Children's Ministry Day

Children's Ministry Day will be February 18.  This day is set aside for children to actively participate in ministering to others. 

Our church project will be taking treats to our local fire station.  Plans are to meet at the church by 9:30 AM, have a time of sharing about the purpose of this special day.  We are scheduled to be at the fire department at 10:00 AM to deliver the goodies!  The firefighters will then give the children a tour of the station and trucks.  When we leave the fire station, we will go to a local park and enjoy a picnic. 

The theme verse for Children's Ministry Day is

 II Timothy 2:15: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  

Paraphrased to apply with ABC
Always do your best to please God

Be a good worker

Correctly teach others.

We will need donations of cookies or treats for the firefighters along with donations for our lunch - chips, drinks or desserts. 

Hope you will  plan to be a part of Children's Ministry Day!

Choose Life Ministries

Next Sunday in the evening service, Doug and Joli Cullen will be our guests.  They are from Choose Life Ministries.  Here is what they are all about:

Vision: We desire to reach this generation helping them know the absolute TRUTH of God’s Word, and equipping them to impact their culture and their generation.
Mission: The mission of Choose Life Ministries is to go across the nation and build a culture of life through the truths of God’s Word, where all people are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others. The call is to the church; to educate and equip the church (the body of Christ) to uphold biblical truth and to uphold life. We are seeking opportunities to share the message He has given us.
Choose Life Ministries

You won't want to miss this special service.  Sunday February 5 at 6:00 PM!

Fish Fry This Friday

Remember the church wide fish fry which will be Friday night at 6:00 PM.  Brotherhood will be providing all the food, just bring your family and your appetite for fish and some great fellowship!

Prayer Requests

You are encouraged to keep some in our church family in your prayers today.

Frances P. is in the hospital getting fluid drained from his chest
Aubrey H. is in the hospital being treated for a possible blockage
Kitty P. is home from the hospital, but feeling poorly
Dan & Tina S.'s daughter Amanda broke her arm and will be seeing the doctor today to determine treatment.
Robert S. is struggling with severe back pain

Also, there will not be a 5th Sunday Night Sing this week as scheduled.  The Experiencing God study will continue that night.

"The greatest thing anyone can do for God or man is pray." S.D. Gordon

You Are Special

Sunday was Sanctity of Human Life Sunday and we were reminded of how precious each life is.  Just a reminder of how special  each one is, there were some points shared reinforcing what God thinks of His creation:

 

1. Sanctity of life was instituted by God because only humans reflect the glory of God.
2. God starts at conception to begin creating a child.
3. Even when people are not perfect, the child in the womb is from God.
4. What God decides to start, He doesn't give the liberty to us to stop.
5. God loves what He sees in the womb, even with the sinful nature.

Each of us is created unique and God loves each one.  May this week find us rejoicing in life and remember to be a blessing.

Two Kinds of Purity

Positional Purity is where we are right now. This is the Purity we have now, imputed by the Righteousness of Christ. When you believe in Jesus Christ, God imputes to you this Positional Purity. When God looks at a Christian, He says, believe it or not, "You are righteous, absolutely pure in Christ." (Romans 3:21-26) We are given this Purity in Christ because of our Position in Christ. When God the Father sees us He sees the Cloak of Christ's Righteousness covering us. 

Practical Purity is the life we are living right now as we are cloaked with the Righteousness of Jesus Christ. We cannot carry out the assignment of living a pure life, God knows that. So He takes what we have to offer, our daily lives, good or bad as they may be, and cloaks us daily in Jesus' Righteousness, so He sees us pure and clean. As John Wesley has said, "We move on every day toward sanctification in Christ."

Positional Purity is what we received through Christ, Practical Purity is the results of committing our hearts, minds and actions to the Lord.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

This Sunday is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.  The annual day to remember that each human life is precious in God's sight.  This day is also set aside to provide an opportunity to support our local Pregnancy Care Center, where those in crisis pregnancies are encouraged to choose life.  Here is a powerful video showing how precious life is from conception.

The Pure In Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God. 
Matthew 5:8

This beatitude sounds simple, but holds depth and meaning for our life if we pursue it. Pure in heart does not mean perfect.  There is no perfect person.

Pure "in heart".  What is heart:

The heart is not only a vital organ for life, it is the center of our person, our thoughts, emotions, our essence, the center of who we are.  Often interchangeable with the mind.  The heart is the center of our being.

Our heart is flawed:

God's Word tells us that the human heart is wicked and deceitful.  We are born sinners, with a sin nature.  God can see beyond our outside into our heart.  He knows our hearts, thoughts and motives.  Man sees the outside, God sees into the heart.

Purity - cleanliness, godliness, genuine, free from impurities.

Only Jesus can make our sinful hearts clean.  Purity comes from Him, not ourselves, but Him dwelling in us.  Purity comes only with God dwelling in us.  He takes our sin, shame and filth and gives us His forgiveness, cleansing and purity.

How do we "see God"?

Creation speaks of the Lord to all.  But to those who have accepted His gift of salvation and walk in purity, to see means mental and spiritual perception, discernment and understanding.  We can see God moving in the lives of others and see His unfolding provision in our life.  Purity enhances our spiritual sight, impurity diminishes it.

Questions for today:

Has your heart been cleansed?
Are you walking in purity in your life?

Valentine Banquet

Valentine's Day Banquet

Mark the date for February 10 for a special Valentine's Church wide Dinner beginning at 6:30 PM.  A special evening is planned to celebrate with your loved one and the church family.  There is a sign up sheet available, please sign up if you plan to attend and if you need child care.  The food will be covered dish with dessert being provided.  You won't want to miss this special time!

Arrangements for Mrs. Eva

Arrangements have been set for Mrs. Eva H.  Viewing will be Sunday from 4-6 PM at Daniels.  Funeral will be Monday at 11:00 AM at Daniels.  Burial will be at Orange Baptist and the family will return to Antioch for lunch.

Please keep the family in your prayers.  If you are able to volunteer for the lunch or to donate food, your assistance would be appreciated.

Passing of Mrs. Eva

We've been praying for Mrs. Eva H. for a while now as her health has declined.  Mrs Eva passed away today.  Her heart and body were ready to pass from this world to heaven and while we will miss her presence here, we rejoice that she is safe in the arns of the Lord.  Arrangements will be shared as they become available.

Bro. Fountain Retirement Reception

Here is a letter to the churches from the Suwannee Baptist Association regarding the retirement of Dr. Fritz Fountain, Director of Missions:

At the Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday January 10, 2012, Dr. Fritz
Fountain read his letter of resignation. For nine years he has faithfully
served our Lord as Director of Missions for the Suwannee Missionary Baptist
Association. Dr. Fountain has served 58 years in ministry and will be 75
years old on January 25th. He felt that this was the appropriate time and
that the Lord was bringing him to this decision. He reassured everyone in
attendance of his love for the SMBA and desire to continue to serve as the
Lord opens up opportunities. His last day as DOM will be January 31, 2012.

The association has been blessed by his service and we are saddened to see
him resign. The Executive Committee affirmed that a time for the
associational churches to show appreciation to Fritz and Marie needed to be
scheduled. At this reception individuals and churches may present the
Fountains with any love offering or gift as desired. Love offerings should
be collected at each church (if your church allows such) and presented from
the church. Persons can also give a love offering/gift directly to the
Fountains. We pray for the Lord's continued blessings on their marriage and
ministry.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, I ask you to inform your church family
this Sunday of Dr. Fountain's resignation, as well, the reception listed
below. Further, I hope you and members of your church will plan on honoring
his years of service with your attendance.

Drop-In Reception Honoring Dr. Fritz and Marie Fountain
January 28, 2012
2:00-4:00 pm
Wellborn Baptist Church

Special Prayer Needs

There were several prayer needs mentioned in Wednesday's service.  Some very urgent, please keep these in your thoughts and prayers:

**Update on Chip**  Chip has a severe stomach infection, dehydration and will continue to undergo testing today in the hospital.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers. 

• Chip C. - was life flighted to Gainesville and is undergoing testing
• Eva H. - very low condition, wasn't expected to make it through the night
• Aubrey H. - diagnosed with a herniated disk
• Mark S. - recovering from back surgery
• Robert S. - back trouble, had injection today, praying for relief from pain
• Terry B.'s sister Debbie - diagnosed with aggressive cancer, begins chemo tomorrow
• Martha L.'s daughter - recovering from stroke
• Kitty P. - acid reflux - trouble keeping food down
• Kathy B's brother - undergoing testing
• Kathy F.'s father - heart function is decreasing
• Carl S.'s brother - battling cancer

Please keep these close in your thoughts and prayers this week.

Complacency In the Church

Complacency – a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.

Is the church complacent?  Over time, the soul can become content with lower standards.  Complacency and indifference can be dangerous in the life of a believer.

What are symptoms of complacency?

Satisfaction with the way things are and the rejection of things that might come to pass.

The Charge of Complacency:

We strive for the best of everything, best food, home, entertainment and pleasure.  This can lead to focus on self, comfort and happiness and less focus on the needs of others.  Does the spiritual state of our church, community and nation grieve or concern us?  Are we in danger of becoming lovers of self more than lovers of God?

The Curse of Complacency:

Amos 6 talks about judgement of the nation Israel. 

Death
Destruction

Disgrace

Defeat

Humble obedience to God provides His blessings. 

Complacency may lead to the death of many of our local churches.  Are our churches today doing more than existing?  Complacency robs the church of consecrated servants.  When people are more concerned with self more than church commitment, complacency sets in.  20% of the people in a church do 80% of the work and provide financial support.  Are we willing to set self aside and pick up a portion?

Cure For Complacency:

Understand the love and mercy of God

Someone had to pay the penalty - the wages of sin is death

Jesus paid our penalty - He delights to show mercy.  May we be stirred to think of and live for eternity.  May we ACT and not just THINK, may we accept the will of the Lord and live for Him.  May we hear and obey His commandments and directions. 

Have This Mind In You

Here is a short devotion from "Experiencing God Day by Day".

Daily devotions can be found at Backaby Ministries.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

Attitudes do not just happen; we choose them. Paul urged believers to have the same attitude that Jesus had. Jesus was the Son of God. His place was at the right hand of His Father, ruling the universe. No position could be more glorious or honorable than the right hand of the heavenly Father. Jesus’ relationship with the Father gave Him the right to this honor.

Jesus chose not to hold on to this right. Nothing, not even His position in heaven, was so precious to Him that He could not give it up if His Father asked Him. His love for His Father compelled Him to make any sacrifice necessary in order to be obedient to Him. When the Father required a spotless sacrifice for the redemption of humanity, Jesus did not cling to His rights, nor did He argue that He should not have to suffer for the sins of rebellious creatures of dust (Isa. 53:7). Rather, He relinquished the glory of His heavenly existence in order to become a man. He was born in a cattle shed; he slept in a feeding trough. His life was spent preparing for the day when He would suffer an excruciating execution. All of this He did willingly.

We are tempted to hold tightly to things God has given us. We say, “I would be willing to give up anything God asked of me, but I just don’t think He would ask me to give anything up!” The Father asked His Son to make radical adjustments in His life. Can we not expect that He will ask us to sacrifice privileges and comforts as well?

If you find yourself resisting every time God seeks to adjust your life to His will, ask the Spirit to give you the same selfless attitude that Jesus demonstrated.

Prayer Requests This Week

There are several prayer requests to share this week around the church family.

• Mark S. will be having back surgery tomorrow (Monday)
• Brenda (daughter of Martha L and Roy L. who recently passed away) had a stroke and underwent surgery and is currently in ICU
• Carl S.'s brother is battling cancer.  Please pray for healing and salvation.
• Sam C.'s aunt is under Hospice care
• Aubrey H. is undergoing some pain and will receive some test results this week
• Rex and Dianne Mc.'  granddaughter will have surgery this week
• Sarah K. has an aunt who is in the hospital going through tests

Please keep these in prayer this week.

Remember the Experiencing God study which begins Monday!  If you did not receive a book, but are interested in participating in the study, please let Bro. Dave know as soon as possible.

Children’s Christmas Play

Our children worked hard to present a beautiful presentation of our Lord’s birth – the truly story of Christmas.

First Week, New Year

 "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

This is the first week of the New Year!  It is our hope and prayer that you and yours will be blessed this year and that the Lord would guide every step you take.  His path is true and good and by following Him, the year is sure to get off to a great start.

This year, may our church together seek to be His church - to exalt Him in worship, to share His love with one another and to seek out and reach those in our community to share the good news of the Gospel.   Please pray for our church this year and be encouraged to take part in worship service and activities. 

Wednesday night will be our first Family Meal this year.  Plan to come at 6:00 PM with enough food for your family and a little extra for guests.  We'll put all the food together and share a wonderful time of fellowship.  Following the meal there will be prayer meeting and youth missions class at 7:00 PM.  Hope to see you and yours there!