From My Heart

From My Heart March 7, 2010

sgray128 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:27:00 GMT

The Bible is the story of God’s redemptive plan of saving the world only through salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This week we have emphasized our need to reach the world with God’s only plan. I know these missionaries and national pastors have challenged us in a fresh way. Our first part is “Across the Street.” Bible Baptist church must always remain a soulwinning center. Your family, neighbors and co-workers need to hear the gospel. We are providing you with many different ways to do this:

Come soulwinning with us each Tuesday evening at 7 PM.
Get a handful of gospel tracts and spread them out all over your neighborhood and everywhere you go.
Take the soulwinner’s training course.
Invite family and friends to be in our services. (Like Friend Day on March 21st and Easter Sunday on April 6th.)

This week we have especially emphasized “Across the Sea.” The need is so great today in our world. Recently as I returned from Israel I was reminded once again of the reality of how Satan seeks to blind the eyes of the lost in trusting Christ. Recently I met a British man who spent his life as an atheist until a few years ago when he recognized that Christ was and is his only hope. Today he is a saved man who boldy proclaims the good news of the gospel. So how can you and I be involved “Across the sea?”

Be involved in Faith-Promise missions giving. Today is our day to commit to this plan of God.
Pray for our missionaries.
Go and visit one of our missionaries
.Send a card, letter, or e-mail of encouragement to one of our missionaries.
Pray for laborers for the harvest.

“Across the Street...Across the Sea!”

From My Heart Feb 14,2010

sgray128 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:10:00 GMT

  Happy Valentine’s Day! On this Valentine’s Day I am thankful for my sweetheart. Twenty years ago this week I asked her to marry me and she said, “Yes.” How grateful I am for a wife who loves the Lord and her family so much. Her walk with God is vibrant and powerful. How I praise God for a wonderful sweetheart.

This week April and I will have the honor of leading a group of 28 to walk where Jesus walked in Israel. There is nothing like being in the Holy Land. This country and people are like none other. It is imperative that our nation greater enhance it’s friendship and support of Israel. Thank you for taking time to sign our proclamation of support for Israel. Please pray for us on this trip that God would grant safety and protection. Just think one day we will all meet in the Promised Land.

In just a few weeks we will have our annual Missions Conference (March 3rd - 7th). Our theme this year is “Across the Street, Across the Sea.” This is always some of my favorite days of the year as we ask God to use us in a greater way to reach the world. One thing we are adding this year is a missions poster contest. Here are a few guidelines:

1.Choose one of our church’s currently supported missionaries as the subject of your poster. (A list of missionaries is in the bookstore.)
2.Put your name on the back of your poster. Include your age and/or grade (if a youth).
3.Turn your poster into the Welcome Center on Sunday, February 28th.
4.Levels in the contest:
         A. Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
         B. 4th - 6th Grade
         C. 7th - 8th Grade
         D. 9th - 12th Grade
         E. Adult
We will display all of the posters during the conference.
Have a great day!

From My Heart Feb 7, 2010

sgray128 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:12:00 GMT

This week I preached at Pensacola Christian College for three days. There was a great spirit among the almost 4,000 student body as they heard the Word of God. There was a true hunger for the Word and an excitement to serve God. At the invitation, many responded to the Holy Spirit. Thank God for young people that want to see God use them to do the impossible. What a joy to spend time with our own young people and to hear of what God is doing in their lives. God is still working in the lives of young people and all is not lost. Keep these soldiers of Christ in prayer.

Today we begin our Mid-Winter Revival with Evangelist Lou Rossi. Please welcome Brother Rossi, his wife Susan and their daughter. Brother Lou has been my friend for many years. He has a passion and purpose to see revival come to the United States. For many years I have had him come and stir the hearts of the people of my church. Please be here for each of the services and invite others to come and be with you. Ask God to have our heart geared to the moving of the Holy Spirit. May God mightily move in our lives.

John Wesley once said, “Give me one hundred men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world.” God still wants to shake the world. The only hope for the world is salvation through Christ. May God work in our heart so that we may see revival in His people.

“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.
I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.” ~Psalm 85:6-8

From My Heart Jan 31, 2010

sgray128 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:30:00 GMT

My family and I want to thank you for the special time to honor our sixth anniversary here at Bible Baptist Church. It just seems like these six years have passed at a blazing pace. God expects us to at times stop what we are doing and think of all that He has done for us. As I do that, I stand amazed at His wondrous grace and blessing. God has allowed us to work together for His purpose of building a strong, reaching, vibrant New Testament church. Thank you for all your thoughtfulness by way of your generosity, encouraging notes, and faithful prayers. The church family at Bible Baptist is like none other.

This is your last day to sign-up to have your picture taken for the pictorial directory. This is the last week the photographer will be here, so go out to the lobby and register to have this done. How wonderful it will be to have a nice volume of all our church family. We need each of our families to be part of this.

How truly wonderful it is to know that God is always with us. One of my favorite preachers of the past, G. Campbell Morgan, once said these words:
“And then finality of the word, “Unto the end of the world,” “unto the consummation of the age.”...When riches are nothing, and when health and strength are gone, when friends, the most loving and tender are quite helpless, when the means of grace fail, the Presence in the gloom is that of this self-same Lord and Master. And may we carry the thought further? He will be with us to the eternal ages. That will be the essence of heaven to be where He is, and to see Him, and to hear Him, and to work with Him, for He is not idle, neither are the saints that have gone, idle. They rest from their labors, but their works, not follow after them, but accompany them forth. They are still working, and we shall be.”

From My Heart Jan 24, 2010

sgray128 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:44:00 GMT

A number of years ago a teenage girl in the church where I pastored wrote a poem about the atrocity of abortion. The poem I will share with you will once again remind you of this horrific sin upon our society.

I’m Okay

I worried all the week about this,
I went to the clinic today.
I waited and watched the entire ordeal,
But don’t worry; I’m okay.

The doctor finally saw the baby,
And grabbed his little arm.
He pulled it slightly and told me,
“The pulling did no harm.”

He drew the baby near him,
So more accessible he could be.
He reached for the child,
And grabbed the littlest one’s knee.

He wanted this done slowly,
So as not to injure me.
As he broke the baby’s tiny legs,
I didn’t feel a thing.

After he destroyed the baby,
He took a tiny tube.
To clean up all the mess he made,
He sucked the baby through.

I paid the bill for everything,
And then I walked away.
Not thinking of the child’s life,
That I had thrown away.
But none of this should matter,
For the mother is okay.

Erica Beal

From My Heart Jan 17, 2010

sgray128 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Recently Brit Hume of Fox News made some comments which have set the airwaves, printed page and bloggers on fire. Brit Hume was commenting about the problems concerning Tiger Woods on “Fox News Sunday.” Mr. Hume suggested that Tiger Woods, allegedly a Buddhist, should “turn to Christianity.” He stated, “Tiger Woods will recover as a golfer. Whether he can recover as a person is a very open question.” Mr. Hume then made the statement that shocked so many: “He is said to be a Buddhist. I don’t think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith. My message to Tiger would be ‘Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world.’”   I find it very interesting that Tiger said in 2008, “In the Buddhist religion, you have to work for it yourself, internally, in order to achieve anything in life and set up the next life. It’s all about what you do.”

     The next night Mr. Hume further commented on what he said by adding, “Jesus Christ offers something that Tiger Woods needs badly.” What many do not know is that Brit Hume lost a son to suicide in 1998. In 2008 Hume said, “I want to pursue my faith more ardently than I have done. I’m not claiming it’s impossible to do when you work in this business. I was kind of a nominal Christian for the longest time. When my son died, I came to Christ in a way that was very meaningful to me. If a person is a Christian and tries to face up to the implications of what you say you believe, it’s a pretty big thing. If you do it part time, you’re not really living it.” One final comment which Hume said about Tiger Woods was that converting to Christianity would be so noticeable that it would “shine through in his being” and would be a “magnificent thing to witness.”

     Brit Hume has taken a great deal of heat for his comments, however he was completely right. This shows that in the world when you start to refer to a exclusive way to God through the Lord Jesus Christ, many will respond in anger and outrage. Mr. Hume responded with a pure and loving motive in wanting the very best for Tiger Woods which can only be found in a relationship with Christ. Truly this shows you and I the “Excellency of Christ.” Jesus Christ is still and will always be the “Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

From My Heart Jan 10, 2010

sgray128 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:46:00 GMT

What a great kickoff for the New Year we had last Sunday! Our new theme of the “Excellency of Christ” is one that we will be sharing all throughout the year. Last Sunday evening I shared some special goals for our church in 2010. Some of you did not get all of them, so let me share them with you again:

“Gideon 300” program for debt reduction
Continue to develop internet ministry.
Implement 1 on 1 discipleship program
Create another adult Sunday school class
Build new playground
Build outdoor basketball area
Update church constitution
Begin Good Shepherd handicap ministry
Remodel fellowship hall

If you did not get a church calendar for 2010 be sure to pick one up at the Welcome Center.
There are a number of upcoming events for you to take notice, but let me highlight our upcoming Winter Revival and Sweetheart Banquet with Evangelist Lou Rossi. Brother Rossi will preach for us Feb. 7th - 10th and then also do our Sweetheart Banquet on Friday, Feb., 12th. Our banquet this year is at the Courtyard by Marriott located on the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton. This will be a wonderful night that you will not want to miss. Be sure to get your tickets in the bookstore as soon as possible.
One final reminder - Feb. 2nd - 6th are the last days to get your picture taken for the Pictorial Directory. If you have not done so, please stop by the lobby and register to have it done. This is the only way that you can receive a free pictorial directory which I know you will want. Thank you for your help.

From My Heart Dec 20, 2009

sgray128 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:18:00 GMT

THE LORD IN THE BIBLE

I see my Lord in the Bible whenever I chance to look.
He is the theme of the Bible, the center and heart of the Book.

He is the Rose of Sharon; He is the Lily fair.
Whenever I open the Bible, the Lord of the Bible is there.

He in the Book’s beginning gave to the earth its form.
He is the ark of safety that bears the brunt of the storm;

The burning bush of the desert, the budding of Aaron’s rod—
Whenever I open the Bible, I see the Son of God.

The ram upon Mount Moriah, the ladder from earth to sky,
The scarlet cord in the window, the serpent lifted high;

The smitten rock of the desert, the Shepherd with staff and crook—
Whenever I open the Bible, I see my Lord in the Book.

He is the seed of the woman, the Saviour virgin born;
He is the Son of David whom men rejected with scorn;

The Lord of eternal glory whom John the apostle saw,
The light of Celestial City, the Lamb without spot or flaw;

The Bridegroom coming at midnight for whom His people Look—
Whenever I open the Bible, I see my Lord in the Book.

—Author unknown

From My Heart Jan 3, 2010

sgray128 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:10:00 GMT

“The Excellency of Christ”

Phil. 3:8 says, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” I have noticed in my lifetime an increased animosity toward the Lord Jesus Christ. That name of “Jesus Christ” still raises emotions of people today. Earlier this past year I began to contemplate that further. As I thought it became clear to me that we as a church must do even more to lift up and magnify the precious name of Jesus. The world needs more of Christ, not less of Christ. This year we will magnify the name of Christ and our desire is to show His excellency to every soul.
Over the next few weeks we will examine His excellency in these wonderful areas:

Excellent in Prophesy
Excellent in Purity
Excellent in Practice
Excellent in Promise
Excellent in Purpose
Excellent in Power

You will find that as we examine His excellency that His light will shine brighter than the brightest star. We will see His beauty far surpass that of the most precious gems. We will see His power far exceed that of all the earth’s mighty men combined. Truly, His excellency is seen in the salvation offered to all men freely.
I love this theme. Make much of it. Wear the pin throughout 2010. Join with me as we examine the “Excellency of Christ” in 2010. May God Bless you.

From My Heart Dec 27, 2009

sgray128 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:59:00 GMT

This is the final Sunday of 2009. Although this year has been known to have trials and heartaches, it has been a great year. We have seen so many trust Christ as Saviour. This year we have seen 113 join our church through baptism and transfer of membership. This year we had the thrill of moving into this wonderful new building which God has provided for us. I still walk through this place and marvel at all that God has done for us. Even this year as God has called some of our church family home to be with Him, we still say, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Many of our church family have read the Bible through this year which I know will result in growing in the Lord. Having said that, let me encourage you to get one of our 2010 Bible Reading Schedules and commit yourself to complete the reading of God’s Word this year.

Please remember that next Sunday is our “Super Start Sunday” which is meant to kick start the new year in a wonderful and fresh way. Next Sunday I will reveal our new theme which I have had since this past July. I cannot wait to share it with you. I think in the day in which we live, you will find it very appropriate. The pins will be given; the theme song will be sung and the message will be delivered. Be sure to start the year off right. Next Sunday we will also have a 2010 calendar of church events which you may use to better plan your year. Do not miss next Sunday.

April and I want to thank you for all your service this past year here at our church. From both of us we wish you a Happy New Year! May God bless you.

From My Heart Dec 6, 2009

sgray128 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:03:00 GMT

How interesting to see the progression of learning throughout different ages….

I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night".                                                 Age 6

I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.                                                                     Age 7

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.                      Age 9

I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up.                                          Age 13

I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.                                  Age 14

I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me.                                Age 15

I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.                                                          Age 24

I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures .                                                              Age 26

I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there.                                                    Age 29

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.                   Age 39

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.                                       Age 41

I've learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little card.                                            Age 44

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his need to cast blame on others.                       Age 46

I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.                                                                              Age 47

I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours.                                                                 Age 49

I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone .                                                    Age 50

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.                                                                                                                          Age 51

I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.                                              Age 52

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.                  Age 53

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.                                                                Age 58

I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, try to improve your marriage.                       Age 61

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.                                                                                Age 62

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.                                                     Age 65

I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.                              Age 66

I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.                                                                                                       Age 72

I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several.                                             Age 73

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.                                                                           Age 82

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.                                                                                                              Age 85

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.                                                                                                            Age 92

From My Heart Nov 29, 2009

sgray128 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:51:00 GMT

It has been disheartening to see the almost daily assault on our biblical values. To see so many that want to see true biblical Christianity to be removed must truly grieve the heart of God. Just after President Obama’s inauguration he signed an executive order removing the U.S. government policy of barring recipients of U.S. foreign aid from promoting abortion. He has nominated pro-abortion and homosexual rights judges as well as extending employment benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. President Obama declared June 2009 as “***, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Month” and stated, “I am proud to be the first president to appoint openly ***, gay, bisexual and transgender candidates to senate confirmed positions in the first 100 days of my administration.”

President Obama continues to show an affection for Islam while numerously quoting from the Koran. He proclaimed America “one of the largest Muslim countries” and pointed to the 1200 mosques. He even went so far as to announce that the White House would not observe the National Day of Prayer. Our President seems it is necessary to go around the world and apologize for the United States and what we have stood for over the years.

Another area of disturbance is his plan of distancing himself from Israel and our long standing support for them. In a June 4th speech in Cairo he equated the Palestinian people’s sufferings to the appalling persecution of the Jews during the Holocaust. All the while he is silent on Muslim persecution of Christians and Muslim terrorism as seen in Fort Hood, Texas. Needless to say, I cannot nor will not sit still or be silent on these biblical issues. I continue to pray for our President, however I will also proclaim the Word and take a righteous stand. I love my nation and believe God can still send revival in our land. May God bless you.

From My Heart Nov 22, 2009

sgray128 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:43:00 GMT

The first Pilgrim Thanksgiving in 1621 with Samoset, Squanto and their Indian friends was not the most dramatic Pilgrim Thanksgiving. During that summer the Pilgrims suffered both a severe and extended drought. Knowing the gravity of the situation, if there was no change of weather, there would be no harvest. With a poor harvest, the winter would bring starvation and death in their families. Governor William Bradford gathered the Pilgrims together for a time of prayer and fasting.
Shortly thereafter, a gentle rain began to fall. Here are Governor Bradford’s words in his History of Plymouth Plantation:

[The rain] came without either wind or thunder or any violence, and by degrees in abundance, as that ye earth was thoroughly wet and soaked therewith, which did so apparently revive and quicken ye decayed corn and other fruits as was wonderful to see, and made ye Indians astonished to behold; and afterwards the Lord sent them such seasonable showers, with interchange of fair warm weather as, through His blessing, caused a fruitful and liberal harvest, to their no small comfort and rejoicing.

The rain saved the corn. One of the Indians who observed this miracle remarked:

Now I see that the Englishman’s God is a good God; for he hath heard you, and sent you rain, and that without such tempest and thunder as we used to have with our rain; which after our Powwowing for it, breaks down the corn; whereas your corn stands whole and good still; surely, your God is a good God.

That rain broke the drought and resulted in an abundant harvest. As the Pilgrims practiced Thanksgiving, other New England colonies began to establish the same tradition. May we always be a thankful people. Have a great Thanksgiving!

From My Heart Nov 8, 2009

sgray128 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:20:00 GMT

Today we will receive our “Harvest Offering” to build a new playground for our children. I like the term “Harvest Offering” because it represents giving back to God of the bountiful things He has done for us. My best investment will always be in the work of God in my local church. Along with that, I am investing in the next generation of our church. Our church must provide a place for our young people to have some fun and burn some energy. This will also add another fresh look to our property. I hope you will give with a generous heart toward this project.

Next week is our Striving Together Bible Conference which will be one of the highlights of the year. Let me take a moment to introduce our preachers:

*Dr. David Gibbs, Jr. is the founder of the Christian Law Association based in Seminole. Brother Gibbs has been helping churches and Christians now for forty years. They have handled over 2 million legal matters in that time. You will hear one of the greatest preachers I know in Dr. Gibbs.

*Dr. Paul Chappell has been the pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, California for 22 years. Lancaster Baptist church is one of the largest independent Baptist churches in America. Fifteen years ago the church began West Coast Baptist College which now has approximately 1,000 students training for the ministry.

*Dr. R.B. Ouellette has pastored the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Michigan for over 30 years. This church has grown to be the largest independent Baptist church in the state of Michigan. Dr. Ouellette is a dynamic preacher who will stir your heart.

*Evangelist Chris Miller is making his second trip here to preach for us. Chris has been in full-time evangelism for over ten years. I enjoy his heart and love for people. You will enjoy this fine young man.

Please be here for each of these meetings. I believe your heart will be stirred. Be sure to greet all our guests and thank them for being with us.

From My Heart Nov 1, 2009

sgray128 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:12:00 GMT

This is our “Open House Sunday” and I want to welcome each of you today. This summer we completed and dedicated this wonderful building to the Lord. Today we as a church would welcome you to look around and see what has been done for the glory of the Lord. After the 11:00 service feel free to walk back through the nursery and office areas in the rear of the building. God has been good to us and truly all glory goes to Him.
Next Sunday we will receive our annual Harvest Offering. This will be used to build a new playground for the children and remodel the fellowship hall. I hope you will be generous in your giving in order that we can take care of this task.   We have wonderful children here at our church and I would love to have a wonderful new area for them to play. Thank you for being such a part of this project.
In just two weeks we will have our Striving Together Conference here at the church. This conference comes at a great time. We will have many visiting pastors here with us for the conference. Let me give you a schedule for the conference:

      Sunday Services:  Dr. David Gibbs, Jr. (CLA)
      Monday 7:00 PM:  Dr. Paul Chappell
                                  Dr. R.B. Ouellette
      Tuesday 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon:   Dr. Chappell/Dr. Ouellette
       *Special Pastoral Seminar
      Tuesday 7:00 PM  Dr. R.B. Ouellette
      Wednesday 7:00 PM Evangelist Chris Miller

Please be here for each service so that you will both grow in Christ and be an encouragement to all our guests. We will also have Spanish national pastors from the U.S., Central, and South America. This will be an exciting time around this place. May God bless you.