Weekly Update – January 14th, 2021
It is clear in Scripture that without a transformed life, we will not see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Now a transformed life will look different depending on who we are. Furthermore, the process by which this occurs in our life will vary depending on where we are in our relationship with the Lord. Regardless, the concept is clear, salvation is not only about an end time security, but about a relationship with God that will affect the way we live in the here and now.
So then what does this mean for us? If we are to live transformed lives now, what shall we do to pursue this end? Well first, to begin with, we must recognize that it is only by the grace of God that we are saved from our sin and changed in this life. As Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God.” At the same time we need to balance this truth with the call to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self” (Eph. 4:22-24). Ultimately what this means is that our salvation here and in the future is a work of God. But, we must also diligently pursue transformed living. In other words, we ought to put forth a degree of effort that is empowered by the Holy Spirit within us.
As we examine this topic on Sunday morning again, I hope that we can continue to keep this balance. We are saved by grace, not of our own doing, and God is at work within us to accomplish his will and purposes (Phil. 1:6). At the same time, we are called to work out our salvation (Phil. 2:12) and put to death what is earthly within us (Col. 3:5).
Last week, we started the year off with what is called a fighter verse. Every week there will be a new one that you are encouraged to read through, memorize and soak in for your week. This week’s fighter verse is from Deuteronomy 10:12-13.
This week we will continue in our brief series titled, Growing Your Faith. Our message will be titled “Put Sin To Death” from Romans 6:1-14. I hope that you will join us in person or via livestream.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week:
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?" - Deuteronomy 10:12-13
Contribution Statements: This year, to minimize contact in the sanctuary, 2020 contribution statements will either be emailed or mailed to you. All contribution statements have been sent. If you have not received your statement either by email or through the USPS, please contact the office.
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). The goal of the IMB is to raise 175 million dollars this year. Our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $9000. So far we have received just under $6,000. If you haven’t already, will you consider partnering with us by giving, as we seek to support international missions? You can give on Sunday mornings through one of our offering boxes located in the foyer or the welcome center. Just mark your envelop as “missions” or “Lottie Moon.” Or you can give online HERE. Choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.
Need: Robert Ramsey is a longtime member of First Baptist Church who is currently homebound. For the next few weeks, he will need help with some basic errands. He lives in Grandview, a few blocks from the church. If you can help, please contact the church office.
Awana
Every Sunday at 5:45pm, children ages 3 years to 6th grade are invited to join us for Awana. You can view our health guidelines for this ministry HERE.
Bible Study
We are currently in a study through the book of Galatians. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays at 9:15am. You can find a video explaining what to expect during our Bible Study hour HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Health Guidelines: With no changes from the Health Department, we will continue in Phase 2.5 here in Jackson County. That means masks are still required. You can find the official guideline on mask wearing from the health department HERE. You can also find a video that outlines what Phase 2.5 looks like for our church HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-3 years is available during the worship hour. You can find the health guidelines for the nursery HERE.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Facebook live: HERE.
YouTube: HERE.
Guide for Worship can be found 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.
Grades 1st – 5th meet upstairs in U-5.
You can find the health guidelines for these classes HERE.
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