Messages

Pastor’s Message

I cannot begin to tell you what a joy it was to resume worship services in June with many of you in attendance. While I’m thankful for the ability we have to livestream our services, there’s nothing like being in God’s house in person worshipping with God’s people.

We’re getting ready to celebrate another July 4^th holiday. I know it’s not a religious holiday, like Easter or Christmas, but I think it is a good time to reflect on how good God has been to us as a nation.

The fourth of July is a day we celebrate our independence as a nation. The freedom we have been blessed with as a nation allows us to express our faith and boldly share it with others. It is important to recognize that in many other parts of the world, this is not the case. The cost of following Christ is much greater for our brothers and sisters across the globe.

As you look at the history of our country and at the statements of our Founding Fathers, though they may not have all been Christians, they, at the very least, had a respect for the Word of God and believed it to be an authoritative source. Patrick Henry wrote, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here.”

Our nation today has lost its way. Why? Because we’ve lost our moral compass. God’s Word speaks to this in Proverbs 16:25 “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” People are trying to give human answers to spiritual problems to solve the emptiness of the soul, but it cannot be done. The answer may sound right, look right, and even be politically correct, but apart from Jesus Christ there is no answer that will give life and hope. The longer we go as a nation, ignoring the commands and life principles found in God’s Word, the worse things will get. God cannot and will not bless a nation that has no regard for Him.

I truly believe God can bring healing to our land. I do not believe the answer is found in politics, education, finances, or anything else of this world, but rather is found in the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus Christ can save a nation that is, I believe, under God’s judgment right now. I have not given up on America. I believe prayer is the most important thing you and I can be doing right now for America. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14).

May God bless you and your family. Have a great week and let your light shine for Jesus this week.

Pastor Rick

Bro. James’ Corner

A few years back I noticed an old wooden desk in a shed. It looked awful, but I knew the wood was oak with a little work it could look good again. The desk was waiting to be taken to the dump. I knew I could restore it to be useable and look good, so I asked for it and was given the desk. It took time and lots of work but it became useable again.

We still use it in our home …. a desk that had become useless was restored because someone took an interest in it. That reminds me of people who made wrong choices and are drifting through life feeling useless like the old desk. They need someone to show an interest in them by loving them and investing some time in them. When restored God can use them again like the old desk is being used again. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1).

Bro. James Meade

Message From Andy (Youth Minister)

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Zach Williams and Dolly Parton recently collaborated on a song titled, “There Was Jesus.” I’m sure when they recorded this song, they had no idea the times we would be facing today in 2020. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul writes that nothing on this earth can separate us from Jesus. I’ve needed to be reminded of this fact as we’ve gone through the COVID-19 pandemic, and this song is one Jesus has used to remind me, whether coming on the radio or playing on my Apple playlist at just the right time. As we continue in these uncertain times, read these lyrics and be reminded that, no matter what we face, Jesus is always with us!

“In the waiting, in the searching

In the healing and the hurting

Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces

Every minute, every moment

Where I’ve been and where I’m going

Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it

There was Jesus”

Growing God’s Garden Together

Andy

Note from Kevin (Music Minister)

“Proud to be an American … and a Christian.”

Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, a group of patriots signed one of the most important documents ever penned. It is 244 years later and this great nation is still hanging on. Do we have issues in America? Absolutely. Will this nation go under because of its numerous issues? I don’t know. No one has that answer except God. But as Pastor Rick emphasized in his sermon titled, “If My People” on June 28, we as Christians are responsible for the future of America. God has truly blessed America and its citizens and I believe that’s because of one reason, “One Nation, Under God.” Psalm 33:12 says that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” It’s by His people that he considers His children that has made this nation great. So, where do we go from here? What if it continues to worsen? As much as I love America, let’s not place all of our hope in it. Many Americans will fail and will continue to disappoint us.

So, let’s put our hope in something much larger, a community of greater proportion, a nation that will always stand no matter the circumstances. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20) Let’s enjoy America’s independence this July 4^th, but also remember the great freedom that God has graced all of us with through the hope and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

KevO

Message from Steve (SS Director)

How’s your knowledge of Scripture: 1) Extensive, 2) Above Average, 3) Average, 4) Below Average, 5) Minimal? Can you name the four gospels? How many of Jesus’ disciples can you name? According to the data from the Barna Research Group, 60% of Americans can’t name five of the ten commandments. Why do we believe what we believe about the Lord? It’s because of Scripture. However, if we don’t know it, how can we be sure of what we believe? Let me give a couple of examples. “The Lord helps those who help themselves”, is a statement we sometimes here, and according to 82% of Americans, it is a Bible verse. How many of us can correctly discern that it is not? A majority of adults think the Bible teaches that the most important purpose in one’s life if taking care of one’s family. Would you be able to refute that? So many false doctrines gain traction in churches because the members because can’t discern what is true and what is a lie.

In a recent Lifeway Research study, the following was revealed about Bible reading habits among those who attend church: 1) 19% – every day, 2) 26% – a few times a week, 3) 14% – once a week, 4) 22% – at least once a month, 5) 18% – rarely or never. Which category to do fit in? Are you surprised by # 5?

The point I’m trying to make is that biblical illiteracy is a big problem in churches across America. How can we really know the Lord if we are not avid students of His Word? A great way to get more familiar with the Word is by getting involved in a Sunday School class. You’ll get into God’s Word and you’ll learn more about who He is, what He desires, and what pleases Him. You’ll discover the timeless nature of this most unique of all books, and how the teachings contained in it apply to our daily lives. You’ll come to understand the importance of being in God’s Word on a daily basis, and be able to better discern truth from falsehood.

Not sure what class might be the best for you? Let’s get together and we’ll find one that is right for you!

Blessings in Christ!
Steve Byrd
LGBC Sunday School Director