RELIGION AND RIDICULE
But when Sanballat…, and Tobiah…, and Geshem…, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. Neh 2:19-20; Neh 4:6.
THE BUILDING of the ruined walls of Jerusalem, as the record shows, was undertaken in troubled times. Some of the petty rulers in the neighbourhood, exulted in the low estate of the city, because it left room for the exercise of their authority, and they viewed these renewed activities with chagrin. They plotted for the overthrow of the work, and had to be met by incessant watchfulness.
If you are endeavouring to do God’s work in the world, to clear away the rubbish of sin, to rebuild the walls that are broken down, and to seek the welfare of God’s people, do not be surprised if your steps are beset with scorn and ridicule, by the secret or open malice of Sanballat and Tobiah. For some it is easier to face bitter opposition than to bear mockery and ridicule. If only these scornful and carping tongues were silenced, we could make more headway, but such persecution drives us back on God, makes Him a living fact in life, and opens the door to the manifestation of the saving health of His right hand (Neh 4:4, Neh 4:9, Neh 4:20). How good it is, at such times, to cease from man, and to remember the Lord who is the great and terrible One (Neh 1:5; Isa 51:12-13). Be quite sure that you are on His plan, doing His work in His way; then go forward in His Name, and he will make all the mountains a way.
The lesson for us all is the threefold aspect of the Christian life. There is our up-look into God’s face–“I prayed to the God of Heaven.” We must never forget to pray, for more things are wrought by prayer than we realize. Second, there is our up-look against our foes and the foes of God–“we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night.” We must watch as well as pray. Lastly, there is our dawn-look towards the work entrusted to us, at which we must labour with unslacking devotion, in fellowship with our Lord (1Co 3:9). Let each inquire: “Am I inside the city amongst its builders, or outside amongst its detractors and foes?” – F.B. Meyer
The Lord’s Day Services
| Sunday,
August 21st |
11:00a.m. | Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders |
| 6:00p.m. | Pre-Service Prayer Meeting | |
| 6:30p.m. | Evening Service – Rev. Lee Sterritt |
Weekly Announcements
| Wednesday,
August 24th |
7:25p.m. | Prayer Meeting & Bible Study |
Advance Announcements
| Sunday,
August 28th |
11:00a.m. | Morning Service – Pastor Jesse Bartz (Ennerdale Road Baptist Church) |
| 6:00p.m. | Pre-service prayer time | |
| 6:30p.m. | Evening Service – Rev. Tony D’Addurno (Barrie FPC)Fellowship & refreshments following the evening service. Team #3 is on set-up and clean up. | |
| Wednesday,
August 31st |
7:25p.m. | Bible Study & Prayer Meeting |
Please Pray For:
D.L. Moody
“I firmly believe that the moment our hearts are emptied of selfishness and ambition and self-seeking and everything that is contrary to God’s law, the Holy Spirit will come and fill every corner of our hearts; but if we are full of pride and conceit, ambition and self-seeking, pleasure and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God. I also believe that many a man is praying to God to fill him, when he is full already with something else. Before we pray that God would fill us, I believe we ought to pray that He would empty us. There must be an emptying before there can be a filling; and when the heart is turned upside down, and everything that is contrary to God is turned out, then the Spirit will come…”
Church Family BBQ
Our annual Church Family BBQ will be held on Saturday, September 10th 11:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. A sign up sheet will be out next week with more details to follow.
Front Entrance Project
For over a year now the church board has been working on plans for a major renovation to the front entrance of the church to allow for easier access to drop off passengers closer to the door and a canopy for weather protection. The church has already received a substantial donation towards this project but we still need your help. To donate, please mark your envelope “Front Entrance Project”. Construction has begun and an alternative access to the church will be posted. Thank you for your patience and pray that all will be done to the glory of God.
40th Anniversary Services – September 16th – 19th, 2016
Please be in prayer for these special meetings, marking 40 years of God’s grace and provision in this ministry.
Special speakers include: Dr. John McKnight, Rev. Thomas Martin and Rev. Ian Goligher. The Solc family will also be attending from the Czech Republic.
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An anniversary choir is being prepared for these special services. Anyone who has been in our church choir in the last 40 years is welcome. Rehearsals will begin Sunday, August 28th at 5:00 p.m. Please plan to join us.
