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 

 

 

BeTempered Podcast Episode 73 - “No Peace, No Decision” – The Rule That Shaped G...

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 

Pastoring in the Dog Days of Summer

 

                                                                   

                                                                                  Growing up in 60s and 70s, I remember July and August being a time when the oppressively hot air simply did not move and the high humidity made it feel like you were perpetually living in a sauna. This was in the days before most people had air conditioning, so an open window and the occasional fan humming at night were the only things keeping you from turning into a stagnant pool of salt water.

Most of those nights I went to bed  listening to the Cincinnati Reds’ baseball games called by the legendary Joe Nuxhall and Marty Brennaman. What a thrill to grow up and get to experience the "Big Red Machine."  They used colorful phrases like, “You can kiss it goodbye!” for a home run, or, “and this one belongs to the Reds", a classic from Joe Nuxhall It was from them I first heard the term “Dog Days” applied to July and August — a term used to describe those long, hot days and nights in the middle of the season when there are far too many more games to be played. 

The term actually comes from the Roman observation of the brightness of Sirius, the Dog Star, in the constellation of Canis Major (“large dog”) in the months of July and August. The Dog Days were popularly believed to be an evil time of year when the sea boiled, dogs grew mad, and all other creatures became lazy. If you have teenagers lounging about your house on summer vacation, you know that the Romans weren’t far off.

Even though air conditioning is available in most places, and the church remains (cool as a cucumber) I’m still thinking about the Dog Days, but now in terms of my preaching. Like a long baseball season, July and August come roughly halfway between Christmas and Easter, which are like Opening Day and the World Series of the church year. In terms of church attendance, the asphalt in the parking lot is boiling, people disappear, and many that are normally excited to come to worship are more likely to lounge in a hammock in the mountain air than get ready for church.

Maybe we preachers get a little cranky this time of year, too. Even though our people may be in a lazy, vacation mindset, Sunday still comes every week and we’ve got to get ready to work in case people show up (and, miraculously, some still do!). Your homiletical fast ball may not be as sharp as it was on Easter Sunday, and you’re hacking at those summer sermons like a relief pitcher who gets put into pinch hit in the 15th inning of a Sunday day game.

Truth be told, however, I like to think of this time of year as a gift. Maybe I’m out of the office a little more, after  all everyone is trying to catch their breath. Like Yogi Berra used to say, “Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.” There’s a sermon illustration in there somewhere.

My Pastor , preaching mentor Joe Baker who is now in Heaven always said, "Don't evaluate ministry on Monday morning or in the month of August."  

I think God gives us preachers the Dog Days for a reason. It’s not that we get so lazy that we stop being disciples of Jesus for a couple of months. Instead, I think God makes it hot and humid so we’ll slow down a bit, look around some more, watch the world go by, take in a beautiful sunset, or sleep in once in a while. Think of it as an opportunity for an extended Sabbath in the middle of the season. It’s a time to take your vacation and enjoy it. The same God who put the Dog Star in the sky will keep the creation running until you get back. No need to rush.

After all, Christmas will soon be here!!  Don't quit! Stand of the promises of God.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
⁵⁸  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
 

  Excerpts Taken from Robert Kaylor originally published in 2016

 

"Blog Title Change: Bloom Where You are Planted"

Having just returned from a week at the beach with our immediate family, son and wife and their two boys, and daughter and husband and their two boys, Renee and I can say one thing for sure.  We are blessed!

Having been away last week and worshiping in another church, my heart was moved and encouraged.  Encouraged to come home and get back after it here at FSBCamden.  It is also humbling having just celebrated our 32 year anniversary here as your pastor. 

For years, the title of this blog was "Joy in the Journey."  There has been joy and there still is joy as God allows us to forge forward together.  2025 has brought forth some new challenges, but God is faithful.

Recently the theme of "Bloom where you are planted" keeps recurring in my mind and heart.  So if anything good continues to come forth after all these years, we will encourage other churches and pastors with a reminder that we are called to be faithful where God puts us and let the roots run deep as we anchor in and preach the word faithfully.

Last night we watched the movie, "Twisters."  It is a remake of the original Twister that was released years ago about tornado storm chasers.  In the new remake, a man known as the tornado wrangler would literally drive his truck right into the tornado.  The only way they could survive was by driving automatic augers (anchors) deep into the ground to keep the vehicle from getting blown away and being killed. They were trusting that the anchors would hold.

Years ago H.B. London, a Nazarene Pastor,  James Dobson's cousin from Focus on the Family wrote a book entitled, "Heart of a Great Pastor", and one of the chapters was titled, "Bloom Where You are Planted."  That has always stuck with me, and has been a great encouragement as we continue to serve the Lord.

Jesus is the anchor.  May we drill deep and trust Him to continue to lead and carry us in the work.

Until He comes...we will go!  Bro. Greg
 

 

Remembering a Giant of the Faith

 "If the fire has been brought from the right place and to the right place, we have a good beginning; and main elements of a glorious ending." C. H. Spurgeon

Yesterday the world received the news that a giant in the faith, John Macarthur has passed from this life into Heaven.

 

Over the past thirty two years as your pastor, his influence on me, through his preaching, commentaries, and exposition of scripture has greatly helped, instructed, and encouraged me.

I remember those early years before coming here, I would listen to this line up on WFCJ.  Charles Stan
ley, John Macarthur, then Chuck Swindoll.  Wow, what a powerhouse!  We have now lost two of these three. In a week that remembered Jimmy Swaggert's passing as well, life is changing.

 

Cody mentioned that the loss of MacArthur has shook him. I understand what he means.  He has preached, taught, desiring to equip the next generation of Pastors to lead the church well.  

 

I remember the passing of  my mentors, Joe Baker and Charles Betts. it was hard to imagine them being gone.  The news that Adrian Rogers had passed greatly shook me as well.  At Dr. Rogers' service Ken Whitten shared, " The fact that Adrian was alive made me feel secure as a pastor."

 

John Macarthur finished faithful and that is my prayer as well.  I am sure he will continue to speak beyond the grave through radio, and that his legacy will be lasting.  We pray for his family.​

 

First verse from Rodney Griffin's "Start with Well Done"

 

 

More than great riches

More than a claim

More than meeting strangers

Who already know my name

More that respect from

My closest of peers

There′s a voice and a statement

That I long to hear

Chorus

Only two words will fulfill me

When I see his face

For there's eternal meaning

In this one little phrase

When this life is over

And the next ones begun

I want it to start with well done!

Greater Vision coming July 10th!

 

Easter and Revival

 

Easter and Revival!

Recently I was asked why we have Revival so close to Easter Sunday and here is the answer.  We have more in worship on Easter than any other day, and what better time to promote Revival than on that day.

Let's pack it out this year as we worship the Lord on this special day of both celebration and remembrance. Remember to invite someone to be your guest.

 Revival will bring in with it on April 27-29 three of my favorite preachers and people.

Dr. Terry Fields preached Revival years ago in the other building, Pastor Jerome Byrd, one of our favorites, and our son in law Kyle Herrmann.  All three have pastored for a number of years and will bring us a word from a fresh voice.  The Choir will be singing and it will be a wonderful time of worship and preaching.  It all begins on Sunday night at 6:30 P.M. and then Monday and Tuesday at 7 P.M. 

Revival means something to me.  April 13, 1976 was the night I settled it as God got a hold of my heart. I praise Him for His goodness, and mercy for allowing me to be your pastor.

 

 

Two Cookies and a cup of Kool-Aid

 

This is the third or fourth year we have moved our Vacation Bible School in to the month of June and we like it. Even though it is not too far beyond our School year,  it opens up the summer for our volunteers and families without splitting it in half.

But Breaker Rock Beach 2024 is a far cry from the old VBS Days that included two cookies and a cup of orange drink. Oh, the message hasn't changed, but the way it is delivered has.  With the coming of technology and computer, graphic assistance every thing is in full color. Yet what has not changed is the precious story of Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection. The kids will hear that plainly once again and we pray that the Holy Spirit touches some soft hearts.

Recently I sent out a note to our FSBCamden Family of some things I love about VBS. I did love the cookies and kool-aid too.

 

 1. Name recognition. Vacation Bible School is something that many adults remember as kids and the impact it had on their lives in learning about Jesus.

2. Community.  Not only do we see our FSBCamden Family kids, we see many from the community.  What a blessing to see the parents lining up at 8:30 as we close meeting one another, many for the first time.  It gives us an opportunity to meet and say hello.  VBS may be the first connection to an invitation that leads to a guest, that leads to the Gospel, that leads to knowing Christ!.

3. Teamwork. Some of these classes are big this year. the Pre-K - K class is something. A team of Teachers faithfully loving, teaching, and modeling the love of Christ to every child.

I love seeing each of our Team using their gifts, uniquely for Jesus. From our VBS Leaders and Staff to our Custodians, what a great team.

4. Reminder.  It reminds me of the importance of our childcare and children's ministry.

This would be a great time to let Amber know you would be willing to be part of a regular schedule of childcare in our  10:45 worship service nursery.  If you have Children who stay in the Nursery, I encourage you to step up and serve.  Let Cody know that you would be willing to be part of a scheduled team leading our kids. We will request a background check making sure all of our kids are well protected and safe.

5.  Fun. This place is filled with laughter.  May we all return to the joy of coming to Chruch. and being in worship.

6. Most importantly.  Teaching these kids about Jesus and His love.

Each night builds on the previous night's message.

Night 1 - Truth comes from God - Gen. 2-3

Night 2 - God's plan is best - Daniel 1

Night 3 - Everyone needs Jesus - Mark 10:17-27

Night 4 - Jesus is the only way  John 14:1-6

Night 5 - Speak truth in love - Acts 9:1-6

Praying for SBC24 in Indy

In recent years, and now after thirty one years as pastor here in Camden, my involvement  has gotten lax in denominational participation.  We as a Church certainly are blessed to be strong supporters and givers to the mission efforts of Southern Baptist through the Cooperative Program, North American Mission Board, International Board, Send Relief and Disaster Relief.  But this year is an exception. As the week of the Southern Baptist Convention's Annual Meeting approaches next week in Indianapolis, it is one that I need to attend for several reasons.

One is the needed fellowship. It is a blessing to catch up with fellow believers and preachers who have been such an inspiration and blessing to me over the years.  Another is the blessing of  being fed by hearing other men preach.  Years ago , when we would attend, as a young pastor, I would listen to older pastor's preach and pray that God one day would give me that kind of wisdom. 

Thirdly, I love to hear the mission reports and what God is doing all over the world. It is the heart of a missionary that I need God to keep cultivating in me. Recently we had IMB President Dr. Paul Chitwood, and what a blessing he was to get to meet.

Fourth, there is the pressing issue of any form of abuse, sexual or other, that would take place in a local church, and learning how to better address it, prevent it, and support those who have wrongfully suffered because of it.

Lastly it is a Convention where we will either decide that we continue to believe and follow the Word of God in regards to who is qualified biblically to Pastor a Church, or take an approach that it is not an issue and try to move forward without addressing it. After looking at numbers and the confusion we had defining a Pastor, it is an issue.

Southern Baptist are a people of the Bible and I believe we will stand firm in taking God at His Word.  As a Southern Baptist, we will come together for God's glory to continue on this great commission journey, together.

I ask for your Prayers as we meet and that the Lord will be glorified and praised. I have friends on both sides of this issue regarding the Law Amendment. I love and respect them all.  The six running for President are split right down the middle on it. 

As your pastor, based on what I have read and studied, my intention is to vote for the Amendment.  There must be a clear signal sent to a watching world that we will continue to follow God's word.

Revival Means Something To Me

This Sunday, April 21-24 we welcome Dr. Kie Bowman for our Spring Revival.  I have tried for many years to get Kie while he was Pastor of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.  Due to commitments it just didn't happen. He has recently retired, is Senior Pastor Emeritus, and is the Director for Prayer of the SBC. God opened the door.  We are in a for challenge and a blessing as he comes. I pray you make Revival a priority as we come together each night at 6:30.  Remember we are in one combined service on Sunday morning this week at 10:45 A.M. 

Forty eight years ago April 13th, was the anniversary of the Lord saving my soul.  I praise him for it! It was at North Dayton Baptist Church and T.D. Hall was the evangelist who is in his nineties now.  Several months ago we connected and he called me back.  I simply wanted to thank him for being faithful. What an honor it was to speak to him.  Who in your life would be greatly blessed to hear from you just to say to them , thank you for being faithful?  A former pastor, teacher, leader, encourager in the church?  

As we prepare for Revival, as you invite, find someone to encourage. It is going to be a great week.

A Christmas to Remember!

I must say that I am a lousy blogger having not posted since September, but the Christ of Christmas certainly is worthy.  It has been a remarkable year in the life of our church.  God has blessed with many baptisms and has added to His church throughout the year. 

There is nothing better than Pastoring in a small town around the holidays. We have recently come through two of the greatest, most meaningful performances by our kids in " Hotel Noel", and our adult Choir  with "Majesty. Two of the best that I can remember.  Both programs pointed people to Jesus and there was such a spirit of joy in presenting them.  Bev Garrett and Marcia Sullender and their teams did an awesome job.

Another tradition we have will be caroling on December 17 and our traditional 5 P.M. Christmas Eve service.  This started out as a small service nearly thirty years ago, and we now have full houses nearly every year.  We have gone from traditional candle to glow sticks for several reasons and this year we have added something that promises to be a moving picture of why Jesus came.  Oh and to let you in on a secret, the SBC's best Christmas Candy Treat bags will be passed out on Christmas Eve.  As a boy we would get a bag and everything in stuck together.  We have come a long way!  I hope you will join us.

On a personal note, God blessed Renee and I to celebrate our fortieth wedding anniversary in September after being so blessed by the Church for our thirtieth pastoral anniversary here in July.  Our kids are now Drew 38, a teacher at Northridge,  and Deacon at FBC New Lebanon where Ashley's brother pastors, are raising two great boys, Aiden 14, and Eli will be 12 in February. Stacy now 36, is in her fourteenth year as a second grade teacher here in Camden.  Kyle continues to pastor in New Madison and is in the banking industry.  Koby , 9 and Jordy 7 both attend Preble Shawnee.  We have boys everywhere, games to go to all the time, and me and Memaw love it.

Renee and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and may 2024 be a year of serving, obeying, growing, and going, as we look for the return of our Lord Jesus!

Bro. Greg

Preaching through John

August 6, 2023 we began a series preaching through the Book of John, the Gospel.  Wow has it been a great blessing and challenge as we are now eight sermons in.  It will take us after our Christmas Series into 2024 and we are not going to hurry and rush.

For the early years I preached mostly topical sermons and it was often in a series as we will do this Christmas during advent.  Yet over the past thirty years I have also preached through many books verse by verse. Expository preaching seems to be such a great learning tool for us as a congregation and for me as preacher.  It makes the preacher study, to dig in and I love that. You have to deal with the tough text.  I have not enjoyed preaching anymore than I do right now. FSBCamden is a preacher's church.  We love the Word!

There are those who say it isn't expository preaching unless you are preaching book by book, verse by verse.  I subscribe to the Adrian Rogers philosophy that this type of preaching comes in different ways and presentations.  Breaking down and presenting the passage whether through a book,  part of a book or chapter, It can be an expository sermon.  I agree with him.  The key is to preach the Bible.

What I love about preaching through a book of the Bible is I know where I will be next week as soon as I am finished with the second message each week.  That takes a lot of pressure off of the preacher.

The above Bible reminds me of the statement, "A Bible that is falling apart usually represents a life that is not falling apart."

The Bible gives us more than enough for this lifetime to preach.  It has been some kind of year here in Camden. Lord I pray You do not take Your hand of goodness and mercy from us.

Thank you Church for being faithful.

Where did 30 Years go?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for the honor of being your Pastor the last thirty years. This photo from our combined service on July 9, 2023 has become one of my favorites for several reasons.  Renee and I appreciate all the hard work that went in making this day extraordinary for us.

• Renee by my side.  What a great wife and partner to travel this ministry journey with.  she has been nothing but a blessing to me and FSBCamden.
• My family on the front row.  They have prayed for and supported us our entire time here .  they love you as a church.
• A great staff, and deacons peppered throughout this picture.  I also want to thank those who served and are serving in other places, as well as those who have passed to be with the Lord.
• A church family that we love, and loves us.  God has blessed us with a great spirit of unity that we do not take for granted.
• While we are blocking it with our bodies, we are standing at the pulpit.  A cross.  what a privilege to get to stand here each week and open the word of God.
• Some have said, "congratulations on your retirement." No! No! We are not going anywhere , and let's ask God to make the next page and season of ministry even greater.  
• May the Lord make us a house of prayer and may he send a mighty Revival!
  

Touched By In Touch ( A Tribute to Dr. Charles Stanley)

This past week, Christians, and in many ways  the world, said goodbye to one of our most notable preachers, Dr. Charles Stanley.  He had been the Pastor of the the great First Baptist Church of Atlanta for over fifty years, passing at the age of ninety.

His worldwide television ministry "In Touch" reaches hundreds of thousands weekly.  I loved what Dr. David Jeremiah said at the memorial service regarding Dr. Stanley.  It would have been easy for him to say he was going to commit himself to the TV Ministry and just do that, but he didn't.  He loved pastoring his people at FBC Atlanta.

The term America's Pastor has been thrown around loosely about other preachers, but in many ways Dr. Stanley was.  His down to earth delivery and pastor/shepherd like voice as he opened the word of God, are things that we all loved about him.  There are some Ohio ties as well.  He Pastored the FBC of Fairborn years before being recognized as FBC Atlanta's Pastor.

 Becoming Pastor here in Camden in 1993, before arriving I worked as a Letter Sorting Machine Operator (LSM) for the Post Office in Dayton.  Back then you could wear head sets.  I had a FM Walkman which allowed me in the evenings to listen to christian radio.  In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley was one that always drew my attention. His messages got me through many long nights.

It was a thrill to be introduced to him, by Dr. Ernest Easley and join he and his boys, Jonah and Jordan,  for dessert one year with Dr. Stanley at the SBC Annual Meeting. I was like a little boy meeting his baseball hero. The Easley boys had been on staff with him at one point.

During his memorial service, one speaker shared regarding his style, " He would simply come out, Bible in hand, look into the camera and ask a question.  He would then spend the next 30 minutes answering the question." He may have said  hour, it seemed like one speaker indicated he wanted hour slots .

An accomplished photographer, I wonder what the glory of heaven is compared to the many pictures of God's creation he loved.

The Church is losing some giants. but here are some common threads that we need to remember.

Faithfulness and the Word of God.  He never wavered on Jesus, the cross, or sin. May we continue to do the same week in and week out.  Thank you Dr. Stanley for the impact you have had on my parents, my life, and our Church.
 

My Dad and Brother Goins

My Dad and Brother Goins

Raised in the mountains of Morgan County in East Tennessee, Coalfield to be exact, my eighty six year old dad has always fascinated me with boyhood tales and stories.  I have always been especially interested in stories of old time preachers from his past.. We have had a running conversation for some time now.  When we speak on the phone he refers to me as Brother Goins.  A preacher he remembered growing up.  He will ask me things like. "Brother Goins, where are you preaching this weekend?" "Are you getting there to set up the tent?" I often respond as if I am Brother Goins and Dad is a preacher as well.  Sometimes I call him J. Bassel Mull of the Mull Singing Convention.  We always have a good laugh.

This past week, February 8, 2023, Renee and I traveled to Lafollette, Tennessee to do the funeral of her Aunt, Barbara Ford. The Cross-Smith Funeral Home did a great job and it was a blessing to get to talk to Funeral Director Terry for a bit at the graveside. I shared with him that my parents were from Coalfield and I mentioned a former pastor and Evangelist  Billy Edmunds and Terry replied, "He pastored right over there by the school." I even shared the story of Bro. Goins, and his response absolutely blew me away.  "He is buried in this cemetery." Surely this is not the same one that dad has mentioned so many times? Yes it was! And his wife Maggie was even a Jackson! Bro. Goins passed away in 1973, yet his ministry still lives on, as our family is a testimony to it. 

God is so good to show us things like this and how he placed us on a Jacksboro, Tennessee hillside and brought so many things together. I hope to meet him one day and thank him for having an impact on my dad.

This Season of Life

Boy, I have dropped the ball big time in regards to an updated blog.  I didn't even write one over Christmas.  My apologies, and a pledge to do better.

The injury to Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin and his miraculous recovery has been something to behold.  It is something to praise the Lord for.  We pray for his total healing and that he would be a testimony of the grace of God, know Jesus, and telling his story to the world.  It was a moment when it literally felt like the world stopped, especially the sports world,with a life on the line.  Even the wonderful support of the Bengals coaches, players, and fans was a blessing to watch and learn from.  It was encouraging.

Encouragement is something we all need and thank you FSBCamden for all you have done for and given me.  Next week, the first week in February marks the 30 Year Anniversary of my first sermon here in Camden. The time line is as follows: February 1993 - first Sunday - first message as pulpit supply. April 93 - Became interim pastor. July 11 -1993 was called to be your pastor. The first two years I was Bi-vocational at the Post Office in Dayton and then went full time.  Where has the time gone? Thirty years is for old guys, but wait.  As I looked in to the mirror I am starting to see an old guy. I am starting to be asked questions like, how old are you? ...61.How long are you going to go?  Have you thought about retirement? While a specific date isn't on my radar, I realize that we are in the season to begin to pray and think about what is best for FSBCamden.

I can say I have never enjoyed preaching any more than I do right now.  Being here so long has given me the blessing of seeing some born, graduate, maybe college graduation, married, maybe children born, and sadly even burying many family members.

Small town America isn't for everyone, but for Greg and Renee Jackson now, and when were raising our family, there is no place we would rather be. Camden is home.

So whatever this season brings us, we will trust the Lord and serve Him with all we have.

Until He comes...we will go!

Reflections on this Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving morning, bright and early before most are up and ready for the busyness of the day is a great time to just stop and reflect on the blessings of God on my life. If a man could write the script for a blessed life, how could I not think that the life God has blessed me with would not be considered.  Not because I am anything special, but because God has given me a family, wife, kids, and grandsons who are great.He has blessed us with a church family that is our family. How special the people of FSBCamden are to us.  What a privilege to be entering , Lord willing, 2023, our 30th year here as the pastor .  It truly is the Corner of Hope.  Not the building, but pointing to Jesus, the real source of our hope.

This Thanksgiving it is hard to realize that Renee's mom is spending her first Thanksgiving in Heaven.  She always enjoyed the holidays so much.  In her packed house it didn't matter who showed up, everyone was welcome.  There was always room for another.  Boy what a picture of Jesus.  There is always room for you at the cross.  

It is also hard to believe that our former Associate Pastor Trevor Bridgeford is not here with us and is with the Lord this Thanksgiving along with my closest cousin Roger Jackson.  God in His mercy doesn't show us the future.  Had we known what was waiting in 2022 we would have lived in fear.  What we do know is that the Lord was and controls everything.  We can trust Him for and through the unknown.

So today, take a breath, pray, and thank the Lord for His goodness.  He wants to be the source of our thanksgiving and the focus of our reflections.

Join us Sunday as we begin the season of Advent, the coming of the Christ child. A Savior is born!

Bro. Greg

Focusing In

In his book "On Worship", H.B. Charles shares a story regarding worshipers arriving to hear Henry Ward Beecher , the famous pastor of the Plymouth Church in Brooklyn. They were disappointed to find that the pulpit would be filled by his less prominent brother, Thomas.  Can you imagine, the humiliation and embarrassment that filled that sanctuary as people began to walk out? Thomas stood in the pulpit and announced, "All those who came to worship Henry Ward Beecher may leave, but all who came to worship God may remain."

Our worship is not to please ourselves or others. One pastor shared a story where a member walked out and snapped, "I didn't like the worship this morning!" The pastor fired back, "Good, we aren't here to worship you!" We have an audience of One, King Jesus.

Hebrews 13:15-16 (NKJV)
¹⁵  Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
¹⁶  But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.  

It is so important to remember the target of our praise.  It is King Jesus and He deserves no half hearted attempt, but He deserves all we have.  Our heart's affection and our minds attention.

Is the Lord pleased with my worship?