Psalm 22 - The Psalm of the Cross

(from Lou Gentry)

During the Easter and Christmas seasons, we hear much about the prophecies from the Old Testament which Christ fulfilled during these advents. Perhaps one of the least heard is the one found in Psalm 22, which some biblical editors have entitled, "Psalm of the Cross." In this psalm the writer, probably David, is figuratively describing the depth of his suffering; however, his thoughts were so shaped by the Holy Spirit that many of the actual details of the Lord's crucifixion are presented in verses 14-18. Some have said that while Isaiah 53 describes the theological significance of Christ's death, Psalm 22 relates the historical event itself.

What is amazing about these verses is that the torturous and inhumane method of execution by crucifixion did not exist at the time this psalm was written. Death by crucifixion was invented by the Persians around 600 B.C., hundreds of years after this psalm was written.

The specific fulfillment of prophecy within Psalm 22:14-18 include: "My tongue clings to My jaws" (v. 15) is a description of thirst, fulfilled in John 19:28; "They pierced My hands and My feet" (v. 16) denotes the cruel details of crucifixion, fulfilled in John 20:25; and, "They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots" (v. 18) is a description of the soldiers casting lots for the seamless robe of Christ, fulfilled in Matt. 27:35. This latter prophecy is almost as amazing as the one on crucifixion, in that some unbelievers maintain that Jesus deliberately tried to fulfill Old Testament prophecy in order to make Himself out to be the Messiah. however, even if one accepted this argument as it might apply to the other aspects of this psalm, the Roman soldiers (who were oblivious to the Scriptures) never intended to verity the veracity of the Bible by fulfilling prophecy. yet the psalmist accurately predicts the actions of these soldiers some 1,000 years before the Lord's death on the cross.

There can be no doubt that Jesus is the Messiah predicted in the numerous prophecies of the Old Testament.

Related Links:

• Listen to some Easter Sermons on our website

Missionary Update - Spotos

Monday, March 29, 2010, 9:17 AM

Dear Prayer Partners,
We wanted to take this opportunity and bring you all up to speed on what the Lord is doing here.

We are finally getting out winter and spring is arriving. It has been a hard winter for us in the way of the amount of snow this year that we received (much more than the usual), being cold, and as well as being sick. Lori has been sick 5 times this winter and lost her voice 3 of those times. (there was peace in the house!!) Just joking of course! She also kept having a sore throat at night and morning but not during the day for over 3 months. We went to a ENT doctor about 2 weeks ago and he diagnosed her with chronic pharyngitis and has her on some medicines that will clear that out and also will build up her immunities. She is doing much better now. Jonathan too has been sick a couple of times with intestinal flu and the fever that has been going around here. I have also been sick 2 times and this last time even had a bladder infection and high fever. So needless to say we are happy to have all this over with and heading into spring and some nice weather!

Lately we have been having some visitors coming to the Sunday service either by hearing about us or being brought by some of our folks. We continue to average around 70-75 for each service. We also have now around 15 kids in our sunday school classes and three of our ladies are helping us out in that ministry. Just yesterday we had a special music time during the service with the children's Sunday school classes. They played the bells and also sang a couple of songs for our folks. (attached picture)

In February for the 14 (Valentines Day) we had over 60 folks (30 couples) out to watch the Fireproof movie in our building. Over half of those that came were not saved. They were made up of friends and some couples from our English courses. There wasn't a dry eye in the place at the end of the movie. When it was done, we had a over a half an hour of discussion and had a great opportunity to share the gospel. After we finished the discussion time, we had over 30 stay and we had pizza together in the church.

The youth center continues 2 days a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) and we are averaging around 10-12 kids each time we are open. We have a couple of the kids that come to center live right behind it. Yesterday the mother of one of the kids came to the service. So we were happy to see her and we will see what the Lord will do in giving us more opportunity to reach the family.

The bookstore continues to bring in folks both saved and non saved. We have been giving out copies of the gospel of John to everyone not saved who have been coming in to look around. We came up with this idea because during the month of January, we were getting many people coming in to us by mistake. They were looking for the newspaper office which is right next to us to sign up for their subscriptions for 2010. So as a result we started giving out the gospel telling the folks that we wanted to give them the GOOD NEWS since the paper next door has the all the bad news.

One day, a girl came in asking if we charged up phone cards for cells phone. We told her that we didn't but that coffee bar next door probably did. Before she went out the door our co-worker Carol was there to give her a gospel of John. She accepted it as she went out. The next day, she came back asking for another gospel. Carol thought that she wanted another copy of John to give to someone. When she went to hand it to her, she said "no I have that one, I wanted another copy of another gospel because I finished John last night!" She ended up buying herself a pocket size New Testament and Psalms.

We are finally going to be having our inauguration of the store and also on the same day, Nicola Legottaglie, the professional soccer player who is saved, will be coming to the store. Tuesday April 13th will be the day to pray for us. We will be hosting Nicola in the afternoon. He will be there to sign his first book that came out last year called "I made a promise" and his second book that just came out this past week called "100 Times Over". We are expecting more than 300 people out for that day. It should be a great day to be able to evangelize and also to get the word out about the new store.

We are planning on holding baptisms on May 16th. In our next update we will update you on how that day goes.

Thank you so very much for your prayers and for your part here. We praise the Lord for what is being done here in His Name but there is so much more to do. May you experience His wonderful blessings in your lives celebrating His Resurrection this weekend!!

Until next time...

In Christ,
Jim, Lori and Jonathan
"those from Italy greet you" Heb. 13:24

Birds of the Bible - Dove Eyes and Voice

Here are some interesting thoughts about the Eyes and Voice of a Dove. We recently had an Eurasian Collared Dove land in our yard today. What a lovely bird, with such a soft color. I always enjoy watching them.

The Eyes of A Dove:

How beautiful you are, my darling, How beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves." (Song of Solomon 1:15 NASB)

Solomon is describing his love with terms that today we do not hear in that connection. How romantic to have your eyes compared to a dove's eyes. At first it seems rather weird, but when you know what dove's eyes actually look like, you realize that they ARE very beautiful.

Then she describes Solomon.

"His eyes are like doves Beside streams of water, Bathed in milk, And reposed in their setting. (Song of Solomon 5:12 NASB)

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible says of this verse, referring to the meekness of Christ:
"his eyes are like "doves' eyes"; not fierce and furious, but loving and lovely; looking upon his people, under all their trials and afflictions, with sympathy and concern, to deliver them out of them: and like the eyes of doves. "

The Voice of A Dove:
Then in chapter 2, Solomon goes on to use the dove again to describe her voice.

"Come, my shy and modest dove-- leave your seclusion, come out in the open. Let me see your face, let me hear your voice. For your voice is soothing and your face is ravishing." (Song of Solomon 2:14 MSG)

"It is fixed: She is stripped, she is carried away, And her handmaids are moaning like the sound of doves, Beating on their breasts." (Nahum 2:7 NASB)

Audio by Andrew Spencer of Mourning Dove's song.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible says, "as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts; mourning like doves, inwardly and secretly, not daring to express their sorrow more publicly, because of their enemies; but knocking and beating upon their breasts, as men do upon tabrets or drums, thereby expressing the inward grief of their minds; see Eze_7:16."

Audio of Mourning Dove beating its wings by Andrew Spencer

Sounds are from Xeno-canto.org

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See the Dove and Pigeons Page
Doves are in the Columbidae Family of the Columbiformes Order

New Ladies Bible Study

Ladies, you are invited to hear messages from six Christian women: Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Janet Parshall, Rebecca Pippert, Jan Silvious, and Jannie Wilcoxson. Following each message, there will be a Bible study lesson based on what we have heard. We will also be challenged to how we can apply these Scriptures to our everyday lives. The messages were originally presented at the National Women's Conventions in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2003 & 2005.

This Bible study will begin in April. There will be a Tuesday evening class at the home of Nadine Gentry (beginning April 6th at 7pm); and a Thursday morning class at church (beginning April 8th at 9:45am). To register for one of the two classes, use the sign up sheet in the church foyer.

Birds of the Bible - Fowl of Every Wing

In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell. (Ezekiel 17:23 KJV)

Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) by Lee at Zoo

The phrase "Fowl (or Birds) of Every Wing" caught my interest. Remembering the article I recently wrote about the Sunbittern with it's beautiful wings, I thought that might be neat to show some of the other bird's fancy wings. Also, since I have been busy updating the Birds of the World pages, I thought that showing different birds from around the world would be interesting for you. But, first, what is that verse referring to anyway?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible summarized Ezekiel 17:23 as a future prophecy referring to Christ,
"In the mountain of the height of Israel - He shall make his appearance at the temple, and found his Church at Jerusalem.
Shalt bring forth boughs - Apostles, evangelists, and their successors in the Gospel ministry.
And bear fruit - Multitudes of souls shall be converted by their preaching.
And under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing - All the nations of the earth shall receive his Gospel.
In the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell - Trust in him alone for salvation, and be saved in their trusting."

Bay-backed Shrike (Lanius vittatus) by Nikhil

"But it left room for the sovereignty of God, who would bring down the high tree and exalt the low tree, who would dry up the green tree and make the dry tree to flourish. His grace would take the little forgotten branch of the house of David and raise it up in Israel upon the mountain of His power, where He would cause it to become a goodly cedar, bearing fruit, and sheltering all that would seek the protection of its shadow. All the powers of the earth should know the word and the works of Jehovah." (John Darby' Synopsis)

"Both the Jews and Gentiles will be gathered into it." (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)

"and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell; by whom are designed converted sinners of all sorts, and of all nations, Jews and Gentiles; compared to birds, because weak, defenceless, and timorous; exposed to danger; and wonderfully delivered; are subject to wander and go astray; and for their chirping and warbling notes: now these may be said to "dwell" under the "shadow" of the "branches" of this "goodly cedar", Christ and his church; that is, under the ministration of the word and ordinances, which is a very delightful and refreshing shadow, a very safe and fruitful one, Son_2:3; and here saints choose to dwell, and determine to abide and continue, as it is their interest and happiness so to do; and what a flocking and tabernacling of these birds here will there be in the latter day, where they will chirp and sing in the height of Zion? Isa_66:4; compare with this Mat_13:32; where our Lord is thought by some to allude to this passage." (John Gill's Exposition)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Female by Nikhil

"under it ... all fowl — the Gospel “mustard tree,” small at first, but at length receiving all under its covert (Mat_13:32); the antithesis to Antichrist, symbolized by Assyria, of which the same is said (Eze_31:6), and Babylon (Dan_4:12). Antichrist assumes in mimicry the universal power really belonging to Christ." (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown)

"under it ... all fowl — the Gospel “mustard tree,” small at first, but at length receiving all under its covert (Mat_13:32); the antithesis to Antichrist, symbolized by Assyria, of which the same is said (Eze_31:6), and Babylon (Dan_4:12). Antichrist assumes in mimicry the universal power really belonging to Christ." (Life Application Study Bible)

There are other commentaries I could quote, but these are sufficient to understand that these "fowl of every wing" represent those who from around the world have accepted or will accept Christ the Lord as their Savior. (Gospel Message) We have shelter and refuge under this tree. There was a tree of life in the Garden of Eden, but access to it was forbidden because of sin, but two verses in Revelation speak of future access to that tree.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7 KJV)
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14 KJV)

All commentary quotes are from e-Sword which is a free Bible program. More of the "Fowl of Every Wing" will be covered in future Birds of the Bible.

LifeChoice Pregnancy Center Offering

Throughout the month of February FBC collected fund for our local pregnancy resource center called Life Choice. Many of you participated by taking a baby bottle and filling it with money.

Well, the funds have been collected and sent to Life Choice. We are praising the Lord that $1,502.00 was collected to assist this local ministry. May the Lord use these funds to help many women in need.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (by Lou Gentry)

Did you know...

St. Patrick, "the patron saint of Ireland," was born in Scotland? As a young lad, Patrick was kidnapped by a band of pirates. They took him to Ireland where he was sold into slavery. Patrick said of his experience, "It was while I ate the bitter bread of that hateful servitude in a foreign land, that the light divine broke upon my benighted soul and I called to remembrance the holy things which I had been taught in my dear old home..." Patrick's heart was transformed from bitterness, and he because a new creature in Jesus Christ. By faith in the Redeemer, by trusting in the blood shed for his sins, this young man in the depths and darkness of the forests of Ireland found the Savior of the world.

After six years of slavery, Patrick escaped, but he had revenge in his heart. However, it was a most unusual revenge! It was the noble revenge of sharing the gospel with the very people who had held him captive! For Patrick believed that God had called him to return to the land where he had been enslaved to witness to others. It is said that he baptized over one hundred thousand persons in his service to Christ. Paraphrasing the apostle Paul, Patrick is alleged to have said, "For me, life is Christ."

As St. Patrick's Day rolls around each year, rather than just wearing green to celebrate the day, perhaps knowing the background on the man will move us to ask ourselves, "How can I live for Christ this day?"

(taken, in part, from New Every Morning: A Daily Devotional, by Dr. D. James Kennedy)

VBS - Volunteer Now!

Vacation Bible School is coming!

June 28 - July 2, 9am - Noon
ages 3 through those entering 6th grade

Will you consider volunteering for VBS 2010? Below is a listing of workers that are needed for VBS. Positions marked with an (*) indicate that you must be an Approved Worker to serve in this position.

• Team Leaders*: This is for you if you love kids and like to have fun. You will be responsible for leading a group of 10-15 children around from site to site (crafts, snacks, etc.) and assisting them in any way needed.
• Craft Market*: This is for you if you enjoy crafts and working with your hands.
• Office: This is for you if you are organized and enjoy dealing with people and registration.
• Snack Oasis: This is for you is you enjoy preparing and serving food, maintaining a clean environment and working in a kitchen.
• "Who Dunnit?" Drama*: This is for you is you enjoy participating in skits and getting kids excited.
• Museum Assembly*: This if for you if you enjoy singing and getting kids excited and/or working with technology.
  

Go here to sign-up to volunteer with VBS!

Fight for Joy with Fervent Prayer

Some more from John Piper's book When I Don't Desire God.

What do you do when you don't desire the Word of God? Or when you read it and don't see anything that gives you joy? Or when your joy is weak and disintegrates before the allurements of the world? What do you do if you are not satisfied in the God of the Bible, but prefer the pleasures of the world? Did Paul or the psalmists or the celebrated saints of history ever struggle with this? Yes, they did. And we should take heart. We all struggle with seasons of lukewarmness and spiritual numbness of heart. There are times in the lives of the most godly people when spiritual hunger becomes weak, and darkness threatens to consume the light, and everything but the vaguely remembered taste of joy evaporates...

How then do we fight for joy when our desires languish and we may have no inclination for the Word of God? The answer we are focusing on in this chapter is prayer. The key to joy in God is God's omnipotent, transforming grace, bought by his Son, applied by his Spirit, wakened by the Word, and laid hold of by faith through prayer. (p. 137-138)

May God help us to never stop fighting!

Snowbird Signup Form

Are you a snowbird? Have you already begun making plans to 'fly' north for the winter?

If so, will you take a minute and fill out this form for us. We would like to communicate with you over the summer.

Birds of the Bible - Pleasant to the Sight

And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:9 KJV)

While searching for articles about birds I came across this article. The quote below is also appropriate for birds. I believe many of them definitely qualify as "pleasant to the sight."

"The answer that came to my mind was suggested by Genesis 2:9, where we read that God created fruit trees not only good for food but also "pleasant to the sight." We normally expect to find aspects of beauty as well as utility in the artifacts of human creation; how much more should we expect beauty to abound in the handiwork of God! Even creationists seem to forget that God is not only the Great Engineer, but the Great Artist as well.

Unfortunately, just like the engineering marvels of God have been corrupted by mutations and other effects of the bondage to corruption occasioned by our sin (Romans 8:18-20), so its beauty has been marred. The God whose faithful care daily sustains what He has made will not leave it so. But with the creation that "groaneth in travail," we also wait for that time when "they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, but the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 6:11)." (From, Nature's Challenge to Evolutionary Theory, by Gary Parker, Ed.D., ICR)

Thought you might enjoy seeing some "Pleasant to the Sight" birds. It was hard to narrow the choices down. These are from the Non-Passerines. Used the Passerines last week.

And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:9 KJV)

While searching for articles about birds I came across this article. The quote below is also appropriate for birds. I believe many of them definitely qualify as "pleasant to the sight."

"The answer that came to my mind was suggested by Genesis 2:9, where we read that God created fruit trees not only good for food but also "pleasant to the sight." We normally expect to find aspects of beauty as well as utility in the artifacts of human creation; how much more should we expect beauty to abound in the handiwork of God! Even creationists seem to forget that God is not only the Great Engineer, but the Great Artist as well.

Unfortunately, just like the engineering marvels of God have been corrupted by mutations and other effects of the bondage to corruption occasioned by our sin (Romans 8:18-20), so its beauty has been marred. The God whose faithful care daily sustains what He has made will not leave it so. But with the creation that "groaneth in travail," we also wait for that time when "they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, but the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 6:11)." (From, Nature's Challenge to Evolutionary Theory, by Gary Parker, Ed.D., ICR)

Thought you might enjoy seeing some "Pleasant to the Sight" birds. It was hard to narrow the choices down. These are from the Non-Passerines. Used the Passerines before.

2010 Mission Conference Recap - Gil & Denise Thomas

Links:

• Sow and Harvest
• Good Soil Evangelism & Discipleship (on facebook)
• ABWE - Association of Baptists for World Evangelism

Audio recordings of our 2010 Mission Conference are available. Below you will find links to each of the times when Gil spoke at our conference:

• Saturday Morning Round Robin Session
• Sunday Evening Worship Service
  

Missionary Prayer Request - Gene Bryant

Missionary: Gene Bryant
Retired in Ohio

• Pray for Clay as he believes in evolution. Pray he will read the first two chapters of Genesis as Gene gave him as an assignment. Pray they can meet up and go to the Creation Museum as well.
• His many contact with others, both Jewish and Gentiles.
• Pray for the Frank family and the Goren family in Israel. For Gene to have future contact with materials to meet their spiritual needs.

Go to the Bryant Missionary Page.

Reiner's Newsletter

The Reiner's in Brazil have sent their latest newsletter.
Click REINER'S NEWSLETTER to view the newsletter and please keep them in your prayers.

Go to Reiner's Missionary Page.

2010 Mission Conference Recap - Leon Fisher

Links:

• Bud & Walt's Pizza - Nixa, MO (on facebook)
• EBM - Evangelical Baptist Missions

Audio recordings of our 2010 Mission Conference are available. Below you will find links to each of the times when Leon spoke at our conference:

• Friday Night Service
• Saturday Morning Round Robin Session
• Sunday 8:00am Worship Service
• Sunday School with the Youth

Below is the video that the Russian church in Podolsk made for Leon to show at FBC:

2010 Mission Conference Recap - Chris Hindal

Links:

• GARBC - General Association of Regular Baptist Churches
  
• GARBC International Ministries

Audio recordings of our 2010 Mission Conference are available. Below you will find links to each of the times when Chris Hindal spoke at our conference:

• Saturday Morning Round Robin Session
• Sunday School Lesson with the Adults
• Sunday Morning 10:30 Worship Service
  

2010 Mission Conference Recap

Our 2010 Mission Conference has come and gone. What a tremendous conference it was! We were challenged by Leon Fisher, Chris Hindal, and Gil Thomas.

This week on the blog we are going to be recapping the conference. Each day there will be a post recapping one of the speakers. That post will include links to their ministries as well as links to the audio from when they spoke. The entire conference was recorded and has now been uploaded. If you missed any of the services or the Saturday morning sessions, you can simply go HERE and catch up on what you missed.

• Tuesday - Chris Hindal
• Wednesday - Leon Fisher
• Thursday - Gil Thomas
  

We praise the Lord for what He did during our 2010 Mission Conference and are already looking forward to the 2011 Conference.

Desire Christ More Than the Promises of Sin

Some more from John Piper's book When I Don't Desire God.

The fight for joy is the fight to see and believe Christ is more to be desired than the promises of sin. (p. 105)

May God help us to never stop fighting!

Harold McTeer Inducted to Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

There was a good article in today's Ledger about Harold McTeer's recent induction to the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame. Harold and his wife Mary are members of our church.

Thoughts for Those Yet Unborn

The past two Wednesday evenings Pastor Osborne continued in his sermon series entitled The Dark Side. He preached part 1 and part 2 of a message from Psalm 139:13-18 entitled Thoughts for Those Yet Unborn. He concluded with these three thoughts:

1. Since we do not originate the life of the unborn, we do not have the right to end it.
2. Since we do not know the plan God has for unborn children, we must allow that plan to take place.
3. Since our thoughts are not God's thoughts and we cannot even imagine the purposes God has for the unborn child, then we must have faith in an all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere present God.

For you formed my inward parts;
You knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:13-14a (ESV)

Missionary Prayer Requests - Bobby & Karen Williams

Missionary: Bobby & Karen Williams
North Carolina
Board- CBM

• Children are responding by putting their faith in Jesus Christ and lives are being changed. Over 40 this school year that we know of. Pray they would be diligent in seeking after the righteousness of God and laying up treasures in heaven rater than on earth.
• The dining hall construction is coming along nicely. Pray for the installation of the kitchen equipment and the final details of getting the occupancy permit. They have ordered dining tables and chairs. They still need chapel chairs, ceiling fans, window blinds, trash cans, etc.
• March will be a busy month! They are expecting 5 Mobile Missionary Assistance Program couples, a group of adults from Powell, TN and a couple of youth groups who will help with Released Time, dining hall construction, summer camp preparation office work and other projects.
• Their ministries include monthly Bible classes at 36 schools (3500 students), summer camp, retreats & special events, mailbox club & correspondence lessons, and guest rentals. They are hoping to have an outdoor education program as well. They are praying for 2 or 3 more staff families.

Williams Missionary Page

Adoniram Judson - Rules of Holy Living

This humbled me deeply as I read through it. It's not about the rules, it's about the glory of God as Judson prays at the end.
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Rules adopted on Sunday, April 4, 1819, the era of commencing public ministrations among the Burmans.

1. Be diligent in secret prayer, every morning and evening.

2. Never spend a moment in mere idleness.

3. Restrain natural appetites within the bounds of temperance and purity. "Keep thyself pure."

4. Suppress every emotion of anger and ill will.

5. Undertake nothing from motives of ambition, or love of fame.

6. Never do that which, at the moment, appears to be displeasing to God.

7. Seek opportunities of making some sacrifice for the good of others, especially of believers, provided the sacrifice is not inconsistent with some duty.

8. Endeavor to rejoice in every loss and suffering incurred for Christ's sake and the gospel's, remembering that though, like death, they are not to be wilfully incurred, yet, like death, they are great gain.

Re-adopted the above rules, particularly the 4th, on Sunday, August 31, 1823.

Re-adopted the above rules, particularly the 1st, on Sunday, October 29, 1826, and adopted the following minor rules:

1. Rise with the sun.

2. Read a certain portion of Burman every day, Sundays excepted.

3. Have the Scriptures and some devotional book in constant reading.

4. Read no book in English that has not a devotional tendency.

5. Suppress every unclean thought and look.

Revised and re-adopted all the above rules, particularly the second of the first class, on Sunday, March 11, 1827.

God grant me grace to keep the above rules, and ever live to His glory, for Jesus Christ's sake.

A. JUDSON.

Wordless Birds

American Yellow Warbler by J Fenton

This GOLD bird reminds us of Heaven. The Bible tells us Heaven has a street of gold! But the best part about Heaven is that God, who created you and me, lives there. The Bible, God's Word, says: "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." --- John 3:16 Jesus, God the Son, is in Heaven preparing a place for all who put their trust in Him. (John 14:2-3) God is holy and perfect. He cannot allow anything in Heaven that is less than perfect, so there's one thing that can never be in Heaven. Can you think of what that might be?

Barbados Blackbird by Val Lee

It is sin! That is what this DARK bird reminds us of. Sin is anything you think, say, or do that does not please God, like lying, cheating, being selfish, or hurting others. The Bible says: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." --- Romans 3:23 That means everyone, big or little, young or old! No matter where you live or who you are, you have sinned. Everyone is born with a "want to" to do wrong. God says that sin must be punished (Romans 6:23), and the punishment for sin is to be separated from God forever in a place of suffering....a place called Hell. But God has a wonderful plan so that you will not have to be punished for your sin!

Cardinal by Aestheticphotos

God sent Jesus Christ, His perfect Son, to be born as a little baby. Jesus lived a perfect life....He never sinned. When He was grown, wicked men nailed Him to a cross. This bird is RED reminding us of Jesus' blood. The Bible says that without the giving of blood there can be no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22). So Jesus Christ willingly died to take your sin punishment. "...Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures."--- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Now, because of what Jesus has done for you, you can have your sins forgiven. Read on to see how!

Fairy Tern by Bob-Nan

The Bible says: "As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on His name." --- John 1:12 The WHITE bird reminds us of a CLEAN heart. How can you have a clean heart? A = Admit to God you are a sinner and want to turn away from those sins. B = Believe in Jesus Christ, that He is God's perfect Son who died for your sin, was buried, and rose again. C = Call on Him to save you from your sin. Would you like to do that right now? He has promised to hear, and once you are His child, He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). Take a moment and talk to God right now. It will change your life forever. Only one more color! What can it mean?

Green Parakeet by Daves BirdingPix

The GREEN bird stands for things that grow. When you ask God to forgive you and save you, you become His child. God wants you to get to know Him better and to grow to become more like Him. These four things will help you grow:

1. PRAY (talk to God every day)
2. READ & OBEY THE BIBLE (to know what He says, then do it)
3. TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS
4. GO TO A BIBLE-BELIEVING CHURCH (where you can learn more about pleasing Him)

As a child of God, if you should sin again, stop and tell Him about it. He promises in His Word... "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." --- 1 John 1:9 Ask God to help you live a life to please Him! Share the Good News of this story with someone else.

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The Wordless Book has been used for many years by CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship). These words are from CEF.

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The Gospel Message

The Wordless Book
Story of the Wordless Book

Once you receive Jesus as your Savior, then you have joy and peace in your heart.

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9 KJV)

This bird's singing reminds us of the joy a Christian has in their heart after salvation and it spills out in a song and hopeful in telling others of what Christ did in their hearts.

MacArthur ESV Study Bible

MacArthur ESV Study Bible Promo from Crossway on Vimeo.

John MacArthur for Crossway Books.

Fine Arts Academy - Junior Festival

On Saturday, February 13, Six piano students from the Fine Arts Academy participated in Junior Festival. Junior Festival is an annual event organized by the National Federation of Music Clubs and sponsored locally by the Florida Federation of Music Clubs. This year's local Junior Festival was held at Cypress Ridge Presbyterian Church. Across the country, more than 117,000 students participate in a Junior Festival each year.
Each piano student was required to perform two pieces from memory. They were adjudicated by two judges who assessed their performance and assigned a rating of Superior, Excellent, Satisfactory, or Needs Improvement.
All six students who participated received a Superior rating!
Students who participated were Stephen Allen, Aaron Gaull, Courtney Love, Raquel Love, Neil Owen, and Logan Watkins. If you see any of these students, congratulate them for their hard work!
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The Fine Arts Academy is currently accepting new students. Registration forms are available HERE. Please submit your completed registration form along with your registration fee to the church office. Contact us if you have any questions.

Activity Forms - Submit Online

Are you a ministry leader at FBC who must turn in an Activity Forms from time to time? If you answered yes, then we have an exciting new feature available for your convenience.

You can now access and submit the Activity Request Form and the Activity Summary Form online!

Simply go to the Risk Management page of our website and click the link for Activity Request Form or for the Activity Summary Form. The pdf version of each form is still available if you prefer to print it and fill it out the 'old-fashioned' way.

As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Make An Appointment With the Word of God

Some more from John Piper's book When I Don't Desire God.

In chapter 7, Piper writes about The Worth of God's Word in the Fight for Joy.

A thousand interesting things compete for our attention to the Word of God. I confess that after fifty years of loving and reading and memorizing Scripture, I can be lured away from appointed times in the Word by something as insignificant as a new computer device. The illusory pleasure of newness can temporarily trump the far superior benefits of keeping my appointment with the Word of God.

This is evidence in me of what Paul calls indwelling sin (Rom. 7:17, 20, 23). It is part of the remaining corruption lingering after the death of the old self (Rom. 6:6). I am not proud of it. It grieves me. At times it frightens me. It is part of the reason I speak so much of the fight for joy. I know this sinful inclination must be fought to the death. It is this fight Paul has in mind when he says, "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you" (Col. 3:5). We will speak shortly about how the Word helps us do that. But first we must fight just to keep our appointments with the Word. (p. 96-97)

I have found it very helpful to look at my time in God's Word as an appointment that I must keep. It is an appointment that I must not be late for. I must not allow other things to crowd it out.