May I Be Relentless?

"...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8

Be edgy; be radical; be revolutionary; be cutting edge....

Ummm....strike that; enough with the agitating, anarchist language.  While I like the word "relentless", I would simply pray this,  

"Lord, make me a man after Your own heart; an ambassador for Christ, a witness of the glories of Jesus."  

If people think I am radical, so be it.  If people call me revolutionary, so be it.  If I be deemed as edgy, oh well.  But that is not what I want to be.  That is not my goal.  Rather, I want to be a true, biblical Christian.  Yes, that should be my "normal" - a true and biblical Christian; telling others of the wonders of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

Oh yes, grant me just one extra word please?!  May I be a true, biblical and relentless Christian to the glory of God!

How to Serve the Church on Any Given Sunday (and beyond)

I have been on a "the church"; "the Body of Christ" kick recently (ok, for several years now), believing that the evangelical community (that would be us) has handicapped themselves by neglecting the very entity that Jesus Himself loved enough to give His life for (Ephesians 5:25-27).   

How much then ought we to love the church and find any and every possible way in which to participate with Christ in loving the church?

Michael McKinley, of IX Marks (http://www.9marks.org/) included in his blog the insights of Colin Marshall, who in turned had shared ways that ordinary church members can serve the church on Sunday mornings. 

Would you prayerfully consider doing ALL of these things more and more for the exaltation of Christ, the glory of God and the building up of the church?

Before the Service

• Read the passage in advance
• Pray for the gathering
• Greet newcomers (act like you are the host)
• Think strategically about who you should sit with
• Arrive Early

During the Service

• Sing with gusto (even if you can’t sing)
• Help with logistics (if there’s a problem, help fix it)
• Don’t be distracted
• Listen carefully
• Be aware of your facial expressions (you may affect others and discourage preachers)

After the Service

• Connect newcomers with others
• Get newcomers information
• Start a conversation about the sermon
• Ask someone how they became a Christian
• Stay late

Dan Walker: Standing Up For The Lord’s Day

Dan Walker is a sports broadcaster for the BBC. In this article from DayOne, Dan explains how God has made it possible for him to work as a sports journalist without having to compromise on keeping the Lord’s Day and the opportunities this has given him to explain the importance of Sunday to his colleagues, potential employers, and sports stars like David Beckham.

Many people—even Christians—have asked me why I feel so strongly about the Lord’s Day. For me it seems quite obvious. God, our creator, has given it to us for our own good. Some will argue that Jesus Christ’s coming means we are no longer obligated to keep it special but that is a viewpoint I fundamentally disagree with.

There are still ten commandments and it is more important than ever before to guard the fourth one jealously. I think it is also essential to stress the importance of being part of a ‘local’ church. The church, the corporate worship of God, and the preaching of the Word are three of the main things Satan aims to undermine in the lives of Christians. I know that I would suffer both spiritually and practically if I started working on Sunday. I don’t think our attitude to the Lord’s day is a ‘salvation’ issue but I do firmly believe that it is a sign of our spiritual temperature. What does it say about us if we would rather be on a football pitch than in the presence of God’s people hearing his Word?

Read it all here: http://www.lordsday.co.uk/Dan%20Walker.htm

The Most Broken Vow of All

I came across this challenging article and would ask you to read it.  It is by Carl Trueman and was published at Reformation21:

What is the most broken vow in the church?   The wedding vow?  Divorce rates among Christians are high, but rates of breach of this vow are probably higher still.   Ministerial vows to preach the gospel?  Conservatives in mainline denominations might point to those who are ministers and who deny key tenets of the faith from their pulpits week by week, though, ironically, such may not be in breach of vow if said vows do not explicitly bind them to uphold said tenets.   That’s the dilemma faced by many in mixed churches today.  Baptism vows, to raise children in the fear and nurture of the Lord?   Doubtless there is much delinquency here.  Perhaps it is this one.

No.  The most broken vow is almost certainly that by which church members submit to the authority and teaching of the elders in the church.   It is as solemn and serious as any other vow one might take — marriage, baptism, an oath in court — and yet what does it mean?  How many truly think about the implications?  How many truly act as if the vow really meant something?  The vows are voluntary, but once taken, they are serious and require focused commitment and a particular pattern of behavior.  Yet members feel free to speak as they wish to, and about, church leaders; they move from church to church as, so some say, the Spirit leads them; and they trample their vow to submit again and again.  When political parties enjoy more loyalty from their members, you have a serious problem; and don’t gun for sports stars caught cheating on their wives when your own view of vows is at best selective in how they are honored.

Read more

Open Letter of Thanks from Sue Bennett to Friends and Family

February 25, 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

First of all I would like to thank the Cloud of Unseen Witnesses from different parts of the earth, California to Texas to Colorado to Arizona to Kansas, friends, family and churches that couldn't come to the hospital but faithfully prayed for me. Those who have gone through it for themselves probably even felt for me. There were so many special phone calls that came offering prayer for me at just the right time for pain needs and even some “embarrassing needs” (you know who you are, i.e. Anita). Other encouragements, Daddy, Leslie, Warren, Logan, Peggy. Not to mention all the facebook thoughts and prayers that came.

“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrew 13:5), I've always thought of that as God's promise of Himself. He is quite enough and will always be enough, but Our Humble God extends His faithfulness through His people as well. What a joy to have so many visitors and gifts this week. My room was filled with flowers and balloons. Encouraging faces came (Bill & Anita, Bob, Imalee, Gary & Donna). The Evans brought Valentines (including a card, candy and small rosebush) and my dear Ms. Pat brought See's Candy which I am still enjoying one piece at a time. I see the “Happy Birthday” roses, but where is my Granddaughter Lee Anna who sent them?

Lana, your heartfelt tears let me know how deeply you feel about your ol' mom. It meant so much to me that you spent the time at the hospital and took so many days off work. You are a “priceless pearl” to me. Mike, thank you for your visits and letting me tell you what I've been wanting to say to you for so long and receiving it with the love with which it was intended. And yes, I did wake up in “the pain side” and found the blessings of loved ones. But where is your oldest daughter? Isn't Lee Anna coming to see me?

I really wanted that hamburger from Red Robin Ed. Thank you for getting it and “sneaking” it in. Also, thank you for warming up my cold hands with your warm ones and my weary spirit with your heartfelt prayer. Now when my hands are cold I think “where's Ed.” Also, you loaned me your bride and I am eternally grateful. Do you know where your niece, my Lee Anna is?

Melinda, how did you make your office send flowers that are still as beautiful today as the day you sent them? You have a way about you! Thank you for being at the hospital so much and taking time off from work. Tell your office I appreciate them, especially Steve for coming to visit. I hear you brought bagels and donuts for the long waits during surgery and ICU recovery! What a sweetheart! Have you seen your oldest sister anywhere? I'm sure Lee Anna must be here!

Monica, your sweet presence made me feel like everything was gonna be alright. Thanks for showing restraint and not beating up the nurse who wouldn't let you stay with a sleeping Memaw. Maybe you could tell Lee Anna I'm hoping to see her soon?

One of these days Luke, you will have a Birthday all to yourself that you don't have to spend with every Tom, Dick, Harry, Grandma in the hospital or just plain bad weather! I love you! I'm glad you enjoyed the time in the waiting room with Cousins. This was a very different “Cousins' Camp!” Speaking of cousins, where's your cousin Lee Anna?

How did you know Beth when to bring just what I wanted, a chocolate shake? And later, Liz Claiborne pajamas! Thanks for keeping Papaw busy and staying the night at the house before and after surgery. Certainly you have seen your cousin Lee?

I am tremendously thankful for those who took off from work and sacrificed their time. Those who sent flowers, came to see me with special gifts, made long journeys from another state (Will and Tammi) and for all the food glorious food that goes on and on (thanks David L. and Hope Family). There was even food for my horse (thank you Gary). Some people were there for me like they ALWAYS are, even when a scalpel isn't involved (Mardi). I'm certain Lee Anna would be here if she could be.

I am most especially thankful to my husband, who showed me the perfect way to walk through this ordeal. You have been a Christlike example and a competitive challenge to me. You have been by my side encouraging me. You have fixed meals, done laundry and taken care of my plants, bird and fish. You have spurred me on to “love and good deeds” as well as walking (and I walk with Loyd-y). Loyd, how did I ever breathe without you before?!! You take my breath away and then insist that I need to breathe and breathe deep! BTW, rumor has it Our Lee Anna is on her death bed or something!

Waiting room visitors supported family, Beau (you came even though you were sick and feeling bad, thanks), Bill, Anita, Josh, Tyler & Bonnie and others and they never even got to see me. I got to see one of our Bennett boys, Asa James, bright eyed and bushy tailed looking just like his parents. You are blessed Imalee. Some people came at special invitation and request! No name, just initials – DLS!

Who was that masked visitor that couldn't stand being apart from me. She is so loved and adored. Thank you Kevin for bringing your beautiful family to visit me. Though sick, the Kesters were not stopped from being helpful. What a joy to come home to a sparkling clean house. So there's my LAMB(O.K.), my Lee Anna. Thank you for your love and concern shown in innumerable ways. Even though fever kept you away from me Lee, I never questioned your love and concern. My sweet girl, I know you would give your right arm for me. And BTW, I love my Brahm's ice.

Meals keep coming and the visitors keep encouraging (Laessigs, Elane, JR, Nathan, Kendall Loyd). Some of you continue to be there for me by coming to stay with me while Loyd is on the bus (Laura, Beth, Mardi, Pat). What a blessing you have all been. Tears come to my eyes as I think of all of you whom I have loved so dearly and have now seen just how much you love me too.

Its impossible to cover everything, but let's just say, “God is good and so are His people.” Thanks to all.

Your Sis in Christ,

L. Sue Bennett

- - - - - - -

P.S. This is Laura – Mom is dictating and I'm typing this for her. She wants me to write a note about myself, but its not necessary. I know she loves me and appreciates my efforts. I am merely pleased to be able serve My Lord by serving my parents. Love, blessings and gratitude to Our Lord and to His people!

P.S.S. Please visit the Hope Community Bible Church website: HopeCBC.org. You are all invited to visit the Church and worship with us!

Open Thank You Letter from Sue Bennett to the Cardiac Unit of Mercy Medical

February 25, 2012

To the Cardiac Unit of Mercy Medical,

You are the chosen of God, handpicked for a holy calling. I wanted to let you know how my experience with you works out into peoples lives in this, my year of reality. My husband went through CABG, in March of 2011 and now I have just gone through the same procedure in February 2012. He went through all the procedures quickly, with everything going just as it was designed to do, with your help of course. It was a great example to me on what I would need to do and how I would need to do it.

Dr. Cara, your special watch over us caused great prevention. You have shown what can be done when a doctor does her job correctly. Your faith shines through. And who knew that you, as the Princess, had a Prince that you would recommend for our hearts' care.

Dr. Phil, it is the glory of God to conceal a matter (or a heart), but the glory of kings is to search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2). You have an irresistible bed-side manner. I will not forget how you asked the right questions to know what was really going on with my heart. What a joy to hear your “squeal” of delight when you made a special trip over to read the results of my x-rays and knew that my heart was merely in hibernation. It is great to know that we will spend eternity together in glory. Your patients are eternally grateful – Loyd W. Bennett and Loretta Sue Bennett (sometimes known as Marilyn).

Christina, you have such a sparkle in your eye. Every time you looked at me I knew you were saying, “I'm not finished with you yet and you are loved.”

Dr. Chavin, I'm praying that your true heart will be as sharp and as accurate as your scalpel was for both my husband and I. The Lord gave you confidence in your ability which gave me assurance and peace to endure my husband's procedure as well as my own. Genesis 49:24 says, “But his bow remained in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob.” To God be the glory for your beautiful hands. Your team is as beautiful as you are. The family so appreciated Micheal’s regular updates during surgery, all held their breath waiting for his every report.

Special thanks to Brenda who prescribes the right medication at the right time to ease pain. You came to see me right after the fluid was drained from behind my lung. You explained all that had happened and why I was in pain. Then you eased my pain. Eternal blessings be yours.

The CICU nurses were very tender. My first nurse was full of mercy and a continual reminder to me that God was in control. My Angels of Mercy were so well balanced. As I came out of the anesthetic my precious nurse managed everything the best, even when she had to ask family to leave so I could rest. Freedom came next with the removing of the tubes. The nurses get an A in personality assessment, knowing just when and how to tell the right joke as I held tight to my pillow.

In Telemetry my nurses and CNAs were more fragrant and more beautiful than any of the many flowers I received. Each were a different and beautifully colored bloom. Their scheduling was in the perfect timing of the Savior's nail-scarred hands...we needed you all. Some were willing to go the extra mile, like chasing down my breakfast at lunchtime even to the point of being willing to scramble the eggs herself (thanks Candace). Even my Respiratory Therapists were a treat to me like an ice cream sundae. There's nothing better than Jamaican voices joyfully challenging me to take deep breaths. Another man in my life was Oscar – only he knows how many times in one day you can drive a patient to x-ray. Thanks for being speedy and fun. The cherry on top of all these treats was Kathy – the CNA who reminded me of my dear Aunt Geneiva (she has been gone many years now). What a precious gift of the Lord you were to me. You were there from the beginning and it caused me to know how much I am loved by my Heavenly Father, as you were handpicked just for me.

All the doctors, nurses, CNAs, technicians and volunteers were blessings to me making a difficult time more bearable. The Scripture says God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and you are the proof of that.

Your Grateful and Thankful Patient,

Loretta Sue Bennett

P.S. Please visit the Hope Community Bible Church website: HopeCBC.org. You are all invited to visit the Church and worship with us!

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, February 26, 2012

We believe that the grace of faith, by which the elect are enabled to believe so that their souls are saved, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts. Faith is ordinarily produced by the ministry of the Word. By this same ministry and by the administration of baptism and the Lord's supper, prayer, and other means appointed by God, faith is increased and strengthened. (14.1)

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, February 19, 2012

We believe that sanctification extends throughout the whole person, though it is never completed in this life. Some corruption remains in every part. From this arises a continual and irreconcilable war, with the desires of the flesh against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh.  We believe that in this war, the remaining corruption may greatly prevail for a time.Yet through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part overcomes. So the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. They pursue a heavenly life, in gospel obedience to all the commands that Christ as Head and King has given them in his Word. (13.2-3)

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, February 12, 2012

We believe that those who are united to Christ and effectually called and regenerated have a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the power of Christ's death and resurrection. They are also further sanctified, really and personally, through the same power, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them. The dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the various evil desires that arise from it are more and more weakened and put to death. At the same time, those called and regenerated are more and more enlivened and strengthened in all saving graces so that they practice true holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (13.1)

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, February 5, 2012

By way of reminder; this is the first Sunday of the month; therefore we will NOT be having our Fellowship Hour meal or our regular second hour service.  After our 9:30-11:00 am service we will have a brief break and then have our full hour Communion service from 11:115-12:15 pm. The men of the church are encouraged to come with a short 2-3 minute devotional, a prayer, or a song that the congregation may sing together all the the focus upon the work of Christ for our salvation.

Affirmation of Faith:

We believe that God has granted that all those who are justified would receive the grace of adoption, in and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ. By this they are counted among the children of God and enjoy the freedom and privileges of that relationship. They inherit his name, receive the spirit of adoption, have access to the throne of grace with boldness, and are enabled to cry “Abba, Father!” They are given compassion, protected, provided for, and chastened by him as a father. Yet they are never cast off but are sealed for the day of redemption and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation. (12.1)

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, January 29, 2012

We believe that God continues to forgive the sins of those who are justified. Even though they can never fall from a state of justification, they may fall under God's fatherly displeasure because of their sins. In that condition they will not usually have the light of his face restored to them until they humble themselves, confess their sins, plead for pardon, and renew their faith and repentance. In all these ways, the justification of believers under the Old Testament was exactly the same as the justification of believers under the New Testament. (11.5-6)

How Serious Are You?

Should you be a serious person? Let us be serious about making our Lord Jesus Christ known today! Be intentional and relentless in speaking to others about Jesus Christ and the Church for which He gave His blood that she might live for His glory!

Matthew 10:32 -"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven."

Worship Set and Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, January 22, 2012

Affirmation of Faith:

We believe that from all eternity God decreed to justify all the elect, and in the fullness of time Christ died for their sins and rose again for their justification. Nevertheless, they are not justified personally until the Holy Spirit actually applies Christ to them at the proper time. (11.4)

Worship Set:

 Opening Song - "Redeemed"

I Sing Your Power

Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross

My Savior's Love (I Stand Amazed in the Presence)

Indescribable

Closing Song - "I Sought the Lord"

"I Sought the Lord"

Text: Anonymous (1878)
Verse 3: Tyler VandenHeuvel (2002)
Music: Ed Godfrey (2002)

I sought the Lord and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him seeking me
It was not I that found O Savior true
No, I was found of Thee

Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold
I walked and sank not on the Storm-vexed sea
'Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold
As Thou, dear Lord, to me

It was my sin that bound me fast in pain
You broke the bonds of hell and set me free
'Twas on that day that life I found in Thee
As Thou forgavest me

I find, I walk, I love, but O the whole
Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee
For Thou wert long beforehand with my soul
Always, Thou lovedst me (3x)

This is a song I have really enjoyed learning and am hoping to get it worked up for either/and our Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services:

Come Children of the Risen King

Affirmation of Faith for Sunday, January 15, 2012

We believe that by his obedience and death, Christ fully paid the debt of all those who are justified. He endured in their place the penalty they deserved. By this sacrifice of himself in his bloodshed on the cross, he legitimately, really, and fully satisfied God's justice on their behalf. Yet their justification is based entirely on free grace, because he was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and satisfaction were accepted in their place. These things were done freely, not because of anything in them, so that both the exact justice and the rich grace of God would be glorified in the justification of sinners. (11.3)

An early morning thought and meditation based from Acts 4:32-37

Praying for the body of Hope CBC to become...

• all that God would have us be; to do all that God would have us do; to go everywhere God would have us go; 
 
• to be a people who are unified in purpose; a people who are of uncommon participation; and a people who are unashamed pacesetters - all the the glory of God and to the spiritual well-being of our homes, our neighborhoods, our communities; to our immediate region, to our country and to the world. 

May self, sin and Satan not find any supremacy over the heart and purpose of our Savior for His people. May we not be torn apart by the whims of this world and the wiles of the devil; but brought together by the grace of God to do something that is recognized as that which only God can do. Lord God, do Your work among and through Your people!

Affirmation of Faith for January 1, 2012

We believe that God freely justifies the persons whom He effectually calls. He does this, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins and by accounting them, and accepting them, as righteous. This He does for Christ's sake alone, and not for anything wrought in them or done by them.The righteousness which is imputed to them, that is, reckoned to their account, is neither their faith nor the act of believing nor any other obedience to the gospel which they have rendered, but Christ's obedience alone. Christ's one obedience is twofold-His active obedience rendered to the entire divine law, and His passive obedience rendered in His death. Those thus justified receive and rest by faith upon Christ's righteousness; and this faith they have, not of themselves, but as the gift of God. (11.1)

Affirmation of Faith for December 25, 2011

We believe that the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, is at once complete in Godhead and complete in manhood, truly God and truly man, consisting also of a reasonable soul and body; of one substance with the Father as regards His Godhead, and at the same time of one substance with us as regards His manhood; like us in all respects, yet apart from sin as regards His Godhead, begotten of the Father before the ages, but yet as regards His manhood begotten, for us men and for our salvation, born of Mary the Virgin, He Himself being the God-bearer; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation, indeed God in the flesh.

(based upon Council of Chalcedon - 451 A.D)

Affirmation of Faith for December 18, 2011

We believe God's effectual call is the outcome of His free and special grace alone. Until a man is given life, and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is dead in sins and trespasses, so is entirely passive in this work of salvation, a work that does not proceed from anything good foreseen in him, nor from any power or agency resident in him. The power that enables him to answer God's call and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it, is no less than that which effected the resurrection of Christ from the dead. (10.2)

Adapted from the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 rewritten modern English (click here for full confession)

Affirmation of Faith for December 11, 2011

We believe that at a time appointed by and acceptable to God, those whom God has predestinated to life are effectually called by His Word and Spirit out of the state of death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ. Their minds are given spiritual enlightenment and, as those who are being saved, they begin to understand the things of God. God takes away their heart of stone and gives them a heart of flesh. He renews their will, and by His almighty power He sets them to seek and follow that which is good, at the same time effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ. And to all these changes they come most freely, for they are made willing by divine grace. (10.1)

Adapted from the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 rewritten modern English (click here for full confession)