Newsletter Aug 23rd

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

A SPECIAL HOMECOMING DAY
   …A strong Biblical message from Rev. Kinney Wallace
   …Anointed music from our Praise Team
   …Plenty of good food and sweet fellowship around the table
JUST A FORETASTE OF HOW WONDERFUL IT WILL BE IN HEAVEN
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WILL WE PAY THE PRICE FOR REVIVAL?
As you know, we have Revival Services planned for October 11-14. Rev. Mark Caldwell will be preaching. But, will we have “services’, or “genuine revival”? I think I hear someone’s brain cells clicking, “I really hope the Lord sends “genuine revival” this year”.

Sometimes, I think that many Christians have the mistaken notion that God sits in Heaven and flips a coin, “Heads, I send revival; Tails, no revival this year”. Then, if nothing much happens, we think God did not want us to have revival at that time. Is that the way it is? Think of the verse we quote so often: “If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 That verse tells us that God truly desires to send a “genuine revival” to our land. However, God is waiting on us. What happens depends upon our actions. The Lord only sends real revival to a people who genuinely desire it.

Folks, Pastor Mark Caldwell is a dear Pastor friend of mine. However, he can’t go to his study and fill a suitcase full of “revival” and come pour it out on us. Brother Leonard and the Praise Team are practicing to deliver anointed music. They can’t pour out “revival” either.

SUGGESTIONS
What would happen IF —-between now and October 11, every Barbee’s Grove household became a place of prayer? I encourage each of you to 1] Pray daily, 2] If others live in your house, have family prayer at least once a week, and 3] Invite your close friends from the church to come to your house and pray with you -do it more than once.

OBSERVATIONS

1. We will get the “revival” we plan to have, not necessarily the revival we say we want. Genuine “revival” can get “messy”
2. Genuine revival messes with our schedule. We have to plan to attend, even if we need to forgo other activities. What are our priorities? God or Self?
3. Genuine revival services may last longer than an hour and cause for later arrivals back at home.
4. During “genuine revivals” the Holy Spirit may reveal sin, create the need for confession, apologies, forgiveness asked for, and offered and accepted. In Joshua 6-8, the sin of one man, Achan, caused the entire Israelite army to be defeated. Victory did not come until that sin was dealt with.
5. During genuine revival God may call some of our children or youths to fulltime Christian Ministry. It could be to a foreign nation. Can you rejoice if that is your child or grandchild? Believe me, I have been in that situation. It is not as easy as you think. [Who will look after me in my old age?]
6. During genuine revival the Holy Spirit might tell you to pull out your checkbook and write a large check for the tithes you withheld from the Lord.
7. Genuine revival leads to a more holy lifestyle, an increased prayer life, and an eagerness to witness to the unsaved. Our daily priorities become God’s priorities.
   During genuine revival the services may be marked by tears, by holy laughter, by some shouts and “amens” and by kneeling at the altar. Do you have the mindset, “Bring it on Lord”, or is your thought, “We don’t do that in our church”?

I have read of some wonderful “genuine revivals” down through the years. I have experienced a few in my lifetime. However, sadly, I have experienced far more “services” and far too few “genuine revival moves of God”.  WILL WE PAY THE PRICE FOR GENUINE REVIVAL AT BARBEE’S GROVE THIS YEAR?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 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. October 11-14- “Revival” or “Revival Services”—-Rev. Mark Caldwell

Praying for a “Genuine Revival”

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church