First Connect

Friday, May 18

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We need cookies!!! Vacation Bible School 2012 is only a few weeks away and we need lots and lots of cookies. Our Children's Ministry team has checked the ingredients that would be safe for children with various food allergies, and they are asking that we bring Oreos, Golden Oreos, Nabisco Nilla Wafers, Keebler Fudge Strips, Keebler Deluxe Grahams, and Chips Ahoy. Please drop them off in the bins located throughout the church. The little cookie monsters want your cookies! Thank you!!

I am looking forward to a great weekend. There are several activities tomorrow for some of our graduating seniors, and then we are going to a Sunday School picnic for Joy's Sunday School class. Sunday we will have a time of celebrating with several families in our church that have been blessed with new babies in recent months. Our Preschool Ministry team, led by Phil Hoyt, goes to great efforts to make this a very special day. There is a special class for the parents, there is a meal for the extended families, and then there is a special afternoon worship service where we will have a time of dedication and commitment to the Lord. It is a very meaningful day.

I will be preaching this Sunday morning from the concluding words of 1 Corinthians 3 and the first few verse of the 4th chapter. In chapter 4, Paul will finish his thoughts about the divided church and Corinth. He basically says that if we put our focus where it should be to begin with (the Lord) and get our focus off the human element (himself, Apollos, Peter) then we won't have those divisions. Our allegiance is not to a person, our allegiance is to God. The 4th chapter will begin with a great word about God's call to us to be 'stewards' and 'managers.' Those are two great words. The bottom line is that, what God requires from us is that we be found faithful. Faithful! That's a great word. I hope you will be here Sunday as we study this passage.

Here is a word from the Word: (1 Corinthians 3:18 - 4:5)

"No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness - and again, The Lord knows the reasoning's of the wise, that they are futile. So no one should boast in men, for all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come-all are yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ to God. A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries. In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one be found faithful. It is of little importance that I should be evaluated by you or by a human court. In fact, I don't even evaluate myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God."

Have a great Friday and a super weekend! I hope to see you Sunday!

Bruce

Thursday, May 17

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This week is National Police Week. It is not a highly publicized event but it is a time to honor and recognize law enforcement personnel that have lost their lives in the line of duty. Being a police officer must be a very stressful job. You never know what the day will hold and what danger you might face. Take a moment and thank the Lord for those who protect us and who help us maintain order in our society. And, if you see a police officer today (hopefully not pulled over on the side of the road), tell them that you appreciate what they do!

We are whittling down the number of volunteers that we need for VBS. Mark and Phil have both said that the recruitment of volunteers has actually gone much better and been much easier this year than in previous years. We still have a few needs and we could still use your assistance. Can you help us? The eternity of a child may depend on your willingness to give a few hours during the week of VBS. Thank you!

Put on your calendar that we will have a church wide ice-cream fellowship Sunday, May 27th from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. The Family Ministry Center will be filled with the inflatable games for the kids. Now, I have been practicing up on my milkshake recipes every Wednesday night when I go down and volunteer in the Student Ministry café. I am going to gather some of the other pastors and we are going to open a milkshake production line that Sunday night. We will be offering free milkshake's for one and all so plan to be here and enjoy the fellowship, the ice cream, and the milk shakes!

Here is a word from the Word: (Micah 6:1-8)

"Now listen to what the Lord is saying: Rise, plead [your] case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Listen to the Lord's lawsuit, you mountains and enduring foundations of the earth, because the Lord has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel. My people, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Testify against Me! Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from that place of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam ahead of you. My people, remember what Balak king of Moab proposed, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and [what happened] from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the Lord's righteous acts. What should I bring before the Lord when I come to bow before God on high? Should I come before Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand streams of oil? Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the child of my body for my own sin? He has told you men what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: Only to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God."

Have a great Thursday!

Bruce

Wednesday, May 16

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Joy and I went to the Grand Ole Opry last night for a special recognition of Ricky Skaggs. Ricky celebrated 30 years as a member of the Opry. The entire evening was wonderful but at the end Ricky called out all of the evenings performers and asked the audience to join in singing the last song. Keith and Kristen Getty are modern day hymn writers (we sing many of their songs and you would recognize them) and they were the last performers of the evening. Ricky talked about how God had worked in his life in the last 30 years. He talked about how full he was of 'Ricky' when he became a member of the Opry in 1982. He shared with the audience how his desire now is to simply reflect Jesus Christ and to be full of Jesus, rather than full of Ricky. It turned into a worship experience right there in the Grand Ole Opry House. Here are the words to the song that the audience sang:

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! Who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

This evening we will gather all over the campus of FBCH for worship, inspiration, fellowship, preparation, and ministry. Come and be a part of what God is doing every Wednesday night at FBCH. The Pastor's Bible Study begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will be continuing in our study of Acts.

Here is a word from the Word: (Acts 24:22 - 25:12)

"Since Felix was accurately informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, 'When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.' He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from serving him. After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, 'Leave for now, but when I find time I'll call for you.' At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him. After two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus, and because he wished to do a favor for the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison. Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. Then the chief priests and the leaders of the Jews presented their case against Paul to him; and they appealed, asking him to do them a favor against Paul, that he might summon him to Jerusalem. They were preparing an ambush along the road to kill him. However, Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to go there shortly. 'Therefore,' he said, 'let the men of authority among you go down with me and accuse him, if there is any wrong in this man.' When he had spent not more than eight or 10 days among them, he went down to Caesarea. The next day, seated at the judge's bench, he commanded Paul to be brought in. When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges that they were not able to prove, while Paul made the defense that, 'Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned at all.' Then Festus, wanting to do a favor for the Jews, replied to Paul, 'Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, there to be tried before me on these charges?' But Paul said: 'I am standing at Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you can see very well. If then I am doing wrong, or have done anything deserving of death, I do not refuse to die, but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!' After Festus conferred with his council, he replied, 'You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go!'"

Have a great Wednesday!

Bruce

Tuesday, May 15

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday afternoon Joy and I drove to Chattanooga where I had a meeting with the Board of Trustees for the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home. I had never had the opportunity to visit this particular campus of our children's home ministry and I have enjoyed being here. The Board met last night and we are meeting this morning and then we will head back to Hendersonville. I appreciate Bryant Millsaps and the entire ministry team at the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home. If you would like to learn more about this ministry of the Tennessee Baptists, you can go to their website at www.tbch4kids.org.

Be sure to put on your calendar our annual Memorial Day Ice Cream Fellowship in the Family Ministry Center a week from Sunday. The gym will be filled with the inflatable games for the children and there will be lots of homemade (and store bought) ice cream in the Fellowship Hall A. If we really are intentional about building relationships with each other, we must find ways to spend time together and this is one of those opportunities. Mark it on your calendar for Sunday afternoon, May 27th! It will begin at 6:00 p.m.

There is a lot of excitement with the conclusion of the school year. Anxious boys and girls are ready for a break. Teachers and administrators are probably also ready for a little break. Remember, we have many opportunities of ministry for your children through the summer months. Vacation Bible School, Summer Day Camp, Children's camp, Music camp, Student Ministry camps for high school and middle school all provide opportunities of ministry and activities for your children/grandchildren. I am praying that we have one of our best summers ever here at First Baptist, Hendersonville!

Here is a word from the Word: (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

"There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his struggles? I have seen the task that God has given people to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of Him. Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. God repeats what has passed."

Have a great Tuesday!

Bruce

Monday, May 14

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I mentioned yesterday that there are telephone numbers where you can call Washington and express your opinion about President Obama's recent statement that marriage is not limited to a man and a woman. I know that statements are made for political purposes and this has had a huge response in Hollywood with an immediate $15 million fundraiser by some of Hollywood's elite. If you agree with Hollywood (and the President) you don't need to do anything. That is the way the world is heading. But if you share my understanding of a Biblical world view that marriage is between a man and a woman I invite you to call and let you voice be heard in the U.S. Capitol and the White House. The number of the U.S. Capitol is 202-224-3121. The White House Comment Line is 202-456-1111 and the White House Switchboard is 202-456-1414.

I heard a comment over the weekend that a U.S. Senator said that it must not be that big of a deal because there has not been much response. Well, there may not be much response from other places but I would like for thousands of people from area code 615 in Middle Tennessee to call the Capitol and the White House and simply say "I disagree. I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman" and it is a big deal. Be kind. Be Christ-like. Be loving. But, be clear.

The choir gave us all a smile with their rendition of "Mom-isms" set to the William Tell Overture. You might have also heard this sung as "the Mom Song." Several of you said you had a hard time keeping up with the lyrics and asked if I could get them for you. So, here they are! Enjoy.

Get up now, get up now, get up out of bed.
Wash your face, brush your teeth, comb your sleepy head.
Here's your clothes, and you shoes, hear the words I said?
Get up now, get up out of bed.

Do what she said!

Are you hot? Are you cold? Are you wearing that?
Where's your books, your lunch, and your homework at?
Grab a coat and your gloves, grab your scarf and hat.
Don't forget you gotta feed the cat.

You better do what Mama said right now!

Eat your breakfast experts tell us it's the most important meal of all.
Take your vitamin so you will grow up some day to be big and tall.
Please remember your orthodontist will be seeing you at three today.
Don't forget your piano lesson is this afternoon so you must play.

Don't shovel, chew slowly, but hurry, the bus is here.
Be careful, come back here. Did you wash behind your ears?

Play outside, don't play rough, will you just play fair?
Be polite, make a friend, don't forget to share.
Get along, wait your turn, never take a dare.
Work it out; - don't make me come down there.

Clean your room, hang your clothes, put your stuff away.
Make your bed, do it now, we don't have all day.
Were you born in a barn? Would you like some hay?
Can you hear; - even a word I say?

Answer the phone, get off the phone.
Don't sit so close, turn it down, no testing at the table.
No more computer tonight.
Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up.

Where ya going and with whom and what time do you think your coming home?
Saying "thank you, please, excuse me," makes you welcome anywhere you roam.
You'll appreciate my wisdom when you're older, someday when your grown.
Can't wait till you have a couple little children of your own!

You'll thank me for counsel I gave you so willingly.
But right now I'd thank you not to roll your eyes at me.

Close your mouth when you chew we'd appreciate. Try a bite, maybe two of the stuff you hate.
Use your fork, do not burp or I'll set you straight. Eat the food - I put on your plate.
Get an A, get the door, don't get smart with me.
Get a grip, get in here, or I'll count to three.
Get a job, get a life, get a PHD.
Get a dose of reality.

I don't care who started it. You're grounded until your thirty-six.
Get your story straight and tell the truth for once for heaven's sake.
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too?
If I've said it once I've said at least a thousand times before that
You're too old to act this way, it must be your father's DNA.

Look at me when I'm talking, stand up straighter when you walk.
A place for everything and everything must be in place.
Stop crying or I'll give you something real to cry about.

Brush your teeth, wash your face, get your PJ's on.
Get in bed, get a hug, say a prayer with Mom.
Don't forget I love you.
And, tomorrow we will do this all again because a Mom's work never ends.

You don't need a reason why.
Because, because, because, because
I said so, I said so, I said so, I said so.
I'm the Mom, the Mom, the Mom, the Mom. The Mom! Ta da!

Here is a word from the Word: (Ephesians 6:1-4)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Have a great Monday!

Bruce

Friday, May 11

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A lot of volunteers have come forward for Vacation Bible School. We still need about 25 more people to help in the Children’s VBS ministry area. We need you. You will be such an encouragement to these boys and girls. You won’t have to do it all by yourself. You will have plenty of support and help around you. Please prayerfully consider calling and offering your assistance.

Do you like to support missions? Would you like to be a part of an international mission experience? You can fulfill that desire without leaving the city of Hendersonville by coming to the Fellowship Hall Saturday morning anytime between 7:30 and 11:00. There will be a ‘pill packing party’ to organize and pack medicine that will be used on three medical mission trips this summer (two in Kenya and one in Honduras). You can be a part of a mission trip without having jet lag or needing a passport. Come and be a part of the fun and the ministry tomorrow morning.

This Sunday we will celebrate two important things. First of all, it is Senior Recognition Sunday during the 9:45 and the 11:00 worship services. We will honor our graduating High School Seniors. Primarily, this is a time to gather around them and pray for them. (We will pray for them at 8:30, too, but they won’t be in that worship service.) The most important thing that we can do for each other is to pray and we are going to honor these students, recognize them, and pray over them. I hope you will be here to encourage them.

Second, it is Mother’s Day. Did you know that the third highest church attendance Sunday in the United States is typically Mother’s Day (following Christmas and Easter)? We will celebrate with the mothers who are a visible demonstration of God’s love through their families. It is a real joy to be able to celebrate the heart of the family unit this way.

I have selected a passage out of Mark 7 for the message Sunday morning. It really draws a great picture of a Mother’s Faith. I look forward to sharing this passage Sunday morning.

Here is a word from the Word: (Mark 7:24-30)

“He got up and departed from there to the region of Tyre and Sidon. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it, but He could not escape notice. Instead, immediately after hearing about Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit came and fell at His feet. Now the woman was Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Allow the children to be satisfied first, because it isn't right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.’ But she replied to Him, ‘Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.’ Then He told her, ‘Because of this reply, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.’ When she went back to her home, she found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.”

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

I hope to see you Sunday.

Bruce

Thursday, May 10

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday I mentioned the 'pill packing party' for missions that will take place this Saturday morning. It will be in Fellowship Hall A and it will begin at 7:30 a.m. The medicine will be used on two upcoming mission trips to Kenya and one to Honduras. We have several mission projects that will be taking place in the next few months. We have a mission project taking place this week in Montana. We have an auto mechanic that is going to Alaska in the next few weeks to help get vehicles ready for the summer missionary work that will take place.

Here are other mission projects that you can put on your prayer calendar:

June 8 and 9 - we have a team of 48 people going to the Dominican Republic.
June 17 - we have a team of 24 going to Alaska to do Backyard Bible School projects.
June 18 - we have a team of 10 going to Kenya.
July 5 - we have a team of 9 going to Honduras.
July 16 - we have a team of 7 going to Kenya.

Every week brings a reminder of the brevity of life. This week death has hit several of our church families. A father/grandfather went to be with the Lord only a few weeks after trusting Christ as His savior. An elderly grandfather and a wife/mother/grandmother went to heaven after a long and faithful life. A young man passed away full of vibrancy and apparently healthy. It is just a reminder that every day is precious. We work on a long range calendar. I am making plans for next year and the year after that. Death is a great reminder that tomorrow only comes if God wills.

After taking part in a life celebration with the Fudge family today I will be going to meet with the Vision 2021 team of the Tennessee Baptist State Convention. This group has been meeting for about 18 months and we are getting near the end of our work and preparation to make a recommendation to the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in November. We will meet Thursday night and through most of the day on Friday.

Here is a word from the Word: (Matthew 8)

"When He came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. Right away a man with a serious skin disease came up and knelt before Him, saying, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' Reaching out His hand He touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be made clean.' Immediately his disease was healed. Then Jesus told him, 'See that you don't tell anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed, as a testimony to them.' When He entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 'Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony!' 'I will come and heal him,' He told him. 'Lord,' the centurion replied, 'I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But only say the word, and my servant will be cured. For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes; and to another, 'Come!' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it.' Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following Him, 'I assure you: I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith! I tell you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Then Jesus told the centurion, 'Go. As you have believed, let it be done for you.' And his servant was cured that very moment. When Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and began to serve Him. When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick, so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: He Himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases. When Jesus saw large crowds around Him, He gave the order to go to the other side [of the sea]. A scribe approached Him and said, 'Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go!' Jesus told him, 'Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.' 'Lord,' another of His disciples said, 'first let me go bury my father.' But Jesus told him, Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.' As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, 'Lord, save [us]! We're going to die!' But He said to them, 'Why are you fearful, you of little faith?' Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. The men were amazed and asked, 'What kind of man is this?-even the winds and the sea obey Him!' When He had come to the other side, to the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met Him as they came out of the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, 'What do You have to do with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?' Now a long way off from them, a large herd of pigs was feeding. 'If You drive us out,' the demons begged Him, 'send us into the herd of pigs.' 'Go!' He told them. So when they had come out, they entered the pigs. And suddenly the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. Then the men who tended them fled. They went into the city and reported everything-especially what had happened to those who were demon-possessed. At that, the whole town went out to meet Jesus. When they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region."

Have a great Thursday!

Bruce

Wednesday, May 9

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There are many ways that we can support those that volunteer for short term mission trips. We can pray for them. Do not under estimate the importance of that spiritual weapon. From the time that a person makes a commitment to make one of these partnership mission trips, the enemy begins working on them. They have to raise the funds and they have to take care of family responsibilities. There is preparation to take place for the actual mission trip. They need your prayers! But there are other ways that you can be involved in helping, too.

This Saturday morning is one of those opportunities. There will be a "pill packing party" Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall A. We will work for about 2-3 hours getting the medications sorted and packed for an upcoming medical mission trip. Your help would be very, very important plus it is always a lot of fun to be involved in that kind of work. This is the kind of thing where anyone can help. Saturday morning, May 12, in Fellowship Hall A at 7:30 a.m. Call or e-mail Mark Satterfield at 447.1377 (msatterfield@fbchtn.org) or Donna Branch at 447.1305 (dbranch@fbchtn.org) for more information.

Our ministry team had a productive morning yesterday calendar planning that will take us through most of 2013. It was encouraging to hear different ministry areas working together when we would talk about this event or that ministry. They were adjusting dates and vehicle requests and thinking about how various decisions would impact families and the church at large. It was a picture of a body working together and seeking to be in lock-step with each other to accomplish the same purpose. While there are always calendar conflicts that arise a lot of good work and planning went into the morning yesterday. I love working with this team.

This morning our full ministry team will spend time praying for many of you. If you have not yet received a call from one of our church staff members don't despair, the year is still young. We live in such a mobile society it is really harder and harder to catch people at home. I know I personally made about 8 telephone calls to people on my list before I was able to talk to two families this week. We are trying our best not to make this a "voice mail" conversation. If I don't get a member of the family on the phone I do leave a message to tell them I called but I also tell them that I will call them back another week. We are seeking to actually talk person to person with a member of every family of our church this year to find out how we can pray for them.

Tonight we will study Acts 24 in the Pastor's Bible Study. I hope to see you here!

Here is a word from the Word: (Acts 24)

"After five days Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor. When he was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: 'since we enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation by your foresight, we gratefully receive them always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. However, so that I will not burden you any further, I beg you in your graciousness to give us a brief hearing. For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes! He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we apprehended him [and wanted to judge him according to our law. But Lysias the commander came and took him from our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you.] By examining him yourself you will be able to discern all these things of which we accuse him.' The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were so. When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: 'Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me. You are able to determine that it is no more than 12 days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. And they didn't find me disputing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple complex or in the synagogues, or anywhere in the city. Neither can they provide evidence to you of what they now bring against me. But I confess this to you: that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I worship my fathers' God, believing all the things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets. And I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. I always do my best to have a clear conscience toward God and men. After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my nation, and while I was doing this, some Jews from the province of Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar. It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. Either let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, or about this one statement I cried out while standing among them, 'Today I am being judged before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.' 'Since Felix was accurately informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, 'When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.' He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from serving him. After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, 'Leave for now, but when I find time I'll call for you.' At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him. After two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus, and because he wished to do a favor for the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison."

Have a great Wednesday!

Bruce

Tuesday, May 8

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Our ministry team is spending the morning together doing long range planning. Various ministerial and support staff members meet multiple times throughout each week for various specific ministry needs. We meet every Wednesday for a time of prayer and encouragement. But occasionally we need to spend some extended time looking into the future and planning and dreaming together. This morning is one of those days. We would appreciate your prayers this morning.

If you ever call or come by my office you know my Ministry Assistant, Cindy Hodges. Cindy and Kerry are active members of our church. Kerry was one of the two men who were brave enough (is that the right word?) to wear a kilt to church Sunday morning. Today is Cindy's birthday and it is a significant one. I can't tell you which one that it is (that wouldn't be polite.) But it rhymes with words like nifty, thrifty, and shifty come to mind as I think about the number. So, if you are by the office or if you call be sure to give her a word of congratulations on her special day.

Several of you continue to ask about my parents. Many of you know that mom spent almost a month in the hospital trying to get some medication regulated to help with her Alzheimer's. We have moved her back into NHC Nursing Home now and the medicine seems to have been helping. Her local doctor here in Hendersonville keeps in regular contact with her and it seems as though the medication is helping to smooth out the highs and lows of the disease. I do appreciate your prayers for both of my parents. I know that many of you are going through similar situations in your families (and in some cases much worse). When we go through these kinds of life experiences it certainly makes us more empathetic to others.

Here is a word from the Word: (Psalm 118)

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. Let Israel say, 'His faithful love endures forever.' Let the house of Aaron say, 'His faithful love endures forever.' Let those who fear the Lord say, 'His faithful love endures forever.' I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me [and put me] in a spacious place. The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? With the Lord for me as my helper, I will look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in nobles. All the nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I destroyed them. They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I destroyed them. They surrounded me like bees; they were extinguished like a fire among thorns; in the name of the Lord I destroyed them. You pushed me hard to make me fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. There are shouts of joy and victory in the tents of the righteous: 'The Lord's right hand strikes with power! The Lord's right hand is raised! The Lord's right hand strikes with power!' I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord disciplined me severely but did not give me over to death. Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous will enter through it. I will give thanks to You because You have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the Lord; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Lord, save us! Lord, please grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God and has given us light. Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give You thanks. [You are] my God; I will exalt You. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever."

Have a great Tuesday!

Bruce

Monday, May 7

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I am told that we had several students last week at the International DECA Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. There were over 12,000 students in attendance from around the United States and Canada. I am told that Sarah Mitchell, Parker Eidson, Nathalie Flores, Jordan Dunn, Abby Gregory, and Zack Freels all from First Baptist Church were in the Top 10 of over 140 competitors. If there are others, someone please let me know! Congratulations to these students!

The Children's Choirs did an incredible job last night. My thanks to all of the Children's Choir workers for their tireless efforts. My thanks to the parents who make it happen by getting these kids to the weekly Children's Choir/Missions meetings (very few K-5th graders can drive themselves!) And, my thanks to you for being here to encourage these kids. It was a wonderful night and we were all incredibly blessed!

I hope you took advantage of the BabbCenter open house yesterday. I know that hundreds of people wandered through the facility and saw, first hand, the ministry that takes place. Jason Gibson mentioned Sunday that there are over 7,000 sessions per year through this ministry. Who knew when it began with one counselor 10 years ago that it would grow into what it has become. It is a respected facility across Middle Tennessee (and beyond) and we are very grateful to have it as an integral part of the ministry of the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville.

With a church the size of FBCH a week rarely goes by that we do not experience the joys of birth and the sadness of death. However, we were all reminded yesterday of the brevity of life. Kyle Fudge has been an integral part of our ministry. He volunteers regularly in the Children's Ministry where his wife, Melissa, works. He worked for LifeWay. He was young. He was active. He was apparently healthy. After church yesterday morning he and another member from FBCH went to play a round of golf. Kyle did not feel well and by the second hole he returned to the clubhouse where he called his wife and told her that he was going to the hospital. She said she would meet him there. An ambulance was dispatched. Melissa heard the sound of the siren, I am not sure that Kyle ever heard it. He was in heaven. Every day of life is precious. Do not take anything for granted. Live your life fully today and live with no regrets. Please remember the Fudge family in your prayers.

Here is a word from the Word: (Psalm 103)

"My soul, praise the Lord, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle. The Lord executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He revealed His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger and full of faithful love. He will not always accuse [us] or be angry forever. He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our offenses. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass- he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over it, it vanishes, and its place is no longer known. But from eternity to eternity the Lord's faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant, who remember to observe His instructions. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, [all] His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. Praise the Lord, all His armies, His servants who do His will. Praise the Lord, all His works in all the places where He rules. My soul, praise the Lord!"

Make it a great day. Tell someone that you love them. Thank someone for doing something for you. Appreciate someone. Hug your children. Don't waste the day.

Bruce

Friday, May 4

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

End of the school year activities are kicking into high gear around here. College students are taking finals and finishing up their semester. High School students are getting ready for graduation. Students and teachers alike are counting the days. There are, incredibly, just a few days left in this school year.

Please remember the Children’s Musical this Sunday evening at 6:00 in the worship center. The kids (and the adult workers) put a lot of time into the presentation. These 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders have rehearsed for hours. Just this week alone they have had a two hour rehearsal on Wednesday, a three hour dress rehearsal, and they will have a final one hour run through on Sunday. And that doesn’t even count the rehearsals every week this Spring on Wednesday evenings. There are about 400 people involved in the Children’s Choir Ministry from Kindergarten to 5^th grade. These are some wonderful children and dedicated adult leaders. It would be appropriate and fitting for the worship center to be filled to capacity Sunday night to encourage these kids. I hope you will be here!

Please continue to pray for our Vacation Bible School and for the remaining workers that we need to make it happen. We still need a few more in the Middle School area and we need about 40 people in various jobs related to the Children’s Ministry. We have enough workers for the preschool area. Could you help? You would be a great blessing to the children if you would. Call the church office and volunteer.

This Sunday morning we will be studying from 1 Corinthians 3:5-17. This passage uses a couple of very important analogies for the church. Paul compares the body of Christ to a field and then he compares us to a building. He finishes this passage with one of the most incredible and powerful statements that you will find anywhere in Pauline literature. I am looking forward to sharing this message Sunday morning.

Here is a word from the Word (1 Corinthians 3:5-17)

So, what is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. Now the one who plants and the one who waters are equal, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's co-workers. You are God's field, God's building. According to God's grace that was given to me, as a skilled master builder I have laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it, because no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid-that is, Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one's work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one's work. If anyone's work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire. Don't you know that you are God's sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? If anyone ruins God's sanctuary, God will ruin him; for God's sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are.

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend. I hope to see you Sunday!

Bruce

Thursday, May 3

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Every day should be a day of prayer. We are totally dependent on the Lord for all things and a day should never pass that we do not constantly call upon the Giver of all good things. I was glad that our church was able to host the local National Day of Prayer breakfast this morning in our fellowship hall. I enjoyed being with other believers for this time of corporate prayer.

We are still in need of some help for our upcoming Vacation Bible School. I know it seems like summer should be a long time away but it is really only about a month until our annual VBS. The Preschool Ministry has all the workers that they need but the Children's Ministry still needs about 40 more volunteers and the Middle School Ministry needs about four more workers. Please contact the Children's Office (Mark Hayman and his team) or the Student Ministry (Jeff Henry, the Middle School pastor) to volunteer in either of those areas.

The Children's Choir Spring musical is this Sunday night at 6:00. It will be held in the Worship Center and you do not want to miss it. It is going to be fantastic. You may not have children or grandchildren participating but these kids have worked hard on their musical this year and our presence will be a great encouragement and support to them. Plan to be here Sunday evening at 6:00!

Here is a word from the Word: (Matthew 6:5-15)

"Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They've got their reward! But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don't babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they'll be heard for their many words. Don't be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him. "Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.] "For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don't forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing."

Have a great Thursday!

Bruce

Wednesday, May 2

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sunday will mark the 10th year of ministry for the Babb Center. There is going to be an open house that will begin at 11:00 a.m. (for those that do the early Worship and Sunday School schedule) and it will end at 2:30 p.m. If you have never been through the Babb Center this would be an excellent time to drop by, tour the facility, and meet the incredible staff that works diligently to make a difference in our community.

I want our young families to be aware that we are scheduling our next Family Dedication Day for May 20th. We are currently registering families that would like to participate with their new arrival. This is a very special event and I would encourage every family with a new baby to consider participating. Please call Lisa Bates at 477-1382 or email her at lbates@fbchtn.org for more information.

I am looking forward to a great day today. I love Wednesdays. We will gather as a staff this morning and we will be praying for many of you by name and by specific prayer request. There are several meetings through the course of the day and then the evening activities will fill our campus. The Timothy Initiative will be in the Weekley Building. Children's choirs are getting ready for their Spring Musical that will be presented this Sunday night. Student Ministry will be in full swing in the chapel and in the Student Ministry area. The choir and orchestra will be getting ready to lead us in worship. It is a happening place around here on Wednesday nights and I love it!

We will be studying in the book of Acts tonight in the Pastor's Bible Study. We will be in Acts 23:23 through the end of the chapter and perhaps on into chapter 24, as time permits. If you are not involved in The Timothy Initiative or working in some other area of ministry on Wednesday nights we would love to have you join us.

Here is a word from the Word: (Acts 23:23 - 24:9)

He summoned two of his centurions and said, "Get 200 soldiers ready with 70 cavalry and 200 spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. Also provide mounts so they can put Paul on them and bring him safely to Felix the governor." He wrote a letter of this kind: Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. When this man had been seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, I arrived with my troops and rescued him because I learned that he is a Roman citizen. Wanting to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down before their Sanhedrin. I found out that the accusations were about disputed matters in their law, and that there was no charge that merited death or chains. When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you right away. I also ordered his accusers to state their case against him in your presence. Therefore, during the night, the soldiers took Paul and brought him to Antipatris as they were ordered. The next day, they returned to the barracks, allowing the cavalry to go on with him. When these men entered Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. After he read it, he asked what province he was from. So when he learned he was from Cilicia, he said, "I will give you a hearing whenever your accusers get here too." And he ordered that he be kept under guard in Herod's palace.

After five days Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor. When he was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: "Since we enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation by your foresight, we gratefully receive them always and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. However, so that I will not burden you any further, I beg you in your graciousness to give us a brief hearing. For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes! He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we apprehended him [and wanted to judge him according to our law. But Lysias the commander came and took him from our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you.] By examining him yourself you will be able to discern all these things of which we accuse him." The Jews also joined in the attack, alleging that these things were so.

Have a great Wednesday!

Bruce

Tuesday, May 1

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Today is May 1st. When I was in elementary school (Church Street Elementary School in Andalusia, Alabama) we had an event we called May Day. I was so young that I don't remember everything about it but I do remember that the girls dressed in old costumes and bright pastels. The boys all wore the same color T shirts that day (and, of course, we rolled out blue jean pants leg up about four inches) and we had a special May Day Celebration. The one thing that stands out in my mind about it was a procession that we did around the May Pole. I remember there were multi-colored streamers that came down from the top of the pole and as we walked around the pole we walked (okay, danced) in a weave pattern that wrapped the streamers around the pole. That tradition stopped when I was in elementary school. Anyone else have a May Day celebration when you were a child?

I won't dance around a May Pole today but I will enjoy spending the morning with the ministry team of the First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, Illinois. When they arrived yesterday we gave them a tour of our facility and as we walked through various parts of the campus I heard different members of our church stopping to talk with them. There are many military folks who were stationed at Scott Air Force Base and O'Fallon is near that base. Many of their church members are military personnel from Scott Air Base. As a matter of fact, Glenn and Cathy Weekley's daughter and son-in-law were members of that church when they were there. It's a small world.

Our ministry team will be meeting with their ministry team this morning to share ideas and to just talk about ministry. We will learn from them and, perhaps, they will pick something up from us that will be useful, too.

Here is a word from the Word: (Joshua 4)

After the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua, "Choose 12 men from the people, one man for each tribe, and command them, 'Take 12 stones from this place in the middle of the Jordan where the priests' feet are standing, carry them with you, and set them down at the place where you spend the night.' "So Joshua summoned the 12 men selected from the Israelites, one man for each tribe, and said to them, "Go across to the ark of the Lord your God in the middle of the Jordan. Each of you lift a stone onto his shoulder, one for each of the Israelite tribes, so that this will be a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean to you?' You should tell them, 'The waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the Lord's covenant. When it crossed the Jordan, the Jordan's waters were cut off.' Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites." The Israelites did just as Joshua had commanded them. The 12 men took stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each of the Israelite tribes, just as the Lord had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp and set them down there. Joshua also set up 12 stones in the middle of the Jordan where the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant were standing. The stones are there to this day. The priests carrying the ark continued standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything was completed that the Lord had commanded Joshua to tell the people, in keeping with all that Moses had commanded Joshua. The people hurried across, and after everyone had finished crossing, the priests with the ark of the Lord crossed in the sight of the people. The Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh went in battle formation in front of the Israelites, as Moses had instructed them. About 40,000 equipped for war crossed to the plains of Jericho in the Lord's presence. On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him throughout his life, as they had revered Moses. The Lord told Joshua, "Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony to come up from the Jordan." So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up from the Jordan." When the priests carrying the ark of the Lord's covenant came up from the middle of the Jordan, and their feet stepped out on solid ground, the waters of the Jordan resumed their course, flowing over all the banks as before. The people came up from the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and camped at Gilgal on the eastern limits of Jericho. Then Joshua set up in Gilgal the 12 stones they had taken from the Jordan, and he said to the Israelites, "When your children ask their fathers in the future, 'what is the meaning of these stones?' You should tell your children, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. This is so that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord's hand is mighty, and so that you may always fear the Lord your God."

Have a great Tuesday!

Bruce

Monday, April 30

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Good Morning! I know you enjoyed hearing RT Kendall yesterday. I look forward to hearing that sermon on the internet later this week. RT is always a blessing whether it is through his preaching ministry or his ministry of writing. The Lord has blessed him in an incredible way. And, he just keeps getting better.

Our group made it in last night. I was with the final group that finally got home about 10:15 or so last night. Thank you for your prayers for us while we were away. We saw some incredible places, made some deep friendships and enjoyed the time together. Whether it is with your Sunday School class, a ministry group, a mission trip or whatever the occasion might be, being together as a part of a church family is a wonderful blessing. I got in bed last night about 11:00 PM after about a 23 hour travel day. I woke up about 3:00 AM and couldn’t go back to sleep. It is amazing how the body works. My body clock thought it was mid-morning and time to be up. It will probably take a few days to get the system re-programmed. But, you can get a lot done when you wake up at 3:00 in the morning.

The ministry staff of the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, Illinois is coming into town today for their annual staff retreat. Their pastor is a good friend of mine and he asked me last year if they could come and spend some time with our staff and see our facility and see what we do and how we do it. They will be arriving this afternoon and take a tour of our facilities and then they will meet with corresponding ministers tomorrow to dialogue and talk about ministry. Staff retreats are an important part of developing relationships and continuing education and we are delighted to be able to share in their annual staff retreat this way.

Here is a word from the Word: (Proverbs 27:17)

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Have a great Monday!

Bruce

Friday, April 27

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I am looking forward to getting back home and settled into a familiar routine. Do not forget the great opportunity to hear Dr. RT Kendall this Sunday. If you were blessed by his sermon (and book) "Total Forgiveness," you will be equally blessed by "Totally Forgiving Ourselves." I know you are looking forward to it. Our group will be back in Tennessee Sunday evening. I look forward to being back in the office Monday morning.

We are in Edinburgh, Scotland today. We will finish up here and head out tomorrow. We were supposed to be back tomorrow night so that I could preach Sunday morning but the airline schedule precluded that and we will have an overnight layover in Frankfurt, Germany. We leave Sunday morning headed back home to good ol' Rocky Top (via Houston, Washington, or Chicago.)

Here is a word from the Word: (Joshua 3)

Joshua started early the next morning and left Acacia Grove with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan and stayed there before crossing. After three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God carried by the Levitical priests, you must break camp and follow it. But keep a distance of about 1,000 yards between yourselves and the ark. Don't go near it, so that you can see the way to go, for you haven't traveled this way before." Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, because the Lord will do wonders among you tomorrow." Then he said to the priests, "Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people." So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. The Lord spoke to Joshua: "Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they will know that I will be with you just as I was with Moses. Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: 'When you reach the edge of the waters, stand in the Jordan.' " Then Joshua told the Israelites, "Come closer and listen to the words of the Lord your God." He said, "You will know that the living God is among you and that He will certainly dispossess before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites when the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth goes ahead of you into the Jordan. Now choose 12 men from the tribes of Israel, one man for each tribe. When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, come to rest in the Jordan's waters, its waters will be cut off. The water flowing downstream will stand up [in] a mass." When the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of the people. Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan, their feet touched the water at its edge and the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up [in] a mass that extended as far as Adam, a city next to Zarethan. The water flowing downstream into the Sea of the Arabah (the Dead Sea) was completely cut off, and the people crossed opposite Jericho. The priests carrying the ark of the Lord's covenant stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed on dry ground until the entire nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Bruce

Thursday, April 26

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are in Chester, England this morning. We left Ireland yesterday and crossed the Irish Sea on a huge ferry. Gale force winds made the crossing rather interesting. After a three and a half hour crossing our ship tried to dock at Hollyhead, Wales. The captain could not get the ship docked because of the high winds. Back out to sea we went and he tried it again. After a two hour delay because of the rough seas we were finally able to dock.

We enjoyed seeing the incredibly beautiful and interesting city of Chester yesterday afternoon and today we are driving thru the Lake District up into Scotland. I am looking forward to some Scottish shortbread and, no, I won't be wearing a kilt.

It has rained every day. The sun has also shone every day. More than once we have had a combination of hail/sleet. One day we had all four of those things in about an hour’s time. Truly, if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute and it will change!

Here is a word from the Word: (Joshua 2)

Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two men as spies from Acacia Grove, saying, "Go and scout the land, especially Jericho." So they left, and they came to the house of a woman, a prostitute named Rahab, and stayed there. The king of Jericho was told, "Look, some of the Israelite men have come here tonight to investigate the land." Then the king of Jericho sent [word] to Rahab and said, "Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they came to investigate the entire land." But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, "Yes, the men did come to me, but I didn't know where they were from. At nightfall, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I don't know where they were going. Chase after them quickly, and you can catch up with them!" But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had arranged on the roof. The men pursued them along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they left to pursue them, the gate was shut. Before the men fell asleep, she went up on the roof and said to them, "I know that the Lord has given you this land and that dread of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan. When we heard this, we lost heart, and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below. Now please swear to me by the Lord that you will also show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and save us from death." The men answered her, "[We will give] our lives for yours. If you don't report our mission, we will show kindness and faithfulness to you when the Lord gives us the land." Then she let them down by a rope through the window, since she lived in a house that was [built] into the wall of the city. "Go to the hill country so that the men pursuing you won't find you," she said to them. "Hide yourselves there for three days until they return; afterwards, go on your way." The men said to her, "We will be free from this oath you made us swear, unless, when we enter the land, you tie this scarlet cord to the window through which you let us down. Bring your father, mother, brothers, and all your father's family into your house. If anyone goes out the doors of your house, his blood will be on his own head, and we will be innocent. But if anyone with you in the house should be harmed, his blood will be on our heads. And if you report our mission, we are free from the oath you made us swear." "Let it be as you say," she replied, and she sent them away. After they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord to the window. So the two men went into the hill country and stayed there three days until the pursuers had returned. They searched all along the way, but did not find them. Then the men returned, came down from the hill country, and crossed [the Jordan]. They went to Joshua son of Nun and reported everything that had happened to them. They told Joshua, "The Lord has handed over the entire land to us. Everyone who lives in the land is also panicking because of us."

Have a great Thursday!

Bruce

Wednesday, April 25

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jason Gibson is leading the Pastor's Bible Study tonight. Jason is the Director of the BabbCenter. As you know, the BabbCenter has been an incredible ministry of First Baptist Church for a long time. Many people have been helped through the compassionate and Christ honoring counsel offered there. Since Jason's arrival last year he has taken great strides to do even more to connect the BabbCenter to FBCH. If you don't yet know Jason, Julie and their family you are missing a blessing. They are such a great addition to our ministry team. The Pastors Bible Study meets in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 PM.

I am looking forward to being back and continuing our Wednesday night study in Acts. We started this verse by verse study almost two years ago and we are in the final stretch. We will finish it sometime this summer.

Remember, Sunday will be a great opportunity to hear Dr. RT Kendall preach. RT and Louise are members of FBCH but they travel so much that they are often out of town on Sundays. It is a great treat to have RT share his message "Totally Forgiving Ourselves." Invite someone to attend this Sunday.

Here is a word from the Word: (Joshua 1:1-9)

After the death of Moses the Lord's servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses: "Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River-all the land of the Hittites-and west to the Mediterranean Sea. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you. "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Bruce

Tuesday, April 24

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Since I am in Dublin, Ireland I will say "Top o' the morning to you, lads and lassies." Traveling with people is always interesting. When you are with someone for a couple of weeks for almost 24 hours a day you really get to know them. We have laughed, and joked, and teased, and cried together. It has been wonderful to deepen friendships and to make some new friends.

Our tour this year has taken us to England, Wales, and Ireland so far. We will finish the week up going back into England and then on to Scotland. We've met some wonderful people and seen some beautiful country.

Be sure to tell someone about RT Kendall preaching at FBCH this Sunday. It is a unique honor to have him preach for us and I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity.

Here is a word from the Word: (Psalm 121)

I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.

Have a great Tuesday!

Bruce

Monday, April 23

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I heard you had a great day of worship yesterday. I am on an annual trip with a group of travelers from our church. There are 78 of us in all. We had worship yesterday in Killarney, Ireland. I heard Randy Davis did a great job there in Hendersonville.

The Community Concert Friday night went well. I understand it was well attended and well received. Thanks to all who were responsible.

Tonight there will be an event called "Living Sent Comedy Night and Expose'" in the chapel. The purpose is to help the Luther's with their Dominican Republic ministry. Please contact Mark Satterfield for more information at msatterfield@fbchtn.org.

You will be pleased to know that RT Kendall will be preaching this coming Sunday. I had asked Dr. Kendall to preach for me twice this year. He preached in January and he will preach this Sunday. A couple of years ago he preached "Total Forgiveness" to our congregation. This Sunday he is going to preach the sequel "Totally Forgiving Ourselves." You don't want to miss it. Copies of his book, by the same title will be available in the lobby. You might even get him to sign it for you.

Our group returns late Sunday evening. It is always great to spend time getting to know people more personally on these trips. I have done this once a year for many years.

Here is a word from the Word: (Hebrews 11)

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For our ancestors won God’s approval by it. By faith we understand that the universe was created by God’s command, so that what is seen has been made from things that are not visible. By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith. By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away.For prior to his removal he was approved, since he had pleased God. Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, built an ark to deliver his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful. Therefore from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as innumerable as the grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and he was offering his unique son, the one it had been said about, Your seed will be traced through Isaac.He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead, and as an illustration, he received him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and he worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.By faith Joseph, as he was nearing the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith, after Moses was born, he was hidden by his parents for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they didn’t fear the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the short-lived pleasure of sin. For he considered the reproach because of the Messiah to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since his attention was on the reward. By faith he left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king’s anger, for Moses persevered as one who sees Him who is invisible. By faith he instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch the Israelites. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. When the Egyptians attempted to do this, they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after being encircled by the Israelites for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute received the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed. And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength after being weak, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead—they were raised to life again. Some men were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection, and others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.

Have a great Monday.

Bruce

Friday, April 20

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Good morning! Please remember the Community Concert at the Streets of Indian Lake. It is tonight at 7:00. It had originally been scheduled for Saturday night but because of the weather threat the decision was made to move it to Friday. Please invite someone and plan to be there.

I hope that you have a great weekend. Whatever your plans include I hope that you will be in church Sunday morning.

Here is a word from the Word: (2 Peter 3)

Dear friends, this is now the second letter I've written you; in both, I awaken your pure understanding with a reminder, so that you can remember the words previously spoken by the holy prophets, and the commandment of our Lord and Savior [given] through your apostles. First, be aware of this: scoffers will come in the last days to scoff, following their own lusts, saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they have been since the beginning of creation." They willfully ignore this: long ago the heavens and the earth existed out of water and through water by the word of God. Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded by water. But by the same word the present heavens and earth are held in store for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Dear friends, don't let this one thing escape you: with the Lord one day is like 1,000 years, and 1,000 years like one day. The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that [day] the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, [it is clear] what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be on fire and be dissolved, and the elements will melt with the heat. But based on His promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell. Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found in peace without spot or blemish before Him. Also, regard the patience of our Lord as [an opportunity for] salvation, just as our dear brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you. He speaks about these things in all his letters, in which there are some matters that are hard to understand. The untaught and unstable twist them to their own destruction, as they also do with the rest of the Scriptures. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of the immoral and fall from your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Have a great Friday!!

Bruce

Thursday, April 19

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

You may have already heard that we have moved the Community Concert to Friday night at the Streets of Indian Lake. With the weather forecast for Saturday it just seemed to be the prudent thing to do. Please let people know that the outdoor worship service will be FRIDAY night at 7:00 in the commons area at the Streets of Indian Lake.

One of our members was scheduled to have a very serious heart surgery yesterday morning. She had actually been given a 10% change of survival. However, her doctors determined that the surgery was necessary. A group of us gathered around her to pray Sunday morning. Many of her friends and family members were praying. As they prepared for the surgery yesterday morning the doctors could not locate the original problem. The scheduled surgery was cancelled. Everyone can come up with some explanation but isn't it nice to know that the bottom line is that 'God still answers prayer!'

Here is a word from the Word. (Matthew 7:7-12)

"Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them-this is the Law and the Prophets.

Have a great Thursday.

Bruce

Monday, April 16

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday was a great day but it was a busy one. We had a great morning of worship and Bible Study. It’s so good to see people walking around campus smiling and hear people laughing and enjoying the fellowship with other believers. The Sunday School hour is always a great moment in the week when a small group comes together to pray for each other, to encourage each other, and to study God’s Word as they seek to apply it to life. And, we were blessed with three good worship services, as well.

We also had a Newcomer’s Luncheon after the last worship service yesterday. This provides newcomers to our church an opportunity to get to meet a lot of the church staff, to share a meal together, to ask questions about our church. It gives me an opportunity to share a few words and just get to know folks. After the lunch and question/answer session, we always offer them a tour of the facility. It was a productive morning.

Last night we had several things going on at the church. There was a graduation ceremony for our children’s purity class. I am always proud of these boys and girls who go through this class and learn what it means to be sexually pure and clean. They go through the class with their parents and it is just a great experience. They children are all 5^th graders and they are getting ready to move into our Middle School ministry this next year. I appreciate the leadership that makes this class possible.

We have a number of ‘Home Groups’ that meet every Sunday night. Many of these are simply a continuation of a Sunday School class and the group comes together to pray, to share a meal and to apply the Bible to life. Some of the Home Groups are not really related through a Sunday School class. This concept is really growing and there are more and more Sunday night Home Groups available throughout our church.

We also had a Task Force meeting last night with our Deacons, staff, and our Global Impact team. We are looking at our mission involvement at every level. We want to be good stewards of what God has given to us and we want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to take the Gospel across the street and around the world. It was a good day.

Here is a word from the Word: (Acts 1:4-8)

While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father's promise. "This," [He said, "is what] you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." So when they had come together, they asked Him, "Lord, at this time are You restoring the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Have a great Monday!

Bruce

Friday, April 13

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It should be a wonderful weekend around Middle Tennessee. This week has just been beautiful. It has been cool in the morning and wonderful in the afternoon. I hope you have a great weekend.

There is a Newcomer Luncheon this Sunday at noon. If you (or if you know of someone) who is new to our church and who would enjoy getting to meet the staff and learn more about the ministries of our church then encourage them to come to this luncheon. It is free. Childcare is provided after the meal while we have a time of questions and answers. It will be held at noon in the Fellowship Hall.

Plan to join us on Sunday morning as we come together to worship. Bible Study classes and worship will be offered at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 a.m. I love the passage that we will be studying this Sunday. It is the end of the second chapter and the beginning of the third. You know, of course, that the chapter breaks (and even the verse divisions) did not exist in the original writings. As a result there are occasions where there is a chapter break and it really appears that the thought has not yet been concluded. I believe that this passage is one of those occasions. Paul talks about three kinds of people. All of us fit into one of these groups. He says that there are those that are natural (unbelievers, lost), those that are spiritual (saved), and those that are of the flesh (one translation says ‘carnal.’) I am looking forward to opening this passage Sunday morning and studying it.

Here is a word from the Word: (1 Corinthians 2:14 – 3:4)

“But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God's Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually. The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. For: who has known the Lord's mind, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. Brothers, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were not yet able to receive it. In fact, you are still not able, because you are still fleshly. For since there is envy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and living like ordinary people? For whenever someone says, ‘I'm with Paul,’ and another, ‘I'm with Apollos,’ are you not [typical] men?”

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Bruce

Thursday, April 12

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A few weeks ago one of our Sunday School teachers (and Deacons) came forward during the invitation and knelt at the altar. A couple of his friends gathered with him. I walked over to see how I might be able to help. They were praying for the salvation of his father. I knew from some personal time that I have spent with this Sunday School teacher/deacon that he has been concerned about his father's salvation for a long time. He has been praying for his dad diligently. He had come to the altar to pray, one more time, for his dad to come to know Jesus. I had the opportunity to pray with him for his dad, too. Last Friday he sent me a text that said "My dad just prayed to receive Christ while in bed at the nursing home!" Wow. Double wow! I never grow tired of hearing about someone trusting Jesus. Have you been praying for someone? Don't give up. Don't quit. Don't grow weary. Keep praying. Keep sharing. Keep pointing them to Jesus. You never know when that day is going to come and they are going to open the door to their heart and say "yes!"

I want to take a moment and brag on our team here at First Baptist. We have a great group. And I am not just talking about the ministers and the ministry assistants. They are wonderful and set the pace, no doubt. But, I am also talking about the army of volunteers. I am talking about the people that work the Connection Place desk. I am talking about the people who work the parking lot and drive the golf carts. I am talking about the men and women who stand at the doors and greet people with a warm smile and a friendly 'good morning.' I am talking about the Sunday School teachers and the people who make a pot of coffee for everyone in the class to enjoy. I am talking about the people that work in the preschool ministry and change a diaper so that mom and dad can go and study and worship. I am talking about the people that stand behind the cameras and run the sound board. I am talking about the people that play instruments in the orchestra or the praise band. I am talking about the singers. I am talking about the security team that works to keep everyone safe. I am talking about the medical folks that stand by each week so that they will be there if they are ever needed. I am talking about the folks who work in the Children's worship. I am talking about the people who volunteer in children's ministry and student ministry. Those are the folks who make it happen. They are going to make it happen again this Sunday morning...and the next...and the next...and the next! When you see one of them be, sure to say 'thank you.' I sure do appreciate them!

This Sunday we will have a Newcomer's Luncheon following the last worship service. We do about six of these a year and it is an opportunity for visitor's and newcomers to our church to gather with many of our church staff members and learn about the ministries of this church. If you know of someone who has been visiting FBCH (or if you are still new to our church) this would be a great opportunity to help people get connected. The meal is free. After lunch there will be childcare provided while we have a question/answer session and offer a tour of the facilities.

Here is a word from the Word: (Philemon)

"Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother: To Philemon, our dear friend and co-worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. [I pray] that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for [the glory of] Christ. For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, I appeal, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, appeal to you for my child, whom I fathered while in chains-Onesimus. Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful to both you and me. I am sending him-a part of myself-back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. For perhaps this is why he was separated [from you] for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave-as a dearly loved brother. This is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, accept him as you would me. And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it-not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self. Yes, brother, may I have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. But meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." (Philemon)

Have a great Thursday!

Bruce

Wednesday, April 11

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I know that you will be pleased to know that just this week Roger Luther successfully defended his doctoral project that has allowed him to complete the work for his doctorate. Dr. Roger Luther now leads our Ventures Ministries. Roger is a delightful person and I am glad to call him my friend. Congratulations, Roger!

We have continued, as a church staff, to work our way through the process of praying for every family and every member of every family in our church by name. To accomplish this task we divided our church roll up among our staff members and each week we call between 60-80 families. If we cannot reach anyone personally we leave a message but we call them back another week. We actually want to have a conversation with every family in our church and find out how we can pray for them. Occasionally we run into someone who is really disengaged and doesn't want us to call them, but the overwhelming response has been encouraging and positive. It is a wonderful experience to call people for no other reason than to find out how you can pray for them personally. Our church staff, ministers and ministry assistants have undertaken this task enthusiastically and I appreciate their spirit so very much.

Wednesday night means ministry! Hundreds and hundreds of people will gather tonight to fellowship, to minister, to study, and to serve. The Timothy Initiative has been a great experience again this semester as people are really coming face to face with what it means to really be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Student Ministry is flourishing. The children's ministry and the preschool ministry are both happening places on Wednesday evenings. And, of course, the Music Ministry is getting ready to lead us in another great Sunday of worship. I always enjoy walking around the building and seeing all of those ministry areas in action. I am looking forward to this evening already. And then I get the honor to open God's word and to teach in the Pastor's Bible Study.

Tonight we will continue our study in Acts. Paul has been taken into custody by the Roman authorities and they have just discovered that he is actually a Roman citizen. In the passage that we will study tonight he will go before the Sanhedrin and then, subsequently, be taken to Caesarea to be interrogated by Felix. It is a very interesting passage of Scripture.

Here is a word from the Word: (Acts 22:29 - 23:22)

"Therefore, those who were about to examine him withdrew from him at once. The commander too was alarmed when he realized Paul was a Roman citizen and he had bound him. The next day, since he wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and instructed the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to convene. Then he brought Paul down and placed him before them.Paul looked intently at the Sanhedrin and said, 'Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience until this day.' But the high priest Ananias ordered those who were standing next to him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, 'God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! You are sitting there judging me according to the law, and in violation of the law are you ordering me to be struck?' And those standing nearby said, 'Do you dare revile God's high priest?' 'I did not know, brothers,' Paul said, 'that it was the high priest. For it is written, You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people. 'When Paul realized that one part of them were Sadducees and the other part were Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin, 'Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees! I am being judged because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead!' When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and no angel or spirit, but the Pharisees affirm them all. The shouting grew loud, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party got up and argued vehemently: 'We find nothing evil in this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?' When the dispute became violent, the commander feared that Paul might be torn apart by them and ordered the troops to go down, rescue him from them, and bring him into the barracks. The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, 'Have courage! For as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.' When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under a curse: neither to eat nor to drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than 40 who had formed this plot. These men went to the chief priests and elders and said, 'We have bound ourselves under a solemn curse that we won't eat anything until we have killed Paul. So now you, along with the Sanhedrin, make a request to the commander that he bring him down to you as if you were going to investigate his case more thoroughly. However, before he gets near, we are ready to kill him.' But the son of Paul's sister, hearing about their ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, 'Take this young man to the commander, because he has something to report to him.' So he took him, brought him to the commander, and said, 'The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.' Then the commander took him by the hand, led him aside, and inquired privately, 'What is it you have to report to me?' 'The Jews, 'he said, 'have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as though they are going to hold a somewhat more careful inquiry about him. Don't let them persuade you, because there are more than 40 of them arranging to ambush him, men who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they kill him. Now they are ready, waiting for a commitment from you.' So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, 'Don't tell anyone that you have informed me about this.'"

Have a great Wednesday!

Bruce

Tuesday, April 10

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It would be great if you would put our summer Vacation Bible School on your calendar and begin praying for that week right now. VBS week will be June 4-8. Pray for the workers. Pray for the weather to be good. Most of all, pray for the boys and girls that will be here for the week learning just how much Jesus loves them. I am praying that many, many children will make a first time commitment to Jesus during our VBS week. We have a great team leading VBS this year. We still need some volunteers to step forward to help make it happen. If you would like to help in VBS let us know! We cannot do it without volunteers. Pray for VBS!

I wonder if you might have seen someone at church recently that you haven't seen in a while. We have had a number of people coming back to FBCH. While we have been focusing on "Love on Sumner" it is also a good idea to "Love on FBCH!" Think about it for a moment. Have you seen someone? It would be a good idea to give them a call, send them an e-mail, or write them a note and say "It sure was good to see you Sunday!" Invite them to be here next week. Encourage them to be in a Sunday School class.

What about someone that you haven't seen in a while? Sometimes people miss a few weeks and no one mentions it and they think "well, no one even notices when I'm not there." Now might be a good time to contact that person and simply say "we sure have missed you and we'd love to see you back this coming Sunday!"

Here is a word from the Word: (Titus 3)

"Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, captives of various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the goodness and love for man appeared from God our Savior, He saved us- not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This [Spirit] He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, make every effort to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, so that they will lack nothing. And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful. All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you." (Titus 3)

Have a great Tuesday!

Bruce

Monday, April 9

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We had a great resurrection celebration yesterday at First Baptist. I appreciate the choir/orchestra helping throughout the morning. Many of them actually sang/played in all three services and I really appreciate that very much. The sound technicians, the cameramen, the ushers, the Preschool and Children's volunteers all made for a great Easter celebration. The weekend actually started with the Good Friday service Friday night. We had a good crowd and a very meaningful time of worship. I hope it was a good day for you and your family.

Sumner County Schools were closed Friday and they are closed today. I know the kids/teachers/staff are enjoying a short break before they hit the final stretch to the end of the school year. The year has flown by so quickly. It won't be but a few more weeks and those students will be out for the summer months. Everything runs in a cycle but it certainly seems that the cycle goes faster and faster.

Make sure you have the "Taking the Cross to the Community" event on your calendar. It will be Saturday, April 21st at 6:00 PM. It will be in the commons area at the Streets of Indian Lake. There will be professional staging/lighting/sound and it is going to be a major event. Several hundred of our people will be involved as the Adult Choir/orchestra, the children's choirs, and the Student Ministry praise team all lead in this concert. Bring a lawn chair if you would like and get there early enough to get a good place to sit. We anticipate that there will be a lot of people there. Some of our folks will be distributing a postcard that tells folks about our summer Vacation Bible School, summer day camp, and various other ministry opportunities at our church. It is an effort to take the gospel to the community. Invite someone to attend and plan to be there!

Last week I mentioned the Fine Arts Camps this summer that will be provided by our Music Ministry. It would be a good idea for you to also know about the Summer Day Camp that our church offers. If you have friends or neighbors who have the issue of childcare during the summer months while the kids are out of school, we have a ministry that might be a benefit to them. Our Summer Day Camp is called "The Wave" and it runs from May 29 thru July 27th. This is for children from Kindergarten-5th grades and another group for 6th-8th grades. The children have their days filled with safe, fun, and spiritually rewarding activities. It is a great option for families where both mom and dad work outside the home and they don't know what to do with the children during the weeks of summer. Tell them about "The Wave."

Here is a word from the Word:

"But you must speak what is consistent with sound teaching. Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine. [They are] to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and children, to be sensible, pure, good homemakers, and submissive to their husbands, so that God's message will not be slandered. Likewise, encourage the young men to be sensible about everything. Set an example of good works yourself, with integrity and dignity in your teaching. Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us. Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything. For the grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a special people, eager to do good works. Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you." (Titus 2)

Have a great Tuesday

Bruce

Friday, April 6

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Good Friday. That’s a strange designation for the day when Jesus died. What’s so good about it? Well, it’s good because that is the day when God’s plan was put into action. It’s good because that’s when Jesus paid the price for our sins. It’s good because that’s when the ultimate sacrifice was made. There would be no need for more lambs to be placed on the altar. The old covenant was done and a new covenant was in place in His blood. It is Good Friday.

It’s Friday. On this day in the life of Jesus, He was taken before Pilate. He has been shuttled around throughout the evening between the Jewish leaders and the Roman authorities. Mock trials have taken place. Jesus has been found guilty of death during the night by the Sanhedrin but they have no power to carry out the sentence. So early in the morning Jesus was taken before Pilate. Pilate said that he found no fault in Jesus. He said “what has He done wrong?” But the people insisted that Jesus be killed. Pilate tried to appease them by giving them the option between releasing Jesus or releasing a bloodthirsty murderer named Barabbas. Surely they would not want Barabbas back on the streets. They would choose to release Jesus. But…they did not. ‘Crucify Him’ was the cry. Pilate said “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!”

It’s Friday. And with that the sentence was set. Within hours Jesus hung on a cross outside of the city on a busy road at a place called “the place of the skull.” We know it as Calvary. Jesus was lifted to the sky on a cross. He hung between two thieves. In those hours one repented and one did not. Those two men on the crosses on either side of Jesus represent all of humanity. Some repent. Some do not. Some will spend eternity with Jesus in paradise. Some will be eternally separated from Him. Jesus spoke seven statements from the cross.

“Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

“I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)

“’Woman, here is your son.’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’” (John 19:26-27)

“’Eli, Eli, lema’ sabachtani?’” that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (Matthew 27:46)

“I’m thirsty.” (John 19:28)

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

“Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

It’s Friday. There was an earthquake. Then the earth grew silent. The price was paid. Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain but He washed it as white as snow.

It’s Friday. Here is a word from the Word: (Luke 23)

Then their whole assembly rose up and brought Him before Pilate. They began to accuse Him, saying, "We found this man subverting our nation, opposing payment of taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is the Messiah, a King." So Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" He answered him, "You have said it." Pilate then told the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no grounds for charging this man." But they kept insisting, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where He started even to here." When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. Finding that He was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by Him. So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him. Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mocked Him, dressed Him in a brilliant robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously, they had been hostile toward each other. Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, "You have brought me this man as one who subverts the people. But in fact, after examining Him in your presence, I have found no grounds to charge this man with those things you accuse Him of. Neither has Herod, because he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore I will have Him whipped; to discipline or "teach a lesson"; and [then] release Him." [For according to the festival he had to release someone to them.] Then they all cried out together, "Take this man away! Release Barabbas to us!" (He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, but they kept shouting, "Crucify! Crucify Him!" A third time he said to them, "Why? What has this man done wrong? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have Him whipped and [then] release Him." But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voices won out. So Pilate decided to grant their demand and released the one they were asking for, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will. As they led Him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. A great multitude of the people followed Him, including women who were mourning and lamenting Him. But turning to them, Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and your children. Look, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" Two other criminals were also led away to be executed with Him. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing." And they divided His clothes and cast lots. The people stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing: "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God's Messiah, the Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked Him. They came offering Him sour wine and said, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" An inscription was above Him: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: "Aren't You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!" But the other answered, rebuking him: "Don't you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we're getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!" And He said to him, "I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise." It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun's light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.” Saying this, He breathed His last. When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, "This man really was righteous!" All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests. But all who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed. It was preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how His body was placed. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

It’s Friday…But Sunday’s Coming!!!!!!

Bruce

Thursday, April 5

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It is Thursday before Resurrection Sunday. This would have been a very significant day in the life of Jesus. It was His last full day on earth before His death, burial and resurrection. He spent this day with His disciples. It was on this day that He gathered in the Upper Room and revealed that one that was with them would betray Him. It was there that He shared the first Lord's Supper and explained the symbol of the bread and the wine. It was on this day that He went into the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed "let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39) It would have been tonight that the Roman soldiers came with the Jewish leaders and Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. It would have been during the night on Thursday when Peter stood around the fire and denied that he knew Jesus. The events that changed the world were set into motion on this day.

We will gather tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. in the Worship Center to remember that ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. The adult choir/orchestra will lead us in worship. We will take the Lord's Supper together and we will reflect on the price that He paid to wash our sins away. Forever.

Invite someone to attend church with you Sunday morning. If you attend 8:30 Sunday School it would be wonderful if you could attend the 8:30 Worship Service that day and allow extra room for our visitors that will be attending in the later two services. Our preschool ministry will be offering regular childcare for all pre-kindergarten children in all three worship services. Our children's ministry will be offering Children's Worship at 9:45 and 11:00. We will not have any Sunday School classes. Join me in praying for a great day Sunday!

Here is a word from the Word: (Matthew 26:17-75)

On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do You want us to prepare the Passover so You may eat it?" "Go into the city to a certain man," He said, "and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My time is near; I am celebrating the Passover at your place with My disciples.' "So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, He was reclining at the table with the Twelve. While they were eating, He said, "I assure you: One of you will betray Me." Deeply distressed, each one began to say to Him, "Surely not I, Lord?" He replied, "The one who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl-he will betray Me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." Then Judas, His betrayer, replied, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" "You have said it," He told him. As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take and eat it; this is My body." Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood [that establishes] the covenant; it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, from this moment I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it in a new way in My Father's kingdom with you." After singing psalms, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, "Tonight all of you will run away because of Me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. But after I have been resurrected, I will go ahead of you to Galilee." Peter told Him, "Even if everyone runs away because of You, I will never run away!" "I assure you," Jesus said to him, "tonight-before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times!" "Even if I have to die with You," Peter told Him, "I will never deny You!" And all the disciples said the same thing. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow -to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with Me." Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, "So, couldn't you stay awake with Me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done." And He came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. After leaving them, He went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the time is near. The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let's go! See-My betrayer is near." While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, suddenly arrived. A large mob, with swords and clubs, was with him from the chief priests and elders of the people. His betrayer had given them a sign: "The One I kiss, He's the One; arrest Him!" So he went right up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!"-and kissed Him. "Friend," Jesus asked him, "why have you come?" Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest's slave and cut off his ear. Then Jesus told him, "Put your sword back in place because all who take up a sword will perish by a sword. Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels? How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?" At that time Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out with swords and clubs, as if I were a criminal, to capture Me? Every day I used to sit, teaching in the temple complex, and you didn't arrest Me. But all this has happened so that the prophetic Scriptures would be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted Him and ran away. Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had convened. Meanwhile, Peter was following Him at a distance right to the high priest's courtyard. He went in and was sitting with the temple police to see the outcome. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus so they could put Him to death. But they could not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two who came forward stated, "This man said, 'I can demolish God's sanctuary and rebuild it in three days.' "The high priest then stood up and said to Him, "Don't You have an answer to what these men are testifying against You?" But Jesus kept silent. Then the high priest said to Him, "By the living God I place You under oath: tell us if You are the Messiah, the Son of God!" "You have said it," Jesus told him. "But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you've heard the blasphemy! What is your decision?" They answered, "He deserves death!" Then they spit in His face and beat Him; others slapped Him and said, "Prophesy to us, Messiah! Who hit You?" Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant approached him and she said, "You were with Jesus the Galilean too." But he denied it in front of everyone: "I don't know what you're talking about!" When he had gone out to the gateway, another woman saw him and told those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazarene!" And again he denied it with an oath, "I don't know the man!" After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, "You certainly are one of them, since even your accent gives you away." Then he started to curse and to swear with an oath, "I do not know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Have a great Thursday!

Bruce