Hurdling Towards Gomorrah

Hurdling Towards Gomorrah Our culture and nation are not only “slouching towards Gomorrah,” as Justice Bork put it, but we are hurdling toward a moral Dead Sea. Recently, a major gay-rights law was passed and signed by the President – “The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.” It was an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act. What conservative lawmaker would dare come out against the military or want to sound bigoted? Passing under the radar of most conservatives, it is a major step forward for the liberal agenda. It makes it a federal hate crime to assault people based on sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. None of us would argue with the evil of such an act, though I thought such assaults were already against the law and punishable. Every Christian must adhere to this command: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Malcolm Lazin, founder of a gay advocacy group, remarked: “This is really the first Federal gay-rights bill. This is America acknowledging homophobia as a social problem.” He also noted that it is “the beginning of a process” of making change throughout the schools and the culture. Though 17% of the 7,624 hate-crime incidents in 2007 were based on sexual orientation, I believe that this law is really a Trojan Horse to promote acceptance of alternative lifestyle and same-sex marriage.

It is also a vehicle that takes us further down the slope toward the persecution of Christians by using such legislation as a club if a church school or ministry will not hire an openly gay person or if a preacher speaks against it in the pulpit. Though the car has not plunged over the cliff, the front two wheels are now dangling over it! The next step will be lawsuits against pastors like me and ministries like our’s. If they cannot break us financially, they will try to silence prophetic truth with jail time. Politicians make change incrementally, but culture makes politics. The cultural seepage of the earlier part of the 20th century became a rushing torrent that swept our nation beginning in the sixties and climaxing today. We are facing an unrelenting assault on our moral convictions which leads to numbness then resignation to an adaptive response. Sociologist, Neil Durkheim, saw a limit to the amount of deviant behavior any community can “afford to recognize.” As cultural standards and behaviors worsen, people adjust and become more tolerant. But also behavior that was once thought normal is now identified as radical, blameworthy, or even criminal – “defining deviancy up,”as Charles Krauthammer terms it. Therefore, preachers of righteousness are now called “Redneck Taliban.” So, get ready; stand firm, keep praying and speaking out. Let’s put the car in reverse as we repent and seek to travel “the highway of holiness” (Isaiah 35:8).

Guest Reception There is a guest reception in the Commons immediately following the Saturday night and the 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning service. Come and meet Dr. Wicker.

Continue to Connect with your Great Commission Connection Missionaries in Prayer! Missionaries are like soldiers on the front lines of a fierce battle. These prayers will help you intercede more specifically and effectively for your Great Commission Connection missionaries.

Intimacy with God. Lord, keep __________ close to You. Cause them to love You with all their hearts, souls, and minds. Draw them into Your Word each day, and fill them with thankfulness. (Mt. 22:37; Col. 3:16) Language. Help __________ to learn well the language of the people they serve so that they may present the gospel clearly. May their speech always be seasoned with love. (Acts 2:11; 1 Cor. 13:1) Cultural sensitivity. Dear Father, enable __________ to understand and appreciate the local customs. Help them to be humble, wise, and respectful as they interact with others so that they will not offend their neighbors or sin against You. (1 Cor. 10:23-32; Jas. 3:17) Evangelism. Great God, equip __________ always to be ready to give an account for the hope that is in them. Teach them how to do so with gentleness and reverence. (1 Pet. 3:15) Discipleship. Lord, help __________ to make disciples who also can teach others so that Your kingdom will expand. (2 Tim. 2:2) Protection. Lord, I praise You that You do not slumber as You watch over __________. Grant them good health, and protect them from physical danger. Shield them with Your armor so that they can stand firm against evil. Remind them that You have not given them a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (Psalm 121; Eph. 6:13; 2 Tim. 1:7) Support. Father, supply __________’s financial needs fully. Lead others to contribute even before they are asked. Stir up individuals and congregations to be zealous for __________’s well-being, to rejoice and mourn with them, to encourage them while they are in the field, and to refresh them when they are on home leave. (Phil. 4:19; 2 Cor. 7:6-7) Peace. God of all peace, remind __________ not to worry but to commit all their concerns to You. Comfort them when they are homesick. Help them to rejoice in You whatever their circumstances. (Phil. 4:4-7, 11) Marriage. Cause __________ to honor their marriage and remain faithful to each other in every way. Help them to love one another as You love them so that their relationship will point others to You. (Heb. 13:4; Jn. 13:34-35) Singleness. Enable __________ to enjoy undistracted devotion to You. Provide __________ with godly companionship that will give encouragement, support, and a sense of belonging. (1 Cor. 7:35; Ps. 68:6)

Operation Christmas Child

On June 24, 1948, all roads and rail links between Berlin and the West were severed. June 26, 1948 was the beginning of the airlift in the support with Great Britain, France, and the United States, and it became the most massive use of air power for humanitarian reasons that the world had ever seen before. As a small girl, I vividly remember seeing little parachutes coming from airplanes with all kind of goodies in it and we scrambled over the ruins to salvage as much as possible and shared them between us. I shared my first piece of chewing gum with my little playmate for one whole week. I figured out that I could revive it by storing it overnight in sugar water. In my opinion it worked. One day, I picked up a ball that came out of sky, but to my dismay, it didn’t bounce - you guessed it - a softball. I had no use for that but traded it for chewing gum. Before Christmas, my mother received a care package from America. A big chunk of cheddar cheese, cookies, chocolates, and a little Mickey Mouse. The latter I kept with me until I came to Naples in 2002. I recall my

1. Pick up a shoe box (or two or three) from the Kiosk in Fellowship Hallway or the Missions Kiosk in the Commons. Fill it up with goodies, toys, and clothes and bring it back by November 15th. 2. Go shopping (lists are at the Kiosks) and bring in items to help supplement boxes that might not be completely full. Donated items can be placed in the bins on either side of the Kiosks. 3. Make a postage donation. It costs a lot of money to send these boxes all around the world. Make checks payable to Samaritan’s Purse and give them to any of the workers at the Kiosks. 4. Donate zipper close sandwich or snack size baggies. (All candy and soap must be placed in baggies inside the shoe boxes, so we need lots of baggies.)

mother cutting the cheese in thick slices and using cookie cutters to make beautiful cheese cookies (her exact words) which we shared with another family. Last year, while in Berlin, I got in touch with some of my playmates and we were laughing and crying at the same time going over our stories . The reason I am telling you this story is that little presents like the ones I mentioned above, will make a long lasting impression on children and might change their life forever. It happened to me, and I am grateful to our church with this beautiful mission of Operation Christmas Child and that I am able to contribute to this heartwarming mission. The children will love you. And maybe, many years from now, you will receive a letter that tells you that your present saved this child. Maybe you will meet them in Heaven one day because you gave a shoe box. So, please, pick up a shoe box and fill it up. Thank you and God bless you.

5. Plan to come and help on Packing Day, Tuesday, November 17, in WC117 starting at 1:00pm. We will be packing the shoe boxes in shipping cartons and sending them off to Samaritan’s Purse. We need lots of help on Packing Day! 6. Pray that God will bless Operation Christmas Child this year and that many children and their families will come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ through receiving a shoe box gift. ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT. DEADLINE FOR RETURNED SHOE BOXES IS NEXT WEEKEND - NOVEMBER 14-15. For any questions, call Jody Statile at 239.591.1895.

Living Christmas Trees 2009 “The Christmas Post”

It’s early on Christmas Eve, 1947, in mythical Homesboro, Indiana. Hattie McGee’s “newsies” are hawking the morning edition of The Christmas Post and Herzog’s Department Store is about to open. Maxwell Seldon, sales manager, is bracing for his biggest sales day ever. Elliot Herzog, Jr., owner of Herzog’s, can smell money in the air. Brother Sam and his carolers from the tiny Central Avenue Community Church are hoping for enough donations to keep their soup kitchen open. And Alice Garfield is on a collision course with a disaster. A young widow whose faith and pocketbook are both stretched to the limit, Alice is desperately trying to find “a little more Christmas” as a commission salesperson at Herzog’s this Christmas season. (Unbeknownst to Alice, her daughter, Katie, is secretly attempting the same, working in disguise as one of Hattie’s “newsies.”) However, when the final sales day of the season ends that afternoon, Alice is still short the funds she needs to buy presents for her kids, and it seems that Christmas is certainly ruined for her.

Then in a good-hearted attempt to help a late-arriving customer, Alice secretly re-opens the store, only to have an uncontrollable mob of shoppers suddenly and disastrously descend on her from everywhere. When the dust settles, Alice has lost her job, all her Christmas earnings, and is about to lose her last bit of faith. But then, with the encouragement of friends, she takes a bold leap of faith and confronts her “by-the-book” boss, Mr. Herzog. As her fellow sales people, Brother Sam, and the mob of shoppers come to her rescue, Alice realizes that she had been focusing on her problems, instead of focusing on God. As the last strains of “A Little More Christmas” close the show, Alice rediscovers that faith in Jesus is the true key to believing in Christmas.

LivingChristmasTrees2009 Tickets are on sale now!!

Tickets may be purchased online at www.fbcn.org, in the Commons before and after each service, or by calling 1-888-795-1559. This is a great opportunity to invite our community to hear the gospel presented through music and drama . Order tickets today!!

Living Christmas Trees Performance Dates Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Holiday Outreach Banquet November 11, 2009 is your last day to purchase your Banquet tickets!

“…And Still There is Joy” “You have shown me the way of life and You will fill me with the joy of Your presence” Psalm 16:11

Featuring: Anne Wright Friday, November 13, 2009 6:30 --9:00 p.m. In the Worship Center

Tickets are $15 and will be sold during RefresHer and after weekend services at the Information Desk, next to the Bookstore.

Living Christmas Trees Needs YOUR Help We are looking for items from the 1940s: hats, coats, dresses, sporting goods, toys, dolls, etc. Please call Lori at 596-8600 ext. 226 in the music office if you have items to contribute!

Lighthouse Cafe

Don’t forget some of our seasonal favorites Right now, try our Eggnog, Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread, or Toasted Almond Lattes. 

                                        

Attend the next Women’s Self Defense - 101 Class



Saturday, November 14 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The cost is $50.00 per person Members of FBCN receive a 20% discount. This class will be limited in number and should fill up quickly so reserve your place now - Call 239-353-1303.

This class will be held in ROOM DC121.

Sports Outreach will potentially begin Lacrosse this winter for all who are interested! We will need coaches who have experience and skills in the game to help develop more “Young Champions for Christ”. The season will run January-February. For more information on coaching or being a volunteer, please contact Matt Jansen at 596-8600 ext. 210 or Pastor Van Duser at ext. 203 as soon as possible!

Hey Single Parents - Can you RELATE ► to your kids? HeytoSingle Parents - Can you ► your family? RELATE ► to the people you work with? ► to people you don’t like?

Single Parents New Bible & Life Single Parents Group New Bible & Life Starts GroupSaturday Nov. 14th in room Starts DC212Saturday Nov. 14th in room DC212 Jesus on

Jesus on Relationships Relationships

► to your kids? ► to your family? Life allpeople about relationships. ► toisthe you work with? ► to people you don’t like?

Come join Cindy (Sirk) and Dave Starkweather as relationships. we study “The Life is all about Relationship Principles of Jesus”. We will learn: Come join Cindy (Sirk) and Dave ► Jesus placed value on Starkweather as the we highest study “The Relationship Principles of Jesus”. We relationships. willTo learn: ► love as Jesus loves you. Jesus placed the highest value on ► To communicate from the heart. relationships. ► As you judge, you will be judged. ► The To love as Jesus loves you. ► greatest are the servants. ► Treat To communicate from thethem heart. ► others as you want to ► As you judge, you will be judged. treat you. ► The greatest are the servants. ► Treat others as you want them to treat you.



January Bible Conference with Ray Vanderlaan “Walk as Jesus Walked” January 15-16, 2010

  

Conference led by:

Dr. Gary Chapman Best Selling Author of  The Five Love Languages  

  Conference led by:

Dr. Gary Chapman 

Best Selling Author of The Five Love Languages 

 

 

Dr. Hayes Wicker and the membership of

First Baptist Church Naples cordially invites you to attend

A Retirement Celebration in honor of

Dr. William Roy Fisher

Sunday, November 22, 2009

4:30 - 6:00 p.m. First Baptist Church Naples 3000 Orange Blossom Dr. Naples, FL 34109 In the Commons

Kids

orner

Hearken unto the time! Forsooth, it’s time for KidzTown as we continue our adventure at the castle located in DC120. In our adventure this weekend, I am sure that King Earl will have another problem that can be easily solved by living out God’s Word. KidzTown Worship is a great opportunity for all children in 1st through 4th grades to worship the Lord “Kid Style” while having a lot of fun. Have you told your parents your new knight name or your lady name, if you are a damsel? Why not come and worship together with your friends at KidzTown, where children have a great time singing, studying God’s Word, and worshiping the Lord “Kid Style”? KidzTown can be experienced Saturdays at 6:00 pm or Sundays at 9:30am. You won’t want to miss one minute of the fun.

New Patterson Baby

Sarah Katherine Patterson was born on October 24th, 2009 to John and Jennifer Patterson. Sarah weighed 7 pounds and 13 ounces, and measured 19”. She has an older brother named John Robert, and an older sister named Hannah Mae. Congratulations to the family!

First Baptist Academy Since 2007, First Baptist Academy has published a Master Plan. The Master Plan serves as a “blueprint” for aiding the school in achieving its mission of “developing students with Christian character and a biblical worldview, equipping them for life, learning, and leadership”. To view the Academy’s Master Plan, please visit our website at www.fbalions.org. and click on the Master Plan PowerPoint icon. Did you miss the service last week and would like to catch up? Watch it online at www.FBCN.org. It is a great way to stay informed and see what is going on at First Baptist Church Naples.

Upcoming Events Saturday, November 7 6:00 p.m. Worship Service/Worship Center 6:00 p.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120 6:00 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Chapel 7:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus Sunday, November 8 8:15 a.m. Bible and Life Group for 60+/DC107 9:30 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center 9:30 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus 9:30 a.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120 10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study and Worship/Modulars 3 & 4 10:00 a.m. Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220 11:00 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center 11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus 12:30 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center 4:50 p.m. FAITH/Worship Center 5:00 p.m. Romanian Baptist Mission/Modulars 3 & 4 5:00 p.m. Project56/DC220 5:00 p.m. Lightforce/Choir Room 5:00 p.m. PraiseKids/ED132 Tuesday, November 10 9:00 a.m. Women’s RefresHer/WC100a 6:30 p.m. Dave Ramsey’s Series/DC121 7:00 p.m. The Vine College & Career Service/Student Center Wednesday, November 11 4:45 p.m. Wednesday Night Family Meal/Gym 6:20 p.m. AWANA Children’s Ministry/Children’s Wing 6:25 p.m. Men’s Ministry/WC100c 6:30 p.m. Women’s RefresHer/WC100a 6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry/Gym 6:30 p.m. High School Ministry/Student Center 6:30 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal/Choir Room 7:00 p.m. Hispanic Bible Study/Modulars 2, 3, and 4 8:00 p.m. Worship Orchestra Rehearsal/Worship Center Thursday, November 12 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery/Student Center 6:30 p.m. DC4Kids/DC221 6:30 p.m. Divorce Care/DC107 6:30 p.m. Grief Share/DC110

Children’s Clothing Needed Needed: Children’s undies and elastic waisted shorts or pants, sizes 2T through size 6. If you have any hand-me-downs please drop them off at the Preschool desk or Preschool office.

Last Weekend Decisions For Christ Membership by Statement of Faith

October 31 & November 1

Clairmane Cipnus

Dual Membership Profession of Faith

Jerry Garland Melinda Garland

Membership by Letter Lori Loper

Worship Attendance

John Pooler

Saturday Night Total Sunday Morning 9:30 Sunday Morning 11:00 Total

763 1,743 810 3,316

Bible & Life Attendance October 31 & November 1

Financial Stewardship 2009-2010 Operating Revenues July 1, 2009 - November 1, 2009 Budget Actual Variance $2,132,159 $2,034,909 -$97,250

Saturday Night Sunday 8:15 Sunday 9:30 Sunday 11:00 Home Groups

Total

621 27 334 806 199

1,987

Next Week Deacon of the Week November 9-November 15

Jim Allen & Eldon Loveless

If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. For Spanish, call 601-6051.

Dr. Wicker on the Radio You can hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1:00 p.m. on 91.5 Kingdom FM WJYO. Dr. Wicker is also on WSOR 90.9 FM at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evenings, and on Praise FM 89.5 at 1:30 p.m. Sunday afternoons.

Wednesday Family Meal

Roasted Pork Loin, New Potatoes, Vegetable, Dinner Roll, Dessert

Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse Cafe during regular business hours or at the door for $5.50 each or $22.00 for a family (please, immediate family residing in home). Alternate choices include grilled chicken breast, hamburger, pizza, or a grilled foot long hot dog.

Bookstore Hours Monday Tuesday & Thursday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday

Cafe Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday

Closed 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Closed 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Closed 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sermon Notes

Led by Senior Pastor Hayes Wicker and Senior Associate Pastor Forrest Head, this is a very informative dinner seminar for those who are new to First Baptist Church Naples, those who want to join the church, or those who would like more information about our church and ministries. Please RSVP by calling 596-8600 x679. Childcare is available by reservation only by calling 596-8600 x360.

Pastoral Staff

Dr. Hayes Wicker....................................................................................................... Senior Pastor Miguel Cruz.....................................................................................Hispanic Congregation Pastor Greg Davidson....................................................... ......Associate Pastor/Evangelism & Discipleship Beverly Day................................................................................... Director of Preschool Ministry Nathan Dooley.......................................................................Associate Pastor/High School Ministry Dr. Roy Fisher................................................................................ Associate Pastor/Pastoral Care Nathan Gaddis............................................................................. Worship/Creative Arts Associate Steve Hayes....................................................................... Associate Pastor/Single Adult Ministry Forrest Head...............................................................................................Senior Associate Pastor Jim Hill........................................................................ Director of Single Parent Family Ministry Lewis Howard......................................................................................Associate Pastor/Education Shannon Moore............................................................................... Director of Women’s Ministry Doug Pigg...................................................................Associate Pastor of Church Administration Tom Rider..........................................................................Associate Pastor/School Administrator Larry Rigley......................................................................... Associate Pastor/Children’s Ministry Dr. Todd F. Stearns................................................................Associate Pastor/Worship and Music Kevin Van Duser........................................................... Associate Pastor/Middle School Ministry

Church Office

3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Church Receptionist.......................................................................................................... 597-6057 Enter ext. # for direct connection...................................................................................... 596-8600 Lighthouse Bookstore....................................................................................................... 449-4488 First Baptist Academy Naples.......................................................................................... 597-2233 24-Hour Prayer Line........................................................................................... 597-PRAY (7729) Church Email........................................................................................................ [email protected] Church Website..........................................................................................................www.fbcn.org