First Baptist Church, Stillwater – Newsletter for the week of Oct. 26, 2025

“Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: ‘Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.”  -Genesis 8:20-21 (NIV)

I haven’t been a parent too long. Our oldest is only about to turn two in December. Yet, my long term goal for both my son and my daughter is that they learn to be followers of the Lord Jesus. That they are able to contribute to their communities, and are responsible and generous with their gifts. In certain moments though, the short term goals are more … well, less lofty. Short term goals include: stop throwing food on the ground; learn how to use a bathroom; and actually sleep during naptime. 

Jesus tells us to view God as our Father (Matthew 6:9). And those of us who are or have been parents know that we have long term goals with our kids, but shorter term goals require the introduction of discipline. In the Flood Story of Genesis 6-9, God sees that His children are rebelling, violent, and are committing injustice toward their neighbor. There has to be a punishment. So the rains came down and the floods came up. 

Yet, when the flood subsides and the rains dry, Noah worships the Lord. And God is pleased with this act of worship. This is a strange concept. Noah worships and it prompts God to speak. Moses intercedes and it prompts God to stay with Israel (Ex. 32:1-14). Jesus dies for us, and God forgives us and redeems us. So what do we do with an unchangeable God who changes His mind?

God knows the bigger picture: to redeem and restore through Christ Jesus. So we get the Bible showing us that while God is just, and injustice won’t be tolerated, God also chooses to build relationship with us. He responds to Noah’s worship; to Moses’ intercession, and to Jesus’ sacrifice. Our God chooses relationship with us because He is our Father. He disciplines in the short term to cause long term growth. He likes our worship because it’s when we as His people relate to Him. Psalm 22:3 even tells us that God is enthroned on our praises! Our worship of Him is how we relate to Him. And in His goodness, He responds. 

Let’s worship with joyful expectation of how God responds,

Matt 

Announcements and other thoughts: 

Prayer Requests for our Church: We have some groups that are in the development pipeline that I am asking all of us to pray for God’s provision and guidance. We are hoping to start a youth group, a career (young adults), and men’s and women’s groups in 2026. We have leaders lined up for some of these, and others we still need to look for; but I am reminded that it is God who causes the growth. We also want to put together a dedicated prayer team, details to come on that one. Let’s seek Him as we move forward together! 

Build Nights: We have two more Build Nights left, Nov. 9 and 16. Join us as we continue to build a framework for our church to move forward together! Please note there is no Build Night this Sunday Night (Nov. 2)