Love From Your Pastor

Hello (from the Arctic) FBC!

 

O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells. (Psalm 26:8)

 

As I write this, the church facility is filled with the excitement of kids learning about the wonders of God’s Word in “Operation Arctic” Vacation Bible School.  I am so thankful for all of the faithful volunteers who have given of their time this week, to help children learn about the love of God for them expressed in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Thank you to all who have prayed and given so that this could be an effective week.  It’s fitting that during this HOT week in the valley, kids could come and cool off at FBC!  But we are praying that their time here in the Arctic will light a fire in their souls and that they will be hot for the Lord!

 

This Sunday we will wrap up VBS with a special presentation of “Operation Arctic”.  Kids will share some of the songs they’ve learned, there will be a skit, and I will share briefly from this week’s theme.  The kids have learned that the BIBLE is the Book of books (2 Tim. 3:16), it has Incredible impact (Ps. 119:105), it is a Bedrock base (Matt. 7:24), a Letter of love (Rom. 5:8), and it is Exciting to explore (Ps. 119:162).

Another aspect of the camp has been that the kids have been bringing offerings to help Victory Bible Camp with a new swing.  My wife wanted me to tell all of you that if you want to help with the offering, there is an incentive.  The goal is $400 for the project.  If we reach that goal, both pastors will have the special privilege of receiving a pie in the face Sunday. If $200 is reached then just Pastor Justin will enjoy a pie.  So, do with that what you will!

 

A special word of thank you to Justin & Lynsey for all the time and effort they have put in to ensure we have a successful vbs this year!

 

Recommended Reading: “not a fan.” by Kyle Idleman.  (From the back cover) – “Are you a fan or a follower?  The dictionary defines a fan as ‘an enthusiastic admirer.’  Fans want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires sacrifice.  Fans may be fine with repeating a prayer, attending church on the weekend, and slapping a Jesus fish on their bumpers.  But is that really the extent of the relationship Jesus wants?  Jesus was never interested in having admirers.  It’s not fans He is looking for.  Not a Fan challenges you to consider what it really means to call yourself a Christian.  With a direct frankness that you’re not likely to hear in Sunday school class (don’t know if I agree with that), Kyle invites you to take an honest look at your relationship with Jesus.  His call to follow may seem radical to us, but Jesus desires it for every believer.”  This book was certainly challenging and thought-provoking.  I have a couple copies and I think the church library has one.

 

“Reading Romans with Luther” by RJ Grunewald.  “Luther’s theology was never meant to be out of reach.  Step into Luther’s commentary on Romans — without intimidation.  Even though Martin Luther taught about the Book of Romans half a millennium ago, his writings have everything to do with your life today.  The grace God shows you is a gift, not something you need to earn, and Luther shows us this again and again.  Organized by significant themes in Romans, Reading Romans with Luther offers highlights from Luther’s commentary and further explains how these themes are relevant to our lives today.  Weaved throughout is beautiful full-color artwork that helps you pause and reflect on key Luther quotes.  Luther was a teacher who revolutionized the way we approach God’s Word.  Come be his student.”  This is a wonderful little (133 pages) book that combines Luther’s insights with the authors.  I should be finished with it by Sunday if anyone wants to borrow it.  It’s appropriate as we approach the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and also for many of us who just finished reading Romans in the One Year Bible!

 

Hope you’re all staying cool somehow!  Please pray for these last couple nights of vbs, and that we’d have a good response of families from our community coming on Sunday!

 

 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

 

Love From Your Pastor,

Michael