The Word of God by Rev. David L. Jordan

Transcription

1 Second Baptist Church, 12 Stillman Road, N. Stonington, CT God s Lighthouse on the Hill Fulfilling the Great Commission in the Community and the World January 2017 Issue #60 Worship with Us Sunday School 9:00 AM Morning Worship 10:00 AM Evening Service 6:00 PM The Word of God by Rev. David L. Jordan When I read or hear the phrase the Word of God, I am still amazed that the God of creation is willing to talk with one of His creations. Sometimes I sit and wonder what God s voice might sound like; would God sound like George Burns (as in the movie Oh, God!) or like Morgan Freeman? What if you had been there on the first day of Creation when the Ten Commandments of God issued forth? Genesis 1:3 Let there be light Genesis 1:6 Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. Genesis 1:9 Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear Genesis 1:11 Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind,... 1

2 The Word of God whose seed is in itself, upon the earth... Genesis 1:14-15 Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and for years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven, to give light upon the earth Genesis 1:20 Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. Genesis 1:24 Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind... Genesis 1:26 Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let him have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air; and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:28 Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:29-30 Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that 2

3 The Word of God that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat This is the Word of God; it is His personal account of Creation as the only One there was (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). All this happened because God spoke. Look at the amazing power in God s word. He speaks and things are created. But He is not just our Creator. We read in Genesis 3:9 that God calls to Adam, Where are you? Here the Word of God comes looking for His creation. If we were to continue reading, He is already preparing man s way of escape. In Genesis 3:15, God gives the first prophecy related to Christ s coming into this world. In Genesis 4 we find that God talks with Cain, but Cain refuses to have a relationship with Him. Then in Genesis 6, God comes and gives Noah instructions on how to build an ark: a large box that will provide a way of escape for Noah and his family. In Genesis 9, God makes a covenant with Noah and all mankind to never destroy the world with water. In Genesis 12, we read that God speaks to Abram and tells him Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father s house, unto a land that I will shew thee The Word of God gives us guidance and direction if we come with a seeking heart. Then in Genesis 15 after Abram s 3

4 The Word of God Abram s victory over the five kings, the Word of God comes to Abram: Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward. Here God s Word gives comfort. God s Word will meet all our needs: It is filled with His promises that He has made to us; It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ; It tells us what the future holds for all people. Because the Word of God was written by the Holy Spirit, it can never be exhausted. Every time you read it, you will discover something new. This is why the leadership is encouraging every member and friend of Second Baptist Church to covenant with God to read through His Word in its entirety in I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. You will get to know the Triune God better and your relationship with Jesus Christ will be enriched. God bless you all, Pastor Dave 4

5 CHURCH STAFF NEWSLETTER TEAM Rev. David Jordan, Senior Pastor Tony Ruffa, Editor Karen Gouvin Lynette Parkinson, Secretary Mary Anne Jordan Rob Gouvin Margaret Lewis, Pianist Frances Hill Kathryn Williams, Organist/Choir Director Sue Stedman Ellen Shinn, Custodian Jackie Gengarella Karen Gouvin, Librarian Marge Canfield Dee Dee Jackman Church Office Hours: 10:00AM 2:00PM (Mon. Fri.) Every Member s Goal: to be a church where there is a continual climate of warmth, acceptance and love. January Birthdays George Robinson Jan. 1 Emma Gouvin Jan. 17 Robert Kennedy Jan. 1 Mary Anne Jordan Jan. 18 Ken Kearsch Jan. 4 Robert Tedford Jan. 20 Gary Cameron Jan. 5 Paige Gruszkowski Jan. 24 Shea Deer Jan. 7 Jackie Gengarella Jan. 25 MEN S PRAYER BREAKFAST January 7 th 7:00 AM Taylor Hall WOMEN S PRAYER BREAKFAST January 7 th 9:00 AM Babysitter provided. Feel free to bring a friend along. SBC is committed to reading through the Bible in a year during 2017 DECEMBER MESSAGES JAN. 1 AM Pastor Dave Isaiah 35:1-10 JAN. 1 PM NO EVENING SERVICE JAN. 8 AM Pastor Dave Isaiah 35:8 & 62:10-11 JAN. 8 PM Pastor Dave Isaiah 37 JAN. 15 AM Pastor Dave Nehemiah 3:1 JAN. 15 PM Pastor Dave Ephesians 6:17 JAN. 22 AM Pastor Dave Neh. 3:2-3 JAN. 22 PM Pastor Dave 1 Samuel 27:1 JAN. 29 AM Pastor Dave Neh. 3:4-6 JAN. 29 PM Pastor Dave 1 Samuel 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! (All graphics purchased from deposit photo unless otherwise noted) 5

6 North Stonington Christian Academy News UPCOMING AT NSCA Jan. 2 nd New Year s Holiday Jan. 12 th Home game/ri School for the Deaf 4PM Jan. 16 th Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Jan. 27 th Ski Trip for Grades 4-12 NSCA THANKSGIVING FEAST DAY 6

7 North Stonington Christian Academy News NSCA CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 7

8 Jr. / Sr. High Youth Group The Youth Group movie night was held in November. The group enjoyed pizza and watched When the Game Stands Tall, a film about sacrifice, commitment, and teamwork. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) 8

9 Meaning of the Salvation Bracelet I thought it might be nice to review what these beads mean on your youth s bracelet that we made in Junior Church so your son or daughter can witness to their friends in a way that makes sense to them. Black: The black bead represents the belief that everyone sins and that sin makes it impossible to have a relationship with God. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) Red: The red bead symbolizes the blood of Jesus and the belief that faith in Jesus and His sacrificial death are necessary for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus died on the cross to serve as a sacrifice. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) White: The white bead stands for purity and the Christian teaching that once you put your faith in Jesus, your sins are forgiven and you are made pure. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. (1 John 3:5) Blue: The blue bead represents water baptism, which is the way to let the world know that inward change has occurred. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41) Green: The green bead helps to teach the need for continued growth in the faith. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18) Study the Bible, attend church, pray and learn. Gold: The gold bead represents the streets of heaven lined with gold. In my Father s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also. (John 14:2-3) This of course is not just for the young to use, it is an icebreaker when someone asks you if the beads mean something. It is easy to make and a valuable tool! 9 Julie MacCormack

10 CHRISTMAS HANG-UPS (preparation) Sherry Gruszkowski and Margaret Lewis and others worked very hard (below) for a number of weeks to prepare our children and youth for their presentation of Christmas Hang-Ups for our community and for our congregation. The results of their efforts can be seen on the following three pages! Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20) 10

11 CHRISTMAS HANG-UPS PLAY! Full Cast (with Little Stars Alivia, Layla, Olivia, & Angel Destiny) Brothers, Jadon & Justin: Tex and Joseph Kloe: Star of Bethlehem 11

12 CHRISTMAS HANG-UPS PLAY! Our Sluggers: Connor, Chris and Mark Julianna: Sleeping Beauty Sadie, Jenna, Ellie: Angels Emma: Hula Girl New Ornament (rear) Connor: Slugger (rear) 12

13 CHRISTMAS HANG-UPS PLAY! Chloe: Statue of Liberty (w/miss Debbie, Costumes) Regan: Frosty RaeAnne: Frosty For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Maddie: Mary Emma: Minnie 13 Kiara: Minnie

14 Dee Dee s Farewell Dear Dad/Grandpa Jackman, What was it like to finally feast your eyes on heaven s door and to walk through those pearly gates? You were not alone leaving your earthly home and I know you were not alone upon your instant arrival into the presence of the Lord. We, who are left and remain are both sad and jealous, for we know where you are and Whom you are with. I m sure you were greeted by many familiar faces of family and friends gone on before. And I am certain Daryn was there at the front of the line with his welcoming smile, ready to give you one of his big bear hugs (something I wish I could feel right now). I am grateful that you are at peace and are no longer suffering. I am honored to have known you in this life and await seeing you again some day. You will sorely be missed, but the wonderful memories and the love you gave to each of us will carry us through. Until then With MUCH love and many tears, Dee Dee We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (II Corinthians 5:8) 14

15 In the Mix Rita Belyea has returned to SBC after her move to Florida a number of years ago. She is sharing her recipe for your enjoyment on a cold winter day. Apple Crisp 4 C. sliced tart apples 2/3-3/4 C. packed brown sugar ½ C. white flour (all purpose) ½ C. oats ¾ tsp. ground cinnamon ¾ tsp. ground nutmeg 1/3 C. soft margarine or butter Heat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange apples in greased square pan, 8x8. Mix remaining ingredients. Sprinkle over the apples. Bake until topping is golden brown and apples are tender, about 30 minutes. Better served warm. Enjoy! A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11) 15

16 Children s Page What the Bible says about Teachers 1) Jesus promised that the shall teach you all things (John 14:26) 2) went about Galilee teaching in the synagogues (Matt. 4:23) 3) was the first person in the Bible called a teacher; he instructed workers in brass & iron (Genesis 4:22) 4) One of Jesus disciples said to Jesus, Lord, teach us to pray as also taught his disciples (Luke 11:1) 5) and were teachers in Antioch (Acts 13:1) There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (John 3:1, 2) 16

17 January 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday NO SUNDAY SCH. NEW YEAR S MORNING SVC. 10 AM NO EVE. SERVICE COMMUNION Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Evening Svc 6:00PM PROVIDENCE RESCUE MISSION Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Evening Svc 6:00PM 22 Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Evening Svc 6:00PM Sunday School 9:00AM Morning Svc 10:00AM Evening Svc 6:00PM 1 2 NEW YEAR S HOLIDAY OFFICE CLOSED DEACON S MEETING 6:00 PM NO PROGRAMS VACATION Dinner Prayer Mtg. Bible Study Olympians Youth Group Dinner Prayer Mtg. Bible Study Olympians Youth Group Dinner Prayer Mtg. Bible Study Olympians Youth Group 18 5 Women s Prayer Breakfast 9 AM Men s Prayer Breakfast 7 AM EXEC. BRD. MTG. 6:00PM 17