Today begins the last big weekend of the summer, and the last big summer holiday with Labor Day on Monday. The school year is in full gear, and everyone begins to see a schedule as a regular way of life again. Today even young children as well as adults feel the time crunch. There was an old saying, “the older you become, the faster time goes”, but today all ages feel the time crunch. With the heavy, fast schedules with which we pace ourselves and families, time goes by very quickly. Even the biblical writer refers to life as a vapor that appears for only a short time. Time is an asset that a person values and tries to protect. No one wants to waste their time because once time is used, it can never be recovered or relived. A Christian is encouraged to “redeem the time” because we must give an account to God for the usage of our time on earth. God has set the time limits on our life, but He allows us the freedom to choose how we will use our time limit. A Christian must learn to evaluate continually our usage of time in order to give a good record of how we used our time wisely for God.
Sunday, our pastor will be preaching in the two morning services. The morning message will be: “The Method of Evangelism”. There will be no evening service. On Sunday evening take the time and use it for family togetherness, family worship and fellowship. Whether you are a family of one or more, each person can use this time to rest, relax, spend some quiet time with God, and just enjoy a peaceful evening at home without the hectic schedule of going somewhere.
Wednesday night is a great time for all ages at First Baptist Church. There is a delicious meal prepared by a wonderful kitchen staff. At 6:00 p.m. there is a choir program for all ages (preschool through middle school), and then Bruce Welch, Minister of Education, has some wonderful adult discipleship classes. At 7:00 p.m. there are Bible study classes for all ages (preschool through adult). This Wednesday night Pastor Mark will begin a special seven week study on the Churches of Revelation. Bible Study Hour is held in the Spence Chapel, and everyone is invited to attend. This is a great opportunity to invite your adult friends to hear Pastor Mark in a non-threatening environment. Bruce Welch leads a Bible study, also, which is called Encounter. Each group would welcome you to be a part of this Bible study ministry of First Baptist Church.
Have you noticed the new building and how it is going up? As you pass the new building site, take a good look, thank God for the new building and ask God how you can be used to invite others to be a part of this new ministry. Shortly, the new building will be open. Don’t wait until its completion; begin now to pray to God about future ministry opportunities and how YOU can be a part of them. Also, we need to thank God for providing the new renovated facilities in the existing building. The preschool and children's area has been renovated. The new Fellowship Hall has been completed and is being used for dinners and meetings. Praise and thank the Lord for providing the best for His people and for enjoying the continuing ministry of First Baptist Church.
As we begin this new day, let us rejoice and be thankful for the blessings of God. Each person is blessed. Even in difficult times, we can praise and thank God for His continued care and love. As you go this weekend, share your smile and a word of warm greeting to someone new that you meet. Your smile can unlock the door of someone’s heart for you to share God’s love. We hope you have a wonderful weekend and a great Labor Day. Be sure to remember to be in your place of worship and Bible Study on Sunday morning. Take time to pray and read your Bible in preparation for worship on Sunday.
God bless you!
Fred W. Lewis
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Back to regular schedule
Good morning church family...
I am glad to report that tonight, all of our regular activities are back on schedule. We start the Fall right with one of our favorite menu's... Chicken Fried Chicken, Salad, Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls and Dessert. Baked chicken is available for those of us on a diet. I plan on being there. I love eating Wednesday night meals with our church family. Plus this is the first time we get to use the remodeled Activity Center. If you haven't seen the new room you will be pleased with how it turned out. They did a great job.
There is one big difference from our regular Wednesday night schedule... The Middle School and High School students will be at Shannon Oaks Church. Parents, you are encouraged to drop-off and pick-up your students at Shannon Oaks Church. For those who need a ride to that church, one of our buses will leave our parking lot at 6:00pm. If you plan on riding that bus you need to be here before 6:00pm.
Tonight during Encounter,I am finishing up our study on prayer. I have really enjoyed Jim Cymbala's "When God's People Pray". The video is very good and our discussions have been even better.
Next Wednesday in Encounter I plan on starting a new series on Christian Doctrines. I believe this is a very important series. Studies have shown that most Christians don't know the basic teachings of our faith. I am not sure how long this series will last but during this study we will discuss a variety of important doctrines that every Christian needs to know and understand. If you are not otherwise involved at 7:00pm on Wednesday nights I hope you will join us in Room 107.
Have a great day. I hope I see you tonight.
Bruce
I am glad to report that tonight, all of our regular activities are back on schedule. We start the Fall right with one of our favorite menu's... Chicken Fried Chicken, Salad, Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls and Dessert. Baked chicken is available for those of us on a diet. I plan on being there. I love eating Wednesday night meals with our church family. Plus this is the first time we get to use the remodeled Activity Center. If you haven't seen the new room you will be pleased with how it turned out. They did a great job.
There is one big difference from our regular Wednesday night schedule... The Middle School and High School students will be at Shannon Oaks Church. Parents, you are encouraged to drop-off and pick-up your students at Shannon Oaks Church. For those who need a ride to that church, one of our buses will leave our parking lot at 6:00pm. If you plan on riding that bus you need to be here before 6:00pm.
Tonight during Encounter,I am finishing up our study on prayer. I have really enjoyed Jim Cymbala's "When God's People Pray". The video is very good and our discussions have been even better.
Next Wednesday in Encounter I plan on starting a new series on Christian Doctrines. I believe this is a very important series. Studies have shown that most Christians don't know the basic teachings of our faith. I am not sure how long this series will last but during this study we will discuss a variety of important doctrines that every Christian needs to know and understand. If you are not otherwise involved at 7:00pm on Wednesday nights I hope you will join us in Room 107.
Have a great day. I hope I see you tonight.
Bruce
Monday, August 30, 2010
Praying for Muslims!
Baghdad...Afghanistan...the Taliban...Muslims...my guess is just the mention of words like these evokes a response of resentment, anger, or even hatred among many and a sense of confusion and misunderstanding among most of the rest of us. I wonder what Jesus thinks when He considers them...?
I cannot help but believe that He sees them as a huge percentage of the planet's population which He willingly laid down His life to save. I am certain His heart breaks for the millions upon millions who are blindly following a legalistic 'religion' with no hope...Doesn't Jesus love the world?
Before you accuse me of being a traitor, let me say I am, in no way, trying to minimize or excuse the acts of radical Islamic terrorists. I believe the Bible teaches that we are to stand against injustice and that God will bring the final justice in His timing. I know that we are instructed to stand in the gap for the oppressed, and I am thankful for men and women who are willing to give everything for the freedom(s) that many of us, so often, take for granted. I just wonder, at times, if we let our patriotism over-ride our calling as Christ-followers...?
So, I am inviting you to join us as we focus our prayer for Muslims. Across the world, Muslims are currently in the 'holy month' of Ramadan. They are fasting and praying and observing scrict adherence to certain rules and regulations hoping to please Allah and find favor, in a nutshell...part of a system of beliefs that attempts to earn their way to paradise in the after-life. There is a specific day in the Muslim calendar when they celebrate or commemorate the tradition of Mohammed receiving his 'divine' revelation which led to the writing of the Q'ran (the Muslim holy book). During this time, they believe that Allah is more likely to visit them in dreams and visions and such...so this 'night of power' is a time when Christians come together in intercession, praying for Muslims to receive the ultimate in 'divine revelation'...that is to come to experience and know the saving knowledge of the Lord, Jesus Christ!
This Sunday evening at 7:00 at our house, Jeannie will be leading some of our High School gals through some teaching about Islam and facilitating a time of prayer for those Muslims who are seeking...
If you would like to know more about how you can be praying for Muslims and those who are giving their lives to reach them with the Good News of the Gospel, check out-
www.pray4them.org.
Praying....
brian
Thursday, August 26, 2010
CONTINUING THE JOURNEY!
Praise the Lord for the beautiful cooler weather that Texas is enjoying! A beautiful weekend is ahead for everyone to enjoy, and it is a great time to enjoy your family. Tonight the mighty Wildcats will begin the football season, and the summer activities are basically at an end. Students and faculty are ending the first week of school, and the new church year began last Sunday at First Baptist Church. Last Wednesday night, the preschool, children, and youth had a big kick-off for the Wednesday night activities, and the Wednesday night meals will begin next Wednesday. First Baptist Church is an exciting place to be where all ages are welcome and there is a ministry for each person.
The mission statement of First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is: “With the Bible as our basis and the Holy Spirit as our guide, First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs exists to: INTRODUCE people to Jesus; IMITATE the life of Jesus; and IMPACT our community and the world for Jesus. Our pastor will be preaching on our mission statement and core value during the fall semester. It is great for a church to have a written statement of purpose as it gives direction for the journey.
On Sunday our pastor will be preaching in the morning worship services. His message is “The Message of Evangelism” from Acts 8:4ff. Please read the scripture in preparation for worship and ask God to lead your heart for worship. At 5:30 p.m. there are discipleship classes for all ages to participate in New Life Journey. No one is ever too old to learn, and no one has reached the highest mark of learning about Jesus. Regardless of age, everyone can learn more about Jesus and increase in wisdom. At 7:00 p.m. this Sunday, there will be a special worship hour of music, a great fellowship in the newly renovated Activity Center, and the opportunity to visit all of the newly renovated areas of preschool and children.
YOU CAN HELP! If a family member, church or Bible Study member or friend goes to the hospital or needs prayer, please call the church office to let us know. The federal law prohibits organizations, including hospitals, to give out general knowledge concerning patients in the hospital. Ministers cannot look through a hospital list to see who might be there. They must know the name of the specific person they wish to see or with whom they wish to speak. You and your class can be a help to the church family and to those who have a need for prayer by calling the church office to let us know that the specific person has a need.
The men’s breakfast is Saturday morning, August 28, at 8:00 a.m. It is a great time of fellowship for you men and your sons. There is a wonderful breakfast, good speaker and great fellowship. Please take time out of your schedule and be here for a special time of fellowship. All men and sons are invited.
Enjoy the beautiful weekend. Please be here Sunday for a wonderful day of worshipping the Lord. As you go to different places on Saturday, share your smile and a word of invitation to someone in your sphere of influence to come Sunday to worship with you.
God bless you,
Fred W. Lewis
The mission statement of First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is: “With the Bible as our basis and the Holy Spirit as our guide, First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs exists to: INTRODUCE people to Jesus; IMITATE the life of Jesus; and IMPACT our community and the world for Jesus. Our pastor will be preaching on our mission statement and core value during the fall semester. It is great for a church to have a written statement of purpose as it gives direction for the journey.
On Sunday our pastor will be preaching in the morning worship services. His message is “The Message of Evangelism” from Acts 8:4ff. Please read the scripture in preparation for worship and ask God to lead your heart for worship. At 5:30 p.m. there are discipleship classes for all ages to participate in New Life Journey. No one is ever too old to learn, and no one has reached the highest mark of learning about Jesus. Regardless of age, everyone can learn more about Jesus and increase in wisdom. At 7:00 p.m. this Sunday, there will be a special worship hour of music, a great fellowship in the newly renovated Activity Center, and the opportunity to visit all of the newly renovated areas of preschool and children.
YOU CAN HELP! If a family member, church or Bible Study member or friend goes to the hospital or needs prayer, please call the church office to let us know. The federal law prohibits organizations, including hospitals, to give out general knowledge concerning patients in the hospital. Ministers cannot look through a hospital list to see who might be there. They must know the name of the specific person they wish to see or with whom they wish to speak. You and your class can be a help to the church family and to those who have a need for prayer by calling the church office to let us know that the specific person has a need.
The men’s breakfast is Saturday morning, August 28, at 8:00 a.m. It is a great time of fellowship for you men and your sons. There is a wonderful breakfast, good speaker and great fellowship. Please take time out of your schedule and be here for a special time of fellowship. All men and sons are invited.
Enjoy the beautiful weekend. Please be here Sunday for a wonderful day of worshipping the Lord. As you go to different places on Saturday, share your smile and a word of invitation to someone in your sphere of influence to come Sunday to worship with you.
God bless you,
Fred W. Lewis
Wednesday Launch Off!
We had a great time last night at the Launch Off! Kids of all ages enjoyed all the water slides and the fellowship was great.... lots and lots of food and fun! Thanks to all who made it a huge success! Looking forward to next Wednesday night...hope to see you here! Dinner at 5...activities at 6 and encounter and Bible Study at 7!
Have a great Thursday!
Blessed to serve!
Tracey
Have a great Thursday!
Blessed to serve!
Tracey
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Launch
Things are happening here at FBC. Today everyone is getting ready for "The Launch".
Preschool children and their parents as well as school age children and their parents will be on the FBC Ball Field. As I came to the church this morning there were already huge water slides on the field. More were being put up. There will also be plenty of great food for the kids and their parents.
Middle School students will be on the third floor. They will have great food as well as great games and other activities. I saw Heath this morning and he was getting everything ready.
High School students will be in the Youth Building. They will definitely have the best food for the night. But it is only for high school students so don't expect to get any if you are not one of them. But for those who are you'll be eating some good stuff. Plus they have a great program planned for tonight.
Everyone is invited to one of these places. If you would rather not be in the heat you can go to the Chapel where we will have the regular Mid-week Bible Study going on.
I hope you can make it tonight. It will be a great place to be.
Regular Wednesday night activities resume next Wednesday, September 1st. Wednesday Night New Life Journey Classes also begin on September 1st.
Hope to see you tonight.
Bruce
Preschool children and their parents as well as school age children and their parents will be on the FBC Ball Field. As I came to the church this morning there were already huge water slides on the field. More were being put up. There will also be plenty of great food for the kids and their parents.
Middle School students will be on the third floor. They will have great food as well as great games and other activities. I saw Heath this morning and he was getting everything ready.
High School students will be in the Youth Building. They will definitely have the best food for the night. But it is only for high school students so don't expect to get any if you are not one of them. But for those who are you'll be eating some good stuff. Plus they have a great program planned for tonight.
Everyone is invited to one of these places. If you would rather not be in the heat you can go to the Chapel where we will have the regular Mid-week Bible Study going on.
I hope you can make it tonight. It will be a great place to be.
Regular Wednesday night activities resume next Wednesday, September 1st. Wednesday Night New Life Journey Classes also begin on September 1st.
Hope to see you tonight.
Bruce
Monday, August 23, 2010
Why...?
Have you ever noticed that this thing called Christianity...our faith that provides all the answers...also raises so many questions!
As Pastor Mark shared yesterday, pouring out his heart and desire to see us become a people who engage in the continual, joyful, Scripturally-mandated, sharing of our faith...something within me began to break. I asked myself, "Why...? Why don't we take every opportunity to share this hope that is within us?"
I know all the answers you (and I...) have tucked away, ready to give... You know things like -
What if they ask me some really hard question and I don't know the answer...or
I am building the relationship first...then I will share...or
If I come on too strong they will move away and I will lose the opportunity...or
I will just let my life show them something is different...or, my favorite-
That's what the pastor is for!
It is almost as if we have believed that our faith is something to be apologetic about...as if the mass media is correct in painting Christians as radical, right-wing conspirators, ignorant and deceived, outdated and somehow half-cocked and dangerous...on the verge of going psycho and bombing an abortion clinic or a gay bar or something...or at a minimum, living in our 'sheltered world' out of touch with the reality of others and missing out on any/all 'fun'.
Granted, there are some cooky people out there who do not represent Christ very well, but doesn't that make it all the more important for those of us who truly do desire to follow Him to be the type of ambassador He called us to be...? To love the hurting, pray for the oppressed, lift up the fallen, share hope with the hopeless, feed the hungry, clothe those without, and be the salt and light that comes from living The Gospel...AND speaking of it, as if the Truth has changed our lives!
Who has God placed in your life that needs a touch from Him? As we begin a new school year, would you join me in seeking out day to day opportunities to impact eternity...and commit to seize the chances we have to speak life, in Jesus' name?
I would like to close with a quote that really got my attention recently-
Spurgeon once said-
Someone asked, "Will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved?
It is more a question with me whether we -- who have the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not -- can be saved."
Jesus commanded us to GO and make disciples...He made no 'Plan B'...
That's WHY we should share...
brian
As Pastor Mark shared yesterday, pouring out his heart and desire to see us become a people who engage in the continual, joyful, Scripturally-mandated, sharing of our faith...something within me began to break. I asked myself, "Why...? Why don't we take every opportunity to share this hope that is within us?"
I know all the answers you (and I...) have tucked away, ready to give... You know things like -
What if they ask me some really hard question and I don't know the answer...or
I am building the relationship first...then I will share...or
If I come on too strong they will move away and I will lose the opportunity...or
I will just let my life show them something is different...or, my favorite-
That's what the pastor is for!
It is almost as if we have believed that our faith is something to be apologetic about...as if the mass media is correct in painting Christians as radical, right-wing conspirators, ignorant and deceived, outdated and somehow half-cocked and dangerous...on the verge of going psycho and bombing an abortion clinic or a gay bar or something...or at a minimum, living in our 'sheltered world' out of touch with the reality of others and missing out on any/all 'fun'.
Granted, there are some cooky people out there who do not represent Christ very well, but doesn't that make it all the more important for those of us who truly do desire to follow Him to be the type of ambassador He called us to be...? To love the hurting, pray for the oppressed, lift up the fallen, share hope with the hopeless, feed the hungry, clothe those without, and be the salt and light that comes from living The Gospel...AND speaking of it, as if the Truth has changed our lives!
Who has God placed in your life that needs a touch from Him? As we begin a new school year, would you join me in seeking out day to day opportunities to impact eternity...and commit to seize the chances we have to speak life, in Jesus' name?
I would like to close with a quote that really got my attention recently-
Spurgeon once said-
Someone asked, "Will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved?
It is more a question with me whether we -- who have the Gospel and fail to give it to those who have not -- can be saved."
Jesus commanded us to GO and make disciples...He made no 'Plan B'...
That's WHY we should share...
brian
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