Shining the Light on who Jesus really is!

VBS 2026 has kicked off here in Camden,  "Illumination Station", Shining the light on who Jesus is, taken from John 8:12.  Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

Having the blessing to once again teach missions with Missionary Marty, as I  unboxed the above flashlights to give away later in the week, it wasn't the light that hit me, but the heading on the packaging. (See above)  It jumped out at me with great clarity.  "Jesus Flashlight Keychains."

That is very true, God has called us to be Jesus Flashlights.  Not just in VBS, but in our day to day lives. Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Oh sometimes the batteries get worn out, that could also describe our physical limitations at times. when we get tired, we may just need a break, a little rest.  Being around these kids this week will remind us of the importance and urgency to pour into them, and to teach them the Bible, the precious stories of Jesus.

Pray for all involved this week, the workers, kids, families, and ask God to prepare hearts as we share the Gospel.  May we be Jesus lights wherever we go this summer.

 

Does Revival Tarry?

 

Currently our Thursday morning small men's group is finishing up the Leonard Ravenhill classic, "Why Revival Tarries." It is a hard hitter, and man he pounds us preachers for holding back and not proclaiming with power the word of the Lord. It is the kind of book I need to and should read every year.

One area of the book deals with "unction."  The power of God, the Holy Ghost.  The anointing of God on the preacher of the Word.  Lord we pray for that.  We pray for a Heaven sent, Holy Ghost fire of revival that doesn't leave after the meetings, but continues to burn on in the days ahead.

Having just completed a Four Church Revival, it was nothing short of awesome!  We say it, but do we mean it?  Revival is really for the Church.  I often equate it to people being saved, but can we have revival if no one was saved?  The very heart of the Church was stirred?   The answer is yes.  What a time we have had praising the Lord together and gathering around the word.  The crowds have been nothing but wonderful.  I believe somewhere around 270 in attendance may have been the smallest number counted.  Each week all four churches were faithful to attend.  I loved the support I witnessed in our staff, leadership, faithful folks, and youth!

As your Pastor, I could not be more proud (in a good way) of Marcia and the Worship Team and the music service prior to Rudy preaching this past Sunday night. I whispered, "You should be ready to preach after that."   Holy Forever with Marcia at Piano, and Cody on his new sax, and the praise Team stepping up to lead was absolutely Heaven come down.

We were  challenged again with a good word from Pastor Rudy Allen on showing fruit that your life has  really been changed. 

Even all of you who helped prepare or serve in the fellowship that followed were a great blessing.  Don, Regina and their team, and all of you, outstanding as we had plenty for all and the fellowship hall was packed.  Right down to those who helped clean and straighten up. Thank you.

I believe this is something that will catch on.  Coming together as a group of churches in a series of Revival meetings.  Thanks for letting me be your Pastor. 

 

We have Dr. Jerry Chaddick, Pastor of Mims Baptist Church in Conroe, Texas scheduled for our fall revival the Week of September 13-16. 

Easter and Revival

 

As we prepare to step into the pulpit for the thirty third time on Easter Sunday, here in Camden, what a blessing it it is to pastor this group of folks. Easter changes everything.  Regardless of the circumstances we may find ourselves in, Sunday is coming.  Jesus is alive. There may be a number who get back to church, maybe some who have been gone for a while, and praise the Lord!  I hope the church is packed with people coming back, searching, hurting, and longing to worship the King of glory on this special Lord's Day. He is worthy.

We also follow Easter up by beginning a Four Church Revival beginning April 12. While we will each preach in a different pulpit that morning, over the next four Sunday nights, one of us will be preaching at a different church. I love these pastors and look forward to us getting together over these weeks. I pray that each service is full of FSBCamden folks seeking God for Revival.

One reason I love revival?  I was saved in one April 13, 1976.  The place was North Dayton Baptist Church, and the Evangelist was T.d. Hall.  That was fifty years ago! Thank God for mercy and grace.

Mom and Dad have set the Standard

Today is a very special day in the life of our family as Mom and Dad celebrate their sixty ninth Wedding Anniversary.  Sixty nine years!!!  Little did Fred and Vevadyne (pronounced VevaDean) Jackson know what was in front of them.  Moving to Dayton from Coalfield, Tennessee and planting a life, raising a family, (Pictured here with my Sister Sheila), seeing us married, have kids and now enjoying life with Great Great grands, I will echo what Dad has said recently, "God has been so good." I never met my great grandparents.  So we praise the Lord for this for both Mom and Dad and our grands.  They will always remember Papaw Hoot and Granny.

 We could not have asked for better, and now we are in a season that only the years can bring . The Bible describes our bodies as earthly tents,  and that our bodies groan. While they can't do what they once did physically, and don't get out very often now, the foundation was laid a long time ago that the vows they had made to each other were taken seriously. I will forever praise the Lord for the Mom and Dad he gave us.  One once asked, "How would you define successful parenting." Point your kids to Jesus, and if my kids love me as much as I love my Mom and Dad, then I believe we are on the right track.

 

Turning the Page

2025 is now in the rear view mirror and what a year it has been. Closing out our thirty second year as your pastor has brought great challenge, yet even more blessing. You all have watched our family grow up as Aiden, our oldest grandson is now sixteen and driving. Eli is in eighth grade, a fine student/athlete, but even more of a blessing was hearing his testimony this year prior to be baptized as a follower of Christ. He and Aiden are both involved in their youth group at FBC New Lebanon.  Koby is in fifth and Jordy in third, and they are playing ball all the time. They love the things of God, their church in New Madison, and were surprised with Forrest Frank Concert tickets at Christmas for this summer.

 Renee and I could not ask for anything more in our lives as God has richly blessed us. You may see me in a different vehicle from time to time as my dad blessed me with his truck for Christmas.  I will cherish and try to take as good of care of it as he and mom have.

For some of you, 2025 has been a tough one.  The loss of loved ones, and those dear to you. Health issues that have been so hard, and we pray for you as you navigate them into 2026.  We are grateful for our Church Family.  I will try to be more consistent writing a monthly blog. As you are aware, they are nothing fancy, but they come from a Pastor who loves you.

May 2026 be a year where we continue to see folks come to Christ and a year of disciple making.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you and with you.  Bro. Greg  Joshua 1:8 

 

 

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The Power of a Personal Note

While not always there, my goal has always been to say thank you when something is done for me, our Church, my family, and kids.  To not take things for granted, or to expect anything. I have learned this from some of the best.  Recently I sent a note to former Bellevue Pastor, Steve Gaines who is fighting cancer.  He was gracious enough to send a response thanking me for prayers and taking time to write.

Sunday September 7th, we recognized Marcia Sullender for her thirtieth year on Staff here in Camden. It was a great day. One combined service. Great worship, and a meal for all here at the church. Dave has been such a support and blessing to us as well often staying out of the spotlight.  His humble spirit has always blessed me.

In regards to Marcia, what that means is she has heard me preach more sermons than anyone. (We have been in two services a total of twelve years in the A.M. and all of the previous Sunday evening services we once had.) Always prepared, always willing, and always having a desire to please the Lord and do things with excellence.

The Church created a notebook of gratitude that included many handwritten letters. We simply wanted to personally say thank you. There is power in a personal note. Sometimes the note comes in the form of what we say. ( Psalm 45:1b my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.)

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)
²⁹  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 

Who could you write today and encourage with a Good word?

 Go ahead and do it today.  Bro. Greg