The Reality of Grief

 

Over the past several weeks we have experienced something to say the least, has been overwhelming.  In a period of six days we lost members, Malcolm Paxton, Gene Sandlin, Troy Sullivan, and Darold Chaney. Each a member of the church, leaving wonderful families, and all happened very suddenly after battling different illnesses. This past Saturday we received word that our Brother, Fred Hurley had gone home to be with the Lord.

Families, and many in the church are all grieving. Some of these had lived great long lives, but losing a loved one is never easy, regardless.

While we claim the promises of Scripture, it does bring comfort to know our loved one is not suffering.  It brings joy to realize that our faith has become sight and the promise of Heaven is a reality.

Saturday marked thirty seven years since Renee's dad passed away.  I don't believe there is a day that goes by that she doesn't think about him or long to see him.

Grief is real, and we lift up our church family.  What a blessing to see our folks serving and ministering through meals and meeting needs during this time of great loss.

These are the lyrics from a Mike Bowling Family song entitled,

"The People That God Gives You"

---

I got the call this morning
I can't believe he's gone
Thought he'd be here forever
But one more time, time proved me wrong

It was just a week ago
Thought I should call and say Hello
Now I'm reminded once again
Life's a vapor in the wind

Love the people that God gives you
They're a gift that Heaven sent
Live and laugh and make some memories
Treasure every moment spent
Cause none of us are here forever
That's a proven fact
Love the people that God gives you
Cause one day, he'll want them back

Each day the mirror tells the story
I wonder where the time has gone
Children laughing round the table
They now have children of their own
There may be things you need to say
So why today is still today
You have the chance to hold them close
One more chance to let them know

Love the people that God gives you
They're a gift that Heaven sent
Live and laugh and make some memories
Treasure every moment spent
Cause none of us are here forever
That's a proven fact
Love the people that God gives you
Cause one day, he'll want them back

Oh the list keeps getting longer
Friends and family that i miss
But when I think about what matters most
It all comes down to this

None of us are here forever
That's a proven fact
Love the people that God gives you
Cause one day, he'll want them back

70th Year Church Anniversary

I have waited  a day to get my thoughts in order regarding the tremendous celebration that took place Sunday.

Thank you to everyone who planned, prayed and served to do a wonderful job to make sure it would be a weekend to remember.

It was good to all be together with a great crowd, and we have had some great reports regarding those who were able to watch online including Rosalie Castleberry the daughter of former pastor Howard Meadors.

Beginning with a baptism, we praise the Lord for Kaleesi Lyon.  Ronnie Floyd was such a blessing to get to know and to here.  He was so encouraging to us.  

He told me if he lived here he would join our church :) He may say that everywhere , but it was nice to hear.,"What is the Great Commission?" Was the title and theme of His message.  Jesus last charge in the gospels to His disciples.

The afternoon meal was five star provided by Wendy Mann and her team!  Wow!  It was perfect, and then another great crowd stayed for the Homecoming service.

The music was so fun and a blessing as Marcia took us on a journey of choir, praise team, quartet, and congregational singing.  It was like a Gaither Homecoming singing as she incorporated many different people. We loved it, and I sensed the folks did too.

Beulah Whitesell did an outstanding job of sharing our history.  If you didn't know anything about the church, her presentation made you feel like you were there.  Fred Cummings wrapped it up with a great word as we finished the little over two hour celebration.

 Those who were in the sound room and doing the media, great job on a crazy, busy, day.

Thanks to Keith Ballinger and Don Bridge who worked most of the day yesterday breaking down and putting things up.

Thank you for letting me be your Pastor.  It is a joy, and we have much to do for the Lord.  Bro. Greg

Winning and Losing Together

 

This past weekend after church on Sunday, I was able to attend our oldest grandson Aiden's championship little league game.  Down one in the last inning we had a man on third.  It had been a great game.  On a wild pitch our player tried to score from third and was tagged out to end the game.  The player who was batting was our grandson.  He would not have a chance to be the hero or make the game ending out.  His opportunity had been taken from him.

Little leaguers handle wins and losses differently.  Some were frustrated and disappointed.  Others were marked with tears trickling down dirt covered faces.  Some seem to not be affected at all.

What we learn in moments of adversity is that we win ... and lose... together!  That is a lesson that we, the body of Christ can learn from a group of 11U ball players.

We are prone to point fingers, blame someone else, deflect what went wrong, while taking no responsibility.  I have heard it said that as a pastor, share the praise publicly, and address the criticism privately.  What that means to me is to acknowledge people when you see Jesus in their lives, and it also tells me to not  humiliate someone when they mess up.  We all we will need some grace from others in our lives, so let's make sure we are passing out plenty of it on this journey called life.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School brings back great memories for me.  The Bible stories that came to life, the crafts we would spend hard minutes on and of course the snacks.  Ours consisted of Kool aid and two cookies.  The best I ever had. 

Lois Baker was my teacher several years and she always made it fun, but one thing always stood out above the other activities. She always had us in the Word of God and learning the Word of God. We were even gifted to learn the books of the Bible. Really, she was AWANA when AWANA wasn't cool.

I am grateful once again for all of the volunteers we have here at FSBCamden who will be pouring into our kids once again in our 2021 V.B.S.  Last year we were unable to have it do to COVID-19, and this summer is shaping up to be a great week.  Would you pray for us as we share Christ this year the week of June 6-11 from 6-8:30 P.M. each night.  Pray for the heart of each attender and their family.  Pray for the workers and help us see that this week of missions is crucial in the life of young people.

Love God.Love People.Serve People.  Bro. Greg

The Grave is Empty, the Hope of Man!

I love being a Pastor, and preaching around the season of the greatest love story ever known, Easter, we have the privilege to see folks that may not have been here in a while.  I love it.  It is Jesus who brings us all together.  It is His blood that unites believers down through the corridors of history.

In Egypt, it would be the blood that would cause the death angel to Passover, and today, it is still the blood, not the blood of animals, but the precious blood of our sinless Savior Jesus. the blood that washes us clean and paid our debt for sin.

Easter represents big church crowds, for some new clothing, family gatherings, and great meals.  But may we be reminded that Easter is all about Jesus.  His love for us, an old rugged cross, and an empty, vacant tomb.  He lives, and because He lives, we can too!

Over a year ago, we had to close the doors for several weeks from mid March to the second week of May.  Boy did we learn a lot.  The biggest lesson for Renee and I was how much we love you, our church family.  Now as folks begin to slowly come back, it is almost as if we are restarting and it is exciting.

Join us this Easter, April 4th for worship at 8:30 and 10:30 A.M. and come here the greatest love story ever known!  

We are also excited about Revival with David Burton, beginning April 11-14th. Our plans are to baptize on Easter and I can't wait to see you!

 

Overwhelmed?

 

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
¹  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
²  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This picture really inspired me to think about life and the past eleven months.  When life is overwhelming what do you do and where do you begin?

For me, God has taught me to get on my knees more. While some things have stayed the same, many things have absolutely been turned upside down. While we have been shaken, our God has not.

Look at this guy in the picture. Some personal statements that would go through my mind would be:

•  Are You kidding me?
•  Really?
•  This is useless!
•  I quit!
• Where is everybody?
• God is this what I was called to do as a pastor?

And then He speaks.  Take one shovel at a time and I will get you there. He represents many pastors and those in ministry who have not quit.  Doing what they know to do, being faithful, and still slinging snow. 

Sunday, by Sunday, video by video, God is still on the throne and worthy to pursue.  Slowly, one shovel at a time, some progress is starting to be made.  A few Sundays ago , I could see it as we went over 215 combined in worship.  Nursery back, Children's church now functioning with all sails set on March 7 for the return of Small Groups, then pow!  Frigid temps, snowfall after snowfall and people forced to stay in.

The excitement that I have to see our entire church family reunited and back together is growing daily.

So when life overwhelms you, where do you begin?  By taking one step of faith, one step, one shovel of snow, and then going to the the next.

Somewhere out there, a person has a heavier load, harder circumstances, more difficult health challenges, and continues to serve the Lord.  May we not quit as we finish our race for the Master.

Christmas and Why Jesus Came

Dear FSBC, what a great day in the Lord yesterday.  We were right at 200 in worship and continue to pray for some of our folks who are still battling, some getting stronger and some need prayer.

I appreciate a church that is Gospel, Bible preaching receptive.  It is not that way everywhere, and we don't take it for granted.  As a matter of fact, 2020 has taught us to take nothing for granted, and to appreciate everything that God does and is doing.

I also praise the Lord for the giving heart of FSBC as we went over the the Lottie Moon goal by giving over 6,500!!! We also  had a good number here last night to observe the Lord's Supper and to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Below is a devotion in regards to last night's Communion service and I hope you will let it challenge you.

One of my favorite traditions at Christmas regarding church is the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. At a time when celebrating the birth of Christ is so wonderful,  communion, or the Lord's Supper is a good reminder of why Jesus was born, and why He came.  At the last supper Jesus said, "As often as you do this, do it in remembrance of Me."  So in the celebration of His birth, we take time to remember His death.

It wasn't just enough that He was born and took on flesh and blood.  In order to be our advocate we need Him to be, He came to earth  and experienced everything you and I would ever go through.  While He created everything, He experienced everything, yet without sin.  As a carpenter, He dealt with everything.  He knew what temptation was, and once again, without sin.

Recently Renee shared a good question.  What about Joseph as Jesus grew up and went to the cross?

We don't know what happened to Joseph beyond Jesus turning 12.  It is possible that Jesus may have even experienced what it was like growing up in the home of a single parent.  You never know.  He understands all struggles.

I believe God has big plans for FSBC in 2021.  May we be found faithful.  May we Love God, love people, and serve people!

Remember this Christmas, recognize that God knows your greatest need , and He has the power to meet it.  Let's celebrate Jesus, and remember why He came.... for you and me!