News & Events

Through the Bible One-Year Reading Plans

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:56:32 -0500

PDF with active hyperlinks --> 01.01.2012 DW Bible Reading Plans web version.pdf

ONE-YEAR PLANS

The 52 Week Bible Reading Plan
covers the Bible in one year, with each day of the week dedicated to a different genre: Epistles, The Law, History, Psalms, Poetry, Prophecy, and Gospels.
http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf

The ESV Daily Bible Reading Plan
covers the Bible in one year, with four daily readings taken from four lists: Psalms and Wisdom Literature, Pentateuch and History of Israel, Chronicles and Prophets, and Gospels and Epistles. The plan print-out can be cut and used as bookmarks as you read.
http://www.esv.org/assets/pdfs/rp.esv.study.bible.pdf

The Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan
covers the Bible in one year, with four daily readings beginning in Genesis, Psalms, Matthew and Acts.
http://www.navpress.com/uploadedFiles/15074%20BRP.dj.pdf

The Discipleship Journal Book-at-a-Time Bible Reading Plan
covers the Bible in one year, with two daily readings alternating between the New Testament and Old Testament. To prevent the frustration of falling behind, each month consists of only 25 readings, which gives several days to ‘catch-up’.
http://www.navpress.com/uploadedFiles/BRP2.pdf

The Tabletalk Magazine Bible Reading Plan
by Ligonier Ministries covers the Bible in one year, with
two daily readings each day alternating between the Old Testament and New Testament.
http://ligonier-public-media.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/promotions/files/2012_TT_BibleInAYear.pdf

The ESV Chronological Bible Reading Plan
covers the Bible in one year in the order the events occurred chronologically.
http://www.esv.org/assets/pdfs/rp.chronological.pdf

The Legacy Reading Plan
covers the Bible in one year, but does not have set readings for each day. Instead, it has set books for each month, and set number of Proverbs and Psalms to read each week. It aims to give you more flexibility, while grounding you in specific books of the Bible each month.
http://www.equip.org/PDF/LEGACY_READING_PLAN.pdf

Mark Barry’s Bible Reading Chart
allows you to read through the Bible at your own pace and track your reading using his beautifully designed chart.
http://visualunit.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/bible_reading.pdf

‘STARTER’ PLANS

Discipleship Journal’s 5x5x5 Bible Reading Plan
covers the entire New Testament in a year, reading only five days each week with two days set aside for catch-up. This plan is especially beneficial if you’re new to a daily discipline of Bible reading.
http://www.navpress.com/uploadedFiles/5x5x5_BRP.pdf

Every Word in the Bible
covers the entire Bible in three years, reading one chapter each day and alternating between the Old Testament and New Testament.
http://www.zondervan.com/m/readingplans/3yrGddTour_af_cms.pdf

Stephen Witmer’s Two-Year Bible Reading Plan
covers the entire Bible in two years, reading the Old and New Testaments once, and the Psalms and Proverbs four times.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/files/2010/12/TGC-Two-Year-Bible-Reading-Plan1.pdf

MORE AMBITIOUS ONE-YEAR PLANS

The Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
is a favorite of mine that I’ve used multiple times. M’Cheyne was an early 19th-century pastor and preacher who was known for encouraging people to make daily Bible reading part of their lives. His plan takes the reader through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice per year. This means reading about four chapters a day, taken from different parts of the Bible. M’Cheyne encouraged families to read half of the daily readings together.
http://www.edginet.org/mcheyne/mcheyne_bookmarks.pdf

Professor Grant Horner’s Bible Reading System
is all about getting to know your Bible so well that you know where everything is in the Bible and how it all fits together. It is an especially ambitious plan, covering ten chapters a day. In the course of a year you’ll read the Gospels four times, the Pentateuch twice, Paul’s letters four to five times, the Old Testament wisdom literature six times, the Psalms at least twice, Proverbs and Acts a dozen times, and the OT History and Prophetic books about one and a half times.
http://www.wbfva.org/files/professor_grant_horners_bible_reading_system.pdf

Missions - Czech Republic: Browns - NOV 2011 Update

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:50:30 -0500

Printable Version: Browns NOV 2011 Update.pdf

Greetings in Christ from the Czech Republic!!!

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal. John 12:24-25 Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life. Luke 18:29-30

The two verses above came to my mind as I was thinking about writing this letter, our Lord’s life and teaching, and discipleship. How following our Lord cost our lives, but is also the only way to really live. God is not our debtor- we gain much more than we can possibly give.

The first Elder Training Program happened and went well. It was a full 20 hours with four sessions- two Bible overview sessions, and one each in theology and Biblical counseling. Rene Drapala, our long time friend who is a pastor in Zlin, taught the counseling session; Marshall taught the others. It was packed! And there was still time for fellowship, food, and rest. The next weekend will be December 9 and 10. Each of these men is meeting with other men in discipleship relationships. Marshall is meeting with each of them. We have realized more than ever that spending time with faithful people is a model that is Biblical and effective! We thank God for them. Please pray with us for the growth in discipleship- that it would change lives and that we each would see the surpassing value of living for God.

At the Kids’ Club on Monday we are facing a problem of thievery. We have had things taken from our pockets, purses and the church. Now that we are aware of the problem we are being more careful, but this past week we were surprised that Jana’s telephone was stolen. The person who took it removed the sim card and left that in her coat pocket. She was thankful, as at least her contacts were not lost. (One knows for sure it did not fall out of her pocket.) We are not surprised, as we know that people are sinful. Please pray for God to use this situation for His glory. That we would be wise and that the children would come to a saving knowledge of their Savior.

Nate finished and mailed the Youth Praha CD, Under Grace. It is a collaborative work involving many of the youth who attend the international youth group. The songs are largely based on the book of Romans, which they were studying last year. They will now be working on finalizing the art work and getting it produced. The International Church of Prague will be selling it, with money made going to the youth group. It is exciting!! Please be praying that it would be completed in a timely and efficient way and that God would be glorified.

Marshall is always working on writing projects and future teaching opportunities. He has openings to teach on “Death and Dying”, a topic that has been on his mind since spending time with his dad as his dad finished his race two years ago. Please be praying for Marshall’s thoughts on this area and ministry opportunities that have opened up.

Thank you for your support of our ministry and your prayers.

Marshall, Cathryn, Nate, Hannah, and Krista Brown
Na Ostruvku 307, Lázně Toušeň 250 89, Czech Republic
m.c.brown@vs.inext.cz

Baptism Service Video Highlights - August 14, 2011

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:32:04 -0400

Baptism Service Highlights - August 14, 2011.
MPEG-4 Format, approx 41MB

Elder and Deacon Nominees - Summer 2011

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 07:58:09 -0400

Printable Version - Summer 2011 Elder Deacon Nominees.pdf

Eastside’s elders are very pleased to present the following nominees whom the Lord is calling and the Holy Spirit is appointing.
Elder Nominees:

Jeff Duncan and Lou Pontigo have demonstrated this through their service and standing at Eastside, as well as their desire and sense of calling to the office and accountability for God’s flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1; Tit. 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:2-3). In discerning this over time, the elders recognize Jeff and Lou’s fitness for office relating to their: moral and spiritual character, abilities and actions and Spirit-given motivation.
Deacon Nominee:

Jim Boone has demonstrated wisdom from God and a loving devotion to serve the needs of God’s people. He is one who cares for and thinks of the corporate function of the local church and is a prudent steward of means and resources. (Acts 6:3)

Consistent with our by-laws and having been approved by our deacons, Eastside’s members will be asked to approve these men by voting on July 10. (Absentee voting will be available.) If you have any questions or concerns about any of these nominees, please speak to one of our elders (see below for contact info).

Current Elders:
Roy Deary (Chairman) 221.6350
Keith Jackson 314.7473
Bill Love 223.1790
Chris Watson 928.2457
Qualifications for an Elder (1 Tim. 3:2-4)
• Above reproach: free from any disgraceful blemish on one’s character or conduct, thus discrediting the office.
• The husband of one wife: literally: ‘a one-woman man’ (i.e. proven faithfulness to his wife).
• Temperate: free from excessive or destabilizing behavior, steady-thinking under pressure.
• Prudent, sensible: ability to curb desires and impulses so as to produce a measured and orderly life.
• Respectable, dignified: attractive and approachable behavior and lifestyle.
• Hospitable: welcoming those we don’t know into our homes in order to care for them.
• Able to teach: encouragingly communicate sound doctrine and gently confront those straying form it.
• Not addicted to wine: drunkenness—conclusive evidence that strong desires are not controlled.
• Not violent: at home, office, church, athletic field an elder must have a long fuse, disarming quarrels.
• Gentle, not quarrelsome: willingness to patiently make allowances for others’ weakness and ignorance.
• Free from the love of money: generous, financially accountable, an example of godly contentment.
• Manages home well: to be the responsible head in a commendable and honorable fashion.
• Not a new convert: experienced in the temptation of a sense of one’s own importance.
• Good reputation with outsiders: a testimony from outsiders that he is what he appears to be.

In addition to the above characteristics, an elder is one who is characterized in two distinct ways: a teacher of the Word and a shepherd of souls. He is one who accurately understands and effectively communicates the truths of God’s word and exhibits a sincere and remarkable love for people. He is one who, in the words of Peter, “eagerly and according to the will of God [is a shepherd] to the flock of God.” (1 Pet. 5:2).

Qualifications for a Deacon (1 Tim. 3:8-13 Acts 6:1-7)
• Dignified: attractive and approachable behavior and lifestyle.
• Not double-tongued: not guilty of double-talk, misleading, or inconsistent speech
• No addicted to much wine: observably not under the influence and dictates of alcohol and it’s effects.
• Not fond of sordid gain: avoiding illegitimate and unlawful means of gain
• Tested or proven to be beyond reproach: first given time to prove these other qualities
• The husband of one wife: free of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior of any kind.
• Good manager of home and children: handles his home and those God has given to him (his children) well.
• Wise: a prudent steward of means and resources.
• Devoted and oriented toward service: having a sustained, eager and willing capacity to meet needs.
• From among the local church: a recognized member of and participant in the life of the local church
• Good reputation with outsiders: a testimony from outsiders that he is what he appears to be. Christian Education for Adults

Jeff Duncan
I was raised in a home with Christian parents in the Washington D.C. suburbs. The Lord used the faithful servants of this church to instill the foundations of Christianity and a beginning knowledge of His Word. It was at this church that I came to Christ and began a long slow initial start to my sanctification.
I met Julie after my freshman year at Auburn and we were married two years later. We just celebrated our 21st anniversary. We have four children Jenna, Ben, Haley, and Isaac. Julie and I started a habit of attending church right after we were married and through six moves, six cities, and four churches in our first six years of marriage the Lord brought many faithful teachers and Godly families into our lives that strengthened our marriage, taught us to apply Christianity to our lives, and taught us His Word.
The two verses that I often return to are Colossians 1:15-20 and Romans 8:14-15:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"
Over the years opportunities for learning and service have allowed me to attend seminary in 2002 at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to serve as an elder and to then serve as associate pastor at a local church. We have attended Eastside for almost four years and have had the opportunity to work with the youth activity planning, teach middle school CE, and teach adults on a few occasions. These times of service have been tremendous blessings and times of intense work. I seek to faithfully serve the Lord in the places that He chooses to use me.

Lou Pontigo
I consider my testimony to be one of God’s grace, God’s patience and God’s faithfulness. Upon reflection of my life I see the hand of God throughout, guiding and directing countless circumstances. Although not raised in a church going family, God placed a very strong Christian family in my life from the beginning. As a result, I was exposed to Christianity at an early age. God placed a burden on my mother’s heart that caused her to send me to Sunday school. Grace Brethren Church near my home had a van ministry and would pick-up kids in my neighborhood. I learned about Jesus and joyfully accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of 10.
I did not attend church during my middle and high school years, but it was apparent that God had begun a work in me. As I entered my teenage years and high school, my behavior was greatly influenced by a Christian morality. However, upon reflection I now know it was a Christ-less form of legalism. It was my selfish attempt to satisfy God on my own terms. I tried hard to do more good than bad, hoping to gain favor with God. In spite of my shallow understanding of Him and outright rebellion at times, God’s protective grace kept me out of much of the trouble that teenagers get into.
God graciously placed my future wife, Shanel, before me at a very young age. This is obviously another case of the hand of God working in my favor. We began dating in high school then went away together to the University of Florida. While in Gainesville, Shanel and I began to regularly attend Westside Baptist Church. Shanel was exposed to the Gospel message for the first time. We both made public professions of faith in Jesus Christ and were baptized on the same night. Incredibly, God used members of the same family that exposed me to Jesus at a very young age to also disciple Shanel as she began her walk with the Lord. It is a monumental blessing of God that we were able to share this experience together.
As we began our married life and professional careers we became trapped in a cultural Christianity where our walk with the Lord become a stale ritual that was done out of obligation and peer pressure. It was not until we began attending Eastside in 2001 and were exposed to solid biblical teaching that we were broken of our legalistic view of God. We were starving for the Word of God and became students of theology and church history. We steadily grew in the knowledge and understanding of our faith. We have been blessed with two children, Leah (13) and Antonio (8).
At Eastside, God graciously united us with genuine Christian families that lived the Christian faith both in word and deed. Because of their example and as a natural outpouring of our love and affection for Christ, my family has been involved in service opportunities at Eastside that include: Ushering, Hospitality Nursery. We also serve together as a family in the ESOL ministry at Eastside; which we have the privilege of leading. And, we have had the privilege of leading a wonderful Small Group for the last few years. However, it was our involvement with English Camps to the Czech Republic that kick started our enthusiasm for missions around the world. I pray that the Lord opens doors for our family to someday do evangelistic mission work in Cuba, where my family is from.
Through all of these experiences, God has proven to be the unchanging one while we have been shaped and molded by Him for His purpose. To God be the Glory!
Jim Boone
Jim and his wife, Connie, have been attending Eastside since January 2005. Jim gave his life to Christ in 1974, following a home Bible study. He served on the staff of Youth for Christ in the late 70’s, and has served in various church roles such as Group Leader, Sunday School Outreach Director, College Career Director, Pastor Search Committee and Deacon. At Eastside, he has served as CE Teacher, Small Group Host and Chairman of the Ushers. Jim and Connie have three adult children and one grandson who also live in Jacksonville.

Spiritual Gifts Inventory

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:35:24 -0400

As mentioned in the July 18th sermon.

Spiritual_Gifts_Inventory__compatible_.xls
(Excel document)

Joe and Marti Moore’s Haiti Slideshow

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 16:16:06 -0500

This is the slideshow Joe and Marti shared at our Annual Meeting last Sunday night (31st).
MPEG-4 Format, approx 51MB