The Covenant Communicator

BHPC Bulletin for October 14, 2007

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:19:19 GMT

Welcome to
Beal Heights
Presbyterian Church
a member congregation of the
Presbyterian Church in America
614 SW Park Avenue, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501
(580) 355-4702 / www.bealheights.org / info@bealheights.org
The Elders: John O. Butler, Pastor / Mike Rogers, Clerk / Todd Cobb
Deacon: Michael R. Rogers

A Few Notes About Our Services

ANNOUNCEMENTS for October 14, 2007

The Morning Worship Service, 10:45 AM
Sunday, October 14, 2007
the congregation will please stand

The Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing of Praises and Prayer Requests
We silently prepare our hearts for worship

The call to worship Almighty God
Hymnal 101 “Come, Thou Almighty King”
A Prayer of Adoration, Praise, and Invocation, with The Lord’s Prayer

Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 9
Psalter 22 H “To All My Brothers I’ll Declare”
New Testament Reading: Galatians 3

Confession of Sin

To you, O Lord, we lift up our soul; in you we trust, O our God. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame. Show us your ways, O Lord, teach us your paths; guide us in your truth and teach us, for you are God our Savior, and our hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of our youth and our rebellious ways; according to your love remember us, for you are good, O Lord. For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive our iniquity, for it is great. Look upon our affliction and our distress and take away all our sins. Guard our lives and rescue us; let us not be put to shame for we take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect us, because our hope is in you. Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles! Amen. —from Psalm 25

Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 44:21-22

Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving

Sermon: “You Cannot Be Full Of Yourself AND Full The Holy Spirit”
Text: Romans 12:14-16
We pray for grace to apply what we have learned
Hymnal 646 “Jesus, Thou Joy Of Loving Hearts”

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
(All those who have been previously approved by our elders are invited to partake of the Supper. Others are invited to watch and pray)

The Words of Institution
Fencing the Table
A Prayer of Consecration
Distribution of the Supper
A Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Offering
The Doxology
Prayer
Hymnal 529 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
Benediction

Silent Prayer (Seated)
The Postlude: We go forth to glorify God.

The Evening Worship Service, 6:00 PM
Sunday, October 14, 2007
the congregation will please stand

The Call to Worship
Invocation
Hymnal 30 “Our God, Our Help In Ages Past”
Reading of God’s Word: Daniel 11 & Mark 10
Reading of God’s Law: Inside cover of hymnal (Unison)
Confession of Sin (Unison)

O Lord our God, you know us better than we know ourselves. As we come before you now, believers and doubters alike, we all share a deep need, for we are all lost without your grace.

Search us, O God, and know our hearts, test us and know our troubled thoughts. Give us true repentance. Forgive us all our wrongs.

Transform us by your Spirit to live for you each day, to learn to serve each other and, through the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord, to come at last to heaven. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 32:1,2
Exhortation to Walk in Obedience
Affirmation of Faith: The Confession of Faith, Chapter 6, Hymnal,p. 852
Intercessory Prayers
Hymnal 264 “Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross”
Prayer of Illumination
The Sermon: “Behold the Lamb: Studies in Leviticus – Introduction”
Text: Leviticus 1

Hymnal 307 “Nothing But The Blood”
Closing Prayer
Benediction

Report of Session Meeting

Todd Cobb — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:45:19 GMT

The Session of Beal Heights Presbyterian Church met in a Stated Meeting on Tuesday, 11 September 2007, in the Sunday School Annex. Present for the meeting were the Moderator, Teaching Elder John Butler; the Clerk of Session, Ruling Elder Mike Rogers and RE Todd Cobb. None were absent. Also present was Deacon Michael Rogers. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. and was opened with prayer by RE Todd Cobb.

In the area of Administrative Actions, the Session approved the removal of Jason Lamoreux from the membership rolls of BHPC due to Mr. Lamoreux joining Trinity Bible Church in Richardson, Texas. The Session sends its blessing to both Jason and Joy and prays for continued growth and nourishment in their relationship with the Lord.

The Session discussed matters concerning pastoral care in their under-shepherding groups. Items of concern were discussed and decisions were made regarding counseling, shepherding, and mercy needs for members with in our congregation. We ask God to give us wisdom and strength to continue to apply God’s Word in the ministry of our congregation.

In the area of Ministry Reports, the Session read and approved the Mercy Fund Financial Report for the month of August 2007. We praise God for his providence in continuing to provide the resources to care for those who are in need.

The Session also discussed the progress of the Food Ministry Outreach Program. We praise God for His providence in enabling BHPC to provide sustenance to members of our community through this ministry. Indeed, BHPC provided meals and shared the gospel with 42 people on the second Saturday (8 Sept 07) alone! We pray that God would continue to provide support for this vital ministry and that the love of Christ would be recognized through our service to this community.

In the area of Youth Recreational Outreach, the Session discussed starting an after school outreach this fall that will incorporate education as the foundation for our ministry and outreach to the youth in our community. The Session feels that transitioning this outreach to an educational format will provide a great opportunity to maintain established relationships with the youth that currently attend the “Hoop Shoot” program and also provide an opportunity to continue to share the gospel of Christ. We ask for prayer, guidance, and wisdom in developing this program. The Session asks those interested in supporting this ministry to contact one of the Elders or Deacon Michael Rogers.

In the area of Supported Missionaries, the Session asks the congregation of BHPC to pray for the Mission to the World / Arab World Ministries program. This Mission Program is focused on bringing the gospel to a Muslim dominated culture. As the Muslim community enters into the Ramadan season, preaching the gospel to this culture becomes particularly difficult and potentially hazardous for Christian Missionaries. We ask that you pray for the safekeeping and care of all our Brethren in the Lord currently living and serving in Muslim communities.

In the area of Fellowship and Special Meetings, the Session heard a report from RE Todd Cobb concerning the Sunday Afternoon Fellowship which began on 9 September 07. RE Todd Cobb stated that the fellowship has been well received from the congregation and that he is encouraged by the great potential for spiritual growth and intimacy building through this ministry. Anyone wishing to help support this ministry or would like additional information regarding Sunday Afternoon Fellowship, please see RE Todd Cobb.

In the area of Women in the Church (WIC), the Session approved the next course of study for our ladies entitled The Formation of God’s People Israel. We pray that God would bless our women as they fellowship and learn together.

In the area of Ministry Support, the Session read and approved the Treasurer’s Report for August 2007. Those interested in reviewing the report can do so by checking the bulletin board located in the hall next to the secretary’s office.

In the area of Presbytery, General Assembly, and Interchurch Relations, the session approved a request from the Administration Committee of North Texas Presbytery for a donation of $300 to the North Texas Presbytery for expenses associated with sponsoring the next General Assembly which is to be held in Dallas, Texas.

The next meeting of the Session was set for October 9th, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. at the Pastor’s Study.

It was moved and carried at 8:06 P.M. to adjourn the meeting, and the meeting was closed with prayer by TE John Butler.

May God be gracious in continuing to bless the work of His Church here at Beal Heights.

Report of Session Meeting

Todd Cobb — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:11:03 GMT

The session of Beal Heights Presbyterian Church met in a Stated Meeting on Thursday, 16 August 2007, in the Sunday School Annex. Present for the meeting were the Moderator, Teaching Elder John Butler; the Clerk of Session, Ruling Elder Mike Rogers and RE Todd Cobb. None were absent. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. and was opened with prayer by RE Todd Cobb.

In the area of Administration, the session approved the request of membership transfer for Jonathan & Sara Adams and covenant child Elizabeth to Covenant Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Castroville, California. We send them to the care of this congregation with all our blessing and pray that God would continue to grow them in the knowledge and grace of Christ.

The session also approved to extend an invitation to Ted Trefsgar of Village PCA, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, to fill our pulpit on December 23, 2007.

The session discussed matters concerning pastoral care in our under-shepherding groups. Items of concern were discussed and decisions were made regarding counseling, shepherding, and mercy needs for members with in our congregation. We pray that God would continue to grant wisdom and grace to the session as we work to protect, encourage, and lead our congregation in accordance with God’s word.

In the area of Ministry Reports, the session read and approved the Mercy Fund Financial Report for the month of July, 2007. We are continually amazed at God’s grace and providence as He continues to provide for the needs of our congregation. May we all give glory to God for His constant care and provision in this important task.

The session discussed the progress of the Clothes Closet Ministry and is requesting assistance from the congregation in providing additional clothing to replenish shortages brought about by service to the community. Particularly, the Clothes Closet is in need of children’s clothing. If you have any clothes you wish to give to this ministry, please contact Deacon Mike Rogers.

The session would also like to report that the Food Ministry and Outreach program is growing. Indeed, an estimated 28 people were fed a warm breakfast on August 11th alone. We are considering expanding this ministry to twice a month to provide additional opportunities for growth and service to our community. If you are interested in participating in this important outreach, please see Dave and Cindy Francey.

In the area of Ministry Plans, Operations and Training, the session approved the addition of Michael Marlin to our slate of Sunday School Teachers. Mike will be teaching our Jr. High / younger High School youth (ages 13-15) for the fall semester. The session also discussed and approved adding an informal lunch/fellowship meal after the morning worship service starting September 9, 2007. The focus for this ministry is to provide a time for voluntary informal fellowship, open discussion, and food following the morning worship service. It is our prayer that we may ” consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:24-25)

The session also discussed the 100th Anniversary of BHPC Celebration at the Family Night Supper in September and approved the scheduling of a Reformation Party, October 31st, to be sponsored by the Cobb Family. The time and place for the Reformation Party is yet to be determined. Those interested in supporting this event, please see Todd or Lesha Cobb.

The session met with WIC President Betty Turner to discuss future bible study topics and the purchase of a new stove for the fellowship hall. The session approved the purchase of 2 new stoves to replace the old stove at a cost of approximately $1,000 dollars.

In the area of Ministry Support, the session read and approved the Treasurer’s Report for July, 2007. Those interested in reviewing the report can do so by checking the bulletin board located in the hall next to the secretary’s office.

In the area of Buildings and Grounds, the session retroactively approved the hiring of Adrian Lamoreux for the church’s lawn maintenance beginning August 10, 2007. The session also discussed starting an after school outreach program in the fall and a Fall Neighborhood Clean-up Program. No decisions were made regarding these two ministry opportunities.

The session elected RE Mike Rogers and RE Todd Cobb as Commissioners to the August 24-25 2007, Stated Meeting of the North Texas Presbytery at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX.

The next meeting of the Session was set for September 18th, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. at the Pastor’s Study.

Minutes of the called meetings of July 22, and July 29, 2007, were read and approved by common consent.

It was moved and carried at 9:01 P.M. to adjourn the meeting, and the meeting was closed with prayer by TE John Butler.

May God continue to bless the work of His Church here at Beal Heights; that we may glorify Him in all that we do.

BHPC Bulletin for August 19, 2007

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:09:08 GMT

The Lord’s Day, 19 August 2007

Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
614 SW Park Avenue, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501
(580) 3554702 / www.bealheights.org / info@bealheights.org

The Elders: John O. Butler, Pastor / Mike Rogers, Clerk / Todd Cobb / C.D.Turner (Emeritus) / Bob Nauman (Emeritus)

Deacon: Michael R. Rogers

A Few Notes About Our Services

* Beal Heights observes the Lord’s Supper each Sunday. We invite all professing Christians whose membership is in good standing with an evangelical, Bible believing congregation to join with us at the Lord’s Table. If you are visiting with us today, please meet with our elder in the foyer for a quick interview to be admitted to the Lord’s Table. * When the prelude begins, please curtail conversation and prepare your hearts for worship. Please make sure electronic devices are off or using silent mode. * If you are visiting with us today, please help us to get to know you by filling out one of the blue cards in the pew racks and placing it in the offering plate when the offering is collected. * We love children in our worship services! For our parents, there is a Cry Room in the back of the sanctuary for calming children in order to return to the worship service. We also offer a Visitors’ Nursery for children 3 and under. If you wish to utilize it. Please speak with the greeters for directions. * Hearing assistance devices are available at the taping table. * If you should need assistance in any way, please speak with our greeters.

Announcements for August 19, 2007 ( Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/2y9kms )

* Our recreational youth outreach to the children of our neighborhood is on Monday evenings from 6-8 PM in the church parking lot. See Deacon Mike Rogers if you can help! * The Clothes Closet Ministry will be open this Wednesday from 9-Noon. If you can help, please see Jeannette Rogers! * Our Prayer Meeting & Bible Study will meet this Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Chapel. * North Texas Presbytery will meet this Friday evening and Saturday morning at Park Cities PCA, Dallas.

The Morning Worship Service, 10:45 AM

* the congregation will please stand

The Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing of Praises and Prayer Requests
We silently prepare our hearts for worship

* The call to worship Almighty God * Hymnal 100 “Holy, Holy, Holy” * A Prayer of Adoration, Praise, and Invocation, with The Lord’s Prayer

Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 1

* Psalter 40 C “O Lord My God, How Many Are”

New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 8

Confession of Sin (Unison)

Most holy and merciful Father: We confess to You and to one another, and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth, that we have sinned by our own fault in thought, word, and deed; against Your holy law by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart, and mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven. We have been deaf to Your call to serve, as Christ served us. We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved Your Holy Spirit. We confess to You, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives, Have mercy on us, O Lord, and forgive our sins, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Promise of God’s Pardoning Grace: Romans 8:31,32

Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving

Sermon: “A Warning Against Arrogance”
Text: Romans 11:17-22

We pray for grace to apply what we have learned

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

(All those who have been previously approved by our elders are invited to partake of the Supper. Others are invited to watch and pray)

* Hymnal 645 “Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee”

The Words of Institution
Fencing the Table
A Prayer of Consecration
Distribution of the Supper
A Prayer of Thanksgiving

* The Offering * The Doxology * Prayer * Hymnal 170 “Fairest Lord Jesus” * Benediction

Silent Prayer (Seated)
The Postlude: We go forth to glorify God.

The Evening Worship Service, 6:00PM

* the congregation will please stand

The Call to Worship
Invocation

* Hymnal 316 “The Mighty God The Lord”

Reading of God’s Word: Daniel 3 & Mark 2
Reading of God’s Law: Inside cover of hymnal (Unison)
Confession of Sin (Unison)

We, O Lord, have been a stiff-necked people who love unfaithfulness. We have loved other gods before you and become their servants. We have not worshiped you in spirit and in truth and so we have mocked your glory in heaven. We have used your name in vain and profaned your reputation on earth. We have desecrated your Sabbath because we have not trusted you to give us rest. We have not honored our fathers and mothers and so we have proved ourselves rebels. We have hated our neighbors and murdered them in our hearts. We have made adulterers of ourselves in the lust of our eyes or in the deeds of our flesh. We have stolen honor and wealth and privileges that are not ours. We have lied and falsely accused for we love gossip more than truth. We have coveted blessings you wisely and righteously gave to others. O Lord, have mercy on us for we have not kept your law. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Assurance of Pardon Romans 4:25

Exhortation to Walk in Obedience
Affirmation of Faith: The Confession of Faith, 3.8, Hymnal, p. 850
Intercessory Prayers

* Hymnal 701 “Redeemed, How I Love To Proclaim It”

Prayer of Illumination
The Sermon: “We Are God’s Delight”
Text: Isaiah 62

* Hymnal 369 “Shout, For The Blessed Jesus Reigns!” * Closing Prayer * Benediction

BHPC Bulletin for 8/12/07

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:27:35 GMT

Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
614 SW Park Avenue, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501
(580) 3554702 / www.bealheights.org / info@bealheights.org
The Elders: John O. Butler, Pastor / Mike Rogers, Clerk
Todd Cobb / C.D.Turner (Emeritus) / Bob Nauman (Emeritus)
Deacon: Michael R. Rogers

A Few Notes About Our Services

* When the prelude begins, please curtail conversation and prepare your hearts for worship. Please make sure electronic devices are off or using silent mode.

* If you are visiting with us today, please help us to get to know you by filling out one of the blue cards in the pew racks and placing it in the offering plate when the offering is collected.

* We love children in our worship services! For our parents, there is a Cry Room in the back of the sanctuary for calming children in order to return to the worship service. We also offer a Visitors’ Nursery for children 3 and under. If you wish to utilize it. Please speak with the greeters for directions.

* Hearing assistance devices are available at the taping table.

* If you should need assistance in any way, please speak with our greeters.

Announcements for August 12, 2007 ( Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/2y9kms )

* We welcome Chaplain (MAJ) Kenneth Hurst, Brigade Chaplain, 214 Fires Brigade, to our pulpit this Lord’s Day!

* The church office will be closed through August 14th.

* Our recreational youth outreach to the children of our neighborhood is on Monday evenings from 6-8 PM in the church parking lot. See Deacon Mike Rogers if you can help!

* Our monthly Family Night Supper is this Wednesday at 6:30 PM. We will have another round of piano performances from pianists from our congregation after the meal!

* The Session will meet Thursday evening at 6:30 in the confession room in the Sunday School building.

* We will take up a special offering for the Building Replacement & Refurbishment Fund next Sunday at the morning worship service.

The Lord’s Day, August 12, 2007
Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
The Morning Worship Service, 10:45 AM

the congregation will please stand

The Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing of Praises and Prayer Requests
We silently prepare our hearts for worship

The call to worship Almighty God
Hymnal 32 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
A Prayer of Adoration, Praise, and Invocation, with The Lord’s Prayer

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 40
Psalter 108 A “My Heart Is Fixed O God”
New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 7

Confession of Sin (Unison)

We, O Lord, have been a stiff-necked people who love unfaithfulness. We have loved other gods before you and become their servants. We have not worshiped you in spirit and in truth and so we have mocked your glory in heaven. We have used your name in vain and profaned your reputation on earth. We have desecrated your Sabbath because we have not trusted you to give us rest. We have not honored our fathers and mothers and so we have proved ourselves rebels. We have hated our neighbors and murdered them in our hearts. We have made adulterers of ourselves in the lust of our eyes or in the deeds of our flesh. We have stolen honor and wealth and privileges that are not ours. We have lied and falsely accused for we love gossip more than truth. We have coveted blessings you wisely and righteously gave to others. O Lord, have mercy on us for we have not kept your law. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Assurance of Pardon Romans 4:25
Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving

Sermon: “Galatians, Only One Gospel”
Guest Preacher: CH (MAJ) Kenneth Hurst, Brigade Chaplain, 214 Fires Brigade, Fort Sill

Text: Gal. 1:11-24

We pray for grace to apply what we have learned

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

(All those who have been previously approved by our elders are invited to partake of the Supper. Others are invited to watch and pray)

Hymnal 699 “Like A River Glorious”

The Words of Institution
Fencing the Table
A Prayer of Consecration
Distribution of the Supper
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Offering
The Doxology
Prayer
Hymnal 521 “My Hope Is Built”
Benediction
Silent Prayer (Seated)
The Postlude: We go forth to glorify God.

The Evening Worship Service, 6:00PM

* the congregation will please stand

The Call to Worship
Invocation
Hymnal 55 “To God Be The Glory”

Reading of God’s Word: Daniel 2 & Mark 1:29-45
Reading of God’s Law: Inside cover of hymnal (Unison)

Confession of Sin (Unison)

Holy God, Lord most gracious! Rebuke us not in your anger, nor chasten us in your wrath! Holy God, you have called us to come to you. We are unworthy, for we have failed you again and again. We feel like running away, yet you keep calling us. Have mercy on us, O God. Have mercy! Holy God, Father most gracious! Rebuke us not in your anger, nor chasten us in your wrath! Heal us from our sin, for we are troubled. Deliver us for the sake of your steadfast love. Our sins trouble us, O God. We are troubled by how they have hurt others. We are troubled by how they have hurt us. Your ways are right! O righteous God! And whenever we have refused to follow them we have found out how right they are. Have mercy on us, O God. Holy God, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us for the sake of your Son, who died to free us from our sins. To you be honor and glory! Amen.

The Promise of God’s Pardoning Grace: 1 John 1:9
Exhortation to Walk in Obedience
Affirmation of Faith: The Confession of Faith, 3.7, Hymnal, p. 850
Intercessory Prayers
Hymnal 697 “Wonderful Words Of Life”

Prayer of Illumination
The Sermon
Guest Preacher: CH (MAJ) Kenneth Hurst, Brigade Chaplain, 214 Fires Brigade, Fort Sill

Hymnal 599 “Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us”
Closing Prayer
Benediction

Report of Session Meeting

Todd Cobb — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:59:28 GMT

The session of Beal Heights Presbyterian Church met in a Stated Meeting on Thursday, 19 July 2007, in the Sunday School Annex. Present for the meeting were the Moderator, Teaching Elder John Butler; the Clerk of Session, Ruling Elder Mike Rogers and RE Todd Cobb. None were absent. Also present was Deacon Michael Rogers. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. and was opened with prayer by RE Mike Rogers.

The session discussed matters concerning pastoral care in their under-shepherding groups. Items of concern were discussed and decisions were made regarding counseling, shepherding, and mercy needs for members with in our congregation. We ask God to give us wisdom and strength to continue to apply God’s Word in the ministry of our congregation.

In the area of Ministry Reports, the session read and approved the Mercy Fund Financial Report for the month of June, 2007. We praise God for his providence in continuing to provide the resources to care for those who are in need. The session also discussed and approved an option to conduct the Soup Kitchen Ministry twice per month instead of once per month. This decision is contingent upon the availability of congregational members to provide their support for two Saturdays a month. All those interested in supporting this ministry, please get with Dave Francey. We pray that God would grant grace and mercy to our community and continue to provide the resources necessary to glorify Him through this ministry opportunity.

The session also discussed providing monetary support for Mission to Myanmar. The session approved a one-time gift of $5,000 to assist this mission in providing a more suitable facility for their New Life Presbyterian Orphanage. Additional information regarding Mission to Myanmar can be found at this link.

In the area of Youth Recreational Outreach, the session discussed starting an after-school outreach this fall that will incorporate education as the foundation for our ministry and outreach to the youth in our community. This program would replace the “Hoop Shoot” outreach program currently being conducted. The session feels that transitioning this outreach to an educational format will provide a great opportunity to maintain established relationships with the youth that currently attend the “Hoop Shoot” program and also provide an opportunity to continue to share the gospel of Christ. The tentative schedule will be every Monday from 3:45 P.M to 5:30 P.M. and will include Children’s Catechism and activities directed at educating our youth in the community. The session asks those interested in supporting this ministry to contact one of the Elders or Deacon Michael Rogers.

In the area of Ministry Support, the session read and approved the Treasurer’s Report for June 2007. Those interested in reviewing the report can do so by checking the bulletin board located in the hall next to the secretary’s office.

In the area of Buildings and Grounds, the session has established a Building Replacement & Refurbishment Fund. Our goal is to have facilities that will enable us to better carry out our mission here in this community: worship, evangelism & outreach, education & discipleship, fellowship, Christian community development, and mercy ministries. We will begin next month and each succeeding month on the third Sundays to take up a special offering for the building fund. We will have envelopes in the pew racks those Sundays for that purpose. You may, of course donate to this fund at any time.

In the area of Outreach, Mercy, and Mission Support, the session discussed a proposal by Deacon Michael Rogers for a Fall Neighborhood Clean-Up Program. Ideally, the program would incorporate the leadership of Beal Heights in organizing a neighborhood clean up program in conjunction with the City of Lawton’s Fall Clean up and Disposal Program. It would be our intent to provide our community with laborers and leaders to motivate and assist community members in active participation in the clean-up of our neighborhood. A cook-out, similar to our Independence Day cook-out, was also discussed in conjunction with the proposed clean-up. The session has asked Deacon Michael Rogers to begin coordination with the city schedule and provide the session with a plan of action for this outreach opportunity.

The session would like to convey our appreciation to the congregation for their support of all the outreach, mercy, and ministry programs currently operating here at Beal Heights. Indeed, God has chosen to bless us with the abundant resources necessary to glorify Him in our weekly activities. We give Him all praise and thanksgiving for His bountiful providence! We also want to convey that we are mindful to ensure we do not over burden our resources beyond that which they are capable of providing. We ask for continued prayer as we discern the will of our Lord in all these matters and that He would continue to guide and direct how we should glorify Him in all our endeavors. May we all be good stewards of the resources He has provided.

The next meeting of the Session was set for August 16th, 2007 at 6:30 P.M. at the Pastor’s Study.
Minutes of the called meeting on July 8th, 2007 were read and approved by common consent.

It was moved and carried at 8:30 P.M. to adjourn the meeting, and the meeting was closed with prayer by TE John Butler.

May God continue to bless the work of His Church here at Beal Heights; that we may glorify Him in all that we do.

BHPC Bulletin for 7/29/07

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:54:21 GMT

Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
614 SW Park Avenue, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501
(580) 3554702 / www.bealheights.org / info@bealheights.org

The Elders: John O. Butler, Pastor / Mike Rogers, Clerk
Todd Cobb / C.D.Turner (Emeritus) / Bob Nauman (Emeritus)
Deacon: Michael R. Rogers

A Few Notes About Our Services

*  Beal Heights observes the Lord's Supper each Sunday. We invite all professing Christians whose membership is in good standing with an evangelical, Bible believing congregation to join with us at the Lord's Table. If you are visiting with us today, please meet with our elder in the foyer for a quick interview to be admitted to the Lord's Table.
* When the prelude begins, please curtail conversation and prepare your hearts for worship. Please make sure electronic devices are off or using silent mode.
*  If you are visiting with us today, please help us to get to know you by filling out one of the blue cards in the pew racks and placing it in the offering plate when the offering is collected.
* We love children in our worship services! For our parents, there is a Cry Room in the back of the sanctuary for calming children in order to return to the worship service. We also offer a Visitors' Nursery for children 3 and under. If you wish to utilize it. Please speak with the greeters for directions.
*  Hearing assistance devices are available at the taping table.
*  If you should need assistance in any way, please speak with our greeters.

Announcements for July 29, 2007
( Calendar )

*  The church office will be closed through August 14th.
*  Our recreational youth outreach to the children of our neighborhood is on Monday evenings from 6-8 PM in the church parking lot.
*  Our Wednesday Prayer Meeting &amp;amp;amp;#38; Bible Study meets at 7:00 PM in the Chapel.
*  The Women in the Church will meet this Thursday at 5:30 pm for their fellowship meal (place TBA), and their monthly meeting at 7:00 PM in the Parlor.
*  An offering for the church's Mercy Fund will be taken up at next Sunday's worship service.
*  The Session of Beal Heights Presbyterian Church has established a Building Replacement &amp;amp;amp;#38; Refurbishment Fund. Our goal is to have facilities that will enable us to better carry out our mission here in this community: worship, evangelism &amp;amp;amp;#38; outreach, education &amp;amp;amp;#38; discipleship, fellowship, Christian community development, and mercy ministries.&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;<br />    &amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;We will begin next month and each succeeding month on the third Sundays to take up a special offering for the building fund. We will have envelopes in the pew racks those Sundays for that purpose. You may, of course donate to this fund at any time.&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;<br />    &amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;The elders have designated over $200,000, of the church's investments for the Building Replacement &amp;amp;amp;#38; Refurbishment Fund. We will include in our monthly reports to the congregation which we post on the bulletin board outside the church office the progress of the Building Replacement and Refurbishment Fund.&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;<br />    &amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;It is the intention of the session to keep the 1939 portion of our facilities - the  current sanctuary, office, and chapel areas. The plan is to replace the fellowship hall and parlor and possibly the education building. We have reached a point in the life-cycle of the fellowship hall (built in 1923) that it is becoming inadequate for our needs and it has become a burden upon the church's resources.  We will be having much prayer and also discussions amongst the elders and the congregation as to what we see the Lord's direction is for the type of facilities we will need.&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;<br />    &amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;If you have any questions about this fund or the planning for future ministries, please contact one of the elders.&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;

*  The Session is exploring an outreach ministry to the children of this neighborhood by having an afterschool recreation time and Catechism Club one afternoon a week during the school year. We have had good turnout for the Monday night recreational outreach this summer, and we want to continue on with ministry to the children of this neighborhood to win them and their families to Christ. If you have an interest in assisting in such a ministry, please meet with one of the elders.

The Morning Worship Service, 10:45 AM

* the congregation will please stand

The Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing of Praises and Prayer Requests
We silently prepare our hearts for worship

* The call to worship Almighty God
*  Hymnal 77 "Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven" 
*  A Prayer of Adoration, Praise, and Invocation, with The Lord's Prayer

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 35:1 – 36:1

* Psalter 25 A "To Thee I Lift My Soul"

New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 5

Confession of Sin (Unison)

Most holy and merciful Father; we acknowledge and confess before You; our sinful nature prone to evil and slothful in good; and all our shortcomings and offenses. You alone know how often we have sinned; in wandering from Your ways; in wasting Your gifts; in forgetting Your love. But, O Lord, have mercy upon us; who are ashamed and sorry for all wherein we have displeased You. Teach us to hate our errors; cleanse us from our secret faults; and forgive our sins; for the sake of Your dear Son. And O most holy and loving Father; help us, we beg You; to live in Your light and walk in Your ways; according to the commandments of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Acts 2:38
Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving

Sermon: “The Riches Of God’s Grace Poured Out In Israel’s Rejection Of Messiah”
Text: Romans 11:11-15

We pray for grace to apply what we have learned

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
(All those who have been previously approved by our elders are invited to partake of the Supper. Others are invited to watch and pray)

*  Hymnal 254 "Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed"

The Words of Institution
Fencing the Table
A Prayer of Consecration
Distribution of the Supper
A Prayer of Thanksgiving * The Offering * The Doxology * Prayer * Hymnal 468 “My Faith Has Found A Resting Place” * Benediction
Silent Prayer (Seated)
The Postlude: We go forth to glorify God.

The Evening Worship Service, 6:00PM

* the congregation will please stand

The Call to Worship
Invocation

*  Hymnal 195 "Joy To The World"

Reading of God’s Word: Ezekiel 48 & Matthew 28
Reading of God’s Law: Inside cover of hymnal (Unison)
Confession of Sin (Unison)

Most merciful God, we confess to you that we are by nature sinful and unclean, and that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed; not only in outward transgressions, but also in secret thoughts and desires that we are unable to understand, but which are all known to you. For this reason, we flee for refuge to your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring your grace, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we can delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: 2 Corinthians 1:19-20
Exhortation to Walk in Obedience
Affirmation of Faith: The Confession of Faith, 3.5, Hymnal, p. 850
Intercessory Prayers

*  Hymnal 188 "Jesus, I Am Resting"

Prayer of Illumination
The Sermon: “The Good News!”
Text: Isaiah 61

*  Hymnal 311 "Hail To The Lord's Anointed" 
*  Closing Prayer
*  Benediction

BHPC Building Replacement & Refurbishment Fund

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:16:48 GMT

The Session of Beal Heights Presbyterian Church has established a Building Replacement & Refurbishment Fund. Our goal is to have facilities that will enable us to better carry out our mission here in this community: worship, evangelism & outreach, education & discipleship, fellowship, Christian community development, and mercy ministries.

We will begin next month and each succeeding month on the third Sundays to take up a special offering for the building fund. We will have envelopes in the pew racks those Sundays for that purpose. You may, of course donate to this fund at any time.

The elders have designated over $200,000, of the church’s investments for the Building Replacement & Refurbishment Fund. We will include in our monthly reports to the congregation which we post on the bulletin board outside the church office the progress of the Building Replacement and Refurbishment Fund.

It is the intention of the session to keep the 1939 portion of our facilities – the current sanctuary, office, and chapel areas. The plan is to replace the fellowship hall and parlor and possibly the education building. We have reached a point in the life-cycle of the fellowship hall (built in 1923) that it is becoming inadequate for our needs and it has become a burden upon the church’s resources. We will be having much prayer and also discussions amongst the elders and the congregation as to what we see the Lord’s direction is for the type of facilities we will need.

If you have any questions about this fund or the planning for future ministries, please contact one of the elders.

BHPC Bulletin for 7/22/07

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:40:19 GMT

Download

A Few Notes About Our Services

Announcements for July 22, 2007

* Our recreational youth outreach to the children of our neighborhood is on Monday evenings from 6-8 PM in the church parking lot. * The Clothes Closet Ministry will be open this Wednesday from 9-Noon. * Our Wednesday Prayer Meeting & Bible Study meets at 7:00 PM in the Chapel.

The Morning Worship Service, 10:45 AM

* the congregation will please stand

Welcome & Announcements
Taking of Prayer Requests & Praises
Silent Prayer

* The call to worship Almighty God
* Psalter 113 A "Praise Jehovah, Praise The Lord" 
* A Prayer of Adoration, Praise, and Invocation, with The Lord's Prayer

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 34:18-35
New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 4

* Hymnal 88 "With Grateful Heart"

Confession of Sin (Unison)

Assurance of Pardon: 2 Corinthians 1:19-20

Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving

Sermon: “Israel is Hardened”
Text: Romans 11:6-10
We pray for grace to apply what we have learned

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

(All those who have been previously approved by our elders are invited to partake of the Supper. Others are invited to watch and pray)

* Hymnal 518 "Christ, Of All My Hopes"

The Words of Institution
Fencing the Table
A Prayer of Consecration
Distribution of the Supper
A Prayer of Thanksgiving

* The Offering
* The Doxology
* Prayer
* Hymnal 457 "Come, Thou Fount" 
* Benediction

Silent Prayer (Seated)
The Postlude: We go forth to glorify God.

The Evening Worship Service, 6:00PM
The Call to Worship
Invocation

* Psalter 2 "Why Do Heathen Nations Rage?"

Reading of God’s Word: Ezekiel 47 & Matthew 27:27-66
Reading of God’s Law: Inside cover of hymnal (Unison)
Confession of Sin (Unison)

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we acknowledge and confess our many sins; which we have committed; by thought, word, and deed; against Your divine majesty. We do earnestly repent; and are heartily sorry for these our wrongs; remembering them is grief to us. Have mercy upon us; have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for the sake of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ; forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please You in newness of life; to the honor and glory of Your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Romans 8:38-39
Exhortation to Walk in Obedience
Affirmation of Faith: The Confession of Faith, 3.3 & 4, Hymnal, p. 850
Intercessory Prayers

* Hymnal 441 "Jesus Shall Reign"

Prayer of Illumination
The Sermon: “Arise, Shine!”
Text: Isaiah 60

* Hymnal 346 "Hail To The Brightness" 
* Closing Prayer
* Benediction

Beal Heights 4th of July Barbecue

Todd Cobb — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:51:35 GMT

On the evening of July 4th, 2007, Beal Heights celebrated the providence of God, as displayed in our nation’s Independence in the year 1776, with a Neighborhood Outreach Barbecue. The outreach was designed to provide free food and fellowship for families and friends in the immediate area of our Church with the hope that God would open doors for service and ministry within our community. It was made evident to all that the Lord does not disappoint!

The evening’s festivities were started by an appeal to our Lord and Savior for His blessing and grace through prayer by Pastor John Butler. Immediately following, our own “Beal Heights Brethren Band” (Mike Marlin, Caleb Marlin, Eric Marple and an associate drummer) played an accompaniment of Jazz/Rock/Contemporary music while guests began to dine on hamburgers and hotdogs cooked by our very own “Iron Chefs” and food preparation assistants.

As food was being served, a number of guests from our community arrived and participated in fellowship and music along with a number of Beal Heights’ members who had come out to participate in the event. Through this activity, a number of acquaintances were established and a few needs were identified for members of our community. Additionally, Beal Heights’ weekly activity schedules were posted and Bibles and catechisms were made available free to the community. We served approximately 80 hamburgers and over 50 hotdogs. About 25 people from the community were provided Christian fellowship and free food. It is our prayer that God would grant further opportunities of evangelism and ministry for those in attendance and that the word would spread that Christ is present and active in their neighborhood through Beal Heights Presbyterian Church.

We would like to thank the members of Beal Heights for their attendance and contribution in making this event a great success. May God continue to grant us opportunities to glorify Him in the ministry and outreach of His Church.

BHPCA Bulletin for 15 July 2007

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:04:51 GMT

The Lord’s Day
July 15, 2007
Welcome to
Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
614 SW Park Avenue, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501
(580)355-4702 / www.bealheights.org / info@bealheights.org

The Elders: John O. Butler, Pastor / Mike Rogers, Clerk / Todd Cobb
C.D.Turner (Emeritus) / Bob Nauman (Emeritus) / Deacon: Michael R. Rogers

A Few Notes About Our Services

Beal Heights observes the Lord’s Supper each Sunday. We invite all professing Christians whose membership is in good standing with an evangelical, Bible believing congregation to join with us at the Lord’s Table. If you are visiting with us today, please meet with our elder in the foyer for a quick interview to be admitted to the Lord’s Table.

When the prelude begins, please curtail conversation and prepare your hearts for worship. Please make sure electronic devices are off or using silent mode.

If you are visiting with us today, please help us to get to know you by filling out one of the blue cards in the pew racks and placing it in the offering plate when the offering is collected.

We love children in our worship services! For our parents, there is a Cry Room in the back of the sanctuary for calming children in order to return to the worship service. We also offer a Visitors’ Nursery for children 3 and under. If you wish to utilize it. Please speak with the greeters for directions.

Hearing assistance devices are available at the taping table.

If you should need assistance in any way, please speak with our greeters.

Announcements for July 15, 2007

( Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/2y9kms )

Our recreational youth outreach to the children of our neighborhood is on Monday evenings from 6-8 PM in the church parking lot.

Please make plans to attend out July Family Night Supper, July 18th. We will have a dinner in honor of Ruling Elder Emeritus C. D. Turner’s service.

The Session will have its July stated meeting this Thursday evening at 7pm in the Sunday School building.

The Lord’s Day
July 15, 2007
Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
The Morning Worship Service
10:45 AM

* the congregation will please stand

The Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing of Praises and Prayer Requests
We silently prepare our hearts for worship

* The call to worship Almighty God * Psalter 122 B “I Was Glad” * A Prayer of Adoration, Praise, and Invocation, with The Lord’s Prayer

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 34 * Psalter 65 A “Praise Waits For Thee In Zion”
New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 3

Confession of Sin (Unison)

Assurance of Pardon Romans 8:38-39
Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving

Sermon: “A Remnant Believes, Just As Promised”
Text: Romans 10:14-21

We pray for grace to apply what we have learned

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

(All those who have been previously approved by our elders are invited to partake of the Supper. Others are invited to watch and pray)

* Hymn 473 “Jesus Sinners Doth Receive”
The Words of Institution
Fencing the Table
A Prayer of Consecration
Distribution of the Supper
A Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Offering * The Doxology * Prayer

* Hymn 345 “Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken” * Benediction

Silent Prayer (Seated)
The Postlude: We go forth to glorify God.

THE EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE
July 15, 2007, 6:00PM

The Call to Worship
Invocation * Hymn 353 “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”

Reading of God’s Word: Ezekiel 46 & Matthew 27:1-26
Reading of God’s Law: Inside cover of hymnal (Unison)

Confession of Sin (Unison)

We beg You, O God, to forgive those sins which beset us: our heedlessness of those who come after us, if only we be served; our love of money, our contempt for small things and our worship of big things; our neglect of others; our complacen-cy; and our pride of life. For these wrongs done, as for right things left undone, forgive us, O Lord. Almighty God, give us grace to contend always for what is true and right, and to be ready if need be to suffer for it. Give us not over to fearfulness of soul, but lift us into that love which casts out fear, so that we may glorify and enjoy You now and for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon Romans 8:33-34
Exhortation to Walk in Obedience

Affirmation of Faith: The Confession of Faith, 3.1 & 2, Hymnal, p. 850

Intercessory Prayers

* Hymn 194 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Prayer of Illumination

The Sermon: “Why Salvation Waits”
Text: Isaiah 59

* Psalter 28 A “I Cry To You, O LORD” * Closing Prayer * Benediction

Your elders encourage you to spent this good gift of God, this Sabbath Day, in prayer & praise, in reading & hearing God’s Word, and by doing good to your fellow man. Rest from your week’s labors in the Lord, reflect on His goodness to us, speak to one another of the things of our Father, and gather with us in the power of the Holy Spirit this evening to worship our glorious Risen Savior Jesus!

BHPCA Bulletin for July 8, 2007

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:29:38 GMT

The Lord’s Day
July 8, 2007
Welcome to
Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
614 SW Park Avenue, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501
(580) 3554702 / www.bealheights.org / info@bealheights.org

The Elders: John O. Butler, Pastor / Mike Rogers, Clerk / Todd Cobb
C.D.Turner (Emeritus) / Bob Nauman (Emeritus) / Deacon: Michael R. Rogers

A Few Notes About Our Services

When the prelude begins, please curtail conversation and prepare your hearts for worship. Please make sure electronic devices are off or using silent mode.

If you are visiting with us today, please help us to get to know you by filling out one of the blue cards in the pew racks and placing it in the offering plate when the offering is collected.

Hearing assistance devices are available at the taping table.

If you should need assistance in any way, please speak with our greeters.

Announcements for July 8, 2007

( Calendar – http://tinyurl.com/2y9kms )

Prayer Meeting and Bible Study will be this Wednesday at 7 PM in the Chapel.

The Clothes Closet Ministry will be open this Saturday from 9-Noon.

The Community Breakfast Ministry will be open this Saturday from 9-Noon.

Please make plans to attend out July Family Night Supper, July 18th. We will have a dinner in honor of Ruling Elder Emeritus C. D. Turner’s service.

The Lord’s Day
July 8, 2007
Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
The Morning Worship Service
10:45 AM

* the congregation will please stand

The Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Sharing of Praises and Prayer Requests
We silently prepare our hearts for worship

* The call to worship Almighty God * Hymn 7 “From All That Dwell Below The Skies” * A Prayer of Adoration, Praise, and Invocation, with The Lord’s Prayer

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 33

* Hymn 149 “Teach Me, O Lord, Your Way Of Truth”

New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 2

Confession of Sin (Unison)

Assurance of Pardon Romans 8:33-34

Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving

Sermon: “Faith Comes By Hearing”
Text: Romans 10:14-21

We pray for grace to apply what we have learned

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

(All those who have been previously approved by our elders are invited to partake of the Supper. Others are invited to watch and pray)

* Hymn 144 “Father Of Mercies In Your Word”

The Words of Institution
Fencing the Table
A Prayer of Consecration
Distribution of the Supper
A Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Offering * The Doxology * Prayer

* Hymn 453 “All Authority And Power”

* Benediction

Silent Prayer (Seated)
The Postlude: We go forth to glorify God.

THE EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE
July 8, 2007, 6:00PM

The Call to Worship
Invocation * Hymn 389 “This Is The Day The Lord Has Made”

Reading of God’s Word: Ezekiel 45 & Matthew 26:57-75
Reading of God’s Law: Inside cover of hymnal (Unison)
Confession of Sin (Unison)

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, both by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart. Too often we have failed to welcome into our hearts your quickening Spirit of love and power. Too often we have spurned the promptings of your Holy Spirit and ignored your presence by the Spirit. Too often we have grieved the Holy Spirit and have not kept in step with him. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. Wash away our sins; send rain on our dry ground; inflame our cold hearts; and direct our wandering feet into your ways. And all for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon Ephesians 1:13b-14
Exhortation to Walk in Obedience

Affirmation of Faith: The Confession of Faith, 2.3, Hymnal, p. 850
Intercessory Prayers

* Hymn 644 “May The Mind Of Christ My Savior”

Prayer of Illumination
The Sermon: “Call The Sabbath A Delight”
Text: Isaiah 58

* Hymn 392 “O Day Of Rest And Gladness * Closing Prayer * Benediction

Dr. Bahnsen Debates Atheist Lawyer at University of California, Davis

Todd Cobb — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 03:09:36 GMT

The following is a summarization from a debate between the late Dr. Greg Bahnsen and an atheist Lawyer by the name of Edward Tabash that took place December 1, 1993. In it, you will find Dr. Bahnsen arguing against typical atheistic propositions which the reader should find very familiar. I am often amused at the simplistic and antagonistic argumentation often employed by atheists in their attempts to suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Dr. Bahnsen provides us with biblical responses to these arguments which should aid all believers in “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (1 Cor 10:5).

Dr. Bahnsen, the resident scholar at SCCCS, was invited to argue the case for Christian theism. His atheist opponent – who had previous debate background arguing at U. C. Davis against God’s existence – was an A.C.L.U. lawyer, Edward Tabash. Dissatisfied with the response given to Mr. Tabash by their theist proponent in a previous debate on campus, the “Truth Seekers” sought out Dr. Bahnsen’s apologetical services for the “rematch.”

Edward Tabash received his B.A. from U.C.L.A. and went on to earn the J.D. at Loyola University. As a piece of relevant but ironic family background, he comes from five unbroken generations of orthodox Jewish rabbis in eastern Europe. His grandfather and uncle were victims of Hitler’s holocaust; his mother from Hungary was a survivor of Auschwitz.

Nevertheless, Tabash is an active and vocal supporter of abortion rights. He prides himself as a staunch political liberal, advocating the legalization of prostitution and free speech on college campuses. He serves as a surrogate debater for senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, VP Al Gore, and President Bill Clinton. Tabash expresses brash, some would say arrogant, challenges against the Almighty. For example: “If the God of the Bible actually exists, I want to sue Him for negligence for being asleep at the wheel of the universe when my grandfather and uncle were gassed to death in Auschwitz.”

Dr. Bahnsen replies that, if the God of the Bible does not exist, then Mr. Tabash loses all principled moral complaint about what Hitler did to the Jews. In a godless universe, what one “animal” does to other “animals” is ethically irrelevant. There is no basis for indignation or outrage. What happens, happens: period. We are left with Tabash’s feelings and desires versus the feelings and desires of Hitler – with neither having any more “right” than the other. Indeed, as a staunch liberal supporter of personal freedom, Tabash should, in terms of the atheist worldview, defend Hitler’s freedom to do as he desired!

Here’s another of Tabash’s “in-your-face” challenges: “If Christianity is the one and only true religion, let God appear to the world directly, rather than relying on ancient human-made writings, and tell us face to face how to worship and what to believe!”

Dr. Bahnsen wonders, in response, where Tabash has been – maybe asleep at the wheel in his studies. For it is precisely the definitive and glad proclamation of Christianity that God has indeed appeared to the world directly – in the person of His incarnate Son, Jesus the Messiah. The God-man confirmed the ancient writings (the scriptures) as well as telling us “face to face” what we are to believe and how we are to approach God. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6). His utterly amazing claim was that He is the center of the one and only true religion – and He made that claim “in person,” in the midst of human history for mankind to see and hear. It is obvious that Tabash is insincere and ingenuine in laying down his prerequisites for belief. His problem with God is not intellectual, but moral. Tabash is a rebel against Heaven who has an ax to grind against God, in defense of his personal rebellion.

Hear Tabash again: “The idea that Jesus resurrected from the dead and rose bodily to heaven is even less plausible than the notion that 2,000 years ago, little green Martians, flying in a red flying saucer, visited the site of the University of California at Davis.”

Dr. Bahnsen answers by observing that what a person takes as “plausible” or as “implausible” is a reflection of his fundamental presuppositions – his own crucial assumptions about the nature of reality and how we know what we know. Therefore, when Tabash dismisses the resurrection of Christ as “implausible” (in his own eyes), he is not offering the slightest bit of evidence against the existence of God, but simply giving vent to his personal, chosen atheism. That is, he merely reasons in a circle, assuming the very thing he is supposed to be proving: viz., that God does not exist. For quite obviously, if the God portrayed in the Bible does exist – the Creator of heaven and earth who has almighty power and infinite understanding, who sovereignly governs every historical event that transpires on earth – then there is absolutely no “implausibility” about His ability to raise the dead. As Paul put it to King Agrippa years ago: “Why should it be judged a thing incredible with you that God does raise the dead?” (Acts 26:8).

The fact is that Mr. Tabash has a worldview, an underlying philosophy of reality, knowledge, and living. That worldview influences the way he thinks about anything – what he will accept as fact, how he assesses claims to truth, what he believes historically or scientifically, his view of man’s nature and his proper conduct, the meaning of life, etc. The Christian believer has a worldview as well. In principle, these two professed worldviews stand in antithetical conflict with each other. These respective worldviews determine the way the atheist and the theist reason about anything – the way in which they argue or assess arguments – and thus play the crucial role in the different conclusions to which they come in their debate.

This does not mean that theism and atheism come down to an arbitrary, subjective choice. One is objectively true and provable, while the other is not. As the late professor of apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary, Dr. Cornelius Van Til, put it: “We cannot choose epistemologies [theories of knowledge] as we choose hats… [as if] a matter of taste.”

Dr. Bahnsen sets forth a rational, objective case for the existence of the Christian God, a case which fully takes into account the crucial function of one’s worldview in his reasoning. He is quoted in the tabloid for the Tabash debate as saying: “Pursued to their consistent end, the pre-suppositions of unbelief render man’s reasoning vacuous and his experience unintelligible; in short, they lead to the destruction of knowledge, the dead end of epistemological futility, and to utter foolishness.”

This was the perspective of the Apostle Paul as well. Paul’s challenge, which is found in 1 Corinthians 1:20, was this: “where is the debater of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” According to Romans 1:21, atheists are both self-deceived (since they really do know God in their heart of hearts) and are led by their rebellious philosophies into intellectual folly. Paul wrote of unbelievers: “because knowing [the] God, they glorified Him not as God, neither gave thanks, but became futile in their reasonings and their senseless heart was darkened.” Well did the Psalmist of old express it when he wrote that it is “the fool” who “has said in his heart, there is no God” (14:1).

Please pray that God will continue to use the power and persuasiveness of this challenge, voiced so often by Dr. Bahnsen, to bring men to Himself – a cogent “reason for the hope within us.”

Bulletin for the Lord's Day, July 1, 2007

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 03:08:45 GMT

The Lord’s Day
July 1, 2007

Welcome to
Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
614 SW Park Avenue, Lawton, Oklahoma 73501

(580) 3554702 / www.bealheights.org/ info@bealheights.org

The Elders: John O. Butler, Pastor / Mike Rogers, Clerk / Todd Cobb
C.D.Turner (Emeritus) / Bob Nauman (Emeritus)
Deacon: Michael R. Rogers

A Few Notes About Our Services

When the prelude begins, please curtail conversation and prepare your hearts for worship. Please make sure electronic devices are off or using silent mode.

If you are visiting with us today, please help us to get to know you by filling out one of the blue cards in the pew racks and placing it in the offering plate when the offering is collected.

Hearing assistance devices are available at the taping table.

If you should need assistance in any way, please speak with our greeters.

Announcements for July 1, 2007

( Calendar- http://tinyurl.com/2y9kms )

Our recreational youth outreach to the children of our neighborhood is on Monday evenings from 6-8 PM in the church parking lot.

We will have a Neighborhood Block Party Outreach on Wednesday, July 4th, from 6-9 PM, with food and music. If you would like to help with this evangelistic effort, please see one of the elders.

The Women in the Church (WIC) will meet this Thursday at Los Dos Amigos, 5203 NW Cache Rd, at 5:30 PM for their Fellowship Meal. At 7:00 PM, they will meet in the Fellowship Hall for their monthly meeting.

Your elders encourage you to spent this good gift of God, this Sabbath Day, in prayer & praise, in reading & hearing God’s Word, and by doing good to your fellow man. Rest from your week’s labors in the Lord, reflect on His goodness to us, speak to one another of the things of our Father, and gather with us in the power of the Holy Spirit this afternoon to worship our glorious Risen Savior Jesus!

The Lord’s Day
July 1, 2007
Beal Heights Presbyterian Church
The Morning Worship Service
10:45 AM

the congregation will please stand

The Prelude
Welcome and Announcements

Sharing of Praises and Prayer Requests
We silently prepare our hearts for worship

The call to worship Almighty God
Hymn 115 All Creatures Of Our God And King
A Prayer of Adoration, Praise, and Invocation, with The Lord’s Prayer
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 32
Psalter 8 B LORD, our Lord, In All The Earth
New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 1
Confession of Sin (Unison)

Assurance of Pardon Ephesians 1:13b-14
Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving
Sermon: Two Ways Of Righteousness
Text: Romans 10:1-13
We pray for grace to apply what we have learned

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
(All those who have been previously approved by our elders are invited to partake of the Supper. Others are invited to watch and pray)
Hymn 461 Not What My Hands Have Done
The Words of Institution
Fencing the Table
A Prayer of Consecration
Distribution of the Supper
A Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Offering
The Doxology
Prayer
Hymn 455 And Can It Be
Benediction
Silent Prayer (Seated)
The Postlude: We go forth to glorify God.

THE AFTERNOON WORSHIP SERVICE
July 1, 2007, 1:45 PM

The Call to Worship
Invocation
Hymn 16 Come, Let Us Sing Unto The Lord
Reading of God’s Word: Ezekiel 44 & Matthew 26:31-56
Reading of God’s Law: Inside cover of hymnal (Unison)
Confession of Sin (Unison)

O most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; Who pardons all such as truly repent and turn to You; we humbly confess our sins and implore Your mercy. We have not loved You with a pure heart fervently; neither have we loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not done justly, nor loved mercy, nor walked humbly with You, our God. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, according to Your loving-kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out our iniquity. Create in us a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from us. Restore unto us the joy of Your salvation; and uphold us with Your free Spirit. Amen.

The Promise of God’s Pardoning Grace: Isaiah 44:21-22
Exhortation to Walk in Obedience
Affirmation of Faith: The Confession of Faith, 2.2, Hymnal, p. 849
Intercessory Prayers
Hymn 146 Break Thou The Bread Of Life
Prayer of Illumination
The Sermon: “Peace or Anxiety: Your Choice!”
Text: Isaiah 57
Hymn 264 Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross
Closing Prayer
Benediction

Report of Session Meeting 21 June 2007

Todd Cobb — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:11:46 GMT

The Session of Beal Heights Presbyterian Church met in a Stated Meeting on Thursday, 21 June 2007, in the Sunday School Annex. Present for the meeting were the Moderator, Teaching Elder John Butler; the Clerk of Session, Ruling Elder Mike Rogers and RE Todd Cobb. None were absent. Also present was Deacon Michael Rogers. The meeting was called to order at 6:55 P.M. and was opened with prayer by DE Mike Rogers.

In the area of Administration and Pastoral concerns, the session discussed and approved the request from TE John Butler for vacation leave from 31 July 2007 to 14 Aug 2007. The session discussed the need for pulpit supply for the Lord’s Day on 5 Aug 07 and for 12 Aug 07. The session approved TE Shawn Young, Associate Pastor from Heritage Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City to cover pulpit supply for the 5th and Chaplain (MAJ) Kenneth Hurst to cover pulpit supply on the 12th. Additionally, the session approved RE Todd Cobb to cover the Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting leadership for 1 Aug 07 and RE Mike Rogers to cover Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting leadership on 8 Aug 07. We pray that God would grant rest and travel mercies for the Butler family during their vacation and provide grace to those who will replace TE John Butler in pulpit supply during his absence.

The session discussed matters concerning pastoral care in their under-shepherding groups. Items of concern were discussed and decisions were made regarding counseling, shepherding, and mercy needs for members with in our congregation. Of matter of concern to the session was the poor attendance on the Sunday evening worship services. The elders have committed to encouraging the members of the congregation to avail themselves of the public means of grace at both the morning and evening worship services on the Lord’s Day. We ask God to give us wisdom and strength to continue to apply God’s Word in the ministry of our congregation.

In the area of Ministry Reports, the session read and approved the Mercy Fund Financial Report for the month of May 2007. We praise God for his providence in continuing to provide the resources to care for those who are in need. The session also discussed the progress of the Soup Kitchen Ministry and the Youth Recreational Outreach Ministry which begin this month. It is our prayer that God would bless the work of these ministries and that it would provide opportunities for the furthering of the gospel and the Glory of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In the area of Ministry Plans, Operations and Training, the session discussed the dinner honoring Ruling Elder Emeritus CD Turner at the July Family Night Supper. The session approved funds for the cost of the meal and for the plaque for presentation during the dinner. The session also approved conducting the 100th Anniversary of BHPC during the Family Night Supper in September. At that time a video from the 90th Anniversary celebration, along with new materials, will be shown followed up with a time of prayer. The session also approved to hold the 2nd night of our “Celebrate Our New Piano Night” during the August Family Night Supper.

The session discussed future study opportunities for Women in the Church (WIC) and has requested that WIC meet to discuss changes in format, teaching responsibilities, and subjects for study during WIC meetings and to report back to the session with recommendations. It is our prayer that God would bless the WIC program at BHPC and that their time spent together would be refreshing, encouraging, and a glory to our Father in Heaven.

The session discussed the 4th of July Neighborhood Block Party Outreach and approved funds in the amount of $500 dollars to support this ministry. The session also discussed and scheduled a time for door-to-door distribution of invitations for this event, to take place on Saturday, June 30, 2007, at 10:00 A.M.

In the area of Ministry Support, the session read and approved the Treasurer’s Report for May 2007. Those interested in reviewing the report can do so by checking the bulletin board located in the hall next to the secretary’s office.

The next meeting of the Session was set for July 19th at 7:00 P.M. at the Pastor’s Study.

Minutes of the called meetings conducted on May 27th and June 20th, 2007 were read and approved by common consent.

It was moved and carried at 9:01 P.M. to adjourn the meeting, and the meeting was closed with prayer by TE John Butler.

May God bless the work of His Church here at Beal Heights; that we may glorify Him in all that we do.