Alva Baptist Church

2012-02-02T18:07:00.001Z

No small places, no invisible people,
Jesus heals on the way to healing...

He comes to us...

He comes for us...
Sometimes He leaves work for others to accomplish...

Healed in Jesus' name through Peter
in the book of Acts chapter 3 verse 6

Posterchild: Deliverance and Mission

2012-01-23T01:14:00.002Z

Mark's Version of the Story of Jesus Chapter 5 verse 1-20

Magi and the Revealed Secrets of God

2012-01-09T01:22:00.002Z

Jesus saidthe ones who who hear the word
and accept it and bear fruit
are like seed that finds goodsoil.
He told the truth wrapped in simple language;
a mystery to the hard-hearted,
readily revealed to those who seek and find.
The Magi know the message of God
and go where it leads them.
God's will done is His 'kingdom come'
and it disrupts the earthly kingdom of men.

New Year Day

2012-01-08T08:31:00.001Z

Christmas Eve

2012-01-01T00:35:00.002Z

2011-12-23T17:48:00.000Z

Christmas Eve
5:30pm Christmas Caroling around Alva starting at the church
7:30pm Candle lightCarol Celebration followed by minced pies and warm drinks.

Christmas Day
11am Christmas Service

on The Green at Brook Street FK12 5JQ

We Are Family

2011-12-19T00:16:00.000Z

Jesus highlights that God's mission is the basis for relationship

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Following God’s Plan, (Counterfeits and Revelation)

2011-12-12T22:47:00.000Z

In Mark 3

Jesus was following Our Father’s plan of revelation.

Unclean spirits: "You are the Son of God!"

God’s timing and plan did not include Satanic promotion

even seemingly helpful things are subject to God’s perfect plan.

In Isaiah 7 (Virgin, not merely a 'maiden')

God reveals His plan for the miraculous sign of the virgin birth.

In Luke 1 (“…let it be to me according to yourword." )

Gabriel’s revelation of the work of the HolySpirit

Mary’s response to the Angel

is also Jesus’ response to our Father in Heaven’s plan …

in the face of a counterfeit marketing scheme presented by “uncleanspirits”

“…let it be to me according to your word."

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Scottish Government Consultation on Marriage

2011-11-27T15:25:00.001Z

Though we may agree about the separation between church and state, let us not fail to participate in this democracy. Please pray and consider what you will do to make your individual voice heard as a Christian who testifies to a Biblical Worldview.

The Christian church cannot accommodate sinful behaviour masquerading as a civil rights issue. Racial and gender issues which are genetic, are not comparable to human sexuality which is a behaviour. While a person may even be more inclined toward a particular orientation as a result of genetics, the choice to engage in particular sexual behaviour is just that: a choice.

As Christians, we must acknowledge individual choice and must also exercise love and mercy towards others who do not believe what we do. It may well be that a secular government which represents all people may find it necessary to accommodate people who do not follow Christ, and who engage in what a Christian will recognise as sin, to develop a social framework for bonding and support. But this would not be marriage, this would be civil partnership. This would be the alternative contrivance that the Christian recognises but does not endorse and in fact warns against.

We cannot acquiesce to be forced by legislation to behave in a way which is contrary to our conscience. It is not the government's job to enforce cultural change under the guise of equality. The commonly held faith of the Universal Christian Church can not be homogenized with the beliefs of an anti-Christ worldview.

Let your representatives know what you think by clicking here to go to the Christian.org linked page for contacting the government

or

Click here to go direct to theGovernment's online response form.

For advice on responding to the consultatione-mail cfs@care.org.uk

Elective Soul Surgery

2011-11-26T21:20:00.001Z

"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

~Mark's Biography of Jesus, Chapter 2, verse 17

Jesus has come for us.

God let's us respond to what God has been doing in our lives.
If I don't acknowledge it,
if I don't agree that I am sick and in need of healing,
then God let's me choose not to come to Jesus.

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." ~written by the Apostle John in his First Letter, Chapter 1, verses 8-10

Come to Jesus.

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Follow Me

2011-11-19T13:42:00.001Z

This short episode is a fraction of the sermon preached that day. More was said but only those who followed closely as requested were able to hear the rest.

In the first Chapter of Mark's Gospel the disciples were following Jesus without explanation, based on their trust of the man Jesus. The Pastor asked the congregation to follow him in similar fashion.

Not everyone enjoyed this experience. Not everyone followed.
The act of following did lead people, beside the preaching pastor, along the road to meet up with the Parish Church down the road in procession to the Alva War Memorial in Johnson Park for a Remembrance Service.

The pastor is just a man and his words have value only to the extent that they are useful in pointing the congregation toward God. This is why we rely on the word of God revealed in scripture so confidently.

Following Christ, we don't have a flesh and blood person to walk beside, but we do have the sure record of His words and His example; and on this basis we do have fellowship with others in the community of believers that the Bible calls 'Body of Christ'. There is a principle in scripture that we might describe as 'discerning the mind of Christ in community'. (observed in the Book of Acts 15:4-35)

We come to know God; we become convicted of sin; we repent (turn away from sin) turning to God for forgiveness; and forgiven, we have fellowship with the Holy Spirit and with each other as redeemed believers. In this faith we have communion.

Through the word and worship stay close to Jesus and know first-hand what He has said and is saying to His church. Don't refuse to come when He says 'follow me'.

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Remember Sunday Service Starts at 10:45am!

2011-11-12T17:00:00.000Z

We will start early and finish early and participate in the Procession from the Parish Church and Remembrance Service at Johnson Park at 11:30am.

Who is Driving? Mark 1:1-15

2011-11-12T12:26:00.001Z

We see the Trinity in action in this short slice of Scripture: The Gospel according to Mark Chapter 1, verses 1-15.

There is a short introduction to Mark as he tells "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God", according to Peter's eyewitness account that Mark witnessed Peter preach over the time he travelled with him.

Founded on an understanding of prophetic scripture, Mark tells how Jesus is baptised and driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for and battles for 40 days with Satan and wild animals; helped by ministering angels.

Jesus declaration of intent is summed up in the quote "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (Mar 1:15)

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2011-11-12T11:35:00.001Z

Impact World Tour stunt teams wow Strathearn audiences

http://www.strathearnherald.co.uk/strathearn-news/strathearn-news/2011/11/04/impact-world-tour-stunt-teams-wow-strathearn-audiences-64054-29709320/
The good news is so good!
Don't let a negative perspective get you down!

2011-10-23T00:49:00.000Z

Wednesday 7:30pm Clackmannan Town Hall with Island Breeze
Thursday 7:30pm Alva Academy with GX International
Friday 7:30pm Alloa Town Hall With Team Xtreme International
Saturday 7:30pm Alloa Town Hall with GX International
Sunday @6:30pm Devonvale Hall, Tillicoultry with Island Breeze

Joseph's Rise to Power from Prison

2011-10-22T08:40:00.001Z

Joseph gets on with it in prison. With God's favour and gifts faithfully exercised, Joseph lifts up the name of the Lord and is delivered from adversity into the seat of government. Dreams and dreams yet unfulfilled all coming true. God's plan revealed in due time.

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Joseph and Potiphar's Wife

2011-10-21T12:56:00.001Z

God guides us through temptation by our obedience to Him.
We follow good instructions that steer us to where blessing is ordained; directions which keep us out of harm's way.
Joseph is spared by his fidelity to God and also to Potiphar.

It is worth noting that Potiphar, captain of the guard, the officer of Pharaoh, may have been a eunuch.
So Potiphar's wife has unmet needs and is left alone with herself while Potiphar serves the needs of Pharaoh.

Do we fail to meet our spouses needs while we pursue our vocation?

Every man and woman is tempted; and our safety and deliverance is already provided for by God: in our knowledge of Him, in fellowship with each other, and ultimately, in Christ.

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Joseph in Potiphar's House

2011-10-21T12:53:00.002Z

God's plan for Joseph and all the descendants of Israel is unfolding. God's favour benefits others as well. God does not spare His servants of suffering when it is necessary for the greater good in the will of God. God who shares in our grief and did not spare His only Son, whose Son suffered willingly. We can learn from the story of Joseph today.

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Joseph's Dreams

2011-09-26T01:20:00.003Z

God still does this today.Prophecy proves true.The Bible is an historical witness to great promises kept.Video that goes with the podcast is found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CExvHJxJnY

El Bethel - The God of the House of God

2011-09-24T10:49:00.001Z

Jacob is called by God to arise from Shechem where he has settled, because he is coming up short of the completed journey that God has in store for him. He is lead to where God has ordained the blessing of Abraham and Isaac.

Only obedience gets him there. Only his life has taught him this obedience.

God has patiently guided Jacob through the suffering his choices have rendered, back to the place where he met God;

to recognize that God is not found in a place but in the relationship.Face to face. The God of the House of God. Not a God among gods, but God Almighty.

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Lots of new podcasts!

2011-08-21T08:13:00.005Z

You can subscribe to our podcast through iTunes or just click-through on the right-hand sidebar.

Here is a link on simple genetics as observed by a Czech Monk named Gregor Mendel
If you cant click on the word "genetics", cut and paste the address below in your browser:
http://anthro.palomar.edu/mendel/mendel_1.htm

This idea was used in today's sermon.

LAST

2011-07-08T08:38:00.004Z

We have a promo video for the Hillfoots Youth Event called "LAST" What is LAST?

Holiday Club Registration Form

2011-06-25T11:26:00.000Z

Primary 1-5 (and 'near-aged' siblings)
10am-12noon 4-8 July

click on the link below to download the registration form:
Registration form

How Does the World See Us?

2011-06-11T01:13:00.001Z

Godisnowhere
Godisnowhere
Godisnowhere

What is God up to in you?

2011-04-16T10:31:00.001Z

.. The work of Jesus in the world is two-fold.

It is a work accomplished for us, destined to effect reconciliation: between God and man; it is a work accomplished in us, with the object of effecting our sanctification.

By the one, a right relation is established between God and us; by the other is the fruit of the re-established order. By the former the condemned sinner is received into the state of grace; by the latter the pardoned sinner is associated with the life of God....

How many express themselves as if when forgiveness, with the peace which it procures, has been once obtained, all is finished, and the work of salvation complete.

They seem to have no suspicion that salvation consists in the health of the soul, and that the health of the soul consists in holiness.

Forgiveness is not the re-establishment of health, it is but the crisis of convalescence. If God thinks fit to declare the sinner righteous, it is in order that He may by that means restore him to holiness."-Godet.

What is God up to, IN you?

If today...

2011-04-15T15:09:00.001Z

You believe What?!!!

2011-04-02T00:12:00.004Z

What fool believes that a baby came from a virgin and a dead man came back to life?

God shows that He is in charge of this life and is willing and able to violate concrete principles to show His love for us; even though we lived as enemies of God.

Don't be a fool!

Make peace with the God who made you and holds it all together.

Jesus lived and died and lives again to show the love of God;
and to BE the way, the truth and the Life.
"no one comes to the Father except through me"
~Jesus of Nazareth, The Christ of God

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Only a fool would pass on that offer.

Have You Considered My Servant...?

2011-01-10T02:06:00.005Z

Today a student at the Scottish Baptist College spoke on Job.
Daniel proposed that the whole story hinges on Job 1:8
"The LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.'"

The main thrust was this:
it isn't a question of whether or not Job has faith in God,
Or if he will be found faithful in the midst of suffering;
but that the story is told to show that God has faith in Job!

Job 1:21-22 ...Blessed be the name of the LORD."
Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

May we be found to trust God with what challenges He has entrusted to us!

Christmas Song For Christmas Eve

2010-12-15T01:13:00.000Z

Kids will be invited to sing the following song at the Christmas Evening Service.
Here are the lyrics if you want to play it for your kids before the 24th the link is on the right:

IT’S SOMEBODY’S BIRTHDAY

Crackers and turkeys and pudding and cream,

Toys in the window that I’ve never seen.

This is the Christmas that everyone sees,

But Christmas means more to me.

Chorus

It’s somebody’s birthday I won’t forget,

As I open the things that I get.

I’ll remember the inn and the stable so bare,

And Jesus who once lay there.

Everyone’s out shopping late every night,

For candles and presents and Christmas tree lights

This is the Christmas that everyone sees,

But Christmas means more to me.

Christmas morning, the start of the day,

There’s presents to open and new games to play.

This is the Christmas that everyone sees,

But Christmas means more to me.

Nothing is Impossible with God

2010-12-15T01:00:00.004Z

People are generally surprised by God. He knows what He is doing, He keeps His timetable, it ALWAYS seems to surprise and confound us. We are like the historic people of the Bible.

Zechariah, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, (Abraham, David, pick a disciple...)

God's messengers show up, and the person (who encounters the place where heaven breaches this world) is encouraged not to fear. Because we are terrified by how much the reality of heaven dwarfs this world.

SO the bigger than big, God of Creation condescends to put on flesh (incarnation) and walks among us in a people-suit. Teaching mercy and forgiveness of sin; teaching the surety of judgement of sin; preaching repentance and discipleship.

It all starts with creation, and culminates in the cross, and flowers through this present day. Christmas is the beginning of the cross. God takes on time and space, nailed to our reality, eventually nailed to our mortality. Death is swallowed up by life. Starting with the life of a child in Bethlehem.

Nothing is impossible with God!

In Memory of Jim Taylor

2010-12-05T14:17:00.004Z

26th February 1930

28th November 2010

Please remember his wife Helen and their children: David, Karen, Roderick and Colin and their families in your prayers.

Don't Give Gifts to People, Give to Jesus

2010-11-27T14:27:00.003Z

This year, for Jesus' birthday, let's give gifts to Him instead of each other!

Matthew 25:34-40 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Gospel for Asia Christmas Catalog

www.gfauk.org

Do you want to help make Christmas even more meaningful for your friends? Across the globe people are discovering that chickens, rickshaws and camels are impacting lives in amazing ways. Discover how each gift can change a life today.

Missionary Visit this Wednesday at 7:30pm

2010-11-20T19:45:00.003Z

This Wednesday is the All-Church Meeting.

Come to hear about mission in another country
and discuss our fellowship here in Alva
and how we can BE the church.

Best night ever!
With tea and biscuits!

(Hi Carole!)

Advent Conspiracy

2010-11-20T19:17:00.002Z

What will you do differently this year because you follow Jesus?

Mat 25:37-40 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

Operation Andrew

2010-10-06T21:35:00.003Z

Pray for five people who need to know the only true God.

Sin = Epic Fail!

2010-09-14T16:03:00.004Z

Q: Why did Jesus die?
A: To re-establish our relationship with God.

Holiday Club

2010-07-25T00:52:00.002Z

What a blast!
God does what He says He'll do.
God cares for us, and leads us when we trust Him.
God is a keeper of promises and a forgiver of mistakes.
Lots of young people know Him and trust Him because of history.

What is True?

2010-05-31T23:20:00.000Z

Uzzah Steadies the Ark

2010-05-21T06:58:00.010Z

Uzzah is a work-related injury not directly attributed to him.

King david, in ignorance about how the arc was to be handled,
put it on a cart. The Arc is to be carried
on the shoulders of men
with poles of acacia wood slipped through the metal rings on the side of the arc.

So yes, God has prescribed how He will be approache
and how we may address Him.

But Uzza’s death was no more “punishment” than an electrician getting zapped for ignorantly handling live wires.
Uzzah did not know, David did not know;

but God is still ‘HIGH voltage’

The arc is a picture of the mercy seat of God and
we will come before God on His terms or we will not make it.
I have heard the argument about man steadying the Arc and
it holds water to a point,
(Pro 10:29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless, but destruction to evildoers.)

but I don’t think it is divine retribution against Uzzah.

Many commentaries you find neglect the fact that the arc depends on being carried on the backs of men.
God does nothing for man without the participation of men.

The deal with Uzzah is that the people of Israel were so far from God that their good intentions led them to violate clear instructions from God about how to approach Him.

People died.

God maintains a typology for its prophetic consistency
and our education.

This is why Moses could not enter the promised land
He struck the rock once; after that God instructed him
to speak to the rock, but he struck it again.

Jesus was the rock. Smitten once
and now we must merely speak to the rock to know that living water.

Moses messed up the typology and got a heavenly time out.
Uzzah died for our benefit, not for his punishment.
Same with Ananias and Saphira in Acts 5.

The arc needed carrying in an oxcart
because men had previously failed
in stewarding what God had entrusted.

As we decide how we will choose to worship God
(frequently on our own terms)
how often will we choose to just practice whatever manner of good intentioned gesture we like and ask God to put up with it?

All paths do not lead to God, only Christ does.
Not Christ plus something.
Not an oxcart plus a strong steady hand...

There is a way that seems right to a man
but it’s end is the way to death.

Better to follow God more closely and know His ways,
the margin of error between good and Holy is slight
but it is also eternally significant.

Genesis 6 Noah's Ark

2010-05-04T13:08:00.007Z

Just this week in the news and this week in Genesis 6

a dutch model (not quite to scale)[smaller, actually]

Modern day comparrison

Logistics aside, the Bible teaches that people who walk with God know His mercy in the face of justice. When evil is punished, we will either identify with sin or with Jesus Christ.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

The Blood of Jesus (God's) Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

(God) made (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2Co 5:21 (ESV)

listen to the podcast!

Cain and God

2010-04-19T12:13:00.023Z

So often we speak of Cain and Able,
two brothers who's relationship is marred by the murderous fruit of Cain's choice to ignore God's instruction.

The story is really about Cain.

Abel did well, made an offering by faith
(we are told in the letter to the Hebrews Ch 11).
Cain came up short, his "face fell".

Did he stew in resentment? Anger? Malice? His emotions aren't labled, but we know the result was murder.

God warned Cain. "...Sin is crouching at the door..."
God made it clear, "you must rule over it."

Are you in charge of Sin?

(The inhereted nature of fallen man)
Apparently, there are reins of the mind
that we are to take hold of!
Who is 'steering my car'?
(me or my desires that give in to sin?)

Romans 6:16 Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. (NLT( >

Cain worshiped God on His own terms: fruit of the ground that epidomized the human effort, the fruit of the fallen state of man who worked the accursed ground.

The Bible only says that God had regard for Abel...and his offering.

Literally, Abel's offering caused God to "look with a keen earnest glance"

Cain stands there with his best game on, earnestly seeking approval. The first born, showed up by his little brother; with God lifting up the offering that points to Christ, the Lamb that was slain from the foundations of the world.

It was never about Cain. The favour was shown toward the faith of Abel; toward the offering that pictured Christ. Not that there was fault in the offering of Cain as much as it lacked that in which God was keenly interested:

From the begining of the end, Adam, Man,
the man & woman were covered with coverings that resulted from sacrificial death. At the end of the end, we are covered with the only covering that results in eternal life, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

But Satan whips up the mind. Sin crouches at the door.
Cain is had by it; he fails to master it and succumbs to sin, becomes a slave, and the result is murder.

Cain is offered a opportunity to confess
and responds with insolence. What?! (my kids say)
"Am I my brother's keeper?"
Driven from the ground, from the community,
from the face of God, further east of Eden...

Chapter 4 ends with the ultimate good that is possible
even after the grave consequences of sin have destroyed generations: "...At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD." Gen 4:26 (ESV)

Easter Service 11am, Sunday, 4 April

2010-03-29T10:23:00.006Z

The Simple Truth -->
Religion-free
What does that mean?
God's reasons,
your decisions.
No pressure.

(No evening service this month)

Genesis 3

2010-03-29T09:24:00.017Z

This Chapter is where 'the fall of mankind' is recorded for us by the Holy Spirit.

Satan still uses the same old method to decieve:
1. He questions God's Words
2. He lies about the consequences
3. He lures us by our own desires

We humans still have the same problems:
1. We depend on surface appearances
2. We let our appetites lead us
3. We want it our way (and now!)

When Adam ignored the Lord's good advice,
death and sin entered the world.

On that day in the beginning,
Man walks away from relationship with God

On Palm Sunday,
Man rides back towards relationship with God

At the Cross, death and sin were defeated.
At the resurrection of Jesus, the glory of God is displayed.
We believe this and walk in a new promise
The real hope of a redeemed life!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-20T00:46:00.000Z

Behold

2009-12-20T00:40:00.001Z

Blessable, Sunday 6 December

2009-12-15T21:37:00.002Z

Suffering in Crisis

2009-11-27T21:12:00.002Z

In the Midst

2009-11-17T01:19:00.001Z

2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 3 Thoroughly Equipped

2009-11-07T11:57:00.002Z

Please pray for the upcomming Deacons' and Church meetings Wednesday 11th and 18th November respectively.

Sunday 25 October 2 Tim 2

2009-10-28T16:04:00.002Z

Please pray for the start of the Through the Bible in a Day Bible Study! (2 hours over 4 Sundays = one 8-hour day)

The place, the Man, the sign.

2009-10-20T22:45:00.000Z

2 Timothy 1 - Chatacter and Charisma

2009-10-05T23:44:00.001Z

Harvest

2009-09-30T00:45:00.001Z

Family Nights @ Alva Baptist

2009-09-25T12:40:00.002Z

6pm on Fridays starting September 25

It's just as if our kids club resumes with the added benefit that Parents are invited! You are welcome to come hang out at the back of the church to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a snack while we will tire out your kids with fun and foundations!

We Also teamed up with local services through the Clackmannanshire Alliance to deliver a series of talks on safety from Community Wardens, Fire, Brigade, Police, Countryside Rangers, etc.

Hope to see you there!

(no charge! But we can always use help covering the cost of crafts and food so, any donations are welcome)

Idolatry (Ezeliel 14:1-11) Sunday Night

2009-09-07T01:32:00.002Z

Scottish Baptist Theological Society

2009-08-26T20:19:00.005Z

Thursday Night, 27 August,
at 7:30 for Tea/coffee &cakes

FK12 5JQ
(for sat nav)

on the subject: Baptists and Political Theology.
The speaker is Brodie McGregor,
(former youth pastor at Queen’s Park, doctoral student at New College)

Faith in Action, Part 2

2009-08-23T21:38:00.003Z

or go to: http://alvabaptist.podbean.com/

Faith in Action, Part 1

2009-08-16T17:59:00.005Z

or go to: http://alvabaptist.podbean.com/

Holiday Club Photos

2009-08-15T21:07:00.002Z

Notes from 9 August

2009-08-15T15:14:00.001Z

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AQ7goajHceh1ZGhwZHhmanFfMGdtdzN4Nmdx&hl=en

Click the link above to review the notes for Sunday's sermon.
Enjoy,
Pastor Dave

Holiday Club: 10-14 August

2009-08-09T23:25:00.006Z

Heaven's Kitchen
Monday - Friday;

10-14 August

Primary 1-7
@ 2pm-4pm
Come early to register!

Tragic Proportions

2009-07-11T23:35:00.004Z

Really not trying to mess with you.
These are disturbing facts that dont fit in a sound byte
or a slogan.

IT REALLY HAPPENED!

2009-04-18T14:23:00.001Z

1 Corinthians 15
Christ died for our sins (like the Bible said he would),
he was buried,
he was raised on the third day (like the Bible said he would)
he appeared to more than five hundred people at one time.
Eyewitness testimony.
This is history not fairy tales.

Vision of the Lost, by William Booth (Salvation Army)

2009-01-25T08:41:00.005Z

On one of my recent journeys, as I gazed from the coach window, I was led into a train of thought concerning the condition of the multitudes around me. They were living carelessly in the most open and shameless rebellion against God, without a thought for their eternal welfare. As I looked out of the window, I seemed to see them all... millions of people all around me given up to their drink and their pleasure, their dancing and their music, their business and their anxieties, their politics and their troubles. Ignorant- willfully ignorant in many cases- and in other instances knowing all about the truth and not caring at all. But all of them, the whole mass of them, sweeping on and up in their blasphemies and devilries to the Throne of God. While my mind was thus engaged, I had a vision.

I saw a dark and stormy ocean. Over it the black clouds hung heavily; through them every now and then vivid lightening flashed and loud thunder rolled, while the winds moaned, and the waves rose and foamed, towered and broke, only to rise and foam, tower and break again.
In that ocean I thought I saw myriads of poor human beings plunging and floating, shouting and shrieking, cursing and struggling and drowning; and as they cursed and screamed they rose and shrieked again, and then some sank to rise no more.

And I saw out of this dark angry ocean, a mighty rock that rose up with it’s summit towering high above the black clouds that overhung the stormy sea. And all around the base of this great rock I saw a vast platform. Onto this platform, I saw with delight a number of the poor struggling, drowning wretches continually climbing out of the angry ocean. And I saw that a few of those who were already safe on the platform were helping the poor creatures still in the angry waters to reach the place of safety.On looking more closely I found a number of those who had been rescued, industriously working and scheming by ladders, ropes, boats and other means more effective, to deliver the poor strugglers out of the sea. Here and there were some who actually jumped into the water, regardless of the consequences in their passion to "rescue the perishing." And I hardly know which gladdened me the most- the sight of the poor drowning people climbing onto the rocks reaching a place of safety, or the devotion and self-sacrifice of those whose whole being was wrapped up in the effort for their deliverance.

As I looked on, I saw that the occupants of that platform were quite a mixed company. That is, they were divided into different "sets" or classes, and they occupied themselves with different pleasures and employments. But only a very few of them seemed to make it their business to get the people out of the sea.But what puzzled me most was the fact that though all of them had been rescued at one time or another from the ocean, nearly everyone seemed to have forgotten all about it. Anyway, it seemed the memory of its darkness and danger no longer troubled them at all.

And what seemed equally strange and perplexing to me was that these people did not even seem to have any care- that is any agonizing care- about the poor perishing ones who were struggling and drowning right before their very eyes... many of whom were their own husbands and wives, brothers and sisters and even their own children.

Now this astonishing unconcern could not have been the result of ignorance or lack of knowledge, because they lived right there in full sight of it all and even talked about it sometimes. Many even went regularly to hear lectures and sermons in which the awful state of these poor drowning creatures was described.

I have always said that the occupants of this platform were engaged in different pursuits and pastimes. Some of them were absorbed day and night in trading and business in order to make gain, storing up their savings in boxes, safes and the like.

Many spent their time in amusing themselves with growing flowers on the side of the rock, others in painting pieces of cloth or in playing music, or in dressing themselves up in different styles and walking about to be admired. Some occupied themselves chiefly in eating and drinking, others were taken up with arguing about the poor drowning creatures that had already been rescued.

But the thing to me that seemed the most amazing was that those on the platform to whom He called, who heard His voice and felt that they ought to obey it- at least they said they did- those who confessed to love Him much were in full sympathy with Him in the task He had undertaken- who worshipped Him or who professed to do so- were so taken up with their trades and professions, their money saving and pleasures, their families and circles, their religions and arguments about it, and their preparation for going to the mainland, that they did not listen to the cry that came to them from this Wonderful Being who had Himself gone down into the sea.

Anyway, if they heard it they did not heed it. They did not care. And so the multitude went on right before them struggling and shrieking and drowning in the darkness.

And then I saw something that seemed to me even more strange than anything that had gone on before in this strange vision. I saw that some of these people on the platform whom this Wonderful Being had called to, wanting them to come and help Him in His difficult task of saving these perishing creatures, were always praying and crying out to Him to come to them!Some wanted Him to come and stay with them, and spend His time and strength in making them happier. Others wanted Him to come and take away various doubts and misgivings they had concerning the truth of some letters He had written them. Some wanted Him to come and make them feel more secure on the rock- so secure that they would be quite sure that they should never slip off again into the ocean. Numbers of others wanted Him to make them feel quite certain that they would really get off the rock and onto the mainland someday: because as a matter of fact, it was well known that some had walked so carelessly as to loose their footing, and had fallen back again into the stormy waters.

So these people used to meet and get up as high on the rock as they could, and looking towards the mainland (where they thought the Great Being was) they would cry out, "Come to us! Come and help us!" And all the while He was down (by His Spirit) among the poor struggling, drowning creatures in the angry deep, with His arms around them trying to drag them out, and looking up- oh! so longingly but all in vain- to those on the rock, crying to them with His voice all hoarse from calling, "Come to Me! Come, and help Me!

And then I understood it all. It was plain enough. The sea was the ocean of life- the sea of real, actual human existence. That lightening was the gleaming of piercing truth coming from Jehovah’s Throne. That thunder was the distant echoing of the wrath of God. Those multitudes of people shrieking, struggling and agonizing in the stormy sea, was the thousands and thousands of poor harlots and harlot-makers, of drunkards and drunkard makers, of thieves, liars, blasphemers and ungodly people of every kindred, tongue and nation.

Oh what a black sea it was! And oh, what multitudes of rich and poor, ignorant and educated were there. They were all so unalike in their outward circumstances and conditions, yet all alike in one thing- all sinners before God- all held by, and holding onto, some iniquity, fascinated by some idol, the slaves of some devilish lust, and ruled by the foul fiend from the bottomless pit!"

All alike in one thing?" No, all alike in two things- not only the same in their wickedness but, unless rescued, the same in their sinking, sinking... down, down, down... to the same terrible doom. That great sheltering rock represented Calvary, the place where Jesus had died for them. And the people on it were those who had been rescued. The way they used their energies, gifts and time represented the occupations and amusements of those who professed to be saved from sin and hell- followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The handful of fierce, determined ones, who were risking their own lives in saving the perishing were true soldiers of the cross of Jesus. That Mighty Being who was calling to them from the midst of the angry waters was the Son of God, "the same yesterday, today and forever" who is still struggling and interceding to save the dying multitudes about us from this terrible doom of damnation, and whose voice can be heard above the music, machinery, and noise of life, calling on the rescued to come and help Him save the world.

My friends in Christ, you are rescued from the waters, you are on the rock, He is in the dark sea calling on you to come to Him and help Him. Will you go? Look for yourselves. The surging sea of life, crowded with perishing multitudes rolls up to the very spot on which you stand. Leaving the vision, I now come to speak of the fact- a fact that is as real as the Bible, as real as the Christ who hung upon the cross, as real as the judgment day will be, and as real as the heaven and hell that will follow it.

Look! Don’t be deceived by appearances- men and things are not what they seem. All who are not on the rock are in the sea! Look at them from the standpoint of the great White Throne, and what a sight you have! Jesus Christ, the Son of God is, through His Spirit, in the midst of this dying multitude, struggling to save them. And He is calling on you to jump into the sea- to go right away to His side and help Him in the holy strife. Will you jump? That is, will you go to His feet and place yourself absolutely at His disposal?

A young Christian once came to me, and told me that for some time she had been giving the Lord her profession and prayers and money, but now she wanted to give Him her life. She wanted to go right into the fight. In other words, she wanted to go to His assistance in the sea. As when a man from the shore, seeing another struggling in the water, takes off those outer garments that would hinder his efforts and leaps to the rescue, so will you who still linger on the bank, thinking and singing and praying about the poor perishing souls, lay aside your shame, your pride, your cares about other people’s opinions, your love of ease and all the selfish loves that have kept you back for so long, and rush to the rescue of this multitude of dying men and women.

Does the surging sea look dark and dangerous? Unquestionably it is so. There is no doubt that the leap for you, as for everyone who takes it, means difficulty and scorn and suffering. For you it may mean more than this. It may mean death. He who beckons you from the sea however, knows what it will mean - and knowing, He still calls to you and bids to you to come.

You must do it! You cannot hold back. You have enjoyed yourself in Christianity long enough. You have had pleasant feelings, pleasant songs, pleasant meetings, pleasant prospects. There has been much of human happiness, much clapping of hands and shouting of praises- very much of heaven on earth.

Now then, go to God and tell Him you are prepared as much as necessary to turn your back upon it all, and that you are willing to spend the rest of your days struggling in the midst of these perishing multitudes, whatever it may cost you.

You must do it. With the light that is now broken in upon your mind and the call that is now sounding in your ears, and the beckoning hands that are now before your eyes, you have no alternative. To go down among the perishing crowds is your duty. Your happiness from now on will consist in sharing their misery, your ease in sharing their pain, your crown in helping them to bear their cross, and your heaven in going into the very jaws of hell to rescue them.

Now what will you do?

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

2009-01-19T17:46:00.002Z

The following prayer was offered at the Sunday Service on 18 January. While Terry insists that the prayer is not entirely original, it is a fine and comprehensive tool for intercession.

It went as follows:
"As we meet in prayer before God, I would ask that we remember our families and friends. * We name in our hearts those who live a long way from us, who we don't see as often as we would desire. We remember all those who are sick, people in hospital, and at home. We would remember before God all sick named in our service leaflets. We would also remember before God, those who have lost their loved ones and are sad. We ask that every one of them and their families and friends feel the warmth of God's loving support. *

We remember all prisoners in their isolation and suffering the world over, we ask for the safety of all people caught up in events outside their control, War, Kidnapping, Epidemics, Starvation and Poverty. We give God thanks for the miracle escape of the staff and passengers on the American airline that crashed on the Hudson River in New York. We pray that the war between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza is to be finally resolved, and that leaders of all countries strive for a speedy settlement of the conflict.

We thank God for all his mercies to us, for the joy of making our lives in this beautiful place, the beauty of the hills and glens, the fellowship of our church, for giving us good food, good homes and good friends. We thank him for the gifts of spirit, books and music. We would remember to God the family of the church. We would ask God in prayer to bless our church and to bless David our pastor and family. Help them to enjoy the true friendship of Scotland.

In our church the most imposing item is the statement God Is Love. God loves us. With this knowledge let us all pray for the strength to show our love to God, to love our neighbours and to and live our lives as he would have us do.

We would ask Lord that you strengthen our beliefs and love, and maywe all constantly remember that you are our loving God. In thiscertainty we ask for you to forgive us our weaknesses and doubts aswe continue to marvel at your works. Most of all, may we thank youGod for allowing us to come here each week in fellowship andworship as we enjoy the blessings of your word.

Amen"

The invite

2008-12-24T03:28:00.003Z

We received one back, slipped under the door with a comment that read "God has a name, it is Jehovah." (easily deduced from a Jehovah's Witness)

This person was faithful to respond by declaring their faith and we pray Father God that you would draw them to your Son, Jesus Christ, "God with us", this Christmas and free them from the cult of JWs (Click here)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T03:05:00.004Z

The story is this:
Our Father in Heaven gave the gift of God Himself in the person of His son Jesus: The Christ or Messiah or Savior.

God told us He was coming:
Isaiah 9:6-7

God told us how He would come:
Isaiah 7:14

God told us where He would come:
Micah 5:2

God told us why He would come:
Matthew 1:21

Christmas is the celebration of God's great work of saving any person from eternal death, seperation from Him, due to a terminal illness called sin.

God did not begin this heroic work through the battle cry of a heavily clad worrior. Or a governmental coup.

God chose the cry of an infant, the life of a meager man, to effect global change on an elemental level of existence that would change the lives of every person it ever touches.

This Christmas we look back to an event that changed the entire orientation of the world. Look at the date, He is it's referent.

In John 1:14 the disciple of Jesus writes: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (ESV)

God put on a people-suit
like an astronaut puts on a space suit.
God came down and took people by the hand
and walked us through life
and pointed us to Our Father in Heaven.

Know Him.
Learn about God.
He has shown us who He is and how He sees us,
in the message system He has provided to people called the Bible.

Thats what gets taught here in Alva: The Truth
collected in an anthology of 66 books
written by around 40 authors
called the Bible.

This History book points to the birth of Jesus.
The Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) look forward to His Advent.
The New Testament tells of the change that resulted from His coming.

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. (ESV)

Come worship the King of Glory
in the Grace of God
(We don't need to merely attend 'church' ;)
Step out of religious performance into freedom.
Jesus fixed that, so don't be tricked back into it!
Come be where people are healed from the lameness of life.
Come be where real people accept plain folk for who they are.
Come walk in your true identity in Christ!

Go to any church that teaches the Bible as true and real.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is Coming

2008-12-16T13:59:00.001Z

Just how much time? (Click Here)

and Jesus is coming back! :)

Thursday, 20 November, in Alloa Advertiser

2008-11-29T21:59:00.001Z

2008-11-11T10:59:00.001Z

Comm-unity and discipleship are two concepts we are wrestling with when we gather as the church

'Churches' masquerade as communities when they don't afford opportunities to forge relationships.

The audience 'hearkening' to the preacher serves a purpose, but is community achieved?
Does THAT constitute discipleship?

Do we have real faith, if it is never tested?
Will we actually follow the axioms we herald and profess to rely on?

I am reminded of a t-shirt that sported a phrase from a nursery report-card:
"Plays well with others"

Real-time exchanges betray a more true picture of the state of my heart.
This can offend as often as encourage others about my sincerity.

If we just all blog and shop on amazon and order tesco groceries delivered as we earn money through the online service community, will that qualify as living?

If the church gathers, sits still for an hour and vacates to brunch appointments across the land, does the Christian grow more Christlike as a result?

If we follow Christ, shouldn't that mean that, like him, we are immersed in the community and in ongoing fellowship with one another?

Its all theory unless we see practical application.

John 18

2008-10-18T14:35:00.000Z

created at TagCrowd.com

Holiday Club!

2008-07-28T21:38:00.008Z

We had such a rich time at this year's Holiday Club.
Rockstar was a 5-day series of Character studies in the Bible.
We discussed Mary, Zacheus, Martha, Peter and Thomas.
God calls on all different kinds of people in different ways.
Mary was willing to be used.
Zacheus was a little guy that nobody liked because of how he behaved before he met Jesus
Martha was woried and troubled about many things when only one thing is necessary.
Peter boldly professed his committment but denied Jesus in public.
Thomas was not willing to believe until he was convinced on his own terms.

Jesus, the Rock of our Salvation, used all these different people.
They were stars in his plan.

Six young people made firm committments to follow Jesus Christ. Several others are asking important questions.
Please pray about the follow-up!

Word Frequency of John 14:15-24

2008-07-12T11:45:00.002Z

created at TagCrowd.com

The Trinity

2008-06-28T09:19:00.008Z

Though you don't find the word 'Trinity' in the Bible,
the doctrine is clearly portrayed in the Bible
through what is said about the tri-unity of God:

God is One

The Father is God
The Father is not the Son
The Father is not the Holy Spirit

The Son is God
The Son is not the Father
The Son is not the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God
The Holy Spirit is not the Father
The Holy Spirit is not the Son

See the list of scriptures clearly portraying the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as possessing the same essence with differing identities:
(Hint you can enlarge it with a pull-down arrow)

SPORTS DAY!

2008-06-06T09:34:00.010Z

We had a great time at Stirling University at the Baptist Union of Scotland Sports Day. We rented a small van and took two teams up to compete in 5-a-side football in the 14 and under league.

Both teams played valiantly! Our youngest guys did so well running around in a forest of 14-year olds! Though it was very humbling and frustrating for them. One very cool team actually let us field 6 players because they had already qualified.

Our older boys threatened to take the cup! Everyone was impressed with these young men. Competing mostly against practiced teams with coordinated uniforms, our boys nearly prevailed for a love of the game and cooperation with each other and in modest street clothes . We also netted one or two cautions about street language :/

Best of all, these young men were able to take advice and honor the referees. They were also exposed to a culture of God-honoring life that stopped to pray before and after each game, and sought to lift up character over achievement; heart over works.

Unfortunately, the kids also experienced the hypocrisy of naming the name of Christ and playing in a deceitful and callous manner, without regard for Christian love, in the name of competition. But these are lessons in sincerely following Christ in a manner that make a difference in life.

Tara Watt, Dave Schloshbach and Jim Anderson helped Pastor Dave to make it a memorable day for thse lads. We all had a real good time!

What Makes a Baptist?

2008-05-14T13:23:00.001Z

I get this question a lot.
And clearly it has something to do with baptism, as you might guess.

We just welcomed our third son into the world and will not be baptizing him, reserving baptism for later in life. Instead we will have a Baby Dedication, where we acknowledge that our parenthood is a stewardship entrusted by God; one that He helps us carry out.

But why does Baptism matter so much?

First let me say that Christianity is about following the example and teaching of Christ more than it is about the religious trappings of ritual and ceremony. In the Bible we see Christian Baptism is a first step any believer can take after their personal choice to follow Jesus.

The Baptist, like many other Christians, makes a choice to live a changed life; committing to love, with the confidence that their sins are forgiven; and the first public step is to be obedient to Christ’s command to be baptized.

The committed follower of Jesus goes down into the water, symbolizing the end of old ways and comes up out of the water, symbolizing new life.

Repentance and resurrection!
Birth into the family of God.
This already happened spiritually
when the believer came to trust Christ
for forgiveness and life;

Among the Baptist fellowship that meets in Alva, the main goal is people coming to know the heart of God for humanity and discovering how we may follow Jesus Christ as the supreme example.

Jesus made it clear that the most important point is love;
love of God and an overflow of that love expressed toward people.

In the story recorded by the Apostle Matthew, Jesus had something to say to people that performed religious acts without faith in Him: “I never knew you; depart from Me”.

We can commit as family and community to train up a child in the way they should go, but a parent can’t choose for their child.
We each must choose to follow Jesus.

For the Baptist, Baptism is a first, deliberate step in following what Jesus taught. Baptism is punctuation!

'Baptist' has come to mean a lot of things (for better or worse)
but the distinct mark of a changed life, before and after,
with baptism as the symbolic epicentre, is why they take the name.

2008-05-14T13:18:00.000Z

Baptist is a style that emerges as folks attempt to follow Jesus.
JESUS is the point.
Jesus pointed to Love.

If you want to be born spiritually into God's family, you can be.
Just trust that there is forgiveness for sin (anything not perfect)
and tell God you are sorry for hurting Him (God loves you)
and ask for forgiveness in Jesus' name.

Did you do that?
Go and be baptized!
Pastor David can help, if you like.

Happy Birthday!

2008-05-12T18:34:00.003Z

Its a boy!

Aaron Joseph Fraser

Was born at 00:11 am; Monday, 12 May

6lbs 9oz

Labor was straightforward without complication.

We left home at 10pm and had a baby by midnight.

Liz was a fantastic birthing mother.

Her inner strength, the timing and the (relative) ease of the birth was a clear answer to prayer.
She DELIVERED that baby.

Pentecost Sunday & Due date!

2008-05-11T12:30:00.002Z

Talk about poetic convergence!
We are committed to Jesus Christ, the author of life!
This chapter has had a few twists.

Baby Fraser was pressing in two nights ago and has decided to coast a bit. So far, the Fraser boys have all been 'late sleepers' and waited for induced labour. Our prayer for baby 3 has been for an orderly and timely birth. Today is the last day for that.

Then today we realized the convergence of different reasons this day is significant to different people, or in our case each reason is significant.

The memorial of the birth of the church in Acts Chapter 2 is also the due date for the birth of our child, when Liz would enter into a new chapter of motherhood; This also would be happening on America's Mothers' Day!

Pretty poetic, pretty cool.
Yet as of the writing of this note, no labour.
If you are reading today do pray!

We trust God's timing, but that doesn't change the feelings of a 40 week pregnant woman longing for the birth pangs to yield their fruit! "... desire fulfilled is a tree of life."

Even so come quickly Lord Jesus.

Youth Club

2008-04-02T09:43:00.002Z

We had this amazing night with two sports stars who visited from America.

They showed up played with kids and told them about God.

Picture a small child trying to stop 6 feet and 275 pounds of Footballer from getting to the goal across the room and then he said:

'Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God"

They put a HUGE jersey on another child
and told a bit of the story of the prodigal son.
This child disappeared in the shirt of this giant man!
They heard about being clothed in righteousness of Christ.

The invitation was: Who wants to be on God's team?
The response across the room was unanimous.

The gospel was preached: The love of God, sin & forgiveness, Life to the full.

Kids get this stuff!

There is real life breaking out at this little church!

2008-04-02T09:32:00.003Z

We had the most glorious Easter celebration at Alva!

We had a joint service with Ochil Hills Community Church of Dollar. We had a full band and a full church. The church was jumpin with worship and friendship and the Word of God.

The best part: There were so many people that we ran out of little communion cups! So we served people from the back to front and when we ran out, David invited the rest of us up to the table at the front and we stood around the Lord's table and drank from the same cup. It was a perfect picture of communion and unity! Praise God!!!

He commands a blessing where brothers dwell together in unity and we saw it at the alter of God. There were many tails wagging in both fellowships. You'd be inspired by it.

How good and how pleasant it is!

New Deacons Selected from Among Us

2008-02-12T14:08:00.000Z

At the church meeting on 24th January, we selected people to serve among us as trusted servants. Though we planned to appoint five deacons, six were clearly recognized and we agreed to appoint them all.

The deacons of Alva Church for the foreseeable future are:
Jim Anderson
Carol Anderson
Rev. John Furmage
Mary McFarlane
Moira Peters
Hillary Watt

Rev. Jim Taylor has agreed to continue in the office of Secretary
(for not more than one year)

The Deacons will gather on Wednesday 20th February
to agree on areas of gifting and calling.

We thank the deacons who have served over this past season and, though they may be entering a season of rest, we hope you will join us in praying for their continued place in the congregation.

Scripture Union Forth Valley Weekend

2008-02-12T14:01:00.000Z

Pastor David spoke to Youth from ages 12-17 over four sessions on the subjects of Worship, Mission, Feelings & Faith and Heroes. David also roomed with three young men and watched over that group during the weekend. Not to mention the golf, risk, dodge ball, serving food, dancing at the Ceilidh and life-sized game of 'Cluedo' where he played 'the butler in the study'. (Someone had the sense to make sure the youth speaker was NOT the murderer)

Please pray for our Pastor as he pursues participating in the SU group beginning at Alva Academy

If you have two hours a week, please consider sharing that with Secondary School children through a Scripture Union group. Many of these children need adults in their lives who believe in Christ!

the Truth of the Bible

2008-02-12T13:59:00.000Z

David wrote this article in the Alloa Advertiser on 31 Jan 2008

Pastor David on The Mall of Religions

2008-02-08T12:08:00.000Z

There is room in the world for multiple faiths vying for the minds of the people. The one that is true will prevail without one bullet fired, without one martyr, without one stone cast. For the sake of humanity on both sides of eternity we must all commit to this.

Jesus said: "I am the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through me" Every one outside of Christ is characterized by Jesus as "a thief and a robber".
(read the gospel account of John Chapters 14 and 10 for Jesus' words on the matter)

I am only a Christian.
I believe Islam, and the myriad of '-isms' are wrong;
and lead to eternal separation from God
because they refuse the testimony of Jesus Christ:
that He is God;
that the requirement for my life as a consequence of my sin,
is satisfied by His death.

Everyone else is attempting to justify themselves before God on the basis of their efforts, works, religious practices, etc. I stand forever because Jesus died once. And my heart overflows with the desire to bless the loving God by how I live, but not to earn something.

I do not hate my brothers and sisters who do not share my faith. I stand with the living God and open the door for any seeker to inquire about who? what? where? when? and why?; even how?.

Come and be persuaded about the proven truth.

(for more info on the '-isms' in the world check out this book:
The Mall of Religions by Karyn Henley

Liz is OK

2008-01-27T20:32:00.000Z

Liz is fine but feels ill.

If this is how you found out anything was up, don't worry.

The doctor is fairly sure that she is fighting a cold and the virus presented itself with a fainting spell.
Nothing seems to point to anything wrong with the baby.
They checked her blood pressure and took a blood sample just to be sure.

AND children prayed for her during the end of the service!

Jesus is on the throne,

David

This Month

2008-01-22T16:16:00.000Z

This week, we have a deacons' Meeting scheduled for Thursday, 24th Jan at 2:30pm.

The following week on Wednesday, 30th Jan at 7:30pm we will have a regular Church Meeting.

At the Church Meeting we plan to select Deacons from among us to serve the needs of the body.

We are excited as you join us in praying for wisdom from God and the Holy Spirit's guidance to align us with the mind of Christ.

Yesterday

2007-12-31T19:42:00.000Z

"You shall not go out with haste, … for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard" (Isaiah 52:12).

Security from Yesterday.
"… God requires an account of what is past" (Ecclesiastes 3:15). At the end of the year we turn with eagerness to all that God has for the future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise when we remember our yesterdays. Our present enjoyment of God’s grace tends to be lessened by the memory of yesterday’s sins and blunders. But God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present.

Security for Tomorrow.
"… the Lord will go before you … ." This is a gracious revelation—that God will send His forces out where we have failed to do so. He will keep watch so that we will not be tripped up again by the same failures, as would undoubtedly happen if He were not our "rear guard." And God’s hand reaches back to the past, settling all the claims against our conscience.

Security for Today.
"You shall not go out with haste … ." As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.

(Exerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers)

God is Moving!

2007-11-24T13:11:00.000Z

Its getting cold in Scotland! But that drove in about 10+ teenagers last night to our kids club at Alva Baptist Church (on top of the 12 or so kids who already come). And they didn’t ruin it for the younger kids AND they stayed for the preachy bit to hear about how the righteous live by faith and a part about Sheep & Goats where Jesus describes the righteous sheep as those who love one another well in action. We also got to teach that God did not create Hell for people, but for the Devil. And encouraged that Jesus came to save every person! (Even the jerks, as one kid asked)

AND this one rude, scoffer actually stepped into the main sanctuary, into the pulpit and began to read my sermon from last week about abiding in Christ’s word, knowing the truth and being made free! He stopped at each line and asked “now what the #@!$#$% does that mean?” And I patiently explained, loving beyond my offended heart!

We could have insisted on appropriate language, we could have insisted on a sterile place untouched by the hands of unbelievers, but instead I watched as God tugs on the heart of a sinner. Ministry is a messy business. (sheep smell) I can see how God chooses the least and the lost and calls them to serve Him. (in the mirror!)

We are seriously committed to being nice to young people whom God loves; and showing Christian love in the face of insults and derision from the blind and the captives.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Dave & Liz

An Historic Event

2007-11-24T13:10:00.000Z

Many were blessed and honored to be present at the first time, since opening the Scottish parliament 8 years ago, that the chamber and all elected leaders present were lead in the Lord's prayer.

Shivers as Anne McIntyre, invited to preside over the chamber for only 4 minutes that day, encouraged our leaders and turned to honor Our Father through the words of His Son Jesus Christ, and seek whole-heartedly for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven!

In the delegated authority of the land, on behalf of the nation, standing for God in the seat of government. Our Lord reigns!

Praising God and thanking Him for VICTORY in Jesus name!

It's Simple

2007-11-20T20:00:00.001Z

God is moving in this wee church

This land aches for a change in the way we see God
from ‘Religious Maintenance’ to ‘Heroic, Historic, Life-defining relationship'.

The church meeting

2007-11-16T22:22:00.000Z

I find that I love my neighbors at Alva Baptist Church more after seeing how much they care about our community of faith. It gets a bit intense some times but the work will get done and God will get all the credit. It can only be Him.

I am praying that God give us wisdom about how to care for all that He will bring along. The Church in Alva, Scotland is better off with these people praying for her.

Be a Hero on Rememberance Day

2007-11-11T01:17:00.000Z

Memorize This Verse!Romans 6:23 on a dinner napkin takes REAL courage.

Church Meeting: Wednesday 14 November

2007-11-08T17:28:00.000Z

We will begin promptly at @ 7:30pm.
At the wee hall toward the rear of the church.
Enter on the side door off Brook Street.
All members of Alva Baptist Church are encouraged to attend.
Any visitors welcome

Tentative Agenda:
-Prayer
-Praise
-Pastoral Exhortation
-Approval of Minutes
-Financial Report
-Discussion:

Expansion of the role of Praise in the worship service
Reinstitution of the Prayer of Intercession
The Communion Service
Christmas Preparations: Services: Christmas Eve? Christmas Day? Decorations? Carols Selection? Choir? Children’s contribution, and all that
The 'expectation' of membership - The opportunities to serve in the church and sincere desire to see each person fulfilling their unique role in the body of Christ.
Suggest the consideration of clarifying the existing constitution through policies, amendment or revision.
AOCB

What we are about

2007-11-08T17:18:00.000Z

A Christian's job description:

1 Timmothy 4:12-16
…in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

~~~

A Vision and mission statement for Alva Baptist Church:

Vision: Acts 2:42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Mission: Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

~~~

Motto:

“Instead of looking to fall back on a 1^st century model for the Church, we are striving forward toward a 21^st century expression of the Body of Christ”

Luke 2:49b "...did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

So Baptists probably baptize right?

2007-10-05T12:25:00.000Z

But why?

Well, here is the story:
In baptism we identify with the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a symbolic act driven by a real faith that Jesus is the Son of God.

Going under the water symbolizes death & burial; and coming up out of the water symbolizes resurrection. When we are baptized, we declare that we are willing to 'die' to the former selfish life and live as a friend of God.

A person comes to believe the message that God the Father loves us and forgives us all offenses, because we believe that Jesus is His Son; we ask and receive forgiveness in Jesus' name. And one of the first deliberate acts of obedience is to be baptized as Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19

Through faith in Christ, we are born spiritually into the life that God intended for Adam & Eve. A life that was lost through sin. Adam and Eve sinned by breaking the only rule there ever was, at first.
See Genesis Ch.3

"Sin" merely means 'missing the mark of perfection'.
Even if one drives very well, all I have to do is talk on my mobile while driving and I will still get pulled over. I could say: "But officer, I stop at every red light; I never speed; I'm wearing my seatbelt!" But he needs to talk about the law that I didn't follow.

God's standard for his home in heaven is holiness; perfection. Only God is perfect. Thats why the scripture says in Paul's letter to the Romans: "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Rom 3:23

The spiritual cost is much higher than the worldly cost.
If I violate a traffic law, the penalties are Pounds and points.
But "...the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23
Not because God kills us, but because we step off a cliff when we sin; and fall, fall, fall away.

But God didn't turn His back on us and walk away...
"...the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."Romans 6:23

God loves us. He gave himself as a bridge across the expanse between our failing and His perfection.

Jesus agreed to the Father's plan be the final sacrifice offered for all sin. God did not 'wink' at sin and just overlook the law. That would be unfair.

Jesus paid the price of every 'violation' with his own life:
The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life-- only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."
~John 10:17

Baptism is a symbolic act that proclaims a spiritual truth:
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; (they have) crossed over from death to life." ~John 5:24

We go down into the water (from death)
and come up out of it (to life)

We don't necessarily look different. Maybe we don't immediately feel different. But the life lived from that point forward begins to show 'evidence' that reflects 'the spiritual life' we are now living as a friend of God.

"Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him." ~Acts 8:36-38 (NKJ)

If you believe and want to be baptized, please contact us at:
david (@) alvabaptist (dot) org
Please comment below.

Before...

2007-10-05T12:11:00.001Z

...After

2007-10-05T12:05:00.000Z

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."~Matthew 28:19-20

So you are invited?

2007-10-04T13:23:00.001Z

If you have recently been invited to enjoy the Christianity Explored event at ABC you have the right place!

The meeting starts with a meal at 7pm..
Please come hungry. You can enter by the side door.

We are located on Brook Street one block north of Stirling St.

Bring a friend if you like and a question about Jesus Christ or Christians that you hope to see answered. Any type of question is welcome.

~Pastor David Fraser

125th Anniversary

2007-09-26T10:35:00.001Z

Another year has gone by in the life of Alva Baptist Church, as we now celebrate our 125^th anniversary. The celebration of this anniversary will be held on Sunday, 23^rd September, with a musical programme at the 6:30pm Evening Service. Refreshments will be served.