Why did Jesus pray?

Dear friends,

“But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray” (Luke 5:16).

The Lord Jesus set a good example for us in this way. As busy as He was, He was never too busy to pray. In fact Jesus would get up before the sunrise so He could have some time alone to pray (Mark 1:35). Apparently there were times when Jesus would stay up all night praying (Luke 6:12). And on the darkest night of His life, He dedicated the final hour before His betrayal to prayer (Mt.26:36).

Have you ever wondered why Jesus prayed? He was God after all, so it hardly seems necessary. Let me just suggest a few possible answers. First, Jesus never sinned and it would be a sin not to pray. He lived to “fulfill all righteousness” (Mt. 3:15). Second, Jesus prayed so that we would follow his example. After praying for Lazarus, Jesus said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around” (John 11:42). Jesus prayed so we would see and believe that we should pray too. Finally, in that same verse, He gives one more reason why He prayed. He said: “I said this… that they may believe that you (Father) sent me” (John 11:42). Jesus wanted those around Him to see that He was sent by God in Heaven.

So that is why Jesus prayed. What about you? Are you obedient in prayer? Are you setting a good example in prayer for others? Are you demonstrating that you are in a relationship with God by talking to Him often?
Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John

Announcements for July 25, 2010

Join one of our new adult Sunday School Classes that start on August 8. Option #1: God is the Gospel, led by Rod McKay. This class will involve videos by Dr. John Piper, class discussion, and a great new book and workbook. Option #2: Discipleship Class, led by Jack and Jan Harkless. This class will use the Growing in Christ Series and includes class discussion and a handy workbook. This will be a friendly class especially for those who are new to the faith or who have not attended many Bible Studies before.

Several months ago our church formed a search team to bring a Worship and Family Pastor to our fellowship. As part of the search process, we have invited Pastor David Atkins and his wife, Sharon, to visit us during August 19-30, when we will have a chance to meet them in various settings. David will lead a worship workshop during that week and will also lead our worship service on Aug. 29. Please be in prayer for our search team and the Atkins’ as the Lord leads us to add a new ministry position to our church family.

There will be a Church Ministry Council Meeting on August 2 at 7 PM in the Function Room.

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.

Following Our Leader in the Service of Others

Mark 10:32-45 (English Standard Version)

32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” 35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

If we are following Christ, the we must be like Him.

1. We must be brave life Jesus.
2. We must be submissive (to the will of God) like Jesus.
3. We must be humble like Jesus.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 10:32-45

Trust God With Your Future

Dear friends,

It is difficult to plan your life. Jennifer and I joked recently about how ridiculous it would seem if someone told us 20 years ago that we would end up in Jakarta, Indonesia where I would be a Baptist pastor and we would have seven children!

Only the Lord knows exactly how everything will turn out. Of course there are a couple of different ways to look at that. Some may say that our uncertainty about what lies ahead is stressful and there is no doubt that many people worry excessively about the future. On the other hand, the Christian can find comfort and encouragement in the fact that God knows exactly what lies in their path and even controls the future. Thus the scripture says:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28).

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11).

Only God knows for sure what is ahead in your life and He is the only person who is 100% in control. We can thank Him, however, because He assures those who love Him that His plan is the very best!

Your servant,

Stephen

Announcements for July, 18 2010

Join one of our new adult Sunday School Classes that start on August 8. Option #1: God is the Gospel, led by Rod McKay. This class will involve videos by Dr. John Piper, class discussion, and a great new book and workbook. Option #2: Discipleship Class, led by Jack and Jan Harkless. This class will use the Growing in Christ Series and includes class discussion and a handy workbook. This will be a friendly class especially for those who are new to the faith or who have not attended many Bible Studies before.

Several weeks ago our church formed a search team to bring a Worship and Family Pastor to our fellowship. As part of the search process, we have invited Pastor David Atkins and his wife, Sharon, to visit us during August 19-30, when we will have a chance to meet them in various settings. David will lead a worship workshop during that week and will also lead our worship service on Aug. 29. Please be in prayer for our search team and the Atkins’ as the Lord leads us to add a new ministry position to our church family.

Condolences Our sincerest sympathies to Daniel Kasenda and his family on the passing of his father on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Please pray for Daniel Kasenda and his family.

Mission Moment we will have a Mission Moment presentation from Indonesia from Jaringan Anugerah Maluku on July 25, 2010.

There will be Preteen Fellowship on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 17:30 at Suwardi’s house. Please encourage your preteen to invite friends & relatives to this meeting. Parents also welcome to join or to be chaperones for more info please contact Mr. John Suwardi at suwardi88@indo.net.id

There will be a Church Ministry Council Meeting on August 2 at 7 PM in the Function Room.

Great Expectations

Mark 10:28-30 (English Standard Version):

28Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.

As you follow after Christ, He wants you to know what to expect.

1. We can expect hardship in this life.
2. We can expect blessings in this life.
3. We can expect glory in the life to come.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Mark 10:28-30

Dwelling on God’s Good Gifts!

Dear friends,

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil. 4:8).

This is a verse that we rarely obey! Much of our energy and time is spent thinking about problems, troubles, and challenges that we face. Of course some of this is a result of our duty at home, at work, or in the ministry. It certainly would not do for us to “stick our heads in the sand” and ignore reality.

Nevertheless, we must come to terms with our lack of attention to the Lord’s instruction above. We are, without question, worse off for not taking time to meditate on the great things around us. Indeed “every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). This means we can enjoy pondering the material, relational, and spiritual blessings He gives. God has provided them for our enjoyment and edification. Let us not forget the great Giver of good things and spend less time dwelling on the bad while we thank Him for the good in this world.
Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

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