Good Words from God’s Word
 
From today, there are only 8 days left until the election. PRAISE GOD! Are you like me? I am sick and tired of the whole thing. I have never seen grown people behave like these two candidates who are seeking to become the President of the United States, which is the most powerful and supposedly the most honorable position of leadership in the world. Instead of uniting our country, they have divided it. Rather than inspire our nation to a higher standard, they have dragged us all through the gutter. Even though it’s almost impossible to choose between the two choices before us, we must elect a President. 
 
Much of what we are seeing in this election, in my opinion, is not caused by Washington or Wall Street. It is not the fault of candidates who have obviously fallen off the tracks. I believe what Malachi says, “Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 3:7).
 
Our current dilemma is not caused by people who have failed in Washington, but by the people of God who have grown cold and turned away from God’s word. Our nation is now paying the price for disobedience and disloyalty among the people of God. Sin is the basic root of the problem, and we who belong to the church are guilty. The problem rests not in the White House, but in the Church House.
 
Malachi gives us God’s answer for times like these. It’s very simple and the responsibility rests totally with the people of God, “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty.” Repentance is God’s answer and our only hope for the crisis our nation faces.
 
John Calvin said, “Repentance is the true turning of our life to God, a turning that arises from a pure fear of Him; and it consists in the mortification of the flesh and the renewing of the Spirit.”
 
In short, the greatest need we face in the dilemma this election presents is the need for a heaven sent, God honoring, Holy Spirit empowered REVIVAL within the church. To this end, I am calling our church to pray. Here’s the plan:
 
                             ELECTION 2016 CALL TO PRAYER
                                       Grace Baptist Church
                           November 7th – 12 Noon to 9:00 PM
                                       Worship Center Altar
Before You Stand in the Voting Booth – Bend Your Knees at the Altar
 
The doors of the church will be opened at noon on Monday, November 7th until 9:00 PM Monday evening. Drop by the church at your convenience prior to the election to pray and seek God’s renewing grace before you vote on Tuesday. A brief Prayer Guide will be available to help you talk to the Lord. Soft music will be playing in the background to reverently inspire you to pray and seek God’s mercy. Bathing this Election Day in a spirit of worship and prayer will help fulfill God’s requirement – “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty”
 
“…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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Good Words from God’s Word
 
This week’s sermon from Zechariah is about the assurance and confidence God grants to those who do His will and participate in the work of His kingdom.
 
Listen to what God told Zechariah, “It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong” (Zechariah 8:13).
 
After returning to Jerusalem following their captivity in Babylon, the people of God lacked confidence. They allowed the work of God to remain idle for 18 years. It was Zechariah’s calling build the confidence of the people so they would restart the building of God’s house.
 
One of the great benefits of faithfully doing the work of God is CONFIDENCE. Charles Stanley once said, “Fear stifles our thinking and actions. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. I have known talented people who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure. Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward cycle begins.” That last sentence from the quote is worth saying again, “Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward cycle begins.” 
 
What opportunities are before the members of Grace that could erode our confidence and start our church to begin a downward cycle like Israel? One is, if church members miss their opportunity to work in the projects necessary to turn a furniture store and paint store into a beautiful place of ministry and worship. Most of the work will be accomplished by our membership. Many volunteers will be needed. Should our people neglect their opportunity to join in the work to leave most of it to be done by the faithful few; our church’s confidence will be shaken.
 
Another is neglect in attendance. When folks are away for extended Sundays, overall confidence is eroded. Our church family cannot and must not sacrifice its outreach, fellowship and ministry while the renovation work is underway. Your attendance every Sunday is critical. Faithful attendance produces momentum, participation, and an overall “WE CAN” spirit that motivates everyone. When the numbers drop, so does confidence.
 
One of the most important confidence builders is Godly leaders. God sent Haggai, Zechariah, Zerubbabel and Joshua to Jerusalem as His construction team. The people needed a spiritual boost. They needed Godly men to lead the way and oversee the work.
 
The work of God cannot be accomplished without those called by God to stand up and lead His people. I pray that all of our leaders who have been called by God to serve in various positions will recommit themselves to the work. I pray that God will raise up new leaders. I pray that God will give all of us a special surge of energy and enthusiasm. The confidence of our church family rests in the hands of those God calls to lead.
 
Finally, confidence will be established through our faithful giving. Yes, the future of Grace and the confidence of God’s people rests squarely in our stewardship of resources. The Bible says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
 
Faithful stewardship builds confidence not only in you personally, but throughout the church. Think about your offering this morning. When you put your tithe in the offering plate, you are not only being obedient, you are adding to and strengthening the confidence it takes to do what God has called us to do. BE A FAITHFUL GIVER. THE CONFIDENCE OF OUR CHURCH IS AT STAKE.
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Good Words from God’s Word
 
It has been an extremely busy week in the life and ministry of our church. The ladies of our fellowship with busy hands and loving care provided meals at the funeral home for two families who lost loved ones. Ample provision and delicious dishes were served to the families of Josh Dixon in the passing of his grandfather, and to family of David Jordan in the passing of his bother-in-law. Thank you Hospitality Team and Ladies of Grace for your compassion and care for these dear church family members. You are truly amazing.
 
Yesterday, our Men’s Ministry provided assistance to single women through their Single Ladies Car Care Day. The youth of our church lent a hand by washing the cars, cleaning windows, vacuuming the interiors, and detailing all the cars that were there. Tabitha Wright brought food and provided hospitality to the ladies as they waited for their cars to be serviced. Thank you men—thank you young people--thank you Tabitha, Weldon, Jason and all the others who worked to provide this important ministry. Yesterday’s ministry was a great blessing and witness to everyone who participated.
 
During these ministries, I watched our people demonstrate the love of Christ for those who are grieving and for those who are in need. I was again more than amazed. I was humbled and I was inspired to watch God’s people at work.
 
Some things I saw:

• I saw the fellowship of God’s people at work. Showing God’s love to others results in the fellowship of God’s love in the hearts of those who do the work. While there were broken and grieving hearts in the viewing rooms at the funeral home, there was rejoicing and embracing hearts in the kitchen where the food was served. The ministry of fellowship our church provided through good food helped to transform a sad time into an occasion of joy in the Lord. I continue to be amazed by the fellowship of our Grace Church family. It’s catching!

• I saw the love of Christ. Jesus gave us two great commands that exceed all others. The first is to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matthew 22:37). The second is similar, love your neighbor like you love yourself (Matthew 22:39). Actually, the second commandment confirms the first. Jesus made this plain when He said, “As you have did it to one of these brother of mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). We call this the “Cup of Cold Water” ministry. The love of Jesus is shown in giving away one cup at a time, or one meal at a time, or one car at a time. I saw our loving church give away the Love of Christ this week and it was awesome to see.

• I saw the goodness of God. You do not have to been inside the church to see God. You can see God when good food and favorite recipes are uncovered as people take out a spoon full on their plate saying, “That looks good.” You see God when people take a bite and say, “My, that really tastes good.” The Bible says, “God is good” (Psalm 136:1). God shows up in things that are good, in places that are good and in people who are good. Truly, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” I saw God’s goodness and God’s presence in the goodness of God’s people this week.

 
Grace Baptist is truly a hard working church. I am so thankful God has called me to be your pastor and to work alongside His people who go about doing good all the time.

Good Words from God’s Word
 
Robbie and I went to the mountains of Tennessee this week to enjoy the handiwork of God. The mornings were all an exquisite October morning; quiet, restful and obviously created by the handiwork of God. As I have often said, “The mountains reflect the presence of God like no other place on earth.”
 
Like the Bible says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, Your God reign!” (Isaiah 52:7).
 
I like the way Isaiah likens the message of God to the mountains of God. Every time you open your Bible to read it, each time you join with a Bible study group to read God’s word and hear a good lesson taught, when we gather on Sunday to worship and listen to God’s word proclaimed, it is like a trip to the mountains. It is easier for me to read the Bible and meditate upon God’s word in the mountains than any other place I know. Maybe that’s why I get so excited when Sunday comes around and I get to preach God’s word. It’s like standing on a mountain top.
 
This week we look into the book of Zephaniah. Zephaniah is a kind-of shock therapy approach to the judgement of God. This prophet goes into great detail about how catastrophic the impending Day of the Lord is going to be. This day of God’s wrath is going to consume everything and everybody. No one will be spared. It will be a day of fire and inevitable doom.
 
The goal of this Day is to purge and weed-out the enemies of God in order to preserve the remnant for God. God is looking to preserve for Himself people who are, “…meek and humble, who trust in the name of the Lord” (Zephaniah 3:12).
 
Remember what Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:4,5).
 
The Day of the Lord will be a day when those who are prideful and self-centered will fall under God’s judgement. On the other hand, the meek and the humble will be exalted as the mountain-top people who trust in Him. I plan to be a part of that great host of God’s people.
 
As we worship this morning, consider your own position before God. Let the reality of God’s impending judgement find its way into your heart in order that you may be ready for it.
 
Think about the masses of people from every nation and language who exalt themselves rather than God.
 
Consider the great numbers of people who are worried about the things of this world, and have no real hope. They do not understand that God is at work protecting and preserving for Himself those who are meek and lowly in heart.
 
Can you be humble today before the Lord? People who are meek are those who allow God to have His way in their lives. Simply put, trusting in the Lord and humbling yourself before Him is the way to insure that you will live forever. 

Good Words from God’s Word
 
I have been a part of wonderful spiritually high and holy experiences in my years as a preacher of the gospel, but last Sunday was the most amazing I can remember. It has taken me since Sunday to try and digest the blessings of it all. I have tried to break the morning down into pieces and give God praise and thanksgiving for each part. Let me share just a few of the points for which God and I have had some time in conversation this week:
 
Opening the Door – At around 6:30 AM, I opened the door to the church in its new location to pray and put my hands on every table and chair asking God to bless our day.
 
Getting Dressed – At around 8:00 AM, I returned home to take a shower and dress for the day. Getting ready for church is always such a blessing, especially last Sunday morning.
 
Arrival – Pulling up in the parking lot, our men were busy preparing for the task of parking every car safely. A couple of our young people directed our car to its spot set aside for Robbie and me. It is a blessing to park cars for Jesus.
 
Greeting – Walking around the facilities beautifully prepared shaking hands and hugging the necks of as many as I could in the name of Jesus. WHAT A BLESSING!
 
Listening – The Praise Team was rehearsing, the people were rejoicing, the chairs were being stirred, the building that was still and quiet at 6:30 became alive as the crowd grew. There is a glorious sound when the people of God gather to worship Him.
 
Worshiping – The voices of praise and the thrill of preaching on a day when God filled His people with joy and His holy presence is an unparalleled thrill. The glory of the Lord my heart over.
 
Eating – I watched the people share around the table. I do not believe the joy of the Lord was any better displayed on the day Jesus fed the 5 thousand than it was this past Sunday morning as we shared together around the table—especially the desserts.
 
Testimonies – To introduce our Benefactor, Mr. James Walters and hear him tell us about his passion to be a good steward for Jesus thrilled me. Then our Architect, Mr. Steve Hill told us how God spoke to Him during the service to say, “You are clean in Jesus.” God spoke to these two good men and gave them a vision for the future of our church. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
 
Was Moses any more blessed at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:2) than our church family was this past Lord’s day?
 
Was Isaiah any closer to God when he saw the Lord “high and Lifted up, sitting upon His throne” (Isaiah 6:1) in the temple than we were just 7 days ago?
 
Were the hearts of the disciples any more shaken by the power of the Holy Spirit that came to them in the “…rush of a mighty wind” (Acts 2:2) on the Day of Pentecost, than were we, lifting our voices and hearts to raise Him with songs of joy and praise?
 
The answer is NO! Last Sunday was worship in Biblical proportions. We came close to the throne room of God and I am still in awe. Last Sunday was bigger and better than being GREAT at GRACE. It was Glory. It was Hallelujah. It was Jesus, high and lifted up. I will never be the same.