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The Presbyterian
Messenger July 2021 Monthly Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church Burley, Idaho
It is for freedom that
Christ has set us free.
Galatians 5:1
Pastor’s 4th of July Message
On July 4, 2021 we celebrate America’s But ultimately and more importantly “our
245th birthday. It’s a time to participate in citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that
patriotic programs and to sing patriotic songs. we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus
It’s a time to give thanks for our country's Christ,” who will do what no political party in this
beginnings and the progress towards world can ever do—”transform our humble
embodying the ideal of “liberty and justice for bodies to be like his glorious body, by the power
all.” But let’s be honest, we also need to keep that enables him to make all things subject to
asking God to “shed His grace” on America and himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21). As citizens of the
to “mend (its) every flaw.” Read the lyrics to kingdom of God our final and ultimate allegiance
“O Beautiful for Spacious Skies.” is to Jesus. If placed in a position of having to
Someone has made the observation that in choose between obeying God or the
God’s good providence, Jefferson’s Declaration government, we should choose obedience to
of Independence in 1776 was approved by God. (see Acts 4:1-22).
Congress during one of the best weather times Second, we are citizens of this great country.
in the Northern hemisphere. So our celebrations And it is fitting and appropriate to be a patriot.
include parades and picnics, hot dogs and Daniel Webster, one of America’s greatest
hamburgers, soda and beer, ice cream, apple orators and statesman said: “What makes a
pie, baseball, and bombs bursting in air. Good person a good Christian, makes them a good
fun! citizen.” So as Christian citizens we have a love
Let’s not forget, however, there are two things for our country and do everything in our power
that make the Fourth of July different for an to make it a great country for everyone.
American follower of Jesus. First, we are Keeping these thoughts in mind let’s celebrate
citizens of two kingdoms. We are citizens of the our country’s birthday.
United States of America. Born citizens or
naturalized or working on citizenship. In Jesus’ Love,
Pastor John
Reflecting on “America the Beautiful”
Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) wrote, edited and
FREEDOM taught English in her native Massachusetts.
Occasionally, she wrote hymns, too.
On a trip to Colorado, Bates was greatly impressed
by amber waves of grain, fruited plains and purple
How will we use our freedom? mountain majesties. She believed that God had
definitely shed his grace all across this land. A visit
to the summit of Pikes Peak inspired Bates to write
In 2000, Cornealious Anderson was sentenced her most famous poem-hymn,
to 13 years for robbery. The 23-year-old was
“America the Beautiful.”
released on bail and told to await orders to
show up to prison. But due to a clerical error, Bates also realized that patriotism was an
those orders never came. Some people might important part of America. She was grateful for
have taken advantage of such freedom and heroes “who more than self their country loved
committed more crimes. But Anderson and mercy more than life.” She wanted all
Americans to realize how God had shed his grace
started a business, coached youth football and on them and had crowned what was good “with
volunteered at church, earning respect in his brotherhood from sea to shining sea.”
community. Thirteen years later, when
Missouri officials discovered the error and put Bates embodied the spirit of thankfulness to God
for all she had experienced and been given.
Anderson behind bars, an online petition called
for his release. A judge agreed that Anderson
was a changed man and, again, he was freed.
What would you do with such undeserved Words from FDR
freedom? What do we do with the unmerited We still remain true to the faith of our fathers who
freedom God grants us despite our sin, and established religious liberty when the nation began. We
with the freedoms we celebrate on July 4? May must remember, too, that our forebears in every
we follow Anderson’s example and use our generation, and wherever they established their homes,
freedoms—social and spiritual—to serve made prompt and generous provision for the institutions
others. —adapted from Homiletics of religion. We must continue their steadfast reliance
upon the providence of God.
No greater blessing could come to our land today than a
revival of the spirit of religion. I doubt if there is any
problem in the world today — social, political or
economic — that would not find happy solution if
approached in the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount.
—Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1938
A Prayer for the Fourth Patriotic trivia
Loving God, we thank you—the true Father of our As we celebrate America’s birthday, it’s interesting
country—for the blessings of this land and the gifts to note that clergymen wrote both the Pledge of
of cultures around the world. Prompt us to strive for Allegiance and the hymn “My Country ’Tis of
justice for all, at home and abroad. Remind us, in the Thee.” Rev. Francis Bellamy wrote the pledge in
words of the hymn, that “this is our Father’s world” 1892. Rev. Samuel Francis Smith wrote the hymn
and that your goodness prevails. Amid tragedies and in 1831. Both men were Baptist ministers.
conflicts, guard us against despair. Help us focus on The pledge was first used in public schools in
the kindness evident daily: from generous neighbors 1892 during Columbus Day observances. “My
to conscientious public servants (because most are). Country ’Tis of Thee” was used as a national song
On Independence Day and every day, “O let (us) before “The Star-Spangled Banner” was named
ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft so America’s national anthem in 1931.
strong, God is the Ruler yet.” Amen.
Session Highlights
Greetings from the Session, Please do not bring items to the allowance for a future permanent
Session met on June 9th. All elders church for storage. Save them at pastor.
were present with exception of one. home. Bring items only when asked The large pines in the backyard of
The docket was approved and a usually a week or two before the next the church will be removed this fall/
quorum was present. There are 64 sale. winter. The Grounds Committee has
active members on the roll. Com- Sunday School for adults and put new bark around the front and
munion was served to 39 on June 6th. children will not begin until sides of the church. It looks great
The clerk went to the Annual Clerk’s September. Please plan on attending and brightens up the place. Thank
Record Review. Our records were at that time. Remember teachers you and kudos to Victor Pugh for the
read and approved with one and students are always needed, lawn mowing. You are doing a great
exception. wanted, and welcome. Gear up for job!!!
Pastor John will be vacationing on Fall!!!! The new church sign was dedicated
July 4 and 11. Elders will fill the The Session passed a “Safe Conduct on June 6th. Come by and see the
pulpit on July 4 and Alice Long will Policy”. It will appear in the August plaque and thank the Martin and
be here on July 11. John and Linda newsletter for everyone to read. Wittman families for their generous
will be hosting a visit from their son Session feels that a safe secure donation.
and family and enjoying sights and environment is the responsibility of As you plan your summer get-
activities in Idaho. If you need the entire congregation. Please read togethers, remember that the church
assistance during that time, call the and be aware of what is expected of has a great backyard and pavilion/
church office or an elder. members and friends at First patio. You may use it at any time.
Pastor John is planning on being on Presbyterian. Just schedule your event with the
vacation during the months of The tithes for May were $7481 and office. The yard should be used for
September and October. Arrange- expenses were $5269. Thank you to more than just mowing.
ments will be made for pulpit supply all who give so generously. Your Thanks to the Fellowship Committee
and pastoral care during his absence. gifts are appreciated and put to for the great Father’s Day Picnic –
There will be more information as it careful use for maintenance and pie and pizza. Delicious!!! All who
becomes available. operation of the church. Session is attended had a great time. WE
The Deacons report a very successful in the process of investing the money LOVE OUR DADS!!!!
Yard Sale with $1440 is revenue. from the sale of the Manse. We are
putting it into the Presbyterian Next Session meeting will be on July
Thank you to all who helped and 14th. The meeting closed at 8:30
supported the Deacons. Your help Foundation for investment in the
stock market. These moneys will be with prayer.
was greatly appreciated. There has
been no date set for another sale. used as needed for housing Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Poulton Clerk of Session
SHINING STARS
I can close my eyes and go back in time to the We constantly strive to overcome temptation so
house where I grew up. I remember stargazing we can maintain a close relationship with God.
with my father. We took turns squinting through We wrestle against selfishness to have
his telescope, trying to focus on glowing dots harmony with our spiritual brothers and sisters.
that shimmered and winked. These pinpricks of But still, there’s hope. Alive in each believer,
light, born of heat and fire, stood out in sharp God’s Spirit empowers us to be self-controlled,
contrast to the smooth, ink-black sky. kind, and faithful (Galatians 5:22-23). Just as
Do you consider yourself to be a shining star? we are called to live beyond our natural
I’m not talking about reaching the heights of capacity, God’s supernatural help makes this
human achievement, but standing out against a possible (Philippians 2:13). If every believer
dark background of brokenness and evil. The became a “shining star” through the power of
apostle Paul told the Philippian believers that the Spirit, just imagine how the light of God
God would shine in and through them as they would repel the darkness around us!
held “firmly to the word of life” and avoided —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
grumbling and arguing (Philippians 2:14-16).
Our unity with other believers and our faithful- You will shine among them like stars in the sky
ness to God can set us apart from the world. as you hold firmly to the word of life.
The problem is that these things don’t come Philippians 2:15-16
naturally.
July Scripture Lessons
from the Lectionary
Lord willing, we will be looking at The First Letter of John this summer. Please invest
time reading the short letter and observe the connection between loving God and loving
people. Please also plan to read the July Scripture lessons from the lectionary.
July 4 [6th Sunday after Pentecost/ July 18 [8th Sunday after Pentecost]
Communion] 2 Sam. 7:1-14a; Ps. 89:20-37;
2 Sam. 5:1-5, 9-10; Ps. 48; Eph. 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
2 Cor. 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13
July 25 [9th Sunday after Pentecost]
July 11 [7th Sunday after Pentecost] 2 Sam. 11:1-15; Ps. 14;
2 Sam. 6:1-5, 12b-19; Ps. 24; Eph. 3:14-21; John 6:1-21
Eph. 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29
Friendly signposts
We need friends. Friends guide us, care for us, confront us in love, console us in times of
pain. Although we speak of “making friends,” friends cannot be made. Friends are free
gifts from God. But God gives us the friends we need when we need them if we fully trust
in God’s love.
Friends cannot replace God. They have limitations and weaknesses like we have. Their
love is never faultless, never complete. But in their limitations they can be signposts on
our journey towards the unlimited and unconditional love of God. Let’s enjoy the friends
whom God has sent on our way.
—Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey
Committees & July Birthdays &
Elected Officers Anniversaries
02 Jerry Vegwert
Building & Grounds: 02 Paul & Kristi Pugh
Paul Pugh 04 Bonnie Stanley
Fellowship: 09 Earl Clayville
Brent Germann 13 Marilyn Larson
Finance: 14 Kacie Matlock
Carleen Clayville 15 Oliver & Lucy Agamah
16 Linda Smith
Missions & Evangelism: 2021 Year to Date 17 Cynthia Fuelling
Dan Wittman Tithes and Expenses 19 Tom Clayville
Personnel & Nominating: 19 Dan & Terrie Shockey
Jerry Vegwert
May
20 Jack & Pam Evans
Worship & Christian Ed: 22 Barbra Moore
Tithes $7,481.00 24 Russell & Kathleen Morgan
Dan Shockey
Expenses $5,268.55 25 Wanda Drew
Deacons: 25 Zachary Germann
Darla Holl, Linda Smith, Julie YTD Totals:
25 Jose & Kathleen Rios
Germann, Tyson Germann, Gary Tithes $43,487.57 28 Linda Ziulkowski
Hollinger and Susan McGee Expenses $29,536.87
God Bless Your Special Day!
July 2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Independence Day In Observance of 1:30 pm
Pulpit Supply: Elders
Independence Day Mt. Harrison Quilt
10:45 am Worship— the Office will be Guild
A Special Patriotic Closed
Service—
No Communion
Cupcake Sunday
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Pulpit Supply: 7:00 pm Session Newsletter Article
Alice Long Due
10:45 am Worship
Worship Comm. meet
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
10:45 am Worship Newsletter Article
Deadline
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
10:45 am Worship 10:00 am
PW Ecumenical
Brunch
July Servers ~ Thank You!
Head Usher: Sharon Napier Head Greeter: Carleen Clayville
Liturgist: 7/4 Dottie, 7/11 Dan S., 7/18 Gary, 7/25 Dottie
Children’s Time: 7/4 Kathy P. 7/11 Kathy P. 7/18 Kathy P. 7/25 Kathy P.
Coffee Hour: 7/4 Fellowship, 7/11 _____, 7/18 _____, 7/25 _____
We wish you a Happy 4th of July!
Be safe, be kind, and remember to thank God
for the freedom we enjoy. We should never take
for granted what many only pray for.
“Your worth consists in what you are
and not in what you have. What you
are will show in what you do.”
—Thomas Davidson
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, July 31, 2021
OUR ANNUAL ECUMENICAL BRUNCH
It will be fun, there will be food, and
Fellowship!
And a great program!
Please be prepared to help with food!
Thank you for all you do
to support our church!
In Christ’s Service,
Carleen Clayville, Moderator
Members of Burley Presbyterian Church,
On behalf of Hope Community Food Pantry, Mountain View Food Pantry would like to
we would like to thank your church for such a thank you for your donation of $750.00 to be
generous donation. The response to our used to purchase food to feed hungry
community pantry has been so wonderful. families in the Mini-Cassia Area. It is because
God continues to bless us daily by providing of people and partnerships like yours that
the means to feed so many. make living in this area such a blessing from
Thank you again! God.
In Christ’s love, Thanks again,
Hope Community Food Pantry
Pastor Terry Bell
Donation $750.00 Mountain View Christian Center
Committee Reports
FINANCE REPORT
$$$
HAVE YOUR ATTENTION!
NOW THAT WE
WE JUST WANT TO SAY, THANK
FELLOWSHIP YOU! FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT
July 4- Cupcake Sunday THESE PAST YEARS! WE COULDN’T
Enjoy your Summer. HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOUR
Be sure to join us after Worship for coffee, DEDICATION TO SHARING YOUR
treats and fellowship.
Please consider providing treats to share. TALENTS, GIFTS AND MONEY TO
Respectfully submitted,
HELP KEEP OUR CHURCH &
Terrie Shockey PROPERTY IN GOOD SHAPE!
THIS IS JUST A REMINDER IF YOU
ARE HEADING OUT TO FISH, VISIT
AND TOUR THIS BEAUTIFUL
COUNTRY OF OURS, PLEASE KEEP IN
MIND OUR EXPENSES GO ON
WHETHER YOU ARE IN CHURCH OR
NOT!
The Flavor of the Gospel ASIDE FROM MISSING YOUR FACES,
AND WE DO, PLEASE CONTINUE TO
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is DROP, MAIL, OR OTHERWISE SEND
salt if it has lost its flavor?” (Matthew 5:13, NLT).
These words from Jesus might seem strange to YOUR OFFERING, PERCAPITA, OR
us — can salt lose its flavor? But in New DONATION. WE APPRECIATE ALL
Testament times, most of the salt used as YOU DO!
seasoning, preservative, medicinal aid and more
came from the Dead Sea, where impurities often IN CHRIST’S SERVICE,
compromised its usefulness, especially its flavor. YOUR FINANCE TEAM
Jesus urges his disciples — including us — to
not let the flavor of the gospel be suppressed in
our lives. What might do this? Teachings that
treat patriotism, prosperity or any other value as
equal to Jesus; the tendency to elevate one
nation, church denomination, theological under- Whatever you do, work at it with
standing or religious tradition above all others;
such intense focus on the laws of ancient Israel ALL YOUR HEART,
that we neglect the superseding grace of God.
But neither should we force the gospel on as if working for the Lord.
people, like overpowering their food by
dumping in too much salt at once. As followers Colossians 3:23 NIV
of Jesus, we’re the salt of the earth. Let us use
his good news to gently season others’ lives with
service and love.
As we celebrate our nation’s heritage this
month, we pray that all governmental
LOOKING AHEAD—MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
leaders will work for peace and justice
around the world.
AUGUST
01: Communion Sunday
04: Presbyterian Women National Gathering via Zoom
11: Session 7:00 pm
12: Mt. Harrison Quilt Guild 1:30 pm THE BOXES
29: Special Choir Performance
31: Election Day 8am—8pm *we are a polling place I have in my hands two boxes
SEPTEMBER Which God gave me to hold.
05: Season of Peace begins He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black,
05: Sunday School resumes—all ages And all your joys in the gold."
05: Communion / Cupcake Sunday I heeded His words, and in the two boxes
06: Labor Day—Office Closed Both my joys and sorrows I store,
08: Session 7:00 pm But though the gold became heavier each day
09: Mt. Harrison Quilt Guild 1:30 pm
18: PW CT Planning—TBA The black was as light as before.
19: National Back to Church Sunday With curiosity, I opened the black
22: First Day of Autumn I wanted to find out why
OCTOBER And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole
03: World Communion Sunday; Peacemaking Offering Which my sorrows had fallen out by.
10: Pastor Appreciation Sunday I showed the hole to God, and mused aloud,
11: Noodle making week—TBA "I wonder where my sorrows could be."
13: Session 7:00 pm He smiled a gentle smile at me.
14: Mt. Harrison Quilt Guild 1:30 pm
15: Presbytery Meeting via Zoom (Oct. 15—16) "My child, they're all here with me."
31: Reformation Sunday I asked, "God, why give me the boxes,
31: Special Choir Performance Why the gold, and the black with the hole?"
"My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings,
"God does not lead His children around hardship, the black is for you to let go."
but leads them straight through hardship. But He -- Author Unknown
leads! And amidst the hardship, He is nearer to
them than ever before." — Otto Dibelius
A GENTLE ANSWER
As it does this year, July 4 fell on Sunday in 1937. While Pastor Eldred
Johnston led worship that morning in Paulding, Ohio, local kids set off fire-
crackers nearby (restrictions were rare back then). Realizing he needed to
act, the pastor slipped outside during a hymn and found the revelers.
But instead of scolding or shouting, Johnston stayed calm. “I used to enjoy
shooting fireworks too,” he said, adding that he knew it was a fun way to
celebrate. “But many in this town are gathered in worship, and the noise is
very distracting. All I’m asking is that you wait until church services are over
— about noon — and then shoot firecrackers all you want.” The pastor
smiled at each youth and returned to church.
Recounting that experience in Liberty magazine, Johnston said he half-
expected to hear defiant explosions. Instead, the kids waited respectfully
until worship was over. When conflicts loom, may we heed that example —
and this advice from Proverbs: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs
up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV).
Presbytery Report Presbytery of Kendall Report June 19, 2021 via Zoom Moderator Phil Hagen called the meeting to order. There was a quorum present. He gave a welcome, offered introductions and the docket was adopted. He gave a meditation comparing Noah and the flood to our recent pandemic situation. As Noah fought ridicule, obstacles of building a huge ship, gathering animals and food, enduring the flood and the drying out, he did so by trusting God for guidance and strength. It was a time of great uncertainty. We have endured the fight with a pandemic, a time of uncertainty and fear. It was a time of testing our faith and trust in God. We, to, have weathered the storm and are emerging with understanding, trust and faith in our creator and sustainer. God is still steadfast and present in our times of trouble and he is in our times of joy. As Noah endured and landed on a mountain top, so have we as life begins to return to a normal that presents new options for our own mountain of ups and downs. We can move forward in faith, grace and hope through the love of a righteous and patience God. Camp Sawtooth will be open for events but no camp. Camp was cancelled due to lack of trained staff. Director Kevin Dutcher is available to help churches plan retreats. Presbyterian Women will have a National Gathering on Aug 4-5 via zoom. All women can participate but they need to register through the website. The new Bible Study “What Our Grandmothers Taught Us” is available at $10/copy. An Administrative Commission, headed by Steve Knudson will help guide the fate of the Bear Lake Church. They are closing due to lack of members. Ministerial Relations presented Steve Weber as a teaching elder member of the Presbytery. It was MSC to accept Steve as a member. He is a retired Navy Chaplin/Interim pastor. He resides in the Teton area. Pastor Hagen led us in virtual communion and prayers. Board of Trustees sent a written report along with the budget. There are 4 different types of grants available to churches. Contact Presbytery Rep or presbytery office for more information. Board of Managers reported that they received about $150,000 in growth revenue to distribute to four recipients specified by the Hilda Thompson legacy fund. The solar project on the ranch is almost ready to begin. Managers are considering selling some land that is not meeting the needs of the ranch. Synod reported that the Central Coast Presbytery will combine two of the northern CA presbyteries. The merger is almost complete. Cathy Chisholm, Minister of Discernment, has been busy connecting with various churches, visiting her mother, and regaining her bearings after a year of health issues. Rhett Downing, Minister of Care, is gearing up to begin visiting churches and connecting with congregations. Moderator’s report: Mod Phil read the changes to the By-Laws that included language to allow zoom meetings for all committees as well as presbytery meetings. The changes passed. The By-Laws will be amended. He encouraged us to be open to change and to pray for each other and the churches of the Presbytery. The next meeting will be Oct. 15-16 for a possible in person meeting with the place to be announced. Meeting adjourned at 12:43 with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Poulton, Presbytery Commissioner
Right in
Their Own Eyes by John MacArthur
Like the times of the judges in ancient Israel, people today are making their own
rules—and the world is bringing judgment on itself. Will sinful humanity turn toward
the God who offers mercy and rescue at the cross?
T he Book of Judges describes one of the longest, bleakest epochs in Old
Testament history. It covers a 450-year time frame extending from Joshua’s
conquest of the Promised Land until the time of Samuel—more years than
America has been a nation. That entire era is riddled with horrific acts of evil,
bloody conflicts and tales of human misery. It was an age of absolute moral
chaos.
During that time, at intervals, when the people of Israel would grow desperate and cry for help, God would raise
up some unlikely leader to conquer whatever enemy was oppressing them. These deliverers, known as “judges,”
weren’t necessarily upstanding models of spiritual virtue. But the Lord would empower and use them to deliver
His people from servitude or national disaster. And then when peace was restored, the nation would fall right back
into another long stretch of sin and apostasy. It happened every time. The cycle is repeated over and over again.
In Judges 17:6 and 21:25 (the book’s final verse), the writer sums up precisely why it was such a miserable
time: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
That statement would be a fitting estimation of the moral state of our generation, too. In this increasingly secular
culture, most people no longer believe there is any fixed, inviolable moral standard they need to obey. People
regularly prompt one another with phrases like, “Find your own truth” and “Follow your heart” - as if that were a
purely noble and upright way to live.
But that, according to Scripture, is the distilled essence of sinful foolishness. “The way of a fool is right in his
own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15). “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than
for him” (Proverbs 26:12). God condemns “evil people, who refuse to hear [His] words, who stubbornly follow
their own heart” (Jeremiah 13:10). In short, “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26).
When Moses gave the law to the people of Israel, one of the chief principles he underscored for them was, “You
shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own
eyes” (Deuteronomy 12:8). The idea that everyone should get to define for himself what is right and true is a
recipe for disorder and disaster. It is the very definition of moral anarchy.
But it is also the defining principle of post-modernism—the value system that rules the current generation. Truth
is regarded as a matter of personal perspective. People today believe nothing can be known with settled certainty.
This is not a new phenomenon. Pontius Pilate cynically asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Today’s
society collectively answers that question in the most skeptical yet arrogant way possible—namely, with the
disastrous false notion that the only truth that ultimately matters is whatever seems right in your own eyes.
Of Course, those who see the universe that way can’t really believe anything outside themselves. If you can’t be
certain that objective truth exists, the suggestion that there is something to believe in simply makes no sense.
Moral or religious convictions are out of the question. What is anyone to do except “whatever is right in his own
eyes”?
In case you hadn’t realized it, that kind of thinking now dominates our society. The concept of settled, knowable
truth is widely considered intellectually inept and politically incorrect. The common phrases “my truth” and “your
truth” suggest that everything is ultimately just a matter of perspective. All truth claims are really nothing more
than your personal opinions, and they deserve to be treated that way. Every point of view, no matter how bizarre,
demands equal respect. Because, after all, no one can say for sure what is ultimately true.
How did we get here? This is the wreckage of a post-structuralist approach to knowledge, where all texts must
be deconstructed; any spiritual precept or article of faith must be met with unyielding skepticism; authority is
despised; certainty is deemed the very height of arrogance; feelings count more than facts; and common sense,
moral values—even knowledge itself—are scorned as relics of a more naïve epoch of human history.
There is zero tolerance for moral absolutes in a climate like this.
Western society was built on beliefs that are rooted in Scripture, starting with the truth that God exists and has
made Himself known. The whole weight of the United States’ Declaration of Independence hangs on truths about
God and His creation that our nation’s Founding Fathers regarded as “self-evident,” and they were right about
that.
continued on next pageRight in Their Own Eyes, continued
All creation is filled with important realities that are self-evident—axiomatic—beginning with the very
foundation of all truth. The Bible says some basic knowledge of God is innate in every human heart: “That which
is known about God is evident within them” (Romans 1:19, NASB 1995).
Furthermore, God constantly displays His glory through creation in a way that is hard to miss. Whether you
study the vastness of the universe or examine a single drop of pond water through a microscope, you will see
ample evidence of God’s infinite power, wisdom, creativity—and a host of other attributes. These truths
(precisely the kind of ultimate, objective realities the postmodern mind rejects) are purposefully built into all of
creation at every conceivable level.
Scripture goes on to say, “God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible
attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been
made, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20, NASB 1995).
Humanity’s problem is that because of our sin, we resist accountability to God. We suppress that innate
knowledge and ignore or try to explain away what is literally spread across the universe in all its resplendence
before our eyes. Because fallen minds refuse to see what is obvious, they lose the ability to make sense of
anything. “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile
in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans
1:21-22, NASB 1995).
That, of course, is the main theme in the opening chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Romans. The apostle goes on to
chronicle some steps of decline that are reminiscent of those cycles in the Book of Judges. It is a familiar pattern
throughout human history. It is a descent into sin and depravity that has brought down every one of history’s most
powerful empires and currently threatens our civilization. It is a path that goes from unbelief to complete
intellectual futility, and it drags whole societies through idolatry, uncontrolled lusts, degrading passions and every
conceivable expression of unrighteousness.
And it happens whenever people decide that everyone should do whatever is right in their own minds.
The end result is “a depraved mind” (Romans 1:28, NASB 1995) - a soul utterly given over to wickedness,
irrationality and contempt for everything that is truly righteous. In an act of divine judgment, God withdraws His
grace and allows an individual (or an entire culture) to reach that point of moral and spiritual insanity. Here’s how
the apostle says it:
“Just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do
those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy,
murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, hater of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of
evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know
the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also
give hearty approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:28-32, NASB 1995).
We have literally watched this play out in living color, with Jerry Springer narrating, as our culture has sped
down the exact path of spiritual decline Paul outlines in that chapter. Hollywood, hip-hop, shock radio and a host
of other pop culture obsessions—helped by mainstream media and the secular academy—have indoctrinated
recent generations to accept and even encourage every imaginable kind of depravity and radical “alternative life-
style.”
We’re not supposed to notice the overtly self-destructive nature of popular moral deviancies or the aberrant sub-
cultures they spawn. Anyone who is still offended or appalled by such things is considered ignorant or ill-bred.
Our mainstream media have displayed a stubborn determination to advance and encourage the moral meltdown.
They will, for example, portray months of lawlessness and rioting as legitimate expressions of free speech—
insisting that it has been “mostly peaceful,” even though the destructive result is clearly evident to anyone with
eyes to see.
Meanwhile, nothing is more politically incorrect than religious belief. Genuine faith in God is commonly
represented as a dangerous, disqualifying disorder. Our culture has quite simply lost its religion. Everyone does
whatever is right in his own eyes.
Although public discourse today is full of cries for justice and structural change, there is simply no way to
affirm any coherent standard of justice—much less is there any hope of change for the better—apart from a
sweeping return to the God of Scripture, who is the source of all truth.
We desperately need a generation of men and women who will open their eyes to that reality, turn from the
unbelief and cold skepticism that define our culture, and flee for mercy to the God they have spurned. The good
news is that God does offer full and free forgiveness and abundant blessing for those who will heed the call of
Jesus Christ and come to Him in repentant faith. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy
Bible, English Standard Version. The quotations marked NASB 1995
©2021 GRACE TO YOU are taken from New American Standard Bible.
Article borrowed from DECISION® John MacArthur is the longtime pastor of Grace Community Church in
A PUBLCATION OF THE BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION Sun Valley, California and chancellor of The Master’s University and
MAY 2021 Seminary. His preaching is heard worldwide through the media ministry
of Grace To You (gty.org).PASTOR: First Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. John L. Ziulkowski 2100 Burton Avenue
Burley ID 83318
Pastor’s office hours:
Wednesdays 9:00am—1:00pm Visit us on the web at:
(also available by appointment) www.burleypres.org
Pastor’s email: lrzski@yahoo.com
Pastor’s cell phone: 208-430-5359
Office Administrator: Barbra Moore
Office hours M—F 9am—1pm
Office phone: 678-5131
Office email: burleypc@pmt.org
Clerk of Session: Kathy Poulton
Director of Music: Paul Pugh
Pianist: Susan McGee / Susi McCall / Linda Ziulkowski
Nursery Attendant: Bonnie Stanley
Custodian: Linda Culley
Prayer Chain: Susan McGee 208-312-3864
Service Times:
Sunday School 9:30 am
Worship 10:45 am
The Presbyterian Messenger and
The Lord’s Day Bulletin are published by
The First Presbyterian Church of Burley, Idaho.
Please submit your Newsletter items by the
"Wait on the LORD;
15th of the month and Bulletin items by Wednesday. be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart;
wait, I say, on the LORD."
PSALM 27:14
July 2021
We offer up prayers for . . .
CORNER
• God answering prayers, big and small! Good is good—all the time!
PRAYER
• All who are fighting cancer and those recovering from various illnesses and injuries
• Prayers of thanksgiving for God’s Son—his indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15).
• Prayers of support and encouragement for all our shut-ins and those in care centers
• All who have lost loved ones
• The poor, lonely, abused, or struggling with addiction
• All who have lost jobs
• Those facing financial uncertainties
• Wisdom for those making difficult decisions
• Our church leaders
• Our military
• Our government leaders
• Our partnership ministries: Mini-Cassia Women & Children’s Shelter, Helping Hands
Christian Center, Operation Christmas Child and Angel Tree Ministry
Prayers: If you know of someone who is in need of our prayers, please contact the church office.
Prayer Chain: If you have an emergency prayer request, or would like to join the prayer chain,
please contact Susan McGee at 208-312-3864
“Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible
and received the impossible.”—Corrie ten BoomYou can also read
