EMMETT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
June 2021
Discover Christ's Transforming Love
126 S. Hayes Ave. Emmett, Idaho 83617
Lance Zagaris, Pastor
Pam Hodges, Worship Director
A Word From the Pastor
Galatians 5:16-6:5 (NIV)
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.
Dearly Beloved,
In Gal. 5:16-21, Paul describes the spiritual battle that believers experience between the conflicting desires of their sinful nature and the godly desire of the Holy Spirit. Believers are urged to live by the Spirit, so that they will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (5:16).
The Lord wants us to feed the godly, spiritual desires and to starve the sinful desires of our flesh. He wants us to strengthen our spiritual ears and muscles to respond to the Holy Spirit’s leading with obedience. He wants the sinful desires in our lives to become weaker and weaker.
Gal. 5:22-23 describes the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life to be like a fruit tree growing in an orchard. When the believer is spiritually healthy, he or she will give evidence of that by displaying attitudes, words, and actions of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in their lives. These spiritual traits being manifested reveal that the Holy Spirit is working in and through the believer’s life. Not only will God see His fruit in them, but it will be apparent to others as well.
Gal. 5:24 says that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. We don’t accomplish this in our own strength, but by the help of God’s Spirit! But we are called by God to be active partners with Him in developing the spiritual disciplines to crucify the sinful nature and to live by the Spirit. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and it takes godly practice, moment by moment, temptation by temptation, trial by trial. Gal. 5:25 says: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. “Let’s go at His pace, one step at a time.
Some of the spiritual disciplines that are needed include: attending worship at church, Sunday School, Junior Church, small group, personal time with the LORD reading and studying His word, praying and singing to the LORD, and serving God and others.
Mark Batterson says, “Hitting ninety-seven out of a hundred free throws wasn’t luck. It was – and it wasn’t. It’s called muscle memory. Shooting free throws is a little like riding a bike. Once the skill is learned, it’s never forgotten. Despite the connotation, muscle memory isn’t stored in your muscles. It’s a procedural memory that is stored in your brain anytime you repeat a muscle movement… the muscle memory becomes stronger the more it is repeated” (If, p.52).
What is true for riding a bike and shooting free throws is true for developing godly disciplines in our lives as believers. Mark continues in his book: “Living a Spirit-led life is a steep learning curve. It takes time – and by time, I mean decades not days. You have to grow in the spiritual disciplines little by little. That’s how you go from strength to strength” (If, p. 53 also see Ps. 84:7)
In Gal. 6:1-5, Paul reveals that we were never intended to live a Lone Ranger Christian life. We were designed by God to live in community with fellow believers. We are called to spend time together helping each other develop spiritual fruit in our lives. Help restore those caught in sin (6:1). Do it with care and humility, knowing you have your own spiritual vulnerabilities (6:1). Carry each other’s burdens in humility and love (6:2). Some day we may be the ones needing outside help from others (6:3).
Our spiritual growth will be enriched or impoverished, not only by our trust in the Holy Spirit’s leading and empowerment, but also by our level of participation in the local church: being discipled by and discipling others, serving and being served, caring and allowing others to care for you. If we keep ourselves away from church and church relationships, it will stunt our spiritual growth in Christ. If we participate with a heart to learn, we will grow spiritually. We will go from strength to strength!! We will be like the fruit trees growing in the orchards of the Emmett Valley - we will bear spiritually juicy fruit!
Shepherding you in Christ’s love,
Lance
Life Lessons
Your life is your garden, your thoughts are the seeds.
If you life isn't awesome, you've been watering the weeds.
A Good Dad Is Countercultural
Greg's Blog
by Greg Laurie
Mark Twain said, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”
It’s great that we have a day when we can thank God for the importance of dads. I honestly believe that fathers who have honored their commitments to their families are the unsung heroes of America today.
As Rich Lowry pointed out, “Dad is countercultural. If he is responsible, loving, and married, he might seem boring and a constant provocation to his eye-rolling teenage children, but he stands at the ramparts of a movement to save the country from the most destructive trend of the past 30 years: father absence.”
A father’s influence will continue for generations. It was the great British preacher C. H. Spurgeon who said, “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you. So carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”
Fathers are doing just that. They’re carving their names in the hearts of their children, their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren. Their influence is powerful and significant.
In the New Testament, we find the story of a father who pretty much had it all going on. He was very successful, influential and wealthy. But one day his son got sick – so sick, in fact, that he was on the verge of death. This father heard that Jesus was nearby, so he beat a quick path to the Savior and brought his needs before him.
The Bible calls him “a certain nobleman” (John 4:46 NKJV). Another way to translate this phrase is “a royal official” or “a king’s man.” This means he was an official in King Herod’s court. So he was a powerful man and also would have been a feared man.
Although he had everything the world had to offer, he lacked one thing: peace of mind. That’s because his own dear son was seriously ill. The child had contracted a fever, and his father was watching his life slowly drain away. But his power, prestige and influence could do nothing for his child.
Then he heard that Jesus was nearby. Interestingly, Jesus hadn’t done a lot of miracles at this point. He had turned water into wine. But as far as the nobleman was concerned, the same Jesus who did that miracle could touch his son as well. So he made the journey to see Jesus.
Now, Jesus was about 18 miles away. This nobleman probably climbed on the fastest horse he owned, maybe an Arabian stallion, and rode at breakneck speed to get to the Lord.
Imagine the scene, if you will. Jesus was with an ever-present crowd, pushing and pulling all around him. Most of them would have been peasants. And suddenly a man comes blowing into town, dressed in royal finery, perhaps even wearing a crown of some kind. He descends from his beautiful stallion, gets down on his hands and knees, and starts begging Jesus to heal his son.
It would be like a Rolls Royce pulling up in the worst neighborhood in the worst town in the worst place, and suddenly a guy jumps out in a beautiful designer suit, gets down on his knees and begs Jesus to help him.
It was a scene that would have caused everyone to stop and wonder.
John’s gospel tells us this father “implored [Jesus] to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death” (4:47 NKJV). The original language suggests that he did this repeatedly. He was saying, “Lord, I beg you, I plead with you, I implore you, heal my son.”
Another interesting thing in the original language is the way he described his son. It implies affection. So he essentially was saying, “Lord, I beg you. I plead with you, touch my dear boy, my precious son. Don’t let him die.”
There was agony in his words. His heart was breaking. He cared nothing about how it appeared to those who were gathered around. All he cared about was his son.
So how did Jesus respond to this display of affection and devotion? He said, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe” (verse 48 NKJV).
What kind of response was that? Here was this nobleman on his hands and knees, pouring out his heart to Jesus, and it seemed as though Jesus threw cold water on his face. What was that all about?
A closer look reveals that Jesus wasn’t demeaning or insulting him. He was using it as a teaching moment to bring him forward spiritually. Jesus wasn’t addressing his words as much to the nobleman as he was to the fickle multitude watching this scene unfold.
He was saying, “I know why you follow me. I know why you throng about me wherever I go. It’s because you’re dazzled by miracles. But you have no real interest in knowing me as Savior and Lord.”
And then he turned to the nobleman and responded to his appeal. Jesus said, “Go your way; your son lives” (verse 50 NKJV).
Apparently, this father became a believer after the Lord did this wonderful miracle for him, because John tells us, “And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. … And he and his entire household believed in Jesus (verses 50–51, 53 NLT).
You know what charge Jesus gave to His disciples more than any other? It was “fear not.” There are so many things to be afraid of. We can be gripped so easily by fear and worry. But we need to follow the example of this father and place our fears and worries in the hands of God, trusting in him. And fathers, with all their responsibilities, especially need to do this.
Fathers, you’re leaving a legacy. So leave a godly one.
—
Learn more about Pastor Greg Laurie.
This article was originally published at WND.com.
Join us every weekend on Harvest at Home for an online worship experience.
Thermostats
The Bend In The Road
Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
and we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
and He knows that it's only a bend.
The road will go on and get soother
and after we've stopped for a rest,
the path that lies hidden beyond us
is often the path that is best.
So rest, relax and grow stronger,
let go and let God share your load;
Have faith in a brighter tomorrow,
you've just come to a bend in the road.
Helen Steiner Rice
Freida Knepper - “Let Go and Let God”
Freida Knepper has been an FBC member for many years. Her family, back to her great grandmother, attended FBC regularly. Freida is Edgar and Bernice Wilson’s only child. Her uncles, Howard and Albert Wilson, with help from Merne and Nita Wilson’s dad, Mort Phillips, put in the baptismal in the church that is still used today. Her aunts, Merne and Nita Wilson were very active in the church teaching Sunday School, serving in the Choir, etc.
Freida accepted the Lord as a teenager, because of a revival at FBC. The speaker stressed why you should have Christ in your life, and it scared her and her friends to death. When the alter call came, they all went forward together. This bonded the group, and they became very close. On Freida’s 16th birthday her mother insisted they do heavy house cleaning and Freida didn’t understand until the group of teens all showed for a surprise birthday party! Freida and the group of teens left FBC and attended the Christian church until Freida went off to college.
Freida’s grandmother, Lena Wilson, as well as Freida’s great grandmother, were two people in her life that inspired her the most when it came to God. Her great grandmother had come to live with them, and she was always busy making things (crocheting). But when Sunday came, everything was put away and the day was totally devoted to the Lord. They would go to church, and she would sit in her rocker and read the Bible.
Freida’s life after her teen years was not an easy one. She went to college and got a degree in Home Economics. She got engaged, then broke off the engagement when she was offered a job as a Home Economics teacher in Mountain Home. She moved from Moscow to Mountain Home and met Dennis Knepper. They were married in 1960 on the military base. They had three children: Heidi, Mike and Wendy. Her husband was a Presbyterian and believing the wife should follow her husband, she and the children attended church there even though her husband rarely attended.
Freida’s husband, Dennis, had told her that his dad was an alcoholic and Freida soon found out that her husband had inherited the disease. He was an insurance agent and did well, but one could never count on him. He spent many hours at the bar and was drunk nearly all the time. He was abusive and mean, but Freida did not believe in divorce.
One time Freida came home from church and the house was a wreck. Her husband and her son (approx. 17 years old) were fist-fighting. Freida told her son he had to leave. He moved out and ended up going to Alaska.
Another time, while her folks were visiting at their house, her dad was out in front of the house walking the dog. Dennis took his rifle and headed out the door saying, “I’m going to kill that blankety, blankety person”. Freida looked out the window and saw it was her dad and was able to stop her husband, but he was so drunk he did not even know it was her dad.
Freida’s oldest daughter, Heidi, was generally able to stand up to her dad when he was drunk so he didn’t mess with her too much. But when he started in with verbally abusing Freida’s youngest daughter, Wendy, it scared Freida to death. She moved out and got an apartment and took Wendy with her (her oldest daughter was at college).
Freida, along with Wendy, joined Al-Anon. People ask why an alcoholic doesn’t just quit. It was related to asking Freida to give up her faith in the Lord which is something she wouldn’t want to do and could never do. Freida said she can’t emphasize enough how great it was to have other people to relate, bond, and learn from on how to deal with an alcoholic. The Al-Anon book is a daily worship with the Lord and taught you to “Let go and Let God”. Freida says she probably joined every group like this there was to join.
When Freida moved out, she had very little money. She had worked a few odd jobs and stashed some money away (about $1,000) that her husband didn’t know about. Freida got a teaching job and went to night school, all while taking care of her children. She was on food stamps and picked up commodities to make ends meet. Her mother sent her a $200 check every month, which was a huge help. Finally, she got a divorce.
Freida’s son, Mike, after visiting his grandpa and grandma Wilson, left there to hitch a ride back to North Idaho, he ran into a guy who said he was going to Alaska. Freida received a phone call from Mike asking her to have his things sent to him in Alaska as he was moving there to work for this guy. He loved Alaska and was happy there. A couple years later, a friend contacted Mike and was looking for someone to go with his younger brother to do a land grab. They had to fly into a lake in Alaska and Mike was experienced and agreed to go. Shortly after, Freida received a call from the older brother who said that he went to check on his brother and Mike and couldn’t find them. They had not made it to the land grab and were nowhere to be found. Freida started praying, and didn’t quit praying, prayed all the time. She couldn’t remember how many days went by when she finally got a phone call that the bodies had been recovered. They had drowned. Mike was 23 years old at the time.
Freida got past it. She said, “the Lord got me through it”. She joined Compassionate Friends to help others get through it with the Lord’s help. She explained that many people are angry at the Lord, and they need to know He hasn’t forgotten them. If they really read scripture and trust, He will be there and get them through it. Freida devoted 15 years to Compassionate Friends. They are a world-wide organization and publish monthly newsletters and have workshops on grieving. Freida met people, traveled, spoke to a lot of people about losing children which gave her an opportunity to tell them if they didn’t put trust in the Lord, they would be lost forever.
After Freida’s mother passed, Freida took her dad to South Carolina to a Compassionate friend’s convention. While she had never been very close to her dad, she was able to bond with him after her mother’s death, which she is grateful. Her dad suffered from Alzheimer’s, so he eventually got to where he didn’t know her. He even asked her to marry him in which she had to remind him that she was his daughter.
Freida retired and moved back to Emmett in 2000. She had served as Librarian and Home Economics teacher for 12 years at the Grangeville High School. She was instrumental in transitioning the library when the computer age began, obtained grant funding for more books and built special bonds with the students.
When Freida returned to Emmett, she returned to FBC and attends regularly. She was happy when she moved back and to be back in her church again. With her family all gone except her it was very different coming back… not seeing Merne and Nita in the Choir or Merne not doing her Sunday School class. Being an only child and the last living relative in the area, she has received many items handed down from the family (their marked-up Bibles, books from Sunday School classes they taught, etc.). She mentioned she will probably be donating many of the items to the church. She was always glad to help out when she could and hopes others will get involved in the church.
Freida pointed out that Pat Scott was a definite influence on her life and her walk with the Lord. She said Pat being a strong, religious lady showed her so much more of the Lord. They used to walk around the island every morning and talk about the Lord. Freida is so glad she shared Pat’s companionship and talking about the Lord all those times together.
Freida explained a time when she really felt the Lord’s presence in her life was when she lost her son. The Lord answered prayers and gave her peace. From that point on, she was not going to leave the Lord and hoped He would never leave her. The first thing she does every morning, after she gets her coffee, is read the Bible and/or pray – just having that contact with the Lord.
Freida never remarried. She explained that she never feels alone because she knows she has the Lord. Her two daughters live in other states and have busy lives of their own. While her youngest daughter has taken on a lot to help Freida out, it is hard for Freida to let her help because she has a family and a lot on her plate already. However, Freida recognizes that her mind is slipping, and she is not able to do the things she needs to do. Her oldest daughter has a same sex partner and does not have a relationship with the Lord. She asks Freida to pray for her. Freida has tried to encourage her to know the Lord but has learned to “Let go and let God”.
When asked if she had anything she would like to share with others, she explained that she feels people are afraid of the Lord - that they think they are not good enough for the Lord. They need to know that He loves each and every one of us. We can feel secure knowing all the promises written in the Bible are true and not going to change. Its all there. All we have to do is accept it.
I know there is so much more to Freida’s story than what I was able to capture in our discussion. While Freida could not remember the family history since she was so young, she has many pictures and has heard stories from Howard and Merne. We talked about someday doing a subsequent article.
Freida has been a face at church that I remember from the time I started coming to FBC about 20 years ago. With her librarian background she has been very dedicated to the church library and organizing it. She has served on the Diaconate, helped with dinners, participated in small groups, etc. She has always been friendly, and I really enjoyed our discussion. When mentioning to others that I was going to do an article on Freida, I would get “oh, I just love Freida!” Freida’s life, and her devotion to the Lord regardless of the hardships, is an inspiration! She is concerned that she may not be able to live on her own much longer and is considering moving close to her daughter. I would encourage those of you who haven’t visited with Freida lately to seize the opportunity. She is an amazing woman who truly loves the Lord!
The Difference between a master and a beginner - The master has failed more times than the beginner has ever tried!
A Ministry of Idaho Mountain Ministries - Systemic Evil
“In every institution, there is something which sooner or later works against the very purpose for which it came into existence” —C. S. Lewis
While I don’t embrace Critical Race Theory—its roots are antagonistic to the gospel—it is true that evil exists within systems. Patterns of sinful behavior and oppression can become entrenched and once these patterns are in place, they make it easier for individuals within that system to sin with impunity.
But the Bible makes it very clear that we are responsible for our own sins (Deuteronomy 24:16). I may be the product of an ungodly family or a member of a corrupt organization, but systemic evil is never a rational for wrong-doing. I can, by God’s grace, resist the pressure to conform to unjust standards of behavior.
Ezekiel 18 is a case study on what happens when we place our emphasis on corporate evil: It leads to individual moral irresponsibility: If I’m not answerable for my actions I can evade the consequences of those actions. But the scriptures make it clear that I am responsible for my actions no matter what others do. “The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself” (Ezekiel 18:20).
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote, “The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties—but right through every human heart—and through all human hearts” (Gulag Archipelago). Paul writes without nuance or qualification, “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23).
So, while there is systemic and corporate evil in the world I must face the fact of the evil in me and the consequences of it. English journalist, Malcolm Muggeridge, was asked on one occasion “What’s wrong with world?” Muggeridge replied with unambiguous candor, “I am.”
David Roper
Camps
Cathedral Pines
Fall ACTS Camp
Bring the family, youth group, church group, or just yourself to help with winterizing and maintenance projects at the camp and Easley. Skilled labor is always appreciated, but no expertise is needed. Everyone can help!
There is no cost. Cabins and food are provided. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Click here to register or go to https://www.cathedralpines.org/ for more information. Students can earn up to $30 credit towards Fall & Winter Camps .
Registration for summer camps at Cathedral Pines is closed
Shiloh Bible Camp (https://www.shilohbiblecamp.com/)
- 9th - 12th Grade, July 11 - 17, 2021 ($225)
- 6th - 8th Grade, July 18 - 24, 2021 ($225)
- 4th - 6th Grade Girls, July 25 - 31, 2021 ($225)
- 4th - 6th Grade Boys, August 1 - 7, 2021 ($225)
Save the Date!
Hosted by Emmett First Baptist Church
August 8th @ 6 PM
Helpers Needed! Look for the Sign-up sheet at church and/or via email with bulletin
Tropical Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
By bbutner Cakes American Bake
- Prep: 40 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Yields: 8-10 Servings
Directions
FOR CAKE:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper. Combine 1/3 cup flour and next 3 ingredients in processor. Process until nuts are finely chopped. Whisk remaining 2 cups flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in medium bowl to blend.
Using electric mixer, beat sugar and oil in large bowl to blend. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Beat in flour-spice mixture. Stir in coconut-macadamia mixture, then carrots and crushed pineapple.
Divide batter among pans. Bake until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool in pans on racks 1 hour. Run knife around edge of pans to loosen cakes. Turn cakes out onto racks; cool completely.
FOR FROSTING:
Beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar, then cream of coconut and both extracts. Chill until firm enough to spread, about 30 minutes.
Place 1 cake layer, flat side up, on platter. Spread 3/4 cup frosting over top of cake. Top with second cake layer, flat side up. Spread 3/4 cup frosting over. Top with third cake layer, rounded side up, pressing slightly to adhere. Spread thin layer of frosting over top and sides of cake. Chill cake and remaining frosting 30 minutes. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Arrange whole nuts and ginger around top edge of cake. Chill 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.)
Ingredients
CAKE:
2 1/3 cups sifted all purpose flour (sifted, then measured)
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup dry-roasted macadamia nuts
3/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger
3 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 cups finely grated peeled carrots
2 8-ounce cans crushed pineapple in its own juice, well drained
FROSTING:
3 8-ounce packages Philadelphia-brand cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup canned sweetened cream of coconut (such as Coco López)
1/2 teaspoon (scant) coconut extract
Chuckles
One summer evening , a 3 year old came in while his parents were setting the table for supper. Quite surprisingly, he asked if he could help. His mother said, "No, but I appreciate your asking."
The child responded, "Well, I appreciate your saying no."