Stop Dating the Church:  Fall in Love with the Family of God

by Joshua Harris

 Josh Harris who has written two other books on relationships,   The first I Kissed Dating Goodbye and the sequel Boy Meets Girl.  In this new book Josh now gives us a short little book that many can read in less than two hours that highlights the relationship we are called to have with the local church.

 He gives short reviews of Scriptures word pictures for the Church.  He challenges with having a passion for our local church.

 In the chapter entitled “We Really Need the Church” he explains why Mark Dever when speaking to college students would say, “If you are not a member of a church that you regularly attend you may well be going to hell”.  No, church membership does not save us but our relationship with God’s family reveals our relationship to Jesus Christ.

 One chapter gives us ten important questions to ask as we seek for a church to “stop dating”.  This church needs to be a Biblical and Godly church that we can have a committed lifelong relationship with.

 Another chapter is given to “rescuing Sunday”.  How much of our Sunday is focused on meeting our needs making us a “consumer” rather than a “communer” with God!

 Those who are already committed to the church will be encouraged and challenged in new areas as they read this.  Others who have not yet made a commitment to their church should be challenged with Biblical truth that will reveal their need to be committed.

Blame It On The Brain? Distinguishing Chemical Imbalances, Brain Disorders, and Disobedience

by Edward T. Welch

This book is part of the “Resources for changes lives” series published by The Christian Counseling and Education Foundation in Glennside, PA.

Welch discusses his view of what the brain is in relation to man’s soul.  He then challenges us by asking questions as to what should have more authority the Scriptures or brain science.  He challenges us to think through  this issues biblically. 

We are reminded in the book that the brain cannot make us sin, but that the brain or body can reveal the sin that is in our hearts.

 In the section dealing with Brain dysfunction,  Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are given a chapter of discussion.  Then head injuries are looked into.   These injuries often reveal pre-existing spiritual problems.  To quote Welch, “Thus it is not surprising that one of the best predictors of post-injury problems is pre-injury character.”

 The central portion of the book is given to discussing psychiatric problems.  Depression, ADD, and ADHD treatment with medication is discussed along with the need to confront an individuals sin.

 The final section of the book is dedicated to a section entitled.  “The brain didn’t do it.”  Deals with homosexuality and alcoholism two conditions that our society chooses to call inherent or genetically induced, whereas Scripture calls both of them sin.

 I would encourage believers to take the time to read this book.  I believe we can all be challenged in that too often we want to blame our sin on others when in reality it comes from our inner sinful desires.  These we must confess, repent of and resist so that God may get the glory for the change that He brings in our lives.

Dear Sparkie Parents,                       2-24-10

 During Awanas we emphasize the importance of obedience to the kids, obedience to their parents, to their leaders and to all of those in authority over them. For the most part, the kids do a fine job of obeying. Tonight we read about how even the wind and waves obeyed Jesus. The disciples of Jesus were learning who this Jesus is. They had seen him heal the sick and perform other miracles. Now He will show them that He has power over all of creation.  Jesus had been teaching for a long time and was very tired. Jesus said that they should row over to the other side of the lake. While out on the lake Jesus fell asleep, getting some much needed rest as the gentle rocking of the boat made for a peaceful sleep. However, a storm blow up quickly as it often did on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus continued to sleep in spite of the rough water as wave pounded the boat. In fear of drowning, the disciples woke Jesus and said “Teacher! Don’t You care that we are going to drown?” Jesus got up said three words, Peace!  Be still! Immediately the wind stopped and the sea was calm. What do you think the disciples said then? You can find out by reading it in the Gospel of Mark Chapter 4 verse 35 – 41.

 The bible is full of exciting history about God’s plan to save us and His son Jesus, the creator of the world who controls the wind and the waves. (and anything else He wants!) Join us Sunday morning to hear more about our loving God and the plans He has for you.

 Remember you are always welcome to have dinner with us and share in the fun. Please visit our web site at fbclittletonil.org to learn more about the First Baptist Church of Littleton, Awanas and other activities we provide.

Dennis Williamson – Sparkie Director 257-2532

Roger Fox

Barb Stein

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder

 First Baptist Church of Littleton

 Larry Lindow, Pastor

 309-257-2290

Dear Sparkie Parents,                                       2-17-10

 It was great to hear about Camp Manitoumi last week.  If you missed the night and still want to know more about camp, you can check out their web site at http://manitoumi.com. Last week we began telling of Jesus ministry on earth. He is both God and man. A man that did not sin even when temped by the devil himself. Without sin Jesus could be the perfect sacrifice needed to pay for our sins for all who believe.

 This week the Sparkies learned of how Jesus met both the spiritual need of the people but also met the physical needs. A great crowd of people had followed Jesus to see His miracles and hear His words. Jesus saw this crowd of 5,000 men plus women and children as sheep needing a Shepard. Jesus taught them until it was evening and late. The people were hungry. Jesus used this opportunity to teach His disciples that He could do whatever He wanted because He is God. He took five loaves of bread and two fish and feed the whole crowd! Everyone had as much as they wanted and there was more left over than what they had started with. Jesus had feed them not only with the bread of the earth but with the bread of heaven. That bread is the words of God. It teaches us the right and best way to live. You can read the whole story in the Gospel of John chapter 6.   Also, mark your calendars for Sunday night March 21^st. We will be roller skating in Macomb at 5PM. Pizza will be served after skating.

Remember you are always welcome to have dinner with us and share in the fun. Please visit our web site at fbclittletonil.org to learn more about the First Baptist Church of Littleton, Awanas and other activities we provide.

 Dennis Williamson – Sparkie Director 257-2532

Roger Fox

Barb Stein

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder

 First Baptist Church of Littleton

 Larry Lindow, Pastor

 309-257-2290

Dear Sparkie Parents,

 Tonight was our camp night. John Kealen, the director of the camp came to speak to the Awana clubbers about camp. Thanks to all of the guest who came to hear about Camp Manitoumi. If you missed the night and still want to know more about camp, you can check out their web site at http://manitoumi.com. There are camp weeks for kids 3^rd through 12^th grade and family camp days. The camp also offers other weekend retreats for adults. Remember the kids can earn their way to a fun week at camp by working on their books.

 
The Sparkies had the opportunities to begin the lessons that Jesus taught while He walked on the earth. Our lesson tonight talked about how Jesus was both God and man. He was tempted just as we have been tempted but He did not sin.  Our lessons this year have pointed to the Bible as the true historical account of how God had a plan from the beginning to bring us, a sinful people, back into a right relationship with Him. This could only be accomplished  by a sinless Jesus taking the punishment for the sins that you and I have committed. Because God is just and has to punish sin, some one must be punished. Jesus stood in our place and took that punishment so that God would see us as if we had never sinned. It’s the only way we can stand it the presence of a perfect and holy God! The whole Bible is God’s rescue plan with Jesus as the savior. It’s the only way, but don’t take my word for it. Read it for yourself in the Bible. Start with the Gospel of John and call us with your questions.

 
Remember you are always welcome to have dinner with us and share in the fun. Please visit our web site at fbclittletonil.org to learn more about the First Baptist Church of Littleton, Awanas and other activities we provide.

 Dennis Williamson – Sparkie Director 257-2532

Roger Fox

Barb Stein

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder

  First Baptist Church of Littleton

 Larry Lindow, Pastor

 309-257-2290

Hidden Sin???

This morning during the news, while I was catching up on the current snowstorm and weather forecast, an advertisement came on.  I am sure that would not surprise most J, but this advertisement caught my attention because in it a man was left before a man who was suppose to be God.  His life was over and “God” was looking into His book.  As he looked at his book a puzzled look came over his face.  He then made the statement, “There seems to be some weekends missing from your life.”  Then they cut away and brought up the slogan, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

Several things came to mind.  First the flippant idea they were giving for God.  Besides this irreverence for our all-powerful Creator they forget the truths of God’s Word that remind us.  “The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good” or from Heb. 4:13 “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”  As well as the reminder in Romans 14:12, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”

We all must come to the point of David in Psalm 19:14. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.”

What we often forget is that God knows and in His holiness and justice He cannot ignore our sin.  So we can pick our sin, but we cannot pick the consequences.

Dear Sparkie Parents,

Our questions for the kids tonight were can you swim and do you like fishing? Tonight we read the story of Jonah. Jonah was a prophet of God long ago. God used prophets to tell the people messages that He wanted them to hear. They did not have the Bible as we do today. The bible tells us all that we need to know to live lives that are pleasing to God. Jonah did not want to do what God said. In fact, he even tried to run away from God, how silly! God allowed Jonah time to think about how he should obey God while he sat for three days in the belly of a fish. That’s right a big fish! Jonah changed his mind and decided to obey God. We found out that God had more to teach Jonah. Have you ever tried to run or hide from God? God can do as He likes and will put us in situations where we only have one option, which is to seek Him for help. It’s always better to obey God and do things His way. When we try to do it without God, we find ourselves in tight situations in our relationships, our finances and our relationship with God. When we do it God’s way, it always turns out better! You can read the whole story of Jonah in the Bible in the book of Jonah. It’s very short but tells us a lot about God.

Next week we have John Kealen coming to The First Baptist to tell all about summer camp. John is the director of Camp Manitumi. If your child finishes his book, they can earn a week at the camp. Swimming, horse back riding fun games and time to get to know the great God who saved Jonah from the belly of a big fish. It’s a fun week for all. Please plan to come next week to hear John and see the presentation about the camp.

Remember you are always welcome to have dinner with us and share in the fun. Please visit our web site at fbclittletonil.org to learn more about the First Baptist Church of Littleton, Awanas and other activities we provide.

Dennis Williamson – Sparkie Director 257-2532

Roger Fox

Barb Stein

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder

A Thanksgiving Psalm

 by Larry Lindow

To You alone who’s worthy.

We give You all the glory.

You wrote the “Old, Old Story”.

Our Savior sent from glory.

Our Father up in Heaven,

We thank you for your lovin’.

You cared to cleanse our leaven

And purify our livin’.

Through Jesus Christ our Savior,

One only can find favor.

Exalting praise we will endeavor

‘Til we live with Him forever.

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala

This book was an exciting account of Jim’s experience trusting God and being used of God to build the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York.  This growth went from about 13 to a multiple campus church.  

The second part of the book is a challenge to be completely relying on God through committed times of prayer.

Everyone who reads this can be encouraged to pray more and trust God more in their daily life.  As well as being willing to share our faith.

Dear Sparkie Parents,

In spite of the miraculous deeds and wonders that God did for and in the site of the Israelites, they failed to trust God. It’s hard to believe that after the crossing of the Red Sea, the daily supply of food and water and many other signs and wonders God performed for them, they still did not believe that God could do whatever he wanted and would for his people. Therefore, God punished the Israelites by having them spend 40 years in the desert. That time is now at an end and they are entering the Promised Land, but the city of Jericho is in their way. God is going to show them that He is powerful enough to do what ever He wants. He tells the Israelite to march around the city once a day for six days in silence except for the horns of the priest. On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times.  At the end they are to shout. At that moment the walls of the city fell down and the army of Israel took hold of the city. By this God showed them that it was He that conquered the city, not by the horns and shouts of the people. By these examples we know that God is all powerful and can do what He wants. He still does great and marvelous things today in the lives of those who trust and obey Him. He can do that for you if you will trust in Jesus to take the punishment for your sins. You can read the whole story in the book of Joshua chapter 6.

We are still looking for veterans to be honored at our Veteran’s Day service. Everyone is invited. We would like to know who the veterans are that are coming and have some information on them. We have sent fliers home, but if you don’t have a flier please call the church and let us know if you are able to be there.

Remember you are always welcome to have dinner with us and share in the fun. Please visit our web site at fbclittletonil.org to learn more about the First Baptist Church of Littleton, Awanas and other activities we provide.

Dennis Williamson – Sparkie Director 257-2532

Roger Fox

Barb Stein

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder

Dear Sparkie Parents,

Our story of Mosses continued as he leads the Israelites into the desert. God was providing for them each day with food and water. God lead them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. These pillars were there to lead them and show that God was always with them but, wait it gets better! God was going to speak directly to the nation of Israel. They were given three days to prepare. God Himself came down on Mount Sinai. The Israelites found out that this was more than they expected. Being in the presence of their creator who was directly speaking to them was more than they wanted. It was a very frightening experience. God was going to give them His rules to live by for their good. But, rules did more than tell them what to do and what not to do, they were to show all of us that we are sinful  can’t follow all of the rules all of the time. By knowing what is right and wrong, they will see that they do not measure up to God’s standard and deserve to be punished. The only way to avoid this punishment and be right with God is to have someone take the punishment for them. That someone is Jesus for all who accept Him as the one who will save them from the punishment they deserve. You can read the story in the book of Exodus chapters 19 and 20.

As the weather turns cold, be sure to have your children dress appropriately. There were over 50 kids plus 20 adults in church last week. It can be hard to keep track every glove and mitten. There is a lost and found in the church if hats and gloves are miss placed.

Remember you are always welcome to have dinner with us and share in the fun. Last week we had Colorado Hot Dogs! Please visit our web site at fbclittletonil.org to learn more about the First Baptist Church of Littleton, Awanas and other activities we provide.

Dennis Williamson – Sparkie Director 257-2532

Roger Fox

Barb Stein

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder

 First Baptist Church of Littleton

 Larry Lindow, Pastor

 309-257-2290

An autobiography you will not want to put down.  The writer tells the story of his life and how God saved him, called him to preach, and used him to begin and lead a great Chinese House Church Movement throughout much of China.

He was saved in the late 1970’s and began to preach at age 16.  He fasted and prayed for three weeks before God provided him with his own Bible.  At this time Bibles in China were extremely scarce because of the persecution of the government.  Those who had them kept them hidden for fear of more persecution.  

Upon receiving his Bible he had to learn to read looking up the symbols in a dictionary.  He had only had three years of schooling.   Once he could read he memorized the book of Matthew.   At age 16 when he was first asked to preach he knew nothing about preaching so he stood and quoted the book of Matthew to the people.

His utter dependence on the Holy Spirit and his willingness to stand up for the true gospel of Jesus Christ no matter the cost is amazing.

God helped him miraculously escape from jail or prison on many occasions.  On others he helped him miraculously endure unbelievable torture for the name of Christ.

One of the things he stated was that we should not pray that their persecutions will stop.  Rather his desire is that we will pray for them to be faithful to Christ whatever the situation.

            I found this book a challenge for my own prayer life as well as recognizing how much we in American Christianity have taken for granted the freedoms that we have.  How many Bibles and Christian literature we have and how little they are studied or read?

            It is also great to hear his wife’s side of the story as she adds sections to share what was going on in her life especially as he was being persecuted or imprisoned.

347 pages, Monarch Books

Brother Yun’s website is www. asiaharvest.org

This book was a great encouragement to stand for what is right whatever the cost.

It is the biography of pastor Hsi who was saved from Confuciusism and became a great pastor.  

 During his life the Chinese could legally use opium.  The use of Opium was so great that farmers started to produce it rather than food.  It was a good money maker, but it destroyed the culture.  Hsi was pulled into this as well.  He ruined his life as a lawyer with opium. 

 He was hired because of his education to help a missionary translate and do other writing in his native tongue. In time he came to Christ.

 God used this man mightily to reach many who were entrapped in opium as he had been.  Many of these individuals also came to Christ.  He helped to start many refuges where individuals would come to get off of opium.  He made the medication that was used along with the gospel to help give them victory.

 He was a contemporary of Hudson Taylor.  It is interesting to read of their excitedly awaiting the arrival of this missionary to their home and refuge.

 If you read this book you will be challenged in how strong your faith and prayer life are.  You will also be challenged to consider how much you care for those living in bondage to sin that need to be freed through Jesus Christ.

 366 pages ,  Printed by Christian Focus Publications

Last week our story time focused on the sin that came into the world through Adam & Eve and how that separated us from the relationship with God. We also pointed out that God made a way for us to have that relationship restored by our belief in Jesus as our one and only way to be with God again, just as Adam and Eve were in Garden of Eden. (Genesis Chapter 3)

Be sure to help your child work on their memory verses. This will help them to have a better time and give them a feeling of accomplishment. Also be sure to have them bring their books or Sparks Gate to Awanas so that we can record it when they complete each section. They will be receiving awards as they complete sections and we want all of them to have this opportunity. We have found out that they will do much better if they have support at home in learning their verses.

Finally, thanks to everyone who sent their parental consent form back. We appreciate your cooperation. If you have not signed one of these forms, ask your child for the form that we have sent home with them. Please visit our web site at  www.fbclittletonil.org   to learn more information about our church, AWANA and other activities we provide.

Dennis Williamson – Sparkie Director 257-2532

Roger Fox

Barb Stein

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder

As we think about meditation we need to understand from the Psalmist in Psalm 19:14 that there are apparently right ways and wrong ways to meditate.  As his desire was that “the words of my mouth and the meditations of his heart may be acceptable in thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer.”

 The psalmist also encouraged us in our meditation as he states in Psalm 1.  “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the seat of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates both day and night.  So he gives us even subject matter to meditate upon.  (See also Psalm 119 and note what the psalmist was meditating upon.

 Therefore, there is wisdom in “in letting go of our thoughts”, if we are replacing our self-centered thoughts with thoughts of God, His Word and His works, and His character.  For, his thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are his ways my ways. (cf. Isa. 55:8-9)

 May we learn to meditate upon these things as we seek to bring glory to the God of Creation as we allow Him to mold us and conform us to the image of his Son. 

 (Note: Phil 4:8 also gives us a guide for our thoughts.)

In fact, I looked at a large church in our areas website today and it clearly states that "Baptism by immersion in water is what completes the newbirth."  This seems in opposition to Pauls statement in Phil. 3:9 that his righteousness is "through God by faith".  He has no confidence in the flesh.  If his confidence was in the fact that he was baptized I would think that he would have mentioned it somewhere here.   Rather in this passage he is warning us that there will be those who will add to the gospel thereby perverting it.  In fact in the book of Galatians there were those adding to the gospel and causing problems for the church and Paul emphatically stated twice in Gal. 1:8-9  "if anyone preaches any otther gospel to you than what we have preached to you let him be accursed." 

In who or what are you trusting for your salvation???

The knowledge and the work of the color commentators in particular amazes me as they have studied so much background and give you so many stories about the players that make the game more exciting and sometimes meaningful.

Just imagine with me though if God was to color commentate our worship service.  ( I do want to let you know that all of these illustrations are made up with no one in mind,  but you can put yourself in one of these places and think about what God would say about your part in the worship service.)   I will pick on myself first,  as the pastor speaks he takes a pause and God begins to fill in the background.  He may say folks, "This man has worked hard this week praying and studying My Word, he has sought the leading of the Holy Spirit as he has prepared this message." or he could say, "This guy is very self focused today, He is hoping that everyone here likes him and is trying to please each of you, but in doing this he is failing to consider what the Holy Spirit really intended for you."

How about the musicians or the song leader?  As the music begins we hear God in the background, but what is he saying,  "These individuals are here to serve the group today their desire is to help each of you focus on me!"  Yet to others he might say, "Our musicians today are working to get your attention and your applause.  Their here to get your attention and keep it rather than be a channel for you to see me more clearly.

Bob in the back row begins to sing along.  God comments, "Bob is saying the words of the song today and it looks great to everyone, but his mind is stuck on his trials that he is facing.  These circumstances are stealing his joy and not giving him the freedom to take part today."

Fred leads in prayer and God says, "Fred here has spent much time this week seeking my face, praying for each of you, asking for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of individuals during todays service.  This public prayer is just a small representation of his private prayer life."

God continues "Rita is here today listening intently as she has prepared herself for this time asking Me to help her focus on the clear teaching of My Word.  She spent time already this week reviewing the passage from previous weeks and begining to meditate upon the passage that is being taught this morning.  Her desire is to truly know me more and draw closer during this time."

Across the aisle Sandra is looking intently toward the pulpit and to all of us seems just as focused on the teaching, but God again adds His color as our Omniscient color-commentator who can read all of our thoughts.  "Sandra, " He say, "is mentally nowhere to be found.  She is thinking about her sports league this week and the argument she had with a co-worker yesterday."

Psalm 94:11a  "God knows the thougths of man"  Isa. 66:18a "For I know their work and their thoughts."  God always knows what we are thinking.  We may be able to fool those people around us, but we cannot fool God. 

As you prepare to meet with your church I encourage you to prepare your heart for your time with them and the Lord.  If you have some personal illustrations of how God might color commentate in your situation feel free to share to challenge and encourage the rest of us!

As Jack Buck used to say,  "Thanks for your time this time 'til next time, so long.."