News

Another year has just about come and gone. We've weathered some storms as a nation and world. I hope this holiday season is full of joy and celebration for you and your family.

As I reflect on this year, I am again reminded of what a great community FBC is. Your love and impact on our local community continue to encourage the leadership and me at FBC. May we always remember that it is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we are able to do what we do.

John 14:26

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you."

John 16:13

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth...

Advent has reminded us that we wait for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Only through Him can we truly experience true peace in our lives. I pray for opportunities for this church family to share the peace of Jesus with your family and the greater community. May we be marked as a people of genuine peace and hope. May our love and joy for life spill into our places of work, our families, and our circle of friends.

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do."

We are moving into 2023 with some momentum and in a position to do more as a church. Be thinking about who you want to share the Good News with this coming year, and maybe plan to invite them into FBC to hear and experience the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We certainly don't want to be the "best-kept secret" in town. We want our community to know about the good things God is doing right in our midst.

I look forward to seeing what our family accomplishes for God's Kingdom as we move into the future.

Blessings to you all, and may your Christmas be full of wonder and joy!

Pastor Nick

From the series Letters to the Prison

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Hello, everyone.  We want to encourage you:  Prayerfully consider what we can individually and personally sacrifice at Jesus’ feet.  What can we give up or give away or give to him that would honor him?  Ask God carefully and be prepared for a surprising answer!

We’re considering John 12.  Last week, Jesus said something unusual in answer to Judas Iscariot’s unusual question about Mary’s unusual sacrifice:

• Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”                    --John 12:7-8

As usual, we could spend a lot of time considering what is going on here.  But we’re studying John with a focus on what Jesus (and others) say about who he is.  Still, it is fascinating to notice how, when someone asks Jesus a question, he very rarely gives a simple straightforward answer.  Instead, his response always seems to go to straight to the heart of the questioner’s real concern.  We’ve seen this happen earlier in our study (John 3:1-3 and 9:1-3, for example).  And, with little exception, the heart of the questioner’s concern always seems to be… Jesus himself –what to do with him and his claims.  This moment is no different.  

It becomes apparent, then, that Jesus is telling Judas (and the others gathered with him) something very important regarding himself… and, therefore, the deepest concern of their hearts:

Jesus is going to die soon.  The poor aren’t going away.  But Jesus will.  

So then, the key concern is:  What will the people around Jesus do with the time they’ve been given to walk with him?  What will happen when Jesus dies?  Mary, though she may not fully understand the significance of her action, is nevertheless making the best use of her time with Jesus.  Even though she doesn’t have a clear answer to the concern in her heart, she is clearly and publicly placing all her hope and trust and need for security at the feet of Jesus… right where all those things belong.  Is this like us?  Or not?  What are we doing with the time we’re given?

Interestingly, Jesus’ assertion that he will die soon is nevertheless laid in stark contrast to the profound demonstration of his power over death --exemplified in the person of Lazarus.  In fact, right away, after this conversation, John’s focus shifts back to this very thing:  Lazarus having been raised from the dead.  John 12:9-11 provides more objective proof (as if we need it) of the reality of Lazarus’ resurrection:  The fact that the “chief priests” now want to murder Lazarus also. Because “On account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus” (John 12:11).

 Mary, having personally witnessed these things, is laying everything –herself and all that she values in the world-- at Jesus’ feet.

Judas Iscariot, having also personally witnessed these things, isn’t even thinking about Jesus --or his feet.  He’s hung up on the “worldly value” of what Mary is (in his opinion) throwing away.

So, where are we in this contrast?  Are we like Judas?  Or Mary?  This is a dire question that we should consider prayerfully and honestly.  We’ll continue our study next week.  We love you!

Dean A.

From the series Letters to the Prison

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Hello, friends.  We’re so grateful for the opportunity to consider God’s word with you.  Be sure to thank the people who make these letters available.  We’re studying John 12.  Last week, we considered what Mary’s sacrifice meant for her.  John records some very interesting information about Judas Iscariot and his reaction to Mary’s sacrifice:

• But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. -John 12:4-6

In moments like these, we must remember that John wrote this account some 60 years after the events occurred.  So, he’s had plenty of time to reflect on Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and the fact that Judas was likely responsible for the “mysterious” disappearances of money from the “moneybag.”  It’s important to remember because, when this event occurs, no one suspects that Judas is about to betray Jesus.  No one has any idea that Judas is a thief.  No one sees Judas coming until it’s too late.  John, having been a witness to all these events, is keenly aware of this fact… that he himself had no idea that Judas –a fellow disciple of Jesus who was prayerfully and specifically selected to be a disciple by Jesus himself (Luke 6:17-19)—would one day (soon!) betray Jesus to the authorities and have him murdered.  John’s bitter recognition of his own inability to discern such a dangerous traitor must have stung for the rest of his life…  and gravely informed his thinking about whether or how to discern who the true and false believers were in a church…  if John couldn’t recognize the traitor in Judas after serving side-by-side every day with him for years… in the very presence of Jesus, no less… how could anyone else truly discern the spiritual status of a fellow church-goer?  John wrestled with this question throughout his letters and throughout the rest of his life.

Meanwhile, consider for a moment what these verses reveal about Judas and his thinking: He’s keenly aware of the monetary value of Mary’s sacrifice.  How is that possible?  Was he just guessing?  Or had he inquired about the value of this piece before?  This wasn’t the first time the disciples had been in this house…  had Judas been sizing up the item so that he could one day steal it for himself?  John recognizes that Judas didn’t care about the poor.  Judas’ “concern” for the poor was hugely ironic.  Of course, Jesus wants us to be concerned for the poor.  But here, Judas is only interested in what he can siphon for himself from a potential resource for the poor.  The only “poor” person Judas cares about is… himself.  Interestingly, modern fundraising companies often act this way.  They pull the heartstrings of people’s compassion for the poor and then direct substantial portions of the incoming donations towards the “infrastructure” of the company… in other words, their own paychecks.  So, here are “charitable” people living fatly off the resources they gather for the less fortunate.  Consider your charities wisely!  Moving on, Judas clearly didn’t care about Jesus, either.  Here, Mary has sacrificed this valuable item at (on!) Jesus’ feet, but this fact isn’t even registering in what Judas says.  The only thing Judas had in mind was the money he could have had.  Judas’ question betrayed his own motivation. 

Nevertheless, Jesus has an answer for Judas:

• Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” -John 12:7-8

From the series Letters to the Prison

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Hello, everyone.  Last week, as we opened our study of John 12, we saw an “ordinary” family –Lazarus and his sisters—acting according to their beliefs by faithfully and openly serving Jesus…  hosting him and feeding him even though the authorities were looking to kill him.  And yet, we see that there are things about this family and what they do for Jesus that are not “ordinary.”  Lazarus, for example… alive and well after having been dead for four days…

Interestingly, Lazarus did not choose to die…  nor did he choose to be raised again by Jesus.  His sister Mary, on the other hand…  look what she chose to do:

• Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. -John 12:3

No one asked her to do this…  certainly not Jesus.  And others around her were definitely perplexed… even outraged by what Mary chose to do.  We’ll get to their reaction soon enough.  But to begin to understand it properly, we need to consider what Mary’s act meant… for her and for Jesus.

First, there is the obvious and public act of sheer humility:  Mary washing Jesus’ feet with her hair.  This is not something people do every day… or ever… even back then in that culture.  Further, the significance of Mary even touching Jesus –let alone in such a way—Or Jesus allowing himself to be touched at all by a woman who isn’t his wife is massive given the social standards of etiquette and propriety of that culture in that day.  Prominent Jewish male religious leaders would simply never allow such a thing to occur.  Some of them might be hard pressed to even look at another woman… or speak to her if she wasn’t his wife… let alone allow her to touch them.  Why?  Because of what such an act might say about them.  People might talk… modern leaders of all kinds understand this risk very well… even today.  A person’s name…  their reputation is on the line… public image matters.  But not to Jesus… and not to Mary in this moment.

Second, there is the value of the “ointment” and its significance.  We’re told that this jar of perfume is worth at least “300 denarii” (John 12:5).  A denarius is a day’s wage for a laborer… enough to pay for their living expenses for a day… food, shelter, clothing, etc.  So, 300 of them is a year’s worth.  Imagine spending your entire income for a year on one item and then smashing it at Jesus’ feet.  Further, this item might have been a family heirloom… a one-of-a-kind piece with high sentimental value.  Some commentators have suggested that such an item might be given as a dowry when a daughter in the family (like Mary) is engaged to be married.  

The implications of that are huge.  Mary, then, is sacrificing all her “life savings” –any potential financial value as a possible future bride… all of her “worth” as a woman in that culture –literally at Jesus’ feet.  Her act suggests that she is completely and even recklessly “sold out” for Jesus… publicly and humbly so.  This is a one-way boundaryless sacrifice.  Mary holds nothing back and she can’t take it back once it’s done.  It is, in every regard, a life-altering act.

Jesus himself contributes to our understanding of the significance of Mary’s act.  We’ll examine his response next week.  Until then, what would such a sacrifice for Jesus look like for us?

Dean A.

From the series Letters to the Prison

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Hello, everyone.  We’re so glad you’ve joined our study of the Gospel of John.  Last week, we saw that Jesus left the area of Jerusalem after raising Lazarus from the dead, and after the religious leaders in Jerusalem started plotting his death.  Jesus won’t stay away from Jerusalem for long, though.  In fact, the very next verse shows that, though some time has passed, the time for all Jews (including Jesus) to return to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover has come:

• Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.                                                                                                              -John 11:55-57

So, the Passover is a yearly feast required by Jewish law and is held at the temple in Jerusalem.  Jesus, being a Jewish man, is required to show up and celebrate the Passover.  So naturally, the Jewish religious leaders –whom we now know are actively and intentionally plotting to murder Jesus- are waiting… wondering…  watching.

Friends, as we close our study of John 11, there are some important things to consider:

This Passover event is unlike any other –ever.  We’ll see why eventually, but it will take us some time to get there because John’s account of this Passover celebration will span the next 9 chapters of his book.  9 chapters to cover one of the most important weeks in the history of man –and perhaps the most important week in the history of God’s redemption of his people.  So, we’re going to take a slow tour through a slow tour; moment by moment, day by day… and we will see so much of what people say about Jesus… and what Jesus says about himself… and us.

Another important thing to consider and remember is that Jesus is on God’s timetable… not anyone else’s.  So, the imminent threat to his life is not going to stop him from doing precisely what he is supposed to do precisely when he’s supposed to do it.  And he will do what he is supposed to do openly, publicly, and with no fear of what evil men are plotting against him.  Can we find this same level of bold confidence in our ministry and service to God regardless of the environment or circumstance or whether anyone is hostile to us?  John has an answer:

As John 12 opens, we find Jesus returning to Bethany where Lazarus and his family live.  It is most likely the Saturday before the Passover.  Lazarus and his sisters host a dinner for Jesus.  They only live a mile or two from Jerusalem, so they probably know that the authorities are looking for Jesus.  Nevertheless, they graciously house and feed Jesus… and no report is made of any attempt by them to conceal Jesus or hide their hospitality to him.  And they certainly don’t “turn him in.”  We’ll see in a few verses that it doesn’t take long for word of Jesus’ arrival to spread, so it’s not like they are actively keeping Jesus a secret.  Here then is a family of believers serving God openly and boldly and simply with no fear of the consequences.  Nothing fancy.  Just obedient.  Except that Lazarus has been raised from the dead… and during dinner, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a very expensive perfume... even wiping his feet with her hair (John 12:3).  This is quite the significant act and, by itself, speaks volumes about Jesus… and what Mary thinks of him.  We will consider this act in more depth next week.  We love you!  

Dean A.

It's October, so as a pastor, I'm reminded again that this is the month I'm supposed to receive a ton of appreciation. (Please note this is not a plea for appreciation!) To be honest, I've not met a single pastor who longingly looks forward to appreciation ceremonies in October.

I was curious about how Clergy Appreciation Month started, so I did what any average human would do nowadays; I "Googled It." Wouldn't you know it, the first result in the search was a page from Hallmark. On this page, Hallmark gives a few stats about religion in America, the purpose of the holiday, and then, of course, a handy little link to all their product for Clergy Appreciation Month. 🤔 Could this holiday be a front for more card sales.....? LOL (I used to work for Hallmark, so I can joke around about that!)

I have to tell you that the greatest appreciation I receive is seeing the family of God come together in worship, ask questions, have the desire to learn more about God's Word, and then spread all of that into our local communities. A pastor doesn't (or shouldn't) make the church. The body should make the church with a pastor coming alongside to encourage, equip, and guide as needed.

I appreciate all of you!

You might not know this, but most of the decision-making that goes on behind the scenes isn't dictated by the pastor. (Shhh, don't let that little secret get out).

We have great church boards, an excellent staff, and many people stepping into ministry roles. (As a pastor, it is my duty to tell you that serving is following in the example of Christ, and we have many more needs to fill during our Sunday services as well as our community ministries 😁)

Take time this month to send a big thank you to someone who is leading through serving, and, frankly, doing the real behind-the-scenes work.

Elder Board - the group that watches over FBC's spiritual direction and needs.

• Mark Vincent
• Steve Walker
• I get to be in this awesome group as well!

Deacon Board - the group that looks after the practical needs of people inside and outside our fellowship.

• Austin Bailey
• Randy Nearing
• Dean Acito

Trustee Board - the group that stewards FBC's resources (financial and property).

• Carol Wills
• Randy Nearing
• Sue Nearing
• Steve Simon
• Kim Skidmore

Staff - the group that looks to the church's day-to-day operation and ensures our mission is being accomplished.

• Kim Skidmore - Office Manager
• Keri Abbott - Office Assistant
• Sara Plumley - Worship Manager
• David Forbes - Facility Director
• Jens Beck - Custodian

Membership - the group that covenants together to work for Jesus our Savior and His Kingdom.

You'll have to look in the directory for all of your names and smiling faces!

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Blessings to you, my FBC family. You are a joy to work with, and you have my sincere appreciation!

Pastor Nick

From the series Letters to the Prison

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Last week, we began to examine a stunning thing Caiaphas, the High Priest of the Temple in Jerusalem, said about Jesus --stunning and quite ironic, given the sort of man Caiaphas is.  So, the source of the statement is established… a criminally corrupt leader of the religious community.  But what does the statement mean?  Fortunately, we don’t have to spend much time speculating about that because John himself makes the significance of Caiaphas’ statement clear:

• He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. John 11:51-52

When an author of Scripture, like John, offers a clear interpretation of what someone in history has said about Jesus, it is definitely wise to pay attention.  First, John notes that Caiaphas has predicted (accurately, by the way) that Jesus will die for the sake of the nation of Israel.  This is absolutely true.  Jesus is Israel’s Messiah:  The Anointed One predicted by all the Old Testament books (see Daniel 9, for example).  Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross atoned for all the sins of all Israelites ever who would believe in him in perfect fulfillment of God’s law.  Further, as John points out, Jesus’ death was not just for the nation of Israel but for all the children of God… who are described by Peter as being a “holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9).  The book of Acts records the beginning of the Church –the Body of Christ (Colossians 1:24-26)— which is what emerges when God “gathers into one” his children (1 John 3:2) who are “scattered abroad…” both Jewish and Gentile believers (1st Corinthians 12:13).

So, Caiaphas, in his prideful and condescending explanation of why Jesus had to die, nevertheless –as High Priest-- actually and accurately predicted Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sake of all believers everywhere.  Caiaphas –thoroughly corrupt and arguably Jesus’ most bitter human enemy-- predicted the emergence of the Church and the ushering in of God’s Kingdom of believers in Jesus the Christ.  And quite unwittingly despite his murderous intent, which was made apparent in the very next verse:

• So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. -John 11:53

This, dear friends, is a dire object lesson in how even God’s enemies act –according to their own beliefs—in perfect accordance with God’s plan.  Peter would confirm this very thing during his sermon on the day the Church began (Acts 2:22-24).  So, even those who actively and intentionally resist the will of God are nevertheless participating in his perfect plan.  This should be a warning to anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to deny God and “do their own thing.”  It might also be a comfort to believers who are being persecuted by enemies of God to know that God has a purpose and a plan even for their enemies’ violence and hatred.

Jesus, knowing full well the intent of the religious leaders in Jerusalem to murder him:

• no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.  -John 11:54

Jesus left, but he didn’t stay away long.  God’s timing is perfect, as we will see.  We love you!

Dean A.

"...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Let your light shine before others. These are the words of Jesus, the foundation of our faith. What does Jesus tell us to do here and why?

• Our life is to - Shine
• Why - So others see
• See what - Our good works
• To what purpose - So they may give glory to God

Pretty simple, isn't it? Yes and no.

With this little phrase, Jesus helps to define how we are to live with those around us. Does he say shine so that everyone will be in full agreement with you - no. Does he say shine so that everyone will vote the same way that you vote - no. Does he say shine so that we will be liked by all - no. Jesus says to shine so that others will have a chance to see what God's Kingdom is all about and will give glory to God.

In many ways, the 1st-century church had it much harder than we do. (Go look it up). But in other ways, they also had it a lot easier. In the 1st century, they didn't have to worry about their faith being tied up with a certain political party. They didn't have to worry about the freedoms that we enjoy. They had rulers that were considered gods and could do whatever they wanted with their empires. The early church stood out because what they did looked different than the culture around them.

Despite all of that trial and uncertainty, the early church was able to shine and greatly influence their local communities. We have ancient letters to prove it.

Emperor Julian - “when it came about that the poor were neglected and overlooked by the [pagan] priests, then I think the Christians observed this fact and devoted themselves to philanthropy. [They] support not only their poor, but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us.”

Look at what this emperor says. We have poor people in our communities. We aren't taking care of all of their needs, and the Christians are stepping up and taking care of their people and our people and people are noticing!

I love the word that Emperor Julian uses to describe how the Christians are helping the poor. They are doing it through philanthropy.

When I think about philanthropy, I picture some of the great businessmen and women throughout the ages who have worked hard not only to build a business but to use that business to help the greater world. It usually comes through creativity and is expressed by a love for humanity.

I think that the modern church can learn from the early church and the best philanthropists in our world. Are we using creative methods to care for those suffering in our local communities?

I am currently part of a group that is looking at a video series Surprised by Hope, and in this series, a story was told about a church that purchased an old school building that wasn't being used in their town. The church didn't turn it into a "bigger church" but a factory where those with disabilities could come, work, and earn a living. The church saw an opportunity to celebrate the dignity of this group in need, and gave them a way to be a contributing part of their town.

What are some of the creative ways where a church can step in and provide opportunities to serve and invite people in who are sitting on the fringes of the community?

Let's be philanthropists in sharing the love of Jesus!