Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Christians frequently misunderstand the fear of God. The Scriptures, however, repeatedly speak of the necessity of the fear of God for the Christian life. One well-known saying from the book of Proverbs tells us that a right fear of the Lord is “the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
We have two options: We will either fear other people or we will fear God. To fear God means to revere him as holy and gloriously greater and other from us, while simultaneously reverencing him as our caring and compassionate father.
In Mark 6:14-32, King Herod is shown to be a man who fears people. His concern for his reputation and the regard of others leads him to make the foolish and evil decision to kill one of God’s prophets, John the Baptist. These characteristics and actions are in direct contrast to John the Baptist who remains faithful to the Lord despite opposition and even martyrdom. Fearing man leads to foolishness; fearing God is the path to faithfulness. This Sunday our sermon passage is Mark 6:14-32.
On Monday, July 29 the Austins will be leaving town to visit family in Alabama. While I am away, Teaching Elders Andy Iversen and Don Johnson will preach God’s Word on August 4 and 11. If you have any pastoral needs, please do not hesitate to contact our elders Larry LaBelle and Tim Wierenga.
Click here to access the livestream for this Sunday’s worship service (9:30am).
This Saturday: Church Cleanup Day (9:00am-Noon)
Join us this Saturday, July 27 (9:00am-noon) for our church cleanup day. We’ll trim bushes, pull weeds, and eat donuts as we prepare our building and grounds for the upcoming anniversary celebration.
Church Membership Class (August 17 and August 24; 9:00am-Noon)
If you are interested in becoming a member of Faith Community Church, we will hold our next membership classes on Saturday, August 17 and Saturday August 24. Each class session will be taught by Pastor Rhett and will take place in room 3/4. Following the class on August 24th, the Austins will host a lunch for all those attending. If you plan to attend the class, or have any questions about the class, please contact Pastor Rhett or sign up here.
This Saturday: Chamber Music Concert (6:30pm)
There will be a chamber music concert (“La Belle Epoque”) on Saturday, July 27 at 6:30pm in the Worship Center. It will feature Jake Muzzy on the cello and Mike Messer on the piano. To reserve seats go to realconcerts.us or contact Jake Muzzy. You can make a donation online when you reserve your seat or you may pay at the concert in cash or check.
Prayer Requests
Dennis Dobbs: Please pray for full healing for Dennis who is at Central DuPage Hospital recovering from pneumonia.
Karla Van Der Molen: Please continue to pray for strength for Karla and Gary as they attend to Karla’s ALS.
Cari Huggard (Katie Wetherington’s sister): Please pray for continued healing of Cari’s ankle, following a recent surgery.
In Him,
Pastor Rhett