“In and through the Scriptures we see the glory of God. What the apostles of Jesus saw face-to-face they impart to us through their words.” ― John Piper, A Peculiar Glory

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Psalm 119:18).

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand [see] them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

We fail friends and family daily — and even more, we fail God. So it is fitting to accompany our opening of God’s word with the humble, broken, poor plea of the redeemed: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13).

Pray that God, having opened your eyes to wonder and reminded you of the sufficiency of his grace, would produce genuine change in your life. Ask him to allow the seeds from Scripture to bear real, noticeable fruit in tangible acts of sacrificial love for others. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

The great goal of Bible reading and study is this: knowing and enjoying Jesus. This is a taste now of heaven’s coming delights. “This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). This gives direction, focus, and purpose to our study. This forms great yearning and passion in our souls: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” Philippians 3:8).

* Adapted from the https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/four-prayers-for-bible-reading

On Sunday, February 7 we will have an opportunity to witness a baptism and welcome new members into our fellowship. We trust you will join us for this joyous occasion as we celebrate new life in Jesus Christ and have opportunity to partner together with one another in the Lord’s work.

Due to the expense and limited usage of the weekly offering envelopes, we have decided to no longer issue offering envelopes. If you are giving through a check or through online giving your giving will be recorded. If you would like to give cash, but would also like a record of your giving, please write your name on a plain envelop with your cash gift. We would kindly ask that you dispose of your old offering envelops.

As many of you are likely already aware, we have moved most of our bulletin to an online format. If you (or someone you know) does not receive an email with the new bulletin link and you would like to receive such a link, please subscribe using the “Follow” button on our website at www.bbgb.org. Pastor Jonathan can also get you subscribed.

If you would be interested in donating your cans, please contact Pastor Jonathan and he will arrange a time with you to bring your cans to the church building.