Messages

Pastor’s Message

Carolyn and I want to thank you as a church for the expressions of love shown to us in October. You will never know how much we appreciated each word, card, or gift. We consider ourselves blessed by God to be able to serve our Lord alongside you here at Lynn Garden Baptist Church.

One of our grandchildren prays so simply, but so sincerely. Even if we’re giving God thanks for the food, this child will share the names of whoever is on his heart at the time, and this year, I’ve noticed he always prays “for this coronavirus.” You know, his prayers touch my heart, and I know they touch the heart of God. I truly believe God hears the prayers of children. Why? Because of their honesty and sincerity. Matthew 6:7-8 “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” ‘Vain repetitions’ refer to useless babbling. It’s a prayer filled with empty words and phrases.

Jesus told the people that the power of prayer is not found in its length or the “right” words. The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable in Luke 18, used prayer as a way of getting public recognition. He prayed to be seen and heard by people around him. So then, what does God look for when He listens to our prayers? I’m sure that many things could be said, but let me point out just two:
 
  1. God looks for prayers that are sincere. They should come from our heart. The publican in Jesus’ parable of Luke 18, prayed – “God be merciful to me a sinner,” a short prayer indeed, but Jesus said that he went home justified in the sight of God. In other words, his prayer was answered.
  2. God looks for prayers that are of simple child-like faith. Note again what Jesus said in Matthew 6:8 – “….for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

     

Prayer is not us trying to persuade a reluctant God to hear us and help us. Prayer is us putting ourselves in a position where God can help us. We pray with confidence. Some people are afraid to pray out loud and in front of others for fear that they might not say the right thing. You know, with our grandchild, it doesn’t matter if it’s just the two of us, or the entire family’s there, his prayer will be the same. The truth is, it doesn’t matter what one person thinks of another person’s prayer. The only thing that matters is what God thinks. Have a great week and let your light shine for Jesus this week.

Pastor Rick

Bro. James’ Corner

When my brother and I were teenagers, we decided to build us a boat. We lived close to the river. We hunted up all kinds and sizes of wood. We got some of Dad’s rusty nails. He always saved used nails and he would straighten them and reuse them. We began the work on our dream boat. We worked about a week and the day to launch finally came. We carried it through town to the river. We were so proud and happy after building our own boat. We put it in the water and it went to the bottom of the river immediately! Talk about heartbroken!

I have laughed many times about us carrying that crude looking boat through town. My brother and I had no plans nor the right kind of wood to build a boat. We have times in our life that we fail because we don’t plan or get directions from our Lord. Life is a one-way trip. To make the best of it, we must plan by letting Jesus lead us. Things will be better if we stick with His plans. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalm 32:8)

 

Bro. James Meade

Message From Andy (Youth Minister)

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”– 1 Timothy 4:12

I find myself always telling our students at church to never doubt themselves because they’re too young. They’re never too young to start reading the Bible, pray, read a daily devotion. But especially they’re never too young to share their faith in Jesus Christ with others. Recently God reminded me of this fact in a very special way!

We decided to take Luke to ride a horse while we were on vacation over Fall Break. We met Ms. Vicky, the lady leading his ride, and in typical Luke fashion, he started talking up a storm with her as they started off on their ride. At some point as they are riding around the stables, Luke shares with Ms. Vicky, “I love Jesus, and I hate the devil!” And Ms. Vicky shared right back with Luke that she loved Jesus and hated the devil, too!

God’s Word tells us in 1 Peter 3:15: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

We never know what a simple comment we might make about our faith might do, but God sure does! And if my 4-year old son (Yes, he is 4 now – can you believe that?!) can share his faith while riding a horse on vacation, I don’t think I have any excuses not to share my faith wherever I am and in whatever situation!
 
Growing God’s Garden Together
Andy

Note from Kevin (Music Minister)

“This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me”

Just a few days ago I was reading a daily devotion about what heaven will be like. Which also made me think of one of my favorite Howard and Vestal Goodman songs, “This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me.”
 
Now, we are so often reminded of the strife, pain, and sufferings we have to endure here on earth. But think about this scripture from Revelation 22:3, “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.” That’s it. No virus, no cancer, no pain, no death. Just us, God’s people, serving and praising Him continually.

 

“A place where there is no misunderstanding,

And from all enmity and strife we’re free.

No unkind words to wrong the heart are spoken,

Now this is just what Heaven means to me.

What will it be when we get over yonder

And join the throng upon the glassy sea?

Will join our loved ones and crown Christ forever

Oh, this is just what Heaven means to me.”

 
What does heaven mean to you? Good health? Seeing loved ones? No more aches and pains? Dwell on these things.

 

-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