Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,
Hello there, did you miss these letters? We enjoyed our two weeks of vacation and are now back “in the saddle” with our “shoulder to the wheel” and our “nose to the grindstone.” What are we doing? Obviously… apparently out metaphors!
Actually, it’s great to be once again fully engaged in the work of ministry – handling the Word of God and preparing to teach and preach the precious truths of God to hungry souls. Bless the Lord for the privilege of serving Him!
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TIME FOR A SMILE
Vacation — A two-week-long experience where money and time race against each other until both are totally exhausted.
A key ring is a gadget that allows you to lose all your keys at once.
A woman writes, “Frustrated at always being corrected by my hubby, I decided the next time it happened I would have a comeback. That moment finally arrived, and I was ready. “You know,” I challenged, “even a broken clock is right once a day.”
He looked at me and replied, “Twice.”
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Sunday, September 2, 2007
* Family Bible Classes – 9:30am
* The Adult Class (meeting in the auditorium) continues studying the Old Testament life of David. This week, from II Samuel 8-10, we will see David’s wars, victories, fame, and his kindness to Saul’s family. It is a portrait of an exceptional shepherd/king – a Godly leader. May we learn from his example.
* Morning Worship – 10:45am
* In John 5:39-47, Jesus, who is obviously “on trial” in front of these skeptical Jewish leaders, now turns the tables. I learned this week that Jewish trials, unlike today, were not simply about a defendant creating reasonable doubt or proving innocence and ending the trial. They worked to uncover the truth and when accusers made false claims in court, they could find themselves placed in the defense and subject to serious jeopardy. Punishments they had hoped to inflict on their opponent could turn back on them. Jesus shows His accuser’s error and then says, “I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.” The title of this message is, “Do You Love God or Religion?”
* Evening Celebration – 6:00pm
* This Sunday evening is another “Ask Pastor” session. The following questions have been posed:
1) Is Daniel Daniel’s Babylonian name or Hebrew name?
2) David chose not to kill Saul (knowing that was murder), so why did he think taking his spear and water jug (stealing) wouldn’t be wrong? (I Samuel 26)
3) Jesus told the woman at the well that if she drank of the water He offered she would never thirst again – but we are told “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” – how is that different? (John 4:13-14 and Matthew 5:6)
4) God said He was a “jealous God” (Exodus 20:5 and 34:14) – isn’t jealousy bad?
5) How do we bless the Lord as per the instruction of Psalm 103:1?
6) In Philippians 1:6 we’re told that “He who has begun a good work in you (in terms of salvation) will complete it (we take that to mean spiritual maturity)…” but in I John 5:16 we’re told “There is sin leading to death.” So, if God is working to conform a believer to the image of Jesus Christ, and He will complete that work, why would there ever be a reason for God to take a person “home” early (as in the case of one who commits a sin, or sins, that lead to death)?
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That’s all for this edition of FaithFriends. Pray with me that God’s people will be equipped and encouraged and the lost will hear the good news of the Gospel and trust Christ for their salvation!
Your faithful Minister of the Word,
Pastor Harriman
www.fbcnorthchili.org