THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - SELF-CONTROL
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible”.
1 Corinthians 9:25
In his early life Paul must have been keen on sport! He uses the phrases for the gymnast, the boxer, and the racer. He had probably stood, many times, watching the great games, which were held in various parts of the Greek-speaking world. He knew the long and arduous training through which competitors had to pass.
Paul was running a race for an imperishable wreath. He had no doubt as to his goal, and therefore did not run uncertainly. He went straight as an arrow to its mark, and his mark was to win souls for Christ. To gain some, to save some, was his passion (1 Cor 9:22). He needed to discipline himself, putting aside much that was innocent in itself, and which others could enjoy without reproach (Rom 14:13-21). The Apostle was also engaged in a boxing-match, his own body being the antagonist. He knew that spiritual power existed for his appropriation in Christ, but to have it he must be a spiritual man, and to be that necessitated the subdual of his fleshly appetites.
We must exercise “self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control.” It is best to hand over the whole of our nature to the Master, and ask Him to direct, control, suggest each day whatever we think, or do, or say. It is infinitely happier to be Christ-controlled than self-controlled. Happy are they who from the earliest are able to subordinate the delights of sense, however innocent, to some high quest of the spirit. The soldier has to forfeit many things which are legitimate for the civilian, because he must be able to march rapidly from place to place. He has to forego the use of many comforts, but he is compensated if his name is placed on the honours list. The husbandman has to submit to hardships of weather, and to encounter difficulties and discomforts which do not occur in the lives of others; but there is no other way if he is to procure the fruits of his toil. These deny themselves for lower considerations, but we have an infinitely higher object in view; but by so much the more should we lay aside every weight. Never forget Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, your great Exemplar and Life-giver–the source of all spiritual power. – F.B. Meyer
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, December 1, 2019
10:00 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages.
- Adult Bible Class – Mr. James Fraser
- Young Adult Bible Class – Upper Room
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
Communion following the morning service.
4:00 p.m. Community Outreach
5:00 p.m. Fellowship Classes
6:00 p.m. Pre-service prayer time
6:30 p.m. Evening Service –Dr. Larry Saunders
Sermon Series: The Fruit of the Spirit – TEMPERANCE
Weekly Announcements
Monday, December 2nd
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Gym Fellowship
Wednesday, December 4th
7:25 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting
Friday, December 6th
9:00 a.m. Women’s Morning Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
Advance Announcements
Sunday, December 8th
10:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages.
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Rev. David DiCanio – Liberia, Africa
5:00 p.m. Fellowship Classes.
6:00 p.m. Pre-service Prayer Meeting
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
Tuesday, December 10th
7:15 p.m. Women’s Bible study – 2 Peter 1:5 – Adding Temperance
Wednesday, December 11th
7:25 p.m. Missionary Skype Meeting with Richard Craig and Randy Gunnings – Little London, Jamaica
Thursday, December 12th
6:00 p.m. Session Meeting
7:30 p.m. Session & Board Meeting
Friday, December 13th
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
Saturday, December 14th
3:00 p.m. Youth/Young Adult Outing
MISSIONARY SKYPE MEETING - LITTLE LONDON, JAMAICA
We are looking forward to a Skype meeting with our Jamaican brethren on Wednesday, December 11th. Please continue to keep Richard Craig and Randy Gunnings in your prayers as they oversee the church work in Little London.
CHRISTMAS CARD
Each year, instead of exchanging Christmas cards among the congregation, we donate those funds to a worthy cause. This year we are supporting “Iglesia Cristiana El Redentor” (The Redeemer Christian Church), the Free Presbyterian work in Mexico City. Donations will go towards the purchase of a church building. If you would like to help with this special offering, please mark your offering envelope, “Mexico City”. Thank you!
BAPTISM
Anyone desiring to be baptized in obedience to the Lord, please contact Pastor Saunders. Our service is planned for January 29, 2020, during our week of prayer.
LIBERIA MISSION TRIP
Our Mission Board is planning a mission trip to Liberia from August 4th–18th, 2020. We will be working with Rev. David DiCanio and Miss Joanne Greer, helping with Vacation Bible School, children’s programs, and generally assisting with other ministry tasks. This trip is intended for individuals 18 years old and over, those who are under 18 will be considered only on a case-by-case basis based upon the recommendation of their Session. Applications and Session recommendation letters must be submitted by Friday, January 31, 2020.
FPCNA PRAYER REQUESTS
Kathmandu, Nepal
Rev. Wesley & Carol Graham
- Pray for Punya, the blind evangelist, as he continues with his production of the Nepali Bible in the Braille language.
- Pray also for the ongoing work on the radio with 28 stations taking the gospel to large parts of the country.
- Pray for the six men that are doing the Bible college course which lasts five months.
- Pray for these men that the Lord would sustain them in their study.
