Showing posts with label Maine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maine. Show all posts
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Baptist History Tour 2012
All I can say is Wow! What a week. I had the opportunity to meet many new friends, fellow laborers for the cause of Christ. I had the opportunity to learn more about the Baptist history in the state of Maine than I ever thought possible. I had the opportunity to have my soul stirred. Here are the thoughts that are currently running through my head (in no specific order)
If Isaac Case would walk from Massachusets to Maine in January (cold enough to cross the Kennebec river on the ice)just to follow the leading of the Lord, what am I doing? I mean what am I truly doing? I have this blog, I have email, twitter, facebook, cars, planes, trains...... what am I doing? Elder Case is credited with helping plant over 300 churches in our region of the world, back in the days where you walked or rode a horse through the woods. What kind of devotion is that which would spur a man to such lengths to see the lost saved? Why am I not doing more?
If Daniel Merrill were willing to literally lose everything which he had worked for, (the biggest church in Maine, the love and adoration of his town, the security of his family), simply for doctrine, why am I sometimes hesitant to speak up when these issues are brought up? Elder Merrill studied the Scriptures and found that he must be a Baptist, for that is what the Bible teaches. Did he keep his new-found knowledge to himself? Not hardly. He preached a seven message series on Scriptural Baptism and, himself submitted to believers immersion, as the Scriptures command. For his bravery, the Lord allowed 65 others to follow, constituting the First Baptist Church of Sedgewick, Maine in 1805. His risk was for doctrine.... Where is that devotion to docrine today? Why is it that there is an increasingly bigger crowd advising to stretch grace to it's limits and decide "what doctrines we can live without"?
If George Dana Boardman was willing to say goodbye to his family until they would meet again in heaven, to see the people of Burma receive the gospel, why are we sometimes unwilling to simply spend a few hours knockng on doors in our own community?
If Adoniram Judson was willing to stay committed to the Lord's work in Burma despite burying two wives and six children on that foreign shore, why do we experience some minor financial setback and act like it's the end of the world?
These men all endured afflictions as good soldiers of Christ. We have no idea what kind of suffering these men went through to proclaim the gospel of Christ.
I must ask myself, as well as all others in the service of the Lord, is there a price that is too high to pay to serve the same God that gave us eternal life?
This week has challenged me in ways I thought not possible.
Servants of God, Baptist brethren, we must carry on with all we have. Will there be trials, yes. Will there be difficulties, yes. Serve God! Serve God! Serve God! With all we have!
I cannot begin to list the great people I had opportunity to fellowship with this week! I laughed, I cried, I shouted! Now it's time to get to work...
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Soul Food!
Wow! I have been fed this week! Yes, the eating has been good at Church Hill Baptist, but the spiritual food has been tremendous. Tonight Dr. Caudill preached a message "What Has God Called You To Do?" that was such a tremendous help and blessing to me. I am currently uploading it to our sermon.net site. You can listen at the bottom of this blog.
What a glory it is that God uses such unlikely people for His glory! People like Moses. People like Gideon. People like you and me! Glory! Hallelujah! Amen!
I personally needed to be reminded of that affirmation that it is not based on our talent, it is God working through us. The devil loves to whisper in our ears "you are a fake", "why would anybody ever follow you?", "you are going to fail", etc.... Well..... as I said, I am so glad that my success is not based on my talent, It's all Him! I can't pastor a church. I can't lead a congregation. I can't plan and organize and see churches planted out of my church, but I can be faithful and obedient to God and let Him do His work through me. If we are faithful and obedient, God will give us success! What a blessing! God is so good!
What a glory it is that God uses such unlikely people for His glory! People like Moses. People like Gideon. People like you and me! Glory! Hallelujah! Amen!
I personally needed to be reminded of that affirmation that it is not based on our talent, it is God working through us. The devil loves to whisper in our ears "you are a fake", "why would anybody ever follow you?", "you are going to fail", etc.... Well..... as I said, I am so glad that my success is not based on my talent, It's all Him! I can't pastor a church. I can't lead a congregation. I can't plan and organize and see churches planted out of my church, but I can be faithful and obedient to God and let Him do His work through me. If we are faithful and obedient, God will give us success! What a blessing! God is so good!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Missions Conference!
Praise the Lord! Missions conferenc 2011 has started! This year our theme is "Making a difference" from Jude 22. Last night we had our annual missions banquet. A good time was had by all. We had a chance to fellowship with the Brown family (church planters to Bozeman, Montana) and our guest preacher, Dr. Ron Caudill (and his wife Jo Ann). I am looking forward to all that the Lord is going to do this week. Remember, services on Monday-Wednesday at 7pm, with suppah' served from 6-6:45 pm.
Lets strive to "make a difference" this coming week!
Lets strive to "make a difference" this coming week!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Ashley's Poem
My Ashley is quite a little poet. Talk about getting a little misty...... wow! I don't know where she got that talent from, but it just shows what kind of a heart she has. God is good! (wiping tear away)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Declaration from the League of Principled Baptists
Independent, Church Planting, King James Bible Believing, Separated, Distinctive, Confrontational, and Militant
A Declaration
Whereas: Young Baptist preachers have become the targets of compromising Protestants and Fundamentalist-Evangelicals. And young Baptist preachers have been lured by money into meetings with the leaders of the so-called “emerging” and “emergent” church. And the independent Baptist leadership has been all but silent concerning the compromise and rampant worldliness of the “emerging” church. Additionally, the independent Baptist leadership has failed, after fair warning concerning Baptist history, heritage and church planting models, to inform young Baptist people of their legacy, or to warn them about the encroachment of the Reformed: We, declare a LINE IN THE SAND, a challenge to return to Baptist principles and models. We declare an empowerment of the 14,000 independent Baptist churches in this country. This group of churches could, if given the proper model, experience revival without compromising the standards of God’s word or embracing the so-called culture of this world.
Affirmations of the League of Principled Baptists
1. The King James Bible is the only rule for faith and practice and is sufficient for all cultural and ecclesiastical needs. It is both preserved and inspired. II Timothy 3:16
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
2. There should be a resurgence of Biblical preaching that centers on the Bible and proper use of the text. Preaching that is not determined by societal conditions or perceived “relevance.” II Timothy 4:2-4
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
3. We advocate a return to the Pastoral Epistles determining the ministry of a preacher, not leadership books, mega churches, and cultural survey results. I Timothy 3:15
-But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”
4. We advocate a return to the equipping and training of believers in the doctrines of the faith. I Timothy 4:6
, II Timothy 2:2
“2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
5. We advocate a re-setting of Baptist principles and doctrine above five fundamentals that diminish other doctrine. This includes ecclesiastical separation. I Timothy 1:3
“I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day” Titus 1:9
“9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
6. We renounce worldliness not as cultural, but as rebellion to God and His holiness. This would include areas of dress, music, attitude, and worship. I John 2:15
– 16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. I Peter 1:14
– 17 “1Pe 1:13
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” ITimothy 2:9
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” Colossians 2:8
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Col 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
7. We maintain that conviction and repentance have been and always will be a present in salvation. Matthew 3:1
, Luke 13:1
– 5 Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 20:21
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ”
8. We advocate a return to the Biblical Baptist model of church planting.
A Declaration
Whereas: Young Baptist preachers have become the targets of compromising Protestants and Fundamentalist-Evangelicals. And young Baptist preachers have been lured by money into meetings with the leaders of the so-called “emerging” and “emergent” church. And the independent Baptist leadership has been all but silent concerning the compromise and rampant worldliness of the “emerging” church. Additionally, the independent Baptist leadership has failed, after fair warning concerning Baptist history, heritage and church planting models, to inform young Baptist people of their legacy, or to warn them about the encroachment of the Reformed: We, declare a LINE IN THE SAND, a challenge to return to Baptist principles and models. We declare an empowerment of the 14,000 independent Baptist churches in this country. This group of churches could, if given the proper model, experience revival without compromising the standards of God’s word or embracing the so-called culture of this world.
Affirmations of the League of Principled Baptists
1. The King James Bible is the only rule for faith and practice and is sufficient for all cultural and ecclesiastical needs. It is both preserved and inspired. II Timothy 3:16
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
2. There should be a resurgence of Biblical preaching that centers on the Bible and proper use of the text. Preaching that is not determined by societal conditions or perceived “relevance.” II Timothy 4:2-4
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
3. We advocate a return to the Pastoral Epistles determining the ministry of a preacher, not leadership books, mega churches, and cultural survey results. I Timothy 3:15
-But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”
4. We advocate a return to the equipping and training of believers in the doctrines of the faith. I Timothy 4:6
, II Timothy 2:2
“2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
5. We advocate a re-setting of Baptist principles and doctrine above five fundamentals that diminish other doctrine. This includes ecclesiastical separation. I Timothy 1:3
“I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day” Titus 1:9
“9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
6. We renounce worldliness not as cultural, but as rebellion to God and His holiness. This would include areas of dress, music, attitude, and worship. I John 2:15
– 16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. I Peter 1:14
– 17 “1Pe 1:13
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” ITimothy 2:9
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” Colossians 2:8
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Col 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
7. We maintain that conviction and repentance have been and always will be a present in salvation. Matthew 3:1
, Luke 13:1
– 5 Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 20:21
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ”
8. We advocate a return to the Biblical Baptist model of church planting.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Big Announcement
We had a fantastic Sunday at Church Hill Baptist today. What a day! The Holy Spirit had full liberty and the saints were encouraged, equipped and exhorted! Amen!
So, the news is now "official". We are candidating at the Bryant Pond Baptist Church. Please pray for the Jones family as this is all at once a painful, joyous, exciting, nerve wracking event. I am excited to see what the Lord will do in the future. I know this.... God is moving in Maine and in New England and it is so awesome to be in the middle of it.
Please pray for Church Hill Baptist and my precious Pastor, James Wiley and his wonderful family. We love our church and we love our pastor and his family.
On another note, the Lord used this past week worth of Baptist History lessons to inspire me to put pen to paper much more. Actually it's not pen to paper, its fingers to keys, but you know what I mean. HOpefully you will see more postings here.
Well, God bless and thank you for your prayers!
So, the news is now "official". We are candidating at the Bryant Pond Baptist Church. Please pray for the Jones family as this is all at once a painful, joyous, exciting, nerve wracking event. I am excited to see what the Lord will do in the future. I know this.... God is moving in Maine and in New England and it is so awesome to be in the middle of it.
Please pray for Church Hill Baptist and my precious Pastor, James Wiley and his wonderful family. We love our church and we love our pastor and his family.
On another note, the Lord used this past week worth of Baptist History lessons to inspire me to put pen to paper much more. Actually it's not pen to paper, its fingers to keys, but you know what I mean. HOpefully you will see more postings here.
Well, God bless and thank you for your prayers!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Asking for prayers again
Please continue to pray for the Jones family. I will have more to write very soon, but for now, please pray for us! We appreciate the prayers more than you can ever know!
Friday, August 19, 2011
August update
I praise God for all He is doing in our lives! What a blessing it is to serve the Lord!
After a very busy July (and early August) we have slowed just a little bit. I have had the opportunity to do some guest preaching, which I have enjoyed greatly.
On July 10th and 17th I preached at Second Baptist Church in Palermo for brother Chuck Barnes. I just love to preach the Word of God!
August 14 we spent the day at the historic Bryant Pond Baptist Church in Bryant Pond, Maine. It was a fantastic day, with the Lord giving me full liberty in the pulpit. We had a great time with the Brother Cal Fuller and his wife Melba. What a wonderful, Godly couple they are.
Services at Church Hill Baptist Church have been awesome all summer (and I'm not just saying that because of the air conditioning!) The spirit has been great and the Lord has given much fruit this summer! Pastor Wiley has been preaching from the book of John on Sunday mornings, the book of Nehemiah on Sunday nights and the book of Exodus on Wednesday nights. During Sunday school I have been teaching through the book of Ecclesiastes. How great it is to be a member of a church that loves the Word of God this much!
Tonight (Friday August 19) we have our home school kickoff event. It seems early, but the Jones family has already started schooling for the year. Wow! Is it really almost September?
Wednesday August 24 Church Hill Baptist is hosting a training session for Amazing Grace Missions. Be at the church at 5pm for this important training for the Lichfield fair.
Saturday morning August 27 at 7:15 am we will be departing Church Hill Baptist for the town of Sedgewick. Be sure to have your 1805 garb on as we go to pose for a historic painting. In 1805 the Reverend Daniel Merrill, a congregationalist pastor in Sedgewick, submitted to believers baptism. He was followed by 64 church members. Thus was born the First Baptist Church of Sedgewick, Maine. I won't say any more than what I have already said, I don't want to give away any secrets, but it is an exciting opportunity to reenact this historic event.
That is all for now. Please continue to pray for the Jones family. We appreciate the prayers as God continues to move in mighty ways!
God is good all the time!
After a very busy July (and early August) we have slowed just a little bit. I have had the opportunity to do some guest preaching, which I have enjoyed greatly.
On July 10th and 17th I preached at Second Baptist Church in Palermo for brother Chuck Barnes. I just love to preach the Word of God!
August 14 we spent the day at the historic Bryant Pond Baptist Church in Bryant Pond, Maine. It was a fantastic day, with the Lord giving me full liberty in the pulpit. We had a great time with the Brother Cal Fuller and his wife Melba. What a wonderful, Godly couple they are.
Services at Church Hill Baptist Church have been awesome all summer (and I'm not just saying that because of the air conditioning!) The spirit has been great and the Lord has given much fruit this summer! Pastor Wiley has been preaching from the book of John on Sunday mornings, the book of Nehemiah on Sunday nights and the book of Exodus on Wednesday nights. During Sunday school I have been teaching through the book of Ecclesiastes. How great it is to be a member of a church that loves the Word of God this much!
Tonight (Friday August 19) we have our home school kickoff event. It seems early, but the Jones family has already started schooling for the year. Wow! Is it really almost September?
Wednesday August 24 Church Hill Baptist is hosting a training session for Amazing Grace Missions. Be at the church at 5pm for this important training for the Lichfield fair.
Saturday morning August 27 at 7:15 am we will be departing Church Hill Baptist for the town of Sedgewick. Be sure to have your 1805 garb on as we go to pose for a historic painting. In 1805 the Reverend Daniel Merrill, a congregationalist pastor in Sedgewick, submitted to believers baptism. He was followed by 64 church members. Thus was born the First Baptist Church of Sedgewick, Maine. I won't say any more than what I have already said, I don't want to give away any secrets, but it is an exciting opportunity to reenact this historic event.
That is all for now. Please continue to pray for the Jones family. We appreciate the prayers as God continues to move in mighty ways!
God is good all the time!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The burden for Maine ......
Amos 8:11 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD"
With one stroke of the pen our Governor John Baldacci signed "Same Sex Marriage" into law. I have felt many emotions on this. Anger, disappointment, sadness ....... all valid emotions. The Lord, however, led me to believe we must put these feelings aside. After all, we can not get mad at a lost person for supporting sin. Isn't that what you do when you are lost? We must get angry at sin, but to be angry at a sinner that sins is like getting angry at a skunk for stinking. The real anger, disappointment, sadness all needs to be pointed at the churches of the state. It is the lack of Bible preaching that is missing in all corners of the state that is leaving the doors open for all kinds of immorality and sins. We are currently living in a famine like the one in Amos 8:11. The Word of God is not being brought forth enough! Oh, that more Men of God would step forward to boldly proclaim the truths of the Word of God! We need to get Mainers saved and into good, solid Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches.
There is much work to be done but we can not let ourselves get into a "spiritual rock kicking session". I can say that between Church Hill Baptist Church of Augusta and Calvary Baptist Church of Sanford, there are several families going forth to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the state of Maine. We have the Pelkey family in the Benton / Unity area, the Schoppee family on the island of Ilesboro, and the Morrison family in Rumford. In addition the Lovelace family and the Colburn family will be planting churches in Lewiston and Rockland, respectively. The Lord is moving in Maine right now! Things may look bleak, but God's word will not return void!
I have a deep burden for Maine. We are in a spiritual famine right now but God is moving here! We MUST bring the Word of God back to preeminence in Maine! Who's with me?
With one stroke of the pen our Governor John Baldacci signed "Same Sex Marriage" into law. I have felt many emotions on this. Anger, disappointment, sadness ....... all valid emotions. The Lord, however, led me to believe we must put these feelings aside. After all, we can not get mad at a lost person for supporting sin. Isn't that what you do when you are lost? We must get angry at sin, but to be angry at a sinner that sins is like getting angry at a skunk for stinking. The real anger, disappointment, sadness all needs to be pointed at the churches of the state. It is the lack of Bible preaching that is missing in all corners of the state that is leaving the doors open for all kinds of immorality and sins. We are currently living in a famine like the one in Amos 8:11. The Word of God is not being brought forth enough! Oh, that more Men of God would step forward to boldly proclaim the truths of the Word of God! We need to get Mainers saved and into good, solid Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches.
There is much work to be done but we can not let ourselves get into a "spiritual rock kicking session". I can say that between Church Hill Baptist Church of Augusta and Calvary Baptist Church of Sanford, there are several families going forth to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the state of Maine. We have the Pelkey family in the Benton / Unity area, the Schoppee family on the island of Ilesboro, and the Morrison family in Rumford. In addition the Lovelace family and the Colburn family will be planting churches in Lewiston and Rockland, respectively. The Lord is moving in Maine right now! Things may look bleak, but God's word will not return void!
I have a deep burden for Maine. We are in a spiritual famine right now but God is moving here! We MUST bring the Word of God back to preeminence in Maine! Who's with me?