“Worry makes you old---Grace makes you grow.” I found those words written inside my Bible. It must have come from one of Bro. Russell’s sermons years ago. That phrase came to me while I was trying to put a few comments together for “Baptist Men’s Day.” Growing in God’s grace must be a priority for each one of us. How do we grow in Grace? One of the most important ways is: To be a daily witness for Christ. Telling others about Jesus. Live, so God’s Love can be seen in our life. We can’t expect a G.P.S. to get us to heaven. Those directions are given to us in God’s word.
“Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; But is passed from death unto life.(John 5:24).
As a Christian, we may sometimes feel down, and say that life's challenges are completely out of our control, like an illness, job loss or some other obstacle in our life.
Rev. Billy Graham wrote: "The Christian life is not a constant high. I have moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'" Even Rev. Billy Graham, during his long ministry, constantly ask God for his guidance.
I can’t wait to remind everyone, including myself, how important, as a New Testament Christian, it is to be able to pray this prayer with someone who is lost! Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” When we are blessed with a prospect, Have the prospect bow his head and repeat this prayer, one sentence at a time.
“Oh God, I acknowledge to thee that I am a lost sinner. I believe that Jesus died for me on the cross. By faith I receive Him as my savior, my Lord, and Master. Forgive me for all my sins and give me assurance thou has received me as one of thy children. In Jesus’ name----Amen
The opportunity for lay-men and women to speak in front of the church body is normally to give your testimony--what God has done in your life--the results of your prayer life--give an account of prayers God has answered. We don't need to be ashamed to tell others that God has answered prayer. It's true! Many people think our Churches worship an invisible God. These people call themselves "atheist"--One who denies the existence of God.
This is why we need men like Bro. Ricky and Bro. Russell, who answered God's call to dedicate themselves to teach God's word. You and I may not be trained and qualified to present a well-organized message from God's word, but after receiving Christ as our personal saviour, God wants us to be a daily witness for him. This is when we just might have the opportunity to pray this prayer with a lost soul. That is why we should apply ourselves by studying scripture and being able to present the plan of salvation.
Bethel Church has truly been a blessing to me and my family over the past 28 years. I feel the time spent in Sunday school with my "Brothers in Christ,"has been a great plus in my life.
This past September I was ask by our Open Men's Class if I would go full time as a teacher. I accepted after praying about it. Mac Woodham, our other teacher who has been teaching almost 40 years, encouraged the class many times to find something within the Church we would enjoy doing. I guess I prayed too many times for God to give me a spot. I just wanted a little spot. By the way! The teacher I replaced has only been teaching 42 years. So, get ready young adults, for the 20 plus teachers our church will need in the near future.
You know! Fear does stand in our way many times. Fear is our most insidious enemy. It keeps us living in the shadows. It keeps us from freedom. It keeps us from our destiny.
That's why the Word says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment"(2 Timothy 1:7).
It has been a blessing the way Bro. Ricky has been using the last few Wednesday night services to give so many a chance to pray for loved ones and friends in need.
If you are missing the Wednesday night service, you are really missing a great time of fellowship and prayer time.
I read an article about how a Christians nature should be different. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is, the victory of Faith!
How many has lived on a farm or knows the workings of a farm?
This "Nature" article I read was:
Fancy yourself on the farm. It is hot mid-summer. Nearby is a big mud wallow. Here comes a pig. He grunts with contentment as he wades into the slime. You say, "Mr. Hog, why do you want to submerge in that filth? Why do you not seek a cleaner environment? " That pig has not the slightest interest in your ideas for his betterment. He loves the mud. Now watch a sheep with long white wool. The moment a sheep notices mud it heads toward safer ground. Why? The sheep has a different nature. So has a New Testament Christian.
A new Testament Christian is not a patched-up job. There is a new will; there are new affections; there is a new purpose, because there is a new nature.
I wrote this article Jan. 01, 2008, thought it could apply in 2011.
"Start The New Year Off Right"
Do you need a "second chance?" Maybe a chance to square things with a love one. A mom or dad you had words with a few years ago. Hurting words spoken, sometimes go for years unresolved between two people who really love each other. We can feel sorry deep inside about things we might say or do to a friend or love one, but if we put that pride aside for a short moment, and explain why or say I'm sorry, our "second chance" begins. The bad feelings inside no longer exist. A new beginning is offered for those friends and love ones we care about so much.
Let's search our hearts and clear up any overdue, unresolved family and friend problems. Life is so short and I think we all deserve a second chance. In my book, a caring family is everything. I challenge all moms and dads and family members, as the New Year begins,make sure all little "hang ups" and family problems are resolved. Start the New Year off with a "new beginning" and a "second chance" to get it right.
In Closing! Psalm 18:6 -{ I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.}
We all have time to think of ALL the blessings He has given to us through prayer and many times, just for being faithful to Him. We can know that God hears our cries when we bring our afflictions before Him. We can rest assured that God is still in control of events and is able to help us in our afflictions. Because God never changes we know the same power by which He created the heavens and the earth is available to help us in our afflictions today.
" If we stop and think of, maybe just one privilege we have in our lives today, could it be: “Being included in God’s family? I feel it is the highest honor and the greatest privilege we will ever receive.” "Being included in God's family".
Would you humor me and repeat after me, my 2011 "year resolutions"? It's only three!
#1-Keep the Faith! #2- Pray daily! #3- Stay in the Word! and, God Will Bless!
