least enough understanding of the basic message of Christianity to share it with someone else. Surely if we have understood the gospel well enough ourselves to be converted, we should know it well enough (even if as yet we know nothing else about the faith) to tell someone else how to be converted.
An exercise that I have found helpful is to sit down and thoughtfully write out your own testimony…reflecting on the biblical truths about God and about Christ and about yourself that were instrumental as God was drawing you to Himself. This will help you to better articulate these truths when sharing with others.
Even after many years of evangelizing in many different contexts, I still know that nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach when I approach a stranger to share the gospel. Even Paul asked the church to pray for boldness for him in declaring the gospel. But witnessing does not necessitate walking up to a complete stranger to evangelize. The greatest and often most fruitful context for evangelism is usually among those who know you…people who you regularly spend time around; your neighbors, your co-workers; family members; merchants and shop-keepers – people who have the benefit of seeing your life…on a regular basis…witnessing the light of Christ in you. But remember, it is not enough for people only to see your life – they must also hear the Word of the gospel; “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 We should be intentional about putting ourselves in the regular path of unbelievers to develop familiarity, praying that the Lord would open a door for the Gospel and disciplining ourselves to tell them about Christ.
God has called us and equipped us to share the Good News of Christ. It is not easy. It is a discipline for sure. But if you have ever shared the Gospel with anyone, you know Don Whitney’s words to be true; “Only the sheer rapture of being lost in the worship of God is as exhilarating and intoxicating as telling someone about Jesus Christ.”
Paul said; “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” May we, God’s people, be disciplined in the regular sharing of the gospel with those whom God has sovereignly placed in our paths and in so doing may we know the exhilaration and blessings that uniquely flow out of being witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And remember, the results of your evangelism are not the measure of your success (the fruit that is born from it is up to the Lord). Simply being faithful to share the gospel is successful evangelism!
FCC Men’s Retreat - Part #2
May 27, 2008 | Comments Off
Milo was the next speaker at the retreat, and he was a true blessing of experience to share his personal testimonies of life. In this retreat there was a desire to esteem the older men of our congregation and have these younger men glean from the experiences of their life. One of the problem of so many is the fact that we often forget what we learn, and so I am happy to present these videos as a reminder of the wisdom that has been granted to our congregation through our elders.
Milo has faithfully served the Lord for over 45 years as deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, and on various school and church boards. Milo and Edie, his wife, met and married in California and have been married for 44 years.
The Carrolls: daughter Kathleen, and son-in-law Robert, are actively involved in serving at Faith Community Church. Robert is an Elder, and Kathleen is church pianist. She also teaches art at Faith Christian Academy. The Raub’s youngest daughter, Karen, is home with the Lord since 1995. Milo and Edie are blessed with six grandchildren, three of whom are the Carroll’s sons, Andrew, Aaron, and Adam. Milo is secretary of the Elder Board and serves on the Missions Committee at Faith Community Church
Rain, Rain, Go Away
April 8, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The rain threw everything off today. Things have been progressing rather nicely on the rebuilding of our home, but I have been very eager to be re-settled in a permanent home. So even though the project has been moving relatively quickly, it still feels like it is taking forever. Today a lot was scheduled to be done, but the key word is “scheduled”. The rained delayed everything. Some people are probably more disposed towards grumbling and murmuring, but everyone does it more than they think. As I heard the rain beat against the house last night and woke to drenching rains, I knew my hopes for progress this day were all being washed away - literally. I think I said “stupid rain” several times.
“And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.” (ESV Numbers 11:1)
I knew what I was really doing. I wasn’t cursing the rain, I was angry with God because He is the one who controls the rain. And I also remembered that God doesn’t take such complaining lightly. Ultimately, the complainer says, “Lord, I don’t like how you rule the world…” Shockingly arrogant isn’t it? It is helpful to be reminded that a Personal, loving, and good God orders the affairs of our life. The most appropriate response to a day like this is a cheerful submission. I hope you learn a lesson from me today. I had to learn it again from ancient Israel.
Youth Event April 13th
April 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
“For I am fearfully and wonderfully made”
No doubt the human body is an amazing and unfathomably intricate creation that only God could have designed. The more we learn about the complexity of our own bodies the more we have to stand in amazement at God’s creation. Next Sunday, April 13, we would like to provide the youth with the opportunity to explore this very part of God’s creation at the “Bodies Revealed” exhibit at Union Station. We will be meeting at the church and carpooling to Union Station. Youth Shepherding Group will then meet at Katie & Danny Moore’s near Union Station. Rides can be provided to Shepherding Group only (beginning around 6:00) from the church if needed.
When: Meet at 3:30 at church
Cost: $12.00 per person (if enough people sign up)
We will go to the exhibit and then to the Moore’s. We will be back at the church by 8:00 PM.
WE MUST ORDER TICKETS IN ADVANCE TO GET A DISCOUNT RATE. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE GOING BY WEDNESDAY! You can do so by signing up at the church or calling/e-mailing Jimmy.
Jimmy: 816-739-2481
standlea@gmail.com
Uncomfortably Good
April 1, 2008 | 1 Comment
I sat down this morning and finally opened my latest issue of Voice of the Martyrs magazine. I think subconsciously I had been putting it off. Sometimes there are things you would rather not think about. As I suspected, my life and even my very existence were challenged. Whether it was the Christian’s home in Egypt burned, or the new believer in Morocco who was thrown out of his father’s home, or the pastor’s front door welded shut (with his family still inside!) in China, all of them make me feel uncomfortable. But it is a good uncomfortable. They remind me that this world is not my home. They show me that Christ is wondrously precious. The Bible commands believers to remember those who are persecuted for their faith (see Hebrews 13:3). The hard part is feeling so inadequate. Offering help seems like an attempt to water the Sahara Desert. It is impossible to address all the suffering and pain of the persecuted church. But we cannot become paralyzed. I hope you will take time to read about the persecuted church today. There are several organizations devoted to this kind of ministry. I personally recommend to you Voice of the Martyrs. You can visit them online at www.persecution.com . I encourage you to subscribe to their periodical also. I may forget to get online, but that white envelope keeps coming. I would also encourage you to consider supporting your persecuted family abroad. I give regularly to VOM. I hope you would consider it as well.
Sermon on the Mount
February 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Here’s the next installment for those that are endeavoring to memorize the Sermon on the Mount in 2008:
February 24
19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
March 2
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
March 9
23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
March 16
25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
March 23
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
March 30
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
April 6
31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
April 13
33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
April 20
36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
April 27
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
May 4
40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, [7] let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
May 11
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
May 18
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
A Woman After God’s Own Heart
January 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The FCC Ladies Ministry is offering a new 10 session Bible study series based on the book A Woman After God’s Own Heart which has helped tens of thousands of women discover the genuine peace and joy that comes when they pursue God’s priorities in every area of their lives — family, home, work, ministry — and become women after His heart. Please be our guest at an introductory brunch which will be held in the sanctuary on Saturday, February 16th, from 9:00-11:00AM. At this kick-off brunch we will explain the format, watch an introductory video and introduce the workbook. We will be meeting each month on the third Saturday, so mark your calendars, and sign up in the hall to let us know you will be attending.
Memorize the Sermon on the Mount in 2008
January 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
In a recent sermon Pastor Tim invited all to join him in memorizing Matthew 5-7 in 2008. We are posting a suggested weekly break down of the verses to aid you. Here is the first installment. They will also be available on a weekly basis in the bulletin and our emailed Mid-Week News.
December 30
Matthew 5:1 ¶ Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
January 6
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
January 13
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
January 20
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
January 27
11 ¶ “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
February 3
13 ¶ “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 ¶ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
February 10
15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
February 17
17 ¶ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
• Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.
Inclement Weather Policy
January 1, 2008 | Leave a Comment
It is that time again when the possibility of inclement weather increases and in order to be proactive we would like to remind you of our service cancellation procedures. If a service is cancelled we will email a cancellation notice to those on the constant contact email list (if you would like to be added contact the church office). There will be an announcement posted on the website. We also use Fox 4 WDAF TV Total Closing System so you can tune in there and check the closings at the bottom of the screen if you suspect that inclement weather has caused a service cancellation. As always use your own good judgement when making the decision whether to drive when the weather is questionable.
