STANDING STONE BIBLE
WEEKLY
October 30, 2023
A Point from pastor
It sure was hot. We opened October in the 90's. We are ending in the 30's. Even just last week was pretty warm. But now? Get your winter coats out if you haven't - winter seems to have arrived. As we end October, it is worthwhile to reflect back to that final day of October in 1517. Luther's 95 posted. We often consider it the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.
The 95 event is significant yet today, not just because the past is important, but because the concept of reformation is important. The church was not perfected during the reformation period. Just a significant amount of imperfection was being addressed during that time. As Ephesians says, Christ is sanctifying the church. We are being washed by the Word "so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor without spot or wrinkle... holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27). The reformation of the church, in a sense, continues as Christ continues to sanctify His bride.
We should also view our individual lives as Reformation lives. There should be a list of disputes we each have with our flesh... areas of concern that we would like to address. What has God been nailing on the door of your heart today that you had best address? Don't just leave it there. Don't just remove it and discard it. Certainly don't decide to fight against it and "double down" in your woeful ways. Consider what He has posted on the door and change! Graciously, you likely don't have 95 items nailed there right now. But, you do have one. Or a few. Just as 10/31/1517 is considered the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, each day should be the first day of your reformation.
The 95 event is significant yet today, not just because the past is important, but because the concept of reformation is important. The church was not perfected during the reformation period. Just a significant amount of imperfection was being addressed during that time. As Ephesians says, Christ is sanctifying the church. We are being washed by the Word "so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor without spot or wrinkle... holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27). The reformation of the church, in a sense, continues as Christ continues to sanctify His bride.
We should also view our individual lives as Reformation lives. There should be a list of disputes we each have with our flesh... areas of concern that we would like to address. What has God been nailing on the door of your heart today that you had best address? Don't just leave it there. Don't just remove it and discard it. Certainly don't decide to fight against it and "double down" in your woeful ways. Consider what He has posted on the door and change! Graciously, you likely don't have 95 items nailed there right now. But, you do have one. Or a few. Just as 10/31/1517 is considered the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, each day should be the first day of your reformation.
THIS WEEK
Here are the highlights of classes and events THIS week
Load Up - If you are willing and able, a few hands would be welcome on Thursday, November 2, beginning at 5pm to load the Barnes' moving truck. In Jimmy's words... Pizza, water, snacks will be provided and Tetris players are welcome!! 602 N Park Dr, Gretna. Yes, the bulletin said 11/3 but paperwork signing is moving this date.
Wednesday Evening - Many of you came for Pastor Ken's 25th celebration on Wednesday night. You are invited again THIS Wednesday night. Although not for his 25th, our Wednesday night OA:sis always begins with a great meal at 6pm followed by a few adult options after (Prayer Force and a Bible Study). Make this a regular Wednesday night fellowship.
Cantata Rehearsals - Those interested in singing at the Christmas cantata the morning of Sunday, December 17th should join in rehearsals beginning soon (mostly Sundays at 11:30). More information is available.
Wednesday Evening - Many of you came for Pastor Ken's 25th celebration on Wednesday night. You are invited again THIS Wednesday night. Although not for his 25th, our Wednesday night OA:sis always begins with a great meal at 6pm followed by a few adult options after (Prayer Force and a Bible Study). Make this a regular Wednesday night fellowship.
Cantata Rehearsals - Those interested in singing at the Christmas cantata the morning of Sunday, December 17th should join in rehearsals beginning soon (mostly Sundays at 11:30). More information is available.
upcoming events
Make note of the classes and events available in the near future
Four the Master - Our quartet will be ministering Monday the 6th at 2pm. The Heritage at Legacy (168th and West Center area). Here is the full schedule with details.
Joyous Hearts - On Wednesday, November 8th at 10am, join in this time of fun, food, and fellowship. Ages 55 and older.
WCC - This "Westminster" class is a study of doctrine using the confessional as a guide and the Bible as our final authority. Join us Saturday, November 11 from 8 to 9:30am.
Church Movie Showing - Friday, November 17th, we will show "The Essential Church." This documentary explores the struggle between Church and government throughout history. You may view a trailer here.
Membership Meeting - Sunday evening, November 19, at 6pm is the annual "Nom Com" meeting. We need to vote for two members on the 2024 Nominating Committee. That group will assist in putting together a group of elder candidates to vote on in February.
Joyous Hearts - On Wednesday, November 8th at 10am, join in this time of fun, food, and fellowship. Ages 55 and older.
WCC - This "Westminster" class is a study of doctrine using the confessional as a guide and the Bible as our final authority. Join us Saturday, November 11 from 8 to 9:30am.
Church Movie Showing - Friday, November 17th, we will show "The Essential Church." This documentary explores the struggle between Church and government throughout history. You may view a trailer here.
Membership Meeting - Sunday evening, November 19, at 6pm is the annual "Nom Com" meeting. We need to vote for two members on the 2024 Nominating Committee. That group will assist in putting together a group of elder candidates to vote on in February.
the Lord's day
We thanked Alice Barnes for her "official" service to SSB these last years - she has faithfully been a part of keeping the church clean ... always with a joyful, helpful attitude. Jimmy and Alice - we will miss you!
Sunday was "youth Sunday" and our teens were serving us in many ways including greeting, A/V, and worship. Thank you, each, for blessing SSB.
Pastor Tim gave the message encouraging us to submit to our purpose. Looking at Joshua 1, beginning in verse 10... the people submitted to Joshua - which was really about submitting to God. Our rallying cry should be "not my will, but your will, God." Thus, we submit to the call of Christ. We submit to the will of Christ. Finally, we submit to the purpose that Christ has given us. Wherever we are, God has put us there. Are we glorifying Him right now in submitting to where we are planted?
Sunday was "youth Sunday" and our teens were serving us in many ways including greeting, A/V, and worship. Thank you, each, for blessing SSB.
Pastor Tim gave the message encouraging us to submit to our purpose. Looking at Joshua 1, beginning in verse 10... the people submitted to Joshua - which was really about submitting to God. Our rallying cry should be "not my will, but your will, God." Thus, we submit to the call of Christ. We submit to the will of Christ. Finally, we submit to the purpose that Christ has given us. Wherever we are, God has put us there. Are we glorifying Him right now in submitting to where we are planted?
A Joyful Heart
Cooties. I can recall my greatest fear on the playground in second grade was cooties. Girls were the carriers and, it seemed, that most of them had been infected. When the bell rang for us to exit outside after lunch, it was often a proverbial “run for your lives” moment. A girl needed merely to touch you and you would be infected. A few of the infected girls would even chase us – oh, the cruelty and madness!
Interesting, no one could see cooties. I’d never seen anything in our science textbooks about them. You really could not distinguish what the “infection” looked like in another, other than you were best off avoiding the touch of a girl at all costs. Yet, with all the lack of evidence or, even, perception, we just knew that cooties were a danger to us.
Is it possible that much of 2020 was a bunch of people on the playground doing everything possible to avoid getting cooties? But I digress. . . a little.
How is it that so many will believe certain ideas with very little evidence? Or no evidence? Or even substantial proof that it is a lie? We have good evidence and proofs for the claims of God in the Bible and the claims of the gospel - yet so few refuse to believe. They run away as if we have cooties!
It’s the “god of the cooties!” Satan who is “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4). He loves to keep people running from the imaginary cooties, keeping them fearful of his lies. In their busyness and fear, they blindly cannot see the light! Just keep sharing the gospel, knowing you are often dealing with a scared little boy who is afraid of cooties. Pray for eyes to see the truth and sharpen your apologetic skills so that you can calmly explain that cooties do not exist… and that Jesus will save them from their fear, from the lies, and from the punishment to come.
Interesting, no one could see cooties. I’d never seen anything in our science textbooks about them. You really could not distinguish what the “infection” looked like in another, other than you were best off avoiding the touch of a girl at all costs. Yet, with all the lack of evidence or, even, perception, we just knew that cooties were a danger to us.
Is it possible that much of 2020 was a bunch of people on the playground doing everything possible to avoid getting cooties? But I digress. . . a little.
How is it that so many will believe certain ideas with very little evidence? Or no evidence? Or even substantial proof that it is a lie? We have good evidence and proofs for the claims of God in the Bible and the claims of the gospel - yet so few refuse to believe. They run away as if we have cooties!
It’s the “god of the cooties!” Satan who is “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4). He loves to keep people running from the imaginary cooties, keeping them fearful of his lies. In their busyness and fear, they blindly cannot see the light! Just keep sharing the gospel, knowing you are often dealing with a scared little boy who is afraid of cooties. Pray for eyes to see the truth and sharpen your apologetic skills so that you can calmly explain that cooties do not exist… and that Jesus will save them from their fear, from the lies, and from the punishment to come.
Prayer Prods
1. Kathy Pieper home. Still weak.
2. Kathy Page home. Improving but still tired.
3. Virginia B at Madonna recovering from a stroke
4. Joanie B recovering from surgery last week
5. McFarling family as they continue navigating courts and family changes
6. Those fighting cancer. Others with long-term health challenges.
7. Ashland Bible Church
8. Those in job changes ... or needing additional employment
9. Jimmy & Alice packing up and traveling to TN
10. Others still recovering from recent surgeries
2. Kathy Page home. Improving but still tired.
3. Virginia B at Madonna recovering from a stroke
4. Joanie B recovering from surgery last week
5. McFarling family as they continue navigating courts and family changes
6. Those fighting cancer. Others with long-term health challenges.
7. Ashland Bible Church
8. Those in job changes ... or needing additional employment
9. Jimmy & Alice packing up and traveling to TN
10. Others still recovering from recent surgeries
