Weekly Update – May 4th, 2023
On many Sundays over the last few months, we have read larger portions of scripture during the sermon time. As we have been going through 1 Samuel, it is helpful to sometimes read a chapter or more at a time, to understand the full context of story that is given. We don’t typically have to do this in Paul’s letters or even the gospels, but with Old Testament narrative, this is necessary. Nevertheless, no matter where in the Bible you are reading, it is helpful, from time to time, to read not just an entire chapter or a few chapters, but an entire book of the Bible all in one sitting.
Reading larger portions of scripture is not only a special task for our sermon series on Sunday, but reading books of the Bible as a whole provides a great benefit to the reader. It is in reading entire books that you get a complete thought from the author. Consider for example the phrase, “do not grow weary in doing good.” It is a popular phase that we might like to quote to ourselves in a variety of circumstances. But even here, there is a context. That phrase comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:13. It is written within the context of chapter 3 which is speaking about lazy believers. This is then written within the context of chapter 2 before it, which is speaking about false teaching. Chapters 2 and 3 are then preceded by chapter 1 which speaks of the true teaching of the gospel. In other words, there is a true gospel message, not all teach it, instead there are false teachers who will lead many astray, and their actions will show it. But you, do not become weary in doing good. Follow what is good and taught in the scriptures and display a life of action that accompanies the teaching of the gospel. Normally you would not get that from pulling 2 Thessalonians 3:13 out of if context. But when you understand the letter as a whole, you get why the apostle Paul wrote this verse and how we ought to apply it.
First Samuel has been this way as well. Consider 1 Samuel 25:39 for example. It says, “When David heard that Nabel was dead, he said, ‘Blessed be the Lord who has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabel…’” It might be easy to think that the Lord will avenge those who insult us and maybe we should pray towards this end. But, if we understand how Nabel fits into the storyline of 1 Samuel, sandwiched in between the two accounts of Saul searching out David in chapters 24 and 26, then we see Nabel providing a lesson for David to patiently trust the Lord when he is unjustly accused. Furthermore, in the grand story of 1 Samuel, Nabel fits into Hannah’s prophecy from 2:9, where she says, “He (the Lord) will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness.”
As you consider your own Bible reading, read individual Scriptures and meditate on them, but also consider reading large portions or even entire books of Scripture as well. Try to read a large portion of Scripture in one sitting so that you might take away big concepts, as it might aid you in applying specific truths from the individual verses contained within. Then trust in the Lord to do his work through applying the Scriptures to your heart as he transforms you from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor. 3:18).
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." - Romans 12:11-13
Announcements:
Harry’s Hay Days: On Saturday, May 6th, 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, Chick-fil-A, and more, right here in our parking lot. Come and join us!
Parent/Child Dedication: On Sunday, May 14th, we will have a parent/child dedication during our morning service. This is a time for parents to affirm their commitment to raise their child in the Lord (Eph. 6:4), as well as the church to affirm their commitment to invest and encourage parents as well as pray for their child to one day know the Lord. If you have had a child born in the last few years and have not taken part in this dedication and you would like to, sign up in the hallway this Sunday.
Women’s Brunch & Craft: All ladies of the church are invited to the Larson Home at 10am on Saturday, May 20th, for a potluck brunch and a time of crafting. Please bring an item for the brunch and your knitting, crocheting, or other craft project to work on after the meal. Contact Cassie Larson for the address (816) 665-0688.
Men’s Outing: On May 20th, the men will go to the World War I museum. We will carpool or take the church van, leaving at 12:30pm. Cost for the museum is $16. After the World War I museum, the men will plan to go to Burnt Ends BBQ for an early dinner. Look for a sign up sheet in the hallway.
Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 10th-Friday, July 14th from 5:45-8:00pm. More information on how you can help is available on the bulletin board in the hall and more information about how to register your child is available HERE. We are now collecting items for VBS decorations. We are looking for large square cardboard boxes, white wrapping paper, black wrapping paper, large sheets of insulations foam, large sheets of sturdy cardboard, and any leftover interior acrylic paints in bright colors, pastel colors, black, or white.
Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are still needed during the 10:30am nursery time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve.
Awana
We had a great year this year! We look forward to starting again in September.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Evangelism: Engaging the Lost” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of 1 and 2nd Thessalonians will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament will meet 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.
Facebook live: HERE.
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 0-4 meet in the nursery suite.
Grades K-3rd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 4th-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.
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