I Will Praise Him Still (Song)

Sung by Pastor Dave Atkins and Mrs. Jennifer Ferguson

Click below to listen:
Pastor Dave and Mrs. Ferguson

From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Friend,

If you are reading this, you are not here by accident. As we come together to worship Christ, we do so as a community of believers across space and time carrying on the praise of the one who has given us life, by sacrificing His own. It is my prayer that, regardless of the reason why you came, you find yourself in the presence of an Almighty King who loves you and amongst people who, though broken and sinful, strive to love Him and you with all they possess. I hope God is glorified and you are blessed in our time together today.

Your friend,

Stephen

From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Friends,

God only wants what is best for His children. While the scripture is full of exhortation to obey the Lord and to abstain from certain behaviors, the purpose of God’s message is to live and not die. God does not tell us to turn away from sin in the world so we can miss out on fun and pleasure. He asks us to turn away from worthless things so we can have life!

This life is found in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus said, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him, should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).
Friend, where are your eyes fixed? Is your heart bound up in the treasures and pleasures of this world or are you focused upon eternity with Jesus? I pray that you will look at the Savior, who died for you and was raised to life again. If you do, then something amazing will happen. First, you will have eternal life (and an eternal relationship with the God who made you and loves you). Second, you will find the meaning, joy, strength, and purpose in life that you cannot find in those “worthless things” which are considered so valuable by those who do not know Him.

Your servant,

Stephen

From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Friends,

In many countries, this Sunday is Mother’s Day. Mothers can have a powerful impact on the world. Often it is a mother’s sharing of scripture and prayers that make the difference in a child. Here is a sampling of men who attribute their becoming believers to the prayers and exhortations of their mothers:

• One of the first great Christian theologians, St. Augustine.
• The writer of Amazing Grace, John Newton.
• The great evangelist, John Wesley (and also his brother Charles, the hymn-writer).
• The pioneer missionary to China, Hudson Taylor.

Without a doubt, there are thousands (maybe millions) more who have given themselves to the service of the Lord because their mothers taught them to love Him! If you are a mother, you do not only have an opportunity to serve Christ on your own, you have a chance to prepare another to do the same.

Praise God for often-praying, Jesus-loving, Bible-teaching moms!

Your servant,

Stephen

From the Pastor’s Desk

Jesus gives a special blessing to Christians who live after his earthly ministry ended.

The disciples knew Jesus had been crucified and laid in a tomb. Most of them were certain they would never see their Master again. But a wonderful tale began to circulate. Some of the women and a few of Jesus closest friends had seen him alive (the number would later grow to about 500). One of the Lord’s disciples however, was skeptical to say the least. Thomas announced, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25). This honest statement earned him the unflattering nickname, Doubting Thomas.

I, however, think people are too hard on Thomas. Didn’t he just verbalize what so many are thinking when they hear about the resurrection of Jesus. Thomas at least had the privilege of doing just what he said it would take to believe. Jesus appeared to him and invited him to touch his wounds. Thomas worshipped in awe! Right at that moment, though, the Lord said something that is a great source of comfort to all of us who are on earth awaiting his return. Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). If, by God’s grace, you are a Christian, then those words are for you. Meditate upon them this Easter Sunday. They are Jesus’ special words of blessing for you!

Your friend,

Stephen

JIBC’s New Worship and Youth Pastor

Dave is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with Master of Theology (MTh) degree in Christian Education/Bible Exposition and has served in various ministries over the past 10 years. He has been married to his wife Sharon for just over one year. Sharon is a Registered Nurse and has studied at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. For many years, both Dave and Sharon have had an interest in serving an international ministry. Dave’s background includes working with High School and College Students at a college, various summer camps, and two different churches including the historic Scofield Memorial Church in Dallas, TX.

Dave is a gifted guitarist and has also served as a worship leader in a variety of church settings and other ministry contexts. He is also a percussionist and singer with choral and solo experience. Dave loves stories (including books, movies, and plays). He and his wife enjoy running and doing things outdoors. Dave enjoys getting to know people, learning about their lives, and “just hanging out.” You can e-mail Pastor Dave at pastordave@thejibc.org

Songs We Sing in Worship

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

We Fall Down

Your Name

Praise is Rising

That’s Why We Praise Him

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