Monday, February 27, 2017

Jesus is the Center of It All by J.D. Greear

In Genesis, I was the Word of God, creating the heavens and the earth.In Exodus, I was the Passover Lamb, whose blood was sprinkled on the doorposts of your heart so that you could escape the bonds of slavery.In Leviticus, I was the temple, the holy place where you met with God.In Numbers, I was your ever-present guide, your pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.In Deuteronomy, I was the prophet coming who is greater than Moses.
In Joshua, I was the conquering warrior leading you into the Promised Land.In Judges, I was the broken Savior rising up to rescue you.In Ruth, I was your kinsman-redeemer.In 1&2 Samuel, I was the pure-hearted shepherd king, who rushed out to face your giants all alone.In 1&2 Kings, I was the righteous ruler.
In 1&2 Chronicles, I was the restorer of the kingdom.In Ezra, the faithful scribe.In Nehemiah, the rebuilder of the walls.In Esther, I was your advocate, risking my life to restore you to royalty.
In Job, I was your living Redeemer.In the Psalms, I was the one who hears your cries.In Proverbs, I am wisdom personified.In Ecclesiastes, I am the meaning that lets you escape the madness.In the Song of Solomon, I am your lover and your bridegroom.
In Isaiah, I was the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, wounded for your transgressions and bruised for your iniquities.In Jeremiah, I am the Spirit that writes God’s laws on your hearts.In Lamentations, I was the weeping prophet.In Ezekiel, I was the river of life bringing healing to the nations.In Daniel, the fourth man in the fire.In Hosea, I was the ever-faithful husband pursuing my unfaithful bride.In Joel, I was the restorer of all that the locusts have eaten.
In Amos, I was your burden bearer.In Obadiah, the judge of all the earth.In Jonah, the prophet cast out into the storm so that you could be brought in.In Micah, the everlasting ruler born to us in Bethlehem.
In Nahum, the Avenger of God’s elect.In Habakkuk, your reason to rejoice even when our fields are empty.In Zephaniah, I am the great Reformer.In Haggai, the cleansing fountain.In Zechariah, the pierced Son whom every eye on earth will one day behold.And in Malachi, I am the Sun of Righteousness rising with healing in my wings.
But the Bible doesn’t end there. He wasn’t just promised. He came.
In Matthew, he’s the King of the Jews.In Mark, he’s the Son of God.In Luke, he’s the Savior born to us in the city of David, Christ the Lord.In John, he’s the Word become flesh, dwelling among us.In Acts, he is Christ the risen Lord, proclaiming salvation to the nations.
In Romans, he’s the Justifier.
In 1&2 Corinthians, the Spirit at work in the churches.In Galatians, he is the righteousness imputed to us by faith.In Ephesians, our righteous armor.In Philippians, the God who meets our every need.In Colossians, the firstborn of all creation.
In 1&2 Thessalonians, he’s descending from heaving with a shout, coming to meet us together in the clouds.In 1&2 Timothy, the one mediator between God and man.In Titus, our faithful pastor.In Philemon, our Redeemer, restoring us to service.In Hebrews, our great high priest.
In James, the life at work in our faith.In 1&2 Peter, our living cornerstone.In 1, 2, and 3 John, our advocate, pleading his righteousness in our place.In Jude, he’s God our Savior, the one who keeps us from stumbling and presents us blameless in his presence with great joy.
And in Revelation, he’s the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
It’s always only ever been about him. He is the center of it all.

Friday, February 24, 2017

From the Shepherd's Heart...Friday, February 24, 2017

This Sunday is a special day as we have musical guests "GOLD CITY" with us in the 10:15 service singing about 20 minutes and then a full concert Sunday night.

This Sunday morning I will continue my series of messages "The Call to Follow Christ" as we look through the Gospel of Luke with the theme of discipleship...following Christ.

Then Sunday we will examine Luke 4: 1-14 as we preach "Following Christ in Temptation."  Is temptation a sin?  Should all believers expect to be tempted?  If I find myself in a wildernesses experience, should I be alarmed? Is temptation and being tested the same?  What is the difference?

I look forward to opening the Word with you this Sunday morning.


Wednesday, February 22, 2017

GOLD CITY with us this Sunday, February 26, 2017

GOLD CITY is with us all day this Sunday and I am excited to welcome them to Rainsville First Baptist.

Yes, all day....they will be in singing in the 10:15 service and then doing a full concert at 6:00.

Of course, the concert is free but we will receive a love offering Sunday night for them.  Also, there is no childcare provided this Sunday night.


I have many, many favorite songs of this group, but "One Scarred Hand" is in my top ten.  This is video was taped at the National Quartet Convention in 2015 at the Reunion of Gold City.

Monday, February 20, 2017

Why we Do Not Baptize Infants

Yesterday I shared a message on following Jesus in believers' baptism.  I mentioned briefly in the message that baptism is not for infants. I want to expound on that here.

John Calvin sprinkled infants but said that the word baptizo means immerse.

I respect those who sprinkle or baptize children and claim they are in the covenant, but I vehemently disagree that an infant can “repent and believe.”  As I shared yesterday, the prerequisite for baptism is repentance (John the Baptist).

While children of Christian parents do have a special calling and an important task of "raising in the admonition of the Lord;" I don't believe it should include baptism.  It is proper and Biblical to dedicate them to the Lord, even as Hannah did Samuel (I Samuel 1). 

Covenant Theology that teaches that children of covenant parents are safe in them need to be reminded in the New Covenant parents are not the covenant holders, Christ is and they are only safe in Him.

Is it wrong to baptize an infant?  I would not immediately say that it is wrong - but I would want to know the belief behind the practice and the understanding of the parents of what this child will need to do later.

It does not mean a person sprinkled as an infant and is gloriously saved later in life will not go to Heaven;  they will.  But it should be their desire to be Scripturally baptized if they wish to follow the Lord truly.

But if your tradition is to sprinkle or even baptize infants, then I would add, “But do not say to these children, you are a Christian, but rather, Repent and believe the Gospel.”

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Adoniram and Ann Judson were both baptized as infants but on their voyage to India in 1812 were studying the Scriptures and became convicted that baptism was for believers only.  So, on  Sept. 6, 1812 they were both immersed in Calcutta.  Luther Rice, followed in another ship, and he had his views changed totally separate from the Judsons.  But on November 1, 1812 he was baptized as a believer.

Why we don’t baptize infants?

1.  Infant baptism cheapens the ordinance of baptism.
2.  No Scriptural evidence for it.  Household baptisms of Acts 16:31-34 is a stretch and even there the household believed first.  No evidence of infants here.
3.  It cannot picture the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
4.  Circumcision of the OT is not the same as NT baptism.  Even everyone circumcised in the OT where not of the “true Israel”  - Romans 2:28-29.  Also look at Colossians 2: 11-12.  New Testament circumcision is a circumcision of the heart and not of the flesh.

Just a reminder that circumcision came 25 years after Abram believed God and it was counted to him righteousness.  And that not everyone who were circumcised were “true Israel.” 


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5. You can not use the faith of another for your own personal faith.  One must have a personal relationships with Jesus Christ and an infant does not have the ability to understand faith and sin and to be saved.

Friday, February 17, 2017

From the Pulpit for this Sunday, February 19, 2017

This mysterious eye is "following" us around the church this spring as we "focus" on two special aspects of our church's vision:

1.  Making disciples - so we are asking "Where are you Looking?"  Are you looking ahead at Jesus in order to follow Him completely?

2.  Reaching people with the Gospel - so we are asking "Where are you Looking?"  Are you looking around you for persons who need the Lord?

This Sunday morning, I will do a message on "Following Jesus in Baptism."  I bet you have not heard a message on baptism in quite a while.  Jesus was baptized (Luke 3: 21-22); so if we are going to "follow" Jesus, then we should be baptized, as well.

Then Sunday night we will continue "Share Your Hope."

Looking forward to a good day in the house of the Lord.  Invite someone to come with you.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

From the Shepherd's Heart...Wednesday, February 15, 2017

TRUTH PROJECT - I am so thankful for the many adults that are taking advantage of us showing "The Truth Project" on Wednesday nights.  Tonight is part two of the Truth about Science. 

Let me encourage all parents and grandparents to be here for these twelve Wednesday nights.  It is material that will help deepen your faith and prepare you to share with your children in a culture that is fumbling with the truth.

As I mentioned last Wednesday night, we do have some notes of all the teachings.  If you would like them, email me and I will send them to you.

Mark on your calendar EASTER WEEKEND, as once again we will have Evangelist Jay Lowder with us April 14-16.  More details later but it will be awesome days of sharing the Gospel.

I'm delighted my friends, GOLD CITY, will be with us all day on Sunday, February 26.  That's right, they will be singing a few songs in our 10:15 worship service plus a full concert at 6.  No charge for the concert but a love offering will be received.





Other dates to put on your calendar:
April 21: We are hosting "Secret Church" with David Platt again this year.
June 11-15:  Vacation Bible School

July 1-8:  Mission Trip to Mobile

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Our RMT - Reaching People with the Gospel


This past Sunday we shared our "Rainsville Mission Trek" vision which is "Reaching people with the Gospel to make disciples who in turn make disciples resulting in transformed lives."

With the cross laying across the intersection of highways 35 and 75 in Rainsville, it is our mission as a church (Rainsville Mission Trek) is to have the cross laid across each heart in Rainsville and to the ends of the world.

Our mission begins with "Reaching People with the Gospel" and this coming Sunday night (February 12) we will begin to look deeper and more practically on how we can do that in our lives.

The late Dr. Roy Fish served for forty years as Professor of Evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He defined evangelism as, "The compassionate sharing of the good news of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit with lost people for the purpose of winning them to Christ as Savior and Lord that they in turn may share Him also with others."


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Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Our RMT - To make disciples who in turn make disciples

This past Sunday we shared our "Rainsville Mission Trek" vision which is "Reaching people with the Gospel to make disciples who in turn make disciples resulting in transformed lives."

With the cross laying across the intersection of highways 35 and 75 in Rainsville, it is our mission as a church is to have the cross laid across each heart in Rainsville and to the ends of the world.

Our mission is to "Make disciples who in turn make disciples" and this coming Sunday morning (February 12) we will begin to look deeper and more practically on how we can do that in our lives.

We will do this as we continue to preach through the Gospel of Luke seeing how Jesus viewed making disciples.

The original term most used in the gospels to describe someone who was committed to Jesus was not Christian, but disciple. In fact, the word "Christian" was not even used until Acts 11 and it was a word of mockery.

To be a follower of Jesus Christ in the day of Christ was to be a disciple.

Someone has said, "Jesus started the church the way He wanted.  Now He wants it the way He started it."

Join us this Sunday as we continue through the Gospel of Luke with a message this Sunday "Jesus, my Rabbi" from Luke 2: 41-50.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Super Bowl Vision Sunday - February 5, 2017

32 NFL teams begin the year in the heat of summer with one goal - winning the Super Bowl. This Sunday, only two of those teams will still have the opportunity to fulfill their mission.

It is necessary for every owner, general manager, coach, player and front office to know the goal - win the Super Bowl.

What is our mission as a church?  Why does Rainsville First Baptist exist?  What is our goal?

This Sunday I want to once again share our mission - our goal.  It will be a concise time of sharing and vision casting, but I believe it will be very beneficial for us as a church to be reminded.

We will have service Sunday night as I conclude the short series on "The Model of Daniel in Fasting and Praying" with part two of the message from Daniel 9.

We have had very good Sunday School attendance the last three Sundays.  Hope to see you this Sunday in Bible study and worship.  I'm looking forward to worshipping with my Rainsville First Family.


Wednesday, February 1, 2017

From the Shepherd's Heart...Wednesday, February 1, 2017

I am delighted to be back home and Rainsville First after a fruitful trip to Mobile and Jacksonville, FL.

I am delighted you got to hear Bro. Max Roden again as you love and appreciate what God did through him and Mrs. Judy here in 2014-15. Thanks to Bro. Fred Bobo for preaching Sunday night, as well.

Tonight we continue "The Truth Project" with lesson 4 "Theology: Who is God?"  Join us at 6:10 as both the students and adults study this most vital topic.

We have about 15 men going to the Johnny Hunt Men's Conference this Friday and Saturday in Atlanta.  We do have two extra tickets if anyone wants to come along.  It is always a high mark for inspiration and information.  I just got to hear Dr. Hunt in Jacksonville last Friday night and have purchased his new book "Demolishing Strongholds" which actually goes to the public today.

Financial Peace University is being taught again this spring.  It is the third consecutive semester.  I appreciate Gary Blevins and his commitment to lead families toward financial freedom.  The cost is $99 and it begins Sunday, February 19.  If you have family, friends or co-workers who would be interested, share the information.  This is not just for our church.

Kidz Choir is beginning again on Sunday afternoons at 5:30.

Oh, speaking of the choir....I hear the song that "rocks my world" is about to song on Sunday morning.  Not sure if it will be this Sunday or next...but I am told by Bro. Keith it is about ready.  Oh, my...oh, my.  I can't wait.

Happy staff anniversary to Bro. Keith Beatty on his third year anniversary here as our Minister of Music, Media and Missions.  What a jewel we have with a man who has such a pure heart for God, ministry, and music.  I'm sure you all know, but just in case you don't - everything done here is personally arranged by Keith for our church. WOW - what a blessing. He also does all our graphics and web site and does it with excellence. Love you brother and thank God for sending you to Rainsville.

If you are a new member but haven't attended a New Member class, we are having our next class on Sunday, February 12 from 12-2.  If you are interested in learning more about our church, then you are encouraged to attend.  You don't have to join the church after you attend, but you can't become an official member without attending a class.  Childcare is provided.  Write an email today or call the church office at 256-638-3141 to register.

We are having Sunday night worship this Sunday night at 6.  I will see you here.