Newsletter - 10/11/06

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 28:19

 

“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:11

 

Baptism is a struggle for many believers.  This is true from this author’s own experience, and in this writing an argument shall be made for the biblical validity of baptism, why it should be done, first through the command of Jesus Christ himself, and secondly through the example that Jesus set to be followed by His disciples.

Christ’s command comes in Matt. 28:19, note the specific command for the disciples of Christ to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit.  Peter also commands us in Acts 2:38 to “repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”  What then is the proper response to this command?  Jesus Himself answers for us three times in John chapter 14:  “if you love me you will keep my commandments” (v. 15, also 21,23).  So then, for a believer, a disciple of Christ, the act of baptism is done out of obedience to His command; the obedience itself an act of love for the person of Jesus Christ Himself.

Jesus gave himself as an example to be followed in His own baptism. He “was baptized by John in the Jordan” Mark 1:9 (see also Matt. 3:15 and Luke 3:21).  Now observe:  “Be imitators of God” (Eph. 5:1); “You are to be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48); “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”(1 Peter 1:16).  So we see that God gives Himself as an example to be followed.  The second most notable of human examples, the apostle Paul, “got up and was baptized” in Acts 9:18 out of conformity to Christ. And Paul says to Christians in 1 Cor. 11:1 “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” Of all of the nature of Christ which Paul imitated (and which all believers should strive to conform), selfless love, unshakeable faith, humility, diligence, and perseverance being only a short list, is it unfair to place baptism into this same list?  That shall be left to the reader’s discretion.

Now it must be noted that baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it can be an evidence of it.  This is most clearly seen in Luke 23 with the thief on the cross.  He was not baptized, yet Jesus said to him, “today you shall be with me in paradise.”  Therefore anyone wishing to do only the minimum in this life so that they will make it into heaven need not be baptized.  However, it is this author’s strong conviction, and strong encouragement to all fellow soldiers of Christ Jesus to flee the mentality of doing “just enough” to inherit the kingdom.

 This is where this writing must turn from the absolute truth of God’s Word, to the relative truth of my own experience.  I was baptized three weeks ago at Bethel.  I struggled for nearly two months as to whether or not I should, despite the obvious reasons in scripture that I should.  I think my doubt and fear came from a lack of faith.  As a new Christian, I was unsure as to whether this baptism would be a real, genuine experience with Jesus Christ or just simply another heart-less middle school alter-call or legalistic “sinner’s prayer.”  But it is yet another testimony to the faithfulness of God, even when I am faithless, that He removed the doubt, and through His word replaced it with hope, joy and love in Him and for Him.  The whole week preceding my baptism, I felt a peace and a deep, deep satisfaction that I assure you I have never felt before, and I think that that is a direct result of a person who is walking in the way of the Lord, who loves the person of Jesus Christ and is obedient to Him.  I must now, again, address those who hear these words of positive encouragement and think that this is what the Christian life is all about, feelings of joy and hope as God richly blesses us for obeying Him.  I assure you that that is not what the Christian life is all about.  We read in Acts 14:22 that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God,” and in Phil. 1:29 that it has been granted to us “to suffer for His sake.”  With that context let me share the last three weeks, since my baptism. 

It is no surprise that a person would come under spiritual attack, especially after such a spiritual high as baptism.  Yet I was, in my own ignorance, not expectant.  So I am now nearly overwhelmed by physical exhaustion due to lack of sleep, emotional exhaustion from trying to be a loving brother (both by blood and in Christ), and spiritual exhaustion from a lack of time spent with God.  Let alone the fact that my mind is seemingly incapable of resisting temptation at this point and I lack confidence in myself to accomplish anything.  But even brokenness is a sweet, sweet gift from God, and we know that God disciplines those He loves, to keep us humble.  In the end I know, as well as all of you who join with me in proclaiming “Jesus is Lord,” that our names are written in heaven.

And that life with trials hard may press me, but heaven will bring me sweeter rest.

-- David Mondt

 

What’s Happening?

 

Our sympathy

to Glen Stewart and the whole Stewart family. 

Opal Stewart entered the presence of the Lord

on October 3.  Born on a farm just outside Greeley in 1918,

Opal had a longer history with Bethel than any other living

 member.  Her son David led the memorial service, and grand-

daughter Jenny wrote and sent a beautiful reflection from

Lithuania, where she is teaching.

 

This Sunday

Jesus lifts up people for the sake of His name.

On October 15, David Shelley will teach on

Luke 13:10-21.

 

Pray . . .

Thank the Lord for financial provision.

We are operating week-to-week, but the

Lord has provided these past two weeks.

Many in the church family are struggling

with tremendous challenges and stress.

Remember to uphold each other in prayer.

 

Vote

The National Association of Evangelicals

Encourages you to register and vote.  Among

important things on the ballot next month: 

Initiative #43 is a simple amendment that

would secure in the Colorado Constitution

that marriage is a union between one man

and one woman.

 

Board Meeting

Bethel's board is scheduled to meet at noon

on Sunday, October 15.  The Board meetings

 are open to all members.

 

 

Week-end worship attendance……………...217

 Special funds…..…………..…….…..…….$45

 Weekly budget needed………………….$7,553

Giving towards budget…………..………$8,701

YTD giving toward budget……….…..$255,839

YTD expenses…………………….…..$262,050

YTD budgeted amount…………….…$309,673

Next level giving…………..…..………......$305

Next Level TD….....…...……………..$180,041

 

 

Coming Events . . .

Oct. 22       2:30 p.m. Baby Shower for Jessica Lyle at Hospitality House

Oct. 24        Jr. High trip to Corn Maze

Oct. 25        Sr. High trip to Corn Maze

Oct. 27       6 p.m. Berean Class Potluck at the Asmus’.

Nov. 29      11:45 a.m. Volunteer Meeting for Heroes Unmasked in Fellowship Hall

Nov. 1        Heroes Unmasked Fall Festival

 

 

Children’s Ministry News:

 

Nursery News

* We are in need of one teacher’s helper for the Preschool Sunday School Class at 10:30 every other week.

→ Please contact Christy Aldridge, 356-5858 if you are interested. 

* We are in need of the following items for our nurseries: boppy billow covers, a clothes dresser, shelves for the wall, cabinet with shelves for the wall, play food items, play shopping cart, batteries, latex gloves, tissues, paper towels, snacks, baby wipes, and sippy cups.

If you have any of these items to donate, Christy Aldridge at 356-5858. 

 

 

 

HEROES UNMASKED our fall festival will be Wednesday, November 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  This will again be coupled with our MEN'S CHILI COOK-OFF AND WOMEN'S CINAMMON ROLL BAKE-OFF.  Needed immediately!  Outreach Director –person responsible for publicity, registration and leading the after event follow-up.  We are also looking for someone to coordinate the Chili Cookoff and Cinnamon Roll Bakeoff. Questions, contact Kristi Weimer at 304-1749. 

 

***There will be a brief meeting (11:45-12:15)in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, October 29 for all volunteers who are helping with the Heroes Unmasked Fall Festival.

 

 

Weekly Praise Factory Highlight:

The Big Idea #64:  God’s People Know Heaven is Their Home.

Week 3 story: “Bound for the Promised Land” – (An Old Testament Big Idea Story)

Memory Verse for Big Idea #64—Hebrews 10:35-36

 

BIBLE BLITZ REMINDER:  our memory verse for the week is John 1:1.   Luke and Richelle Lanphear will be our leaders this week. 

 

 

 

For the Super Paint job in our Fellowship Hall…..

A BIG THANK YOU to Barb Atwood, Kelli Harry, Melissa Harry, Linda Erickson, Julie Forster, Christie Roberts, Katie White, Amy Lee, Carissa Reyes, Denise Blevins and Lori Montgomery. …And a special “Thank You” to Peggy Cunliffe for the “vision” and the many hours you put in!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladies—You are invited to a “Baby Shower” for Jessica Lyle on Sunday, October 22 at 2:30p.m.

Contact Kelli Harry with questions. Jessica is registered at Target.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISSIONS CORNER

 

Dear Praying friends,

                Do you believe asking God to work in prayer really works?  Well if you do pray for us.  There are so many things that will not get done unless God works. 

 

1. We are both recovering from flu like illnesses.  (Maybe new Machida germs). 

2. Next week we have a CPI church planting network seminar, Oct 11-13.  We ain't ready (excuse the grammar).  Pray that God would work miracles in the next week. 

3.  Elaine is planning to begin a cooking class and also a needlecraft class as outreaches in our home.

4. Next month there is a one day CPI seminar in Karuizawa, Nagano on vision and values, Nov 11th.  We ain't ready for that one either.  Pray God would surprise us.

5. We are trying hard and trying to make friends in this neighborhood.  Pray that would happen. 

 

 Our arrival in Japan went well, all the preparations and moving went smoother than expected.  We are not yet settled but we can enjoy our new place and also use it for ministry. 

 The kids are doing pretty well in our absence.  We are looking to their coming for the Christmas season.

 

********************************************

 

The audio sermons are will be available online at the Bethel website.  On Oct.15 copies will again be available in the foyer.

 

********************************************

 

Ladies –we need help!  We still about 12 more people to help make chili for the Pregnancy Resource Center’s Annual Pumpkin Patch Boogie Fundraiser.  A recipe is furnished for you. 

 Please contact Christie Roberts at 339-5348 and sign up in the foyer this week.  

Also. . .Shelley Britton is looking for 2 more ladies who would be willing to help serve the chili at the fundraiser!  If you can do this, call Shelley at 330-5713 immediately!   Thanks…….

********************************************

 

 

---

Express yourself - download free Windows Live Messenger themes! Get it now!