Lessons from Yesterday!

Yesterday was one of those days that you pray for as a pastor.  It began knowing that we were going to baptize two brothers. That is always wonderful to know that we are baptizing.  Both having received Christ as their Savior in Bible School.  One this year and one several years ago.  Lesson #1 Bible School is still our Church's most fruit bearing ministry.  While we were talking about how I was going to baptize, their young brother Wyatt was with them and he indicated that he wanted Jesus to come into his heart.  Wait a minute, the worship service had not started yet! Lesson #2 Jesus still saves!  With our worship guest, This Hope (thishope.org) standing there, we knelt and led this young man to Christhurch joyfully proclaimed our gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord.  What a morning, what a way to begin a service.  We baptized all three together as we celebrated together as a church the hand of God moving in a mighty way.

This Hope led in a Spirit filled  and led worship experience followed with an invitation to come to Christ.  There were no public decisions, but many hearts were moved to tears.  Lesson#3 God continues to remind me that He is at work whether we see it or not.  We concluded with a Parent/Baby dedication and I could hardly talk as I looked at two precious babies in the arms of their parents.  Lesson#4 All lives matter, and we must speak up for those who have no voice yet. Watching the soft tears stream down the faces, it was obvious, god does call us to give our kids to Him and He is counting on us to show them the Love of God.

Lord, thank you for the great privilege to be a pastor, a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Thank you for letting me be part of the lives of those who You have entrusted to me as their pastor.  Thank you for continuing to teach me lessons.

2015 SBC Annual Meeting Takeaway

Having the Southern Baptist Convention here in Ohio was a wonderful treat.  First of all the proximity, a little over one hundred miles from Camden to Columbus.  Secondly, for Southern Baptists led by Ronnie Floyd to really see what God is doing in our great state.

The Pastor's Conference was tremendous.  Willy Rice put together a home run lineup with hometown Columbus Lifepoint Church Planter Dean Fulks leading off.The worship, and each preacher blessed my heart and challenged me to remember that "He must increase" in my life and ministry if it is going to be effective.  The offering that was taken, is going to Stow Mission Center Metro Columbus downtown Columbus.  That is tremendous.  In years past, preachers would beg people to give to pay for the conference.  Vance Pitman began a trend several years ago of getting sponsors to underwrite it and the offering is now ministry given.

Ronnie Floyd did an outstanding job of leading, presiding, and his sermon will be played here this Sunday night, "It's Time to Lead."  He hit all issues that we are dealing with as Christians, Pastors, and Churches.  I am glad to say that I am part of a denomination that is going to stand on the Word of God.  Culture is not going to dictate our beliefs, God will.  We will stand firm on the definition of a marriage , with one  man to one woman.  We will continue to fight for the right of a baby to be born.
May we do these things while still loving those who don't agree with us.

The Tuesday night prayer service, changed me, will change our Church, and the SBC. As we prayed for a Great Awakening in America let us not let up.  As we prayed for racial reconciliation, little did we know that the next night  a young man would sit in a Bible Study and then murder 9 innocent people in Charleston, S.C.   May God send Revival to our nation, using a group of brave, grieving, sold out Christians in Charleston as catalysts.

The NAMB and IMB reports were powerful with a commissioning service taking place. Kevin Ezell and David Platt represent a new face, the next generation of SBC leadership.

The Business was on point with very little wasted conversation on insignificant things.

I have been to most SBC Annual Meetings since 93, and by far, Ohio has been my favorite.
Thank you for the opportunity to go.  Bro. Greg

Don't forget Mom this Mother's Day

This Sunday we celebrate Mother's Day.  A time to say thanks and remember Mom for all she has done.  I realize I am blessed to still have a Mom as many have lost theirs. May we all be sensitive to the needs around us at this time of the year.  Some are spending their first Mother's Day without their Mother or perhaps it the first without a wife.  May the memories flood souls with warmth, joy, and comfort.

 My Mom has always been there for us.  She is interested in all of our lives and is living to spend quality time, not just with grand kids, but great grand kids.  I praise the Lord for that!

Renee is a great mom. I married the best. Willing do anything for the family, not just for her own kids and grand kids, but anyone. She is an example of selfless living.

This year Stacy our daughter is enjoying her first Mother's Day as Koby approaches his first Birthday Celebration. I am amazed at what good Mothers both she and our daughter in law Ashley are.  I guess a Mother's love is woven into the fabric of who she is, and like Christ, a Mother loves unconditionally.

This Sunday take some time and remind Mom of just how special she is. She is worth it as her price is far above rubies.  Proverbs 31.

Bro. Greg

Seasons

After a bitter winter, this past week began to feel, smell, and produce signs that Spring can't be far behind.  One thing about living here in Ohio is that we get to experience the change in Seasons.

Our Church is going through a season of change that I pray will draw us closer to the Lord.
Many of you were here Sunday when our Student Pastor and his wife, Eric and Nicole, came forward sharing the news that God was calling them to plant a Church in their hometown of Carlisle, Ohio. While their departure, around June 1,  is bittersweet, how wonderful it is to know that God is still in the business of calling people to follow Him, calling people to plant churches and reach folks in a certain area.

It has happened fast, and one reason is because Eric is working with the Cincinnati Association which is a Send North America City.  What used to take many months to accomplish has been accomplished in a few short weeks.  The interviews, assessments, references, have all been completed,  Following our recommendation Sunday night to be the Sending Church, things will move forward with their approval. One unique thing is that the Send City Coordinator for Cincinnati is Dennis Holmes.  Dennis grew up in our Church and is from Camden.  Only God could orchestrate that.

Both Eric and Nicole have fine pedigree in the area of ministry.  Nicole's dad, Mike Holmes, was the longtime Pastor at Westside Baptist church in Hamilton, and Eric's dad, Don Clarkson, is serving on Staff now in Centerville and has served several Churches in our Association.
They both know what is at stake to plant a Church. Their vacancy serving here will be a challenge. They both wear several different hats, and my prayer is that it will allow a number of folks to step up and use their gifts as we continue to rich our Jerusalem with the Gospel.

Why do we need another Church?  Aren't there enough Churches now?  Those are good questions, some I have asked in the past, but I have changed.  The most dynamic growth in the local church has been in the life of new works. Praise the Lord!  If that is the case, we should thank God that for the past three years we have partnered with Randy Chestnut at Hope Community Church in Old North Dayton, and more recently with supporting Walk Church in Las Vegas, with Pastor Heiden Ratner.

The Gospel is being proclaimed, lives are being changed and you are part of it.  Thank you for being a church that is willing to do whatever we can to make a difference for the sake of the Gospel.  This year, when we give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, it will be going to couples like Eric and Nicole Clarkson who will be Church Planters in Carlisle.  Praise the Lord!

Until we meet again Barry!

Tomorrow we will pay our respects to the family, remember his life, and preach the funeral of Barry Clutter. I have known Barry for a long time as we went to church together in Vandalia prior to coming to Camden.To the world  his name may not be recognizable, but to his family, those that knew him, those who took care of him,our church, and most importantly the Lord, we will be burying a soldier.

1. He was a soldier of the cross, a Christian, and because of that, according to the Word of God He is in the presence of the Lord. Amen!
2 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV) ¹  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
²  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
³  You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
⁴  No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 
Barry was the one who began a Children's Church service for us many years ago.
2. He was a soldier for his family.  While MS may have crippled him it did not take away his love for Linda, the kids, and grand kids. Their undying support and unconditional love for each other is a testimony to what a family should and can be. Proverbs 20:7 (NKJV) ⁷ 
 The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.
3. He was a soldier in his fight with MS. One thing that will forever be remembered by me is that Barry did not complain.  He tried whatever was suggested, praying, hoping, pleading with God to use it to help or cure him. He never gave up, he fought because of love. Barry taught us that complaining doesn't change things, but that prayer does.  Here is a poem, I heard George Younce of the Cathedrals share many years ago by Red Foley and it reminds me of the lessons Barry has taught us.

FORGIVE ME WHEN I WHINE

Today upon a bus, I saw A lovely maid with golden hair; I envied her - she seemed so gay - And oh, I wished I were so fair. When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle, She had one foot and wore a crutch, But as she passed, a smile. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two feet - the world is mine. And when I stopped to buy some sweets, The lad who served me had such charm; He seemed to radiate good cheer, His manner was so kind and warm. I said, "It's nice to deal with you, Such courtesy I seldom find." He turned and said, "Oh, thank you, sir!" And I saw that he was blind. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two eyes - the world is mine. Then, when walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue. He stood and watched the others play; It seemed he knew not what to do, I stopped a moment, then I said: "Why don't you join the others, dear?" He looked ahead without a word, And then I knew; He could not hear. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two ears - the world is mine. With feet to take me where I'd go, With eyes to see the sunset's glow, With ears to hear what I should know: I'm blessed indeed, The world is mine; Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

Fairest Lord Jesus

This old hymn spoke to me today in my study.  Do I cherish  and honor the Lord with my life?  Lord may you be my soul's glory, joy, and crown.

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,

O Thou of God and man the Son,

Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,

Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,

Robed in the blooming garb of spring;

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,

Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,

And all the twinkling starry host;

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels heaven can boast.

All fairest beauty, heavenly and earthly,

Wondrously, Jesus, is found in Thee;

None can be nearer, fairer or dearer,

Than Thou, my Savior, art to me.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, praise, adoration,

Now and forever more be Thine.

1873 translation by Joseph A. Seiss ^[5]

Merry Christmas!

Having just finished our Christmas Program this past weekend "The Song of Christmas" today I want to reflect and thank God for all of the effort and time put into what was witnessed. The Choir has never sounded better, the lighting and sound, the graphics were  top notch, the Drama Ministry surprised us all, and we discovered that we have some great actors and actresses.  With great crowds and an opportunity to share the Gospel what a weekend!

This Christmas here are a few lessons I continue to learn and have been reminded of several important truths.

1.  Nothing done with excellence is ever easy.  God is worthy of our best and honors our hearts and talents when we give them to Him. This program took place after months, and many late night practices and rehearsals.

2. Thank God that we have and He continues to send us gifted people. I am grateful for you all.  You may say, "I don't feel like I am gifted."  My response is 1 Corinthians 12:11-12 (NKJV) 
¹¹  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. ¹²  For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.

3. Camden, and Preble County deserves our best. They expect it!  God has placed us here for His glory, not ours. whether someone say thank you, good job, or recognized me for anything, God deserves my best.

4. We must be on guard! He will attack! The Devil is not happy with a Church going forward for the Gospel of Christ.  Whatever he can do to create disharmony is one of the Liar's greatest tools. If He can get our hearts distracted and our eyes off of the Gospel he will.  Stand firm.

5. I want to close out 2014 and start 2015 with a clean slate.  Is there anyone I need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from? Do I really want peace on earth?  Do it today?

On behalf of Renee, Drew and Ashley, Aiden , and Eli, Stacy and Kyle and Koby,
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and look forward to serving the Lord in 2015 or until He comes!  Bro. Greg