Grace Blog
Pastor Leadership Retreat
Starting today, the pastors of Grace Baptist Church will be meeting together to assess life in the body, dream together, and seek the face of God for the following year and beyond. We ask that you lift up our pastors during this time and join them in pursuing God’s heart for our church. God has been blessing us tremendously in recent months, and with the growth comes greater stewardship and opportunity to extend the gospel from our neighborhoods to the nations. May the fruit of these next couple days so align us as a people on mission that we are found in the center of God’s will and at the heart of His redemptive purposes in the world!
Labels: Cape Coral, Grace Baptist Church | posted by TimBrister at 8:53 am | Categories: Administrative |
The Missional Church: A Simple Presentation
Have you ever wondered what people mean when they talk about “the missional church”? The word “missional” is being used and claimed by churches of all types with all kinds of methodology. It certainly could use some clarification in our day. In any case, below is a short, two minute video which explains in simple terms the missional church in general. I found it helpful. I hope you do too.
Labels: Cape Coral, Grace Baptist Church, The Missional Church | posted by TimBrister at 7:34 am | Categories: Missional, Resources |
Preparing for Grace Gathered :: January 31, 2010
Over the past couple of months, God has continued to use the Sunday gatherings to minister to more and more people from our community. It is exciting to see how God is working in our community and with that comes a stewardship of and sensitivity to the needs that accompany these people. The elders continue to ask those of you in the Grace family that can the early service to please consider doing so to allow for more seating in our 10:45 service.
If you are new to the area or are looking to attend one of our services this Sunday, visit our “New to Grace” menu on our website where you will find information such as directions, what to expect, and other frequently asked questions. We look forward to meeting you and have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus and how He has changed our lives!
Bible Study: 1 Samuel
During our Sunday morning Bible Study (beginning at 9:30am), Rick Tarter will continue his teaching through the book of 1 Samuel. This class is provided for all adults, and the children and youth will continue their various studies through Desiring God Children’s curriculum and other book studies.
Grace Gathered (Worship Services)
In our gathered services, we will have the opportunity to witness the baptism of Adrian Wilkinson in the 10:45 service and participate in the Lord’s Supper in the 6:00pm service as well. Pastor Tom Ascol will be starting a new sermon series through the book of 1 Corinthians, and we encourage you to take the time to become more familiar with this letter written by Paul as well as the church in Corinth.
During our evening gathering, we will have the opportunity to hear from the Ascol’s regarding their trip to Central Asia as well as a report from the Providence church plant in East Lee County. As we gather together this weekend, dwell on the lyrics to “Every Promise” as we seek to be filled with faith in all that God has promised to be for His people, according to His Word!
From The Breaking Of The Dawn (Every Promise)
From the breaking of the dawn
To the setting of the sun
I will stand on every promise of Your Word
Words of power strong to save
That will never pass away
I will stand on every promise of Your Word
For Your covenant is sure
And on this I am secure
I can stand on every promise of Your Word
When I stumble and I sin
Condemnation pressing in
I will stand on every promise of Your Word
You are faithful to forgive
That in freedom I might live
So I stand on every promise of Your Word
Guilt to innocence restored;
You remember sins no more
So I’ll stand on every promise of Your Word
When I’m faced with anguished choice
I will listen for Your voice
And I’ll stand on every promise of Your Word
Through this dark and troubled land
You will guide me with Your hand
As I stand on every promise of Your Word
And You’ve promised to complete
Every work begun in me
So I’ll stand on every promise of Your Word
Hope that lifts me from despair
Love that casts out every fear
As I stand on every promise of Your Word
Not forsaken not alone
For the Comforter has come
And I stand on every promise of Your Word
Grace sufficient grace for me
Grace for all who will believe
We will stand on every promise of Your Word
Reminders
1. Those who are look to visit with us or are coming down as Snowbirds, please note the schedule change for Sunday morning. We have two morning services (8:00 and 10:45) with Sunday School in the middle at 9:30am.
2. We have customized a Bible Reading Plan with bookmarks that you can pick up at the Welcome Center. If you have not considered reading through the Bible in a year or have never done so, be encouraged and give it a try! You can also access the bookmarks here on our website.
3. Next Sunday, we will be meeting in our Grace Community Groups beginning at 6:00pm. If you are not part of one of our groups and would like to be, please see Pastor Tim who will assist you in getting connected with a group in your area. For more information, click here.
4. Pastor Tim will be leading the “Intro to Grace” classes on Monday, February 15 and 22. These meetings are for regular attenders inquiring about membership and those in the membership process. We also welcome those in our community who are new to Grace and would like to know more about who we are, what we believe, and where we believe God is taking us in the future to join us as well. The meetings will be from 7:00-9:00pm. The meeting on the 15th will be in the home of Tom & Donna Ascol, and the 22nd in the home of Tim and Dusti Brister.
– Words and Music to “Every Promise” by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend. Copyright © 2005 Thank You Music
Labels: Cape Coral, Florida, Grace Baptist Church, Grace Gathered | posted by TimBrister at 9:22 am | Categories: Holiness |
Every Life Matters to God
Today is the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Countless millions of babies have been aborted over these past 37 years–lives of unborn children that were taken in a culture of death. At Grace, it is our desire to celebrate a culture of life, valuing all live, including those with special needs. Each life matters to God, not because of their value to society, but because of their value to Him as His handiwork.
So I wanted to post this video as an encouragement for us to continue to celebrate a culture of life in the midst of a culture of death. May God help us to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves and love those who are precious in His sight.
Labels: 99 Balloons, Abortion, Culture of Life, Roe v. Wade | posted by TimBrister at 2:19 pm | Categories: Culture and Society |
Preparing for Grace Gathered :: January 24, 2010
Church family, we are in a season where God is blessing in our gathered services. After having begun our second service just three months ago, our second service is already 90% full! We praise God for the many people who are being reached and influenced through the gospel ministry, and we are asking those of you who can come to the early service (8:00AM) to please consider doing so to provide more seating for guests and our Hispanic members as well.
If you are new to the area or are looking to attend one of our services this Sunday, visit our “New to Grace” menu on our website where you will find information such as directions, what to expect, and other frequently asked questions. We look forward to meeting you and have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus and how He has changed our lives!
Bible Study: 1 Samuel
During our Sunday morning Bible Study (beginning at 9:30am), Rick Tarter will continue his teaching through the book of 1 Samuel. This class is provided for all adults, and the children and youth will continue their various studies through Desiring God Children’s curriculum and other book studies.
Grace Gathered (Worship Services)
In our gathered worship services this Sunday, we are looking to take up the radical call of life on mission with Jesus as Pastor Tim picks up his sermon series in Matthew 10. In preparation for this Sunday, we encourage you to read the entire chapter of Matthew 10 and reflect on the radical nature of being a follower of Jesus. Jesus was not preparing His disciples for a life of ease. In fact, they would be called upon to confess Christ at the cost of their lives. However, three times we find in Matthew 10:26-33 Jesus tells His disciples not to fear. We will go deeper and discover why and how we life affirming the mission and denying the fear that would seek to keep us silent when we are called to speak and tempt us to live a life of ease when we are called to count the cost. We encourage you to prayerfully meditate on the lyrics to “Let Your Kingdom Come”–a song which we will sing together in calling us onward in gospel faithfulness.
Let Your Kingdom Come
Your glorious cause, O God, engages our hearts
May Jesus Christ be known wherever we are
We ask not for ourselves, but for Your renown
The cross has saved us so we pray Your kingdom come
Let Your kingdom come
Let Your will be done
So that everyone might know Your Name
Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth
Till Your sovereign work on earth is done
Let Your kingdom come
Give us Your strength, O God, and courage to speak
Perform Your wondrous deeds through those who are weak
Lord use us as You want, whatever the test
By grace we’ll preach Your gospel Till our dying breath
Reminders
1. Those who are look to visit with us or are coming down as Snowbirds, please note the schedule change for Sunday morning. We have two morning services (8:00 and 10:45) with Sunday School in the middle at 9:30am.
2. We have customized a Bible Reading Plan with bookmarks that you can pick up at the Welcome Center. If you have not considered reading through the Bible in a year or have never done so, be encouraged and give it a try! You can also access the bookmarks here on our website.
3. This Sunday is the deadline for all those interested in participating on any of the 2010 mission trips through Grace. This includes Greece, Dominican Republic, and the possible trip to Haiti. Please have your application filled out and returned to Pastor Tim or to the church office.
4. On Sunday, January 31 during our Baptist and Lord’s Supper service, we will have the opportunity to hear Pastor Tom and Mrs. Donna share their experiences in Central Asia over the past three weeks. You will not want to miss this time of seeing the gospel through baptism, celebrating the gospel through communion, and hearing about gospel advance through church planting reports and overseas missions!
– Words and Music to “Let Your Kingdom Come” by Bob Kauflin. Copyright © 2006 Sovereign Grace Music
Labels: Grace Baptist Church, Grace Gathered, Worship Services | posted by TimBrister at 2:02 pm | Categories: Grace Gathered, Humor |
2010: A Clear, Close, and Continual Looking to Jesus
I had the privilege of preaching on the first two Sunday’s of 2010, and during preparation the Lord led me to a familiar passage–Hebrews 12:1-3. Although familiar, this passage proved to be very fruitful and engaging to my own heart, and I pray that you were encouraged as well. It is my hope that this year we will have a clearer, closer, and more continual looking to Jesus. The kind of endurance we need this year is nourished in the gospel, and the danger we face each day is to allow weights to distract us or unbelief to blind us from beholding the author and finisher of our faith.
For your benefit, I am making my sermon manuscripts available here for you to download. If you would like to listen or download the audio, go here for the first sermon and go here for the second sermon.
To download my two manuscripts put into one (PDF), simply click here.
Labels: Gospel, Hebrews 12:1-3, Jesus, New Year | posted by TimBrister at 12:02 am | Categories: Jesus, Resources, Sermons |
Killer Community Tips
Here’s a light-hearted way of communicating some wrong-headed view of community groups . . .
Labels: Community, Small Groups | posted by TimBrister at 12:42 pm | Categories: Community, Small Groups |
Responding to the Crisis in Haiti
Since news broke Tuesday night about the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people from across the world have been watching what appears to be one of the most catastrophic natural disasters ever in the Western Hemisphere in the poorest of all countries in this region. For those of us in South Florida, it is particularly painful as tens of thousands of Haitians live in our neighborhoods. Haiti is closer to us than Louisville, Kentucky, and because of its proximity, we feel an increased sense of responsibility.
PRAY
How do we respond to something of this magnitude? Is there anything that we can do that will have a meaningful impact for the good of the Haitian people? The first and greatest thing we can do is pray to our Almighty, Sovereign Lord. This did not catch God off guard, nor is He so overwhelmed that He cannot display His power, love, and mercy in and through His people.
* Pray that God would give supernatural strength to those having to lift fragments of earth without any heavy machinery.
* Pray that God would provide doctors and nurses unusual skill without the tools and technology to preserve life and bring healing to those severely affected.
* Pray for the humanitarian workers who are dealing with huge logistical challenges to have effective and immediate success in bringing food, water, medical supplies, and life-saving support to the people. Pray especially for the newly orphaned, as 50% of the population in Port-au-Prince are children.
* Pray that God would strengthen His church in Haiti with unwavering hope and undying love to show and share the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who are suffering great loss, unbearable pain, and inexpressible grief at this time.
GIVE
Not only can you pray, but you can give to organizations that are already organized and on the ground providing humanitarian aid and performing search and rescue. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has a strong record of disaster relief, and there are three ways you can give to support the relief work in Haiti. Both the Baptist Global Response (the disaster relief of the International Mission Board) the North American Mission Board (NAMB) disaster relief channel 100% of the gifts to the relief work on the field (overhead is covered through other denominational funding). This Sunday, we will be receiving a special offering where all proceeds will go to the disaster relief work through these denominational agencies. As you may know, the Florida Baptist Convention has had a 15-year partnership with Haiti and has several indigenous directors of mission on the field working with the Haitian churches. This long-standing relationship with Haiti has networked Florida Baptists with Haitian churches and the communities in ways many if not most other organizations have not cultivated.
Outside the SBC, there are several other excellent non-profit organizations that I encourage you to consider supporting. They are:
* World Vision [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Compassion International [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Samaritan’s Purse [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Water Missions International [Give | Website]
* Food for the Hungry [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Convoy of Hope [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Red Cross [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
* Salvation Army [Give | Website | Follow on Twitter]
GO
The pastors have been actively considering the possibility of taking a team to Haiti. At this point, we are awaiting field assessments and assignments, including confirmed collaboration with indigenous personnel. As you may have heard, the only airport in Haiti is severely limited (and currently shut down), so we would likely be flying into Santo Domingo. There we have Haitian contacts and field personnel who may be able to assist in interpreting, travel, and serving as well. Please pray for us as we seek the possibility of going in the very near future. Several other pastors and churches have expressed interest in joining us, for which we are grateful.
Lastly, take some time to learn about Haiti and stay informed on the developments. Look at the photo galleries. By a t-shirt. If you’re like me, you might be asking, “Why was I not concerned about Haiti before 50,000 have perished?” May God help us to fight apathy and refuse to close our hearts to those who are in need (1 John 3:16-18). Please be prepared this Sunday to give generously and sacrificially to provide help and hope for those experiencing suffering and loss.
* Photo Source: Associated Press
Labels: Disaster Relief, Earthquake, Haiti, Help Haiti, Hope for Haiti | posted by TimBrister at 11:04 am | Categories: Missions, Prayer |
A Prayer about Earthquake Faultfinding by Scotty Smith
Scotty Smith, pastor of Christ Community Church (Nashville, TN) and a leading evangelical voice, has written a prayer in response to the now infamous comments of Pat Robertson regarding Haiti earlier this week. I want to reproduce it here:
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:1-5
Heavenly Father, this may be as close as I ever get to praying like one of the “raw” Psalms in which your people express consternation, outrage and anger. I’m gonna put it right out there this morning… no dancing around.. no carefully nuanced language. Please meet me where I am but take me where you wish, by the truth of the gospel and the work of your Spirit. I am so thankful for Jesus’ words from Luke’s gospel I just read before beginning this prayer. I’m desperate for his perspective. I need a big dose of gospel-sanity today.
Father, I’m still fuming this morning about a commentary offered by a Christian broadcaster suggesting that the horrific earthquake in Haiti was a result of a prior pact with the Devil. What an outlandish, cavalier, irresponsible, self-righteous thing to say! I hope I would be just as grieved overhearing that same comment from a stranger while standing in line to buy groceries, as hearing it broadcast over a TV show that reaches multiple continents and millions of viewers.
Father, what incites and ignites my, hopefully “godly anger,” is his gross misrepresentation you and his groundless exalted notion of us. If I follow the logic of his reasoning, countries that are enjoying geo-physical stability, prospering economies, and well-functioning infra-structures are under your blessing. And countries that are subject to climactic upheaval, great poverty and a steady stream of calamities are under your judgment. That makes you look more like a programmable sugar-daddy than a Sovereign God who does all things well…
Oh, Father, as you know far better than me, some of the wealthiest and most “stable” countries in the world primarily worship gods other than you, and some of the poorest and most unstable countries have the largest percentage of those who passionately adore and faithfully follow your Son, the Lord Jesus…. Okay, I can tell I need to turn the direction of this prayer…
Merciful Father, I want to acknowledge what I believe to be true about me, today. It’s only because of your mercy that I’m still alive and enjoy whatever creature comforts you’ve afforded me. I fall short of your glory, every day, all day long. If I got what I deserve, it would be your judgment. Though I’ve never made a pact with the Devil, I’ve surely believed his lies, danced with him, and have acted upon his temptations, seductions and accusations.
Grace-full Father, it’s only because of your “pact”—your covenant of grace… the riches of the gospel… my standing in Christ, that I know that you love me… and all your people throughout history, placed everywhere on the globe. I don’t have to understand all the mysteries of providence. I do know that the rain falls on the just and the unjust, and earthquakes do come to worshipers of idols and followers of Jesus alike.
So where does this leave me today? Please make me ten times more merciful and generous towards the Haitians in the coming hours and weeks, than angry and preoccupied with a very, very bad TV commentary. I don’t want to live like one of Job’s friends, but like one of Jesus’ followers. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ name.
Labels: Haiti, Pat Robertson, Prayer, Scotty Smith | posted by TimBrister at 11:08 am | Categories: Prayer |
Seven Reasons Why Preaching Is NOT Enough - John Piper
Much like Grace, Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN (where John Piper is lead pastor) has been transitioning in structure for small group ministry. In his exposition on John 5, Piper explained the importance of small group for healthy body life and why preaching is NOT enough. From Piper’s manuscript (emphasis mine):
Last Sunday when I met with the small group leaders of the Downtown Campus, I tried to show them how essential their role is at this church by giving them seven reasons my preaching is not enough—seven reasons why perseverance in faith and growth in faith call for Christians to meet regularly in a face-to-face way to “serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). God intends to do things in you which he will only do through the ministry of other believers.
7 Reasons We Need Small Groups
He has given pastors to the church “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12). I believe in what I do. And I believe that it is not enough. Here are the seven reasons I gave the small group leaders.
1. The impulse [to] avoid painful growth by disappearing safely into the crowd in corporate worship is very strong.
2. The tendency toward passivity in listening to a sermon is part of our human weakness.
3. Listeners in a big group can more easily evade redemptive crises. If tears well up in your eyes in a small group, wise friends will gently find out why. But in a large gathering, you can just walk away from it.
4. Listeners in a large group tend to neglect efforts of personal application. The sermon may touch a nerve of conviction, but without someone to press in, it can easily be avoided.
5. Opportunity for questions leading to growth is missing. Sermons are not dialogue. Nor should they be. But asking questions is a key to understanding and growth. Small groups are great occasions for this.
6. Accountability for follow-through on good resolves is missing. But if someone knows what you intended to do, the resolve is stronger.
7. Prayer support for a specific need or conviction or resolve goes wanting. O how many blessings we do not have because we are not surrounded by a band of friends who pray for us.So please know that when this small-group ministry of our church is lifted up, I don’t think it’s an optional add-on to basic Christian living. I think it is normal, healthy, needed, New Testament Christianity. I pray that you will be part of one of these small groups or that you will get the training and start one. This is the main strategy through which our pastors and elders shepherd the flock at Bethlehem: Elders > small group leaders > members to one another.
These seven points provided Piper are important to consider, especially because of the fact that we are all members of one another and participants in the change God wants to bring in conforming us more into the image of Christ.
Labels: Bethlehem Baptist Church, Community, Grace Baptist Church, John Piper, Small Groups | posted by TimBrister at 2:01 pm | Categories: Community, Small Groups |
Preparing for Grace Gathered :: January 10, 2010
This coming Lord’s Day we are continuing to set our eyes on Jesus and anticipate in faith things for this year that are only possible if our almighty Father works for our good and for His glory. This is a year to make much of God and soak our lives entirely in His promises which are yes and amen in Jesus.
In recent weeks, we have continued to see increase in attendance, especially in the second service (10:45am). We want to encourage any of our members who can attend the early service (8am) to please do so that our guests and Hispanic members will have adequate seating. Thank you for your flexibility and faithfulness in this matter!
Bible Study: 1 Samuel
For the month of January, Rick Tarter will be leading us through a directed study through the book of 1 Samuel.
Grace Gathered (Worship Services)
Last week, Pastor Tim preaching on the motivation and method for running the Christian race with endurance, noting the great could of witnesses who ran with persevering faith having not obtained the promise. He also addressed the “weights” that we should lay aside in order that we might run in such a way so as to win. This Sunday, he will continue in Hebrews 12:1-3 and address “the sin which so easily ensnares us” and call us to a gospel-driven running by “looking to Jesus” and “considering Him” who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. The difference the joy set before Jesus should make a difference in the race set before us!
In preparation to respond to the message, we encourage you meditate on the lyrics of “O Great God” which we will be singing together.
O great God of highest heaven
Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme
Conquer every rebel power
Let no vice or sin remain
That resists Your holy war
You have loved and purchased me
Make me Yours forevermore
I was blinded by my sin
Had no ears to hear Your voice
Did not know Your love within
Had no taste for heaven’s joys
Then Your Spirit gave me life
Opened up Your Word to me
Through the gospel of Your Son
Gave me endless hope and peace
Help me now to live a life
That’s dependent on Your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul
From the evils that I face
You are worthy to be praised
With my every thought and deed
O great God of highest heaven
Glorify Your Name through me
Reminders
1. Those who are look to visit with us or are coming down as Snowbirds, please note the schedule change for Sunday morning. We have two morning services (8:00 and 10:45) with Sunday School in the middle at 9:30am.
2. We have customized a Bible Reading Plan with bookmarks that you can pick up at the Welcome Center. If you have not considered reading through the Bible in a year or have never done so, be encouraged and give it a try! You can also access the bookmarks here on our website.
3. A church workday has been scheduled for Saturday, January 16 beginning at 9:30AM. Please sign up in the foyer if you are able to assist with needed cleaning and maintenance and remember to bring a bagged lunch!
– Words and Music to “O Great God” by Bob Kauflin, based on The Valley of Vision prayer “Regeneration.” Copyright © 2006 Sovereign Grace Music
Labels: Grace Baptist Church, Grace Gathered | posted by TimBrister at 10:21 am | Categories: Grace Gathered |
Counsel on Giving and Receiving Correction
In his message on giving and receiving correction, Pastor Tom concluded with the following points of application on how to give and how to receive correction. Here they are:
On Giving Correction
1. Correct in love
a. Proverbs 3:11, 12 says, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”
b. Don’t let your frustration of pain drive your words. Deal with any personal issues in your own heart first before you try to speak correctively.
c. Pray before you speak. Ask the Lord to help you love the one you will address.
2. Correct with a redemptive purpose
a. Christ died to redeem us, to make us holy; you can be a means of your brother’s or sister’s sanctification by offering godly correction.
b. Do not let it be personal—revenge; wanting her to feel as badly as you do; wanting to make yourself look better, etc.
c. Ask yourself what God wants for this person, and see yourself as an instrument in the Lord’s hands to bring it about
d. Matt 18:15-18—remember that the goal is always “to win your brother”
e. Begin with words of affirmation
f. Examine yourself before you offer your appraisal of someone else. Matthew 7:1-6, first get the log out of your own eye before you help your brother get the speck out of his. Speak, as you would like to be spoken to
g. Speak as one who has been rescued and not one who is immune to the problem you are correcting
3. Correct plainly
a. Proverbs 26:28 says “A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
b. Don’t beat around the bush or merely imply what should be plainly stated. Nathan did not leave David guessing about his sin but said to him, “You are the man!”
4. Correct privately (usually)
5. Correct with well-chosen words
a. Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.”
b. Col. 4:6, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt…”
On Receiving Correction
1. Admit that you need correction and always will as long as you are alive
2. Recognize that God uses the critical and corrective words of others to help you overcome the deceitfulness of sin
3. Refuse to respond defensively
4. Refuse to respond despairingly
5. Accept correction and criticism as coming from God
6. Resolve, by God’s grace, to benefit from and grow as a result of criticism
7. Meditate deeply on the cross of Jesus
a. It has criticized you
b. It has justified you
8. Meditate deeply on the resurrection of Jesus
a. His resurrection guarantees yours
b. The power that raised Him from the dead resides in all those who trust Him, giving us the ability to change!
Labels: Change, Christianity, Community, Correction, Criticism | posted by TimBrister at 8:55 am | Categories: Change, Community, Reflection and Review, Words |
20 Questions to Ask for the New Year
Donald Whitney has put together a great list of questions to ask ourselves at the start of this new year. Please take a moment to reflect on these questions and answer them for the good of the gospel in your life and its progress in the future (Col. 1:6). Here are 20 in particular:
1. What’s one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?
2. What’s the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?
3. What’s the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?
7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
8. What’s the most important way you will, by God’s grace, try to make this year different from last year?
9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?
11. What’s the most important need you feel burdened to meet this year?
12. Who is the person you most want to encourage this year?
13. What’s one new way you could be a blessing to your pastor (or to another who ministers to you) this year?
14. What’s one thing you could do this year to enrich the spiritual legacy you will leave to your children and grandchildren?
15. What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year?
16. What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year?
17. What single blessing from God do you want to seek most earnestly this year?
18. In what area of your life do you most need growth, and what will you do about it this year?
19. To what need or ministry will you try to give an unprecedented amount this year?
20. What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year, and what will you do about it?
Labels: Donald Whitney, New Year, Spiritual Inventory | posted by TimBrister at 7:35 am | Categories: Reflection and Review, Spiritual Growth |
Prayer for the New Year
From The Valley of Vision:
O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in Thy presence,
in Thy service, to Thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,
but may rely on Thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth Thy praise;
testify Thy love,
advance Thy kingdom.
I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with Thee, O Father as my harbour,
Thee, O Son, at my helm,
Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to Thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.
Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
Thy comforts to cheer,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilize.
May Thy fear by my awe,
Thy triumphs my joy.
Labels: New Year, Puritan Prayers, Valley of Vision | posted by TimBrister at 7:22 am | Categories: Prayer |
Preparing for Grace Gathered :: January 3, 2010
It’s hard to believe it, but here we are at twenty-ten, or two-thousand ten. Whichever way you choose to say it, it is here, and we have the privilege of embracing it will joyous faith in our risen and living Savior Jesus Christ. Below are some notes to assist you in preparing for our first Grace Gathered of this new year. May God direct our hearts and minds to worship Jesus together as the redeemed, the family of Grace!
Bible Study: 1 Samuel
For the month of January, Rick Tarter will be leading us through a directed study through the book of 1 Samuel.
Grace Gathered (Worship Services)
As we begin this new year, Pastor Tim will be exhorting us in a message entitled, “Resolved to Keep Our Eyes on Jesus” (Heb. 12:1-3). We encourage you to read the previous chapter (Hebrews 11) which detail the lives of those who ran with endurance the race before them. We all have a race set before us, and there are weights that need to be cast aside in order to run well, finish strong, and win the prize.
A favorite hymn of many, “Be Thou My Vision” will begin our gathering song for Grace Gathered. Below are the lyrics. This is a great prayer to think, pray, and own for our own lives this new year!
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart,
be all else but naught to me, save that thou art;
be thou my best thought in the day and the night,
both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word,
be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord;
be thou my great Father, and I thy true son;
be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;
be thou my whole armor, be thou my true might;
be thou my soul’s shelter, be thou my strong tower:
O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise:
be thou mine inheritance now and always;
be thou and thou only the first in my heart;
O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, thou heaven’s bright sun,
O grant me its joys after victory is won;
great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.
Grace Scattered: Community Groups
This Sunday evening, Grace will be scattered across SW Florida through our Grace Community Groups. These groups are intended to cultivate opportunities to gospel one another, discuss and apply Gods Word from the morning, and foster life-change through authentic community. The focus of this week’s GCG will be on Pastor Tom’s message entitled “Giving and Receiving Criticism.” If you are not currently in a GCG and would like to be, please see Pastor Tim Brister. For more information, including FAQ, maps, and host homes, click here.
Reminders
1. Those who are look to visit with us or are coming down as Snowbirds, please note the schedule change for Sunday morning. We have two morning services (8:00 and 10:45) with Sunday School in the middle at 9:30am.
2. We have customized a Bible Reading Plan with bookmarks that you can pick up at the Welcome Center. If you have not considered reading through the Bible in a year or have never done so, be encouraged and give it a try! You can also access the bookmarks here on our website.
3. A church workday has been scheduled for Saturday, January 16 beginning at 9:30AM. Please sign up in the foyer if you are able to assist with needed cleaning and maintenance and remember to bring a bagged lunch!
Labels: Grace Baptist Church, Grace Gathered | posted by TimBrister at 8:04 am | Categories: Grace Gathered |
