Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Update: Downtown Decatur
In a speech at Rice University in Houston Texas on September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave us those immortal words, “we choose to go to the moon (and do the other things) not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” This speech, more than any other single statement is credited with being the impetus for the successful NASA programs that culminated with the Apollo 11 Mission that landed Neal Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon forty years ago last Monday.
With the resignation this week of Pastor Mitch Flesch as our Downtown Decatur Church Planter, I wanted to remind all of us that we had chosen to plant a church Downtown, “not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” In my opinion, no one could have done more work or better work than Pastor Mitch, who poured so much of his time, prayers, and effort into reaching this community for Jesus; or Tom Miller, who first led this work.
Men and women have come to know the Lord as a result of these efforts, and several Bible study groups have been planted in the apartment complexes in and near Downtown Decatur. We have not accomplished the goal of planting an autonomous Southern Baptist Church in Downtown Decatur; but, our passion for reaching lost people and having a church Downtown is unabated.
We have learned some very valuable lessons that will help us in all of our future church planting efforts. May God use these lessons to shape us and equip us for the great work ahead. Mitch Flesch and Tom Miller have been two of our most effective men at reaching lost people and growing churches in Central Illinois. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue in their present ministries.
Pray for the lost people of Central Illinois, and for our New Work Team as they seek the will and wisdom of God to reach them with the gospel. Pray that God will bless all of our CBA Family of Churches as we continue His Kingdom work.
God bless Mitch and Linda Flesch; God bless Tom and Pauline Miller; God bless our New Work Team; and God bless you!
With the resignation this week of Pastor Mitch Flesch as our Downtown Decatur Church Planter, I wanted to remind all of us that we had chosen to plant a church Downtown, “not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” In my opinion, no one could have done more work or better work than Pastor Mitch, who poured so much of his time, prayers, and effort into reaching this community for Jesus; or Tom Miller, who first led this work.
Men and women have come to know the Lord as a result of these efforts, and several Bible study groups have been planted in the apartment complexes in and near Downtown Decatur. We have not accomplished the goal of planting an autonomous Southern Baptist Church in Downtown Decatur; but, our passion for reaching lost people and having a church Downtown is unabated.
We have learned some very valuable lessons that will help us in all of our future church planting efforts. May God use these lessons to shape us and equip us for the great work ahead. Mitch Flesch and Tom Miller have been two of our most effective men at reaching lost people and growing churches in Central Illinois. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue in their present ministries.
Pray for the lost people of Central Illinois, and for our New Work Team as they seek the will and wisdom of God to reach them with the gospel. Pray that God will bless all of our CBA Family of Churches as we continue His Kingdom work.
God bless Mitch and Linda Flesch; God bless Tom and Pauline Miller; God bless our New Work Team; and God bless you!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Senior Adult Revival!
It was a joy to be part of the CBA Senior Adult Revival last Tuesday! The Pastor and Members of Forsyth Baptist Church did a great job of putting this event on and making everyone feel welcome. The music, the meal, and the fellowship were great; and, we were particularly blessed by two excellent messages!
Dr. Don Evans preached from 2nd Chronicles 5-7 on the subject of “Revival!” He encouraged us to consider four things about revival:
What is revival? It is a resuscitation of God’s people. It is an instrument of evangelism, but it is not the evangelism itself. (Alvin Reid) “Revival is a renewed passion for Christ.”
Our need of revival! Dr. Evans reminded us that the SBC is growing older and smaller! While we have over 100,000 pastors and staff persons in our churches, 25% of our churches baptized no one last year. Reports tell us that only about 1/3 of Southern Baptists ever attend the church of which they are a member.
Don used the illustration of the ministries of Whitefield and Wesley to remind us that if the churches reject evangelism and revival, God will take His work out into the fields! He pointed out that while Whitefield was a Calvinist and Wesley was an Arminian, they were good friends who were both used of God to bring many thousands of people to faith in Jesus Christ.
There are about 6.8 Billion people on earth and half of them, (3.4 billion) do not have the gospel and 2.3 billion have not so much as heard the name Jesus!
The way of revival! Revival comes through prayer and repentance. Evan Roberts (used of God as His primary instrument in the 1905-1906 revival in Wales) had four guiding principles: (1) Put away unconfessed sin; (2) Put away doubtful habits; (3) Obey God promptly; and (4) Confess Christ publicly!
The results of revival! (Psalm 126:5-6) When God’s people are revived, there will be (1) Weeping (2) Going (3) Sowing and (4) Reaping and (5) Rejoicing!
So what? We must pray for: Our selves, our Churches, the lost and unchurched; and an opportunity to share the gospel with them.
Pastor Doug Davis preached from Galatians 5 on the subject of “Christian Freedom.” He reminded us that our freedom comes from God! Adam and Eve were free in the Garden, but what destroyed that freedom? Sin! Following the flood, God gave human government to protect people from the results of sin.
Today, we still have the problem of sin and so does government! We can only be truly free in Christ! God can only give people and government real freedom as they submit to Christ.
This will not happen until it begins to happen in the lives of God’s people! The family, government, and the church are the three institutions God created; and they all exist to minister God’s grace to people.
As Christians, we are the only one who can take our freedom away. Isaiah 61 and Luke 4 both point out that one of the reasons Jesus came was to proclaim liberty to the captives! In Christ, we are free from the bondage of sin but we still wrestle with the sinful desires of our flesh.
Like Jacob, Pastor Doug had to wrestle with God about his call to ministry! He shared the illustration of an severed tendon in his hand and how God worked through that to show him that where He guides, He provides!
We are free in Christ to serve Christ, but many of us – like Doug – have personal baggage that hinders us. He shared his testimony of being saved on Sunday, August 9, 1977 and then telling several people of his decision the next day at school. Two of his friends accepted the Lord that day, but the ridicule of one friend greatly hindered his willingness to believe that God could use him.
He reminded us of the power of words to hurt us or to help us. Doug admitted that he was “more interested in what I thought I should be, rather than what God made me to be.” Even though he was not doing what God wanted him to do, God was still faithful.
He reminded us that God has a purpose for us – and if that purpose was done, we would be in heaven today! None of us deserve God’s forgiveness, and we must forgive those who hurt us as God in Christ has forgiven us. We need to ask God to search our heart and show us where we need forgiveness and then we need to go and forgive others.
He then challenged us to remember that, “partial obedience is disobedience; and disobedience is sin.” Following this helpful message, he gave an invitation to respond.
These were two very helpful messages, and the day was completed by a great meal and some “reunion and fellowship” time among our people.
Dr. Don Evans preached from 2nd Chronicles 5-7 on the subject of “Revival!” He encouraged us to consider four things about revival:
What is revival? It is a resuscitation of God’s people. It is an instrument of evangelism, but it is not the evangelism itself. (Alvin Reid) “Revival is a renewed passion for Christ.”
Our need of revival! Dr. Evans reminded us that the SBC is growing older and smaller! While we have over 100,000 pastors and staff persons in our churches, 25% of our churches baptized no one last year. Reports tell us that only about 1/3 of Southern Baptists ever attend the church of which they are a member.
Don used the illustration of the ministries of Whitefield and Wesley to remind us that if the churches reject evangelism and revival, God will take His work out into the fields! He pointed out that while Whitefield was a Calvinist and Wesley was an Arminian, they were good friends who were both used of God to bring many thousands of people to faith in Jesus Christ.
There are about 6.8 Billion people on earth and half of them, (3.4 billion) do not have the gospel and 2.3 billion have not so much as heard the name Jesus!
The way of revival! Revival comes through prayer and repentance. Evan Roberts (used of God as His primary instrument in the 1905-1906 revival in Wales) had four guiding principles: (1) Put away unconfessed sin; (2) Put away doubtful habits; (3) Obey God promptly; and (4) Confess Christ publicly!
The results of revival! (Psalm 126:5-6) When God’s people are revived, there will be (1) Weeping (2) Going (3) Sowing and (4) Reaping and (5) Rejoicing!
So what? We must pray for: Our selves, our Churches, the lost and unchurched; and an opportunity to share the gospel with them.
Pastor Doug Davis preached from Galatians 5 on the subject of “Christian Freedom.” He reminded us that our freedom comes from God! Adam and Eve were free in the Garden, but what destroyed that freedom? Sin! Following the flood, God gave human government to protect people from the results of sin.
Today, we still have the problem of sin and so does government! We can only be truly free in Christ! God can only give people and government real freedom as they submit to Christ.
This will not happen until it begins to happen in the lives of God’s people! The family, government, and the church are the three institutions God created; and they all exist to minister God’s grace to people.
As Christians, we are the only one who can take our freedom away. Isaiah 61 and Luke 4 both point out that one of the reasons Jesus came was to proclaim liberty to the captives! In Christ, we are free from the bondage of sin but we still wrestle with the sinful desires of our flesh.
Like Jacob, Pastor Doug had to wrestle with God about his call to ministry! He shared the illustration of an severed tendon in his hand and how God worked through that to show him that where He guides, He provides!
We are free in Christ to serve Christ, but many of us – like Doug – have personal baggage that hinders us. He shared his testimony of being saved on Sunday, August 9, 1977 and then telling several people of his decision the next day at school. Two of his friends accepted the Lord that day, but the ridicule of one friend greatly hindered his willingness to believe that God could use him.
He reminded us of the power of words to hurt us or to help us. Doug admitted that he was “more interested in what I thought I should be, rather than what God made me to be.” Even though he was not doing what God wanted him to do, God was still faithful.
He reminded us that God has a purpose for us – and if that purpose was done, we would be in heaven today! None of us deserve God’s forgiveness, and we must forgive those who hurt us as God in Christ has forgiven us. We need to ask God to search our heart and show us where we need forgiveness and then we need to go and forgive others.
He then challenged us to remember that, “partial obedience is disobedience; and disobedience is sin.” Following this helpful message, he gave an invitation to respond.
These were two very helpful messages, and the day was completed by a great meal and some “reunion and fellowship” time among our people.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A Great Night for CBA!
Last evening at the Executive Board meeting, the Association approved the joint recommendation of the New Work, Budget, and Leadership Teams to provide partnership funds for three new church plants in our area! These funds will be taken from the Baptist Foundation account; making the number of new churches that have been, are being, or will be planted with funds initially recieved from the estate of James and Zeva Johnson to a total of five: Christmas Tree Road, Faith Family (Downtown), Arcola, Cerro Gordo, and the Heyworth/Bloomington-Normal/Atlanta area.
Please continue in prayer for our New Work Team as they put together all of the convenants and agreements involved; and for the men God will use to plant these churches as they go through the church planter approval processes with CBA, IBSA, and NAMB!
May God raise up more churches and more men to plant more churches in more places in Central Illinois!
Please continue in prayer for our New Work Team as they put together all of the convenants and agreements involved; and for the men God will use to plant these churches as they go through the church planter approval processes with CBA, IBSA, and NAMB!
May God raise up more churches and more men to plant more churches in more places in Central Illinois!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Spring Revivals!
At least four of our churches are planning revival meetings in May. I hope that you will attend and support as many of these meetings as possible.
May 3-6: FBC Atwood will have retired Pastor Tom Marsh as our speaker. "Power of Praise" and others from our church will provide special music!
May 17-20: Galilee Baptist will have Pastor Lonnie Lehrman back this year! In the last seven years, the church he pastors in Granbury, Texas has had over 1,000 additions to the church!
May 18-22: FSBC Boody will have Lanny Faulkner as speaker. There will be special music featured in each service.
May 31 - June 5: Summit Avenue will have Evangelist Max Sample as their guest speaker!
For times of the services, or other information, please contact the churches!
May 3-6: FBC Atwood will have retired Pastor Tom Marsh as our speaker. "Power of Praise" and others from our church will provide special music!
May 17-20: Galilee Baptist will have Pastor Lonnie Lehrman back this year! In the last seven years, the church he pastors in Granbury, Texas has had over 1,000 additions to the church!
May 18-22: FSBC Boody will have Lanny Faulkner as speaker. There will be special music featured in each service.
May 31 - June 5: Summit Avenue will have Evangelist Max Sample as their guest speaker!
For times of the services, or other information, please contact the churches!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
New Work News!
Praise the Lord! Lots of good things are happening in the area of new work in our Association. Over the past few weeks, we have had several meetings with the New Work Ministry Team along with those who are already involved in planting new churches in our area. Dr. Lyle Seltman of the North American Missions Board has met with us on multiple occasions and is being very, very helpful to us.
Two really important things are in the works:
1) This coming Tuesday night the Executive Board will consider a motion from the Budget, New Work, and Leadership teams about funding for THREE NEW CHURCH PLANTS in CBA. Birchwood is already working on a new work in Arcola; Emmanuel has voted to allow Pastor Mike to start a work in Cerro Gordo; and FBC Heyworth has voted to partner with CBA and beginning the process of calling a pastor who will also serve as a church planter in their area!
2) Faith Family in Downtown Decatur hosted a Home Bible Study this past week on Clay Street in Decatur! You can see photos of this event on our website. Ms. Shelia Smith from the Herald and Review attended and is planning a story about this new church plant.
Please be in prayer for all of these men and their families as they begin these new church planting efforts! Pray also for the Executive Board and the Associational leadership as we continue to seek God's will about these opportunities.
God bless you!
Two really important things are in the works:
1) This coming Tuesday night the Executive Board will consider a motion from the Budget, New Work, and Leadership teams about funding for THREE NEW CHURCH PLANTS in CBA. Birchwood is already working on a new work in Arcola; Emmanuel has voted to allow Pastor Mike to start a work in Cerro Gordo; and FBC Heyworth has voted to partner with CBA and beginning the process of calling a pastor who will also serve as a church planter in their area!
2) Faith Family in Downtown Decatur hosted a Home Bible Study this past week on Clay Street in Decatur! You can see photos of this event on our website. Ms. Shelia Smith from the Herald and Review attended and is planning a story about this new church plant.
Please be in prayer for all of these men and their families as they begin these new church planting efforts! Pray also for the Executive Board and the Associational leadership as we continue to seek God's will about these opportunities.
God bless you!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Where was God?
During the 8am worship service yesterday at FBC Maryville, a gunman walked into the sanctuary and shot and killed the Senior Pastor, Dr. Fred Winters. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cindy, their two daughters, all of their family and friends, and the members of this great Church.
In light of these horrific events, I want to provide biblical answers to two of the theological questions that are on the hearts and minds of many. I hope you will take the time to look up and read these verses carefully and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through them.
First, “Where was God?”
1) God is, of course, everywhere present! Psalm 139:7-12
2) God is always present in the midst of His people! Matthew 18:20
3) God was both in and with Fred Winters! John 14:16-17
4) Because God was with Fred Winters yesterday, we also know that Fred Winters is with God today! 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Second, “If God is both all-powerful and completely good, why does He allow things like this to happen?”
1) God is all-powerful! Jeremiah 32:27; Mark 10:27; 14:36
2) God is completely good! Psalm 119:68; James 1:17
3) God is completely sovereign! Psalm 115:3; 133:5-6; 139:16.
4) God is not the author of evil, but He allows the existence of evil in the world to accomplish His greater purposes! Genesis 50:19-20
5) God tells us in His word that these kinds of things are going to happen to His people! John 15:18; 2 Timothy 3:12
6) Fred Winters was a Christian man. He was among those who are described as, “those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) God does not say that all things are good for those who love Him; but, that He is working “all things together for good.”
Please continue in prayer for these beloved ones who are hurting in ways that most of us cannot imagine. Pray that God will be glorified; His people will be edified; and that lost people will be saved as a result of this heart-breaking tragedy.
In light of these horrific events, I want to provide biblical answers to two of the theological questions that are on the hearts and minds of many. I hope you will take the time to look up and read these verses carefully and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through them.
First, “Where was God?”
1) God is, of course, everywhere present! Psalm 139:7-12
2) God is always present in the midst of His people! Matthew 18:20
3) God was both in and with Fred Winters! John 14:16-17
4) Because God was with Fred Winters yesterday, we also know that Fred Winters is with God today! 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Second, “If God is both all-powerful and completely good, why does He allow things like this to happen?”
1) God is all-powerful! Jeremiah 32:27; Mark 10:27; 14:36
2) God is completely good! Psalm 119:68; James 1:17
3) God is completely sovereign! Psalm 115:3; 133:5-6; 139:16.
4) God is not the author of evil, but He allows the existence of evil in the world to accomplish His greater purposes! Genesis 50:19-20
5) God tells us in His word that these kinds of things are going to happen to His people! John 15:18; 2 Timothy 3:12
6) Fred Winters was a Christian man. He was among those who are described as, “those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) God does not say that all things are good for those who love Him; but, that He is working “all things together for good.”
Please continue in prayer for these beloved ones who are hurting in ways that most of us cannot imagine. Pray that God will be glorified; His people will be edified; and that lost people will be saved as a result of this heart-breaking tragedy.
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