FirstUpdate | January 16, 2020

A weekly update from First Baptist Church of Strafford

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Sacrifices That Honor God

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People often ask if all sacrifices acceptable to God. One of the best biblical answers to this question comes from Acts 5, concerning the response of two people. Their names were Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife whose tragic deaths filled the early church with fear. The story describes their crafty treachery. They sold a piece of land, pocketed some of the money, and gave the remainder to the church in Jerusalem. But there was a catch.

They pretended to give the entire amount, but they kept some of the money to enjoy themselves. They received praise from the church for their generosity, but this act of hypocrisy was an open declaration of greed and self-will.

These pious frauds probably basked in the public adulation. Peter said first to Ananias, “How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?” Ananias responded to Peter’s stern rebuke by dropping dead on the spot. When Peter repeated the confrontation with Sapphira three hours later, she also died. A hushed reverence fell over the church and the community. Some might have called their gift a sacrifice, but it was obvious that God was not pleased with their actions.

Why was God displeased? Ananias and Sapphira had succumbed to greed and had trifled with the truth. They pretended to give the total amount of the sale. They gave only a part. Apparently their motive was not to please God or to help people, but to receive public praise. God’s heavy judgment showed His displeasure.

Today, people sometimes donate worthless tracts of property to churches, take a large tax write-off, and make money on the gift. Others give huge sums on single occasions, receive great public recognition at the time, and hardly give another cent in their remaining years. Their aim may be to honor a deceased parent or loved one, but does the practice honor God? What are the sacrifices which honor God? What types of sacrifices does God love to see among His children?

Chapter 13 in the book of Hebrews mentions three sacrifices God is always pleased to find. First is costly commitment (v. 13), a commitment to Christ capable of holding firm during trial and opposition. Second is praise and gratitude to God (v. 15). Such praise implies a trust in God and a submission to His will. Third is unselfish service to the needy (v. 16). Such service prevents greed, glorifies God, and meets the needs of the lonely and destitute.

This Sunday, the message comes from Hebrews 13:9-16. We will look again this Lord’s Day at the “Marks of Christian Conduct.” The second mark is “Guarding Against Strange Teaching or Doctrines." This message will challenge us to be aware of how easy it is for false teaching to seep into the church.

Remember to pray for our community as it recovers from the tornado that passed through last Friday evening, January 10. A big thank you goes out for all the men and women that helped in the recovery process in the cold, rainy weather.

Pastor Rick

Worship With Us This Sunday!

Join us for worship at First Baptist Church this Sunday, January 19, as Pastor Rick continues our series from the book of Hebrews, Hold Firm. This week's message ("Marks of Christian Conduct - Mark Two: Guarding Against Strange Teachings or Doctrines") comes from Hebrews 13:9-16.

We hope to see you and your family for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:45. January 19 is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, so a guest speaker from Choices Pregnancy Center in Marshfield will be here to share information with us about that important ministry. Music will be led by our praise team and band. Click HERE to preview the service plan.

Donations for Choices Pregnancy Center

January 19 is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday and we want to bless the Choices Pregnancy Center in Marshfield this month as they minister to moms, dads, and babies in our area.

There are empty baby bottles available in the lobby for you to take home and fill with change, bills, or checks. These funds will be donated to Choices. We are also collecting diapers and wipes. Place these items in the crib in the central hallway by Sunday, February 9. If you have any questions, talk with Shannon Peelor.

Spring/Easter Choir Rehearsals

Love to sing? We need you! Spring/Easter choir rehearsals continue this weekend and you are invited to join us! Our Worship Choir (7th grade and up) meets Sunday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. The ThreeSixTEENS student ensemble (7th-12th grade) meets at 5:00 p.m. For more details, email our Minister of Music & Education, Josh Erisman, or call the church office.

2020 Chili Cookoff Results

Congratulations to the winners of our 2020 Chili Cookoff, held this past Sunday night before the business meeting:

1st Place - Jeremy French
2nd Place - Jeff Taylor
3rd Place - Gary Martindale

If you tried all 10 pots of chili, you probably needed an antacid and a nap, but they were all delicious! What a great night of fun and fellowship!

This Week @ FBC Strafford

Friday, January 17
4:00 p.m. - Strafford Comprehensive Plan Open House @ Strafford HS

Saturday, January 18
11:00 a.m. - "Our Daily Bread" Food Pantry OPEN (until 1:00 p.m.)

Sunday, January 19
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
9:00 a.m. - TA Truck Stop Service
9:30 a.m. - Sunday School
10:45 a.m. - Worship Service
12:00 noon - Youth Lunch & Rollerskating @ Springfield Skateland
3:30 p.m. - Choir Rehearsal
5:00 p.m. - ThreeSixTEENS Rehearsal

Tuesday, January 21
9:30 a.m. - Knitting & Crocheting Group @ Strafford Senior Center
1:00 p.m. - Painting Class

Wednesday, January 22
6:00 p.m. - NOW Free Family Meal
6:30 p.m. - KidsNOW / StudentsNOW
7:00 p.m. - LivingNOW (Adults)

CLICK HERE to view full calendar.

This Sunday, January 19

ECM - Melody B./Randi R.
Greeters - Gary & Barb J.
Information Desk - Wanda G.
Van Driver - Mike B.
Audio - Wayne S.
Video - TBA
Security - Ray S./Barb H.
Children's Church - Jameson & Courtney E.
Counters - Shannon P./Sandy S.

If you cannot serve on your assigned Sunday, please arrange a substitute and let the church office know by calling 736-2148 or emailing church@fbcstrafford.org. Thank you to all those who serve our church in these important roles each Sunday morning!

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