Weekly Update – April 16th, 2026
There are many aspects within our worship service that seem almost obvious for us as the church to include. We have announcements, singing, prayer, and the sermon. Occasionally we will also have baptisms and celebrate the Lord’s Supper too. But something else that we also include in many areas of our service is scripture reading. Now I know that we read scripture during the sermon time, but perhaps you might wonder, why we feel the need to read God’s word in multiple areas of the service. Why do we begin the service with scripture, then read scripture for our time of confession, and then close with a verse of scripture? Well, listed below are three reasons why we read scripture all throughout our Sunday morning worship services.
First, God’s word commands it. Paul writes to his disciple in the faith, Timothy, and he says this in 1 Timothy 4:13, “…give attention to the public reading of Scripture…” Not too many of us would argue against the need for Christians to read their Bible privately. But many of us perhaps have never really considered the value that God places upon his church reading it publicly. It is helpful to remember that the focus of God’s plan for his people is directly connected to the church. We see in the New Testament that how we endure, how we grow, how we are encouraged, and how we serve are all placed within the context of the church as a whole. Therefore it should be no surprise that we see a command for the church to give attention to reading the scriptures together as well.
Second, it is a safeguard for us. If you look at the context in which Paul gives this command to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13, you begin to see that the circumstances surrounding the church at that time were not too encouraging. Just a few verses earlier Paul writes, “…in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons…” (4:1). In contrast to this trend, Paul called Timothy to build up the church by devoting himself to the public reading the scriptures. In other words, one of the goals to publicly reading scripture before the gathered church was to have truth permeate through congregation as a safeguard against the false teaching of the world. We want to be a church who is steeped in the word of God so that we are not vulnerable to every wind of falsehood presented to us.
Third, God’s word is transforming. When we read the scriptures we get the revelation of God himself. But the scriptures are more than that. When we encounter God’s word we encounter God himself. His word brings about his plans and purposes. God’s word and God’s Spirit go together, meaning that God’s word unfailingly accomplishes whatever purpose God has sent it out to achieve (Is. 55:10-11). God’s word is living and active (Heb. 4:12) and sufficient for all matters of faith and life (2 Tim. 3:14-17). When we hear it, our faith is formed and built, for faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17).
All of the false idols mentioned in the scriptures are mute and have no authority or power. But we have the Bible, which is God speaking directly to us, communicating to us about himself and sending his Spirit to bring power to his word to change and transform us. Without it, we are like the Psalmist who lived in a dry and weary land without water (Ps. 63). As a church we ought to long to hear it and know it and have it ingrained in our hearts. So then, to answer the question, why do we place priority upon God’s word being read publicly? The answer is, because we need God.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
- James 1:4-5
Announcements:
Secret Church: On April 17th, beginning 6:00pm, we will join David Platt via simulcast for an intense evening of Bible study and prayer. The study for this year will be over the life of Elijah. Sign up this Sunday if you would like to be a part of this. You can find out more about Secret Church, HERE.
Game Night: Our monthly game night is Friday, April 24th from 7:00-9:00pm. invite a friend to come with you and bring your favorite game and/or snack.
Youth Dessert Auction: We will hold a Dessert Auction from 6:00-7:30pm on Sunday, April 26th. This auction will be a fundraiser to help send the youth to summer camp. Everyone is invited to bring a dessert to auction and to bid on a dessert. For more details and to sign up, look at the bulletin board in the hallway.
Thursday Night Worship Jam: Do you play an instrument or sing? Everyone is invited to come play or sing during this informal time of worship held at 6:30pm on the last Thursday of each month. See Martin Maharas for details.
Harry’s Hay Days: On Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00am-4:00pm, First Baptist Church will be participating in the citywide festival called, “Harry’s Hay Days.” We will be hosting carnival games, face painters, balloon artists, and more, right here in our parking lot. We need lots of volunteers. Put this date on your calendar and look for a sign up sheet in the hall. You can find out more information about Harry’s Hay Days HERE.
Membership Matters Class: Beginning Sunday, May 3rd, there will be a Membership Matters Class for those interested in joining FBC. This will be a 4 week class (5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24), meeting at 9:15am during our Equipping/Sunday School hour. You can find out more about our membership process HERE.
Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.
Prom Dress Giveaway: The prom dress giveaway is in need of volunteers. See Amy Blankenship or sign up on the bulletin board in the hall. Click HERE for more details.
Men’s Study: Our Men’s study meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights at 8:00-9:15pm. The book for this study will be The Case for Christ. See Clint Blankenship for more information.
Ladies Bible Study: On Tuesday, February 17th, a ten week Bible study through the book of Joshua began. There are two sessions, one at 9:30am and another at 6:00pm. You can check out more information about this Bible study, HERE.
Building Remodel: We have officially kicked off our fundraiser! There are commitment cards available in the sanctuary as well as in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.
Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.
Awana Bible Club
Awana Clubs are held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Habits of the Household” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Hebrews in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-2 and 3–k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1-2nd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 3rd-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.