This coming Sunday is the annual “Sanctity of Life” Sunday.  This day is usually filled with awareness of the realities of abortion.  It has been my pattern in ministry to make awareness of this important reality each year on “Sanctity of Life” Sunday, and this year will be no different.  This year, “Sanctity of Life” Sunday falls on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, January 22, 1973. In preparation for this message, I want Pray’s Mill to be aware of a few things:

1.  We will continue the study through Acts as planned.  God has arranged our schedule to be in Acts 7:1-8 in our study and we will focus on the birth of Isaac and make application to the sanctity of human life.

2.  We all need to be aware of the seriousness of abortion.  This includes those considering abortion and those who have had an abortion.  It should be our job to point people to hope, truth, and restoration in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

3.  The goal of my message on Sunday will be to explain the bold defense that Stephen was giving to the Sanhedrin regarding the false accusations he had received.  In this message, a portion of time will be spent discussing the sanctity of life as the speech of Stephen centers on the story of Abraham and Sara.

4.  The goal in my comments on the sanctity of life will be to direct people to hope in God, trust in His sovereign rule over the womb, and restoration for those who have no ability to turn back time and make a different choice.

5.  I will place in the hands of every attendee important resources regarding abortion, women’s resource centers, truths about adoption, and positions of upcoming political candidates for the 2012 election.

Please invite people to attend this important service with you on Sunday at 10:45am and pray with me leading up to this week for God’s will to be done in the hearts and lives of men and women (young and old) who may be struggling in this area of social and spiritual life.

Pastor Josh Buice

Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray that God will provide discernment and wisdom for those involved with this effort of cleanup and construction.

God bless!

Pastor Josh Buice

That was the urgent message I received from Dr. Manuel earlier in the week.  I scrambled to call him and when he got on the phone he told me that there in Zhud Ecuador the people have experienced three weeks of steady rain.  This caused an apparent mudslide that pushed the church building down.  At the time of my call, Dr. Manuel was on his way to survey the damage.  We need to pray for the people of Zhud, the church plant, and Pastor Lucas as they sift through the damage and survey the scene.

What we don’t know

• We are not sure how bad the damage is, but we are expecting total destruction based on the early statements given by Pastor Lucas and Dr. Manuel.
• We are not sure how much of the church building materials are going to be able to be reused in the construction process.  We know that some of these materials will be salvageable – but we have no idea how much.
• We are not sure why God allowed this tragedy to take place.  It was the day of our Ecuador presentation to our people here at our church and the 56th anniversary of Jim Elliot’s martyrdom in Ecuador.

What we do know

• God is bigger than mudslides and falling buildings.  God has demonstrated that fact all throughout history.  He is sovereign over all natural disasters – not “mother nature.”

Mark 4:39 - And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

• God is gracious.  He could have had all 40 of the new believers in Zhud gathered in the building when it collapsed, but for reasons that bring Him glory – He allowed the building to be empty.
• The building will be replaced.  This is a fact and one that is already underway in Zhud.  The building will be replaced.
• The church is not destroyed.  Dr. Manuel’s message read, in broken English, “We are craying (crying), the mountain fall (fell) down and destroy (destroyed) the church.”  What we need to realize is that “the mountain fall down and destroy the church (building).”  The church is still alive and well in Zhud and it will be the church that mobilizes, rallies together, and rebuilds this building for the glory of King Jesus.

Please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in Zhud Ecuador who are devastated under the reality of this massive disaster.  They know how much our church has sacrificed.  They know how delighted we were at the dedication service.  They know how excited we are as a congregation about God’s work in Zhud.  And now – they are facing a massive project of cleanup, organization, prevention tasks for future mudslides, and then construction.  They need our prayers.  As we pray – we will trust in our sovereign God to give strength and vision for this massive task.  We will also trust that behind this frowning providence He has hidden a smiling face.

Jerry Bridges said, “Confidence in the sovereignty of God in all that affects us is crucial to our trusting Him. If there is a single event in all of the universe that can occur outside of God’s sovereign control then we cannot trust Him. His love may be infinite, but if His power is limited and His purpose can be thwarted, we cannot trust Him.”

Our dedication celebration video that was shared with the church on the day of this disaster:

*As I receive pictures, I will share them with you.  I am hoping to have more information before Sunday.

For the glory of His name!

Pastor Josh Buice

As we have just watched the 2012 year arrive a few minutes ago – I pray that you will set major goals for your spiritual growth.   2012 marks the 170th year of ministry for Pray’s Mill, and we will be celebrating that corporately in a special fall service.  It is my prayer that God will pour blessings upon the family of faith at Pray’s Mill in 2012 in order to bring Him all glory, honor, and praise.

As we consider making new year’s resolutions that are usually broken within the first 30 days – we should read over Jonathan Edwards’ list and consider setting similar goals in this 2012 year for our personal lives, family, and church family.

By:  Jonathan Edwards – April 17th 1723. (modified by John Piper on the DG site)

—————–

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

Overall Life Mission¹

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.” June 25 and July 13, 1723.

Good Works

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

Time Management

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking.Jan. 7, 1723.41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.50.Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.51.Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

Relationships

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.34. Resolved, in narration’s never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723.59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times.May 12, July ii, and July 13.66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.

Suffering

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.

Character

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it.July 8, 1723.63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14′ and July ’3′ 1723.27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

Spiritual Life

Assurance

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

The Scriptures

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Prayer

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear’, of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

The Lord’s Day

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

Vivification of Righteousness

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to what is to be found inSaturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.

Mortification of Sin and Self Examination

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination.July 4, and 13, 1723.68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

Communion with God

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.Aug. 17, 1723

________

God bless and happy new year!

Pastor Josh Buice

He said, ”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

All through Scripture, we see that Jesus is more than a good man or gifted teacher.  Often, when we see pictures about the birth of Jesus, we almost get a faulty view of a glowing baby that was almost a “super baby” that didn’t appear to be normal.  I think that’s the wrong picture of the birth of Christ.  Yes, the baby was God in human flesh, but the truth is – Jesus was a normal baby that cried, needed food from Mary, and needed provisions such as clothing for heat and other necessities.  Jesus was God, but Jesus was a baby – a real baby indeed!

J.I. Packer said, The Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the Incarnation.

As we move through the gospel story, we also see that Jesus grew into a man.  He was a real man, but a perfect man!  As we look at the truth of who Jesus is, we see a clear picture of his miraculous birth that we celebrate at Christmas and His miraculous life that is described in the pages of the Bible.  Jesus is the God who created the entire world (Colossians 1:15-23).  Jesus was before John the Baptist (John 1:15) and Abraham (John 8:58).  Jesus is the Mighty God and is worthy of all praise and worship.  Therefore, as we prepare to worship around the communion table on Saturday evening, this service is not a waste of time on our Christmas weekend – it’s precisely the reason for our Christmas weekend.  As we prepare to worship on Christmas morning, we must remember that Santa is not worthy of more time and honor than Christ.  Everything we are doing this weekend is because of the finished work of Christ Jesus on our behalf.

On another note, if you are preparing to gather with your family this weekend and you anticipate opportunities to talk with unbelievers about the reason for the season, I encourage you to look at Dr. Donald Whitney’s 10 questions about Christmas that are intended to open the door to a gospel conversation / presentation.  His questions are as follows:

1. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you since last
Christmas?
2. What was your best Christmas ever? Why?
3. What’s the most meaningful Christmas gift you’ve ever
received?
4. What was the most appreciated Christmas gift you’ve ever
given?
5. What was your favorite Christmas tradition as a child?
6. What is your favorite Christmas tradition now?
7. What do you do to try to keep Christ in Christmas?
8. Why do you think people started celebrating the birth of
Jesus?
9. Do you think the birth of Jesus deserves such a nearly
worldwide celebration?
10. Why do you think Jesus came to earth?

I find great joy in serving as your pastor and I thank you for placing great emphasis upon the real reason for our celebration this season.  May God add grace upon grace as you and your family continue to celebrate the reason for the season – the birth of King Jesus!

Pastor Josh Buice

1.  January 8th – Ecuador Church Planting Project Presentation

On January 8th, the PM Ecuador team will present the entire church dedication report to the church body from our most recent trip.  It was an amazing trip so say the least, and God is at work among the people of Zhud Ecuador.  God has saved 35-40 people now in Zhud, and the church building is almost complete.  Our team will provide testimonies, pictures, and a new video presentation!  Be there with your friends and family at 6pm.

2.  January 15th – State of the Church Address

On January 15th, I will present the annual “State of the Church” address to the church body.  During this address, I will provide an overview of where we have come in this first year of my ministry at PMBC, goals we have reached, goals we have set, needs we have, and praises to celebrate.  This address will also provide some insight into our year long celebration of 170 years of ministry for Pray’s Mill Baptist Church.

3.  January 22nd – Guest Speakers – Daniel and Sky Scott – Missionaries to Zambia Africa

In 1998 when our team from Pray’s Mill went to Zimbabwe Africa, we met a man named Daniel Scott.  He was in the “Journeyman Program” of the SBC – a two year program for singles that are considering full-time foreign missions.  Years later, we would be reunited and learn that he was married to a young lady named sky and they are working with the Lozi people in Zambia Africa.  While home on furlough, I have asked them to come and present their work to our church family.  Join us for an exciting time of missionary stories and prayer for a family on the front line in Africa!

4.  January 29th – Q&A with the Pastoral Staff of PMBC

Starting in January of 2012, the months that contain a 5th Sunday will close out that month with a time of singing followed by an organized Q&A session with the pastoral staff of Pray’s Mill in the evening service.  The material will be detailed in a handout the first week of that month in order to know the material range for the questions.  The plan is to cover the material from the last Q&A (Sunday School, sermons, and special Bible studies).  Look for a handout for the first Q&A sometime near the first week of January.  The Q&A will serve as a means of sharpening and provide clarity on hard subjects covered in our studies throughout the year.

Get ready for an exciting 2012!  This coming January is going to be crazy busy, but it will be a profitable time for our church family!

Pastor Josh Buice

In our meeting with Lucas, God confirmed to us within the first few minutes that He had placed His sovereign hand upon this man’s life and that he was indeed the one to lead this church forward.  Upon our return, we reported all of the information to the church at Pray’s Mill and sought to raise the money to build a church building for the people.  Our target goal was to reach $25,000 in a period of 25 days in order to get the construction finished as quickly as possible.  God amazed us by allowing us to raise near $40,000 in only 25 days for this project.

On December 11th 2011, exactly 53 weeks (1 year and 1 week) after making “The Big Announcement” to Pray’s Mill, the new church plant will be dedicated along with their new church building for worship.  God has proven to be sovereign during this process from the beginning to the end.  To Him be all glory, praise, and honor!

I received word from Dr. Manuel about the church construction late last night.  He said that things are going well and they are working long hours each day.  The team of volunteers are working from daylight until 8 or 9 at night trying to get the construction completed.  According to Dr. Manuel, the people met for worship on December 4th and 36 were in attendance.  The people are excited and he says that everyone in the village of Zhud are asking questions about the Lord’s work among the people.

Please be in prayer for our mission team as we are leaving on Wednesday for this exciting new church building dedication day!  Our team will be able to represent our entire church family and bring back a historic report to the entire church upon our return.  Below I have included a brief summary of our journey that started one year ago.  Back in May is when we made our first trip to Ecuador and now we are already preparing for the dedication Sunday.  May God be pleased to allow His face to continually shine upon the church of Pray’s Mill in order that we can make Him known to the nations and so that the nations will be glad (Psalm 67).

Saved – By His Grace and For His Glory!

Pastor Josh Buice
Pastor’s Blog: http://www.DeliveredByGrace.com
Pastor Josh on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoshBuice
Pastor Josh on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/JoshBuice

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Merry Christmas!

This coming Sunday, we will take a short break in our study through Acts in order to celebrate Advent – or the celebration of the coming of our Savior.  The series will be titled, “The Announcement of Good News.”  We will look at the birth of Christ and the announcement of His birth.  However, when we talk about the announcement of His birth, we often picture angels in the night sky over the shepherds who were tending their flocks by night.  While that will be covered in this series, we will go back in time long before the announcement to the shepherds to see the Protoevangelium – the first announcement of the good news of Christ.

Join us during this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of King Jesus – the One who came to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

Pastor Josh Buice

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Schedule:

December 4th – 10:45am

December 11th – 10:45am – Guest Preacher: Clay Cox

December 18th – 10:45am

December 24th – Christmas Eve – Communion Service – 6:00-7:00pm

December 25th – 10:00-11:00am

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pastor Josh’s Blog – Christmas Series by Pastor Josh Buice

Part I – JESUS: The Son Given

Part II – JESUS: The Ruler of the World

Part III – JESUS: The Wonderful One

Part IV – JESUS: The Counselor

Part V – JESUS: The Mighty God

Part VI – JESUS: The Everlasting Father

Part VII – JESUS: The Prince of Peace

This week has been both refreshing and exciting, but like many of you, I am just plain tired this morning having gone through our revival meeting this week.  As I started the day, I was reminded of what the Word of God says in Luke 10:27.  A lawyer once came to Jesus and said, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus responded by saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”  Let that be the aim of our affections and the passion of our soul as we approach this Sunday as a church family.  Revival meetings are often tough – because it requires us to love God with our minds!  That requires us to think – and to think critically.  If we are going to have true revival in our families and if we are going to experience great blessings from God upon our church – we must take the responsibility seriously to love God with our heart, soul, and strength (things that normally happen outside of the church building) – along with our minds.

Consider the following:

A young man once approached an older gentleman and said, “Sir, I hear that you are a good runner.”  The older man responded, “I was once greater, but I can still hold my own today.”  The young man said, “I was told that you could give me counsel as I train for a marathon (26.2 miles).”  The older man said, “Son, sit down here beside me for a minute.”  The older man put his hand on his shoulder and as he looked deep into the young man’s eyes, he said, “Son, the first thing you need to know about running and finishing a marathon is this – you must make up your mind that you will never quit – no matter what!” 

Consider the truth of our spiritual journey!  Our spiritual journey as a Christian is a long distance race.  We must have endurance.  However, we must also be willing to endure to the end.  So many times I see people in the church on fire for God only to be passed and left behind as they approach the next hill climb of life.  What Bro. Scott Smith said this week is the truth!  We have much responsibility on our shoulders and nothing less than a strong resolve to endure to the end remaining faithful to our King will be sufficient for the journey!

Things to consider that came up in our revival meeting this week:

• God has entrusted us with talents and expects us to invest those talents in the building of His Kingdom for His glory.  These talents could be money, teaching, preaching, serving, or any other way that God has gifted us.
• God has placed the responsibility of ministry on the shoulders of our entire church – and we must be faithful to do the work of the ministry as an entire church.
• No matter how gifted and committed the pastoral staff of the church is – the church will never move forward unless the entire church moves together.
• Christians must expect to go through trials.  These trials should not surprise us and cause us to turn our backs on God.
• It is not the job of one or two gifted people in the church to do evangelism.  It is the calling of every Christian.
• Just as a “pinky toe” is vital to our entire body, every Christian is vital to the body of Christ.  We must all be involved serving our King.
• When the going gets tough in the Christian journey, we must remember the lengthy poem that Bro. Scott recited for us on Wednesday night as he closed.  The poem he quoted is listed below:

“March On!” – Scott Smith

We need to press on for Christ!  No half hearted effort will be blessed by the Lord.  No half hearted effort will lead a marathon runner to the finish line.  We must put in the effort and diligently seek the Lord with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind!  No regrets!

For the glory of King Jesus!

Pastor Josh Buice
Pastor’s Blog: http://www.DeliveredByGrace.com
Pastor Josh on Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoshBuice
Pastor Josh on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/JoshBuice

Ten years ago on September 11th 2001 – the unthinkable happened!  We were attacked in our own nation and many of us felt vulnerable for the first time in our lives!  Freedom is costly and we must always remember that as we enjoy that tremendous benefit each day.  However, on that tragic day – thousands lost their lives through the attack of radical Muslim terrorists.  Our hearts were ripped out of our chest as we watched those horrible events unfold on live television.  Ten years later – we still remember!

Pray’s Mill Baptist Church is holding a special worship service on September 11th 2011 that will focus on remembering the tragedy of 9-11 that occurred ten years ago in our nation.  On Sunday morning September 11th, we will hold a special time of prayer as we remember the tragedy of 9-11 – and we would like to extend an invitation for you to join us.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Location:

Pray’s Mill Baptist Church

4979 Highway 5

Douglasville, GA 30135

www.PraysMill.com

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date & Time:

September 11th 2011 @ 10:45am

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special Speaker:

Scott Smith – Evangelist

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Special Music:

PMBC Choir, Praise Band, & Soloists

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As we remember the tragedy of 9-11 – do you recall the weeks that followed the attacks?  Many people flooded churches and attendance grew drastically.  People were interested in hearing from God.  However, it didn’t take long before people returned to their normal patterns of life.  Join us as we sing “God Bless America” and as we pray for America on this special day!

If you would like to join us for Sunday School (small group Bible studies) – you can arrive at 9:30am and our team of greeters will assist you in finding your room.  The worship service will begin at 10:45am!  We hope to see you there!

Pastor Josh Buice

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to spread the word about this special service:

1.  You can send people to this link on Facebook:  http://praysmill.com/revival/special-service-september-11th/

2.  Download Brochure – Click Here

NOTE:  Hand out the brochure to your friends, family, and co-workers.  You can also e-mail this link (http://praysmill.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/9-11-11.pdf) or post it on Facebook for your friends to download it.