Volume LXIX, No. 3 | January 20, 2019
Worship at First
Sunday, January 20

Morning Worship
8:30 & 11:15 a.m.
That You May Believe
"'Born Again' Christians?"
Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas
Introduction of New Members

Evening Worship
6:00 p.m.
"The Astonishing Authority of Jesus' Words"
Rev. Bryan Bult
Sanctuary

Bulletins will be available by noon on Fridays.
Wednesday, January 23

Wednesdays@First
12:00 p.m.
Battle Stations
"Gospel Footwear"
Rev. Bryan Bult
Jackson Hall

Centerpoint
6:00 p.m.
A Psalm A Day
“Friday - Psalm 93”
Rev. Bryan Bult
Jackson Hall




The Enduring Appeal of Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress

I have just recorded an interview with someone about John Bunyan’s famous book, Pilgrim’s Progress. It is going to be part of an eight-segment audio blog anticipating a forthcoming movie about Bunyan’s classic tale. I can’t wait to see the movie. I was asked to choose one character in the book and relate why I was drawn to it. That was easy! Apollyon.

What!? I can hear you say it. Why does Thomas choose the devil as the character to whom he is most drawn? Well, everyone likes Christian, or Faithful, or Hopeful, or Evangelist. Those are easy choices; however, Bunyan’s description of Apollyon is classic. Christian meets him after leaving Palace Beautiful (the church) from where he could see The Delectable Mountains (glimpses of heaven). As he leaves, he is given a sword, a shield, and a helmet. Then Apollyon appears, and a battle ensues. It is graphically recorded.

What I am drawn to is the way in which Bunyan describes Apollyon’s strategy. He shames Christian for the lackluster nature of his Christian profession. This is what Satan does all the time. He makes us look at ourselves, not so much that he might condemn us, but that we might condemn ourselves. Then Bunyan does something marvelous. He has Christian respond to this accusation by saying, “But it’s much worse than you think!” This is what Christian says: 

All this is true, and much more which thou hast left out; but the Prince whom I serve and honor is merciful, and ready to forgive; but besides, these infirmities possessed me in thy Country, for there I sucked them in, and I have groaned under them, been sorry for them, and have obtained Pardon of my Prince.

Christian is preaching the Gospel to himself. The basis of his acceptance with God is the finished work of Jesus Christ and not the quality of his ongoing performance. That little gem is worth reading Bunyan’s masterpiece again. 

Derek W.H. Thomas
Senior Minister


Congregational Dinner and Meeting

The annual dinner and congregational meeting for the adoption of the 2019 budget, election of the 2019 Church Officers Nominating Committee, election of the church treasurer, and any other matters will be held on Wednesday, January 30, in the Family Life Center. There is no charge for the dinner, which will begin at 5:15 p.m. The serving line will open at 5:00 p.m., and the congregational meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. 
The Corporation of The First Presbyterian Church will meet immediately following the congregational meeting to elect officers and act on any other business that may come before The Corporation.
Nurseries for infants through three years old will be available beginning at 5:45 p.m. Children’s activities for K4 – 5th grade will be offered beginning at 6:00 p.m. Classrooms will be open at 5:45 p.m. for drop-off. Parents, please feed your children prior to the nursery and/or children’s program.

Always Ready Youth Conference

  • Saturday, February 2, at First Presbyterian Church
  • A one-day apologetics youth conference for middle and high school students from Reformation Bible College. 
  • Cost: $15.00 (free for FPC students)
  • Sign up available on the church website and app.
  • Volunteers are needed to help. If you can help, please contact Rebecca Milford.
Spaghetti Soirée 

February 7 at 6:00 p.m.
in Jackson Hall   A joint dinner between the Youth Ministry and the AIA/Encouragers. Please register for the free dinner with Lisa Eargle at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org or 799-9062, Ext. 455. Student volunteers: contact Rebecca Milford at rmilford@firstprescolumbia.org.
First Fridays Organ Concert

Friday, February 1, enjoy lunch and an organ concert at First Presbyterian Church. Lunch will be at 12:00 p.m. in The Bridge followed by an organ concert at 12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Lunch is $5.00.
Next Step 2019

Next Step, a class for students who want to join the church, begins Wednesday, February 6. The class meets Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. The February 6 meeting will be held in Smith Chapel. Parents are asked to join students on the 6th. Contact Rebecca Milford at rmilford@firstprescolumbia.org for more information. 
Men’s Wild Game Supper 

Friday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center will be a Men’s Wild Game Supper which will feature speaker Ed Hartman; a variety of meats will be served. Registration is limited so register by February 1 on the church app or website. Cost is $5.00.
Spain Mission Trip Informational Meeting

An informational meeting regarding a 2019 English Camp Mission to Spain is planned for Sunday, January 27, at 7:15 p.m. in the Frank C Hill Mission Center. A mid-May trip and what’s involved will be discussed. Contact Neal Mathias if you cannot attend the meeting at  nmathias@firstprescolumbia.org.
January Events at First
Committee Meetings this week:
22 - Local Missions Committee - 4:00 p.m. in P402A
World Mission Committee - 5:00 p.m. in Frank C. Hill Mission Center
Congregational Outreach Committee - 5:30 p.m. in BR327
20 Inquirers Class Begins - 10:00 a.m. in the Small Dining Room 
23 Women’s Bible Studies begin.
27 Spain Mission Informational Meeting - 7:15 p.m. in Frank C. Hill Mission Center
27 College Student Lunch - 12:30 p.m. in Jackson Hall
29 Women’s Prayer Emphasis Dinner - 6:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall. Cost: $10.00. Registration for Women’s Prayer Emphasis Dinner available on the church website , app, or at Circle meetings.
30 Congregational Dinner and Meeting - 5:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall

February Events at First
1 First Fridays Organ Concert - 12:00 p.m. Lunch in The Bridge; 12:30 p.m. Organ Concert in the Sanctuary
2 Always Ready Youth Conference - 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. in Jackson Hall. Register on the church website and app. Free for First Presbyterian students. 
3 Souper Bowl Sunday - all services - The youth will be collecting donations of money and canned goods to support local non-profits.
5 Young Professionals Tuesday Gathering - 6:30 p.m.
6 Next Step Class Begins - 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel 
7 Spaghetti Soirée - 6:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall 
8 Wild Game Men’s Supper - 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center
10 The Lord’s Supper - 6:00 p.m. service in the Sanctuary 

For more info on upcoming events, visit us at firstprescolumbia.org or our church app
803-799-9062 | email | website | app