by Andrea Belonga: Part 2

Keep a Close Watch on the Teaching - Nancy Guthrie - (part 2)

(1Timothy 4:6-16)
"If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Nancy Guthrie's second session was entitled "Keep a Close Watch of the Teaching", and it was based on 1 Timothy 4: 6-16. Nancy pointed out that "these things", mentioned in verse 6, mean the "sound teaching" of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She voiced the following question to the leaders of women's ministry in the PCA: "Are we willing to let God set his agenda before the women and determine to teach the women what they most need to know, or are we setting our own agenda based on what the women say that they want to know or learn, on what they find the most practical or relevant or interesting, or on what the women want to talk about, share, discuss from their own experiences, etc?"

Our speaker, Nancy, reminded us to focus on scripture. The Bible is God speaking to us! However, it seems that at times, that fact has lost its awe and wonder for us. It is crucial that we do not leave out chunks of the Bible that seem uninteresting. The Bible is God's Word breathed out! It is what God decided to tell us. For example, God wants us to know the story from the Old Testament of the history of his people. In the garden, after the fall, He points ahead to a Redeemer through whom he will bless His people. In Exodus, he shows us that he took his people out of slavery in Egypt and brought them into the promised land. This helps us understand our own story of redemption where we are set free from being enslaved to sin. God shows us the giving of the law, sacrifices, and feasts to point us to Christ who is the perfect law-keeper and the ultimate sacrifice. The books of the prophets hold a mirror to show us our own sin that deserves exile from God. Psalms teaches us how to pray, praise, and lament, and we need the wisdom of Job, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes as we navigate life. The gospels show Christ in action and hold a record of His life, and the vision of John in Revelation shows God working out his plan to completion and the full fruition we will finally experience in the new heavens and the new earth.

It is important to not elevate man's words over God's words. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (1 Timothy 3:16-17).  Also, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (2Timothy 3:14-15) Nancy Guthrie reminded us that doctrine is important! We need to care deeply about it and teach it. Some would say that we don't really need doctrine, and that doctrine is divisive, but the reality is, once we bring up Jesus, we need doctrine! We need to understand who he really is and what we believe about him. What we need most is not a bunch of tips on how to better live our lives, but instead we need to see Jesus at work in our lives, bringing about his purposes.

We must devote ourselves to and immerse ourselves in sound doctrine. This is what is means to "keep a watch on the teaching". So, watch what you invest time and money in, watch who you listen to, watch what you read. These various voices shape how we think and how we speak. What flows out of us is largely influenced by what flows into us. Reconsider what you spend time on, and don't spend time on pointless pursuits. Even "good things" can lead us astray from our Savior. It can be so easy to get absorbed in secondary pursuits.

How do we immerse ourselves in sound doctrine? Many opportunities are available. Not only can we attend a church where the pastor faithfully preaches the Word and take full advantage of church ministries such as Sunday School and Bible study, but we can take advantage of the technology of today and download sermons, read blogs, or get information from websites.

Nancy recommended the following to us:
monergism.com
desiringgod.org (30+ years of John Piper's sermons)
whitehorseinn.org
thegospelcoalition.org
www.proctrust.org.uk (Proclamation Trust)
allsouls.org (All Souls Church, Langham Place)
The following pastors' sermons: Collin Smith, Liam Goligher (from Tenth Presbyterian Church)
Download audio from various seminary classes such as Covenant Seminary

We want our lives to be shaped by the gospel rather than by the culture around us. If we don't persevere in watching our lives and our doctrine, we will drift. What should we watch out for in order to continue in this pursuit?

1. Watch how you respond to criticism. It is so easy to justify ourselves, but instead listen to criticism and look for elements of truth in it!! Humble yourself to receive and appropriately respond to criticism. Be willing to learn from it and change. Don't get frustrated and quit if a certain ministry of yours is criticized. 
2. Watch that you don't get comfortable with your own hypocrisy or with certain sins. Don't think that you have a struggle that you can't change by the help of the Holy Spirit. The reason God points out our sin is so that we will repent and change. Don't ignore or justify sin.
3. Watch your motives - look for opportunities to give, pray, and serve in secret. Our addiction to human praise will not serve us well in the long run.
4. Watch out for cynicism - don't give up hope that God will work in difficult situations or change someone, for he is able to do more than we ask or imagine! The gospel really has power to deeply bring about lasting change.
5. Watch out for women who never come to events and never connect. Don't ignore the women who don't participate. Seek after them! Some women are not interested in the things of God, but others may be hiding in shame, some have hard lives, others feel that they don't fit in, some are embarrassed of their lack of Biblical knowledge, some people are lonely or uncomfortable on a crowd. Christ associated with all different kinds of people in all walks of life, and so we should also seek after all of our women. 
6. Watch out for inappropriate relationships with men. Watch who you are alone with, watch how you dress and speak. Confess an inappropriate attraction and get accountability.
7. Watch that you don't pour your energies into good things that don't have the power to save.

We desperately need the saving, sanctifying Word of God, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:12-13). The Word of God taught and read accomplishes it's purpose. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to change hearts and to correct people.

Again, as 1 Timothy 4:16 states, "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

By Andrea Belonga

I had the privilege of attending the 2014 Women's Leadership Training Conference called "Lead With Truth: Called to Serve, Equipped to Lead" in Atlanta, GA, a few months back. It is an annual conference focused on training and inspiring women in the PCA to lead and serve in the women's ministry at their respective churches. I sat under excellent teaching from some of the best female teachers and authors in the PCA, and I am wanting to share some "gold nuggets of wisdom" that I gleaned from the conference with the ladies of Redeemer. I plan to blog from a number of the training sessions so that you may be blessed as well. The first blog will be from a two-part series by speaker and author, Nancy Guthrie.

Keep A Close Watch on Yourself - Nancy Guthrie - (part 1)
I Timothy 4:6-16

1 Timothy 4:16 states, "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate and to keep watch on both ourselves and on our doctrine because of the eternal significance of living rightly and believing rightly not only for our own spiritual growth but also for the benefit of other people's spiritual understanding and growth. This first section deals with "watching ourselves". We are distracted by so many good things that we often miss our souls. Watch yourself! Don't let yourself drift away from the Lord. What does The Lord see as important? Growth in godliness! It is crucial to continue to absorb the Bible and discover truths from God's Word as opposed to dabbling in the latest spiritual experience or the newest popular Christian book. The godly woman seeks wisdom from God's Word and changes as she grows and studies. She becomes quicker to forsake sin, she is not so easily shaken when difficulty comes, and she is able to preach truth to herself because she has hidden God's Word in her heart.

The Bible says, "The law of The Lord is perfect, reviving the soul" (Psalm 19:7). Do we believe this or do we perhaps think TV will satisfy? Would we spend an hour in the Word or an hour watching TV? Would you not miss a day at the gym or not miss a day in His Word? We could ask, what will have value in the life to come? If we don't enjoy godliness now, how will we enjoy it in eternity? Pursuing holiness is of great value! Don't hide behind the righteousness of Christ. Instead, rigorously reckon yourselves DEAD to sin! Watch what you invest yourselves in. We will regret "spending all sorts of time in our garden", whatever our "garden" might be, but we will never regret energy on watering the seeds in the lives of people! Everything else wastes away. Watch where you set your hope. It may feel like your hope is on a sports win, on eating the right foods, on getting your kids into the right schools, etc, but becoming like your Savior will truly give the greatest joy. Present yourselves as a worker approved, rightly handling the Word of truth. Let the Word ooze out of you. Know the Word. Study it. Give others plenty of good reasons to look up to you.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity" (1Timothy 4:12) Set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith, in purity. Therefore, watch what you talk about. Do we regularly discuss God's Word or would we rather discuss TV or Facebook? Set an example in your dress, in your speech about your husband or your church leaders, and in how you respond to foolishness or sorrow or interruption. Watch who you love. Who does Jesus love? The unlovely, the sinners, the boring, the annoying, the uneducated. As far as faith, put your faith in what God has said and live like it is reality! Radically trust God and don't give way to fear. Radically trust God when you are left out, when death comes, when a child is walking away from the Lord. Living in purity includes being good repenters. No one can do things perfectly, so be authentic repenters. Be relentless in labeling sin as sin! Don't flaunt either goodness or brokenness. Repent to friends who will encourage us to forsake our sin rather than justify it for us. Come to God in humble contrition. Don't resist spiritual oversight. Don't resist correction and covering, because it is important to handle the Word rightly. Ask, "Show me where I am wrong?"

Watching our lives is of paramount importance. It is so easy to get led astray with the lures of the world and with temptations. Things of this world that call out, telling us that they will satisfy, and we are deceived into believing that they can satisfy our longings. Even good things call out, and there an infinite number of "good things" we can invest our time and energy in. The question is, "What is best and what has eternal significance?"

Prayer for the Sick ~ Susan Ray

I have had a healthy life.  I’ve never had a serious illness, had never been hospitalized for anything but childbirth.  I’ve never even had the flu!  I can’t remember ever asking for prayer for a health issue--until recently, of course.

The recent events that changed all that for me began with a cat bite.  That was followed up by infection, a doctor’s visit, oral antibiotics, a visit to a different doctor, a new antibiotic, a surgery, yet another new doctor, a trip to the ER, another surgery, admission to the hospital, IV antibiotics, insertion of a PICC line for at-home IV antibiotics, and finished up with weeks of occupational therapy.

I had a great desire for people to be praying for my healing.  Having health problems meant being out of control, and I really, really did not like it.  My patient husband who was dragged through this along with me can tell you that I didn’t handle it well.  I just wanted to be finished with it, to get back to my regularly scheduled life, but every few days I would get more bad news emphasizing my lack of control and increasing my frustration.

I had prayed, and wanted others to pray that the antibiotic would work quickly and that my finger would be back to normal quickly.  But that didn’t happen, and as the days turned into weeks and then into months, my spiritual need was uncovered along with my physical need.  I saw things about myself that I would not have recognized if I had gotten well in the first 10 days of antibiotics.

This should not have been a surprise to me because Scripture is full of the uses that God makes of suffering.  It is right for us to pray for healing.  God has revealed himself as the Healer, and healing is a way that he shows mercy to his saints, but I would like to encourage us all also to keep before us the good that he does when he doesn’t heal.  What a benefit it would be to suffering people if we were to pray for that as well!

These are some of the things we can pray for those suffering:

• That God would show mercy to the sick and their loved ones by healing them (Philippians 2:27)
• That God would be glorified in the suffering (John 9:3)
• That they would rejoice in their suffering because of the good God is doing in it (Romans 5:3 and James 1:2)
• That God would use the suffering to produce endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3, 4)
• That suffering would produce steadfastness leading to the sufferer being perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:4)
• That the suffering would show the genuineness of their faith and may be found to result in praise and glory and honor for Christ (1 Peter 1:6, 7)
• That they would cast all their cares on God knowing that he cares for them (1 Peter 5:7)
• That they would know of the sufficiency of the Lord’s grace ( 2 Corinthians 12:9)
• That they would boast of their weakness because in it Christ’s power is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• That they would be content in their weakness and know God’s power (2 Corinthians 12:10)
• That they would not be anxious but would present their requests to God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)
• That the peace of God would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)
• That through Christ’s strength they would learn to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:11-13)

I did not like suffering, but it is good news to us who live in this world of groaning that suffering is not empty and meaningless even when it drags on.  Romans 8:18 tells us "that the sufferings of this present time and not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us", and 2 Corinthians 4:17 gives the ultimate encouragement to all kinds of sufferers. "Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.  For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

That’s what I needed much more than quick healing, God’s working eternal good in me and for me.  Let’s pray for that eternal good as we suffer together and expect God’s good answers.

VBS: Day 4 ~ Hannah Page

I've never really understood the name “Vacation Bible School.” School and Vacation at the same time?  That doesn't even make sense to me.  Another thing, Vacation Bible School is not really a vacation for me.  Volunteering at VBS is something that you have to be mentally prepared for  beforehand.  This year's VBS was especially eye-opening to me.
 
This year I had volunteered to be part of the skits.  I was super excited, we had all worked extra hard on the scripts, and then my Mom told me had also been placed in crafts.  What?!?!?!?  I had never been very crafty, and I was positive that I was either going to break something or do the craft completely wrong.  Crafts was totally out of my comfort zone, but after the first day, I realized that crafts was going to be a really good experience for me.

One of the major blessings from this year's VBS was being able to see so many of the kids I'd watched grow up come and take part in VBS.  I really loved their enthusiasm and their openness. Everyone was super fun to be with and talk to.  From the 4 and 5 year olds to the 4th and 5th graders, these kids' love for God was obvious through their actions and words, but remember, you are the ones influencing them.  Whether you help out with VBS, babysit, or just talk to them you are influencing them.  So take that time to help them become closer to Jesus!  They will grow up remembering what they have learned from you, and then they will share with others.

For some people, VBS is just a time-filler, or something their neighbor invited them to, but I have always seen it as a way to get to know the kids that are part of my church family and to minister to kids who have never heard the Gospel.

VBS: Day 4 ~ Machaela Page

Ah, Vacation Bible School. Pretty much THE highlight of a Christian kid's summer (not to mention my own). Since I was eleven, I've served at VBS in various different ways. I've been in music, snack duty, crew leadership, and my favorite: acting. This year's VBS has been my favorite, skit-wise, to date. Not only do I get to interact in character with the kids outside of the skits, I also get to put my *bad* British accent to use.

Although it is loads of fun and I have and will do it all over again, there are definitely some slightly daunting parts of serving--like the time commitment, the pure exhaustion that I know will run through my body the moment it is over, and then the questions that constantly run through my brain the entire week before: Will the kids like me?  Will the adults like me?  Will my friends think I'm "uncool" for wanting to hang around little kids all week?  Will I forget anything?  Have I already forgotten something?!

Yeah, you get the idea.

Sometimes I get plagued by so many doubts that I just don't want to do it.  But then there's that little part of me that says, "I've committed, so I obviously want to do it one way or another.  Besides, it's too late to back out now."  So, I go anyway.

And then it is more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. And the kids love it.  REALLY love it.  No matter who you are, how many kids you've been around, they find you fascinating.  The excitement and joy the majority have is really infectious.  I can't help but grin being around so much laughter and smiles.  When they say children are some of the best blessings we've ever received, they were not kidding.  The relationships I get to build with the kids are incredible. Whether I want them to happen or not, in some cases. 

Along with skits, I'm also working in Music with the fantastic Mrs. Kiser.  And each evening, whether in the classroom or in the sanctuary, there are always several pairs of little eyes looking up directly at me, intent and focused.  The fact that they are singing themselves hoarse and working as hard as they can to do the motions with me is a constant encouragement!  They love 'remembering Your people', 'blessing the Lord, O their soul', and shouting 'alleluia' at the top of their lungs.  No matter how tired I get, they always want more.  I love how much they want to sing praises to their Father in Heaven!

The thing that encourages me the most is the pure love they have for learning more about God.  Every night, all I can think about is how I'm there to help and encourage them in their walk with God, whether in a big or small way.  And that for some kids, it may be just the beginning of the journey.  And the fact I'm able, by God's will, to help them along the way is just...amazing.  To take part in such a thing is a privilege that I will hopefully never take for granted (Matthew 18:6).

Serving in VBS this year has definitely been one of the most impacting on me, personally.  Even though the stories that were told and the songs we sang I've heard a thousand times, they such a simple reminder of all that God does for us.  I grew closer with the adults and the rest of the youth as we all served together.  We made so many memories that I will remember for years to come.  I've learned so much about the kids, and I think they've taught me more than I thought they would.  Their joy and passion for the Lord has encouraged me in my own walk, and I plan to take everything I've learned and put it in action in my own life.

So whether you have served for Vacation Bible School, or you never have before, sign up next year.  It is worth it.

VBS: Day 3 ~ Jennifer Kiser

Jennifer Kiser has been leading the music for Vacation Bible School at Redeemer for a number of years. This year, she selected the music as well. In seeking a song that would convey the overarching theme, Jennifer chose “Your Grace is Enough.”
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me.

 

“That’s what everything in the Bible is about anyway,” she explained. “I wanted songs that are upbeat, appealing and fun for the kids to sing.”  Since Jennifer likes hymns "All Creatures of Our God and King" and “Great is Your Faithfulness” are also among her musical selections. This year, Vacation Bible School focuses on the story of Esther. “God’s faithfulness is throughout the Esther story,” Jennifer says. “He is faithful to those who worship Him.”

 

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

 

Jennifer also wanted to teach the children contemporary praise songs that they will be likely to hear somewhere else in the future. So she also chose “Blessed Be Your Name" because it has the contrast Jennifer wanted to share with the children. Sure, we praise God when things go well, but we also praise him when we struggle in the wilderness.  “Even then my heart will choose to praise God,” she said.

 

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed by Your name
When I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name.

 

Music is an important part of Vacation Bible School. “I’ve done it before; it’s a lot of fun,” Jennifer said. “It’s a lot of work, and I’m tired at the end. Every year I do it, I’m glad I did. It’s rewarding to see kids singing about Jesus. In the future, when they face tough times, the song may come to mind and encourage them."

VBS: Day 2 ~ Lori Bajema

This week in VBS, we are reinforcing the wonderful teaching our children are getting in their classrooms with crafts that they take home each night. We hope the crafts will inspire parents to ask questions about the Bible stories their children heard, help their child focus on the "memory verse" which is on the crafts, and enjoy the creativity displayed in these projects!  We are having fun making things together, but it's also a great way to have our children learn about God while doing interactive activities. Here's a brief summary of what we will be creating this week:

Monday - Detective badges (hats for younger ones) that have our fingerprints, reminding them that each child is uniquely special. Queen Esther scepters (wristbands for younger ones) that reinforce the study of the book of Esther that we are studying this week and how she trusted God.

Tuesday - "With God I am Strong" wristlets (banners for younger ones) that reminds our children that God is with us always, and leads us through challenging times.

 

Wednesday - Prayer journals (binoculars for younger ones) that can be used to write down prayer requests knowing that God hears our prayers and responds.

Thursday - God is our rock (Trust in the Lord for younger ones) banners that reinforce our lesson that God protects His children.

Friday - Cross artwork to symbolize giving praise to God for sending Jesus for our salvation. 

We'll have one other surprise item on the last night that the children take home as a reminder of the fun time they had at VBS! 

VBS: Day 1 ~ Jan Landsbaum

Vacation Bible School is the first word about God that many unchurched children hear. This week, Redeemer is offered such an opportunity with a third of the 62 children in attendance coming from families who aren’t members. What a glorious opportunity to teach God’s message of love and providence! My tendency would be to pound and preach, but Monday night I saw how God’s message can be carried even in subtle details. That truth is a good lesson for me, and I hope for you, as we try to share God’s love with our families every day.

 

Each evening’s snack is one of those subtle details, Lynda Teasley, head of the food committee told me. This year, our children are learning the story of Esther, who God used to save His people. 

 

Monday children snacked on baggies full of green grapes with one blueberry each. The message: God has made you unique for a special purpose.

 

Tuesday’s snack will be pretzels with cheese pieces on each end, like a tasty barbell. You are strong in the Lord, the children will be reminded.

 

On Wednesday, cookies shaped like girls and boys will illustrate that these children are individually important to their Maker.

 

Thursday, each child will receive a strawberry ringed by Goldfish crackers, a reminder that God protects and surrounds each of His precious children at all times.

 

Friday repeats the message of how special each child of God is. A baggie of trail mix will contain a hidden chocolate coin. “You are God’s hidden treasure.”

 

Prayer and Bible study are certainly important habits to share with our families, but let’s not disparage, but rather be encouraged by, the subtle ways that we can influence and instruct our loved ones about God in everyday details, even in the snacks we prepare.

 

Preparing for VBS ~ Wendy Meintjes

In all honesty, I often think during the weeks leading up to Vacation Bible School "this will be my last year volunteering for VBS."  This is a sad but true fact.  There are so many hours spent preparing for this one week of VBS by so many moms, dads, and church members; it can become an overwhelming and daunting task.  However, every year the childrens' joy just melts my heart and I remember why we do this!  There is nothing like driving home after a day of VBS with your children just brimming with happiness, singing the VBS songs and telling you all the stories of their day.  I usually work registration - which gives me a great time during the week to talk to parents dropping off or picking up their children. I have heard so often about how these parents love VBS!  And about how many of them grew up in non-church-going families and they remember that this was the first time they heard the Gospel of Jesus.  Remember in Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Think how Jesus must love hearing these little voices sing praise music to Him all week.  What joy it must bring Him hearing their laughter and watching them listen and learn about His Word.

VBS has also been a time of joy for me.  It has been a great venue over the years to really
get to know other parents and youth from our church.  It is a great way to fellowship with those at church that we often say "HI" to but often don't get to really stop and talk with.  I also love seeing the growth in my boys: seeing how much they have learned about the Gospel, the friendships they have made, and how they are both eager to be old enough to volunteer soon.  

Thankfully even though life gets busy, and I start to grumble, the Lord still continues to use this ministry to reach our children's hearts along with my own.  Thank you so much to all the volunteers who make this week possible, to the children who are eager to come and to the parents who bring them!

Annual Ladies Retreat 2014

 

In April we hosted our Annual Ladies Retreat which focused on the blessings of biblical mentorship and discipleship among women.  We had a lovely time listening to our speaker Nicole Tsui's presentation-and you can too!  If you missed it or you would like to hear it again click these links:

 

Friday Evening-Session 1

Saturday Morning-Session 2

Saturday Afternoon-Session 3

 

Or if you prefer to read, up at the top of the blog there is a page (it will look like a tab for all of our non-tech-savvy readers) that says "Women Growing Together-Manuscript" and you can click that to read her full manuscript of the retreat.

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Thank you, Anna, for the lovely pictures!  :-)