Friday, February 1, 2013
What do our dreams and aspirations have to do with experiencing the Resurrection of Christ on a daily basis?
A simple answer to this question is that it depends on the content of your dreams and aspirations. If you hope for the things of God then you are on the right track to experiencing real life with Christ on a daily basis. If you desire selfish or worldly things then you can hinder your ability to walking in the resurrection and newness of life.
One of the struggles that Christians in America face to determining the content of our dreams is the constant thrust of the American Dream mentality. What is the content of the American Dream? Originally, the American dream was to provide hope for people to prosper equally despite there race or social status. This in itself is a good thing. Over the years this basic belief as evolved into a picture of married couple with kids and a house with hopes of being financially stable enough to retire from work at a reasonable age. All of these things seem ok to pursue, but are they really? What if God's will for you does not include you being married, having children, or owning a home? Is retirement a Biblical principle?
Another part of this mentality that is popular in America is that if you believe in yourself enough or work hard enough that you can be anything that you want to be when you grow up. Is this true? Is this a biblical principle?
Much of the content of the American Dream is in conflict to what the Bible teaches about what we are to put our hope in.
Psalm 37:4 says...
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This verse does not say that God will give you what you desire. It says that God will give you what you desire if you desire God. It does not say that if you desire and follow God then you automatically get the American Dream fulfilled in your life. Instead, a person who desires God will get God and the blessings of God. What are the blessing of God?
Psalm 1:1-3 says...
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
This passage gives more insight on what the blessing of God are. Having the Bible as a source for how to live is a blessing of God.
Another blessing of God is found in Psalm 16:5-6 that says...
LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
This psalm unfolds that another blessing of God is an eternal inheritance of being with God forever. Not a monetary fund that could run out or a retirement stage of life that ends in death, but an inheritance that lasts forever.
So what should the content of our dreams be if we want to experience the resurrection on a daily basis?
Seek God, His Bible, and the hope of seeing God face to face. Surely that is enough to pursue.
Recently, in the fall out of the great recession on the economy there has been much written and debated about how the American Dream is dying. It may sound strange but if you are a Christian that may be a good thing. If the American dreams dies that is one less thing that Christians have to die to in order to keep their focus on Christ alone.
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalm 27:4,13
The Resurrection
It is hard to believe that Spring is almost here. Spring is always a good representation of new life. Spring is also the season of the year that the church of Christ celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This month at WBC we will focus on the truth of everlasting life that is found in Christ. As the month of March unfolds we hope to unpack the following ideas as we seek God's face together this month.
Did the Resurrection of Jesus really happen?
What do our dreams and aspirations have to do with experiencing the Resurrection of Christ on a daily basis?
How can social media bog us down from experiencing the Resurrection on a daily basis?
More to come. For now remember these words from Matthew 28:1-6
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Friday, January 18, 2013
PRAYER: Prayer will be the starting point and ongoing part of every aspect of the ministry of WBC.
The above sentence was taken from the list of the core values of Waxahachie Bible Church. Prayer is also listed in one of the 16 vision statements of WBC. Here is what that statement says: We envision becoming a church where God’s people are committed to coming together for regular prayer gatherings. (James 5:16; II Chron. 7:14; Matt. 21:22; Acts 1:14; Acts 2:42; Romans 12:10-13.
We are hoping to cast the vision of prayer to our church family beginning this February. There are many thoughts about prayer and many approaches that we could take to discuss it here. Some of these avenues involve engaging in huge discussions like why does God not answer my prayer or does prayer actually change anything? Over the next month we hope to make it clear that prayer may best be explained or defined by seeing it as closeness to God. Prayer is the way we stay near to God and what His will is for us. Seeing prayer as drawing near to God can help us answer many of the deeper questions this topic brings. Does God answer prayers? Yes, we are the answer to prayer. God is concerned about bringing us closer to Him. He answers every prayer in accordance to His will and what we need to make us closer to Him and His will for us. Does prayer change things? Yes, prayer changes how close we are to the will of God. God continues to bring us closer to His will by changing us through prayer. Sometime God may even change His will for us. (Exodus 32:14) Prayer is a practice of worship that we are commanded to do on an ongoing basis to be close to God, but prayer is also more necessary when we are need of basic health things or lost in sin and need to confess and repent from our selfish ways in order to be closer to God.
James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Is Hell a Real Place?
Before we answer this question lets look at a general historical overview of the topic. Hang on to your hat because this kind of topic can't be discussed without using some big words you may not be used to.
Christian views on Hell vary, but in general traditionally agree that hell is a place or a state in which the souls of the unsaved suffer the consequences of sin.
Different Hebrew and Greek words are translated as "hell" in most English-language Bibles. They include:
•"Sheol" in the Hebrew Bible, and "Hades" in the New Testament. Many modern versions, such as the New International Version, translate Sheol as "grave" and simply transliterate "Hades". It is generally agreed that both sheol and hades do not typically refer to the place of eternal punishment, but to the grave, the temporary abode of the dead, the underworld.
•"Gehenna" in the New Testament, where it is described as a place where both soul and body could be destroyed (Matthew 10:28) in "unquenchable fire" (Mark 9:43). The word is translated as either "hell" or "hell fire" in English versions.
•The Greek verb "ταρταρῶ (tartarō)", which occurs once in the New Testament (in 2 Peter 2:4). It is almost always translated by a phrase such as "thrown down to hell". Exceptionally, the 2004 Holman Christian Standard Bible uses the word "Tartarus" and explains: "Tartarus is a Greek name for a subterranean place of divine punishment lower than Hades."
Hell is generally defined as the eternal fate of unrepentant sinners after this life. Hell's character is inferred from biblical teaching, which has often been understood literally. Souls are said to pass into Hell by God's irrevocable judgment.
In ancient Jewish belief, the dead were consigned to Sheol or the grave, to which all were sent indiscriminately (cf. Genesis 37:35; Numbers 16:30-33; Psalm 86:13; Ecclesiastes 9:10). Sheol was thought of as a place situated below the ground (cf. Ezek. 31:15), a place of darkness, silence and forgetfulness (cf. Job 10:21). By the third to second century BC, the idea had grown to encompass separate divisions in sheol for the righteous and wicked (cf. the Book of Enoch), and by the time of Jesus, some Jews had come to believe that those in Sheol awaited the Resurrection of the dead either in comfort (in the bosom of Abraham) or in torment.
By at least the late rabbinical period, Gehenna was viewed as the place of ultimate punishment, exemplified by the rabbinical statement "the best of physicians are destined to Gehenna." (M. Kiddushin 4:14).
The theological concept of hell, or eternal damnation, is expressed differently in Eastern and Western Christianity.
The Eastern Orthodox church teaches that Heaven and Hell are being in God's presence which is being with God and seeing God, and that there no such place as where God is not, nor is Hell taught in the East as separation from God.[31] One expression of the Eastern teaching is that hell and heaven are being in God's presence, as this presence is punishment and paradise depending on the person's spiritual state in that presence. For one who hates God, to be in the presence of God eternally would be the gravest suffering.
In Roman Catholicism The Catechism of the Catholic Church (which, when published in 1992, Pope John Paul II declared to be "a sure norm for teaching the faith",), defines hell as a state involving definitive self-exclusion from communion with God.
The varying Protestant views of "hell", both in relation to Hades (i.e., the abode of the dead) and Gehenna (i.e., the destination of the wicked), are largely a function of the varying Protestant views on the intermediate state between death and resurrection; and different views on the immortality of the soul or the alternative, the mortality of the soul. For example John Calvin, who believed in conscious existence after death, had a very different concept of hell (Hades and Gehenna) to Martin Luther who held that death was sleep.
In most Protestant traditions, Hell is the place created by God for the punishment of the devil and fallen angels (cf. Matthew 25:41), and those whose names are not written in the book of life (cf. Revelation 20:15). It is the final destiny of every person who does not receive salvation, where they will be punished for their sins. People will be consigned to Hell after the last judgment.
One historic Protestant view of Hell, called the eternal torment view is expressed in the Westminster Confession (1646):
"but the wicked, who know not God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into eternal torments, and punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." (Chapter XXXIII, Of the Last Judgment)
The majority of Protestants have held that hell will be a place of unending conscious torment, both physical and spiritual, although some recent writers such as Anglo-Catholic C. S. Lewis and J.P. Moreland have cast hell in terms of "eternal separation" from God. Certain biblical texts have led some theologians to the conclusion that punishment in hell, though eternal and irrevocable, will be proportional to the deeds of each soul (e.g. Matthew 10:15, Luke 12:46-48.
A minority of Protestants believe in the doctrine of conditional immortality, which teaches that those sent to Hell will not experience eternal conscious punishment, but instead will be extinguished or annihilated after a period of "limited conscious punishment".
Prominent evangelical theologians who have adopted conditionalist beliefs include John Wenham, Edward Fudge, Clark Pinnock and John Stott.
Now that we have looked at a general historical overview about hell let us now get back to the question is hell a real place?
Simple answer is yes. Hell is a real place. In case you confused and need clarity here is what our Waxahachie Bible Church doctrinal statement says about hell. This is what we believe about hell:
We believe that God created a great number of angels; that the greatest angel become proud and rebelled and is called Satan; that with the other angels who rebelled with him, called demons, he is seeking to destroy the kingdom of God. We believe that Satan was defeated at the cross and will be condemned to everlasting punishment at the end of the age.
Revelations 12:3-9, Isaiah 14:12-17, Ezek. 28:11-19, Eph. 6:11-12, Col. 2:15, Rev. 20:10.
We believe that God created the universe and created man in His own image; that all men have sinned in the transgression of Adam as well as in personal experience; that they are dead in sin, and, apart from the grace of God, are totally lost and on their way to everlasting separation from God in “the lake of fire.” Genesis 1:26, Romans 5:15-19, Eph. 2:1-3, Romans 6:23, Rev. 20:14-15.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved in glory and the everlasting punishment of the lost. Dan. 12:2, John 5:28 -29, Luke 16:19 -26, Phil. 1:23, Rev. 20:10 -15.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Sudan Stories
South Sudan Independence Q & A
Why do most southerners want their own country?
Sudan's borders - like those in the rest of Africa - were drawn up by colonial powers with little regard to cultural realities on the ground.
South Sudan is full of jungles and swamps, while the north is mostly desert.
Most northerners are Arabic-speaking Muslims, while the south is made up of numerous different ethnic groups who are mostly Christian or follow traditional religions.
With the government based in the north, many southerners said they were discriminated against, and north and south have fought each other for most of the country's history. Southerners were also angered at attempts to impose Islamic law on the whole country.
What happens next?
The world's newest country will come into being on 9 July 2011 - exactly six years after the peace deal which ended the most recent north-south war took effect.
Then the hard work really begins.
The two sides must decide on issues such as:
• Drawing up the new border
• How to divide Sudan's debts and oil wealth
• Whether the new country will have its own currency
• What rights southerners will have in the north - and vice versa
• How vigorously the border will be enforced.
Is South Sudan ready for independence?
To be brutally honest, no.
After years of warfare and being ignored by central government, the country-to-be, which is larger than Spain and Portugal combined, has hardly any roads and not nearly enough schools or health services for its population of roughly eight million.
The SPLM (Sudan People's Liberation Movement) former rebels who have been running the region since 2005 have at least gained some experience of governance.
They have lots of money from the south's oilfields but their critics say they have so far wasted much of it on the military and not done enough to raise living standards in one of the world's poorest regions.
Some also say the SPLM is dominated by members of South Sudan's largest ethnic group - the Dinkas - and accuse them of ignoring the demands of other communities, in particular the second largest - the Nuer.
The south's government has drawn up ambitious plans to develop its cities and has decided the winner of a competition to compose a new national anthem. The south's own flag is already on display across the region.
Is Khartoum going to accept the south's independence?
After the results of the referendum were announced, President Omar al-Bashir said Sudan would be the first country to recognise its new neighbour.
But since then there has been a lot of fighting in border regions, such as Abyei and South Kordofan, which even prompted fears that war could resume.
The two sides have now signed several peace deals but tension remains high.
The SPLM accuses Khartoum of funding at least seven separate rebellions in a bid to keep the new country weak and unstable - accusations it denies.
Although South Sudan is building close links with Uganda and Kenya, its relations with its northern neighbour will certainly be one of its more important diplomatic considerations for many years to come.
What will happen to the north?
The immediate priority for the northern government will be to keep hold of as much of the oil revenue as it can, as most oilfields lie in the south.
Khartoum has some leverage, as most of the oil pipelines flow north to Port Sudan on the Red Sea.
In terms of ordinary people's lives, both sides have agreed to let all Sudanese - in particular the many southerners in Khartoum - choose which nationality to take.
But President Bashir's announcement that he will implement a stricter version of Sharia in the north if the south secedes may prompt even more southerners to leave the north.
Sudan Q&A with short term WBC missionary Jennifer Jones
1. What did your time in Sudan teach you about yourself?
Prior to going to Sudan, I had always had a great amount of anxiety when it came to even thinking about sharing the gospel. If someone asked about it, I was more than happy to discuss it, but I would never press for a decision, nor would I ever just strike up a conversation with a stranger about it. Even thinking about doing it in Sudan, where I would possibly never see these people again, made me really sick and stressed. But once I was there, I realized what I’d always known, that was fear and disobedience. I realized that this is life or death, and that if I truly loved these people then it was my responsibility to share God’s saving truth with them. I found a love and boldness in doing so. I know I’m still not as confident as I should be, but there’s definite growth and desire to do so, and for that I’m grateful.
God used Sudan to show me how reliant we, as Americans, are on things, comfort, and people; instead of relying on Him and Him alone. Not only did He show me this through the Sudanese, who have so very little, but through ourselves, as we lost our luggage and didn’t receive it until 2 days before it was time to come home. You realize in those situations how much you depend upon your “stuff” to get by instead of realizing that the Lord is ALL you need and He will provide for you in every situation. We tend to live our lives in complete excess, God convicted me of this while there and has since spurred me to begin cutting back and realizing what really matters in this world, Him and making Him known.
2. What did your time in Sudan teach you about the Sudanese people?
The Sudanese were some of the most gracious, loving and hospitable people I have ever met. Everywhere you go, people want to say hi. They consider it an amazing honor that you would come to them to share the truth with them, it was absolutely humbling. They spend so much of their life just working to survive, digging, working the fields, going for water, etc. and yet they still have the time to stop and love on you and talk to you and see why you are there. They make time for relationships. They are never too busy to talk and listen. They don’t get bored, they don’t need to be entertained, and they don’t need TV or Facebook. They are content to sit under the stars and talk and laugh and pray and just be. They taught me so much about just being, not needing to be running to the next task or event, but just sitting and soaking it in. I love them so dearly, I knew I would, I knew I did before I even got there, but I didn’t realize how much of my heart would be left with them. They are the kind of people that make you want to be a better person. They truly have a resilient spirit, especially the believers. The believers that are truly on fire for Him, they are fearless and obedient. They YEARN and COVET Bibles. They are so hard to come by that when they hold one, they have the most beautiful reverence and love for them, pray that more become available to them, but that they never lose that love for them!
Please be praying for the people. Not only are many of them still under persecution from the Northern government/people, but many are being taught false truths from some of the churches there. They are led to believe that they can’t be Christians because of certain sins or because they drink or were baptized by sprinkling instead of dunking. These are major hurdles for them, and keep some of them from ever coming to a true saving knowledge of Jesus and His grace. Many of the churches there preach such staunch legalism that the people are terrified of becoming Christians because if they backslide, it’s worse than if they were never saved. Pray that truth will continue to infiltrate, pray for safety, pray that revival spreads across that nation (not only the South, but the North as well) so that it can become a city on a hill for Him. The new Republic of South Sudan is poised to be just that. They are a brand new nation as of July 9, 2011 and are predominantly a Christian nation that has split off from a Muslim nation. They have a chance to shine for Christ in such a way that they can be used to change the religious and political landscape of an entire continent. How exciting!!!!
3. What did your time in Sudan teach you about God?
My time in Sudan taught me just how mighty, and how gentle, our Father is. While I was in Sudan, I was blessed to spend one afternoon with some Darfurians who had come to the Bible school on the e3 compound. These men and women were previously Muslims in IDP and refugee camps who came to know Christ and were brought to Kajo Keji to be discipled and to be kept safe while they prepared to return to Darfur to share the gospel and minister to their tribe members. The fact that they were alive, that while they knew they would probably be killed upon return and yet were excited to do so, that showed me just how mighty and sovereign the Lord is. He saved them. In the middle of an Islamic ruled nation, in an IDP camp where they were being horribly mistreated. He revealed Himself to them. He sent them a worker, Stephanie, who could minister to them and love them and somehow miraculously get them plugged into e3 where they could learn how to minister and share boldly with others. He is THAT big. He knows THAT much. And He cares THAT much. It was awe inspiring. You see Him everywhere there. In the beautiful lush green of the valleys, in the bends of the river, in the fact that people are alive despite horrible living conditions, in people being healed of sicknesses or years of alcoholism. He is everywhere, that’s always been something I know, but it is so much easier to see it tangibly in a place where there are less distractions.
Something else Sudan taught me about God, while His love is endless, His justice and wrath are just as endless. He does not accept sin, even though He loves sinners. He expects us to repent, and gives us the way to do it. You learn there, for a lack of better words, that God doesn’t play. I can’t put exact examples or even words on it. You just realize how short and fragile life is, and that there’s no time to waste, because once this life is over and your decision about Him has been made, there’s no changing your mind, there’s no going back, there’s no coming out of Hell. And yet, you learn just how kind and sweet He is, even in that justice. In one of the villages we worked in, a man came to know Jesus on the first day we were there. He was set to be baptized on that Sunday, he’d gone home and shared the gospel with his family and some of them came to Christ as well. He had expressed concern that he wanted his family to know Christ immediately in case something were to happen to him, he knew there was no time to waste. In the middle of the night, hours before he was to be baptized, he was struck by lightning and died. How sweet is it that God gave him urgency to know how important it was for him to come to Christ and to share that with him family. God is sovereign and mighty. I love it.
Ultimately, I guess you can say it taught me that God and His will are perfect and beautiful and so much bigger than you or me. Love you guys, thank you for your support and prayers that helped to make this trip possible for me!
Sudan Q&A with short term WBC missionary Jessica Page
1. What did your time in Sudan teach you about yourself?
My time in Sudan taught me so much about myself. I learned even more so the extent of my selfishness, how easy it is for me to want to run to comfort (my idol), whatever that may be, and how my faith can so easily lack. That sounds pretty negative at face value but in reality it's far more of a blessing because of what those things truly taught me about myself--how utterly and wholly dependent I have to be on God every single moment. My time in Sudan also taught me just how much I really do value relationships. I thrive on "living life" with people. No sidelines for me; throw me in the midst! I also came to realize that while I could say to anyone that I was content with Jesus and Jesus alone, those words at times may have been wishful thinking. God used my time in Sudan to teach me that at my core, in all circumstances, Jesus is enough. Goodness, He's more than enough! Oh, I learned too that I can live off of rice and beans for four months. Now, that is some very useful information!
2. What did your time in Sudan teach you about the Sudanese people?
Oh, what a privilege it was to learn about, live with, and love the South Sudanese people. Not to mention, be loved by them! The South Sudanese people are such a loving group of people. Their way of living and thinking is opposite of the Western way of living and thinking in that they are not always thinking about themselves. They are willing to serve their neighbor as themselves. And, they do so with such a great joy! It's simply a way of life for them. They are also so very resilient. After decades of brutal war, they still stand strong and don't give up the fight. Their new Independence as the Republic of South Sudan on July 9, 2011 is evidence of this! During my time in South Sudan I was able to watch and learn that the South Sudanese don't take things for granted, praising God when He gives and when He takes away. The South Sudanese people are simply beautiful.
3. What did your time in Sudan teach you about God?
My time in South Sudan taught me so much about my sweet Savior. It affirmed again and again what life can look like and what He will do when He has an obedient vessel readily available. He is faithful enough to do anything, and take me anywhere to simply have me to Himself--He loves me that much! He really will do whatever it takes to make Himself known. He is the ultimate pursuer and lover of my soul, so eagerly desiring to be in a relationship of oneness with me, as He is with the Father. My time in South Sudan taught me and confirmed that our mighty King is crying out to us and we so often overlook Him because unfortunately it is not really Him we are wanting to find.
Why do most southerners want their own country?
Sudan's borders - like those in the rest of Africa - were drawn up by colonial powers with little regard to cultural realities on the ground.
South Sudan is full of jungles and swamps, while the north is mostly desert.
Most northerners are Arabic-speaking Muslims, while the south is made up of numerous different ethnic groups who are mostly Christian or follow traditional religions.
With the government based in the north, many southerners said they were discriminated against, and north and south have fought each other for most of the country's history. Southerners were also angered at attempts to impose Islamic law on the whole country.
What happens next?
The world's newest country will come into being on 9 July 2011 - exactly six years after the peace deal which ended the most recent north-south war took effect.
Then the hard work really begins.
The two sides must decide on issues such as:
• Drawing up the new border
• How to divide Sudan's debts and oil wealth
• Whether the new country will have its own currency
• What rights southerners will have in the north - and vice versa
• How vigorously the border will be enforced.
Is South Sudan ready for independence?
To be brutally honest, no.
After years of warfare and being ignored by central government, the country-to-be, which is larger than Spain and Portugal combined, has hardly any roads and not nearly enough schools or health services for its population of roughly eight million.
The SPLM (Sudan People's Liberation Movement) former rebels who have been running the region since 2005 have at least gained some experience of governance.
They have lots of money from the south's oilfields but their critics say they have so far wasted much of it on the military and not done enough to raise living standards in one of the world's poorest regions.
Some also say the SPLM is dominated by members of South Sudan's largest ethnic group - the Dinkas - and accuse them of ignoring the demands of other communities, in particular the second largest - the Nuer.
The south's government has drawn up ambitious plans to develop its cities and has decided the winner of a competition to compose a new national anthem. The south's own flag is already on display across the region.
Is Khartoum going to accept the south's independence?
After the results of the referendum were announced, President Omar al-Bashir said Sudan would be the first country to recognise its new neighbour.
But since then there has been a lot of fighting in border regions, such as Abyei and South Kordofan, which even prompted fears that war could resume.
The two sides have now signed several peace deals but tension remains high.
The SPLM accuses Khartoum of funding at least seven separate rebellions in a bid to keep the new country weak and unstable - accusations it denies.
Although South Sudan is building close links with Uganda and Kenya, its relations with its northern neighbour will certainly be one of its more important diplomatic considerations for many years to come.
What will happen to the north?
The immediate priority for the northern government will be to keep hold of as much of the oil revenue as it can, as most oilfields lie in the south.
Khartoum has some leverage, as most of the oil pipelines flow north to Port Sudan on the Red Sea.
In terms of ordinary people's lives, both sides have agreed to let all Sudanese - in particular the many southerners in Khartoum - choose which nationality to take.
But President Bashir's announcement that he will implement a stricter version of Sharia in the north if the south secedes may prompt even more southerners to leave the north.
Sudan Q&A with short term WBC missionary Jennifer Jones
1. What did your time in Sudan teach you about yourself?
Prior to going to Sudan, I had always had a great amount of anxiety when it came to even thinking about sharing the gospel. If someone asked about it, I was more than happy to discuss it, but I would never press for a decision, nor would I ever just strike up a conversation with a stranger about it. Even thinking about doing it in Sudan, where I would possibly never see these people again, made me really sick and stressed. But once I was there, I realized what I’d always known, that was fear and disobedience. I realized that this is life or death, and that if I truly loved these people then it was my responsibility to share God’s saving truth with them. I found a love and boldness in doing so. I know I’m still not as confident as I should be, but there’s definite growth and desire to do so, and for that I’m grateful.
God used Sudan to show me how reliant we, as Americans, are on things, comfort, and people; instead of relying on Him and Him alone. Not only did He show me this through the Sudanese, who have so very little, but through ourselves, as we lost our luggage and didn’t receive it until 2 days before it was time to come home. You realize in those situations how much you depend upon your “stuff” to get by instead of realizing that the Lord is ALL you need and He will provide for you in every situation. We tend to live our lives in complete excess, God convicted me of this while there and has since spurred me to begin cutting back and realizing what really matters in this world, Him and making Him known.
2. What did your time in Sudan teach you about the Sudanese people?
The Sudanese were some of the most gracious, loving and hospitable people I have ever met. Everywhere you go, people want to say hi. They consider it an amazing honor that you would come to them to share the truth with them, it was absolutely humbling. They spend so much of their life just working to survive, digging, working the fields, going for water, etc. and yet they still have the time to stop and love on you and talk to you and see why you are there. They make time for relationships. They are never too busy to talk and listen. They don’t get bored, they don’t need to be entertained, and they don’t need TV or Facebook. They are content to sit under the stars and talk and laugh and pray and just be. They taught me so much about just being, not needing to be running to the next task or event, but just sitting and soaking it in. I love them so dearly, I knew I would, I knew I did before I even got there, but I didn’t realize how much of my heart would be left with them. They are the kind of people that make you want to be a better person. They truly have a resilient spirit, especially the believers. The believers that are truly on fire for Him, they are fearless and obedient. They YEARN and COVET Bibles. They are so hard to come by that when they hold one, they have the most beautiful reverence and love for them, pray that more become available to them, but that they never lose that love for them!
Please be praying for the people. Not only are many of them still under persecution from the Northern government/people, but many are being taught false truths from some of the churches there. They are led to believe that they can’t be Christians because of certain sins or because they drink or were baptized by sprinkling instead of dunking. These are major hurdles for them, and keep some of them from ever coming to a true saving knowledge of Jesus and His grace. Many of the churches there preach such staunch legalism that the people are terrified of becoming Christians because if they backslide, it’s worse than if they were never saved. Pray that truth will continue to infiltrate, pray for safety, pray that revival spreads across that nation (not only the South, but the North as well) so that it can become a city on a hill for Him. The new Republic of South Sudan is poised to be just that. They are a brand new nation as of July 9, 2011 and are predominantly a Christian nation that has split off from a Muslim nation. They have a chance to shine for Christ in such a way that they can be used to change the religious and political landscape of an entire continent. How exciting!!!!
3. What did your time in Sudan teach you about God?
My time in Sudan taught me just how mighty, and how gentle, our Father is. While I was in Sudan, I was blessed to spend one afternoon with some Darfurians who had come to the Bible school on the e3 compound. These men and women were previously Muslims in IDP and refugee camps who came to know Christ and were brought to Kajo Keji to be discipled and to be kept safe while they prepared to return to Darfur to share the gospel and minister to their tribe members. The fact that they were alive, that while they knew they would probably be killed upon return and yet were excited to do so, that showed me just how mighty and sovereign the Lord is. He saved them. In the middle of an Islamic ruled nation, in an IDP camp where they were being horribly mistreated. He revealed Himself to them. He sent them a worker, Stephanie, who could minister to them and love them and somehow miraculously get them plugged into e3 where they could learn how to minister and share boldly with others. He is THAT big. He knows THAT much. And He cares THAT much. It was awe inspiring. You see Him everywhere there. In the beautiful lush green of the valleys, in the bends of the river, in the fact that people are alive despite horrible living conditions, in people being healed of sicknesses or years of alcoholism. He is everywhere, that’s always been something I know, but it is so much easier to see it tangibly in a place where there are less distractions.
Something else Sudan taught me about God, while His love is endless, His justice and wrath are just as endless. He does not accept sin, even though He loves sinners. He expects us to repent, and gives us the way to do it. You learn there, for a lack of better words, that God doesn’t play. I can’t put exact examples or even words on it. You just realize how short and fragile life is, and that there’s no time to waste, because once this life is over and your decision about Him has been made, there’s no changing your mind, there’s no going back, there’s no coming out of Hell. And yet, you learn just how kind and sweet He is, even in that justice. In one of the villages we worked in, a man came to know Jesus on the first day we were there. He was set to be baptized on that Sunday, he’d gone home and shared the gospel with his family and some of them came to Christ as well. He had expressed concern that he wanted his family to know Christ immediately in case something were to happen to him, he knew there was no time to waste. In the middle of the night, hours before he was to be baptized, he was struck by lightning and died. How sweet is it that God gave him urgency to know how important it was for him to come to Christ and to share that with him family. God is sovereign and mighty. I love it.
Ultimately, I guess you can say it taught me that God and His will are perfect and beautiful and so much bigger than you or me. Love you guys, thank you for your support and prayers that helped to make this trip possible for me!
Sudan Q&A with short term WBC missionary Jessica Page
1. What did your time in Sudan teach you about yourself?
My time in Sudan taught me so much about myself. I learned even more so the extent of my selfishness, how easy it is for me to want to run to comfort (my idol), whatever that may be, and how my faith can so easily lack. That sounds pretty negative at face value but in reality it's far more of a blessing because of what those things truly taught me about myself--how utterly and wholly dependent I have to be on God every single moment. My time in Sudan also taught me just how much I really do value relationships. I thrive on "living life" with people. No sidelines for me; throw me in the midst! I also came to realize that while I could say to anyone that I was content with Jesus and Jesus alone, those words at times may have been wishful thinking. God used my time in Sudan to teach me that at my core, in all circumstances, Jesus is enough. Goodness, He's more than enough! Oh, I learned too that I can live off of rice and beans for four months. Now, that is some very useful information!
2. What did your time in Sudan teach you about the Sudanese people?
Oh, what a privilege it was to learn about, live with, and love the South Sudanese people. Not to mention, be loved by them! The South Sudanese people are such a loving group of people. Their way of living and thinking is opposite of the Western way of living and thinking in that they are not always thinking about themselves. They are willing to serve their neighbor as themselves. And, they do so with such a great joy! It's simply a way of life for them. They are also so very resilient. After decades of brutal war, they still stand strong and don't give up the fight. Their new Independence as the Republic of South Sudan on July 9, 2011 is evidence of this! During my time in South Sudan I was able to watch and learn that the South Sudanese don't take things for granted, praising God when He gives and when He takes away. The South Sudanese people are simply beautiful.
3. What did your time in Sudan teach you about God?
My time in South Sudan taught me so much about my sweet Savior. It affirmed again and again what life can look like and what He will do when He has an obedient vessel readily available. He is faithful enough to do anything, and take me anywhere to simply have me to Himself--He loves me that much! He really will do whatever it takes to make Himself known. He is the ultimate pursuer and lover of my soul, so eagerly desiring to be in a relationship of oneness with me, as He is with the Father. My time in South Sudan taught me and confirmed that our mighty King is crying out to us and we so often overlook Him because unfortunately it is not really Him we are wanting to find.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Freedom Stories
Story 1: Perception in Not Reality
Having the right perspective seems to change everything. It s real easy to be critical of others or situations based on what we think we know about people and certain situations. Just when we think we have it all figured out God, gives us a new nugget of information that changes everything. Suddenly, our perspective just got bigger and our attitude changes. We realize that perception is not reality and that we failed to be a light for Christ to that person or situation. The book of Philippians tells us to be a light for Christ in this messed up world. Philippians 2:14-15 says:
4 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Listen also to this story that illustrates these truths to us in a relevant way.
Luke Air Force Base is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were.. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated..
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m . , a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom..
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
What do we do when this happens to us? We realize that we are wrong and we seek forgiveness. We move on in the grace and freedom of Jesus Christ, and hopefully we learn from our mistake by living a life of freedom within the boundaries of Holy Scripture. After all the Bible has already told us that there is freedom in not complaining or grumbling.
Story 2: One Stone at a Time
Several months Jessica Page, a member of WBC, traveled to Sudan to carry Christ love to the people there. During her time there God taught her an important truth about freedom from 1 Corinthians 3:5-10 which states:
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.”
Listen now to how this passage has worked itself out in Jessica’s life. These are her words…
(Becka, include the one stone at a time image somewhere close to here in you layout.)
I took this picture the second or third week I was here. It’s a picture of the foundation of the building that will soon be finished showers and toilets that is right beside my room. I found myself completely intrigued by the process starting from the ground up. I walked out one evening to see what progress had been made that day and saw this and for some reason found it to be just beautiful.
Sitting here, over 3 months later, I know why. He wanted to make a very clear point to me, and has brought me back to this picture, and more importantly, the message of this picture time and time again during these past 4 months.
I am a big ‘ol boulder.
In a country that has the history such as South Sudan, there is much, much work to do…on so many levels. I’ve found myself day in and day out going about the work God prepared the way for so long ago. Many days I struggled with the tediousness of it. Others, I was absolutely blown away by the unexpectedness of it all. All of the days, I was being used as a boulder.
One stone at a time His Kingdom is being revealed. One stone at a time His Kingdom is growing. One stone at a time lies of Satan are being extinguished. One stone at a time the Holy Spirit is being welcomed.
To Him be all the glory, forever.
Can you believe it? Jennifer Jones, Ami Trull (Also from WBC), and the rest of the team are in route as I type this. It’s so surreal. I’ve got butterflies. This time tomorrow, Lord willing, I will have welcomed them to my home here. I am just so overwhelmed with just how sweet Jesus is to me. He didn’t have to allow me the privilege of coming here. He for SURE didn’t have to allow me the privilege and enormous blessing of having two of my closest friends joining me for the last week. I would consider Him no less good if Jenn and Ami weren’t coming, but it just goes to prove that He knows how to woo me. He loves me so!
It’s bitter sweet, for sure. Those are just words though. They can’t really explain what’s going on in this heart of mine. I have so many loves in so many places, with one physical body. This is life here, and makes me that much more excited to reach my real Home. Nothing will be bitter. Only the sweet.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Jessica’s words point us to the truth that we do not have to all of God’s work ourselves. It’s great to see the Word of God alive inside a member WBC on the other side of the world as she realized the freedom of being one part of God’s plan for the Sudan people. It’s also great to see that God is gracious enough to send other people to help her carry the burden of His work in Sudan as He builds His kingdom one stone at a time.
Story 3: God is Wild About You
On July 18-22 we will be hosting Vacation Bible School at WBC. VBS will be based on the truth of God found in Psalm 139. The teachings and events will unpack the truth that God loves us unconditionally and we do not have to work to receive his approval. Although all of us are sinners God sees us as His work of art. He desires for us to come to the place of freedom in Him. He sent His son, Jesus Christ to the earth to die for us so that our sins can be forgiven. Here is the layout for the week:
Day 1:
Bible Point: God made you.
Bible Story: God creates the world. (Genesis 1) NLT
Bible Verse: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!” (Psalm 139:14) NLT
Day 2:
Bible Point: God listens to you.
Bible Story: Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18:16-39) NLT
Bible Verse: “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.” (Psalm 139:4) NLT
Day 3:
Bible Point: God watches over you.
Bible Story: Jonah tries to escape from God. (Jonah 1-3) NLT
Bible Verse: "Even in darkness I cannot hide from you." (Psalm 139:12) NLT
Day 4:
Bible Point: God loves you, no matter what.
Bible Story: Jesus dies and comes back to life. (Luke 23:1–24:12) NLT
Bible Verse: “Lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:24) NLT
Day 5:
Bible Point: God gives good gifts.
Bible Story: God gives Hannah a baby. (1 Samuel 1:1–2:11) NLT
Bible Verse: “You place your hand of blessing on my head.” (Psalm 139:5) NLT
Having the right perspective seems to change everything. It s real easy to be critical of others or situations based on what we think we know about people and certain situations. Just when we think we have it all figured out God, gives us a new nugget of information that changes everything. Suddenly, our perspective just got bigger and our attitude changes. We realize that perception is not reality and that we failed to be a light for Christ to that person or situation. The book of Philippians tells us to be a light for Christ in this messed up world. Philippians 2:14-15 says:
4 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
Listen also to this story that illustrates these truths to us in a relevant way.
Luke Air Force Base is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were.. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:
Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?
Any response would be appreciated..
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m . , a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..
A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom..
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
What do we do when this happens to us? We realize that we are wrong and we seek forgiveness. We move on in the grace and freedom of Jesus Christ, and hopefully we learn from our mistake by living a life of freedom within the boundaries of Holy Scripture. After all the Bible has already told us that there is freedom in not complaining or grumbling.
Story 2: One Stone at a Time
Several months Jessica Page, a member of WBC, traveled to Sudan to carry Christ love to the people there. During her time there God taught her an important truth about freedom from 1 Corinthians 3:5-10 which states:
“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.”
Listen now to how this passage has worked itself out in Jessica’s life. These are her words…
(Becka, include the one stone at a time image somewhere close to here in you layout.)
I took this picture the second or third week I was here. It’s a picture of the foundation of the building that will soon be finished showers and toilets that is right beside my room. I found myself completely intrigued by the process starting from the ground up. I walked out one evening to see what progress had been made that day and saw this and for some reason found it to be just beautiful.
Sitting here, over 3 months later, I know why. He wanted to make a very clear point to me, and has brought me back to this picture, and more importantly, the message of this picture time and time again during these past 4 months.
I am a big ‘ol boulder.
In a country that has the history such as South Sudan, there is much, much work to do…on so many levels. I’ve found myself day in and day out going about the work God prepared the way for so long ago. Many days I struggled with the tediousness of it. Others, I was absolutely blown away by the unexpectedness of it all. All of the days, I was being used as a boulder.
One stone at a time His Kingdom is being revealed. One stone at a time His Kingdom is growing. One stone at a time lies of Satan are being extinguished. One stone at a time the Holy Spirit is being welcomed.
To Him be all the glory, forever.
Can you believe it? Jennifer Jones, Ami Trull (Also from WBC), and the rest of the team are in route as I type this. It’s so surreal. I’ve got butterflies. This time tomorrow, Lord willing, I will have welcomed them to my home here. I am just so overwhelmed with just how sweet Jesus is to me. He didn’t have to allow me the privilege of coming here. He for SURE didn’t have to allow me the privilege and enormous blessing of having two of my closest friends joining me for the last week. I would consider Him no less good if Jenn and Ami weren’t coming, but it just goes to prove that He knows how to woo me. He loves me so!
It’s bitter sweet, for sure. Those are just words though. They can’t really explain what’s going on in this heart of mine. I have so many loves in so many places, with one physical body. This is life here, and makes me that much more excited to reach my real Home. Nothing will be bitter. Only the sweet.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Jessica’s words point us to the truth that we do not have to all of God’s work ourselves. It’s great to see the Word of God alive inside a member WBC on the other side of the world as she realized the freedom of being one part of God’s plan for the Sudan people. It’s also great to see that God is gracious enough to send other people to help her carry the burden of His work in Sudan as He builds His kingdom one stone at a time.
Story 3: God is Wild About You
On July 18-22 we will be hosting Vacation Bible School at WBC. VBS will be based on the truth of God found in Psalm 139. The teachings and events will unpack the truth that God loves us unconditionally and we do not have to work to receive his approval. Although all of us are sinners God sees us as His work of art. He desires for us to come to the place of freedom in Him. He sent His son, Jesus Christ to the earth to die for us so that our sins can be forgiven. Here is the layout for the week:
Day 1:
Bible Point: God made you.
Bible Story: God creates the world. (Genesis 1) NLT
Bible Verse: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!” (Psalm 139:14) NLT
Day 2:
Bible Point: God listens to you.
Bible Story: Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18:16-39) NLT
Bible Verse: “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.” (Psalm 139:4) NLT
Day 3:
Bible Point: God watches over you.
Bible Story: Jonah tries to escape from God. (Jonah 1-3) NLT
Bible Verse: "Even in darkness I cannot hide from you." (Psalm 139:12) NLT
Day 4:
Bible Point: God loves you, no matter what.
Bible Story: Jesus dies and comes back to life. (Luke 23:1–24:12) NLT
Bible Verse: “Lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:24) NLT
Day 5:
Bible Point: God gives good gifts.
Bible Story: God gives Hannah a baby. (1 Samuel 1:1–2:11) NLT
Bible Verse: “You place your hand of blessing on my head.” (Psalm 139:5) NLT
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
WBC Servants Q&A
WBC Servant – Stephen Lile
1.Where do you serve here at WBC?
I am the Tech. Arts Dir. here at WBC
2.What do you do in your position of service?
I oversee a volunteer staff that operates the audio and video equipment for any type of event held at WBC. This includes the regular Sunday morning services as well as Weddings, Funerals or any occasion the Church gets rented out for. Not everybody knows this but it takes at least 6-7 people to run all of the equipment for a regular Sunday morning Service and we have a great group of volunteers to help accomplish this. And I really appreciate all of them and their service.
3.Why do you do it?
I do this because I really feel that The Lord has given me a gift and this is a way I get to give it back to him. And I feel that this is where he wants me.
4.Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
I believe that if there is a need within the Church body and your heart is being tugged at, than you need to listen and respond to that tug. All of us are different and our gifts are different but God knows you, your gifts
and talents and where to use you. You just have to listen and respond.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
I feel that as followers of Christ we already hold a position outside the Church. We are to be examples and a shining light to the unbelievers. That's what The Great Commission is all about. Mathew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I would just encourage people to Listen to that still small voice. Not everybody is called to work in the nursery or to run a sound board. But you might be called to fix a meal for a family or drive someone to the Dr.that cant drive. If anything, God has given each one of us a special gift and that is to share the Gospel and be a good example of his Love.Will you listen?
WBC Servant JW Tabor
1. Where do you serve here at WBC?
I am a volunteer youth leader.
2. What do you do in your position of service?
Whatever Jacob asks me to do.
3. Why do you do it?
I do it because I love young people. I want to see them grow stronger and more mature in their walks with Christ. I really feel like this is the place the Lord wants me to be. I get great joy from watching and helping young people grow and succeed both inside and outside the church.
4. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
I think that, as a church body, we should all be actively searching for our place inside the church that Christ is calling us to fill. I believe none of us are called to simply exist, there should be no appendix in the church body, everyone should be plugged in and active in helping the body grow and become stronger.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
I think, just as we are called to be active within the body of Christ to help in the growth of the body, we are also called to minister to a world that needs Christ. We are called to love those outside the church in the same way Christ did. I don’t see how that is possible without engaging in some kind of service outside the church.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I would encourage people to at least give it a try. I’m sure there are many people in our church who are not serving only because they have not tried to find the place the Lord wants them. Jump in somewhere and get plugged in, if it doesn’t work seek the Lord’s guidance and try a different area. We could always use more people in the youth room!!
WBC Servant Arlene Hahn
1.Where do you serve here at WBC?
Nursery, Women's ministry, AWANA, Worship, SS, VBS, Missions Committee, Meals/Funeral Meals as needed
2.What do you do in your position of service?
Nursery - manage resources - set up nursery each Sunday and make sure all supplies and toys are put away, restock snacks, wash cups and smocks; serve 2nd/5th Sundays and sub when needed.
Women's ministry - assist with leader training, teaching team, small group co-leader, Missions focus for women's Bible Studies - contact missionaries for prayer requests each month, coordinate and make birthday cards for Missionaries.
AWANA - teach council time to grades 3-6 each week
Worship - Design and Evaluation committee - participate in weekly meetings to evaluate recent services and help plan future services. Sewing as needed (banners, panel covers).
SS - assist my husband Lou with our SS class, send out weekly prayer requests, organize fellowships,
VBS - Make decorations since I'm usually out of town the week of VBS
Missions Committee - participate in monthly meetings, prepare Missions House for incoming families.
Meals/Funeral Meals as needed - prepare meals for families, assist in set up, serving and clean up for funeral meals.
3. Why do you do it?
God has done so much for me that I serve out of gratitude to Him. The Bible teaches that each believer is equipped and gifted to be a functioning/serving part of the local church - I don't want the church to suffer because I'm unwilling or unavailable to use my gifts as part of the local church. 2 Thes. 3:10 teaches that if you won't work you shouldn't eat - since I'm being spiritually fed here at WBC I need to be serving/working here. It's like I used to tell my children - "you live and eat here, you help here".
4. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
Definitely! If some of us aren't serving then our gifts are missing from the body...and the body of Christ will suffer in some way. Imagine a body missing some toes or fingers, a hand or foot...that's a church where some of the people aren't serving - if believers are not serving then the church can't function as well as God intended. All believers should be serving in a local church. If they aren't then that church is missing out or someone else is carrying their load.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
Yes...that's how we become salt and light to a dark world around us, it's how we become the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost and dying world. Jesus said that when we ministered to the "least of these" we were ministering to Him.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I'd suggest they get connected to a small group and/or SS class and start getting aquainted with their WBC family. Then find out where there are ministry needs (nursery has lots of openings currently!) and then plug in there. Check the bulletin/Ignite for upcoming programs and ministry opportunities and contact the individual in charge to see what they need or offer your skills/abilities that you think might be a good match.
Don't wait to be asked to help out or serve - see where there is a need that you can help meet and then get busy! Serving brings lots of blessings and opportunities to grow and learn - don't miss out because you feel inadequate or unneeded - we're all needed! To not get involved is a real shame - you'll miss out on the role God has prepared just you for! Eph. 2:10 tells us that God has created each of us to do good works...works He has prepared for us in advance. He has a plan for each of us to serve, wouldn't you hate to miss out on that. God saves us to serve...and there are plenty of places to serve. Imagine if everyone at WBC did one thing - all needs would be covered and each of us would have the benefit of being a good and faithful servant.
1.Where do you serve here at WBC?
I am the Tech. Arts Dir. here at WBC
2.What do you do in your position of service?
I oversee a volunteer staff that operates the audio and video equipment for any type of event held at WBC. This includes the regular Sunday morning services as well as Weddings, Funerals or any occasion the Church gets rented out for. Not everybody knows this but it takes at least 6-7 people to run all of the equipment for a regular Sunday morning Service and we have a great group of volunteers to help accomplish this. And I really appreciate all of them and their service.
3.Why do you do it?
I do this because I really feel that The Lord has given me a gift and this is a way I get to give it back to him. And I feel that this is where he wants me.
4.Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
I believe that if there is a need within the Church body and your heart is being tugged at, than you need to listen and respond to that tug. All of us are different and our gifts are different but God knows you, your gifts
and talents and where to use you. You just have to listen and respond.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
I feel that as followers of Christ we already hold a position outside the Church. We are to be examples and a shining light to the unbelievers. That's what The Great Commission is all about. Mathew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I would just encourage people to Listen to that still small voice. Not everybody is called to work in the nursery or to run a sound board. But you might be called to fix a meal for a family or drive someone to the Dr.that cant drive. If anything, God has given each one of us a special gift and that is to share the Gospel and be a good example of his Love.Will you listen?
WBC Servant JW Tabor
1. Where do you serve here at WBC?
I am a volunteer youth leader.
2. What do you do in your position of service?
Whatever Jacob asks me to do.
3. Why do you do it?
I do it because I love young people. I want to see them grow stronger and more mature in their walks with Christ. I really feel like this is the place the Lord wants me to be. I get great joy from watching and helping young people grow and succeed both inside and outside the church.
4. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
I think that, as a church body, we should all be actively searching for our place inside the church that Christ is calling us to fill. I believe none of us are called to simply exist, there should be no appendix in the church body, everyone should be plugged in and active in helping the body grow and become stronger.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
I think, just as we are called to be active within the body of Christ to help in the growth of the body, we are also called to minister to a world that needs Christ. We are called to love those outside the church in the same way Christ did. I don’t see how that is possible without engaging in some kind of service outside the church.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I would encourage people to at least give it a try. I’m sure there are many people in our church who are not serving only because they have not tried to find the place the Lord wants them. Jump in somewhere and get plugged in, if it doesn’t work seek the Lord’s guidance and try a different area. We could always use more people in the youth room!!
WBC Servant Arlene Hahn
1.Where do you serve here at WBC?
Nursery, Women's ministry, AWANA, Worship, SS, VBS, Missions Committee, Meals/Funeral Meals as needed
2.What do you do in your position of service?
Nursery - manage resources - set up nursery each Sunday and make sure all supplies and toys are put away, restock snacks, wash cups and smocks; serve 2nd/5th Sundays and sub when needed.
Women's ministry - assist with leader training, teaching team, small group co-leader, Missions focus for women's Bible Studies - contact missionaries for prayer requests each month, coordinate and make birthday cards for Missionaries.
AWANA - teach council time to grades 3-6 each week
Worship - Design and Evaluation committee - participate in weekly meetings to evaluate recent services and help plan future services. Sewing as needed (banners, panel covers).
SS - assist my husband Lou with our SS class, send out weekly prayer requests, organize fellowships,
VBS - Make decorations since I'm usually out of town the week of VBS
Missions Committee - participate in monthly meetings, prepare Missions House for incoming families.
Meals/Funeral Meals as needed - prepare meals for families, assist in set up, serving and clean up for funeral meals.
3. Why do you do it?
God has done so much for me that I serve out of gratitude to Him. The Bible teaches that each believer is equipped and gifted to be a functioning/serving part of the local church - I don't want the church to suffer because I'm unwilling or unavailable to use my gifts as part of the local church. 2 Thes. 3:10 teaches that if you won't work you shouldn't eat - since I'm being spiritually fed here at WBC I need to be serving/working here. It's like I used to tell my children - "you live and eat here, you help here".
4. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions inside the church?
Definitely! If some of us aren't serving then our gifts are missing from the body...and the body of Christ will suffer in some way. Imagine a body missing some toes or fingers, a hand or foot...that's a church where some of the people aren't serving - if believers are not serving then the church can't function as well as God intended. All believers should be serving in a local church. If they aren't then that church is missing out or someone else is carrying their load.
5. Do you think all followers of Christ should be involved in service positions outside the church?
Yes...that's how we become salt and light to a dark world around us, it's how we become the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost and dying world. Jesus said that when we ministered to the "least of these" we were ministering to Him.
6. How would you encourage people to get involved in serving God?
I'd suggest they get connected to a small group and/or SS class and start getting aquainted with their WBC family. Then find out where there are ministry needs (nursery has lots of openings currently!) and then plug in there. Check the bulletin/Ignite for upcoming programs and ministry opportunities and contact the individual in charge to see what they need or offer your skills/abilities that you think might be a good match.
Don't wait to be asked to help out or serve - see where there is a need that you can help meet and then get busy! Serving brings lots of blessings and opportunities to grow and learn - don't miss out because you feel inadequate or unneeded - we're all needed! To not get involved is a real shame - you'll miss out on the role God has prepared just you for! Eph. 2:10 tells us that God has created each of us to do good works...works He has prepared for us in advance. He has a plan for each of us to serve, wouldn't you hate to miss out on that. God saves us to serve...and there are plenty of places to serve. Imagine if everyone at WBC did one thing - all needs would be covered and each of us would have the benefit of being a good and faithful servant.
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