Friendship Bible Church

8 Profitable Ways to Read the Bible (Number 6)

2012-02-01T14:08:00.000-05:00

6. Read all of the Bible — and read it in an orderly way. I fear there are many parts of the Word which some people never read at all. This is to say at the least, a very presumptuous habit. “All Scripture is profitable.” [2 Timothy 3:16]. To this habit may be traced that lack of well-proportioned views of truth, which is so common in this day. Some people’s Bible-reading is a system of perpetual ‘dipping and picking’. They do not seem to have an idea of regularly going through the whole book.
(J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion, “Bible Reading”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 131-134.)

8 Profitable Ways to Read the Bible (Number 5)

2012-01-31T14:07:00.000-05:00

5. Read the Bible daily. Make it a part of every day’s business to read and meditate on some portion of God’s Word. Private means of grace are just as needful every day for our souls — as food and clothing are for our bodies. Yesterday’s food will not feed the laborer today; and today’s food will not feed the laborer tomorrow. Do as the Israelites did in the wilderness. Gather your manna fresh every morning. Choose your own seasons and hours. Do not scramble over and hurry your reading. Give your Bible the best, and not the worst part of your time! But whatever plan you pursue, let it be a rule of your life to visit the throne of grace and God’s Word every day.
(J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion, “Bible Reading”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 131-134.)

8 Profitable Ways to Read the Bible (Number 4)

2012-01-30T14:04:00.000-05:00

4. Read the Bible in a spirit of obedience and self-application. Sit down to the study of it with a daily determination that you will live by its rules, rest on its statements, and act on its commands. Consider, as you travel through every chapter, “How does this affect my thinking and daily conduct? What does this teach me?” It is poor work to read the Bible from mere curiosity, and for speculative purposes — in order to fill your head and store your mind with mere opinions; while you do not allow the book to influence your heart and life. That Bible is read best — which is practiced most!
(J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion, “Bible Reading”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 131-134.)

8 Profitable Ways to Read the Bible (Number 3)

2012-01-29T14:02:00.000-05:00

3. Read the Bible with child-like faith and humility. Open your heart — as you open God’s book, and say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!” Resolve to believe implicitly whatever you find there, however much it may run counter to your own desires and prejudices. Resolve to receive heartily every statement of truth — whether you like it or not. Beware of that miserable habit into which some readers of the Bible fall — they receive some doctrines because they like them; and they reject others because they are condemning to themselves, or to some relation, or friend. At this rate, the Bible is useless! Are we to be judges of what ought to be in God’s Word? Do we know better than God? Settle it down in your mind — that you will receive all and believe all, and that what you cannot understand — you will take on trust. Remember, when you pray — that you are speaking to God, and God hears you. But, remember, when you read Scripture — that God is speaking to you, and you are not to “dictate,” but to listen!
(J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion, “Bible Reading”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 131-134.)

8 Profitable Ways to Read the Bible (Number 2)

2012-01-28T13:57:00.000-05:00

2. Read the Bible with an earnest desire to understand it. Do not think for a moment, that the great object is to turn over a certain quantity of printed paper, and that it matters nothing whether you understand it or not. Some ignorant people seem to imagine, that all is done if they advance so many chapters every day, though they may not have a notion what they are all about, and only know that they have pushed on their bookmark ahead so many pages. This is turning Bible reading into a mere ritual form. Settle it down in your mind as a general principle, that a Bible not understood — is a Bible that does no good! Say to yourself often as you read, “What is this all about?” Dig for the meaning like a man digging for gold.
(J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion, “Bible Reading”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 131-134.)

8 Profitable Ways to Read the Bible (Number 1)

2012-01-27T13:56:00.000-05:00

1. Begin reading your Bible this very day. The way to do a thing — is to do it; and the way to read the Bible — is actually to read it! It is not merely meaning, or wishing, or resolving, or intending, or thinking about it — which will advance you one step. You must positively read. There is no royal road in this matter, any more than in the matter of prayer. If you cannot read yourself, you must persuade somebody else to read it to you. But one way or another, through eyes or ears — the words of Scripture must actually pass before your mind.
(J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion, “Bible Reading”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 131-134.)

Bowling, Bowling, Bowling

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

What? Winter Bowling Party

When? This Saturday, Jan 28th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM

Where? Kent Lanes, 1524 South Water St., Kent

$10 per person includes pizza, pop, shoes and 2 hours of bowling.

If you don’t bowl and just want to fellowship and eat, the cost is $5.

Come join your FBC brothers and sisters for a wonderful time of Christian fellowship.

It doesn't get any better than this, men!

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

An unbelievable breakfast prepared by the FBC ladies... a time of fellowship and male bonding with your FBC brothers... a brief but relevant devotional from the FBC handbook - the Bible... and of course, a time of praying one for another.

Join us Saturday morning starting at 8:00! If you are able, stay for a bit afterward and join the "Men Serving Others" team as they head out to put their faith into action.

Calling ALL YOUNGSTERS!!!

2012-01-25T10:32:00.002-05:00

TONIGHT, Wednesday, Jan25^th at6:15 we will be starting our Jr. Choir practices while parents enjoythe prayer meeting upstairs. Children of all ages - THIS IS FORYOU!!!!

We promise fun music and a great "Pick-me-up" forthe mid week blahs!!!!

See you tonight?

Bible Study and Bible Lands!

2012-01-17T15:22:00.003-05:00

Men, don't forget Men's Bible Study tonight starting at 6:30. Note that the location has changed to the Johnson home for the next couple weeks. Bring your Bibles, and turn to Hebrews 2!

And if you've been attending the grief classes on Tuesday evenings, well... tonight's the night for that, too.

Then tomorrow (Wednesday), we will gather for prayer as we do most Wednesdays. Join us and see just what prayer meeting is all about. And then, immediately after prayer meeting, join us in Fellowship Hall for an informational meeting about the upcoming Holy Land trip. If you have questions about this trip, bring them along.

Podcast has been updated

2012-01-12T15:34:00.001-05:00

For our shutins, and for anybody who may need them, four new audio files are now available, either via iTunes, via the church mobile app, or HERE

I don't pray enough for the lost

2012-01-12T05:32:00.001-05:00

I am convicted by a quote from "Alone With God," by John MacArthur:

The seventeenth-century English Puritan Richard Baxter wrote,

Oh, if you have the hearts of Christians or of men in you, let them yearn towards your poor ignorant, ungodly neighbours. Alas, there is but a step betwixt them and death and hell; many hundred diseases are waiting ready to seize on them, and if they die unregenerate, they are lost forever. Have you hearts of rock, that cannot pity men in such a case as this? If you believe not the Word of God, and the danger of sinners, why are you Christians yourselves? If you do believe it, why do you not bestir yourself to the helping of others? Do you not care who is damned, so you be saved? If so, you have sufficient cause to pity yourselves, for it is a frame of spirit utterly inconsistent with grace … Dost thou live close by them, or meet them in the streets, or labour with them, or travel with them, or sit and talk with them, and say nothing to them of their souls, or the life to come? If their houses were on fire, thou wouldst run and help them; and wilt thou not help them when their souls are almost at the fire of hell? (cited in I.D.E. Thomas, ed., A Puritan Golden Treasury [Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1977], 92–93)

Just as true today as when Baxter said it in the 1600s. There are many we will meet today who are hopelessly, eternally, and terribly lost if they do not come to Christ. Let us not neglect to pray for them today... and if God gives opportunity, to speak with them as well.

Today - Jim Elliot

2012-01-08T20:16:00.001-05:00

On this date in 1956, Jim Elliot, a missionary to the Auca Indians in Ecuador, was martyred. Four other servants of God died with him. Jim is known for a quote found in his diary, which seemed to characterize his life:

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose. (1949)

His journals contained some other gems as well:

One treasure, a single eye, and a sole master. (1948)God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus. (1948)Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame. But flame is often short-lived. Canst thou bear this, my soul? Short life? In me there dwells the spirit of the Great Short-Lived, whose zeal for God’s house consumed Him. ‘Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.’ (1948)As your life is in His hands, so are the days of your life. But don’t let the sands of time get into the eye of your vision to reach those who sit in darkness. They simply must hear. (1948)I must not think it strange if God takes in youth those whom I would have kept on earth till they were older. God is peopling Eternity, and I must not restrict Him to old men and women. (1950)The will of God is always a bigger thing than we bargain for. (1952)

I thank God on this, the anniversary of his death, for selfless believers like Jim Elliot, who take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Big Weekend

2012-01-06T08:54:00.000-05:00

Don't forget Haven of Rest this coming Saturday from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. "If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday." (Isaiah 58:10 NKJV)

And in addition to our normal Sunday morning activities (i.e. Sunday School at 9:30 and Morning Worship at 10:30), we will also have our annual member's meeting this Sunday morning immediately following the worship service. All active members are encouraged to take part.

CANCELLATION

2012-01-03T13:35:00.000-05:00

Due to the weather, the Grief Share class is cancelled this week. See you next week!

Entropy

2011-12-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,

And attend to your herds; For riches are not forever,

Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

(Proverbs 27:23–24 NKJV)

We shared this during prayer meeting Wednesday night:

For many years, Max Depree was the CEO of an innovative Fortune 500 company called Herman Miller. Depree has written classic books on leadership and anchored the board of trustees at Fuller Seminary for 40 years. Max is asked to speak a lot about leadership, and at one session somebody asked him what the most difficult thing was that he personally had to work on. This was Max's response: "It's the interception of entropy."

Entropy is a term from physics that has something to do with the second law of thermodynamics and the availability of energy. It speaks to the fact that the universe is winding down. It's the idea that everything that is left to itself has a tendency to deteriorate.

Entropy. It's not only one of the great enemies of the universe; it's one of the great enemies of the human spirit. A person becomes apathetic or complacent or settles for the path of least resistance in some area of life. Dreams die and hopes fade. A terrible thing happens: a person learns they can live with mediocrity.

Entropy is a great enemy of the human spirit, so the writers of the Book of Proverbs have a lot to say about it. One thing they say is that the wise person is always on the lookout for early signs that entropy is setting in. Proverbs 27:23-24 shows us the picture of someone who has livestock and how they need to monitor its condition. Though the words speak of livestock, they are true in any area of life: "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations." Everyday you have to be on the lookout for entropy. Though things might have been okay yesterday, that doesn't mean they stay okay forever. Put any important area of your life on autopilot, and risk entropy that is both subtle and destructive.

Let us not coast into the New Year. Let us power the engines! Full speed ahead for Jesus!

Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards

2011-12-31T08:33:00.003-05:00

Always worth reading this time of year:

http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards

With the Lord

2011-12-30T19:57:00.003-05:00

Pray for the family and loved ones of our oldest member, Ann Boggess, who went home to be with her Savior this afternoon. Ann was 98 years old.

Christmas - His Day

2011-12-23T13:11:00.000-05:00

Once every five or six years, we have the opportunity at Christmas to worship the newborn King on His birthday. With the exception of those times where leap year intrudes and messes up the math, Christmas falls on a Sunday about once every five or six years, including this year - 2011.

We will hold our worship service on Christmas, as it would be sad to say we keep Christ in Christmas and then cancel worship of the Christ of Christmas! But because of the many family obligations of the day, our services will be abbreviated.

No Sunday School hour.
Shortened worship begins at 10:30.

Prayer Request

2011-12-22T21:11:00.001-05:00

Church family - please keep our oldest member, Ann Boggess, in prayer tonight. She fell earlier today and is recuperating with a cracked vertebra in her neck. Ann is 98 years old.

Candles and Carols

2011-12-22T13:06:00.000-05:00

Candlelight Service

Christmas Eve - December 24th - 7:00 PM

Help Us Help?

2011-12-15T19:22:00.001-05:00

First, the Christmas baskets for the needy will be assembled. 6:00 PM Friday evening in Fellowship Hall.

Second, they will be delivered. 1:30 PM Saturday.

Deacons and deaconesses - please help if you can. And anybody else who is able to share a few minutes of your time, join this effort!

Sing We Now Of Christmas

2011-12-15T13:19:00.000-05:00

It's that time. It's a wonderful time.

It's Christmas Caroling time!

Sunday, December 18th - 5:30 PM

Dress warm and meet at the church.

Our God And Savior Came

2011-12-08T11:27:00.001-05:00

Down from His glory,

Ever living story,

Our God and Savior came,

And Jesus was His name...

Join us this Saturday evening at 7PM for the Christmas Cantata. The choir has been laboring for weeks, and we are looking forward to a wonderful time of worship and praise.

Come early to ensure a seat!

2011-12-06T06:35:00.001-05:00

From John MacArthur's Alone With God:

The greatest illustration of (Christ's) intensity in prayer took place in the garden prior to His death. Luke writes, “He knelt down and began to pray, saying, ‘Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done.’ … And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground” (22:41–42, 44). In Matthew’s version of this same event, we find that Jesus petitioned God three times (26:36–46). That was one fervent, prolonged prayer experience, so much so that during it the disciples fell asleep several times.

Our Lord performed many mighty works when He was on earth, yet in none of them is there any apparent expenditure of energy. Although the Scripture says virtue went out of Him, there is no record that would indicate He had to exert any effort to perform His miracles. Only when He prayed do we see Him agonize and toil over His petitions, even to the point of sweating great drops of blood.

May God help us to learn such intensity... Such fervency... Such passion in prayer.

Midweek prayer meeting is a great place to learn and practice! Wednesday evening at 6:30!

Should Santa be part of a Christian Christmas?

2011-12-03T14:17:00.001-05:00

Noel Piper's insights on Santa in a Christian home http://t.co/VhlRP1HO

What a Book!

2011-12-03T08:31:00.001-05:00

Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21)

The Bible is the writing of the living God. Each letter was penned with an almighty finger. Each word in it dropped from the everlasting lips. Each sentence was dictated by the Holy Spirit. Albeit that Moses was employed to write his histories with his fiery pen, God guided that pen. It may be that David touched his harp, and let sweet psalms of melody drop from his fingers; but God moved his hands over the living strings of his golden harp. Solomon sang canticles of love and gave forth words of consummate wisdom; but God directed his lips, and made the preacher eloquent. If I follow the thundering Nahum, when his horses plough the waters; or Habakkuk, when he sees the tents of Cushan in affliction; if I read Malachi, when the earth is burning like an oven; if I turn to the smooth page of John, who tells of love; or the rugged chapters of Peter, who speaks of fire devouring God’s enemies; if I turn aside to Jude, who launches forth anathemas upon the foes of God everywhere I find God speaking; it is God’s voice, not man’s; the words are God’s words; the words of the Eternal, the Invisible, the Almighty, the Jehovah of ages. This Bible is God’s Bible; and when I see it, I seem to hear a voice springing up from it, saying, “I am the Book of God. Man, read me. I am God’s writing. Study my page, for I was penned by God. Love me, for He is my Author, and you will see Him visible and manifest everywhere.” (Spurgeon)

Read the Bible, my brothers and sisters!

Help us Reach Randolph?

2011-11-30T15:28:00.001-05:00

Don't forget our postcard stamping party following prayer meeting tonight. We are inviting everyone in Randolph and Atwater to the FBC Christmas events this year. Join us!

Cancelled

2011-11-27T16:39:00.001-05:00

We just received word from the Haven of Rest that our service time scheduled for this coming Saturday has been cancelled, as they have special Christmas activities taking place that day.

If you were signed up to serve, enjoy your day off!

Not Black... GREEN

2011-11-25T06:20:00.001-05:00

Interesting how some characterize the start of the wonderful Christmas season as "black Friday". No other time of year is more about life than when we celebrate the Savior's birth. Black is not the color of life... GREEN is.

Join us for the hanging of the greens tomorrow (Saturday) at 4:00 pm. Refreshments will be served, and all supplies and decorations will be provided. All that's needed is you!

Online archive updated

2011-11-23T13:12:00.001-05:00

For our shutins, or anybody else who might benefit, the online versions of recent services have been updated. If you have the FBC Mobile app on your smartphone, or subscribe to the FBC Podcast in iTunes, you will already have access. Otherwise, you can simply go to http://sermon.net/FriendshipBibleChurch and listen online, or contact the church office and ask for a copy on CD.

So Much to be Thankful For!

2011-11-23T07:41:00.001-05:00

Join us this evening as we pray with and for each other.
Every Wednesday evening at 6:30 - Midweek Prayer Meeting.

If you haven't been to this yet...

2011-11-16T10:31:00.001-05:00

Don't miss the Haven of Rest open house, tomorrow!

Tick Tock Tick Tock

2011-11-09T05:14:00.001-05:00

The clock is ticking down for this year's Operation Christmas Child! Boxes need to be in by THIS SUNDAY MORNING! Our goal this year is 200 boxes. So pack 'em! And bring 'em!

Join in the effort to reach children and families around the world with the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ!

Ready for the Weekend?

2011-11-05T06:10:00.001-05:00

There is lots happening around FBC this weekend.

First, Haven of Rest, Saturday at 10:00. As the temperature drops, the need rises.

Second, we are nearing the end of this year's Operation Christmas Child drive. Our goal? 200 boxes! Pack it! Pray over it! Bring it! Send it! Only in eternity will we see the faces of those your box reaches.

Finally, an all important reminder - turn that clock back!

Fire!

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Campfire that is... Campfire Fellowship!

When? Saturday, October 29th starting at 5:00 PM

Where? The Ross Ranch - see Phil or Myrna for directions.

Food, fellowship, and fun.

Singing, Hay Ride.

Don't miss this last campfire fellowship for 2011!

Oh, and remember to bring a dish to pass, and a chair to sit on.

And this I pray...

2011-10-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

... that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

... that ye may approve things that are excellent;

... that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11 KJV)

Come and dine, the Master calleth - come and dine!

2011-10-20T13:14:00.001-05:00

Well, if you are of the male persuasion that is.

Men's Prayer Breakfast, this coming Saturday morning at 8:00 AM, followed by Men Serving Together.

Don't miss it!

Not all Bible translations are good!

2011-10-18T03:49:00.001-05:00

Here is a great article written by a woman on why the new "gender-inclusive" NIV should be left on the shelf. She is right on in her thinking.

10 Reasons Why the New NIV is Bad for Women

The new gender-inclusive NIV was published earlier this year. It contains thousands of changes to the Bible’s male-gendered language. Having a gender-inclusive Bible appears to be the latest trend amongst cutting-edge, cappuccino-slurping Christian hipsters. Don’t get me wrong. I like to be hip. And I enjoy cappuccino as much as the next person. But my biggest beef with gender-inclusive Bibles is that they lack doctrinal precision. If you mess with the words, you mess with the meaning. Respected Bible scholars have explained why inclusive translations such as the New International Version (NIV), New Revised Standard (NRSV), and Common English Bible (CEB) are deeply flawed. If you haven’t yet considered their arguments, you might want to check out these Gender Neutral Bible Articles.

Notwithstanding the doctrinal imprecision and blatant politically-correct translating agenda, there are additional reasons why I dislike gender inclusive Bibles. Undoubtedly the publishers had good intentions, and genuinely wanted to help women, but in my mind, a gender-inclusive Bible is BAD for women. Really, really bad for women! I react to people reading from the new, gender-inclusive NIV the way I react to nails scratching down a chalk board. Here are ten reasons why:

1. It obscures the profound symbolism of gender:

Gender has a profound, cosmic meaning. God created manhood, womanhood, marriage and sex to put the love story of Christ and the Church on display. When we mess with the Bible’s gender language, we obscure gender’s symbolism. We make truths about God and the gospel more difficult to understand

2. It exalts gender above that to which it points:

Changing the Bible’s gender language implies that the Bible’s gender language is about us. It’s not. The Bible is ultimately not about male and female—it’s about Jesus, the Son of Man and Son of God. The Bible does not use predominantly male gendered language to exalt men; it uses it to exalt THE Man who paid the ultimate price to redeem His Bride.

3. It diminishes the unique beauty of womanhood:

Blurring the Bible’s gender language contributes to the blurring of gender distinctions. It diminishes and devalues the unique role and beauty of womanhood.

4. It is less inclusive of women:

Gender inclusive Bibles cast women as “other” rather than part of the collective whole. God collectively named male and female “man” (Hebrew: ‘adam. See Gen. 5:2) to indicate that male and female would share a common condition for which He would provide a common answer. Because both male and female are ‘adam, both are equally represented by the first man, Adam. Both are fallen and in need of a Savior. The good news of the gospel is that both are also equally represented by the Second Man—the Last Adam—Jesus Christ. When God named male and female ‘adam, he had the Last Adam in mind. So when, in order to appease modern sensibilities, we change “man” to something we think is more inclusive,” we diminish the theological meaning and exclude woman. If woman is not specifically identified as “man” then how can she be represented by the first man, Adam? What’s more, how can she be represented by the Second Man, the Last Adam, Jesus Christ? Gender inclusive Bibles are supposed to be more inclusive of women, but pardoxically, the language theologically does the exact opposite. It excludes women from the collective whole.

5. It demeans women:

Gender inclusive Bibles imply that women are too stupid to figure out that in the Bible, the words “man” and “brothers” are inclusive terms. The male translators have to fix the words for us, since we’re not theologically astute enough or bright enough to get it on our own. Quite frankly, I feel like gender-inclusive Bibles insult a woman’s intelligence.

6. It patronizes women:

Poor little girls. The translators need to change the words of the Bible so our feelings don’t get hurt. Boo hoo. Women are so easily offended. Sorry, . . . but changing the words of the Bible because you think some women might be offended by its language is downright patronizing.

7. It calls God’s attitude toward women into question:

Making changes to gender language is based on the premise that God ought to have given gals and guys equal air time. Trying to minimize the discrepancy suggests that God didn’t care enough about women to take our feelings into account. The natural conclusion is that He obviously loves his boys more than He loves his girls. The conclusion is wrong. And the premise is wrong.

8. It calls God’s wisdom into question:

Poor God. His bad. He needs our help. He wasn’t smart enough to get the words right. He obviously isn’t as enlightened as people living in the new millennium. We have to step in and update His image, to make the Bible more palatable to woman’s modern sensibilities.

9. It encourages further changes to Scripture:

I know of at least one Muslim that is aghast that Christians would have the audacity to tamper with the wording of our Holy Book. And since we’re audacious enough to tamper with gender wording for humans, it won’t be long till we’re audacious enough to tamper with gender wording for God. Translators will undoubtedly feel the need to update God’s names so that HE becomes more gender inclusive. Terms like “Mother-Father God,” “Jesus, child of woman and man,” “Great Source of Being in the Sky” and our “God-Goddess” communicate the concept of a gender-inclusive deity much better than the male-gendered language of the Bible. Don’t be naive. I’ve studied feminist theology long enough to know that naming self leads to naming the world leads to naming god. It’s audacious indeed!

10. It leads women away from truth:

I care about women. Deeply. I long to see them experience healing and wholeness in Christ Jesus. I do them a disservice when I apologize for the Bible, fail to embrace its unvarnished beauty and power, and shrink back from sharing the Words that are perceived by some as foolishness and a stumbling block, yet are actually the power and wisdom of God for righteousness and sanctification and redemption. I fail women when I try to make God or His Word more palatable. I empty the cross of its power (1 Cor. 1:17-30).

Gender and gender language is important. It touches on the essence of a woman’s identity, the essence of the character of God, and on the essence of the gospel. We get things so very wrong when we think we can improve on the Bible’s teaching on gender or the gender language it uses. The big picture informs us that from the very beginning, God’s plan for gender has very little to do with us and very much to do with Him. And we need to trust that even if we don’t fully understand them, the words, images and means He has chosen to display His glory are not only right, they are also good. Very good! And also very good for women!

A Battle Worth Fighting

I understand that language changes over time, and that translation is not always an easy task. But I am saddened that Christians seem so eager to jump on the cultural bandwagon to update God’s Holy Book with inclusive language. I don’t think they realize what is at stake. I have had students struggle with understanding concepts about God because their native language did not lend itself to translating/expressing the gendered concepts that exist in the original languages of the Bible. We will lose something very critical and essential if we lose the linguistic concepts afforded us by the gendered nature of English. Retaining gender distinctiveness in our language is a battle worth fighting. There is a great deal at stake.

So ladies, please don’t jump on the gender-inclusive Bible bandwagon. Be hip. Be courageous. Be politically incorrect. Insist on a Bible that acurately translates gender language– like the ESV, Holman Christian Standard, or New America Standard. Because in the end, inclusive language, and inclusive language Bibles, are bad for women.

© Mary Kassian

Tags: Bible, CSB, ESV, gender-neutral bible, inclusive language, NIV, TNIV

Category: Blog, Disciplines, Doctrine

http://www.girlsgonewise.com/10-reasons-why-the-new-niv-is-bad-for-women/

Details for Cecil McKinney

2011-10-13T11:54:00.001-05:00

Cecil R. McKinney ``Bones Mac', 97, died at his residence October 9, 2011. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 in The Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls where at funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14, Pastor William Johnson officiating. Interment Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Friendship Bible Church, P.O. Box 341, Randolph, OH 44265.

FBC Family, let us remember Jill and her family in prayer this week.

Phase 3 Underway!

2011-10-12T08:15:00.001-05:00

The heating and A/C team started today and should finish in the next couple of weeks. Please be careful around the construction areas.

We know not...

2011-10-12T06:53:00.001-05:00

Spurgeon said, "We know not what prayer cannot do!"

Thus, we gather every Wednesday evening for prayer. Will you join us tonight at 6:30?

Oh, and Leadership Team, remember we will meet immediately thereafter.

This Morning's Spurgeonism

2011-10-12T06:46:00.001-05:00

“I will meditate in thy precepts.” (Psalm 119:15)

There are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on his Word spiritual strength for labour in his service. We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them. Truth is something like the cluster of the vine: if we would have wine from it, we must bruise it; we must press and squeeze it many times. The bruiser’s feet must come down joyfully upon the bunches, or else the juice will not flow; and they must well tread the grapes, or else much of the precious liquid will be wasted. So we must, by meditation, tread the clusters of truth, if we would get the wine of consolation therefrom. Our bodies are not supported by merely taking food into the mouth, but the process which really supplies the muscle, and the nerve, and the sinew, and the bone, is the process of digestion. It is by digestion that the outward food becomes assimilated with the inner life. Our souls are not nourished merely by listening awhile to this, and then to that, and then to the other part of divine truth. Hearing, reading, marking, and learning, all require inwardly digesting to complete their usefulness, and the inward digesting of the truth lies for the most part in meditating upon it. Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, and do not thoughtfully meditate on God’s Word. They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to gather it; the fruit hangs upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it. From such folly deliver us, O Lord, and be this our resolve this morning, “I will meditate in thy precepts.” (Spurgeon, Morning and Evening)

Phase Two Under Way!

2011-10-07T07:21:00.001-05:00

The whole massed sin of the human race...

2011-10-07T05:02:00.001-05:00

For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians. 5:21)

Sin is a fundamental relationship; it is not wrong doing, it is wrong being, deliberate and emphatic independence of God. The Christian religion bases everything on the positive, radical nature of sin. Other religions deal with sins; the Bible alone deals with sin. The first thing Jesus Christ faced in men was the heredity of sin, and it is because we have ignored this in our presentation of the Gospel that the message of the Gospel has lost its sting and its blasting power.

The revelation of the Bible is not that Jesus Christ took upon Himself our fleshly sins, but that He took upon Himself the heredity of sin which no man can touch. God made His own Son to be sin that He might make the sinner a saint. All through the Bible it is revealed that Our Lord bore the sin of the world by identification, not by sympathy. He deliberately took upon His own shoulders, and bore in His own Person, the whole massed sin of the human race—“He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin,” and by so doing He put the whole human race on the basis of Redemption. Jesus Christ rehabilitated the human race; He put it back to where God designed it to be, and anyone can enter into union with God on the ground of what Our Lord has done on the Cross. (from My Utmost For His Highest, by Oswald Chambers)

What does your world-view teach the child who is watching you?

2011-10-04T09:11:00.002-05:00

I just read this troubling article, which is actually 2 years old now. I'm certain the statistics are at least as troubling today.

All of us who are parents, Sunday School teachers, Jr. Church leaders, VBS workers, grandparents, etc. NEED TO READ THIS and see the result of not raising our children for Christ - of letting the world-view obtained from their secular influencers win the day.

I encourage you to read and pray about this... and work with us at FBC to reach the children of our generation for Christ, through our words, and mostly through their seeing it in our personal world-views.

Rainy day - perfect for Bible reading

2011-10-01T07:51:00.001-05:00

George Muller said that we all, no matter our state, will benefit from reading our Bibles more. Actually, what he said was:

"If the reader understands very little of the word of God, he ought to read it very much; for the Spirit explains the Word by the Word. And if he enjoys the reading of the Word little, that is just the reason why he should read it much; for the frequent reading of the Scriptures creates a delight in them, so that the more we read them, the more we desire to do so. And if the reader should be an unbeliever, I would likewise entreat him to read the Scriptures earnestly, but to ask God previously to give him a blessing. For in doing so, God may make him wise unto salvation, 2 Timothy 3:16."

Have you read your Bible yet today?

Opportunities to Go and Give

2011-10-01T04:48:00.001-05:00

It's the first Saturday - Haven of Rest day. If you will give a couple hours to the needy this morning, meet at the Haven of Rest at 10:00.

It's also the start of the final month of R.R.O.D.A.AT. for 2011. If you will go to reach out to our neighbors in Randolph this morning, meet at FBC at 10:00.

It's Wednesday!

2011-09-28T06:10:00.001-05:00

And Wednesday means prayer meeting.

"Prayer is an act of labor. Prayer is hard work! Anyone who has persevered in early morning or late night hours, and all night vigils, even in seemingly interminable midweek prayer meetings knows the difficulty of sustaining a life of prayer. It does not come naturally to us as creatures of flesh and blood. As stated by Oswald Chambers, 'Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work'." (Operation World, p. xxiv)

See you at 6:30 PM?

In case you missed it!

2011-09-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

For our shutins, our warriors overseas, and anybody else who might be interested, we have posted several new sermon audio files.

You can get them by CLICKING HERE, or on iTunes, or via the Friendship Bible Church iPhone app.

Two new sermons in our Digging Deeper series have been posted. The latest from our study in Nehemiah has been posted, and there is also a message from Missionary Ken Boothe, with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Persecuted or Distracted

2011-09-26T05:34:00.001-05:00

Here is a great article that should give all of us American believers something to think about.

Click and read

Fire! Food! Fellowship! Fun!

2011-09-23T17:27:00.001-05:00

It's all there at the Campfire Fellowship this Saturday, 5:00, at Johnson Acres. Bring a chair to sit on and a dish to share, and come prepared for fun.

Oh yeah... Just thought of a few other things - volleyball, fishing (bring your fishing tackle), corn hole, horse shoes, and more!

Join us! You have FRIENDS at Friendship Bible Church, and a bunch will be looking for you around the fire.

A Thermopylae Breakfast

2011-09-23T17:13:00.001-05:00

In the Battle of Thermopylae of 480 B.C. an alliance of Greek city-states fought the invading Persian army at the pass of Thermopylae. Vastly outnumbered, the Greeks delayed the enemy in one of the most famous last stands of history. A small force led by King Leonidas of Sparta blocked the only road through which the massive army of Xerxes I could pass. The Persians succeeded in defeating the Greeks but sustained heavy losses, incredibly disproportionate to those of the Greeks

I wonder what they had for breakfast.

After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And our Mens' Prayer breakfasts not only equip us physically, but also spiritually, so we, like the legendary Greek 300, can stand.

Don't neglect prayer breakfast this Saturday morning at 8 am, brethren.

This Week At FBC

2011-09-20T06:36:00.001-05:00

Sunday - the Lord's Day - Sunday School and Worship
Monday - Grief Class, 7:00 PM
Tuesday - Men's Bible Study, 6:30 PM at the Ross Ranch
Wednesday - Prayer Meeting, 6:30 PM
Saturday - Men's Prayer Meeting starts the day at 8:00 AM and the penultimate Campfire Fellowship at Johnson Acres concludes it.

We rejoice to have so many opportunities to learn, serve and fellowship here at FBC. Will you take advantage, too?

Another gem from Spurgeon

2011-09-15T06:30:00.001-05:00

“A people near unto him.” (Psalm 148:14)

The dispensation of the old covenant was that of distance. When God appeared even to his servant Moses, he said, “Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet”; and when he manifested himself upon Mount Sinai, to his own chosen and separated people, one of the first commands was, “Thou shalt set bounds about the mount.” Both in the sacred worship of the tabernacle and the temple, the thought of distance was always prominent. The mass of the people did not even enter the outer court. Into the inner court none but the priests might dare to intrude; while into the innermost place, or the holy of holies, the high priest entered but once in the year. It was as if the Lord in those early ages would teach man that sin was so utterly loathsome to him, that he must treat men as lepers put without the camp; and when he came nearest to them, he yet made them feel the width of the separation between a holy God and an impure sinner. When the gospel came, we were placed on quite another footing. The word “Go” was exchanged for “Come”; distance was made to give place to nearness, and we who aforetime were afar off, were made nigh by the blood of Jesus Christ. Incarnate Deity has no wall of fire about it. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” is the joyful proclamation of God as he appears in human flesh. Not now does he teach the leper his leprosy by setting him at a distance, but by himself suffering the penalty of his defilement. What a state of safety and privilege is this nearness to God through Jesus! Do you know it by experience? If you know it, are you living in the power of it? Marvellous is this nearness, yet it is to be followed by a dispensation of greater nearness still, when it shall be said, “The tabernacle of God is with men, and he doth dwell among them.” Hasten it, O Lord.

Men Learning

2011-09-13T09:33:00.001-05:00

What - Men's Bible Study
Where - the Ross Ranch
When - 6:30 every Tuesday evening
Why -

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another... (Colossians 3:16)

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)

Some men have knowledge to share, that other men, younger in Christ, need. And all men need to keep learning, so they in turn can teach others.

Join us, whichever category you think you fall into - your brothers need you... You need them.

Old Fashioned Sunday - what a great day!

2011-09-11T18:45:00.000-05:00

Check out these photos from Old Fashioned Sunday

Looking better?

2011-09-10T17:00:00.001-05:00

A time to look back

2011-09-10T16:45:00.001-05:00

T Minus 2 Days

2011-09-09T06:01:00.001-05:00

Only two more days until Old Fashioned Sunday. Final preparations are taking place now to make it a great day with Your friends and brothers and sisters.

Music and worship! Food and fellowship! Pie making contest, dunking tank, and games! Old Fashioned cars and displays!

Sunday School will take place at 9:30, followed by the worship service at 10:30 and the celebration immediately following.

Invite!
Pray!
Join us!

To my church family...

2011-09-01T06:14:00.001-05:00

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you... (Philippians 1:3 KJV)

For All Believers Everywhere

2011-08-31T13:08:00.001-05:00

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:18 NLT)

We will try and live that verse for 1/2 hour this evening. Will you join us?

Prayer Meeting - 6:30

Podcast has been updated

2011-08-29T09:49:00.000-05:00

For our shutins and all those with interest, the latest audio is now available on the FBC podcast. You can get it through iTunes, the FBC iPhone / Android app, or just click the embedded player or the link below.

Audio File - "Bring the Book" - Nehemiah 8:1

New Wood!

2011-08-27T11:48:00.001-05:00

Pastor's Masters

2011-08-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

Round 2 - Sunday, 2:00, at Paradise Lakes in Randolph. The forecast is calling for perfect golf weather! Join us!

It has to get worse before it gets better

2011-08-26T17:00:00.001-05:00

Summer Break Winding Down

2011-08-26T12:00:00.009-05:00

Just a few days remain before the fall schedule kicks into high gear here at FBC. Our summer recess goes through Sunday.

So there will be no Prayer Breakfast, and no R.R.O.D.A.A.T. Saturday morning. There will also still be no Sunday School hour on Sunday.

All is back to normal after this Sunday, though.

You Haven't Forgotten...

2011-08-26T09:24:00.001-05:00

... to pray, have you?

Construction Continues

2011-08-26T09:01:00.001-05:00

Work on the steeple continues today, and hopefully tomorrow. If you are in and about the church, please be careful around the equipment and work site.

Fling that seed! Keep flinging it!

2011-08-23T13:29:00.001-05:00

A great reminder from the writings of Dwight L. Moody:

God must prepare the ground and He must give the increase. I have often said that if I had to convict men of sin I would have give up the work long ago. That is the work of the Holy Ghost. What we have to do is to scatter the good seed of the Word, and expect that God will bless it to the saving of men’s souls.

The sower soweth the word. (Mark 4:14 KJV)

Updated audio

2011-08-22T18:00:00.001-05:00

For our shutins, or for any who have interest, we have posted the most recent audio files. If you are a subscriber to the podcast on iTunes, you will automatically receive the latest, but if not, you can listen to it here.

It's Fair Week

2011-08-22T16:06:00.001-05:00

All midweek activities are cancelled this week, including the Men's Bible Study, midweek prayer meeting, Saturday prayer breakfast, Saturday "Men Serving Together," and Saturday morning R.R.O.D.A.A.T.

Enjoy the fair!

Normal schedule will resume Sunday!

Construction Commences!

2011-08-22T11:56:00.001-05:00

Do It!

2011-08-17T06:09:00.001-05:00

“The main lesson about prayer is just this: Do it! Do it! Do it!”—John Laidlaw.

Join your brothers and sisters in praying... Praying together... Praying for one another...

Tonight - Midweek Prayer Meeting at 6:30.

Some weeks are better than others...

2011-08-16T21:21:00.001-05:00

... And so far this one has been a blast.

Starting with a great first round of the Pastors Masters on Sunday

Followed by a wonderful men's Bible study this evening where we were joined by our brother Nick Billock live from Afghanistan

And looking forward to prayer meeting Wednesday evening when we will be joined by missionaries Jerry and Liz Harmon, serving in Puerto Rico.

I think there's even more coming later in the week, but that can wait for the next blog post.

Thanks, Lord, for making it a great week!

Men's Bible Study will be in Afghanistan this evening

2011-08-16T05:55:00.001-05:00

Partially, at least.

We will be moving the location to Johnson Acres this evening (6:30) so we can include our Brother Nick, live from the other side of the world.

Join us, men!

Give thanks, even for trials?

2011-08-15T06:37:00.001-05:00

Consider something I read this morning, if you are going through a rough patch:

But if things go hard with us, and trials darken all our sky, are we still to give thanks, and bless our God? Most surely.

“Trials make the promise sweet;
Trials give new life to prayer;
Trials bring me to His feet,
Lay me low, and keep me there.”

Let us thank God for our trials. We dwell, perhaps, in a land of narrowness. But, like Immanuel Kant’s garden, it is “endlessly high.” The air is fresh, and the sun is clear. The winter is frosty, but kindly. With the springtime comes the singing of birds, and the bloom and fragrance of flowers. And if, even in the summer, there breathes “a nipping and an eager air,” there is always the health-giving smile of God.

On the other hand, how true is the sentence of Augustine, “Earthly riches are full of poverty.” Rich stores of corn and wine will never satisfy a hungry soul. Purple and fine linen may only mask a threadbare life. The shrill blare of fame’s trumpet cannot subdue the discords of the spirit. The best night that Jacob ever spent was that in which a stone was his pillow, and the skies the curtains of his tent. When Job was held in derision by youths whose fathers he would have disdained to set with the dogs of his flock, he was made a spectacle to angels, and became the theme of their wonder and joy. The defeat which Adam sustained in Paradise, the Redeemer retrieved in the desolation of the desert and the anguish of His passion.

The cross we are called to bear may be heavy, but we have not to carry it far. And when God bids us lay it down, heaven begins. (David MacIntyre, "The Hidden Life of Prayer")

Pastors Masters Round 1

2011-08-12T14:14:00.001-05:00

Sunday, August 14th at Tannenhauf Golf Course in Alliance.

Tee off at 2:00 P.M.

Thy Will

2011-08-10T06:45:00.001-05:00

“When ye pray, say, Our Father…Thy will be done” (Luke 11:2).

Lord, here I hold within my trembling hand,
This will of mine—a thing which seemeth small;
And only Thou, O Christ, canst understand How,
when I yield Thee this, I yield mine all.
It hath been wet with tears, and stained with sighs,
Clenched in my grasp till beauty hath it none;
Now, from Thy footstool where it prostrate lies
The prayer ascendeth, Let Thy will be done.

Just a thought as we pray today... and as we gather this evening for midweek prayer meeting.

Let Us Wait

2011-08-10T06:07:00.001-05:00

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

“To wait is not merely to remain impassive. It is to expect—to look for with patience, and also with submission. It is to long for, but not impatiently; to look for, but not to fret at the delay; to watch for, but not restlessly; to feel that if He does not come we will acquiesce, and yet to refuse to let the mind acquiesce in the feeling that He will not come.” (Dr. A. B. Davidson, "Waiting Upon God")

Men in the Word

2011-08-09T05:15:00.001-05:00

A reminder that we will descend on the Ross Ranch, Bibles in hand, for Men's Bible Study tonight - 6:30. Join us!

Glory!

2011-08-06T07:33:00.001-05:00

Two more little ones will be in heaven!

Thank you Lord for VBS! And VBS workers!

Rejoice!
Rejoice!

HORTS!

2011-08-04T07:06:00.001-05:00

Or, in other words, remember Haven Of Rest This Saturday! Meet at the Haven at 10:00!

A Special Note to our Tired and Hot VBS Workers

2011-08-03T20:05:00.001-05:00

Your prayers...
Your preparation...
Your fatigue...
Your love...

Came together to bring two little souls to the Savior tonight.

Rejoice.

Three New Audio Files For Shutins

2011-08-03T13:07:00.000-05:00

(NOTE - This post automatically forwards to email, and sometimes the audio / video does not get included. If the links do not show for you, please just visit the FBC BLOG.)

Come With Us To VBS!

2011-08-03T09:42:00.000-05:00

Check out a few photos of the action!

Oh, and by the way...

2011-08-03T06:24:00.001-05:00

Walk!

2011-08-03T06:18:00.001-05:00

Now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8)

We do not realize the importance of the unconscious part of our life ministry. It goes on continually. In every greeting we give to another on the street, in every moment’s conversation, in every letter we write, in every contact with other lives, there is a subtle influence that goes from us that often reaches further, and leaves a deeper impression than the things themselves that we are doing at the time. It is not so much what we do in this world as what we are, that tells in spiritual results and impressions. (J. R. Miller)

A good reminder that, that we witness, whether well or poorly, whether we intend to or not! May your light shine brightly for Jesus today!

BTW - VBS has been wonderful this week, and as we reach the halfway point, let us renew our prayers for the souls of the little ones God has sent us this week. And pray, too, for those laboring so selflessly... so selflessly... to see little children know the Savior.

It's Only 4 Days Away!

2011-07-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Children... bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 NIV)

Vacation Bible School is only a few days away - the first week in August! Have you registered your kids yet? Or your grandkids? Or your nephews and nieces? Have you mentioned it to your co-workers who have kids? Or to your neighbors? Or to your sisters and brothers?

Registration is now open, and you can register either online (www.FriendshipBibleChurch.org) or by contacting the church office for a paper registration form. You may also request free postcards to use in inviting friends and family members.

One of the best things I have ever read

2011-07-25T07:10:00.000-05:00

Brothers, We Must Not Mind a Little Suffering

Let them come!

2011-07-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them... (Matthew 19:14 ESV)

Vacation Bible School is only a few days away - the first week in August! Have you registered your kids yet? Or your grandkids? Or your nephews and nieces? Have you mentioned it to your co-workers who have kids? Or to your neighbors? Or to your sisters and brothers?

Registration is now open, and you can register either online (www.FriendshipBibleChurch.org) or by contacting the church office for a paper registration form. You may also request free postcards to use in inviting friends and family members.

'nuther great Prayer Breakfast!

2011-07-23T14:09:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Trudy and Sandie for the wonderful breakfast. Thanks Phil for the word from Peter. And thanks Ken for the insight into Wickliffe Bible Translator's Ministry.

Another gem from Spurgeon's pen

2011-07-23T05:53:00.001-05:00

“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

“Cleanses,” says the text—not “shall cleanse.” There are multitudes who think that as a dying hope they may look forward to pardon. Oh! how infinitely better to have cleansing now than to depend on the bare possibility of forgiveness when I come to die. Some imagine that a sense of pardon is an attainment only obtainable after many years of Christian experience. But forgiveness of sin is a present thing—a privilege for this day, a joy for this very hour. The moment a sinner trusts Jesus he is fully forgiven. The text, being written in the present tense, also indicates continuance; it was “cleanses” yesterday, it is “cleanses” today, it will be “cleanses” tomorrow: it will be always so with you, Christian, until you cross the river; every hour you may come to this fountain, for it cleanses still. Notice, likewise, the completeness of the cleansing, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin”—not only from sin, but “from all sin.” Reader, I cannot tell you the exceeding sweetness of this word, but I pray God the Holy Ghost to give you a taste of it. Many are our sins against God. Whether the bill be little or great, the same receipt can discharge one as the other. The blood of Jesus Christ is as blessed and divine a payment for the transgressions of blaspheming Peter as for the shortcomings of loving John; our iniquity is gone, all gone at once, and all gone for ever. Blessed completeness! What a sweet theme to dwell upon!

“Sins against a holy God;
Sins against his righteous laws;
Sins against his love, his blood;
Sins against his name and cause;
Sins immense as is the sea-
From them all he cleanseth me.”

Remember VBS 2010?

2011-07-22T10:04:00.000-05:00

Click here for a slideshow that might refresh your memory.

Not from our children!

2011-07-22T06:00:00.003-05:00

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. (Psalm 78:4 NLT)

What if you had access to a vast sum of wealth? Wouldn't that be great? And wouldn't it be doubly great to have such supply and to be able to pay for the very best medical care available for your sick child?

But what if you had a vast sum of wealth, your child grew sick and near death, and you hid that supply so it couldn't be found... so that it was unavailable to help your sick child?

The psalmist knew it well - the truths about God, which are contained in the Bible, are precious. We must share them with all. We must tell them to our children.

That's why we have VBS the first week in August! Have you registered your kids yet? Or your grandkids? Or your nephews and nieces? Have you mentioned it to your co-workers who have kids? Or to your neighbors? Or to your sisters and brothers?

Registration is now open, and you can register either online (www.FriendshipBibleChurch.org) or by contacting the church office for a paper registration form. You may also request free postcards to use in inviting friends and family members.

Weekend Forecast!

2011-07-21T05:27:00.001-05:00

I just noticed the weather forecast for today - 97 and hot hot hot. Interestingly, that forecast could also describe the anticipated weekend at FBC.

Saturday morning, the heatwave begins with Men's Prayer Breakfast at 8:00, followed by "Men Serving Together" and a manly shopping trip to Fins Feathers and Fur. Hot!

Saturday evening, the second Campfire Fellowship of 2011 will push the mercury even higher. Bring your lawn chairs, corn hole games, and covered dishes to the Sizzling Spangler Spread! Hot hot!

Sunday morning, of course, we gather to worship our Lord and Savior on the Lord's Day. God said, Is not My word like a fire?” (Jeremiah 23:29 NKJV) Everytime we open it, it is hot, hot, hot. Sunday School meets at 9:30, followed by worship at 10:30.

Let's enjoy the heat wave together.

1524

2011-07-19T06:00:00.003-05:00

That's a pretty big number. In fact, we ought to let that sink in for a minute - one thousand, five hundred, and twenty four.

What is the significance? Well, that's how many verses contain the word "children" in the Bible!

One of those verses is - Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. (Psalm 34:11 NKJV)

The author of that psalm understood - children are important to God, and we need to take every opportunity to raise them to love and serve Him. While they are young, they are most easily reached for Christ. Ask any parent of teenagers whether that is the time to start reaching them. Or ask a parent who let their children grow to adulthood without teaching them the fear of the LORD - how easy is it to reach them once they are grown? No... the time is now, while they are young. There will never be a better time to ground them in the truth.

That's why we have VBS the first week in August! Have you registered your kids yet? Or your grandkids? Or your nephews and nieces? Have you mentioned it to your co-workers who have kids? Or to your neighbors? Or to your sisters and brothers?

Registration is now open, and you can register either online (www.FriendshipBibleChurch.org) or by contacting the church office for a paper registration form. You may also request free postcards to use in inviting friends and family members.

As participating members...

2011-07-18T06:37:00.001-05:00

Gene A. Getz, in "Elders and Leaders," shares a helpful thought:

Paul address the Corinthian believers as saints (2 Corinthians 1:1), even though most of them were living anything but godly lives (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Yet, because of their faith in Jesus Christ and their true salvation experience, God viewed them through Christ's death and resurrection as perfectly HAGIOS, or holy.

This is the way God sees all of us in local churches who are truly saved. If he did not, no one could inherit eternal life. This is why the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith and not by works is so important. None of us by our own strength can live a perfect life, nor can anyone qualify on his own to gain entrance into God's eternal kingdom.

However, even though we cannot reach God's standard of holiness in this life, both individually and as a church body, it is still His will that all of us become holy, as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). As participating members in local churches, we are to renew our minds – not to "conform any longer to the pattern of this world," but to "be transformed" (Romans 12:2). Put another way, as Christ's disciples and as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to become more and more conformed to the image of Christ, reflecting the fruit of the Holy Spirit in all of our relationships with one another (Galatians 5:16-26).

Join the Experiment?

2011-07-12T05:28:00.001-05:00

We will gather at 6:30 Wednesday evening for prayer, as is our custom every week. But we are experimenting with our format for that gathering, as it has become a bit stale of late. Perhaps you would join us in that experiment?

After all, every one of us is in need of being prayed for... And every one of us is in need of practicing praying for others... And every one of us is in need of praying with others. Prayer meeting is an opportunity for all of the above, and requires less than an hour of investment.

Try it. This Wednesday? 6:30?

In prayer, we find ourselves seeking a lost oneness with our old home, the heart of God. We have been wrenched from that home by sin and now know an urge that drives us to reunion. Prayer satisfies that urge, for now at least. It is a renaming of our current longing with the title of the old perfect one. It is recognition that God has renamed hopeless sin. It is now forgiven sin. He has renamed powerlessness: power. Weakness: strength. Despair: joy. We are living on dangerous, foreign ground. The only way to survive is to claim what we can for God, and for the rest seek the peace only prayer can bring. (Terry C. Muck, Liberating the Leader's Prayer Life)

When the winds of trial blow...

2011-07-12T04:45:00.001-05:00

Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out (Song of Solomon 4:16)

Sometimes God sends severe blasts of trial upon His children to develop their graces. Just as torches burn most brightly when swung violently to and fro; just as the juniper plant smells sweetest when flung into the flames; so the richest qualities of a Christian often come out under the north wind of suffering and adversity. Bruised hearts often emit the fragrance that God loveth to smell. Almost every true believer’s experience contains the record of trials which were sent for the purpose of shaking the spice tree. (Theodore Cuyler)