Newsletter Sept 27th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

When I was a Pastor in Chatham County, NC, a new Pastor came to one of the churches in Siler City. At our next Pastor’s Conference, he announced that he had moved because he was looking for a new challenge.  He was looking for a community with unsaved people. He came from a valley in the NC mountains. He testified that he and his previous church were so evangelistic that there were almost no unsaved people left in that valley. Only 3 individuals, old enough to believe, were left unsaved. Those 3 had turned down opportunities to be saved on a regular basis. Thus, this Pastor moved. He was looking for people who needed and would accept Jesus. [I am sure he found what he was seeking in Siler City].

The couple that pastored the church in Tulsa, OK, where Pamela and I attended, also had an interesting story to tell. They had a young man in their church named “Mitch”. Mitch was a “gung ho”, on fire, soul winner. His passion was introducing people to Jesus. For some reason [perhaps a job transfer] Mitch moved away. Later, they learned that Mitch had moved to Utah. Time passed, and this couple was invited by a church in Utah to speak at a Bible Conference. The first night they looked out and saw a familiar face; it was Mitch. He had driven over an hour to get to the service. He also brought about a dozen Mormons with him! That night, at least one of the Mormons received a miraculous healing. Word of the healing spread and the next night several dozen Mormons accompanied Mitch. God touched, saved, and healed. Lives were changed because of one man’s passion to reach the unsaved.

Mitch was still “on fire” for Jesus. It was harder to win others to Jesus in Utah than it was in Tulsa, but that did not stop Mitch. He had a personal goal to lead hundreds [thousands?] of Mormons to a saving faith in Jesus.

What about you and me? The more we fall in love with Jesus, and the more we understand our Bibles, the greater will be our passion to witness to those without Jesus. Hell is real. Hell is hot. Hell is forever. Jesus taught more about Hell than He taught about Heaven. Our loved ones, our friends and neighbors, anyone who does not believe in Jesus is in eternal danger. May the Lord give us a love for sinners and a commitment to act on that love.

In a few weeks, we have Rev. Mark Caldwell coming to preach [October 11-14].
   …Are you praying for Brother Mark?
   …Are you praying for specific individuals that you know who are on the road to Hell?
   …Have you invited [and continued to invite] them to the services?
   …Have you shared your personal testimony and witnessed to those the Lord has laid on your heart?

In the long ago days of my youth, churches often had a “Pack The Pew” night during revival meetings. The member who brought the most guests that night received a prize [often a new Bible]. Could you commit to “Packing a Pew”? It is okay to bring those who faithfully attend other churches. But, the real winner will be the one who brings the most unsaved and unchurched guests. I am not offering a new Bible, or any other earthly prize. But let me remind you of a few Bible truths.

   …”Say not ye, There are four months and then cometh the harvest. Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes and look on the fields. For they are white already to harvest” [John 4:35]

   …”He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed. Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him”. [Psalm 126:6]

   …”He that winneth souls is wise”. [Proverbs 11:30]

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available at 10 in the parking lot on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. REVIVAL SERVICES—October 11-14—Rev. Mark Caldwell
   Finger foods and fellowship after the Sunday evening service
5. October 20—-APPLE RUN TRIP to the NC mountains

Has the Lord already begun the process of reviving your heart?

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church