My Good and Gracious Father

This evening will provide the last opportunity in 2017 for you to be part of the faithful group that gathers every Wednesday for prayer meeting at Friendship Bible Church. Oh the joy that awaits that group in glory, as Jesus reveals all that was wrought through their ministry of prayer. Get in on that! Join us this evening at 6:30!

Oh, and here’s a little prayer for the New Year to get your pump primed:

My Good and Gracious Father, 

You have brought me safely through another year. This was a year in which I saw and experienced so much of your goodness. You were good when you gave, and you were good when you took away; you were good when the sun shined upon me and you were good when the night fell around me. You were only, ever good. 

In your Word you give the sure promise that you have loved me since before the foundation of the world. That love was always with me and held me fast through another year. You led me in each step I took. You led me around the wilderness to the places of cool rest and quiet. You led me through dark valleys to the joy beyond. You were there even in times when I wandered and went astray. There was nowhere I could go that was beyond your love, beyond your reach, beyond your care and compassion. You are so good and I am so grateful. 

Father, I trust and I believe that your love and your kindness will be my theme in the year ahead. I entrust the future to you and I do it with joy and with confidence. I do it with sure hope that you already know each step I will take and that you will be with me to direct each one of them. 

If you have appointed trials and tribulation, I know that you will guide and comfort me through them all. If I have to pass through persecution or times of deep temptation, I can have full confidence that you will never leave me nor forsake me. If this is to be the year you call me home, I can receive that with joy, knowing that I will rejoice to be in your presence at last. If this is the year that Christ returns—Please, may it be the year that Christ returns!—, then I will join with all Creation in rejoicing and praising your name.

(Tim Challies wrote this prayer based on two entries in the classic Puritan collection of prayers, The Valley of Vision. May this be our prayer.)

Are you ready?

What a weekend at FBC awaits us! Are you ready? If not it may pass you by and you’ll miss out. As I walked into the church this morning to begin my day, I noticed several reminders of all that this weekend holds:

There were the piles of canned goods and food stuffs in Fellowship Hall... all neatly arranged and prepared for Saturday morning’s food distribution. Are you ready to come help pack the Christmas boxes for the needy and hurting, and help drive them to those they are prepared for? Join us at 10:00 Saturday morning in Fellowship Hall, and your time investment will be less than 1 hour.

From Fellowship Hall I wandered upstairs into the sanctuary, where I saw the risers in place for the choir, and the platform rearranged to accommodate the band and the musicians. Are you ready for the wonderful Christmas program our worship team and choir have put together this year? If you’re a participant, remember that there is a dress rehearsal THIS EVENING (Friday) at 6:30 PM. And if you want to hear the praises of that Wonderful Child Jesus proclaimed in music, you have two opportunities to join us for the program - Saturday evening at 7:00 PM and Sunday morning during our regular 10:30 worship hour. Join us for one or both as we proclaim the Heart of Christmas - God’s Greatest Gift and Our Greatest Choice.

Finally, I glanced at the church calendar and noticed that on Sunday afternoon we will gather at the church and head off to share Christmas carols with our shut ins. We will meet at 4:00 and share the joy with some who are hurting and housebound this Christmas.

What a weekend!  We are ready! Are you? I hope you’ll invest the time to join us for these Christmas activities at FBC.

I wonder...

... what could be more important than Prayer Meeting this evening? It's a church service that Satan fights hard, and throws road blocks in the path of every believer who knows it's value. Will we let the snake stop us tonight? Or will we be there?

Parents sometimes use their kids as an excuse to avoid prayer meeting, but then that's the hiss of the snake talking. Why not ignore him and bring the kids? Don't they need to learn to pray? And we need to hear them pray - nobody prays with more sweet faith than a child.

The snake tells us we're too tired... tasks around the house need done... our favorite entertainment beckons... etc. But it's all just so much evil snake hissing. Let's tell him to take a flying leap this evening and go to prayer meeting.

Prayer meetings at FBC run from 6:30-7:30 (at the latest) every Wednesday evening. You won't be pressured in any way to pray or speak out loud unless you want to. Silent prayers and vocal prayers mix and accomplish great things for God.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- (Ephesians 6:11-18 NKJV) 

Last Chance for 2017!

Don't forget that this Saturday at 5 PM we will be gathering at the beautiful barn of Lee and Gail Gibbons for our final Campfire Fellowship of 2017. You will not want to miss this, and if you've never seen the fantastic, stunning and beautiful barn that adorns their property, you definitely will want to come. Bring a dish to pass, and an appetite for fun and fellowship and join us at 5 o'clock on Saturday!

Harvey, Irma, Maria, Jerry and Liz

We were unable to coordinate a trip to Texas to assist with the relief efforts there. 

We have another opportunity to help in Florida, but need to act fast if we're going to participate. The dates are October 10-16. The church will cover the flights and rental car expenses, so you will only need money for food (during travel time - Samaritan's Purse will feed us while there) and incidentals. Lodging and tools and basically everything else will be provided by Samaritan's Purse. If you want to participate in this trip, you need to let Marianne Turner know immediately so she can coordinate. There is also information that you need to fill out online for Samaritan's Purse. Please contact Marianne IMMEDIATELY if you want to partipate at mjturner07@gmail.com.

Another opportunity which is not well defined yet is Puerto Rico. We support Jerry and Liz Harmon as missionaries there, and they are in need of help. I have been unable to contact them directly, but have learned through the pastor at their sending church in Massachusetts that they are still with us, staying in a shelter, and have had some significant damage to the roof of their home. The church building where they minister is not significantly damaged. Jerry's pastor is in contact with Jerry's son here in the States, and will let me know when he hears more. Jerry's pastor and I are trying to coordinate a joint effort between our two churches to send a team to Puerto Rico to help the Harmons.  If you want to be on that team, please see me a.s.a.p.

A word about convenience and sacrifice. These things will not fit into anybody's schedules. It will be a sacrifice, no matter where we are in life. But it will also be an opportunity to live out Matthew 24:35-40. It would be wonderful if we could send two teams - one to Florida, and another to Puerto Rico. 

Can you go? Will you go? Please pray and if possible, go. And if you can't go, or don't want to go, perhaps you would give to help somebody else go?7

We’re Gonna Soak!

Here is my weekly reminder that Prayer Meeting takes place this evening. 

• Join us as we soak in the word, soak in prayer. 
• Join us as we pray for all that’s going on around us, and for all that’s taking place within our own walls. 
• Join us as we pray for those whose hearts are empty and needing Christ, and for those whose hearts are full of Christ yet suffering trials for His sake. 
• Join us as we pray in small groups, as we pray all together, as we pray aloud and as we pray silently. 

Our prayer meetings are some of the most important things we do as a church, for they energize and empower everything else. We believe the words James wrote, “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

Join us? We will start promptly at 6:30 and finish at or before 7:30.

Join us? Nobody will pressure you to speak aloud. Only those who wish to do so pray aloud. Others pray silently. God hears them all.

JOIN US!

Another Whirlwind Weekend at FBC

Just a few quick reminders for this big and busy weekend at Friendship Bible Church:

Saturday at 8:00 AM - Men’s Prayer Breakfast! Come and join us as we hear from the word, pray to our Lord, and enjoy fellowship with our brothers in Christ. “Iron sharpens iron,” said Solomon. Come sharpen and be sharpened. And this month, especially, come and show your love for our sisters who work so hard on this event every month... especially our dear sister Trudy who just received news of cancer.

Sunday at 9:30 AM - Sunday School hour is up and running. Don’t rob yourself of the opportunities to learn more about the Bible. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” said Paul. How is your faith? Is it perfect yet? No? Then come hear some more of the word of God.

Sunday at 10:30 AM - It’s the last Sunday of the month, and that means NOISY OFFERING time. Bring your bags of coins and help support the Operation Christmas Child outreach!

Sunday at 11:30 AM - We are baptizing. Pray for those being obedient to the Lord in baptism on this day. And if you have not yet taken that step and need to, come on in... the water’s fine! “Then they that gladly received his Word WERE BAPTIZED!”

Sunday at 11:30 AM - The first Christmas Cantata practice of the year will take place immediately following baptismal service.

Sunday at 2:00 PM - The final Paster’s Masters golf outing of the year. We will meet at Sable Creek in time to tee off at 2:00. The course is located at 5942 Edison Street NE in Hartville. The cost is $21 for 9 and we are playing the maroon course. As usual, we will play a scramble, so come join us regardless of ability, and you’ll have fun. Food and fellowship will follow afterwards at the Richard’s Ranch. If you’d like to contribute a meal to pass, please feel free.

Sunday at 5:00 PM - The youth will gather for a party. See Beth or Josh for details.

Whew! God’s church is marching on... not standing still... busy for the Savior. See you Sunday!

Hurricanes - FBC Response

On Old Fashioned Sunday, church leadership decided to dedicate the entire offering for the day to hurricane relief efforts. This was in addition to the already planned fundraisers in place on Old Fashioned Sunday. We were privileged to send a check for $5,362.30 to Samaritan's Purse! Praise God for a giving church.

Additionally, several of us will be heading to Texas October 1-5 to physically assist with cleanup and relief efforts, again through the leadership of Samaritan's Purse. There is an important informational meeting scheduled for this Lord's Day immediately following the worship service. If you have interest in this effort, please attend. The meeting will take place in the conference room off Fellowship Hall.

If you would like to participate in either the giving or the going efforts, please contact the church office at 330-325-7836.

Just a few WEEKEND REMINDERS

Remember - the penultimate Campfire Fellowship occurs on Saturday, starting at 5:00 PM, and is at the home of Matt and Laura Weber. Bring a dish to pass if you want. Bring a chair to sit on. But most of all bring yourself and your family and enjoy the beautiful evening with your FBC brothers and sisters.

Remember - the NORMAL WEEKLY SERVICE SCHEDULE RESUMES this Sunday. Sunday School starts up again at 9:30 (you did sign up for a class, didn't you?), and the morning worship service returns to its normal 10:30 time slot.

Remember - there will be an important informational meeting about the upcoming Hurricane Harvey trip immediately following the worship service in the conference room.

Remember - the first Christmas Cantata practice takes place this Sunday immediately following the worship service.

Remember!

Leadership Meetings Cancelled

Just a quick note to clear some confusion. There will be no leadership team meetings tomorrow (Monday, September 4). Enjoy the holiday!

Gauging Interest

People are hurting and needing in Houston. We will be collecting funds to send their way starting this coming Lord's Day. Please prayerfully consider if you can help toward that end. We are also gauging interest on taking a group down for a few days to help. We are in contact with Samaritan's Purse and are hoping to hear back shortly on whether they can use a group from FBC. There will be a sign up sheet available this Lord's Day at the church. If you would be interested in going to Houston to help with the clean up efforts, please get your name on that list.

Details to follow!

We APPEAL!

This evening, we will PRAY and we will PERSUADE... we will SUPPLICATE and we will STAMP... we will APPEAL TO God, and we will APPEAL TO our neighbors....

That's right, this evening immediately following the regular midweek prayer meeting, we will be stamping and labeling postcards to send into our community for Old Fashioned Sunday. Having done this several times down through the years, I can honestly say that I don't remember a time when we sent these invitations out into Randolph and Atwater and Rootstown and Mogadore and beyond, without seeing some results from the effort. I can't wait to reach that heavenly shore, and see who is there because they received a postcard from Friendship Bible Church.

Where - FBC Fellowship Hall
When - 7:30 - immediately following prayer meeting (Which starts at 6:30 if you'd REALLY like to accomplish something big tonight - come to prayer meeting and THEN the stamping party!)

Will you join us and help? Usually, we are finished in 30 minutes. We will have some light refreshments and beverages on hand to keep your strength up during the sustained effort of stamping and labeling. And that 30 minutes you devote to trying to win souls in our community will reap eternal rewards.

It's WEDNESDAY...

... which means it's PRAYER MEETING DAY. 

What have you got better to do between 6:30-7:30 this evening? Let's all ponder that question, and try to join our brothers and sisters in prayer this evening. We start right at 6:30, and end no later than 7:30. 

One hour. One hour that can change your life. One hour that can change our world. 

"If my people... will only pray..." 

Old Fashioned Sunday

It's only 5 weeks away now, and the planning and preparation is in high gear. The tent is on order, the musicians are tuning up, the old fashioned preacher is preparing his famous sermon, the auction tables are being prepared, the antique car folks are shining up their beautiful machines, the prizes for the winner of the pie contest and old fashioned costume contest are ready, and the games and food and fun that always mark Old Fashioned Sunday are in the works.

All that's left is for YOU to mark your calendar and make sure you don't miss this most enjoyable and blessed of days. September 10th at 10:30 AM.

BTW - If you would like to help us with the planning and preparation, there will be another meeting just after the worship service this Lord's Day in Fellowship Hall. Join us and help us reach our community for Christ on Old Fashioned Sunday!

Finally We Meet!

A few years back you may remember a little missions program we implemented here at Friendship Bible Church called "To The Ends Of The Earth" (TTEOTE for short). It was an attempt to support a missions endeavor in every single nation of the earth, and it ended with that goal, as much as we were able to determine, reached.

We met Andrew Kohler through that program. Andrew is a church planting missionary in Castlebar, Ireland, and we exchanged some communications during that time, and even Skyped him into our missions conference that year.

But Andrew has never met FBC face to face, and we have never met him face to face… until this coming Lord's Day. Andrew, his wife Genesis, and his son Quinn, will join us for worship this coming Lord's Day at 9:30 AM. They will present their work in Ireland, as well as share from the Lord's Word. And there will be a "meet the missionary" lunch immediately following the worship service. We are in our summer schedule, meaning we get out a little earlier than usual, so it will be an early lunch. Bring a dish to pass if you can, and if you can't, just come anyway and meet Andrew and his family.

And always remember - You have FRIENDS at Friendship Bible Church!

LAST MINUTE REMINDER

I didn't promote this well, and so we have a very small number who signed up to bring a dish for the "Meet the Missionary" lunch this coming Lord's Day. If you can bring something to include in that lunch, it will be a big help. (If you can't bring something, come yourself anyway… there's always plenty to eat!)

And by the way, the main dish (chicken and jojos) is already provided, so side dishes / desserts are all that's needed. 

With The Lord

Join us in praying for the Egli family as they mourn the loss of Bud's brother Bobby this week. A note, text, call, or card of encouragement would be greatly appreciated right now, I'm sure.

Here are the details for Bob Egli's calling hours and funeral:

Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home 547 Canton Rd Akron, OH 44312
Sunday, July 9th calling hours from 2–5pm
Monday, July 10th services at the funeral home from noon–1pm with interment at Hillside Memorial Park immediately following.

The church will be providing a meal and time of fellowship for the family at 2:00. Please let our sister Trudy know if you are able to help with that effort.

WHAT A WEEKEND!

It all starts Friday evening as the setup for VBS 2017: Fire Fighters, takes place. Be at the church at 5:00 if you wanna eat first, and at 6:00 if you just wanna help setup. More details are on Susan's Facebook posts.

Saturday the fun continues as the Johnson family hosts the first of our summer campfire fellowships. Bring a lawn chair and a dish to pass. The grills will be hot with the main course and the drinks will be provided, so think "side dish" or salad or dessert. If you like to fish bring your tackle and land a bass or bluegill (or maybe, like last year, an angry snapper). Cornhole, horseshoes, fun, fellowship, and food with your brothers and sisters in Christ. It all takes place at Johnson Acres starting at 5:00 PM. Oh, and don't worry about that "campfire" part. It's supposed to be 90 degrees, so we will no doubt forgo the fire thing.

Of course Sunday is the Lord's Day, the best day of the week and the highlight of the weekend for believers. Remember our summer schedule continues, with one service taking place at 9:30 AM. And it's Father's Day, so invite dads. Invite everybody you can! There will be a small gift for all the men and boys in attendance.

Join us for a great weekend in God's service and with God's people! Remember: You have FRIENDS at Friendship Bible Church!

You won't want to miss Prayer Meeting tonight!

When - 6:30 PM

Where - FBC Sanctuary

Why - Because we ought always to pray, Jesus said, and because Paul said to pray without ceasing.

Last week was a very special prayer meeting. 

This week will be too!

You won't want to miss it!

Featured Book - May and June

Each month, Friendship Bible Church offers a recommended book that is free to the first two people who request it, and then available at cost for all others requesting it. During May and June, the book of the month at Friendship Bible Church is "Digging Into Romans," by Pastor Johnson. Containing 39 chapters and 424 pages, "Digging Into Romans" is the sixth in a series, and continues the approach taken in those previous works - a verse by verse, expository, yet devotional approach. There is milk and meat here for both new students and experienced teachers of God's Word.

From the introduction - "Romans is the mountain peak of Paul's writings. It has been said that of the two testaments that make up our Bible, the New Testament reigns supreme, and of the 27 books that make up that New Testament, Romans stands highest. Romans is Paul's magnum opus, containing his clearest, most eloquent and brilliant presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

The two free copies have already been claimed, but if you would like one at the lowest possible price of $7.50, please contact the church office at 330–325–7836. This price is not available anywhere but through the church office.

Making God's House and Grounds Beautiful

Saturday at 10:00 AM a few of the faithful will gather at FBC to spread some more mulch around the landscaping. We could use some help. Bring rakes and shovels if you've got them and join your brothers and sisters as they beautify the grounds.

Now David said, "Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will now make preparation for it." So David made abundant preparations before his death. (1 Chronicles 22:5 NKJV)

TODAY... PRAY!!!

Friendship Bible Church will be open from 5-9PM this evening if you wish to come by and pray. Church family, let's keep prayers before the throne nonstop this evening!

"Prayerlessness is the fundamental sin of the busy Christian." (R. Kent Hughes)

"Prayer can never be in excess." (Charles H. Spurgeon)

"If you think God is answering fewer prayers these days, maybe it's just that fewer people are praying." (Unknown)

"A little prayer to our big God can have a huge impact." (Unknown)

"Much prayer, much power. Little prayer, little power. No prayer, no power." (Unknown)

"Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees." (William Cowper)

"Prayer is an acknowledgment that our need of God's help is not partial but total." (Alistair Begg)

"Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one ever bothered to ask!" (Billy Graham)

"Pray and let God worry." (Martin Luther)

Abnormal Prayer

Actually, nothing is more normal than prayer. It ought to be at the top of our list of daily priorities.

But this week our SCHEDULE is a bit abnormal, as we will NOT have a midweek prayer meeting tonight (Wednesday). That will resume next week, but this week, it is superceded by the National Day of Prayer observance taking place tomorrow (THURSDAY) from 5-9PM.

The theme for this year's National Day of Prayer is For Your Great Name’s Sake! Hear Us... Forgive Us...Heal Us! It is taken from Daniel 9:19, which says, “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God...”

Whether you signed up for a time slot or not, the church will be open starting at 5:00 PM for you to come and pray for as little or long a time as you wish. There is no program, just a quiet time to come and pray. Pray for our nation... our community... our neighbors... our friends and family... our church... our world. Come and pray.

Thanking Him For Another Year Of His Grace

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (I Timothy 1:15 NKJV)

I've published this same blog posting for the last few years. Each year it gets more precious. Praise the Lord.

It was May 3, 1970. In just 24 hours one of this area's most well-known historical events would occur - the shootings at Kent State University. But on May 3, something happened that didn't make the news, and is unknown to all but a select few now. On that day, a twelve year old boy experienced the most important event in his personal history. That boy was me, and on May 3, 1970, I trusted Christ as my Savior. I am, spiritually, 47 years old today. And so it is a special day as I look back over the journey Christ has led me on so far - a journey that has included both ups and downs, successes and failures, victories and defeats. But one thing is certain. I am more sure today of His love for me than I have ever been. He promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) I can testify after 47 years of walking with Him, that He never has, and He never will.

“Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” (John Newton)

Parental Perspective

John Newton once wrote a letter to the mother of young Eliza Cunningham who was ill with consumption. The mother, Elizabeth Cunningham, was dying of this very condition, and Newton and his wife Polly had agreed to take Eliza in when Elizabeth's health demanded it. In his letter to Elizabeth, John wrote to comfort her concerning the fact her daughter was also sick from consumption. Elizabeth no doubt feared the worst for her little one.

So John wrote, "My chief desire for her is that the Lord may speak to her heart, draw her to himself, and seal her for his own. And then whether she goes to heaven at the age of twelve or a hundred and twenty is no great matter." (From "John Newton: From Disgrace to Grace", by Jonathan Aitken)

Such ought to be the chief desire and abiding perspective of every parent for their every child.

HEY GUESS WHAT???

Do you?

If so, come pray with us at Friendship Bible Church!

Every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30!

EMPTY

Empty - That's what the sanctuary at FBC will be this evening, for there is NO PRAYER MEETING TONIGHT.

Empty - The cross at the end of Good Friday. Join us as we remember that empty cross on Friday from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.

Empty - The grave on resurrection morn! Join us at 8:30 or 10:30 Easter Sunday as we twice celebrate the empty tomb and the risen Savior.

Whatchadoin?

Saturday - 9:00 AM

We Need You!

An Opportunity!

This Saturday at 9:00 AM we need a crew to help with spring cleaning. Can you spare an hour to help make the Lord's house beautiful for Easter Sunday? Deacons - we need you to show up. Deaconesses - we need you to show up. Those with the spiritual gift of helps - we need you to show up. And anybody who just loves the Lord, wants to see the house beautiful, and has some time on Saturday morning - we need you to show up.

In addition to cleaning, we'll need a few to help with the Easter decorations, as well.

Will you give an hour this Saturday?

Remember...

OK THEN!

 While it looks like it will be dry on Saturday, the forecast now says it will only be 44 degrees. So we are going to try for Sunday afternoon, when it's forecast to be 60 degrees.

The Saturday ride and blessing of the bikes is postponed until Sunday afternoon at 1:00.  

On The Road For Lost Souls

First ride of 2017 is tentatively scheduled for this Saturday, April 1. We will meet at the church at 1:00, have a brief "Blessing of the Bikers" and then hit the road for a short inaugural ride. If you have a bike, join us! And even if you don't, pray for the day, for invitations have been posted and we hope to have some from the community join us with their bikes.

So far the weather forecast is favorable, but just in case, Sunday April 2 is the rain date.

Remember - You Have Friends At Friendship Bible Church!

Little Things You Have Done

I dreamed I went to heaven 

And you were there with me; 

We walked upon the streets of gold 

Beside the crystal sea. 

We heard the angels singing 

Then someone called your name. 

We turned and saw a young man running 

And he was smiling as he came.

And he said, "Friend you may not know me now." 

And then he said, "But wait, 

You used to teach my Sunday School 

When I was only eight. 

And every week you would say a prayer 

Before the class would start. 

And one day when you said that prayer, 

I asked Jesus in my heart."

Thank you for giving to the Lord. 

I am a life that was changed. 

 Thank you for giving to the Lord. 

I am so glad you gave. (Ray Boltz)

This evening we return to our regular schedule for midweek prayer meetings at 6:30 PM. Charles Spurgeon said, "No man can do me a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me." True. And so we will gather and pray for one another as the Bible commands. Will you join us? We need you, and you need this too.

BUT THEN AFTER PRAYER MEETING, we will be stamping and labeling invitations for Easter. There will be pizza and pop so you can plan on munching while you mail. It's always an enjoyable time, and always made better when we have many hands. Will you join us? This is a great ministry to bring your older kids to, too. If you come for prayer meeting, be there at 6:30. If you want to just come for the food and fellowship after, be there at 7:15.

Stamping and labeling postcards might seem a little thing… might seem insignificant. You might think you have a better plan for the evening, but then remember that every little thing done here for the Lord will receive its reward one day!

One by one they came 

Far as the eye could see. 

Each life somehow touched 

By your generosity. 

Little things that you had done, 

Sacrifices made, 

Unnoticed on the earth 

In heaven, now proclaimed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord. 

I am a life that was changed. 

Thank you for giving to the Lord. 

I am so glad you gave. (Ray Boltz)

Remember - You Have Friends at Friendship Bible Church!

The Case...

Prayer Meeting will deviate from the norm this evening, as we will meet at 7:30 for an abbreviated time of prayer, and then at 8:00 view a webcast by Lee and Leslie Strobel. 

Lee will share his journey from atheism to faith -- and the evidence that convinced him Christianity is true. He will also share scenes from the upcoming movie version of "The Case for Christ" and take part in a short Q&A.

Pray with us at 7:30

Join us for the webcast at 8:00

Remember - You have FRIENDS at Friendship Bible Church!

Things to do on Saturday Mornings

The list is long that describes what we might do to start our weekend. It includes things like sleeping in, kicking back with your coffee and reading your Bible, housework, yard work, family and kid time, recreational activities, and on and on.

But I would like to suggest a starting activity for this weekend that never fails to start things out right:

How can you top eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, hash browns, potato casserole, breakfast pizza, fruit, juice, coffee, and of course, BISCUITS AND

GRAVY? There is no better way to start a Saturday morning.

And that's just the physical part - those attending will also hear a devotional from the Word to feed their soul, and we will pray for one another that we might be the men of God He desires us to be.

Will you join us? There's always plenty of food and fellowship to go around. Come. Bring a friend. Start your weekend right! It all starts at 8:00 AM Saturday, March 18th, in Fellowship Hall.

Remember - You Have Friends at Friendship Bible Church!

Saint Patrick

On this day that bears his name, let's not celebrate the way the world does, but rather by remembering who the man really was - a soul winning missionary to Ireland. A couple quotes from his "The Confessions of Saint Patrick" might give us a glimpse into the man whose name is remembered this day:

Patrick was taken into slavery in Ireland as a youth:

"I, Patrick, a sinner, a most simple countryman, the least of all the faithful and most contemptible to many, had for father the deacon Calpurnius, son of the late Potitus, a priest, of the settlement [vicus] of Bannavem Taburniae; he had a small villa nearby where I was taken captive. I was at that time about sixteen years of age. I did not, indeed, know the true God; and I was taken into captivity in Ireland with many thousands of people, according to our deserts, for quite drawn away from God, we did not keep his precepts, nor were we obedient to our priests who used to remind us of our salvation. And the Lord brought down on us the fury of his being and scattered us among many nations, even to the ends of the earth, where I, in my smallness, am now to be found among foreigners."

Years later, having obtained freedom, Patrick went back to Ireland, this time as a missionary:

"... not by my own grace but by God who is victorious in me and withstands them all, so that I might come to the Irish people to preach the Gospel and endure insults from unbelievers; that I might hear scandal of my travels, and endure many persecutions to the extent of prison; and so that I might give up my free birthright for the advantage of others, and if I should be worthy, I am ready [to give] even my life without hesitation; and most willingly for His name. And I choose to devote it to him even unto death, if God grant it to me."

THAT is what we ought to celebrate on this day - the gospel of Jesus Christ that saved a young man from the midst of slavery, awakened within him a knowledge that apart from Christ all are lost slaves, and filled him with a desire to reach even his captors with that same gospel truth. 

Patrick, himself, says best what we ought celebrate: "I know for certain, that before I was humbled I was like a stone lying in deep mire, and he that is mighty came and in his mercy raised me up and, indeed, lifted me high up and placed me on top of the wall. And from there I ought to shout out in gratitude to the Lord for his great favours in this world and for ever, that the mind of man cannot measure."

It's Easy To Forget

Tonight before we retire, we will all bump our clocks FORWARD one hour. Don't forget!

Now some might be tempted to use this as an excuse to not worship the Lord on His day. But I'm reminded of Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. When we're faithful to worship on the Lord's Day, we encourage one another, and we stir one another up to serve our Savior more and better.

So let us do as Paul told the Ephesians and redeem the time, for the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16). 

Let's retire a bit early, so we get our rest, and then get up and worship our risen Savior and King.

All Prayer and Never Ceasing

A Puritan prayer to remind us of it's importance on this, Prayer Meeting day:

O Lord, in prayer I launch far out into the eternal world, and on that broad ocean my soul triumphs over all evils on the shores of mortality. Time, with its gay amusements and cruel disappointments never appears so inconsiderate as then. 

In prayer I see myself as nothing; I find my heart going after You with intensity, and long with vehement thirst to live to You. Blessed be the strong gales of the Spirit that speed me on my way to the New Jerusalem. 

In prayer all things here below vanish, and nothing seems important but holiness of heart and the salvation of others. 

In prayer all my worldly cares, fears, anxieties disappear, and are of as little significance as a puff of wind. 

In prayer my soul inwardly exults with lively thoughts at what You are doing for Your church, and I long that You should get Yourself a great name from sinners returning to Zion. 

In prayer I am lifted above the frowns and flatteries of life, and taste heavenly joys; entering into the eternal world I can give myself to You with all my heart, to be Yours for ever. 

In prayer I can place all my concerns in Your hands, to be entirely at Your disposal, having no will or interest of my own. 

In prayer I can intercede for my friends, ministers, sinners, the church, Your kingdom to come, with greatest freedom, ardent hopes, as a son to his father, as a lover to the beloved. 

Help me to be all prayer and never to cease praying.

Will you join us for Prayer Meeting this evening? 

We start at 6:30 and end by 7:30.

Let us be all prayer and never cease praying!

Questions Concerning "The Shack"

When the book came out ten years ago, pastors and theologians rightly sounded alarms about the false doctrine contained in this book. One man, Dr. Michael Youssef, suggested thirteen separate heresies, which I reproduce below. Think them through. Now that the book has been made into a movie, even more will be confused by these falsehoods.

Now I realize the book is a work of fiction. If a believer views it that way then it's no more harmful than any other work of fiction. But when any of the false teachings below are mistaken for true Biblical doctrine... when people are actually swayed by "The Shack" into believing in a false god such as Papa, who is so very dangerously different than the Jehovah God of the Bible, then there is a serious problem. The author's attempt to change what the Bible says about God is no different than Satan's very first and oldest attack in Eden. "Did God really say that?" We must accept the Bible as true, and reject anything that denies its validity.

So, Christians, look at Youssef's list of thirteen heresies and ask yourself one simple question - Do I have the Biblical knowledge and discernment to understand the errors here?  If not, you ought to avoid "The Shack" until you know your Bible well enough to protect you from error. The only way to rightly read the book or view the movie, is to know it is a fictional work of false teaching. If you're confused about that, stay away.

Youssef's list of heresies, all of which are stated as true in "The Shack":

1. God the Father was crucified with Jesus.

2. God is limited by His love and cannot practice justice.

3. On the Cross, God forgave all of humanity, whether they repent or not. Some choose a relationship with Him, but He forgives them all regardless.

4. Hierarchical structures, whether they are in the Church or in the government, are evil.

5. God will never judge people for their sins.

6. There is not a hierarchical structure in the Godhead, just a circle of unity.

7. God submits to human wishes and choices.

8. Justice will never take place because of love.

9. There is no such a thing as eternal judgment or torment in hell.

10. Jesus is walking with all people in their different journeys to God, and it doesn’t matter which way you get to Him.

11. Jesus is constantly being transformed along with us.

12. There is no need for faith or reconciliation with God because everyone will make it to heaven.

13. The Bible is not true because it reduces God to paper.

This is not an endorsement of Michael Youssef, or his ministry in general,  but specifically of these thirteen points. If you take the time to research the topic you'll find that many many respected pastors and theologians agree completely with his concerns.

Too busy for prayer meeting?

The following quote from "Preaching the Word: Mark - Jesus, Servant and Savior " by R. Kent Hughes is a good reminder why:

Prayerlessness is the fundamental sin of the busy Christian. Because of it, much of today’s Christian work accomplishes little for the Kingdom. “If we would give sight to the blind, we must ourselves be gazing into heaven.”

Join us for prayer meeting this evening at 6:30? Too busy?

Maybe we should ignore prayer meeting this evening...

... or maybe not.  

Some quotes from Spurgeon to remind us why we do it:

“No man can progress in grace if he forsakes prayer.” 

"Come, believer, and get all your need supplied; ask largely, and you will receive largely."

"It is in the spirit of prayer that our strength lies! And if we lose this, the locks will be shorn from Samson and the Church of God will become weak as water. And though, we, as Samson did, go and try to shake ourselves as at other times, we shall hear the cry, “The Philistines are upon you,” and our eyes will be put out, and our glory will depart unless we continue mighty and earnest in prayer." 

“Because He's the living God, He can hear. Because He's a loving God, He will hear." 

When was the last Wednesday evening you came and prayed with your brothers and sisters at FBC? Whether it was last week or last year or never, you can join us tonight! We will meet at 6:30, and we're always done by 7:30.

Has spring sprung early?

It sure looks like it if the weather forecast for Saturday can be believed. The birds will be singing and the sap will be flowing, and I'm guessing we'll all be enjoying the warm day.

And there are two very cool things you can be part of on that beautiful day.

First, the monthly Men's Prayer Breakfast will occur at 8:00 AM Saturday morning. If you haven't attended one of these yet, you are missing out on one of the wonders of the world. I've given up trying to come up with superlatives to describe the food that our wonderful cooks prepare for us at these breakfasts. You may think you've had breakfast before, but I guarantee you you haven't had better than this... or even close to it.  JOIN US FOR THE FOOD IF FOR NO OTHER REASON. But there is more to it than that - fellowship with brothers of like faith... iron sharpening iron as we talk about the Christian walk. And of course there is a time for prayer and looking into the word.  It's the PERFECT way to start a beautiful day on Saturday.  Join us?  Invite a friend? There is always enough food for far more than attend, so invite invite invite.

Secondly, our annual winter bowling party will take place Saturday afternoon.  Meet us at Kent Lanes on SR43 in Kent from 2:00-4:00 PM.  Pizza and refreshments are included, and it's always a great time.  IF YOU DIDN'T MANAGE TO GET SIGNED UP BUT STILL WANT TO ATTEND, you can contact Deeannae Egli directly at 330-472-9491 ASAP so she can ensure we have enough pizza.  

So there you have it - two great ways to spend one great Saturday!

Remember - You have FRIENDS at Friendship Bible Church!

Let Us Pray!

It's Here!

Sunday School - 9:30

Morning Worship with loads of special music - 10:30

Fellowship Meal - 12:00

You don't want to miss Red Heart Sunday! But remember...

Wear Something Red!

Family movie night!

"The Atheist Delusion" is good for Everyone from Christian to atheist and every shade in between; agnostic, catholic, Jehovah witnesses, unstable teenager, you name it! Unfortunately there are no food or beverages allowed in the sanctuary so please come with your bellies already full!

After the movie you can stay behind for a short devotion where you can ask any questions you have about the Bible's truth of how the universe came to be.

Hope to see you there!

GLORY HALLELUJAH!

It's Men's Prayer Breakfast time!!!!

Join us for fellowship, food, fun, and some full-on praying tomorrow (Saturday) morning. We'll meet as always in the Fellowship Hall at 8:00. Bring a friend!

Remember - You have friends at Friendship Bible Church!

With the Savior

Our dear sister Marilyn Edwards passed into the presence of her Savior this past night. Please pray for Fred and the family.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. (Psalm 116:15)

REMOVAL OF THE GREENS TIME

Christmas is over, the New Year has begun, and one of the first tasks is getting the Christmas decorations down and stowed.

Saturday, January 7 at 10:00 AM we will be removing the greens from FBC. We could use trucks, tarps, ladders, and mostly strong arms and backs to help with the effort.

If you can help, please meet at the church at 10. We'll have the coffee on!