June 2009 - Posts

• From My Heart June, 2009

  Yes, that is true but it is sewn together with the faith of our forefathers that set out to find a new land where they could worship without a king telling them how to worship. Yes that is true but it is sewn together by those that stood up to create a new country. A country established through their faith in God, by prayer, and a commitment even to the loss of their lives. Yes that is true but it is the fabric of those that fought to establish this country against all odds. Yes that is true but it is the fabric of those that move westward to open new territories and to establish new states. Yes that is true but it is the fabric of those that left their homes to defend other countries from being overrun by tyrants. This has been repeated a number of times in two world wars, Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq and any number of other places where freedom needed defending. Yes that is true but the different pieces of cloth are held together by the blood of many Americans that gave their lives so that freedom could continue to stand tall in America. Yes the flag is just a symbol, but it is also much more. It is the family on the Mayflower, it is the signor of the Decoration of Independence, it is the men and women that settled the west, it is the men that went to war in Europe, not once but twice, it is the blood of every service man and women that has been shed in a uniform representing this great country and protecting the people of this country from foreign invaders. So the next time you see an America flag on the ground, or displayed improperly, or being disgraced, think of all those that have died and made sacrifices so that you have the right, privilege and freedom to fly the flag that is the symbol of this great country. Posted Jun 29 2009, 11:20 AM by sgray128 with no comments

• From My Heart July 5, 2009

  Anyone who knows much about me knows my great admiration and respect for John Adams, the second President of the United States (1797-1801).  By the way, he passed away on July 4, some 183 years ago.  Truly, he was a great American and critical in his leadership in the young days of a new nation.  On July 5, 1776 he wrote these words:   “Yesterday, the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided among men.  A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, “that these United States Colonies are, and of rights out to be, free and independent States, and as such they have and of right ought to have, full power to make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which other States may rightfully do.”  You will see in a few days a declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution, and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and man.  A plan of confederation will be taken up in a few days. You  will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not.  I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these States.  Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory.  I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even though we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.” Posted Jun 29 2009, 10:18 AM by sgray128 with no comments

• From My Heart June 21, 2009

  Last Sunday proved to be a tremendous day in the history of our church.  How thrilling to see the excitement on faces as they enjoyed the new building which God has given us.  Let me encourage you once again to invite each person you know to come and see this great facility.  On July 12th we will have a formal dedication of the building. This week a group of our teens and adults will leave for Lima, Peru to serve and work with Missionary Joe Kotvas.  Joe has a great work with both hearing and deaf.  They have a boarding school for deaf children as well as a growing church.  Please pray for the teens and leaders that God will greatly bless the trip with safety and power.  As our teens have worked to raise the funds for the trip, our church family has responded so generously and I want to thank you. Today is Father’s Day as I am sure you already know.  Being a father is a great blessing from the Lord.  It is amazing that God would trust men to carryout such a great responsibility as raising the next generation for His honor and glory.  Although the task is not always easy, it’s joy is far above anything that we could ever imagine.  One dad once said to another:  “I’m no model father.  All I’m trying to do is behave so that when people tell my son that he reminds them of me, he’ll stick out his chest instead of his tongue.”  That will make you stop and think for a moment.  To all of our fathers here today - Happy Father’s Day and thank you for all you do. Posted Jun 22 2009, 09:40 AM by sgray128 with no comments

• From My Heart June 14, 2009

  A few years ago as a church family we began to see the need to build a new sanctuary which would accommodate more people.  We prayed for God’s direction.  God gave His direction for us to begin the project and so on March 16, 2008 we broke ground.  I asked our church family to pray and give; and praise the Lord we did just that.  That brings us to this very day as our “faith becomes sight.”  We have anticipated this day for quite some time.  However, the completion of this building is just the end of one task and the beginning of another.  We must now exercise our efforts in an even greater manner to reach even more for Christ.  Over the next few weeks, invite everyone you know to see what God has done here at Bible Baptist Church.  On July 12th we will have our formal dedication of the building.  Would it not be great to see every seat filled for both morning services?  On this day, we have invited all our workers on the building as well as many of our government officials to be with us that day.  Over  the next few weeks we will still be working on many details which need to be completed.   Let me go another direction for just a moment.  I want to thank all of our great workers for the Vacation Bible School this past week.  What a week!  We had over 300 children  attend and had the privilege of seeing approximately 50 come  to trust Christ as Saviour.  Our workers worked as a great team.  Thank you once again for all your efforts.  This is a great day in the history of Bible Baptist Church.  To God be the glory! Posted Jun 11 2009, 10:13 PM by sgray128 with no comments

• From My Heart June 7, 2009

  Lord willing this is our last Sunday having services in the old auditorium.  The blessings of God have been so abundant in this place.  No doubt many of you have seen God do great things in this very auditorium.  Just think for a moment about what we have seen here - salvation of souls, believers being baptized, lives being changed, couples joining in marriage, services remembering those who have died in Christ, etc.  Truly the memories in here are multiple and sweet.  May we continue to thank the Lord for what He has done here.  However, God does not expect us to live in the past, for He has opened up for us a wonderful door of opportunity.  Our new building will allow us to reach even more precious souls for Christ.  What do you want to see God do in our new building?  What friend or family member would you love to see trust Christ here?  What friend or family member would you love to see come back to walking with God?  Would you love to see one of your children or grandchildren called to the ministry in this place?  Is their a marriage which you would love to see restored in this place?  Would you ask God to do such a thing in this new building?  Ask God to use you to be instrumental in seeing this happen.  As our Spanish ministry moves into this auditorium, I want to see the very same things happen here.  We are standing on the threshold of seeing God do some great and mighty things. Psalm 126:3  “The Lord has done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” Posted Jun 11 2009, 10:04 PM by sgray128 with no comments

• From My Heart May 31, 2009

  All of us are concerned about health and safety.  The other day someone gave me this that I think will prove how safe it is to be in church today in a somewhat humorous way.  HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE WORLD TODAY: Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in hospitals.  Avoid hospitals. HOWEVER...you will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church.  (These are usually related to previous physical disorders.)  Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church! Bible study is safe, too.  The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less. The conclusion:   Attend church and read your Bible - it could save your life!    On June 14th we will begin a new college and career singles class here at the church taught by Tim Helm.  We have a great group of young adults who are here in our church serving the Lord.  I want to encourage them to be in their class during the Bible Study hour as well as the activities which will occur.  This is an area that I am pleased to increase our outreach.  **July 12th - Building dedication is coming soon! Posted Jun 03 2009, 10:22 AM by sgray128 with no comments