Hi FBC Bville Friends! (For those of you new to getting this e-mail, this is my weekly communication to our church family. If you’d like to not receive this in the future just let me know. If you’re glad you got it and want to get it from now on, please reply and say so! Thanks!)
And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:39-46 ESV)
I know we just finished “Passion Week”, the focus on the last week of Jesus’ life on earth, the cross, and of course the celebration of His resurrection. But the above verses from Luke 22 were part of our One Year Bible reading for today, and I continue to just be amazed at what our Lord Jesus endured on our behalf, even before He went to the cross! Not only is there deep theological significance in the words of His prayer, but as always Jesus also sets the perfect example for our lives. How refreshing it would be if we all came to God in fervent prayer, but ended with, “Not my will, but Yours, be done.” His admonition to His disciples stands true for us today as well: “Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” The best way to grow in Christlikeness, that is, being conformed to Jesus’ character, is to become a person of much prayer. The best way to fight off temptation is through prayer, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit (often along with much needed help from Christian brothers and sisters). Let’s thank Jesus again today for being willing to drink the cup of God’s wrath against sin – the cup that you and I deserve to drink ourselves. And let’s ask Him to help us grow to be more like Him each day.
REMINDER: Tonight is the kick-off of our Annual Missions Conference!! The meal and special speaker is here in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6:30pm. The nursery will be available for little ones.
Tomorrow, Saturday, from 9am – Noon: We will have workshops with special topics revolving around DISCIPLESHIP, along with activities for children from 4 year olds through 6th grade, where the aim will be “Training Spiritual Champions”. The nursery will again be open.
Sunday: During our 9am Sunday School hour, the children will be in a combined group continuing the “Training Spiritual Champions” lessons. The adults will all begin in the sanctuary, and then break off to the various discipleship workshops again. At the 10:30am worship service, our guest speaker is Meryl Caldwell, bringing a message from his heart about what it means to be a disciple, and to make disciples.
This is a weekend you will want to be a part of as much as you can! Don’t miss out! We will grow and learn about God’s heart for us as followers of Jesus.
I have also been asked to remind everyone about the FBC Ladies’ Tea on Saturday, May 3rd at 1:00pm. The speaker will be Sheila Gunderson, one of the missionaries we support who now lives in Eugene. This Sunday is the last day to buy tickets. Contact Jannea Deaver for more information,bjdeaver@centurytel.net, or clerk@ci.brownsville.or.us.
Looking forward to seeing you this weekend! “Rise and pray…”
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael