Knowing God, J.I. Packer

"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

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, March 27, 2011

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

Job, Chapter 3

Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell

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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!

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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.

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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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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

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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."

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Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week
Bob & Rachel Norman & Family

Missionary of the Month
Frontline Fellowship USA
Bill & Harriet Bathman

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Sunday Bulletin, March 20, 2011

Message by Elder Kevin Godin

"The LORD Burst Forth"

I Chronicles 13:1-14

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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

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.

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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.

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

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Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Sam & Chris Plaza & Family

Missionary of the Month

Frontline Fellowship USA

Bill & Harriet Bathman

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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 and comments with us. If there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable, please let us know. Thank you!

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Then and only then...

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

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.

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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.

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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 and comments with us. If there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable, please let us know. Thank you.

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Elder Meeting Report

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Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Linda Gosline

Missionary of the Month

Frontline Fellowship USA

Bill & Harriet Bathman

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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 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.

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

"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!

Sunday Bulletin, March 6, 2011

Message by Pastor Bill Connell

"Bigger Trials Yet to Come"

Job 2:1-10

&

The Lord's Table

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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.

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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.

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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 and comments with us. If there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable, please let us know. Thank you.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

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.

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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!

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Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week

Verda Hedden

Missionary of the Month

Frontline Fellowship USA

Bill & Harriett Bathman

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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 on-line are our Wednesday evening Bible studies entitled "The Doctrines of Grace."

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The Gospel and Prayer

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.

March Birthdays & Anniversaries

Birthdays this Month

Alexis Carpenter - March 6

Rob Carpenter - March 7

Nancy Connell - March 9

Chris Plaza - March 14

Bill Wilkins - March 15

Linda Sourbeck - March 17

Camilla McKee - March 31

Anniversaries

Stan & Harmony Solgot - March 2

Danny & LaShawn Toma - March 30