Easter Letter 2013

Easter Letter — 2013

Dear Church Family,

Dramatic presentations of the Bible are nothing new.  For centuries, actors have portrayed Bible stories, and now most recently, there is a ten hour television series on the History Channel, called The Bible. They do an admirable job, and I encourage you to watch it.  This Easter we will portray one event in the Bible as depicted in a famous painting.  At the front of our sanctuary is a copper tooled picture of Leonardo da Vinci’s mural, “Last Supper.”  This painting has appeared on everything from mirrors to mouse pads, to musical pillows.  If Leonardo were still around, he would be earning plenty on licensing fees alone.

This painting, while not an exact representation of the text is, at its heart, a story rooted in the truth of God rescuing humanity.  This truth, while controversial, is vital for our world. The Bible tells us that where there is no revelation of God, the people live as they please. (Proverbs 29:18)  Maybe you have noticed, as I have, that when left on our own, we do not make great life choices.  As with the producers of the TV series, I see a crisis of faith in our community and an opportunity for the church to impact a lost world!

This Easter season, as we remember and celebrate our redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are going to focus on the depth of meaning within the “Last Supper.”  It’s more than a famous painting.  It’s an inclusion by Jesus Christ of his followers in his imminent death and resurrection.

Christ in the Passover:  This meal that Jesus shared with his disciples was connected to an ancient commemoration of God’s rescue of his people from slavery.  Jesus places himself as the redeemer, and his followers as the redeemed.  We will celebrate “Christ in the  Passover” together on Monday evening, March 25, at 6:00 pm.  We will follow the ancient Seder traditions and see how they connect with freedom in Christ.  We will also enjoy a meal together as part of the evening.

Last Supper “Living Picture”:  On Good Friday, March 29, at 11:00 am, we will witness a presentation of da Vinci’s famous painting.  Thirteen characters will give their version of what is happening as Jesus prepares to die for the sins of the world.  Then, all of us will have the opportunity to share the bread and cup together in recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and in symbolic partnership of our death to sin and new life in him.

Easter Sunday Celebration:  Easter Sunday is always a great celebration of all that Jesus Christ brings into a hurting world.  He offers what our soul craves: a longing for intimacy; a longing for destiny; a longing for meaning.  Sunday morning is our time to grab that reality with both hands.  We will start with a really great breakfast at 9:00 am. Then we will meet for our Resurrection Celebration at 10:45.  This is a family of God gathering you don’t want to miss!

Plan to join us.  Stay close to Jesus!

Pastor Vernon Vickruck

The Back Page

Baptism:        Are you, or is someone you know, interested in being Baptised this June?  Talk to Pastor Vernon about classes that will start soon after Easter.

As we consider Christ’s total sacrifice for us, there are some matters in which we can be involved that enhance our ministry in the community.  As you consider your Easter Offering gift this year, here are some items to consider:

                       As part of our 250^th Anniversary Celebrations, we would really like to pay off the mortgage on our ministry facilities.  We only owe $100,000 and we believe we can do more effective ministry when we no longer need to make monthly payments.

                       Again this year we are hosting the “Kids to Camp” Ball Hockey Tournament — which sends community kids to Camp Wildwood.  As this is for kids outside our church, more donations help more kids learn about Jesus. (April 26-27)

                       Finally, all of the ministries in which we engage are made possible by our congregational partnership.  You are part of our outreach to the community by your volunteer hours, your prayers, and by your financial support.  As we studied this past year, we must live generous lives. We must learn to be open-handed Christians in a tight-fisted world.  Your giving to our general budget is vital for our influence in the community.

Prayerfully consider where God would have you give this year, not out of compulsion or guilt, but cheerfully, giving thanks to God who has provided for you.

 Calendar of Events

Christ in the Passover:        Monday, March 25, 6:00 pm.

Good Friday:                         Living Picture Theatre of the Last Supper, 11:00 am.

Easter Sunday:                     Breakfast at 9:00 am.

                                                Celebration at 10:45 am

How Do I Study a Bible Passage?

HOW TO STUDY A BIBLE PASSAGE

40 Days In The Word - Part 4      March 10, 2013

The key to Bible Study is asking good questions.

PHILIPPIANS 2:19-30

      

   I.          OBSERVATION: What does it say?

·  Paul intends to send two men to Philippi.

      “I hope to send you Timothy” vs.  19

      “I think it is necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you.”  vs.  25

·  Paul endorsed these men as role models.

            (Timothy) “I have no one else like him!”  vs.  20

             (Epaphroditus) “Welcome him...  HONOUR men like him.”  vs.  29

·  What does it mean to be like these men?  What are they like? 

                vs.  20-21 “takes a genuine interest”

                vs.  22 “has proved himself”

                vs.  25 “my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier”

                vs.  26 “longs for all of you and is distressed”

                vs. 27-30 “almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life”

II.        INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?

         vs.  21 “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.  For            everyone else looks out for his own interests…”

      (TEV) “genuinely cares for you … others only care about themselves”

            (Ph) “...they are all wrapped up in their own affairs...” 

      1.  A godly person is caring.                    

      vs.  22 “Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father, he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”    

             (GW) “...you know what kind of person Timothy proved to be.”

      2.  A godly person is consistent.

vs.  25 “I send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.”  (GN) “...he has worked and fought by my side”

      3.  A godly person is cooperative.

     

            vs.  26 “For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard     he was ill.” 

      4.  A godly person is considerate.

      vs.27+30 “Indeed he was ill, and almost died...he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you couldn’t give me.”

            5.  A godly person is courageous.

III.       CORRELATION:      What do other verses say?

      Timothy: 1 & 2 Timothy Epaphroditus Ph.  4:14-18

   IV.  APPLICATION: What does it mean to me?

             S.P.A.C.E.P.E.T.S.  Personal Practical Possible Provable

How do I see what God wants me to see?

SEEING WHAT GOD WANTS ME TO SEE

40 Days In The Word – Part 3     March 3, 2013

      ILLUMINATION: Letting the Holy Spirit show me the meaning of God’s Word and how it applies to my life

“The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”       John 14:26

“He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.”  John 14:17 (NLT)

      “…the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.”  John 16:15

      “I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God.”   Eph. 1:17 (CEV)

      “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened         in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”  Eph. 1:18-19

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOD OPENS MY EYES?

1.   I see the solutions to my problems.

“Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.”  Genesis 21:19

2.   I see the barrier to my progress.

“Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.”  Numbers 22:31

3.   I see the defense for what’s attacking me.

      “Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha!” 

      2 Kings 6:17

4.   I see how God is walking with me.

“Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”  Luke 24:31

PREPARING TO SEE WHAT GOD WANTS ME TO SEE

1.   I must begin a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  1 Cor. 2:14

      Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born          again."       John 3:3

  

2.   I must ask God in faith to open my eyes.

      “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your Law!”   Psalm 119:18

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt.”

James 1:5-6

      "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  Matt. 7:7

“I WILL instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I WILL counsel you and watch over you.”  Psalm 32:8 

3.   I must come with a humble attitude.

      “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”        Psalm 25:9 

      “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”           Prov. 3:5-6

4.   I must cleanse my heart of sin and conflict.

      “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matt. 5:8

      “Whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.”    1 John 2:11

5.   I must commit in advance to do what God says.

       “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.  Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and             obey it with all my heart.”  Psalm 119:33-34

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO what it says!”           James 1:22

How Does the Bible Change Us?

HOW THE BIBLE CHANGES US  40 Days In The Word – Part 2

February 24, 2013
Listen online at: https://www.facebook.com/middlesackvillebaptistchurch

      Jesus: “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are   life!” John 6:63 (NIV)

      “The Word of God is LIVING and ACTIVE.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

HOW DOES GOD’S WORD CHANGE ME?

1.   It Recreates My Life

“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth…” James 1:18 (NIV)

      “You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)

     

2.   It Eradicates My Guilt

“…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word.” Ephesians  5:25-26 (NIV)

      “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” John 15:3 (NIV)

3.   It Activates My Faith

“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV)

4.   It Stimulates My Growth

“I commit you to God and to the Word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:32 (NIV)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

5.   It Illuminates My Mind

“Understanding your Word brings light to the minds of ordinary people.” 

Psalm 119:130 (CEV)

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

6.   It Elevates My Mood

“Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  Rom. 15:4 (NIV)

“You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.”  Psalm 119:114 (MSG)

7.   It Liberates My Potential

“If you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!”  John 8:31-32 (NAS)

HOW DO I GAIN THESE BENEFITS?

      1.   I Must Learn It

      Jesus: “Your trouble is that you don't know the Scriptures...”  Mark 12:24 (LB)

      2.   I Must Accept It

      “When you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe.”

      1 Thes. 2:13 (NIV)

      3.   I Must Act On It

            “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”       John 13:17 (NIV)

Can I Trust the Bible?

WHY CAN I TRUST THE BIBLE?

40 Days In The Word – Part 1

February 17.2013

Listen to Sermon at https://www.facebook.com/middlesackvillebaptistchurch

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (NIV)

“All of your commands can be trusted.”  Ps.119:86 (NCV) 

I CAN TRUST THE BIBLE BECAUSE…

1.   It Is Historically Reliable

      “The Word of the Lord is right and true.”   Ps. 33:4 (NIV)    

2.   It Is Scientifically Reliable

“Every word of God is flawless.”   Prov. 30:5 (NIV) 

“The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay and purified seven times!”  Psalm 12:6 (NIV) 

3.   It Is Prophetically Reliable

      “No prophecy ever originated from humans. Instead, it was given by the Holy Spirit as humans spoke under God's direction.” 2 Peter 1:21 (GW) 

      “But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures."                   Matt. 26:56 (NLT) 

      “The angel said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true.     The Lord … sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.’”      Rev. 22:6 (NIV) 

4.   It Is Thematically Unified

      “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in ALL the Scriptures concerning himself.”  Luke 24:27 (NIV) 

      “You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!”  John 5:39 (NLT) 

5.   It Is Confirmed by Jesus

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished!”

Matt. 5:18 (NIV) 

6.   It Has Survived All Attacks

      “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matt. 24:35 (NIV)  

      “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.”                                   1 Peter 1:24-25 (NIV) 

7.   It Has Transforming Power

      Jesus said, “If you continue in my Word, then you are my disciples indeed; And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free!”  John 8:31-32 (KJV)

THE BIG QUESTION:

WHAT WILL BE THE AUTHORITY FOR MY LIFE?

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good,

pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

     

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly!”  Col. 3:16 (NIV)

40 Days in the Word Primer

Sunday, February 10, marks the beginning of a spiritual journey which will build up all of us as disciples of Jesus Christ. This post is designed to let you know how this spiritual growth campaign works. This information is meant to give you an overview of your plan of action during 40 Days in the Word. I trust this information is clear and useful. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself.

11.       SUNDAY WORSHIP:  Each week we will examine why and how the Bible is authoritative in our lives. The audio and outline for these messages will also be available online each week at www.facebook.com/middlesackvillebaptistchurch .

22.       MEMORIZE:  Each week there is a short Scripture verse to memorize. These are all listed on the bookmark, and will also be listed on the sermon notes page each week. These are verses you can recall during the day to remind you of God’s promises.

33.       DEVOTIONAL:  There is an audio devotional for each day to help you digest God’s truth in new ways. You can listen online or download them at www.40ditw.com or you can obtain them on a CD each week at church.

44.       SMALL GROUPS:  You are strongly encouraged to join a home group for this six week spiritual campaign. Only within these groups will you be able to maximize your growth using the materials. Also, each group provides an avenue for connection and service together. As a group you will learn Bible study methods and work on a “Micah 6:8 Assignment.”

55.       STUDY METHOD:  In the Small Groups you will learn how to meditate on a passage of Scripture until the Holy Spirit shows you how to apply it. These methods of Bible meditation will be employed each day of the week as you use the suggested verse of the day. There are pages in the workbook for your reflections.

66.       READING:  Each week you will be asked to read a larger portion of Scripture. The daily study verse will be drawn from these portions. The passage for the week is displayed at www.40ditw.com and will also be listed on the sermon notes page. The selections will be Philippians, Mark, James and Psalm 1.

40 Days in the Word "Kickoff"

BUILDING MY LIFE ON THE BIBLE               40 Days In The Word Kickoff

Vernon Vickruck                                                      February 3, 2013

Listen to the sermon online at https://www.facebook.com/middlesackvillebaptistchurch  

HOW DO I BUILD MY LIFE ON THE BIBLE?         JAMES 1:19-25

1.   I HEAR IT WITH MY EARS

      “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.”  Romans 10:17 (NIV)

“Everyone should be QUICK TO LISTEN, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly ACCEPT THE WORD planted in you, which can save you.”  James 1:19-21 (NIV)

For “Good Reception” I need to be …

h QUIET

 “Be quick to listen and slow to speak …”

h CALM

 “and slow to become angry …”

h CLEAN

 “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent”                                     

h HUMBLE

 “humbly accept the Word planted in you which can save you.”

 2.  I READ IT WITH MY EYES

“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like!  But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”  James 1:22-25 (NIV)

                  Get a Bible Reading Plan

3.  I STUDY IT WITH MY HANDS AND MY MOUTH

       Bible “STUDY” requires

                  - writing down what I learn

                  - talking about what I learn

“You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life.  And the Scriptures point to me!”  John 5:39 (NLT)

“The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message.  They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth.”  Acts 17:11 (NLT)

4.  I MEMORIZE WITH MY MIND

      “The man who looks intently into the perfect law … and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard but doing it, he will be blessed in what he does.”

      James 1:25 (NIV)

       The Bible term for remembering & reviewing God’s Word is “MEDITATION”

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.”       Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

5.  I RESPOND TO IT WITH MY ACTIONS

“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.  DO what it says!” 

James 1:22 (NIV)

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  BUT everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”  Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

Adapted from www.saddlebackresources.com