Some Thoughts On Reading

As we say goodbye to 2013 and look forward to 2014, I find myself resolving to read more in the new year. Hopefully you do, too, for reading is an important discipline that brings many wonderful benefits into the life of a Christian. So, here is a brain dump on the topic which may or may not prove helpful. I present it with the prayer that the former proves true.

I need to read the Bible in 2014. This is a given. I pastor Friendship BIBLE Church. I proclaim loudly from the pulpit that the Bible is the Word of God, shows us the heart of God, and uncovers the will of God and plan of God for life. I need to read it more. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 NKJV) Concerning God's words, the psalmist said More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalms 19:10, 11 NKJV)

• I need to read the Bible systematically in 2014. There are so many reading plans available. I need to pick one and follow it. (You? I can point you to a number of good reading plans. Ask.)
  
• I need to read the PAPER Bible in 2014. This may seem odd, but let me explain. For the past several years I've done my Bible reading on an iPad. Great. Wonderful tool. Few could claim to be a greater supporter of the technology than me. But I've noticed some things that concern me. I find now that when I do pick up the Bible, I cannot find things as quickly as before. I've lost some of my edge in Sword drills! And I miss the ability to take notes and find them later. Yes, note-taking is built in to the iPad apps I use, but it's simply not the same. I can pick up an old Bible filled with notes from 20 years ago, and I am immediately reminded of things learned previously. And those same notes may someday edify my kids or grandkids. I can leave them a Bible, whereas the electronic notes on my iPad... not so much. So, for 2014 I'm going low tech and will use my good old leather bound Bible for my daily reading. The iPad will still be there, and is unsurpassed for deeper study. But I want the smell of leather and paper along with my coffee in the morning.
  

In 2014, I need to read more of the books God has preserved. Books are churned out at an astonishing rate these days. Christian authors abound. I've even published a few myself this year. But few... very few, of the books that are popular today will even be in print a few short years from now. Take a trip to Ollie's and look at the book racks. As you walk between the shelves filled with yesterday's best sellers being dumped at Goodwill prices, you'll see what I mean. But there are also many spectacular works that God has singularly blessed and preserved. Some classics never go out of print, for they never cease to be relevant and helpful. Authors like Charles Spurgeon, John Bunyan (Have you read Pilgrim's Progress?? Spectacular stuff!!), CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, etc. Timeless. Oh, I'll still read a little of Dever and Mohler and DeYoung. But in 2014, I need to skew my reading toward the things God has chosen to put His stamp of approval on. (You?) After all, the endless attempts by many authors to invent something new and fresh is less than Biblical, anyway. Solomon (an ancient author whose writings God has preserved, I think) wrote that there is nothing new under the sun.

In 2014, I need to read more books that will help me cultivate the gifts God has entrusted to me. Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift that God had given him. I need to read more on preaching and teaching. I have much to learn. I need to read more on how to shepherd the flock of God. I need to read things that will help me keep the gifts of God stirred up. (You? What is/are your gift/gifts?)

In 2014, I need to read more, and watch less. The deeper our society falls into the cesspool of sin and immorality, the clearer it becomes that as a Christian I need to separate myself more and more from television. It becomes harder with each passing year to articulate any positives that come from that medium. Yet it occupies so much time. Reading more will help me watch less. I need that in 2014. (You?)

Well, that's enough on the topic. I hope and pray God helps me read more in 2014, and I pray the same for you.

2013 Reading

Here are a few notes on some things I read in 2013, published in the hope it might encourage you in your reading. "Readers are leaders" it has been said, and so I encourage reading, and I covet the prayers of my church family as I strive to become more faithful to reading in the new year.

The 2013 list:

The Bible. I always strive to read it through at least once during the year. There are, of course a variety of ways to go about that goal, and this year I chose "Prof. Horner’s Bible Reading Plan". It was a very intense reading plan, not for the faint of heart. I found it too difficult to keep up with and ended up abandoning it in favor of less structured reading plans. I will have a separate post about some suggestions for reading the Bible in 2014.

Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis. I've read Lewis's "Space Trilogy" several times before, and love it. Timeless science fiction unlike any other I've read. This is the first in the trilogy.

Perelandra, by C.S. Lewis. The second book in the trilogy.

The Christian Directory, by Richard Baxter (from The Practical Works of Rev. Richard Baxter, Vol. 2) Baxter was a Puritan Divine who pastored, preached and wrote prolifically. This volume, like most of his writings, is excellent. Directive 14 on mortifying the flesh, is particularly good.

The Life of David, by Arthur W. Pink. Read as input to the sermon series "Lessons From The Life Of David."

Follow Me, by David Platt While parts of this book were good, I did not like the fact that he based a lot of it on a strawman argument about the "sinners prayer". Overall I found it a good, but not great, read. Chapter 7, on the church, is absolutely excellent, though and worth the price of the book.

The Life and Diary of David Brainerd Alas, I started this, but found it a difficult read and gave it up. Perhaps I'll try again in 2014.

Pontius Pilate, by Paul Maier This is an historical novel on the life of Pilate. Although a novel it is meticulously researched and based on known scholarship. I found it fascinating and highly recommend it for its thought provoking insights into the mind and life of this important Biblical character.

The Hardest Sermons You'll Ever Have To Preach, by Bryan Chappell. A good set of examples of sermons for the hard times in life.

Saving Eutychus, by Gary Millar and Phil Campbell. I picked this book up at the BASICS conference, as it was highly recommended by Alistair Begg. I agree with his assessment after reading it. It is an excellent book on preaching in general. I found Chapter 3 to be the most useful chapter.

The Hole In Our Holiness, by Kevin DeYoung. This is a superb book, and a wonderful antidote to the misuse of “legalism” in American Christianity today.

Exploring Church History, by James P. Eckman. This, along with the next two titles, were input to the Leadership Training Institute studies in church history.

Studies in Early Church History, by HENRY T. SELL, D.D.

Who’s Who in Christian History, J. D. Douglas and Philip W. Comfort, Editors

The Autobiography of Charles Spurgeon in 4 Volumes. If, in addition to God's Word, I could have the works of only one author in my library, Spurgeon would be the only choice. At the close of the year I'm still working through this massive work, and finding jewels on every page.

Here are a couple I've started and not yet finished. They should make the 2014 list:

Brothers, We are Not Professionals, John Piper

Deepening Your Conversation with God: the Life-Changing Power of Prayer, by Ben Patterson

And, for the geeks among you, a little IT-based reading:

Version Control with Git, 2nd Edition, by Jon Loeliger and Matthew McCullough

KEEP READING, BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

Prayer Meeting

No prayer meeting this week. Happy New Year!

Candlelight Service

6:30 - Christmas Eve

Traditional carols, the story, candlelight, and a gift for all.

Bring somebody with you and join us in celebrating the birth of the Savior.

COOKIES COOKIES COOKIES

Ladies,

If you signed up for the Cookie Exchange TONIGHT....DON"T FORGET!!!!

 

Bring 6 dozen of one kind of cookie.

 

Jessica will also be giving us some fun tips for the holidays....you won't want to miss this.

 

The FUN starts at 7:00 pm 

Sigh... the pastor once again has misread the calendar

I should not be allowed near calendars.  For some reason I can't seem to read them!

The Christmas caroling is NOT on Saturday, as the previous post suggested. It is on SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

A couple schedule changes to note

Don't forget that our missionaries to Australia, Ron and Vicki Letts, will join us on Wednesday during our regular prayer meeting time.  Come out and support this family that serves our Lord down under.  We will meet in the sanctuary.

Remember, too, that this Thursday afternoon, the Christmas baskets for the needy will be assembled and delivered.   We could use help both assembling and delivering the baskets.

Finally, remember that this Saturday, the 22nd, we will going Christmas Caroling.  This is always a fun and rewarding time as we gather and sing the songs of Christmas to others.

Call the church office during regular office hours for further details on any of these activities.

A Must Read For Parents

5 Things Your Teens Must Hear You Say About Porn

Kevin DeYoung NAILS IT

This is an excellent discussion about one of the greatest problems in American Christianity. We need to read it prayerfully.

The scandal of the semi-churched http://t.co/w84KTSv3ay

The Heart of Christmas

God' greatest gift, can be mine!

Friday at 6:30 is dress rehearsal. Choir be faithful!

There will be two performances, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00.

Don't neglect to invite friends and family to this special Christmas celebration!

Judy

Brothers and Sisters - please hold Tom and Judy and Tim and Gayle and the girls up before God this evening. Judy may soon be with Her Savior.

Ronnie Smith

Click here to read John Piper's wonderful response to the murder of this Christian man in Benghazi this week.

Weekend Happenings

Just a quick note about what's happening at FBC this weekend.

Saturday is normally our day to set up and serve at the Haven of Rest in Akron, but the Haven has cancelled that event for December.

Sunday is the penultimate practice for the Christmas Cantata "The Heart of Christmas" so choir, be faithful. Remember, too, that dress rehearsal is the following Friday at 6:30 PM. Also Sunday, after choir practice, those who signed up for the Ladies Ministry trip to Zoar will depart.

It's Time to Decorate for Christmas!

Saturday at 3:00. Help us decorate, and then warm-up with homemade chili afterwards! There's a lot to do, so we could use some help.

A Thankful President

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor -- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks -- for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation -- for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed -- for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted -- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions -- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed -- to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord -- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York
the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

George Washington

Happy Thanksgiving

Just a quick reminder that prayer meeting is cancelled this Thanksgiving Eve!

In Case Of Weather

Just a quick reminder that if we ever need to cancel a service or activity due to weather, we will use the following notification methods:

1. The outgoing message on the church phone will contain the announcement. If you ever wonder about whether something is cancelled due to weather, call the church office and listen to that announcement. (330) 325-7836.

2. A post to the church blog, the church email list, the church Facebook page and the church Twitter account. If you follow any of those, you should receive notification.

3. WCRF radio.

Bunch of new audio

If you've wondered what happened to our audio sermon archive, rest assured it is back. Some changes occurred at the service where we store those files, and that broke things for a while. All is working now, though.

You can get the audio files via iTunes. Just search for the Friendship Bible Church under podcasts.

If you have the FBC web app on your smartphone, then you have access to the audio files under "From the Pulpit".

If you want to access the sermon archive from the church website, click on "What We Do" and scroll down to select "Preaching". Then you'll find a link for listening to the sermons.

Weekend at Friendship

It starts this Saturday at 8:00 AM with Mens' Prayer Breakfast.  Join us for a period of fellowship and prayer.  Invite a friend!

Immediately after prayer breakfast - figure 9:30-10:00, we will be filling up Thanksgiving Baskets for those in need.  If you'd like to help with the creation of those baskets, or with their delivery, please meet in Fellowship Hall no later than 10:00 AM Saturday.

Sunday is busy as usual, with Sunday School at 9:30, Morning Worship at 10:30, and Cantata Practice at 12:00.  (Only a couple of practices left, choir, so say NO to everything else and be faithful!)

Finally, Sunday evening from 5:00-6:30 PM  will be another fun time for the teens!  What do turkey, potatoes, green beans , corn, sweet potatoes, jello, pumpkin all have in common ?   You got it Thanksgiving Din Din. Only we add a twist to our chow!!! So come hungry and bring someone new !!!!!

Oh, and one more thing

Remember the Operation Christmas Child packing party, tomorrow, Saturday at 1 o'clock in Fellowship Hall.

Pizza and pop provided.

Come help us meet our goal of 200 shoeboxes!

Operation Christmas Child

Don't forget! This Sunday is the final day to bring in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes before we take them to the drop off location. Please have your shoeboxes filled, labeled, wrapped with a rubber band, and your $7 shipping fee included (instructions for this are on the label brochure). After Sunday, any boxes will have to be dropped off individually. The children who receive these simple gifts will appreciate your kindness and generosity. Most importantly, they will have an opportunity to hear/read the gospel message of Christ in their own language! What a blessing to be part of! Thank you for supporting this important ministry and Early Merry Christmas!

Do not miss the final day of our missions conference Sunday!

Missions Conference Day 2

God gave us a great start tonight.

Join us Saturday at 6:30, when we will hear from Hungary, Nigeria, and maybe some other countries. And of course, we will hear another great message from the word from Brother Cornette.

Don't miss it!

Missions Conference - Day 1

Go... make disciples... do it everywhere... and do it until Jesus comes.

That's our mission as a church. It starts here, spreads there, and reaches everywhere.

Our first annual missions conference kicks off THIS EVENING, Friday evening at 6:30. You'll be blessed to hear from our missionaries, either onsite or via video conference direct from the field. You'll be challenged from the Word of God by Dr. John Cornette, friend and mentor of our pastor and great preacher. And, you'll get to top off the evening with some light refreshments (with an international flair) immediately following the service.

Countdown to Missions Conference 2013

Go... make disciples... do it everywhere... and do it until Jesus comes.

That's our mission as a church.  It starts here, spreads there, and reaches everywhere.

Join us as our first annual missions conference kicks off this Friday evening at 6:30.  You'll be blessed to hear from our missionaries, either onsite or via video conference direct from the field.  You'll be challenged from the Word of God by Dr. John Cornette, friend and mentor of our pastor and great preacher.  And, you'll get to top off the evening with some light refreshments (with an international flair) immediately following the service.

Conference Schedule:

Friday, 6:30 - Session 1, featuring the Weamers from Iceland, the Portillos from Italy, Teena Embaugh from SEND Intl, and our featured speaker, Dr. John Cornette from Agape Baptist Church in Mebane, NC.

Saturday, 6:30 - Session 2, featuring the Weavers from Hungary, the Sheaffers from FamilyLife, the Gilberts from Greater Europe Mission, and Brother Cornette.

Sunday, 9:30 - Combined adult and teen Sunday School hour featuring Tim McElhaney from TransWorld Radio.

Sunday, 10:30 - Worship service / Session 3, featuring the Eikosts from Bosnia, the Stavropoulos family from Mozambique, the Kohlers from Ireland, Tim McElhaney from TransWorld Radio, and of course, Brother Cornette.

Fellowship Then Prayer

Don't forget the November changes to midweek prayer meeting. We meet at 6:15 in Fellowship hall for a brief fellowship meal, then praise and prayer.

See you at 6:15?

"... pray one for another....The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

Don't Be Late!

Remember that Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00 AM this coming Lord's Day.  Set that clock back an hour before you crash for the evening.  And crash early,  "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Haven Time!

This Saturday join the brothers and sisters who are helping at the Haven of Rest in Akron.  For an investment of only a couple hours, you can reap joy now and reward in eternity.

Wear a hat and meet us at the Haven of Rest in Akron at 10:00 AM Saturday morning.

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. (Matthew 25:35 NIV)

I Have Never Been Sorry

When I was a boy of fifteen, I believed in the Lord Jesus, was baptized, and joined the Church of Christ; and nothing upon earth would please me more than to hear of other boys having been led to do the same. I have never been sorry for what I did then; no, not even once. I have had plenty of time to think it over, and many temptations to try some other course; and if I had found out that I had been deceived, or that I had blundered, I would have made a change before now, and would do my best to prevent others from falling into the same delusion. The day I gave myself up to the Lord Jesus, to be His servant, was the very best day of my life; then I began to be safe and to be happy; then I found out the secret of living, and had a worthy object for my life's exertions, and an unfailing comfort for life's troubles. Because I would wish every boy, who reads these lines, to have a bright eye, a light tread, a joyful heart, and overflowing spirits, I therefore plead with him to consider whether he will not follow my example, for I speak from experience, and know what I say. (Excerpted from The Autobiography of Charles Spurgeon)

Amen. I've never known anyone to be sorry for having trusted Christ. I certainly never have been. And if you have not yet taken that step, do it now. You will never regret it.

Parents - a Word For You

John Piper's thoughts on why parents should require obedience from their children.

All parents or potential parents... even grandparents, will be well helped by reading this.

Talking to the One Who Made Us

THERE IS PERHAPS no greater evidence that human beings act contrary to their self-interest than the fact that we spend so little time talking to the one who made and loves us. (Daniel W. Taylor Professor of English at Bethel College St. Paul, Minnesota)


Your brothers and sisters meet again this Wednesday evening, as they do every Wednesday of the world, to pray.

Join us?

6:30-7:15 PM.

Josh MacDowell - SUNDAY at 6

Apologies, but I fear the pastor has been providing false information. Josh MacDowell will be at the Chapel in Marlboro TOMORROW. I erroneously told some that it was tonight. The Apologetics Seminar is at 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 27.

Here is the information from the Chapel website:




I will be attending the 6:00 session, if anybody is interested in riding along.

Teen Bonfire and Pumpkin Drilling

When? Sunday, October 27th, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM

Where? Beau Salisbury's house 3753 Bassett Rd. 44201

Bonfire, pumpkin drilling, Hot doggggies, Mac and cheese, s'more and surprises from the Beau's Momma, hot chocolate...

You don't wanna miss this!!!!!  Invite your friends!!!!!!

Dress warm!!

It's Off!

The Campfire Fellowship, that is.

Due to a couple conflicts, we've decided to cancel the final fellowship for this year. See you around the campfire next year!

It's On!

Men's' Prayer Breakfast, that is!

Join us at 8:00 Saturday for the monthly blessing of great food, wonderful fellowship, the Word of God, and prayer.

Pray a For Janet

Earl Martin, Janet's dad, has gone home to be with Jesus.

Calling hours are Saturday from 2-4 with the funeral immediately following at:

Victory Christian Center
3899 McCartney Rd.
Youngstown, OH 44436

Keep Janet, Carl and their family in your prayers.

Judgement House!

Teens,

We will be going to the Hudson Community Chapel Judgement House THIS SUNDAY (October 20).

Invite all your friends!!!!!!

Meet at the church at 2:45.
Tee shirts / hoodies / jeans please.
Adults will be driving only. I will need each of your parent / guardians to sign a permission slip.... Even if they are going with us.

We will stop for dinner on the way home... You don't need any $.

Check it out at http://www.tourjh.com

Beth

What in the world is going on?

What's happening in American? Syria? Russia? Egypt? Turkey? Iran?

I recently received a link to this video, taken at Shadow Mountain Community Church, where Dr. David Jeremiah is the pastor. It is the best and most exciting explanation I have ever heard about where we are right now in Biblical prophecy. According to Dr. Jeremiah's introduction to the video, the speaker, Amir Tsarfati, has the unique background of a Bible prophecy teacher, licensed Israel tour guide, homeland security consultant, and key player in Israel's military.

If you will invest the hour to watch this astonishing presentation, I guarantee you will be shouting hallelujahs at the end.

Click here for the video

How Important is Sunday School?

Very!

It is said by some that children cannot understand the great mysteries of religion. We even know some Sunday- school teachers who cautiously avoid mentioning the great doctrines of the gospel, because they think the children are not prepared to receive them. Alas! the same mistake has crept into the pulpit; for it is currently believed, among a certain class of preachers, that many of the doctrines of the Word of God, although true, are not fit to be taught to the people, since they would pervert them to their own destruction. Away with such priestcraft! Whatever God has revealed ought to be preached. Whatever He has revealed, if I am not capable of understanding it, I will still believe and preach it. I do hold that there is no doctrine of the Word of God which a child, if he be capable of salvation, is not capable of receiving. I would have children taught all the great doctrines of truth without a solitary exception, that they may in their after days hold fast by them.
I can bear witness that children can understand the Scriptures; for I am sure that, when but a child, I could have discussed many a knotty point of controversial theology, having heard both sides of the question freely stated among my father's circle of friends. In fact, children are capable of understanding some things in early life, which we hardly understand afterwards. Children have eminently a simplicity of faith, and simplicity of faith is akin to the highest knowledge; indeed, I know not that there is much distinction between the simplicity of a child and the genius of the profoundest mind. He who receives things simply, as a child, will often have ideas which the man who is prone to make a syllogism of everything will never attain unto. If you wish to know whether children can be taught, I point you to many in our churches, and in pious families,-- not prodigies, but such as we frequently see,-- Timothys and Samuels, and little girls, too, who have early come to know a Saviour's love. As soon as a child is capable of being lost, it is capable of being saved. As soon as a child can sin, that child can, if God's grace assist it, believe and receive the Word of God. As soon as children can learn evil, be assured that they are competent, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to learn good. (Spurgeon, from his Autobiography)

Sunday School is FREE! It is staffed with teachers and helpers who care about the souls of your kids! Where else will they hear if not here?

Haven Time!

It's that time again! Join us at the Haven of Rest in Akron at 10:00 Saturday morning as we help set up and serve lunch to the homeless and needy.

INVINCIBLE

On his knees the believer is invincible. (Charles Spurgeon)

Prayer meeting - every Wednesday evening at 6:30.  Join us?

How Does The Apple Get In The Bottle?

In his autobiography, Charles Spurgeon tells of an incident in his childhood when he discovered a bottle that had an apple inside it. It took him some time to figure out how the apple got inside the bottle. But once he figured it out, he realized it was an apt illustration of why we need to reach children for Christ when they are young.

Let us get the apples into the bottle while they are little: which, being translated, signifies, let us bring the young ones into the house of God, by means of the Sabbath-school, in the hope that, in after days, they will love the place where His honour dwelleth, and there seek and find eternal life. By our making the Sabbath dreary, many young minds may be prejudiced against religion: we would do the reverse. Sermons should not be so long and dull as to weary the young folk, or mischief will come of them; but with interesting preaching to secure attention, and loving teachers to press home the truth upon the youthful heart, we shall not have to complain of the next generation, that they have "forgotten their resting- places." (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)

Parents, the devil will lay myriads of temptations before you on Sunday morning - anything will seem more pressing and convenient than taking your children to Sunday school. But if you are going to get the apple into the bottle, you dare not waste the small window of opportunity that is before you. Don't let the devil have that time! Don't let Satan have your children!

Sunday school - every Lord's Day morning at 9:30.

CAMPFIRE FELLOWSHIP

What - CAMPFIRE FELLOWSHIP!!!

When - Saturday at 5:00

Where - The Bauer Bivouac

Bring a dish to pass, a lawn chair to sit on, your favorite yard games to play, and some friendly conversation to share.  Join your FBC brothers and sisters for an evening of fun, food and fellowship at the penultimate Campfire Fellowship for this year.

Men Of Prayer

I tried to talk Trudy and the ladies out of it, as it's been a rough couple of weeks for our cooks, and Trudy is recovering from surgery!  But they would have none of it, and so we will meet for Men's Prayer Breakfast Saturday morning at 8:00.

Invite a friend, and come hungry... for breakfast and for prayer!

Every week at 6:30

And remember that Leadership Training Institute will meet immediately following.

No one...

"There should be no one with whom we converse so much as with Jesus." -Spurgeon

Join us for prayer meeting this evening at FBC? 6:30 in the sanctuary, followed by Leadership Training Institute at 7:30.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42 NKJV)

Israel, 2014

I read this in my devotions – David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, on the day the Philistines killed Saul on Gilboa. (2 Samuel 21:12 ESV)


My mind immediately went to when we viewed the city of Beth-shan on our last trip to Israel, and I thought – somewhere here is where this happened:

You can still join us for the trip of a lifetime in 2014. $300 is all it takes to get started. See Bill or Beth for details.

Lord, what do you want me to do?

What happens at conversion? Will a true believer be changed after they are saved? If a professing Christian lives and looks no different from the rejecting lost world, what should we think of their profession?

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9 has a lot to say in response to these questions:

So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6)

Sister Nagel used to be a member of our church, many years ago. She spent her latter years in a nursing home, and I recall a story my grandmother told me of visiting her in that nursing home. "How are you?" asked my grandmother. Sister Nagel replied, "I'm fine, I guess, but I sure do miss my stuff."

I've often ruminated on that little phrase, "I sure miss my stuff." It is rich with meaning. It is so descriptive of so many of us.

"I'd get saved, if I didn't have to give up so much."

"I'd serve the Lord, if it didn't cost so much."

"I would stop kicking against the goads, Lord, but I would miss my stuff too much!"

When I attended Kent State University as a young man, I took an introductory speech class. One of our assignments was to give a persuasive speech. I don't remember my speech. (Tells you how good it was!) I don't remember the speeches of anyone except for one young lady, whose speech has remained with me to this day. She was a Christian, and she attempted to persuade the class of their need to become Christians. As a fellow believer, I listened to her speech with admiration... and conviction that I hadn't shown similar courage in my subject matter. But she said something that has always bothered me... she repeatedly told the class, "You don't have to give up anything... you don't have to change anything... in order to become a Christian." The clear implication was that you could go on living just as you had before you were saved... that you could be saved and have no change in your life at all.

But look at Saul lying there in the dirt. Listen to him as he lifts blinded eyes toward the face of the Savior and, TREMBLING AND ASTONISHED says, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Look at this man who was, minutes before, the picture of pride and prestige, but who now is completely humbled and surrendered and broken. Look at him a few verses later when they had to lead him by the hand like a child into Damascus.

Is this the picture of an unchanged man? Is this someone who was the same after his salvation as before? Is this someone who didn't give up anything in his experience of coming to Christ?

Hank William's sang it:

I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin;
I wouldn't ask my dear Saviour in.
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night;
Praise the Lord, I saw the light!

I saw the light, I saw the light.
No more darkness; no more night.
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight.
Praise the Lord, I saw the light!

Saul saw the light, and it CHANGED HIM FOREVER. His first words were, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" And he never persecuted the church again... he never kicked against the goads again... he went from persecuting the gospel to preaching it everywhere he went!

"Just before he had sought only to do his own will; now he inquired what was the will of the Saviour. Just before he was acting under a commission from the sanhedrim; now he renounced their supreme authority, and asked what the Lord Jesus would have him to do. Just before he had been engaged in a career of opposition to the Lord Jesus; now he sought at once to do his will. This indicates the usual change in the sinner. The great controversy between him and God is, whose will shall be followed. The sinner follows his own; the first act of the Christian is to surrender his own will to that of God, and to resolve to do that which he requires." (Albert Barnes)

"What do you want me to do?" - should be the cry of every believer! Is it the cry of your heart, today?

Saul of Tarsus met Jesus on the road to Damascus. And it changed him forever.

Monster Weekend!

Saturday morning at 10:00 - Haven of Rest.  Join your brothers and sisters in serving those in need.  Wear a hat!

Saturday morning at 11:00 - Help erect the tent for Old Fashioned Sunday.  Many hands (and sledge hammers) make light work.  Meet at the church at 11:00 if you are willing to help.

Sunday morning at 10:30 - Old Fashioned Sunday!  It looks like the Lord is going to provide great weather (keep praying that is so), and many many people have labored and prayed for a day that honors God and rejoices the hearts of His people.  Don't miss a minute of this wonderful day that starts with great music and old fashioned preaching at 10:30, and then wonderful food and fellowship under the tent at 11:30, and then an old fashioned gospel sing in the afternoon.  Although we've had trouble pinning down our special guest speaker this year, I heard just recently that he may indeed have freed up his schedule and be with us this year.  

You won't want to miss even a minute of this monster weekend!

Pray.  Promote.  Participate.

What do you expect?

Here is a good quote I read recently - "When you don't expect much from prayer, don't expect much of an answer."

Join us for prayer meeting tonight? 6:30?  

September 1

Join your brothers and sisters at midweek prayer meeting?

"Prayer is like breathing for a Christian. You can't keep from doing it. Have you noticed that? You breathe not because you think, “I've got to breathe, let me see, if I forget to breathe I'll die, so I have got to, I've got to remember so I'm going to write on my finger breathe." You don't have to do that. The reason you don't have to do that is because there's air pressure and the air pressure is exerted on your lungs and it forces you to breathe. In fact, the very most difficult thing to do is to hold your breath, right? After a while you, you gasp and you breathe because of the pressure that builds up.

That's what prayer is. You show me true faith and I'll show you prayer. It's the link with life. It's the dependence. We live in a God-designed supernatural environment, the very presence of God exerts pressure on our spiritual lungs and we have to pray. No one has to remind us. We should pray more than we ought to, more than we do, we ought to pray more than we do. But prayer is a part of our life." - John MacArthur

A Word To The Wise From DeYoung

A great reminder. Oh how we need each other, brothers and sisters!

"In more than a decade of pastoral ministry I've never met a Christian who was healthier, more mature, and more active in ministry by being apart from the church. But I have found the opposite to be invariably true. The weakest Christians are those least connected to the body. And the less involved you are, the more disconnected those following you will be. The man who attempts Christianity without the church shoots himself in the foot, shoots his children in the leg, and shoots his grandchildren in the heart." - Kevin DeYoung, "The Hole In Our Holiness"

Coming September 1

Promotion Sunday

This coming Lord's Day we will be recognizing all those who are moving up in our Sunday School program. Starting September 1, the regular Sunday School class schedule resumes, and your child may be in a different class than last year.

We need your help to make Promotion Sunday a success - We need the names of each child who will be attending Sunday School this year, as well as the grade level they are entering in school. We think our records are correct on this, but if parents will contact us before Sunday and let us know the information about their kids, it will ensure our records are correct and nobody misses out on a certificate this Sunday. So please send an email to pastor@friendshipbiblechurch.org with the names and grade levels of your little ones.

Watch This - Absolutely Awesome

Click here to watch this great video

Saturday at FBC

Two great things this Saturday:

1. Men's Prayer Breakfast at 8:00 AM.

2. Campfire Fellowship at Maino Manor at 5:00 PM.

It's Almost A Wrap

It's been a wonderful week and God has blessed in so many ways.  Please pray for our last evening of VBS as we wrap it up.  May little lives be forever changed, and may those who worked so hard be blessed for their efforts.

Don't let up on the prayer!  Pray pray pray!

Day 2 - A Few Scenes

Here are a few pics of Bible School so far. Keep praying!

41

Well, day one of VBS 2013 is in the can, and God has already been blessing with nice weather, great support from the church family, and 41 young children hearing the sound of the gospel.

Keep praying - for souls, for families, for our workers, and for a continuation of the good weather.

Luke 16 For Parents

There was a certain little boy whose parents took him to church, at least when he didn't have anything more pressing on his calendar. They enrolled him in every sport. They made sure he participated in every secular recreational activity he asked for. And they thanked the Lord often for the fact they could give their child so many things they didn't have when they were growing up.

The little boy had a neighbor, Julie, a little girl whose parents also took her to church... always. Julie was allowed to play in sports and participate in activities at her school, as long as it didn't interfere with her church activities. Julie would yell loudly when Dad woke her early on Sunday mornings for Sunday School. But then she would get up and go to Sunday School. Julie had to miss a few soccer practices because of VBS and Christian Camp, but Dad was insistent - "Sports are for fun... sports are for now... but the important things are eternal. We won't sacrifice your eternity for a few minutes of fun in the now." Julie didn't like that, but she went to Sunday School... VBS... Summer Camp. Always.

The little boy grew up. The minute he was out from under the weak control of his parents, he walked away from church and never thought about it again. Julie grew up, too. But the habits were ingrained in her, and she had come to know Jesus as her own personal Savior. That wasn't something she gained on the soccer field, but in week after week after week of listening to loving teachers at her church. One day she had met Jesus and been converted.

A life passed by. Julie died, and was carried by the angels to be forever with Jesus. The little boy, now grown into a decidely unbelieving man, also died, and woke up in hell, to be forever without the Jesus he had been taught to think was unimportant.

Struggling to see through the flames and darkness and smoke that surrounded him, he noticed his childhood friend in the distance. She was sitting at the feet of Jesus. The man called out and said, "Jesus, have mercy on me. I am in agony in this fire. Send Julie to bring me some water." But Jesus said, "No, my son. Remember that you had your opportunities, but ignored them. Other things were more important, remember? Julie chose eternal things, and you chose meaningless temporary things. Now Julie is with me forever, and you have lost all opportunity to ever be with me."

The man replied, "I have 5 children. If it's too late for me, please send Julie to talk with them. I can't stand the thought of them coming to this horrible place!" Jesus answered sadly, "Didn't you teach them the Bible? That was your job as their father. Didn't you take advantage of all the opportunities that I gave you to lead them to me? There was a church on the corner of your street... Sunday School classes... Vacation Bible School... summer camp... Junior Church... loving teachers and examples that were ready every Sunday of the year to tell your 5 children about Jesus and lead them to me. But you taught them that the meaningless things of the world are more important than Me."

"But Jesus," wept the man, as he disappeared into the smoke and flame, "that's what my parents taught me!"

Julie looked up into the tear-filled eyes of her Savior and said, "Thank you, Jesus, for my mom and dad."

Sunday School is important, and it meets every Lord's Day at 9:30.

Vacation Bible School is important, and starts this Monday evening at 6:00. If you haven't yet registered your kids, please get them registered so we can plan and prepare properly.

Prayer Meeting is important, and starts at 6:30 this evening. We will be praying specifically for our children and parents this evening!

(If you'd like to read the original, unmodified version of the above story, as told by Jesus Himself, see Luke 16:19-31.)

Haven Time!

Those who serve at the Haven of Rest every month, don't forget tomorrow is the day. 10:00. Wear a hat!

Campfire Fellowship

Food... Fellowship... Fun... Fishing... Bonfire... Hotdogs... Horseshoes... Corn hole... CAMPFIRE FELLOWSHIP!!!

5:00-8:00 on Saturday, June 29th, Johnson Acres

Bring a dish to pass, and a chair to sit on, and get to know your church family better. We will take care of the hotdogs and the beverages.

JOIN US!

BTW - if anybody has a corn hole game, bring it along. And if anybody has some junk wood for the bonfire, bring that, too.

Softball!!!!'

We need players... And cheerleaders... And fans... And scorekeepers. Will you join us this week at the New Baltimore fields? 6:00 on Thursday.
Your FBC team needs you!