Pursuing God’s Glory in 2024

Weekly Update – January 11th, 2023

Last Sunday we took time to look at 1 Peter 2:9-12.  Here we saw that because of our calling from God to himself through Jesus Christ, we have been rescued from darkness (2:9) to become his people who have now received mercy (2:10).  Therefore, we are now a people who are to proclaim (2:9) and display (2:12) the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We said that our ambition as God’s people is not to follow the path of worldly desires; trying to achieve more possessions, make a name for ourselves or receive power.  Instead, we make it our aim to bring glory to God in all things.  For us as a church, this means three things for us in 2024:

First, Commit. As the church, the Lord has given us each other to pursue his glory together, but as one of the main vehicles in pursuing the Lord together, he calls us to gather or to assemble every week with each other.  Yet coming together on Sunday mornings is not about merely seeing some familiar faces, singing a song or two, hearing about the Bible and then going home.  It is much bigger than this. We come together to proclaim Christ with our words to one another and to the watching world around us.  Furthermore, we come together to display the changed life that Christ brings to all he redeems through living out the way of Christ with one another. So then, make it your priority this year to commit and or continue to commit, not only to the Sunday service, but to being present within the life of the church as we seek to proclaim and display Jesus.   

Second, Discipling Relationships. Everything we do as a church is a form of discipleship in your life.  Whether it is sitting under the word preached, coming to equipping hour, connecting with others in a home group or serving in some sort of ministry.  In every function of the church, you are either growing in knowledge, selflessness or in love for others.  Even so, I want to challenge you to grow deeper this year. Choose someone in the church to meet with, one-on-one.  Get together with them read a book, study scripture, or even just to encourage each other and pray.  It doesn’t have to be complicated.  You can meet weekly, monthly or somewhere in between.  Either way, seek to deepen your discipling relationships with others, so that together you might proclaim and display Jesus. 

Third, Find One. It is good for us as a church to have goals, but these goals should not only be inward.  We must look outward as well.  That is why the last goal that I want to challenge you with is to find one person, who is an unbeliever, and invest in them throughout the year.  Perhaps this is your next-door neighbor, or the person who sits next to you at work.  Maybe it is a family member or someone you see on your walk in the morning.  Whoever it is, find someone who you can invest time in, share the gospel with, and invite to come to church with you. The bottom line here is that you are seeking to proclaim and display Jesus to someone in your life evangelistically.     

Our vision at First Baptist Church is to see our families, our community and our world transformed by the power of God.  The way that we will strive to reach this vision is through our mission, which states that we will proclaim and display the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Lets seek to do this in 2024 as we make it our ambition to bring glory to God in all things. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."
- Isaiah 43:1-3

Announcements:

Bible Reading Plans: A great way to start out the year is with a good Bible reading plan. Yes, you can read the Bible how ever you want, but having a good plan helps make us consistent in your Bible reading. There are a number of Bible reading plans available out in the welcome center, or you can check out some good plans HERE.

New Class: A new Sunday School class for children ages 3 years through Pre Kindergarten began on Sunday, January 7th. This class is held in the north classroom of the nursery suite. It will be held during the 9:15am Equipping Hour and is taught by Scott and Trisha Neal.

Membership Matters Class: Due to the uncertainty of snow and cold, this class will now start on January 21st. This will be a 4 week class (1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11), meeting at 9:15am during our Equipping/Sunday School hour. You can find out more about our membership process HERE.

Home Groups: A potential new group will be forming for this coming spring. If you are not in a home group but would like to join one, look for a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. You can find more information about home groups HERE.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering: Every year at this time, we raise funds to support missionaries all over the world who are serving with the International Mission Board (IMB). Our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $10,000. We are happy to announce that we have met our goal. Thank you for giving!

Befriend a Student: If you are interested in befriending a student from Longview Community College this semester, connect with Matthew Klika. You can find more information about befriend a student HERE.

Food Pantry: We are in need of pop-top and ready to eat items for our food pantry. These items are needed specifically for the homeless in our community that stop by the church building throughout the week looking for a meal.

Nursery Volunteers Needed: Nursery volunteers are needed each week during the 10:30am service time. Check the update or email Betty for more information on how you can serve.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of the minor prophets will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New 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. 

Wednesday Evening Activities

Awana, Youth Group, and Biblical Counseling are on Wednesday evenings. We will share a meal in the Faith Center Gym at 6:00pm before heading to classes at 6:30pm. There will be no evening activities on Wednesday, December 27th.