Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Immanuel


Over the next few weeks we will be taking a break from our focus stories which tell vignettes of God’s transforming work among us.  These next four weeks will be focused on God’s coming to this earth through the glorious gift of the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Our prayer is that you will find encouragement and hope as we consider aspects of God’s Immanuel.



Darkness is never seen as good.  Darkness is connected to evil, to harm, and even destruction.  Matthew suggests darkness is a picture of hell where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  The Apostle Paul says darkness is similar to unrighteousness (Matt. 8:12; 2 Cor. 6:14).  So when Jesus came and was called Light (John 1:5; I John 1:5-7), He was to be everything opposite of darkness.  When He showed up He brought life, truth, hope and purity—that’s what light brings.  His life is the true light that gives light to every person who trusts Him (John 1:9).   



This Christmas you will see lights—lots of lights.  Some of us will drive around the city to take in the beauty of people’s creativity.  My neighbor even has music that entertains you as you look at his lights.  Lights are beautiful because they dispel darkness.  They are beautiful because they capture your eyes and give you something to look at rather than just darkness.  As you drive the city and see the lights ask Almighty God to help you be LIGHT—a dispeller of darkness. 

Because of the power of Christ in you, you in fact are light  (I Thessalonians 5:5).  You don’t have to become light—you are inherently light because of the indwelling Holy Spirit in you.  So here is your assignment:

·         Walk as children of the light (Eph. 5:8)

·         Reprove the darkness because of your presence (Eph. 5:11)

·         Put on the armor of light every day (Rom. 13:12)

·         Show the glory of God (I Peter 2:9)

·         Walk honestly (Rom. 13:13)

“Almighty God give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in humility through the power of the Holy Spirit in us—let us be light.”

 

Book Recomendation

Fully Alive--A Biblical Vision of Gender That Frees Men and Women to Live Beyond Stereotypes by Larry Crabb

Dr. Crabb has a biblical grasp on this issue of gender and sexuality.  He is clear and helpful when he defines masculinity and femininity.  If you want to engage on the cultural battle of  gender, this book is a great first step. 

Friday, November 14, 2014

REST Stop is a blessing


A local service organization takes on a project to serve someone else; they donate snacks and other items to SFBC’s REST Stop.  Included with the items are dozens of “Thank you” notes.  The officers are touched and blessed, affirmed in their service and reminded that there are grateful people that they serve.

In June officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance, which turned out to be just a very stressed family in a new city under trying circumstances (health issues from military deployment, a small baby, isolation). The officers gave the baby stuffed animals, from the REST Stop, and told the family they were provided by our church.  The officer’s note to us included a picture of their beautiful baby sleeping with the cuddly animals.

In July Salem Police dealt with a homeless family of seven.  From the provisions of the REST Stop, the officers shared granola bars with the children, and to show their appreciation Mom agreed to a picture of five smiling kids holding stuffed animals.  They were told about the church and the REST Stop.

There are currently over 20 business cards on the bulletin board in the REST Stop with words of gratitude and blessing from Salem PD.  The REST Stop that you equip and support is having an effect beyond what we know.  Thank you!

-Sherri Sperling

                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org

    For past Focus stories go to..
http://fbcsalem.blogspot.com/

 


Book Recomendation

A new touch to Focus.  Yes, I love to read so periodically I will write a few thoughts on a recent book I have finished.  This first time I will share about two books:

1. How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong. (Leslie Vernick)

No this is not a book Kerri wants you to read.  It was actually recommended by a person in our church.  If you find yourself in a difficult marriage then this book will help you.  It is insightful as well as practical.  Keep at your vow--

2. The Circle Maker--(Mark Batterson)

Classic good read by Batterson.  The auther of All In, gives us a helpful book on prayer.  I have long been challenged to pray bold, specific prayers so that we know God is in this journey with us.  Batterson will help to stretch your prayer life and grow your faith. 


- Enjoy your reading.  Pastor Mark

Friday, November 7, 2014

50 Cent Yard Sale


A few months ago we hosted training on biblical stewardship, taught by Bob Marette.  This story is one of many that came out of this very effective training. 
From the book, Millstone to Milestone, Bob Marette says, “This idea is a unique process designed to get anyone out of debt, including mortgage in a short period of time by applying the principles found in the Word of God.”  This book is so practical, which makes getting out of debt – no matter how deep – a very real possibility.
One of Bob’s suggestions on how to get the entire process working faster is to have a garage sale. We are a nation/people of collectors; check out your attic, garage, garden shed, closet, kitchen, etc. We all have stuff! These objects take up space and are rarely used. So what do you do? Have a garage sale. Would you like to make a guaranteed one thousand dollars at your garage sale? Sell 2,000 items for 50 cents apiece.
This was the spark that started the fire. Twelve weeks ago, we began going through the house, room by room and pulling out that which we did not need. Then Janet thought, “I need to have cookies and lemonade too. Every good yard sale has cookies and lemonade.” Mark did stop Janet at the idea of selling hot dogs and soda.
Janet was very excited and said, “This feels like Christmas. I can hardly wait!”  The monies will go toward our accelerator to help pay down debt (Bob’s idea in his book). Our goal is to have all debt and our mortgage paid off in 7 years…RETIREMENT!
We are amazed at the many opportunities we have had to witness to others since our fun and exciting 50 cent yard sale.  Neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers have been so receptive to hearing about our faithfulness in being obedient to God’s Word in our lives. And I can’t begin to tell you how much freedom there is in letting ‘stuff’ go. It’s been so uplifting and exciting to see how much others are being blessed by the material things we truly can do without.
During our sale I (Mark) contacted a co-worker who restores older 60s-70s American cars. I just knew he would like to have my complete set of tune-up kit tools (originals from my earlier years in keeping my own rigs running smoothly). It came with an old metal gray Craftsman tool box, tach-dwell meter, timing light, remote ignition switch, ½ & 5/16 distributor wrenches, plug gapping tool, and a couple cans of carbonator Gum-out, (all nearly mint condition). I could probably have sold the whole set for $75-$100, but I was ready to let them go and I accepted his $20 offer. I watched him happily take each piece out of the box and examine each one. When he took out the last item, we discovered a complete Craftsman miniature tune-up wrench set in the bottom tray; still in its original packaging and unopened. He looked at me with hopeful eyes and asked if I meant to have them be included in the set. It gave me such great joy to simply say, “Of course. Everything in the box is yours.” This is just one of several stories we can share from our two day $0.50 yard sale.
I wish I had a dollar for every time we had this dialogue, “How much do you want for this?” Our response, “50 cents.”  Wide-eyed and surprised they would say, “Really? Are you sure?” And we would reply, “Really!” And we would share our story of obedience to God and His faithfulness in meeting our needs. It was so much fun and felt so good getting rid of stuff too.
--Mark and Janet Russell

 

 
                            First Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org