This Lord's Day (June 2, 2024) at Rainsville First Baptist Church

The church's number one mission is to glorify God.  A believer's number one purpose is to glorify God.

"Everyone who is called by My name whom I have created for My glory..." Isaiah 43:7

"Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit,..." I Corinthians 6:20

"To Him be glory in the church..." Ephesians 3:21

Rainsville First Baptist Church has set as its mission "Glorifying God by Transforming Lives Through the Gospel and Discipleship."

We are taking five Sundays to explore this mission and renew our commitment to it.  Last Sunday I preached about "The God of Glory."

This Sunday I will look at the first statement in our purpose as a church - "Glorifying God."

As a church, everything we do is to glorify God.  The way we worship, why we worship, the priority of evangelism, the way we do evangelism, what we preach and teach, how we handle finances, who we care for one another and our community, ....there is NO PART of a church that is not to glorify God.  

I have often said, "What goes on in the back room is just as important as what happens on the platform."

Join us this Sunday (6-2-24) either in person or online (rfbc.sermon.net) at 10:15 at Rainsville First Baptist Church.  Sunday School begins at 9:00. 

Chuck Lawless on a Bible reading formula

Chuck Lawless is a Professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and one who blogs regularly.  He recently shared this excerpt from a book he co-wrote with Dr. Bill Cook "Victory over the Enemy" in which he shares this description of his Bible reading formula:

Be okay with starting small, and grow in your reading. One reason we wrestle with this spiritual discipline is that we think we must be reading extensively every day or reading not at all; we do not allow ourselves much room for growth in this task. I fear we have been taught that more reading is always better than less reading—that is, more chapters are always better than fewer chapters. If reading one chapter a day is more than you have been reading, however, start there. You will never get to two chapters a day until you get to one.

Indeed, quantity of reading is not always best. This formula now reflects my thinking, in fact: “Consistency + quality + accountability > quantity of material.” Consistency means we read the Word regularly, even if we read only a few verses at a time. Quality indicates we read the Word with some intentional depth, and we consider deeply what the biblical text teaches. Accountability means we inform others about what we’re reading and what the Lord seems to be saying to us through his Word. When these three components of Bible study are present, I do not worry much about how much I read at first. What I have learned is that consistent, quality, and accountable Bible reading will ultimately lead to increased quantity in reading.

Why I MUST believe life begins at conception

As I wrote last Wednesday (5-22-24), the issue of abortion is a HOT potato politically to the degree you will find very few national politicians who will stand against abortion at any stage of pregnancy because they know they can't elected.  So, they talk about permitting abortions at six weeks, fifteen weeks, up to birth, or simply "letting the states decide."

But as a follower of Jesus Christ, whether a politician or a pastor, the issue of abortion is not a political issue.  It is a theological issue.  That's right...theological.

When does life begin?  At conception?  When a heartbeat is detectable?  Or when it is politically comfortable for you not to lose so many votes causing you to be unelectable.

The answer is easy for followers of Jesus.  When did Jesus become a human and who was His father?  The miracle of the incarnation is the Divine Son of God became a man through the virgin womb of Mary as she was impregnated by the Holy Spirit.  So the question is, when did the life of God and man intersect?

The answer is immediately when the Holy Spirit impregnated the seed of the woman (as prophesied in Genesis 3:15).  There was no waiting; for the Holy Spirit is life and where life is, life begins.

Now, can there be serious considerations for why an abortion might need to take place, sure.  And I believe we serve a God of compassion and my heart breaks when under certain conditions that decision has to be made.  Seek God for wisdom and He will give it. And always remember, abortion is not an unpardonable sin.  God is a God who forgives.  

One last word, as a follower of Jesus Christ, no one (male or female) owns their own body.  I Corinthians 6: 19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." 

This Lord's Day (May 26, 2024) at Rainsville First Baptist Church

Every church has a mission and purpose set by our Head and Founder, Jesus Christ.  He has the right to dictate to us what should be our priority and purpose.

But most churches then develop a mission statement seeking to reflect the command of Christ as closely as possible.

Rainsville First Baptist Church has set as its mission "Glorifying God by Transforming Lives Through the Gospel and Discipleship."

That statement is a product of many hours of studying Scripture, prayer, Godly men and women speaking truth to each other and sensing the Holy Spirit's leadership.

As a church, we need to be reminded of our purpose and as Pastor, I will seek to do that over the next few weeks as we preach a series of messages "Church on Mission."

This Sunday we will begin where the statement begins by examining the Glory of God.  This is an enormous task and one that will take an eternity for us to comprehend, so I will only look at it briefly.  

Here is the schedule for these sermons:

This Sunday - The God of Glory

June 2 - Glorifying God

June 16 - Transforming Lives

June 23 - The Gospel

June 30 - Discipleship

Join us this Lord's Day as we come for Sunday School at 9:00 and worship at 10:15.  We will also hear this Sunday from Jamie Hutchison who will share his testimony and we will pray over several of our students who are serving this summer at Ponderosa Bible Camp:  Ian Martin, Blake Clevland, Katie Hall, Cayson Hall, Collin Hall, and Jasper Ferguson.

I know it's Memorial Day weekend, but if you are in town, come and worship.  

Signs of the Times in America

Two things have recently happened in America culture causing one to stop and say, "Where are we as a culture?"

One is the issue of abortion.  And the face of this recent issue is Larry Hogan.  Mr. Hogan is the former Republican governor of Maryland who is now running for the seat in the United States Senate.  He has always been a more moderator Republican, but just this week he came out reversing everything he has ever said about abortion to fully embrace "choice."  In fact, he said he would "codify Roe vs Wade."

When asked by the Washington Post about his recent position, he said, "The times have changed.  Look, things have changed over the last couple of decades and over the last year or two."

I would ask, "Have they?  Has the baby in the womb of a mother changed in the last year or two?  Has life beginning at conception changed in the last year or two?  Has taking a life granted by God alone changed and it is no longer murder?"

No, what has changed is someone using the issue of abortion to get what they want - elected to the Senate.  And now the debate among others is whether to permit abortion at six weeks, fifteen weeks, or until birth.  God help us.

Here is my take - abortion is not a political issue.  The truth of abortion does not change no matter what one is running for or from.  I understand politics, but if you have to change your version of the truth in order to appease voters, then it would be better to sit at home alone than to be in Congress.  Truth does not change and it cannot be comprised for political or monetary gain.

Second issue...Harrison Becker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs.  Just a brief word here.  He gave a Commencement address on May 11, 2024 at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.  In this speech, this 28-year-old husband, father, and sports icon spoke boldly of his faith (though he is a Catholic, most everything he said is believed by other Christians who not Catholic), the importance of the family, and the dignity of life.  I remind you he was speaking at a Catholic school.  But he has been torn to shreds by the elite of this country for trying to take us back "to the 50's." 

You can read the full text of his speech here. 

Oh God, save this country.  But what I'm afraid is all of this is a continuing sign of God's judgment on us permitting us to go further into our own murk and mire.  No election, no national crisis (remember 911 and COVID), and no program is going to save us.  Only a true return to God beginning as a true revival in the church and moving out to a spiritual awakening in the culture.  

This Lord's Day (May 12, 2024) at Rainsville First Baptist Church

On May 23, 1914, Rainsville First Baptist Church was organized (under a different name) and for almost 110 years has existed to glorify God and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This Sunday, we will gather for worship to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the church.

Our special guests will be Steve and Penny Lacey.  I have known Steve and Penny for many years having served as Steve's pastor when I was just 18 years old.  Later, he served together at North Glencoe Baptist Church when Gold City needed a baritone singer and they snatched him up.  He is a songwriter and with his wife, Penny, makes a dynamic duet.

They will also be back on Friday, May 24 singing with Gold City.  Steve was on that historic album "Pillars of Faith" 30 years ago Gold City is beginning a tour to celebrate that album.  

This Sunday is also Mother's Day and we will honor our Mothers this Lord's Day.  

"Pillars of Faith" Tour with Gold City at Rainsville First Baptist Church May 24

In 1993 and 1994, Southern Gospel music experienced a phenomenon never experienced before nor since when an album was awarded "Album of the Year" for two consecutive years.  Now, 30 years later, this album is making a comeback.

Gold City produced "Pillars of Faith" 30 years ago and they are bringing this album back this year in a special tour called "Pillars of Faith Live."  Members of the original group will make appearances with the current Gold City lineup to bring back songs like "There Rose a Lamb," "One More Will Do It, " and the acapella "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus."

This tour is kicking off at Rainsville First Baptist Church on Friday, May 24 beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Special guests that night will include Garry Jones and Steve Lacey.  The concert is in such high demand Singing News TV will be here to broadcast the concert life on their network.

The current Gold City is causing people to remember those glory days of the 90s.  The lineup of Daniel Riley (baritone), Jeff Chapman (bass), Josh Feemster (lead), and Chris Jenkins (tenor) will sing the album from start to finish plus their all-time hits like "In My Robe of White," "It's Still the Cross," and "Midnight Cry."

Tickets will go fast.  Artist Circle tickets are $25 each and are limited.  All other tickets are general admission for $15.00 (advance) or $20 at the door.

You can purchase tickets online at www.pillarslive.com or come by the Rainsville First Baptist Church office Monday through Thursday from 8-1.  Hope to see you May 24!

This Lord's Day (May 5, 2024) at Rainsville First Baptist Church

Have you ever seen something and said, "I wish I had not seen that."  

Ever heard some news and said, "I wish I had not heard that."

That may be what we say after we go through Genesis 34 this Sunday.  So why are we doing it?

First of all, because God believed we should know this.  Can you imagine all that is omitted from the Bible?  And then there is Genesis 34 with rape, rage, and genocide and we say, "Did we really need to know this?"

Second, because we are preaching through the life of Jacob and this is included.  So why would we omit it?

Thirdly, "all Scripture is profitable..." (II Timothy 3:16). So this Sunday we will seek to hear what God wants to say to us about these events in Jacob's life that can help us in our life.

Just a brief warning...we will speak of rape this Sunday.  I know this can be a very sensitive subject, especially for ladies who have had to experience the horror of it personally or with a friend or family member.  We will seek to deal with it graciously and hopefully.  But I don't want you to be caught off guard as you gather for worship this Lord's Day.

What I don't like about being a Pastor

Last week I shared in this blog my favorite title for being a pastor and that is Shepherd.  It speaks of the relationship between people and pastor.  Being a pastor is like being a priest, you are the middle between God on one hand and the people on the other.  In other words, God and people are the reason you are a pastor.

But there is one major thing about being a pastor I have never gotten used to after 45 years.  And that is when people use you and misuse you leaving you wounded.  

I had an older man of the church sit in my office one day telling me I was the best thing that had happened to that church in his lifetime.  I appreciated his observation, especially since he was part of the committee that brought me to the church and his longevity in the church. But in less than a couple years, that same man left the church without saying one word to me.  What happened?  

I have been verbally assaulted privately and publically (in church business meetings) by people who had told me how much they loved me and appreciated me just months (sometimes weeks) earlier.  I have had those who would bring us large gifts at Christmas one year, and the next year it was smaller, and by the third year, there was no gift at all.

There are people in the church who look at the church only through political glasses.  I'm not saying  Republican or Democratic glasses (although they are those too), but those who will see the pastor as only someone to advance their agenda. And if he dares (sometimes not even knowingly doing it) to abort that agenda or detour it, then they immediately turn.

One thing for any pastor who might be reading this blog.  I have learned this slowly (oh so slowly), but after 45 years of pastoring, I have found it to be so, so very true.  This is sad but true.  There are certain individuals in the church who will give every pastor trouble. There are other individuals who will never like any pastor they have.  They didn't like the last pastor.  They didn't like the pastor before him.  Oh, they will like you for a while, but then...something you say, do, or don't do and you are on their "no-fly" list.  (LOL)

When that happens, just understand, it's not you.  It's the office they don't like.  There is no way every pastor can be that bad or unlikeable.  This came to me from an older deacon several years ago.  I had received a very bad and long letter from an older lady in the church telling me where I could go (you get the drift) and take my music guy with me to that place of abyss.  So I just took the letter to the Deacon's meeting and read it and asked the brothers what to do.  One older brother immediately spoke up and said, "Oh preacher, she did that to Bro. _______ and called the name of the former pastor."  I immediately folded the letter back up and put it away having learned a great lesson. 

Well, in spite of it all, I am glad God called me to be a pastor. I love the sheep. 

Blessings;

David