Bethany Baptist Church exists to glorify God by proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and preparing His people to worship Him forever.
Store Up Treasure!
Dr. Ritch Boerckel
Often throughout the New Testament, God incentivizes obedience and service with the promise of eternal rewards. In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Our Father rewards His own in such a lavish manner! In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus urges His disciples, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” The apostles repeat Jesus’ emphasis upon eternal reward as an incentive for Christ-like living. Paul teaches us about the Judgment Seat of Christ when each Christian’s work will be tested by fire. He says, “If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:12–15 ESV) Paul encourages young Timothy to urge rich Christians to serve God and share their riches with the poor so that they would store up treasure for themselves. “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:18–19 ESV) Continued on page 2.
In This Issue Page 3 February Calendar Highlights Page 4 First Prayer Congregational Meeting February Youth Events PrimeTime Fellowship No Regrets Men’s Conference Page 5 Women’s Ministry Work Nights Ladies’ Bible Studies Discovering Church Membership Coffee with the Elders Page 6 Join the Choir GO Trips Marriage Maintenance Check-ups Page 7 Children’s Ministry Page 8 The Bethany App
Continued from page 1.
Paul is not alone in this apostolic emphasis. Both Peter and James also make rewards an incentive for Christian living and giving. James writes, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV) Peter also exults in rewards, “So I exhort the elders among you ... shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ... And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:1–4 ESV)
offers us! A vibrant faith keeps God’s promise of reward in view. But how is that not selfish? Let me offer four reasons why seeking God’s reward is unselfish and right for us. Reason #1: The Father initiated the offer of a reward and He would not set anything in front of us that is bad for us. All Christians agree that we do not deserve any reward from God. Our sin makes us worthy of eternal condemnation. Our salvation is all of God’s grace. We would be wrong to demand a reward from God for our worship of Him. God does not owe us anything.
God wants His people to know that no one loses when they lay down their lives to follow Jesus and serve Him. Satan works to deceive us into thinking that we The offer of a reward did not come through a process would lose our happiness, our security and our future of negotiation where we bartered with God for a if we truly became serious about giving our all for our better deal. The offer of a reward originates solely in Savior. He whispers, “If you give God so that He might display His infinite sacrificially of your time and money to He wants us to be motivated “God wants generosity. advance Jesus’ name, you will live a sad, by His generous reward. God sets these impoverished life. People take advantage His people to treasures before us to empower us to of you. You will give and give and give live not after the flesh, but after His know that no Spirit ... not after the things of this world, and never receive any good in return. For all your efforts, you will reap only but after heaven. The essence of faith is one loses more insults, injuries and disdain.” to believe that God rewards those who Sometimes from our experiences these when they lay seek Him. lies seem to be true. down their Reason #2: We help others receive Jesus counters the devil’s deceitful lives to follow more joy for themselves when we scheme by saying, “Do not give up!! Stay pursue God’s reward for ourselves. the course! God’s generosity to you will Jesus and be beyond our wildest imaginations.” serve Him.” God does not have a limited number of Jesus points us to the promise of greater rewards to give out to His people. If one joy, honor and reward if we trust Him person gets a prize from God, this does with our lives. The one who gives everything to the not cause another person to lose a prize. We are not Lord never loses. We never give anything for the competing against each other in this “race” of faith. honor of God that we do not receive back infinitely We are competing WITH each other as members of more in return. God is never on the debt side of the the same team. When we pursue God’s reward, we ledger. He is the ultimate generous Giver. become a motivating factor for others to value the Despite the numerous times that God promises joyful reward to those who yield their lives to Him in worship and service, many Christians wonder whether it is appropriate for us to be motivated by the offer of future rewards. They ask, “Should not we serve God sacrificially without a desire to gain future rewards? Is not God Himself enough of an incentive? Is it not selfish and lowly to get excited about future rewards?” These questions are often asked with the best of motives. But the Bible is clear that we are always right to constantly fix our eyes upon the reward God 2
reward that God offers. Paul illustrated this for us through his own life. He writes at the end of His life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7–8 ESV) Clearly, Paul is motivated by the future reward God offered him. Yet Paul joyfully communicates that this offer is not for him only. “All who love His appearing” will also receive it. Paul’s victory does not mean another
February Calendar Highlights
Christians’ defeat. Rather Paul’s excitement over the crown motivates us to reach up for it ourselves and increases our likelihood of enjoying it someday too. Reason #3: Jesus set an example of desiring the Father’s reward. Jesus did not find the longing for a future reward to be selfish or beneath Him. Jesus gave an example of His trust in His Father’s promise when He gave His all for us at the cross. Hebrews 12:2 shares an insight into the motivation of Jesus in dying as an atoning sacrifice for us.
Feb. 3
Family Meal, 5:00pm Awana/Youth Group, 6:15pm First Prayer, 6:30pm
Feb. 6
No Regrets Men’s Conference
Feb. 7
Worship Service, 8:15 & 11am Sunday School/ABCs, 9:45am Child Dedication Class, 9:45am Coffee with the Elder’s, 9:45am
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
Feb. 10 Family Meal, 5:00pm Awana/Youth Group, 6:15pm
It is true that Jesus’ love for us motivated His sacrifice. Yet Jesus was also motivated by the joy of His future reward. He endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” We become more like Jesus when we set the joy of God’s reward in front of us.
Feb. 15 PrimeTime Fellowship, 11:00am
Reason #4: Desiring a reward from God brings God the most glory. God’s reward is always intricately tied to God’s person. A failure to make much over God’s reward is a failure to make much over God. Let me illustrate. Imagine that you tell your son that you will take him out for a steak dinner if he organizes and paints the inside of the garage. If you had simply asked him to organize and paint the garage without the offer of a steak dinner with you, you would have been completely in your rights. If the son had begun the negotiations by saying, “I will only do it for a steak dinner,” he would have been selfish. But you made the offer freely. Imagine if after completing the project, your son said, “Dad, I did my duty as a member of this family. I do not want to go out with you for a steak dinner.” You would feel sad, maybe even dishonored. The offer was not just a steak dinner, but a steak dinner with you. God’s rewards are always tied to His own person. When we seek His reward, we communicate that we value Him above anything in this present world. The most God honoring thing we can do is believe that His reward brings the greatest joy to our lives and to push toward it.
Feb. 14 Worship Service, 8:15 & 11am Children’s Sunday School, 9:45am Congregational Meeting, 9:45am Feb. 17 Family Meal, 5:00pm Awana/Youth Group, 6:15pm Feb. 21 Worship Service, 8:15 & 11am Sunday School/ABCs, 9:45am Membership Class, 9:45am Feb. 24 Family Meal, 5:00pm Awana/Youth Group, 6:15pm Feb. 28 Worship Service, 8:15 & 11am Sunday School/ABCs, 9:45am Membership Class, 9:45am Please see page 4 for additional Youth events. View the full church calendar online at www.bethanycentral.org or on the Bethany App. (See page 8 for details.)
Jesus promises that when we give, God gives to us in “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over.” What a treasure God sets in front of us! Are you living in such a way as to store up treasures for yourself in heaven? Let us run in such a way as to win the prize! 3
Youth Events In February Feb. 3 Feb. 7 Feb. 10 Feb. 14 Feb. 17 Feb. 19 Feb. 21 Feb. 24 Feb. 28
First Prayer Wednesday, February 3 6:30pm in the Prayer Room Join us as we set aside time for focused prayer as a church family. Nursery and childcare provided.
Youth Group, 6:15pm Sunday School, 9:45am Youth Group, 6:15pm Sunday School, 9:45am Sr. High to Sharon Pines Service, 11am Youth Group 6:15pm Sr. High Guys Cook for Girls Event, 6pm Sunday School, 9:45am Youth Group, 6:15pm Sunday School, 9:45am Sr. High Pizza with the Pastors, 6pm
For details, about these events, contact Josh Beakley (josh@bethanycentral.org) or Aaron Boerckel (aaron@bethanycentral.org).
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. I Timothy 2:1
Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 14 9:45am in the Sanctuary All those who regularly attend Bethany are encouraged to attend. We will share status and updates in various areas of ministry. Children’s Sunday School classes will still meet.
PrimeTime Fellowship Monday, February 15 at 11:00am All those age 60 and up are invited to join us for a delicious lunch and a sweet time of fellowship! To sign up, call the church office at 692-1755.
Men’s Conference Streamed live from Elmbrook Church at
BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH 8:30am—4:00pm
Just $15 per ticket and includes lunch! Tickets available in the church office or at www.bethanycentral.org. Day includes: Live praise & worship, lunch, plus Six Main Sessions ◦ Rooted in God’s Purpose—Mike Breaux ◦ Rooted in Christ—Crawford Loritts ◦ Made for a Mission—Wilfredo De Jesús ◦ Authentic Manhood—Tierce Green ◦ Rooted In Your Marriage—Sonderman ◦ Released In Christ—Stu Weber Eight Live & Streamed Breakout Sessions ◦ Your Work Matters to God ◦ Locking Arms ◦ Real Fatherhood ◦ Reaching Others ◦ Uprooting Addictions ◦ Discipling Men ◦ Idols of the Heart ◦ Rooted in the Word
NO RESERVES. NO RETREAT. NO REGRETS. 4
Women’s Ministry Work Nights Women Helping Women Monday, February 15 at 7pm Join us as we prepare products and kits for keepsake boxes that will help parents through the difficulty of losing a child. Sewing skills are not required. Contact Nicole Pepper at 683-1181. Hats of Hope Tuesday, February 16 at 6pm Use your gifts and talents in sewing and knitting, or simply cut fabric and make fabric flowers for hats for cancer patients. Yarn and materials are supplied for you if you desire to make hats at home. Contact: Holly Miller at 648-1693.
Discovering Church Membership Sundays at 9:45am February 21, February 28, March 6
If you are interested in joining the church or just learning more about Bethany, plan to attend. Please RSVP to Melinda in the church office (melinda@bethanycentral.org).
LADIES’ BIBLE STUDIES A new study begins this month.
One In a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land Seven week Priscilla Shirer video series. Led by Sandra Larson at church on Tuesday mornings at 9am beginning February 23. Childcare provided. Register on-line at www.bethanycentral.org. Also, beginning March 22 a new afternoon study: Gideon: Your weakness. God’s Strength. Seven week Priscilla Shirer video series led by Lona Hudson. Tuesdays at 12:30pm at church. Please visit the website for complete study descriptions and additional details.
Don’t forget the Birthday & Anniversary list is available at the Welcome Center.
Sunday, February 7 from 9:45-10:45am In the Prayer Room You’re invited to come and talk to the Elders about any question, concern or prayer request. Of course, this is not the only time Elders are available, you are welcome to reach out to an Elder any time, but this regularly scheduled time is designed to make it as easy as possible to meet on a Sunday.
5
Now Is a Great Time To Join the Choir Choir rehearsal is on Wednesday from 7:45 to 9:15pm. The choir sings 2-3 times each month on Sunday mornings. Choir members are encouraged to sing for the service they attend, or both service. There are no tryouts or prerequisites and individuals are welcome to join the choir at any time during the year. For additional details contact Pastor Fred at fred@bethanycentral.org or Kari Rabenhorst at kari@bethanycentral.org.
Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Psalm 100:2
GO Trips Pray for these GO Teams leaving in February: Solomon Islands February 7–20 Team Members: Cheryl Buck, Jack & Diane Mason, Al & Joyce Dremann. Kenya February 29-March 14 Team Members: Steve & Carol Hornbrook, Kyle, Janelle, Kyce & Kess Walton, Melissa Fruendt. Find information on upcoming trips under the ministries tab at www.bethany-fellowship.org.
Marriage Maintenance Checkups A valuable investment in your marriage. Have you ever gone to a car dealer for a 30,000–mile maintenance check? We want to offer the same type of service for something far more important than your car—your marriage! We would encourage everyone to consider participating in a Marriage Maintenance Checkup, especially those couples who will celebrate their first anniversary in 2016 or those who will celebrate an anniversary that is a multiple of five (fifth, tenth, fifteenth, etc.). In February, we will be offering 35-minute appointments with one of our pastors. Plan now to set aside time during the week of February 22-25 to invest in your marriage! Watch the weekly worship folder for details or contact Jennifer at 692-1755 or jennifer@bethanycentral.org.
6
Children’s Ministry Ginny Smith ginny@bethanycentral.org
“Where did you see God today?” This is the question that Jennifer Bateman’s (counseling admin.) family asks each other every evening before going to bed. When one member is ready to call it a day, they start singing this question to the melody of ―The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round.‖ Then, the whole family assembles in the living room to answer the question and share prayer requests. After sharing prayer requests, one family member prays for the entire family, rotating to a different member each evening. Even when their children were little, they took a turn. This helped them become comfortable praying out loud for others in front of others. If you don’t have a time established for family devotions, why not try this approach? It gets every family member involved, and establishes an awareness of God’s hand throughout each member’s day, as they prepare to share in the evening. Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs us to fix our thoughts and the thoughts of our children on God, even as we are lying down at night. If you have a morning family devotional time already established, you might choose to add this great way to end the day, focusing everyone’s thoughts on the Lord and the goodness He has shown them. Awana Theme Night This Month
Mark your calendar for Bethany’s VBS which will be held July 11-15. Kids entering Kindergarten through those entering Sixth Grade are invited to join us for Ocean Commotion, where your kids are shore to have a boatload of excitement as they learn about Noah and the great Flood from Genesis! (Nursery and pre-school classes will be provided for volunteers.) For more information, contact Ginny Smith at ginny@bethanycentral.org.
Child Dedication 101 Sunday, February 7 at 9:45am In the Conference Room
February 17 Dots and Stripes Night Seeking a Sunday School Buddy We have a family at Bethany who has a special needs child in second grade. If you are interested in ministering during the Sunday School hour to this family by being a buddy to this child, please email Ginny Smith at the address above. Nursery Team Openings There are a number of opportunities to serve our littlest attenders and their families on Sunday mornings. If you are available to serve on a team four times a year, please contact Ginny Smith at the email address above.
Parents wishing to have a child dedicated should plan to attend ―Child Dedication 101.‖ This class covers what child dedication is, basic parenting principles, and an overview of resources Bethany offers. The next dedication will be held on Sunday, February 21. Sign up by calling the church office at 692-1755. For more information, contact Jerry Sanderson at jerry@bethanycentral.org.
7
Bethany Baptist Church 7422 N. Heinz Lane Edwards, IL 61528
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D PEORIA, ILLINOIS PERMIT NO. 917