Hey, MBC Family!

Sermon Recap:

Title: Choosing Faith Over Fear–Trusting the King & Seeking the Kingdom

Passage: Matthew 6:25-34

Context: Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

Definition of anxious: to be drawn in two different directions, to be distracted, divided

Command #1: Do not be anxious

• Does not mean we don’t plan
• Does not mean we don’t have healthy concern

Reasons to “Stop it!”—to stop being anxious

1. Your anxiety is inconsistent with the character of our God
2. You are valuable to your Heavenly Father
3. Anxiety is futile
4. Anxiety diminishes faith & forgets eternal life
5. Anxiety ruins our witness

Command #2: Seek first His kingdom

First of all, let me say how encouraging it always is to see you all log in to view the livestream of the worship service on Sunday mornings.  However, if you tuned in this past week, you might have noticed that we had technical difficulties at the end of Pastor Matt’s message.  The feed for Matt’s message cut off–with a very unflattering screen shot of Matt, unfortunately–around an hour and 18 minutes into the message, and you missed Matt’s closing remarks which included a moving video, That’s My King. The video puts visual images to an excerpt from a sermon given by Dr. S.M. Lockridge in 1976.  I encourage you to visit our YouTube channel (click here) and watch the end of the message again because Jordan Clark was able to “uncorrupt” the original video and attach this video clip!  Thanks, Jordan!

Matt included the video in his message because, as he mentioned, just trying to stop worrying is difficult! It can even feel downright impossible.  However, by seeking first God’s kingdom and remembering who He is, we can have the faith and confidence in our heavenly Father to overcome the anxiety that can so easily entangle us.

Here is just a taste of the video and Lockridge’s message:

I wonder, do you know Him? David said, “The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings.

• He’s enduringly strong.
• He’s entirely sincere.
• He’s eternally steadfast.
• He’s immortally graceful.
• He’s imperially powerful.
• He’s impartially merciful.

You’ll have to watch the video to see the rest.  It’s great stuff!  (Btw-Did you know you can even use the “Jump To Section” feature in the comments section of the YouTube video to go right to a certain point in the service?  Click on “Show more” under the video in the comments section, and then click on the blue “1:13:40” that appears after the words “Video Clip—‘That’s My King’.”  It will take you right to the video!)

On a personal note, I have also struggled with anxiety.  My anxiety was never more severe than the month before and the four months Mike was deployed to Iraq. One thing that really helped me when I would start to have panicky thoughts—especially when I was in bed alone at night—was to think of a scripture verse for every letter of the alphabet.  I found that Satan doesn’t like when we meditate on Scripture, and I would often fall asleep after my first or second round of going through the alphabet.  Click on the image below for my “first round” of scriptures for each letter of the alphabet to this update. 

Most I memorized with our kids because they were set to Christine Wyrtzen’s (yes, she’s related to Dave!) cassette for children, Critter County, circa 1984.  After I go through this list once, I start again from the top and try and think of new verses for each letter of the alphabet. 

If we’re honest, it is truly hard to just “Stop it!” when it comes to anxiety.  Don’t beat yourself up if you struggle.  However, I would challenge you not to roll over every time anxious thoughts come into your mind and succumb to your worry. Scripture is clear that we must destroy speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.  We must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5).  This is war!!!

But don’t try be a “lone wolf” and do this in your own flesh, either—you’ll just end up frustrated and disappointed.  Like the old children’s song says, we’re “In the Lord’s ARMY!” Ask fellow believers to help hold you accountable not to worry.  Then let your commander-in-chief, the Lord Himself, do the hard work. When you focus on who He is and mediate on His word, He will help you find rest and relief from your anxiety.

Noteworthy:

• MBC Students will also be having another movie night this Friday at 7pm.  Be sure to vote on your choice of movie by clicking here. They also have some great snacks planned, but only for those who RSVP.  Make sure to let Corbin (click here) know you plan to participate to get in on that action!  In addition, if you’re the parent of a high school senior, check your email for an important message about Senior Recognition Sunday.  Please make sure to read it and respond with your senior’s information.  Again, if you did not receive the email, please contact the student ministries office.
• Did you know that many other LIFE groups and classes are continuing to meet virtually each week?  See below for a list of groups and contact the leader if you would like to join any of these meetings:
  • Scripture BY the Inch–meets via Zoom on Sunday mornings at 9am.  Contact Scott Bevier.
  • Ambassadors’ LIFE group (mostly for those over 65, but they do make exceptions!). Contact Anne Rodgers or Becky Sentz.
  • Taillon’s LIFE group meets via Zoom on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. Contact Scott Taillon.
  • Keener’s LIFE group meets via Zoom on Sunday evenings @6:30pm. Contact Lori Keener.
  • Reynolds’ LIFE group meets via Zoom every other Sunday evening.  Contact Elizabeth Reynolds.
  • YAMS (Young Adult Ministry) meets Sunday evenings via Zoom @6pm.  Contact Corbin Wadkins.
  • Ladies’ Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings via Zoom @9:30.  Contact Peggy Arendsee.
  • Revelation Family Bible study (about to switch to a study of the minor prophets) meets Sunday evenings @6pm.  Contact Mike Hogue.
• Please do not hesitate to contact the church office (click here) if you need anything and leave a message—I will return your call.  People in the congregation have continued to give to our benevolence fund, so we have the resources to help you if you are struggling with overwhelming financial burdens.  Please don’t be too embarrassed to ask for help.  Likewise, make sure to check on other members of MBC.  If you sense they are struggling, you can apply for benevolence help for them.  Again, just contact the church office for more information.

Finally, Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing except pandemics!”  Wait.  It doesn’t say that?  How about, “Be anxious for nothing except the crashing of the economy.”  Not that either? As Mike is always quick to remind me, it says, “Be anxious for NOTHING.”  It’s a hard ask, but we serve an amazing God.  Let Him bring His power to help you overcome anxiety today.

In service to Him and to you,
Heather Hogue

Hey, MBC Family!

Sermon Recap:

Choosing Faith Over Fear: Rejoice! Because He lives, you also will live!

Key Passage: John 14

Setting: The Last Supper

Reasons not to fear?  Jesus’ promises!

• To prepare a place for them in heaven (v2)
• He will return from heaven one day (v3)
• He alone is the way God (v6)
• He still has great works for them to do (v12)
• A Helper, God the Holy Spirit, will dwell in them (v16-17)

The promise of Resurrection

• Resurrection of Life (John 5:25–29)
• Resurrection of Judgment (Revelation 20:12-15)

The most memorable illustration for me from Pastor Matt’s sermon on Sunday was about the bee in the car.  If you don’t remember, Matt told a story about a father and his young son who were out for a drive.  A bee entered the car which caused the son to scream and cry with fright—worried that the bee would sting him.  The father grabbed the bee in his hand, shook his hand violently, and then let the bee go.  The son started crying again, worried that the danger had returned.  The dad turned and told the son, “You don’t have to worry anymore, son.  The bee can only make noise now.  He can’t sting you.  See here!  He left his stinger in my hand.”

What great hope that should be for us!  We don’t have to be afraid of death any longer. Jesus removed its painful stinger with His own suffering and death on the cross.  It allows us to say, “O Death, where is your sting?”  (1 Cor 15:55) But even better–He didn’t stay dead!  His resurrection is a demonstration of God’s amazing power.

In light of the festivities that surround Easter, we may sometimes forget the significance of the resurrection.  I know that I tend to favor Christmas as my favorite holiday.  But really for believers, Easter should be the preeminent holiday. Our faith is based upon the resurrection. If the resurrection didn’t happen, Paul says, “We are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor 15:19).  As we sang on Sunday, death was arrested by Christ’s resurrection.  Death could not hold our Savior. And Christ promised to go on ahead and prepare a place for us.  A place with no more death or suffering of any kind.  The resurrection is like earnest money. The resurrection proves God has the power to do what He says. 

And what exactly does He say?  For those who are weak and weary, God promises to give you strength (Isaiah 40:31).  To those who are worried about our financial future (many of us), God promises to provide for you (Matthew 6:24-34). To those who are anxious (most of us), God promises to give you peace which surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:6-9).  For those who can’t overcome feeling guilty about mistakes you’ve made in your past, God promises that He has forgiven you and cleansed you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).   He also promises that He has removed our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).  We can have confidence when we read in Romans that He will cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). The resurrection is the power behind the rainbow in Genesis 9.

Noteworthy–

If you follow our MBC Facebook page or Instagram account, you probably wondered what in the world we were doing with that weird apparatus in the sanctuary this week. That wasn’t a springy go-cart, it was a special lift. Someone donated funding to get new lighting (presumably to help keep Matt from looking like he has a halo when he brings the Word to us via video on Sunday mornings), and Kevin Martin was helping to adjust the beams of light.  May I thank those of you who see needs and look for ways to help meet them here at MBC!  We are so grateful for you!

On a similar note, I have to give a “shout-out” to our MBC Kids and Students ministries!!!  Last Sunday, the MBC Kids Ministry undertook the task of “egging” homes of our children with candy, treats, and tokens representing the resurrection message.  It was an enormous undertaking, and they pulled it off with finesse!  Check out the Midlothian Bible Church Kids Ministry Facebook page to see pictures of children celebrating Easter even while being under quarantine. You’ll be encouraged, for sure!  In addition, MBC Students pulled off its first ever communal “Movie Night!” last Friday evening!   Kudos to the volunteers that delivered snack bags to the doorsteps of homes of students in 6-12th grade, and then wrangled up them all up to watch the same movie at the same time.  It has been inspiring to see the creativity of these workers as they strive to keep children, teens, and young adults feeling connected to the body here at MBC.

To Sum Up—

The resurrection is what gives us hope.  It is the power that takes the sting out of death and anything else that might be causing us to fear right now.  And it is also the power that is constantly at work in us (Ephesians 1:19-20).  Everything else is just noise.

Noteworthy:

In service to Him and to you,
Heather Hogue

SUBJECT: MBC Good Friday Service Info. & Guidance for Communion Participation

Midlothian Bible Church Family,

In this challenging and unique time our world is facing, the calling of the church has not changed. We are still called to glorify God, proclaim the Gospel, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. As a church, we state our mission this way:

Midlothian Bible Church seeks to glorify God and make disciples by bringing people together through the Gospel and building up mature followers of Christ.

As we approach this Easter weekend, there are several opportunities to continue working toward this mission.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE PLANS & ENCOURAGEMENT

First, you can join us virtually on Good Friday. We will post a brief, reflective service on our YouTube channel at 4pm on April 10^th.  Since it will be pre-recorded, you will be able watch at the time of your convenience thereafter.  I want to encourage you as a family or individually to join in this service. Follow along as I lead you through communion. If you are at home by yourself, I would encourage you after the service to use a video chat service to share in communion with a friend or family member. Another option is to contact the church office at info@midlothianbible.org  in order to arrange for a church leader to lead you through communion sometime over the Easter weekend.

PURPOSE OF COMMUNION

On Friday, I will be sharing a message from Luke 22:14-20. This is when Jesus instituted the ordinance of Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, during the celebration of Passover on the eve of His Crucifixion. Christ brought the ultimate significance to this Passover meal by associating the sacrificing of His blood and body for the atonement of mankind with the symbolic use of the bread and wine. The eating of the bread reminds believers of Christ’s bodily substitution for us and the benefits we gain from this substitutionary death (Matt. 26:26; Lk. 22:19; Jn. 6:53-57; 1 Cor. 11:24; 1 Pt. 2:24).  The wine of the cup reminds believers of the all-sufficient, perfect blood sacrifice Christ provided on our behalf which provides redemption and forgiveness from sins once and for all (Matt. 26:27-28; Lk. 22:20; Jn. 6:53-57; 1 Cor. 11:25; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 10:1-22).

But the Lord’s Supper is more than just a reminder of what Christ has accomplished in His death. It is encouragement to believers that Christ now abides in us (Jn. 6:53-57).  It is an opportunity to proclaim Christ’s saving work (1 Cor. 11:26). It is a chance to celebrate the unity believers have together in Christ as He resides in each believer (1 Cor. 10:27; Matt. 18:20). In light of this unity, the fellowship of the communion meal is not to be taken lightly. Believers should examine their lives and make sure they are in right relationship with fellow believers (1 Cor. 11:27-29).  As a united family of believers, we can also look forward to the reunion and future meal with the Savior who made salvation possible (Matt. 26:29; 1 Cor. 11:26; Rev. 19:1-10).

PREPARATION & SIMPLE GUIDE FOR COMMUNION AT HOME

Preparation for the Good Friday Service & Communion

• Have the Communion elements ready: unleavened bread (for Christ’s body) and juice (for Christ’s blood). If you are unable to get these elements, use something close to it. What is most important is your heart’s response to Jesus Christ and His work on the cross for you.
• Take time to examine your heart. (1 Cor. 11:27-29) See the article “What does it mean to examine yourself (1 Corinthians 11:28)?”  by clicking here (https://www.gotquestions.org/examine-yourself.html )
• Remember that this is a spiritual heart “checkup.” It is not meant to imply that perfection is necessary to take communion.  Instead we should ask, “Do I understand what the Lord Supper means and am I taking it for the right reasons? Am I seeking to follow Christ or are there areas of my life I am not letting Him lead?” Confess what comes to mind when asking those questions and ask Him to empower you to repent and pursue Him.
• If there is unresolved conflict in your life, ask the Lord if reconciliation is possible and how He would have you seek it (Matthew 5:23).  See the Four G’s of Peacemaking https://rw360.org/the-four-gs/ or the Peace Making Pamphlet https://rw360.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Peacemaking-Principles-Pamphlet.pdf
• Reflect on all Jesus did and went through to pay the penalty for your sin.  Reading through Matthew 26 -27 will help you reflect.
• Participate in the Good Friday service. Sing along and take communion when instructed.

Guidance for taking Communion via video chat with a friend, family, or small group

• Read through one of the following passages: Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:23-26; Luke 22:7-23.
• Then read though one of the following passages: Matthew 27:15-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 23:1-56; John 19:1-42
• Ask one person to pray for the bread and lead in this first part of communion. Here’s an example:

Person holds the bread up as a symbol of Jesus’ body and says, “Jesus asked us to eat this bread to remember that He gave His body for us. Let’s pray.

‘God, thank You for sending Jesus who not only lived for us, but died for us. The Son of God, who came in the body of a man, gave Himself up so we could live! Thank You that His body was raised back to life. Thank You that because of the grace of Jesus we have real life, and we can live forever in You. Amen.’

Okay, go ahead and eat the bread.”

excerpt from – https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/coronavirus/the-power-of-receiving-communion-at-home-during-quarantine.html

• Next, have someone pray for the cup and lead in this second part of communion. Here’s an example:

Person holds the cup as a symbol of Jesus’ blood and says, “Jesus asked us to drink this cup to remember that our sins are washed away by the powerful new covenant Jesus made possible between us and God. Let’s pray.

‘God, what an incredible picture this is of Your love for us. You allowed Your only Son to literally be poured out so that we could be in a fully restored relationship with You. Thank You, Jesus, for giving your blood. Amen.’

Go ahead and drink the cup.”

(from https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/coronavirus/the-power-of-receiving-communion-at-home-during-quarantine.html)

• Encourage group members to offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Helpful articles for questions about communion:

• What is the importance of the Lord’s supper/Christian Communion? https://www.gotquestions.org/communion-Christian.html INCLUDES ANIMATED VIDEO FOR CHILDREN TO WATCH.
• What is the meaning and importance of the Last Supper? https://www.gotquestions.org/Last-Supper.html
• When should children be baptized and/or allowed to take the Lord’s Supper? https://www.gotquestions.org/children-baptism-communion.html
• What did Jesus mean when He said, “This is my body, broken for you”? https://www.gotquestions.org/this-is-my-body-broken-for-you.html
• Is it acceptable to have communion outside of the church? https://www.gotquestions.org/communion-outside-church.html

I pray that the above information will be a help in strengthening your faith and equipping you to help others pursue Jesus Christ. May we all continue to encourage each other in our walk with Jesus and sharing of the Gospel with others.

By His grace,

Pastor, Midlothian Bible Church

Hey, MBC Family!

Sermon Recap:

Choosing Faith Over Fear: Utilize Your Helper

Key Passage: John 14: 15-17

Jesus Understands:

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. John 12:27

Utilize your Helper, the Holy Spirit

Trust in Christ your Savior

Set your minds on things of the Spirit

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Philippians 4:8

Walk by the Spirit

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

A story came to mind when I listened to Pastor Matt’s sermon again. It was from when I was about thirteen years old.  That year, I got a guitar for Christmas.  This was before Google and YouTube, so I went to the used bookstore and got a book on how to teach myself how to play guitar.

According to the book, the first step in learning to play the guitar was learning how to tune the guitar.  I remember sitting on my bed with the guitar in my hands.  I plucked a string and then tried to match that sound when I plucked another string. However, a strange thing kept happening.  When I turned the tuning peg to tighten the string and raise its pitch, the sound got lower. I couldn’t figure it out, so I checked the book again.  Yes. The book said, “Tighten the string to raise the pitch.”  So I kept tightening and tightening the tuning peg, but the sound coming from the string got lower and lower.

At the exact moment I realized I was tightening the wrong tuning peg, the string snapped and recoiled into my face not even a centimeter from my eye.  It left a painful, spiral-shaped welt on my cheek for several days.  The string’s pitch wasn’t getting lower and lower.  I was tightening the wrong peg.

I think this was the point when I decided the guitar wasn’t the instrument for me (I ended up taking up the bass).  I needed help.  I needed someone or something to help me make the music I wanted to play sound good. At a minimum–I needed an electronic tuner.  Electronic tuners have a display. Some special tuners for beginners even show a picture of the neck of the guitar and the peg that needs adjustment to achieve the correct pitch (if the guitar starts out mostly in tune). 

This example came to mind because it reminded me of what Matt described as “walking in the flesh” instead of utilizing our Helper and walking in the Spirit.

Tuning the guitar like I was trying to do with no knowledge of what to do and without an electronic tuner can be like when I try and live in my own strength–when I walk in the flesh.  I work harder and harder to do more or to be better.  That’s when the string that is my life gets tighter and tighter.  I feel like I’m going to snap.  And sometimes I even do snap—just like that guitar string.  I apply too much tension and pressure to the wrong place—on the wrong string, as it were.

Using an electronic tuner takes the pressure away.  It helps diagnose the problem more efficiently and correctly.  It shows exactly what I need to do to make the guitar sound good, and it even gives me guidance on how to achieve the right sound.  This is like what happens when I rely on the Helper Jesus said was available to me.  I need to remember to walk by the Spirit by getting into and meditating on God’s word.  Then my life–like a guitar–will get into tune. It will sound better overall.  And most importantly, He’ll keep me from snapping.

Noteworthy:

This Friday, April 10th, we will be posting a Good Friday devotional from Pastor Matt at 4pm to our YouTube channel.  (click here) Please join in and watch with your family.  Pastor Matt will also be encouraging you to take communion as part of his message, so you might want to have some juice and bread handy to use in your own houses.

On Sunday morning, April 12th, we will be posting a pre-recorded Easter message on our YouTube channel.  Make sure you have subscribed or our channel, so you receive notifications as soon as we post this and any other content.

We so appreciate those of you who have continued to give during this time—both to the general fund and to the benevolence ministry. If you have questions about how to send in your tithes and offerings, please email the church office (click here).

We also appreciate hearing your praises and prayer requests!  Please keep sending them in to your small group leaders or directly to us by clicking here

Finally, many of our ministries have continued to connect with people despite the Shelter-in-Place order.  For example, MBC Kids has its own Facebook page where they stream lessons and post activities. Our MBC Student and Young Adult ministries, along with several Sunday School and LIFE groups, have found their groove using Zoom to meet virtually.  Please email the church office (click here) if you are having trouble using any of these applications or if you are starting to feel disconnected.  We are here for you and would love to help you get plugged into a group to help you find encouragement in these difficult times.

To Sum Up—

I know it’s hard to keep track of which day is what in our “new normal,” but during this week, try to take time to reflect on why Easter is so meaningful. Jesus died, but He didn’t stay dead!  God demonstrated His power when defeated death and brought His Son back to life.  He confirmed His Word to be true and thereby showed we can put our faith in Him.  As we remember Good Friday and then celebrate Easter Sunday, may we be thankful for the Helper He has provided us.  You don’t need to “tune your guitar alone.”  Utilize the Holy Spirit so God can make His beautiful music happen through you.

In service to Him and to you,
Heather Hogue