THE CHALLENGE: Bible Readings for January 1-7

Sunday, January 1: 

 Genesis 1-2

Matthew 1-2

Psalms 1

Monday, Jan. 2

Genesis  3-4

Matthew 3-4

Psalms 2

Tuesday, Jan. 3

Genesis  5-6 

Matthew 5

Psalms 3

Wednesday, Jan. 4

Genesis 7-8

Matthew 6

Psalms 4

Thursday, Jan. 5

Genesis 9-10

Matthew 7

Psalms 5

Friday, Jan. 6

Genesis 11-12

Matthew 8

Psalms 6

Saturday, Jan. 7

Genesis 13-15

Matthew 9

Psalms 7

Did you get this week's readings done?  Celebrate with a Starbucks coffee or Bluebell icecream and rejoice in God's blessings.



Happy New Year

Resolution One: I will live for God.

Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.

Jonathan Edwards

 

Dear Congregation:

 

We hope you all enjoy ringing out the old year and bringing in the new.  A new year is a great time to renew commitments, make good resolutions, and seek to serve Christ more faithfully.

 

Several announcements concerning worship tomorrow:

 

1.  No Sunday school.  Worship service will begin at 10:40.  The break from Sunday school has been nice in light of Advent services, but it will also be great to get back to the routine next week.

 

2.  No Fellowship Meal tomorrow.  Many members have other family events to attend. 

 

3.  We will have a Fellowship Meal next Sunday, January 8. 

 

4.  We will also be announcing other January plans tomorrow.  These include the resumption of Kids' Quest and a renewed prayer focus for the church.

 

5.  Today's bulletin and announcement will go to print shortly, but let me know of anything we need to include for announcements and prayer requests in future weeks.

 

A CHALLENGE:

 

One my birthday, last Wednesday, Dec. 28, (Thanks to all who called or left FB messages.) I bought the Daily Reading Bible, English Standard Version.  It is designed for reading through the Bible in a year.  Actually, the program in this Bible is reading the Old Testament once, the New Testament twice, and the Book of Psalms twice.

 

This version of the Bible is on sale at Lifeway Books for six dollars.  Other versions of a "through the Bible in one year" are also available.  Guides for daily reading can be found in the backs of some study Bibles and on numerous Internet sites.  So, you can use the Bible you have for this.

 

My yearly Bible reading usually involves reading and rereading certain parts of the Bible.  This past year I read the New Testament in the King James Version because it was the 400 year anniversary of the publication of the King James Version.  I also read portions of the Old Testament. 

 

The  Bible does not include a command to read it over the year in a certain method.  You can read the Old Testament, or the New Testament, or portions of both.   One could, for example, just carefully read the Gospels or the Epistles.  But there is a place for reading the whole work from cover to cover.

 

I encourage you to join me in my plan to read through the whole Bible.  I hope to accomplish the goal of the Daily Reading Bible, which as stated above is OT once with NT and Psalms twice.  I might fail.  I may only get through the NT once and about half of the OT. 

 

Let us see how many of us can publicly commit to trying to read from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 this year. 

Let us see how we can encourage one another and keep one another accountable. 

You have permission to fail, permission to fall short, permission to fall down and get up again.

 

See you at church tomorrow.  Happy and Christ-centered New Year's Eve. 

 

And another thing, if you stay up to see the New Year arrive, take time to offer up a prayer for not only your family, but our church.  2011 was a trying time.  God's hand was heavy upon us, but He never left us.

Dr. Francis Nigel Lee--Brilliant Christian Thinker: RIP

Dr. Francis Nigel Lee, RIP

A brilliant thinker and zealous Christian, Francis Nigel Lee

One of my theological heroes has died.  Dr. Francis Nigel Lee died on December 23 in Australia.  He was age 77.  I was just recently thinking about him because I mailed him a copy of my book just a couple of months back.  I don't know if he ever got it or got to look at it.  When I offered to send it, he sent me his address and said to send it "duly inscribed."  It was my honor to send it.

For an interesting account of Dr. Lee's life, go this this link:
http://biblicallandmarks.com/wpl/friend-to-remember/

More of my experiences in reading the books and corresponding with Dr. Lee are found on my blog:
To continue reading this post...click here.

Sunday's Sermon--I Have Already Forgotten

I don't know how it is with other preachers, but I believe that God put me in ministry so that I would be forced to pray, read, think, speak, and remember essential things.  Most of my sermons are designed primarily for me and secondarily for the congregation.  I am the slowest to hear, the slowest to understand, and the slowest to respond.  My prayer is that my time spent talking to myself in the front of the church sanctuary each Sunday will also be of help to others.

Here we are on Wednesday during the week before Christmas, and I must admit, that not once, not twice, but many times, I have already forgotten or have disregarded what I preached Sunday.

Here are the closing words, the main application of that sermon:

The lesson to be learned: Take time.
Maybe in the mornings, maybe in the evenings, maybe on the day after Christmas.
Hopefully right now: Enjoy, relax, meditate, think, marvel.
In the mad rush of the season, Take time.

So far, I have been rushed, distracted, exhausted, stressed, irritated, and even mildly depressed.  So, I need to listen to myself and Take time.  I need to enjoy the birth of Christ, relax in God's goodness, meditate on God's grace, and marvel at the Incarnation.

The sermon, or at least most of it, is posted here.

Advent Season Begins

One of many great hymns of the season.

The First Sunday of Advent Season, November 27, 2011

Sunday School, 9:30am

Ephesians

Worship Service, 10:40am

Being and Doing

Saturday, December 3

Hanging of the Greens

“Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly”

3:00-5:00pm

There will be food, children’s activities, and decorating for the adults.

This is a family event. Please do leave unattended children.

Sunday, December 4

The Second Sunday of Advent

Fellowship Meal after the Worship Service

Officers’ Meeting at 1:30

(We will begin setting goals and making plans for the new year.)

Further Announcements for the Month of December

Calendars should be posted, e-mailed, and printed later this week.

Yulefest--TCC choir and local school choirs, including Veritas Academy

Friday, December 2 at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center at 7:30

Veritas Academy Christmas Concert: The Light of the World

First United Methodist Church, Arkansas

Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 6:30

Sunday, December 18

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Lessons and Carols--A Christmas Service

10:40am

No Sunday School that day.

Sunday, December 25

Christmas Day

Worship Service at 10:40

No Sunday School that day.

Sunday, November 13: Pray for the Persecuted Church

Some instructions for tomorrow:

1.  Make sure you are not being followed.

2. Conceal your Bible carefully, perhaps by having itsewn inside your coat.

3.  Enter the undisclosed place we are gathering at *&^%,  one or two people at a time, so as to not arouse suspicion.

4.  Be careful about any strangers who show up. They may be agents.

5.  Children whose parents have disowned them will be allowed to stay in homes of church members.

6.  If captured and threatened, remember the crown of glory that awaits you.

7.  Any who are able to make contact with members in prison, please do so, and be extra careful.

8.  Know that Brothers and Sisters in Christ in free lands are praying earnestly for all of us.

No, I have not lost my mind, nor am I more paranoid about our government than I should be.  I am simply trying to describe what many of our brothers and sisters in Christ face every day.  Sunday school tomorrow will consist of prayer time being devoted to the persecuted church.  We have a short video about a conversion experience in Iran.  We also have some materials from Voice of the Martyrs.

VOM, http://www.persecution.com/, has long been a witness to the free world about the trials and tribulations of believers in Communist, Muslim, and other pagan lands where freedom of worship is not allowed.

Let us all join together in the morning to pray and celebrate Christ's coming victory over all His and our enemies.  If you cannot make it to Sunday school, pray at home and on your way to worship.  Pick up one of the prayer lists to pray  for these Christians.  Give thanks for our freedom and their faithfulness.  Repent of our indifference and unthankfulness. 

Also, note that the Voice of the Martyrs' website offers free copies of Richard Wurmbrand's book Tortured for Christ.  That book was greatly used by God to change my life.  I just need to be reminded of it more often.  Pastor Wurmbrand was a great saint of the last century and his works live on after him.

Out to Pasture

I kept warm at last week's Toga Trot

Just a few personal updates:

Several years back, Jeff Bruce gave me a book titled Pastoral Library by Eugene Peterson.  It was actually four books bound together in one volume.  I read quite a bit from that collection and have always had the feeling that I needed to read from it even more.  


4 books in 1

 About a year ago, George Grant recommended Peterson's book titled Eat This Book.  It is about reading the Bible thoughtfully.  Maybe it is a book we should consider reading in a book study.  Just recently, I picked up Peterson's newest work, which is titled The Pastor: A Memoir. I cannot wait to dig into what looks like a wonderful account of Peterson's trials and triumphs in the ministry.

Peterson is a fascinating writer.  He has the literary skill of C.S. Lewis.  At times, one has to read him with a bit of caution.  His views, parts of his theology, and some of his theological guides are a bit shaky.  For example, he is far more at home with Karl Barth than a Presbyterian ought to be. Still, with the caution lights flashing, he is wonderful to read.  (I don't have his popular paraphrase of the Bible, The Message, but I do hope to find one cheap somewhere to have for reference.)

A pastor's war stories

Since I jumped back into the deep end of the pool in June, I have felt compelled to read books pertaining to ministry.  So, during the early summer, I read Gene Getz's Elders and Leaders:  God's Plan for Leading the Church.  Getz has been a leader in the Fellowship Bible movement, but his books on church life and ministry are read by people of all Christian stripes.

A rich and challenging study

 Then, I re-read John R.W. Stott's Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century.  Rev. Stott died last summer after a long life and fruitful ministry of preaching and writing.  I first read this book in 1994.  When I was re-reading it, I realized that I should have been reading it every year or two since I became an elder.  (I would have been a good man if I had been reading Stott every minute of my life, to paraphrase Flannery O'Connor.)  And I hope to pick up and read quite a few more Stott books over the next several years.

Even more relevant for the 21st Century

More recently, I read The Elder and His Work by David Dickson, edited by George K. McFarland and Philip Graham Ryken.  Dickson was a Scottish Presbyterian and his book is a classic on the task of an elder.  Dr. Grant had also recommended that book to me.  I would encourage all men who might even remotely consider the office of elder to read it, and others to read it to help evaluate those of us in the office.  And maybe, we need a book study on this book also.

Practical and direct as one would expect from a Scotsman

I wish I could show you before and after pictures from this workout through these 3 books with anticipation of more results from reading Peterson's memoir.  I know I have been helped, but the road to sanctification is uphill. A Sunday sermon can no more feed you for the week than a Sunday meal can.  We all need to be reading from our Bibles and from good Christian books.  And those readings need to be accompanied with prayers, thoughts, and expectations of change in our lives.

In other news, I have four boxes in my office filled with copies of Punic Wars and Culture Wars ready to ship out.  In one case, a copy is going to one of my heroes of the faith in Australia, Dr. Francis Nigel Lee.  Dr. Lee has been a great Christian writer, thinker, and scholar in Reformed circles for decades.  He has asked for a copy, "duly inscribed," to use his words.  A couple of copies are going to a friend in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  His name is Paul David Robinson and he is both a plasterer (sheet rock man) and a Christian philosopher.  (http://paul-david-robinson.com/biography)  I sure wish I could get him over here to visit us, do some plastering work on my house, and teach the students at Veritas about Herman Dooyeweerd.  (We would also enjoy his accent.)

Please pray for the on-going distribution of Punic Wars.  I have sold or given away about 5 boxes of the book this year.  I need to distribute 25 more boxes of it (hopefully profiting the giver and the receivers).  And I need to get some current writing projects finished.

Finally, please notice the announcement about a play to be performed soon:  A Christmas Corral.    (http://veritashumanities.blogspot.com/)   I stole....I mean, I based based the play on Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol.   Our Veritas Humanities class will be performing the play in December.  It is set in the American West of the late 1800s.  (We would appreciate any western wear ot western items we could borrow for use in the play.)

God's blessings. 

November 2011 Calendar of Events

November 2011

A Month of Thanksgiving Celebration

		1All Saints’ Day	2Mid-week Meeting: Meal 5:30 Kids’ Quest & Adult Lesson 6:30	3	4“Do Hard Things” At 6:00pm	5
6 Sunday School: Alan Woll-- Ephesians Sermon: Difficult Discipline of Thanksgiving	7	8	9Mid-week Meeting Meal 5:30 Kids’ Quest & Adult Lesson 6:30 *Film on the Persecuted Church	10	11	12 Packing Party for Operation Christmas Child
13International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Sunday School: Prayer for Christians Throughout the World Sermon: Paul, an Apostle of Thanksgiving	14	15	16Mid-week Meeting: Meal 5:30 Kids’ Quest & Adult Lesson 6:30 [This is the last week for Wednesday night meetings until January.]	17	18 　“Do Hard Things” At 6:00pm	19
20Sunday School: Alan Woll--Ephesians Sermon: Thanksgiving Sermon	21	22 C. S. Lewis died on this day in 1963	23	24Thanksgiving	25	26
27Sunday School: Alan Woll--Ephesians Sermon: Thanksgiving and the Beginning of Advent	28	29 C.S. Lewis born on this day in 1898	30

An Update from Pastor San Sanych

San Sanych lives in Rivne, which is in the upper left hand side of the map.

Dear Fathers and Brothers!

Greetings from Ukraine, it’s Alexander A. Orlov-Koshchavka sr. (San Sanych).

Thank You for Your prayers and care. I should apologize for attracting so much attention to such insignificant person as me.

My son wrote letter to brother Bogumil with urgent prayer request because of my visit to Kiev institute of neurosurgery, where doctors explain me my urgent need for brain surgery to cure of arteriovenous malformation and it’s in pre stroke condition.  They require my wife to be present due their procedure of angiogram of my brain (doctor must demonstrate to my wife, after this angiogram, that I’m the same person as I was before it, e. g. I recognize who she is, functions of my brain aren’t damage, etc.).  And they want to have her permission for surgery, which they suppose to do, right after inspection of my brain (or whatever I have inside my skull).

My dear wife was so scared about whole that business (doctor said, that success or failure (death or damage of brain functions) are fifty on fifty), but in the morning she came there (it took 6 hours) and we went together through (I mean my dear was near my bed on the wheels and follow wherever medical workers move me) this procedure. Finally, as result of whole inspections, doctors made conclusion, that I have Cavernous angioma (cavernoma) or Arteriovenous angioma of the brain and they don’t want take a risk to open my skull to fix this problem, because it’s deep inside and it’s not bleeding right now (but it did a little bit in the past). Their advice is to “observe my condition in dynamics (whatever it means)”, I’m sorry for all of these medical terms, but my friend, who is doctor in this institute of neurosurgery and who actually arrange fast and qualified help there (for almost free, from usual very high charge), he translate it in normal language. It’s mean, that during the year I should pay attention to my left hand and feet, if I’ll feel they will grow dumb or numb, or I wouldn’t see left side vision full picture (all these symptoms I had long before and right after car hit me).

I must immediately come to institute of neurosurgery to see neurosurgery doctor, who inspected me. But it may burst out and I’ll see my Lord. Also doctors gave me very wise advise to have a life without stress, I shouldn’t get very emotional, stay away from any arguing, be calm, no coffee, no alcohol, no this, no that, and I asked them how I should live then (Francis Schaeffer copyright) and most important why or for what reason? Doctors didn’t answer. After one year gone and if I survive I must have cat scan of brain and come to institute of neurosurgery any way so they can check it again. Last night I came back home and immediately began my new life, according doctors recommendations, but in less, than half hour I failed, because I’m pastor in Ukraine and people call me for some help and ministry.  

Thank You, dear Fathers and Brothers Let our Lord, the Most High God richly bless You all, at all areas of Your life. 

Sincerely,

Your brother in Christ, San Sanych.  

(Alexander A. Orlov-Koshchavka sr.)

Another Fruit of the Reformation--the King James Bible



A great study of history, literature, and theology.

This year, 2011, marks four hundred years since the King James Bible was first published. At this time, when we focus upon the Reformation, we should also remember the blessings of the King James Bible. Although the publication of the King James Bible occurred nearly one hundred years after Luther posted the 95 Theses on the church door at Wittenberg, both events are closely linked.


The greater significance of Luther’s hammer and nails is the chain reaction of events that followed. The Reformation was not a one man show or even a two or four man show. What made the Reformation world-changing and on-going was the many sparks that it ignited across Europe and across time.

The battle for the Bible in English is a rich and tumultuous story. The very fact that James Stuart, who was James I of England and James VI of Scotland, is associated with a faithful translation of the Bible is richly ironic in many ways. Although he was well trained theologically, morally he was degenerate. His leadership style is antithetical to imitation. Otto Scott said that his name being attached to a Bible is a blasphemous joke.

King James threatened to “harry the Puritans out of the land.” This statement illustrates the several great accomplishments of his troubled reign, all of which came about in opposition to his personal and theological preferences. He helped create a Puritan commonwealth in the New World. He fortified Puritans in England, and he commissioned a Bible to blunt the edge of Puritan theology (by countering the Geneva Bible). One is stunned into seeing the Sovereign God ruling history for His own glory when contemplating England during the time of the Stuart kings. (And such a vision for history should give us some comfort in our own leadership-challenged times.)

Dr. Leland Ryken has written a book that highlights and celebrates the history and influence of the King James Bible. The book is titled The Legacy of the King James Bible: Celebrating 400 Years of the Most Influential English Translation.  This book is published by Crossway Books (one of my favorite publishers).

Continue Reading...

Announcements for the Rest of October

Dear Congregation:

Thank God for the cooler weather of this past week.  We have many things happening at church and about to happen.  We hope to see all of you at church tomorrow.  If you cannot be there and you have special needs (health or otherwise), let us know.

1.  If anyone would like to listen to Zach Ramsey's funeral service, you can do so:  http://feastofbooths.blogspot.com/2011/10/zach-ramseys-funeral-service.html.
Also, Becky is keeping the Caringbridge website open for a remaining time.  While she is staying in Little Rock, you can still leave a message for her on http://www.caringbridge.org/ar/zachramsey/.

2.  The REFORMATION FALL FEST begins this weekend.  We will be having announcements at church tomorrow about this event.  As always, this is an occasion to fellowship, enjoy lots of food, watch our kids play, hear some of our own musical talents, and rejoice in the fruits of Reformation. 

3.  Next Sunday, October 30, we will be having our worship service at King's Pavilion.  The crisp morning air, the still calm of the lake, and the surroundings of trees all combine to enhance our time to praise God in songs, prayers, and the hearing of God's Word and the celebration of Christ's atonement through the Lord's Supper.  (There will be no Sunday School that day.  The service will begin at 10:30.)

4.  On Reformation Sunday, we will be devoting a portion of the service to remembering Christians we know who have gone to be with Christ during the past year.  This is in anticipation of All Saints’ Day on Tuesday, November 1. 
All Saints' Day  is traditionally a time when the Church remembers all who suffered and died for the faith. Following the Reformation, Protestants have affirmed that all believers are saints, and the November commemoration has been used to honor all those who died in the faith of Jesus Christ.
Please tell Ben or fill out the form at church if there is a relative or close friend who you wish to be remembered. The church members who are now with Christ will be remembered for certain.

4.  We are now beginning a new mission work.  Canned foods gathered for the Hero's Pantry was a blessing for us to participate in.  Now, along with many churches and Christians across the country, we will be assembling gift boxes through a program called Samaritan's Purse.  (http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/)

5.  We have information available about church for guiding you in prayers for persecuted Christians and about the plight of a fellow CREC pastor, San Sanych, in Ukraine who continually faces numerous hardships and was recently hit by a drunk driver.  Let us increase our prayers and support for missions.

6.  For our own church family, we will continue with the special offering for the Ramseys.  They have had lots of travel expenses, losses of income due to time off from jobs, and funeral expenses. 

7.  This Wednesday Night:  October 26
Food and Fellowship, 5:30--6:30 ($3 a person or $15 for a family)
Be Sure to Sign Up For The Meal.Kids’ Quest Catechism Club (6:30--7:30)
Adult Study: “Recovering the Beauty of the Arts” part 5,
“Music: The Handmaiden of Theology” by Dr. R.C. Sproul (6:30--7:30)

8.  If you are not receiving church emails, please sign up at the following location:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GCCTexarkana/join

9.  We are continuing to add to the available books for purchase.  See the table in the hall at church.  See Ben for purchase information.  If you need a book to give to someone, see Ben about that also.

10.  Let us know about any matters needing to be put on the November calendar or any hymns you wish to hear in November.

Christ Becomes the Wild Man of the Gadarenes for Us

The hill country of Gadara

I hope the sermon Sunday on the healing of the demon-possessed man was helpful to you.  Working on it and thinking through the passage was a personal blessing to me.  Sometimes laboring over a sermon is a battle between the Word on the one hand and the world, the flesh, and the devil on the other hand.  On other occasions, the labor is a pure delight.

Since Sunday, I have continued to think about the passage from Mark 5.  I have recently been reading sermons by Pator Philip Graham Ryken.  Dr. Ryken was pastor of 10th Street Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, but is now president of Wheaton. (My interest is his writings has increased of late.)  Dr. Ryken always brings his sermons back to the saving work of Christ.  While I believe that I emphasized just that sort of message Sunday, I want to share a further insight on this passage and the salvation we have through Christ Alone.

As we know, Jesus took our place on the cross.  He became a man and took our sins.  Paul sharpens the language of subsitutionary atonement in 2 Corinthians 5:21 when he says, "For our sake, He made Him to be sin." 

The story of the wild demon possessed man of the Gadarenes is a picture of what Jesus becomes for us.  That man received a "partial" salvation in that story.  The full story of his salvation is the cross.  Jesus Christ took on the wild and savage elements and condition of that man on the cross.

Consider:

1.  The wild man lived in the tombs or cemetary of a barren and hostile land.  Jesus went to the cross on the barren and death-like hill of Golgatha.  Golgatha possibly means "skull," which indicates the harsh and frightening place that it was.

2.  The wild man was bound by chains, which he broke loose from.  Jesus was bound by soldiers and later bound on the cross.  He had the strength to break loose.  Legions of angels were ready to attack. Unlike the wild man who would break the bounds, Jesus submitted to them.

3.  The wild man screamed and cut himself and suffered many agonies.  Christ was tortured before and during the execution on the cross.  He was, in contrast, like a lamb before the slaughter.

4.  The wild man wore no clothes.  Jesus was stripped of His garments when He was crucified.

5.  Judgment fell on the demons in the Bible narrative.  Judgment fell on Christ at the cross. 

6.  The demons entered the herd of pigs who plunged into the sea.  Christ took on the sins of the world and, as we say in the Creed, descended into Hell.

7.  The ordeal ends with the wild man being restored, clothed, and sitting with Jesus.  The cross leds to the resurrection.  Christ is clothed in glory and sits, as we affirm each week, at the right hand of God the Father.

8.  The healed man then goes out to the region proclaiming the salvation.  Jesus Christ, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, goes out to the nations.

As I emphasized Sunday, this story from Mark 5 is not merely an account of Jesus reaching a really warped and twisted individual.  This is an account of Jesus reaching us.  Jesus became the wild man of the Gadarenes, in a sense.  He became the sinful people we are.  We gather to worship, robed in His righteousness, and in our right minds only because of what He did for us.

This should fill us with great joy as we gather this Sunday to celebrate the next Sola of the Reformation:  Grace Alone.

Pray for all in our midst who are hurting, struggling, and stumbling.  Encourage one another as you see the day approaching.

Announcements for the Week of October 2-8

 Happenings for the Week

Sunday, Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, October 2, 2011

Sunday School, 9:30am & Worship, 10:40am

FELLOWSHIP MEAL AFTER THE WORSHIP SERVICE

Officers Meeting will be at 1:30.

All members are invited to attend or to convey concerns to the officers.

Tuesday, October 4

Men’s Bible Study

In the Humanities Room at 7:00 PM.

See Brian Hawthorne for details.

Wednesday, October

Food and Fellowship, 5:30--6:30 ($3 a person or $15 for a family)

Be Sure to Sign Up For The Meal.

Kids’ Quest Catechism Club (6:30--7:30)

Adult Study: “Recovering the Beauty of the Arts” part 3,

“Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?” by Dr. R.C. Sproul (6:30--7:30)

Friday, October 7

Youth Meeting at the Church at 6:00p.m.

“Do Hard Things”

Bring Money for Supper

Servant Hosts for today’s Fellowship Meal are the Pickard Family and the McReynolds Family.

Reformation Fall Fest will be October 28-30

Today’s Communion Hymn, “God is a Stronghold and a Tower,” is Elizabeth Wordsworth’s 1893 translation of “Ein Feste Burg ist Unser Gott” by Martin Luther. We commonly sing the 1853 Frederic Hedge translation. Wordsworth translated many of Luther’s hymns into English. Rest assured that we will be singing our normal version, “A Mighty Fortress,” at least twice in this month. Today, we will be having the more contemporary version (1893) to enjoy the slightly different nuances of the great Reformer’s hymn.

George Grant's Eleven Guidelines for Reading the Bible

What to Remember When Reading the Bible

1. Remember the one, central story: the whole Bible is about just one thing. The pattern of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration runs throughout the Old and New Testaments.

2. Remember that the Bible is its own best commentary. The Word interprets itself; Scripture explains Scripture.

3. Remember to read individual passages in their context—textual, literary, symbolic, historical, cultural, grammatical, and theological.

4. Remember that all Biblical revelation is intended to reveal. Always look for the most obvious literary sense of a text.

5. Remember that all Scripture is inspired and superintended by the Holy Spirit. So, every little detail matters.

6. Remember that Scripture has only one meaning but multiple applications—so, it is important to distinguish between indicatives and imperatives.

7. Remember that we read translations of the Bible. All languages have strengths, weaknesses, and peculiarities—and moving from Greek and Hebrew to one of our modern languages (such as 21st century American English) will always require some additional scrutiny and study.

8. Remember that we must always interpret experience in light of Scripture and history in light of revelation; not the other way around.

9. Remember that the New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the New.

10. Remember that “there is nothing new under the sun.” So, beware of innovative or novel interpretations of Scripture. Steer clear of new “discoveries” in Biblical revelation. We have a rich legacy of wisdom passed down to us from throughout church history so we should consult good commentaries whenever possible--and look to the “old paths” more often than not.

11. Remember that we should always read Scripture prayerfully, submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

[From http://eleventary.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-to-remember-when-reading-bible.html]

All Too True




Note the misspelling of Charismatics in the lower left side.

http://westernthm.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/denomination-interpretation-chart.jpg


Announcements for Sunday, September 25

Today, Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity, September 25, 2011

Sunday School, 9:30am & Worship, 10:40am

Tuesday, September 27

Men’s Bible Study

In the Humanities Room at 7:00 PM. 

See Brian Hawthorne for details.

Wednesday, September 28

Food and Fellowship, 5:30--6:30  ($3 a person or $15 for a family)

Be Sure to Sign Up For The Meal.

Kids’ Quest Catechism Club (6:30--7:30)

Adult Study:  “Recovering the Beauty of the Arts” part 3,

“Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?” by Dr. R.C. Sproul  (6:30--7:30)

Other Events or Announcements

We shall be concluding our theme of “Jesus Shall Reign” and our commemoration of Isaac Watts’ hymns by singing all 14 verses of his hymn “Jesus Shall Reign” today.  This reminds us of the fact that most hymns were originally much longer than the versions we typically sing.

Next Sunday, October 2, we will be having the October Fellowship Meal.

Servant Hosts are the Pickard Family and the McReynolds Family.

Officers Meeting will be at 1:30. 

All members are invited to attend or to convey concerns to the officers.

Tithes and Offerings for the past week were $ 2,369.31. Thank you for your support of the ministries of GCC.  Pray for the growth of our mission.

Calendars for October are available in the foyer and will be posted on the web-site.

  October hymns will be celebrating the Reformers and their Heirs.

Reformation Fall Fest will be October 28-30

Upcoming Events and Themes:

October:  Reformational Healing and Fall Fest

November:  Thanksgiving

December:  Advent

January:  L’Abri (Shelter)--Celebrating the Legacy of Francis Schaeffer (100 Year Anniversary)

Excited About Events

Grace Covenant's Covenant:  God's Word

 

 

Dear Congregation:

 

I don't use the word excited very often, unless I describing a new book.  However, I don't know a better word than excited to use for this month at Grace Covenant Church, unless the better word is thankful.  God has granted us as a church a renewed burst of energy and zeal for His Kingdom.

 

Consider these blessings over the past month:

 

1.  The start-up of Kids' Quest Catechism Club for our children and Recovering the Beauty of the Arts video series for adults. Also, the Wednesday night meals and fellowship have been great.  If you have not yet been able to participate, try to join us for the coming weeks.

 

2.  The Friday night Do Hard Things classes for our young people.  In covenant theology, we emphasize our belief that our children are completely a part of God's kingdom, but sometimes we do little to include or train them for the Kingdom.  Our place is crawling with kids on Friday nights.  These are the teachers, elders, missionaries, deacons, etc. of the Kingdom starting sometime before the end of this decade!  Starting a church and a school were both hard things for those of us who were here in Grace Covenant's infancy.  Now our children are being prepared for the next tasks.

 

3.  Women's Ministries.  The women of our church are plotting and planning.  We have always been sustained and blessed by the prayers and labors of the wives and mothers and young ladies in our congregation.  Now we are seeing even a greater zeal and focus.  As is often the case, we men better watch out: our better halves are going to show us up.

 

4.  Blake Purcell's visit.  Blake is one of the most energetic men I know.  My vision is so often so small (making it through the next Humanities class).  Blake's vision is all of Russia for Christ!  We have been awakened to the fact that we in our rich land need to do more for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Eurasia.  Perhaps you did not know that Grace Covenant began some time back to give monthly support to the Slavic Reformation Society.  Let us seek to increase our support, prayers, and awareness.  I hope some of us can visit a Russian congregation over the next couple of years.

 

5.  Tuesday night Bible study.  The Humanities classroom is generally packed on Tuesday nights with men (both church members and visitors) who gather to discuss God's Word and fellowship over spiritual matters.  My brief encounters with these meetings have been especially encouraging.

 

Looking over all these activities makes me hungry for more.  Watch for and gather your ideas for these upcoming events, programs, and missions:

 

1.  Fall Fest in October.  This is a whole weekend devoted to fellowship, feasting, and celebrating the Reformation.  The central focus is our joy in God having saved us by His grace.  That focus includes our remembering the labors of such servants as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox (our spiritual fathers).

 

2.  Book ministries.  We have some good books on the shelf in the hallway.  We are wanting to see more group readings, more book distribution, and more sanctification through good books. As Francis Bacon said, "Reading maketh a full man."

 

3.  Advent.  We are not trying to copy the stores that are already putting up Christmas decorations, but we are seeking to think through ways to celebrate all four Sundays in Advent through a worship-enhancing decorated sanctuary, Advent music, and sermons. 

 

4.  The Francis Schaeffer Conference in late January.  This will be a celebration and remembrance of the ministry of Francis Schaeffer on the occasion of the one hundredth year since his birth. 

 

We still have many serious concerns for our church family. In the midst of so much good, many are suffering and hurting in this fallen world.  Good church life is not heaven, but let us labor to make it a foretaste of heaven. 

 

Pray for the ministry teams in our church.  By that, I mean, your pastors, teachers, and servant-laborers.

 

From Russia With Love

What a blessing it was Sunday morning and evening to hear from Blake Purcell. We have experienced a renewed vision of our need to evangelize the world from Texarkana to St. Petersburg to Vladivostok and beyond.

We have also been reminded of the wealth we have in this country in material benefits, and more important, in spiritual heritage and freedom.  God grant that Blake's zeal, energy, and good humor transform us into more faithful believers.

Praise God for the ongoing work in Russia.  Let us continue to pray for walls to fall and doors to open.

Blake Purcell in the center with Ben (left) and Tom (right)



I think Blake was trying to send me to Ukraine and Tom to Siberia.




Re-enacting a scene from Brothers Karamazov:  Ben as Fyodor (without any dentures), Blake as Dmitri (with a sinister smile) and Tom as faithful Alyosha.



Visiting Speaker at GCC for Sunday, September 11



Blake Purcell along with fellow pastors from Russia

Sunday School, 9:30am & Worship, 10:40am Sermon by Blake Purcell from the Slavik Reformation Society God’s Kingdom in Eurasia: An Update on the Slavic Reformation Society by Blake Purcell Tuesday, September 13 Men’s Bible Study In the Humanities Room at 7:00 PM. See Brian Hawthorne for details. Friday, September 16 Women’s Meeting at 7:00 at the House’s house All women and teenage girls are invited to join in the fellowship and discussion about women’s ministries that can enhance Christian growth and the health of the church. Tonight at 6:30 at the Church Announcements for Sunday, September 11, 2011 Today, Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, September 11, 2011 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Food and Fellowship, 5:30--6:30 ($3 a person or $15 for a family) Kids’ Quest Catechism Club Begins (6:30--7:30) Adult Study: “Recovering the Beauty of the Arts” (video series by R.C. Sproul) 6:30--7:30)

Getting Ready for Sunday's Visit from Blake Purcell



Blake Purcell and his family



Blake and Cathy Purcell with their three children moved to Leningrad in 1990 and became one of the first Evangelical missionaries allowed to live in the Soviet Union post the Communist Revolution of 1917.

Blake Purcell:

• Born in Texas in 1958. Dedicated his life to ministry for Christ in 1974 in Mount Vernon, Virginia.
• Graduated from Texas A&M. Served as an officer in the United States Infantry before going into full-time ministry with the Navigators at the United States Air Force Academy in 1984.
• Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America in 1998 as a teaching elder (minister) of the Gospel.
• Founded the Reformed Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg and the Biblical Theological Seminary of St. Petersburg in 1999.
• Has preached on missions in churches in 20 states, Scotland and Canada.

The Purcells were blessed with three more children after they moved to the Soviet Union: Lewis, 16, Zachary, 14, and Laura, 10, are living in Russia with their parents. Emily, 23, teaches in an inner city school in Dallas, Tx; Graham, 21, and John Mark, 19, attend college in the USA.

Blake recommends that you view these two videos on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8WylMikW50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW2mUJuOrJU&feature=related

September 2011 Calendar

Sunday	Mon	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thurs	Friday	Sa
				1	2	3
4 SS: Ecclesiastes Sermon: Great Commission, 8: The Greatness of the Commission Fellowship Meal--Noon Officers Meeting--1:30	5 L A B O R Day	6 Men’s Bible Study 7:00 Humanities Room	7	8	9 Youth Meeting 6:00pm “Do Hard Things”	10
11 SS: Ecclesiastes Sermon: “Owning the World Through the Five Gifts” by Blake Purcell, Missionary with the Slavic Reformation Society Missions Update at 6:30pm	12	13 Men’s Bible Study 7:00	14 Midweek Meetings: Kids’ Quest & Sproul Video Series Meal 5:30-6:30 Classes 6:30-7:30	15	16 Ladies Meeting 7:00pm At the House’s	17
18 SS: Ecclesiastes Sermon: Great Commission, 9: Christ With Us Always	19	20 Men’s Bible Study 7:00	21 Midweek Meetings: Meal 5:30-6:30 Classes 6:30-7:30	22	23 Youth Meeting 6:00pm “Do Hard Things”	24
25 SS: Ecclesiastes Sermon: Great Commission: What is Our Mission?	26	27 Men’s Bible Study 7:00	28 Midweek Meetings: Meal 5:30-6:30 Classes 6:30-7:30	29	30

　

Starting This September 14 at Grace Covenant

There will be two levels for Kids' Quest Catechism Club:
Beginning Kids' Quest
and
Elementary Kids' Quest



9 part series (23 minutes each) by Reformed scholar, author, and teacher R.C. Sproul.



 The beauty of the arts seems to be a thing of the past. All throughout history, Christians have understood the importance of art and aesthetics, but their significance has been lost.

In Recovering the Beauty of the Arts, Dr. Sproul explores different art forms and the positions they should hold in the Christian life and community. Dr. Sproul says that there are three dimensions of the Christian life that the Scriptures are concerned about: “the good, the true, and the beautiful. We tend to have cut off the third from the other two.” In discussing things like music, literature, images, and drama, Dr. Sproul shows the beauty and prestige that the arts hold to God and how the church needs to recover them.

[For more information about this series or Dr. Sproul's many books and lessons,

visit http://www.ligonier.org/.]

Helpers for food and lessons are always welcome.  

Church News and Events



Hope at the end of a long, hot summer!

Greetings to all the Saints of Grace Covenant Church and Others who might be reading this blog. 

After being gone to Illinois (with its better temperatures) we are back home, trying to catch up on events, particularly, in regard to getting ready for the new school year.  There are, along with school, lots of things happening on the church front.

1.  Tonight:  Friday, August 26 at 6:00pm at the church:

Food, fellowship, and fun for the youth.  The meeting will be in the Humanities classroom.
A study will begin with the DVD series and book titled Do Hard Things.  Following the DVD series, Brian and Bess Hawthorne will be leading a discussion on what it means to live for Christ in the pre-teen and teenage years.

After prayer, pizza, drinks, and desserts will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

If you are attending, bring along a favorite snack or dessert. Invite your friends.

For all church members:  Pray for this new program to minister to the young people in our church.  Many of our couples who are in their 30s and early 40s first came into our circles through Bible studies directed at the youth.  If you don't continue to replant the fields, don't expect a harvest.

2.  Don't forget Hannah and Luke's wedding tomorrow, Saturday, August 27 at Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock at 3:00pm.  Many church members will not be able to attend, so those who are there, convey the best wishes and blessings of our congregation on Hannah and Luke.

3.  Thanks to all of you who were praying for the House and Hornok families in our travels to and from Wheaton.  Continue to pray for Nick as he gets adjusted to life in a Christian college, and pray for Grace and Caroline Hornok also.

4.  Some of you have recently been reading articles about the supposed Reconstructionist influences of R. J. Rushdoony's teachings on Presidential candidates (Michele Bauchman and Rick Perry) and on former President George W. Bush.  I have written a satirical (and hopefully funny) account of Rushdoony's influence on my blog.  (http://benhouseblog.blogspot.com/) 

5.  Be in prayer for our plans and hopes for the fall season for our church.  We are excited about plans that are actually being implemented and ideas that are being considered.  Your input and ideas and support are welcomed and much needed.

6.  One of the books I read this summer was The Legacy of the King James Bible by Dr. Leland Ryken.  I have been reading Dr. Ryken's works for more than 30 years.  It was a great honor for me to be able to meet him at Wheaton College where he teaches and where his son, Philip Graham Ryken, is president.  I am also excited that Nicholas got permission to take a junior level course with Dr. Ryken.  The course is on Shakespeare.  I also must admit to a great deal of jealousy.  I would really like to be there with Nick, Dr. Ryken, and Shakespeare.

I'm grinning like a school boy because of getting to meet one of my heroes.

Announcements for the Week of August 14

Church Related Events for the Week of August 14

Seventh Sunday after Trinity, August 14, 2011 Sunday School, 9:30am Adult Sunday School Class:  Alan Woll:  Christian Living in a Bad Economy Worship, 10:40am Sermon:  The Great Commission and Our Mission, Part 6: Shepherding Ben House Tuesday Night Men's Bible Study (at the church in the Humanities Room). 7:00 PM. See Brian Hawthorne for details.

Other Events or Announcements

The Adult Sunday School Class for August “Christian Living in a Bad Economy” Prayer Meetings will resume in mid-September with food, children’s lessons, and an R.C. Sproul video series. We will be needing helpers with food (ordering pizzas, barbeque, etc.) and with the children's program. Church News and Events are posted on this web site:  http://www.gracecovenantchurchtexarkana.blogspot.com/. The Izards new address in Little Rock: 13200 Chenal Parkway #254, Little Rock, AR 72211.  Bill's work phone: 501-240-9080 (cell is currently the same: 903-556-4612). Nick House leaves for Wheaton College this week. Nick’s address: Benjamin Nicholas House, CPO 1342, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton IL 60187. The Houses will be gone from Tuesday through next Monday, taking Nick to Wheaton.  If you need to reach us, call 903-244-0241. September Hymns will be featuring the works of Isaac Watts. However, if you have hymn requests, let Ben know. Also, if you have requests for sermon topics or classes, let the elders know. We cannot guarantee results, but we will try.  We are continually adding more books to the sale shelf in the hall.  We are trying to stock and restock a variety of books to meet all kinds of Christian needs.