The Union Baptist Church Newsletter

33 Pages·2017·2.93 MB·English

by  Jay Bailey

The Union Baptist
Church Newsletter
Volume 8, Issue 4 July 9, 2017

A DEVOTIONAL A MEDITATION FOR EVERY MARRIED

FOR MEN ON THE GO COUPLE

WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN? ONE OF THESE DAYS
“There is time for every event.”
What is a Christian? Not what does he do – but what is he?
ECCLESIASTES 3:1 NASB
He is a man in whose life God has worked the supreme miracle . . .

the miracle of the new birth- spiritual regeneration.
Have you ever said “Not right now . . . But maybe someday”? It’s
A Christian is a twice-born man. Literally! Born first when he
good at times to wait for conditions to be just right, but sometimes
entered this world . . . born again when Christ entered his life.
waiting can lead to regrets. Many couples have said, “We’ll wait
Being twice–born he has two kinds of life: The life he received from
until the children are grown” or “We could afford this now, but
his parents at his first birth—and the life received from God at his
we’ll wait a bit.”
second birth. The first is human and temporal . . . the second is

divine and eternal.
S ome wait to say “I love you” or You look great today” until a
That is to say, the Christian has two distinct natures: The “old”
special occasion. For some people, someday will never come. Then
nature—product of his first birth—and a new nature infused into him
all you have are regrets. Ann Wells wrote:
at second birth.
But birth is only a beginning. Growth follows as a normal process
My brother–in-law opened the bottom drawer of my
providing the conditions for growth are met. This is true of the
sister’s bureau and lifted out a tissue- wrapped package .
Christian’s new (spiritual) nature as well as his “old” (human) nature.
. . The item inside was exquisite: silk, handmade and
Both have requirements for growth.
trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag with an
A man eats--gets proper rest and exercise . . . he grows! If he
astronomical figure on it was still attached.
refuses food--neglects rest and exercise . . . His body suffers.
“Jan brought this the first time we went to New York,
Likewise, the new nature requires nourishment and rest and exercise to
at least eight or nine years ago. She never wore it. She
be vigorous and healthy--to grow normally.
was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is
It is a tragedy when a child fails to grow physically and mentally. It
the occasion.”
is an infinitely greater tragedy when a Christian fails to grow
spirituality! Adults who remain spiritual infants are just as serious a He took the slip from me and put it on the bed with the
other clothes we were taking to the mortician. His hands
problem as are those who fail to grow in other areas.
lingered on the soft material for a moment, and then he
The new nature feeds on the Word of God which is its milk and
slammed the drawer shut and turned to me.
bread and meat. It is exercised by prayer, witnessing and service. It
“Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Every
“rests” in worship and fellowship. It takes all these—consistently
day you are alive is a special occasion.”
followed—to produce a mature Christian.
I r e m e m b e r ed those words through the funeral and the
And conversely--no matter how hard a Christian struggles to live
days that followed when I helped him and my niece
“the good life”, so-called--he falls miserably short of the healthy, vital,
attend to all the sad chores that follow an unexpected
spiritual adult if he neglects the Word of God--the worship of God--
death. . .
fellowship--prayer and service.
I’m still thinking about his words, and they’ve changed
An important observation: Birth and growth are not conscious
my life. . . I’m not “saving” anything; we use our good
experiences. A man knows he was born--not because he remembers
china and crystal for every special event—such as losing
the experience—but because he is now alive. He knows he is
a pound, getting the sink unstopped, the first camellia
growing—not because he feels it—but by comparing what he is with
blossom. . .
what he was.
“Someday” and “one of these days” are losing their
The Christian knows he is “born again” --not because he has had
grip on my vocabulary. If it’s worth seeing or hearing or
some sudden, emotional experience (though some do--but because he
doing, I want to see and hear and do it now . . . I’m trying
is spiritually alive now. Not because he can “hark” back to a moment
very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that
when something happened to him (though some can)—but because
God is now personal and real to him—because he now trusts Christ would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every
morning when I open my eyes I tell myself that it is
as his Savior and Lord.
By the same token he knows he is growing spiritually—not because special.

he feels the process taking place—but because of what he is compared
What in your life or in your marriage have you put on hold?
to what he was. AMEN.
“To as many as received Christ—to them He gave the power to

become the sons of God.” --John 1: 12. AMEN.
After You Say, “I Do” Devotional
— H. Norman Wright
Perspective Devotional Thoughts for Men
— Dr. Richard Halverson

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DEVOTIONAL FOR SINGLES

WHO IS YOUR GOD?

“I have not hidden Thy righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Thy
faithfulness and Thy salvation; I have not concealed Thy loving kindness and Thy
truth from the great congregation.”

--PSALM 40: 10

You’re at work. You’ve been there long enough to show others that you’re a Christian. One day another employee asks, “Who is your God?
What is He really like? I’ve never been to a church, nor have I ever read the Bible. Would you mind describing Him for me so I can understand
who He is?” What would you say?
Before you could reply, you would have to answer some questions of your own. Who is my God? What do I believe about Him? What can I
tell others about Him that would make them want to know Him, too?
Consider the following:
You were created. At one time you simply did not exist. You just were not! God always has been. He does not have a beginning. He always was
and will be.
You need others. You have needs. God does not have any needs. He is self-sufficient and He is complete. He cannot be promoted any higher than
He is and He cannot be demoted.
God does not change for the better or the worse. He is perfectly holy right now. His moral character stays the same. The Psalms tell us that He is
always the same (see 102:27). God Himself said, “I am the first, I am also the last” (Isa. 48:12)
His character does not change either. One minute you may be loving and kind and the next no one wants to be around you because you are so upset.
God is not like that. He is consistent. James 1 explains God’s goodness, holiness and generosity as well as His reaction to sin. James says God is
one “with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (Jas. 1: 17, RSV).
You can depend on God to be who He is all the time. In Malachi 3:6 we read, “I, the Lord, do not change.”
Were you aware that God cannot learn? It’s true. He possesses perfect knowledge. He has never learned: Who has directed the Spirit of the
Lord or as His counselor has informed Him? With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding?” (Isa. 40:13, 14).
This is hard for us to understand because we are always learning. We can’t keep up with all we need to learn! God knows everything instantly
and He knows everything equally well. You discover things: God doesn’t. You’re surprised by things; God isn’t. He’s not even taken back by
anything you think or do. He knows you thoroughly. There is not one thing hidden from God by you. And in spite of this, He loves you just the
same. Isn’t that reassuring?
In Matthew 6 Jesus says our Father already knows what you need before you ask Him. And there’s nothing you can tell God that will shock
Him or change His feelings about you. That’s good news, isn’t it?
One last thought about God: Have you ever heard someone say at church, “Let’s go into God’s presence and worship Him”? Probably. But
that’s not correct. God isn’t limited by a building. He is everywhere. The Bible teaches that there’s no place in heaven or hell where anyone
can hide from Him. He is everywhere in the entire world at one time. The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of
heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24).
God is love and He loves you. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not
perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
So, back to the scene in the office. If you know God in the fullness I have just described, why not share Him with your friend and coworker.
Let Him move in with His changeless love to change the people you work with. Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTIONS

How well do you know God? How willing are you to share Him with others? Who will you share Him with today? AMEN.

--Dr. H. Norman Wright, Single Purpose

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DEVOTIONAL FOR SENIORS

New Dance Moves

Look carefully then how you walk ... making the best use of the
time. Ephesians 5:15-16

When I learn about 100-year-old Eileen Kramer still dancing and choreographing, I think God
wants me to do something new. Eileen’s video shows her experimenting with new ways to move
her arms and hands expressively. She may no longer leap across the stage, but she can still be
creative.

Sometimes we hesitate to try something new, but new things can surprise and excite us, and keep
life interesting. Remember the first day of school, starting a new job or moving into a new
apartment or house? “New” offers an element of hope. God gives us the time and ability to try
new things. Use these gifts and re-experience the joy of youthful surprise and excitement.

God, thank you for reminding me that I can still be young at heart by trying new things.
Amen.

Do: Exercise to different music, put a new plant in an old container, or pray in a new place today.

~ Catherine A. Welch
Hope-Full Devotions

“Instead of seeing aging as a burden, we see aging as a blessing...” — Dr. Rich Bimler

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– TEEN’S CORNER –

GOT QUESTIONS?
GOD’S GOT ANSWERS…

QUESTION:
I have lots of responsibilities. What should I do about them?
THE QUICK ANSWER:
When you accept your duties and fulfill them, you’ll feel good about yourself. When you avoid your obligations, you
won’t. Act accordingly.

Be Responsible!

“But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in
respect to someone else.
For each person will have to carry his own load.”
Galatians 6:4-5 HCSB

Nobody needs to tell you the obvious: You have lots of responsibilities--obligations to yourself, to your family, to
your community, and to your God. And which of these duties should take priority? The answer can be found in
Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for
you.” (HCSB)

When you “seek first the kingdom of God,” all your other obligations have a way of falling into place. When you
obey God’s Word and seek His will, your many responsibilities don’t seem quite so burdensome. When you honor
God with your time, your talents, and your prayers, you’ll be much more likely to count your blessings instead of
your troubles.

So, do you and your loved ones a favor: take all your duties seriously, especially your duties to God. When you do,
you’ll discover that pleasing your Father in heaven isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also the best way to live.
AMEN.

When the law of God is written on our hearts our duty will be our delight.
~~ Matthew Henry

If you seek to know the path of your duty, use God as your compass.
~~ C.H. Spurgeon

Discipleship usually brings us into the necessity of choice between duty and desire.
~~ Elisabeth Elliot

The secret of a happy life is to delight in duty. When duty becomes delight, then burdens become blessings.
~~Warren Wiersbe

100 Questions Teens Ask with Answers from God's Word
– By Freeman Smith
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Noah in the 21st Century

And we thought we had problems! If Noah had lived in the United
States in the last ten years, the story may have gone something like
this:

And the Lord spoke to Noah and said, "In one year, I am going to
make it rain and cover the whole earth with water until all flesh is
destroyed.
But I want you to save the righteous people and two of every kind of living thing on earth.
Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark." In fear and trembling, Noah took the plans and
agreed to build the ark. "Remember," said the Lord, "you must complete the Ark and bring
everything aboard in one year."

Exactly one year later, fierce storm clouds covered the earth and all the seas of the earth went
into a tumult. The Lord saw that Noah was sitting in his front yard weeping. "Noah!" He shouted.
"Where is the Ark?" "Lord, please forgive me," cried Noah. "I did my best, but there were big
problems."

"First, I had to get a permit for construction, and your plans did not meet the building codes. I
had to hire an engineering firm and redraw the plans. Then I got into a fight with OSHA over
whether or not the Ark needed a sprinkler system and approved floatation devices. Then, my
neighbor objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my front yard,
so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission."

"Then, I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark because there was a ban on cutting trees
to protect the Spotted Owl. I finally convinced the U.S. Forest Service that I really needed the
wood to save the owls. However, the Fish and Wildlife Service won't let me take the 2 owls. The
carpenters formed a union and went on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the National
Labor Relations Board before anyone would pick up a saw or hammer. Now, I have 16 carpenters on
the Ark, but still no owls."

"When I started rounding up the other animals, an animal rights group sued me. They objected to
me taking only two of each kind aboard. This suit is pending. Meanwhile, the EPA notified me that
I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed
flood. They didn't take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of
the Creator of the Universe. Then, the Army Corps of Engineers demanded a map of the proposed
flood plain. I sent them a globe."
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Noah in the 21st Century continued

"Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking atheists aboard. The IRS has seized
my assets, claiming that I'm building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying
taxes. I just got a notice from the state that I owe them some kind of user tax and failed to
register the Ark as a 'recreational water craft.' And finally, the ACLU got the courts to issue an
injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth,
it's a religious event and therefore unconstitutional. I really don't think I can finish the Ark for
another five or six years."

Noah waited. The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine, and the seas began to calm. A
rainbow arched across the sky. Noah looked up hopefully, "You mean you're not going to destroy
the earth, Lord?"

"No," He said sadly. "I don't have to. The government already has."
- Author Unknown -
http://godslittleacre.net/funnies/noah.html

*****************
SHORT ‘N SWEET

1. A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin-5 and Ryan-3. The boys began to argue over who would
get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. If Jesus were sitting here, He
would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.' Kevin turned to his younger brother and said,
'Ryan, you be Jesus.'
2. A father was at the beach with his children when his four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and
led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. 'Daddy, what happened to him,' the son asked. 'He
died and went to Heaven,' the dad replied. The boy thought a moment and then said, 'Did God throw him back
down?'
3. After the church service a little boy told the pastor, 'When I grow up, I'm going to give you some money.'
'Well, thank you,' the pastor replied, 'but why?' 'Because my daddy says you're one of the poorest preachers
we've ever had.'

http://gatewaytojesus.com/humorouschurchstories.html

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Five Social Media Rules Every Christian Should Follow

Christians have been at the forefront of most communication technology innovations. From the
printing press to the World Wide Web, Christians have made their mark in a unique way. Sometimes
this technology is used for good, and sometimes it is used for evil (even by well-meaning Christians).
The challenge for Christians in communication has always been to communicate in both truth and
love.
Today, people use social media to create an online “presence.” It’s a virtual representation of who
you are as a person. Christians need to approach with caution. There are always two sides to
communication. This new platform should not be treated as a soapbox, but as an extension of the
reach of one’s personal ministry.
Here are some truths and guidelines Christians should consider applying to their approach of social
media:

1. Conflict Resolution. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus talked about the best way to resolve
conflict in the church. There’s a process, but always, the first step to take is to man up and
approach the offender in private. He says, “If another member of the church sins against you, go
and point out the fault when the two of you are alone” (Matthew 18:15). This is a challenge for
many Christians who use their social media accounts as a way of “venting” or letting off steam. It
is not uncommon for Christians to “battle out” their viewpoints on social media, which is
completely open and exposed for all to see. This public forum only encourages strife,
misunderstanding and pride. It is far better to confront people one-on-one, as Jesus modeled for us in
Scripture.

2. Focus on the Positive. While there is a place for rebuke and dismay, our mode of operation
should not be one of indignation all the time. The Bible says, “Finally, beloved, whatever is true,
whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about
these things” (Philippians 4:8). Whatever is good, pure, honest, inspiring, and noteworthy—those
are the things that we should be focusing on. How would Christians be perceived differently if we
were known as heralds of beauty and truth, rather than harbingers of condemnation and hate?

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continued

3. Keep the Peace. There are literally hundreds of verses about peace, harmony and unity in the
New Testament alone. God clearly values His bride, the Church, living in unity with one another.
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
Peace is valuable, but it is grossly undervalued in this drama-filled, sensation-seeking culture. It
may feel counter-intuitive to turn the other cheek, or to be silent when we are burning to speak.
However, we are not to be like the world, but different: “Do not conform to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

4. Guard your Identity. Never before in the history of the world has there been such a traceable,
quantifiable, precisely measurable way to evaluate your worth as in the social media age. If you
want to know how important, beautiful, or popular someone is, just look at their social media
following. You want to know how pretty you look in that selfie you just took. Well how many likes
does it have? There is now a number assigned to these values that used to be arbitrary. Social
media is shaping our culture and is raising up a generation of social media natives who are
referred to as “Generation Like.” We must not allow our social media presence to define our
worth. We are God’s children, and our lives are hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3). That is our
identity.

5. Guard your Reputation. “A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and
gold” (Proverbs 22:1). Reputation follows you. What you say and do on the Internet is not private
or passing. It is public and permanent. We should live our lives in an authentic way so that who
we are portrayed to be on social media is a genuine representation of who we are all the time.

Good communication is important. The overall rule when it comes to any type of communication or
interaction is: LOVE. Love matters, and it should be our sole motivation. It is the first and most
important commandment: “[Jesus] said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a
second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the
law and the prophets’” (Matthew 22:37).

http://dailyrunneronline.com/5-social-media-rules-every-christian-should-follow/
May 2, 2014 Rachel Sipe

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A STORY TO WARM YOUR HEART
Compassion

~~~~
GLOW FOR JEUS
Let Your Light Shine
–VBS Theme 2017

IVY’S COOKIES

Candy Abbott

The clank of the metal door and the echo of their footsteps rang in the ears of Ivy and Joanne as they walked down the
dingy corridor behind the prison guard toward the “big room.” The aroma of Ivy’s homemade chocolate chip cookies
wasn’t enough to override the stench of ammonia from the recently mopped floor or the bitterness and anger that hung in
the air. Women’s Correctional Institute was not the kind of place where seventeen-year-olds go for an outing, but Ivy had a
mission.

She didn’t know what she was getting into, but she had to try. With trembling fingers, she dialed the number for an
appointment at the prison. Warden Baylor was receptive to Ivy’s desire to visit and referred her to Joanne, another teen
who had expressed interest.

“How do we do this?” Ivy asked. “Who knows? Maybe homemade cookies would break the ice,” Joanne suggested. So
they baked their cookies and here they were, bearing gifts to strangers. “I put almonds in these,” Ivy rambled nervously as
they moved along. The dough was gummier than usual…”

“Don’t chatter,” the guard snapped. “It gets the prisoners riled.” The harsh words made Ivy jump and her heart pound.
She walked the rest of the distance in silence.

“Okay, here we are,” the guard grunted, keys rattling. “You go in. I’ll lock the door behind you. Be careful what you say.
They have a way of using your words against you. You have fifteen minutes. Holler if you have any trouble.”
Ivy noted the prisoners’ orange jumpsuits and felt overdressed. Maybe we shouldn’t have worn heels, she thought.
They probably think we’re snobs.

Remembering the guard’s admonition, the girls put the cookies on the table next to some plastic juice cups without a
word. Nobody talked. Some prisoners leaned against the wall; others stood around watching, studying, thinking and
staring. Ivy smiled at one of the women and she scowled back. From then on, Ivy avoided eye contact. After five minutes
of strained silence, Joanne whispered, “Let’s move away from the table. Maybe they’ll come over.”

As they stepped back, one of the prisoners blurted out, “I’m getting a cookie.” The others followed and began helping
themselves. Soon they heard the rattle of keys. Time was up.

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