Grace Bible Church

Bulletins, Sunday, Febuary 5, 2012

2012-02-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

Bulletins, Sunday, January 29, 2012

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Bulletins, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012

2012-01-25T18:51:00.000-05:00

Bulletins, Sunday, January 15, 2012

2012-01-16T18:49:00.001-05:00

Bulletins, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012

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Children's Christmas Program: The Bethlehem Project, December 18, 2011

2012-01-08T14:55:00.002-05:00

Pastor Bill Connell

The Praise Team at Grace Bible Church

Kids for the Lord

Sandy McGlassion, Director of the Children's Play and Kids for the Lord teacher

Christmas Dinner, 2011

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Christmas Dinner, 2011

Bulletins, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012

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Happy New Year, 2012

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Sunday Bulletin, December 25, 2011

2011-12-29T14:36:00.000-05:00

The Wish

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The Wish

We all have a Christmas wish

A place to dream or make a list

Of the things that we have waited for all year

But of all the dreams I've ever had

There's none I've wished for quite as bad

As the one I'll tell you now if you will hear

I wish I were the lamb

That night in Bethlehem

That gladly shared the stable and some hay

I wish I were the star that guided from afar

The wise men to the place where Jesus lay

But in a place my feet have never trod

Somewhere in the heart of God

That little babe that seemed without a care

Cared for me and I believe that I was there

If I could travel back in time

To any place I had in mind

I know I'd choose the time of Jesus birth

I'd like to be a witness of

When God the Son came down in love

And the angels sang out peace to men on earth.

I wish I were the lamb

That night in Bethlehem

That gladly shared the stable and some hay

I wish I were the star that guided from afar

The wise men to the place where Jesus lay

But in a place my feet have never trod

Somewhere in the heart of God

That little babe that seemed without a care

Cared for me and I believe that I was there

Church Bulletin, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011

2011-12-19T20:41:00.000-05:00

Christmas Carols - O Come, O Come, Immanuel

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O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-star, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads to Thee,

And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come to lead us Adonai,

Who to the tribes on height of Sinai

In ancient times did'st give the Law,

In cloud, and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

The Story behind “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is probably the oldest Christmas carol still sung today This popular hymn dates back to the ninth century and represents an important and ancient series of services celebrated by the Catholic church. It also presents the different biblical roles that the church believed Jesus fulfilled. The universal nature of faith presented in this song can now be best seen by the fact that it has crossed over from a hymn sung in Latin and used in only formal Catholic masses to a carol translated into, scores of languages and embraced by every Christian denomination in the world.

The writer of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is unknown. He was no doubt a monk or priest who penned the words before 800 A.D. He was also a scholar with a rich knowledge of both the Old and New Testaments. Once completed, the hymn was evidently picked up by many European churches and monasteries and became an intensely important part of the church. Yet for fifty-one weeks of each year it was ignored, saved for a single week of Advent vespers leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth.

In its original form, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was known as a song of the "Great Antiphons" or “Great O's." The Latin text, framed in the original seven different verses, represented the different biblical views of the Messiah. One verse per day was sung or chanted during the last seven days before Christmas.

Much more than the very simple, almost monotone melody employed at the time, the words painted a rich illustration of the many biblical prophesies fulfilled by Christ's birth. So the story of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is really a condensed study of the Bible's view of the Messiah-who he was, what lie represented and why lie had to come to Earth. Even to this day, if one is a proficient Bible student, the song's lyrics reveal the unfolding story of the Messiah.

For the people of the Dark Ages-few of whom read or had access to the Bible-the song was one of the few examples of the full story of how the New and Old Testament views of the Messiah came together in the birth and life of Jesus. Because it brought the story of Christ the Savior to life during hundreds of years of ignorance and darkness, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” ranks as one of the most important songs in the history of the Christian faith.

The song owes its worldwide acceptance to a man named John Mason Neale. Born on January 24, 1818, this Anglican priest was educated at Trinity College in Cambridge. Brilliant, a man who could write and speak more than twenty languages, he should have been destined for greatness, yet many feared his intelligence and insight. At the time, church leaders thought lie was too evangelical, too progressive, and too much a freethinker to be allowed to influence the masses. So rather than get a pastorate in London, Neale was sent by the church to the Madiera Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. Pushed out of the spotlight and given the position of warden in an all but forgotten locale, it was expected that he and his ideas would never again find root in England. Yet Neale refused to give up on God or his own calling. On a salary of just twenty-seven pounds a year he established the Sisterhood of St. Margaret. From this order he began an orphanage, a school for girls and a house of refuge for prostitutes. And these noble ministries were just the beginning.

When he wasn't ministering to those who could truly be called “the least of these,” the often frail and sickly Neale reviewed every facet of Scripture and Scripture-based writing he could find. It was during these studies that lie came across the Latin chant “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” in a book called Psalteroium Cantionum Catholicarum. Seizing on the importance of the song's inspired text, Neale translated the words into English. Interestingly, in his initial work, the lyrics began, “Draw nigh, draw nigh, Emmanuel”

The tune that went with Neale's translation had been used for some years in Latin text versions of the song. “Veni Emmanuel” was a fifteenth century processional that originated in a community of French Franciscan nuns living in Lisbon, Portugal. Neale's translation of the lyrics coupled with “Veni Emmanuel” was first published in the 185Os in England. Within twenty-five years, Neale's work, later cut to five verses and called “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” grew in popularity throughout Europe and America.

Although sung countless times each Christmas, much of the song's rich meaning seems to have been set aside or lost. While both men-the ancient monk and the exiled priest-would probably be amazed that any still remember their work, the fact that few realize the full impact of the words would no doubt disappoint them greatly. After all, to sing a song and not feel the power and majesty of its meaning trivializes both the music and the lyrics.

The first verse of the song is taken from Isaiah 7: 14 and Matthew 1:23. It introduces Emmanuel-“God with us”-and Israel as a symbol for the Christian world, held captive on a dark and sinful Earth.

Isaiah 11 serves as the theme for the verse that begins “O come, thou rod of Jesse, free" (in some translations this is called the "Branch of Jesse"). In it the rod of Jesse represents Christ, who is the only one who can defeat Satan and bring eternal life to all those who follow him.

“O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer” presents the image of the morning star, a concept that can be traced back to Malachi 4:2. In this verse, the song states that the coming Savior will bring justice, honesty, and truth. He will enlighten and cast out darkness as "The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in His wings.”

The lyrics then turn to "O come, thou key of David," a reference to Isaiah

22:22. The words in this verse explain that the newborn King holds the key to the heavenly kingdom and there is no way to get into the kingdom but through Him.

The verse that begins “O come, O come, Adonai” (in some texts this reads “O come, thou wisdom from on high”) centers on the source of true wisdom. This comes only from God through his Son. Through the Savior, this wisdom can reach around the world and bring peace and understanding to all men. Thus, Christ's teachings and examples fulfilled all Old Testament prophesies.

Even today, when sung in a public hall by a small group of carolers or during a television special, the original chants of long forgotten monks can almost be heard. Although translated into scores of languages and sung in wild variety of styles and arrangements, the simplistic yet spiritual nature of the song remains intact. It is reverent, a tribute to not only the birth of God's child but also to the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver his children from the world. In this simple hut brilliant song, the echoed voices of clerics from the past gently urge today’s world to accept and worship the King who fulfills God's greatest promise to his children.

Excerpted from Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins, a 2001 publication distributed by Zondervan

Christmas Carols - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!

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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!

The music is from the second chorus of a contata by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) written in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg and the invention of printing. The words are from a hundred years earlier, written in 1739 by Charles Wesley whose brother, John, founded the Methodist Church. "Hark, how the welkin (heaven) rings," he orginally wrote.

A colleague, the Calvinist Whitefield, substituted the familiar opening line over the protests of the author. In 1855, after both Wesley and Mendelssohn were dead, Dr. William Cummings put the words and music together in spite of evidence that neither author nor composer would have approved.

[Note: Mendelssohn had made it clear that his music was for secular use, and Wesley had specifically requested slow solemn music for his words.]

Sometimes given the English spelling, Nowell, it first appeared in print in England in a collection of William Sandys (1833). The words and music are traditional. Most think it is from 16th or 17th century France; others claim it never had any French origins and is very English.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored

Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a Virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell

Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings

Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christmas Carols - Joy To The World

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Joy To The World

The Scripture-based words of Joy To the World were written by renowned Methodist Minister Isaac Watts in 1719. The original music score is attributed entirely to Handel. The music familiar to this current generation was adapted from various songs and composers (including Handel) into an arrangement by Lowell Mason.

Lowell Mason (1792-1872) was at the forefront of radical changes to music practices of his day. He is considered largely responsible for introducing music into the American public school system. As music director of a large Presbyterian church, he boldly changed the accepted program format from that of professional choirs and orchestras to congregational singing accompanied by organ music. One can almost hear the excitement of his congregation in 1836 as they lifted their voices with freedom to sing for the first time, Joy To the World.

Joy To the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Article written by Connie Ruth Christiansen
at Sharefaith.com

Christmas Carols - O Holy Night

2011-12-11T18:39:00.001-05:00

O Holy Night

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine, the night when Christ was born;

O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,

Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.

The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friends.

He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.

And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

With all our hearts we praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

The Amazing Story of 'O Holy Night'

By Ace Collins

Declared 'unfit for church services' in France and later embraced by U.S. abolitionists, the song continues to inspire.

The strange and fascinating story of "O Holy Night" began in France, yet eventually made its way around the world. This seemingly simple song, inspired by a request from a clergyman, would not only become one of the most beloved anthems of all time, it would mark a technological revolution that would forever change the way people were introduced to music.

In 1847, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure was the commissionaire of wines in a small French town. Known more for his poetry than his church attendance, it probably shocked Placide when his parish priest asked the commissionaire to pen a poem for Christmas mass. Nevertheless, the poet was honored to share his talents with the church.

In a dusty coach traveling down a bumpy road to France's capital city, Placide Cappeau considered the priest's request. Using the gospel of Luke as his guide, Cappeau imagined witnessing the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Thoughts of being present on the blessed night inspired him. By the time he arrived in Paris, "Cantique de Noel" had been completed.

Moved by his own work, Cappeau decided that his "Cantique de Noel" was not just a poem, but a song in need of a master musician's hand. Not musically inclined himself, the poet turned to one of his friends, Adolphe Charles Adams, for help.

The son of a well-known classical musician, Adolphe had studied in the Paris conservatoire. His talent and fame brought requests to write works for orchestras and ballets all over the world. Yet the lyrics that his friend Cappeau gave him must have challenged the composer in a fashion unlike anything he received from London, Berlin, or St. Petersburg.

As a man of Jewish ancestry, for Adolphe the words of "Cantique de Noel" represented a day he didn't celebrate and a man he did not view as the son of God. Nevertheless, Adams quickly went to work, attempting to marry an original score to Cappeau's beautiful words. Adams' finished work pleased both poet and priest. The song was performed just three weeks later at a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve

Initially, "Cantique de Noel" was wholeheartedly accepted by the church in France and the song quickly found its way into various Catholic Christmas services. But when Placide Cappeau walked away from the church and became a part of the socialist movement, and church leaders discovered that Adolphe Adams was a Jew, the song--which had quickly grown to be one of the most beloved Christmas songs in France--was suddenly and uniformly denounced by the church. The heads of the French Catholic church of the time deemed "Cantique de Noel" as unfit for church services because of its lack of musical taste and "total absence of the spirit of religion." Yet even as the church tried to bury the Christmas song, the French people continued to sing it, and a decade later a reclusive American writer brought it to a whole new audience halfway around the world.

Not only did this American writer--John Sullivan Dwight--feel that this wonderful Christmas song needed to be introduced to America, he saw something else in the song that moved him beyond the story of the birth of Christ. An ardent abolitionist, Dwight strongly identified with the lines of the third verse: "Truly he taught us to love one another; his law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name all oppression shall cease." The text supported Dwight's own view of slavery in the South. Published in his magazine, Dwight's English translation of "O Holy Night" quickly found favor in America, especially in the North during the Civil War.

Back in France, even though the song had been banned from the church for almost two decades, many commoners still sang "Cantique de Noel" at home. Legend has it that on Christmas Eve 1871, in the midst of fierce fighting between the armies of Germany and France, during the Franco-Prussian War, a French soldier suddenly jumped out of his muddy trench. Both sides stared at the seemingly crazed man. Boldly standing with no weapon in his hand or at his side, he lifted his eyes to the heavens and sang, "Minuit, Chretiens, c'est l'heure solennelle ou L'Homme Dieu descendit jusqu'a nous," the beginning of "Cantique de Noel."

After completing all three verses, a German infantryman climbed out of his hiding place and answered with, "Vom Himmel noch, da komm' ich her. Ich bring' euch gute neue Mar, Der guten Mar bring' ich so viel, Davon ich sing'n und sagen will," the beginning of Martin Luther's robust "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come."

The story goes that the fighting stopped for the next twenty-four hours while the men on both sides observed a temporary peace in honor of Christmas day. Perhaps this story had a part in the French church once again embracing "Cantique de Noel" in holiday services.

Adams had been dead for many years and Cappeau and Dwight were old men when on Christmas Eve 1906, Reginald Fessenden--a 33-year-old university professor and former chief chemist for Thomas Edison--did something long thought impossible. Using a new type of generator, Fessenden spoke into a microphone and, for the first time in history, a man's voice was broadcast over the airwaves: "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed," he began in a clear, strong voice, hoping he was reaching across the distances he supposed he would.

Shocked radio operators on ships and astonished wireless owners at newspapers sat slack-jawed as their normal, coded impulses, heard over tiny speakers, were interrupted by a professor reading from the gospel of Luke. To the few who caught this broadcast, it must have seemed like a miracle--hearing a voice somehow transmitted to those far away. Some might have believed they were hearing the voice of an angel.

Fessenden was probably unaware of the sensation he was causing on ships and in offices; he couldn't have known that men and women were rushing to their wireless units to catch this Christmas Eve miracle. After finishing his recitation of the birth of Christ, Fessenden picked up his violin and played "O Holy Night," the first song ever sent through the air via radio waves. When the carol ended, so did the broadcast--but not before music had found a new medium that would take it around the world.

Since that first rendition at a small Christmas mass in 1847, "O Holy Night" has been sung millions of times in churches in every corner of the world. And since the moment a handful of people first heard it played over the radio, the carol has gone on to become one of the entertainment industry's most recorded and played spiritual songs. This incredible work--requested by a forgotten parish priest, written by a poet who would later split from the church, given soaring music by a Jewish composer, and brought to Americans to serve as much as a tool to spotlight the sinful nature of slavery as tell the story of the birth of a Savior--has become one of the most beautiful, inspired pieces of music ever created.

Reprinted from "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas", from Zondervan.

Sunday Bulletin, Dec. 11, 2011

2011-12-11T18:07:00.000-05:00

Christmas Carols

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"We sing them every year! We’ve sung them all our lives! As Thanksgiving ushers in the Holiday Season, we begin to hear their familiar strains on the radio and in department stores. As the days of December pass, we hear them more frequently – in pageants, programs and even by carolers who keep their tradition alive. Wherever we hear them, we find ourselves singing along! The carols of Christmas are the golden threads of the Season’s festive tapestry that actually turn on the Christmas spirit in our hearts.

But, as with so many familiar things, carols are such a basic part of our lives and our Christmas history that we often take them for granted. We hum them and hear them year after year, but we hardly ever think about the significance of the words or the origin of the lovely melodies. We can actually overlook the fact that somebody wrote these wonderful songs, and as a consequence, we miss much of their magic. I hope you will join me for just a few moments as we explore the fascinating history of the carol as a genre of music and the stories behind just a few of our favorites.

In their earliest beginnings, carols really had nothing to do with Christmas – or even with Christianity, for that matter. The melodies were originally written to accompany an ancient dance form called the circle dance which was associated with fertility rites and pagan festivities in the medieval Celtic countries of Europe. As the Christian Church established itself in these areas, the familiar melodies and rhythms of carols found their way into Christian meetings and celebrations. But because the songs had such pagan roots, the Church was very uneasy about them for a long time. In fact, a Church Council in the mid-Seventh Century explicitly forbade Christians to sing carols, and the Church continued to frown on carols well into the Twelfth Century. (See, kids, the old fogies have always been against hip music!)

As the austerity of medieval Christianity began to soften, a kind of renaissance took place and carols merged with folk songs that were the Pop songs of the day – the songs that were whistled or sung by ordinary people. History credits Saint Francis of Assisi with bringing about a new interest in the feast of the Nativity and the Babe in Bethlehem. The priests in St. Francis’ order developed a style of religious folk song called a lauda. Laudas had happy, joyful dance rhythms that were so catchy and memorable that the song form soon spread across Fourteenth Century Europe. The religious lauda got mixed together with a popular pagan custom called wassailing, in which people sang from door to door to drive away evil spirits and drank to the health of those they visited. What evolved from the marriage of wassailing and the lauda was the custom of caroling, which is still so much a part of our Christmases some seven centuries later.

By the Seventeenth Century it was clear that everyone was having entirely too much fun! So the Grinch – otherwise known as the Puritan English Parliament – decided to abolish Christmas altogether! That’s right….not only did the carols get the axe, but the entire Christmas Holiday was eliminated. People who continued to celebrate the birth of Christ with happy and lighthearted carol singing were actually accused of witchcraft and risked imprisonment or death! It took several dark and gloomy decades before the prohibition against carol singing was lifted and people again began to write and sing carols freely. The popularity of the carol increased rapidly throughout the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, and it was during this time period that many of our favorite carols were created.

Which brings us to our first fascinating Carol Story and to one of the most prolific songwriters of all time. His name is Charles Wesley – all you Methodists will recognize that name as it was Charles’ brother, John, who became the patriarch of Methodism. During Charles’ lifetime, he wrote over 600 songs (quite a catalog for any songwriter)! One of his most famous lyrics is Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, which many theologians say is the entire Gospel of Christ in one song. The melody for this familiar carol was composed by the famous Felix Mendelssohn almost a hundred years after Wesley wrote the text. How did the words and music come together? Here’s the scoop behind the carol…..

The little known fact is that neither Charles Wesley nor Felix Mendelssohn would have wanted this music to be joined with these words. Felix Mendelssohn, a Jew, had made it very clear that he wanted his music only to be used for secular purposes. Charles Wesley, on the other hand, had requested that only slow and solemn religious music be coupled with his words. However, in the mid Nineteenth Century, long after both Mendelssohn and Wesley were dead, an organist named Dr. William Cummings, joined the joyous Mendelssohn music with Wesley’s profound words to create the carol we know and love today! (By the way, if you hear a slight whirring sound as you sing this carol…..it is probably just the sound of both Mendelssohn and Wesley turning over in their graves as they hear us sing the words and melody together!)

OK, on to the next carol! We have all sung the fun but zany lyrics to the Twelve Days of Christmas, but – if you are anything like me – you have absolutely no idea what the crazy images have to do with Christmas. Is this just a nonsense song? Not hardly!! The roots of this carol go back to that very depressing Puritan era in England when English Catholics were not allowed to openly practice their faith. The Twelve Days of Christmas was actually written as a catechism song for young Catholics to learn the basics of the faith. The True Love in the song represents God and the various gifts He offers to believers. The partridge in the pear tree is very symbolic as well. Apparently mother partridges will act as decoys to lead predators away from their young. So, in the carol, the partridge represents Jesus. Some of the other symbolic images are as follows

Two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments

Three French hens are the three eternal virtues, faith, hope and love

Four calling birds are the four Gospels

Five gold rings are the first five books of the Old Testament which give the story of creation and man’s fall into sin.

….and the images continue throughout the song!

Once you know the story behind the Twelve Days of Christmas, you will never hear the song again without being reminded of its deeper significance.

Now, we can’t ignore America’s contribution to our catalog of Christmas favorites! Did you ever wonder who wrote Jingle Bells? It’s one of the first carols we learn as children and is so much a part of our lives that most of us probably never even have thought about the fact that somebody really did write it! That somebody was James Pierpont and he wrote both words and music for the song which was to be part of a Thanksgiving program at his church in Boston back in 1857. Jingle Bells became such a hit that the children in his choir were asked to sing it over and over again every Christmas….and we have been singing it ever since!

Or how about O Little Town of Bethlehem? The writer of this carol was the influential American theologian of the Nineteenth Century, Bishop Phillips Brooks. Bishop Brooks wrote the beautiful words that we all know in 1868 in Philadelphia as he recalled a trip he had made to the Holy Land several years before. His organist, Lewis Redner, decided to write music for Brooks’ lyrics so that the song could be used by his children’s choir at Christmas. If anybody is still under the misconception that kids’ music is not as influential as more adult genres, consider the fact that both Jingle Bells and O Little Town of Bethlehem had their starts in kids’ Christmas programs!

And that brings us to one of the most beloved of all the carols – the lovely and elegant, Silent Night. The story behind this carols started way back in 1816 in Austria when a pastor named Joseph Mohr wrote the simple words as a poem. Then, as Destiny would have it, two years later on Christmas Eve, the organ in Pastor Mohr’s church broke down just before the Christmas Mass. Determined that the Mass should not be without music, Mohr gave the poem he had written two years earlier to his organist and friend, Fanz Gruber. Gruber immediately composed the melody and arranged it for two voices, choir and guitar – just in time for the midnight service.

But that was just the beginning of the impact of that simple song. The two writers of the carol thought they were simply doing something to get through a difficult situation with their church service. But almost two hundred years later, Silent Night is still the most performed and recorded Christmas song in history! In fact, there is a wonderful story about the song that comes out of World War I. On Christmas Eve fighting was actually suspended on many of the European fronts while people turned on their radios to hear Austrian opera star, Ernestine Schumann Heink, sing Stille Nacht. She was not only an international celebrity, but Ms. Heink was also a mother with one son fighting for the German Axis and another son fighting for the Allies. Her rendition of this beautiful song had the power to actually bring a few moments of peace to a very troubled world!

Such is the potential of a song and the challenge to us as songwriters. As you celebrate Christmas this year, let yourself experience and feel all the wonder of the Season….and then, let those feelings flow into your songs. Who knows? Maybe someday someone will be telling the story behind YOUR carol. "

Article taken from
Stories behind the Christmas Carols
by Mary Dawson

Ministry Outreach - NU2U Resale

2011-12-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

Have you thought about being a volunteer?

Joel Ashby and Gayle, one of the staffers at NU2U.

Joel was able to volunteer at NU2U on Novenber 9,
because the company he works for offers a day's pay when you
volunteer at a local charity. He choose NU2U!

This picture is of the outside of NU2U Resale. It's located in Redford, MI.

We have taken donations from Grace Bible Church to this faciltiy.

The proceeds from the sales at NU2U go to help pay for students' tuition and the

school they operate in Detroit, Westside Christian Academy.

This was a dream come true for Daryl Ounanian and the staff at Westside.

And we're grateful to help in any way we can!

Church Bulletins, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011

2011-12-04T14:11:00.000-05:00

Sunday Bulletin, Nov. 27, 2011

2011-11-30T13:14:00.000-05:00

Sunday Bulletin, Nov. 20, 2011

2011-11-30T12:35:00.000-05:00

Kevin Godin, Ordination Service, Nov. 13, 2011

2011-11-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

We are honored to know Kevin and thankful that he is a member

of Grace Bible Church.

May the Lord richly bless Kevin and his family in the months and years ahead.

Sunday Bulletin, November 13, 2011

2011-11-13T17:07:00.000-05:00

Veteran's Day, 2011

2011-11-11T12:07:00.000-05:00

Church Bulletin, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011

2011-11-08T19:43:00.000-05:00

Fall Time Change

2011-11-05T12:24:00.000-04:00

Remember, tonight's the night to:

Reformation Day

2011-10-31T13:05:00.000-04:00

Reformation Day is a religious holiday celebrated on October 31st or the last weekend in October in remembrance of the Reformation. Martin Luther posted a proposal at the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany to debate the doctrine and practice of indulgences. This proposal is popularly known as the 95 Theses, which he nailed to the Castle Church doors. This was not an act of defiance or provocation as is sometimes thought. Since the Castle Church faced Wittenberg's main thoroughfare, the church door functioned as a public bulletin board and was therefore the logical place for posting important notices. Also, the theses were written in Latin, the language of the church, and not in the vernacular. Nonetheless, the event created a controversy between Luther and those allied with the Pope over a variety of doctrines and practices. While it had profound and lasting impacts on the political, economic, social, literary, and artistic aspects of modern society, the Reformation was at its heart a religious movement. The Reformation was the great rediscovery of the good news of salvation by grace through faith for Christ's sake. For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church had been plagued by false doctrines, superstition, ignorance, and corruption. Since most ordinary Christians were illiterate and had little knowledge of the Bible, they relied on their clergy for religious instruction and guidance. Tragically however, monks, priests, bishops, and even the popes in Rome taught unbiblical doctrines like purgatory and salvation through good works. Spiritually earnest people tried to justify themselves by charitable works, pilgrimages, and all kinds of religious performances and devotions, but they were left wondering if they had done enough to escape God's anger and punishment.

The truth of the gospel -- the good news that God is loving and merciful, that He offers each and every one of us forgiveness and salvation not because of what we do, but because of what Christ has already done for us -- was largely forgotten by both clergy and laity. The Holy Spirit used an Augustinian monk and university professor named Martin Luther to restore the gospel to its rightful place as the cornerstone doctrine of Christianity. Martin Luther and his colleagues came to understand that if we sinners had to earn salvation by our own merits and good works, we would be lost and completely without hope. But through the working of the Holy Spirit, the reformers rediscovered the gospel -- the wonderful news that Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again to redeem and justify us. As Luther wrote in his explanation of the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed: I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true. On Reformation Day, we glorify God for what he accomplished in 16th century Germany through His servant, Dr. Martin Luther -- the recovery of the gospel of salvation by grace through faith for Christ's sake. We also earnestly pray that God would keep all of us faithful to the true gospel and help us to joyfully declare it to the world. This lovely hymn verse encapsulates the theme of our Reformation celebration:

By grace God's Son, our only Savior,
Came down to earth to bear our sin.
Was it because of your own merit
That Jesus died your soul to win?
No, it was grace, and grace alone,
It brought Him from His heav'nly throne.

Sunday Bulletin, Oct. 30, 2011

2011-10-30T16:43:00.002-04:00

Christian Urban Outreach

2011-10-30T15:49:00.027-04:00

Christian Urban Outreach has opened a thrift store!

"NU2U Upscale Resale" opens Nov. 1, in Redford.

Proceeds from this new store will benefit education at

Westside Christian Academy, which is run by Christian Urban Outreach.

The address of the store is 25495 Grand River, in Redford Oaks Shopping Center just West of 7 Mile Road.

Space is being set up here at Grace Bible Church, so that members of our congregation, who wish to make donations of used items, may bring them to the church during the next couple of weeks or so. Please leave donations in room 5 and 6 downstairs. After that time, our World Outreach Committee will make arrangements with NU2U to pick up the donations. If you have any questions, please contact Joel Ashby or Bill Wilkins.

Gently used clothing is especially needed!

Their web site is http://www.nu2uupscale.com/ and, they're on FB! Check it out!

Amazing Grace Ladies Breakfast

2011-10-24T16:54:00.001-04:00

Amazing Grace Ladies Breakfast

Sat., Nov. 5, 2011

Make plans and mark the date on your calendar to be at the next

"Amazing Grace" Women's Breakfast

which is coming up on Saturday, November 5th.

Join us for food and conversation

(in between bites) at Little Daddy's Restaurant which is next to

Southland Mall in Taylor.

We will be meeting at 9:00 AM. and look forward to seeing you there.

~ Marianne Ashby ~

Stanley Solgot

2011-10-23T14:33:00.001-04:00

Stanley Solgot, inducted into the

Southgate Sports Hall of Fame!

Congratulations Stanley!

Sunday Bulletin, October 23, 2011

2011-10-23T14:24:00.000-04:00

Operation Christmas Child, 2011

2011-10-17T12:10:00.001-04:00

Boxes will be available for you to pick up on Sunday, Oct. 23

Please pray about building a box, or two!

Complete information in each Sunday's bulletin.

Sunday Bulletin, October 16, 2011

2011-10-17T12:08:00.000-04:00

Blame It on Babylon

2011-10-11T13:42:00.045-04:00

Blame It on Babylon

In the book of Revelation, Babylon is a symbol of all that's wrong in the world. It's the system, the way things are in a sinful creation. Babylon is worldliness. If you study Revelation 17, you'll notice three things about the prostitute Babylon. First, she is attractive. She has royal clothes, purple and scarlet. She glitters with gold and is decked out in pearls and precious stones. She's got her best threads on, alluring and seductive.

Second, the influence of Babylon in pervasive. She sits on many waters, which are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages (Rev. 17:15). Babylon the city literally sat on many waters (Ps. 137:1;
Jer. 51:13), but water here is a metaphor for influence. Babylon is connected and powerful. She is not one kingdom in one place at one time but the pervasive worldliness that reigns in every country, every culture, and every government.

Third, Babylon is impressive. John says, in verse 6, "When I saw her, I marveled greatly." He was astonished at her influence, her power, and her hold on the inhabitants of the earth. The ways of the world always seem more impressive than the way of a crucified Savior.

So how do we avoid the crushing weight of Babylon the Great? The first step is to admit we live in Babylon. Everyone does. We are all tempted to drink from the golden cup filled with abominable things (Rev. 17:4). Every culture has it's "isms" to tempt us to idolatry. In Africa, the test of the faithfulness may involve animism and polygamy. In South Africa, it might be syncretistic versions of Catholicism. In Asia, it might be ancestor worship. In America, the "isms" are a little different.

SCIENTISM: truth is only found in what can be measured, tested, and published by peer review.

BIOLOGICAL DETERMINISM: I am what my genes tell me to be.

JOURNEYISM: As long as I keep searching, maybe people will quit bothering me to find something.

EXPERIENCEISM: The good life can be found only through travel, adventure, and novelty.

PROTESTISM: If I always speak out against the evil out there, I can ignore the evil inside.

HEALTHISM: Younger is always better, and when I get old there will be a pill and a workout video to help me feel young again.

ENTERTAINMENTISM: If it doesn't make me feel something right now, it can't be worth my time.

VOYEURISM: My life is disappointing and boring, so I will do all I can to peer in on celebrities whose lives are more exciting and more dysfunctional.

SPORTSISM: I live and die every weekend based on how well twenty-year-old men push each other over while running around in tights chasing a ball.

PARTYISM: Life pretty much stinks most days, but once or twice a week I have the time of my life; later, I throw up.

POLITICSISM: Everything bad is the other guy's fault, and everything that needs to change in the world can be voted on by Congress.

FAMILYISM: Christ and His church take a back seat to soccer and band.

SEXUALITYISM: My parts are my business and God cannot tell me what they're for or when or how to use them.

SHOPPINGISM: It's not idolatry if it's for my kids or on sale.

ADVOCACYISM: I care therefore I am.

I could go on and on about all the other worldly "isms" of our day. But you get the point. We live and breathe worldliness.

The answer is not to hide in a holy huddle in some Christian ghetto. The problem with the Christian subculture isn't that it's too otherworldly but that it's almost always too worldly. Sure, some of the
movies and music change, but the way of thinking is still the same. The experienceism, the healthism, the entertainmentism are all there because finding us an alternative to Babylon is more difficult than watching different movies. It's living by a different story. It's being shaped by a different set of assumptions. It's demonstrating a different ethic. It's being supremely relevant to a dying world by smashing the idol of relevance. If you want to always be relevant, you must deal with the things that touch eternity, and if you are dealing with eternal things, you always seem a bit irrelevant.

We're foolish if we think that we are not surrounded by Babylon. Everyone is. Worldliness in this country will ruin far more spiritual lives than Islam and new-age spiritualities. "In this world, not of the world," Jesus said. Easier said than done. "Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?" (Prov. 6:27-28). Beware of all the subtle ways the world wants to squeeze you into its mold.

....by Kevin Deyoung; Senior Pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI.
This article taken from Tabletalk Magazine, October, 2011

In Memory

2011-10-10T20:32:00.001-04:00

In Loving Memory of

Edna Milburn

Sept. 19, 1924 - Oct. 4, 2011

Grace Bible Church lost one of our long-time members

this month. She was a very sweet woman who cared for others.

During the last years of her life, she was shut-in due to health conditions.

She was the beloved wife of the late Lennie Crown

and the late Aaron Milburn.

Loving mother of David Crown.

Also survived by many loving cousins and friends.

Sunday Bulletin, October 9, 2011

2011-10-09T18:06:00.000-04:00

Ladies Retreat, 2011

2011-10-02T20:13:00.003-04:00

The Bonnymill Inn

Chesaning, MI

Ladies Breakfast, Oct. 2, 2011

2011-10-02T20:11:00.000-04:00

Amazing Grace Ladies Breakfast

Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011

L: Marianne Ashby

Lona Turner

Verda Hedden

R: Barb Merritt

Nancy Connell

Sunday Bulletin, October 2, 2011

2011-10-02T20:03:00.002-04:00

Sunday Bulletin, September 25, 2011

2011-09-26T20:32:00.000-04:00

Jonathan Edwards

2011-08-22T15:24:00.000-04:00

"When the True beauty and attraction of the holiness found in Divine things is discovered by the soul, a new world of perspectives is opened. The glory of all the perfections of God and of everything that pertains to him is revealed. A sense of the moral beauty of Divine things enables us to understand the sufficiency of Christ as Mediator. In this way the believer is led into the knowledge of the excellency of Christ's Person. The saints are then made aware of the preciousness of Christ's blood and of its sufficiency to atone for sin. On this depends the merit of His obedience, and sufficiency and prevalence of Christ's intercession. The beauty of the way of salvation by Christ is made manifest in all these ways. Thus all true experienced religion comes from this sense of spiritual beauty."

Jonathan Edwards

Sunday Bulletin, August 21

2011-08-22T15:16:00.000-04:00

Sunday Bulletin, August 14, 2011

2011-08-14T15:49:00.000-04:00

The King is in the Audience

2011-08-08T14:23:00.000-04:00

"The King is in the Audience"

The scene is a theatre in England . The audience, chatting amiably, drifts to their seats. The orchestra, in starched shirts and tuxedos, is tuning its instruments. Stagehands scurry behind huge and heavy curtains, checking props and ropes, making last minute adjustments. Finally, the lights lower. At the top of the director’s baton the orchestra swings softly into a familiar overture. Suddenly, the orchestra is interrupted awkwardly in the middle of a musical phrase. A deathly silence follows as music sheets are quietly switched. Then comes the swelling strains of the national anthem. In the wings, the stage manager and the director run from actor to actor whispering excitedly, “Give it all you’ve got tonight! Play as you’ve never played before!” “Why?” the anxious question is asked. “Because,” comes the reply, “King George has just come in. The King is in the audience!”

The King of Kings and the Lord or Lords is always in the audience of our lives, and with us as we meet in congregations, whether that be two or twenty, on a Sunday or a Wednesday. Because of this we must live life with all we’ve got; the best we’ve got. We must “play as we’ve never played before.”

Taken from:
"Daily Vitamins for Spiritual Growth – Fr. Anthony Coniaris"

Sunday Bulletin, August 7, 2011

2011-08-07T10:19:00.000-04:00

Ladies Retreat

2011-08-06T15:15:00.001-04:00

Ladies Retreat News

Good news! After years of being closed the Bonnymill Inn in Chesaning has re-opened and is ready for guests! Chesaning is about 120 miles from downriver.

This Inn is where we've held our Ladies Retreats for ten years and we're hoping to have a Ladies Retreat there this October 21 & 22.

A few changes have been made however. Our breakfast is not included in the room rate, but range in price from $5.00 - $8.00, plus drinks. Dinner menus range from $10.00 - $16.00.

The room rates, based on two women per room, range from $90.00 - $120. plus any taxes that apply.

The important thing is having enough interest to pursue having a retreat this Fall. If you are interested, please sign up at the church by Sunday, August 14! I know this is short notice, but we really need to reserve the needed rooms quickly.

The photos above show the Inn..it's a beautiful place to stay and become acquainted and/or re- acquainted with your fellow "Ladies of Grace."

Please contact Linda Sourbeck for further information. Thank you!

Birthdays & Anniversaries

2011-08-06T14:57:00.000-04:00

Birthdays this Month...

Abby Godin - August 7

Betty James - August 7

Landon King - August 13

Wanda Gabbert - August 13

Danny Toma - August 14

Bob Norman - August 16

Russell Forth - August 27

Evelyn Farris - August 29

Happy Anniversary to...

Joel & Marianne Ashby - August 31

Sunday Bulletin, July 31, 2011

2011-08-04T10:10:00.000-04:00

Vacation Bible School, 2011 - Pictures!

2011-07-31T16:39:00.002-04:00

Rockin' It Old School

Vacation Bible School, 2011

Sunday Bulletin, July 24, 2011

2011-07-26T13:25:00.000-04:00

Sunday Bulletin, July 17, 2011

2011-07-22T09:45:00.000-04:00

Guest Speakers: Missionaries Dan & Laurie Fuller, August 14

2011-07-14T11:28:00.001-04:00

Dan & Laurie Fuller, daughters Camilla & Hannah

Dan, Laurie and their daughters will be with us in Sunday School

and the Morning Worship Service on Sunday, August 14.

They will be sharing about their life in Thailand and how our

financial support helps to enable them to minister the love of Christ to the

people of that country.

The last time they were with us was four years ago. Much has

happened in that time and we're anxious to hear of what the

Lord is doing in Thailand.

Their oldest daughter, Camilla, will be attending

New Tribes Bible Institute in Jackson, MI this fall.

The Fullers will return to Thailand at the end of August with

their daughter Hannah.

Please plan on attending these services

and please be in prayer for Dan, Laurie, Camilla and Hannah.

Sunday Bulletin, July 10, 2011

2011-07-12T18:54:00.000-04:00

Sunday Bulletin, July 3, 2011

2011-07-05T09:47:00.001-04:00

July 4th

2011-07-04T12:23:00.001-04:00

Happy July 4th!

Now the Lord is the Spirit,

and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV

Birthdays this month...

2011-07-02T12:49:00.001-04:00

July Birthdays

Craig McGlassion - July 1

Craig James - July 14

Marianne Ashby - July 22

Wayne Sourbeck - July 26

Louis Blevins - July 29

Wrong thoughts about God...

2011-07-02T12:35:00.001-04:00

The church’s great danger: Wrong thoughts about God

“Wrong ideas about God are not only the fountain from which the polluted waters of idolatry flow; they are themselves idolatrous. The idolater simply imagines things about God and acts as if they were true.

Perverted notions about God soon rot the religion in which they appear. The long career of Israel demonstrates this clearly enough, and the history of the Church confirms it. So necessary to the Church is a lofty concept of God that when that concept in any measure declines, the Church with her worship and her moral standards decline along with it. The first step down for any church is taken when it surrenders its high opinion of God.

Before the Church goes into eclipse anywhere there must first be a corrupting of her simple basic theology. She simply gets a wrong answer to the question, ‘What is God like?’ and goes on from there. Though she may continue to cling to a sound nominal creed, her practical working creed has become false. The masses of her adherents come to believe that God is different from what He actually is, and that is heresy of the most insidious and deadly kind.”

- A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (HarperCollins: San Francisco), 1961, p. 4.

Vacation Bible School, 2011

2011-06-27T14:45:00.004-04:00

Read more about this year's
Vacation Bible School

Click on the tab

"Vacation Bible School, 2011"
for details.

Grace....

2011-06-27T14:42:00.000-04:00

"Many people pay lip service to the idea of grace, but they stop there. Their conception of grace is not so much debased as nonexistent. The thought means nothing to them; it does not touch their experience at all. What is it that hinders so many who profess to believe in grace from really doing so? Why does the theme mean so little even to some who talk about it a great deal? The root of the trouble seems to be misbelief about the basic relationship between a person and God; misbelief rooted not just in the mind but in the heart, at the deeper level of things that we never question because we always take them for granted, the doctrines of grace presupposes, and if they are not acknowledged and felt in one's heart, clear faith in God's grace become impossible. The moral ill desert of humankind, the retributive justice of God, the spiritual impotence of humankind and the sovereign freedom of God."

J.I. Packer, Knowing God

Sunday Bulletin, June 26, 2011

2011-06-26T14:13:00.000-04:00

Something to think about...

2011-06-22T14:32:00.000-04:00

"By nature, you are completely addicted to this legal method of salvation. Even after you become a Christian by believing the Gospel, your heart is still addicted to salvation by works. In your heart you still want to make the duties of the law come before the comforts of the Gospel. You find it hard to believe that you should get any blessing before you work for it. This is the mindset you tend to fall into: You sincerely do want to obey the laws of God. Therefore, to make sure you obey the law of God you make all of God's blessings depend upon how well you keep his law. Some preachers even tell you that you had better not enjoy the blessings of the Gospel! They tell you to diligently obey the law first and that only by doing this will you be safe and happy before God. Just keep in mind, however, that as you go this route, you will never enjoy your salvation for as long as you live in this world."

Walter Marshall, 1628-1680

Downriver Cruise, 2011

2011-06-20T09:21:00.002-04:00

This Saturday, June 25...beginning at 10:00 a.m.

We're meeting in front of the

Downriver Christian Library

3755 Fort St., Lincoln Park

Come join us as we

share the Good News and
see some great cars!

Sunday Bulletin, June 19, 2011

2011-06-19T20:34:00.001-04:00

A New Creature

2011-06-13T13:17:00.000-04:00

"The Christian is a new creature, born and taught from above. He has been convinced of his guilt and misery as a sinner, has fled for refuge to the hope set before him, has seen his Son and believed on Him: his natural prejudices against the glory and grace of God's salvation have been subdued and silenced by almighty power; he has accepted the Beloved and is made acceptable in Him; he now knows the Lord; has renounced the confused, distant, uncomfortable notions he once formed of God. He sees God in Christ, reconciled, a Father, a Savior and a Friend, who has freely forgiven him all his sins and given him the spirit of adoption; he is now no longer a servant, much less a stranger, but a son; and because a son, an heir already interested in all the promises, admitted to the throne of grace, and assured expectant of eternal glory."

John Newton, Letters of John Newton 1781

Church Bulletin, Sunday, June 12, 2011

2011-06-12T14:10:00.001-04:00

Grace is not a Thing

2011-06-11T13:17:00.000-04:00

Grace is not a “Thing”

It is legitimate to speak of “receiving grace,” and sometimes (although I am somewhat cautious about the possibility of misusing language) we speak of the preaching of the Word, prayer, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper as “means of grace.” That is fine, so long as we remember that there isn’t a thing, a substance, or a “quasi-substance” called “grace.” All there is is the person of the Lord Jesus — “Christ clothed in the gospel,” as Calvin loved to put it. Grace is the grace of Jesus. If I can highlight the thought here: there is no “thing” that Jesus takes from Himself and then, as it were, hands over to me. There is only Jesus Himself.

Grasping that thought can make a significant difference to a Christian’s life. So while some people might think this is just splitting hairs about different ways of saying the same thing, it can make a vital difference. It is not a thing that was crucified to give us a thing called grace. It was the person of the Lord Jesus that was crucified in order that He might give Himself to us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
– Sinclair Ferguson

New Members

2011-06-05T20:16:00.000-04:00

Welcome New Members

We are honored to have received into

membership today

Russell Forth
Julia Lagodzinski
Drew Merritt &
Barbara Stenske

Birthdays & Anniversaries

2011-06-05T19:03:00.000-04:00

Birthdays in June

Verda Hedden - 3

Pat Grant - 3

Madison McKee - 5

Louise Moore - 9

Lana Norman - 10

Maggie Salewske - 11

Erica Moore - 25

Lee Anne Blevins - 25

Stanley Solgot - 27

Stephanie Moore - 28

Anniversaries

Everett & Jacque Sollars - 4

Sunday Bulletin, June 5, 2011

2011-06-05T18:31:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day, 2011

2011-05-30T09:47:00.000-04:00

Eternal God,

Creator of years, of centuries,

Lord of whatever is beyond time,

Maker of all species and master of all history --

How shall we speak to you

from our smallness and inconsequence?

Except that you have called us to worship you

in spirit and in truth;

You have dignified us with loves and loyalties;

You have lifted us up with your lovingkindnesses.

Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling

[though we sometimes feel that low]

and without fear

[though we are often anxious].

We sing with spirit and pray with courage

because you have dignified us;

You have redeemed us from the aimlessness

of things' going meaninglessly well.

God, lift the hearts of those

for whom this holiday is not just diversion,

but painful memory and continued deprivation.

Bless those whose dear ones have died

needlessly, wastefully [as it seems]

in accident or misadventure.

We remember with compassion those who have died

serving their countries

in the futility of combat.

There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation,

when all the answers we are offered

fail the question death asks of each of us.

We believe that you will provide for us

as others have been provided with the fulfillment of

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

By Rev. Dick Kozelka (ret)

First Congregational Church of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN.

Sunday Bulletin, May 29, 2011

2011-05-30T09:36:00.000-04:00

Note: The cook-out scheduled for June 5

has been moved to June 12

Sunday Bulletin, May 21, 2011

2011-05-24T13:29:00.000-04:00

Condolences

2011-05-15T19:46:00.000-04:00

Our deepest sympathy to

the family of Opal McGhee.

Opal McGhee, age 85 of Lincoln Park, died May 13th 2011. Opal is preceded in death by her loving husband Raymond E. McGhee. Loving Mother of Kathleen Kelley, Mrs. Deborah (James) McMullen. Dear Grandmother of Michael Rentschler, Miryah Rice, and Bryan (Brandy) McMullen, and Great Grandmother of Cayla Rentschler, Emily Rentschler, Philip Rentschler, and Alexandra Anthony . Brother Mr. James D. Brown also survives. Visitation : Tuesday May 17th, 1-8pm, Wed. 10-11am Services: 11am at J.L. Peters Funeral Home 3880 Fort Lincoln Park Mi. (313-928-6500). Interment Michigan Memorial Cemetery , Flat Rock. Sign the register book and express your sympathy at www.jlpetersfuneralhome.com

She will be missed by her family at Grace Bible Church.

Sunday Bulletin, May 13, 2011

2011-05-15T19:39:00.001-04:00

Before the Throne of God Above

2011-05-09T09:05:00.000-04:00

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea

A great High Priest who's name is Love

Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hands

My name is written on His heart

I know that while in heaven He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

When satan tempts me to dispair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see him there

Who made an end of all my sin

Because a sinless savior died

My sinful soul is counted free

For God the judge is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there the Risen Lamb

My perfect spotless righteousness

The great unchangable I Am

The King Of Glory and of grace

One in Himself I cannot die

My soul is purchased by His blood

My life is hid with Christ on high

With Christ my Savior and my God

These lyrics were written by Charitie Lees Bancroft who was a hymn writer in the late 19th century.

(Charitie was born on 21 June 1841, at Bloomfield, County Dublin, the fourth child of Rev George Sidney and Charlotte Lees. The Rev George Smith was the minister of Colebrooke church, in the Church of Ireland parish of Aghalurcher from 1838-1867 and during this period the family including Charitie lived in Ardunshin House near Brookeborough, County Fermanagh, Ireland. In 1860 one of Charitie's first compositions O for the robes of whiteness appeared in leaflet form in the immediate aftermath of the Irish 1859 revival. In 1863 she wrote perhaps her best known hymn "Before the Throne of God Above" which she entitled The Advocate (a hymn which was revived in evangelical circles in the late Twentieth Century). In 1867 Charitie's father took the family to Tattyreagh, Omagh, County Tyrone, when he became the rector of St Columba's Church Charitie continued with her compositions eventually publishing them in a volume entitled Within the Veil in 1867.

In 1869 a Liverpudlian Arthur Bancroft married Charitie in Edinburgh, Scotland. Records of her married life are scarce but it seems she was widowed twice. She died on 20 June 1923, in Oakland, California, USA aged 82 bearing the name de Cheney.)

Birthdays & Anniversaries

2011-05-07T10:08:00.001-04:00

Birthdays

Irene Stewart - May 3

Galle Dale - May 4

Grace Langdon - May 7

Zachary Godin - May 8

Jan Royal - May 14

Wendy James - May 15

Allyssa Gilham - May 18

Soukeyna Dale - May 22

Allyson Roelofs - May 31

Anniversaries

Eric & Kelly McKee - May 9

Bob & Rachel Norman - May 25

Bill & Artie Wilkins - May 28

Sunday Bulletin, May 8, 2011

2011-05-07T09:46:00.006-04:00

Sunday Bulletin, May 1, 2011

2011-04-30T19:14:00.002-04:00

Grace Bible Church

Pastor Bill Connell

15700 Leroy

(Across from Southgate Anderson High School)

P.O. Box 2030 (Mailing Address)

Southgate, MI 48195

734-295-0115

visit us at http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Message by Elder Everett Sollars

"A Champion of Christ"

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7-13; 17:17-22; 17:23-48

& Communion Service

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Welcome Visitors!

If you are a first-time visitor today, looking for a new church home, we would be delighted to tell you more about our congregation. Please share your questions or comments with us. If there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable, please let us know. Thank you & welcome to Grace!

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The Intensity of Christ's Love and the Intentionality

of His Death

The love of Christ for us in his dying was as conscious as his suffering was intentional. "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us" (I John 3:16). If he was intentional in laying down his life, it was for us. It was love. Every step on the Calvary road meant, "I love you." Therefore, to feel the love of Christ in the laying down of his life, it helps to see how utterly intentional it was. Consider these five ways of seeing Christ's intentionality in dying for us.

First, look at what Jesus said just after that violent moment when Peter tried to cleave the skull of the servant, but only cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.

A second way this intentionality is seen is in the repeated expressions to go to Jerusalem--into the very jaws of the lion.

A third way that we see the intentionality of Jesus to suffer for us is in the words he spoke in the mouth of Isaiah the prophet: I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. (Isaiah 50:6).

A fourth way we see the intentionality of Jesus' suffering is in the way Peter explains how this was possible. He said, "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (I Peter 2:23).

The fifth and perhaps the clearest statement that Jesus makes about his own intentionality to die is in John 10:17-18: "For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father."

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Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

Every Sunday, 9:45 am:
Sunday School for children and adults in the Fellowship Hall and downstairs classrooms.

Every Sunday, 10:45 am:
Kids for the Lord Children's Church (through grade six) meets downstairs; Adult Worship Service is in the main auditorium; infant nursery upstairs for the little ones.

Every Wednesday for the Kids, 6:30-8:00 pm:
TeamKIDz meets for crafts, singing, games and Bible study.

Every Wednesday for the Adults, 6:30-8:00 pm:
A theological and biblical study in the Signs of Life Room entitled "The Doctrines of Grace" followed by Prayer Meeting.

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Upcoming Church Events

Today, 6:00 pm: Gospel of John Bible Study Flock (with light meal) at Don & Lynn Bolton's home.

Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14: Men's Conference, "Fellowship in the Gospel", at Berean Baptist Church in Livonia. Visit the Men's Page on this blog, or go to http://www.fg11.org/ for more information.

Thursday, May 19, 7:00 pm: Elders Meeting

Sundays, June 12 & July 10: VBS Planning Meeting

Monday-Friday, July 25-29: Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 31: Vacation Bible School Finale & Church Picnic

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Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Harmony King & Family

Missionary of the Month

Crisis Pregnancy Center of Lincoln Park

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Grace Bible Church On-Line

There are now four year's worth of sermons available at our church website: http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/. Also available are our Wednesday night teachings on The Doctrines of Grace. Please avail yourself of these excellent teachings.

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Martin Luther Quote

2011-04-25T12:16:00.000-04:00

"The person who is not moved to leave the Law and the confidence in his own righteousness for the Liberty of Christ, has a heart that is harder than stone and iron. Paul does not say that works are objectionable, but to build one's hopes for righteousness on works is disastrous, for that makes Christ good for nothing. Let us bear this in mind when the devil accuses our conscience. When that dragon accuses us of having done no good at all, say to him, 'You trouble me with the remembrance of my past sins; you remind me that I have done no good. But this does not bother me, because if I were to trust in my own good deeds, or despair because I have done no good deeds, Christ would profit me neither way. I am not going to make Him unprofitable to me. This I would do if I should presume to purchase for myself the favor of God by my good deeds or if I should despair of my salvation because of my sins.' "

Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians

Easter, 2011

2011-04-24T15:25:00.000-04:00

The tomb is empty,

the stone is rolled away...

Jesus is alive,

He has risen!

Happy, Blessed Easter

from Grace Bible Church

Sunday Bulletin, April 24, 2011

2011-04-23T10:57:00.000-04:00

Grace Bible Church

Pastor Bill Connell

15700 Leroy

(Across from Southgate Anderson High School)

P.O. Box 2030 (Mailing Address)

Southgate, MI 48195

734-295-0115

visit us at http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/

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Message by Pastor Bill Connell

"The Four Words of Peter"

1 Peter 1:3

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Welcome Visitors!

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Note to Parents

Kids for the Lord will not meet today to allow children the opportunity to sit with their parents and other family members in observance of Resurrection Day. We will resume our normal class schedule next week, May 1. Thank you!

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Christ's passionate love for the world is evident in

His statements from the Cross:

Statement One - "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

Luke 23:34 - Do you realize that you are in need of the Father's forgiveness?

Statement Two - "Today you will be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:43

Have you realized and confessed Jesus as your personal Savior?

Statement Three - "Woman, behold your son." John 19:26

Jesus is concerned for us and provides for all of us.

Statement Four - "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

Matthew 27:45 - Jesus was forsaken so we don't have to be.

Statement Five - "I thirst!" John 19:28

This personal statement reminds us that Jesus is not only God, but He also was man. Jesus identifies with our needs.

Statement Six - "It is finished!" John 19:30

Jesus paid for our sins, and sin's control over our lives is broken.

Statement Seven - "Into Your hands I commit My Spirit." Luke 23:46

You can entrust our life into God's hands.

Taken from "The Power of the Christ's Words" by Harvest Ministries

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Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

Every Sunday, 9:45 am:
Sunday School for children and adults in the Fellowship Hall and downstairs classrooms.

Every Sunday, 10:45 am:
Kids for the Lord Children's Church (through grade six) meets downstairs; Adult Worship Service is in the main auditorium; infant nursery upstairs for the little ones.

Every Wednesday for the Kids, 6:30-8:00 pm:
TeamKIDz meets for crafts, singing, games and Bible study.

Every Wednesday for the Adults, 6:30-8:00 pm:
A theological and biblical study in the Signs of Life Room entitled "The Doctrines of Grace" followed by Prayer Meeting.

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Upcoming Church Events

Today, 9:45 am: Easter Brunch in Fellowship Hall and Easter Service at 10:45.

Sunday, May 1: Sermon by Everett Sollars; Communion Service and brief VBS Planning Meeting.

Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14: Men's Conference, "Fellowship in the Gospel", at Berean Baptist Church in Livonia. Visit the Men's Page on this blog, or go to http://www.fg11.org/ for more information.

Thursday, May 19, 7:00 pm: Elders Meeting

Sundays, June 12 & July 10: VBS Planning Meeting

Monday-Friday, July 25-29: Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 31: Vacation Bible School Finale & Church Picnic

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Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Drew Merritt

Missionary of the Month

Christian Urban Outreach

Daryl & Paula Ounanian

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Grace Bible Church On-Line

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The Crucifixion of Jesus

2011-04-22T18:11:00.000-04:00

Crucifixion

A medical explanation of what Jesus endured on the day He died
By Dr. C. Truman Davis*

A Physician Analyzes the Crucifixion.

From New Wine Magazine, April 1982.
Originally published in Arizona Medicine,
March 1965, Arizona Medical Association.

Several years ago I became interested in the physical aspects of the passion, or suffering, of Jesus Christ when I read an account of the crucifixion in Jim Bishop's book, The Day Christ Died. I suddenly realized that I had taken the crucifixion more or less for granted all these years - that I had grown callous to its horror by a too-easy familiarity with the grim details. It finally occurred to me that, as a physician, I did not even know the actual immediate cause of Christ's death. The gospel writers do not help much on this point. Since crucifixion and scourging were so common during their lifetimes, they undoubtedly considered a detailed description superfluous. For that reason we have only the concise words of the evangelists: "Pilate, having scourged Jesus, delivered Him to them to be crucified ... and they crucified Him."

Despite the gospel accounts silence on the details of Christ's crucifixion, many have looked into this subject in the past. In my personal study of the event from a medical viewpoint, I am indebted especially to Dr. Pierre Barbet, a French surgeon who did exhaustive historical and experimental research and wrote extensively on the topic.

An attempt to examine the infinite psychic and spiritual suffering of the Incarnate1 God in atonement for the sins of fallen man is beyond the scope of this article. However, the physiological and anatomical aspects of our Lord's passion we can examine in some detail. What did the body of Jesus of Nazareth actually endure during those hours of torture?

Gethsemane

The physical passion of Christ began in Gethsemane. Of the many aspects of His initial suffering, the one which is of particular physiological interest is the bloody sweat. Interestingly enough, the physician, St. Luke, is the only evangelist to mention this occurrence. He says, "And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground" (Luke 22:44 KJV).

Every attempt imaginable has been used by modern scholars to explain away the phenomenon of bloody sweat, apparently under the mistaken impression that it simply does not occur. A great deal of effort could be saved by consulting the medical literature. Though very rare, the phenomenon of hematidrosis, or bloody sweat, is well documented. Under great emotional stress, tiny capillaries in the sweat glands can break, thus mixing blood with sweat. This process alone could have produced marked weakness and possible shock.

Although Jesus' betrayal and arrest are important portions of the passion story, the next event in the account which is significant from a medical perspective is His trial before the Sanhedrin and Caiaphas, the High Priest. Here the first physical trauma was inflicted. A soldier struck Jesus across the face for remaining silent when questioned by Caiaphas. The palace guards then blindfolded Him, mockingly taunted Him to identify them as each passed by, spat on Him, and struck Him in the face.

Before Pilate

In the early morning, battered and bruised, dehydrated, and worn out from a sleepless night, Jesus was taken across Jerusalem to the Praetorium of the Fortress Antonia, the seat of government of the Procurator of Judea, Pontius Pilate. We are familiar with Pilate's action in attempting to shift responsibility to Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Judea. Jesus apparently suffered no physical mistreatment at the hands of Herod and was returned to Pilate. It was then, in response to the outcry of the mob, that Pilate ordered Barabbas released and condemned Jesus to scourging and crucifixion.

Preparations for Jesus' scourging were carried out at Caesar's orders. The prisoner was stripped of His clothing and His hands tied to a post above His head. The Roman legionnaire stepped forward with the flagrum, or flagellum, in his hand. This was a short whip consisting of several heavy, leather thongs with two small balls of lead attached near the ends of each. The heavy whip was brought down with full force again and again across Jesus' shoulders, back, and legs. At first the weighted thongs cut through the skin only. Then, as the blows continued, they cut deeper into the subcutaneous tissues, producing first an oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles.

The small balls of lead first produced large deep bruises that were broken open by subsequent blows. Finally, the skin of the back was hanging in long ribbons, and the entire area was an unrecognizable mass of torn, bleeding tissue. When it was determined by the centurion in charge that the prisoner was near death, the beating was finally stopped.

Mockery

The half-fainting Jesus was then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement, wet with his own blood. The Roman soldiers saw a great joke in this provincial Jew claiming to be a king. They threw a robe across His shoulders and placed a stick in His hand for a scepter. They still needed a crown to make their travesty complete. Small flexible branches covered with long thorns, commonly used for kindling fires in the charcoal braziers in the courtyard, were plaited into the shape of a crude crown. The crown was pressed into his scalp and again there was copious bleeding as the thorns pierced the very vascular tissue. After mocking Him and striking Him across the face, the soldiers took the stick from His hand and struck Him across the head, driving the thorns deeper into His scalp. Finally, they tired of their sadistic sport and tore the robe from His back. The robe had already become adherent to the clots of blood and serum in the wounds, and its removal, just as in the careless removal of a surgical bandage, caused excruciating pain. The wounds again began to bleed.

Golgotha

In deference to Jewish custom, the Romans apparently returned His garments. The heavy patibulum of the cross was tied across His shoulders. The procession of the condemned Christ, two thieves, and the execution detail of Roman soldiers headed by a centurion began its slow journey along the route which we know today as the Via Dolorosa.

In spite of Jesus' efforts to walk erect, the weight of the heavy wooden beam, together with the shock produced by copious loss of blood, was too much. He stumbled and fell. The rough wood of the beam gouged into the lacerated skin and muscles of the shoulders. He tried to rise, but human muscles had been pushed beyond their endurance. The centurion, anxious to proceed with the crucifixion, selected a stalwart North African onlooker, Simon of Cyrene, to carry the cross. Jesus followed, still bleeding and sweating the cold, clammy sweat of shock. The 650-yard journey from the Fortress Antonia to Golgotha was finally completed. The prisoner was again stripped of His clothing except for a loin cloth which was allowed the Jews.

The crucifixion began. Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh, a mild analgesic, pain-reliving mixture. He refused the drink. Simon was ordered to place the patibulum on the ground, and Jesus was quickly thrown backward, with His shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire felt for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drove a heavy, square wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the wood. Quickly, he moved to the other side and repeated the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flexion and movement. The patibulum was then lifted into place at the top of the stipes, and the titulus reading "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" was nailed into place.

The left foot was pressed backward against the right foot. With both feet extended, toes down, a nail was driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees moderately flexed. The victim was now crucified.

On the Cross

As Jesus slowly sagged down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating, fiery pain shot along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain. The nails in the wrists were putting pressure on the median nerve, large nerve trunks which traverse the mid-wrist and hand. As He pushed himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, He placed His full weight on the nail through His feet. Again there was searing agony as the nail tore through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of this feet.

At this point, another phenomenon occurred. As the arms fatigued, great waves of cramps swept over the muscles, knotting them in deep relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps came the inability to push Himself upward. Hanging by the arm, the pectoral muscles, the large muscles of the chest, were paralyzed and the intercostal muscles, the small muscles between the ribs, were unable to act. Air could be drawn into the lungs, but could not be exhaled. Jesus fought to raise Himself in order to get even one short breath. Finally, the carbon dioxide level increased in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided.

The Last Words

Spasmodically, He was able to push Himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen. It was undoubtedly during these periods that He uttered the seven short sentences that are recorded.

The first - looking down at the Roman soldiers throwing dice for His seamless garment: "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do."

The second - to the penitent thief: "Today, thou shalt be with me in Paradise."

The third - looking down at Mary His mother, He said: "Woman, behold your son." Then turning to the terrified, grief-stricken adolescent John , the beloved apostle, He said: "Behold your mother."

The fourth cry is from the beginning of Psalm 22: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

He suffered hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-rending cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, and searing pain as tissue was torn from His lacerated back from His movement up and down against the rough timbers of the cross. Then another agony began: a deep crushing pain in the chest as the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, slowly filled with serum and began to compress the heart.

The prophecy in Psalm 22:14 was being fulfilled: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint, my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels."

The end was rapidly approaching. The loss of tissue fluids had reached a critical level; the compressed heart was struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood to the tissues, and the tortured lungs were making a frantic effort to inhale small gulps of air. The markedly dehydrated tissues sent their flood of stimuli to the brain. Jesus gasped His fifth cry: "I thirst." Again we read in the prophetic psalm: "My strength is dried up like a potsherd; my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou has brought me into the dust of death" (Psalm 22:15 KJV).

A sponge soaked in posca, the cheap, sour wine that was the staple drink of the Roman legionnaires, was lifted to Jesus' lips. His body was now in extremis, and He could feel the chill of death creeping through His tissues. This realization brought forth His sixth word, possibly little more than a tortured whisper: "It is finished." His mission of atonement had been completed. Finally, He could allow His body to die. With one last surge of strength, He once again pressed His torn feet against the nail, straightened His legs, took a deeper breath, and uttered His seventh and last cry: "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit."

Death

The common method of ending a crucifixion was by crurifracture, the breaking of the bones of the leg. This prevented the victim from pushing himself upward; the tension could not be relieved from the muscles of the chest, and rapid suffocation occurred. The legs of the two thieves were broken, but when the soldiers approached Jesus, they saw that this was unnecessary.

Apparently, to make doubly sure of death, the legionnaire drove his lance between the ribs, upward through the pericardium and into the heart. John 19:34 states, "And immediately there came out blood and water." Thus there was an escape of watery fluid from the sac surrounding the heart and the blood of the interior of the heart. This is rather conclusive post-mortem evidence that Jesus died, not the usual crucifixion death by suffocation, but of heart failure due to shock and constriction of the heart by fluid in the pericardium.

Resurrection

In these events, we have seen a glimpse of the epitome of evil that man can exhibit toward his fellow man and toward God. This is an ugly sight and is likely to leave us despondent and depressed.

But the crucifixion was not the end of the story. How grateful we can be that we have a sequel: a glimpse of the infinite mercy of God toward man--the gift of atonement, the miracle of the resurrection, and the expectation of Easter morning.

*Dr. C. Truman Davis is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He is a practicing ophthalmologist, a pastor, and author of a book about medicine and the Bible.

What the Son Endured

2011-04-21T18:20:00.001-04:00

What the Son Endured

"Anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse."

Deuteronomy 21:23

The pain and humility Jesus physically suffered leading up to his death was a mere warm-up to the real dread he faced. As he hung on the cross, he began to feel a foreign sensation. Somewhere during those hours that his body was impaled, an earthly, foul odor must have wafted, not around his nose, but in his heart. He felt dirty. Human wickedness began to crawl upon his spotless being - the living excrement from our souls. The apple of the Father's eye began to turn brown with the rot of our sin.

From heaven, the Father roused himself like a lion disturbed, shook his mane, and must have roared against the shriveling remnant of a man hanging on a cross. Never has the Son seen the Father look at him so, never felt even the least of His hot breath. It was the wrath of God being poured out like hot oil on the wounded heart of the Son of Man. And the Father watched as his heart's treasure, the mirror-image of himself sank drowning into raw, liquid sin. Jehovah's stored rage against humankind exploded in a single direction. The Trinity had planned it. The Son endured it. The Spirit enabled him. The Father rejected the Son whom he loved; the God-man from Nazareth, perished.

This is who asks you to trust him when he calls you to suffer. This is the One who asks you to obey him when it's hard, when your flesh is itching to have a little worldly candy. This is the One who asks you to honor him when you face tough choices. Jesus Christ bore the wrath of hell so that you might enjoy a home in heaven with him, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Celebrate this marvelous gift as you reflect on Easter Sunday.

Father, thank you for giving me the gift of your Son. May my life be to the praise of Your glory!

From the devotional Pearls of Great Price, by Joni Eareckson Tada, April 2

The Passion of the Christ

2011-04-21T18:19:00.001-04:00

The Passion of the Christ

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:17

When I saw the movie The Passion of the Christ, I was struck by the brute cruelty with which the soldiers treated Jesus. Like a bunch of poorly paid drunken legionnaires, they couldn't wait to take out all their frustrations on who they thought was a stupid, luckless Jew. They beat and abused him mercilessly.

The face that Moses had begged to see - was forbidden to see - was slapped bloody (Exodus 33:19-20). The thorns that God had sent to curse the earth's rebellion now twisted around his brow. The back of Jesus' legs felt the whip - soon the body of the Savior would look like a plowed Judean field. By the time the spitting is through, more saliva is on Jesus than in him. When the soldiers raised the mallet to sink the spikes into Jesus' hands, it occurred to me that the Son of God whom they were crucifying was the very One sustaining their lives! Someone must sustain their lives minute by minute, for no man has this power on his own. Who supplies breath to his lungs? Who gives energy to his cells? Who holds a man's molecules together? Only by the Son do "all things hold together" Colossians 1:17. How amazing, how incomprensible that the Son, the victim, is granting breath and being to his own executioners!

Close your eyes and think deeply on the things you just read. Consider so great a Savior who would submit himself to such torture ... for your salvation. Think of the cost and sacrifice involved in Jesus' crucifixion. Then, commit afresh and anew to live on a higher, more sanctified level as you trust and obey him with new resolve. Praise your Savior for granting you breath and being, as well as life eternal.

Dear Savior, I am awestruck that you did not turn away from the cross, but traveled the road to Calvary for me. May my life today reflect my love and devotion to you.

From The Pearl of Great Price Devotional, April 1
Joni Eareckson Tada

Sunday Bulletin, April 17, 2011

2011-04-16T15:24:00.000-04:00

Grace Bible Church

Pastor Bill Connell

15700 Leroy

(Across from Southgate Anderson High School)

P.O. Box 2030 (Mailing Address)

Southgate, MI 48195

734-295-0115

visit us at http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/

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The Lord's Day, Sunday, April 17, 2011

"It Was For You"

Matthew 26 & 27

Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell

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Welcome Visitors!

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Thoughts on Palm Sunday

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, all the people took notice. Matthew tells us "the whole city was stirred and asked, 'Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

The problem with Palm Sunday is that the excitement of the crowd faded. When Good Friday rolled around, many of the same voices that shouted "Hosanna!" were then shouting "Crucify Him!" Their love for the Lord was shallow and based entirely on their hope of what exciting things Jesus could do for them.

Here's the deal: Lots of people got in behind Jesus on the road to the throne, but they wouldn't follow him on the way to the cross. They would wave palms before the coming king, but they wouldn't obey the Suffering Servant. If we aren't careful, we will find ourselves in that same trap of fickleness of only being loyal when it's convenient."

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Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

Every Sunday, 9:45 am:
Sunday School for children and adults in the Fellowship Hall and downstairs classrooms.

Every Sunday, 10:45 am:
Kids for the Lord Children's Church (through grade six) meets downstairs; Adult Worship Service is in the main auditorium; infant nursery upstairs for the little ones.

Every Wednesday for the Kids, 6:30-8:00 pm:
TeamKIDz meets for crafts, singing, games and Bible study.

Every Wednesday for the Adults, 6:30-8:00 pm:
A theological and biblical study in the Signs of Life Room entitled "The Doctrines of Grace" followed by Prayer Meeting.

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Upcoming Church Events

Today, 10:00 am: Church Membership Class taught by Wayne Sourbeck. This will be held in Pastor Connell's study.

Today, 6:00 pm: Gospel of John Bible Study/Flock (with light meal) at the home of Julia Lagodzinski. Tom Gabbert, teaching.

Friday, April 22: Good Friday Service; Message: The Odd Contribution of Barabbas.

Sunday, April 24: Easter Brunch in Fellowship Hall and Easter Service at 10:45.

Sundays, May 1 & June 12: VBS Planning Meetings

Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14: Men's Conference, "Fellowship in the Gospel", at Berean Baptist Church in Livonia. Visit the Men's Page on this blog, or go to http://www.fg11.org/ for more information.

Monday-Friday, July 25-29: Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 31: Vacation Bible School Finale & Church Picnic

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Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Dan & LaShawn Toma

Missionary of the Month

Christian Urban Outreach

Daryl & Paula Ounanian

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Note to Parents...

Kids for the Lord will not meet on Easter Sunday, April 24 to allow children the opportunity to sit with parents and other family members in observance of Resurrection Day. We will resume our normal class schedule the following week of May 1. Thank you.

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Grace Bible Church On-Line

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Sunday Bulletin, April 10, 2011

2011-04-10T13:42:00.000-04:00

Grace Bible Church

Pastor Bill Connell

15700 Leroy

(Across from Southgate Anderson High School)

P.O. Box 2030 (Mailing Address)

Southgate, MI 48195

734-295-0115

visit us at http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/

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The Lord's Day, Sunday, April 10, 2011

"You Talk Too Much"

Job, Chapters 8 & Following

Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell

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Welcome Visitors!

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Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

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Upcoming Church Events

Today, 10:00 am: Church Membership Class taught by Wayne Sourbeck. This will be held in Pastor Connell's study.

Today, 6:00 pm: Gospel of John Bible Study/Flock (with light meal) at Don & Lynn Bolton's home. Tom Gabbert, teaching.

Thursday, April 14, 7:00 pm: Elders Meeting

Sunday, April 17: Gospel of John Bible Study/Flock (with light meal) at Don & Lynn Bolton's home. Tom Gabbert, teaching.

Friday, April 22: Good Friday Service

Sunday, April 24: Easter Brunch in Fellowship Hall and Easter Service at 10:45.

Sundays, May 1 & June 12: VBS Planning Meetings

Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14: Men's Conference, "Fellowship in the Gospel", at Berean Baptist Church in Livonia. Visit the Men's Page on this blog, or go to http://www.fg11.org/ for more information.

Monday-Friday, July 25-29: Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 31: Vacation Bible School Finale & Church Picnic

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Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Rob & Diana Carpenter & family

Missionary of the Month
Christian Urban Outreach
Daryl & Paula Ounanian

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Note to Parents...

Kids for the Lord will not meet on Easter Sunday, April 24 to allow children the opportunity to sit with parents and other family members in observance of Resurrection Day. We will resume our normal class schedule the following week of May 1. Thank you.

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Grace Bible Church On-Line

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Is Christ Alive in Our Lives: An Easter Reflection

Have we become so "politically correct" that even amongst ourselves as Christians, we find it easier to talk about "God" rather than Jesus?

As we approach Easter - the central foundation of our Christian faith - the day that Christ rose from the dead - the day that we celebrate the LIVING Christ - shouldn't it be a day that we confirm Christ living in us? On this Holy Day, I think it is important to ask ourselves, "Are we keeping Christ alive in our lives?"

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not one of those who treats Christ's death as meaningless." Galatians 2:20-21

Deborah J. Thompson

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Sunday Bulletin, April 3, 2011

2011-04-03T18:17:00.000-04:00

Grace Bible Church

Pastor Bill Connell

15700 Leroy

(Across from Southgate Anderson High School)

P.O. Box 2030 (Mailing Address)

Southgate, MI 48195

734-295-0115

visit us at http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

The Lord's Day, Sunday, April 3, 2011

"The Conversation Begins"

Job, Chapters 4-7

Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell

& Communion

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Welcome Visitors!

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

Every Sunday, 9:45 am:
Sunday School for children and adults in the Fellowship Hall and downstairs classrooms.

Every Sunday, 10:45 am:
Kids for the Lord Children's Church (through grade six) meets downstairs; Adult Worship Service is in the main auditorium; infant nursery upstairs for the little ones.

Every Wednesday for the Kids, 6:30-8:00 pm:
TeamKIDz meets for crafts, singing, games and Bible study.

Every Wednesday for the Adults, 6:30-8:00 pm:
A theological and biblical study in the Signs of Life Room entitled "The Doctrines of Grace" followed by Prayer Meeting.

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Upcoming Church Events

Today, 9:45 am: Church Membership Class taught by Wayne Sourbeck. This will be held in Pastor Connell's study.

Today, April 3, Noon: (Approximately 1 hour) V.B.S. Planning Meeting and Fellowship Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall - Lynn Bolton to introduce 2011 program.

Sunday, April 10: Gospel of John Bible Study/Flock (with light meal) at Don & Lynn Bolton's home. Tom Gabbert, teaching.

Thursday, April 14, 7:00 pm: Elders Meeting

Sunday, April 17: Gospel of John Bible Study/Flock (with light meal) at Don & Lynn Bolton's home. Tom Gabbert, teaching.

Friday, April 22: Good Friday Service

Sunday, April 24: Easter Brunch in Fellowship Hall and Easter Service at 10:45.

Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14: Men's Conference, "Fellowship in the Gospel", at Berean Baptist Church in Livonia. Visit the Men's Page on this blog, or go to http://www.fg11.org/ for more information. Please note that the date for the reduced price is Thursday, March 31!

Monday-Friday, July 25-29: Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 31: Vacation Bible School Finale & Church Picnic

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Note to Parents...

Kids for the Lord will not meet today, but will sit with parents or grandparents to observe the communion service. Please make a note that the next observance of communion for Kids for the Lord will be in July. We will resume normal class schedule next Sunday. ALSO, our class will not meet on Easter to give your child a chance to sit with family during the Easter Service on April 24. Thank you!

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Building Access

As we move into the warmer months, and use of the building increases, we want to remind everyone that it is very important that the process for closing the facility be followed. The procedure includes making sure that the thermostats are properly set; that all lights, fans, and air conditioners are off; that the door is locked; and the alarm set.

When locking the main entrance doors, make sure the door bar handle is fully released from the open position. Also, from the outside make sure the doors are fully and evenly locked; not ajar at the top and/or bottom. If you have any questions about the facility shutdown checklist, please see one of the elders or property committee members. Thank you!

Grace Bible Church On-Line

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Craig & Wendy James & Family

Missionary of the Month

Christian Urban Outreach

Daryl & Paula Ounanian

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

April Birthdays

2011-04-02T11:50:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to....

Houston James (Younger)- April 4

Dawn Smith - April 12
Riley McKee - April 16

Sam Plaza - April 17

Sandy McGlassion - April 25

Knowing God, J.I. Packer

2011-03-30T15:33:00.000-04:00

"Knowing God involves, first, listening to God's Word and receiving it as the Holy Spirit interprets it, in application to oneself; second, noting God's nature and character, as His Word and works reveal it; third, accepting His invitations and doing what He commands.; fourth, recognizing and rejoicing in the love that He has shown in thus approaching you and drawing you into this divine fellowship."

From the book Knowing God, by J.I. Packer, pg.37

Sunday Bulletin, March 27, 2011

2011-03-26T14:58:00.001-04:00

Grace Bible Church

Pastor Bill Connell

15700 Leroy

(Across from Southgate Anderson High School)

P.O. Box 2030 (Mailing Address)

Southgate, MI 48195

734-295-0115

visit us at http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

The Lord's Day, Sunday, March 27, 2011

"The Thing I Have Greatly Feared Has Come Upon Me"

Job, Chapter 3

Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

New Member Class

If you are ready to participate in the New Member Class, or are simply interested in learning more about Grace Bible Church, you are welcome to join in a three-week class beginning today, during the Sunday School hour. All you have to do is show up! Thank you!

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Building Access

As we move into the warmer weather months, and use of the building increases, we want to remind everyone that it is very important that the process for closing the facility be followed. The procedure includes making sure that the thermostats are properly set; that all lights, fans, and air conditioners are off; that the doors are locked; and the alarm is set.

When locking the main entrance doors, make sure the door bar handle is fully released from the open position. Also, from the outside make sure the doors are fully and evenly locked; not ajar at the top and/or bottom. If you have any questions about the facility shutdown checklist, please see one of the elders or property committee members. Thank you.

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

Every Sunday, 9:45 am:
Sunday School for children and adults in the Fellowship Hall and downstairs classrooms.

Every Sunday, 10:45 am:
Kids for the Lord Children's Church (through grade six) meets downstairs; Adult Worship Service is in the main auditorium; infant nursery upstairs for the little ones.

Every Wednesday for the Kids, 6:30-8:00 pm:
TeamKIDz meets for crafts, singing, games and Bible study.

Every Wednesday for the Adults, 6:30-8:00 pm:
A theological and biblical study in the Signs of Life Room entitled "The Doctrines of Grace" followed by Prayer Meeting.

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Special Activities at Grace

Today, March 27, 9:45 am: Church Membership Class taught by Wayne Sourbeck. This will be held in Pastor Connell's study.

Today, March 27, 6:00 pm: Gospel of John Bible Study/Flock. Tom Gabbert teaching and a light meal will be served.

Saturday, April 2: Men's Spring Prayer Breakfast, with guest speaker, Craig McGlassion, Sr. We will be meeting at the home of Don & Lynn Bolton.

Sunday, April 3: Communion Service

Sunday, April 3, Noon: (Approximately 1 hour) V.B.S. Planning Meeting and Fellowship Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall - Lynn Bolton to introduce 2011 program.

Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14: Men's Conference, "Fellowship in the Gospel", at Berean Baptist Church in Livonia. Visit the Men's Page on this blog, or go to http://www.fg11.org/ for more information. Please note that the date for the reduced price is Friday, March 30!

Monday-Friday, July 25-29: Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 31: Vacation Bible School Finale & Church Picnic

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Thank You #1

"We'd like to thank our friends and family of Grace for all the prayers, phone calls, visits, and food that we've received over these eight weeks of convalescence. How time flies when you're having fun!

Love, Linda & Wayne Sourbeck"

Thank You #2

"Thank you to all our Grace family for your gifts, for your love and your support over the past weeks. We praise God for you all, our spiritual family. We have felt so incredibly loved & supported, which has gotten us through this very challenging time. We love you all! In Christ, Sandy & Craig McGlassion."

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week
Bob & Rachel Norman & Family

Missionary of the Month
Frontline Fellowship USA
Bill & Harriet Bathman

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Sunday Bulletin, March 20, 2011

2011-03-21T15:35:00.000-04:00

Message by Elder Kevin Godin

"The LORD Burst Forth"

I Chronicles 13:1-14

* * * * * * * * * *

New Member Class

If you are ready to participate in the New Member Class, or are simply interested in learning more about Grace Bible Church, you are welcome to join in a three-week class beginning March 27, during the Sunday School hour. Please let Elder Wayne Sourbeck or Pastor Bill know of your interest. Thank you!

* * * * * * * * * *

Building Access

* * * * * * * * * *

Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

Every Sunday, 9:45 am:

Sunday School for children and adults in the Fellowship Hall and downstairs classrooms.

Every Sunday, 10:45 am:

Kids for the Lord Children's Church (through grade six) meets downstairs; Adult Worship Service is in the main auditorium; infant nursery upstairs for the little ones.

Every Wednesday for the Kids, 6:30-8:00 pm:

TeamKIDz meets for crafts, singing, games and Bible study.

Every Wednesday for the Adults, 6:30-8:00 pm:

A theological and biblical study in the Signs of Life Room entitled "The Doctrines of Grace" followed by Prayer Meeting.

Special Activities at Grace

Today, 3:00 pm: Memorial Service for Shirley Norman

Sunday, March 27, 9:45 am: Church Membership Class taught by Wayne Sourbeck

Sunday, March 27, 6:00 pm: Gospel of John Bible Study/Flock

Saturday, April 2: Men's Spring Prayer Breakfast, with guest speaker, Craig McGlassion, Sr.

Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14: Men's Conference, "Fellowship in the Gospel", at Berean Baptist Church in Livonia. Visit the Men's Page on this blog, or go to http://www.fg11.org/ for more information.

Monday-Friday, July 25-29: Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 31: Vacation Bible School Finale & Church Picnic

* * * * * * * * * *

Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Sam & Chris Plaza & Family

Missionary of the Month

Frontline Fellowship USA

Bill & Harriet Bathman

* * * * * * * * * *

Welcome Visitors!

If you are a first time visitor today, looking for a new church home, we would be delighted to tell you more about our congregation. Please share your questions and comments with us. If there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable, please let us know. Thank you!

* * * * * * * * * *

Then and only then...

2011-03-15T18:03:00.002-04:00

John Stott

“Only he who knows the greatness of wrath will be mastered by the greatness of mercy. All inadequate doctrines of the atonement are due to inadequate doctrines of God and man. If we bring God down to our level and raise ourselves to His, then of course we see no need for a radical salvation, let alone for a radical atonement to secure it.

When, on the other hand, we have glimpsed the blinding glory of the holiness of God, and have been so convicted of our sin by the Holy Spirit that we tremble before God and acknowledge what we are, namely ‘hell-deserving sinners’, then and only then does the necessity of the cross appear so obvious that we are astonished we never saw it before.

The essential background to the cross, therefore, is a balanced understanding of the gravity of sin and the majesty of God. If we diminish either, we thereby diminish the cross.”

–John Stott, The Cross of Christ (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1986), 109-110.

Sunday Bulletin, March 13, 2011

2011-03-13T14:11:00.002-04:00

Message by Pastor Bill Connell

"That's What Friends Are For"

Job 2:11-13

Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him. When they lifted up their eyes at a distance and did not recognize him, they raised their voices and wept. And each of them tore his robe and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky. They they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

New Members Class

If you are ready to participate in the New Members Class, or are simply interested in learning more about Grace Bible Church, you are invited to join a three-week class beginning March 27, during the Sunday School hour, from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Please let Elder Wayne Sourbeck or Pastor Bill know of your interest. Thank you!

Planning together with Director Lynn Bolton, the elders have chosen the final week of July for Vacation Bible School this year. Classes will run Monday through Friday, July 25 - 29. The V.B.S. Finale will be held on Sunday, followed by the annual church picnic, on the grounds.

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Welcome Visitors!

If you are a first time visitor today, looking for a new church home, we would be delighted to tell you more about our congregation. Please share your questions and comments with us. If there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable, please let us know. Thank you.

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Elder Meeting Report

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Linda Gosline

Missionary of the Month

Frontline Fellowship USA

Bill & Harriet Bathman

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

Every Sunday, 9:45 am:

Sunday School for children and adults in the Fellowship Hall and the classrooms downstairs.

Every Sunday, 10:45 am:

Kids for the Lord Children's Church (through grade six) meets downstairs; Adult Worship Service is in the main auditorium; infant nursery upstairs for the little ones.

Every Wednesday for the Kids, 6:30 - 8:00 pm:

TeamKIDz meets for crafts, singing, games, and Bible study.

Every Wednesday for the Adults, 6:30 - 8:00 pm:

A theological and biblical study in the Signs of Life Room entitled "The Doctrines of Grace" followed by Prayer Meeting.

Special Activities at Grace

Today: Did you remember that today was the start of Daylight Savings Time? Did you turn your clocks ahead?

... and Tonight at 6:00 pm: Gospel of John Bible Study/Flock taught by Tom Gabbert at the home of Don and Lynn Bolton.

Sunday, March 20: Sermon by Elder Kevin Godin

Sunday, March 27, 9:45 am: Church Membership Class taught by Wayne Sourbeck

& at 6:00 pm: The Gospel of John Bible Study/Flock.

Friday and Saturday, May 13 & 14: "Fellowship in the Gospel" Men's Conference at Berean Baptist Church in Livonia. The deadline for reduced price is Friday, March 18. Visit our Men's Page on this blog and/or http://www.fg11.org/ for more information.

~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~

"I want God and spirituality, but not the church...

2011-03-12T11:55:00.000-05:00

"I want God and spirituality, but not the church."

More people say this today than ever. Spirituality is in; church is out. Why? For some, the painful memories of previous church experiences keep them away. For others, church problems aren't worth the hassle. For many, church just "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren." A sacrificial love for Christian brothers and sisters is one of the first, best, and more reliable evidences of having passed from spiritual death into eternal life through Christ. Anyone who claims to possess this love for God's people. but avoids their regular gatherings, needs to reexamine his relationship with the Father of this family.

Second, anyone who calls Jesus "Lord" must submit to the authority of His Word when it warns against "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some" (Hebrews 10:25). The New Testament knows nothing of the individualized spirituality of today and nothing of a Christianity that exists apart from the local church.

Remember too that the church is Jesus' idea, not man's. More than that, the church is His body. The apostle Paul reminds us, "Christ is the head of the church; and He is Savior of the body," and "we are members of His body" (Ephesians 5:23,30). Even though it may sometimes appear otherwise, the body of Christ has not been severed from its Head; Jesus is still the Head of the church. Why wouldn't anyone want to actively participate in the only organization on earth where Jesus Christ is the Head? When one of His earliest promises was, "I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18), why wouldn't anyone want a part in what Jesus Himself is building?

Look at Jesus' own example. He wasn't a spiritual loner. Twelve disciples always traveled with Him, often teaching and ministering as well. Furthermore, Luke 4:16 reminds us that, "as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day." Why did Jesus make it His custom to go to the synagogue every Sabbath? Because He would hear the Word of God, worship God, and fellowship with His people there.

That's how participation in congregational spirituality builds our individual spirituality. When we're fed by the preaching and teaching of Scripture, receive the Lord's Supper, sing praises and pray with Christ's people, and talk about the things of God together, the Spirit strengthens us in ways that do not occur when we're alone.

So attend, join, worship in, learn in, give to, fellowship with, and spiritually thrive in a local body of

Christ that's faithful to God's Word. Find teachers and models there who can help with simplifying your spiritual life. Failing this, consider starting some type of small group in the church to discuss or study a book on the subject.

Christian spirituality is not an isolationist, self-absorbed spirituality. True spirituality is relational - not only toward God, but also with the people of God. Proverbs 18:1 teaches, "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment." Don't isolate yourself from the people of God. Take God, spirituality, and the church. That's God's plan. His ways are simpler and healthier for our souls than any we contrive on our own."

Excerpt taken from Simplify Your Spiritual Life by Donald S.Whitney, pages 35, 36

Time Change...Spring Forward!

2011-03-07T15:05:00.002-05:00

Sunday Bulletin, March 6, 2011

2011-03-07T14:07:00.000-05:00

Message by Pastor Bill Connell

"Bigger Trials Yet to Come"

Job 2:1-10

The Lord's Table

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. The Lord said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it." The Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to ruin him without cause." Satan answered the Lord and said, "Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will for his life. However, put forth your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse you to your face." So the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life." Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes. Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her,"You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

New Members Class

A new member class will be announced next Sunday. If you are interested in learning more about Grace Bible Church, you are invited to join a four-week class during the Sunday School hour. Please let Pastor Bill know of your interest. Thank you.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Welcome Visitors!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

Every Sunday, 9:45 am:
Sunday School for children and adults in the Fellowship Hall and classrooms downstairs.

Every Sunday, 10:45 am:
Kids for the Lord Children's Church (through grade six) meets downstairs; Adult Worship Service is in the main auditorium; infant nursery upstairs for the little ones.

Every Wednesday for the Kids, 6:30 - 8:00 pm:
TeamKIDz meets for crafts, singing, games, and Bible study.

Every Wednesday for the Adults, 6:30 - 8:00 pm:
A theological and biblical study in the Signs of Life Room entitled, "The Doctrines of Grace" followed by Prayer Meeting.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Special Activities at Grace

Thursday, March 10, 7:00 pm: Elders Meeting

Sunday, March 13: Daylight Savings Time begins - Turn clocks ahead!
and Gospel of John Bible Study / Flock taught by Tom Gabbert at the home of Don & Lynn Bolton
Sunday, March 20: Sermon by Elder Kevin Godin
Sunday, March 27: Gospel of John Bible Study / Flock, 6:00 pm

Fri. & Sat., May 13 & 14:
"Fellowship in the Gospel" Men's Conference at Berean Baptist Church, Livonia. Visit http://www.FG11.org for more information. Please notice that the deadline for reduced price is Friday, March 18!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Verda Hedden

Missionary of the Month

Frontline Fellowship USA

Bill & Harriett Bathman

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Grace Bible Church On-Line

There are now four year's worth of sermons available at our church website, http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/. Also available on-line are our Wednesday evening Bible studies entitled "The Doctrines of Grace."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Gospel and Prayer

2011-03-05T10:17:00.000-05:00

The Gospel and Prayer

"Because I teach and write about spirituality, occasionally I'm asked to comment on scientific studies about the efficacy of prayer. The research always seems to include the assumption that one person's prayers are essentially as acceptable as another's. One of the flaws with such studies is that they do not associate prayer with the gospel. No one can begin to understand prayer until he grasps what the gospel teaches us about prayer.

The Bible, rather than assuring everyone that God hears their prayers, slams heaven's door against all who think God will hear them despite their sins: 'But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear' (Isaiah 59:2). In one sense, of course, God hears everything. But in this text we're told that God does not hear with a view to answering those who sin against Him. And, of course, since every person except Jesus has sinned against God, the hopes of are dashed of everyone who thinks all it takes for God to hear is for them to pray.

In fact, the Bible is even more shockingly counterintuitive in Proverbs 15:8: 'The sacrifice (which includes the prayer) of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord.' Many people seem to think, 'It's true, I'm not a dedicated Christian; but if I get into a difficult situation and humble myself to pray, and I'm really sincere, surely God will accept my prayer.' Or they believe, 'Even though I'm not really a follower of Jesus, if God is merciful and loving, He will look favorably on the prayers of those who come to Him when they're in real need and pray hard enough.'

But this text tells us that, instead of being impressed, the Lord actually abominates these prayers. Why? Because such people believe God should hear their prayers based upon their temporary humility and piety. In other words, they believe their own righteousness - in this case, expressed in a short-lived acknowledgement that they need God's help - obligates God to answer.

Instead of being honored to receive the momentary sincerity of those who want something from Him, God is insulted by their prayers, for they imply that the work of Jesus wasn't necessary. It's as though they're saying, 'The life and death of Your Son weren't needed in my case; it was all a big mistake. I believe You should hear me based upon what I have done - especially in these prayers - and I don't need what Jesus did in order to be heard by You.' Could anything be more offensive to God?

When it comes to knowing God and being heard by Him, Jesus was unequivocal: 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me' (John 14:6). Confidence that our prayers are heard cannot come from our sincerity, humility, or need; rather, 'we have confidence to enter the holy places (the presence of God) by the blood of Jesus' (Hebrews 10:19). Until people come in repentance to God through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ - who alone can remove the sin that separates us from God - their prayers will not be answered.

Does God ever answer the prayer of a non-Christian? Many stories claim that He does. In reality, are these 'answered prayers' simply God doing in His providence what He was going to do regardless of the prayers? The clearest ground biblically is this: except for those prayers leading to salvation, we can give no assurance to anyone outside of Christ that God will answer his prayer. It is only through the gospel that we truly begin to pray for only then - after Jesus has made us and our prayers acceptable to the Father - do the promises of prayer in the Bible apply to us.

Once we respond to the gospel in repentance and faith and are adopted into God's family, our newly begun relationship with our heavenly Father becomes markedly prayerful. No longer is prayer just an obligation or a hoop to jump through to get what we want, for the gospel makes prayer a desire and not a mere duty. Through the gospel we receive the Spirit who causes us to cry, 'Abba! Father! (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6) with a new heavenward, Fatherward orientation. In other words, the Spirit of God causes us to want to talk to God.

Prayer should still remain a discipline, for even with the God-given desire to pray, it's easy to be distracted from habits of prayer by the crush of the responsibilities. But thanks to the grace of God in the gospel, our prayers are always welcome."

Article taken from Tabletalk Magazine, March, 2011

Written by Donald S. Whitney, senior associate dean of the school of theology and professor of biblical spirituality at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.