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An Open Letter to Eastside Baptist Church

Link to An Open Letter to Eastside Baptist Church

The saints who gather at
204 Eastland Drive North in Twin Falls, Idaho

To the Lord’s people at Eastside Baptist Church,

It is my hope in the Lord that this correspondence finds you well and in a persevering hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I often say that it is a good day to be the church and I do indeed believe that it is. Even though we are in a day of fast paced moral and spiritual decline I’m hopeful for a strong, healthy and vibrant church.

We are on a journey with the Lord that has only showed us a portion of the glory of God.

  • The Lord has equipped us to plant churches in the region over the past decade.
  • By the grace of God, your pastors have voluntarily undergone seasons of reduction of pay and adjustment of financial supplement for the advancement of the gospel.
  • As a church, we have tasted the goodness of God by helping us through an unusual time four years ago while under international scrutiny.
  • The Lord supplied us with the resources to build a new meeting house debt free. While we still have more to accomplish to finish the occupancy permit, we are grateful for the Lord’s provision.
  • Today, God is providing the resources for a girls’ home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

God has called upon you to make some culturally unpopular changes in the past several years, and it appears there are more to come as the moral compass of our nation leads us treacherously close to freefall decadence. In spite of this ongoing shift, God calls us to joyful obedience. It is my intention to boldly lead you through unknown days.

It is my intention in writing you today to encourage you to remain faithful. I don’t have any special insight on what is on the horizon for the Lord’s church, His bride, but Scripture clearly shows us that we are called upon by the Lord Jesus Christ to obedience, always submitting ourselves to His Lordship.

I look forward to assembling with you this coming Lord’s Day, Resurrection Sunday!

paul signature

 

 

 

Paul Thompson
Pastor, Eastside Baptist Church

The Sinner’s Savior

SavedByGrace

I hope you will join me on April 20, 2014 at 10:30AM as I gather with my family and friends on Easter Sunday. We will gather at the meeting house of Eastside Baptist Church located at 204 Eastland Drive North in Twin Falls.

I gather with Eastside Baptist Church nearly every Lord’s Day. We will sing some songs, read Scripture, pray, and  listen to a sermon.

I will preach a sermon entitled, “the Sinner’s Savior.” I hope you will consider coming with me. Let me know if you have any questions.

     “Adore and admire the free grace of God, and pray that it may lead you to repentance! Are you inquiring for the way of life: Never forget that by grace we are saved. Grace always pre-supposes unworthiness in its object. The province of grace ceases where merit begins: what a cheering word is this to those who have no worth, no merit, no goodness whatever! Crimes are forgiven, and follies are cured by our Redeemer out of mere free favor. No works can purchase or procure salvation, but the heavenly Father gives freely.”
     “Grace comes to us through faith in Jesus. Whosoever believes on Him is not condemned. O, sinner, may God give you grace to look to Jesus and live. Look, now, for to-day is the accepted time!”

Charles Spurgeon

Picture source and quotation adaptation from: http://www.spurgeon.org/tract03.htm

Southern Idaho Bible Lecture Series (tBC010 A, B, and C)

The podcast this week is in three separate parts. TheBridgeCast (tBC010) was recorded at a gathering of believers from various churches throughout the Magic Valley on the Lord’s Day – March 30, 2014. Last night I had this unique pleasure to examine the same piece of Scripture with two faithful heralds of the Gospel. I will post audio recordings of the three lectures from Jeremiah 6:16-17.

First is Bear Morton. Bear is the pastor of the Magic Valley Bible Church in Twin Falls. Listen in as Bear speaks to those gathered at the College of Southern Idaho Fine Arts Center Theater.
(tBC010A)

Link to download (tBC010A)

Next is Jeff Norton. Jeff is the pastor of NorthRidge Fellowship in Jerome, Idaho. Listen in as Jeff speaks from verse 17.
(tBC010B)

Link to download (tBC010B)

Part three is the conclusion of the night together. May the Lord give grace to the proclamation and hearing of the exhortation of Jeremiah 6:16-17.
(tBC010C)

Link to download (tBC010C)

Be sure to share these lectures with your social media friends. Email links to friends. I’ll announce the second of four lectures in a few weeks with dates, times and location.

Churches who gathered: Magic Valley Bible Church in Twin Falls, NorthRidge Fellowship in Jerome, Berean Baptist Church in Wendell and Eastside Baptist Church in Twin Falls.

 

Therefore, Hear

I hope you are able to join me at the Southern Idaho Bible Lecture Series at the College of Southern Idaho on March 30 at 5PM. This gathering of churches is designed to provide fellowship and encouragement from Scripture as we look unto the Lord.

I’ve invited two men to help me examine Jeremiah 6:16-17.

“Bear” Morton will examine Jeremiah 6:16. Join me as he “stands by the ways” and speaks of the good way and calls us to walk in this good path. This path leads to rest for the weary souls in our day. There is hope in the Lord, walk in His way with me.

Jeff Norton, a watchman on the wall, will sound the “trumpet”. This clarion sound is a trustworthy call to walk the Lord’s path.

I’ll examine the response of the people. Surprisingly, many will not listen and most won’t walk the path. But our duty remains as strong as ever… stand by the way and herald the gospel to all, pointing the way to the better rest.

Join us Sunday evening, March 30, 2014 at 5PM.

Thus says the LORD,
“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
And you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.
“And I set watchmen over you, saying,
‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’
But they said, ‘We will not listen.’ Jeremiah 6:16-17 (NASB)

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theBridgeCast (tBC007)

After taking a few weeks off because of technical difficulties (meaning; I couldn’t find the box with my podcasting equipment in it) I’m back on track with the podcast.

00:00 – Intro
02:39 – Jeremiah 6:16-17
0820 – Facts and Trends

29:39 – Scripture Memorization

39:35 – Next Time

42:10 – Closing

theBridgeCast (tBC001)

Here it is… the debut episode of theBridgeCast.

GE

For some time I’ve been planning to launch into this venture and have finally jumped in. Back in 1985 (wow that sounds like a long time ago) I was introduced to radio broadcasting through a friend, David Sparks. David was working at the college radio station and would invite me in upon occasion as a guest on his morning show. Eventually David talked me in to taking a shot at applying to work at the station and I was hired to fill a time slot that couldn’t hurt the station.

This online broadcast is quite different than those days at KWLD. I’m not required to have a license from the FCC to broadcast online (I still have my FCC license) I’m not introducing music, I’m not giving time and weather updates, or running public service announcements from the crash test dummies.  

For now, theBridgCast is hosted here. The recording lacks in a few ways but the deadline I set on myself required me to go ahead and publish the broadcast as is. Without any further delay… here is theBridgeCast (tBC001)

Timeline and Links from tBC001 for reference:

tBC001 total length: 00:32:16
Download to mp3 HERE

:00:00 ~ Start/Intro
:00:30 ~ Welcome and Explanation
:03:19 ~ Scripture Reading (James 1:19-27) Hearing and Doing
:10:14 ~ Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: Tell it to Jesus and Psalm 6
:14:01 ~ Church History: January 1873, Charles Spurgeon article “Acta Non Verba
:26:42 ~ CALL TO ACTION LINKS:

:30:58 ~ Salutation and plans for January 13, 2014.

Share this broadcast with your friends and follow Paul on Twitter and Facebook #theBridge

Do Not Deceive Yourself

This morning at Eastside Baptist Church in Twin Falls, Idaho. The preaching is from 1 Corinthians 3:18 – 4:5. The SermonAudio file is ready and .pdf document of scripture references used in the sermon.

1 Corinthians 3:18-23 (NASB)

18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is
wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become
wise.19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is
written, “He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR
CRAFTINESS”;20 and again, “THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the
wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS.”21 So then let no one boast in men. For
all things belong to you,22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the
world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things
belong to you,23 and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NASB)
1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards
of the mysteries of God.2 In this case, moreover, it is required of
stewards that one be found trustworthy.3 But to me it is a very small
thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court ; in fact, I
do not even examine myself.4 For I am conscious of nothing against
myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is
the Lord.5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but
wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden
in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each
man’s praise will come to him from God.

1 Corinthians 3:18 ~ 18 Let no man deceive himself
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ~ 9Or do you not know that the unrighteous will
not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (womanish or
woman like; to be unman), nor homosexuals,10 nor thieves, nor the
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the
kingdom of God.11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but
you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 15:33 ~ 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts
good morals.”34 Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning;
for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
How do one deceive himself?
By saying he has no sin (1 John 1:8) 8If we say that we have no
sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
By giving into temptation (James 1:14-16) 14 But each one is
tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own
lust.15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and
when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.16 Do not be
deceived , my beloved brethren.
By not being an effectual doer of the word (James 1:22) 22But
prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who
delude themselves.
By being a hearer only (James 1:22)
22But prove yourselves
doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude
themselves.
By not controlling his tongue (James 1:26) 26If anyone thinks
himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but
deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
By empty words (Ephesians 5:6) 6 Let no one deceive you with
empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes
upon the sons of disobedience.
By thinking more highly of himself(Galatians 6:3) 3 For if
anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives
himself.
By what he does (Galatians 6:7) 7 Do not be deceived, God is
not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
He boasts about himself (Jeremiah 9:23-24) 23 Thus says the
LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the
mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his
riches;24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands
and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises
lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight
in these things,” declares the LORD.
What does one look like who is deceived?
He is led astray and cannot deliver himself (Isaiah 44:20) a
deceived heart has turned him aside. And he cannot deliver
himself, nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?”
Because bad company corrupts good morals, what can be done and what
should we do.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (NASB)
1 Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards
of the mysteries of God.2 In this case, moreover, it is required of
stewards that one be found trustworthy.3 But to me it is a very small
thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court ; in fact, I
do not even examine myself.4 For I am conscious of nothing against
myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is
the Lord.5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but
wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden
in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each
man’s praise will come to him from God.

Be serious, humble, intentional,
Do not treat the things of God with little value
Do not keep company with wicked
Converse with good
Eat, drink, associate with the house of God.

theBridge Annual Report

Here are a few boring statistics of the 2013 year in blogging here at theBridge followed with some explanations of what to expect in 2014 (Lord willing).

This is actually my first full year with my blog being hosted at WordPress. I began blogging at LiveJournal in 2001, when I moved to Twin Falls, I used it so infrequently that I can’t even remember log-in and password data, and the email address attatched to to the account has been inactive for years. I am likely glad that those earliest entries into the blogging world are locked up in an online vault somewhere in cyberspace. I began consistently blogging in 2006 at www.bridgebloggin.blogspot.com (I thought that was such a cool name then, now I’m embarrassed of it). In blogging years that may make me as old as Methuselah.

I’ve never causes a server melt-down because of high traffic volumes. I’m sometimes amazed at what gets read and what doesn’t get read. I posted 151 posts in 2013, setting a new record for me. Those 151 posts generated 20,722 pageviews from over 62 countries. (all statistics are from Google Analytics and Reporting)

Total visitor count:

  1. 8,484 from United States
    • In the USA visitors from every state except Maine and Vermont
      1. 3,618 from Idaho
      2. 797 from Utah
      3. 614 from Texas
      4. 403 from California
      5. 243 from Colorado
  2. 215 from Haiti
  3. 70 from Canada

Most visits in one day:

  • November 13 with 752 visits (the day after my movie review of the Saratov Approach)

Most Viewed posts:

  1. Saratov Approach
  2. Hebrews 13:3 Day
  3. Freedom of Speech
  4. Is Your Church Youth Group Even Biblical?
  5. UNICEF and Planned Parenthood

All in all, I continue to enjoy writing. My readers have grown to accept (and enjoy at my expenses) the grammar, spelling, and typos that frequent my site.

What can you expect in 2014? I hope to continue writing. If for no other reason it is a helpful exercise for me to put thoughts and ideas in print and the feedback, push-back, sharpening, agreeing, and disagreeing with thoughts are helpful and even enjoyable. It is good to be challenged on thoughts and then exercise being kind while explaining and expressing. Not always successful, but a good discipline for me to be in.

GEIn 2014 I plan to launch my first weekly podcast (internet broadcast). I’m scheduled for my first broadcast to air on Monday, January 6, 2014. On this broadcast I hope to lay out the plan for each week and then aim to discipline myself to sitting down every week and publish the weekly broadcast. I hope you’ll consider listening in. It will be hosted here are theBridge. I don’t know if it can technically be called a “podcast” because I have not set up an iTunes account and will simply host it here (for now).

Last night, Renee helped me with the opening and closing (bumpers) for the broadcast. She’s a natural. Here is a sample of the how the show will open and close.

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