June 2007 - Posts

• From My Heart - July 1, 2007

  I have always enjoyed the time of July 4th and the celebration of the birth of our nation.  The family in which I grew up was very patriotic.  Parades and fireworks in celebration have always been what we do and enjoy.  My wife and I want to instill in our children the same love for our nation.  What a great nation.  Be with us Wednesday night for a great celebration of America.  Do not miss it!  Here are some quotes from one of my favorite Americans John Adams: “...We...took our horses to the meeting in the afternoon and heard the minister again upon “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”  There is great pleasure in hearing sermons so serious, so clear, so sensible and instructive as these…” “If it be the pleasure of Heaven that my country shall require the poor offering of my life, the victim shall be ready, at the appointed hour of sacrifice, come when that hour may.  But while I do live, let me have a country, and that a free country!” “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.  I am apt to believe that it will  be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great Anniversary Festival.  It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.  It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever.” “Now I will avow, that I then believe, and now believe, that those general Principles of Christianity, are as eternal and immutable, as the Existence and Attributes of God; and that those Principles of Liberty, are as unalterable as human Nature and our terrestrial, mundane System.” “I have examined all religions, as well as my narrow sphere, my straightened means, and my busy life, would allow; and the result is that the Bible is the best Book in the world.  It contains more philosophy than all the libraries I have seen.”                      Happy 231st birthday, Unites States of America! Posted Jun 28 2007, 03:32 PM by sgray128 with no comments

• From My Heart June 24, 2007

  From My Heart                                           June 24, 2007                                           Just this week one of our missionaries, Mary Baker, sent me a story that I am sure you will enjoy.                  In Scotland many years ago, a faithful minister was waited upon one day by one of his deacons who seemed to be under a great burden.  “I came early to meet you,” he said.  “I have something on my conscience to tell you. There must be something wrong with your preaching and work. There has been only one person added to the church in a whole year, and he is only a boy.” The minister went into the pulpit that day with a grieved and heavy heart.  He lingered in the church to pray, after the rest had gone.  He wished to be alone.   He had labored hard for years, only to be told at last that his labor was no longer blessed.  At last he became conscious that he was not alone, as he supposed.  It was “only a boy.”   “Well, Robert,” said the minister, “what is it?”   “Do you think,” the boy replied, “if I were willing to work hard for an education I could ever become a preacher?...or a missionary?”   There was a long pause.  Tears filled the eyes of the minister.  At length he said. “This heals the ache in my heart, Robert.  I see the divine hand now.  Yes, I think you will become a preacher.”   He was “only a boy,” but the measure of the old minister’s reward will be found in the gathered fruitage of the labors of Robert Moffat, the great African missionary.    Often our measuring stick is inaccurate, but God’s is always infallible.  I told our missionary to Italy, Jim Spoto, this past Wednesday evening, “God just expects us to obey, and he will take care of everything else.”  Thank God that a preacher in Scotland simply obeyed God.Be sure to pray for our teens as they leave tonight for Tennessee.  Pray for their safety and the working of God in each of their lives.  I know God will bless with a great trip.  Thank you for your faithful prayer support.   For Him,    Pastor  Posted Jun 24 2007, 01:28 PM by sgray128 with no comments

• June 17, 2007

  Happy Father’s Day!  I thank God for our fathers here at Bible Baptist.  In the day in which we live, the role of the father has tried to be increasingly diminished by our culture.  However, the role of the father is critical to the stability of the home, church, and our nation.  May I encourage our fathers to take your role as unto the Lord.  I stand with you and encourage you to always be a godly example and lead in the way that Jesus would lead.  Much has been stated and is being stated about “faith,” especially as it applies to the arena of politics.  It is altogether and proper that we know what a candidate holds to in the area of his or her beliefs.  I believe there are some legitimate questions to ask concerning these statements made by leaders.  1.  “What is your ‘faith’ in?”  The word “faith” being used does not mean that one is a believer in Christ.  A person may have faith in himself or faith in faith itself.  Our faith must be only in the Son of God who died for us.  2.  “Why did you use that verse of scripture?”   It is stunning how many political leaders use verses (usually out of context) to make a statement.  The Word of God is never to be used flippantly.  3.  “How do you apply your ‘faith’ to your politics?”  Issues such as abortion, violence, homosexuality, care for others, war, etc., all have roots in the Bible.  I want to know how that affects the political stand of a man or woman.  4.  “Will you die for your ‘faith’?”  These are questions that I feel are legitimate and right not only for politicians but for you and me also.                     For Him,                      Pastor Posted Jun 18 2007, 09:44 AM by sgray128 with no comments