...doing the work He is doing in the world...

1340 Terri l l Road Scotch Plains , NJ 07076 908 -322-7151

Terrill Road Baptist ChurchPastor William C. Page

November 2014

Pastor’s PageHolding on to God

In This Issue:

Pastor’s Page:Holding on to God

Sunday School Corner:Co-ed 1 Classby Don Williams

Spiritual Fitness:More Than a Passenger

On Missions

Thank You!by Liam Page

Inspiration Point:Face Direction of Travel

How Well Do You KnowGod’s Word?

What are 3 Things Youare Thankful For?

Up-ReachIn-ReachOutreach

Jacob has lived like a fugitive for 20 years, on the runfrom his brother Esau from whom he had managed to swindleboth his birthright and father Isaac’s blessing. Esau declaredhis intent to kill Jacob. His mother Rebekah tells Jacob toleave and go to her brother Laban in the city of Haran. Whileaway at his Uncle Laban’s house, he’s gotten a taste of hisown medicine, you might say. Laban has swindled years ofservice out of Jacob for the right to marry his daughter Rachel.He has also swindled proper payment to him for servicesrendered. But through it all, God has blessed Jacob. Jacobknew it and so did Laban.

This should not have been a total surprise to Jacob. Beforehe arrived at Haran, God had appeared to him in a dream. Inthe incident that we call “Jacob’s ladder”, God promised thatHe would bless and protect him and bring him back safely.Jacob made a memorial and called the place Bethel (house ofGod). This dream certainly was coming true. Jacob leftLaban’s house a wealthy man with a large family and manyservants.

The Lord had told Jacob that it is time to return to Canaan.Jacob knew this meant that he had to face his brother Esau.Had he wondered these 20 years if Esau would ever showup? Jacob’s location was not a secret. But hundreds of milesbetween them would now become just dozens of miles, acouple days’ journey. Returning to Canaan meant coming toterms with his estranged brother. In an attempt tocommunicate his humility, he sent messengers to his brotherin Edom - (Continued)

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Pastor Page (continued)

“Humble greetings from your servant Jacob! I have been living with UncleLaban until recently, and now I own oxen, donkeys, sheep, goats, and manyservants, both men and women. I have sent these messengers to inform you of mycoming, hoping that you will be friendly to us.” Genesis 32:4-5

The word came back that Esau was coming with 400 of his men. Sounds like an army,not a welcoming committee to me. Sounds like Esau has also been blessed these 20years in order to be able to command a troop of 400 men! Jacob is understandablyterrified. This was not what he was hoping for. He does not flee. His plan is to send atremendous gift of 500 assorted livestock on ahead of the company followed by his family,split into two camps. The thought is that if Esau attacks one, maybe the other can escapealive. This is no small matter.

The night before his encounter with Esau, he sends his family over the River Jabbokand spends some time in solitude wondering what the next day will bring. But he alsoprays, reminding God of His promises and asking for His protection. Then it happens -

“Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking ofday.” Genesis 32:24

Jacob was not a total stranger to angelic beings. But it was dark and he could not see.Talk about having the wits scared out of you! What was Jacob’s mindset – “Is this Esau,a spy, his emissary, part of an ambush? I’d better not hurt him. What? Who are you?What do you want? I’m all alone…” Perhaps this person responded, “No, you’re notalone. I know you. I know all about you. What do you want to know about yourself? Whenare you going to fully trust what I have told you? You need to stop being scared.”

Well at some point, Jacob realizes this is a supernatural presence - an angel - and heholds on for dear life. Many Bible scholars agree that this is a pre-incarnate appearanceof Christ himself. Jacob is holding on to God and does not let go. This wrestling matchgoes on until just before the break of day. Jacob refuses to let go until this Person blesseshim. The blessing is a name change and a limp to remind him of the encounter.

And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for youhave struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed." Genesis 32:28

How is a name change a blessing? Consider this. His name was changed from Jacob“heel grabber” to Israel. The word Israel is rich, but we think it carries the idea ofprevailing (not struggling). In other words, God prevails. But here it was Jacob who wasdeclared to be the one who struggled and prevailed! His new name is likened unto thecharacter of God Himself! How’s that for a blessing?! (Continued)

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Pastor Page (continued)

Now, here is my question for you – Who initiated the struggle? “Jacob was leftalone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.”

It was not Jacob. Think about that. God initiated this struggle, this conflict.Boy, this will mess up your theology! I thought the Lord was all about bringing uspeace and tranquility and making our path straight. Isn’t He all about clearing ourpaths of obstacles and making sure that every time we fall there is a velvet pillowto land on? Yeah, right.

I asked our teenagers last week why God would bring this struggle to Jacob[we can only speculate because Scripture does not spell it out plainly]. One ofthem said, “To test Jacob’s character.” Another said, “Maybe it was for reasonsthat he might not be aware of until a later time, that this struggle was preparinghim for something to come.” I don’t think I could have offered two bettersuggestions! If you go back to the text, here is Jacob’s testimony -

“And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: ‘For I have seen Godface to face, and my life is preserved.’” Genesis 32:30

It seems that the fear in Jacob has subsided. The next day he leads the familyout and faces his fear. Think about it. If you have struggled with God face to faceand survived, Esau is nothing. Any man for that matter is nothing.

Then I asked the teens another question - What does this story possiblysuggest to us concerning our own personal struggles that we face? One answer -“We need to keep in the back of our mind that maybe God is using this to test ourcharacter or prepare us for something to come.” Bingo. It’s easier said than done.And I am careful to say that this is a possibility. So what about you and me? Whatif we were to entertain the idea that maybe, just maybe God is using thestruggle(s) in our lives for His own purposes. If we were to perceive that God isusing that unrealistic boss or annoying neighbor for some reason in our lives, itmight not change anything but then at the same time it would change everything.What would it mean to us to struggle through and finally prevail? By His grace wewill share in His victory because God prevails! Lord, give us heavenly perception,discernment and humility. May we keep holding on to You.

May you prevail with Him,

Pastor Bill

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Why Formal Membership in a Church?By Pastor Bill

Of course, many of the benefits of a vital congregation are available to all whobecome involved, whether they are members or not. But there is a rationale forformal membership:

Scripture Indicates Church Membership in New Testament Times

“Church” in the NT usually meant the specific local church like that at Ephesusor Corinth. Did people actually join local churches formally, or was it an informalassociation? Five indications:

1. The instructions for church disciplineMatthew 18:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 5 talk about putting a person out of the

church (“remove” NASB, “expel” NIV) and treating him like an unbeliever. Sinceunbelievers were welcome at worship, removal must have indicated a distinctformal association.

2. The meaning of the word “join”After the fiery end of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:13, no non-Christians

“dared join them [the church], but the people esteemed them highly.” The Greekword for “join” has strong connotations of commitment. The same word is used tospeak of sexual relationships (1 Cor 6:16) and joining to the Lord (1 Cor 6:17).

3. The meaning of “the whole church”In 1 Cor 14:23, Paul says “if the whole church comes together in one place...”

How would the leaders know if the “whole church” was there if no formalrelationship was established?

4. The instructions for pastoral oversight and spiritual leadershipPastors/overseers/shepherds were to care for “all the flock” (Acts 20:28, 1 Tim

3, Acts 20, Phil 1:1, Titus 1). Leaders of the citywide churches must have hadsome listing of believers. Since leaders were accountable for the souls of the flockunder their care (Heb 13:17), they must have had some commitment for care.

5. The biblical metaphors used to describe local churchesFlock, temple, body, and household are used specifically of local churches (Acts

20, Eph 2, 1 Cor 12, 1 Tim 3). Each of these metaphors has a clear distinction ofwho is part of the church, and who isn’t. “In the New Testament there is no such aperson as a Christian who is not a church member. Conversion was described as‘the Lord adding to the church’ (Acts 2:47). There was no spiritual drifting.”(Douglas Millar). (Continued)

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Why Church Membership? (continued)

Biblical Reasons for Joining a Church

1. You have the benefit of accountability to spiritual leaders. Every believermust “obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch overyour souls” (Hebrews 13:17). This command assumes that you have a covenantwith certain spiritual leaders. They are responsible for you and you to them.Some people may say, “I am accountable only to God”. Ultimately, only God hasauthority over you. But the doctrine of sin should sober us about makingourselves the sole judges over our own hearts, “The heart is deceitful above allthings and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jer 17:9). Hebrews 3:13 sayswe need others to exhort us “daily” lest we become hardened by sin.

2. You have the benefits of church power to shape the ministry of thecongregation. Members choose officers and guide the direction of thecongregation. Officers are elected (Acts 6:1-6), by “the people”. Formalmembership entitles you to voting rights within the government of our church.While congregational meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend, onlymembers may pass resolutions, vote for changes to the by-laws or nominate andelect the officers. Members officially “call” the pastors to the work of the churchand approve the annual budget.

3. You are not ashamed to identify with Christ or his people (Mark 8:38)

4. You stop being an independent Christian (Matt 18:15-17, Heb 13:17)

5. You participate in a stronger, more unified effort of God’s people

6. You have greater opportunities to use spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12, Eph 4)

7. You openly demonstrate the reality of the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)

8. You encourage new believers to commitment to the local body (Heb 10:24)

9. Informal membership privileges may include priority in pastoral and privatecounseling, church ceremonies such as marriage, and opportunities to leadchurch ministries or serve as church officers. (Continued)

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Why Church Membership? (continued)

What if I chose to not become a formal member?

If you decide to stay involved with Terrill Road Baptist Church withoutmembership, there will be no effort to pressure you into joining. Do not join unlessyou are ready to be committed! Church membership means you are saying,“Church, I am committed to you” and the church is saying, “We are committed toyou.” A broken promise is worse than no promise at all. We believe thatmembership in Terrill Road Baptist Church is a privilege. It is not required forparticipation in church activities. However, you cannot fully engage in church lifebecause certain responsibilities require membership. We encourage you to join ourcovenant family, but we do not intend to exclude anyone from family activities ifthey have chosen not to pursue formal membership. Non-members may worshipwith us, attend meetings on the church's future, be active in a home group or otherministry, go on church activities, etc. Many regular attenders have been quite activein our church without a membership commitment - but let us say again that wewould prefer to have you inside the family. Of course, you are fully welcome to“Discover TRBC”, even if you do not intend to join Terrill Road Baptist Church.There is no obligation.

From “Discover TRBC” resources. Portions adapted from Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines Within the Church, 1996.

Thank You!

I would personally like to thank all the people who put the gifts together for myfather (the pastor) and my family. It is really heartwarming to know that all of the peopleof the church really do care for my family. I know my father (the pastor) really workshard at what he does, not only to please the Lord, but to try to lead the way and teach allof you. I would now like to list the gifts just so that the people who didn't know whatthey were now can know: a wonderful card, $15, a lot of food, letters, and even morefood. In conclusion, I received a lot of things and again thank you and God bless.

Liam Page

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On Missions

To become Christ-centered translates into leaving ourselves behindby making the daily choice to follow Christ. That choice to follow Him islived out through other layers of choices. God made the first move bychoosing us. It is up to us to make the decision to surrender to Him andthen make the daily choice to be faithful.

Do you have to stop and think about when was the last time youspent meaningful time alone with God praying and seeking Hisdirection? Do you wonder - “How did I get this far away from God?”Daily prayer is a must if we want to live the abundant life that Jesuspromised (John 10:10).

Prayer is necessary to our lives for many reasons - Prayer meansbeing obedient to God: Prayer is how we communicate with God: Prayerallows us to participate in the work of God. When life becomes too busyand we do not take the time to pray on a daily basis, prayerlessnesscreeps into our lives. Lack of prayer time leaves us thinking more aboutourselves than others. We become more focused on our own problemsand tend to overlook the needs of others around us.

Holiday time is around the corner and with it comes another layerof making choices to our already busy schedules. Start today to makeprayer central to your life. Think about it this way - God wants us toknow Him. If we are not communicating with Him on a consistent basis,we will miss out on that abundant relationship.

P.S. Don’t forget to include in your prayer time our missionariesand their needs/efforts as listed in our weekly church bulletin.

Pray - It is our privilege.

Betty Williams/Connie Salisbury

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Inspiration Point:Face Direction of Travelby Jim Wilson

When you’re driving down the New Jersey Turnpike, signs tell you what you need toknow, right then and there. “Exit 8A, Cranbury/Jamesburg, 2 miles.” Good information,especially if Cranbury or Jamesburg are where you want to go.

In the British Isles, as Janet and I learned recently, the signs are a lot different. They cansay a lot in few words, and they say it perhaps more politely.

In York, England, there was a stretch of narrow streets and tiny shops called “TheShambles”. The streets were so skinny that the shops on either side almost touched eachother. In some of the shops, the doorways were so low, you risked a concussion by juststepping in the front door. Posted on many of the shops as you walk in, you’ll see the sign“Please Mind Your Head”. At first I laughed. Then, after knocking the top of my head, Iunderstood. It was probably written by some lawyer. But it’s great advice. It seemedsomehow more polite than saying, “Look Out!” or “Watch Where You’re Going!”

I thought about those signs. “Mind Your Head” is good, and I give kudos to whateverwriter came up with that. And, adding “please” was such a nice touch.

But what about some other signs that would warn of danger ahead? How about “PleaseMind Your Eyes” or “Please Mind Your Mouth”? Both of those say so much in so fewwords. Great advice.

Even better, how about this one, and maybe it’s one that God asks of us every day -“Please Mind Your Heart”? It could be the best advice ever.

When Jan and I were in Scotland, it was one week before people voted whether tobecome independent from the United Kingdom. On almost every lamp post, every window,even every field were the words “YES!” or “NO!”. People felt strongly about whichdirection they should go. God feels strongly, too, about which direction you should go. Heputs up His own “Yes!” and “No!” signs for you all the time. Pay attention.

There were other signs we saw that spelled out what to do. One sign that stuck out wasdirected at dog walkers. It said, “Bin the Poo”. Try as I might, no real spiritual lesson there.

But then there was this one. We saw it at Heathrow Airport on the endless movingwalkways between terminals and on the way to baggage claim. As we stepped onto thewalkway, we repeatedly saw a sign that read “Face Direction of Travel”. At first, I said,“Huh? What?” It really meant, “Pay Attention!”, “Don’t Turn Around”, and “Watch WhereYou’re Going!” Except, they said it in a way that is much more polite. (Continued)

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Face Direction of Travel (continued)

Looking backwards is often a good thing. But it can get in the way when we try to“Face Direction of Travel”.

I couldn’t stop thinking about that.Memories are how we look back. And, while memories can be comforting and

familiar, they can keep us from looking ahead, facing the direction of travel. Memory isthe rear-view mirror of the heart. But if we live there and only there, we don’t allowourselves the chance to see ahead, to move forward. If we try to drive by only looking inthe rear-view mirror, we put ourselves and others at risk. We are a composite of lookingback, living in the present and reaching for the future. We should have memories rootedin the past. But we also have joy in the present and hope in the future, because of theLord. Each of us is influenced by our memories, good, bad, happy and sad. But weshould not be defined by our past. Always, we should “Face Direction of Travel”.

Paul said it this way in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what lies behind andreaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on.”

Press on.And, above all, please mind your heart.

Dear Heavenly Father,I am so thankful that You provided a way for

me, a sinner, to stand before You one day,forgiven. Thank You for Your Son Jesus. ThankYou for the hope that I have because of Jesus.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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MilestonesNovember Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays

Nov. 1 Marc DyerNov. 2 Katelyn JonesNov. 4 Amaya CasterlowNov. 8 Katelyn DyerNov. 10 Jessica StainesNov. 11 Brian SalisburyNov. 13 David Pratt

Nov. 17 Elizabeth BuckrideeNov. 19 Samuel FarrellNov. 21 Pastor Bill PageNov. 28 Kiara ThomasNov. 29 John FarrellNov. 30 Bridget Reynolds

Anniversaries

Nov. 4 Chereece & David SparrowNov. 7 Norma & Dennis ByrneNov. 16 Christy & Kevin CarusoNov. 30 Trudi & Charles Karpel

December Question of the Month:

What is your favorite part about Christmas,and why?

Please give your responses to Jim Wilson or e-mail responses tojwilson195@aol.com by Sunday, November 30th.

Thank you in advance for your responses. We will all be blessed by whatyou have to share.

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Simulcast at TRBC

Join Christians from across America for “I Stand Sunday” onNovember 2nd to learn about religious liberty and how it is beingthreatened, especially in Houston recently. Hosted by the FamilyResearch Council, this simulcast will also show what you can do totake a stand. Speakers include SBC President Ronnie Floyd, TonyPerkins of the Family Research Council, Houston Pastor Ed Young,Mike Huckabee and Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson.

November 2 7 p.m.at TRBC

For more info: http://www.istandsunday.com

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How Well Do You Know God’s Word?

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,so that through endurance and encouragement of the

scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

Fill in the blanks, then check your NIV Bible to see how you did.

Joel 2:19 “The LORD will reply to them ... ‘Never again will I make you an object of scorn to the______________.’”

Joel 2:20 “I will drive the northern ___________ far from you, pushing it into a parched andbarren land...”

Joel 2:21b “Surely the LORD has done ________ things.”

Joel 2:23 “Be glad, O people of Zion, ____________ in the LORD your God, for He has givenyou the ______________ rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both___________ and spring rains, as before.”

Joel 2:25 “I will repay you for the years the __________ have eaten.”

Joel 2:28 “And afterward, I will pour out my _____________ on all people. Your sons anddaughters will ____________, your old men will dream ____________, your young men will see____________.”

Joel 2:31 “The sun will be turned to ____________ and the __________ to blood before thecoming of the great and dreadful day of the __________.”

Joel 2:32 “And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be __________.”

Joel 3:1b “When I restore the fortunes of Judah and __________, I will gather all nations andbring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into ___________ against themconcerning my inheritance, my people ___________, for they scattered my people against_____________ and divided up my land.”

Joel 3:10 “Beat your plowshares into ______________ and your pruning hooks into __________.Let the weakling say “I am __________!”

Joel 3:16b “But the LORD will be a __________ for His people, a stronghold for the people of___________.”

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Question of the Month

The Lamplighter Question of the Month for this month was:

What are three things that you are thankfulfor?

Thank you all for your responses and Happy Thanksgiving!

Norma Byrne - I'm sure we all could easily list 100 things we are thankful for. Listingonly a few is more difficult, so I will have to be general to cover those three that are mostimportant. 1. Salvation through Jesus 2. A wonderful marriage and caring family 3.America!

Janet Wilson - (Really, Mr. Editor, just THREE things for which we’re thankful?)1. Most of all, I’m thankful for a merciful, grace-giving God. Because of Hisgreat love, I’m promised salvation through Jesus. 2. I’m incredibly blessed to have thehusband I have. Jim is the most thoughtful man (he ordered my favorite coffee recentlybecause he noticed I was out), a hard worker, loving and patient (he’s always so helpfulwhen I struggle with technology, which is often). And he makes me laugh! I’m alsothankful for our wonderful “kids”, Jen and Steve, for my parents, family and friends.2b. I’m thankful for my good health and 2c. for the beauty of God’s creation. 3. And I’mthankful for the many opportunities I’ve had over the years to teach children about God’slove for them.

Sheryl Morales - 1. Jesus who rescued me from the pit (Psalm 40)2. The gift of having a family and being a wife and mom (Psalm 127)3. The blessing of living in the USA (may God restore our foundations)

Juanita Sumner - My Lord and Redeemer, who was slain for me and all mankind;To have been born where many newcomers were seeking religious freedom; and forfamily and marriage, the ''backbone of society ''.

Jim Wilson - I am thankful for faith, family and fellowship with other believers.(Continued)

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What Are You Thankful For? (continued)

Marc Dyer - I just read this from a friend right before I read the Lamplighter question.

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN WHEN WE PRAY?

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-sideinside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section andsaid, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received."

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitionswritten on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and

blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked forthem." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station,since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. Tomy great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is theAcknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. "Howis it that there is no work going on here?" I asked.

"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few sendback acknowledgments."

"How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked."Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord.""What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked."If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep

you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and sparechange in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy, and if you get this on your owncomputer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."

"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the manywho will not even survive this day."

"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony oftorture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 700 million people in the world."

"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you areenvied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."

"If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare.""If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt

and despair.""If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world

who cannot read at all."Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone

else how blessed we all are.Author Unknown

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Spiritual Fitness:More Than a Passengerby Jim Wilson

As a writer, there is something very special about standing in the room whereWilliam Shakespeare was born. Walking on the floor where he walked as a boy.Looking out the windows that he looked out growing up. Priceless beyond words.

Janet and I visited Stratford-upon-Avon in England back in September while wewere on our tour of the British Isles. It was very inspiring to be inside the homewhere Shakespeare lived.

It was the place of a master storyteller.Walking inside the welcome center and looking around, one is surrounded by the

words of a talented and prolific writer. On one wall were the words, “All the world'sa stage, and all the men and women merely players.” That’s when I turned to theroom full of people from our tour and said, “I feel inspired. All of life’s a tour bus”,I proclaimed. “And we all merely passengers along for the ride.”

I’m no poet and, believe me, I do know it. But, people in the room said, “Wow!That’s deep!” For me, it sort of set the stage for the rest of our tour.

Let me tell you about life with a tour group. Every day is planned out. In 20 days,we drove 2,400 miles through England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, living out of asuitcase in clothes that got more wrinkled by the day. Every morning, I was up at5:45. Most days, our bus left at 8 a.m. for the next location. We had a schedule wehad to keep for destinations and bookings along the way. Down to the smallestdetail, everything was planned out for us. At every stop we’d hear, “You need to beback on the coach at half-past the hour. That’s when we are leaving.” We’dalways want more time in each place that we stopped, but we could not stay. It wasback on the bus and back on the road.

Don’t get me wrong, we loved it and we saw more on the tour than we everwould have seen on our own. But it was exhausting. And it was frustrating that, justwhen we discovered why each place was so beautiful and special, we had to run backto find the bus.

“All of life’s a tour bus and we all merely passengers along for the ride.”That got me thinking.No it’s not, and no we’re not. Not really. (Continued)

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More Than a Passenger (continued)

God put us here to be more than passengers, more than spectators. He put ushere to meet Him along the way, and to meet other people, to spend time withthem, to develop relationships, to listen, to learn, to grow. Life is about morethan looking quickly and moving on to the next stop. It’s about participating,being part of people’s lives, belonging. It’s not about rushing. It’s aboutsavoring the moment, the people and the experiences.

Life is about spending time, not saving it.Jesus did not tell us to “Go and look” or to “Go and see”. He was not a tour

guide on some sightseeing trip. No, He told us to “Go and tell”. He told us to dofar more than look around. He told us not to look at one particular sight, but toshare His incredible light, to spread His hope in a hopeless world. To tell othersabout Him.

God has called us to be more than passengers on this journey we’re on. Hewants us to be messengers.

Savor each stop along the way. Allow God to use you for His purpose andon His timetable. And, enjoy the ride.

But if all of life is a tour bus, who’s driving yours?

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends!His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness;

His mercies begin afresh each morning.I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my inheritance;

therefore, I will hope in Him.’”Lamentations 3:22-24

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Sunday School CornerCo-ed 1 Classby Don Williams

As with other Sunday Morning Bible Study classes, in the Co-ed 1 class, theBible is the starting point for making sense of the lives we are called to livetoday.

Members in the Co-ed 1 class have many things in common. Most of them stillhave children, some older (teenagers/young adults) some younger(preschool/elementary age), as members of their household. Consequently, theclass members explore applications of Bible teaching that are related to thechallenges of married living and to parenting. Never out of sight is the roleChristian families can play in making the Gospel visible. Class members examinethe task of being witnesses while participating in work, in school and communityleadership, in children’s activities, and in school functions. Using the Bibleas a starting point, an ever-present question is “How should we understandscripture in OUR time and place?” Class members support one another in findinganswers to this question. And, they share a fellowship of prayer, sharing needsfor prayer, praying for one another, and praying for the work of Christianwitness throughout our communities, the nation, and world. Shared experiencesdraw the class together into a familiarity more common to families than to mere“book clubs” or “study groups."

The Bible texts are usually studied in four to six-week units that aretypically drawn from a single book of the Bible. But, the texts are consideredwith a life focus - a “life focus” being a theme about family life, personalChristian living or Church life. In the next months, the class will considerBible texts describing the life and experience of Joseph as recorded in Genesis.God’s working in Joseph’s experiences will guide the class in considering how itis possible to “Live Beyond Our Circumstances” rather than being at the mercy ofcircumstances. The Biblical example of Joseph’s life will point us to thereality that God in Christ does not remove our hardships, but works through themand equips us to rise above them. Members will look forward to seeing how Godhas plans for us in the same way he had plans for Joseph, although there weretimes when it was difficult for Joseph to see those plans.

Married or single, children at home or not, “thirty-something” or not, Co-ed 1may be the class where you can best encounter God’s Word.

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THE LAMPLIGHTER

Mark Your CalendarsUpcoming Fellowship Opportunities

Your Hostess Committee is looking forward to many times offellowship over the coming year! Here is a peek at the opportunities forgetting together with your TRBC family. Mark them on yourcalendar and be sure to come out for:

Nov. 25 (Tues) - Church Family Night Thanksgiving DinnerDec. 6 (Sat) - Ladies Christmas FellowshipDec. 21 (Sun) - Christmas breakfastJan. 14 - Wednesday Family Night SupperFeb. 11 - Wednesday Family Night SupperMarch 11 - Wednesday Family Night SupperApril 8 - Wednesday Family Night SupperMay 13 - Wednesday Family Night SupperJune 10 - Dads and Grads BBQ (tentative date)

Look out for a possible Pizza and Game Night this Winter!

Your Hostess Committee

Thank you, TRBC Veterans!We are so grateful to you.

Thank you for your service!

Happy Veterans Day!

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Phone: 908-322-7151E-Mail: Terrillrd@aol.comWebsite: TRBC4him.org

Terrill Road Baptist Church is a Bible-believing

Church where people connect with God, each

other, and influence our world for Jesus Christ.

My thanks to everyone whocontributed to this issue.

-Jim Wilson, Editor

Sunday Bible Study 9:30 a.m.Sunday Worship Service 10:45 a.m.

Phone: 908-322-7151E-Mail: Terrillrd@aol.com

Church Website: trbc4him.org

Scan this into your smart phone forinstant access to TRBC’s website.

Find us on Facebook!Terrill Road Baptist Church, Scotch Plains, NJ

Deadline for December Lamplighter:Sunday, November 30th

Nursery Schedule

Nov. 2 Madeleine Farrell & Shawn GulbinNov. 9 Karolyn & Zoe BuckrideeNov. 16 Yvonne Dozier-Pullen & Sue MartinoNov. 23 Barbara Longo & Janet WilsonNov. 30 Julie & Jessica Staines

Our thanks to all of you!