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Compiled by the Faith Newsletter editor: Burt Pearson
Contents:
From your Pastor
The Healthy Church (Part III)
The Gift of Encouragement
Explanation of God
Youth Group News
Interior Deacon Responsibilities
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From your Pastor |
As you know, Mother’s Day is May 11th this year, and I wanted to share a few thoughts with you about this special day when we honor our mothers. What a blessing it is to have a godly woman / mother to model faith, hope, and unconditional love; a mother who:
- Prays for you, as well as teaches you to pray.
- Knows God and teaches you how to have a relationship with Him.
- Makes sure all of your physical needs are met (food, clean clothes, etc.).
- Comforts you in times of trouble and supports you in all your activities.
- Lifts you up when you are sad, and corrects you when you are bad.
- Prepares you for adulthood in every area of your life.
It is good and right that we honor our mothers not only on this special day, but every day of the year. Let us all thank God for our mothers on this special day, and rejoice with those who rejoice. For most people, Mother’s Day will be a day filled with happiness and deep joy. But for some, it will be a day of deep sadness, grief, and disappointment. For some it will be a day that produces feelings of utter despair. (You need to know that I am NOT referring to anyone in our congregation in the remainder of this article.)
Consider just a few situations with which people will be dealing on this particular day.
Initially, I think of those who will be spending their first Mother’s Day without their mother, because she has recently gone to be with the Lord. For them it will be a day of gratitude and fond memories, but no warm hugs, and no delightful conversations. Certainly, grief will be a part of their day.
Next, I think about those women, (and their husbands) who have lost a child, whether intrauterine, in infancy, or in adulthood. For them, this day will likely serve as a painful reminder of a deep loss, even if they have other children.
Subsequently, I think about those women, (and their husbands) who long to have a child, but cannot conceive. This day which is so special and celebratory for so many, will be a day of deep hurt and frustration for a select few; a day of intense yearning, and confusion; a day when their faith will be assaulted; and God’s goodness may even be questioned. This day will serve as a painful reminder of an unfulfilled, God-given desire.
On the other hand, some will be suffering from the loss, and guilt of an abortion, which is the saddest of all. Most likely, this day will be a painful reminder of a tragic event in their life.
And then, there are others who simply have a broken relationship with the mother (although this sort of thing mostly happens with fathers, it does occur with mothers). For both mother and child, regardless of whether they are the victim or the offender, this day will serve as a painful reminder of their broken relationship.
Consequently, the goal of this article is not to cast a dark shadow over Mother’s Day, or bring up painful memories, or cause any grief. Rather, I want to remind us of two things:
First of all, there are a lot of hurting people out there, and sometimes things that cause us to ascend the mountaintop of joy, send others down to the to the valley of despair. And while no one should feel guilty for rejoicing on this special day, neither should we take our blessings for granted, or forget to pray for those who are hurting.
Secondly, Mother’s Day (as with every day), should cause us to realize how much we all need Jesus. For those who are rejoicing, Jesus is the true source of our joy and blessing. He forgives all our sins, and delivers us from sin’s dominating power in our lives. He gives us peace with God, and promises to complete the good work that he began in us.
For those who are grieving a loss, or agonizing over what might have been. He knows the depth of our pain, and heals all hurts. He came and lived a perfect life under the law, earned a perfect record for us, went to the cross, paid for all our sin—past, present, and future, rose from the grave, and lives today that—through faith in Him-- we might be free from sin’s guilt and penalty, and from sin’s dominating power in our lives.
And on this special day, whether you are rejoicing in the blessings of motherhood, or dealing with a devastating loss, or an unfulfilled desire, our only hope is found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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Grace and Peace
Pastor Adams |
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The Healthy Church (Part III) |
PROMOTING THE UNITY OF THE BODY
THE CURE FOR DIVISIONS: GLORIFYING GOD
The foolish, conventional wisdom of the world results in the honor and immortalization of great (and not so great) men and women and, subsequently, of self. This easily leads sinful, self-motivated man into self-idolization. Through the sin of self-idolatry, man attempts to make God in man’s image. The devastating consequence is that man no longer needs God. Man has elevated himself above God; the creation is elevated above the Creator. Man becomes his own god. This is Humanism and is in violation of the first of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:3 states, “3You shall have no other gods before Me (NKJV).” This is the foolishness of worldly wisdom.
Fallen man can do nothing good in and of himself. God provides the increase in all things, just as He provides the increase in His church. Paul writes in 1 Cor 3:5-9 about the increase in His church, “5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field; you are God’s building (NKJV)”.
Again, God gives the increase. They are His works, not our works. Our service honors God, brings glory to God, and brings blessings to us. Our good works by Him and through Him are righteous works, not simply the works of man. Man can do nothing without the righteousness of God. Once more, Isaiah 64:6 tells us, “And all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags.” (NKJV) Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (NKJV)
It is God alone, by grace alone, who gives faith to the spiritually ignorant and dead—to us. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast (NKJV)” How can a person who is absolutely dead in sin come to God, except through regeneration from God? How can one totally and utterly lost in sin save himself? How can a man who has died from thirst ask for a drink of water? Salvation is God’s work of grace to whom He alone chooses to give it.
Rom 8:28-30
28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (NKJV)
How must those whom God has called act? How must His church act? How must one act toward fellow believers? Paul writes in Ephesians 4:1-3 that we must walk in unity, “1I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (NKJV)” He writes in Ephesians 5:1-2 that we must walk in love, “1Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma”. In Ephesians 5:8 he writes we must walk in the light, “8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (NKJV).” Finally, in Ephesians 5:15 Paul writes that we must walk in the wisdom of the Lord, “15See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise (NKJV).”
The cure for division in the church is turning away from self, from the flesh and from pride, and focusing on God. The church must teach and preach the full council of God’s Holy and Inerrant Word. We must submit to the One True God, the Creator of all things. When our attention is focused on our Lord, as it always should be, there will be no reason for division and no time for division. When our attention is on Him it cannot be on ourselves or on the world. The church, the body of Christ, is one with Christ because He died for her. Recognition of our oneness with the Lord is the cure for division. It leaves no place for the flesh and its jealousy and corruption. We must turn away from foolish worldly thinking at all cost! We must glory in Him!
JEREMIAH 9:23, 24
23Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD. (NKJV)
Only those who glory in Him can understand and know our Sovereign God—the Father, the Creator, the Sustainer, the Savior, the Lord of the universe, and the Source of all things. Only His dear children can understand and know of His limitless love. He alone is worthy of honor and glory and praise. We are but His servants, His instruments for His glory. He delights in those who understand and know Him. He delights in His church, a unified body of believers glorifying and serving Him. Let him who glories, glory in the Lord! Amen! |
In Christ,
Anthony Chambers |
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The Gift of Encouragement |
One of the most powerful things one person can share with another is encouragement. Encouragement can stop a suicide, a divorce, and countless other tragedies. A word of encouragement can heal someone who is broken and wounded. It can give someone the courage to keep trying.
Our world is full of negative, bitter, uncaring people who can’t say anything good about anyone or anything. The people of God should be a radiant contrast to the people of the world. We should bubble over with the joy of the Holy Spirit. We should find it easy to be positive and uplifting. Are you an encouragement to those around you? Don’t let someone die from neglect and lack of encouragement. Share your Christian joy by encouraging those around you on a regular basis.
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From the January 18, 2008 FISHWRAPPER
Submitted by Marian Sweigart |
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Explanation of God |
by 8 year old Danny Dutton of Chula Vista, California, for his third grade homework assignment, to “explain God.”
“One of God’s main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn’t make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn’t have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.
God’s second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn’t have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.
God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn’t go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad’s head asking for something they said you couldn’t have.
Atheists are people who don’t believe in God. I don’t think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren’t any who come to our church.
Jesus is God’s Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach people who didn’t want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn’t know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.
His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn’t have to go on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.
You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.
You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy and if there’s anybody you want to make happy, it’s God.
Don’t skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach, but sometimes fishing is acceptable cause fishermen pray a lot.
If you don’t believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can’t go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He’s around you when you’re scared, in the dark or when you can’t swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.
But…you shouldn’t just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.
And…that’s why I believe in God.
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Submitted by Brenda Crooker
Editor’s note: This 8-year-old’s parents must be doing a wonderful job of bringing him up in the Christian faith. |
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Youth Group News |
What We Did
• April 18th – Youth Group Friday: We enjoyed an evening of entertainment at Merritt Island High School’s production of
The Titanic.
Our own Chris Fallows (Henry Etches, 1st Class Steward), Scott Rosenberger (Benjamin Guggenheim, 1st Class Passenger), and Todd McInerney (Jim Farrell, 3rd Class Passenger) performed magnificently. It is great to see our youth using their God given gifts and talents.
After the play, we had an ice cream social at the Halls. We ate ice cream and cake (made by Mrs. Duncan) and played a few rounds of table football (foosball).
• April 5th – We started painting one of the youth rooms during the Church Work Day. Both the walls and the students were covered in white paint. Not only did we paint but several of the youth also assisted with building the new swing set on the playground.
What We Are Learning
During our Sunday evening youth group meetings, we are studying the Attributes of God using the Bible, Westminster Confession of Faith, works by A.W. Pink and Louis Berkhof. We have covered the Knowledge of God, Solitariness of God, and the Decrees of God.
Please continue to pray that this study is fruitful in the lives of our youth.
What We Are Going to Do
Youth Group “Saturday”: End of School Beach Blast
When: Saturday, May 31
Time: 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
All families of the church are invited to bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a time of fellowship as we celebrate the end of a school year and look forward to a great summer together. (Parents: The Beach Blast is a family chaperoned event so plan to stay and supervise your own students.) We may even be able to see a shuttle launch as the next one is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on May 31st.
More info to follow!
Summer 2008 Events
Teen Missions
Several of our students are on Teen Missions Teams this summer. Please pray for Chris Fallows, Corie Fallows, Lindsay Kostner, and Caleb Lemons as they travel to foreign lands to spread the good news of the Gospel.
Frontiers
Stewart Bailey, Assistant Youth Group Leader, is traveling to Pakistan in late May. He will be on a mission trip through the end of June. Please pray for Stewart as he shares the Gospel with the people of Pakistan. |
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Interior Deacon Responsibilities |
Here at Faith, the interior deacon is responsible for overseeing the general maintenance, safety and aesthetics of the interior of all church property.
The specific responsibilities of the interior deacon are outlined in the deaconate manual and include, but are not limited to:
• Maintenance and improvements to the interior of the sanctuary building the Ministry Center and the trailer
• Oversight of all systems, including appliances, plumbing, lighting, electrical, heating and air conditioning in all buildings
• Oversight of safety items, including fire alarms, emergency lights, exit lights, emergency exits and markings
• Ensure adherence to fire department regulation safety signage and procedures
• Function as liaison with the cleaning custodian regarding his/her duties related to the interior of all church buildings
• Provide a plan for the opening and locking of the church buildings
• Purchase janitorial and maintenance supplies
• Organize tasks and assignments for church workdays
• Develop and monitor a continuing maintenance plan
• Research prices for any major interior item purchases
• Help procure and maintain interior equipment and supplies
• Twice a year, submit an article for the monthly newsletter
For the interior deacon who serves, volunteers and donates his time, the above list is both intimidating and overwhelming.
Items relating to safety always take priority. Items requiring the effort of more than one individual (and not safety related) are usually slated for the next church workday. Those items that fall outside the skill set of the interior deacon or another church member must be outsourced and possibly subject to competitive bids. Enhancements and costly items must have deaconate approval.
Although many items are routinely checked on an ongoing basis, there may be items that invariably get overlooked. Therefore, the interior deacon encourages and relies on each and everyone in our congregation to bring enhancement, problem, maintenance and safety issues to his attention. Do not assume that because you see something, that it has previously been identified and appears on a “to do” list. Also, be assured that each and every complaint or suggestion is completely investigated. If you do not see immediate results to your input, it is not because it has been forgotten or simply dismissed. All suggestions, recommendations and complaints are fully studied. Unless an item or suggestion is rejected, it is prioritized and is: either in queue, waiting deaconate approval, waiting on outside expertise, or waiting on the next church workday. If an item or suggestion was rejected, that status was arrived at by committee and not by sole authority of the interior deacon. If you have brought something to the attention of the interior deacon and are wondering about its status, please do not hesitate to ask.
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Respectfully submitted by,
Al Spengler, Interior Deacon |
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