One Hundred Day Bible Reading Challenge

I am very excited about something we will be sharing with everyone this Sunday. Watch this space for more information. The challenge officially begins on Wednesday, January 5.

You can visit our Facebook Event page here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172475932791635.

Pastor Noel

Jesus is God!

Below is some supporting material for my message preached on December 12. I hope this helps...

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Jesus is God

A. Jesus has the attributes of deity.

1. He is eternal.

-John 1:1‑3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

-Micah 5:2, But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

-Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

2. He is omnipresent.

-John 3:13, No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.

-Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

-Matthew 28:20, Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

3. He is omniscient.

-John 16:30, Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.

-John 21:17, He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.

-Colossians 2:3, In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

-John 4:28‑29, The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"

-Luke 6:8, But He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Arise and stand here." And he arose and stood.

-It is true that Jesus said that he didn’t know the time of his return and he did ‘marvel’ at the people’s unbelief, and he went to the fig tree expecting figs, but these have explanations...

4. He is omnipotent.

-John 5:19, Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

-Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Revelation 1:8, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

-Hebrews 1:3, Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

-John 5:36, But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish‑‑ the very works that I do‑‑ bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

5. He is immutable.

-Hebrews 1:12, Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.

-Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

B. Jesus has the offices of deity.

1. He is the Creator.

-John 1:3, All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

-Colossians 1:16, For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

-Hebrews 1:10, And: "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.

2. He is the Sustainer.

-Colossians 1:17, And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

-Colossians 1:17, He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (NIV)

-Hebrews 1:3, Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

C. Jesus has the authority of deity.

1. He forgave sins.

-Matthew 9:2, 6, Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you. But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"‑‑ then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house."

2. He will raise the dead in the resurrection.

-John 5:28‑29, Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth‑‑ those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

3. He will execute judgment.

-Romans 14:10. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

-2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

D. Jesus claimed to be Yahweh (Jehovah)

-Other words for titles can be used in varying ways.

-Adonai (Lord) can sometimes be used of man.

-Genesis 18:12, Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord (adonai) being old also?"

-Elohim (god) can sometimes be used of false gods.

-Deuteronomy 6:14, You shall not go after other gods (elohim), the gods of the peoples who are all around you.

-YHWH only refers to the one true God.

-Exodus 3:14, And God said to Moses, "I AM (YHWH) WHO I AM (YHWH)." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM (YHWH) has sent me to you.'"

-Isaiah 44:6, Thus says the LORD (YHWH), the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD (YHWH) of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God.

-John 8:58‑59, Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

E. Jesus claimed to be equal with God.

-Mark 2:5‑12, When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, "Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take up your bed and walk'? "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"‑‑ He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go your way to your house." Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

-John 5:21, For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

F. Jesus claimed to be Messiah-God.

-When Isaiah talked about the coming Messiah, he called Him, ‘Mighty God.’

-Isaiah 9:6, For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Mark 14:61‑64, But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" And Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "What further need do we have of witnesses? "You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?" And they all condemned Him to be worthy of death.

Better Living Through The Book of Proverbs

We are quickly approaching time for sign-ups for the next Connect Group Semester. I am really looking forward to this next semester. I have decided to lead a Sunday, 9:30 co-ed group instead of my usual weekday group for men. All total we believe we will have six young co-ed groups meeting in the Sunday, 9:30 slot this go around.

I just put together the description piece for my Connect Group for this next semester. (Catalogs are being printed next week.) Take a look...

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Better Living Through The Book of Proverbs

In this group, we will study the principles taught by the book of Proverbs and learn how those principles can impact and improve our daily lives. So many practical issues are dealt with in Proverbs:

* How To Be a Better Wife
* How To Raise Godly Children
* How To Lower the Stress of Finances
* How To Manage Time and Priorities
* How To Deal with Bad Relationships
* How To Refrain from Sexual Sin
* How To Have Lasting Integrity
* How To Have a Happier Home
* How To Be a Leader
* How To Make Wise Decisions
* How To Be a Better Husband & Dad
* How To Overcome Anger
* How To Always Have Enough Money
* How To Live Without Regret
* And on and on...

We will begin our study by learning about the background and the structure of the book of Proverbs so that we will be well equipped to mine its riches. Then we will begin to study the book for practical application. We will use both teaching and discussion to sort out the meanings because as the book of Proverbs says, "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established and there you will find safety." (Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 11:14)

As our book for this group, we will use the Crossway Classic Commentary on Proverbs by Charles Bridges.

This group will be geared to the age range of those with children still in the home.

Pastor Noel

Jesus Thank You

This past Sunday we sang one of my very favorite songs, "Jesus, Thank You". Each line in this song refers to a biblical picture of Salvation. As you sing through the song, it serves as a reminder of all of those great scriptural lessons about the cross, salvation, and God's grace and mercy.

I'm thinking about preaching a message soon, where I take each of Bible passages the song references and show how that reference increases our understanding of the amazing grace of God.

Here are the lyrics...

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul
I want to live for You


Pastor Noel

Working With The Schools

One of the things you will be hearing much about in the months to come is how we are committed to trying to be a blessing to the three public elementary schools within one mile of our church. We are looking for ways to encourage the schools, the teachers and administrators, the children and their parents. There are going to be many ways you can partner with the church to help with this outreach in the days to come. More to come...

One thing we were able to be a part of was hosting the Veterans Day celebration done by Cherry Valley Elementary last week. Here is a letter I received from one of their teachers...

Hi Pastor Dear!

I just had to say THANK YOU!!!!! The bagged lunches and "thank you" cards just "made the day" for all the teachers at school!!! They are just all walking around in AWE! What a precious testimony! I have been walking around the school saying, "That is MY church!" :) I am so proud and thankful to be a member of such a kind and thoughtful church!

Thank you and everyone else involved!!!

In Him, Susan Brown

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Cherry Valley contacted us this week to say they would like to do a food drive to help our food pantry feed families going through difficulties. Wow. What a great gesture.

Last week, Garfield Elementary school donated a truck full of food for our food pantry that came from the hard work of the students and parents there. We are so thankful for these schools and we look forward to partnering with them in any way we can.

Pastor Noel

Good Few Days...

We have had a good few days at the church. Let me give you some highlights...

- We had about 700 kids, parents, and veterans connected to Cherry Valley Elementary School at our church for a program on Friday. It was great to be a small partner in this event. We love our local schools.

- A good morning today. Praise team and choir did a great job. We had one public profession of faith during the service, a long time member that has never had assurance of her faith. Crowd was good with several visitors. Last week we had our largest crowd since Easter. I haven't seen numbers yet, but today could have been as good or better.

- This is out of order, but we had four people officially join the church this past Wednesday in our New Member's class.

- Thursday morning we had a bunch of men show up early to just pray for revival. What an encouragement that was.

- Tonight we had a young mom make a public profession of faith just before the service began! Pastor Wally started a new series of messages from the life of Elijah tonight.

- Garfield Elementary School PTO gave our food pantry a ton of food to help us meet needs in our community. We are incredibly thankful for this gift and for the kids and families who worked hard to provide it.

I am so thankful for what the Lord is doing in and through our church!

Pastor Noel

Ten Reasons Why Christians Should Vote

I saw this on Nelson Searcy's blog... I though I would share it with you.

Ten Reasons Why Christians Should Vote

• Voting publicly recognizes that we submit to the authority of the political system in our nation as established by God. Romans 13:1-7
• Voting recognizes the equality of all people and their right to speak and be heard. Deuteronomy 10:17-19
• Voting is one way that we can obey God’s command to seek the good of those around us and our nation as a whole. Jeremiah 29:7
• Voting shows that we care deeply about who our leaders are as we are urged to offer prayer and intercession on their behalf. 1 Timothy 2:1,2
• Voting is a simple yet significant way we can do something about politics in our nation. ‘All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing’, Edmund Burke. Psalms 34:14
• Voting makes a difference the way a grain of salt makes a difference, and that is how we are to influence our society for good. Matthew 5:13
• Voting is a privilege not to be taken for granted. Those of us who reap the benefits of living in a democracy should play a part in upholding democracy.
• Not voting is a form of voting, as it will influence the outcome. We need to take responsibility for our actions, as well as our lack of actions. Luke 10:25-37
• Voting is part of our stewardship to use all the resources we have been given in ways that honor God; to waste a vote is to squander a gift.
• Voting is Biblical. The Bible contains numerous references to “casting lots.” (ex. Proverbs 16:33) Acts 14:23 shows that the early Christians elected elders by voting.

Pastor Noel

On My Heart...

Quick note to our church family (and other kind readers) of what is on my heart this morning...

... Recently read an old book titled "How To Pray" by a R.A. Torrey. It has been a life changing book! I read a lot of books and I rarely say that, but this small book is worth reading. Currently all of our deacons and council are reading the book and they are saying the same thing about it. Ask Bill Marriott or Henry Zigan or Martin Bauer what they think about the book. I imagine any deacon will give you a strong recommendation to read it.

... I'm excited about our new Church Council. We had our first leadership meeting this past Sunday night. I look forward to how we can work together to serve the Lord and the church. Pray for these eight men: Billy Andrews, Jeff Salyer, Ray Wagner, Andrew Roth, Henry Zigan, Bo Bogardus, Sean Hall, Michael George.

I've got to take a break. More to come...

Pastor Noel

Upcoming PM Series

Leave a Comment on our New Blog

Check out a new blog we are using to get the word out about an upcoming message series.

www.InvestigatingEvidence.com

Leave a comment about any objection to the Bible's trustworthiness and I will be sure to address it during this message series.

Pastor Noel

Tomorrow, tomorrow...

Tomorrow I will begin a new series of messages I have titled, "Everyone Lives Forever, Somewhere". I think that sometimes we get in the middle of the busyness and stress of life and forget why we are still here, what our purpose is as believers and as a church.

My prayer is that in the next four weeks we can recapture a real sense of urgency for sharing the good news of God's love and forgiveness with those who haven't yet experienced it. I pray that we while see real change in our lives and our church in these next few weeks.

On another note... Our Ukraine mission team will land back in Columbus around 5:30 pm on Monday. Pray for their last Sunday in country. All the reports we have heard are that it has been a great trip.

Pastor Noel

Lord's Supper

This Sunday morning we will share in the taking of the Lord's Supper in our main worship service. Ordinarily we do this in the evening, so this will be a special event.

I've been thinking about what I want to say for a while now. As I have studied the first Lord's Supper in Scripture, I believe the Lord has shown me a great insight into how to communicate the importance and value of this special celebration.

We will be focusing on the account of the events just preceding the Lord's Supper in John 13. I encourage you to prepare by reading the chapter and asking the Lord to prepare your heart. It will be a good day of worship!

Pastor Noel

New Ministry Staff

Dear FBC Heath Family,

As I shared with you back in January, we are making a concerted effort to increase our outreach to young families by improving and expanding our preschool, children, and youth ministries.

The first step in that was to begin the process of renovating our preschool facilities. The cost of that project will be around $190,000, and it is our commitment to pay cash for this expense. So this past March we began to collect the needed funds. As of today, four months later, through your generosity and sacrifice, you have given $140,722.45! Construction will begin as soon as we have the needed funds in that account.

This Sunday we will take another step in this effort to reach more young families. We will ask the church to create two new ministry staff positions. Both of them will be under the umbrella title of “Family Ministry Directors”. We have asked Phil and Christine Lintz to serve in these positions once they are approved.

Phil will be working along side Pastor Troy in the youth ministry. We will eventually see that ministry split into a junior high and a senior high ministry. It is our desire to see our youth ministry grow to reach more and more young people. One of the steps we believe is needed for this is to free up Troy’s time to focus on the Senior High youth and then to have Phil focus on reaching and discipling the younger ones.

It is often difficult to preach a message to teens when you have 12-year-olds and 18-year-olds in the same group. Many of the issues an eighteen year old in our culture will face are different from those the twelve year old encounters.

Troy and I have spent much time talking and praying about this, and we believe this will be a valuable step toward increasing the effectiveness of our youth ministry.

Christine will work with Pastor Wally in the preschool and children’s ministry. With the new preschool facility, our new security procedures, and our expanding children’s ministries, we simply need more hands on deck. Christine has become a great assistant to Pastor Wally and an effective leader alongside many others in our children’s ministry in the last year. Pastor Wally and I are looking forward to seeing how an expanded role for Christine will help us reach more families.

In order to facilitate these new positions and also to increase Pastor Troy’s salary to better reflect his responsibilities, we will need to make some financial adjustments. I believe at this time, with the financial climate of our nation and state, we do not need to increase our budget requirements. So I have asked Scott, our administrator, to identify sufficient funds that we can move from one area of the budget to another to take care of this need. He has put together a recommendation that will accommodate the change without negatively impacting any of our ministries. After the church approves this ministry step, we will ask the finance team to officially make those changes.

If you have any questions, please call or email me or Pastor Wally at the church. Or you can contact any of our church council members. We will try to answer all your questions during the week. Sunday we will vote without discussion in our morning worship service.

I am thankful for how the Lord has provided our church with such excellent leaders… both those I get to work with on staff and those godly, faithful laypeople in our church.

In Christ,

Pastor Noel

Fourth of July Message

I am very excited about what I believe the Lord has shown me in His Word to share with you on Sunday morning!

In the Scripture story of a man by the funny name of Hezekiah we see that he makes a grave mistake near the end of his life that tarnished his legacy and hurt his nation. I believe it is that same error that we are facing as a nation, and perhaps even as a church.

Sunday we will focus on Isaiah 39 and the passages that give us background to the story.

My prayer is that the Lord will shake us from our complacency and our selfishness as a nation, as a church, as fathers and mothers, and as the children of God!

I hope you will make plans to join us, even though it is a holiday weekend.

Pastor Noel

Graduation and Recitals

This has been a busy week, not a good week to have a cold. Today there is a homeschool recital and then a graduation service to follow. Tonight is dance recital number two. Wednesday's recital lasted until nearly 11:00 p.m.! But the nine minutes my girls were dancing were really exciting. During the other three hours and twenty one minutes I read the new Craig Groeschel book, The Christian Atheist. Pretty good book.

Two big events coming up at the church...

Youth leave for youth camp this Sunday!

VBS begins the following week (6/26)!

Be in prayer for these events.

By the way, a lady in our church, Tonya Carlisle, is expecting to give birth to her baby today. She is only at 34 weeks, so we are all in prayer for mom and baby.

Pastor Noel