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