Warsaw Christian Church
Is Christianity reasonable, or do we just accept it on blind faith? I have heard sincere Christians suggest that faith and reason are incompatible. I beg to differ. The theologians of the ancient and medieval church wrestled with this question. They argued as follows: It is true that reason alone can never discover God as we know Him in the Christian faith. God has revealed Himself to us in the written word (Scripture) and the incarnate word (Jesus). However, once faith has been born in the soul, the mind does want to know if revealed Christianity is reasonable. The answer is a resounding “Yes.”
This must be the case if the God in whom we believe is a God of truth. The revealed God is (among other things) a reasonable God. The intelligence/reason we humans possess dwells in us because we were created in God’s image. The God of the Bible does not act in an arbitrary or capricious manner. Once we have received the salvation offered to the world in Jesus Christ, we begin to think about such things as creation, divine providence, the nature of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, the authority of Scripture - - - all the truths which make up the Christian worldview. Those who put their minds to these matters learn that the faith revealed to us in Jesus Christ is reasonable.
Why do so many intelligent people reject Christianity? There are several reasons, but a key problem is that they do not grasp the fact that faith precedes reason. You will fail if you try to find the true God using unaided human reason. Aristotle had no divine revelation, but he did conclude there is a God based on reason alone. His God was an unmoved mover, the first cause, an eternal being. However, he was ignorant of the love of God and His saving grace. His reason concluded, “There is a God,” but his reason did not lead him to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Once we accept the testimony of the Apostles that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, Lord and Savior of the world, and then put on our thinking caps and reflect on the Christian message, we learn that the Gospel is very reasonable. We look at the world in which we live, examine the Scriptures, and conclude that the biblical view of reality fits with what we see.
Faith and reason are not in conflict. Those who reject the Christian worldview as unreasonable assume reason is superior to faith even though that conclusion cannot be rationally verified. Those whose hearts have been enlightened by God’s Word and Spirit understand that reason must take a back seat to faith, and from that position, reason proves to be very useful. Reason divorced from faith leads nowhere. Reason informed by faith reinforces our confidence in the Christian revelation.
Hopewell Baptist Church
Hopewell’s Children’s Church presented “Wise Guys, Gifts Fit for a King, during our morning worship where we learned the best gifts are personal gifts, things that show someone we really know them and care about them. The gifts the wise men brought do not seem like gifts for a baby, but they were the perfect gift for the King of Kings! The kids shared what the gifts of the wise men were and what the gift of Jesus means for us.
“They asked, “‘Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose. Now we have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:2
Kings loved gold. The more gold a king possessed, the more powerful he appeared to be in the eyes of the world. The magi came looking for a newborn king, which is why they brought gold to the baby Jesus. The kids shared gold is a gift for a king, and Jesus is King of Kings.
We learned Frankincense is no monster. It is a fragrant spice that gives off smoke when burned, and it is symbolic of the presence of God. The magi brought frankincense to the baby Jesus to acknowledge that He is the Son of God. The kids shared that frankincense represents God’s presence.
Myrrh was a perfume often used to cover up smells – like that of the dead. Many years later Jesus had perfume poured on Him by a grateful woman. It was a sacrifice of love that symbolized His coming death on the cross to save us from sin. The kids shared with us that myrrh represents Jesus’ death on the cross.
If the magi gave Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh, what gift did they receive in return? The gift of salvation only comes from Jesus. They knew the gift was coming because of the ancient prophecies, and they received it with joy. The kids shared that God gave Jesus to be our Savior.
Join us Sunday, December 24 for our Regular Worship at 11 a.m. (we will not have Sunday School), and Sunday Evening at 6 p.m. for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Our regular weekly Bible study is Wednesday at 6 p.m. You can watch live at 11 a.m. each Sunday on Hopewell Baptist Church Facebook page.
From The Pastor's Desk
Christmas,
the Darker Side
When you wish someone a Merry Christmas, what exactly do you mean? Are you wishing them a safe day and time with family and friends?
Christmas is a time of reflection for some of us. I look back on happier times when my family was alive. I like the Christmas season but the day itself has mixed emotions for me.
People die on Christmas and hospitals, nursing homes and prisons are filled. Many visit cemeteries and many people work on Christmas Day.
Kids enjoy Christmas Day and parents enjoy watching their kids open their presents.
In the pulpit, everyday is Christmas, everyday is Easter and everyday is Thanksgiving for me. Christmas is on Monday but I think I will preach on Facebook on Christmas Day. So tune in to Johnie Legend if you want a message on Christmas Day. I will try to keep it short.
I was informed this week that my good friend Denny Henson had passed away. We went to many basketball games together. He moved to Kansas City a couple of years ago. I had gotten used to him not being around but news of his death brought more than a few tears.
We never had a cross word and I don't know how many people I can say that about; and he never met a stranger.
When I wish someone a Merry Christmas, I am praying they truly know the reason for the season as they say. Merry Christmas!
I am Pastor Johnie J. Logue of Grace Baptist Church outside of Warsaw at 31046 Hwy MM. Call me at (660) 281-4775.
Lincoln First Baptist Church
Merry Christmas everyone. Hope your Christmas is blessed. We will be having a 10:30 service and a 6:30 service on Christmas Eve. Please come and join us. Sharon Foreacker was back with us today after having surgery. We were all glad to see her. Thank you to Karen Nash and Kim Tillman for filling in at the piano for Sharon. We really appreciate it a lot.
Pastor Jesse’s sermon was from 1 Peter 4. God does a lot all year and not just sometimes. Charity or love covers a multitude of sin. When saved you don’t run to the same places and things that were in your life before. You worry about doing things for God.
We will give an account of what we did. Love above all things. If you are saved it is God’s righteousness. When was the last time you thanked God for the things you have? If you are not grateful you don’t see people in need.
Teach your children and family about Jesus. 3 nails and 2 boards get you to heaven. Blessings are all you need. Find someone in need and help them. Give all year long. Let go of grudges and be hospitable to people. Do what Jesus would do. Minister with what God has given you.
DON’T FORGET TO COME AND WORSHIP WITH US ON CHRISTMAS EVE. THERE WILL BE A 10:30 SERVICE AND A 6:30 SERVICE. GOD BLESS AND REMEMBER JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.
Unity Of The Lakes
This Sunday 12/24/23 Unity of the Lakes will have its Candle Lighting service at 11 am. If you have not been to church for a while or you go to another church but don't like driving at night and want to attend a Candle Lighting service, this may be the service for you. It will be a moving service that is certain to help you truly experience this special birth. All are welcome. Please join us as we feel the feeling and joy of the birth of the Christ. We are located 8 miles south of Warsaw on highway 65. Our physical address is 34948 Hwy 65 South. We know you will be glad you came and we look forward to seeing you.
Fristoe Missionary Baptist Church
The Fristoe Missionary Baptist Church will host the 5th Sunday meeting of the Baptist Old Path Association, December 30 and 31
Saturday night services are at 7:30 PM. Brother Jaytin DeFreece will bring the devotion followed by the sermon by Brother Lane Mashburn.
Sunday School at 10:00 AM followed Pastor B.J. Payne bringing the message.
A covered dish dinner will follow the morning services.
Afternoon services at 2:00 PM with Brother Bill Ackles bringing the devotion, followed by Brother Troy Smith bringing the message.
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend!
38126 Antwiler Ave.
Edwards, MO 65355