Challenger FBC FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, HARRISON JUNE, 2017 VOL. 62 NO. 6. The. Coming Up Sunday Nights in June

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1 The Challenger The true meaning of love Christ died for us. John 3:16 FBC FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, HARRISON JUNE, 2017 VOL. 62 NO. 6 Why We Can Rely on God s Word The Bible is a trustworthy book. Scripture is a message given to us by almighty God. And since it is the Word of our Creator and Savior, we can trust that it is true. He says His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Therefore, it always leads us the right way. And though our world constantly changes, the Word of our God stands forever. Because He wants us to know how to live in a manner that honors Him and benefits us, He s given us words of promise, joy, and peace as well as instructions and warnings. The Bible is timeless It is still applicable for any situation we might face. It is infallible.. It is the revelation of one true God, it has no errors. It tells of God s unconditional love for us. Because He loved the world, He gave His only Son so those who believe in Him could have everlasting life. The Bible tells how we can be saved from out sins. God provided a means for our salvation on the basis of faith. It explains why Jesus died on the cross. He bore the sins of the world in His body, so we could be forgiven. It explains His resurrection. God raised Jesus from the dead as proof that Jesus truly is the Son of God. The resurrection also confirms that the Lord has the power to keep every promise He s made. Be encouraged through Scripture NEVER FORGET: The Lord keeps His promises. We will always find He is faithful. There is comfort and guidance in God s Word. Summer In-Home Life Groups begin 1st week of June See insert in this Challenger Coming Up Sunday Nights in June June 4th...5:00 pm CHURCHWIDE BBQ Food, Games, Fun! Join Us! A Time to Fellowship Bring a Guest! June 11th VBS Prep Night June 18th No PM Activities June 25th 4:30 6:30 pm Family Skate Night in Branson $4.00 per person for those skating.

2 What are the takeaways from his story...for us? THE.ROB.BLOG I ve always admire people who have the ability to put into written words their observations and admonitions in a readable format. I try from time to time but on my best day it s still a well, let s just say it s a work in progress. Thom Rainier is one who I admire. As the leader of Lifeway, the SBC s bookstore chain/publisher/church resource and research agency, he sees the big picture of where we are. Recently, he shared an article caught my attention. It s short but powerful. It s a good read for FBCH and other churches. Here it is: Five Imminent Dangers in Churches It s one of my favorite danger signs. It was presumably next to wires with high electrical voltage, and it profoundly read: Danger Do Not Touch Not Only Will This Kill You, It Will Hurt the Whole Time You Are Dying. There are five imminent danger signs in churches today. I am not speaking of just those churches that have abandoned core doctrines; I am also speaking of churches that are supposedly solidly evangelical. Here are five of those dangers: 1. Doubts about the exclusivity of salvation through Christ. John 14:6 is undoubtedly clear. Jesus Himself said He is the only way of salvation. While few in evangelical churches are explicitly denying this cardinal doctrine of the faith, some are quietly rationalizing forms of pluralism or inclusivism. Both of those doctrines deny John 14:6. 2. Waning efforts at evangelism. While this danger is obviously connected to the first danger, there is more at work here. Some churchgoers just don t see the need or have the burden to share the gospel. Any theological system or human rationale that minimizes evangelism is clearly contrary to Scripture. 3. Making doctrine and works either/or. Some evangelical churches have a superficial theology and focus on pragmatism. Some other evangelical churches have a deep theology that does not result in evangelism and ministry. The former is works without faith; and the latter is faith without works. 4. Forgetting Jerusalem. Jesus told us our witness would begin in Jerusalem and then extend beyond. He was clearly telling our churches we are to have a passion for evangelism and ministry in the community where our church is located. Too many churches have become so inwardly focused that they have no real presence in the community God has placed them. Other churches limit their missionary efforts to offerings, essentially paying others to do the Great Commission for them. 5. Fighting rather than going and doing. A church without unity is a church headed for decline and death. We have plenty of critics, second-guessers, and bullies in many of our churches. But we have few believers who are excited to talk about Jesus (Acts 4:20). This danger reveals itself when the former outweighs, outlasts, and overshadows the latter. Though I cannot presume to know all the schemes of the Enemy, I can only imagine he loves to see churches succumbing to one or more of these dangers. These dangers are truly so great they will ultimately lead churches to dying and death. Your aware of the danger pastor, Rob WITNESS for JESUS Evangelism..the Time is Now!

3 What s happening in FBCH Student Ministry? In May we had a great Graduate Sunday; on that Sunday we started with a breakfast to honor our graduates and then had a special recognition with them during the service. We wish them well as they embark on this new chapter where God is taking them. We ended the semester of Wednesday night services with a series called There is No Excuse. This three week series looked at the lives of Jeremiah, Moses, and the New Testament people who were following Jesus. In each of these lessons we saw excuses they had to following the call of God and reasons to not follow Jesus. The takeaway of each lesson was that they were going to be used by God and he was going to take care of them, as well as learning that following Jesus is the most important part of our lives. In June we are starting our summer schedule for our student ministry. May 31 st from 6:00-8:00pm we will be having games, activities, and food here at church to celebrate the end of school and the start of summer. June 7 th we will have our second annual Masters Putt Putt night in Branson along with a trip to Andy s Frozen Custard. June 14th Random Acts of Kindness June 28th Float Trip Week of June 19th Kenda Drive In I am so excited for the summer to get here and all the activities and growth in Christ that will be happening. I hope you can plan to attend as much as possible!!! Ryan ROC Ministry Volunteers Needed!!! Tuesday 4:00-6:00pm Tuesday 6:00-8:00pm every other week Wednesday 6:30-8:00am Thursday 6:30-8:00am Thursday 12:00-2:00pm Friday 6:30-8:00am 2017 NABA CUP Saturday, June Holiday Island Country Club 7:30am Check in / 8am Tee time 4-Person Scramble / $50 per person OR $200 per team *includes green fee, cart, lunch, prizes, free stuff, and fun All sorts of Prizes!! *Closest to the Pin (#3, #17) *Longest Drive (#14) *Shortest Drive Used (#5) *Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (if only one flight) *Prizes for 1st & 2nd (with 2 flights) *Prize for last place *$50 putting contest ($5 entry for 3 putts) *Door prizes Register Online at or call the office at (870) *Exact players names are not necessary at the time of registration, only the team s church name and main contact. Teams can be clarified at check in. If you need a team, feel free to register, and we will put you with a team in need of a player.

4 FBC Harrison FBCH Students First Baptist Church P.O. Box 996 Harrison, AR Return Service Requested HARRISON, AR PERMIT NO. 73 NON-PROFIT ORG. Our Purpose: First Baptist Church exists to help people develop loving relationships with God and with others. Our Staff: Rob E. Davis Jr. Senior Pastor Dave Hart Assoc. Pastor Music/Sr. Adults Ryan Puls Assoc. Pastor Youth/Recreation Todd Richardson Assoc. Pastor of Outreach Renee Cates Preschool Director Susan Anderson Financial Secretary Betty Johnson Receptionist/Secretary Ron Pittman Facility Supervisor Vacation Bible School JUNE :00 am Noon Ages: 3 yr. olds 6th grade Searching the Visible, Discovering the Invisible As kids focus their telescopes on the marvels painted in the sky by the Creator of the universe, they will discover the wonder among all wonders that the God who created everything there is the knowable and the unknowable, the visible and the invisible wants a personal relationship with them! So Kids, we invite you into the clubhouse to show you the God who is even bigger than the vastness of His creation and who is over the moon in love with you. Colossians 1:15-16 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -all things have been created through Him and for Him. Come Join Us and Bring a Friend! It s going to be a blast. We re going beyond the stars! Trip to J. B. Trading Co. Tuesday June 20th Bus will leave the church at 11:30 am (Meal will be Provided) Good Fellowship! Come Join Us! Honor Your Dad this Father s Day Sunday, June 18th Show Him Love!

5 SUMMER LIFE GROUP STUDIES In home Life Groups will take the place of Wednesday activities for adults. You can choose a topic and become involved in a cross-generational experience. Grow, train, and fellowship with others this summer. Each group is designed for 8 weeks. Nights and locations will vary. No childcare is provided for these opportunities. In the Tactics Study Guide with DVD, apologist and radio host Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to get in the driver s seat in discussions about faith, keeping any conversation moving with thoughtful, artful tact. Readers will learn how to maneuver comfortably and graciously through the minefields, stop challengers in their tracks, turn the tables and most importantly get people thinking about Jesus with conversations that look more like diplomacy than D-Day. Drawing on extensive experience defending Christianity in the public square, Koukl demonstrates how to: Initiate conversations effortlessly Present the truth clearly, cleverly, and persuasively Graciously and effectively expose faulty thinking Skillfully manage the details of dialogue Maintain an engaging, disarming style even under attack. Over one million people have experienced the groundbreaking evangelism training course Becoming a Contagious Christian a proven resource designed to equip believers for relational evangelism. Now revised and updated, it avoids stereotyped approaches that feel intimidating to many Christians and to their friends! Instead, it shows ordinary believers how to share the gospel in natural and effective ways being the person God made them to be. Participants experience six 50-minute sessions on: The Benefits of Becoming a Contagious Christian Being Yourself and Impacting Others Deepening Your Relationships and Conversations Telling Your Story Communicating God's Message Helping Your Friends Cross the Line of Faith OVER

6 The word "Christianity" conjures up many pictures, depending on who defines it. But Chuck Colson asserts that the faith "given once for all" is an invitation to a wonderful vision of life, open to all who will come. The Faith invites all who will - whether believers or skeptics - to explore the basic doctrines of Christianity and find out for themselves what it really means to be called a disciple of Christ - and how to live as a disciple. This Life Group will meet every Tuesday morning at the church at 10:30 am for six weeks starting June 6th. TEACHER AND POTENTIAL TEACHER TRAINING FOR ADULTS All teachers agree we must clearly teach biblical truths and principles, but the most effective teachers know how to help listeners integrate this information in their lives. For them, teaching Sunday School includes: interpretation, contemplation, explanation, application, and finally, transformation. Matthew 28:20 calls us to be Transformational Teachers, not simply Informational Teachers. It is a calling to transform the heart, not simply inform the mind. SIGN UP FOR THE LIFE GROUP YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND AT THE DESK IN THE ATRIUM You are invited to a Drop-in Bridal Shower Honoring Emily Johnson Bride elect of Brady Ramsey Saturday, June noon First Baptist Church Harrison Fellowship Hall Emily is the daughter of Bob & Kim Johnson Brady is the son of Brian & Cindy Ramsey Bride is registered at: Shelby s, Sister s Flower Shop, Amazon, Belk s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Wal-Mart, & Dillard s You are invited to a Drop-in Bridal Shower Honoring Lauren Reading Bride of Matthew Holt Saturday, June noon First Baptist Church Harrison Fellowship Hall Lauren is the daughter of Mike & Chris Reading Matthew is the son of Marvin & Lisa Holt Bride is registered at: Shelby s, Wal-Mart, & Target

7 Dear Church Family: Thank you for the prayers. I felt them during all three of my surgeries. God was listening, He granted Doctor Zajarias to heal my broken heart. It is working well now. Gratefully, Julie Younes Thank You so much: I am so glad I have such an amazing home church to support me. Your love you all have shown me is unbelievable. I am so proud to be a part of the First Family. I would not be who I am today, doing what I am doing without your influence on my life. I love you all so much. Katie Angel Conway BCM Serving in Poland May 6th-23rd With Sympathy Extended to Linda Williamson and Family on the passing of her father, Marvin Morgan of Hilltop, Arkansas. Congratulations to: BIRTHS Tom & Ellen Perkins on the birth of their Grandson Uriah James Bray Born: May 8th 7 lbs. 5 ozs. (Parents: Josh & Jodi Bray) EXTENDED SESSION WORKERS SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 a.m. June 4th Babies: Amanda, Ronelle 1 Year Olds: Freda Keller, Karin Nabors 2 Year Olds: Evan & Jenny Cowling 3 & 4 Year Olds: Jordan & Stephanie Akin June 11th... Babies: Amanda, Ronelle 1 Year Olds: Jennifair & Olivia Ditmanson 2 Year Olds: Barbara & Stephanie Mason 3 & 4 Year Olds: Chris & Mary McNew June 18th... Babies: Amanda, Ronelle 1 Year Olds: Jan Revard, Shelly Hyatt 2 Year Olds: Cory & Paige Estes 3 & 4 Year Olds: Troy & Carolyn Rook June 25th... Babies: Amanda, Ronelle 1 Year Olds: Joyce Pittman, Brittney Puls 2 Year Olds: Kate Hughes, Emily Crow 3 & 4 Year Olds: Steve & Dixie Shrum Sunday School 8:50 am Morning Worship 10:00 am Congratulations to: Pastor Rob & Jonesy Davis on the birth of their granddaughter Caroline Ruth Davis Born: May 15th 8 lbs. 4 ozs. (Parents: Bryant & Amy Davis) (Great Grandmother: Freida Hudson) You are invited to the Harrison Christian Women s Connection JUNE LUNCHEON Tuesday, June 13th 12:00 Noon 2:00 p.m. Fellowship Bible Church 408 Ozark St. Speaker: Jeri Harkins Putting Perfection First Phooey Special Feature: Kara Mayfield Essential Oils Music: Abby Johnson Tickets: $7.50 For Reservations call: PROMOTION JUNE 4th SAMARITAN S PURSE COLLECTING: May: Crayons & small Coloring Books June: Small toy that will fit in a shoebox

8 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wed. Thurs. Friday Saturday PROMOTION Churchwide BBQ 5:00 pm 2017 VBS PREP NIGHT No EveningActivities FAMILY NIGHT AT BRANSON 4 BEGIN 5 Be A Good Steward THIS Budget Receipts April 30th May 21st... $64, Received to Date: 6 WEEK NABA Golf 3 Tournament Bridal Shower Emily Johnson Fellowship Hall Bridal Shower Lauren Reading Fellowship Hall VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL $365, Required to Date: $377, Trip to J.B. Trading Co. Leave at 11:30am 9:00 am Noon ADVENTURE CLUB/SLAM begins June 20th Monday Friday Harrison Christian Women Project for June The Call in Boone County Mobilizing Christian Families to foster or adopt children from Arkansas foster care NEEDS: 1. Diapers 2. Wipes 3. Underwear (Boys & Girls 2T Adult) 4. Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo 5. Lice Treatment Kits 6. Wal-Mart Gift Cards (We currently have to purchase new cribs for homes to keep them current with state licensing standards. All cribs must now be 2011 or newer and many of our homes have to get new cribs. We would like to offset that cost or buy a new crib for them.) Lora Stephens, County Coordinator The Call 715 W. Sherman, Suite C Harrison, AR Boonecounty@thecallinarkansas.org