The Pastors Corner

September 5, 2010

 STAY TOGETHER

The new church building project presents us with a lot of challenges along the way. This week, one of those challenges is going to be the Family Fun Day on Monday, September 6^th from 4-6 PM. Because of the amount of disturbance to the church property, limiting the amount of useable ground and the removal of almost all of the playground equipment, we have chosen to move the site of this week's Fun Day Activities to the Lannie Road Park. We will be having a picnic style lunch (sandwich meat and bread will be provided by the church) we ask that you bring beans, potato salad, chips, drinks, desserts and so forth. We are going to provide a couple of ice water coolers and a cooler with ice for the drinks. We will also make some tea at the church and take it down to the park and I thought that we may even take a port-o-let (just in case). 

We will have the opportunity to play softball, soccer, basketball or just play on the playground equipment. There are some picnic tables under a shelter but you may want to bring your lawn/sports chairs. We will try to limit it to about two hours so that we have enough time (and energy) to get everything back to the church and put up. I encourage everyone that can come, to come, even if it’s just to sit, talk and watch the others play. 

Godly fellowship is crucial in a successful Christian life. You were never meant to walk this road alone. Learn to worship, work, and play with your Christian brothers and sisters and they will become your best friends also. 

The family that prays together and plays together --- stays together….

1 John 1:3  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

August 29, 2010

Gone Fishing!

August 22, 2010

YOUR CHOICE

     Jos 24:14  Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

Jos 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua admonishes the people to serve the Lord and establish Him as their God. But if they despised the idea of serving Jehovah God then to at least be truthful enough to acknowledge you who have chosen to serve and stop trying to hold on to the world and god at the same time.

You have a God-given right to choose  what you will!!!! God will never force you to serve Him. But if He is to be your God, there can be NO other gods before Him. Jesus said that no man can serve two masters but he must choose the one that he loves and cleave to Him for he will despise the other.

Most people take issue with real, committed Christianity because the desire of their own flesh nature flies in the face of the godly nature that is wrought in us when we choose to serve Christ. These opposing natures cause us to have an ongoing struggle within the inner man. This struggle is a necessity if we are to be transformed into His image and to be profitable servants. This seems to be too great of a sacrifice for many in the church today.

But consider this, God loves you and I so much that He sacrificed His own beloved Son to be a ransom for our sin. Now, could a God that loves you and I so deeply ever do anything that would not be in our best interest? Absolutely not! Then why not choose to make Him the Lord of your life Today? He is standing at your heart’s door and knocking, won’t you ask Him in?

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

August 15, 2010

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

This past Monday we closed on a loan of $280,000.00 with First Coast Community Bank in Fernandina. This loan is just enough to allow us to do all the site work (property improvements) associated with the new building project. This is an important step for us because the nature of the site work wouldn’t hardly allow us to break it up into smaller jobs and do it a little a time, so we needed some ready cash to go forward. This site work phase will give us all of our storm drainage, new septic system, new pond, building pad, fire cistern (for the fire sprinklers in the new building), and all curbing and sidewalks.

But this is just the start for us in raising funds. We have a pressing need to raise an additional $80,000.00 within the next few months to secure the most economical future for our new building. The reason that I say that it is the most economical future for our building is because we entered into an agreement with Universal Steel of America at just the right time and secured a price that could not be matched anywhere we looked. We secured an 11,750 sq ft building with extra insulation, 2 steel access doors, a 24’ x 30’ drive under and delivery for less than $72,000.00 that’s around $6 per sq ft. Praise God.

Here’s what we need – we need to raise $ 60,000.00 by the time that the building is delivered (current date is the week of October 5^th). Then we need to raise an additional $20,000.00 before November 19^th  so that we can engage a General Contractor to make application for our building permit.

Once we have these items met we will then began to raise the funds to do the step by step modules of erecting and finishing out the building. For example, we will raise the funds to pour the slab, then we will raise funds to erect the building, then we will raise the funds to build the walls, and so forth and so on.

So please pray for provision and do all that God leads you to do as we strive to reach this immediate goal. God’s will be done and give Him praise for His faithfulness that is beyond our imaginations. Also, if the Lord has prospered you, please do not hold back on Him. It is all His anyway and He has just entrusted you to steward over all these blessings.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

August 8, 2010

SANDY’S PRAYER

As I sat down in Bill and Sandy’s RV to compose this Pastors Corner while we careened down the highway somewhere in the Kentucky backwoods I asked the Lord to give me a message that would be of a help to you in your everyday life. I opened my eyes to see a prayer tacked to the wall just in front of me that blessed me and so now I want to share it with you.

“Dear, Lord, I thank you for this day, I thank you for being able to see and hear this morning. I am blessed because you are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I do, say or think that is not pleasing to you. I ask now for your forgiveness.”

“Please keep me and my loved ones safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from you.”

“Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.”

“Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God’s eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.”

“And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus’ example – to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It’s the best response when I’m pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can’t pray, you listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will.”

“Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can’t find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those  who don’t know you intimately. I pray for those who don’t believe. But I thank you that I believe.”

“I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.”

I pray that everyone knows there is not a problem, circumstance, or  situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.”

“This is my prayer.”

 “In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Bro. Buddy

August 1, 2010

GROUNDBREAKING 

I Chronicles 29:9 “Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” 

Today we will meet in the future spot of the new sanctuary. I have desired that today should be a really big deal for us as we actually get to witness the manifestation of God’s wonderful vision. Many have worked hard trying to create a 3-dimentional walk-thru to help everyone envision the scope and the miracle that God is working. 

During the Sunday School hour many will be working at the finishing touches to our special day. After Sunday School we will meet outside in the new sanctuary area (it’s all been marked out for us). Set up your own chairs or help bring some from the fellowship hall. Be sure to place your chairs in the area of the pews – so as not to block the aisles. Signs and drawings have been posted to help you identify the different areas of the building.

Special guests for our celebration will be representatives from Varnes Contracting Company, Broadfoot Design and Silcox Site Prep. We will share with you again the vision that God has given us and the blessings that have made this vision a reality. Some of our members have felt lead to speak to us today.

We will receive a special sacrificial building offering just as David did in I Chronicles for the house of the Lord. After all the speeches, prayers and the offering has been received we will adorn our hard hats, grasp our shovels and break the ground. You are encouraged to join in the celebration by taking a turn at turning over a shovel full of dirt.

When we are through with the shovels we will dismiss with a song and prayer and reassemble in the fellowship hall for dinner. Please help to get all the chairs back into the fellowship hall at this time. It is here that you will be able to see and ask any questions that you may have about the building or other work going on.

God is building His Church but a church is not a building.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

April 18, 2010 

PREACH THE WORD

I think it is generally true to say that preaching is by in large held in low esteem. People don't like preaching today - if they ever liked it, that's debatable, but certainly for the most part they detest it today. The sad fact is that there is an turning away from pure Bible preaching, it would seem, in the ranks of the church of Jesus Christ. Now there are many reasons for that, one reason that is not the least, I am certain, is the matter of boring sermons. It's not all the people's fault, often the fault is the pulpit. There's an old saying that goes: when you're drilling for oil and you hit it, stop boring once you hit it. Sometimes preachers, and I'm as guilty as any I'm sure, can go on and on when they have nothing to say. We all would like to hear somebody who has something to say, but many a man has nothing to say and he doesn't know when to stop saying it! I hope I'll not be like that for you. 

But we see that, certainly in New Testament times, and indeed during  revival - I'll tell you, there's no boring preaching! No boring preaching! That was what was going on in the New Testament era. Paul could say that he didn't come to these people with excellency of speech, nor the wisdom of men, but the testimony of God. He preached among them Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He was weak among them in fear and much trembling, and his speech and his preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit of God and of power. Indeed some of his enemies severely scolded him for being weak in body and speech, he may not have been one of the world's great orators, but ohhhh.. what  a mighty preacher.

He didn't come to these people who needed Christ with great eloquence, he came with the power of God upon him - and that's what we need today! The demonstration of God's Spirit and power. We need preachers, not boring ones - God deliver us from boring preachers - but we need Spirit-anointed preachers like Paul and, indeed, like our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Do you know that the Lord Jesus was a preacher? In Mark chapter 1 verse 14 we read that 'after that John the Baptist was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom'. Our Saviour and Lord was a preacher, and He preached repentance from sin, He preached faith toward God - and yet many people, even in the church today, think that their methods are better than those that Jesus used.

II Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

April 11, 2010

SOWING AND REAPING

The principle of sowing and reaping applies to us in some very practical ways. In the first place, it should motivate us to be diligent and faithful in our task until the Lord’s return. I find that many Christians begin a ministry with great zeal, only to lose heart. Sometimes it is because no one expresses appreciation or gives any recognition for what they are doing. Sometimes it is because they are criticized for what they are doing. Sometimes it is because they have become bored with their job and want something more exciting, more successful, more significant. The principle of sowing and reaping encourages us to faithfully endure, looking not to the immediate gains, but to those which lie ahead, in the reaping of things spiritual. You shall reap, if you faint not. 

The principle of sowing and reaping will give us a new sense of urgency about our tasks as well. On one hand, we see that reaping may be a long time away, but, on the other hand, we recognize that there is only a limited amount of time to labor, yet an eternity to enjoy the rewards of our labor. While verse 9 stresses the need of endurance, verse 10 emphasizes the urgency of the present task in light of the limited time left. The farmer has but a few days in which he can sow the seed. If this time passes by, it is too late. So, too, the Christian has that same sense of urgency, knowing that when our Lord returns, the time for labor is over. Let us seek to do good, now. 

       Gal 6:8  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

       Gal 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

       Gal 6:10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

April 4, 2010

CHRIST OUR PASSOVER

I Corinthians 5:7  “…For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:”

Jesus Christ the Son of God was born into this world for many reasons. One of the most important reasons (if not the most important reason) was that He might be offered up as the Lamb of God on Passover day for the remission of man’s sin.

Contrary to the traditional ideas of religion (about Good Friday, the Sabbath, etc…) below is a summary of the events of the week of the Passion of the Christ.

Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem was on Sunday Nisan 10^th. The day that the Passover lamb was to be set aside and marked for sacrifice. Ex. 12:3

Jesus was crucified on Wednesday in the evening, Passover Preparation Day, Nisan 14th. Ex 12:6; John 19:14

He was entombed Wednesday at evening (The Lord’s Passover) Lev. 23:5

He was in the heart of the earth...

Wednesday night (Night 1 - Passover)

Thursday (Day 1- Passover)

Thursday night (Night 2 Feast of Unleavened bread – No Work) Lev. 23:6-7

Friday (Day 2 – Still first day of Unleavened bread))

Friday night (Night 3 – start of the weekly Sabbath – No Work)

Saturday (Day 3 – still the weekly Sabbath).

The Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected at twilight on Saturday...at the instant Saturday died, and the instant Sunday was born. The basis for believing that Jesus was resurrected on Sunday at dawn is given in Matthew 28.1 and 28.5-6. Specifically, it was at dawn on a Sunday that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the Lord's tomb and heard the angel say, "He is risen."

Accordingly, many churches celebrate the Lord's resurrection by holding services at dawn on Easter Sunday. As do we. Because after all is said and done… what really matters is that the tomb is now empty and He is alive forevermore and will one day return to take us home with Him.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

March 28, 2010

 PRAISE HIM 

Luke 19:40  And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Just a few days before the betrayal of our Lord, the multitude of disciples at Jerusalem shouted uninhibited praise to their coming King. The Pharisees of the group tried to silence the praises of the crowd. They even approached Jesus and urged Him to command them to be silent.

Jesus’ response is astounding, “if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Have you ever considered this, that the praise that is due unto our God and King cannot and will not be silenced? If we as His children should hold back our praise then creation itself would burst forth with Glory and Honor to our King.

Bro Ray was teaching in Revelation chapter 8 that there will be silence in heaven for about a half an hour. When he said this is the first time ever that continual praise to our God has not been resounding throughout this universe, I was astounded. The only time in eternity that the praises of God are not heard is by the command of the One who is praised.

You cannot stop God. Even the adoration of the Holy One is unstoppable but by His own command. There is no God but our God. He is the only One worthy of all the Praise and Honor. Even when his followers may choose to be silent and withhold their praise – He is praised.

Let us not keep silent. Let us Praise Him without reservation. Do not hold you peace, shout it aloud that Jesus, He is Lord! The Psalmist said it best,

Psalm 150:6  Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

March 21, 2010

THE FAVOR OF THE LORD

To favor means to give special regard to; to treat with goodwill; to show exceptional kindness to someone. Sometimes, it means to show extra kindness in comparison to the treatment of others; that is, preferential treatment. Deuteronomy 28:50 warns of judgment by a "nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young." Though it is natural for us to favor the young in times of affliction or judgment, this nation will not give such favor. Esther received royal favor above all the other virgins (Esther 2:17). It is from this use of favor that we get the word, favorite. The greatest favors are shown to the favorite.

However, favor is not always used in a comparative way toward others. It sometimes simply means that the one favored is shown kindness and treated with a generosity and goodwill far beyond what would normally be expected. This is generally the favor that we receive from the Lord. We are treated much better than we could expect. Of course, every believer is favored to some degree. Therefore, we must understand God's favor in degrees. The more we please God, the more we will be favored by Him. Also, it is important not to think of this favor in material or worldly terms. God's favor most likely will be given in spiritual blessings more than in material blessings. Here are some of the ways by which we obtain the favor of the Lord:

By praying unto the Lord (Job 33:26).

By keeping the commandments of the Lord (Proverbs 3:1-4).

By seeking and finding God's wisdom (Proverbs 8:35).

By diligently seeking good (Proverbs 11:27; 12:2).

By living righteously (Proverbs 14:9).

There are many benefits of being in the favor of the Lord. Here are some of them:

Our petitions are more likely to be granted (Esther 7:3).

God will compass us with a shield (Psalm 5:12).

We will receive life (Psalm 30:5).

Our enemies will not triumph over us (Psalm 41:11).

God will show mercy (Psalm 119:58).

We can grow in favor both with God and with man-as did the child Samuel (1 Samuel 2:26) and the child Jesus (Luke 2:52). The phrase, to find favor in the eyes of, or, in the sight of, came from the Old Testament. Every saint of God should desire and seek to have favor in the eyes of the Lord. We grow in that favor as we faithfully live for the Lord.  However, this should not be looked upon as some sort of secret formula for getting everything we want. For purposes of His own, God sometimes takes those He loves through special trials. Job is the primary example but similar instances happen in the lives of many. However, if we continually draw closer to the Lord, we will come to dwell in His favor and in His favor is life (Psalm 30:5).

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

March 14, 2010

THE BLOOD 

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution.  But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children.

It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. 

The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: "My fiancée’s past is not what is on trial here.. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?" The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. 

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be  moved." Psalm 55:23

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

March 7, 2010

REACH OUT

Every year in the month of March, Lannie Road Baptist Church has been hosting an All Day Gospel Sing and BBQ. When we first started this tradition we were looking for an opportunity for more fellowship and fellowship is what we have had, in abundance. Through the years we have had extraordinary crowds of people from all different backgrounds join us for this event. The great success of the BBQ/Sing in terms of attendance has lead us to something we didn’t expect at first, outreach!

Outreach is a term used by ministries to describe programs or events that allow the ministry to give the unchurched exposure to the church and to our Savior. Our BBQ/Sing is a wonderful opportunity for the members of Lannie Road Baptist Church to meet and minister to folks from our community and beyond.

This year, more than ever before, I want to exhort you to get involved with this outreach. Next Saturday, March 13^th from 11 AM until around 6 PM we will host a ton of gospel music lovers and chicken eaters on our property. But the only way that an outreach can be effective is if you Reach Out. Determine within yourself today that you will be an active part and touch the life of someone who attends our BBQ/Sing next Saturday. It’s only one day but it’s filled with opportunities to minister.

Real and effective ministry is the result of committed believers fulfilling their responsibilities in the Body of Christ. Will you commit to doing your part right now? Plan to be here next Saturday to Reach Out and touch the life of someone and experience the difference that a committed believer can make.

Act 4:13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

I’ll see you next Saturday.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

February 28, 2010

JUST STAY

A nurse took the tired, anxious serviceman to the bedside.  "Your son is here," she said to the old man.  She had to repeat the words several times before the patient's eyes opened. Heavily sedated because of the pain of his heart attack, he dimly saw the young uniformed Marine standing outside the oxygen tent. He reached out his hand. The Marine wrapped his toughened fingers around the old man's limp ones, squeezing a message of love and encouragement.

The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man's hand and offering him words of love and strength.  Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move away and rest awhile. He refused. Whenever the nurse came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and of the night noises of the hospital - the clanking of the oxygen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchanging greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all through the night.

Along towards dawn, the old man died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what she had to do, he waited. Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her. "Who was that man?" he asked. The nurse was startled, "He was your father," she answered. "No, he wasn't," the Marine replied. "I never saw him before in my life." "Then why didn't you say something when I took you to him?" "I knew right away there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. When I realized that he was too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how much he needed me, I stayed. I came here tonight to find a Mr. William Grey. His son was killed in Iraq today, and I was sent to inform him. What was this Gentleman's Name?”  The nurse with tears in her eyes answered, Mr. William Grey. 

The next time someone needs you ... just be there.  Stay.  

Count your wealth by the number of friends you have – not the amount of money you possess.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

ACCEPTED

Happy Valentine’s Day. This phrase may indeed be sincere but to some this day can be a painful reminder of one’s lack of experiencing real love. For love is more than just a catch phrase to be tossed about between mere acquaintances but should be a declaration of acceptance.  It was some years ago, although not that many, when my wife took an opportunity to teach me a very valuable lesson and today I would like to share this lesson with you.

As we raised our children in the service of the Lord, being faithful workers in the church and singing every weekend in a gospel group, we were just sure that our children would follow our lead and become what we had dreamed they would be. But as they reached adulthood we found out that some of the things that our children did or dreamed of were their own.

This caused some riffs in our families harmony for I felt as if it were my duty to drive or coerce my children into the path that I had chosen. In short, without knowing it, my love had become conditional. I would tend to either shun or lecture my grown kids in an effort to bring them into an acceptable place.

After many of my failed attempts to change my kids, my wife spoke to me about my method. She said, “They know that you love them as a father, but they don’t feel as though you accept them as they are.” My heart was pierced, because even though what she had said made me angry – I knew she was right. Real love says you don’t need to change to receive my love, I choose to accept you as you are.

God loves us as we are – He doesn’t require us to change before we can be worthy of His love (Thank God).  Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

So today this message is for my family, “I love you all, just as you are.” And to my church family … “I love and accept you.”

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

February 7, 2010

PERFORMING HEAVEN’S CPR

Do you know the acrostic CPR?  Most people do. It stands for Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation and has been responsible for the saving of countless human lives.  But there is another CPR that potentially has more far reaching significance.  The kind I am thinking about is a spiritual CPR and can lead to the saving of countless lives eternally.  This CPR that stands for Cultivating, Planting, and Reaping.

Spiritual CPR begins with cultivating—cultivating friendships. It begins with our building relationships with people so that they can see a lifestyle that reflects positively on the Savior we profess to know.  This cultivating process is critical.  As the saying goes, People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Evangelism apart from genuine friendship will always be taken as just one more sales talk. And people are tired of salesmen trying to sell them something, be it Jesus or jeans.

Good friendships usually lead to conversations and that’s where planting happens.  How often have you wanted to tell a friend about Jesus but just couldn’t seem to find the right transition?  But really, all we have to do is tell our friend that God made a difference in our life and if our friend is ever interested we would be happy to tell them more.  It is as simple as that.  Evangelism is all about planting….introducing a spiritual dimension into the conversation.  If our friend wants to let the seed take root, he or she will ask more—maybe not now but eventually.

Finally, comes the most exciting part of CPR—reaping. Here is where we get to be part of the Holy Spirit’s work.  Remember, no one can take responsibility for someone’s rebirth.  Salvation is a work of the Spirit:  No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3).  Our part is to cultivate, plant, and be there when the harvest comes in.  And when it does, we need to be there to nurture our friend through love, guidance, encouragement, and feeding them God’s word.  But never forget that the field belongs to the Lord and He invites us to be a part of the harvest.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

January 31, 2010

 THE PRIVILEGE 

1Chronicles 29:14 “ But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”

Oh what an honor. That the Creator and King of this universe would think on us. His great love toward us is immeasurable indeed. Our God has freely given us all things and then rewards us for offering them back to Him even in part.

David’s prayer to God during the Building Fund Drive is one of the greatest examples of humility. In a time of great sacrifice, David reminds us that all we have done is give back to God that which is His already.

But what a privilege! It is a privilege to offer our material goods unto the Lord for His Kingdom work. It is a privilege to surrender ourselves unto the Lord for His ministry. It is a privilege – not a right to be His servant.

David asks the question, “Who am I and what is my people?” He knows that God doesn’t need him. But that he needs God. It is God’s house and it is God’s wealth and power that will build that house. David is right-on with his appraisal of God.

May we be reminded of “Who He is and who am I?”

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

January 24, 2010

 OBEDIENCE’S BLESSING

1Ki 17:8-9 “And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there:  behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.”

1Ki 17:15-16 “And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah:  and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the  LORD, which he spake by Elijah.”

During a three year drought and famine God sent Elijah to a  desperately poor widow and her young son expecting her to take care of him. What a strange arrangement. It would seem more reasonable that God would have commanded someone with more resources to take care of His prophet. But obedience has its blessings! It is apparent that this widow had been praying that God would supply her need because God tells Elijah that He has commanded her to sustain him. God would meet her need not by her receiving but by her obedient giving. Now, instead of keeping that she had to herself to eat and then die, she chose to obey God’s clear command to give away the little that she had that she might be blessed. And blessed she was, not only did she receive an inexhaustible measure of meal and oil, but her blessings were just starting.  She took God at His word and made a room for Elijah and she kept on sustaining him even after the drought was through. Her continued and faithful obedience to God’s command would be rewarded with the life of her only son yet once again.

1Ki 17:22 -23 “And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.” 

She had no way of knowing that when she gave her last food to the prophet that she was in fact sowing the seed that would bring her son back to life and back to her arms again.  

You and I have no way of knowing what blessings lie ahead for those of us who have heard God’s command and have been obedient. However, we can be sure of this one thing, what we will receive cannot even be compared to what we have given.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

January 17, 2010

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Our building fund program is a spiritual work, not a financial one. It’s about understanding that there is a God-sized need and that God has made provision to meet that need. We must come to trust God’s perfect plan of providence to meet our need through the honest stewardship of God’s children. Through this campaign, God’s people will come together in equal sacrifice to provide the necessary funds for building. And our greatest benefit will be a time of spiritual growth and faith building that will stir our hearts and spirits. Last Sunday I introduced the Building Relationships Commitment Letter to the congregation, just as I did to Church leaders 2 weeks prior and the response has been good. I have copied a sample of the letter to this Pastor’s Corner as a reminder for you to pick up your copy from the communion table with an envelope. Please pray over your commitment and return the completed letter in the sealed envelope either to me directly or drop it in the offering box. Your letter will remain confidential and I alone will view them. We are asking that you please return your commitment by next Sunday January 24^th. 

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

COMMITMENT LETTER

 (This is not a legally binding document)

I (we) have prayed and sought the Lord’s will concerning my (our) support and level of commitment to the Building Relationships stewardship campaign. I (we) are persuaded that the Lord would have us to build the proposed worship facility to further the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord. And as the Lord makes a way for me (us) to meet this obligation the church family at Lannie Road Baptist can count on me (us) for our support throughout the fulfillment of this project.

I (we) are aware that there is no pressure or coercion to do anything except what I (we) know that the Lord has lead me (us) to do and that although I (we) may raise or lower this commitment at anytime, it is my (our) intention to honor this commitment.

Therefore, I (we) do solemnly commit: (complete all that applies)

to contribute _____________ (enter amount) every week/month (circle one) above and beyond my regular tithes and offerings for the sole purpose of the building fund, starting _____________ (enter date or month  for the next ________________. (enter duration – ex. 36 mnths)

to contribute _____________ (enter amount) as a lump sum offering on ______________ (enter date) in support of the building fund.

To pray for and otherwise heartily support the building project for the duration of the construction.

Signed

Dated

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

January 10, 2010

THE OFFERING YE SHALL TAKE OF THEM 

Exodus 25:1-8 “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.”

In our building committee meeting last Tuesday, we were discussing the funds that are necessary to build this Sanctuary. The Leadership of our church has made their commitment to the Building Relationships Campaign and we are seeking God’s direction in raising as much money as needed to keep us from having to borrow so much, if any, for at least the first phase of our project. Today, you will also have the privilege to be included in the commitment campaign. Our completed commitment letters will be expected to be returned by no later than January 24^th.

Our motto is “Equal Sacrifice – Not Equal Giving”. Therefore I wanted to make you aware that your giving can be done in an unlimited number of ways. In the verses above, we see that the Israelites gave of the jewelry and other materials that they had among them. You may not have the cash that you would desire to give but you may have gold, silver, precious stones or some other valuable property that can be used to generate funds.

Ask the Lord what He would have you to do and then just be obedient. We are thankful for where the Lord has brought us thus far and we are excited to see where He will guide us next. God has already provided all that we need. Will we give it back to Him?

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

January 3, 2010

THE BIBLE’S FIRST PROMISE 

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed;  it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15)

This is the first promise to fallen man. It contains the whole gospel and the essence of the covenant of grace. It has been in great measure fulfilled. The seed of the woman, even our Lord Jesus, was bruised in His heel, and a terrible bruising it was.

How terrible will be the final bruising of the serpent's head! This was virtually done when Jesus took away sin, vanquished death, and broke the power of Satan; but it awaits a still fuller accomplishment at our Lord's second advent and in the Day of Judgment. Praise be unto our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Unto us the promise stands as a prophecy that we shall be afflicted by the powers of evil in our earthly nature, and thus bruised in our heel; but with great victory we shall triumph in Christ, who sets His foot on the old serpent's head.

It is pretty obvious that 2010 promises to be a year unlike any that we have seen in recent history. Throughout this year we may have to learn the first part of this prophetic promise by experience, through the temptations of the devil and the unkindness of the ungodly, who are his seed. They may so bruise us that we may limp with our sore heel; but let us take hold on the second part of the text (and it shall bruise thy head), and we shall not become discouraged.

By faith let us rejoice that regardless of all that Hell may throw against us, we shall still reign in Christ Jesus, the woman's seed.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

December 27, 2009

REAL GROWTH 

Who would believe that another year has already come and gone? As we get ready to celebrate the dawning of a new year, I would like to remind you of God’s great provisions in this past year. He has given many new precious souls to join with us as members of this body of believers. Many of our loved ones have been saved and baptized, a number of them were our children. We have seen increased involvement in the ministry by those who we would not have guessed.

The real growth that I have witnessed can’t be counted in the attendance records or the offerings each week but in God’s willingness to bless us when we are faithful to Him and His calling. The real growth I’ve seen has been in the Spirit. You have probably noticed it too. The Holy Spirit has been moving more freely in our worship services, Sunday school classes and youth groups than I believe I have ever seen, Praise the Lord. The vision that God has given us for this church family is one of spiritual growth that establishes us in a personal, intimate, loving relationship between each individual and our Lord. As a by-product, there will be numerical and financial growth to meet the needs of those to whom we will minister. God will also raise up spiritual leaders from among this body, folk who just love Jesus and desire to serve Him with all their being regardless of their inabilities.

I know that change doesn’t come easy and some don’t want it at all. I want you to know that I do understand your reluctance. However, as our Lord leads – we will follow, after all, He is Our Lord. He has given us the gift of His love to share with many more people yet to come. We must sacrifice our comfort and allow God to make of us as it pleases Him. The real growth is when we trust the leading of the Holy Ghost to do as He will even when we disagree or don’t understand why it must be. 

So won’t you let go of your inhibitions and let God use you as is His desire and great plan of the ages.

Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.  Jeremiah 18:3-6

In the service of our Lord.

Bro. Buddy

December 20, 2009

MORE BLESSED

You have often heard it said, “It is more blessed to give than it is to receive,” and you may have sometimes questioned if this is true. I have a perspective I would like to share with you concerning this constant truth. When you’re giving cannot be measured by material values, it is then that you are the “more Blessed.”

There are things that are of such high value that all the riches in this world could never buy them or even come into comparison with them. These greater things are not received like gifts but rather awarded like medals or trophies. It is in this realm that the giving of material things, no matter how large the gift or how self-sacrificing the value of the gift, that a soul is truly made rich and set free – all at the same time.

For example, this Christmas season many folk are being forced to rethink their Christmas giving because of our down economy. And it is no surprise to us what they have found instead. They have found that the love of their family was never based in the abundance of the gifts received. They have also found that when there isn’t enough money to allow us to give material things, we have been forced to give more of us, ourselves (who we are) Our Love! And guess what, we find out that when we give the gift of us, we are more blessed than when we received stuff.

The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32) tells of a young boy who wished his father to die and took all his material inheritance and went far away. Although he had tasted all that money could buy, he began to long for the Father’s house. When he decided to go home, he had nothing to offer but himself which is exactly what the Father was seeking from his son all along. Strangely the son finds that in giving the gift of himself, he receives more than he could have ever imagined and becomes the “More Blessed.”

Our Christmas Program tonight will share this simple truth in drama. I urge you to bring all your loved ones to see “From the Manger to The Cross.” May you find the blessedness of giving of yourself and be more blessed this Christmas season.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

December 13, 2009

 COMMUNION

Today we will be sharing the Lord’s Supper together. It is not often that we partake of this blessed ordinance together on a Sunday morning. So for some of you it may have been a while since you have had the privilege of honoring the sacrifice and return of our Lord in this way. Therefore, I thought that it would be appropriate to give you these notes regarding Communion so that you will be aware and prepared to either receive the juice and the bread or refrain.

Please pay close attention to my instruction and do not take lightly this most solemn observance.

I Corinthians 11:20 – 34 

1.  What is Communion?

One of two Ordinances: Communion and Baptism. Also known as “The Lord’s Supper” is a remembrance of the deliverance provided to all mankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. (Like the Passover meal was to the Israelites in the Exodus)

2.  Why is Communion important?

Jesus commanded us to observe it until He returns. It causes a man to examine himself inwardly.

3.  Who should partake in Communion?

Only born-again, baptized believers walking in good conscience before the Lord

4.  Who should not partake in Communion?

The unsaved, saved but not baptized, the rebellious and disobedient.

5.  Who should serve Communion?

The deacons (servants of the church), ordained and right with God

6.  How should Communion be received?

Reverently & spiritually (not feasting)

7.  Why do we use unsweetened grape juice and unleavened bread?

Grape juice is the “fruit of the vine” when it has been crushed.  Unsweetened represents the purity of His blood.  Unleavened bread is bitter and becomes broken pieces as a brutal reminder of the awesome price that Jesus bore in His body for our sins.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

December 6, 2009

OBEDIENCE

First let us look at what being obedient is: Webster's dictionary defines being obedient as being submissive to the restraint or command of authority: willing to obey. So to be obedient to someone is to be submissive and willing to obey him or her. Willing means to obey with joy. To be willing to obey means that you should have already realized what needs to be done and do it without being asked. Obedience to God is very important in your Christian growth. No one in this life will ever become sufficiently sanctified to the point where they are always obeying God’s law, but we can honor and maintain obedience to God by pondering on, or meditating on, the words of Jesus. The term "to ponder" means to weigh in the mind, to think or reflect, especially quietly and deeply. To ponder on something is like meditation which implies a definite focusing of one's thoughts on something in order to understand it deeply. The author of Proverbs 14:15 makes a good point: "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."

Jesus is very concerned about our spiritual growth and He wants us to do more than participate in good works, He wants us to believe in Him. He wants us to come up higher and be "like" Him. When we are being obedient to God, we are doing just that: knowing Him, loving Him, and having a personal, intimate relationship with Him. To do this, we must be attentive to God's laws. This is not an option, because you can't have an intimate relationship with Jesus and trample on the words He taught. Being obedient to God is not the same as sticking to the speed limit because you’ll get a fine if you disobey. Obedience to God is living God's Word because you want to and enjoy being filled with the love of Jesus.

We must believe in Jesus, we must have faith in Him, and we must trust Him! Calling ourselves a Christian on its own won't do. Following the commandments as steps won't do. Reading the Bible diligently won't do. We have to take the Word into our hearts. When we make the transition from calling ourselves a good Christian to being someone who is having a deep personal and intimate relationship with the Lord, then we can have the highest of joys, the deepest of peace, and receive the fullest measure of God's love and power each and every day of our lives. Trust and Obey.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

November 29, 2009

WHY WE DO

Sometimes we need a reminder of what our purpose is. Are we just some sort of club that meets together for the satisfaction of feeling better about ourselves? Are we fulfilling some spiritual or moral obligation? Or do we have a common goal to teach the saint and reach the sinner?

With the growth of our church and the planned new building, I thought that now would be a good time to take a look at why we do what we do. Below is a copy of our mission statement. Our mission statement was formed by our Finance Committee many years ago as we sought for a way to convey into words our desire to carry out the Great Commission. This statement embodies, to the best of our language skills, the heartbeat and soul of Lannie Road Baptist Church reason for existence. May we never stray.

LRBC STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

To Zealously Seek For the Salvation Of Lost Souls

While Providing A Culture That Promotes Spiritual Growth And Member Empowerment

While Continually Recognizing Our Commitment

To The Word of God, Missions, Community, Stewardship, The Church Covenant

And The Church By-Laws

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

November 22, 2009

November 15, 2010

SERVANT-STEWARDSHIP

What a thrilling time it is for us to be together in the work of the ministry. God is so faithful to allow us to be a part of what He is doing. Our lives will never be the same, as we learn more to rely fully upon Him for all we are to be.

Tonight with our Annual Business Meeting we will commemorate the trials and the blessings of this past year and proclaim the Good News of the path that lies yet before us.

But in this Pastors Corner article, I want to focus on our responsibility for many will say that they cannot afford to give or that God has not convicted then about giving. However, it is no secret that God will be more than faithful to do exceedingly abundantly more for us than we are even able to imagine.

I read a sermon concerning servant – stewardship and it was interesting to me that the writer said: “I know, today is Stewardship Sunday. I am supposed to tell you to tithe or give 10% of your income to the church. OK, you should give 10% of your income to the church. If we all did that then the one step chart would look a lot different and this church could do a lot more. But I am talking about something more important than money. I am talking about your life: your time, your talents, your heart, your soul… Give them all to God. Surrender yourself totally and trust Him to care for you. After that money will not be an issue.”

Looking back over my life I began to realize that I had given the Lord my money, long before I ever trusted Him with my heart. Since trusting the Lord with all your heart is a bit of an intangible thing (everyone says they do) I believe that the process listed in the 37^th Psalm would support a more practical approach. That is: Trust in the Lord and do good and you will be blessed; then, Delight thyself in the Lord and He will begin to change that heart of yours; so that you may then Commit your way unto the Lord and watch Him as He reveals Himself in and through your life.

Do what you know to be right to do and be blessed. One day the giving will become a delight for you. Then someday He will show Himself through every aspect of your life.

Today is a good day to start. Remember, it’s not yours anyway but you have been given charge over it.

I thought you'd like to know.

Bro. Buddy

November 8, 2009

ENGAGED

Hebrews 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) By definition, to make a promise to someone, you have engaged yourself to do something. When a man and a woman promised to marry one another, we say that they are engaged. This scripture in Hebrews reminds us that our Lord has made a promise unto us and that He is faithful to keep it. We are engaged with Him.

Some time ago, the pastor and leaders of this church moved as they felt lead by the Lord to begin the process of erecting a new sanctuary, a project that some said would never be allowed because of zoning and other restrictions. But in the face of every opposition, He that promised has also proven to be faithful. We can now rejoice in the fact that there is nothing left to hold us back from receiving the promise of the new building but our faithfulness to this engagement.

On November 22nd, in the morning service, Mike Slagle from Keith David Builders will be here to present to the congregation the rendering of our vision. We will for the very first time, through artist rendering and computer generation, get to see the new building and the property improvements in a visual presentation. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers from the Pastor and from Mike Slagle.

Our next step will be to choose a General Contractor to help us make this vision become a reality. We will also begin the process of raising the funds necessary to show our commitment to this engagement.

Please make plans not to miss this special day. Bring a covered dish and we’ll have lunch together in the fellowship hall after the morning service is concluded. 

I couldn’t wait to tell you!

Bro. Buddy

November 1, 2009

God Does Care!

Have you ever had a situation to occur in your life, that you felt no one cared, and no one understands? We all have at one time or another had those kinds of thoughts. The world may not care, and those who say they are your friends may not seem to care, but there is someone who cares about everything that happens in your life. His name is JESUS, and He tells us in first Peter chapter five verse seven to cast ALL our care upon Him, for He careth for you.

It is so easy sometimes to feel hopeless and helpless, but if we have given our lives to God, we are never alone, or without hope. What a wonderful thing to know that when everyone else has failed us, and given up hope, there is one who has not nor ever will!

If Satan can cause you to feel hopeless and or helpless, he can get you to the point of despair, he will rob you of your joy and peace, and in doing so will take away your testimony.

We cannot and must not allow this to happen, and we won’t if we will know in our hearts that God loves us no matter what comes our way, and that He does care.

Don’t look at the circumstance, but look at the God of all circumstances. God loves you and He does care.  1^st Peter 5:7

Thought you would like to know.

Bro. Ray

October 25, 2009

I SURRENDER ALL?

God Expects Your Surrender Yes, it has its foundation in the very nature of God. God cannot do otherwise. Who is God? He is the Fountain of life, the only Source of existence and power and goodness and throughout the universe there is nothing good but what God works, God has created the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the flowers, and the trees, and the grass; and are they not all absolutely surrendered to God? Do they not allow God to work in them just what He pleases? When God clothes the lily with its beauty, is it not yielded up, surrendered, given over to God as He works in it its beauty? And God’s redeemed children, oh, can you think that God can work His work if there is only half or a part of them surrendered? God cannot do it. God is life, and love, and blessing, and power, and infinite beauty, and God delights to communicate Himself to every child who is prepared to receive Him; but ah! This one lack of absolute surrender is just the thing that hinders God. And now He comes, and as God, He claims it.

You know in daily life what absolute surrender is. You know that everything has to be given up to its special, definite object and service. I have a pen in my pocket, and that pen is absolutely surrendered to the one work of writing, and that pen must be absolutely surrendered to my hand if I am to write properly with it. If another holds it partly, I cannot write properly. This coat is absolutely given up to me to, cover my body. This building is entirely given up to religious services. And now, do you expect that in your immortal being, in the divine nature that you have received by regeneration, God can work His work, every day and every hour, unless you are entirely given up to Him? God cannot.

The Temple of Solomon was absolutely surrendered to God when it was dedicated to Him. And every one of us is a temple of God, in which God will dwell and work mightily on one condition, absolute surrender to Him. God claims it, God is worthy of it, and without it God cannot work His blessed work in us. God not only claims it, but God will work it Himself.

Mark 8:34  And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy

October 18, 2009

October 11, 2009

BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES

Welcome to Lannie Road Baptist Church.  We are having an exciting time as God is growing His church. We are overwhelmed at the new people God has brought to LRBC and we feel it is only the beginning of good things to follow. 

Worshipping God is the focus of our church.  We are giving God praise for all the good things he does every day in our lives.  The greatest reward for being the pastor is to watch people growing in the church and their excitement in worshipping God.  We are serious about salvation and spreading the Good News that Jesus came to save those that are lost.

We see many miracles that God does weekly in the lives of the people of our church.  The biggest miracle we have witnessed is God saving us and our families and then we and our families witnessing to others that God loves them.  This is the message that we want to tell our community.  There is probably no greater song ever written than “Jesus Loves Me”.

Let us reach out in our communities with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We want all of our members to be effective witnesses to as many different people each week as possible.  You can help a neighbor that has a need, you can visit someone in the hospital or nursing home, you can teach a child to read, or lead a person to Christ. Your ministry is to invite people to church, show them Christ in your life and make a real difference in their lives.  You can touch a life and make an eternal difference.  Your smile and your kindness can brighten a life.  We are “Building Strong Families in Christ”.

Matthew 28:19-20  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

I thought you’d like to know.
Bro. Buddy

October 4, 2009

LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION ?

The vast majority of us wake up with a to-do list waiting for us. We spend our days caught up in flurry of tasks: getting to work on time, picking up groceries, making sure the kids make it  to sports practice, paying the bills, cooking, cleaning and so on.  Sometimes things get so hectic that we need to remind ourselves to breathe. And while these daily tasks of life can be very important very few of them have eternal consequences.

This is why church is so important. What if you thought of church attendance not as one more thing in your already full week, but think as a chance to set your week in order. Church worship services are a unique opportunity to balance one’s self and reconnect with God. We have a chance to ask for forgiveness for the things we’ve done wrong, to find inspiration in prayer and music, to be challenged to lead increasingly faithful and meaningful lives in the sermons and lessons of the week. All in all, I find that it is those times of corporate worship, being connected to God and to others through faith, which makes the rest of the week have meaning.

So if you are in a rush. Stop. Take a deep breath. Know that God loves you and so do we.

We at Lannie Road Baptist Church affirm that we are called to put our faith into action, but we know as well that God doesn’t love us any less if we still have some things left on the to-do list at the end of the week.  Join us in all our services to find comfort in God and strength for the journey.

Galatians 6:1-3 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness;  considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

I thought you’d like to know.

Bro. Buddy