George Washington the Baptist.

Here is a painting depicting Pastor John Gano, a Baptist pastor from New Jersey, baptising George Washington.

Off to a good start!

I praise the Lord for all He has done! What a great Lords day on Sunday! On Sunday morning at the Barters Island Baptist Church I preached on being a church that loves the preaching of the Word of God. In this day and age many "churches" are replacing preaching with teaching. Oh, they may have slick looking power point presentations but in 1 Corinthians 1 we read "it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe". Effective presentations do not bring conviction. Effective communication is great in many ways, but it is no replacement for the preaching of the Word of God!

After the morning service my family and I drove back home to eat lunch with my precious pastor and his family. What a time of fun, food (mmmmmmmm...... taco ring), and fellowship. What a joy to serve the Lord with my friend, mentor, pastor.

In the evening service at BIBC I preached on the God shaped hole from Ecclesiastes 2. Do you know that even someone who is saved can experience a God shaped hole in their life? It is true, Solomon experienced it and he looked for many earthly pleasures to fill that hole and it was all vanity.....

On Monday I had the pleasure of my wife accompanying me on my bread run. What a great day of fellowship over a truckload of Pepperidge Farm bread.

Today so far the Lord has given me a "pc" message for Sunday morning. I can't wait to preach it and no..... I am not talking about politically correct! I look forward to working alongside my pastor today. God is good! What a start to 2011!

Looking back.....

What a year 2010 was for my family and I! One year ago I had just finished my toughest Christmas at Walmart yet. I knew that God had called me to the ministry, but it seemed that it would not happen any time soon. It seemed that there was no light at the "end of the tunnel". Well.... God has truly moved in our lives! He opened a door that I did not think existed. It was a tough transition to Associate Pastor / breadman, but very worth it. Here are just a few ministry highlights:

Seeing many souls saved at Church Hill Baptist and other locations. One soul saved is something great to shout about, but seeing dozens saved (and having opportunity to lead some myself) is worthy of having a "Bapticostal Fit"! Glory to God!

The chance to preach multiple times at Church Hill Baptist, Bible Baptist in Unity, Tri-Town Baptist in East Millinocket, and Barter's Island Baptist Church in Trevett.

Participating in the filming of a Baptist History documetary "Drops of Morning Dew" produced by Pastor Ryan McGuire from Bluestone Baptist Church in Clarksville, Virginia.

Found out that I have two Baptist preachers in my lineage. The church that I attended in my youth was once pastored by George Jenkins, my great-great-great grandfather. The Rev. Nathaniel Jenkins was also a famous Baptist from the late 1600s to mid 1700s in New Jersey.

Witnessing the chartering service of Bible Baptist Church in Unity, Maine! What a blessed event!

Celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Church Hill Baptist!

Paricipating in the first classes ever offered at Heritage Baptist Bible College!

Getting the chance to work with my best friend and mentor, Pastor James Wiley.

Getting to know some of the great men of God from around the corner and around the country.

Seeing God's hand provide in ways that we would never expect. My church family at Church Hill Baptist deserve a special shout out for the generosity. Wow! From the "pounding" to the Bible and gift cards to the money gift.... Thank you soooo much.

Hearing great preaching from Pastor James Wiley, Pastor Todd Bell, Pastor Ron Caudill, Pastor Cal Fuller, Pastor Scott Caudle, Pastor Jeff Faggart, Pastor Ryan McGuire, Pastor Carl Barnard, Pastor Nathan Pelkey, Pastor Josh Lovelace, Brother Michael Britt, Brother Gary Partridge...... If I missed someone, please let me know!

What a blessing it is serve the Lord of Lords and King of Kings! 2010 was a great year.... I can't wait to see what 2011 holds!

Merry Christmas from the Jones family!

December 15, 2010

I can not believe that it is only 10 days from Christmas. Wow, how the year has flown by. I look back on the last number of Christmas seasons and reflect on how good God has been to the Jones family. Last year at this time I was co manager of the busiest Walmart store in the northeast USA. I was totally ready for Christmas to be over. I tried very hard to ensure that I was mentally and spiritually "there" for my family when I needed to be, but that was a rare moment in the Christmas season at Walmart. This year we are celebrating. I am actually home much more than I have been in many years. We may not have as many gifts under the tree as years past, but even the kids have said that they are just happy to have me home more. I know that seems like a very carnal reason to shout about, but God intends fathers to be a vital part of the family life. I praise God that He has allowed me to get to know my family again!
I have had opportunity to preach for the last three weeks at the Barter's Island Baptist Church. What a blessing that has been for me as God has allowed me to preach a couple of sermon series. Usually when I am preaching it is for a "one time deal" to fill in. I praise the LORD for all opportunities to open up my King James Bible and preach, but it has been very exciting to preach through books and topics. Please pray for the Jones family as we minister to the folks at Barter's Island Baptist Church and Church Hill Baptist Church. The next few weeks will be important weeks for the Jones family as we seek the Lord's will.
Can I just ask you one question: what are you planning to do for your pastor this Christmas season? Just think of what an encouragement just a card with an encouraging note would be.