October 2001
Volume IX

Real Forgiveness

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which is the bond of perfection.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts tot he Lord.  And whatever you do in word or deed do all in  the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Col 3:12-17 (NKJ)

In the weeks that have pasted, my heart has been grieved because I know o some in the family of Antioch who are struggling with forgiveness.  Some will wonder if this is the right forum to deal with this particular issue.  I can find no better forum.  This give me the ability to address the issue without embarrassment or anyone and allows those individuals the opportunity to deal with it before God.

There are many things in your lives that will come along to challenge us.  Our mission statement says that we are about friendship and fellowship, and these two things are produced respectively by love of and relationship with Jesus Christ.  We need to examine the biblical basis for forgiveness (Lk 17:3-4).  We need to know that God basis His forgiveness of each of us on our ability to forgive others. (Mk 11:26)

I encourage this body in Christ, Antioch, to examine these scriptures and check our attitude against the word of God.  Allow the Word to illuminate your mind and guide your actions.  Repentance is an integral part of the act of forgiveness, letting go of bitterness and pain is important also.  The body of Christ must come to a better understanding of accountability and responsibility.  When we understand these two personal actions and follow the word of God, the we can better glorify our Father which is in heaven.  What is the chief end of man?  To glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.  Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endure the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discourage in your souls.                        (Heb 12:1-3 NKJ)

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Congratulations

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Daryl Briner - 7th grader at Logan Junior High School, maintaining a 3 point grade average thus far and started as a linebacker on the football team which ended with a 4-0 record.  This record mad them the Junior High Champs.

Jasaminne Waite - 5th grader at Kinsley Elementary School, excepted into the Expanded Learning Program.

Chelia Briner - 5th grader at Blackhawk Elementary School, maintaining a 4 point grade average for the midterm and is also the Student Council President.

Note:  If you want your student highlighted, please get information to the Newsletter Staff by the 15th of the month.

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I Challenge You:

It is not enough to get our children to just show up for school and sit in a class room and never apply themselves.  We must teach them the difference between going threw the motions in life versus learning from our experience both in and out of the classroom.

So I challenge you to challenge them to learn and then apply what they learn in  everyday life.  A simple experiment could be when they are learning fractions, have them go into the kitchen and pull out a cook book and bake something they like (maybe some chocolate chip cookies).  In doing this they will have to use and understands fractions.

Also, let us not forget about the word of God as we look at our learning experience.  It is always fascinating to see what the bible says about the things we go through in our everyday life.

            Do not merely listen to the work, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.
            Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who 
            looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and 
            immediately forgets what he looks like.

            But the man who looks intently into the prefect law that gives freedom, and
            continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it -- he will be
            blessed in what he does.

Think how easy it would be for us if we would simply read the word and apply the basic principles in challenges us to do.

It is not enough to simply read the bible or sit in church, but we are challenged to let the word penetrate into our hearts and apply in to our everyday life.

How can we afford to have our children and grandchildren, go through life, and not know and understand the work of God, especially in times like these.

Follow the words of Proverbs:

        My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.  Keep my 
        commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
        Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.  (Proverbs 7:1-3 NIV)

If you find His word to be true - the I challenge YOU to bring just one (1) child or adult to Sunday School next week

                    Will you accept the challenge??

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VISION PLANTERS - SACRIFICIAL GIVING

"But whoso hath world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1John 3:17

Vision Planters for Kingdom Building - Strengthening Our Roots

Total Pledges per Month - $4,631.00

Total Pledges Received September - $2,672.25

We want to encourage you to participate in our church (Antioch's) Remodeling Work.  The first phase is completed.  In order for us to be good stewards we are counting on you to be part of this effort.

But this I say: He who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also rep bountifully.            2 Corinthians 9:6

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                                                                     November 

November 1st-4th                             Music Ministry Workshop and Annual Day
November 11th                                 Usher Ministry Annual Day
November 16th-17th                        Women's Ministry Retreat Sleep-in
November 19th-23rd                        EMA Holy Week Services
November 22nd                                Thanksgiving Day

                                    December        

December 1st                                    Senior's Christmas Event
December 16th                                 Sunday School Christmas Program
December 23rd                                Annual Christmas Musical
December 31st                                Watch Night Services
November 22nd                                

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Antioch Baptist Church
Rev. Michael E. Coleman, Pastor
426 Sumner Street
Waterloo, IA  50703