Hope in Him

Dear friend,

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion’, says my soul. Therefore, I will hope in him” (Lamentations 3:22-24).

These encouraging words were written during one of the most discouraging times in the history of God’s people. The city of Jerusalem had just been destroyed. King Solomon’s great temple was burned and torn down. The princes and paupers alike were killed or enslaved by their fierce conquers. And the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah, knew this great tragedy could have been avoided if the people had listened to his message. But in the midst of this trouble, when everything was stripped away, the prophet opened his mouth in praise of the mercies of the Lord. His relationship with God gave him hope!

We live in uncertain times: Wars continue in various nations, the worldwide economy sags, the potential for a global plague increases, and the message of God is too often ignored. However, we do not despair! The Christian has an inheritance that will never perish, fade, or spoil (1 Peter 1:4). Like the Levites of old, God himself is our inheritance. He is our portion. Each day His mercy is there for us. Each morning He is with his people and will be with us into eternity. Hope in Him!

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Being a Part of God’s Growing Church

If we are going to be part of God’s growing church, then we must be equipped by His Word.

1. We must prepare for growing pains.
2. We must organize like the New Testament church
   a. A Congregation full of Ministers
   b. A Church shepherded by Elders
   c. A Church served by Deacons
3. We must trust God for good results.

Scripture reading: Acts 6:1-7

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

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Announcements for the Week of April 26

Men’s Bible Study (evening edition) will be this Wednesday at 7 PM in the JIBC Office. Come for some good food, fellowship, and Bible Study.

Donations to help with victims of the Situ Gintung tragedy will be collected in a couple of weeks. This purposeful delay is part of a strategy to begin ministering to the people when the massive relief work being conducted now ends. If you have any questions, then please speak with Deacon Kongkin.

RBI Brochures are on the back table. May 31 is the deadline to apply for the Systematic Theology class that starts August 25. If you have any questions please see Deacon Uran or Pastor Stephen.

Don’t be shy! Please sit toward the front and make room in your row for others.

JIBC Members please fill out the JIBC data form for the 2009 church directory found on the welcome table in the back. Every member over sixteen needs to complete a form, even if your spouse or parent has already completed one. We need individual information. Please give completed forms to Dina. Thank you for taking the time to help us make a useful member directory!

Food Gathering Next week for Street Children’s Ministry and the Ministry of our sister Indonesian Language congregation. Please come with non-perishable food items or cash donations.

God’s Approval

Dear friend,

Are you worried about what other people think of you? Do you ever find yourself obsessing over someone else’s opinion? Here are some verses to help you break that habit:

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us (from Romans 8:31-34).

Christian, the scripture tells us God’s opinion of you. He did not spare his own Son for you. He has elected you and he justifies you. Christ Jesus himself represents you before his Father’s throne. In the highest court of the universe, you have been declared “not guilty.” You are “okay” in the most important sense. So next time you are agonizing for approval from someone else, remember you already have the approval of the One who matters more than any other.

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John

Christian Baptists in the Spirit of the Reformation

What does it mean to be a Christian Baptist in the Spirit of the Reformation?

1. It means to be a church built upon the Word of God (Scripture Alone).
2. It means to be a church built upon Christ (Christ Alone).
3. It means to be a church built for God (To God Alone be the Glory).

Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:19-22

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

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Water Boom Excursion!

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalm 133:1

On April 18, the JIBC Youth Group along with several parents and young adults took a day trip to Water Boom, Lippo-Cikarang. Beautiful weather, outbound ropes course, refreshing water park and a bit of beach volley ball filled the day. Whether you wanted to climb, swim, or sit in the shade, it was a relaxing and enjoyable time of fellowship!

Friday Youth Fellowship meets again on April 24

Announcements for the Week of April 19

Men’s Bible Study (lunch edition) will be this Wednesday at 12 PM. We will meet at Outback Steakhouse in Ratu Plaza Come for fellowship and Bible Study.

It’s that Friday again! Friday Youth Fellowship is meeting at the Baguley’s from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM on April 24 for a continuation of our study of the word of God, and of course games and food! Anyone eleven to sixteen years of age is invited to come.

Baptism Next week, April 26 there will be a Baptism Service at 2:30 PM. Please join us at the Tirtayasa location for this important event. The service is expected to last about 30 minutes.

Donations to help with victims of the Situ Gintung tragedy will be collected in a couple of weeks. This purposeful delay is part of a strategy to begin ministering to the people when the massive relief work being conducted now ends. If you have any questions, then please speak with Deacon Kongkin.

RBI Brochures are on the back table. May 31 is the deadline to apply for the Systematic Theology class that starts August 25. If you have any questions please see Deacon Uran or Pastor Stephen.

Don’t be shy! Please sit toward the front and make room in your row for others.

Lord’s Supper Next week, April 26 we will have the Lord’s supper

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