One of the basic understandings among Baptists, and many other denominations, is that at some point a true and faithful follower of Jesus Christ will unite with a local body of believers of like faith and practice. We call it "joining the church" or "becoming a member." In some churches this is a very simple, almost instant process involving an immediate acknowledgement by the congregation that this person has come to join the congregation. For others it is a more lengthy, and sometimes multiphase, process. Classes may be required, doctrinal statements of the church and the potential member reviewed, and at last a formal vote of the congregation. In fact, you will find churches which fit almost any point between these informal and more formal membership systems.
A despondent man who was considering suicide contemplated every method that he knew. He could shoot himself, poison himself, hang himself, burn himself, or drown himself. This article is from SBC Life, February 2011.
I recently had the opportunity to see a wonderful Christmas drama called “Journey to the Manger” at Ocean View Baptist Church.
It was a full-on musical production filled with great songs, a terrific story and solid performances by the cast and choir. It also contained an important message for any Christmas, but especially this year’s holiday season: It’s not about the gifts.
You can read the current edition of SBC Life.
In April 2006, a man attempted to jump from the top of the Empire State Building.
At the last minute, security guards physically restrained him and New York City police charged him with first-degree reckless endangerment. A judge later dismissed the charges, noting that the man had taken steps to ensure the safety of others
On Yom Kippur, the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar, a big fish story is read in synagogues. As worshipers fast, confess their sins, and reflect on the words of Moses and Isaiah, they listen once again to the account of a catch and release that is so amazing no one would believe it if it wasn’t in the Bible.
Is it possible that followers of Christ have overstated the case for fulfilled prophecy?
The revival I long for
by Anne Graham Lotz
________________________________________
Could part of the answer lie, not in the pew, but in the pulpit? Could the answer lie with the leaders of God’s people who have not made the 18 inch drop from their heads to their hearts?
Anne Graham Lotz, author of I Saw the Lord: A Wake-Up
Call for Your Heart
________________________________________
I long for…
… the wind of his Spirit to breathe calmness
into the chaos of my life.
… the fullness of his wisdom to order the thoughts in my mind.
… the sufficiency of his strength to undergird
the weakness of my body.
… the abundance of his blessing to saturate
the poverty of my spirit.
… the joy of his will to give rich pleasure to my journey.
… the refuge of his arms to shield me from my fears.
… the gentleness of his touch to reawaken the feelings of my heart.
… the compassion of his heart to enfold me and hold me close.
I long to see Jesus … again.
I sure hope attendance at your church was better'n my church. Mercy, pastorin' ain't always easy, now is it? We had us a bunch of
sick folk, and them added to all the shut-ins made for a whole lot uh pew cushion to look at from the pulpit.
It is my only day off.” “There are too many hypocrites.” “It is my favorite team’s game day.” “Church is boring.” “I have no interest.” “All they talk about is money.” “They make me feel guilty.” “I’ve had bad experiences.”
