Category: Faith-Friends

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

Our schedule of activities for this Resurrection Celebration include:

Friday, March 21, 2008

Good Friday Service – 7:00 pm

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Son-Rise Service – 8:00 am
Breakfast after

Family Bible Classes – 9:30am
This Sunday we continue a three-month set of electives for the adults and teens.  We are offering a class on Balanced Evangelism (taught by Dan Noyes); a class which will study through the New Testament book of Hebrews (taught by Tim Botsford); and a class titled “Glory & Captivity: Israel’s Divided Kingdom” a study of I & II Kings and II Chronicles (taught by Steve Richard).  They will continue through the month of May.

Morning Worship Service – 10:45am
The choir, Faith Singers, will present an Easter cantata titled, “Because He Lives.”

The message will be from I Corinthians 15:12-19 and is titled, “If Christ Is Not Risen.”  It’s true, the basis of our faith rests solidly on this one fact – Jesus has risen!  Paul explains to the wavering believers at Corinth the other side of that coin, what would we have if Christ has not risen from the dead?  Turns out we wouldn’t have much at all- several essential things rest on this fact.  Come and be encouraged by the truth of God’s Word.

No Evening Celebration this week

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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

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

We survived the change to Daylight Saving Time.  Congratulations.  Now, in just ten days we will be celebrating Resurrection Sunday.  What do you do to prepare yourself for that?  In one sense it is a celebration of His resurrection every Lord’s Day when we come together to worship on the first day of the week, Sunday (because that’s the day Jesus arose).  But on the other hand, we must guard against a ho-hum, same-old-same-old attitude about Resurrection Sunday.  so, what are you doing to prepare yourself?

We will have a Good Friday service at 7:00 pm on March 21 (yes, that’s a Friday).  On Resurrection Sunday we will have an 8:00 am Son-Rise Service, followed by a breakfast, then our 9:30 am Family Bible Classes, and at 10:45 am our Morning Worship Service which will include a message from the Word of God, plus the choir will be presenting a cantata titled, “Because He Lives.”

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Time for a smile:

A woman had trouble with the idea of turning 30 and was oversensitive to any signs of advancing age. When she found a prominent gray hair in her bangs, She pointed to her forehead and asked her husband, “Oh no, have you seen this?”

“What?” he asked. “The wrinkles?”

Someone wrote in to Reader’s Digest: I’m dyslexic, and attended a conference about the disorder with a friend. The speakers asked us to share a personal experience with the group. I told them stress aggravates my condition, in which I reverse words and letters when I’m tense.

When I finished speaking, my friend leaned over and whispered to me, “Now I know why you named your daughter Hannah.”

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Sunday, March 16, 2008

Family Bible Classes – 9:30am
This Sunday we continue a three-month set of electives for the adults and teens.  We are offering a class on Balanced Evangelism (taught by Dan Noyes); a class which will study through the New Testament book of Hebrews (taught by Tim Botsford); and a class titled “Glory & Captivity: Israel’s Divided Kingdom” a study of I & II Kings and II Chronicles (taught by Steve Richard).  They will continue through the month of May.

Morning Worship Service – 10:45am
The message will be from John 10:22-30 and is titled, “Jesus Has Sheep.”  This may seem like a no-brainer.  After all, we’ve learned that Jesus IS the Good Shepherd.  But in this passage we will be thrilled with the confirmation that not only does Jesus have sheep (Hallelujah!), but that His sheep are given eternal life and will never perish!  Amen!

Evening Celebration – 6:00pm
Our evening celebration will continue the series on Prayer.  This week, from Matthew 6:10b we will be exhorted to pray, “Your Will Be Done.”  A simple petition, with words we can easily understand, but do we know what we are saying?  Let’s think about it together.

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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

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

Did you know that this Sunday is the start of Daylight Saving Time?  We are supposed to set our clocks ahead (Spring forward) on Saturday night and thus we lose an hour of sleep.  It’s true – I’m not just trying to get everyone to church on time 🙂

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Time for a smile:

A woman answered her front door and saw a little boy holding a list. “Ma’am,” he explained, “I’m on a scavenger hunt, and I still need three grains of wheat, a pork-chop bone and a piece of used carbon paper to earn a dollar.”

“Wow,” the woman replied. “Who sent you on such a challenging hunt?”

“My babysitter’s boyfriend.”

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Sunday, March 9, 2008

Family Bible Classes – 9:30am
This Sunday we begin a three-month set of electives for the adults and teens.  We are offering a class on Balanced Evangelism (taught by Dan Noyes); a class which will study through the New Testament book of Hebrews (taught by Tim Botsford); and a class titled “Glory & Captivity: Israel’s Divided Kingdom” a study of I & II Kings and II Chronicles (taught by Steve Richard).  They all begin this Sunday and will continue through the month of May.

Morning Worship Service – 10:45am
The message will be from John 10:11-21 and is titled, “The Good Shepherd.”  Two times in this text Jesus makes the assertion, “I Am the Good Shepherd.”  After the first time He says, “The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”  The next time He says He is the Good Shepherd, He then says, “and I know My sheep., and am known by My own.”  This may take us past the initial thoughts we have about shepherds and shepherding.  It will take us to a deeper understanding of Jesus!

Evening Celebration – 6:00pm
Our evening celebration will revolve around the celebration of the Lord’s Table.  At 7:20pm we will have our Monthly Business Meeting.

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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

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

We are in the middle of another cold snap (-3 degrees when I went to bed last night) – BRRR.  However, we are also one day closer to spring, plus I notice that when I wake up it’s light out earlier and stays light later.  Hallelujah!

To quote from the writer of Hebrews, “strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees” (Heb. 12:12).  No need for us to be discouraged, I suspect that the original readers of the NT faced suffering worse than our cold temperatures.  I trust that you would avoid, as the same writer cautioned his readers, “any root of bitterness springing up.”  Whether it is the chastening hand of God, intrusive persecution from unbelievers, or the weakness of our own flesh, we must stay focused.  As it says in Hebrews 12:14, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”  Food for thought!

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Time for a smile: Has this ever happened to you?

Somebody writes, “I was at the checkout of a K-Mart. The clerk rang up $46.64 charge. I gave her a fifty dollar bill. She gave me back $46.64. I gave it back to her and told her that she had made a mistake in MY favor and gave her the money back.
She became indignant and informed me she was educated and knew what she was doing, and returned the money again. I gave her the  money back again…same scenario.  I departed the store with the $46.64.”

Somebody else tells this story: “I walked into a Mickey D’s with a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for a sandwich. I handed it to the girl and she looked over at a little chalkboard that said ‘buy one-get one free.’ ‘They’re already buy-one-get-one-free,’she said, ‘so I guess they’re both free’ She handed me my free sandwiches and I walked out the door.”

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Sunday, March 2, 2008

Family Bible Classes – 9:30am
Our guest, Craig Golden (Representative for the Empire State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches), will be teaching the auditorium Bible class.  During this hour he will be presenting the fellowship ministry by way of a handout.  He calls it “Jeopardy.”

Morning Worship Service – 10:45am
The message, brought by ESF Representative, Craig Golden will be from II Peter 1:5-11.  The title of this message is “A Never-Fall Guarantee.”

Evening Celebration – 6:00pm
Our evening celebration will bring to a conclusion this day with a focus on the Empire State Fellowship.  Brother Craig Golden will bring the message from Psalm 145:1-4, titled “A Psalm of Praise.”

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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

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

We are back from our trip to Florida.  We had an interesting time as we rode an Amtrak train from Rochester to New York city and then down to Sebring, Florida (and back again ten days later).  The weather was delightful, I got in a couple of rounds of golf and all-in-all it was a great mid-winter vacation.

Now, back to the privilege of ministry (and the realities of Rochester winters).  Tomorrow (Saturday) we are having a Ladies Scrapbooking Day as an outreach event.  From 9 am to 3 pm there will be teaching, demos and a helping hand with scrapbook projects as well as devotions, snacks and fellowship.

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Time for a smile:

A State Police dispatcher once received a call from a woman who asked him how to baste a turkey. After a stunned moment, he, being a fairly good cook, described the procedure. Then he asked, “But why would you call the state police to find out how to baste a turkey?”

There was only a slight hesitation before she replied, “Well, you knew, didn’t you?” and hung up.

During the minister’s prayer, one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Gary’s mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, “Gary, whatever made you do such a thing?”

Gary answered, soberly, “I asked God to teach me to whistle. and He just then did!”

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Sunday, February 24, 2008

Family Bible Classes – 9:30am
The auditorium Bible Class is studying I Timothy in a series called, “How To Behave In the House of God.”

Morning Worship Service – 10:45am
The message for this Sunday will be from John 10:1-10.  The title of this message is “I Am The Door.” It’s the third of seven”I Am” sayings in the Gospel of John (after “I Am the Bread of life” and “I Am the Light of the world.”  The theme of this chapter is introduced with a story about sheep, shepherds, sheepfolds, and thieves & robbers.  Jesus then uses the familiar scenario of sheep husbandry to teach some specific spiritual lessons. The first is, as Jesus put it, “I Am The Door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved….”  This may not line up with currently fashionable, politically correct, inclusive theology, but it is the Word of God – what else can we preach?

Evening Celebration – 6:00pm
Our evening celebration will be a Singspiration with sister church, Bethel Baptist of Bergen, NY.  We will sing together, be blessed with special music ministry and consider portions of scripture all woven together in a Christ-honoring way.  Afterwards we will enjoy some additional fellowship and, of course, finger food.

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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

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

Well, it happened again!  We had to cancel our Wednesday night activities for the second week in a row.  This time we had almost an inch of ice from the day of freezing rain.  The parking lot was a skating rink.  We watched a UPS truck come in and start to make a circle to head back out but end up sliding sideways across half of the parking lot before finally coming to a stop.  We could picture the bumper cars or demolition derby as people came to church that night – so for the safety and well-being of our people we cancelled.

As a result our deacons are taking some drastic steps – they are sending Janet and me to Florida – to bring back some nice weather.  I’m willing to do that (of course) and I think the best chance of accomplishing it will be for me to wait down there until May – I can bring back more nice weather if I do that!  Actually we planned a long time ago to make this trip, so it isn’t because I’ve been canceling too many Wednesday night services.  We will be gone over Sunday, February 17th (so don’t expect a FaithFriends for that week).  Two of our own men, Jim Todd and Dan Noyes, will be preaching in the morning and evening services that day.

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Time for a smile:

A couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they’re physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember.  Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. ‘Want anything while I’m in the kitchen?’ he asks.

‘Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?’

‘Sure.’

‘Don’t you think you should write it down so you can remember it?’ she asks.

‘No, I can remember it.’

‘Well, I’d like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so’s not to forget it?’

He says, ‘I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.’

‘I’d also like whipped cream. I’m certain you’ll forget that, write it down?’ she asks.

Irritated, he says, ‘I don’t need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream – I got it, for goodness sake!’

Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, the old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.

She stares at the plate for a moment. ‘Where’s my toast?’

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Sunday, February 10, 2008

Family Bible Classes – 9:30am
The auditorium Bible Class is studying I Timothy in a series called, “How To Behave In the House of God.”

Morning Worship Service – 10:45am
The message for this Sunday will be from John 9:35-41.  The title of this message is “That The Blind May See!”  In thinking about this passage of Scripture it struck me, forcefully, that one of the most difficult tasks Jesus had on earth was convincing people that they were blind.  Spiritually, I mean.  We will see the stark contrast between one who confessed Jesus (he had been born blind but was healed and could now see, both physically and spiritually) and those who were condemned (because they didn’t know they were blind).  It is sobering when we look around at the people with whom we live, work, and neighbor – they would say they live in a “Christian country” and thus are not blind.  Sad!

Evening Celebration – 6:00pm
Our evening celebration will continue to develop our understanding of prayer.  The message is, “Hallowed Be Your Name.”  Our text, Matthew 6:9, tells us: “In this manner, therefore, pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.'”  Is that supposed to be a statement of fact “Holy is Your name!”?  Or is it a request?  Think about that.

We will have our monthly business meeting at 7:20pm after the evening celebration.

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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

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

We’ve had some trouble getting out this e-mail lately, so I’m going to go back to the old method for a while. If you experience a problem, let me know.

Speaking of problems – the windstorm on Wednesday morning pushed a tree against the power lines going into the church building and disrupted our electricity. We had no heat all day in the church building (the parsonage was unaffected) and half the lights worked, but the other half didn’t (weird, I know). The crew came to take the tree off the lines and then about 8pm the electric crew came back to re-connect the power lines. Let me make the obvious connection – it’s not good to be powerless or even at half-power, either physically or spiritually. There, I did it!

However, the disrupted service did fry a relay in the boiler room, so we ended up without heat yesterday either. I called a heating company and they got us going again last night and will bring the replacement parts today (Lord willing). As far as travails go, this is more of a minor nuisance than a major life disruption. And to that we say, Praise the Lord!

We seek to be at full power (at least spiritually) for the Lord’s Day – thanks for praying with us to that end.

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Time for a smile (not advocating this behavior):

An elderly couple was celebrating their sixtieth anniversary. The couple had married as childhood sweethearts and had moved back to their old neighborhood after they retired.

Holding hands they walked back to their old school. It was not locked, so they entered, and found the old desk they’d shared, where Andy had carved, “I love you, Sally.”

On their way back home, a bag of money fell out of an armored car, practically landing at their feet. Sally quickly picked it up, but, not sure what to do with it, they took it home. There, she counted the money–fifty-thousand dollars.

Andy said, “We’ve got to give it back.”

Sally said, “Finders keepers.” She put the money back in the bag and hid it in their attic.

The next day, two FBI men were canvassing the neighborhood looking for the money, and knocked on the door. “Pardon me, but did either of you find a bag that fell out of an armored car yesterday?”

Sally said, “No.”

Andy said, “She’s lying. She hid it up in the attic.”

Sally said, “Don’t believe him, he’s getting senile.”

The agents turn to Andy and began to question him. One says: “Tell us the story from the beginning.”

Andy said, “Well, when Sally and I were walking home from school yesterday….”

The first FBI guy turns to his partner and says, “We’re outta here.”

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Sunday, February 3, 2008

Family Bible Classes – 9:30am
The auditorium Bible Class is studying I Timothy in a series called, “How To Behave In the House of God.”

Morning Worship Service – 10:45am
The message for this Sunday will be from John 9:13-34. The title of this message is “You’re Not Listening!” This comes from verses 26-27 when the man who was born blind but healed by Jesus is asked by the Pharisees, again, “How did He open your eyes?” His response was, “I told you already and you did not listen.” He was a brave soul to speak that way to the religious leaders of his day, but it was true, they weren’t listening. The question is rightly put to us – are we listening as Jesus explains Who He is and why He has come?

Evening Celebration – 6:00pm
Our evening celebration will continue to develop our understanding of prayer. The message is, “Dear Heavenly Father.” Our text, Matthew 6:9, tells us: “In this manner, therefore, pray: ‘Our Father in heaven….'” Is that kind of like the e-mail address that lets the server know where to send your prayer? I believe it is such a rote part of our praying that we don’t really think about what that phrase means or what we are really saying when we mouth those words. Let’s think about it together. Plus, we will observe the Lord’s table as part of our celebration.

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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

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

An off-hand comment in a recent conversation got me thinking. What I heard was, “When I was first saved I came to church eager to talk to people about what the Lord had been doing that week in their lives and mine. I quickly learned that other people didn’t come to church to talk about that sort of thing.” I find that sad, but true. The conversations that take place as I walk among the church family rarely have much to do with spiritual things – it’s more often about sports, children, illness, the house, the car, etc. Can we change that? Church isn’t where we come to get filled up off with spiritual fuel, have our oil & tires checked, and an occasional adjustment to keep us humming along smoothly (a consumer mentality). It’s a place to “stir up one another to love and good works” as well as “exhort one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). There seems to be an urgency about it – the Day is approaching! If we don’t do it now….

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Time for a smile (from a friend):

HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION with Dr. Kenmiester:

Q: I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it … don’t waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can’t think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain … Good!

Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU’RE NOT LISTENING !!! … Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they’re permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO!!!! Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It’s the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

Family Bible Classes – 9:30 am
The auditorium Bible Class is studying I Timothy in a series called, “How To Behave In the House of God.”

Morning Worship Service – 10:45 am
The message for this Sunday will be from John 9:1-12. I’ve been having trouble coming up with a title for this message. It’s the story of Jesus healing a man who was born blind. The disciples asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Their question and Jesus’ response reveals a lot about the difference between the way we view suffering and the way God does. Perhaps the testimony of the man himself will make the best title, “I Received Sight.”

Evening Celebration – 6:00 pm
Our evening celebration will return to our series on prayer – the message is, “Your Father Knows.” Our text, Matthew 6:8, tells us: “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” What is that supposed to do to us in terms of our attitude toward prayer?

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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

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

This is the season for award shows – men and women congratulating each other on their fine performances in the world of entertainment. I’ve always thought it self-serving and a rank display of the human hunger for honor and glory. Contrast that with Jesus’ response to those who insulted Him. He said, in answer to their accusation that He was possessed by a demon, “I honor my Father and you dishonor Me.” (John 8:49). Arthur W. Pink writes, “One who is controlled by the Devil is a liar, but Christ had told them the truth. One who is prompted by the Devil flatters men, but Christ had depicted fallen human nature in the most humbling terms. One who is moved by the Devil is inflated with pride, seeks honor and fame; but Christ sought only the honor of Another, even the Father.” Think about that if you watch any of those award shows.

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Time for a smile:

The wife was busy frying eggs, when her husband came home. He walked into the kitchen and immediately started yelling. “CAREFUL!!! CAREFUL! MORE OIL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM NOW! WE NEED MORE OIL! THEY ARE GOING TO STICK! CAREFUL! CAREFUL! TURN THEM! TURN THEM!!! HURRY UP! ARE YOU CRAZY! THE OIL IS GOING TO SPILL! USE MORE SALT! THE SALT!!”

The wife was very upset, “What is wrong with you? Why are you yelling like this? Do you think I don’t know how to fry an egg?”

The husband calmly replied, “I just wanted you to know what it’s like for me when I am driving the car and you’re sitting next to me.”

A woman walks in a store to return a pair of eyeglasses that she had purchased for her husband a week before. “What seems to be the problem, madam?”
“I’m returning these glasses I bought for my husband. He’s still not seeing things my way.”

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Sunday, January 20, 2008

Family Bible Classes – 9:30 am
Auditorium Bible Class is studying I Timothy in a series called, “How To Behave In the House of God.” This Sunday we will think about Paul’s statement that the law is good if used lawfully (that means there must be an unlawful or improper use of the law).

Morning Worship Service – 10:45 am
The message for this Sunday will be, “Who Do You Think You Are?,” (from John 8:48-59). The Jewish leaders, in conversation with Jesus, have been unable to refute His statements of truth. It’s making them look foolish. They retaliate in a manner more suited to a playground, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus had questioned the legitimacy of their claim to be Abraham’s descendants (they may have been physically, but they certainly weren’t spiritually). So, their comeback is childish name-calling – well, you’re just a Samaritan, a half-breed of questionable origin yourself, and if you think our father is the devil, well you’re demon possessed! It would make their debating coach proud, right? No – this is foolishness and what it does is show how blind and deaf they are to the truth of God’s Word. The question for us today is the same, do you truly understand who Jesus is?

Evening Celebration – 6:00 pm
Our evening celebration will include a time for our missionary, Jean Fote, to share her field report from The Gambia, show a DVD about her ministry, and answer questions.

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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

Continue reading “January 17 – FaithFriends” →

Friends of Faith Baptist of North Chili,

It’s been a busy week – that’s why this FaithFriends is going out a couple days late. At the beginning of the week, I worked on our Annual Report which we will be handing out at the business meeting after our evening service. Then our son came for a few days, and more importantly, brought our granddaughter, Julianna, to see us and stay through next week. Sorry, when she’s around some of my other priorities get lowered a notch or two. Anyway, here it is – the news about tomorrow’s services.

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Time for a smile:

A minister in a little church had been having trouble with the collections.

One Sunday he announced, “Now, before we pass the collection plate, I would like to request that the person who stole the chickens from Brother Martin’s henhouse please refrain from giving any money to the Lord. The Lord doesn’t want money from a thief!”

The collection plate was passed around, and for the first time in months everybody gave.

One morning a local highway department crew reaches their job-site and realizes they have forgotten all their shovels. The crew’s foreman radios the office and tells his supervisor the situation.

The supervisor radios back and says, “Don’t worry, we’ll send some shovels… just lean on each other until they arrive.”

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Sunday, January 13, 2008

Family Bible Classes – 9:30am
I will continue the new series in our Auditorium Bible Class, studying I Timothy in lessons I am calling, “How To Behave In the House of God.” This Sunday will look at verses 3-7 of chapter one. It is the first thing Paul says to Timothy, after his greeting. It must be important!

Morning Worship Service – 10:45am
The message for this Sunday will be, “Who’s Your Daddy?,” (from John 8:33-47). That is one of those slang sayings I’ve heard (but am not sure I really understand) and now that I’m using it as a message title, I hope there isn’t something off color about it! It seemed appropriate for the focus of this text as the Jewish people in Jesus’ day bragged about being children of Abraham and being not only astonished but insulted when Jesus told them, “You are of your father, the devil”! It’s a message that is still needed today!

Evening Celebration – 6:00pm
Our evening celebration will be Pastor’s “State of the Church” address. I will share a recap of 2007 and then take a look at some goals and a vision for Faith Baptist for 2008. After the service we will have our January business meeting at which we will hand out the printed Annual Report from all the different ministries of the church.

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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