News from Isabel Acheson for issue of Feb 13 , 2025
Somerset Bible Chapel
Sunny and cold was the condition for the second Sunday in February. Despite those away on winter holidays, there is still a good attendance for Sunday School and Worship Service.
Clayton Kimber led the announcements. Ernie and Lorna Unrau filled in as music team with very short notice (on arrival at church). Jonathan Timmerman served as usher. Pastor Jeff Peacock led the Prayer Focus and Isabel read the Scripture lesson from 3 John 1:5-15.
The Song selections were from the hymn book, with lyrics also projected to read. “The Old Rugged Cross”, “And Can It Be” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”; then “Because He Lives”, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” and the closing was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”.
The Apostle John often uses the term “beloved” or “little children” in his epistles to the believers. The root word in Greek indicates a deep and meaningful term of affection. It would be very encouraging to the Christians of the early church. One description of the Christian church is “Bride of Christ”. The question is “How robust is our love for the church?”
Pastor Jeff went on to speak (in vs 5-6) of Gaius who is commended for his faithfulness, especially in hospitality and encouragement to those who were itinerant teachers of the Truth. Matthew 25:31-46 gives Jesus’ teaching about How to treat people.
Sanctified hearts produce Sanctified behaviour. James 2:14-18 explains that Faith without works is dead. Good works do not earn salvation but do prove out one’s faith. Genuine faith produces Christlike behaviour and should be primarily and increasingly so.
The vs 9-10 section describes a contrast: a person who refuses to welcome Christian brothers, who stops those who want to, and who puts the willing helpers out of the church. Gaius puts others first, D. puts himself first, does not respect authority, and speaks wicked nonsense against the faithful.
Each one is to examine their own heart ( though God knows the heart fully) and determine to Love one another, that the world will know they are disciples of Jesus.
The Benediction was from Ephesians 3:14-20.
Monthly bulletins and previous reports are available on the website www.somersetbiblechapel.com
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