The Covid Crisis: Is God Really in Control?

Nov 8, 2020 | Missionary, Podcast

Message Slides: The Covid Crisis: Is God Really in Control?

Weekly Bulletin 11-08-20

Welcome

Regular Weekly Activities

Regular Weekly Activities

Connecting Point @ 9:20 AM
Chat with friends and family at FBC
or
online on YouTube or Facebook
(YouTube/Google or Facebook account required)

KidZone Classes
NURSERY-3RD GRADE @ 9:30 AM
Please pick your child up promptly after the Worship Service.

Sunday Worship @ 9:30 AM
Live in Auditorium
or
Livestream Simulcast in MPR
Click here for self-screening protocol
or
Join us online on YouTube or Facebook

Worship through Music ~ Dave Neumayer
Worship through the Word ~ Steve Everett
The Covid Crisis: Is God Really in Control?

Sunday School Classes @ 11:00 AM
Bible Talk with Pastor Isaac – Room 302/304
Book of Titus with Paul Eslinger – Room 303/305

Tuesday Youth Group @ 6:00 PM
In person at FBC with Pastor Isaac
Meeting in the MPR
Youth Group ends at 7:30

Announcements

TODAY’S SPEAKER: STEVE EVERETT
Steve and his wife Mendi have been serving with ABWE since 2001. For 10 years of that time they lived and served in southern Brazil assisting in church planting as well directing a retreat center where they helped to encourage attendees and help them grow in faith and fellowship.
They are now based in Salem, OR and have an emphasis on partnering with Brasilian ministry workers to further the gospel reach worldwide.
Both Steve and Mendi have long-time ties to First Baptist. If you are able to attend in person this week, make sure to say hello. You can read more about their ministry in the “Missionary of the Month” section of the Weekly Bulletin.
To make a one-time gift (love offering) to the Everetts, you may choose “missionary of the month” in the drop-down menu of the ChurchCenter app’s giving option. This option is also available online, here. Alternatively, you may visit their ABWE giving page.

TODAY: ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
Sunday school classes begin at 11:00. We hope you’ll join us after the service in one of these classes:

Bible Talk with Pastor Isaac: An interactive study for both youth and adults
– Room 302/304
Current topic: What it means to be the Church
This week: Examining Lordship Salvation

Book of Titus with Paul Eslinger: An interactive bible study for adults
– Room 303/305
Current passage: Titus 1:1-9
This week: Read ahead Titus 1:1-9. Look up elder/overseer/bishop definitions and where it is used elsewhere in scripture.

 

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD
Share what you are thankful for! Submit a photo with a caption, a video, or a short paragraph to fbc@thefirstfamily.net. We will encourage each other with God’s blessings to our church family on Sunday, November 22.

 

MONDAY: MOPS – MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
MOPS has plenty of room for new moms, so if you are a mom of kids up to age five, please join us!
More details:

  • Next meeting: Monday, November 9
  • 6:30 PM in the MPR at FBC
  • We have plenty of room for new moms, so bring a friend, neighbor, etc.!
  • Meetings are on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, September-May
  • See our Facebook page or the FBC MOPS page for more info

 

TUESDAY:
YOUTH GROUP
November 10 • 6:00-7:30 PM
In person at FBC with Pastor Isaac
Meeting in the MPR

 

WEDNESDAY:
AWANA
November 11 • 6:30 PM
Some clubs still have space available!
Register on the ChurchCenter app under Events or click here to register.
Space is limited!

 

THURSDAY:
KIDZONE ONLINE CONTENT – brite*
Watch the KidZone Facebook Page each Thursday afternoon for a new lesson and activity. Because kids who know the Bible can:

  • Navigate a changing culture
  • Build a strong foundation of faith
  • Love Jesus for the rest of their lives

Click here to see what you can learn in these online Bible lessons, powered by Awana.

 

MORE EVENTS:

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Our faithful Operation Christmas Child enthusiasts have finished another year of prep and are ready to pack some boxes! First Baptist Church’s OCC goal this year is 200 boxes and we need to raise $2,000 to cover shipping and the cost of the boxes themselves.

We will not do a big packing party this year, but will to continue having small monthly gatherings and pack boxes from supplies we have received to date. OCC box items (school supplies, hygiene supplies, etc.) are still welcome!

Boxes and funds will be collected through Nov. 22.

 

Song Lyrics

Today’s Songs

Click here for printer-friendly lyrics

~tap a title to jump
to the song~

Here I Am To Worship

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)

Here I Am To Worship

Verse 1

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made
This heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Chorus

So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
And You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

Verse 2

King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love’s sake became poor

Bridge

And I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
And I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross

(back to top)

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Verse 1

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see

Verse 2

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Chorus

My chains are gone I’ve been set free
My God my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love amazing grace

Verse 3

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

Verse 4

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

(back to top)

10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)

Chorus

Bless the Lord O my soul O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

Verse 1

The sun comes up it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Verse 2

You’re rich in love and You’re slow to nger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

Verse 3

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Tag

Worship Your holy name
Lord I’ll worship Your holy name

Ending

Sing like never before O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
Worship Your holy name
Worship Your holy name

(back to top)

Scripture

The Covid Crisis: Is God Really in Control?

Steve Everett

 
 
 
 

 

Job 1:
1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.
2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters.
3 He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.
7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”
8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?
10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.”
12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,
14 and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,
15 and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
16 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
17 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
18 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,
19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
 
 
 
Acts 7:
1 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?”
2 And Stephen said:
“Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,
3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’
4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living.
5 Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child.
6 And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years.
7 ‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’
8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
9 “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him
10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.
11 Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food.
12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit.
13 And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh.
14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all.
15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers,
16 and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
17 “But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt
18 until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph.
19 He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive.
20 At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God’s sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father’s house,
21 and when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son.
22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.
23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.
24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian.
25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.
26 And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’
27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’
29 At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
30 “Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.
31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord:
32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look.
33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’
35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’
38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.
39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt,
40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.
42 But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:
“‘Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices,
during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
43 You took up the tent of Moloch
and the star of your god Rephan,
the images that you made to worship;
and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’
44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen.
45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David,
46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.
47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,
49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
or what is the place of my rest?
50 Did not my hand make all these things?’
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.
52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,
53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”
54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.
55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.
58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7 (ESV)
 
 
 
Acts 9:
1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.
4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,
12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”
13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.
14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
Saul Escapes from Damascus
23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him,
24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him,
25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.
Saul in Jerusalem
26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.
30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
32Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.
34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose.
35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.
37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.”
39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.
Acts 9 (ESV)
 
 
 
 

 

Sermon Notes/Outline & Discussion Questions

 

The Covid Crisis: Is God Really in Control?
Steve Everett

Outline: The COVID crisis—Is God really in control?

1. JOB – (Job 1:1-3; 6-22)
• Blameless and upright
• Richly blessed
• Gone in a flash
• Praises vs. curses

2. Stephen – (Acts 7)
• 1st deacon
• Passion for ministry
• Preached the gospel
• Bold in faith
• Ministry cut short

3. Saul/Paul – (Acts 9)
• Appears in ch. 7
• Hatred for the church
• Stopped in his tracks
• Life changing event

 

Discussion Questions

1. Job
Have I ever been tempted to blame God of doing wrong? Why did God single Job out to Satan? Is Job’s “torment” a punishment or an honor? Do I believe that “trials” can prove my faith to be real? What kind of “outside” influences do I allow to shape my thoughts and reactions to “trials”?

2. Stephen
Why was Stephen so hated by the people? What kind of opposition to God’s message is there today? Faced with the onslaught of boulders why wasn’t Stephen afraid? How can I apply that to my life in the middle of a trial?

3. Paul
What explanations can I think of for Paul’s immense hatred towards Christians and the Church? Did God show anger or love to Paul? Can I think of a time when I have recently been confronted by God about some aspect of my life? What was my response and result?

Prayer

Prayer Requests

Giving

You may give in person using the boxes at the back of the Auditorium or the MPR

Give Online

Financial Information through September 30, 2020
Giving: $135,096 • Expenses: $138,228 • Budget: $190,650

Missionary of the Month

Steve & Mendi Everett

Steve and Mendi have been serving with ABWE since 2001. For 10 years of that time they lived and served in southern Brazil assisting in church planting as well directing a retreat center called Sitio da Esperança. This property was used to offer “like-minded” churches in the area a place for retreats, baptisms, sporting events, training opportunities and classes, Bible study groups, and family events. It was a great way for churches to encourage their flocks and grow in their fellowship. It also was a great way to evangelize through sporting tournaments, youth rallies, and youth/adult retreats.

They are now based in Salem, OR and have an emphasis on partnering with Brasilian ministry workers to further the gospel reach worldwide. They are partnering with them in an effort to reach further into their communities or the communities they work in through teaching English, running sports camps, construction projects, offering specific training modules, or anything else within the skill sets the Lord has given them that aids in reaching others for the Lord. Their desire is to allow their national partners dictate what type of help and ministry is needed.

As a bonus, they get to share these things with churches in the US in hopes of inspiring and encouraging Christians to jump on board with what God is doing around the world. And by “jumping on board” they mean by going on short-term missions trips or contributing financially towards these ministries and national partners.

Steve’s Mom and Grandma are both former members of First Baptist Church. Mendi is also a former member, and attended First Baptist in her jr. high and high school years, so they both have long time ties to this church.

To make a one-time gift (love offering) to the Everetts, you may choose “missionary of the month” in the drop-down menu of the ChurchCenter app’s giving option. This option is also available online, here.
Alternatively, you may visit their ABWE giving page.

Praises:
•    Some recent increases in monthly support
•    Some recent & encouraging “divine” meetings with good friends
•    Our health through this COVID time
•    God meeting ALL our needs! PTL!

Prayer Requests:
•    We are currently around $1,000 short in monthly support
•    Trying to plan our 2021 calendar with so many unknowns
•    Our partners in Guyana: John and Fabi & Renato and Francilene
•    Our partners in Brazil: Pierre and Inha & Edson and Alessandra
•    Our country and our leaders

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