See “Storms” pg. 7

Volume 31, Issue 2Fall 2017

Contender

ur current hurricane season hasbrought our country some verysevere storms recently. First, Harveyin Texas, then Irma in the Caribbean

and Florida– each bringing a deluge of rain andfierce winds. Many residents of those areas sawwhat was coming and made wise preparations,while others ignored the warnings and sufferedgreat loss. Similarly, the same is true for everychild of God. Whether it’s physical or spiritualtrials, we are all either coming out of a storm, inthe middle of a storm, or heading into a storm;and we must choose to heed the biblicalwarnings or ignore them. It is human nature to question God whenthe storms and trials of life arise. “Why did Godallow this?” “If God knows all, and is all-powerful,why didn’t He stop the storm?” The answers tothese questions are found in God’s Word.First– as for the “why’s”– it's because we livein a sin-cursed world. All storms (spiritual andphysical) are a part of God’s curse upon thisworld. Because of sin, the Apostle Paul statedin Romans 8:22, “For we know that the whole

creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” What, then, are the purposes of these storms in ourlives? First, God sends them as judgment (Ex. 9:23, ISam. 7:10). Second, God sends them as a sign (I Sam.12:18; Rev. 4:5, 16:18). Third, God sends them tochange our direction (Jonah 1:4-7). Fourth, God sendsthem to encourage us (Matt. 14:24-27). Finally, Godsends them to teach us (Acts 27:9-10). Perhaps the biggest question though, is: “How can Imake it safely through the storms of life?” In Acts, theApostle Paul, en route to Rome, is caught in a terriblestorm on the Mediterranean Sea (Acts 27). In thischapter, we find several things to remind us what theChristian should do when caught in life’s storm. First, seek Godly counsel. “And said unto them, Sirs, Iperceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, notonly of the lading and ship but also of our lives. Nevertheless,the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, morethan those things which were spoken by Paul (Acts 27:10-11).”Believers always get into trouble when they take advicefrom the wrong people. In my thirty-two years ofpastoring, I can attest that marriages would havethrived, lives would have been blessed, souls wouldhave been saved and even lives would have lengthenedif they would have only listened to biblical counsel andthe preaching of the Word of God. Instead, worldlycounsel won them over and they suffered itsdestructive consequences as a result. Believer, whenyou find yourself in the midst of a storm, seek Godlycounsel. Listen to your pastor as he directs you to theWord! Next, beware of “soft breezes” that guide our lives(v. 13). Here in the Midwest United States, our softsouthern breezes usually bring in storms, which is why

O

Grace Baptist Church

Inside Facing the Storms of Life page 1, 7

The Christian School:Committing to Sacrifice page 2,4-5Should We Raise page 3Independent ChildrenCans without Labels page 5Events & Ministry News page 6

The Earnest

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The Earnest Contender is printed quarterly as aministry of Grace Baptist Church. All articles forThe Earnest Contender should be submitted no laterthan the 20th of every odd month. All articles aresubject to change and approval. All articles shouldbe submitted to graceoh@juno.com in MS Wordformat. Donations are accepted to minimizeprinting and publishing costs. Please submitdonations to Grace Baptist Church:

Editor ......................… Jeremy Bickelhaupt

Layout/Design .......... Jeremy Bickelhaupt

Assistant Editors........ Leah BickelhauptShauna Bickelhaupt

Contributing articles: Richard Bickelhaupt, JeremyBickelhaupt, Diana Johnson

ContenderThe Earnest

2 • The Earnest Contender, Fall 2017 7 • The Earnest Contender, Fall 2017

we must beware of them! They aredeceptive. Notice the word supposing inverse 13. These gentle breezes deceivedthem into thinking everything was all right.Likewise, the gentle breezes of life allure usinto a false sense of security instead ofwarning us of an approaching storm.When things seem to all be goingextremely well, be careful not to allowapathy to creep into your life. Stay alert.Live for the Lord. Time is short, and Jesusis coming soon! Also, note that thesegentle breezes have a tendency to directour lives. If permitted, they will take us offcourse and misguide us. Paul’s crew wasdeceived, “…supposing that they had obtainedtheir purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close byCrete, (13b).” The Bible says,“loosingthence;” in other words, they set off in amisguided direction because they had beendeceived. So it is today, believers aredeceived by the world, the flesh and thedevil; and this deception changes thecourse of their lives. Beware, Christian,these soft, gentle breezes are precursors ofa storm. Later in verse 14, we see amonster storm arise.“But not long after therearose against it a tempestuous wind, called

Euroclydon.” This storm broughtdestruction, delay, dark days andhopelessness. “And when neither sun nor starsin many days appeared, and no small tempest layon us, all hope that we should be saved was thentaken away (Acts 27:20.)” Third, we should lighten the ship – oreliminate the burdensome cargo– whenfaced with stormy waters (v. 18). Whatvices, habits or relationships are keepingyou from fulfilling the will of God in yourlife? Identify them and toss themoverboard! Whenever I am in a storm, theLord reminds me of what is important andwhat is not! Let His Word and thataforementioned Godly counsel guide youin this area. Fourth, if we want to survive the storm,remember that we are on a divine mission.Paul was on a mission sent by God toRome (Acts 27:24). God also has a plan forus to spread the Gospel (Mark 16:15), andto be a witness for Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8).If you find yourself in the midst of a stormwhile fulfilling your God-given calling,then just patiently endure. God will see youthrough (Acts 27:23-25)! God’s will shallbe accomplished!

Fifth, remember to feed and strengthenyourself during the storm (Acts 27:33-34).Ironically, most Christians do the exactopposite. Instead of drawing strength fromthe sincere milk of the Word during astorm, many will quit going to church, stopreading their Bible, and stop praying.Strengthen yourself to endure the storm bygetting close to God! Do not withdrawfrom Him! He is your Life Preserver! Finally, the Bible says that after Paul’sship was battered and broken, all the menaboard escaped by clinging to broken piecesof the vessel (v. 44). Christian, if you aregoing through a storm, hang on! Continueliving for the Lord and doing His will, andHe will see you through! The voyage maynot turn out the way you planned, but Godknows best. His plan is better than ours! Hedoes all things “after the counsel of His own will(Eph. 1:11).” When in a storm, we mustremember what the Apostle Paul told thebelievers in Rome: “And we know that allthings work together for good to them that love God,to them who are the called according to his purpose(Rom. 8:28).” □

from “Storms”” pg. 1

Bowling

Harvest Fellowship/Corn Maze

“Set-a-Record” Night

Teen soul-winning will be each Wednesday at 4:45 p.m. Please contact JoeHenderson or follow our Facebook page (@SecondMileTeens) for more detailsregarding all teen activities.

here is seldom any“downtime” for a Christian schooladministrator, especially thelate winter months. Thistime of year is definitely an

emotional roller coaster. With the endof the year quickly approaching, welook back on all the successes of thelast ten months. Academic programs,fine arts competitions, educator'sconferences, legislative tasks,Christmas programs, Spirit Week,achievement testing, classroomactivities, administrativeaccomplishments, student progress…the list could go on. We take joy in ourteaching staff—a team of dedicated,hard-working, enthusiastic teacherswho have sacrificed so much for suchlittle monetary compensation. Wereview our students’ accomplishmentsacademically and – I’d like to say—spiritually. There are so manypositives… riding at the top of thehill.

All that said, what could possibly getus down? Well, the month of April–or as we administrators call–

commitment time. It’s he time of yearwhen our current parents beginreturning letters of intent for the nextschool year. Because of our feebleoperating budget, we have to knowearly on how many students in whichwe should expect to invest. Will weneed another teacher? Will we needadditional staff to handle the numberof students enrolled? Or, God forbid,will we be forced to let a teacher gobecause of lower enrollment? And forthe record…There’s never enoughquality staff on board in any Christianministry, but in ministries like ours,decisions are often affected by financialoutlooks. That is why we prepare. Thatis our due diligence.

Parents often look back at the sacrificethey have made each year and weighout the positives and negatives ofsending their students to our academy.Almost always, the positives outweighthe negatives and families recommitwith no qualms. Most of thosenegatives have nothing to do with thequality of education or the spiritualstimulation offered. The mostreasoning for leaving our school isfinancial hardships. For others, it’s

location— seeing many drive a gooddistance to bring in their children. Forothers, it may just be a difference ofphilosophy. All these reasons are mulledover by parents during the month wegive them to pray and seek God’swisdom about recommitting to anotheryear.

That month of prayer is for them, butmore importantly, it is for the school. Ihave no doubt that Christian educationis essential for every believing, God-fearing family. But those parents whodeem the sacrifice too big to send theirstudents to our school and chooseanother path, I consider it a blessing tosee them depart. I don't say that cruelly.Yes, there is reason to be sad whenfamilies depart and say farewell to us.But God is in control and I amconfident He will bless our school withthe right families each and every year.We will minister to them as they comeand we will pray for them as they go.And certainly, for those who leave... wewill continue to love and help them as

Committing to SacrificeBy Jeremy Bickelhaupt

T

see “Sacrifice”” pg. 4

The Christian School:

RevivalA word about

“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thypeople may rejoice in thee?” ~ Ps. 85:6

“The only reason we don’t have revival is because weare willing to live without it.” ~ Leonard Ravenhill

“A Revival does two things. First, it returns theChurch from her backsliding and second, it causes theconversion of men and women and it always includesthe conviction of sin on the part of the church. Whata spell the devil has cast over the Church today.”

~ Billy Sunday

“If my people, which are called by myname, shall humble themselves, and pray,and seek my face, and turn from theirwicked ways; then will I hear from heav-en, and will forgive their sin, and will healtheir land.” ~ II Chron. 7:14

Revival Servicesw/ The McBride Family

(Sun.) 10 & 11 a.m., 6 p.m.(Mon.-Thurs.) 7 p.m.

Oak Harbor Apple Festival

OCCA 1st QuarterParent-Teacher-Fellowship

6 p.m.

Matias LadinoMissionary to Chile

11 a.m.

Annual ThanksgivingService & Dinner

6:30 p.m.

OCCA Christmas Program6 p.m.

Eric KrehMissionary to the Netherlands

11 a.m.

The Journey of ChristmasChristmas Cantata

6 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services

New Year’s Eve Services

Ministry NewsMinistry News

Apple FestivalThis year, Grace Baptist Church and Ot-tawa County Christian Academy will hosta vendor’s tent at the Oak Harbor AppleFestival. The Festival will be held on Oct.14-15. We will be passing out literatureand gospel tracts. OCCA will also beselling cookies and will participate in Sat-urday’s parade. Please make sure tocome out and support our church andschool!

Budget Process MeetingsThe membership of GBC is invited toattend the annual budget processmeetings. The first meeting will be heldon Saturday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. This willbe a time to formulate an operatingbudget for 2018. A second meeting tofinalize the proposed budget will beSaturday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

Thanksgiving DinnerGBC will conduct its annual ThanksgivingDinner & Service on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at6 p.m. All members are encouraged toattend. Guests are welcome to attend aswell. A short worship service will followthe meal. Those interested in bringing ina covered dish are encouraged to sign upon the bulletin board in the church foyer!

Christmas CantataThe GBC choir and drama team willperform The Journey of Christmas onSunday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. This cantatablends soul-stirring music and a dramaticperformance that, together, tells the storyof the nativity and the true meaning ofChristmas. Please make plans to join usfor this special service.

Academy NewsOttawa County Christian Academy set anew high for enrollment this year. A total

of 32 students in grades K-12 attend ouracademy! In fact, an expandedkindergarten program– one that willinclude K4 and K5– is in the works fornext year! We take joy in how God haswonderfully provided the students as wellas a great staff for our academy. Pleasebe in prayer for OCCA throughout theyear, and pray God will continue to blessthis ministry.

Connect with us!A vital component of sharing news andevents at Grace Baptist Church comesvia our website and social mediaaccounts. Check them out! Our website(www.gracebaptistoakharbor.org) has anupdated calendar of events and audiolinks to recent sermons. You can also likeand follow our Facebook pages at@GBCohoh and @OCCAcrusaders andshare the latest news! These are greattools to share what GBC is all about!

Get Plugged In!We are always looking for people to helpout in all our various ministries. The bestway to grow spiritually is to becomepersonally involved. Please see PastorBickelhaupt if you are willing to serve inthese areas: Bus Ministry, Jail Ministry,Nursery/Toddlers, Visitation, NursingHome, Choir, Sunday School, or TheYoung Lions’ Club.

UPCOMINGEvents

Activities &

Sept. 20 – Crazy Hat Night Clubbers willreceive 25 points for wearing crazy hats. Eachparticipant will receive 25 bonus Pride Points!

Oct. 25 – Year-End Awards& Pizza Party - 7 p.m.

Club is for all children between 3-12 years old. The purposeof the club is to encourage spiritual growth on a personal lev-el through Scripture Memorization and Character Buildinglessons.

“The devil did not tempt Adam and Eve to steal, to lie,to kill, or commit adultery; he tempted them to live

of God.” ~ Dr. Bob Jones, Sr.

As Christian parents, we have the great task of raising ourchildren to be dependent on God in all aspects of living. This depen-dence was really God’s original intent when He created man. Unfor-tunately, most Christian parents have fallen for the humanisticideology that our children must be able to live independently, relyingon self to provide their every need. This faulty ideology is dangerous for the Christian because itleads to death. James 1:14 says, “But every man is tempted when he is drawnaway of his own lusts, and enticed Then when lust hath conceived, it bringethforth death.” It’s just like Eve succumbing to Satan’s temptation tolive independently from God (See Gen. 1:16-17). God gave man a sim-ple command. Along came Satan, who deceived her to choose againstobeying God’s command. Satan promised she would attain a God-like status (Gen. 3:5) making her wise, which in essence would voidher need of God, making her independent from Him. Ultimately, her

choice to seek this independence led to her spiritual and physicaldeath. Making our children understand our dependence on Godis vital in the Christian life. We are commanded to put God firstand to love him with all our hearts, minds and souls. If we tendedour children the way we tend to God, where would they be? Godgave us those children; He has entrusted us to raise them. Sadlythough, the very thing we beg God for is often the very thing thatwe allow to come between ourselves and God… even after He sograciously answers our prayer. Don’t let Satan deceive you into thinking you can dothings on your own, independent of God. He has provided all weneed; He has given us victory over the power of sin. We must de-pend on Him to give us this victory. Romans 6:11-14 tells us thatHe has provided the armor we need to fight against our own de-ceitfulness. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:who can know it? (Jer. 17:9)” This deceitfulness wants to pull us awayfrom God and give us the desires of our hearts. And yet with all this provision (Eph. 6:13-17), we strug-gle. Paul reminds us in Romans 6:16, “Know ye not that to whom yeyield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether ofsin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Our goal as parentsshould be to raise them to become obedient servants of God whoare totally sold out and dependent on Him. This, my fellow parentsand grandparents, is why it is so important that you teach yourchildren to obey you. A parent’s job is to raise their children tobecome servants of God, not rebels. You are not to have the goalof raising “independent” children, but children who are completelydependent on God for everything. Parents, please realize the magnitude of your job… yourministry. Your children belong to God; He has chosen you to bringthem up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. This can beaccomplished by evangelizing them. Raise them to understand sinand the love of God that provides their redemption. ImplementGod’s Word as the standard in your home. Be consistent in yourwords and actions. Say what you mean, and mean what you say!God does! Doing this will lay a good foundation for how they viewGod. And then disciple them. Equip them to be useful to God(Gal. 6:4). Once our view of mankind, ourselves, and our childrenmatch God’s view, we should no longer be interested in raisinghappy children as the world equates happiness; but happy as thescripture equates it. Happiness will not come through living inde-pendently from God; rather, it will come as a result of depending onHim for everything. Understand the battle we are in every day. He hasequipped us to win that battle. But we must depend on Him andthe tools He has provided us to be victorious. It is so importantthat our children learn to depend on no one other than God him-self. The question is, Parent, ‘Are you teaching your children to bedependent or independent?’.

3 • The Earnest Contender , Fall 20176 • The Earnest Contender , Fall 2017

much as we are able. That said, I wantto minister to families that God directsto us for that particular year. My prayeris and has been for the last few years,that God sends us the right familieseach year. And if that means we losesome, then I feel that is exactly thescenario God will bless. The Christianschool will always see people come andgo for whatever reason. God is in everydecision andour Academywill haveexactly who Hewants thereevery year. Weare alwayshopeful thatHis planincludes moreand morestudents eachyear, butregardless ofenrollment, we will pour ourselves intowhomever God places with us.

Truthfully though, as a Christianeducator, I desire families who valuewhat we do. Those who see the dailysacrifices our teachers and staff makeon behalf of their students. Those whodesire a staff that prays for and is trulyconcerned with each student’s academicand spiritual growth. Yes, it saddensme, that even after all the prayers,financial aid, personal time and greateffort that we invest into individualfamilies each year, they choose to walkaway—stating reasons that are illogicalto me. When they say, “We can’t affordit,” God hears,

When they say, “Thedrive is too long,” God hears,

Yousee… just about every reason theChristian uses to excuse himself fromthe obligation of Christian schoolingcomes down to the cost (not alwaysmoney either). The sacrifice it takes toproperly “train up a child in the way heshould go” comes in various forms.The questions then, which begs to beasked is: “What kind of sacrifice are youwilling to make to see your child receive an

education at the Christian school?” And... “Isit worth it?”

Before we answer those questions, let'sventure into the realm of the "why's?"That is, reasons why families walk awayfrom solid Christian schooling. So, heregoes. Is there ever a good reason to leavea good Christian school? Yes.

First, (1) Home schooling done properly

is the very best choice, even above theChristianschool. But itis imperativethat the homeeducator iscapable anddedicated toseeing it doneright. All toooften wereceivestudents whohave comefrom failed

home-schooled settings where there isno structure or discipline in seeing outthe completion of school work andmanaging student assignments. They areturned over to us for a year or two torepair the damage, and then they areripped from our grasp to save a fewdollars by resuming the home schooledmethod.

My wife and her siblings were productsof home-schooling, but their mother didit right. They graduated with moreeducation than I received in my publicschooling. They were involved in homeschool groups and they had a structure inthe home to make sure the children'sschool work was completed well eachday. Were there shortcomings? Probably,as my mother-in-law would admit; butnonetheless, it was effective. So, if doneeffectively, I believe home education isthe best option, as my wife and herfamily are living proof.

But in our time as Christian schooleducators, we have also seen our fairshare of those students who have fallenvictim to the home-school experiment.We have dealt with parents who werecompletely incapable of handling thetask of home educating their kids. Oftenthere were too many school-aged kids in

The Earnest Contender, Fall 2017 • 5

From “Sacrifice” pg. 2the home who were at different gradelevels, and mom had to juggle the multi-grade instruction while also managinghousework, and taking care of youngersiblings not yet of school age. Not animpossible task, but daunting to say theleast. There were others who offered theirchildren no structure whatsoever. Momwould sleep in until ten or eleven in themorning and let the children make up theirown schedule, just so long as the work gotdone. Often, quality of work was anafterthought... again, just so long as it wasdone. Another common trend we seecomes when the parent may not beeducated enough themselves to teach themore difficult subjects. They “wing it”resulting in a failure to properly translatethe knowledge to the child. So from oneend of the spectrum to the other, we have:Capable, dedicated families who succeed;families who make the attempt and drownin good intentions; and the families who dothe bare minimum for the sake of gettingby. If you choose the path of homeschooling your children, be sure you fallinto the first group. If you find homeschooling easy, it's likely you are not doingit right.

Another acceptable scenario for parents towithdraw their students from a Christianschool is (2) . Myhope is that parents would seek a similarlearning environment when they leave usdue to job relocation because consistency is

The Earnest Contender, Fall 2017 • 4

a very important element in a child'seducation. I feel that when relocating andchanging schools, only schools that are oflike faith and practice are acceptable choices.If the place you've had to relocate to doesn'thave said school, don't move there. Move toa place where there is a good, local church-based school. Maybe you have to travel toget to work or maybe you have to drive along way to get your kids to a good Christianschool, but either way… get your kids inthat school! Make that sacrifice.

What is really troubling is when we seefamilies move to areas just outside acomfortable driving distance from us andthen enroll their kids into a public school.Many times it’s because the public tax dollaris able to offer more in way of sports, clubsand more. Maybe the excuse is that theywant more of a social atmosphere for theirkids. We've heard it all. Then— without adoubt— parents justify it by saying, "They'llbe fine. They had some great foundations at yourschool, and they'll use that to build upon in thepublic school." Unfortunately, that's not the

When [parents] say, God hears,

When [parents]say, God hears,

way it usually works. The liberal teachingphilosophies in the public classroom aredesigned to destroy that Christian foundation,not build upon it. Of all the students wholeft our Academy during their high schoolyears, only two stayed true to the faith wehelped establish in them. So let's not kidourselves. Your child probably isn't theexception. The comparison I always use isthis:

Finally, (3) is a reason to withdraw from

the Christian school. Academically or indoctrine, if the school is violating scripture orbiblical principles, then there is cause forexiting that institution. However, it wouldprobably be wise to have a meeting with theheadmaster or founding pastor and discussthe issues before jumping immediately tothe side of being offended. Sit down withthe school's authority and find out if theschool is in the wrong or if you are in thewrong. Often times, what we assume tobe differences in philosophy is really justmisunderstanding or miscommunication

between parties. I know that ourAcademy takes great strides in seeing ouracademics and spiritual programs line upwith scripture, but we are never tooproud to hear out a parent who has takenup an issue with any doctrine we teach.

So…. Are there other good reasons toleave a solid, academically- andspiritually-sound Christian school?Perhaps... but they are few. It really allcomes down to sacrifice. Having yourchildren attend a Christian school is justthat... a sacrifice. Remember, the wholeconcept of a sacrifice is that it is not easyor cheap and there is no such thing ascommitment without sacrifice.

Trust God, Hewill provide the appropriate strength andresources. He always does. The realquestion parents must ask is… "Whatkind of sacrifice am I willing to make for havingmy children involved in Christian schooling?"And then, "Are my kids worth that sacrifice?"I can't answer the first question for you,but as to the second query... My answeris, "You better believe it!"

From “Sacrifice” pg. 4

See “Sacrifice” pg. 5

Have you ever come across a can with no label? When I was a boy, I remember go-ing to the grocery store with my mom. Once, as we entered, there was a grocery cartfilled with canned goods, and on the cart, a sign that read: “10 cents each.” My momstopped and looked at them intently. Then she picked one of them up and began to putit in the cart. I asked her, “What’s in it, Mom?” Her response was, “I don’t know. Iguess it will be a surprise.” When there's no label, it's had to tell what’s inside! Years ago, when you drove by achurch, you knew what the church was by the sign outside. If the church said "Luther-an" on the outside, you knew what you would get when you went to the service-- Lu-theran doctrine. If you went to a Methodist church, a Pentecostal Church of God, aBaptist church, or some other kind of church, you knew what you were going to get bythe “label” outside the building. Not all churches are the same! Some churches teachsalvation through baptism (the doctrine of baptismal regeneration). Some teach thatthere are seven sacraments that must be kept as the means of eternal life. Others teachthat salvation is based upon our good works. Some teach that you must speak in

tongues in order to be saved. All of these teachings are false according to theWord of God! The real problem is that churches are removing their “labels” and, consequently,no one knows what they really believe until the can is opened. I recently saw achurch called “Intersection Church.” The only thing one could tell from this label

was that the "church" was located next to an intersection. What about the “TheDrive Church,” or “The Expectation Church?” What are they? What do theybelieve? Who knows? No label. I am a Christian first and foremost. I have placed my personal faith andtrust in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for the remission of my sins. I am aChristian by a new birth, but I am also a Baptist by choice. As Pastor of GraceBaptist Church, I refuse to take the name Baptist off of our church. It identi-fies us with what we believe and tells others who we are. Christian, beware of

cans with no labels!

Canswithoutlabels

By Pastor Bickelhaupt