Connectivity

The Primacy of Prayer for God’s People

2012-01-01T08:43:00.000-06:00

by Pastor Dave

Hopefully soon you’ll notice prayer cards with photos of pastors from the persecuted church in Orissa who I personally met while in India. Many of them carry physical scars from beatings they incurred from evil men. All of them carry emotional scars from seeing their homes and churches burned, and hundreds of believers murdered when mobs of militant Hindus ravaged over 400 Christian villages in Fall 2008.

Some of the 33 pastors have returned to their villages to attempt rebuilding. Most of them, however, remain in hiding, knowing their lives are still in danger. Another pastor was poisoned to death in that city just weeks before I arrived on November 9. Though we felt safe in the hotel, we were told not to open our doors if anyone knocked during the night. One of our teammates was awakened by pounding on his door in the middle of the night and, disregarding it, remained safe.

As I met with these men at a Pastor’s Conference, I told them that their pictures would be used to encourage folks to pray for them. You probably heard my ministry report on Sunday morning, Dec. 11. (If you missed the sermon, you can listen on our Sermons Page.)

The real work, however, wasn’t in taking the pictures. It wasn’t in gaining the information of the pastor’s family or church name. It isn’t primarily in printing the prayer cards. The real work remains to be done. The real work is prayer.

The Apostle Paul recognized the primacy of prayer as well. This super apostle, this mighty missionary, realized that he could do nothing apart from the prayers of God’s people. Notice what he writes in some of his epistles:

"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel..." -Ephesians 6:18-19 (NASB)

"Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith." -2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 (NASB)

Now, notice the confidence Paul exhibited in such prayers of God’s people:

"And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many." -2 Corinthians 1:10b-11 (NASB)

E.M. Bounds wrote in "Prayer and Praying Men," "Paul solicits and pleads for the help of others. Their prayers are just now needed... To prayer there are the greatest hindrances and the most inveterate foes. Mighty evil forces surge around the closets of prayer... Hell must fear and stagger and under the mightiness of the prayer stroke. The strongest graces and the manliest efforts are requisite here. Enemies are to be faced and routed and fields are to be won. The most unflagging and invincible bravery and the highest qualities of Christian soldierhood are demanded for prayer. It is a trumpet call to prayer, a chieftain’s clarion note, sounded out for earnest, persistent prayer as the great spiritual conflict rages."

Would you join me in praying for these men? Obtain a prayer card and put it in a place where you’ll be reminded to pray for one of these faithful servants of the Lord. Pray they will remain faithful to the task before them. Pray for God’s provision, as they are struggling to make ends meet. Pray for God’s protection, as there remain evil men who want to hinder the work of God.

"Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things; Give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of kings. Rise up, O men of God! The Church for you doth wait; Her strength unequal to her task; Rise up and make her great!" -From "Rise Up, O Men of God" by William Merrill

Gift or Giver: Which Do You Desire?

2012-01-01T08:02:00.000-06:00

by Pastor Al

This morning I had the privilege of Christmas shopping with my 4-year-old daughter as her preschool hosted a Santa’s Workshop. (Please note: I don’t believe in Santa, nor do my kids. In fact, the daughter is ready to steer you straight if you ask her about "the jolly fat man in red," as my boys say. But back to the shopping...) Think room filled with garage sale items that didn’t sell so people donated them to the Workshop.

My daughter started picking out things she wanted to give her brothers, grandpas and grandmas, and mom and dad. Let’s just say there will be some surprises. On Christmas she will be so excited that she was able to pick out some gifts and pay for them with "her" money, and there will be a sweet exchange between my daughter and the recipient of her gift. The expectations of the gift actually satisfying said recipient are quite low, but the bigger thing is that a 4-year-old thought you would love this and bought it for you.

Here the focus is on the giver. And, unfortunately, we often miss something very big when we focus on a gift more than the giver of that gift.

Jesus told a story in Luke 15 about a man who had two sons. One wanted his inheritance before the father’s death, basically wishing him dead. The other son, who didn’t run off, is upset at the father for welcoming home that prodigal when the father never seemed to show special favor to him. What a mess. Both sons want the fathers things but demonstrate that neither really wants the father, though the younger son does eventually recognize his need for the father himself rather than just his stuff.

Along that line, I often cringe when I hear a public singing of "God Bless America." It’s almost as though we’re saying God needs to do us a favor or a solid and make our lives better. But what if God’s version of "bless" looks like man’s version of "curse?"

Hear me out. The typical American views "blessing" as synonymous with material goods, money and happiness. But what if God blesses you with cancer? Or relationship problems? Or rebellious kids? What if he uses such things to bless you with stronger relationships with others and greater trust in Him

We are off focus when we think that God blesses us only with material things, or that he wants us to be "happy" in this life as the end-all.

This understanding falls apart especially in nations where faithful men and women struggle to live each day. Many believers live under the shadow of oppressive governments and persecution of radical religions. Yet the common thread with these people is a love of God that grows while their worship greatly increases.

So, is it the gift that we desire, or the Giver?

"And he said to him (the elder brother), ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.’" -Luke 15:31 (ESV)

What are you waiting for...

Virtuous or Real?

2012-01-01T08:01:00.000-06:00

by Alfred, Elder

I recently read this quote from Brennan Manning’s book "Ruthless Trust," "The great weakness in the North American church at large, and certainly in my life, is our refusal to accept our brokenness. We hide it, evade it, gloss over it. We grab for the cosmetic kit and put on our virtuous face to make ourselves admirable to the public. Thus, we present to others a self that is spiritually together, superficially happy, and lacquered with a sense of self-depricating humor that passes for humility. The irony is that while I do not want anyone to know that I am judgmental, lazy, vulnerable, screwed up, and afraid, for fear of losing face, the face that I fear losing is the mask of the impostor, not my own."

I have to admit that I, too, do not want anyone to know that I am "judgmental, lazy, vulnerable, screwed up and afraid." I am guessing that my "virtuous face" has fooled at least some of the flock here at Chatham. Being a preacher’s kid who was born on a Sunday and in church the next Sunday, I have had a lot of practice in wearing my virtuous face. Yet the truth is I am simply a "sinner saved by grace." I am not sure if I will ever be able to leave the mask behind. However, God is at work in my life, and so there has been some improvement.

Last Sunday a church friend asked me how I was doing, and instead of saying, "Okay," or, "Great," like I normally would, I told him the truth; that I had learned of three sad circumstances from people very close to me the day before. His concern was immediate, however he had other obligations so I told him we would talk soon. I am confident that we will get together, and I will share with him what is really going on in my life.

That Sunday morning several others also asked me a similar question, and I’m sure I said, "Okay," or "Great," or etc. Being willing to really be real with people usually requires a relationship over time. My friend has built a relationship with me over the years, and I feel free to share my burdens with him. However, there are many other friends that I admit I do not feel free to burden.

I want to take this opportunity to mention that if you have not developed relationships with people in our church, please join a Life Community. I know from personal experience that it is easy to build strong relationships in smaller groups and almost impossible to do if you only attend on Sunday mornings.

The fact is that Jesus came on strong with people who put on the appearance of righteousness. He says in Matthew 22:27, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean."

A "virtuous face" that covers up being "judgmental, lazy, vulnerable, screwed up and afraid," and a host of other sins, is just plain fake. The truth is we’re all a piece of work; broken and hopeless apart from God’s grace. Perhaps others of us have displayed a false "virtuous face" as well.

I John 1:8-10 says, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us."

And James 5:16 reads, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other... The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

Scripture encourages us to carry each other’s burdens. Confession and repentance and being open and real with one another can enhance our testimony to God’s grace. Everyone down deep can relate with sin, but some have never seen openness about our struggles with it. As God has graciously forgiven us, we can forgive one another, and pray for one another, and hopefully go and sin no more.

I Thessalonians 5:11 states, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

In the coming New Year, I hope that we will all become more real with each other.

Scripture quoted from New International Version.

Actively Seeking Deeper Fellowship

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

by David, Deacon of Mercy Ministry

About 3 years ago I was looking for a way to find deeper fellowship with other believers. I discussed this with Pastor Dave and he gave me some very sound counsel. He told me it is my responsibility to be more aggressive in searching out those relationships. Shortly after talking to Pastor Dave about my need, I received an invitation to a Gideons International recruitment meeting.

In 1899, two Christian businessmen met by God’s hand in a hotel in Wisconsin. The hotel was full, so they were asked if they would double up for the night. They discovered they were both Christians. They had devotions and prayed together. A few months later, these two men and one other had a vision to place Bibles in every hotel room in the U.S.

The Gideons are most known these days for placing Bibles in hotels. In my many travels over the years I rarely went into a hotel room where there was not a Gideon Bible in the nightstand. However, our efforts go far beyond this.

Fifty years ago, when I was growing up, some men came into the classroom in my middle school and gave New Testaments to each student. If I remember correctly, they even gave us a small bag of peanuts. I now know those men were Gideons.

Today we still attempt to give New Testaments to middle and high school students. We are no longer allowed to go on the school property for Bible distributions. Newer schools are on large campuses, and buses and cars pick up the students inside the school property, so we can’t be near those students. Therefore, we often have access only to students who walk home from such schools, which is just a small percentage. We, along with the Auxiliary, also place Bibles and New Testaments in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, police stations, fire houses and colleges.

Last year I went to an inner city high school distribution for their afternoon dismissal. A city sidewalk is between the school building and waiting buses. We four Gideons were allowed to stand only at the corners of the block, but the school filled the entire block with buses on three streets. Students came out of their way to see us at the corners and get a New Testament before getting on their buses. We gave them away as fast as we could get them out of the boxes.

The Gideons’ goal is to distribute God’s Word to as many people as possible so that men, women, boys and girls may come to know Christ. The Gideons currently have access to 190 of the 212 countries in the world. We have local camps (chapters) in 150 countries. We will distribute nearly 80 million Bibles and New Testaments around the world in 90 languages during 2011. Since 1908, about 1.6 billion copies have been distributed.

When I talk about giving out New Testaments in public places, people think that is a very difficult task. However, in many places we go nearly everyone takes one, and some will ask for another copy to give someone they know. We then pray that those who took the Scriptures will be prompted at some time in the near future to begin reading. The back flyleaf is a very simple Gospel presentation. Some of us tell the recipients, "Read the back page first!"

This is a very good way for me to further the Gospel. I find talking to people very difficult. However, during a distribution the process is usually very non-confrontational. I don’t really have to present the Gospel if it feels uncomfortable. Usually there isn’t time to present the Gospel directly as we present the Bibles. I can offer the free Scripture and tell them they can learn how to receive Christ in the back, and that there are some Scriptures listed in the front for when they need comfort in different situations.

As a report on my prayer request for the Scripture distribution in October, we distributed over 20,000 copies in St. Louis City. We still have a few places to visit that we didn’t have time for during the 3 day blitz. During a 5 day blitz in 2010, covering the entire metropolitan area on both sides of the river, we distributed 57,000 Scriptures.

So let me get back to the fellowship that I mentioned earlier. I attend a weekly prayer breakfast, a monthly dinner meeting and a Scripture distribution day about once a month. By being active, those relationships have developed. The men who attend the prayer breakfast are some of my dearest brothers in Christ. Several have been members for over 30 years. Prayer and a meal are great for deepening your fellowship and friendship with other believers.

If you also feel the need for closer fellowship with other brothers and sisters, don’t hold back waiting for them to seek you out. Ask for the Lord’s guidance and put yourself in a position to find them.

The Mystery & Vitality of Incarnation

2011-12-01T12:10:00.000-06:00

by Pastor Dave

Mystery. That which is mysterious defies rational explanation, or at least perfect understanding. God becoming man remains a mystery.

Christian philosopher Os Guinness writes, "The fact is that the greatest mystery of all, The Incarnation, comes at the very beginning and is the central reason why we believe in God. We cannot explain it: there is the beginning of the mystery of faith. But because of the evidence neither can we explain it away: there is the beginning of the rationality of faith." (From "The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations.")

The month of December provides us with a great season of celebrating The Incarnation. While walking through a K-Mart store last week, I worshiped as a Christ-honoring carol was broadcast through the speakers. Yes, our secularized culture is gaining ground around us, so we should rejoice when vestiges of Bible culture can still be apprehended.

Last month, while ministering in India to a number of my brother pastors who have lost everything, many of whom who have encountered beatings and all of whom have risked their lives for the Gospel, I heard the Spirit’s voice coming through my own one day when I said to them, "Brothers, I am here because Jesus sent me to you. He sent me to proclaim His words of healing, of encouragement, of endurance. You ask why I was willing to leave the comforts of America and to spend thousands of dollars and travel thousands of miles? As a messenger of His, I’m here to speak His Word to you."

The spoken, lived out Word that was preached and taught touched these brothers deeply. At the concluding service, many embraced me, some even clinging, hoping somehow that such physicality would communicate their love to me. And it did so, to my very spirit. You know, we could have simply written a letter, or sent an e-mail or CD of a sermon. But it took my presence, my physicality, my touchability to communicate deeply. One can say, in a secondary way, that my trip to India was incarnational.

That’s where the power of God’s mission begins and ends. He came, lived, suffered, died and rose again to secure our salvation. He sends us into a needy world to do the same, on behalf of His Gospel and His glory. Thankfully, God didn’t resort to simply writing the Gospel in tract form and dropping it from Heaven.

The wonder that we celebrate this season, and year round, is that God entered into our humanity... and our suffering. John opened up his first epistle with words of mystery, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us." (I John 1:1-2, ESV).

Jesus. Jesus, may we never lose the childlike wonder, the mystery of Your Incarnation.

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." -2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

What’s the Main Thing? The Gospel.

2011-12-01T12:05:00.000-06:00

by Pastor Al

Have you ever been distract… (Hang on, I need to take this call). Ok, what was I saying? Oh yeah. Distractions. They happen so frequently in our… (What did you think would happen if you threw that banana at your brother?) Sorry, sometimes the kids get a bit wild. Distractions are what I would really like to talk about this month in my article. "Article" is such a funny word. Who came up with such a word? Hang on, I’m Googling it right now… 13th century, Anglo-French. And if you’re ever on Jeopardy, you’re welcome!

So distractions happen a lot in our lives.

We are a busy people. Not just the Fuller family, but our culture in general. We tend to quickly fill time with all sorts of adventures, quasi-important to-do’s and many time-wasters. This month, throw in the stress of relative visits, cookie construction, tree trimming, egg-nogging and other festive merriment as we try to whip up the perfect Christmas season, and you have some pretty frazzled people.

I don’t know about you, but when I get distracted from the goal or task at hand I need to remind myself what is the main thing. The life of a believer in Christ can be quite distracting as well, as we remain busy within the ministries of the church. The ministries are not bad. Lack of focus on the main thing is bad.

So, what’s the main thing? Are you ready? It’s the Gospel. God created man to reveal God’s glory, though sin would smudge the image and cause separation between a Holy God and sinful man. Though totally undeserving, man would be rescued by God through Jesus Christ. His life, death, burial and resurrection would satisfy the payment for sin so that those who believe in the Son (Jesus) might have life, and not just any life, but abundant life.

That is our main thing. So simple. So complex. So amazing!

The Gospel is what should be at the blazing center of our lives. We need to understand that everything is secondary, or, better yet, that everything in life flows from it. The apostle Paul even tells us to eat and drink to the glory of God. There is joy in us when Christ is glorified, a joy that the world doesn’t know what to do with. It’s a joy that even endures horrible mall traffic, a joy that withstands a child’s holiday boredom, a joy that is solid amidst schedule chaos!

A natural outworking of the Gospel in our lives should be this joy. Remember, joy is so much deeper than "happiness." Happy comes and goes, but joy lasts even in times of struggle and trials.

Before I head off to the next distraction or business of life, I will leave you with this. Take time to read to these words, let them soak in, and remind yourself of the greatest rescue mission of all time as we celebrate the real reason this season:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." -John 3:16-17 (ESV)

The Love of Christ Controls Us

2011-12-01T12:04:00.000-06:00

by Tim, Elder

"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."
-2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (ESV)

If you were at Chatham’s Thanksgiving Dinner, you heard me express gratefulness to God in how He cared for my parents in allowing their home to sell. Theirs has been a 3 year journey in attempting to part with a home that hit the century mark this year. My parents are in their mid-seventies, and the demands of keeping the home place in shape—maintaining the four-stall garage that was home to my dad’s mechanic business throughout his life, plus maintaining the yard, the garden and the house—has been taking a toll on them. After many false hopes, the Lord brought a couple to look at their home this fall, and the flame of enthusiasm of these buyers could not be extinguished by any of the challenges that occurred as the couples progressed toward the closing date. My parents closed on the sale of their home at the end of October and closed on the purchase of a condominium that has promise to meet their needs not only now, but throughout their coming years.

God has provided wonderfully for my parents. If God had not provided in this manner for their needs, would He be any less gracious? Of course not! God is our Provider!

This is not the whole story regarding my folks, however. My dad has been struggling with Alzheimer’s disease for some number of years now, and the move to the new location has been most difficult for him. You see, my dad grew up in the house that he just sold and has lived in it for almost all of his adult life. That is roughly 75 years in the same location. Leaving his home has caused significant grieving, and my dad’s pain sometimes erupts into raw emotion. In the midst of these difficult times, it is my dad’s love for those close to him that allows him to bring the emotions under control and interact with those who love him.

As I reflect on my dad’s struggle, conflict is fresh in my mind, as our interaction is often characterized with some level of conflict in these days. James says in chapter four of his letter, "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel..." (James 4:1-2b, ESV). James confidently says that whoever quarrels is at fault—not which person is at fault, but that all who quarrel are at fault.

I’ve enjoyed the adult Sunday school class this fall called "Dialoguing About our Distinctives: Conversations About Dispensationalism, The Holy Spirit and The End Times." It has been very informative, both from an informational perspective and from the perspective of seeing how different views are important to different people. It is evident that potential for conflict exists as we consider the Scriptures and the doctrinal distinctives in our constitution.

It is the elders’ intent to hold fast to Scriptural truth as we continue to discuss changes to the distinctives. We do not know what the end result of our discussion will be, but we continue to trust that He will make that clear.

As my dad has allowed his love for his sons and his wife to hold his emotions in check, it is my prayer that we will continue to struggle together to understand God’s Word and allow His love to constrain us as we continue life in the body, collectively seeking Him and the Peace that only He can provide.

Enjoying Time With Your Church Family

2011-12-01T11:22:00.000-06:00

by Denny, Deacon of Fellowship

What a great time of the year! We are reminded to be thankful in Psalm 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" We are reminded of the greatest gift of all, salvation through our Savior, Jesus the Lord, in Luke 2:11, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Are you planning to spend time together with your family this Christmas season? I know our family truly enjoys the holidays because we get to be together and to worship the gift of our Savior. I am thankful for my family and my Chatham family.

It was so good to spend time with 11 families at Meramec State Park this fall. About 40 people joined us for a great weekend of hiking, caving, eating together and worshiping on Sunday in His great creation. Hopefully we can do this again next year.

Another time that Chatham came together was for our annual Chatham Thanksgiving Dinner. We had over 210 people who ate together and then gave thanks for how the Lord blessed us in the past year. I must thank all the people who worked to set up the dining area, to cook the turkeys and prepare the food, for the decorations and for planning the music and worship time. If I start naming everyone, I am sure to leave someone out. So I must just say a big "thank you" to all who participated. If you missed the dinner, you missed a blessed time with our local fellowship. Look for additional opportunities to meet with your brothers and sisters in Christ this Christmas season.

I want to express how much I am encouraged by the body of Christ that meets at Chatham Bible Church. I encourage you to get more involved, whether that is just coming to events or looking for ways to participate. I can’t think of any better way to get to know others at Chatham than to get involved with the different ministries, Life Communities or fellowship times that are planned.

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." -Acts 2:42 (ESV)

I am always open to suggestions for getting the body of Christ together. Please feel free to call or e-mail me with your ideas.

Thanks for letting me serve.

Adult Class Options - Winter 2011/12

2011-11-25T12:19:00.001-06:00

Sunday School Options, Winter 2011-12

December 4-February 26 • Classes begin at 9 a.m.

> "Knowing Scripture" by Dr. R.C. Sproul

Dr. R.C. Sproul "lays out the basic guidelines for correctly understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture, using time-tested principles from Scripture to show how to find the true meaning of its contents." This class is for both beginning and long-time Bible readers.

Chapters include: Why Study the Bible?, Private Interpretation, The Science of Interpretation, Literal Interpretation, Literary Forms, Reading the Bible Existentially, The Historical Narrative, The Explicit and Implicit, Parallelisms, Scripture and Culture and Principle Versus Custom.

> Radical Together

Do you believe Jesus is worth abandoning everything for? How does/should the Biblical Gospel affect the individual Christian?

In a world of urgent physical and spiritual need, Gospel-believing, God-exalting men and women don’t have time to waste their lives pursuing a "Christian spin" on the American dream. What happens when the believer abandons all this world/life has to offer? What if this was done together in a community of like-minded individuals (a.k.a. church)? What happens, or can happen, when we apply the revolutionary claims and commands of Christ to our community of faith? What would it look like to be a community enjoying God’s grace in the Church while seeking to demonstrate God’s glory to the world around us?

In this class we will address these questions as we read and discuss David Platt’s book "Radical," pour over the Scriptures and pray for one another and the body at Chatham.

> The Triune God: The Incomparable Christ

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. Without doubt, the mightiest thought the mind can entertain is the thought of God, and the weightiest word in any language is its word for God. That our idea of God correspond as nearly as possible to the true being of God is of immense importance to us. I believe there is scarcely an error in doctrine or a failure in applying Christian ethics that cannot be traced finally to imperfect and ignoble thoughts about God. It is my opinion that the Christian conception of God current in these years is so decadent as to be utterly beneath the dignity of the Most High God and actually to constitute for professed believers something amounting to a moral calamity."
-A.W. Tozer, "The Knowledge of the Holy"

Some of our elders will open up the Word of God over the next three quarters, leading a study on each member of the Godhead. Come, learn and worship.

Coming classes in this series:

• "The Mysterious Spirit," Spring, March 4-May 27

• "The Unfathomable Father," Summer, June 3-August 26

December 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-11-20T06:00:00.009-06:00

1. II Timothy 1:1-18

2. II Timothy 2:1-26

3. II Timothy 3:1-17

4. II Timothy 4:1-22

5. I John 1:1-10

6. I John 2:1-17

7. I John 2:18-29

8. I John 3:1-10

9. I John 3:11-24

10. I John 4:1-21

11. I John 5:1-21

12. II John 1-13; III John 1-15

13. Jude 1-25

14. Revelation 1:1-20

15. Revelation 2:1-29

16. Revelation 3:1-22

17. Revelation 4:1-5:14

18. Revelation 6:1-17

19. Revelation 7:1-17

20. Revelation 8:1-9:21

21. Revelation 10:1-11:19

22. Revelation 12:1-13:18

23. Revelation 14:1-16:21

24. Revelation 17:1-18:24

25. Revelation 19:1-21

26. Revelation 20:1-15

27. Revelation 21:1-8

28. Revelation 21:9-21

29. Revelation 21:22-22:5

30. Revelation 22:6-17

31. Revelation 22:18-21

Always a Reason to Give Thanks

2011-11-01T08:03:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Dave

Thanksgiving seems to be a favorite for every American. Whether it’s the food or the football, whether it’s family or just fun, everybody loves Thanksgiving. But it seems like many Americans have forgotten our nation’s first Thanksgiving. After the first year of life in America, after burying nearly half of their friends throughout that first year, they set aside 3 days to offer their praises to the God who led them to America.

H. U. Westermayer wrote, “The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.”

Someone else wisely stated:

• If you own a Bible, you are abundantly blessed. About one-third of the world’s population does not have access to one.

• If you have anyone on the planet, just one person that loves you and listens to you, count this a blessing.

• If you can freely attend a church meeting without fear, then you are more blessed than over one-third of the world.

• If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, all at the same time, you are rich in this world.

• If you have an earthly family that even halfway loves you and supports you, you are blessed beyond measure.

• If you attend a church with a church family that offers you one word of encouragement, you are blessed with some form of fellowship.

• If you have money in your wallet, or some spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the worlds’ wealthy.

• If you can go to bed each night knowing that God loves you, you are blessed beyond measure.

• If you can read this message, you are more blessed than about one-third of the world, who cannot read at all.

• If you have never had to endure the hardship and agony of battle, imprisonment or torture, you are blessed in indescribable measure.

• If you have a voice to sing His praises, a voice to witness God’s love and a voice to share the Gospel, you are blessed.

• If you can share a word of encouragement with someone else, and do it with His love in your heart, you are blessed because you have learned how to give.

• If you have the conviction to stand fast upon His Word and His promises, no matter what, you are blessed because you are learning patience, endurance and tenacity.

• If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because most people can, but many will not.
-Author Unknown

The words “thanksgiving,” “thankful” or “thanks” appear in the Bible about 150 times, so it should come as no surprise to us that God expects us to give Him thanks at all times, not just on one special day set aside.

Review this great passage with me, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.” (Ephesians 5:18-20, ESV)

On the other hand, we can always find something to grumble about. We are surrounded by discontented people. Are you one of them?

I’ve always loved the story about the old Puritan expositor and commentator, Matthew Henry. Once he was robbed of all the money he owned. Notice what he wrote in his diary, “Let me be thankful first, because I’ve never been robbed before; second, because although they took my money, they didn’t take my life; third, let me be thankful that though they took it all, it wasn’t much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.”

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

-I Thessalonians 5:16-18

The “Thanksgiving List” 2011

2011-11-01T08:02:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Al

Well it’s November already, and you know what that means. You get to read a few of my favorite things, like rain drops on roses and whiskers… (Sorry.)

Seriously, it’s time to drop the thankful bomb on my article. For those of you that are new to the scene, every November as we celebrate Thanksgiving I put together the things I’m thankful for in no real, particular order (with the exception of the first couple or so). So sit back and enjoy...

Salvation based on Christ and not me; the Gospel; a loving wife; my two sons; daddy’s girl; patience; community; crazy friends (you know who you are); lawn ornaments; encouragement; youth soccer (go Green Dragons and Red Dragons); morning drives with my daughter to preschool; backyard football (baseball, soccer and hockey); cell phone conversations with my daughter; family vacations; small groups; junior higher’s energy; Spotify; board games; the Apostle Paul’s church letters; accountability; Land of 1,000 Hills Coffee; the colors of Fall; senior highers; depth; clean houses; days of fun; Saturdays; camping; Winterfest; sponsors; the big white bus (Moby); Facebook (seriously, it is amazing to get in touch with high school and college friends); Apple Jacks; college students; summer interns; bad jokes; chili and cornbread; having friends over; Scripture; the life of my grandpa (miss you); free sample day; supportive parents; block parties; prayer meetings; Tim Keller; playing sports; family sing-a-longs; turkey dinners and the trimmings; quietness; drop in visits; people specifically praying for you; heartfelt greetings; honesty; tough questions; snow days; hugs; music; missionaries; youth baseball (go Tigers and Royals); language schools; amigos in Mexico (you know who you are); Kevin DeYoung; hiking; new things; preaching that challenges; forgiveness; love; guys that help me fix stuff (you definitely know who you are!); The Gospel Coalition; teachers; gardens; church staff; mountain biking; fresh cookies; service projects; junior campers; generosity; Fritz’s Frozen Yogurt; solid church elders; surprise parties; the funness, craziness and blessedness of being a dad; in-laws; sweatshirt weather; deep thoughts; fresh popcorn; brothers and sisters; inspiring stories; the church; the Church; Psalms; meeting up with old friends; road trips and you!

Thanks for taking the time to read. Now go off, grab a pen and some paper, or your computer, and start your list. Reflect, and, when you’re done, give God the glory that He rightly deserves. Spend some time praising the Lord for these things, people, places and most of all for salvation that is found in Christ alone!

Seeing Jesus in a Cynical World

2011-11-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

by Paul, Elder

Recently my daughter introduced me to a book called “A Praying Life” by Paul E. Miller. She and her husband have been going through this book in their small group and were greatly blessed by Miller’s insights. Most significant and convicting for me was what he had to say about cynicism.

Cynicism is, at its root, an unwillingness to trust. We become cynical over time because our hopes and expectations have been repeatedly dashed to pieces or because we have learned that behavior from someone else. It kills prayer simply because it is the opposite of childlike faith.

Now before the cynic rises up in us and starts smirking at this statement about “childlike faith,” let us remember that it was Jesus who said that we must “become as little children” to be able to function in the realm of faith. Faith is not naïve optimism, or expectation that it will all work out in the end.

The psalmist had it right when he said, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Unlike the cynic, he knew that reality was not grounded in his own experience. He had profound hope because he knew there was a solidness and sameness in God Himself. The cynic, on the other hand, will only give lip service to prayer, he has no real expectation or hope in God because his experience has told him that realness is found only in what he sees, and he sees through everything.

Miller quotes C. S. Lewis on this, “You cannot go on ‘explaining away forever;’ you will find that you have explained explanation itself away. You cannot go on ‘seeing through’ things forever. The whole point of seeing through something is to see something through it... If you see through everything, then everything is transparent, but a wholly transparent world is an invisible world. To see through all things is the same as not to see.” (Quoted from “The Abolition of Man.”)

Satan is a cynic. He “saw right through” God’s plan for Adam and Eve. Did God really say thus and so? Does He really have your best interests at heart or is He holding something back? It sounds monstrous when put in such plain light, but isn’t that where we are in our heart if we are cynical? Aren’t we saying, “I resent God for holding out on me.”? Experience tells me I’m getting a bad deal. After a few dozen heartbreaks and colossal disappointments, our naïve optimism is dashed to pieces, and we are convinced by our reason to stop hoping and expecting. We become wary and untrusting. This is the way of the world, not the way of faith. By “seeing” we have become blind to the truth.

What, then, is the answer? We must see Him. This requires a different faculty, the faculty of faith. We can see Jesus in our daily circumstances. In the mundane things of life is exactly where we must see Him or we won’t see Him at all.

Miller uses the example of Psalm 23. God has indeed led many of us into the valley of the shadow of death. Our optimism has dried up. We can’t see the way through. On every side we are surrounded with the “dead men’s bones” of those who have gone before. Very hopeless. Very depressing. The psalmist somehow sees differently, though. In this place he is able to enjoy a feast. The enemies aren’t gone, they’re just not eating. He has two constant companions, two sheepdogs at his heels herding him through. Their names are Goodness and Mercy. He sees them every day, even in the valley. He is on a path following a leader, One who had gone through this same valley before. The dogs are responding to the will of the Shepherd up ahead. There is purpose in his gait because he sees the unseen Shepherd. His confident assertion is, “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not be in want,” even here! I am satisfied, I am thankful, He is good and He is enough for me.

Cynicism is sin. It is unbelief and we need to aggressively repent of it. How? Do the deeds we did at first, return to the love of our espousals. Let us start looking for Jesus, acknowledge His presence in our gathering, in our brothers and sisters, in our circumstances, even in our trials.

He will lead us to the rock that is higher than ourselves… He will lead us to Himself.

Church Finance & God’s Kingdom

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

by Jim, Deacon of Finance

What a new experience for me this is in being responsible for the financial accountability of Chatham Bible Church. I have been learning the software program Chatham uses to track its finances called QuickBooks. I do have a few more reports to make to be caught up on the work involved in this ministry.

There is a large group of people involved in the various aspects of the financial responsibilities, which makes my job not as difficult. This includes Joe, previous Deacon of Finance who is teaching me about QuickBooks and other areas of importance in this ministry even though he is no longer deacon; Cliff and Ruth, who handle payroll and giving records; Scott, who writes checks for bills; Fred, who writes the checks to missionaries each month; and counters Phyllis, Donna, Sheila, Carol, David, Wade and Jerry. Thank you for your individual efforts!

All of these people being involved with the finances of Chatham remind me of the passage in Exodus 18, where Moses’ father-in-law visits him and sees how Moses was judging the people from morning until evening, and wearing himself and the people out in the process. Jethro suggested that he should select “able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain” and use them to distribute the work of judging Israel.

Joe recently suggested that I should move some of the checking account money to the savings account, as we are building a surplus. This is a good thing, considering the time we are at in the history of our nation, with a continuing recession. God has provided funds for us in the spread of the Gospel at home and abroad, for benevolence ministries and much more, even during the time we had a much larger staff when Randy and Brent were associate pastors at Chatham along with the long time staff of Pastor David and Pastor Al. God is worthy of our trust.

Much of what I have already written seems to suggest things about our church and our nation regarding financial accountability and the type of character men and women should possess in any government. I will refrain from speaking more on this, but I wish to point out a quality we each should possess, and more about the Lord we serve. Joshua 1:7-9 (verse 9 quoted) says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (NASB)

Psalm 2:8-9 says (God the Father says to the Son), “Ask of me and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, you shall shatter them like earthenware.” (NASB)

May the church of God be of good courage in advancing the kingdom of God.

November 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-10-20T06:00:00.005-05:00

1. Hebrews 8:1-13

2. Hebrews 9:1-10

3. Hebrews 9:11-28

4. Hebrews 10:1-18

5. Hebrews 10:19-39

6. Hebrews 11:1-19

7. Hebrews 11:20-40

8. Hebrews 12:1-17

9. Hebrews 12:18-29

10. Hebrews 13:1-25

11. Philemon 1-25

12. I Peter 1:1-12

13. I Peter 1:13-25

14. I Peter 2:1-10

15. I Peter 2:11-25

16. I Peter 3:1-22

17. I Peter 4:1-19

18. I Peter 5:1-14

19. II Peter 1:1-21

20. II Peter 2:1-22

21. II Peter 3:1-18

22. I Timothy 1:1-20

23. I Timothy 2:1-15

24. I Timothy 3:1-16

25. I Timothy 4:1-16

26. I Timothy 5:1-25

27. I Timothy 6:1-21

28. Titus 1:1-16

29. Titus 2:1-15

30. Titus 3:1-15

Training Leaders Around the Globe

2011-10-01T20:05:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Dave

Many fled for their lives, seeking refuge in other parts of Orissa. Seventy pastors and their families were displaced and are seeking to rebuild their lives, their homes and their churches.

A missionary with ACTION International became involved with this group of persecuted pastors, and sought to assist them in a variety of ways. Provision was sought for the widows and orphans, a pastor training center was established to provide encouragement and training for the brethren, and a few teams of pastors from the U.S. have spent time with the pastors to come alongside and minister to them, and to build them up in the Word.

In Burma, pastors and theological students have asked for help from ACTION International as well, in the hopes that other pastors from the States can come alongside and provide them with training materials, equipping and so on.

After months of prayer, and conferring with our elders, I’m pleased to announce that I’ll join a team of three other pastors travelling to India and Burma from November 1-18. This opportunity first came to my attention through one of our missionaries, Steve Read, who serves with ACTION in the Philippines, when he was at Chatham last summer. Steve, as you may know, has returned to the Philippines to train and mentor pastors there. According to ACTION, there are over 3 million pastors worldwide who are untrained or under-trained. With an estimate of over 80,000 people coming to know Christ around the world every day, the need for trained leadership is great. (See vimeo.com/1353904.)

One of the three pastors I will labor with, Walt Becker, had the privilege of ministering in Orissa last May. He wrote, "At the 3 day pastor’s conference, I taught on the attributes of God and had a communion service, which was attended by 60 pastors. There was much excitement and great gratitude because they had the opportunity to learn more about the Word of God... There are city churches and village churches. Together, the church membership is about 2,000 believers and growing! The village church pastors were committed to attending our conference. Even though Maoists had blocked the main roads to keep them from coming, they managed to travel an extra day so they could come. They are remarkable men of God who risk their lives every day for the Gospel’s sake. Many of them have personally survived the massacre in 2008, and have the wounds to show for it."

It is indeed humbling to have the privilege of meeting these co-laborers, and to share the Word of God with them. If you’d like to participate financially in this mission trip, you can mark "Pastor Mission Trip" on an offering envelope and include it with your regular giving. The budget has not yet been solidified, but an estimation of travel and in-country costs is $3,000.

Pastor Al will preach on two of the Sundays I’ll be gone, and my dear friend, Solomon Kendagor, from International Students will bring the Word on the third.

I’d like to leave you with this word from the Apostle Paul, "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3, ESV)It was just before dawn on September 30, 2008, when a mob of Hindu militants attacked a small Christian village in Orissa state, India. Over the next few months, they continued their attacks upon believers in nearby villages, and by early 2009 there had been 100 Christians murdered, 5,600 houses and churches burned to the ground and 50,000 people left homeless.

The Times They Are A-Changin’

2011-10-01T08:03:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Al

Change is sometimes a difficult thing to embrace. Whether it’s growing older or the various responsibilities of life, all of us pine at some point for the "good ol’ days." I think we sometimes gloss over the fact those days may not have been as good as we remember. Somewhere Bob Dylan sings that "the times they are a-chaaangin!’"

We all know that change is not necessarily bad, it can just be hard because of the unknowns. Change is inevitable, it will happen, and it is best faced by trusting God and remembering He is sovereign over eternity, which, by the way, includes your future.

So, bring on the changes, right? This year, as many of you are aware, I was asked to rejoin the Elder Council at Chatham Bible Church. After prayer and conversation with my wife, we decided it would be good for me to do. We also agreed with the elders that some part of my ministry should be shifted, allowing for others to get involved in Student Ministries at Chatham so I am able to take on the extra duties as an elder.

Junior high was identified as the ministry where I would be able to hand over the day-to-day responsibilities to someone else. Arriving there was not easy. This is something I have been heavily involved in since joining the Chatham staff in 1997. Initially I was conflicted. Of course, I am sure a good portion of that was my pride, since this has been part of my ministry for so long. Yet I was able to see that this could be a great thing for everyone.

So, starting in September, Matt Heironimus assumed the weekly leadership of junior high youth group. I will not be completely removed, as Matt and I plan to meet twice a month to discuss the group. I will still give oversight, but in more of a management way.

Please pray for this transition, and for Ben, Jan, Jenny and Matt as they continue to lead our junior
high students.

Of course, changes sometimes come in bunches, and this time that is the case. Over the past year we have seen an increase of high school guys come to Chatham. Many are looking for a place to fit in, and their worlds don’t offer them much. Quite a few of them have latched on to Chatham as their church home and all have heard the good news of Jesus. Maybe you have seen some of them, because when the doors of the church are open they’re here. One student told me he is accepted, even though he does not believe in the saving message of Christ. He went on to say that this church loves him.

As my responsibilities shift in junior high ministry, I see a need to purposefully mentor/disciple/evangelize these senior high guys. I do not know what this looks like yet, but stay tuned, because things they are a-changin.’ Please pray for me, and for the senior high youth sponsors, Christy, Sarah, Cherie, Kathy, Andrew and Andrea.

New Chatham Safety Plan

2011-10-01T08:02:00.000-05:00

by Steve, Elder

Earlier this year, we experienced a severe weather event during which an evening service was moved from the Worship Center to rooms 35 and 36 and the Learning Center hallways. This event highlighted the need for a plan to be in place for handling unusual situations.

We have been developing a Safety Plan for Chatham, which includes information and instructions for severe weather, emergencies (both medical and natural disaster), fire and threats. The implementation of this plan will take place over the next several months as we develop procedures and, in some cases, purchase equipment and supplies.

Just so you will know what is being addressed, here is a summary of the areas of concern and some of the procedures addressing them:

Medical:

• Basic First Aid - provide kits

• Trained Assistance - list of volunteers with medical training/experience

• Expert Assistance - list of volunteers who are RN/doctor

Threat:

• Prevention - control of access to facilities

• Investigation - list of volunteers, police

• Action - list of designated volunteers trained in detection and courses of action/911

Fire:

• Prevention - general education and training for all who use the facilities

• Action - list of volunteers/911

• Evacuation - implement an evacuation plan for the facilities. Includes training of volunteers and training for the congregation.

Disaster:

• Preparation - List of supplies, continuing aintenance of supplies

• Precaution - list of volunteers, some equipment (such as weather alert radios)

• Action - list of designated volunteers

We are also investigating communication methods and equipment to facilitate rapid responses to any emergency situation. An example of this would be someone gets suddenly ill in a Sunday school class. The teacher would be able to call a designated contact person, who would then respond (by calling local medical volunteers and 911 if necessary). This allows the teacher to maintain control of the class and obtain assistance without having to leave the room.

You will hear more about this as procedures are put into place. We plan to have some safety cards made listing basic procedures and contacts which will be available to everyone. We will even have some fire drill exercises so that everyone will know where exits are located, where assembly areas are located and how the children’s areas will be handled.

Of course, we ask for prayer for wisdom in developing and implementing these plans.

Halloween Outreach

2011-10-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

by sarah g., admin.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16

Sharing the Gospel on Halloween can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. The basic idea is to turn on your light and share the Gospel message along with your treats.

Want to go bigger? Here are some ideas:

• Dress up your goodies. Buy plastic bags, plain or decorated. Add a small toy or something fun. This can draw more attention to your treat and the message inside.

• Provide hot chocolate for your guests. Kids and adults love this. It can lead to time spent together and potential for deeper discussion.

• Set up a fire pit and roast marshmallows or make s’mores. Same effect as above.

• Have a box of Bibles to give away in case anyone is interested. You can order outreach priced Bibles at desiringgod.org.

• Buy or make separate, solid tracts to give specifically to adults.

• If you’re feeling generous give small New Testaments or full Bibles along with or instead of tracts.

• Do something big at your house to draw attention. Set up spotlights, games, fun scenes, whatever. People tend to remember these houses, and what you gave them.

• Use your skills, or those of a friend, and do magic tricks, balloon animals, music or something else fun.

• Invite the neighbors to your house for a “getting to know you” party early in the evening. Pass out fliers door to door that week to let them know.

• Invite friends to help out, especially if they have fewer children in their neighborhood. That way, you can double your efforts.

• Alternately, if you don’t have many children in your neighborhood, actively find someone who does and work with them.

• Pray, both before and after the evening, for the people you will meet and for a true love for your neighbors.

Whatever you do, don’t keep your doors closed! The world is coming to us. Let’s give them something “sweeter than honey.” (Psalm 119:103)

Sharing the Gospel on Halloween (or any time)

“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to (many).” -1 Corinthians 15:1-5a

The Gospel can be simple, as Paul shows above. It’s about Jesus, what He has done and is doing. Here Paul’s talking to believers, or those who claim to be. So don’t forget, the Gospel is for everyone all the time, not just a one-time event in which we think someone responds and we move on. It’s what our salvation is based on, and we need to remind ourselves and each other of that even daily.

In its simplest form, we might say:

We all sin, failing God’s perfect standard, and deserve to be separated from Him forever.

Jesus lived the perfect life we couldn’t, died for sinners like us and rose again, proving He is God.

God calls us to turn from sin, which focuses on us, and turn to Him, believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Through faith in Jesus alone we can have eternal life.

When sharing, we need to remember we aren’t doing the saving work, nor is the person saving himself with a response. God is Savior, and He knows who He has enabled to respond and when they will. We should encourage others to repent and believe Jesus, but we shouldn’t force anyone to "seal the deal" with an on-the-spot prayer. This can create confusion and/or false assurance, especially if we can’t follow up with that individual. We are simply to make disciples by sharing who Jesus is and what He’s done, encouraging others to repent and believe, and to further encourage love of and joy in Christ for those who are responsive to Him.

Never forget the importance of listening and relating. If someone feels they can trust you, they will often tell you a lot about themselves. Be ready to pray for them while they are present. Many people are touched by this act alone. Pray for the Lord to give you a heart of compassion for anyone you meet.

If you have a conversation with someone who claims to be a believer but you feel unsure, ask them to explain the Gospel to you. Then you can commend or gently correct as necessary.

If a person truly is ready to receive Christ and feels led to pray in repentance to the Lord, let them pick the words and see how He leads them. Ask for their information as they are comfortable so they can be further discipled.

Even simple discussions with neighbors just letting them know you are a believer could easily lead to a neighborhood Bible study born on Halloween night. Be ready to follow up with your neighbors in any way necessary to show them the love of Christ throughout the whole year.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
-2 Timothy 1:7

1004 & 182.02

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

by Larry, Facilities Deacon

I’m just like an old dog who doesn’t know he’s old. Throw a ball and I just gotta go. Through brush and around obstacles, over rocks and into rushing water. I’m gonna get that ball or die trying. And when I get it and bring it back, half dead from the attempt, if it gets thrown again... off I go, one more time.

Life seems to be a never-ending series of wild throws and wilder chases. You see, I’m one of those linear problem-solver guys. Heck, I see a problem before it’s a problem. And then I start thinking up ways to fix stuff that ain’t even broke yet. (Ladies, if you are married to one of us, it’s not that he isn’t listening. He’s thinking through step 42.5 of the 60-odd steps to fix that thigamajig! But I digress...)

Oftentimes I get so busy fixing problems, or coming up with solutions to future potential problems, that I have to stop and perform triage on it all. So then I start making lists...

- This needs fixing NOW.

- That can wait a bit.

- Those over there I got to think about some more.

- Them there I don’t quite know what I’m gonna do with.

- Those there... Well, that’s just hopeless.

So then I have all the lists swirling around in my head and I’m trying to figure out what really needs to be done first and, dang it, there goes that ball again.

Now, after the fact—might be the same day, might be several years later—all that chasing around and extraordinary measures start looking pretty funny to a fellow. But while I’m in the thick of it I just can’t see it. Very serious business here indeed.

Now I suppose I could pull out some spiritual truths here, but I reckon not. Maybe you all could do that and get back to me. I usually try to keep it real simple, like...

- There is a God, and you ain’t Him. (Best done looking in a mirror.)

- What seems right in a man’s eyes might not be.

- Be patient and wait on the Lord. (I usually remember that one way too late in the process.)

- And, one of my favorites from C.S. Lewis, "There will be surprises."

Now that you read all that, you might want to take a nap or go get a snack. Well, go ahead. I’ll wait for you... (And now that you know the Deacon of Facilities a little better, some of you might want to petition the elders for a recall vote.)

So now I’ve got you completely wondering where this is going and why I started it off with "1004 & 182.02." Sorry. With all the problem triage going on in my head I get sidetracked sometimes.

You see, I got involved with some major ball chasing the other day on a computer issue that my son was having in Kirksville, MO. Thought it through, arrived at a plan, lit out on Saturday morning, stopped in Columbia, banked north, got the fix moving in the right direction, turned around and came home.

That night got a call. Next morning lit out to the west, banked it north at Columbia. Upon arrival tried several things, none of which worked. Drug up and took it to Columbia. No help there. Took it all back to Kirksville, hit on a repair, then back on the road home.

Trying to fix things... chasing the ball. Ball caught. Problem solved. Not like I planned, but solved.

The good that came out of all this? Two days of fellowship with my son, wife and daughter learning patience. There were surprises. We had to wait on the Lord. And what seemed right in a man’s eyes wasn’t.

P.S. 1,004 miles and $182.02 in gasoline.

October 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-09-20T06:00:00.004-05:00

1. Ephesians 4:1-6

2. Ephesians 4:7-19

3. Ephesians 4:20-32

4. Ephesians 5:1-10

5. Ephesians 5:11-20

6. Ephesians 5:21-33

7. Ephesians 6:1-9

8. Ephesians 6:10-17

9. Ephesians 6:18-24

10. Colossians 1:1-14

11. Colossians 1:15-29

12. Colossians 2:1-15

13. Colossians 2:16-23

14. Colossians 3:1-17

15. Colossians 3:18-4:1

16. Colossians 4:2-18

17. Philippians 1:1-11

18. Philippians 1:12-30

19. Philippians 2:1-11

20. Philippians 2:12-30

21. Philippians 3:1-11

22. Philippians 3:12-21

23. Philippians 4:1-23

24. Hebrews 1:1-14

25. Hebrews 2:1-18

26. Hebrews 3:1-19

27. Hebrews 4:1-16

28. Hebrews 5:1-14

29. Hebrews 6:1-20

30. Hebrews 7:1-14

31. Hebrews 7:15-28

Chatham Camping Weekend 2011

2011-09-08T17:13:00.000-05:00

October 7-9
It’s not about camping, it’s about fellowship! Whether you are a family of one or 25, please join us for a Chatham Camping Weekend at Meramec State Park near Sullivan, MO.

Location: We are staying in Meramec State Park camping section #2. We'll meet at the park as people are able to arrive.

Reservations: You will need to make your own reservations at MOStateParks.com or by calling 1-877-422-6766.

There are trailer sites ($21 per night) and tent sites ($13 per night) available. Kendal is at Site #44 and Denny is at Site #42. Suggested site numbers are electric: 31-53 or basic: 79-95.

Activities: You'll have oppoutunities for hiking, a float trip (about $20 per person), river swimming, a cave trip ($6-$8 per person depending on age) and a park visitor center with museum. Sunday morning we are planning worship with singing and time in the Word.

Meals: Each individual or family is responsible for their own meals, although families are welcome to team together for meals if they wish.

Equipment: Even if you don't normally camp. Chatham has tents and cook stoves you may borrow for the trip. Add sleeping bags, air mattresses, food and cooking supplies from your kitchen, or band together with a camping family for cooking, and you're set.

If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

A Study of the Spirit

2011-09-01T14:16:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Dave

If you’ve ever been in my office, you’ll notice that I love books. With about 1,200 books on my shelves, I’ve had to develop a system for being able to find a particular book. I’ve catalogued my books topically, and this month I’d like to write about the books I have on my “Holy Spirit” shelf. Over the past 20 years, I’ve added these books on the Holy Spirit to my library:

“Spirit of the Living God” -Morris
“The Dynamics of Spiritual Gifts” -McRae
“The Holy Spirit” -Ferguson
“The Holy Spirit” -Ryrie
“The Person & Work of the Holy Spirit” -Pache
“The Holy Spirit” -Broomall
“Baptism and Fullness” -Stott
“Who’s Afraid of the Holy Spirit” -Wallace
“The Divine Comforter” -Pentecost

I’ve preached and taught about the Holy Spirit, as well as the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. I’ve preached on His ministries from the book of Acts, and the Upper Room Discourse. I’ve developed a quarter-long curriculum to teach classes on the Spirit, both at Chatham and overseas. I love teaching about the Holy Spirit, and believe that He is the most avoided and misunderstood Person of the Triune God. As Alister McGrath said, “The Holy Spirit has long been the Cinderella of the Trinity. The other two sisters may have gone to the theological ball; the Holy Spirit got left behind every time.”

I doubt that you’ve noticed, but my collection of books on the Spirit are all written from a “cessationist” perspective. To more adequately prepare for the upcoming Sunday school class this fall, “Dialoguing About our Distinctives,” I began reading a handful of books from the “continuationist” perspective, which is the view that all the gifts of the Spirit have continued to function throughout church history. Now, the following books have been added to the “Spirit” section in my library:

“Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? Four Views” -Edited by Gundry & Grudem
“The Gift of Prophecy” -Grudem
“Surprised by the Power of the Spirit” -Deere
“Showing the Spirit” -Carson

I have been deeply challenged (and edified) by these brethren, though they come from a different theological camp than me. I chose these particular authors because they are renowned scholars and theologians, respected by cessationists and continuationists alike.

Have my own views been challenged? Yes. Have I grown in my understanding in the work of the Holy Spirit in the church today? Yes. Have my own views changed? You’ll have to wait and see.

We’ll discuss the role of the Holy Spirit and much more in our “Dialoguing About our Distinctives” class beginning Sunday, Sept. 4. Paul Martin and I will expose you to what the Bible teaches about the areas we’ve referred to as Chatham’s “distinctives:” dispensationalism, cessationism and the endtimes. Our main purpose isn’t to prove or disprove one’s theological gridwork, but to simply review applicable Biblical texts. We hope you’ll join us.

(Get more info. on this and other Sunday school options here.)

Being an Ambassador for Christ

2011-09-01T13:53:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Al

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." -2 Corinthians 5:14-21 (ESV)

What does a good ambassador do? If it is a political ambassador, they represent the people of one country to another country. They stand by the policies and other things their country values. They are their home country’s representatives, and a good ambassador will give a positive representation.

Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, uses that political reference to describe those in ministry as being “ambassadors for Christ.” It is not that God needed Paul to represent Him. It is that the Lord chose to use Paul to the glory of God.

Why does Paul make a good ambassador? He has no personal agenda to build his own little kingdom, but seeks to represent the One that saved and Who appointed him. We see here, and in many of Paul’s other writings, that he was not interested in being a cult of personality or in the worship of himself as an influential leader. He was not pushing his own views. He was simply representing Christ wherever the Lord put him.

So who do you represent? Or, better yet, who do you represent first? So much has been added to the idea of representing the name of Christ that it often seems watered down as to just who or what we truly are to represent and how we should do so.

It saddens me to hear people in the church make a comment that is derogatory to another race, or throw out a word or two about people who think differently about politics. You often hear about someone condemning others for their beliefs or focusing on some polarizing issue in our society.

Please understand that I realize people have different views, and we should challenge things in our society, but we get so wrapped up in “issues” that we ignore our Gospel calling and position. “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:20b-21)

I once heard someone say he had no problem with Christ. It was His followers he had a problem with. Now, we can dismiss this statement completely and say we will never satisfy everyone, or we can recognize some truth to that statement and seek to do something about it.

A good ambassador will engage the culture in which they have been placed. They will attend local events, talk to the local people, find out local needs and understand the way locals think. Likewise, a poor ambassador stays in the embassy, or in their home or church, and does nothing to actively represent.

So who are you? Do you call yourself a follower of Christ? Then who do you represent? We need to engage in the cultures and communities around us! Get out of your “embassy” and get to know your neighbors, or the kids who are friends with your kids. Practice being friendly and how to start a conversation, looking to appropriately point your words and deeds toward Christ.

Last month many of you came out to our Community Fun Night and engaged in meeting and talking to people in the Howdershell Park community. Afterward several people told me it was easy to meet people over Fritz’s custard, snow cones, popcorn and fun. Some might say that because the Gospel may not have been introduced in each of those conversations that it was not outreach or evangelistic in nature. I disagree, because I think that as believers ours should be lives that are always reaching out to others, not some formula or planned event. There are several people I am currently engaged in listening to and talking with, and we are at various levels of being able to converse about who Christ is and what He has done. I even met one of those people at the Community Fun Night.

The Gospel is polarizing enough. Let’s not make it worse by our behavior and our stance on things that are secondary. And let’s not make excuses as to why we never engage people in our culture at all.

Go. Engage. Be an ambassador for Christ.

Contentment

2011-09-01T13:50:00.001-05:00

by Kevin, Elder

A subject that has been coming up a lot recently in my daily Bible reading is that of contentment. My last article was on the subject of anxiety, and contentment is a wonderful antidote to worry as well as covetousness. Let us look at some of the passages in which the Bible speaks on this.

Paul wrote the following note of thanksgiving to the Philippians from a jail cell in Rome for a gift they had sent to him. He provides an example of how a Christian can be content regardless of his circumstances.

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

To the church at Corinth, Paul wrote the following in recounting the Lord’s answer to his request for a thorn in the flesh to be removed. Though he took no pleasure in the pain, he was content in the power of Christ that was shown in him through his weakness.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)

Christians are to be satisfied with what God has given. The basic necessities of life should make us content. It is God who graciously provides what we have. What should be avoided is a self-indulgent desire for money, which results in discontentment.

“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” -1 Timothy 6:6-10 (ESV)

The writer of Hebrews gives another wonderful reason for believers to be content because of God’s faithful promise.

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” -Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

In Proverbs 30, Augur asked God this wonderful request for contentment in his life.

“Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” -Proverbs 30:7-9 (ESV)

John Macarthur writes in his book “Anxiety Attacked,” “Attack anxiety in your life by applying what you have learned about contentment. Be confident in God’s sovereign providence, and don’t allow your circumstances to trouble you. Instead of giving in to panic, cling to the promise of Romans 8:28: ‘We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.’ Regard that verse as a spiritual lifeline for the rest of your life. Also, buck the tide of our materialistic, selfish society by being satisfied with little and more concerned about the spiritual welfare of others than your material needs. Be obedient to God’s Word and confident in His power to meet all your needs. May our Lord keep all these principles in the forefront of our minds that we might be content—and free from anxiety!”

Oh what a wondrous God we serve who teaches us to be content in whatever situation we are in because He is sufficient to meet our needs.

Not by Our Might, But by His Spirit

2011-09-01T13:48:00.000-05:00

by Brent, Music Deacon

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts...” -Zechariah 4:6b (ESV)

There have been far too many times in my life where I’ve stopped and realized that I was trying to do things “all by myself.” I thought I could make things happen if I worked hard enough or had enough persistence. It exposed my self-reliance. That’s a bad place to be in life, and it’s an especially bad place to be when we think of spiritual fruit in our lives. It’s an easy trap for us to fall into and we need to ask the Lord to help us let go of that mindset.

Paul exhorts us in Galatians 5:22-25 to live by the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” We have life because the Spirit lives in us, therefore any spiritual fruit we bear is because the Spirit is causing it to grow.

This is very important to me as I think about those of us who are involved in worship leading. It is tempting at times to think that the right combination of songs, the right sequence of Scripture readings, or speaking passionately or eloquently is what helps our time of corporate worship to be edifying. If I think that the essential ingredient in worship preparation is coming up with the perfect planning sheet, I’ve failed.

Every week I pray that God would bless our time of worship, that the songs and Scripture that He has led us to would help us grow in the Word. I pray that all who are involved in helping lead the congregation in worship—singers, instrumentalists, the sound and projection team and many others—would strive in the strength of the Spirit. It’s only through His power that we are illumined to see the glory of God and that we can be strengthened and encouraged through His Word. Let us pray that God would help us to remember that it’s not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.

September 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-08-20T06:00:00.004-05:00

1. Romans 11:13-36

2. Romans 12:1-8

3. Romans 12:9-21

4. Romans 13:1-7

5. Romans 13:8-14

6. Romans 14:1-12

7. Romans 14:13-23

8. Romans 15:1-13

9. Romans 15:14-33

10. Romans 16:1-27

11. Acts 20:3-16

12. Acts 20:17-38

13. Acts 21:1-17

14. Acts 21:18-40

15. Acts 22:1-16

16. Acts 22:17-30

17. Acts 23:1-35

18. Acts 24:1-27

19. Acts 25:1-27

20. Acts 26:1-18

21. Acts 26:19-32

22. Acts 27:1-44

23. Acts 28:1-15

24. Acts 28:16-31

25. Ephesians 1:1-14

26. Ephesians 1:15-23

27. Ephesians 2:1-10

28. Ephesians 2:11-22

29. Ephesians 3:1-13

30. Ephesians 3:14-21

Adult Class Options - Fall 2011

2011-08-17T13:33:00.002-05:00

Adult Sunday School Options • Fall 2011
September 4-November 27 • Classes begin at 9 a.m.

> Dialoguing About our Distinctives:

Conversations About Dispensationalism,
The Holy Spirit & The End Times

di•a•logue [dahy-uh-lawg]

1. conversation between two or more persons.

2. the conversation between characters in a novel, drama, etc.

3. an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially a political or religious issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement or settlement.

The elders recommended a number of revisions to the doctrinal section of Chatham’s constitution last spring, primarily to the section referred to as our "distinctives." As dialogue took place among many in our Life Communities, it became clear that further discussion needed to take place. The elders decided that a Sunday school elective format provides the body with a good framework for a more thorough Scriptural study of each of the three areas: dispensationalism, cessationism and the end times.

It is the desire of the facilitators that all in the class honestly and humbly examine the Biblical texts (Acts 17:11), taking into account biblically-informed views that other brethren have adopted. We will strive to love all the brethren, and not to attempt to stereotype or "debunk" views that are outside our own.

The elders will then make revised recommendations to the Life Communities and the congregation for a vote by our Annual Meeting in May 2012.

> Men’s Class:
"I Really Want to Change... So, Help Me God"

by Pastor James MacDonald

Do you long to be different than you are, transformed in your character, choices and conduct? If so, this class is for you. We will go through a video series from Dr. James MacDonald, looking at three major areas on how to change, including preparing to change, the process of change and the Power to change.

Change is never easy, and is sometimes downright painful. But because we are called as believers to Christ in Holiness, we simply can’t stay the way we are. If you are serious about allowing God to transform your life, this series gives practical and biblical guidance necessary to being this life-changing journey.

This teaching series is about change according to God’s Word, the Bible, not about personal reformation. With loads of "self help" teachings out there calling for personal transformation, we have to realize that if we try to reform ourselves we will fail every time. The fact of the matter is, only God can change us! This series explores God’s pattern for people changing as found in the Bible, and excludes all other man made plans.

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -1 Samuel 16:7

> Women’s Class:
"When I Don’t Desire God – How to Fight for Joy"

by Pastor John Piper

We enjoyed the DVD series by this title at our Women’s Retreat last spring. This quarter, we plan to read and discuss the book. A variety of women will lead discussions each Sunday.

Pastor Sam Storms writes, "This book is all about getting a desire you don’t have and can’t create. Piper addresses the question, ‘How can I obtain or recover a joy in Christ that is so deep and so strong that it will free me from bondage to Western comforts and security, and will impel me into sacrifices of mercy and missions, and will sustain me in the face of martyrdom?’ Make no mistake. Piper wants nothing to do with promoting middle-class comforts and conveniences that lull people into a spiritual slumber and apathy. His concept of ‘joy’ has nothing to do with the mindless, flabby, enervating giddiness of so much western ‘Christianity.’ He’s talking about a joy that consists in a deep, abiding, substantive delight and satisfaction in Jesus Christ that ruins us for anything else and impels us to willingly and joyfully(!) embrace whatever material loss or persecution the pursuit of God’s glory may bring. Piper has chapters on the eternal importance of joy in the Christian life, joy as a gift of God, together with the role of the Word, prayer, and even the world in stoking the fires of passion for God."

Books may be ordered for $10 each prior to the start of class. Please contact the church office if you would like us to order a copy for you. This book is also available to download in PDF form for free at desiringgod.org.

> Junior & Senior High Class:
“The Prodigal God”
by Pastor Tim Keller
Facilitators: L.E.A.D. Team

Adults are also welcome to attend this discussion of The Prodigal Son and how this story shows us the grace and sacrifice of God in Christ. Even if you’d like to stop in just one Sunday, we’d love to have you.

Kids' Quest 2011: The Video

2011-08-15T12:06:00.009-05:00

Check out this snazzy video showing what we did at this year's Kids' Quest at Howdershell Park.

Giving Comfort to Hurting People

2011-08-03T12:21:00.001-05:00

by Pastor Dave

The “body” is the primary image the Apostle Paul employs when talking about the Church, and 1 Corinthians 12 provides us with rich teaching about how we are to relate to one another as fellow members and parts of that body. Paul teaches us that our life together is to be so vital, so real, and so connected that, “if one member suffers, all suffer together.” (1 Corinthians 12:26a, ESV)

How do you think we are doing with this, brethren? Do you feel like you know who is suffering and what is the primary cause of their suffering in the body? Second, are you obeying this Scriptural command to “suffer” with a brother or sister? Or, if you are presently suffering, does anyone around you know it? If so, do you sense they are helping you bear your burden or do you feel alone?

After serving in the leadership at Chatham for 20 years, I have to confess that I don’t think we do very well in fulfilling our Lord’s admonition here. Christians, who have the greatest resources available to enable us to come alongside folks who are suffering, generally fail to do a very good job at it. I’ve seen it on many occasions, and I’ve felt the frustration of suffering alone at times. I’ve wondered how I can provide teaching that may help all of us go deeper, and to become sensitized to others who are walking through the valley of tears.

Recently, I came across an article written by Randy Alcorn and published in his quarterly “Eternal Perspectives” magazine and on his website at www.epm.org. This is the finest exhortation I’ve ever read, and provides us with some very practical helps so we can be better equipped to fulfill our calling to “suffer together.”

Enjoy...

Giving Comfort to Hurting People
by Randy Alcorn, Eternal Perspective Ministries

People need to feel loved. A hurting child needs to feel his father’s arms around him. When the father is away, he may leave written words of love, as God has in his Word. But he may also call on the child’s older brothers and sisters to express his love to his child.

To ignore someone’s pain is to add to that pain. Instead of fearing we’ll say the wrong thing, we should reach out to hurting people. Many times it’s better just to put our arms around someone and cry with them; people almost always appreciate it when you acknowledge their loss. Yet so long as your heart is right, saying something is nearly always better than saying nothing.

There is a time for silence, to just sit and listen and weep with those who weep. We often condemn Job’s friends, but we should remember that they started well. When they saw his misery, they wept aloud. And then for seven days and nights they sat with him, in silence, wordlessly expressing their concern for him (see Job 2:11–13).

If we don’t know what to say to a friend in crisis, remember that so long as Job’s friends remained quiet, they helped him bear his grief. Later, when they began giving unsolicited advice and rebuke, Job not only had to deal with his suffering, but with his friends’ smug responses, which added to his suffering.

When someone in pain expresses raw emotions, we shouldn’t scold them. Friends let friends share honest feelings. When the premature and misguided correction of Job’s friends hurt Job, they didn’t have sense enough to say, “I’m sorry,” and then shut up. They went right on hurting him. So Job said to them, “Miserable comforters are you all!” (16:2).

Darrell Scott told me that after his daughter Rachel was murdered at Columbine, people often quoted Romans 8:28 to him. He wasn’t ready to hear it. How sad that such a powerful verse, cited carelessly or prematurely, becomes a source of pain when it should offer great comfort. Think of God’s truths like tools. Don’t use a hammer when you need a wrench. And don’t use either when you need to give someone a hug, a blanket, or a meal—or just weep with them.

On the other hand, Nancy Guthrie says sufferers should extend grace to the insensitive comforters who hurt them. The last thing a grieving person needs is to take on the burden of resentment. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Don’t disappear or avoid your friend who needs you now more than ever. My mother died in 1981, when I was a young pastor. Ten years earlier, not long after I’d become a Christian, I had the joy of leading Mom to Christ. We grew together, reading and discussing Scripture and great books, praying and laughing together, and later fussing over my children, her granddaughters, Karina and Angela. When she died, I mourned my loss, my wife’s, and above all my children’s. I felt like part of me had been taken away.

As I walked into church that first Sunday after Mom’s death, I felt as though my presence parted the Red Sea. Instead of greeting me warmly in their usual way, people stepped aside. I knew they did it because they didn’t know what to say, yet it magnified my loneliness.

Most of us have seen friends disappear when we most needed them—and without meaning to, we’ve done the same to others. If you find yourself not wanting to make a phone call when you hear about someone’s crisis, remind yourself that any expression of concern is better than none. When people lose a loved one, they don’t want to “move on” as if the person never existed. Even if doing so makes them cry, usually they want and need to talk about them.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). We tend to do better at rejoicing. Because we don’t like to feel pain, we tend to ignore others’ pain. But they need us to become the arms of Christ to them.

If we’re not there for them, who will be?

Randy Alcorn, Eternal Perspective Ministries,
39085 Pioneer Blvd., Suite 206, Sandy, OR 97055,
503-668-5200, www.epm.org

What Does God Really Promise?

2011-08-03T12:18:00.001-05:00

by Pastor Al

Everyone wants a guarantee, something that assures us when a product becomes faulty, or a way to know that someone’s words are true. Back on the playground, kids stuck out their pinkies and swore by them as a way of telling their classmates they were serious. When we shop for products we research and sometimes buy based on a company’s guarantee. We want a good guarantee because it protects us. It gives us peace of mind that if something goes wrong we will be able to call on the promise that was given.

People want promises in the spiritual realm too. They want to know that if I put in the time, energy and effort, I will be rewarded. Unfortunately there are movements under the guise of “Christianity” that feed this desire. Some “ministries” tell their followers “if you just have enough faith, then God will reward you,” or “if you just claim this verse as your own, then God will do what the verse says.” (A popular one is that God will “meet all your needs according to His glorious riches...” emphasis on the “riches.”)

The other day I watched a “sermon” where the speaker kept imploring his arena to think more positively because negative thinking just won’t get anything accomplished. With a gleam in his eye, and a soft drawl, he smiled at me and said that God wants what is best for me in my finances, health and spiritually. The implication is that all this can be yours too, with a right mind and Jesus.

Is this a guarantee of sorts? God wants me to be healthy, wealthy and wise? So says prosperity gospel.

But a problem arises when we look to Scripture and see what really is promised to us, most notably in the New Testament. I say this because often people will snag Scripture out of context trying to make it apply directly to them, though it may have been directed toward national Israel during a specific time. Prosperity gospel unfortunately does not use the counsel of all of Scripture.

What are the promises God gives His people? Namely, the promise of salvation based on Jesus Christ and His righteousness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit which confirms that promise. Jesus also told his disciples that men will hate them on account of His Name.

Right now on my desk is the latest copy of Voice of the Martyrs. Would the T.V. preacher care to tell the people in the magazine that they just need to “think more positively” and things will be all honkey dorey? God gives us promises, but they are not always the ones people are seeking.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” -Romans 8:18-30 (ESV)

Worship While You Work

2011-08-03T11:59:00.002-05:00

by Jay H., Elder

A few weeks ago, I purchased an audio version of John Piper’s important book “Don’t Waste Your Life.” I’ve been listening to it on my daily work commute. One particular chapter of the book has been very encouraging to me and I want to share it with you.

First, some background. Isaiah says, “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:6-7, ESV). Also, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV). Piper’s main premise for writing his book is that God created us for His glory, as these verses attest, and we are in danger of wasting our lives if we do not take joy in God and display Him in all we do.

The chapter of the book that I wanted to share with you is titled “Making Much of Christ from 8 to 5.” This chapter is especially encouraging to me as I work in my career (or, more broadly, work at whatever God has given us to do at the present time in our lives). Piper makes the following six points (paraphrased) about how, in our normal, daily grind, we can continually enjoy and glorify God.

We “make much of Christ”...

1) ...through the fellowship that we enjoy with God throughout the day. God is with us in our work. (1 Corinthians 7:24, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Acts 17:25)

2) ...by the joyful, trusting, God-exalting design of our creativity and industry. As our example, God worked for 6 days, very creatively, and then rested. He continually works to solve issues in amazing and creative ways all the time. It’s encouraging to me that God is an expert at software programming. He can provide the knowledge and wisdom I need to do my work well for his own glory. (Jeremiah 32:27, 1 Peter 5:7)

3) ...when our work confirms and enhances the portrait of Christ’s glory that people hear in the spoken Gospel. The point is not that our work alone will save anyone, but our good work can enhance our verbal testimony. Titus 2:9-10 teaches that good work “adorns the doctrine of God our savior.”

4) ...by earning enough money to keep us from depending on others. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 warns against idleness and encourages believers to be “busy at work” and “earn their own living.”

5) ...by earning money with the desire to use our money to make others glad in God. We should be ready to share with others in need from our abundance, providing a way for them to enjoy God’s goodness as well. (Acts 20:35, Ephesians 4:28, 1 Timothy 5:8)

6) ...by treating our work relationships as a gift of God to be loved by sharing the Gospel and by practical deeds of help. The people I work with are precious to God and made in His image.
Piper’s conclusion to this chapter of the book states, “If you work like the world, you will waste your life, no matter how rich you get. But if your work creates a web of redemptive relationships and becomes an adornment for the Gospel of the glory of Christ, your satisfaction will last forever and God will be exalted in your joy.”

I hope you are as encouraged (even admonished?) as I have been. Teach these things to your sons and daughters so that they too will enjoy God in their work.

Coming this Fall: Connect With “Life Communities”

2011-08-03T11:47:00.000-05:00

by Mike S., Elder

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. -Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

Life Communities at Chatham have been remarkably active over the last year. And with many new people regularly attending Chatham in recent months, now is a good time to introduce and reacquaint everyone with our Life Communities.

About a year and a half ago, Life Communities were created at Chatham to energize our established small groups, building up those groups to the next level of relationship and discipleship. Beyond the traditional small group, Life Communities at Chatham are characterized by:

• Renewed, unified focus on founding our identity in Christ and His new life given to us by the Holy Spirit living in us

• Renewed importance on providing atmospheres and times for building open and honest relationships

• Consistent and frequent gatherings that are a priority in members’ lives

• Founding new Communities in an appropriate time and manner through the development of new leaders

This fall, everyone at Chatham will have the opportunity to learn more about Life Communities as well as express a desire to join a Life Community. The goal is to connect people with a Life Community based on location, family makeup and desired meeting times. Be on the lookout for more information on Life Communities and how you can get connected.

Changes at Liberty Bible Church in Utah

2011-08-03T11:22:00.005-05:00

by Jeff F., Mission Deacon

Frank P., a missionary with Biblical Ministries Worldwide who we helped support, resigned as pastor of the Liberty Bible Church in Plain City, UT to pursue a master’s degree. Frank founded Liberty Bible Church as part of BMW’s program to establish Christian churches throughout Utah in order to reach members of the Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormons) with the True Gospel.

Casey B. and his family moved to Utah so Casey can replace Frank as Liberty’s pastor. Casey has a burden to work among Mormons because, as he states, “I was a Mormon for a time and God by His grace saved me out of Mormonism.”

Casey and Lindsay have been married for 10 years and have 5 children; Michael, 8, Grace, 7, Lydia, 5, Mercy, 2, and Nehemiah, 2 months.

The Missions Committee has reviewed Casey’s testimony, philosophy of ministry and doctrinal statement and decided to transfer the monthly support of $215, which we were giving Frank s, to Casey, at least through the end of this fiscal year (April 2012), in order to see the ministry in Plain City continue.

Please pray for Casey and his family and for Liberty Bible Church during this difficult transition. Frank and Tammi can also certainly use our prayers during this time.

Please note: Frank is no longer part of BMW or involved in full-time ministry. Therefore, the Missions Committee will no longer accept donations for his family. If you were giving to them, we urge you to consider shifting your support to Casey. Contact our deacon of missions for more information.

Technology Update: Projection

2011-08-03T11:17:00.001-05:00

by Kevin Hartman, Technology Deacon

Projectors are the theme of the technology ministry at this time. Over the last few months, both projectors in the Worship Center have developed problems. With the approval of the new budget, we are now in the process of replacing them. The new projectors are in and we are working on the logistics of getting them installed and controlling them remotely.

If you think about how fast technology changes and how electronic items always seem to break, it is quite amazing to realize that the current pair of projectors were installed when the new Worship Center was first built.

Keeping with this theme, we are also investigating installing a projector in the back of the Worship Center to provide individuals on the stage a view of what the congregation is seeing. We are in the early stages of this research, but what we have seen is promising.

As always, I want to thank everyone who helps make our technology work. Though not often recognized, please know it is deeply appreciated.

Why All the Changes with Food Events?

2011-08-03T11:08:00.000-05:00

by Sarah, Admin. & Outreach

A few years ago we were approached by the St. Louis County Health Department at Hazelwood’s Harvestfest and informed that we are not allowed to provide food without a license and proper sanitation. We were previously unaware of this legality. As this is certainly in the best interest of all, providing improved serving techniques and ways to track down food sources in the event of large scale illness, coupled with the fact that we are to cooperate with governing authorities, we have been seeking to learn the proper techniques and comply with health department regulations.

We are still in a bit of a transitional learning process, discovering what practices are required for various types of food service and events, but we are now aware that we must apply for a license even when handing out prepackaged foods alone. As this is the easiest way to approach the issue, you will probably see more requests for donations of prepackaged, single serve items for events such a Harvestfest and Kids’ Quest into the future.

Some additional modifications, such as hosting a “Community Fun Night” rather than a barbecue, were made partially for convenience, but more broadly to cut costs, as Chatham is also affected by the economic downturn at this time.

Your help, patience and generosity are appreciated as the Lord enables you to share in ministry via donated goods. We are grateful the health department has been quite fair with us as well, and pray for God’s continued guidance as we seek to represent Christ in our community and to our governing agencies.

August 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-07-20T06:00:00.006-05:00

1. II Corinthians 6:1-18

2. II Corinthians 7:1-16

3. II Corinthians 8:1-15

4. II Corinthians 8:16-24

5. II Corinthians 9:1-15

6. II Corinthians 10:1-18

7. II Corinthians 11:1-15

8. II Corinthians 11:16-33

9. II Corinthians 12:1-21

10. II Corinthians 13:1-13

11. Acts 20:2; Romans 1:1-17

12. Romans 1:18-32

13. Romans 2:1-11

14. Romans 2:12-29

15. Romans 3:1-20

16. Romans 3:21-31

17. Romans 4:1-12

18. Romans 4:13-25

19. Romans 5:1-11

20. Romans 5:12-21

21. Romans 6:1-14

22. Romans 6:15-23

23. Romans 7:1-6

24. Romans 7:7-25

25. Romans 8:1-11

26. Romans 8:12-30

27. Romans 8:31-39

28. Romans 9:1-18

29. Romans 9:19-33

30. Romans 10:1-21

31. Romans 11:1-12

2011 VBS Donation Needs

2011-07-19T08:57:00.004-05:00

Kids’ Quest, our summer VBS at Howdershell Park for 4-year-olds to those who just completed fifth grade, is coming up soon, August 1-5 from 9 a.m. to noon. We'll also have a Community Fun Night August 4.

We need donations! If you can help by donating any of the following, please leave them on the counter in the kitchen along with a copy of all receipts for food items.

Crafts:
• Pringles cans (or something similar)
• seeds (that are easily recognizable as a seed)
• clear packing tape
• blank index cards (no lines!)
• felt (we don't need a whole lot)
• washable finger paint
• thread - green, dark blue/gray/black, red, white, yellow
• beads - same colors
• paper
• crayons/colored pencils
• thick posterboard
• heart stickers (no, seriously)
• thin leather cord/something similar

Games:
• squirt bottles (to spray kids with water)
• water balloons

Snacks:
• freeze pops
• cookies (not homemade)
• animal crackers
• large bags of plain m & m's
• miniature marshmallows
• large bags of small size pretzels
• chocolate snack pack pudding
• packages of individual bags of chips

Community Fun Night:
• prepackaged snacks (cookies, chips, crackers)
• granola bars
• small individual wrapped candy
• carnival game prizes
• sports drinks/water

For details on upcoming dates and other ways you can help serve through this ministry, click here.

School Supply Backpacks for Foster Families

2011-07-15T09:30:00.003-05:00

One Heart Family Ministries hopes to provide 100 backpacks for students in their fostering families. They’ve asked us to provide 10 of those filled backpacks, preferably 5 for boys and 5 for girls.

To help, please purchase a backpack and fill it with either list of supplies shown below. Leave a note marked “boy” or “girl” and “elementary” or “middle school” on the filled backpack and turn it in to room 34 in the back hall of the Learning Center no later than Sunday, July 24.

This is a great Life Community or multi-family project. Please contact the church office with questions.

Elementary School Backpack
• 1 box tissues
• 2 dozen #2 pencils
• 4 pocket folders
• 2-½” 3-ring binders
• 1 pair scissors
• 1 3-subject spiral notebook
• 2 single-subject spiral notebooks
• 1 bottle of glue or 2 glue sticks
• 2 “composition” notebooks
• 8x5 or smaller pencil box, or canvas/nylon pencil pouch
• 1 box each crayons, markers, colored pencils
• Dry erase markers
• 3 highlighters: pink, yellow, green
• 2 pink erasers

Middle School Backpack
• 3 inch three-ring binder
• Two 3 prong 2 pocket folders (hole punched is best)
• 1” three-ringed binder
• Two sets of tabbed dividers
• #2 pencils - 2 boxes
• Blue or black pens - 2 sets
• Red pens - 1 set
• Highlighters, multiple colors
• Markers - fine tip
• Colored Pencils
• Index Cards 3x5 (2 pkgs)
• Ruler (combined metric & standard)
• Pencil Sharpener
• Spiral Notebooks - 4
• Multiple packages of LooseLeaf Paper (at least 3)
• 1 Gig USB Drive/Flash Drive optional
• Scissors
• 2 zippered pouches for supplies
• Reinforcers for hole punched paper
• Composition notebook (at least 100 pages)
• Glue sticks

Kids’ Quest & Community Fun Night Dates & Needs (2011)

2011-07-08T11:48:00.012-05:00

Kids’ Quest is our summer VBS for 4-year-olds to those who just completed fifth grade. This year we’re moving just up the street from Chatham to Howdershell Park at 6810 Howdershell Rd.

Parents can register their kids online now by using this form.

We need your help serving kids and families in our community.

>> Important Dates:
• Sunday, July 10 @ 12:30 p.m.
Volunteer Meeting: If you are interested in helping with Kids’ Quest or Community Fun Night, please bring a lunch and attend this informational meeting upstairs in the Fellowship Room.

• Saturday, July 23 @ 9 a.m. << NEW TIME
Get the Word Out: Help us distribute info. to the community about Kids’ Quest in Howdershell Park (and get some exercise).

• Sunday, July 24 @ 12:30 p.m.
Volunteer Meeting: If you are interested in helping with Kids’ Quest or Community Fun Night, please bring a lunch and attend this informational meeting upstairs in the Fellowship Room.

• Wednesday, July 27 @ 7 p.m.
Prayer Meeting: Students will meet at Howdershell Park to pray for Kids’ Quest and the Community Fun Night. Everyone is welcome to join us.

• Saturday, July 30 @ 10 a.m.
Get the Word Out: Help us distribute info. to the community about our Community Fun Night (and get some more exercise).

• Monday, August 1-Friday, August 5 from 9 a.m. to Noon
Kid’s Quest at Howdershell Park

• Thursday, August 4 @ 6 p.m.
Community Fun Night at Howdershell Park

>> Donations Needed:
If you can help by donating any of these items, please leave them on the counter in the kitchen along with a copy of your receipt for food items. We can use:
• Individually wrapped snacks
• Bottles of water / Sport drinks
• Candy
• Prizes for games

(A more complete list is available here.)

Mourning & Remembering

2011-07-05T13:11:00.001-05:00

by Pastor Dave

Upon the passing of two of our saints within 10 days of each other a few years ago, I wrote an article in the February 2009 “Connections” about funerals. At the time I listed the names of those whose funerals I have conducted, and the list came to 51. That number has now grown to 63. The 12 funerals over the past 2+ years include four in 2009: Marilynn S. (Stephanie N.’s mom), Nancy T. (who attended here with her husband, Ken, for awhile), Cindy L. (a police officer’s wife) and Clifford G. (Mona K.’s dad). During 2010 I also conducted four funerals: Waynette W., Brandon P., Mike J. and Marie B. This year, within a 40 day stretch, I conducted another four: Eileen D. (Gary D.'s mom) on April 20, Keith M. on April 29, Frank B. on May 9 and Sharon W. F. on June 1.

Why am I sharing this with you? I’m not crazy about statistics, but I think we need to be reminded that with every saint’s passing our lives are impacted, as well as our congregation. My own soul has felt a great burden over these months as I’ve listened and mourned with widows and widowers. None of you have had the privilege of attending all the services, so I’ll lift a short snippet from each.

---
Gary D.'s parents, Bob and Eileen, began attending here shortly after Gary started coming to youth group in 1990, when I served as youth pastor. The students would take turns bringing snacks, and everyone was delighted when it was Gary’s turn because he’d often bring “turtles” baked from Eileen’s kitchen. These things melted in your mouth and put a smile on your face. I’ll never forget the delight she received after donating a tin of them for a student fundraising banquet here. Some of you began trying to out bid each other, and finally, that tin of turtles brought in about $100. Eileen had a heart as big as gold, as does her husband. I’ll also never forget hearing Bob read the eulogy about his beloved wife at her funeral.

---
Keith M.’s funeral, held at Chatham, was one of the most unique funerals I’ve ever conducted. Eulogies were given by three musicians who played with Keith in early bands made up of young adults who loved to sing about Jesus. A few of the guys worked diligently to weave their own personal testimonies into their talk. A picture of Keith was portrayed that none of us had the opportunity to see before, for Keith began losing his musical and vocal expertise after his first encounter with a brain tumor in his 20’s. His wife expected that she might be left to raise their three children alone, but God mercifully extended Keith’s life another 30 years. Yet still, at 53, Keith’s life was all too short. I miss seeing Keith playing bass in the worship band.

---
Most of us, I’m sure, have a story about Frank B. My own kids remember him as the “Candy Man” who would slip a piece of candy to every child who came up to him before the service started on a Sunday morning. Between 12 and 15 pastors and missionaries stood at Frank’s funeral to acknowledge the debt we feel toward this saint who dedicated himself to be a prayer warrior for us. He frequently wrote notes to remind us that he was always praying for us. Frank and Edna’s son, Bob, asked if someone in the room would take up the mantle to be a prayer warrior for us now. We all miss Frank, and our own Life Community is not the same without him.

---
I mentioned in a recent sermon that Sharon F. grew up at the old Chatham and once asked her grandpa, George, to attend an evangelistic crusade at Chatham in 1954. He agreed to do so, and as the seed was sown he trusted Christ. I spoke at George’s funeral in 1996. George’s daughter, Shirley W., was a delightful sister in the Lord, one who loved to sing. Shirley was stricken with Parkinson’s disease and spent the final 10 years of her life in a nursing home. It was in visiting Shirley that I became acquainted with Sharon. She attended the youth group at the same time as Linda A. and Marilyn S. Though she married a Catholic man, when she entered into hospice care last month she asked her husband to line me up to speak at her funeral. I visited Sharon before she lost consciousness, and it was a precious time to pray with her, as well as to share some meaningful Scriptures.

---
Though each of these individuals are now with the Lord (based on their professions of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ), their departure leaves a hole—a hole in their families, as well as a hole among us. We don’t grieve like folks did in the old days. Church bells used to toll when death stole one of the saints away.

In “The Art of Dying,” Rob Moll writes, “Tolling bells marked the significant loss of a member of the community. The body or coffin was displayed outside, and in came the neighborhood. They brought food or simply their best wishes, and the bereaved began their reintegration into the community without their loved one. At a church service everyone gathered, remembered the deceased and expressed their sympathy. They then processed to the cemetery. This ritual pilgrimage gave those in sorrow the means by which to enact their grief and articulate their inexpressible loss. There was safety and comfort in numbers; no one was left to grieve alone.”

In today’s hectic, busy, increasingly distant world, are we grieving sufficiently? Are we taking the time to grieve together, and to walk with those who continue to feel great loss?

I conclude with poetry from a godly saint from a century past, John Donne. Take time to read it through carefully.

“The church is catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does, belongs to all. When she baptizes a child, that action concerns me; for that child is thereby connected to that head which is my head too, and ingraffed into that body, whereof I am a member. And when she buries a man, that action concerns me; all mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated; God employs several translators; some pieces are translated by age, some by sickness, some by war, some by justice; but God’s hand is in every translation, and his hand shall bind up all our scattered leaves again, for that library where every book shall lie open to one another; as therefore the bell that rings to a sermon, calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come; so this bell calls us all: but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness...

“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

Missing the Point of the Gospel

2011-07-05T13:04:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Al

Have you ever told your best joke? You know, the one that has layers and is funny on several of those layers. Not the groaner, knee-slapper type, but the laugh-out-loud funny joke. Your comedic timing was on, your dramatic pause was great, the punch line was correctly delivered, and your listener looks at you and says, “I don’t get it.”

So now you turn to interpreting the joke, diving into the layers, giving some of the historical background, and finally explaining the punch line, to which the person either is more confused, pretends to understand, or finally gets it and gives you a courtesy chuckle.

We all miss the point of things from time to time. Either we do not have enough information or we don’t fully understand what someone is talking about.

Growing up within a church, and having some great Christian parents, meant for me that I had knowledge of the Gospel and could let you know the basic talking points. The problem for me was that to me the Gospel stopped at my forgiveness and the eternity of life with God in Heaven through Christ. You see, I, like many others, thought that it ended with me. But I was missing the point.

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” -1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

My forgiveness was not the end, nor was my justification the end, or even my one day going to Heaven. These are means to the end.

So what is the end? Peter told us in 1 Peter “that we might be brought to God.”

The end is seeing God, being satisfied, taking great joy and resting in Him and what He has done so that He is glorified in our lives. That is transformational!

Do you get it? Do you really understand what the Gospel means? Do you see how it changes everything, and is not simply that you are forgiven and one day will be with Him in heaven?

Don’t miss this point, because a faulty view of the Gospel will lead to other problems, individually and corporately. So before we try to “fix” problems within our lives and the church, let’s look to our understanding of the Gospel first. Do we truly understand and do our lives proclaim what God has done for us?

Remember, we are all in this together.

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." -Romans 5:1-2 (ESV)

Happy New (Fiscal) Year

2011-07-05T13:01:00.000-05:00

by Tim, Elder

Happy New Year! Oh, wait... it’s not a new year on the calendar, but the new fiscal year has begun. Fiscal year 2011-2012 began on May 1 for Chatham.

Our Annual Meeting started the year off with a review of:

• what God has been doing in our midst in the past year

• the elders’ plans for maintaining the function of the church in the coming year as we rely on the Lord’s leading to establish our footsteps

The congregation participated in confirming those plans by:

• approving the budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012

• affirming the appointment of new elders, deacons
and trustees

• affirming new terms for leaders renewing
their terms

• approving changes to the constitution

We thank those brothers and sisters who supported the elders and embraced the privileges and responsibilities of body life by making it a priority to participate in the Annual Meeting. At the time of this writing, the minutes of the Annual Meeting are available for review and revision as necessary to accurately capture the activity of the evening. By the time you read this, the minutes will have been published and will be available through any of the elders upon request. The minutes will also appear in this fiscal year’s Annual Report next May.

At the first elder meeting of the new fiscal year, the elders selected new elder officers and new elder liaisons as follows:

Officers

Chairman - Jay H.
Vice-Chairman - Tim M.
Clerk - Kendal W.

Liaisons

Fellowship - Jay H.
Outreach - Dave G. / Al F.
Youth - Al F.
Women’s - Steve F.
Children’s - Tim M.
Men’s - Kevin E.
Mercy - Kendal W.
Finance - Alfred P.
Missions - Dave G.
Facilities - Paul M.
Music - Dave G.
Technology - Steve F.

The elder liaisons are those elders assigned to act as a first point of contact for the deacon of a ministry when seeking to communicate with the elder council. By assigning a liaison for each ministry, a particular elder can become familiar with a specific deacon and the specific challenges associated with a particular ministry. As such, the elder liaison can provide an informed perspective for the elder council when considering issues associated with a ministry. Oftentimes, interaction with the full council is not necessary as the deacon and/or elder liaison are able to address issues without further input.

On another issue of interest, Pastor Dave mentioned early in the year that the elders would review the idea of weekly communion after several months of incorporating this ordinance into our worship service on a weekly basis. It was the elders’ desire to discuss this before the summer began, and we got around to it at the beginning of June. There were a variety of observations about the weekly practice of communion, almost all of them positive. There were a few comments from individuals who felt as though it has made the practice too routine, but for the majority of those who commented, it has been a very positive change to experience this remembrance of our Lord’s death on our behalf more regularly. It seems to us (the elders), based upon our own interpretation of the Scriptural account in Acts 20:7a (ESV), “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread..,” that early Christians practiced this ordinance weekly, and the practice appears to have been edifying for the body at Chatham. As a result, it is our intent to continue incorporating the practice into our weekly worship service. We are always open to hearing from you, regardless of your opinion. Thanks for participating with us in seeking to make our worship services glorifying to God.

As we progress into the new fiscal year, the elders begin anew. Of course, the issues that were important at the end of the last fiscal year remain important and remain before us, but the new fiscal year also brings significant turnover in the council, with two elders leaving at the end of their terms and four new elders joining our numbers. Such turnover will bring new perspectives, new gifting and new passion to the council. We are grateful that the Lord has provided amply for our needs, and we look forward to His leading through His Holy Spirit acting through His body at Chatham. May our eyes be upon Him as we seek to honor Him in a world that desperately needs Him. Like Paul, let us be mindful of the treasure entrusted to us:

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” -2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (ESV)

Women: A Challenge and an Invitation

2011-07-05T12:53:00.000-05:00

by Cynthia, Women’s Ministry Deacon

Scripture memory is certainly not a new concept at Chatham Bible Church. However, during the women’s conference in March we were challenged in a fresh and powerful way. The conference focused on finding our joy in God. We viewed and discussed John Piper’s DVD series “When I Don’t Desire God.” The first “strategy” given for growing in love and joy in the Lord was to “meditate on the word of God day and night.” Again, not a new concept for regular Chatham attendees. The new motivation came from hearing about John Piper’s church memorizing the Sermon on the Mount and the power of committing God’s word to memory for the purpose of meditation and heart transformation. For task oriented folk like myself, it is easy to slip into the “that’s just what Christians do” mode. There is so much more to Scripture memory than checking off a spiritual “to do list.”

Consider these reasons:

1. Honor God by loving and submitting to the authority of His Word. (Do you need any other reason?)

2. Preaching the Gospel to ourselves through memorization bears the fruit of humility, joy, victory over sin and power for witness and service.

3. Renewal of our minds by allowing God’s word to reprogram our thought pattern.

4. Learn to deal with past experiences in a God honoring way.

5. Establish biblical ways of responding to present trials.

6. Evaluate emotions in light of Scripture.

In an effort to honor God by honoring His Word, the women of Chatham have made two applications:

1. Memory challenge: During the study on Tuesday we are memorizing Ephesians 1:3-12 together.

2. Women’s Scripture memory partners: Contact the church office for more information and how you can find a memory partner to help encourage each of you.

Ladies in our Tuesday Women’s Study want to encourage more of our sisters to take up the challenge of committing God’s Word to heart by sharing the following testimonies of what God has done and is doing in their lives:

“When Cynthia challenged the ladies in the Tuesday evening Bible study to memorize a verse, I was skeptical. I am in my mid 50’s and memorizing anything is a major challenge. But I opted to at least try. I am happy to report that, although it took a lot of practice, I have memorized the chosen verses: Ephesians 1:3-12. It became almost an obsession to memorize this group of Scriptures. I practiced it in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep and read it every morning. When I couldn’t concentrate on anything during the day, I would remember my verses and practice them. Doing this helped me focus on God and helped me feel like I was doing something productive with my time. I plan to keep trying to memorize verses because when you need them, they just flow out of you without any effort at all. I am really glad I took the challenge. Thanks, Cynthia, for challenging me!”

“I have found great benefit from memorizing the Ephesians passage related to our Bible study. As I regularly review the verses, my understanding grows and my appreciation deepens for the truths in these verses. Hiding His word in my heart equips me with the answers, the guidance, the encouragement—whatever help I need can be readily available. I’m excited about the next passage I plan to memorize in Colossians. My desire is that “the word of Christ would richly dwell within me” so that I will have His wisdom to teach and admonish others as well as clear direction for my own life.”

“Spurred on by John Piper’s ‘Finding Joy in God’ (the video series from the Women’s Conference a few months ago), our Women’s Bible Study has been encouraged to memorize Scripture together and “preach the Gospel” to ourselves daily. We’ve been working our way through Ephesians 1:3-12. How amazing to meditate on the fact that God chose each one of us, that He has redeemed us, that he lavishes grace upon us, and that one day we will be “to the praise of His glory!” The truth is so refreshing and freeing and inspiring! Scripture memorization can often seem like a daunting task, but I know that any time that I have devoted to memorizing Bible passages has been well worth it because those verses and passages come to me in the times I most need them. Can you imagine if you were one day imprisoned for your faith and didn’t have a Bible you could read at your leisure (much less three more sitting on your bookshelf gathering dust)? Developing this spiritual discipline is so important to our daily spiritual health and the health of our ministry to others. We cannot neglect it. It has been a blessing to know that other women at Chatham are plodding through these verses alongside me, and I look forward to tackling more Scripture soon. After all, we’ve got a whole Bible to get through!”

“The memory verse challenge has been a good reminder for me not only to get into the Word more, but also to meditate on it. It seems hard to try and remember a long section of the Bible, but then I always think about how easy it is to remember a song I hear on the radio, and I’ll be singing it for weeks on end. Once I learn a verse and keep remembering it, I find myself thinking a little longer before I act, thinking of the words of Christ and in this verse how much he loves us and forgives us. Knowing God’s Word by heart is our best tool to have every day when we face all the temptations of the world.”

“As I have begun to memorize the passage, it has come to be something that I recall all the time. My life can be very crazy and busy all at the same time and I wonder why certain things are happening or not. The verse has been such an encouragement to me. To know that my God’s intentions are kind and it is in love He chose me to be his daughter is something I have come to cherish. It was hard at first to understand what the passage was talking about, but once I understood it was easy to memorize. God’s Word is such a powerful thing, and I am glad I have made the investment to memorize it.”

On August 23 we will begin a study of the book of Ruth. A new memory challenge will be offered. It is my prayer that you will join us for the study and come alongside us in committing God’s Word to heart.

Note: John Piper’s DVD series “When I Don’t Desire God” has been donated to the Chatham Library by Women’s Ministry.

July 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-06-20T06:00:00.006-05:00

1. I Corinthians 1:1-17

2. I Corinthians 1:18-31

3. I Corinthians 2:1-16

4. I Corinthians 3:1-23

5. I Corinthians 4:1-21

6. I Corinthians 5:1-13

7. I Corinthians 6:1-20

8. I Corinthians 7:1-16

9. I Corinthians 7:17-38

10. I Corinthians 8:1-13

11. I Corinthians 9:1-27

12. I Corinthians 10:1-22

13. I Corinthians 10:23-33

14. I Corinthians 11:1-16

15. I Corinthians 11:17-34

16. I Corinthians 12:1-11

17. I Corinthians 12:12-31

18. I Corinthians 13:1-13

19. I Corinthians 14:1-25

20. I Corinthians 14:26-40

21. I Corinthians 15:1-11

22. I Corinthians 15:12-34

23. I Corinthians 15:35-58

24. I Corinthians 16:1-24

25. Acts 19:11-20:1

26. II Corinthians 1:1-11

27. II Corinthians 1:12-24

28. II Corinthians 2:1-17

29. II Corinthians 3:1-18

30. II Corinthians 4:1-18

31. II Corinthians 5:1-21

Adult Class Options: Junior High to Adult - Summer 2011

2011-06-01T12:40:00.000-05:00

Junior High to Adult Sunday School Options • Summer 2011
June 5-August 28
Classes begin at 9 a.m.

God’s Heart for the World: Developing a Heart Like His
Facilitators: Pastor Dave & Brother Alex

This is a class in two parts.

In the first half we will view the DVD series “Let the Nations be Glad” by Dr. John Piper, along with discussion and prayer for a different unreached people group each Sunday.

Dr. Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Seminary, writes, “This is the most important study on missions for this generation. Piper places missions where it belongs: at the heart of God’s desire to be glorified among the nations.”

For the second half of the class, we’ll view the DVD series “Bridges,” a curriculum developed by the Crescent Project. Visit crescentproject.org for more details.

The Minor Prophets
Facilitator: Josh Corra

Join us on a journey through the end of the Old Testament as we study the Minor Prophets. We will see how God speaks through ordinary peasants and royal descendants alike as he reveals His character to us by communicating messages of love, mercy, hope and encouragement in the midst of judgment. We will also be encouraged as we discover the relevance of these books to us today, encounter fulfilled prophecies, and find answers to questions such as why the wicked are allowed to prosper, whether God is really in control, where God is when our prayers don’t seem to be answered and more. This class will be a mixture of teaching with time for group discussion and interaction.

Commissioned to Take Christ to the World

2011-06-01T12:29:00.001-05:00

by Pastor Dave

It’s been a few months since our missions conference, and I thought it would be good for us to revisit the great priority that Jesus left His Church—to reach the world with His Gospel! I believe the conference was a great success. Each of the speakers was well prepared, and the meetings were well attended. The theme the Missions Committee chose, “The Great Commission Today: Where Do I Fit In?” was very practical for all of us.

But I want to ask a follow-up question. Is there anything in your own Christian walk that was affected by what you heard during the conference? The missionary speakers emphasized four areas: going, giving, praying and sending. Has the Holy Spirit broken through in your own life concerning one or more of these areas?

One of the goals of the Missions Committee is about to be realized, a Sunday school class which will emphasize the priority of fulfilling the Great Commission. During the summer months we plan to present two excellent missions-related curricula and believe that God will use them to mobilize and motivate us toward fulfilling the biblical mandate to give, send, pray and go. The first part of the class begins Sunday, June 5 at 9 a.m. The class will be taught/facilitated by brother Alex and me.

You’ve probably noticed details in the bulletin about the upcoming class entitled, “God’s Heart for the World: Developing a Heart Like His,” also included in this blog along with our other Sunday school option, so I won’t cover them again here. But I would like to encourage you to consider attending. Other than being exposed to great teaching through two different DVD presentations, we also plan to spend time each Sunday praying for some of the most spiritually needy nations in the world. Did you know that the 13 nations of the world with the lowest number of believers represents over 500 million people?

Take time to read through some of the following quotes about this endeavor to reach the world with the Gospel.

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliot

“No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once.” -Oswald J. Smith

“There is nothing in the world or the Church—except the church’s disobedience—to render the evangelization of the world in this generation
an impossibility.” -Robert Speer, Student Volunteer Movement leader

“People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives ...and when the bubble has burst, they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted.” -Nate Saint, missionary martyr

Where to Set Your Mind

2011-06-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Al

Do as I say not as I do? Most of us would recognize that as a not so great piece of parental wisdom. There is an importance to leading your children by example. I know that some of the greatest lessons I learned growing up were caught not taught. That’s not to say that teaching your children isn’t important, but rather that teaching should be backed by living it out.

Last week was a difficult one for me. I feel funny saying that, because I know far too many people who have had far more difficult weeks. But, nevertheless, it was stressful. It all started with a blower motor going out on our furnace. No biggie, right? A new one was ordered, paid for and installed. I should mention I was doing the installation with some excellent consultants who are more than generous with their time. (No I am not giving their names because I might have other issues!) Everything seemed to be hooked up the way it needed to be, but there was no power to the motor. Urgh! (I probably sounded a little more emphatic and ticked off at the time.) During the middle of this we were having unseasonably warm temps, which resulted in a good ole’ fashioned family camp out in the living room because of the near 90 degree temps in the upstairs bedrooms. I’m pretty sure that was the night I was pushed over the edge to be consumed by a furnace. (That sounds painful.)

The next day was furnace day. Try this, wire that, change out this, test that... and it still did not work. At that point it affected me beyond simply wanting to get it fixed. I started to get more annoyed with some of the quirky things my kids do, or read into my wife’s motives for asking a question. A consultant tested the transformer (my kids thought it was cool that dad plays with transformers), and it was blown. So, three transformers later, a relay switch, almost an entire day off and more than a few “urgh’s” uttered, and there I was a week on with it finally fixed.

It is safe to say that I was becoming controlled by my circumstances. Of course I see that very clearly now. Learn from my mistakes? I hope so. And really the first thing to come to mind is prayer—asking for peace, guidance and perspective rather than stewing in my frustration. I did not blame God for this, but neither did I seek Him through it.

Of course working with students I have given numerous talks about not letting your circumstances control you, and remembering that through it all God is sovereign. I need to take my own counsel. I was frustrated, mad and disappointed, not with God but with myself, and that caused strain in other relationships (God and family).

The mentality that I constantly battle is going to God first and not as a last resort, or, even worse, not at all. It is also a great reminder to me to be in communication with God constantly, to meditate on His Word, to pray throughout the day and not just simply at prescribed times. It sure is easy to say those words, but living those words is where I want to be. Lord, help me.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” -Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)

Working (at Work) for the Glory of God

2011-06-01T12:22:00.000-05:00

by Steve, Elder

Pastor Brent's “Am I Becoming a Second Class Christian?” message last month was an excellent challenge to the way many people think about their work, especially when compared to work that is directly “ministry” related. I must admit that when comparing work in general to pastoral work, a knee-jerk response would have me saying that pastoral work is more important. So it was good to hear work put in the proper perspective.

This also got me to thinking a bit more about work and how it impacts us on a daily basis—or maybe I should say how we impact it. Well, it certainly goes both ways, and our attitude is most likely the biggest factor in both directions.

There are many Scriptures that address work and our relationship with work.

First of all, we were created to glorify God. 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Corinthians 6:20 and 10:31; 1 Chronicles 16:29; Proverbs 16:4; Isaiah 43:21; John 8:50 and Revelation 4:11 are a few Scriptures about man giving God glory in all that we do.

Second, we are commanded to work. Genesis 2:15; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; Titus 3:14; Proverbs 14:23 and Ephesians 2:10 are a few Scriptures regarding commands and exhortations to work.

There isn’t enough space in this article to go into detail with these Scriptures, but I encourage you to take a look.

The question I want to really touch on is this: If we were created to give glory to God, and created to work, how do we glorify God in our work? What does that look like? It may be difficult to see how some jobs could be performed for the glory of God, and certainly I believe that most people struggle with this in any job from time to time.

I started to say that this is really important because we spend a third or more of our life working, but that narrows the scope of “work” to the typical 9 to 5 paid job. We really need to expand work to include all the other things that must be done. After all, cleaning the house, doing the dishes, mowing the yard, maintaining the car and serving at a soup kitchen are all examples of work, not just paid positions. And raising a family is work—an unpaid (monetarily) 24/7 job.

That being said, it becomes a little clearer now that we are addressing a much bigger picture than just a slice of our day “at the office,” a picture that encompasses our whole day, our whole 24-hour day, 7 days a week. Often we tend to compartmentalize our life, putting work in one compartment, home life in another, recreation and even church into their own compartments, as if they did not have any connection to each other, the danger being that we think we can act differently in each “compartment” of our life. This certainly conflicts with 1 Corinthians 10:31, where we are admonished “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” and Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus...”

Doing everything in the name of Christ and to the glory of God certainly includes the workplace. So, considering the bigger picture, we should be conducting ourselves no differently at work than at home or church—that is, with Christ-likeness. The same commands of God apply, and the same biblical principles apply at work as they do elsewhere in life. A study of Ephesians 4:17-32, especially verses 25-32, is applicable to all walks of life, including our conduct in the workplace. We give glory to God through our work by reflecting His attributes in our conduct, glorifying God in our body (1 Corinthians 6:20 and Philippians 1:20).

Some more thoughts (and Scriptures!) on how we give glory to God through our work:

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12a – We are to work in such a way as to be able to “...walk properly before outsiders...” This is a witness to unbelievers.

1 Thessalonians 4:12b; 2 Thessalonians 3:12 – We are to work so that we are not dependent on others, similar to not being in debt. When we are dependent upon others for our basic needs (or obligated in debt), they become our masters. Scripture is clear about not being able to serve two masters
(Matthew 6:24).

Ephesians 4:28; Titus 3:14; Ecclesiastes 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:8 – We are to work honestly, not for our own gain, but also in order to help others.

Working, and living in general, for the glory of God is much easier said than done, but the believer is enabled by God through the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:10; John 14:23; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:13).

Scripture quoted from English Standard Version.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

2011-06-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

by David, Mercy Ministry Deacon

"Brother, can you spare a dime?"

How many times have we heard that question or some form of it while out and about?

Our first reaction usually is trying to figure out how to avoid giving out some money. But then we think of how God has blessed us with a little bit extra. Can we really refuse to provide someone that is obviously in need? Are we supposed to judge them harshly? I am fully aware that many people have decided panhandling is much easier employment than reporting to a job every day.

Pastor Dave preached a very moving sermon on the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) on May 8. We often want to redefine “neighbor.” We make the box smaller and smaller unless the love of Christ breaks that box. What we do for the needy must be motivated by love for Christ and our faith, providing compassion. When we have compassion for our fellow man, especially the one right in front of us, we can’t judge them harshly.

“Just how do we help our fellow man?,” you ask. Chatham has the Benevolence Fund administered by the Deacon of Mercy Ministries with advice from the elder council and the newly formed Mercy Ministries Committee as we shared in the May 2011 Connections.

The big question in your mind is, “Where does this Benevolence Fund get money?” The Benevolence Fund is not funded by the budget that is approved during our annual meetings. Every cent comes from the generosity of congregation members who give designated gifts to the fund on top of their giving to the General Fund, which is the budget approved during the annual meeting. Gifts may be designated on the offering envelopes in pew racks. Even small amounts given to the fund can add up to significant dollars over time, so any amount is welcome. Even the children give to the fund. All Sunday school offerings are donated to the Benevolence Fund.

The Mercy Ministries Committee has decided that in order to continue being able to help those with needs we need to begin an information campaign regarding the Benevolence Fund, Chatham’s source of helping the needy. During this time of economic difficulty, many people without jobs, or lesser pay than they need, require a helping hand to make ends meet. When the committee determined we were relatively low in funds during our April 2011 meeting, our fund contained approximately $5,500. In years past that was sufficient to cover the needs, but in the current atmosphere the committee thinks this is a minimal amount. A more comfortable situation would be about $13,000. As of May 8 we had $8,900 in the fund.

Our definition of “neighbor” includes, foremost, our Chatham family. When we have sufficient resources, we include close family members of regular Chatham attendees. On occasion we will help someone not associated with Chatham. These are generally in the manner of keeping utilities (electricity, heat and water) from being turned off. These will be one time only assistance.

Other examples of assistance we have provided include help with rent or mortgage payments. Occasionally we purchase grocery store gift cards for those we know are in very difficult circumstances, and we help with auto repairs.

What other types of assistance does Mercy Ministries provide? We are currently investigating work projects with the Men’s Ministry where the Benevolence Fund might help with material expenses and the men provide the labor. If you have a physical assistance need, we would love to be able to help arrange some labor.

If you would like counseling on living within your means, we have counselors trained by Crown Ministries within the church body who would be willing to meet with you. We understand each person’s reluctance to ask for assistance, but many counselors are better than just one. For married couples, the main rule regarding finances in the home is that spouses must discuss them and be completely honest if a budget can be made to work.

And we certainly can’t forget The Emergency Assistance Ministry food bank in Hazelwood. Goods placed in the shopping cart in the Learning Center are donated to the TEAM food pantry in Florissant. When people come into the church office requesting assistance with food, they are often directed to TEAM.

So, the name of the game is “COMPASSION.” The team captain is Christ. Will you play on our team?

June 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-05-20T06:00:00.007-05:00

1. James 4:1-10

2. James 4:11-17

3. James 5:1-12

4. James 5:13-20

5. Acts 15:1-21

6. Acts 15:22-41

7. Acts 16:1-15

8. Acts 16:16-40

9. Acts 17:1-15

10. Acts 17:16-18:1

11. Galatians 1:1-24

12. Galatians 2:1-14

13. Galatians 2:15-3:9

14. Galatians 3:10-29

15. Galatians 4:1-20

16. Galatians 4:21-31

17. Galatians 5:1-15

18. Galatians 5:16-26

19. Galatians 6:1-18

20. Acts 18:2-28

21. I Thessalonians 1:1-10

22. I Thessalonians 2:1-16

23. I Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

24. I Thessalonians 4:1-12

25. I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

26. I Thessalonians 5:12-28

27. II Thessalonians 1:1-12

28. II Thessalonians 2:1-17

29. II Thessalonians 3:1-18

30. Acts 19:1-10

Rolling With the Changes

2011-05-01T14:22:00.021-05:00

by Pastor Dave

Change. Some folks love it and others hate it. How about you? The body faced 3 months of change last fall while I was away on a sabbatical. Adult and student Sunday school classes were combined. The preaching ministry was significantly different as three men taught faithfully through the book of Hebrews: Pastor Brent, Pastor Al and “Pastor” Paul. (Yes, it is biblically accurate to refer to elders as pastors!) I think you’d agree with me that the temporary changes the body faced ended up being good for everyone.

As we prepare to conclude another fiscal year at Chatham on April 30, let’s consider some other rather significant changes we’ve encountered over the last 12 months.

The Lord has changed the permanent residence of these beloved saints: Owen R., Marie B., Mike J., Keith M. and Laura B. They are all enjoying the blessed fellowship with the Shepherd of their souls while we miss them terribly.

Over the past year, the Lord called a few of our families to change their temporary residences geographically. We have missed and will miss worshiping along with these dear friends.

Our membership has changed significantly as well, as we’ve lost 22 members. But, praise the Lord, we’ve just gained eight new members. Welcome to each of you.

Our elder council and deacon board are also going through significant changes. Two of our elders will take some time off the council after years of sacrificial service. Praise God that four other worthy candidates have agreed to be nominated and await congregational approval to join the council.
One-fourth of our deacon board is changing as Joe leaves as Finance Deacon, Tim as Children’s Ministry Deacon and Pastor Brent transitions from discipleship to assume student life again. Joe, Tim and Brent, how we appreciate your wonderful ministry among us. You will all certainly be missed. At the same time, we’re losing one-third of our pastoral staff as Pastor Brent becomes “MBA student” Brent. Our staff meetings won’t be the same, nor life together as it has been. Thank you, Brent and Jennifer, for serving among us.

Our Sunday morning ministry has changed somewhat as we’ve increased the frequency of the Lord’s Supper to weekly participation. And morning ministry will change again as the preferred text for preaching will become the English Standard (ESV) version.

I can hear some of you asking, “Why do we always have to be changing stuff?” Before I answer that, I’d like to remind the body that the New American Standard Bible (NASB) has been the version most utilized by your pastors for 30 years. I was surprised to discover that about 30% of the body polled prefers the NIV, another 30% the NASB, about 20% the ESV, and the remaining 20% other versions (KJV, NKJV, NLT, etc.)

Why the change? I believe the ESV and NASB are the most accurate translations from the original languages (they have about 85% commonality between them). My first exposure to the ESV was at John MacArthur’s Shepherd’s Conference some years ago, when I heard him state, “If I was starting out as a new pastor, I would choose the ESV as the Bible I would preach from.” I agree with that statement, and I feel the ESV is a bit more readable. You may want to hear other respected church leaders talk about their excitement about the ESV at vimeo.com/16535086.

We’ve ordered new ESV pew Bibles, and I plan to begin preaching from the ESV when I begin my next series in May. I’d encourage you to consider purchasing your own ESV. If you don’t have a good study Bible, I recommend the ESV Study Bible, currently available for the lowest price on desiringgod.org. You can view all of the many styles of the ESV at crossway.org, several of which are more affordable on amazon.com.

Change. Still like it? Hate it? It always has the capacity to be a wonderful thing, especially when the Lord is the One Who is behind the changes. It can also prove to be a terrible mistake without the Lord.

Believe it or not, God Himself has been changing His body at Chatham. Yes, as you look around you’ll see plenty of new faces. We’re thankful that all these changes aren’t simply those brought about by aging. More importantly, the Scripture tells us that we are ever-changing by the work of His Spirit within. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” -2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

Speaking of change, many of you know that the elders have been talking through some potential changes in Chatham’s constitution, and discussed these with their Life Communities. We’ve come to the conclusion that we need more time to discuss these changes fully. Throughout the process, let’s remind ourselves that we belong to one another as brothers and sisters, and value each other in brotherly love.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” -Romans 12:10 (NASB)

Being Mindful of God’s Supremacy

2011-05-01T14:17:00.010-05:00

by Pastor Al

Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!
Yes, the world is established;
it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.
-Psalm 96 (ESV)

Have you ever stopped to think about the supremacy of God—to seriously land on his attributes and see His glory? I think too often we tend to try bringing God to our level. We get a lower view of God, and relegate Him to the status of “buddy” or “chum.”

God is too be feared above all other gods—emphasis on the little “g.” The idols that I hold dearly, the things that I love greater than the one true God, must decrease in my life. Why do I take so much stock in things that might be good but are not ultimately the best? Personally, I think I get too distracted, and I forget my day-to-day view of the nature of God or to remember the salvation He has given, rooted deep in His mercy.

Lord, you reign supreme. There is none higher. I desire to praise Your Name. Help me so that your praises are never too far from my lips.

He deserves a new song – Praise God!

Sing to Him and let it be praise – Praise God!

Speak of salvation every day – Praise God!

Go global with His message – Praise God!

Get personal about His deeds – Praise God!

He put the big “G” in God – Praise God!

He is supreme; there is none that is higher – Praise God!

He will be praised because of His worth – Praise God!

Lord, help me to remember Your right position, not to let things come before you. How comforting to know that I come to You, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and that there is none higher.

What is our Identity as a Church?

2011-05-01T14:02:00.011-05:00

by Paul, Elder

Common brotherhood of all believers, the family life of the children of God, is a relationship established by the blood of Christ. He died to make us all his own. This is the essence of oneness in Christ and the basis of our communion.

We have diverse ideas about various things in Scripture, things that are not essential to salvation or having to do with the nature of the Godhead. These diversities can be edifying and encouraging to each other, but they do not rise to the level of preventing one another from being recognized as a member of Christ (Romans 14:1-3, 15:7).

We are one as a family because of His death. He removed the wall of separation involved in various ordinances, etc. (Ephesians 2:14-18). We are no longer identified by schools of thought, but stand with all of God’s children on redemption’s ground. This is a fact of great importance, and at the heart of Christian testimony to this dark, partisan and sectarian world.

What then makes us a church? We are a church because we commonly possess the life of Christ Himself and are expressing the radiant truth of the Gospel. God has given the church it’s identity by His presence in the midst of their gathering (“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” -Matthew 18:20, ESV) He uses such gatherings as His lampstand in this present darkness, a city set upon a hill. He has brought to birth something at Chatham that none of us, individually or collectively, could ever hope to do. We are a testimony to His Son, a community of life and light living for His purposes and glory while dwelling in the midst of a community of death and darkness. Because of the cross of Christ we have been redeemed and now it is possible for His presence to dwell among us. He has called us into this corporate fellowship (1 Corinthians 1:16). Based solely on our common life in Christ Himself, He gets all the glory.

He makes no distinctions other than our blood bought relationship with Himself. Therefore Romans 15:6, 7 says we are to glorify God with our voice and accept each other as Christ accepted us, to the Glory of God.

The criterion for fellowship in His church is simple. “Who do you say He is, and what then has He come to do?” Peter’s answer in Matthew 16 was simple, yet profound. “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This statement answers both parts of the question. Jesus replied that upon this foundation stone, i.e. the revelation of Himself, on this alone he would build His church and it would prevail.

What a high and holy calling. What a privilege to be companions of the heavenly calling.
____________________________________________________________

The elders have been reviewing our Constitution over the last few months. Early in April, we presented a draft revision to the body via the Life Communities. We greatly appreciate the feedback you gave us, which let us know that some of our members have concerns about the doctrinal changes (Article 2) while the other proposed changes were broadly accepted. As a result, the elders have prepared a revision that does not include any changes to the doctrinal section. This revision will be presented for a vote at the upcoming Annual Meeting.

Over the next few months the elders will continue an open dialogue about the doctrinal statement in order to prepare a future revision. We want people to have a chance to fully understand and absorb the significance of the proposed changes. We ask you to prayerfully consider these changes and pray for us as we move through this process.

Help “Reload” Chatham’s Benevolence Fund

2011-05-01T13:59:00.018-05:00

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” -1 John 3:17

Chatham maintains a benevolence fund to help meet financial needs within our church body. Management of these funds is an important way we seek to meet the challenge of 1 John 3:17. A few years ago, the fund had made it’s way up to $25,000. Given the difficult economic times we are in, we as a church have met needs that have dwindled that account down to around $5,000.

In order to increase accountability and shared wisdom when addressing difficult financial questions and prioritization, the Deacon of Mercy Ministries, in cooperation with the elders, has formed a Mercy Committee. The committee has set a goal to maintain the fund between $7,500 and $13,000. This may seem like a wide range, but there is a rationale behind that goal. The low end of the range represents the point at which we become too limited in our ability to meet some legitimate needs in a meaningful way. When the fund reaches this level, it is our intention to have a campaign to bring it back to a “full funding level,” which is the higher end of the range. At this time, we are initiating a campaign to replenish our benevolence fund. Here’s how you can help:

1. If God has blessed you financially beyond your needs, please prayerfully consider giving to the benevolence fund.

2. Please pray for the Mercy Committee as they seek to provide financial (and other) assistance to those in need as good stewards of the funds God provides through the body.

3. If you are struggling under financial burden, please don’t give to the benevolence fund. Rather, please speak to a member of the Mercy Committee so someone can come alongside you to work through the challenge.

May we continue to help those who are in need!

Be Not Anxious

2011-05-01T13:54:00.016-05:00

by Kevin, Outreach Deacon

We all face cares and concerns, stresses and pressures in this life that can cause us to attend to our business in a responsible way. The wrong way to handle the stresses of this life is to worry or be anxious about them. The Bible says “do not be anxious” and “be anxious for nothing.” The word “anxious” is defined as:

anx•ious 1: characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind or brooding fear about some contingency : WORRIED (1)

Anxiety can even take a toll on our physical bodies and mental state.

I have to confess that I am a worrier. This seems to have been a trait that I picked up sometime in childhood. Years ago, I would attack the worry and anxiety with alcohol and drugs, which would deaden it for a while. But it always came back. When the Lord Jesus brought this wreck of a man from death into life, many of the old habits went away. Unfortunately, some have hung around. I still tend to worry.

In trying to think of a subject to write on for this month, nothing was coming together in my mind. As I mentioned this to a friend, she suggested that this would be a good topic to write about. Thank You, Lord, for not letting us rest in our sin. I set out to see what the Bible has to say about worry or anxiety. Two of the best passages are found in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:6-7.

Do Not Be Anxious
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” -Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)

The Lord repeats the phrase “do not be anxious” three times, so it must be very important to Him and to us.

How remarkable are these teachings? Do not be anxious about your life. Life is our greatest concern in this world, yet we are not to worry about what we are to eat or wear or even the length of our life. If our Lord’s command were not enough, we are told to consider how the Father provides for the birds and the flowers and reminded that we are of far greater value to Him than they are. The unsaved peoples seek after these things because they do not know the Father. But we who have trusted our eternity to God, how can we not trust Him to provide for our needs here?

We do have our work to do, for God has made us to work. We are to trust that He who provides for the flowers, which do not labor, will much more provide for us by blessing our labor which He has made our duty. And if we should through sickness be unable to work, God can furnish us with what is needed.

Also, we have greater and better things to think about as He instructs us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Worrying about temporal things, which God has promised to provide, draws us away from serving Him.

We are not to worry about tomorrow because every day brings along its own cares, as well as its own strength and supply. Lamentations 3:22-23 says that God’s compassion and mercy are new every day. Tomorrow and the things of it will be provided for without us. We can prepare wisely for tomorrow but not worry about it. Do the work of this day in this day and then let tomorrow bring its work along with it. There is time enough to take thought for tomorrow’s troubles when (and if) they come. This is a very comforting thought.

John Macarthur writes in his book “Anxiety Attacked,” “Worry paralyzes its victim, making him or her too upset to accomplish anything productive. It will seek to do that to you by taking you mentally into tomorrow until you find something to worry about. Refuse to go along for the ride. The Lord says you have enough to deal with today. Apply today’s resources to today’s needs or you will lose today’s joy.

“Lack of joy is a sin for the child of God. By worrying about tomorrow, many believers miss the victory God would give them today. That is not fair to Him. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, NIV, emphasis added). God gives you the glorious gift of life today; live in the light and full joy of that day, using the resources God supplies. Don’t push yourself into the future and forfeit the day’s joy over some tomorrow that may never happen. Today is all you really have, for God permits none of us to live in tomorrow until it turns into today.” (2)

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian believers, “...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)

Notice the wonderful command “do not be anxious about anything.” Again he is not speaking about the care and diligence we are to have for our duty, but about worry that is a distrust of God which can cause us to be unfit for His service.

As an antidote against worry, Paul recommends to us constant prayer. We must always pray with thanksgiving. Gratefully acknowledge what God has done. When anything burdens our spirit, we must ease our minds by prayer. The result of this is the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. This peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It is a peace that originates with God and can only come from Him (unlike any the world can give).

These are some wonderful truths about worry and anxiety to meditate on and put into practice. To not do so is to distrust God, and this is sin. I am speaking to myself with these words. May the God of peace guard your heart and mind in this day that He has made.

(1.) Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

(2.) MacArthur, J. (1996). Anxiety attacked John MacArthur, Jr. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

May 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

1. Acts 3:17-26

2. Acts 4:1-22

3. Acts 4:23-36

4. Acts 5:1-11

5. Acts 5:12-42

6. Acts 6:1-15

7. Acts 7:1-16

8. Acts 7:17-29

9. Acts 7:30-44

10. Acts 7:45-60

11. Acts 8:1-25

12. Acts 8:26-40

13. Acts 9:1-19

14. Acts 9:20-43

15. Acts 10:1-16

16. Acts 10:17-33

17. Acts 10:34-48

18. Acts 11:1-18

19. Acts 11:19-30

20. Acts 12:1-25

21. Acts 13:1-12

22. Acts 13:13-41

23. Acts 13:42-52

24. Acts 14:1-20

25. Acts 14:21-28

26. James 1:1-18

27. James 1:19-27

28. James 2:1-13

29. James 2:14-26

30. James 3:1-12

31. James 3:13-18

2011 Photo Directory Portrait Dates

2011-04-05T11:06:00.001-05:00

Chatham members and attendees can now book photography appointments for a new photo directory to be printed later this year.

Chatham’s photography schedule is:
• Tuesday, May 31 to Friday, June 3
from 2 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. daily

• Saturday, June 4
from 9:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m.

Schedule your appointment online at signup.olanmills.com.
Simply use the church phone number to log in.

>> If you need assistance or have questions or scheduling conflicts, please contact the church office.

Olan Mills now offers a choice in portrait backdrops and allows you the freedom to choose different poses beyond the standard “head and shoulders” shot. You will receive a free directory and a free 8x10 just for participating. Please book your appointment today.

A Farewell From Pastor Brent

2011-04-01T12:41:00.000-05:00

by Pastor Brent

As most of you know, I have submitted my resignation to the elders of this church and will terminate my service to Chatham at the end of this month. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Chatham for being so generous, supportive and encouraging to both Jennifer and myself over the last few years. Everyone has been very accommodating, genuinely nice and positive. I truly appreciate your commitment to the two of us, both financially and prayerfully.

My time at Chatham has been characterized by much transition, and so many at Chatham have borne with me through rough times and have not taken advantage of often turbulent times in my own life. I thank God that this was the case, and that my memory of Chatham is a truly positive one based on the love and kindness experienced.

I would particularly like to express my gratefulness and thanks to all of the elders who have entrusted much to me over the years. It has been a joy to work with them. You, as a congregation, should thank God for them. They are imperfect and faulty, but they love you and deal with very hard things all the time out of love for God and for you. It is a tough assignment, yet a rewarding task. Please continue to always pray for them and encourage them.

On a personal note, since most of the elders do not get paid, I believe the congregation should work very hard to express its gratitude for their leadership in other ways—through kinds deeds and encouraging words, help in bearing the extra burdens placed on them due to their service by supporting and encouraging their families as well, and, of course, proactively offering to help and serve, using your talents and gifts as you see needs rather than waiting on them to come and find you.

In addition, it has been a joy to work with Dave, Al, Sarah and the Goldsmiths.

Dave has always been concerned with me personally more than my performance, or lack thereof. I wish that I could have been equal to that task. I have learned much about shepherding and taking care of people from him, and there are very few people I have met who have been on Dave’s level when it comes to taking care of people and doing the little things that are so crucial and yet so often missed. He is a true shepherd which very few churches have.

Al has been a friend, supporter and model. If there is a better youth pastor in this world, I sure do not know that person. Not only is he a great youth pastor, he is a real, authentic and transformative agent of redemption to this community and to people around him.

Sarah has been an encourager, editor and major supporter during my time at Chatham. Her ability to understand and simply communicate deep theological truth is astounding and refreshing. Her heart for the lost and her passion for God are something that I wish I could also say about myself, but evidence always seems to point in the other direction.

Jim has finally stopped scaring me half to death in a dark, empty church building, and Debbie has finally stopped saying I went to Georgia Tech. Seriously though, they do so many behind-the-scenes things around here, so be sure to thank them for the work they do.

I am also thankful to all of the men who worked with me on our Men’s Ministry Committee over the last few years. Tim Menke, Denny Sivcovich, Tim Keating, Heath Bishop and Paul DuBois have all been a refreshment to me, and it has been exciting to see a thriving men’s ministry finally happening after talking about it for so long. I thank God for Paul and his heart for leading our small band, and it has been a joy to be able to share my weaknesses and failures with Tim Menke and Paul over so many conversations. I will thank God for these times and men well into the future.

I want to give special thanks to Al Fuller and Paul Martin for their work with me over the sabbatical period, as well as to the elders (particularly Jay) who agreed to utilize “The Gospel Centered Life” curriculum, and worked with us to focus on Christ for a semester, going deep with people in the church, often through hard and challenging material.

Along these lines, it has been a great joy to work with the Life Community leaders and to see their deep commitment to their people. Be sure to thank all of them for their service and to encourage them often. Finally, I would like to thank Mike Smith for his help with all of the Life Community material and execution.

There are so many others who I would like to thank here, but there are limitations of space in this publication that must be respected. We will have plenty of time to say goodbye to all of you over the next month. Again, thank you all for your support and encouragement. It is truly appreciated.

Living Paul’s Exhortation to Timothy

2011-04-01T12:39:00.000-05:00

by Mike, Elder

Prior to reading this blog, you probably already heard the news that, effective May 1, Brent Jennings will leave his position as an associate pastor at Chatham. Brent has communicated to the Chatham leadership that he is responding to a call to service in a different vocation. Many of you know Brent has had academic training in advertising, and he senses God’s call to refine his gifts through further education. Brent is seizing an open door opportunity for a full time educational pursuit which will require a great deal of focus and attention.

God’s provision of this open door comes at a good time for both Brent and Chatham. Through Brent’s proactive leadership in discipleship, we recently completed a year of our updated small group ministry, Life Communities, and had the Gospel message foundation reinforced last fall. In many ways, this is an opportune time in Brent’s work at Chatham for him to transition into his new calling.

It is hard for me not to think of the Apostle Paul’s Timothy when reflecting on Brent Jennings and his time with Chatham, not because of Brent’s youth, but because of his service among us. In 1 Timothy 4, Paul spoke to Timothy about being a good servant, and here Paul gave Timothy specific instruction to follow. When we reflect on Brent Jennings’ appointed time at Chatham it is almost like Brent had committed Paul’s playbook to heart. Consider with me some of Paul’s charges to the young leader Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12-16.

• “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity...”

Brent was an excellent example for all of us as he lived out his faith among us and helped us grow.

• “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching...”

We were all blessed by Brent’s continued love for preaching and his clear growth in this area over the last 6 months.

• “Do not neglect the gift you have...”

God has given Brent many gifts, and one that directly impacted me was his gift of leading with zeal and determination (Romans 12:7). I know each one of us can recall a gift of Brent’s that touched us.

• “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress...”

And progress we did indeed see as Brent immersed his life into Chatham. His touching and tireless contribution to the daily life of the church was strongly felt by all of us during Pastor Dave’s sabbatical.

We will miss Brent and Jennifer as part of our church body, and Brent’s strong work at Chatham will leave an enduring impact on the body. We ask for God’s continued blessing on Brent in the service to which God has called him.

Please join us after the service on Sunday, May 1 for a special lunch gathering honoring Pastor Brent and Jennifer for their time of service at Chatham.

Drink Coffee. Do Good.

2011-04-01T12:13:00.009-05:00

by Pastor Al

When disasters happen in our community, state, nation or world, we are typically quick to respond, and we should. Whether it is New Orleans, Haiti or now Japan, we should do whatever we can to help, starting with prayer that God be glorified and that people would know Jesus Christ for salvation.

We are usually good to respond to disasters, but that’s just one part of the formula in showing mercy and doing justice. In this age of rapid information, we can also be aware of ongoing opportunities to help around the world at any time. And, starting now, you will be able to help in part of the world just by drinking coffee!

How? Read on...

"Drink Coffee. Do Good. Is it really that simple?

"Welcome to Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee, where you can have a high quality cup of coffee that provides a Living Wage to coffee growers, micro-finance loans to widows, and engages redemption in a very tangible way across the world. Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee is on a mission to provide excellent coffee, support sustainable economic development, and to be a catalyst for reconciliation in Rwanda. Rwanda is a country blessed with ideal conditions for growing coffee: rich volcanic soils, high elevations, and plenty of rainfall. Through careful stewardship of resources comes a quality of coffee that ranks among the most valued in the world. In fact, the quality of this coffee commands a premium, and Land of a Thousand Hills pays higher than fair trade prices for Rwandan specialty coffees. This allows cooperative families to send their children to school, purchase insurance, and build health clinics. After enduring years of civil strife, Rwanda has emerged as a country dedicated to ethnic unity. Rwandans have a desire to not rely on charity, but be self-sustaining. Working side by side in the fields and at coffee washing stations, formerly warring countrymen move closer to achieving lasting reconciliation. Coffee growers have a new focus, progress! More than a decade has passed in Rwanda since the war. Why do we not hear the most powerful story? The story of the transformation of a country once divided by ethnicity to a country uniting in Christ. A story of reconciliation, redemption, and salvation. A story of a country that is inspired to change.

"You can help. Drink our coffee."

(Source: landofathousandhills.com)

Last month Chatham placed its first order with Thousand Hills, and I invite you to taste coffee with a purpose. Let’s not simply be reactionary with mercy and justice, let’s pursue it full time. But, above all else, let’s walk humbly with our God.

There is so much more to this than what I can tell you here, so please take a look for yourself at drinkcoffeedogood.com, or talk to me about this concept. We will also be placing a group order for those wanting to have this good coffee in their homes.

Drink Coffee. Do Good.

“He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?”
-Micah 6:8 (ESV)

Devoting Ourselves to Fellowship

2011-04-01T12:08:00.001-05:00

by Denny, Fellowship Deacon

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” -Acts 2:42 (ESV)

Please take a moment to read the introduction to the study “Christian Fellowship” by J. Hampton Keathley, III.

In what ways do we devote ourselves to “fellowship?” Is it just meeting together, having dinner together, studying together? Or is it getting know each other and learning ways we can pray for each other’s true needs, or help each other in rough times without being prompted by a pastor?

One way we attempted to bring Chatham couples together to get to know each other better was through our Sweetheart Banquet on February 28. Our focus was to have a time where couples could be encouraged in their marriages, and to meet couples we might not have known yet. We also wanted to have a fun time together. The feedback we received on the response cards was very encouraging and gave us some things to build on for next time. We had 40 couples attend. That is a good start. Let’s continue to look for ways to meet together.

Chatham has many opportunities for you to get together with others; Life Communities, Women’s Bible Study, Men’s “Quest for Authentic Manhood” study, fellowship dinners preceding special Sunday evening meetings, and we are planning a summer picnic for everyone and a fall camping weekend. If you have other ideas that would encourage families to become closer friends, please let me know. Many of the scheduled events at Chatham already have fellowship as an ingredient to the get-together.

Let us devote ourselves to fellowship in a way that we know how to meet the needs of others because we know each other so well. How well do you know the people at Chatham Bible Church?

Aftershock: Japan... Pray. Give.

2011-03-25T08:00:00.016-05:00

PRAY.

Please pray for the people of Japan following the devastation of one of the worst earthquakes in recorded history and subsequent tsunami, along with hundreds of powerful aftershocks and an ongoing nuclear crisis.

Click here for specific ways you can pray.

GIVE.

If the Lord leads you to help financially with relief efforts, we encourage you to give through Churches Helping Churches, a global partnership of church communities who seek to rebuild other churches in the wake of a catastrophic natural disaster.

CHC has been assessing the situation in Japan and is working to support:

• CRASH (Christian Relief Assistance Support and Hope)

• Dale Little, president of JEMA (Japanese Evangelical Missionary Association)

• Setsu Kuroda, International Director of JCFN (Japanese Christian Fellowship Network)

• Michael Oh, President of CBI (Christ Bible Institute)

To help, please visit churcheshelpingchurches.com. You can donate via their giving page or by text. Send “chc” to 20222, confirm “yes,” to donate $10 per text.

We pray the greatest “aftershock” from this event is Jesus’ love through His people and His Gospel affecting this nation in amazing ways to God’s glory.

April 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-03-20T06:00:00.012-05:00

1. Matthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-44; Luke 20:45-21:4

2. Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36

3. Matthew 24:1-51

4. Matthew 25:1-46

5. Luke 21:37-22:2; Mark 14:1-9; Matthew 26:1-13; John 12:2-8

6. Mark14:10-17; Matthew 26:14-20; Luke 22:3-18,24-30

7. John 13:1-20

8. John 13:21-38; Mark 14:18-31; Matthew 26:21-35; Luke 22:19-23

9. Luke 22:31-38; John14:1-31

10. John 15:1-27

11. John 16:1-33

12. John 17:1 – 18:1

13. Mark 14:26,32-42; Matthew 26:30,36-46; Luke 22:39-46

14. Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-11

15. John 18:12-27; Mark 14:53-72; Matthew 26:57-75;Luke 22:54-65

16. Matthew 27:1-14; Mark 15:1-5; Luke 22:66-23:5; John 18:28-38

17. Luke 23:6-25; Mark 15:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26

18. John 18:39-19:17; Mark 15:16-23; Matthew 27:27-34; Luke 23:26-33

19. Mark 15:24-32; Matthew 27:35-44; Luke 23:34-43; John 19:18-27

20. Mark 15:33-41; Matthew 27:45-56; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-30

21. Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-66; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:31-42

22. Matthew 28:1-8; Mark16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18

23. Matthew 28:9-15; Luke 24:13-43; Mark 16:12-14; John 20:19-31

24. John 21:1-25; Mark 16:15- 20; Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:44-53

25. Acts 1:1-14

26. Acts 1:15-26

27. Acts 2:1-13

28. Acts 2:14-36

29. Acts 2:37-47

30. Acts 3:1-16

From Disciple to Missionary to Discipler

2011-03-01T08:03:00.000-06:00

by Pastor Dave

In 1984, Maureen and I joined the staff of International Students, Inc. and began contacting students at area universities. It was a season of cultivating some pretty hardened ground, but after one semester we began meeting with a handful of internationals, most of whom were not believers.

One of the first contacts we had was with a young student from the island of St. Vincent by the name of Cameron Cato. He attended our Bible study as well as church services at Chatham. We had countless interactions about the Gospel, and finally, at one of Chatham’s missions conferences, Cameron made a two-fold commitment: To Christ as Savior and to serve Him anywhere. Cameron became our first disciple in a ministry where we saw much fruit. After a year of discipling, he announced to me one day that he believed the Lord wanted him to return to his country to reach his own people with the Gospel.

Cameron also sensed God’s call for vocational ministry, and Chatham helped this young man to receive his training at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He graduated in 1990 and I still remember attending his graduation ceremony with Pastor Doug Russell. He returned to St. Vincent and within a year Pastor Cameron had become the pastor in Questelles, St. Vincent, serving the Lord with the Evangelical Church of the West Indies.

We took the Chatham youth group to assist Pastor Cameron in a VBS in the summer of 1991, and it was a great learning experience for all of us. Besides Maureen, Kathy Rochester, Christy (Shields) Fuller, Kitty (Hannibal) Bishop and Heath Bishop all accompanied me on that first mission trip. There have been a number of subsequent trips to St. Vincent and to Bequia (a nearby island), and we’ve also enjoyed reciprocal ministry from Pastor Cameron to us over these past 20 years.

Now we’re excited about his return to St. Louis, along with Andine and his two children, Andron and Cadine, for Chatham’s Missions Week, March 2-9.

Isn’t that just like the Lord? He saves a young man at a missions conference in the mid-80’s, then sends him back to minister at a Chatham missions conference 25 years later!

The theme for our Missions Week is “The Great Commission Today: Where Do I Fit In?” There will be sessions on both Wednesdays, a woman’s lunch on Saturday, a men’s chili cookoff and session Tuesday, and two sessions that Sunday, both during morning worship and in an afternoon meeting following a catered lunch. See details on page 5 of this newsletter. Brochures were also placed in your mail folders.

We hope you’ll make every effort to join us. The four main speakers will emphasize what each of us can do to fulfill God’s plan to reach the world. All of us aren’t called to go, but we are called to be a part of what God is doing as senders, givers and pray-ers.

John Mott, who presided at the 1910 World Missionary Conference, said, “It is possible for the most obscure person in a church, with a heart right toward God, to exercise as much power for the evangelization of the world, as it is for those who stand in the most prominent positions.” Come to our Missions Week and find out how.

Do You Know This Man?

2011-03-01T08:02:00.000-06:00

by Pastor Al

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 3:13–14

Do you know this man? I do
The man who is the last one to leave
in order to listen to others
The one who picks up a hammer or wrench
to help solve a problem
The one that travels from church to church
to minister to those in need

Do you know this man? I do
I can see him and his young family sailing across
an ocean to an unknown land with an
unknown language to share about a God
who can be known
A man that always has time for a story,
in a society too busy to listen
He is the one that spent 64 years married
to his beautiful bride, as they
served the Lord together

Do you know this man? I do
He was quick to spend time with his grandkids,
and use ordinary things to teach of the
extraordinary things of God!
He surrendered his life to Christ as a teen,
and loved and served him 90 years
I don’t know if this man had enemies,
but many called him friend
There was always a song near his lips
that would praise the name of his Savior, Jesus

Do you know this man? I do
This man knew what only has lasting value,
in a world that is passing away
He did not waste his life
He loved the church, his family,
and more importantly his Lord and Savior

Do you know this man? I do
This man is my Grandpa, and I love him!

Dwight Alan Fuller (1920-2011)

The Vitality of Love in the Body

2011-03-01T08:00:00.012-06:00

by Jay, Elder

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:2-3 (ESV), “If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” Paul goes on to write the famous “love” chapter, describing in familiar and words the true definition and importance of love. Jesus Himself was the embodiment of God’s sacrificial love for humanity (John 3:16). Jesus summed up the Law and Prophets with two profound yet succinct commands... love God and love neighbor (Mark 12:29-31). You may know of many other references like these.

In his teaching on February 6, “Seeing, Feeling, Helping,” Pastor Dave quoted the following concepts from author Paul Miller. If we see and feel but do not help, our love is cold, lacking in compassion. If we see and help, but do not feel, our love is cheap, lacking in personal cost.

As an elder, it is important that I lead with love, of which I have much to learn. Beginning in February, the elders and deacons began study in a book entitled “Leading With Love” by Alexander Strauch. The book is comprised of three parts: “Love Is Indispensable to Christian Leadership,” “The Character and Behavior of a Loving Leader” and “The Works of a Loving Leader.”

In the book’s preface, Strauch states four important reasons why we should focus our attention on love as it applies to leadership.

1) The New Testament makes clear that love is critical to Godly leadership.

2) Leaders set the spiritual tone for the church.

3) Leaders, and the body in general, often work closely together in ministry which can only be effective through the bonds of love.

4) There are many false ideas about love that need correction.
In the upper room with His disciples, as His time on Earth drew to a close, Jesus said to His next generation of leaders, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.” (John 13:34, ESV).

I am looking forward to working through Strauch’s book, not only to improve as an elder, husband and father, but also to use as a good study with other men in the church as we attempt to grow up the next generation of leaders within Chatham.

Laboring in the Power of Christ

2011-03-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

by Larry, Facilities Deacon

A short study, so I thought, recently produced the following…

Elders:
• Men of Dignity
• Above Reproach
• Not Addicted to Wine
• Free from the Love of Money
• Manages His Home Well (With Dignity)
• Holds to the Mystery of the Faith
• Good Husband of One Wife
• Not Double Tongued
• Temperate
• Prudent
• Respectable
• Hospitable
• Able to Teach
• Not Pugnacious
• Gentle
• Peaceable
• Not a New Convert
• Good Reputation Outside the Church

Deacons:
• Men of Dignity
• Not Double Tongued
• Not Addicted to Wine
• Free from the Love of Money
• Manages His Home Well
• Holds to the Mystery of the Faith
• Good Husband of One Wife

Whew! As a deacon I’m sure glad that I’m on that short list at the bottom.

Seriously though, those of you who know me know that I’ll make light of most earnest and solemn circumstances. A lot of my attitude comes from living through and being brought out of a past history that doesn’t look like either of those two lists above. To God be the glory, we are all sinners stumbling our way to the foot of the Cross.

I used to think that the path of a Christian was one filled with woe and dread, dour and disapproving stern people constantly reminding me of what a dog I was. (Sorry dogs.)

But this church body (of which you, if you’re reading this, are most likely a member) has treated... no, gifted my family and me with a graciousness that I could not imagine and still marvel at. It is place to grow in the sunlight of His Spirit.

Now before I detour too far down a nebulous rabbit trail let me get back to those two lists….

First, they are really not that different. Whether elder or deacon, we all should be striving toward these ideals, and not just within the walls of this building.

Second, if you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ and been rescued from an eternity of woe and dread, then walking in the path of these principles is not overly difficult by God’s enabling.

Third, the joy of the realization of your escape from an eternity of woe and dread could and should motivate you to participate in the growth and vitality of the church body.

Fourth, in these times of uncertainty in the culture and world where we find ourselves living, this church body can impact our immediate community, town, city, state, nation and world for God’s glory.

Ain’t that exciting!

As your Deacon of Facilities I often judge myself incredibly inadequate and ill suited for the task. But through the power and grace of Christ, and the wisdom, guidance and support of our church body, I find that I can labor on building up and serving the Kingdom.

Adult Class Options: Junior High to Adult - Spring 2011

2011-02-27T08:00:00.004-06:00

March 6-May 29
Classes begin at 9 a.m.

Classes remain largely unchanged from last semester. Feel free to join either discussion at any time.

Life in God’s Image, Worship Center
Led by: Various Speakers

We will continue to address Christian ethics from a worldview perspective, applying Biblical benchmarks to common and often cherished convictions about reality, truth, meaning and identity. The goal is to develop Gospel-driven and Gospel-saturated knowledge that leaves us better equipped to share the Good News of Christ’s forgiveness and salvation in all circumstances.

The Book of Ephesians, Upstairs Fellowship Room
Led by: Kevin Evans

We will continue to look at the wonderful letter Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus and invite you to join us for this discussion of God’s Word.

March 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-02-20T06:00:00.003-06:00

1. John 7:11-52

2. John 7:53-8:20

3. John 8:21-59

4. John 9:1-41

5. John 10:1-42

6. Luke 10:1-24

7. Luke 10:25 – 11:13

8. Luke 11:14-54

9. Luke 12:1-34

10. Luke 12:35-59

11. Luke 13:1-35

12. Luke 14:1-35

13. Luke 15:1-32

14. Luke 16:1 – 17:10

15. John 11:1-27

16. John 11:28-54

17. Luke 17:11-37

18. Luke18:1-14; Mark10:1-12; Matthew 19:1-12

19. Luke 18:15-30; Mark10:13-31

20. Matthew 19:13 – 20:16

21. Mark 10:32-45; Matthew 20: 17-28; Luke 18:31-34

22. Luke 18:35-43; Mark 10: 46-52; Matthew 20:29-34

23. Luke 19:1-28

24. John 11:55 – 12:1, 9-19; Mark11:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11, 14-17

25. Luke19:29-48; Mark11:12-18; Matthew 21:12,13

26. John 12:20-50

27. Mark 11:19-33; Matthew 21:18-27; Luke 20:1-8

28. Matthew 21:28-46; Luke 20:9-19; Mark 12:1-12

29. Matthew 22:1-22; Luke 20:20-26; Mark 12:13-17

30. Matthew 22:22-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40

31. Mark 12:28-37; Matthew 22:34-46; Luke 20:41-44

Chatham Missions Week, March 2-9

2011-02-11T14:55:00.005-06:00

“The Great Commission Today:
Where Do I Fit In?”

Jesus commanded us to make disciples “as you go” into the world where the Lord has placed us. The Lord is doing exciting things throughout the world, as He always has, but the people He is using today have changed from those Americans have traditionally viewed as missionaries. The Lord is using nationals to reach nationals through church-planting movements in countries closed to American missionaries. So what is our role today? We have a great opportunity to learn from missionaries who are or have been on the “front lines” in this new movement. We will learn about going, praying, giving and sending.

Our speakers include: Cameron Cato, a missionary from Chatham and the pastor of two churches on Bequia Island in St. Vincent; Becky Martin, the U.S. facilitator for MSV in the Philippines; Gary and Donna Ferch, with Friends in Action, who recently returned from Vanuatu Island and have led the construction of the Bolivian boat ministry which Chatham has supported; Paul and Angie Kimball, previously with Wycliffe Bible Translators and now serving with Righteous Rides; and others.

Schedule:
Wednesday, March 2
Evening service at 7 p.m. with Paul Kimball
Preceded by a pizza dinner at 6 p.m. (Donations accepted.)
Children’s Program (4 years to fourth grade) and nursery care will be provided.
> Everyone should meet together in the Worship Center at 7 p.m. Kids will be released for their program before the main message.

Saturday, March 5
Women’s Brunch at 10 a.m. with Becky Martin
With reports from Donna Ferch, Angie Kimball and Andine Cato
Please bring a dish to share. Child care will not be provided for this event.
Contact Marilyn Spence with questions.
Combined Life Community meeting at Chatham, 6 p.m.
Life Communities which meet on Saturdays are invited to fellowship with missionaries.

Sunday, March 6
Cameron Cato will give the morning message.
We’ll also hear reports from Paul Kimball and Becky Martin.
Catered lunch (donations accepted) followed by a special meeting at 1:30 p.m. with a special guest speaker.
A children’s program will be provided by John and Katie Ferch, missionary candidates. Nursery care will also be provided.

Tuesday, March 8
Men’s Chili Cook Off at 6:30 p.m. with Gary Ferch
Bring your favorite chili or another dish or dessert to share.
Child care will not be provided for this event.
Contact Jeff Fouse with questions.

Wednesday, March 9
Evening service at 7 p.m. with a guest speaker.
Preceded by a Subway sandwich dinner at 6 p.m. (Donations accepted.)
Children’s Program (4 years to fourth grade) and nursery care will be provided
> Everyone should meet together in the Worship Center at 7 p.m. Kids will be released for their program before the main message.

Registration: Look for a sign up in the bulletin February 20 and 27, or contact the church office to register for meal events.

Please pray for our speakers and that the Lord will prepare our hearts.

“Finding Joy in God” Women’s DVD Conference

2011-02-04T10:00:00.001-06:00

This year’s conference will be held at Chatham March 18-19, where we will view John Piper’s series “When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy.”

Schedule:
• Friday, March 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost:
$10, Chick-fil-A catered lunch included

Registration open Sunday, Feb. 6 through Wednesday, March 9.

“The Quest for Authentic Manhood” Men’s Conference

2011-02-02T10:00:00.001-06:00

Engage with other men February 18-19 as we deal with our brokenness and wounds from the past, and together learn of our deep need for the Authentic Man, Jesus.

Schedule:
• Friday, Feb. 18 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (no meals)
• Saturday, Feb. 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (breakfast & lunch provided)

Cost:
$25 (Even if you can only pay a portion of this price, don’t let that stop you from attending. We want every guy there.)

Sign-up at our table in the Learning Center or on our Facebook Group, “Chatham Bible Church Men’s Ministries.”

Worshiping As We Read

2011-02-01T08:03:00.000-06:00

by Pastor Brent

In my last article I wrote about the importance of reading the Bible in a Christ centered way. I want to continue to explore this with you, as this understanding has an important and long lasting impact on how we live our lives and go about our daily activities.

The goal of our reading should be worship of God. This includes a changed motivation and resulting actions. As we read, are we worshiping with the actual biblical text? Tim Keller states, “We have not really fulfilled the text’s purpose unless we walked away with a true sense of God on our hearts.”

But how do we do this? If you are like me, you struggle to read your Bible and find it difficult to see its relevance in your life, much less to change the way you live. That is, unless you are reading it in a legalistic way (I’ve got to do better so that God will love me); a self-deprecating and hopeless way (I’ll never measure up, so I should feel bad about myself); or a selfish, prideful way (I’m not as bad as these characters, or my friends or family who are more like these characters than I am).

If you are reading it with one of these three approaches, chances are you come away with some kind of really good or really bad feeling, but you are certainly not coming away with a deeper love for Christ. However, if you have felt the sting and emptiness of these bad approaches you can find yourself struggling to understand how to find delight and respect for God as you read your Bible. This is a common problem, so you are not alone.

The question remains: How do we read in a way that leads us to an enjoyment and love of God which renews, challenges and changes us at every level?

Let’s use an example of a theme in the Bible that helps us do this:

Say we are reading through 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. We have seen how Samuel told the people that they did not need a king, but that God would be their king, unlike all of the other nations around them. Then God concedes, or so it seems, to their request for a king. This was after the judges failed to work out, by the way. The people of God wanted a one-person rule over them. They got it in Saul. Slowly, Saul’s power grew. However, he was a failure.

But does God say, “I told you so?” No, he does not. What does He do? He escalates the theme of the need for His people to have a king. He does this by choosing David.

Now we move our study to the Psalms. We know David is a mixed bag of righteousness and sin. Yet we read in Psalm 2 the strongest of language about a king. Is David talking about Himself in Psalm 2? This psalm is so strong. One may wonder how we arrived at this point. Yet, here we are with language of all of the nations bowing to this Son, the King, and it all has to do with the whole earth worshipping God. This is a long way from a simple leadership over one tribe or people group.

What we need to see as we read this passage is the tension that is developed within. We know, based on already having read the accounts of David’s demise, that these psalms cannot merely be talking about his role as the king. It should lead us to the conclusion that no human king can ever be enough. A king greater than the world can offer will have to do what this king in the Psalms, and later in the Prophets, is being set up to do.

So the question is how can any king be powerful enough to liberate us from slavery and bondage this great? The answer, of course, is that God Himself is the only one who can be this king. And Psalm 2 is picked up in multiple statements and prophecies about Jesus in the New Testament. Just read the Gospels and you’ll see them.

So where should this study of God’s Word end? We worship God because He did what we and our human representatives could not do. If He did not step into our reality by sending His Son to be our King and representative, we would all be without hope and enslaved to sin, guilt, doubt and fear forever. This is reason to enjoy God in Jesus. He is the conqueror of our greatest hindrances, tensions and problems. Though there might be situations in our lives that threaten to overwhelm us, the big stuff is still taken care of. He is still ruling and reigning as our King, and will one day work out all of the discrepancies.

May we all learn to look for God as the tension-breaker, as the one who deals with the most impossible promises and tensions of the Bible. And may the result of this lead us to worship Him.

Don’t Miss It

2011-02-01T08:02:00.004-06:00

by Pastor Al

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:1-5 (ESV)

We have all have juggled our schedules so we won’t miss something we deem to be “important.” Sometimes the event is very important. Other times we just think it is, only to find out later that it really wasn’t. But let’s face it, time is precious. We cannot physically go back and relive yesterday. It has come and gone.

Have you ever missed it? Have you missed an opportunity to worship God while ministering to other people? Those moments are there every day, opportunities to give love to others that demonstrate the love God has shown to us through Christ.

Why do I miss it? Sometimes I have my blinders on. You know, those times when you are so focused on the task you’re doing that you miss what is going on around you. Other times I’m so wrapped up in my own problems and issues that I fail to see those needing love around me. Of course, various excuses come into play. I’m tired. I’m hungry. I don’t feel well. The root of this my selfishness... ahem, my sin.

Nothing quite changes your tune about all this than spending time with someone who lives a life that revolves around the Gospel. You realize each moment is truly a gift, and an opportunity to worship the Giver of the most amazing gift of all: Salvation.

My Grandpa Fuller is the guy that comes to my mind. Here was a guy who used each moment to share Gospel with others, with actions and with words. Over the past 2 months he was laid up in a hospital, and usually in great pain. Most people would understand if he would not want to talk and simply let other people minister to him. But his lifework had been about giving glory to God, and a hospital stay was not about to stop him.

The phone call was hard. I was told grandpa’s condition was worsening and it looked like recovery would not happen. His passing would come soon. My dad was on the other end of the phone, and he told me grandpa was awake and wanted to talk to me. This would probably be our last conversation this side of Heaven. I had so many things I wanted to say to him. But grandpa beat me to the punch and started to share with me. Of all things, he gave me a short sermon based on John 1. He apologized for preaching to the choir, but I did not care. I need to hear it. All of us do.

That precious time with my grandpa, albeit over the phone, I will always remember. But beyond the call, I will remember the man who always had time for people, not simply because he was a nice guy, but because of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Schedules are sometimes necessary, and there will always be to-do lists, but we should worship God through those times. We demonstrate love to others because of Christ’s love for us.

You cannot bring yesterday back. It is history. What do you really have? Right now. This moment! You are not guaranteed tomorrow. We must hold on to plans loosely. Right now you have a great and wonderful opportunity to worship God. Don’t miss it.

Leaving a Gospel Legacy

2011-02-01T08:01:00.003-06:00

by Mark, Elder

In mid-January we had our annual elder retreat in order to seek spiritual refreshment together and to have an extended time of discussion and prayer about Chatham; where our congregation is headed, where we’ve been recently and what important things we should be doing.

I want to share a little about a recording we heard from a conference Dave attended while on sabbatical, on the subject of passing on the Gospel to future generations. The speaker referred to this passage:

[1] Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
[2] I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
[3] things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us.
[4] We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.

[5] He established a testimony in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children,
[6] that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
[7] so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
[8] and that they should not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
whose spirit was not faithful to God.
-Psalm 78:1-8 (ESV)

How many generations do you see here? Let’s list them:
1. Our fathers (v.5)
2. Their children (v. 5)
3. The children yet unborn (v. 6)
4. Their children (v. 6)

That’s a span of four generations to whom the Word of God is passed on. That is a very long term view, isn’t it? Have you ever thought about planning for your great grandchildren to know the Gospel?

The speaker cast this vision, “Our commitment to the church must extend beyond the current generation. We are a part of the transfer of the Gospel from generation to generation.” This is a real challenge to our usual focus on just the here and now.

The elders will follow up on this challenge by renewing our resolve to train up the younger men of Chatham for leadership as elders and deacons. Please pray with us for men who will aspire to become the future leaders in transferring the Gospel from generation to generation.

Evaluating Our Financial Processes: Cost vs. Benefits

2011-02-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

by Joe, Finance Deacon

One of the responsibilities of a church is to evaluate how best to use its time and resources according to God’s revealed will and Word. Having this responsibility, though, in no way guarantees it will be carried out. With Chatham’s finances, it is no different, and this article will briefly address this.

One of the main goals for the finances at Chatham is to keep the church “above reproach” in our sphere (e.g. financial transparency and adhering to tax law). This is done primarily by safeguarding resources received, and also by accounting for resources both received and paid. This involves considerable manpower for counting, writing checks, tracking deposits by contributor, year-end statements, researching technical issues, 1099s, payroll, time spent by elders doing the budgets, report preparation and more. This is all done using multiple funds and bank accounts. So while the goal of staying above reproach is attainable, it can come at a high cost in time and involve many people.

While there is value to be gained for much of this, there may come a time when the benefits do not exceed the costs of additional complexity. Simplicity can be better in the long term. There are occasions when time and resources are better used on higher priorities. And while much of what we do is necessary from our prior decisions and commitments, we might do well to avoid further complicating the financial process as we move forward. Otherwise, the processes we build will require more and more maintenance and cost, and may eventually be unsustainable.

So as future decisions arise, we should be mindful that anything complicating these processes means that someone or several people will have to do it, and possibly on an ongoing basis. It will not come at no cost. We should take a careful look to see if it is really worth doing in the long run, and is the best use of our time, properly stewarding both time and resources as the Lord desires.

We Are Listening...

2011-01-27T09:53:00.001-06:00

This video was produced for Sanctity of Life Sunday 2011. Thanks to Andy for his work on the project.

The song "We Are Listening" is by Sojourn.

February 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2011-01-20T06:00:00.001-06:00

1. Luke 7:1-17; Matthew 8:5-13

2. Luke 7:18-35; Matthew 11:2-19

3. Matthew 11:20-30; Luke 7:36 - 8:3

4. Mark 3:20-35; Matthew12:22-50; Luke8:19-21

5. Mark 4:1-29; Luke 8:4-18

6. Matthew 13:1-32; Mark 4:30-34

7. Matthew 13:33-53

8. Luke 8:22-25; Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 8:18, 23-27

9. Luke 8:26-39; Mark5:1-20; Matthew 8:28-9:1

10. Luke 8:40-56; Mark 5:21-43; Matthew 9:18-26

11. Matthew9:27-34; 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6

12. Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6; Matthew 9:35-10:15

13. Matthew 10:16-11:1

14. Mark 6:14-29; Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9

15. Mark6:30-44; Luke9:10-17; Matthew14:13-21; John 6:1-13

16. Mark 6:45-56; Matthew14:22-36; John6:14-21

17. John 6:22-51

18. John 6:52 – 7:1

19. Mark 7:1-23

20. Matthew 15:1-20

21. Matthew 15:21-38; Mark 7:24-8:9

22. Matthew15:39- 16:12; Mark 8:10-26

23. Luke 9:18-27; Mark 8:27- 9:1; Matthew 16:13-28

24. Luke 9:28-36; Mark 9:2-13; Matthew 17:1-13

25. Luke 9:37-45; Mark 9:14-32; Matthew 17:14-27

26. Luke 9:46-50; Mark9:33-50; Matthew 18:1-14

27. Matthew 18:15-35

28. Luke 9:51-62; Matthew 8:19-22; John 7:2-10

Focusing on the Gospels in the New Year

2011-01-01T08:03:00.002-06:00

by Pastor Dave

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you... Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love... In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins... But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God...”
-John 15:13-14, 9; I John 4:10; Jude 20-21a (NASB)

Eternity will not be sufficient to enable us to fully comprehend the love of Christ for us. John tells us that the fullest demonstration of His love was revealed at Calvary while Jesus became sin for us. Yet, because God is love, every page of Scripture drips with His love. The Gospels, containing the very words Jesus spoke as well as His loving acts, feed us and nourish us as we read, study and ponder His words and works.

From January through Resurrection Day (April 24), I plan to preach a series titled, “Jesus, Friend of Sinners,” considering the love-saturated ways and words of our Lord. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have captured in writing our Lord’s dealings with sinners, both saved and unsaved. I fully expect we’ll be moved deeply as we “keep ourselves in the love of God” examining these well known passages yet another time.

As I preach through this series, my hope is that you all will join me in reading through the Gospels chronologically. We have provided a New Testament reading plan for 2011 on our blog, and we’ll spend the first 114 days of the year reading through the Gospels (30 to 35 verses per day).

Throughout this series, I’ll preach on a text from that week of readings, typically focusing on Jesus’ loving interaction with a particular sinner. Then, from April 25 through December 31, we’ll read through the rest of the New Testament chronologically (about 17 verses per day).

Will you commit to joining us? And pray with me that 2011 will be a year in which we, as the people of God, will “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18, NASB)

“I have found that my spiritual growth is directly proportionate to the amount of time and effort I put into the study of Scripture.” -John MacArthur

“Such is the depth of the Christian Scriptures that even if I were attempting to study them and nothing else from early boyhood to decrepit old age, with the utmost leisure, the most unwearied zeal, and talents greater than I have, I would still daily be making progress in discovering their treasures.” -Augustine

The Glory of Plodding

2011-01-01T08:02:00.002-06:00

This month we'd like to share an article on community from Ligonier Ministries' blog by Kevin DeYoung. Click below to be taken directly to the blog post:

"The Glory of Plodding"

From Ligonier Ministries and R.C. Sproul.

© Tabletalk magazine.
Website: www.ligonier.org/tabletalk.
Email: tabletalk@ligonier.org.
Toll free: 1-800-435-4343.

Discipleship: Looking to Jesus Together

2011-01-01T08:01:00.007-06:00

by Pastor Brent, Discipleship Deacon

At our final Gospel-Centered Life class at the end of November, someone asked me what my takeaway from the course would be. I put the person on hold because I had not really thought a ton about answering this simple question—a question that I had asked everyone else to be prepared to answer. As I listened to others’ answers and thoughts on the material, the structure of the classes and the truths learned, a formulation came to my mind in an amazing sense of clarity unlike any other thought I’ve had before.

Here it is: Discipleship is looking to Jesus together!

I am supposed to be the Deacon of Discipleship, the Discipleship Guru, the Growth Guy, the Spiritual Plan Czar, the Formation Former, or whatever title you would like to insert. However, I have spent most of my recent years throwing out poor discipleship techniques and plans that are too man-centered, but never really coming up with a suitable alternative.

You see, I knew it was about Jesus. I just could not understand the relationship between Jesus’ work on our behalf and our own discipline, hard work, effort, self-control, and acts of love and mercy. You and I can quote Philippians 2:10-12 all day. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” However, do we have any idea what that “working out” really looks like on a day-to-day basis?

This is what the Gospel-centered life is all about, helping us see that the key to all of our growth (and any discipline that we choose to enact) is to continue to look to Jesus over and over and over again.

At the end of the day, as Tim Keller shares, the Bible is not primarily about us and our response. It’s about Jesus and His response.

When I doubt or fear, I will not merely look at my failure to believe. Instead, when I doubt or fear, I will look at my failure to believe and then look at Jesus’ belief and whole-hearted trust as being applied to me.

When I continue to mess up in conflict and interpersonal situations, I will not beat myself up. I will be honest about my struggle, but I will look to Jesus as the One who perfectly navigates conflict and who is the true Peacemaker and know that He shares His life with me, regardless of where I sense I am or where others say I am.

It is a bold life, a hard life, a misunderstood life. I am talking about a life that puts its whole weight and trust on Jesus. It may seem like a cop-out, like a lack of taking responsibility for our sins and trespasses. It may seem like a lot of things, but the truth remains. I need Jesus! How about you?

Reliance on Commerce or Christ?

2011-01-01T08:00:00.006-06:00

by Tim, Elder

I’m writing an article this month about money. Some of you may be bored right away. Perhaps some of you will be bored when it would be beneficial to be interested. As you know, our society, indeed our world, is driven by a desire to have more of the stuff. Money, that is. God’s Word tells us that the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), and we too, to varying degrees have difficulty maintaining the right perspective toward money.

Money is not a sign of God’s approval, though we might be tempted to think of it that way. It provides no real security. Our security is in God alone. Money can’t promise a life free of worry or a life of contentment. For some of us, money is the idol that competes with God for our hearts. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us that we can’t serve both God and wealth (see verse 24).

Yet we must embrace the concept of money and use it daily in order to purchase the things we need to eat, provide shelter and engage in commerce. So we are not to love money, yet we must use it. And there is the rub—we handle it daily, and our lives appear easier when we have more of it.

I’ve heard it asked, “How much money does it take to be happy?” The answer: “Just a little more.” While God’s Word does not support this view, we see all around us the effects of people wanting more money than God has provided. This often results in the accumulation of debt. There are all kinds of ways of justifying debt. Some may be legitimate, but many are a reflection of hearts that are not satisfied with God’s provision.

There are many examples of this that are visible daily to the discerning eye. Our nation is deep in debt and growing in indebtedness at an alarming rate. Many states are scrambling to figure out how to stay afloat in the midst of their debt. Businesses daily thrive and fail as they use debt appropriately or foolishly to support their business plans. And people all around us are accumulating debt at staggering rates.

God’s Word tells us that “...the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Such slavery requires the use of the money that passes through our hands to pay others, rather than using it for God’s purposes.

It is important that each of us exercises care not to accumulate debt when we begin to see problems making ends meet. The Mercy Ministry at Chatham seeks to help people in need, but such help can be much more effective when the burden of debt is not already great. Please seek help early when you sense that you may need it. You won’t be judged for being in need, but you will be blessed to have others come alongside you to help you work through your challenges.

The elders recognize that the congregation at Chatham is a generous and gracious people who always rise to the occasion when there is an extreme need. Yet it is not surprising in these difficult economic times that the elders have seen a reduction in giving over the past 12 months. While the church is not at risk of running low on accessible funds (God has provided an excess of money in our General Fund at the current time), the elders are seeking God’s direction on how to proceed, knowing that giving is not currently supporting budgeted expenses. This is not an emergency, but it is a time for introspection. We believe that God has provided the excess funds for a purpose that has not yet been revealed to us. That purpose may include funding these budgeted expenses which are not covered by current giving. It is also worth noting that, at the time the budget was created for 2010-2011, in May of 2010, a continuing trend of decreased giving was not clearly recognized. However, over time this trend has become firmly established. The elders will continue to be mindful of how God is providing as we establish the budget for next year.

While the elders, in coming months, may decide to scale back ministry expenditures, limiting the funding of ministries for this fiscal year, it is prudent that we invite you to be a part of that decision. It may be that some have chosen to scale back their giving for a variety of reasons. By sharing this information with you, it would be our desire not to incite guilt among any of you. Rather, it is our desire for you to be able to give with an informed understanding of the church’s current financial situation and how you’re giving contributes to meeting budgeted expenses.

The elders desire to be cautious about relying upon the excess that God has provided at this time, lest we as a body of believers become dependent upon these excess funds rather than actively trusting God to meet ministry expenses through the body’s giving. In the same way, we encourage you to look to Him to sustain you. Our God is a faithful God, and He will provide.

From another perspective, there are many gracious individuals, whose hearts may be pricked upon hearing of this need. It is a need, but it is not a call to give in a way that takes you ever closer to the point of not being able to meet your obligations, or even beyond that point. God has a plan, and the elders are inviting all of you into the process of His revealing that plan to a greater degree.

If you would like to know more about Chatham’s financial health, any of the elders would be glad to discuss this further with you or to point you to another leader who is able to answer your questions. This article has only limited effectiveness in communicating all that could be said.

May you know His peace and presence as we enter a new year of looking to Him.

DR: An Unfortunate Ending

2010-12-31T00:01:00.000-06:00

Malachi 2:17 - 4:6

Yesterday, we looked at the first three disputes that Israel had against God, and God's replies to each. Today, we'll consider the final three.

The fourth dispute brings up the area of justice and judgment again. The Israelites thought that real sin dwelt in the ungodly nations around them, but God tried to emphasize that He was coming to judge ALL sin.

The fifth dispute had to do with the desolate economic conditions Israel continued to face. One of their sins, refusing to tithe, was in effect, robbing God from His due. He challenges them to repent and to obey His Word, then to watch Him open the windows of blessing, even rebuking the devourer from them. I wonder how often God is the One who sends a "devourer" our way, when He isn't pleased with our offerings (or lack thereof)?

Finally, there was grumbling that serving God didn't pay. This takes us back to the first dispute-that God didn't really punish sin, and bless the righteous. Chapter 4 reminds us that the Day of the Lord will right all the wrongs, and bless all those who fear Him.

The last verse ends with the word "curse". Not a great way to close out the Old Testament! For centuries, rabbis have read 4:5 again, after v. 6. But God does close out the canon with a curse as if to remind mankind that their only hope is deliverance, a Savior! Prophecies abound throughout the OT that a Deliverer would come, and Malachi is not exception. As we look back in Mal. 4:2 we read, "But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall." (NASB)

Joy to the world - the Lord has come!

DR: A Sixfold Wake-up Call

2010-12-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

Malachi 1:1 - 2:16

The notes for Malachi in the ESV Study Bible helps us to interpret this book by dividing the book into six disputes that Israel has against God, and the Lord's replies. We'll consider the first three disputes today, and consider the final three tomorrow.

Israel's first dispute concerns why God hadn't judged Israel's enemies, in light of His covenantal love for Israel. Instead of responding to God's grace, the Israelites' worship had degenerated to empty ritualism.

Their second dispute concerns the sacrifices that the priests were allowing to people to make at the temple. God asks Israel a number of scathing questions, designed to expose their sloppy worship.

The third dispute involves Israel's idolatry and unfaithfulness as His covenant people (unfaithful to Him and to the covenant of marriage), which helps to explain why He hadn't been accepting their offerings.

Apparently, the Israelites realized that things weren't alright between themselves and their God. Have you ever sensed that God was distant, due to unconfessed sin in your life? Thankfully, the Word of God promises us: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9; NASB)

Praise the Lord for His forgiveness and grace!

DR: A Sad Picture

2010-12-29T00:01:00.001-06:00

Nehemiah 12:1 - 13:31

Things decay rather quickly. We don't know how long Nehemiah was absent from Jerusalem, back in Susa serving King Artaxerxes. Upon his return, he discovers a number of things that have gone amiss. It's a sad picture, isn't it?

You can almost see poor, old Nehemiah running from situation to situation, doing all he can to try to brings things back into a biblical focus. You get the idea that he's fighting an impossible battle, for when we finally see him, he's resorting to violence to try to bring things back to where they should be.

Have you ever yelled at your kids, or been yelled at by your parents? Of course, you have. That kind of behavior might get some immediate results, but it never changes the heart. That's where we leave the book of Nehemiah. Externalism never works, nor does it last.

About 500 years later, the Lord Jesus entered into human history, not only revealing God's heart for people, but providing the only rescue for sinful, hardened, rebellious hearts. Praise Him!

DR: Renewing a Covenant

2010-12-28T00:01:00.002-06:00

Nehemiah 10:1 - 11:36

Chapter 10 provides us with the account of the people of God recommitting themselves to God, by the means of renewing their covenant or vow to obey God. Did you notice the many areas of life that are involved?

God desires and takes delight in our acknowledging His Lordship over every area of our lives! As soon as we falter and sin, we need to confess, repent, and recommit ourselves to following Jesus in every area of life. Can you think of any areas where you have closed off access to your Lord?

He invites you to have perfect fellowship with Him, and that includes opening all the closet doors in your life to Him! "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me." (Rev. 3:20; NASB)

DR: Respectful Saints

2010-12-27T00:01:00.001-06:00

Nehemiah 8:1 - 9:38

I love the scene portrayed in chapter 8. Thousands of Israelites have gathered to hear the Word of God read. They aren't ho-hum about the whole thing. By the way, the portion that they listened to was probably the entire Pentateuch (Genesis - Deut.)!

Notice 8:5 - "And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up." (NASB) They honored the Word and the reading of the Word, because they realized that when they heard the Word read, they were hearing God speak!

That's one of the reasons we should likewise stand in corporate worship as the Word is being read. Paul writes to one of his pastor friends: "Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching." (I Tim. 4:13)

May we treat God's Word with reverential awe!

DR: God and our Heart

2010-12-26T00:01:00.001-06:00

Nehemiah 7:1 - 7:73

The majority of the chapter is made up of names, and we discover that over 42,000 Jews had made the pilgrimage from Susa to Jerusalem (over 1100 miles). Nehemiah, the leader who had inspired the people to build the wall, lets us in on a great truth in 7:7 - "Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogies." (NASB)

Nehemiah didn't spend all that time counting because he had some kind of number fetish, or because he was bored. The idea was planted in his heart by God! I love how he put it - "God put it into my heart"!

God does lead His people. You don't have to be a pastor, or elder, or deacon, or even a leader. If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit indwells you, and one of His many ministries is to lead us. Paul writes: "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Rom. 8:14; NASB) Praise God - the same Spirit who led Nehemiah leads us as well!

DR: When Opposition Strikes

2010-12-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

Nehemiah 4:1 - 6:19

As I mentioned yesterday, there are so many practical lessons we can learn from Nehemiah! Within these three chapters, Nehemiah encounters opposition, and more than once. Can you list the different ways? Did you notice how Nehemiah responded to the different difficulties?

It's intriguing that the opposition didn't merely come from the outside, but also from within! It can really surprise us, but it's true - sometimes the people of God are more troublesome or negative than the unbelieving community around us! But God provides great wisdom for His leader, as well as protection of His people, and the wall is completed in 52 days!

What practical application might the Lord want you to act on today?

Snow Removal Ministry

2010-12-24T14:06:00.000-06:00

Need Help?

If you or your neighbors are physically unable to clear walks and driveways when it snows, please contact the church office. Our Life Communities will pair anyone who needs help with others glad to shovel you out.

Want to Help?

If you’re willing and able to shovel, let us know and your Life Community will assign you someone to serve in our church family or in the community on behalf of the Lord.

Let it snow!

DR: First Things First

2010-12-24T00:01:00.001-06:00

Nehemiah 1:1 - 3:32

The book of Nehemiah provides us with a number of very practical lessons about accomplishing great things for God! By the time a wall is completed around the city of Jerusalem, we discover that the mammoth project was completed in just 52 days! How could this be?

The first chapter clues us in on the very first priority before undertaking something for God:
"Now it came about when I heard these words; I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven." (Neh. 1:4; NASB) When Nehemiah heard about the sad state of affairs back home in Jerusalem, he was gripped by it. Notice what he did with his burden - he brought it to the Lord.

Sometime during his intercession before God, God began breaking through, turning a burden into a workable plan. Sometimes we head immediately into the "fix it" mode. Let's learn from Nehemiah - first things first!

DR: True Confession

2010-12-23T00:01:00.001-06:00

Ezra 8:1 - 10:44

It must have been a moving scene! Men, women and children coming under conviction, trembling both because of the rain and before a holy God! But before the narrative includes the corporate confession of the people, it contains Ezra's confession on behalf of the community.

I took special notice of 9:6 from the ESV: "O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens." Usually we think of blushing when we're embarrassed before people, but Ezra mentions blushing over sin before God.

Over a century earlier, as Judah was encountering God's judgment and impending exile, God complained to Jeremiah that sinful Israel had forgotten how to blush: "Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? There were not ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush." (Jer. 6:15a; NASB)

May we never forget how to blush!

DR: The Good Hand of the Lord

2010-12-22T00:01:00.001-06:00

Ezra 7:1 - 7:28

One of the first principles of Bible study is to look for recurring words, phrases, or thoughts. Did you notice a phrase that appears three times? I'm sure you did if you read the title of the blog!
In 7:6, 9, and 28, Ezra states that the hand of the Lord, or 'good' hand of the Lord was upon him.

What a wonderful realization! Rather than taking the credit for his hard work or planning, or leaving it to 'good luck', Ezra gives all glory to God's hand being upon him. Be on the lookout for this phrase, because you'll see it later in Ezra, and even in the book of Nehemiah!

So, the next time you're about to use the word 'luck', how about attributing praise to God, and for His good hand upon you, or others?

DR: The Grand Reversal

2010-12-21T00:01:00.001-06:00

Esther 8:1 - 10:3

One of the themes of the book of Esther is "the activity of God in human history that reverses the fortunes of Israel and brings it salvation." (D.J. Clines) The book is filled with many examples of God's providential intervention, and it could be argued that the entire Bible is filled with multiple examples of how God enters into human history and provides deliverance for His people!

Praise God that things aren't always as they seem and that we always have the Divine Author at work behind the scenes!

January 2011 New Testament Scripture Reading

2010-12-20T06:00:00.009-06:00

1. John 1:1-18

2. Luke 3:23-38; Matthew 1:1-17

3. Luke 1:1-25

4. Luke 1:26-56

5. Luke 1:57-80

6. Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7

7. Luke 2:8-21

8. Luke 2:22-38

9. Matthew 2:1-23

10. Luke 2:39-52

11. Mark 1:1-11; Matthew 3:1-17

12. Luke 3:1-23

13. Mark 1:12,13; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13

14. John 1:19-51

15. John 2:1-25

16. John 3:1-36

17. John 4:1-26

18. John 4:27-54

19. Luke 4:14-30; Matthew 4:12-22; Mark 1:14-20

20. Luke 4:31-44; Mark 1:21-39; Matthew 8:14-17; Matthew 4:23-25

21. Luke 5:1-16; Mark 1:40-45; Matthew 8:2-4

22. Luke 5:17-26; Mark 2:1-12; Matthew 9:2-8

23. Luke 5:27-39; Mark 2:13-22; Matthew 9:9-17

24. John 5:1-47

25. Luke 6:1-11; Mark 2:23–3:6; Matthew 12:1-14

26. Mark 3:7-19; Matthew 12:15-21; Luke 6:12-16

27. Matthew 5:1-20; Luke 6:17-26

28. Matthew 5:21-48; Luke 6:27-36

29. Matthew 6:1-34

30. Matthew 7:1 – 8:1

31. Luke 6:37-49

DR: A Sleepless Night

2010-12-20T00:01:00.001-06:00

Esther 3:1 - 7:10

Have you ever had trouble sleeping? I have. It gives me great comfort to know that there are some wonderful words from God about sleep:

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved, sleep" . . . "My son, let them (God's Words) not depart from your sight; keep sound wisdom and discretion. . .When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.". . . "Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." (Ps. 127:2; Prov. 3:21,24; Ps. 121:4; NASB)

Sleeplessness may be due to a number of things, physiological, mental, or emotional. In King Ahasuerus' case, it was part of God's plan. A sleepless night resulted in his sending for some old archives that contained history, presumably to put him to sleep! Instead, he read the account of Mordecai, who had acted with courage and saved his kingdom from treachery! And we know what happened from there!

"The mind of a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." (Prov. 16:9; NASB)

DR: The Absence of God's Name

2010-12-19T00:01:00.001-06:00

Esther 1:1 - 2:23

We take a break from Ezra (for there was a 50 year break between chapters 6 and 7), and come to the book of Esther, which took place during this period. A few comments about this book are in order:

The name of God is absent from the book, and for this reason, some have questioned if it belongs in the canon of Scripture. Luther wrote, "I am so hostile to it that I wish it did not exist, for it Judaizes too much and displays too much pagan behavior." However, it seems that the author purposely left God's name out, intending to portray the hidden care of God for His people, and His sovereign control over seemingly trivial events of history for the sake of Israel's preservation.

As you read through these two chapters today, begin a list of those events which could fall under the "chance" category, while we realize that God is exercising His sovereign control the entire time!

DR: The Heart of a King

2010-12-18T00:01:00.002-06:00

Ezra 5:1 - 6:22

King Solomon wrote, "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Prov. 21:1; NASB)

It must have been incredible for Ezra and his contemporaries to see God's hand evident in the heart of one of the most powerful kings in the world, in the ways he allowed and even financed the return of the Jews to their homeland and the building of the temple! God is sovereign!

Returning to the proverb above, let's consider the channels of water Solomon had in mind. Farmers would dig irrigation ditches in their fields so that the much needed water would make its way to the crops. A farmer could open or close a ditch by simply pushing a pile of dirt aside or by making a hole in the dirt with his foot. As the Great Farmer, God is in charge of every king and every nation, and He is able to influence every heart, no matter how darkened.

It's intriguing that God doesn't control people as a puppet-master, or coercive dictator using force, but actually influences the heart from within! Praise our God that He's in control!

DR: The King is Coming!

2010-12-17T00:01:00.001-06:00

Zechariah 13:1 - 14:21

The prophet looks far down through history, and sees the time of Messiah's return, and the culmination of God's Kingdom! Quoting from John Phillips:

"The Lord shall be king over all the earth" (14:9). That is what antichrist will want to be. He will sell his soul to Satan to secure the scepter of the world. There is no deception he will not practice, no crime he will not commit to reach the pinnacle of power. And all he will receive will be a shaky global eminence that will last barely 3 1/2 years. Then his house of cards, built at such a cost of human misery and woe, will cave in. Earthly power is what Satan offered Jesus in his bold but fruitless attempt to turn Christ into antichrist (Luke 4:5-8). Well, at long last "the government shall be upon his shoulder" (Isa. 9:6) and the world will own one King and one name."

Hallelujah!