en Together Making an Eternal Impact on Our Community and World http://www.fsbctopeka.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=425 All Children are exposed to unchristian influences at some point, and children who attend public schools may be exposed to them sooner rather than later. But that does not have to be bad. It gives parents many opportunities to teach their children to be in the world but not of it, and it lets public school students learn that lesson while they are still living within the shelter of a Christian home. In order to be an effective teacher, you need to know what the law says about religion in public schools. When can your child pray? When can he talk about his faith? Unfortunately, the law is not always clear. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has decided some cases about religion in schools, it has not addressed every situation. Until it does, schools are bound by the law in the Federal Circuit where they are located, and the law can vary from one Circuit to another. You also need discernment to determine which issues are worth fighting about and which are not. But use every situation as a teaching opportunity, even if it is simply a lesson in discernment and love. Read the full article here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:44 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=422 If the results of a recent study are at all accurate, most Americans don't consider the precepts of their faith when they make their decisions on which political candidates to support. In a recent Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life survey, fewer than one in six respondents (14 percent) mentioned their religious beliefs as having the most influence on their political views. If an individual's faith has an impact, it apparently is indirect and is wrapped up in the amalgamation referred to as "personal experiences" by the pollsters. Most of those who were surveyed (34 percent) said it was those personal, life experiences that most informed their choices. The news media was cited by 19 percent of those who were asked about the primary influence on their political thinking. Yet the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission's iVoteValues.com initiative holds that not only should an individual's faith drive their Election Day decisions, it should also compel a person to be involved in the nation's civic affairs. Full article here... Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=415 The hurdles teens encounter during their four years of high school are big challenges for teens and their parents. How adults handle these challenges can make a big difference in a teenager's transition to adulthood. Youth need opportunities to learn on their own. The following are a few hurdles that all teens face that can produce growth experiences. Share these with the parents of your students to help them better understand their teenagers. Go here for the full article. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=417 IMB missionaries are working alongside Baptist Global Response, a Southern Baptist international relief and development organization, to help people in places like Zimbabwe and other areas of the world – some of which can't be mentioned for security reasons. In recent months, Baptists have provided about 1,000 packages of food – rice, dry beans, wheat flour, cooking oil, salt, powdered milk, canned corned beef, sugar and tea – for Zimbabwe. Another shipment of 3,900 packages is on the way. Read more! Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=414 While baptisms in the Southern Baptist Convention continue to decline, reaching their lowest point since the 1980s, Long Hollow Baptist is having a baptism boom. The Sumner County church baptized 515 people last year, more than any other congregation in the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Factors: One is favorable demographics — the church is located in a growing area, with many young families. "The average age of our congregation is 30 to 35," said Jeff Lovingood, the church's student pastor. Having many young families means the church is swarming with kids, Taylor said. That's important, he said, pointing to a 2004 study by the Barna Group, a California research company that studies evangelicals. According to the study, "two out of three born-again Christians made that commitment to Christ before their 18th birthday." The church's pastor and other leaders also stress the importance of relationship evangelism — church members inviting friends and neighbors to church. Chuck Lawless, dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., says that relationship evangelism has become more prevalent than crusades or revival meetings. "When I became a Christian 30 years ago," he said, "my church had a week of revival meetings. That's doesn't happen much anymore." The point is not to befriend people solely as potential converts. "It's loving them enough as a friend that you would be remiss not to share the good news with them." Full article. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=411 Child-stars do not have a very good track record for navigating the path from adolescence to adulthood. And it seems the more fame the child achieves, the more treacherous the trip. Very few make it without some embarrassing episode being exposed for public consumption. Many don't even survive the trip. Parents who whine about another child-star falling from grace have, in part, themselves to blame. Any parent who encourages his or her children to have a child actor/singer as a role model needs to think twice. For the full article, click here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=410 An online social network is a Website on which you enter your identity—your name, schools you attended, employment, or pictures. Your profile is then searchable by other people on the social network. As you find your friends, others also find you. It’s a place to build relationships and connect. Social networks aren’t simply a newfangled technology fad. They represent places to find people, and they serve as a hub for friendships and relationships. Make it a point to set up your own social network account. As you begin to connect with old friends and others in the ministry, consider how your church can develop a social ministry mindset. For the full article, click here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=409 Are Atheists Hijacking Academic Freedom? Why some might consider Ben Stein’s new movie to be political dynamite. The theory of intelligent design (ID), holds that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than an undirected process such as natural selection. ID is thus a scientific disagreement with the core claim of evolutionary theory that the apparent design of living systems is an illusion. There are folks working overtime to deny scientists who disagree with the core claim of evolutionary theory the right to pursue the scientific evidence for intelligent design theory. But there is more to this than meets the eye. EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed, will begin showing in Topeka at the Hollywood theater on April 18. This is an important subject that affects the education of our children. Read the review posted on the Southern Baptist Convention's website. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=401 Sexual identity topics dominate the tabloids on many newsstands. What’s more, today’s mixed-up cultural values constantly invade Christian households. While godly parents try to “teach a youth about the way he should go” (Prov. 22:6), ungodly messages shout to teens from every angle. The home has become a major front in the battle for purity and healthy sexual identity formation. Click here for the full article. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=402 As a Christian parent, you are involved in your child’s spiritual growth. Talking about becoming a Christian should be as natural as talking about the week’s schedule. The following are some things to consider when talking to your child about becoming a Christian: Ask open-ended questions, such as, “Why do you want to be baptized?” or “What does being a Christian mean to you?” Do not ask yes or no questions such as, “Do you love Jesus?” Ask follow-up questions. “Why do you say that?” “What else do you know (think, believe)?” Open-ended and follow-up questions can help you determine where your child is spiritually. For the full article, click here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=396 "...until you realize you and your mate were placed together for God's purposes, then your marriage will be difficult, complicated and exhausting. But once you understand God's plan, your marriage takes on new meaning." Click here for the full article. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=371 Evangelism is a process. Unfortunately, many people forget how important they are to the process. We often believe that if we weren't the one who actually invited the person to surrender his or her life to the Lord, we had no part in that person's salvation. But nothing could be further from the truth. Click here to read the full article. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=372 To lift a sweeping saga from the pages of history and capture it in two hours worth of screen time is a difficult task. Making sure that the tale is entertaining and not dry and dusty like the books it's taken from can be daunting. Running all that through the gamut of extensive poking and prodding by the Hollywood movie machine and still ending up with emotionally moving characters and cinematic moments of beauty is well-nigh impossible. But that's exactly what the creators of “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” have done. To read the full review, click here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=373 A number of important resolutions were passed at the recently held Southern Baptist Convention, including those regarding hate crimes legislation and protecting children from abuse. To read the resolutions in their entirety, click here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=360 Do we love one another? Do we love our pastors? Do we genuinely care one for another? Do we care for the lost? Obviously, the list could go on and on, but the question remains, "Do we love and care for one another?" For the full article, click here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=359 Move over Paris and Britney. Make room for the "mild girls." A recent Newsweek story described a growing modesty movement in which young women are learning they don't have to be what Newsweek calls "bad, or semi-clad." It's a welcome backlash. Author Wendy Shalit calls it "a youth led rebellion" in her new book, "Girls Gone Mild: Young Women Reclaim Self Respect and Find It's Not Bad to Be Good." The book is filled with stories of girls who, often motivated by their faith, or just the innate desire not to be defined as sex objects, hunger to escape the sexualized culture. For the full article, click here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=356 A majority of Southern Baptist senior pastors and laity believe Christians should not drink alcohol and that using it could cause other believers to stumble, according to a new poll by LifeWay Research. The survey asked Southern Baptist and non-Southern Baptist pastors and laity a series of seven questions about alcohol, ranging from their views on whether getting drunk is against Scripture to whether drinking alcohol is an example of Christian liberty. For the full article, click here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=358 Too often, busy parents lose sight of what a healthy family looks like. Many parents place too much emphasis on the needs of the child at the expense of the marital relationship. So how do you keep your marriage a priority, and avoid letting Junior becoming king of the hill? For the full article, click here. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:19:24 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=423 You are invited to come hear Phil Cosby of National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families speak at the Concerned Women for America meeting this month. (By the way, CWA is not just an organization for women; they always welcome like-minded men.) Phil will be talking about his efforts to battle pornography and sex trafficking in Kansas. These are huge problems worldwide. Come hear how we can help him in this fight. Men are especially encouraged to hear Phil's presentation. Please do all you can to encourage other men to attend this very important meeting. Unless Christian men lead in the battle to fight this evil, who will? Phil needs godly men to help him as he battles this evil. WHAT: Concerned Women for America SPEAKER: Phil Cosby with the National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families (http://www.nationalcoalition.org/) TOPIC: "Protecting Topeka Families and Community" (strategies employed against the pornography industry in Kansas) WHEN: Tuesday, August 19, 7:00 pm at FSBC Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:19:37 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=424 During Sunday services on August 3, Craig Freerksen stressed the importance of sharing our faith and offered tips for making it easier for us to evangelizing in our own realms of influence. Craig promised to provide links to handy resources with easy-to-use ideas for sharing your faith. Here they are! One Verse Evangelism The Bridge to Life The Four Spiritual Laws The Romans Road Mon, 4 Aug 2008 21:36:22 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=412 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20 Mon, 4 Aug 2008 21:30:55 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=408 Have you checked out the great articles on how to live a successful Christian life in today's world in the Christian Living section of our website? Come back and check out the updated articles on a regular basis. Articles come from terrific resources such as Lifeway.com, the Southern Baptist Convention, and Focus on the Family. Mon, 4 Aug 2008 21:30:55 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=370 Our church family is full of wonderful people with great stories about how they came to know Jesus, and how they are growing in their faith. Here is one such testimonial, but there are others! We hope you'll take some time to get to know those who have chosen First Southern Baptist as their church home. Mon, 4 Aug 2008 21:30:55 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=271 Hello I'm Brenda, a grateful believer in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am proud to be an active part of the Christ First Praise Team, Celebrate Recovery, and Director of our Singles Ministry Team. God has blessed me with a church family that truly loves and accepts people for who they are. You are invited to come worship with us and be greeted with a smile, a hand shake, or a much needed hug. Mon, 4 Aug 2008 21:30:55 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=53 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=53&article_id=107 MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, a dynamic program designed to nurture mothers with children from infancy to kindergarten. MOPS is a smart, relevant and caring network, making moms better moms through trusted resources and relationships. This 2008-2009 school year our theme is ADVENTURES IN MOTHERING We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 9:30am till 11:30 am. Registration and a fee of $75.00 needs to be paid to First Southern Baptist Church Contact Cora Spencer at 845-5335 for more information Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:50:25 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=273 Thank you for visiting our web site! We hope you find the information you are looking for about our ministries and our people. This is our mission statement: Growing in Jesus Christ, Serving the Family, Community and World. Won't you join us on that mission? Visit our services this Sunday to learn about small groups, growing in your own personal faith and relationship with Jesus, and how you too can make an eternal impact on your community and world. Sat, 5 Jul 2008 12:32:38 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=413 The annual Children's Musical was conducted on May 6th, and what a wonderful event it was! "Rock Solid" was terrific on all counts--production, staging, and, of course, the TALENT! Thank you to all of the leaders for all the hard work they put into producing such a great musical, and to all of our young musicians for sharing your talents with us. It was a blessing to all of us! Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:19:41 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=660 All parents of those in Pre-K and up need to pick up your children immediately after Bible study and take them to worship service. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:22:12 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=671 Tuesday, June 17, 2008 * 11:30 a.m.Carlos O'Kelly's, 3425 S Kansas Ave. All ladies are invited to meet at the restaurant for a Dutch treat lunch. Each Tuesday there will be a different place to meet. Watch theInformation Packet or call the church office for information. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:22:12 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=649 Beginning Friday, May 30th the office will be closing at 12:30 p.m. on Fridays only until Labor Day. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:22:12 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=223 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=223&article_id=337 Item - We have kicked off the 2008 summer reading club "Build a Palm tree for the Library".Item - We need more workers willing to help out during the library open times. Thank you for using the library and your patience. Item - We have a sign at NE entry way (Fellowship Hall) that tell if the Main Library is open or closed. There is also a sign below the restroom sign near the elevator. We hope that the signs will help the people that want to come to the Main Library. Item - The Library Ministry Team had a very busy summer as I'm sure everybody else did. with help of Leland Heifner, the library brought more bookcases downstairs and developed the area now known as the 1st Floor Library. We have: - One bookcase for adult non-fiction books and other items. - One bookcase for adult fiction which includes our large print books, books on tape and other items. - One bookcase for children and juvenile books, videos, and other items.Item - We gained several new readers during hte reading club. Please continue your reading. Sun, 8 Jun 2008 22:12:52 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=258 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=258&article_id=419 Help Build a Palm Tree for the Library Instructions (K-7th Grade)1. Build a Palm Tree Reading Club will be from June 1, 2008 to July 27, 20082. Sign up sheets will be located in the 1st Floor Library and the Main Library.3. Be sure to tell library staff you are in the reading club when you check out books.4. Bookmarks will be given with each book checked out. The bookmark must be signed by parent or guardian.5. Books must be checked out from one of the church library locations (1st Floor Library or Main Library room 214). Please check out age or reading level appropriate books.6. For each book read, a section will be put on the Palm Tree with your name and the title of the book you read.7. At the end of the book reading club, we will have a cookout. Sun, 8 Jun 2008 22:08:04 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=332 "My schedule is usually hectic and punctuated sharing both joy and tragedy with my patients and their families. God reminds me daily He is in control. Whether tired or enthused, confident or confused, I see Him working through me and around me." Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=333 "Being a trooper and a pilot is what I do, but it is not who I am. Through my relationship with God, I have hope, purpose, strength and my identity." Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=334 "My life provides daily opportunities to demonstrate Christ's love and an unyielding commitment to truth. His grace gives me the comfort and security of forgiveness when I do not measure up. Serving Him at home, at First Southern, and at work are the joys of my life." Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=297 "Being a part of the First Southern Baptist Church family has been a blessing. It is wonderful to have the ministry opportunities available at this church. I am especially blessed by the friendships formed by meeting College & Career people through Sunday school as well as Christian Challenge. It is evident that these people really love the Lord. I always look forward to being in their company. I thank God for allowing me to feel so welcome in this family!" Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=284 Four years ago, Dorthy and I were looking for a new church home. After visiting a number of churches in the area, the Lord led us to First Southern. We will always remember the enthusiastic welcome we received at both the church service and Sunday School. We attended a newcomers class and were later baptized. The church family at FSBC has been a source of fellowship and Christian love that been a wonderful inspiration to us in our journey with the Lord. We thank the Father for His love and blessings. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=283 The Best part about being at First Southern is the sense of family. Everyone knows and cares about you. You can be yourself and not worry. The pastor's message speaks to me and he knows my language. The youth group is always accepting and friendly. We have a lot of fun, but at the same time we learn. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=278 One of the things that we really like about being a part of FSBC is the number of different ministries that exist here. There is truly something for everyone to plug into. God has called every Christian to minister. At FSBC, you will find something that you can pour your heart into, and allow God to work through you, to impact people's lives. We have felt God tell us that this is where we belong, and until He tells us differently, we gladly serve Him at FSBC. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=279 We feel richly blessed to be a part of the church family at First Southern Baptist Church. We have discovered that the church-family members are accepting, friendly and extremely caring. We soon discovered that that there are many different ministries in which we could become actively involved, each designed to meet the needs of all ages and personal interests. We love to travel and signed up to go on a trip with The Traveling Saints. We are now the coordinators of this fun, exciting and uplifting ministry of the church. Come check us out. You will be welcomed with love and open arms. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=280 After two failed marriages (both addicts that I thought I could fix), I decided I needed to let God take over in my life. Last Summer, I attended a Celebrate Recovery meeting at First Southern. I found out CR was not just for alcoholics and drug addicts, it is for me and others like me. God has revealed to me that through my previous hurts and failures, He will use me to help others. Through CR, and seeking a closer relationship with Christ, I realized it's about serving others and sharing with them what God has done in my life. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=275 "At First Southern, we truly found a group of Christian friends and fellow believers who have become so much a part of our lives. We have laughed and played together at fellowships and other gatherings. We have shed tears together when life was not easy. We have studied and learned together during Bible study. We have worshiped the Father together and heard the Word of God proclaimed every Sunday. We had the joy of seeing our young grandsons accept Christ as their Savior and be baptized in this church. And through it all, we have become so bonded that we are truly "family." It is a joy and a blessing to have been a part of this fellowship of believers for the past 30 years." Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=274 "College & Career is a great opportunity to be around young adults going through many of the same "life situations." Every Sunday meeting is innovative, and we break up into groups to discuss the topics presented by the leader. Our small groups provide a terrific way to get to know the people around you and discuss how God is making a positive impact on your life and help you discover the areas where personal growth is necessary. These meetings are also a great way to make friends!" Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=272 "When I was a young Christian, I went through the motions of going to church on Sundays because it was expected of me. I left the church when I was old enough to make my own choices. After the death of my parents there was an empty hole left inside of me. I didn't know how to pray, but one day I called out to God to help me. He led me to a wonderful Bible study that changed my life. In seven years, I went from knowing about Jesus to knowing Him personally as my Lord and Savior. It changed my life. God has since led my husband and I to First Southern Baptist Church where I continue to grow in faith and knowledge." Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:10:42 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=11 Each week your child can be part of an exciting, safe and active environment filled with songs, games, and lovable characters that teach Godly values at an age appropriate level. Our Sunday Bible study classes meet at the same time as adult classes, and are designed for all children from First through Sixth grade. Click the following links to find information about specific children's ministries: AWANA Bible Study Children's Church Children's Choir Vacation Bible School For more information about children's ministries, contact Donna Doel, Director of Children's Ministries through the church office at 272-0443 or by emailing donna@fsbctopeka.org. Sun, 6 Apr 2008 20:46:15 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=9 We provide a safe learning caring environment for your preschool-aged children (birth through Kindergarten). Your little one will be welcomed with a volunteer staff that is committed to providing a loving, safe, and fun environment. Our preschool children hear about Jesus through individual time spent with caregivers playing, singing, talking, and doing finger plays in ways that familiarize a child with God's name and His love. Our preschool is a great way to plant the seed of Jesus in your child's life! Infants up to 2 years old are cared for in the nursery area immediately across from the Worship Center, keeping them nearby while you worship. You might want to request a beeper so that we can alert you if your child needs you. Toddlers (2 to Pre-Kindergarten) meet in the upstairs preschool area (at the top of the southeast staircase). If you need directions, someone at the Welcome Center in the foyer will be glad to help you find the right class for your child. If you have questions about preschool ministries, contact Donna Doel, Director of Children's Ministries, via email or through the church office at 272-0443. Sun, 6 Apr 2008 20:43:02 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=347 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=347&article_id=576 The Purpose To enjoy fellowship with God and get to know Him better * To follow Jesus' example * To please God * To listen to God and receive His direction for our life * To remain connected to the ultimate source of all righteousness & wisdom The Challenge If you don't have a regular "quiet time", start one even if it is only for 10 to 15 minutes each day. If you do have a "quiet time", evaluate it and upgrade it, if needed. Do you have a balanced, God-centered prayer time? Are you following a systematic Bible reading plan? Are you meditating on scripture, asking God how these passages apply to you. And are you responding to what God is telling you?Why have a regular Quiet Time?To enjoy fellowship with God and get to know Him better What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:8-10 NIV Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew. 22:37-38 NIVTo follow Jesus' example Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35 NIV But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 NIVTo please God The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. Proverbs 15:8 NIVTo listen to God and receive His direction for your life Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. Psalm 119:97-99 NIVTo remain connected to the ultimate source of all righteousness & wisdom Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 NIVEssential Elements of a Quiet TimeBalanced prayer * Meditate on Scripture * Respond to GodBalanced Prayer The Lord's Prayer and the acronym "ACTS" both help you to keep your prayer life balanced. Jesus gave us this model for balanced prayer in what is often referred to as the Lord's Prayer:"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, .as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' Matthew 6:9-13 NIV Notice how the first part of this model prayer is "God-centered" as Jesus teaches you that your prayers should include praising God for His holiness, and praying that His kingdom come and that His will be done. Also notice that this model prayer not only includes a need for your physical needs, "daily bread", but also your spiritual health, protecting you from the "evil one". Are your prayers God-centered and do they include prayers for your spiritual health as well as your physical needs? The acronym "ACTS" provides us with a pattern for balanced prayer. Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication Adoration is to adore God. Your prayers should acknowledge who God is, and should include a time of personally praising and worshiping Him. (Consider meditating upon a praise scripture at the beginning of your prayer time, or singing a praise chorus or favorite hymn.) Confession is the acknowledgement of sinfulness, which is necessary for divine forgiveness. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8,9 NIV Ask the Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sins in your life. Confess any known sins and ask the Lord to forgive you. Thanksgiving, a prayer expressing gratitude to God, goes along with adoration. You simply thank God for giving you the gift of life, providing for your daily needs and all the other wonderful things He has done. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. Psalms 136:26 NIV Supplication is to ask, humbly and earnestly. These "asking" prayers are perhaps the most common types of prayers It is appropriate to pray for your personal needs, the needs of other people, and to seek God's kingdom by praying for various ministries, our pastors and missionaries, the unsaved, and world issues, etc.Meditate on Scripture Can you imagine developing a relationship with someone by talking to him/her everyday, but NOT listening to him/her or giving him/her a chance to respond to you? Although God can speak to you through your fellow Christians, your thoughts, and circumstances, God mainly speaks to you through His Word, the Bible. Therefore scripture reading is an essential part of your "quiet times" with God. But reading scriptures needs to involve more than just learning some general Biblical principles. You need to read the scriptures with a focus on "listening" to what God is saying to you personally. You need to meditate (think about) what God is telling you today. Respond to God Finally you need to respond to what God is telling you. Some people do this by journaling. An example of a simple form of journaling involves recording the scripture reference which you read today, and then recording what God said to me and what I said to God in response to what He told you in that scripture reading. Sometimes your response to God requires action. Maybe you need to visit someone in the hospital, reconcile your differences with someone, or fight an addiction. As James has stated: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIVPractical Suggestions for doing a Quiet TimeSelect a specific time and place to meet with God each day. If you are a morning person, then get up early and meet with God. If you are a night owl, you could schedule your quiet time at night. If you are the mother of young children, perhaps the children's naptime may be a good time to meet with God or you may need to split your time with God to fit between your daily tasks. Schedule a specific time each day, and if you can't make your scheduled appointment with God, then reschedule it just as you would do for a missed doctor's appointment. In general, try to select a time and place that will be quiet, because noise can be a distraction. Have everything that you need for your "Quiet Time" available in your "quiet time" place. Some things you may need are your Bible, Bible reading plan, daily devotional book, prayer lists, notepad, & prayer journal.Having a quality time of prayer requires a personal relationship with Jesus. Have you ever tried having a meaningful discussion with a stranger? If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, then begin your personal relationship with Jesus yoday. Pray to Jesus, ask Him to forgive your sins, and accept Him as your personal Savior. Then the Holy Spirit can help you hear from God during your quiet times. Having a regular quiet time with God requires will and desire.I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8 NIV God desires to meet with you, but He will not force you to meet with Him. So if you want to meet with your Creator, you need to have the will and desire to do so.Having a quality quiet time requires discipline. Satan does not want you to have a quality quiet time with God. He may provide you with excuses not to keep your appointment with God. He may also provide external hindrances to your quiet time such as noise and interruptions, as well as internal distractions such as a mind that wanders to thoughts of things to add to your grocery list or worries about a problem at work, etc. It requires discipline to overcome these obstacles-discipline to regularly show up for your appointments with God and discipline to remain focused upon praying to and listening to God during this time. Pray for discipline and that the Lord will protect you from the "evil one". Then have your lists and tools available to help keep you focused. Have your daily Bible reading plan available, and consider reading your passage aloud. Have a notepad available to write down those things which come to your mind that need be added to your "to do" list or grocery list, so that you can then get back to focusing on your quiet time with God. Have your prayer lists available. Having a prayer devotional with scriptures to pray may help you to focus on adoration and thanksgiving of God at the beginning of your prayer time. Tue, 4 Mar 2008 13:54:43 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=257 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=257&article_id=404 Find out how to have A Quality Quiet Time with God by clicking here . Tue, 4 Mar 2008 13:53:17 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=14 Christ First Student Ministries is an active youth program that includes weekly activities such as: Bible study, worship, fellowship and outreach. We meet for most of our activities in the Peak, the building just south of the main church building. On Sundays we have Bible study (Sunday School) at 9:45 a.m., and Student Connection at 6:00 pm. On Wednesdays we offer Student Impact at 6:00 p.m.. Other scheduled activities and special events include an annual mission trips, Super Summer Youth Camp, InD.E.P.T.H. Evangelism Conference, See You at The Pole, True Love Waits, Fall Retreat, Girl's/Guy's Retreat, World's of Fun & Kansas City Royals trips, Afterglows, DiscipleNow, and many other special activities and events throughout the year. Check out rest of the Youth pages by clicking on these links: Upcoming Events; Student Life (Sunday Morning Bible Study); Student Connection (Sunday Night); Student Impact! (Wednesday Night) or for a complete weekly schedule check out the Church Calendar. For more information about youth ministries, contact Kevin Jones at 272-0443 or email. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:22:33 MST http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.fsbctopeka.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=16 We have several ministries that make up Singles@ChristFirst. Sunday morning Bible study meets at 9:45 a.m. at the church, 1912 SW Gage for ages 30+. Singles Celebration--Faith, Fellowship and Fun holds events on the second Saturday of each month from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at The Peak, 1930 SW Gage from September through May. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:48:47 MST