Newsletter  July 19th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday, I read to the church a letter from some non-Barbee’s Grove families. They sent their kids to our recent Vacation Bible School. They were lavish in their praise of how well their kids were treated and in the excellence of the VBS teaching and activities. Again, I say, “THANK YOU” to those who made the VBS happen. You made a positive difference in the lives of children.

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Recently, I noticed some of our members, sheet of paper in hand, encountering other members. I soon realized that they were members of the Nominating Committee, seeking volunteers to serve in various ministries during the next church year. Since Barbee’s Grove is small, some of you serve in several ministries. Sometimes, we have trouble filling every position. At one time I thought, “OH, if we just had more members, the problem would be solved”. Then, one day I was watching Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta. He was gently chiding his people for the same problem. Thousands of church members, but still not enough volunteers.

In the Bible, the Church is sometimes referred to as the ARMY OF GOD and sometimes as the BODY OF CHRIST.  How strong is that army? How healthy is that body? The Bible teaches that the Lord gives SPIRITUAL GIFTS to every born-again Christian [Romans 12 – 1 Corinthians 12 – Ephesians 4] . Any Christian who is not operating in his/her spiritual gift is weakening the Army and the Body of Christ. Think of the dozens of people you know. They are reasonably healthy, mobile, etc. They claim to be saved. Yet, they seldom, if ever, set foot in a church or do any other ministry to advance the Kingdom of God. They do not seem to realize how their lack of participation brings weakness to the work of God.

Every born-again Christian has at least one spiritual gift. If I were in the Old Sanctuary at West Albemarle Baptist Church, I could point you to a certain seat. Every Sunday, that seat was occupied by a resident of the Old County Home for the Poor [that may not be the official name], One of our church members gave the man a ride to church. The man had no money to give, didn’t sing in the choir. Taught no classes. One Sunday, our Pastor pointed out that this man only had one spiritual gift and he used it. His gift was “Faithfulness”. He loved Jesus. He loved his church. He was faithful’

Our Son, Stephen, does Physical Therapy in a facility in Oregon. When someone has an accident, stroke, joint replacement, it is Stephen’s job to get them back to normal mobility and usefulness. One day, it hit me–Stephen and I have the same job. He is attempting to restore human bodies. I am attempting to restore a section of the Body of Christ. Personally, I think he may be doing a better job than I am!!!!!

If all the healthy members on the Barbee’s Grove Church Membership List, and all of those on the Church Rolls of the other churches in Stanly County, suddenly became sold out to Jesus and began to allow Him to use their spiritual gifts, the results would be spectacular. A healthy Body and an Army with no AWOL members would be a powerful force in our world. What about it folks? Are you sitting on the sidelines or active in ministry for the Lord? 

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. August 16–HOMECOMING
5. October 11-14—FALL REVIVAL

Ponder the question from the old hymn—-WILL THERE BE ANY STARS IN MY CROWN?

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church