May 3, 2020 Sermon Recap:

Series: Followership over Spectatorship: Growing as Disciples Who Make Disciples

Title: Follow Me: Love One Another

Passage: John 13:34-35  “A new commandment I give to you, love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Love for fellow believers as well as our unbelieving neighbors should be: 

• Selfless
• Sacrificial
• Understanding
• Committed and forgiving

This means we need the Holy Spirit!

Application:

• Confess
• Repent
• Submit
• Rely

Only then will we be able to “bear the logo” of Christ –like certain clothing “bears the logo” of Michael Jordan–to fellow believers and to our unbelieving neighbors.

Thoughts:

A sermon on love.  This should be the easiest sermon recap to write! There are so many ways to practically demonstrate love for others.  Like the note on the MBC Kids’ Ice Cream flier lists, we can walk dogs, paint rocks, and draw chalk pictures.  We can also write notes, make calls, bring dinners, and on and on.  Let me be clear.  These are all nice things. Loving things. They’re all great actions that can show love to our neighbors.

Here’s my question though…  Why does it sometimes seem easier to show love to complete strangers than the ones we love the most–our own family?  I’ve been known to make a three course dinner for a family at church and then pick up McDonald’s for my own family (Don’t judge me, though. This was before the book Chew on This and the movie Supersize Me came out).  When I was teaching, it seemed I had almost unlimited patience with my students. I could calmly ask a student to try again with a different answer ad infinitum.  I even made it a personal challenge to try to connect with the most difficult kids to be the “teacher who cared.”

However, when I would get home to Mike and my own kids, I often was short and impatient.  I spoke angry words out of frustration in a tone I never would even consider using with students or coworkers.  Why? I’ve heard it asked, “Why do we tend to treat the ones we love the most…the worst?”  Chaucer’s line from the Canterbury Tales, “Familiarity breeds contempt” is often too close to the truth.

While I don’t have a background in psychology, I do know enough to say that for me, this is just one more piece of evidence which shows us we can’t walk the Christian life in our own strength.  We need the Holy Spirit.  We need His help to love the unlovable, and we need His help to love those who are most precious to us.  Don’t assume they just “know” you love them.  They need to see love in action, too.

Noteworthy:

If you thought that while the church was closed these last few weeks for the Shelter-in-Place Order nothing was going on, you couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are some highlights from the last two weeks!

MBC Kids

• You saw the MBC Kids and Student ministries loving on each other during the video last Sunday.  This week, a team of volunteers delivered “Carnival in a Bag” kits to kids who participated in the Wednesday night CrossKids program this year! Lydia Weldy, Stephanie Vest, Edna Vara and a team of volunteers didn’t want the kids to miss out on their end-of-year celebration event, so they brought the “carnival experience”  to the kids by providing them with items such as red noses, cotton candy, and shaving cream for a “Pie in the Face” challenge.  Check out their Facebook page, “Midlothian Bible Church Kids Ministry,” to see all the smiling faces!

https://www.facebook.com/midlothianbiblechurchkids/videos/3097502716977697/

 

MBC Students

• There is BIG news on the MBC Student front!  As Matt announced on Sunday, we have hired Zeke Garcia as our new Student Ministries Pastor!  Zeke comes to us from Arkansas where he was a former worship leader and youth pastor.  Zeke and his wife, Karlee, have three young children and another on the way due in November!  We hope to have a video introducing Zeke and his family to you soon!
• Also on the MBC Student front, there will be a movie night tomorrow at 7pm.  They will be watching “Spiderman: Homecoming” on Zoom.  The Meeting ID is: 893 8438 3756  and the Password is: 147771.  I know they are planning to deliver snacks to participating students Friday afternoon before the movie, so make sure Leah, Corbin, and the team know if your student plans to attend.
• Finally, the Student Ministry team is postponing the service recognizing graduating high school seniors until May 31st.  If you have a graduating senior, please refer to an earlier email from Leah Austin and submit your student’s pictures ASAP!  More details will follow, so look for another email from Leah soon.

MBC Women

• Our MBC Women had their May “Coffee & Conversation” event last Sunday evening.  It was a virtual lesson on painting with watercolors.  Stephanie Vest led everyone in creating a picture of flowers and succulents, and the resulting pictures weren’t half-bad, if I do say so myself!  It was great to connect with other women over Zoom for this fun activity. 
• Fitness & Fellowship classes have resumed on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-10am!  Join us for strength and stretching on Tuesdays and Cardio/Step on Thursdays! We’re also considering offering a Monday evening class.  Email the church office by clicking here for more information.  We’d love to have you join us!

MBC LIFE Groups/Sunday School Classes

• Zoom has also enabled our LIFE group and Sunday school classes to continue going strong. Here are some of their current offerings:
  • Pam Curry and the women’s class—The book of James
  • Mike Hogue and his Sunday night group—A study of the minor prophets
  • The Taillon’s group meets on Zoom twice a week!  Once for prayer requests and fellowship, and once for their study of Encountering Jesus by Douglas Connelly
  • Scott BeVier and the Scripture by the Inch class is studying 1 & 2 Timothy
• I know Ed Fricke’s class, The Ambassador class, the Keener’s LIFE group, and the Reynold’s LIFE group are also meeting by Zoom, as well.  Don’t let this virus keep you from feeling connected to the body here at MBC! Contact any of the leaders listed or email the church office, and we’ll help you find the perfect group for you and your family.

We’ve had over 80 households respond to the survey link we put out in Realm last week, and the information we received back has already been extremely helpful as we plan to reopen MBC.  If someone in your family hasn’t completed the survey yet, please click here or copy and paste the following link into your browser and answer a few short questions for us: https://tinyurl.com/y8cnpc3d

Finally, weather-permitting, we’re planning an outdoor worship service on Saturday evening, May 16th from 7-8:30 pm.  Look for another email with more details next week.

In closing, I would encourage you spend some time in the word this week and ask the Holy Spirit to help you find ways not only to love your unbelieving neighbor, but also ways to show love to the ones you love the most.  By this all people will know that you are His disciples, if you have love for one another  (John 13:34-35).

In service to Him and to you,
Heather Hogue

Important Information Regarding the Reopening of MBC

MBC Church Family, I am excitedly looking forward to fellowshipping and worshiping with you all in person again soon. Therefore, it was encouraging to hear Governor Abbott’s phased plan to open Texas. As you may know, this plan allows churches to open worship services on a limited basis. (See attached document.) Yesterday, I had meetings with staff and elder leadership to discern how to do this wisely and with measured steps for the overall welfare of the church family. The consensus from these meetings was to continue live-streaming worship services for the next two Sundays with the hope of resuming in-person services by the weekend of May 17th. These steps will allow church leadership to observe what happens as businesses in Texas begin to reopen. It will also let church staff and ministry teams creatively plan and set up meeting areas for corporate worship that follow the governor’s guidelines. Currently, we are assessing the use of multiple services, prescribed groups, various meeting venues, reservations, and cleaning procedures between services. We are also considering the possibility of a special outdoor lawn-chair worship service on the church’s front green space. The youth ministry team is planning to resume their Wednesday night and weekend gatherings sooner. Youth attending these gatherings will be sectioned off into smaller groups, and all who participate will be asked to utilize appropriate social distancing during meetings. If you would like to volunteer to help set up our future services and assist us in meeting the prescribed guidelines, please email info@midlothianbible.org and put “Set-up Help” in the subject line. Please also continue to pray for church leaders to have wisdom and discernment in these matters as we go forward. As we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic, I would encourage you all to walk by faith in God, and seek first His Kingdom. Look for ways you can love your neighbor and put the gospel of Jesus Christ on display. By His grace, Matt Reynolds for the Elder Team

Checklist for Churches and Places of Worship

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