Weekly Newsletter 03/24/2022

March 24th, 2022
by Dmitriy Zherebnenkov

Shalom!

I want to write a couple things about joy. About joy in a Christian’s life. About joy that isn’t tied to successes and the peace in life, but about joy that is deeply rooted in the Lord!

Beloved, are you joyful right now? Do you have a deep, wide, bright joy? If your answer is no, then read the whole epistle to the Philippians and underline every time you see the word “joy,” then study those passages.

Here are some observations about a Christian’s joy:

The Bible commands us to rejoice (Phil. 3:1; 4:4). The immediate question becomes: “How can I rejoice?” The answer is simple – in the Lord! It’s talking about being satisfied in God. This is a realization of His greatness, His holiness, and His loving mercy toward us sinners. This is a realization that He does all things for our good, even today. This is a realization that He is our Good Shepherd. Beloved, if this makes no sense to you, then you simply need to be born again. Because a believer will take comfort in the Lord (Ps. 37:4).
We rejoice in the faith of other Christians (2:29; 4:1). When we notice and learn about the deeds of faith of other Christians and we realize that we’re part of one family, we take pride in and rejoice in their display of faith.
Joy when others participate in evangelism (1:3-5; 18). It’s interesting how Paul ignores even the motives of some in evangelism but rather rejoices that the Good News is being spread. When was the last time we actually rejoiced in the evangelism of other people (and our own evangelism)?
We add to each other’s joy with unity (1:25-26; 2:2; 17-18; 28; 4:10). We become filled with joy when we show care and attention to each other, when we are interested in the good of each other, and when unity grows among us.

Beloved, our own Olga Vladimirovna Avetisova conducted a good interview with a well-known to us pastor and friend, Alexander Kalinski. May this information help strengthen your prayer for all who experiencing difficulties and pain. We are one body in Christ, and as the church, we need to care for the people who are going through suffering.

Prayer for the ministry in Poland:
Beloved, we continue praying for the work of Joseph and Julie Sheremet among the refugees in Poland. Here is what they have asked us to pray for:
(1) The guidance of the Holy Spirit in serving the people who are going through loss, grief, pain, and tears… There are thousands of people, but we can only help some.
(2) Wisdom in helping people – there are more needs than we can fulfill so it is important to help those with the highest priority.
(3) The development of teamwork in helping people.
(4) Caring for the spiritual condition of believers who are serving the refugees – unfortunately there is a weakening in being in the Word and prayer.
(5) THE MOST IMPORTANT – IN EVERYTHING WE DO AND WILL DO – THAT CHRIST AND THE GOSPEL WOULD BE CENTRAL.

Announcements

Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine. Go to our Give page or click the Donate button below. Select "Mission to Ukraine" fund when donating.

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Scripture To Memorize

Hebrews 2:17-18

¹⁷Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Upcoming Services and Meetings

Today, Thursday (6:30 PM) – Children’s Bible School (open to all but required for parents), followed by Bible Study (Proverbs) for the whole church at 7:30 PM.
Saturday (8:00 – 9:30 AM) – Men’s prayer breakfast, and church board meeting (9:30 – 11:00 AM).

Sunday services

Worship Service in Russian at 9:00 AM
Worship Service in English at 11:15 AM

As previously, due to the restrictions and orders from the health department, we remind you:

Keep social distancing and wearing masks in public places
Wash and sanitize hands more often
If you have flu-like symptoms, were in contact with a person with COVID, or are in the “high-risk” group, then we ask you to stay home