ie ReBUILD THE WALL In this emotional election season, one of the presidential candidates speaks about “building a wall” across our southern border to prevent potential terrorism and illegal immigration. As challenging as these issues are, God wants believers to be wall-builders, like Ezekiel, “a watchman on the wall” (Jeremiah 6:17). Watchmen would stand at key points of the city walls and look across the horizon to see if enemies were coming. If so, he would blow the shofar. God also charged Ezekiel to speak concerning His judgment. But He lamented: “I sought for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the breach before Me for the land, that | should not destroy it, but | found none" (Ezekiel 22:30). The moral wall of boundaries was broken down in that nation, as it is in ours. The Lord pointed a finger of accusation at the princes (Ezekiel 22:25, 27), the priests (verse 26), the corrupt prophets (verse 28) and the people (verse 29). He was looking for intercessors who would stand in the gap before God on behalf of the nation. The Lord had promised to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if found ten righteous men in the city (Genesis 18). In America, we are to stand up for right and resist the popular evils of our day. But we are also to intercede and cry to God for mercy and a return to holiness. In a nation that has forgotten its original roots of Christianity, freedom, morality, and common sense, the Lord can still do this: “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt, raising up the foundations of many generations, being the repairer of the breach" (Isaiah 58:12). Even if no other Americans “grope for the wall like the blind’ (Isaiah 59:10), may we not allow “truth to stumble in the public squares" (verse 14). May generations to come not "Wonder why there was no one to intercede" (verse 16). E. M. Bounds wrote: "The prayers of God's saints are the capital stock of Heaven by which God carries out His great work upon earth.” fatterUPCOMING EVEN WEDNESDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES Join us in growing closer to God and closer together. There is something for everyone! Discovering Fist Baptist Church Naples DISCOVERING FBCN DINNER Monday, September 19; RSVP at the Connection Point, or 596-8600 x679. BEACH BAPTISM Sept. 25; register at the Connection Point or contact Linda at 596-8600 ext 280. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS MARRIAGE LIFE: A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER October 7-9 at Sanibel Harbor Resort in Fort Myers. Please register at familylife.com/ weekendtoremember using the group name “FBCNMarriageMentors.” The fee is BOGO until Sept. 19. More info: ccase@fbcn.org. NEW WOMEN’S AND MEN’S FALL BIBLE STUDIES Women’s Ministry meets Tues. at 9:00am and Wed. at 6:30pm in the Worship Center. Mens Ministry meets Wed. at 6:30pm in the Chapel. For further details, visit focnowomen.org and fbcnmen.org. LEGACY BUILDERS “Sensational Celebration" event is scheduled for October 9-11. The deposit is due by September 7. For further information, contact Vada at 596-8600 x268. LIGHTHOUSE BOOKSTORE Used book sale this weekend to support the benevolence fund. September Book Club: "Grace Based Parenting" - Sept. 29 at 6:30pm; register today in the bookstore. QUILTING/SEWING CLASS September 12 at 6:30pm in room WC117. For further information, contact Pam Cole at 272-5583 or pcole@fbcn.org. DIVORCE RECOVERY PROGRAM New session starts Saturday, September 10 at 7:15pm in room DC109. For further information, please contact hilljd76@gmail.com or call 992-7242. COLLEGE/20s The next Worship Night is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13 at 7:30pm in the Student Center. Future dates: Oct. 11, Nov. 15, and Dec. 13. FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY The next session begins September 20. To obtain further information and register, please contact FBCNFPU@gmail.com orvisit wveramsey.com/findaclass.LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE DECISIONS FOR CHRIST Worship Profession of Faith: Bible and Life Groups Stephen & Marie D'Orazio Midweek Activities Membership by Statement: Barbara Hebert WEDNESDAY DINNER Sept. 7, 4:45pm - 6pm (Fellowship Gym) $6 each/$25 for the family (buy at door/cafe) Southern Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, and Dessert OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family of Len Bellin, IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE? Mildred Frances Fitzek, Lorene Giles, Lori September 5- September 11 Loper, Donna Richards, Larimar Webbe, Call the Deacon Hotline (800)732-9573 and Ken Wilborn for their recent passing. Our deacons of the week: Tim Roettele and Keith Rinker NEED HELP WITH SPIRITUAL MATTERS? | RetcltiNTeatolt TAS la STAY CONNECTED... PYM Rey ML WN TIME oa App Store call ext 631 Email: FBCN@fbcn.org 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples, FL34109 Main Office: 597-6057 Office: Mon - Fri, 8:30 AM to 5 PM Extensions: 596-8600 ext__ First Baptist Academy: 597-2233 FBCNaples 24-hr Prayer Line: 597-PRAY (7729) B06 8 Lighthouse Bookstore: 449-4488 visit focn.org for more