Saturday, January 26
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We all love things that are new. We go to the store to get new clothes, plant seeds in anticipation of new flowers, visit the car dealer with expectations of that new car smell, shop with real estate personnel in hopes of a new home and wonder with amazement at the birth of a new child. There is an exhilaration and eagerness as we approach the unwrapping of a present, the surprise of the moment, and the perfect gift that we did not even think to mention on our list of wants.
The New Year that awaits us is similar to things new, in that it is filled with the expected and the unexpected, the anticipated and the unanticipated, the predictable and the unpredictable. As I write this article in December 2007, the year 2008 is uncluttered with my poor decisions and mistakes, it is fresh, hopeful and full of life. It is also full of God's involvement in the smallest of details. As we look forward to 2008, we as a church are anticipating God's involvement. We would not want to do the work of the Lord any other way. The Scriptures tell us in Zachariah 4:6b, "This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit,' saith the LORD of hosts."
Our desire is that the Lord work in and through us as a group of believers seeking and serving the King of Kings.
With that in mind, what do I see as our priorities for 2008? Although they do not appear in any special order, there are five of them.
1. Prayer – Daniel Henderson says, "We've heard that prayer changes things. More importantly, prayer changes us. When we are changed, and Christ's life-changing power flows powerfully in and through us, the world is changed."
2. Preaching and Teaching the Word of God – The Apostle Paul writes to young Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." We must stay focused on the unchanging Word of God and strive to apply it in the context of the society and culture in which we live.
3. Preparation of Leaders – Jerry Falwell taught us years ago that "leaders are made, not born." It is time for us to rise to the challenge of preparing and learning to be the spiritual light and leadership that this dark world is in desperate need of.
4. Personal Evan-gelism – As I have had the privilege of sharing Christ with the unsaved this year, it has always been in the context of a relationship. As our banner hung in the auditorium in 2007 as a constant reminder, we must see "Our Neighbor – Our Mission." Once we pass through "death's door," we will no longer have the opportunity and privilege to share Christ with the unsaved.
5. Peacemaking Culture and Principles – We want to enhance our peace that is developing here at Grace. Future conflict is inevitable and we want to be better equipped in Biblical peacemaking by placing new and exciting tools in the hands of every individual associated with Grace.
There you have it, a snapshot of 2008, filled with plans, priority and hopes. May God richly bless us as we work together for His glory in this New Year.
Pastor Paul
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Dr. Mundy just completed 25 years of ministry with Baptist Mid-Missions. Previous to that he spent 22 years in pastoral ministry. Baptist Mid-Missions has raised millions of dollars for missionaries and local ministries.
Dr. Mundy will be visiting us in January and here are just a couple of financial topics he will be covering at the seminar:
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If you have never had a chance to attend a Ladies of Grace meeting, you’re missing a lot. These Saturday morning sessions are more than just arts and crafts, books and coffee - they are about real honest fellowship. If your age is 21 or 81 you will fit right in with this comfortable group. Come and learn something new from the Bible, have your sisters in Christ pray with you, hear a tearful testimony and pick up a new desert recipe while you’re at it. I promise, you will have more energy when you leave than when you arrived!
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Church Law & Tax Report by R. Hammar
If I make a contribution in early January 2008, can I claim it on my 2007 taxes? No. Charitable contributions must be claimed in the year in which they are delivered.
Is there any limit to the amount of my contributions I can deduct on my taxes? Yes. A contribution deduction ordinarily cannot exceed 50 percent of a donor’s adjusted gross income (a 30 percent rule applies in some cases). For more information on charitable contributions visit:
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A Story Worth Repeating "Taken from the Pastor's Weekly Briefing, December 14, 2007. Copyright © 2007, Focus on the Family."
Tim Tebow, quarterback for the University of Florida, became the first sophomore in history to win the coveted Heisman Trophy as the best college football player in the country. With 29 passing touchdowns and 22 rushing touchdowns, Tebow displayed the kind of versatility and athleticism for which every football coach prays. However, if doctors had had it their way, Tebow wouldn't be here today, according to the Gainesville Sun and lifenews.com.
Pam Tebow and her husband Bob were Christian missionaries in the Philippines in 1985 and they prayed for their child even before Pam became pregnant. When she did, she contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink. As a result, Pam entered into a coma.
The treatment for the medical condition required strong medications which would cause irreversible damage to her unborn son and leave him with devastating disabilities. Doctors advised her to have an abortion.
Pam Tebow refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. She ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and, eventually, gave birth to a completely healthy baby in August 1987.
"The combination of Timmy's God-given talent, hard work, character and leadership have made a mark on and off the football field," said Pam.
Former New York Giant Chris Godfrey shudders to think of the millions of Tim Tebows who aren't here today. "You just have to wonder how many good things did not come into our world because of our unwillingness to say 'Yes' and to trust in God," he said.
"Of the 49 million who never lived to realize their potential, imagine the number of future leaders, inventors, doctors — and, yes, even Heisman Trophy winners — among them," said Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council. "[We] pray that [Tebow's story] helps persuade other women of the inherent value of their unborn children and the great promise that lies within."
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The nature and definition of marriage are under attack as never before in California.In 2005 and again this year, your state legislature passed a bill that would legalize same-sex "marriage." Fortunately, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed both these bills, but there is some indication that the governor may approve the bill if it passes again next year.
Also in 2008, your state Supreme Court will rule on the validity of Proposition 22, which limits marriage in California to one man and one woman. It is very possible that the Court will rule against the will of the people and overturn Prop 22.
Therefore, it is crucial that concerned Californians take action to protect marriage quickly and effectively.
The ProtectMarriage.com coalition has until April 1, 2008 to gather one million signatures to get this marriage amendment on the ballot in November 2008, but they need your help to do so.
Grace Baptist Church has ordered petitions for registered voters to sign. They will be available in January 2008.
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From Matt & Barb Douglas, December 9, 2007
We now know what it is like to live through a hail storm of biblical proportions. The largest piece of ice to hit our street was 5 inches across. Most were between tennis ball and softball size. The storm lasted about 30 minutes and really damaged our house. Our roof was shattered with over 150 holes. I was blessed to find some rolls of plastic at the local hardware store, but only enough to cover one side of the house.
Then there are the cars. Both will have to have the front windows replaced and will have thousands of dollars in other damage. They do not look too pretty right now! Everyone on the street was hit hard. Our roof seems to have the most holes, but everyone had a lot of damage to cars and houses. Now comes the hassles figuring out what the insurance companies will do. Pray for us through this.
In His Service,
Matt & Barb Douglas
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Pastor Paul's Paragraphs
Money Matters with Dr. Bob Mundy