Hello again FBC Friends!
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9) The LORD being described as a stronghold for His people happens frequently in Scripture. In fact, here are some other references to it in Psalms for you to look up: Ps. 18:2; 27:1; 37:39; 94:22; 144:2. We also saw it last Sunday in Nahum 1:7 – The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Are you experiencing “times of trouble”? Or do you know someone who is? Run to the stronghold! And tell others to go there with you.
This Sunday we will continue our series in Nahum. Please read Nahum 2 in preparation for Sunday. Consider how graphic Nineveh’s judgment is depicted. The wrath of God against His enemies is an awesome (in the truest sense of that word) thing to behold! Consider how proud & mighty the Assyrian Empire once was, as well as how wicked and cruel they were. Can you imagine God Himself saying to you, “I am against you”? How terrifying! Sadly, countless people will hear something similar on Judgment Day. But for all who turn to Christ in repentance and faith, “God is for us”! (Rom. 8:31) Hallelujah (Praise the Lord)!
Also speaking of Sunday, I’ve been asked by the leaders to encourage as many as possible to consider parking in the back, or at least a ways away from the building, on Sunday mornings. Let’s leave the closer spots for our seniors and our guests. This is another “good problem to have” – the fact that parking is becoming a premium. Also, please consider moving more toward the front of the worship center, moving toward the middle of the rows (if you’re one of the earlier arrivers), and leaving spots in the back and the aisles for those who come in a little later. Also consider trying to somewhat “squeeze together”, so we leave room for families that want to sit together. Let’s try to always be aware of the needs of other people around us, more than the needs or wishes of ourselves! Sounds kinda Christlike don’t you think?
MEN: A couple of very important things for you — 1) MEN’S BREAKFAST this Saturday at 7:00am! Come to not only enjoy a good meal, but also the good food of discussing the Lord’s work in our lives together. We will reflect again on some of the challenges presented during the sermon series on the spiritual disciplines. Perhaps a few of you could come prepared to share something that has impacted you specifically, or an area you are challenging yourself to grow in this year, or an area you’d like us to pray about for you. 2) MEN’S LEADERSHIP CLASS: We are planning to start a class on leadership, which also includes a lot about the spiritual disciplines as well as other topics of Christian leadership, very soon. Gregg Combs will be sharing briefly about the class at breakfast on Saturday. Gregg is currently attending Jefferson Baptist Church, and intends to launch a new ministry helping churches develop leaders later this year. He has adapted (with permission) much of the material that Dee Duke has been using to train leaders at JBC for many years. This class will be a major blessing to every man who completes it. But it will require commitment. It will include assignments related to the various topics. Gregg will be conducting an introductory session on Monday the 13th at 7:00pm, here at FBC. Please come if you are at all interested. Coming on Monday does not obligate you to come to the rest of the class (but will probably motivate you to WANT to complete it)!
I’m thankful for our Stronghold! Are you?
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael