Christian Citizenship

We are allowed the precious privilege of being a Christian

citizen in a free country. Our system of self-government
assures that we have some voice in the affairs of the nation,
but God wants His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven
(Matthew 6:10). As a church, we are not seeking to be a
political power base, but must speak out and take action
when there are moral and ethical issues at stake. Our light
is like a city set on a hill which cannot be hidden (Matthew
5:14).
The Lord will not heal our land if we do not humble ourselves, pray and seek
Him, turning from our wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14). Our national moral
fber has become rotten, and our priceless freedoms purchased by the blood of
patriots is in grave jeopardy. Edmund Burke famously said, All that is necessary
for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Biblical citizenship means that by the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted,
and when it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices (Proverbs 11:11, 10).
This implies that absolute standards of right and wrong, as given by God in His
Word, form the foundation of government and inform its citizens. So scriptures
must be our guide when it comes to voting, selecting leaders, and making
decisions on amendments. The candidates principles are more important than
what party, yet political parties and movements generally show their colors
through their platforms. As individuals, we must seek righteousness.
You must be registered to vote. We practice the stewardship of citizenship
with accountability to God most of all. Prayerfully cast your vote, asking God
for wisdom (James 1:5, 6). Actually, decisions in American are not made by a
majority of our populace but by those who vote. As few as 16% of all eligible
votes in a district can elect a member of Congress. Even Presidents have been
elected by an average of half of the precincts nationwide.
You can elect a person who is as close and is as committed to your
convictions as possible. No one is perfect. When the righteous increase, the
people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan (Proverbs 29:2).
Unprincipled and unpatriotic government leaders drag down a nation: If a ruler
listens to falsehood, all his offcials will be wickedwhen the wicked increase,
transgression increases (Proverbs 29:12, 16). Study Exodus 18 to see the
calling of capable, godly, and honest men who serve the people with justice.
Filter attack ads and examine past experience, performance, qualifcations, and
affliations.
Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray for the Lord to show mercy
on our wicked nation and to graciously move in His churches. Pray before and
on the day of the election, also remembering that early voting makes a huge
difference. Request that eyes be opened, biblical convictions expressed, and
sins acknowledged. As Daniel Webster, the great patriot of years ago said:
Patriotism is only vital when it is fully Christianized; whatever makes good
Christians, makes them good citizens.
Churchwide Dr. Hayes Wicker, Senior Pastor
New Arrivals
Ellie Rose Ercolani was born on October 19 at 7 lbs, 6 oz
and 19 inches. Proud parents are Joe & Carrie, and big
sister is Alivia.
Wyatt Jack Nornberg was born on October 19 at 8 lbs, 12
oz. Proud parents are Kyle & Jackie, and siblings are Chase
& Hannah.
Missions Ministry
RefresHer Womens Bible Study
Living Christmas Trees 2014
Journey to the Manger
Tickets On Sale Now
Get your tickets online by going to fbcn.org/lct. You may
also purchase tickets before and after all worship services
in the Commons by the staircase. Purchases by phone may
be made Monday-Friday 9am-6pm at 888-795-1559.
This is our churchs fun and safe alternative to
Halloween. Bring your friends and neighbors
6:30-8:00pm and join us for fun getting treats
from trunks. Costumes are encouraged
(no scary costumes please). Hamburger
meals ($5) and hotdog meals ($4) may be
purchased. All proceeds support mission
trips for the youth. There will be infatables,
classic cars, and a drawing to win an ipad.
*There is a guest reception in the Commons following the Saturday night and
Sunday morning worship services. Pastor would love to meet you!
Blood Drive
Sunday, October 26 from 9:00am - 12:00pm
NCH Community Blood Center will bring their blood mobile
to the FBCN parking lot. If you havent signed-up yet, please
come on by. They can still accept your blood donation.
Time Change
Sunday, November 2
We fall back off of Daylight Savings time Sunday morning,
November 2 at 2:00am. Be sure to set your clocks back an
hour before going to bed Saturday night, November 1.
Single Parent First Family Christmas
Applications Now Available
If you are a single parent and struggle to buy your children
gifts at Christmas, stop by the Information Desk in the
Commons between now and November 9 and pick-up an
application to be part of our First Family Christmas. We
provide gifts for children living in the home of our single
parents that are in need.
Operation Christmas Child
The reason we send gifts to children across the world is
to teach them about the greatest gift of all...Jesus and His
salvation. Please pick up a shoe box today and help spread
the gospel around the world. Boxes are available in the
Fellowship Hallway, Courtyard, and Commons. For more
information, call or text Jody at 253-0954.
New Study Begins Tuesday, October 28
and Wednesday, October 29
Me, Myself, and Lies: A Thought Closet Makeover
This Bible study by Jennifer Rothschild will encourage you to
clean out the junk in your minds and replace hidden negative
thoughts with positive truths from Gods Word. Words are
powerful, especially the words we speak to ourselves. All
too often, what we say to ourselves when we lie in bed at
night or look in the mirror in the morning is not even close
to the words God wants to speak to our souls. What we
think about often has a ripple effect on nearly every area of
our lives. We meet Tuesdays at 9:00am or Wednesdays at
6:30pm in the Worship Center.
Beach Baptism
Sunday, November 23
Have you placed your faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior and
not yet professed your faith through believers baptism?
This is a perfect opportunity. For more information, call
Linda at 596-8600 x280.
First Steps Class
Saturday, November 1 at 7:30pm
This is for children in 1st through 5th grade who would like
to get baptized. This class covers the topics of salvation,
baptism, communion, being a part of the church, and
growing as a child of God. Please contact the Childrens
Ministry Offce at 596-8600 x350 to sign-up.
Missions Luncheon
Chat n Chew Barbecue
Sunday, November 2 at 12:20pm in Room WC117
Come and be encouraged by the testimony reports from
recent mission trips. Turkey, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Equador
(TACTICA). The Missions Committee will be there to host
and answer questions. Lunch is provided at no charge,
although donations are welcome. RSVP by October 29 to
Sandy at sgraham@fbcn.org, or by calling 596-8600 x630.
Preschool & Childrens Ministries
Parent Dedication Class
Saturday, November 8 at 4:45pm in Room ED164
This is for parents who want to dedicate themselves and
their child to the Lord during a worship service. Childcare
will be provided. Please call Kim at 596-8600 x360 to make
your reservation.
Mens Ministry
Mens Breakfast
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30am in the
Fellowship/Recreation Gym
Our speaker will be Scott Stewart (FBA basketball coach).
Tickets are $7.00 and on sale Wednesday nights in front
of the Chapel, and at the Commons Information Desk on
Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please call
Linda at 596-8600 x280.
Joy Comes in the Morning
Saturday, November 8 at 10:00am in DC121
All widows are invited. We will have refreshments, fellowship,
testimony, and time in prayer. Please RSVP at 596-8600
x115 or jcmministry@fbcn.org.
Living Christmas Trees Set-Up Help
Choir Loft Deconstruction
Sunday, November 9
The Music Ministry is in need of 10 volunteers to tear down
the choir loft beginning immediately following the morning
service. Lunch will be provided in WC117. Please contact
Tina at 596-8600 x229 or tplatter@fbcn.org to sign-up.
LCT Trees Construction
Sunday, November 16
Following the morning service, we will need 25-30 volunteers
to build the trees. Lunch will be provided in WC117. Please
feel free to volunteer only the time you are available. If you
are interested in assisting with this ministry, please contact
Tina at 596-8600 x229 or tplatter@fbcn.org.
Trunk & Treat
First Baptist Church Naples
3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109
Offce Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Church Receptionist ..................................................................597-6057
Enter ext. # for direct connection ...............................................596-8600
Lighthouse Bookstore ................................................................449-4488
First Baptist Academy Naples ...................................................597-2233
24-Hour Prayer Line .....................................................597-PRAY (7729)
Church Email ..................................................................FBCN@fbcn.org
Oct 27 - Nov 2
Fred Kotynski
&
Rob Kantner
If you need assistance, please call
the church deacon hotline
at 800-732-9573.
For Spanish, call 404-7764.
Deacon of the Week
Wednesday Family Meal
Live streaming
Saturday at 6:00pm
and Sunday at 9:30am
at fbcn.org!
Visit our website:
fbcn.org
Like us on Facebook:
FirstBaptistChurchNaples
Follow us on Twitter:
@fbcn
@hayeswicker
Ways to Connect Online with FBCN
Contact Us
Weekly Schedule
Last Weekend
This Upcoming Week
2014-2015 Operating Revenues
July 1, 2014 - Oct 19, 2014
Budget Actual Variance
$2,044,489 $1,954,376 ($90,113)
Financial Stewardship
Bible & Life Attendance
October 18 & 19
Saturday Night 1,190
Sunday 9:30 a.m. 1,772
Total 2,962
Wednesday Night Ministries 1,192
Decisions for Christ Worship Attendance
See what God is doing!
Debt balance as of Oct 19
$1,134,247
First Time Guests
Welcome to First Baptist Church Naples
We are glad that you came to worship with us. Our worship services are
intended to give praise to God and reveal how Jesus gives hope for all who
call on His name. We hope that you feel at home here! Greeters at the doors
can help with any immediate needs/questions that you may have. Volunteers
at the Information Desk in the Commons are there to assist you in fnding the
perfect Bible & Life Group. Thank you for joining us today! For more detailed
information about our church and ministries, please call Lou at 596-8600 x258.
October 18 & 19
Saturday Night 781
Sunday 8:15 a.m. 108
Sunday 11:00 a.m. 950
Home Groups 288
Total 2,127
October 29 (4:45-6:00pm in the
Fellowship/Recreation Gym)
Chopped Sirloin, Sliced Potatoes,
Veggie, Salad, Dessert
Tickets may be purchased at the Lighthouse
Cafe or at the door for $6 each or $25 for a
family. Alternate choices available.
Saturday, October 25
5:00 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus
6:00 p.m. Worship Service: Worship Center
6:00 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Modulars 1 and 2
7:30 p.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus
Sunday, October 26
8:15 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus
9:00 a.m. Haitian Bible Study & Worship: ED206
9:00 a.m. Vietnamese Worship & Bible Study: DC221
9:30 a.m. Worship Service: Worship Center
10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study & Worship: Modular 4
11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups: Various Rooms on Campus
1:00 p.m. Spanish Worship Service: Student Center
5:00 p.m. Childrens Choirs & Student Creative Arts Teams
5:00 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room
6:00 p.m. Romanian Worship Service: Modular 4
6:30 p.m. Haitian Worship Service: Modular 2
Tuesday, October 28
9:00 a.m. RefresHer Womens Bible Study: Worship Center
Wednesday, October 29
4:45 p.m. Family Meal: Fellowship Recreation-Gym
6:20 p.m. AWANA for Kids: Education Building
6:25 p.m. Band of Brothers Mens Bible Study: Chapel
6:30 p.m. RefresHer Womens Bible Study: Worship Center
6:30 p.m. High School Ministry: Home Groups Off Campus
6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry: Student Center & Family Life Center
6:30 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal: Choir Room
Other events this week include: Blood Drive, Special Called Prayer Meeting,
Annas Tea, GriefShare, Celebrate Recovery, and Trunk & Treat
First Baptist Academy
Statement of Faith
Kimberly Christiansen
Irene Norton
Debbie Taylor
Annas Tea
Monday, October 27 at 1:30pm in Room WC117
This is a ministry of the deacons wives to the widows of our
congregation. Join us for a special fall theme. Please sign-
up in the Fellowship Hallway, or call Vada at 596-8600 x268.
Legacy Builders Senior Adults
FBA Open House
Thursday, November 6
9:00am - Noon in the Commons
Come check out First Baptist Academy to learn how biblical worldview, academic
rigor, award-winning fne arts, and championship athletics are fused together in
one of Southwest Floridas best private schools.