THIS WEEK AT WARSAW CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 2/14 THRU 2/20, 22

I hope you have a very nice Valentine’s day. We had a wonderful dinner yesterday at church. Thanks to the men who did such a fine job with decorations. 

A reminder that we are collecting gently used shoes to send to Haiti through March 30. 

We are also still collecting nutritious snacks for the Warsaw Schools. 

FCW while elephant donations accepted through Feb. 28.

Bible study Wednesday at 2:30. We are continuing the series on the Holy Spirit.

Sunday School at 9:00 with the outstanding teaching of Sandy Schmitt. 

Morning worship at 10:00 AM. This week’s sermon will address the wonderful consequences that flow from faith. Paul spends a lot of time teaching us that salvation is by faith alone, faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Ok, I trust in Jesus, what happens next? Some wonderful things follow faith spelled out in Romans Chapter 5:1-5. 

To those who can’t be with us because of covid concerns or illness, we miss you and hope you will be able to be with us soon.

Blessings in Christ, 

Pastor Bowman

I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;

he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2).  

DAILY DEVOTION, February 14, 2022

Judge not, that you be not judged (Matthew 7:1; see 1-21 for context)).

More than once, I have had this verse tossed at me whenever I comment on bad behavior or false doctrine. “We are not to judge.” Please read the entire passage. Of course, we are to make judgments, but we need to consider several principles. First, we are not to judge others unfairly. What goes around comes around. You don’t want others to judge you unfairly, so don’t be quick to judge others unfairly. Second, we need to judge ourselves first. Jesus spoke of a splinter in the eye of another and a log in our eye. Don’t come down harshly regarding another’s little sin while ignoring your enormous sins.

Later in the passage, Jesus speaks of false prophets. Of course, we must judge who speaks the truth and who doesn’t. This means we must be knowledgeable regarding the Scriptures. If someone says, “There are many paths to God,” we have to judge that those words are false. Jesus is the only path to God. However, we make judgments to help others, not to knock them over! Paul admonishes us to correct others with gentleness (1 Peter 3:15). Yes, make judgments, but with kindness. And make sure you see the log in your own eye before being harsh with others.

Father, help me to make judgments in a fair and gentle spirit. If I feel compelled to point out the sin of another, I want to act in a spirit that will help him, not hurt him. And please help me keep an eye on my sins when I look at the sins of others. Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, February 13, 2022

They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Revelation 17:14).

When you think of “The King,” perhaps Elvis Presley comes to mind. He may be the king of rock and roll, but Jesus is “The King.” Without getting into all the complexities surrounding the Book of Revelation, here is the main point. Jesus came to earth for one primary purpose, to bring salvation to the human race. He is described in the text as a “Lamb.” He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He forgives all who trust in Him and His shed blood. Yet, from the time of His birth through today, some war against Him. Their efforts to unthrone the King of kings are futile. He will finally triumph over all His foes.

Christians disagree over the nature of that final conflict. But, it is enough to know that we win! His faithful followers will be with Him when He defeats all who oppose Him. Just make sure you are on the winning team!

Father, it puzzles me as to why anyone would fight against You. Yet I must confess there was a time when I fought against You. There was a time when I rejected Your Son. Thank You for Your forgiveness. I want to be Your instrument, drawing others into Your kingdom. In the holy name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, February 12, 2022

From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15, World English Bible).

Here is another Scripture giving us simple, easily understood advice on living the Christian life. There are three main parts to our verse. First, read, know, study, and understand the Bible. The younger you start, the better. Second, the Scriptures will make you a wise Christian. Who wants to be a stupid Christian? The Bible will make us wise and mature in our faith. The less we know about the Bible, the less savvy we are.

Finally, the primary purpose of the Bible is to lead you to trust in Jesus. If you miss that point, you have missed it all! You can know lots of biblical content, but it is all for naught if you lack faith in Jesus. The truth is that those who read the Bible without faith in Jesus will not understand it at all. I speak from experience! I read the Bible for years without faith in Jesus, and it was a most confusing book! However, once trust in Jesus became a reality, the Bible became the most sensible book I have ever read.

I like this anonymous poem.

When reading God’s Word, take special care

To find the rich treasures hidden there.

Give thought to each truth, each precept hear,

Then practice it well with godly fear.

Gracious God, I thank You for Your Word in the Bible. May I read it faithfully and be a wise Christian regarding the salvation I have through faith in Jesus. In His name, I pray. Amen. 

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life (John 8:12 NLT).

DAILY DEVOTION, February 11, 2022

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The eating and drinking, in context, had to do with eating meat sacrificed to idols. We don’t face that issue. Instead, let’s focus on “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” If you are looking for a simple answer as to how we are to live as Christians, this verse answers the question.

When we are driving, and someone cuts us off, and we honk in anger (among other responses!), does that bring glory to God? When we gossip and say unkind things about another, does that bring glory to God? When we are able to attend church but decide to stay home, does that bring glory to God? When we lie and cheat on our income tax, does that glorify God? Well, you get the idea. In his study Bible, Charles Stanley summarized the verse in these words: “Before you commit to any action, ask yourself, ‘Can I do this to the glory of God? Would this action represent Him in a manner worthy of His name?’”

Stop and think before you speak or act; am I glorifying God?

Father, this verse reminds me of the many times I have spoken and acted in a manner unworthy of You. So please forgive me and help me to put this simple verse into practice, that I may bring glory to Your name in whatever I do. In the blessed name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.