I Will Praise Him Still (Song)
August 28, 2011 by WebPastor
Filed under Worship & Music Ministry
Sung by Pastor Dave Atkins and Mrs. Jennifer Ferguson
Click below to listen:
Pastor Dave and Mrs. Ferguson
Pursue Peace for the Glory of Jesus!
August 25, 2011 by WebPastor
Filed under Weekly Words
Dear friend,
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19).
This week, I learned about a famous American pastor who was being assailed for his supposedly rude management style. Despite this pastor’s asking forgiveness, at least one frustrated former associate was flooding the internet with complaints about the man and his ministry. I found myself feeling very cynical as I read a couple of news articles on this topic. “Why do Christian people do this to one another?” I thought.
The next day, I read the verse above. It is a reminder that, all too often, we pursue the defeat of those who disagree with us by tearing them down. It is the exact opposite of what the Lord tells us to do! If you find you have a disagreement or problem with another Christian at church or anywhere, then be careful to do what you can to build them up in the faith. Encourage them with the scripture, pray for them, just be friendly with them, give them the benefit of the doubt and show them love.
Followers of Jesus should be characterized by a pursuit of peace and mutual encouragement. Let’s ask the Lord to help us live in such away that will inspire news stories about how we forgive offenses, come together in love, and stand shoulder to shoulder for the glory of our Father in Heaven!
Your friend,
Stephen
Pastor Stephen St. John
Bad Religion and God’s Good World
1 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)
1Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
When we believe and know the truth, Jesus sets us free!
1. Since we are set free by Jesus, we must watch out for bad religion.
2. Since we are set free by Jesus, we must enjoy God’s good world.
Click below for sermon audio:
1 Timothy 4:1-5
God Still Meets All Our Needs When We Seek Him!
August 11, 2011 by WebPastor
Filed under Weekly Words
Dear friend,
Three years ago, I wrote about the financial crisis we were facing in 2008. This week, I realized nothing has changed. On the one hand, we are still facing a worldwide financial crisis. On the other hand, however, God’s precious promise to care for us is also unchanged! Praise His Name!
Here is what I wrote in 2008:
I have a widget on my computer desktop that regularly updates the rise and fall of the dollar. Sometimes it seems the future is rising and falling along with it. The scripture, however, reminds us not to be worried about our future. It is sad when Christian people chase after and worry over all the same things that non-Christian people do including money and possessions. Jesus says, “Do not be anxious saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the unbelievers seek after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” (Mt. 6:31-33).
Jesus makes at least three things crystal clear. First, he commands us not to worry. It is not necessary to lay awake wondering how to pay those bills or what might happen when we grow older. God takes care of his creation. He can take care of us. Second, he tells us to seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness. By this he means to believe in the Lord and be full of zeal for his glory above all other things! Third, he promises that when we have done these things - when we put him first - he will meet all our needs. Now, that’s a bold promise, but it is right here in the perfect word of God!
Friends, being responsible and planning for your future is a good idea, but let the Lord’s words sink deep into your heart as well. Put him first above all things and ultimately, he will take care of you and those you love! “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).
God’s promises were true when the New Testament was written 2,000 years ago, they were true in 2008, and they are still true today! He will take care of His people!
Your friend,
Stephen
News From Around the Church
Here are a few things you may be interested in knowing about and praying for…
Please pray for our beloved Elder Romy and Mrs. Edna. Romy is recovering at home from a stroke. Pray for his complete healing and also for peace as he and Edna have many ministry responsibilities. We also praise God for His providence in caring for these dear servants of Jesus.
The elders and deacons have asked our property director, Mr. Kenneth Oh to convene a JIBC Relocation Committee in the near future. This committee will do research and make recommendations for the future location of our church in 2012. If you have any questions about the property ministry, then please email Kenneth at rainmaker789@yahoo.com or the deacons: deacons@thejibc.org.
Our deacons have appointed Mr. Ichsan Lumbantobing to serve as Deputy Director for Ushers and Greeters. He will be working with Deacon Tony who is currently serving as the Director for that ministry. If you have any questions about this ministry, please email Tony tony.setiadi@thejibc.org or Ichsan ichsansharon.lumbantobing@thejibc.org
The JIBC Deacons met on Tuesday, August 2. The men reviewed the JIBC budget results after the second quarter of 2011. The Lord has continued to provide remarkably for our financial needs. Let’s keep asking God for the $27,500 per month we need in 2011. The deacons also discussed matters of property, personnel, finance, and mercy ministry. If you have any questions about the ministry of the deacons, please email deacons@thejibc.org
Plans for a One-day Leadership retreat in late September are being made. This will be an opportunity for elders, deacons, and other leaders to discuss the various roles of leadership in the church, discipleship at JIBC, and the early stages of planning for the 2012 GPS. More information will be coming soon. If you have any ideas or questions, please email pastorstephen@thejibc.org
Our current Sunday Morning Adult Bible Studies will be ending in early September. Elder Uran The will be teaching the new Bible Study. Please pray for our current classes as they wrap up and pray for the new course Uran will be teaching.
The Pre-teen Ministry starts again this Saturday with a trip to Waterbom. For more details you can email Deacon John Surardi: john.suwardi@thejibc.org
Continue to pray for men who have been nominated to serve as deacon at JIBC. A handful of men are in various stages of consideration for these ministry offices.
Pray for our needed Church Office Manager. Pray also for possible adjustments to this job description that will facilitate other ministries and also make the job more attractive to potential employees. For more information on this, please email pastorstephen@thejibc.org
The Fire and Hammer of God’s Word
July 28, 2011 by WebPastor
Filed under Weekly Words
Dear friends,
“Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” - Jer. 23:29
I once worked with a group of men breaking apart a huge concrete patio. It was an ugly patio and it was in the way of progress. The owner of this particular property wanted to make some improvements that included the construction of a new deck. Since the concrete was thick and strong, we built charcoal fires on the surface to weaken the structure. Then, we smashed it apart with hammers and hauled it away.
Recently, I remembered this when I read the verse above. God says that His word is like “fire” and “a hammer that breaks rock.” I imagine the sin, ignorance, and bad habits of my life are like that old concrete patio. When I read or meditate on God’s word, it is like lighting a fire on and swinging a sledgehammer at my problems. God breaks them up and makes way for the good things He wants to build in my life.
God uses the powerful message of scripture to do renovations in the life of the Christian. It is good to be in the Word! Have you opened your Bible today?
Your friend,
Stephen
Brave Men and Beautiful Women
1 Timothy 2:9-15 (ESV)
9likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
God created men and women to complement each other in the church.
1. Christian men must fulfill the God-created responsibility of leading in the church.
2. Christian women must adorn themselves beautifully through serving in the church.
Click below for sermon audio:
1 Timothy 2:9-15