Ready Or Not...It's Coming!

This week I was able to participate at Whitney Lake Bible Camp. I enjoy listening to missionaries who are passionate about what they believe in, live by, and teach. Lives are changed and hearts are moved with conviction, and churches are strengthened when missionaries who are filled with the Holy Spirit are around. Missionaries who are energetic about their calling make living for Christ contagious. One word to define the Worship team this week…INCREDIBLE! Doubtless, after the countless testimonies I heard this week, the Holy Spirit used the music as an instrument to work in the hearts of those teenagers. We can definitely leave Whitney Lake Bible Camp and say, “surely the Lord was in this place". Now pray for these teenagers as they head back into broken homes, addictions, and to a world that offers hope but leads to destruction. “…the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.”

On Sunday morning we took a break from our regular studies on the book of Philippians and
looked at the life of Job but; more specifically Job 23. We took a careful look at when, “God is silent in my life”. I believe everyone, at some point in their life, experiences a time when God is silent.

Have you ever experienced a time like this? You have faithfully served in the local church, you have supported missionaries, and you have witnessed to your family and friends; but when you need Him the most, He remains silent. In that famous poem “Foot Prints in the Sand” that man felt as if God left him when he needed God the most. When God is silent in your life learn to treasure His Words and never turn away from them. Satan is going to attempt to cause you to doubt your faith and God’s presence; but remain strong in the Lord. As Job learned through this time, “But, he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” God takes note of you - that should bring encouragement to your heart!

If somebody asked you what the Word of God was to you personally what would your response be? We live in a world where the Scriptures are attacked, minimized, and reduced to the “thing” we read on Sunday mornings. Family Devotions is called “old fashioned”, preaching with fire is labeled “intolerant”, and personal quiet time is replaced with entertainment. I constantly wonder if the way that “Christians” use their Bible makes God sick. Think about it, He has given us His Holy and Inspired Word and we cannot be bothered to read it, never mind obey it. Instead of reading and obeying the Bible we debate and divide the church over personal preference. Do you realize what God has given you? The Word of God is not to be taken lightly; Hebrews 4:12 “For, the word of God is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul, and spirit, and to the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” This verse tells us that the Scriptures, “explore our lives” they “examine our lives” and they “expose our lives”. This is exactly why people are afraid of the Scriptures. If you come to the Word of God it will change your life. With the incisiveness of a surgeon’s knife; it reveals who we are and what we are not. John McArthur said, “The greatest thing that ever happened in my life next to my salvation was the day I learned to study God’s Word!” I wonder if we could say the same thing in our lives.

I preach the Word of God not as my opinion, not as a made up fairy tale, but God’s written revelation to man and thus all 66 books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit of God constitute the plenary Word of God. I preach that in the original documents that it is infallible, God-breathed, and without question, inerrant. I believe that the Word of God is to have the final authority in faith and in practice.

1 Peter 1:24-25 “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower therefore falleth away. But the word of the Lord endureth for ever., and this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

“Ancient Words”(Michael W. Smith)Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world,They resound with God's own heart.Oh let the ancient words impartWords of Life, words of HopeGive us strength, help us copeIn this world, where e'er we roamAncient words will guide us Home.CHORUS:Ancient words ever trueChanging me and changing you,We have come with open heartsOh let the ancient words impartHoly words of our Faith Handed down to this ageCame to us through sacrificeOh heed the faithful words of Christ.Holy words long preserved For our walk in this world.They resound with God's own heartOh let the ancient words impart.

We have been given the privilege and opportunity to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in a free country. As The Psalmist said, “Let us worship His name together”. I invite you to come and worship the Lamb of God. Every Sunday morning we meet at 10:00 to have a time of prayer, and at 11:00 is our Sunday morning service. Come worship our Savior with us and allow Him to change your life forever.

I apologize for the lateness of this week’s blog, the reason is simple, in order for me to give you a quick update on this years’ church schedule I had to wait for the board meeting which took place last night. As the Pastor I am so encouraged to have such godly men sitting on the board.
Our church schedule looks like this;

We will have a ladies ministry as they will gather to meet and study God’s Word
We will have our Sunday School for all ages led by sound Bible teachers
We will be having the Awana Program that your children will greatly benefit from
We will be having a Mid-Week Bible Service as we will study the life of Elijah
We will be having a very energetic and exciting youth group
We will be having a Senior’s Ministry once a month to come and worship together
We will be having a Praise and Worship night and a Family Night
These are a few of the programs here at the church - stay tuned for more to come, as you will greatly benefit not from just coming once a week but also as you actively get involved.

Pastor Paul,

May God Bless You...