As you scan the group of people gathered at the Missions Center, they are not unified by a certain look or status in society.  These people from every walk of life, each with unique skills and personalities unite for the gospel’s sake.  Here we have a wonderful picture of what Paul writes about in Philippians 2:27 “that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”  Each individual “striving” together as an instrument in the Lord’s hands, and by faith, believing the work of their hands for the gospel’s sake will last for eternity.

The Bible Ministry does not solely define the gospel outreach of Bible Baptist Church or any other church for that matter, but it certainly paints a beautiful picture.  You will find imperfect followers of Christ joining their time and talents for a greater purpose than themselves.  There are men who use their past training and skills to work on equipment, ladies who use their cooking/baking abilities to “encourage” the volunteers, and many others who simply use their hands as “vessels of honour.”

As you walk around the room, you will hear stories of mercy, grace and miracle working power.  People who literally survived deadly car wrecks and testify that the only reason God spared their life was to work in the Bible Ministry.  During difficult times, the ladies will testify of gaining comfort and strength from their fellowship together while collating.  Or you can talk to Bro. Holder, the leader of this ministry, who will tell you countless stories of God’s provision both past and present.  From the wonderful buildings God has supplied Bible Baptist Church to the yearly Christmas offerings that supply the paper, God’s hand is clearly seen throughout.

The answer to the question of why people show up each week is multi-faceted, but could be summed up by the lives that have been and will be changed because of the gospel.  Each day people receive the Word of God in their language and have the opportunity to accept Christ as their Saviour as a result of this ministry.  You see, if this were just some ordinary task, you would not find men and women of all ages sacrificing their time and talents like this.  These Christians are casting what they have at Jesus’ feet and letting Him accomplish the rest.

The Bible Ministry continues to capture the heartbeat of Bible Baptist Church.  We are humble and diverse people, joining together for the sake of the gospel and a love for the Word of God.  No human could take the credit for what has happened at Bible Baptist Church or through the Bible Ministry.   We will continue to ask the Lord to show us “great and mighty things” while giving Him all the credit because He is worthy and the only deserving One.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3

Does it really matter if I go to church?

The Biblical answer to this question is YES it does matter. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Why would the Bible say that we should not forsake the House of the Lord? There are several key answers to this question.

1. It is where you get fed the Word of God (Bible)  Mt 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
2. It is a command of the Lord Ex 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
3. It’s where you will grow as a Christian 2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
4.  It’s a place that is separated from the world 2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
5. It is where you will find encouraging fellowship 1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
6. It is where you get to serve the Lord Ps 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

As a Christian, you must understand that your attendance, not only on Sunday mornings but in all services is very important. What better way to serve the Lord this year then to be faithful to your New Testament Local Church.

May the Lord bless you as you strive to grow this year.

 –Pastor Shepherd

In order for us to have a successful 2012, there are several things that we need to work on from the past year.

We must learn to…
LEAVE THE PAST BEHIND
Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
When we pray, we often take our needs to the Lord and ask His help in dealing with them. But then what do we often do? Instead of leaving them with Him, we take them back with us as we finish praying.

We need to learn to leave things where they belong.  God wants us looking forward, the devil would rather we look back.  But we must ‘press toward the mark’!
We talk about our walk in life; our walk of faith; and walk with the Lord. By it’s very nature, walking means moving forward. And as we move forward, we are always doing two things: We leave one place and go into another.

We as Christians must work on leaving behind 2011 and push forward for Jesus in 2012!

LEAVE YOUR RESENTMENT BEHIND

Luke 9:62
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Each of us resent something. We might resent something we have said and done, or we might resent what someone else has said and done. But along with resentment comes un-forgiveness. And un-forgiveness is a very dangerous thing to keep in our lives.

Mt 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Jesus said that if we forgive, God will forgive us. But if we do not forgive, God will not forgive us. My friend, it does you absolutely no good to hold onto something that happened in the past! Give it to the Lord this year! You are worth so much to our Heavenly Father. Let Him use you in a great way this year. LEAVE 2011 Behind!

God Bless you in this New Year, Pastor Shepherd

In the opening chapter of Luke’s Gospel, we see the promise given to Mary that she would bring forth a Son whose name was Jesus.

Luke 1:35

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Here we see the significance of the Babe in the manger. This was the Son of God!

And without an understanding of the virgin birth we can never appreciate the atoning work of Jesus on the Cross.

2 Corinthians 9:15

15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

When Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger, she was presenting God’s gift to the world.

– I read this week that about 33 million American homes will purchase a fresh cut Christmas tree this year.

I want you to know that the most significant tree of the Christmas season is not the one in your family room; it is the tree that was formed into a cross on a lonely hill just outside Jerusalem.

As we approach Christmas day, don’t forget that the true gift of Christmas was Jesus Christ. He came to this world to redeem men from their sins! Be sure to keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas.

Merry Christmas, Pastor Shepherd