FBC E-Blast - April 29, 2019
FBC E-Blast
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| Recently I was talking with a fellow about his spiritual life. When I asked, "Are you saved?" he answered, "No, but I'm working at it." When I pressed him, he explained that he was making some changes in his life. He had given up smoking and drinking, among other things. I knew that I should help him understand a few important principles, as his only guarantee so far was better health.
What this gentleman needed to realize was that what we do or what we give up for Jesus doesn't amount to much. The Lord isn't looking for people who change a few habits by sheer force of will; He's calling people to surrender themselves to Him. The only action God expects of a "seeker" is to believe in Jesus--that He is who He says, He will do what He says, He has the authority to forgive, and He will equip His people to live a godly life. Because of those convictions, a new Christian is empowered to turn away from his old life - in other words, to repent - and begin the process of becoming "a new creation" (II Corinthians 5:17).
We don't evolve into a saved people by deleting old habits and instituting better religious ones; we are transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ when we believe in Him.
Since salvation isn't something we earn, no one can boast before God. All of our moral living, good deeds, and strenuous efforts to change bad habits amount to a pile of trash compared to the holiness of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 64:6). Only His righteousness can cover our sins and make us right before the Father.
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Upcoming Sermon Series
Suffering is a part of life. Over the the weeks of this series, we will lay some foundation work on what it means to have a healthy, biblical perspective on suffering and how to respond appropriately as the Lord would have us in the midst of suffering and to do so. We invite you to join us as we look into A Theology of Suffering. This series starts May 19.
Last Week:
Yesterday, we had Jeff Kipp from Chosen People's Ministry present to us Jesus, the Messiah in the Passover. It was a wonderful time with a lot of information. Unfortunately, we did not record this event.
Sunday's message is usually available for streaming or for download on our
sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Join us as we worship God delving into His Word.
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Upcoming Events
May 4 - Ladies' Luncheon at 1 PM at the church.
May 5 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
May 18 - Free Market at our church from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
May 19 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
May 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering following AM Worship service
June 19 - Special Speaker Tom Boehm Missionary to Italy at 7 PM.
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