Berachah 2007

A hand held GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) has worked its way into the comings and goings of our modern world. Several years ago while some of us were working our way down the Mulchatna River in Alaska a GPS device proved to be useful. We could see where we had been, where we were going, and, most importantly, where we were. GPSs have found their way into automobiles, boats, and wherever hunters hunt. Perhaps we could think about our coming year at Berachah from the standpoint of a GPS.

Let’s begin with the more obvious. Something is happening on our property. The construction site is a promise of a new building. It will contain a fellowship hall and classrooms. And do we ever need the classroom space. Thankfully, God has provided over $600,000, but more funds will be needed. Keep praying and giving. Our builder is working hard at getting the building finished as soon as possible. Let us remain patient and joyful. And speaking of money the Lord has provided us with the most generous Grace Promise commitment in our church’s history. Over $195,000 has been pledged for world missions for 2007. Rejoice in God’s provision through the generosity of His people. Pray for the Missions committee as they work on the budget for the coming year. This will be done at the Sunday, January 21 dinner meeting. There are already some special opportunities for world mission’s work this year. For the past week Frank Pass has been in Novosibirsk, Siberia teaching a course on Romans 1-8 in the seminary. We have been praying for traveling mercies for Frank since he set out on his trip with a cold and headed for what can be one of the coldest places on this planet. In February Beth and I plan to go to Iasi, Romania (pronounced Yash) where I will be teaching the “Peacemaker” course in the Bible Institute where Karl Kosobucki serves with CrossWorld. Later this year we also plan to visit the Heinz family in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Preparations are already being made for another Bosnia team mission’s trip June 25 to July 6. Chuck and Jan Bennett left this past week for another special time of ministry in Costa Rica. Steve and Kim Reitz are with us for several weeks while on a brief furlough from their work with CrossWorld in Bosnia. This is a lot of coming and going, but it represents one of many reasons God has for our existence as Christians in this world.

The Pine Mountain Chalets will be the location of the Ladies Retreat January 25-27. Rachael Sherwood, wife of John Sherwood the international director for CrossWorld, will be the featured speaker. There is great value in the women of our church sharing time together worshiping God, renewing relationships, and visiting the springs of the heart with the living and powerful Word of God. The ladies will be prepared to begin their Bible Study on Tuesdays beginning February 6. Our church is rich in women who love God and have an appetite for His written revelation. Such a treasure enriches the entirety of our church life and fills homes with Christ’s presence.

On April 13-15 Trevor Craigen, professor of theology at The Master’s Seminary, will be our annual Bible Conference speaker. Dr. Craigen will be speaking on “The Nation of Israel in the Plan of God.” Make your plans now to hear these messages. There are hundreds of doctrinal themes in the Scriptures. That is why we are always mining the truth-rich sixty-six books of the Bible to strengthen our faith and sharpen our perspective. Justin will be alternating between Sunday mornings and Sunday nights with his series on the Gospel of Matthew. I will be doing a five-part series on the Book of Job beginning Sunday, January 28. A special four week Sunday School class will begin on February 4 on “Creativity in Preaching and Teaching.” This will be a study in how to take the truth of Scripture and deliver it to the minds and hearts of the hearers. For those men who are able to squeeze a Monday morning Bible study into their schedule (see Sunday’s bulletin for time and location) you will find encouragement and an excellent way to begin each new week. We are finishing up I John and soon begin a study of the Ten Commandments. The Elders are continuing their search for an additional staff member. Please pray that we will find the man who is most suitable for work with the youth, worship, and the wearing of other “hats” as well.

As we set out on our journey through the coming year there are social, cultural, and political winds that will be blowing. Stem cell research (Is it right to destroy an embryo for the purpose of experimentation?), the war in Iraq (Should we abandon Iraq and let radical Islam take over?), Sunday blue laws (Does it really take another day to buy all the alcohol you want?), the economy (slower growth but not recession?), the airline industry (Does Delta want to shift to the west?), health care (whose responsibility is it to provide health insurance?). These are a few of the issues that will dominate the headlines. Christians should not stick their heads in the sand and ignore the moral and ethical implications of such matters. Part of our purpose as a local church is to instruct our young people in a Christian world and life view. James Sire in his book, The Universe Next Door, tells us that “Refusing to adopt an explicit worldview (a set of presuppositions which we hold about the basic makeup of our world)….We are caught. So long as we live, we will live either the examined or the unexamined life…. The examined life is better.” If we are to be salt and light in this world our Christianity is to be lived out in humble and loving wisdom.

We have the year 2007 before us. Let’s not waste our time. There is a lot of good work to be done. Some of us may go on to heaven this year. But most of us probably will not. Redeem the time you saints of God. Christ is with us. We have His word on it.

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church