BE A MATTHEW

9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. Matthew 9:9-10


On October 13th, the church will be providing lunch and training for everyone interested in being a Matthew and hosting some friends in your home. My Hope America with Billy Graham. See the display to sign up today!

 

GOD"S PLAN

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

 God’s plan is what is best. It is a good plan. It may not seem like a good plan right now, but God’s plan is good. This apparent contradiction is where it gets confusing. A messy life is not always a fun life. Currently you may be experiencing heartache and hard times. His plan does not seem good in your current circumstance, but God is still good.

Perhaps your spouse has been unfaithful. God’s plan seems to have taken a detour down a road of disappointment. You lost your home. God’s plan seems wrong. You were asked to resign. God’s plan does not seem fair. Your health is withering away. God’s plan seems premature with its invitation for your homecoming. Every step you take, every choice you make, and every place you go seem to lead toward more confusion and chaos.

So how can God’s plan be good, prosperous, and not harmful? This is a fair question. To answer this question accurately and fairly, we need to consider God’s long-term plan. To walk wisely today requires a reminder of hope tomorrow. It is our future hope with God that inspires us to live for Him today. Wherever Jesus is, there hope resides. When we have Jesus, we have hope. Hope is heaven’s righteous rope that lifts us out of our despair. 

“Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for” (Job 6:8).

DEACON ORDINATION TESTIMONY

Sunday June 2nd, started out as a normal church day, but that changed quickly right after Sunday School. The day ended up being very special and one our class won't soon forget. Joe with Brenda by his side, was ordained as a Deacon of Grace Baptist Church. If you missed the service I have attached a video copy of his testimony for you to enjoy. It was an emotional event. One of the more touching moments came when Bill Ragan walked down front with his oxygen bottle in one hand and his cane in the other and waited in a long line of deacons for his turn to pray over them. If you wish to see the ordination in its entirety please go to the church website where you can view the complete Sunday service.

.

PLEASE CLICK ON PHOTO TO VIEW THE VIDEO

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR CLASS SPEAKER

 

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

THE GREATEST PROMISE EVER KEPT!

ARE YOU WILLING?

Are emotional reactions driving your decisions, or do you prayerfully process the facts clearly and objectively with wise input from others you trust? Do you need to give up something—your house, your car, your career, your travel, or your expectations? What is the Lord asking you to give up so that you can gain Him and His peace? Acceptance requires action.

Furthermore, some people require additional patience and grace to accept. Have others wronged you to the point that your resentment is blocking your acceptance of them? You may justify your rejection of them because of their rejection of you. For example, children and parents can let us down, devastating us, but Christians do not have the option of not accepting them for who they are. Love accepts even unworthy recipients.

Do you find yourself in a situation where you do not feel accepted—a new job, in-laws, a new school, a new city, a new relationship? You can stew in self-pity, or you can take the initiative to reach out to your rejectors. Kindness reaches out and rejects rejection. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly” (Proverbs 18:24 nkjv).

Above all, are you willing to accept God’s call on your life? When His will is uncomfortable and uncertain, will you still follow in trust? Start by accepting Christ by faith as your Savior and Lord, and then continue to accept His commands as evidence that you are His disciple. Acceptance of the Lord allows you to love Him and other people. Acceptance cannot continue alone but is accelerated and accompanied by the Almighty’s grace and love.

ARE YOU LIVING A LIFE WORTH JESUS DYING FOR???