November 2015
Church Press Newsletter
101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Remarried 
By respected Christian counselor H. Norman Wright. People who marry again face unique challenges. Helps couples work through problem areas before they become issues. Ideal for couples, study groups, ministers, and counselors. 5.5" x 8.5", 144 pages. Click #306. $9.99. Or email us.

A Prayer for Your Worship Bulletin 
Lord Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before dared to admit, but through You I am more loved and accepted than I ever before dared to hope. I thank You for paying my debt on the cross, taking what I deserved in order to offer me complete forgiveness. Knowing that You have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and trust You as my saving Lord. Amen. 

Free Sermon Books

For November we're offering 6 sermon books (107 sermons) by Dr. Arthur Graf (LCMS) free. A $61.70 value. You just pay Media Mail shipping. Titles:

Sermons for Special Occasions, The Apostles' Creed, Brought With A Price, Walking and Talking With God, Joybells of LIfe, No Other Name. 

Email us and ask for 181-186.

The Richest Man Who Ever Lived 
By Steven K. Scott

This book has great insight and specific detail into how and why Solomon was the wisest and richest man ever. This book is not about getting rich, it's about getting wise. Anyone seeking personal growth on a higher level and with a desire to expand their sphere of influence and success will love this book. Order from Amazon. Consider buying a used copy. 

Develop These 7 Skills When You Want People to Listen
By Rick Warren, 10/2/15

Most church conflict results from poor communication. Even your best ideas, plans, or suggestions are worthless if you can't communicate effectively. Remember, communication is not automatic. Just because someone hears you say something doesn't mean they're really listening. Fortunately, there are seven skills you can develop that will guarantee people will listen when you speak. Just follow these guidelines from the Bible: [read more]

What Are Pastors Like? 2 Answers:

The president of a large denomination was asked, "What's it like being in charge of thousands of pastors?" He replied, "It's like herding a bunch of cats down a street."

One evening a pastor went into some detail telling his little daughter something when she interrupted by asking, "Daaaady, are you telling me the truth or are you just preaching?"

For Pastor's Eyes  Only

The Qur'an & the Bible A Comparison by Rev. Rick Richter (LCMS). on 16 topics and 20 discussion guides. 8.5" x 11". 171 pages. New. $18.95. Free (including shipping) to the first pastor who emails us.

For Church Secretary's
Eyes Only

Bread for the Journey by Henri J. M. Nouwen. 366 daily devotions. A great way to begin each day. Brims with nourishment. Hard cover. New. 375 pages. Retails for $20.00. Free (including shipping) to the first secretary (or office administrator) who emails us.

Exceptional
Church Website

Zion Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Beecher, IL has an exceptional website. Rev. Ron Rock is lead pastor and is assisted by Rev. Aaron Moldenhauer.

Pictures are excellent. Other highlights include current sermon, church newsletter, and 20 site content links.

Easy to navigate. Click Zion Lutheran to start your study. You'll get ideas for ministries for your church and your website. Have a pad handy to make notes.
 
A Phone Call 

"The other day a pastor called and placed an order. We chatted for a bit about his church and his ministry. He then asked this searching question: 'Don, what do you have that I cannot do without?' For me that was a home run question. 

"We then had a most profitable conversation. Pastor, if there is anything we can do to stand beside you in ministry, give us a call. P.S. Why not direct that pastor's question to someone you feel might have a good answer? The answer could prove to be very beneficial." - DFG 

Social Security 

Most of us know precious little about the program and its benefits. Chances are that you are unaware of all the benefits that you have earned over the years. 

Don and Nadine Ginkel highly recommend the book, Get What's Yours. It was published this year, so it's up to date. It will show you all the benefits of maxing out your Social Security. It will pleasantly surprise you. Hard copy. 224 pages. Order new from Amazon for $12.96.  

 Greetings!
 
Welcome! Please come in. The one hymn that most symbolizes the Reformation is "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" by Martin Luther and is based on Psalm 46. Luther faced years of trials and persecution, was excommunicated from the Roman Church, and continually faced threats against his life and freedom. The hymn has been translated into nearly every language. View the video, listen to or sing the words. Take a moment to confess your confidence in God and your victory over evil and the devil.
Never Believe Satan - Believe Jesus!
By Pastor Don Ginkel

A young girl was trudging along a mountain path trying to reach her grandmother's house. It was bitterly cold. Suddenly she heard a rustle at her feet. Looking down, she saw a snake. Before she could move, the snake spoke to her. He said, "I am about to die. It is too cold for me up here, and I am freezing. There is no food around, and I am starving. Please put me under your coat and take me with you."

 

"No," replied the girl. "I know your kind. You are a rattlesnake. If I pick you up, you will bite me, and your bite is poisonous." "No, no," replied the snake. "If you help me, you will be my best friend. I will treat you differently."

 

The little girl sat down on a rock for a moment to rest and think things over. She looked at the beautiful markings on the snake and had to admit that it was the most beautiful snake she had ever seen. Suddenly she said, "I believe you. I will save you. All living things deserve to be treated with kindness." She reached over, put the snake gently under her coat and proceeded toward grandmother's house.

 

Within a moment, she felt a sharp pain on her side. The snake had bitten her. "How could you do this to me?" she cried. "You promised that you would not bite me, and I trusted you!" "You knew what I was when you picked me up," hissed the snake as he slithered away.

 

This parable sets the stage for the story of Adam and Eve who trusted a snake in the Garden of Eden. The devil lied. ". . . there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a lair and the father of lies" (John 8:44b). The snake "bit" Adam and Eve and the bite was deadly - spiritually, physically, eternally!

 

Then God spoke: "I will put enmity (warfare) between you (satan) and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He (the Messiah) will crush your head (on the cross), and you will strike His heel (mortally wounding Him)" (Genesis 3:15). Look to Jesus, my friend. Trust what He did for you on Calvary's cross. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

 
Ten Signs You're Leading in Maintenance Mode

By Thom Ranier

  1. The pastor is not equipping others.
  2. Pastoral care of members is increasing.
  3. The pastor does not take time to connect with non-members and non-Christians.
  4. The pastor deals with members' complaints at an increasing rate.
  5. The pastor worries more about the next phone call, conversation, or email.
  6. The pastor experiences greater family interference time.
  7. The pastor is reticent to take vacation time or days off.
  8. The pastor is reticent to take new initiatives.
  9. The pastor has no vision for the future.
  10. The pastor has lost the joy of ministry. 
Stack of Stuff

Some Things Are Very True

Life is uncertain, Death is sure,
Sin is the cause, Christ is the cure! - Anon.

It's never too soon for an unbeliever to believe in Christ as Savior,
but at any moment it could be to late!

People use duct tape to fix everything.
God used three nails!

Jill Lynn Buteyn on the death of her friend Kara Tippetts
"Thirty-eight year old mamas with four kids don't die. She was too young to go. But then, I wonder, is there a right age to die? To fly away to the arms of Jesus?"

Veterans Day is November 11th
At worship services on the 8th ask all who served in the military to stand and give them a big hand of applause. They deserve it.

"Do not presume
to speak to My children on My behalf without first consulting Me." - God

Consider a pantry food bank
for your church and community. People without employment and seniors on limited fixed incomes can be the objects of your love and care. Pastors can use their needs for a personal visit for encouragement and ministry.

12 "Thank You" Cards
With any email order you place this month we'll include 12 "Thank You" cards, #407F, a $12.95 value. Send the card to folks who have faithfully served the Lord. They'll appreciate it.

Sermonic Bible Study
Here is a Thanksgiving Eve Sermonic Bible Study on Luke 17:11-19 by Pastor Don. To make a copy click Bible Study.

Bible study topics
do make a huge difference in promoting Bible class attendance. Here are three Bible studies from Church Press that have proven to increase attendance dramatically:
  • The Many Wonders of Heaven. 8 chapters. Reveals the many joys of our future home. This has tremendous appeal.
  • Our Awesome God. 10 chapters. Helps us to think of God more nearly as He is, not as we suspect He is. 
  • The Story of Angels. 10 chapters. Clearly presents what God says about angels as they pertain to you and God's Kingdom.
Go to our website for more information and to place your order.

Edmund Burke wrote:
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength."

Idea for caring for the elderly
Ask someone to be in charge of signing up volunteers to pick up elderly members, bring them to church, and then drive them home after. It will produce many smiling faces and happy hearts. This is a winner!

Aurora Public Schools in East Denver Fall Short
From the Denver Post, 10/7/15
  • Only 5.5 students out of 10 will graduate
  • Of the 5.5, two students will go to college
  • Of the two, one will need remediation
This School District is failing dramatically. But in contrast, how are our churches doing today? Average attendance is less than 30% of the membership. This is failing. Less than 10% read their Bibles. This is failing, too. "Jesus replied, 'You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God'" (Matthew 22:29). "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Peter 2:2).

Human Relationships
By Paul Tripp

You should be thankful for the people whom God places in your life. You should love them dearly. You should treat them with honor and respect. You should do all you can to maintain the unity and peace in your relationship. You should be willing to give generously and serve sacrificially. You should be humble as they speak truth into your life.

BUT . . . you cannot look to people to provide for you what only Christ can provide. There are many, many Christian relationships that are painful and marked by conflict and disappointment because one person, or both people, in those relationships are placing a burden on the other person that no human can bear. [read more] (Please, please read)

Deep Preaching - Creating Sermons that Go Beyond the Superficial
By J. Kent Edwards

Edwards offers help to preachers to preach the Word in ways that will powerfully change the lives of hearers. Offers help on the entire homiletical process: studying the text, preparing the outline, preparing the sermon, and mechanics of preaching. 202 pages. #351 $19.99. Go to website or email us.

Significant Questions to Ask Our Friends and Ourselves (Try giving your answers to them)
  1. What is your greatest desire in life?
  2. What do you see as your greatest gift?
  3. What is your biggest frustration in life?
  4. Where would you like to be five years from now?
  5. What difference has Jesus made in your life?
  6. What do you like most about yourself?
  7. What present would you most like to receive?
  8. If you had what you wanted, what would it be?
  9. Who has changed your life and how?
  10. What is your favorite way of spending time?
  11. What makes you anxious? Afraid? Discouraged? Happy?
  12. If you had the power to change something, what would it be?
  13. What do you think will be most important to you 100 years from now?
The Fatal Mistake of Pastors Who Don't Like Preaching About Hell
By Pastor and Author Brian Jones
His Church has grown from 0 to 2,000+ people in NW Philadelphia

At first glance you'd probably think I'm resistant to change. I don't drink Starbucks coffee. I'm still not used to women having tattoos. I'm not getting an earring any time soon. And my wife says I still have the same haircut I had when I was in fifth grade.

But there is one change that troubles me: It's the lack of talk about hell by pastors. I'm troubled by the lack of talk about, preaching about, and deeply held conviction regarding the reality of hell by pastors today. Why is this happening? [read more] Note: His article is not long, but it's good, very good.

Judging, Judging, Judging

A "devout" church member was walking across a bridge one day and saw a fellow standing on the edge about to jump off. The church member immediately ran over and yelled, "Stop! Don't do it!"

"Why shouldn't I?" the jumper asked.
"Well, there is so much to live for!"
"Like what?"
"Well... are you religious or atheist?"
"Religious."
"Me, too! Are you Christian or Jewish?"
"Christian."
"Me too! Are your Catholic or Protestant?"
"Protestant."
"Me too! What denomination?"
"Baptist."
"Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?"
"Baptist Church of God."
"Me too! Are You Original Baptist Church of God or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?"
"Reformed Baptist Church of God."
"Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879 or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?"
"Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!"
To which the first man said, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed the jumper off.
"For here we have no lasting city,
but we seek the city that is to come" (Hebrews 13:14)
 
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