Some Of The Reasons I'm Excited About Today

Here are some of the reasons I am excited about today...

***Worship this morning. We get to exalt our Lord.

***We will hear a testimony this morning of a family in our church who chose the path of faithfulness and discovered the blessings of the Lord.

***New message series starts today: How Smart Are You?

***Tonight for the first time, the junior high youth group will be leading the service. The junior high youth band has been practicing for this for weeks. It will be a great night.

***Tonight, following the service is the official meet and greet for the Pletcher's and their three new adopted children from the Ukraine.

***I have a leadership meeting today for final approval of the drawings and budget for the construction of our new preschool facility. Groundbreaking will be next week.

***I have a deacon's meeting today where we will be discussing a new Sunday night series that will begin on March 13 and culminate on March 27 with a very special evening for our church.

***I have a worship pastor search team meeting today where we will be praying about a very serious candidate for church.

That is just a start. I haven't spoken with Pastor Wally, but we probably have baptisms this morning... We will be promoting our New Member class today which already had a ton of people signed up... The preschoolers are working on something special that the church will see next week...

Don't miss this morning!

Pastor Noel

Bible Verses We Like To Hate

I know, that is an odd title for a blog post, but as I was studying this morning for an upcoming project, I kept running across these verses that made me squirm. I thought perhaps I should share them with you. They may make you squirm now, but if obeyed, they will make you rejoice later.

… Proverbs 24:17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

… Romans 12:17 (NLT) Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

… 1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

… 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT) Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

… Proverbs 20:22 (NIV) Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.

Pastor Noel

Benefits of Obeying God's Word

In studying for an upcoming message this morning, I was reading through some different kinds of topical Bibles.  I ran across this article in one of them.  It encouraged me and I thought I would share it...

Benefits of Obeying God’s Word

Psalm 119:2 promises blessings for obeying God’s Word (or “testimonies”) and seeking the Lord with one’s whole heart. The psalm goes on to mention or allude to a number of these benefits:

• Avoiding sin and pursuing godliness (Ps. 119:3, 11, 36, 102, 133).
• A motivation and basis for praising God (Ps. 119:7, 171).
• A pure lifestyle (Ps. 119:9).
• Readjustments in our priorities (Ps. 119:14, 92) and values (Ps. 119:16, 20, 37, 48, 72, 103, 111, 127).\
• Insight into our purpose on earth (Ps. 119:19, 32, 125).
• Avoiding and learning from God’s rebuke (Ps. 119:21–22, 67, 71, 75, 118).
• A basis for evaluating criticism and opposition (Ps. 119:23, 41–42, 51, 61, 69, 84–88, 98, 161).
• A source of wisdom and guidance for day-to-day life (119:24, 66, 105, 130, 176).
• Encouragement, hope, and comfort (Ps. 119:25, 28, 41, 49–50, 52, 55, 61, 81–83, 114, 166). 
• Something valuable with which to occupy our minds (Ps. 119:27, 55, 62, 97, 147–148) and conversation (119:46, 164, 172). 
• A basis for truth, honesty, and integrity (Ps. 119:29–30, 99–100, 104, 163). 
• A sense of freedom (Ps. 119:45). 
• A source of new songs (Ps. 119:54). 
• An accurate basis for self-examination (Ps. 119:59). 
• Fellowship with like-minded believers (Ps. 119:63, 79). 
• A solid foundation for our faith (Ps. 119:66, 89–90). 
• Protection and peace (Ps. 119:114, 165). 
• The ability to discern right from wrong (Ps. 119:136, 138–139, 158). 
• A motivation and basis for prayer (Ps. 119:169–170). 
• The Lord’s help (Ps. 119:173–174).

Pastor Noel

Article from:  Thomas Nelson Publishers. (2001). What does the Bible say about... The ultimate A to Z resource fully illustrated. Nelson's A to Z series (280–281). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Audio Books

I enjoy listening to many audio books.  In fact, just today I finished "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy: A Righteous Gentile Vs. The Third Reich".  An excellent book about a great theologian I knew very little about before, but now am very inspired by.  (I know that was poor grammar.)

Today I ran across a free audio book of a great book I read a few weeks ago:  Adopted for Life by Russell Moore.  If you would like to listen to this book, you can download it for free here.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  You may be challenged and convicted, but not disappointed.

Pastor Noel

The Weekend and other Miscellaneous bits...

I'm looking forward to the weekend. (And not because it's Super Bowl weekend.) Today is my birthday, so what I've asked for is... a family night. It will be a good night at home. I have a suspicion that my wife is cooking some of her ought-to-be famous shrimp and grits, and Emily is cooking me a made-from-scratch cheesecake. We will probably play a game or maybe watch "Secretariat". I have a little bit of a surprise for them, maybe.

This morning started off bad/good. In my quiet time this morning I prayed for Bill Helms, a godly older man in our church. I knew he was close to passing away. I felt the Lord remind me during my prayer time that If Bill died today, he was going to have a much better weekend than me. His wife called about an hour later to share with me that he had just passed.

Tomorrow, Donna and I are going to go out, something we rarely do on Saturdays. For Christmas I had purchased cooking classes for her. That was the one thing I knew she needed least but would enjoy the most. So that is our date tomorrow, taking a cooking class together. Ironically, Jeff and Angela Salyer are going with us. Angela is the second least likely person in the world to need cooking classes. It will be interesting. Maybe Donna and Angela can just teach the class. Jeff and I can handle the eating.

I've been mum on my sermon focus this Sunday because this is going to be one of those difficult messages, but it is important, and I am ready to preach it. It's messages like these that will have the least positive-feedback, but perhaps the most significant impact.

We've got some new church members coming over for lunch Sunday and maybe also some prospects. Still mulling over my Super Bowl plans...

It will be a great weekend!

Noel

P.S.
The Pletchers, some friends who have been in Ukraine for the past two months trying to adopt three little kids, finally return to Ohio tonight. I think they are scheduled to land at CMH at 10:15 p.m.. I can't wait to meet their new children!

Proverbs on Parenting

In preparation for my Connect Group this week (we are studying the book of Proverbs), I went through Proverbs and pulled out all of the verses that dealt with parenting in some fashion or another.

Look through this list... How much better off would we all be if this became the guiding influence in how we raised our children?

Pastor Noel

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Proverbs on Parenting

Parents Have A Responsibility to Correct their Children

… Proverbs 1:8–9 8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

… Proverbs 13:1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

… Proverbs 13:24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

… Proverbs 15:5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

… Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

… Proverbs 22:15 A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.

… Proverbs 23:13–14 13 Don’t fail to discipline your children. They won’t die if you spank them. 14 Physical discipline may well save them from death.

… Proverbs 29:15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

… Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.

Parents Have A Responsibility to Live a Wise Life as an Example

… Proverbs 5:1–2 1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. 2 Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.

… Proverbs 11:21 Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.

Parents Have A Responsibility to Teach their Children

… Proverbs 6:20–22 20 My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.

… Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

… Proverbs 31:1 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.

Proverbs for the Children

… Proverbs 1:8–9 8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

… Proverbs 5:1–2 1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. 2 Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.

… Proverbs 6:20–22 20 My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.

… Proverbs 8:32–33 32 “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful. 33 Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.

… Proverbs 13:1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

… Proverbs 15:5 Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.

… Proverbs 19:26 Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace.

… Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.

… Proverbs 23:24 The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.

… Proverbs 23:25 So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.

… Proverbs 28:24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.

… Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures.

Miscellaneous

… Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.

… Proverbs 13:22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

… Proverbs 15:20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.

... Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

… Proverbs 17:21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.

… Proverbs 17:25 Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.

… Proverbs 19:13 A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping.

… Proverbs 30:11 Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother.

… Proverbs 31:28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:

A Great Day at First Baptist Church!

What a great day we had Sunday... packed house, great singing, and the message wasn't too long :)

But at the end of the service we were able to make an announcement that I want to share here in case you missed it.

About 10 1/2 months ago, we asked our church to take a step of faith and give sacrificially above their regular giving toward the rebuilding and renovating of our preschool ministry facilities.

We initially estimated that the church could stretch and give $95,000 extra in the first year and another $95,000 extra in the second year. But we decided to just see what would happen if we refused to borrow any money and challenged the church to give it all in one year... a total of $190,000.

Well when the pledges came in last March we were overwhelmed with the total: $181,000. And while that was still short of the funds needed for the project, we were excited. Well, as of last week, the offerings toward the pledge totaled: $191,733.40!

The original goal of $190,000 was reached and surpassed one and a half months early!

As the project bids have come in, however, the actual cost of the project has risen to $220,000. But in addition to the church meeting the original goal, a very generous family has given an extra $30,000 which takes us even beyond the new cost total for the project.

What does this mean? We can begin now to build what we need and incur no debt!

Thank you for your sacrificial giving. Thank you for your faithfulness. And thank the Lord for his bountiful provisions!

I look forward to seeing all of the young families we are able to reach through this new facility you have given toward.

Pastor Noel

Proverbs on Money, II

Here is a much better presentation of the same verses in "Proverbs on Money, Part I".

Pastor Noel

Wealth & Taking Advice
… Proverbs 13:18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.

Real Wealth
… Proverbs 15:16 Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
… Proverbs 19:14 Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.
… Proverbs 23:4–5 4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. 5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
… Proverbs 28:6 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.
… Proverbs 30:8–9 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

Contentment
… Proverbs 30:8–9 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
… Ecclesiastes 5:10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

Trusting in Money
… Proverbs 11:28 Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

Quick Wealth / Greediness
… Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
… Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.
… Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
… Proverbs 23:4–5 4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. 5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
… Proverbs 28:22 Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

Laziness
… Proverbs 6:10–11 10 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
… Proverbs 10:4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
… Proverbs 13:4 Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
… Proverbs 14:23 Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
… Proverbs 20:13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
… Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
… Proverbs 30:24–25 24 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: 25 Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.

Spending Less Than You Make
… Proverbs 21:20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.

Borrowing
… Proverbs 22:7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

Budgeting
… Proverbs 27:23 Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds,
… Proverbs 21:20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
… Proverbs 30:24–25 24 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: 25 Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.

Co-Signing Debt
… Proverbs 6:1–5 1 My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger— 2 if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said— 3 follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. 4 Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. 5 Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.
… Proverbs 11:15 There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.
… Proverbs 17:18 It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.
… Proverbs 22:26 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.

Giving to the Work of the Lord
… Proverbs 3:9–10 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Giving to the Needy
… Proverbs 11:24 Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
… Proverbs 11:25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
… Proverbs 19:17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!
… Proverbs 21:13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
… Proverbs 28:27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

Misc
… Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
… Proverbs 11:4 Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.
… Proverbs 13:7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
… Proverbs 13:8 The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.
… Proverbs 13:22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
… Proverbs 19:1 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.
… Proverbs 19:4 Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away.
… Proverbs 22:16 A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
… Proverbs 28:8 Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

Proverbs on Money

In preparation for my Connect Group this week (we are studying the book of Proverbs), I went through Proverbs and pulled out all of the verses that dealt with money in some fashion or another.

Look through this list... How much better off would we all be if this became the guiding influence in how we managed our money?

Pastor Noel

Proverbs 3:9–10	9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
Proverbs 6:1–5	1 My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger— 2 if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said— 3 follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. 4 Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. 5 Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.
Proverbs 6:10–11	10 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
Proverbs 10:4	Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
Proverbs 10:22	The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 11:4	Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.
Proverbs 11:15	There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.
Proverbs 11:24	Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
Proverbs 11:25	The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:28	Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.
Proverbs 13:4	Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
Proverbs 13:7	Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
Proverbs 13:8	The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.
Proverbs 13:11	Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
Proverbs 13:18	If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.
Proverbs 13:22	Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
Proverbs 14:23	Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
Proverbs 15:16	Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
Proverbs 17:18	It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.
Proverbs 19:1	Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.
Proverbs 19:4	Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away.
Proverbs 19:14	Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.
Proverbs 19:17	If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you!
Proverbs 20:13	If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
Proverbs 20:21	An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.
Proverbs 21:5	Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
Proverbs 21:13	Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
Proverbs 21:20	The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
Proverbs 22:7	Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
Proverbs 22:16	A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty.
Proverbs 22:26	Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else.
Proverbs 23:4–5	4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. 5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.
Proverbs 27:23	Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds,
Proverbs 28:6	Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.
Proverbs 28:8	Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
Proverbs 28:22	Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
Proverbs 28:27	Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
Proverbs 30:8–9	8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.
Proverbs 30:24–25	24 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: 25 Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.
Ecclesiastes 5:10	Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

Essential 100 Bible Challenge

We are throwing the Bible reading assignments up each day on the Event Facebook Page.

I would also suggest going to YouVersion to follow along with the plan.

It has been great to hear from so many people who are joining us for this. We've had people sign up at the church, via email, and on the Facebook page. We've hard stories of families doing this together... Offices doing this together and even churches that have decided to join us. Because of your faithfulness to invite your friends, we have literally hundreds and hundreds committed to reading their Bibles daily for these 100 days!

Thanks for being a part of this!

Pastor Noel

E100 For Wednesday, January 5

OK... The assignment for tomorrow (1.5) is Genesis 1-2. I would love to see us get a discussion going on the Facebook page through the day tomorrow. So here are three questions I want to throw out for you to think about as you read and maybe comment on...

1. What does it mean that we are made in God's Image? How should that affect how we live?

2. What does it mean that God created men and women to compliment one another? In what ways is your life blessed because of this complimentary creation? Why is it good that men and women have different approaches, temperaments, strengths?

3. What things do these two chapter remind us that we should thank the Lord for?

Pastor Noel

Essential 100 Bible Challenge Begins In 24 Hours!

We all begin tomorrow morning. Here are some questions to answer to know if you are ready...

• Do you have a list of verses to read each day? We will post them on the Facebook Event Page each night for the next day, but you can also email us at e100@fbcho.com for the entire verse list or stop by the church for paper copies and bookmarks we've made with all... of the assignments listed.

• Have you invited all of your friends and family? What better way to encourage those around you in their walk with the Lord!

• Do you have an easy to read Bible? I, pastor Noel, and going to do my reading from an NLT Bible. Any translation will work as long as you have one you can easily understand.

• Do you want the accompanying devotional book? It isn't necessary but might help you better understand what you are reading. We have them here at the church if you can come by. Read the blog post below for more info about the books.

Pastor Noel

Essential 100 Bible Challenge

Tomorrow (1.2.2011), we will introduce our church to the Essential 100 Day Challenge. If you haven't heard the message, you can do so online. We will post it to our website and to iTunes on Monday. We will post a link to it here when available.

Here is the FAQ that will help you get started...

Essential 100 Day Challenge FAQ

When will the Essential 100 Day Challenge Begin?

• Wednesday (1.5.2011) -- Why Wednesday? We want you to have a couple days to invite your friends to join you in this life changing challenge.

How to Be A Part of the Essential 100 Day Challenge?

• · Complete an E100 Commitment Card or if you are reading this online, send us a quick email with your name and address to e100@fbcho.com.

• · Make sure you have an E100 Scripture List. Lists are available at church or by requesting one at the email address: e100@fbcho.cm.

How can I interact with others who are doing the E100 Challenge?

• · Visit our Facebook Event Page to share your insights and be encouraged by others who have joined you in this challenge. You can reach the link from the church website (www.FirstBaptistHeath.com) or the pastor's blog (PastorDear.blogspot.com).

Can I do this online or with my mobile device?

• · Yes. Go to the YouVersion Website or access your YouVersion App and search for the "Essential 100" reading plan.

How can I encourage others to be a part of this?

• · Invite your Facebook friends by going to the Event Page and clicking 'Invite'.

• · Call friends and family and ask them if they would do this with you for the next 100 days.

Is there a resource to help me understand what I am reading?

• · Yes. The book is titled, "The Essential Bible Guide: 100 Readings Through The World's Most Important Book" by Whitney Kuniholm. This book is not required, but it does give helpful insights into each day's reading.

• · The book is available at the church for $10.00 (cash, check, credit card).

• · The book is also available at Amazon ($10.96).

• · The book is also available on the Kindle ($9.29) and Nook ($9.99) electronic platforms.

Pastor Noel