​
​Children
Mark 10:13-31

I. Intro                                                                                                                                               
Big Idea: Dependence and poverty are required to experience the strength and riches of God’s kingdom.

II. Blessed                                                                                                                                       
A. Jesus has time for us. Mark 10:13; 1 Peter 5:7
B. Grace doesn’t work for the ungracious. Mark 10:14-16

III. Good                                                                                                                                        
A. It’s possible to be sincere, and completely oblivious. Mark 10:17-20
B. Jesus loves us enough to expose us. Matthew 6:24; Mark 10:21-22; 1 Timothy 6:10

IV. Rich                                                                                                                                                  
A. We can’t acquire heaven. Mark 10:23-26
B. Grace is a gift. Mark 10:27

V. Eternal Life                                                                                                                                  
A. Trusting Jesus leads to greater riches. Mark 10:28-30
B. Following Christ causes us to find our reward in Him.  Mark 10:31

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• How have you been spending your time in quarantine?   
• What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
• Why does Jesus commend childlike faith? 
• What are things people rely on to show their worth? 
• Can you relate to the rich young man? Explain. 
• How has Jesus caused you to rely on Him lately? 
• What’s something or someone you have left behind to follow Jesus? What was the result? 
• Any specific ways you can be last in these days? Pray for one another. ​ ​

Dear Church,
​
Last week someone sent me a text stating, “The Coronavirus is omnipresent.” It can certainly seem that way, right? However, we know from Scripture that only God is omnipresent (everywhere) – as well as being aware of everything, and all-powerful.  Further, He is glorious, gracious, and good.  These are important truths to keep in mind because at times like these it can be easy turn in on ourselves – by dwelling on our fears and insecurities. And as a result, react to events and people – by blaming or hoarding. However, God has called us, at this time, and always, to remember who He is, who we are to Him (dearly loved children), and how we’re to respond to those around us because of Christ – that we’re to pray for, bless, and love them. 
 
With that in mind, years ago, I was challenged with the question, “If you moved out of your neighborhood, would anyone miss you, or even know you were gone?”  In our current crisis, a similar question I heard asked, with regard to our buildings closing, “Does anyone in our community miss our church, or care if we’re closed?” That’s hard to answer, on a lot of levels. Maybe a better question would be, how can we serve our community in practical ways that reflect God’s love at this time?

Recently, I’ve become aware of one way we can do this. The East County Food Bank is accepting monetary gifts, but even more than that they need groceries. They also wanted to emphasize that their greatest need is canned goods because their normal supplier is unable to deliver. That said, here are items they’re looking for: bean/rice dinners, brown sugar, cake mixes, canned broth, canned chicken, canned fruit, canned ravioli, canned soup, canned tuna, canned vegetables, cold cereal, cookies, crackers, garden produce, hamburger/tuna helper, hygiene items, jam, Jell-O, macaroni & cheese, microwave popcorn, pasta, peanut butter, powdered sugar, spaghetti sauce, and Top Ramen. If you would like to give any of these items you can drop them off at the church, by putting them inside the main church door, and we’ll deliver them for you.  If you don’t have a key, you can or call me at 360-470-8406 and I’ll be right over. If you’d like to give financially you can mail your gift to the church, designating it as an offering for the food bank. 

We’re in unfamiliar territory, but that doesn’t mean we can’t serve and worship – even in new and impactful ways. Next Sunday is Palm Sunday, and the first Sunday of the month – on which we usually take communion. How are we going to celebrate the Lord’s Supper if we can’t gather physically? Answer: we’re going to bring communion to you. At some point between now and Sunday, one of the elders will bring you juice, crackers (or bread), and a short devotion that will help you prepare. On Sunday morning we will gather on ZOOM (instructions below). I’ll share a message from Mark 10:13-31, and then we’ll take communion, at home, together.  If you’re unable to connect with us on ZOOM, a prerecorded audio version of the message, including communion, will be available at the church website. 

So, here’s how ZOOM works. You download the ZOOM app from the app store on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. (All you need is a camera and speaker.) Next, I’ll email you an invitation detailing the time for our gathering.  At 10:15 you can open your invitation, click on the link and you’ll be able to see and hear all those gathered.  We’ll spend time visiting, catching up, and making sure people have time to get in – and then at 10:30 we’ll start the service. If you’re late, that’s ok – our lovely ZOOM administrator Corrine will admit you. Also, if you have any questions or problems, please don’t hesitate to text or call her – 360-470-8398.   

These days are presenting us with new challenges, but also new opportunities to grow in faith as we serve one another and our neighbors. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. And, we look forward to seeing you soon. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 

Because of Christ, 
Pastor Gunnar

Dear Church,
​
For some reason, lately I’ve been thinking about our rights and things that are certain.  John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” That’s good news! Anytime, but especially in days like these. Our hope is in Someone who never changes, and promises to give us everything that matters most and lasts – no matter what our circumstances, and based, not on our strength or will – but His! Verse13 continues, we are given the right to become and live as God’s children because we’re, “13 …born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

It’s important to remember in these uncertain times that our lives are not found in the things of this world, but in the hands of a loving Father who “…works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). With that in mind, we know that whatever hardships we encounter they won’t last, and even if the worst happens, it will turn out for the best.

So, last week someone asked me about what happened to First Baptist Elma (then called Elma Baptist) during the Spanish Influenza outbreak in the early 1900s.  Our records indicate that in 1918 the church closed October 13 through November 24. Not a good time in the history of the world or our country. Millions died, partly because people didn’t isolate quickly or extensively as WWI raged and young men were forced to travel and lodge in close quarters.  Eventually public gatherings were prohibited and churches like ours were closed. Yet, after the quarantine Elma Baptist experienced growth – people believed for the first time and were baptized.  We don’t know why God is allowing COVID–19, but He can use it to turn us and our neighbors to Him, for His glory.    

That said, as we adjust to this season, here are a few updates. The church office, in compliance with Governor Inslee’s mandate, will be closed.  Charlotte can still receive messages and prayers requests through emailing her at the church address, through private messaging, and by calling her (if you can’t reach her another way). You can email me at gunnarahlquist@hotmail.com, or call or text at 360-470-8406. Further, you can still stop by to pick things up – but Charlotte and I will be limiting our presence on campus as much as possible.
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In any case, even though we are not able to gather physically, we can still connect through technology. There’s a bit of learning curve in this regard for many of us – but elder training and some life groups are starting to connect via ZOOM. Likewise, we are continuing to work on ways to experience a live service on Sunday mornings through YouTube or Facebook. That said, audio sermons will continue to be posted by Sunday mornings. I encourage you and your family to take part.

With that in mind, please continue to text me questions, prayer requests, and praises or stories of God’s faithfulness.  We miss you, and love you – and look forward to seeing you soon, according to God’s good purposes.

Because of Christ,
Pastor Gunnar

Kingdom                                                                                                                                                       
Mark 9:30-50

I. Intro.                                                                                                                             
Big Idea: It’s impossible to enter the kingdom of God without a living faith in Christ. 

II. On the Road                                                                                                                                                     
A. Discipleship is a process. Mark 9:30-32 
B. God’s kingdom isn’t self-centered. Mark 9:30-34 

III. Sitting Down                                                                                                                                   
A. Jesus came to turn our upside-down world, right side up. Mark 9:35 
B. We tend to value the perishable instead of the imperishable. Mark 9:36-37; Philippians 2:1-4 

​IV. One of Us                                                                                                                                                   
A. Christianity isn’t a clique. Mark 9:38 
B. Our habits reveal our destiny. Matthew 6:19-21; Mark 9:39-41                                                                                                                                            
V. If…                                                                                                                                             
A. God offers real choices, and real consequence. Mark 9:42-48; 1 John 2:19 
B. Have a salty faith. Mark 9:49-50     

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• What’s something you miss about being a kid?
• What’s something from Sunday’s message on Mark 9:30-50 you found challenging, encouraging, or confusing?
• When have you seen the worst in people the last few weeks? When have you seen the best?
• Why is it good news that discipleship is a process?
• How can faith in Christ help us to respond to the Coronavirus in a God honoring way? 
• Read Hebrews 10:25. Even though it’s difficult to be with each other physically at this time, how can we still spur one another on toward faith and good works? 
• What’s something you need to avoid as a follower of Christ? Pray for one another. 

Dear Church,

I’m going to be sending out weekly updates on things going on (or not going on) at First Baptist Elma for the foreseeable future. We are certainly in uncharted waters – however, in this uncertain season we also, by God’s grace, have new opportunities to worship, love each other and our neighbors – in ways that demonstrate our faith in Christ, who is in control. We want to be careful how we live, but also make the most of every opportunity to glorify Him in these days (Ephesians 4:15-15).

That said, our ministry of the Word will continue to take place online. If you had trouble accessing the message last week, start by going to www.fbcelma.org, then click “listen to the latest sermon,” next click the most recent sermon (the outline and discussion questions will appear), next click “listen to this week’s sermon” at the top of the page, and finally download the message. (If you don’t have a media format to play the sermon follow the instructions listed at the left of your screen.)   

We are currently working on ways to worship together through a live feed on YouTube or ZOOM. This is a process. We want to make sure it’s done well, and legally.

With that in mind, we have a chance to worship in new and creative ways. Last week my family and I looked up worship songs on YouTube. Each person picked a song and said why they picked it – then we sang together. After that we listened to the message, prayed through Psalm 23, and closed by singing the Doxology. It wasn’t the same as worshipping face to face with all of you – but it was sweet in its own way.
Though this season presents obstacles it also provides opportunities. One thing I would like to add to our online gatherings – to help us stay connected and growing in the Word – is that after the message you can text in questions to 360-470-8406. Before the next sermon we’ll post a recording of your questions and my best attempt to answer them.  We also wanted to let you know that it’s possible, and important, to make offerings through mailing them to the church, bringing them to the church during office hours, or giving online at our website. Finally, as far as services go, we are praying and considering ideas about how to gather (at an appropriate distance from one another) for Easter. Stay tuned.  

So, how do we follow the Lord’s command to love one another in isolation? I encourage you to call people you usually fellowship with at church or go the extra mile and contact one or two people you don’t know super well – just to see how they’re doing, and touch base. The elders and I will also be calling everyone in the church to catch up and see how we can pray for you.  Even though this time is not ideal – we can also grow in community in unexpected ways.

That said, our mission of loving our neighbors in Christ-centered ways can likewise grow and expand. This doesn’t have to be a big deal, but you never know how God will use – stopping by and see if people are ok, taking time to listen, and offering to share things, like toilet paper.
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Throughout church history it has always responded to plagues and pandemics differently than people who don’t yet know the love of Christ.  Though this season is difficult in many ways, we have an opportunity to shine like a city on a hill, and perhaps reaching many through following in the loving, self-sacrificing steps of our Savior.  May God bless you in rich and unexpected ways.

Because of Christ,
Pastor Gunnar  

​Transfigured 
Mark 9:2-13

I. Intro 
Big Idea: Because Jesus was transfigured, we can be transformed.

II. Before Them 
A. Jesus prepared His disciples by revealing His glory. Mark 9:2; 2 Peter 1:16-18
B. We’re accustom to settling for lesser glories. Malachi 4:4-5; Mark 9:3-4; Luke 24:44

III. The Cloud 
A. Fear can be good. Mark 9:5-6
B. God wants us to hear His Son. Mark 9:7; Romans 8:30

IV. Down the Mountain 
A. Jesus doesn’t want us to communicate an incomplete gospel. Mark 9:8-9; 1 Corinthians 15:14
B. Because Jesus went first, there will be a resurrection. Mark 9:10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

V. Restores 
A. Because Christ was rejected, we’re accepted. Matthew 11:14; Mark 9:11-12; John 1:14
B. Only God’s glory changes us. Mark 9:13

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

• Any phobias?
• What’s something from Sunday’s message on Mark 9:2-13 that challenged or encouraged you?
• Do you think it’s possible for people to change? Explain.
• Read 1 John 4:18. How can fearing God be a good thing?
• In what ways were the disciples NOT listening to Jesus?
• How can we miscommunicate the gospel?
• How has God reassured you of His acceptance lately?