Volume 18, Issue 03 St. Augustine Evangelical Bible Church, Cor. Agostini & Bellesmythe Sts. Curepe
Editorial
Finding Truth in the Multitude of Views | Job 2-31
Intro
From Job’s initial lament in Chapter 3 to his closing words in Chapter 31 we are exposed to three rounds of debate with many accusations, defenses, claims, and counter-claims as well as a few insults thrown in for good measure. Each party speaks with authority and conviction. How can we know what is true or false and what to believe or reject? This is the same situation we find as we view the news reports and conspiracy theories surrounding Covid vaccinations. Here are a few factors that we should consider when weighing the issues:
1. Are we only seeing a part or the whole of the information available?
When more accurate/complete information is available, wait for it or pursue it before deciding. The 6 Blind men from Hindustan thought they knew what an elephant was but each one was holding on to one outstanding aspect of the elephant and unable to see/feel the whole picture.
2. Is the information accurate or is there an intentional or unwitting error?
It is always a good idea to ‘fact-check’ - seek corroboration from other sources of information.
Paul called Berean believers noble for their use of Scripture to confirm his message (Acts 17:11) Don’t shoot the messenger but consider that he/she may have reason(s) to mislead/deceive.
One common reason for misleading others is a total disregard for objective truth and a desire to create a self-serving narrative, an alternate reality that accomplishes one’s purpose/agenda. PR firms are sometimes hired and paid large sums to achieve this goal BUT sometimes their job is to so present and promotes the truth that the message is credible and helpful.
3. Are we willing to let go of an earlier view when new/better information arrives?
“Don’t confuse me with facts!”—This is one common (but unhelpful) response when we find ourselves overwhelmed with new and irrefutable evidence that undermines our position.
We need to ask ourselves, “Do we really want to know, and are we willing to handle the truth?”
4. Beware of easy answers. Stay with the question until satisfactory answers arrive.
It was ‘oh so easy’ for Job’s friend to close off the investigation and declare their verdict on Job. But Job had no choice. He had to stay with the question because he knew that their judgment was impaired and their advice inadequate for his unique situation. He found himself struggling with mutually irreconcilable emotions – his trust in God convinced him that there were answers to his dilemma BUT his pain and suffering made him despair of finding answers in his lifetime. He found himself hemmed in (like we all are) by his limited knowledge and the burden of time.
Consider how the next speaker (Elihu) prepares Job to hear from God by challenging him to:
Praise God and acknowledge His power, glory, and goodness instead of justifying yourself.
Consider that God is not distant or uninvolved in your suffering—He is speaking to you…
Cf. C S Lewis “God whispers to us in our joys and shouts at us in our sorrows.”
Job may not be suffering because of his sins but he may be sinning because of his suffering.
Editorial by Elder Joe Caterson
The Blind Men and The Elephant
A Hindu Fable | John Godfrey Saxe (1872)
Arguments for Creation (and Against Evolution)
(Adapted from ‘God Doesn’t Believe in Atheists” by Ray Comfort)
The Banana – An Atheist’s Nightmare
It is shaped for the human hand/mouth and curves towards the face for ease of eating
Its bio-degradable wrapper is perforated for ease of peeling/opening
While its wrapper is non-slip on the outside, it is the opposite on the inside
It signals its internal state: Green – too early / Yellow – just right / Black – too late
To say that this ideal example of ergonomic design is the result of random chance and time stretches the imagination to breaking point. Intelligent design points to an intelligent designer.
Facts Romana
Most of us have read/studied the Book of Romans before, but I am sure that our current study would have brought new insights and applications. Here’s an opportunity to share yours.
If you send us an email with an indication of what has blessed you from our Romans study, we will publish it as an encouragement to others. Here is an initial instalment:
I was also studying the Book of Job alongside our Romans study. As a result, I noticed for the first time how much the latter half of Romans 8 (vs 18-36) speaks to Job’s situation:
18: Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the Glory that will be revealed in us.
26/27: When we do not know what or how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
28: In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
36: …Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With the advantage of these New Testament insights, we are enabled and encouraged to be as patient as Job in the midst of our own trials.
Fun Corner
See if you can pick some sense from nonsense…
They told me that a face mask was all that I needed to go out in public. It was a lie. Everyone else was wearing clothes.
I don’t mean to brag, but over the Christmas holidays I did a jigsaw puzzle in one day and the box said ‘2 to 3 Years’.
As you get older three things tend to happen… the first is, your memory goes and I cannot remember the other two.
Whenever I get a headache, I take two tablets and keep away from children… just as it says on the Aspirin Bottle.
My computer beat me at chess so many times that I challenged it to kick-boxing. Guess who lost that match?
Missions
Introduction of a Missionary Training Program at Victory Heights Campsite
The Victory Heights Camp Board has recently been preparing plans to reopen the Campsite. One aspect of their plan is the introduction of a missionary training arm to VHC operations. The idea is as follows:
Individuals interested in missionary service/training would be invited to raise funds to support their participation in a 6 month to 1-year training program at the Campsite.
They would live at Victory Heights, attend training sessions on the Bible, Missions-related topics, and other practical disciplines e.g. Music, Drama, etc. They would also be involved in practical ministry initiatives such as local camps, church planting and outreach activities as well as foreign mission trips.
They would be supervised and trained by a team of experienced missionaries based at the campsite (at least one couple) plus visiting speakers.
They would also be required to spend some of their time assisting with the maintenance, administration, and camping operations at the campsite itself.
Prayer Requests:
Please pray with us as we seek to develop this idea and pursue national and regional support for its implementation.
Pray also for the reopening of the Campsite with a Membership Plan that provides monthly or annual access at fixed rates for regular visitors.
As we look for full and part-time staff to reopen the Campsite, pray with us for God appointed recruitment.
What's On
This Month
From Sunday 13th March
Pre-registration is no longer required to attend the Sunday morning service. Since data is on file for members and regular visitors, their attendance need only be noted.
New visitors, however, will be required to provide names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Covid-19 protocols will still be applied i.e. temperature testing, hand sanitizing, social distancing, mask-wearing, and no mingling.
The service will remain 1.5 hours long to allow participants to return to their homes for online Sunday School classes.
Male Leadership in Tough Times
SAEBC Men's Ministry Presents | Held on Sat 05 March, 2022
We thank Elder Lindon Mitchel for challenging us to emulate the compassion and vulnerability of King David who was 'a man after God's heart' because he demonstrated divine compassion (as in his concern for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son) and his willingness to heed God's word to him via the prophet Nathan. He was not perfect but he was passionate in his relationship with God and compassionate in his relations with men - excellent characteristics for one who would lead men.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Offering Collection
We will continue to facilitate deposits at the church office and online. Deposits can be made at the church office Monday–Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Those wishing to transfer funds online please note that we cannot verify the receipt of funds until our bank statement is received. Our account information is as follows:
NAME: ST AUGUSTINE EVANGELICAL BIBLE CHURCH (Use Capitals without punctuation marks and enter as many characters as the field allows)
NUMBER: 100081011847061 (15 digits are required by RBC. If your app does not accept 15 digits, omit some of the leading digits i.e. 1000)
ACCOUNT TYPE: Chequing
Please notify us of the Date / Sum / Purpose or Distribution of your transfer and let us know of any needed adjustments to the above instructions.
Each local bank has its own online transfer app/system and we have been advised of problems affecting transfers from other (Non-RBC) banks.
This Month's
Prayer & Praises
Let's pray without ceasing for:
A reduction in the impact of crime on society and improvement in rates of apprehension, prosecution and rehabilitation of offenders.
Students preparing for coming exams: SEA, CXC, CAPE etc. Ask for live classes to be safe and effective, without disruptions.
An end to the Russia – Ukraine war before it escalates into a much larger conflict
Let's give thanks for:
The AEBC Annual General Meeting and their theme for 2022: ‘Forsaking All to Follow Christ’
The Resumption of live services and our ongoing commitment to worship in spite of all obstacles.
The increasing number of those vaccinated, the reducing count of those dying or infected by Covid-19 and the effective functioning of our Parallel Health Care System.
Upcoming
Speaking & Worship Schedule
DATES | SPEAKER | TOPIC |
|---|---|---|
MAR 06 | Sis. Sonnel Patrick | Communion Service-Romans 14:1-23 |
MAR 13 | Pastor Kelvin Mapp | Romans 15:1-13 |
MAR 20 | Sean Lorde | Romans 15:14-33 |
MAR 27 | Pastor Kelvin Mapp | Romans 16:1-27 |
APR 03 | Pastor Francis Warner | Romans Review |
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification”—Romans 14:19
TIMES | SERVICE |
|---|---|
9:00 AM | Sunday Service |
11:00 AM | Junior Sunday School |
11:30 AM | Adult Sunday School |
6:00 PM | Wednesday CBSI |
7:15 PM | Wednesday Prayer Meeting |
6:30 PM | Friday SAYBOB Young People's |
With the exception of the Sunday Morning service, all services and group activities will be held online until further notice.