On the Word

FBC Carthage E-News for January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T09:36:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

January 23, 2012

Good morning,

It is a beautiful morning in Tennessee, following the bad storm that passed through in the night. It reminds me of the storms and how fierce they can be, especially in the darkness of the night. Then comes the morning, the sun is shining, and the Lord reassures us that He is near. Psalm 30 has been a favorite scripture of mine since a dark and stormy time in my life. One of the familiar passages in this psalm says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” I am thankful that the storms pass. I am thankful that the morning dawns. I am thankful that the sun (Son) shines.

Thank you for the great response to the “Baby Bottle” offering for the Pregnancy Help Center. This center, located at 108 College Avenue West, provides resources and training for ladies during and after their pregnancy. The center shares the sanctity of life with abortion-minded clients, helping them to see their unborn baby as a living human being and choose life. Each lady is also presented the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the transformation He will make in their lives. The center also works with the Youth Resource Network in sharing the message of abstinence in the county schools. If you would like to tour the center or inquire about serving as a volunteer, stop by and meet the Director, Debbie Bernal, on Mondays or Wednesdays from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Thanks again for making a difference in the lives of mothers, children, and families.

If you have not brought your baby bottles, you can drop them off at the church office or take them directly to the Pregnancy Help Center. That would be a good reason to stop by and see the ministry.

This is a great day to celebrate life, physical life and spiritual life.

Have a great week,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:

1. A special breakfast reception will be held in honor of Mrs. Helen McCall this Sunday, January 29 at 9:00 AM in the Christian Life Center. Mrs. Helen and her late husband, Ray McCall, have been very involved in our congregation over the past 20+ years, especially during the time Bro. Ray served as our Interim Pastor. Everyone is invited to this reception and the Sunday School classes are coordinating the breakfast refreshments.

2. We will observe the Lord’s Supper during both morning services this Sunday, January 29.

3. Ladies - Women on Mission will meet this Wednesday night, January 25th, at 5:30 PM. Please make plans to join us in Jim Broyles' Sunday School classroom. We have several mission opportunities to discuss (nursing home service, reaching out to our association's missionaries' kid, helping with a missionary home that's being built in Mt. Juliet) and we'll also take time during the meeting to pray for our missionaries by name. Please don't miss this opportunity to serve God with other sisters in Christ.

4. Plans are well underway for the “We Love Smith County Day” on Saturday, February 11. Projects are being planned and coordinated through the Sunday School classes for us to go into the community and express compassion through service. We will meet in the CLC at 8:00 AM for a time of prayer, organization, and training. We will have gospel tracts for every person to share as the Lord gives opportunity. Part of our training will be “How To” share the tract.

5. Donny Coulter, North American Mission Board missionary to the First Nations People group of Canada will be with us Sunday, February 5 in the morning services. Donny is our missionary contact in Canada to the Inuit people. He will share opportunities for our church to work with him and his ministry through his First Nations Camp. After the morning services, we will have lunch together at the Walton Hotel with Donny. You are invited to come and join us for lunch and learn about more of these opportunities.

6. “Unforgettable” will be the theme for our special “Couples’ Date Night” Dinner on Friday, February 10 at 6:00 PM in the Christian Life Center. The cost of the dinner will be $20 per couple, which includes a 5x7 photo. Child care will be provided for the evening. If you would like to help with the planning and preparation, contact Lynn Sharenberger or call the church office at 735-1929.

7. During Super Bowl Sunday night, February 5, we will have evening worship service at 6:00 PM. After the service, we will have a time of fellowship in the Christian Life Center and watch the last of the game.

8. Here are two funnies from our friend Bro. Billie Friel:

A pastor and a bus driver went to heaven. The bus driver got a big beautiful mansion with large rooms. The preacher got only a one-room bungalow. So, the pastor went to St. Peter and said, "How come I got a very small place and the bus driver got that beautiful house? I've preached the good news all my life!" St. Peter replied, "When you preached, the people fell asleep. When the bus driver drove his bus, people prayed!" Ha! I've had people converted in my car, too!

The preacher's small congregation generally sat in the back pews. This Sunday he was delighted to see a stranger sitting in the front pew. When the service ended, the minister asked him why he'd sat in the front. "I'm a bus driver," the stranger explained, "and I came to learn how you get people to move to the rear!"

9. Here is a Focus on the Family video shown last week during an NFL football game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5beoRa_HR8o&sns=em

FBC Carthage E-News for January 16, 2012

2012-01-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

January 16, 2012

Good morning,

Many of you have a holiday or are out of school today for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Across America people are remembering this minister of the gospel and his passionate stand for equal treatment of all peoples.

As I read the Bible reading for today in Genesis, I was reminded that we are all from the same family. We trace out common ancestry back to Adam and Eve, and then in Genesis 6-9 we are reminded that only Noah and his three sons and their wives were saved through the flood. Paul writes in Acts 17:26, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth.” John records Jesus’ words, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”

In Revelation 5:9 we read, “And they sang a new song (to Jesus), saying: “ You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” We began from one couple, survived the destruction of the earth through one family, and will one day stand and praise Jesus as one people.

This would be a good day to sing the song we learned as children:
Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white, They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

During this Year of Compassion, may we learn and practice the expression of Jesus’ love to all people. As He has loved us, we ought to also love one another.

Be compassionate to others,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. We welcome Tim, Heather, and Hailey Wilmore to FBC Carthage as new members. They came yesterday on the promise of their church membership letter. Tim is the son of Dewayne and Carol Wilmore.

2. Yesterday, we reported the exciting news of a possible contact for our partnership in Nunavut. Donny Coulter, NAMB missionary to the First Nations peoples shared that Alec Sunrise, a strong believer in Jesus from the Northwest Territory could possibly be our contact with the Inuit. It was mistakenly reported that he was moving to Nunavut. He is planning mission trips into the area at the present time. Be praying for Alec and his connection to FBC Carthage in the months ahead. Be praying for the Inuit and for the Lord to open a door or witness into that land. For more information on the Inuit, click on the links below:

General Information
http://www.ih.k12.oh.us/ps/inuit/maininuit.htm

Mission Report from Dr. David Sills
http://www.reachingandteaching.org/downloads/NunavutIqaluit.pdf

Additional Information from Dr. David Sills
http://ontheword.blogspot.com/2011/02/mission-research-of-inuit-people-of.html

3. Speaking of the Inuit people and our partnership, North American Mission Board Missionary Donny Coulter will be with us Sunday, February 5 in the morning services. Donny is our missionary contact in Canada to the Inuit people. He will share opportunities for our church to work with him and his ministry through his First Nations Camp. After the morning services, we will have lunch together at the Walton Hotel with Donny. You are welcome to come and join us for lunch and learn more of these opportunities.

4. The Youth Winter Retreat was a great experience this weekend. The group of seventy will be traveling back today. In addition to great fun on the ski/tube slopes, the worship sessions were very powerful with many decisions being made by students and adults. Pray for the Lord to use this event as a launching pad to our greatest year of ministry to the students of Smith County.

5. This Sunday, January 22 will be our Sanctity of Life Sunday. Continue to fill your baby bottles and bring them with you this Sunday for the Smith County Pregnancy Resource Center.

6. Following the Sunday evening services on January 22, we will have a time of fellowship together in the Christian Life Center. Bring some finger-food and we will enjoy a time to sit, talk, and share together.

7. All couples are invited to the special “Date Night” Dinner on Friday, February 10 at 6:00 PM in the Christian Life Center. Child care will be provided for the evening. We are in the process of arranging for catering for the meal. The cost for the evening will be shared next week after the meal is determined.

8. Sunday School classes are asked to select a project for the “We Love Smith County” Day on Saturday, February 11. We will meet together at 8:00 AM in the Christian Life Center and go out as classes for the work. If you are not in Sunday School you are invited to come and join in one of the projects for the day.

9. Yesterday, in the message, we discussed sowing the seed of the gospel and mentioned a couple of ways to share (tracts, testimony, Four Spiritual Laws). Here is a great web site that has several online tracts and presentations of the gospel. You may want to pass one of these on to a lost or unchurched friend:

http://www.thegoodnews.org/

FBC Carthage E-News for January 9, 2012

2012-01-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

January 9, 2012

Good morning,

Thank you for your prayers for me last week as I took Jill, our older daughter, to Texas A&M. It was a great trip, with the exception that I had to leave her in Texas. On Friday, I helped Sara, our younger daughter, move back into her dorm at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The house is too quite again.

Speaking of students, this is a big week for many of them as classes begin and they start their Spring semester. We are blessed with many students at FBC Carthage. Let’s remember to pray for them in their studies and their Christian walk while at school. This would be a great week to take a moment and write a note to a student. These notes from home are an encouragement to the students.

This is also a big week for the youth as they prepare for their Winter Ski Retreat this weekend. They will leave on Saturday for Perfect North and return on Monday. In addition to the times of skiing and tubing, they will be led in worship by a guest worship band and guest speaker, Pastor Shawn Peoples who is planting a new church in Hawaii. Pray for God to stir in the hearts of our youth on this special trip.

I want to celebrate again the great offering given this year from the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. Our goal this year was $11,500 and we have received over $13,800! As this offering goes into the mission fields of the world, may the peoples of the nations hear and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed week,
Bro. Tim

Here is the news for the week:
1. All adults 55 and over are invited for a covered dish luncheon this Tuesday, January 10 at 11:30 AM in the Christian Life Center. We will enjoy a great meal, good fellowship, and discuss plans for a year of programs, trips, and missions for the senior adults. Invite someone to come along with you.

2. The January business meeting will be held this Wednesday, January 11 at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary.

3. Continue to collect your coins and bills for the Baby Bottles for the Pregnancy Help Center. Two filled bottles have already been returned for the Center. Plan to bring your filled bottles to church by Sunday, January 22 which will be Sanctity of Life Sunday.

4. I remind you of the special invitation we have from the Carthage United Methodist Church to join them for an afternoon with Southern Baptist pastor and missionary, Dr. Rev. Raouf Ghattas on January 15 at 3:00 pm in their Fellowship Hall/CLC. He will be talking about Christians in the Middle East, life under Islamic Law & reaching out to Muslims for Christ. This event is open to everyone. A time of question and answers will follow the presentation and refreshments will be served!

Rev. Ghattas was born in Cairo, Egypt & immigrated to the US in 1975. Although he was originally a structural engineer in the nuclear field, he found his true calling in the church. He earned a M.Div & Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Rev. Ghattas has been a Church Planter/Evangelist for the International Mission Board, SBC since 1991 & served in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Egypt. He has travelled to over 30 countries as a trainer/teacher in Muslim evangelism. He lives in Murfreesboro with his wife, Carol, and two teenage sons.

5. Speaking of missionaries, Donny Coulter, missionary in Canada with the First Nations Peoples, will be with us in both morning services on Sunday, January 29. Donny is our contact in praying for and one day working with Inuit people. He will bring the morning messages and share opportunities we have to serve with the Canadian First Peoples (Native Americans) this Summer. He has four weeks of camps for the First Nations’ children during July and has invited us to bring a team to prepare meals and serve as counselors for one of the weeks. He will also share the opportunity for older High School and College students to serve as counselors for the Summer.

6. The January after-church fellowship has been rescheduled to Sunday night, January 22. We will have finger foods and a time to spend in fellowship together.

7. The 2012 We Love Smith County Day for local ministry and mission projects will be Saturday, February 11. All Sunday School classes are asked to select a project to do on that day. Projects could be helping an individual, a community project, or other ministry in Smith County. Please select a project by January 22. Teachers, please coordinate your projects with Bro. Tim. Classes can work together on the same projects.

8. A Couple’s Valentine Dinner will be held on Saturday, February 11 in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 PM. Sign-up and cost information will be at the Connection Point this Sunday.

9. With 2012 being the Year of Compassion, here is a great story of compassion of two Nashville brothers: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=K67LPGNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=01/09/2012

FBC Carthage E-News for January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!

There is an excitement in the air as we begin a new year. The excitement is from the opportunities that await us in the New Year; opportunities to minister and care, opportunities to share the gospel, opportunities to grow closer in our walk with Jesus Christ.
2012 is designated as the year of compassion as we emphasize the third phrase in our mission statement: “Exalt Christ, Establish Connections, Express Compassion.” In each area of our ministry, let’s seek ways to express the compassion of Jesus Christ in word and deed. As you reach out to others, be sure and allow your acts of compassion to become opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus. There is nothing more compassionate than sharing the hope of Jesus with a person who is lost. In fact, I encourage each Christian to ask the Lord to allow them to see at least one person come to salvation this year through their witness. That will make 2012 a year to remember.

I remind the Sunday School classes of the challenge of having at least one ministry project each quarter. Teachers, you and the class members are to prayerfully select the project, coordinate the details, and see it through.

Everyone is asked to mark Saturday, February 11 on their calendar for our “We Love Smith County Day.” Last year was a great day of ministry and local missions through the work of the classes.

Before we go to the news, a special “thanks” goes to everyone who participated in the mission trip to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home. The two day project saw a lot of work done to one cottage, a wash building, and the Children’s Home grounds.

Have a blessed New Year as you serve others in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for this week:
1. With the New Year comes a renewed emphasis on reading the Bible through. If you are still in the process from last year, keep going. A unique reading plan was handed out Sunday which divides the readings through the week by major sections of the Bible. Copies of the Reading Plan are available at the Connection Point, in the Church Office, and online at: http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.html

2. This past Sunday also began our Baby Bottle Campaign, collecting change for the Pregnancy Help Center of Smith County. The Center is located at 108 College Avenue West and is opened Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00AM – 4:00 PM. Collect your change for his important ministry in our community. We will collect the baby bottles on Sunday, January 22 which is the Sanctity of Life Sunday. For more information on the Pregnancy Help Center, log onto http://www.phcsmithcounty.org/.

3. The Spring semester of AWANA begins Sunday, January 8 at 5:30 PM in the Christian Life Center. AWANA is a Bible-centered ministry for children, ages 3 through high school. I encourage all parents to bring your children to this exciting discipleship program. Invite your neighborhood children to join in the fun of AWANA.

4. Speaking of Sunday nights, our evening worship services for adults will focus on our basic beliefs as Baptists. It is important to know what we believe and where in the Bible we base those beliefs. Evening worship begins at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary.

5. Senior Adults, we will have a ministry planning luncheon on Tuesday, January 10 at 11:30 AM in the Christian Life Center. Bring a covered dish and ministry/program ideas as we plan the year of Senior Adult ministry.

6. The January church business meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11 at 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary.

7. Be praying for the 2012 Youth Ski Retreat, January 14-16. There are over 70 persons going on this year’s retreat to Perfect North, Indiana. Shawn Peoples, a church-planter to Hawaii, will be the guest speaker.

8. The Carthage United Methodist Church has invited us to a special event: The CUMC Witness Committee is hosting an afternoon with Dr. Rev. Raouf Ghattas on January 15 at 3:00 pm in our CLC. He will be talking about Christians in the Middle East, life under Islamic Law & reaching out to Muslims for Christ. This event is open to everyone & we are hopeful to get a large turnout to hear him talk, a Q&A session will follow - our course refreshments will be served!

Rev. Ghattas was born in Cairo, Egypt & immigrated to the US in 1975. Although he was originally a structural engineer in the nuclear field, he found his true calling in the church. He earned a M.Div & Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Rev. Ghattas has been a Church Planter/Evangelist for the International Mission Board, SBC since 1991 & served in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Egypt. He has travelled to over 30 countries as a trainer/teacher in Muslim evangelism. He lives in Murfreesboro with his wife, Carol, and two teenage sons.

9. The deacons will meet Sunday, January 8 at 5:00 PM.

10. Listed below is a link to the Southern Baptist Call to Prayer for our nation and our world. Take a look at the emphasis videos and the challenge to pray for the lost to be saved: http://www.namb.net/sbccalltoprayer/

11. Here is an interesting news article e-mailed to me and tagged “Stand Up for Jesus”. It shares the stand Tim Tebow is taking for his outward expressions of faith as a player for the NFL:
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/12/12/why-are-anti-christian-bigots-so-eager-to-prey-on-tim-tebow/

FBC Carthage E-News for December 27, 2011

2011-12-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

December 27, 2011

Good Tuesday Morning,

This has been a great Christmas season, filled with celebration, awe, and wonder at the remembrance of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether you spent the day surrounded by family or quietly by yourself, I trust your focus was on Jesus and all He means to you.

As we move from this season into a new year, may we carry that same focus and commitment as we minister and share the hope we have in Jesus. I call each one to a year of compassion during 2012. Jesus came to love and care for those around Him. May we do the same. This year, reach out in the name of Jesus to those in our community who need a friend. Throughout this year, we will have opportunities to reach out to people outside our community through missions. Let this be the year you become involved in missions and ministry.

I want to say a special “Thank-You” to all who led us in worship during the Christmas services. The readings, special music, drama, videos, singing, etc. blessed my heart and centered my attention on Jesus.

I also want to thank the church and each family for the Christmas cards, gifts, and honorarium.

It was good to see Sam Smith in the service Sunday. Sam is a student at the Southwestern Theological Seminary in Forth Worth, Texas. Pray for Sam as he continues his studies in preparation for missions and ministry.

During the holidays, it is good to see all our college and university students. Say an encouraging word to them as you see them back at FBC Carthage. I am very proud and thankful for the faithfulness of our students as they continue to grow in their relationship to Jesus Christ. Let’s pray for them as they look toward a new semester in school.

Have a wonderful finish to 2011 and a great beginning to 2012.
See you Sunday,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for this week:

1. We will have Wednesday night service and activities this week, December 28.

2. This Sunday we will have Sunday School at 9:30 AM and one morning service at 10:45 AM. We will also have the 6:00 PM service as we begin the new year.

3. Speaking of services, we will begin offering Children’s Church during the 8:00 AM service on January 8. Children, ages 4 thru 1st grade, will be dismissed to Children’s Church from the Sanctuary before the morning message.

4. The Mission Trip to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home in Brentwood will be this Thursday and Friday, December 29-30. We will do some painting and projects in the cottages and rake leaves, weather permitting. Bring a paint brush, leaf rake and a leaf blower, if you have them.

5. This Sunday, January 1 will begin a special emphasis on the Sanctity of Life. We value human life and consider it as a sacred gift from God. We will distribute baby bottles as a reminder of the precious life of the babies and to collect a special offering for the Smith County Pregnancy Help Center. The Center opened this year and has had several ladies come for help and encouragement during their pregnancy and raising their babies. Sunday, January 22 will be our Sanctity of Life Sunday and we will bring our filled baby bottles on that day.

6. As we focus on life during the month of January, it is also time to make or review our wills. A will is an important part of every person’s life, whether young or older. A will reflects your care and concern for the well being of your family. In addition to financial assets, a will gives direction for the care of children, final wishes, and charitable contributions. One of the best times to make a will is when you are young, strong, and healthy. If you have a will, take a few minutes this month to review it.

7. Read the Bible through in 2012. We will have reading guides this Sunday for you to start your journey through the Bible during this new year. For some, this has become a yearly journey. For some, this may be your first trip. The Bible, God’s Word, is written for us to read, study, and apply.

FBC Carthage E-News for December 19, 2011

2011-12-19T18:30:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

December 19, 2011

Merry Christmas,

It is hard to imagine that this is Christmas week. The anticipation and celebration has pointed to this week and to Christmas Sunday. As you and your family gather for great meals and the exchanging of gifts, remember to keep the focus on Jesus and His birth. Sing some carols, read the Christmas story (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2); and share what Christmas means to you.

A special thank you goes to all who worked long and hard to set-up and prepare for the Christmas Celebration service at the high school. It is always a blessing to be able to join together for one combined service at Christmas and Easter.

Our annual Christmas Eve Service will be held this Saturday at 5:30 PM in the Sanctuary. This reflective service will focus on Jesus through carols, communion, and candle lighting. Bring your family to this remembrance Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.

On Christmas Sunday we will have one service at 10:00 AM in the church sanctuary. Take an hour out of your Christmas morning to join together to worship the new born King.

As your Pastor, let me take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. It is an honor to serve with you at FBC Carthage. This has been a great year of missions and ministry. I am looking forward to the New Year, 2012 and our emphasis on “The Year of Compassion.” Have a wonderful week and a joyous celebration of the Lord’s birth. It is all about Jesus.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:

1. There is still time for you to sign-up and be a part of the Mission Project to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home on December 29 & 30. You can sign up at the Connection Point on Wednesday night, Friday, or Sunday. You can also send an e-mail to tfrank@fbccarthage.com or call the church office at 735-1929. We will be painting in the homes and traveling back to Carthage each evening.

2. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions has received a total of $8,997.50. The special missions offering received Sunday was a total of $7,773.00 with $6,503.50 going toward the Lottie Moon Offering and $1,263.50 going toward the local mission work through the Smith County Help Center. The Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions will continue to be received through Sunday, January 1, 2012 as we move toward and surpass the goal of $11,500.

3. During the next two weeks, the church office will be closed for the holidays on December 23, 26 and January 2.

4. As you get your 2012 calendars, here some preliminary church dates to pencil in:
January 14-16 Youth Ski Trip
8 AWANA Begins for Spring Semester
15 After-church Fellowship
21 Youth Sports Fellowship
22 Sanctity of Life Sunday
February 11 We Love Smith County Day
Couples Valentine Dinner
17-19 Youth Disciple Now Weekend
March 4-9 Revival by the River
9-10 Youth Evangelism Conference, Nashville
18 After-church Fellowship
April 8 Easter / Resurrection Sunday
15 After-Church Fellowship
May 6 Last Day of AWANA Spring Semester
21-24 Kid’s Camp
27 Memorial Day Picnic
31 Mission Team to Naples, Italy
June 10-15 Vacation Bible School
21-23 Youth Music Camp
27 Mission Team leaves for Mission Montana
July 1 Church Picnic
2-7 Youth Camp
9 Mission Team leaves for Miss. River Ministry
16 Mission Team leaves for Mission Hawaii
20 Smith County Fair Begins

5. Thank you for the many great Christmas videos sent over the past several weeks. Here are two links I believe you will enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=OExXItDyWEY&vq=medium

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=99F1MFNU

FBC Carthage E-News for December 5, 2011

2011-12-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

December 5, 2011

Good morning,

The Children’s Choir program last night was a great blessing. The children presented a musical entitled, “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen” which portrayed Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. I really liked the program in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks to all who brought finger-food for the refreshments. A special thanks to Amy Broyles and all the Children Choir workers who worked so hard to bring the program together.

The month of December is filled with special services and activities in celebration of Jesus’ birth. This week is the Toyland for needy families at the Smith County Help Center. If you have not brought your gift, you can drop it off at the church office or take it by the Help Center on Main Street by Wednesday.

This Sunday night, December 11 will be our caroling and Christmas services with the homebound members of our church. We will meet at 5:00 PM in the Sanctuary and form ministry groups to go to the different homes. The youth will be coming around and caroling for the people. This is a service for us to reach out to those unable to attend and let them know we love them.

I remind everyone of the special Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 18 at 10:00 AM at the Smith County High School Auditorium. Invite your family and friends for this service of worship and praise.

On Sunday evening, December 18, the Heart Strings Harp Ensemble will present a Christmas service at 6:00 PM.

Our annual Christmas Eve service will begin at 5:30 PM and will include carols, the observance of the Lord’s Supper, and a candle-lighting service. Bring your family for this meaningful reflection on the birth of Christ, the Light of the world.

The Christmas Morning Service on December 25 will be held at 10:00 AM in the church sanctuary. The deacons and Church Council discussed the time for this service and felt it would be best to have it at 10:00 AM. Please note that both special services, December 18 and 25 will begin at 10:00 AM.

This is going to be a wonderful month of special services. Prepare your heart for the celebration of Jesus. It is all about Him.

Have a blessed week,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. The Lighthouse Christmas Party for boys will be held this Saturday, December 10 at the Lighthouse Christian Camp in Smithville. If you can go and help this Saturday, please contact Bro. Tim at the church 735-1929. We are lining up transportation for the boys from Smith County in the church van.

2. Speaking of Christmas Parties, the Children’s Choir will have their Christmas Party this Wednesday night, December 7 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Happy J’s Skating Rink. Parents, please bring the children directly to Happy J’s on Highway 25 in Tanglewood.

3. During the Wednesday prayer time and Bible study for adults, we will be focusing on International missions in the sanctuary. This is the Week of Prayer for International Mission as we remember the 5000+ missionaries of the International Mission Board. Our offerings through the Lottie Moon Offering go directly for the mission work in more than 130 countries around the world. Our church goal this year is $11,500. This offering is our gift to Jesus on His birthday. Through this offering, thousands of people will hear and receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ in this coming year. May we each give generously so others can hear the good news.

4. Due to the special mission study this Wednesday night we will move the business meeting to next week, December 14.

5. Sign-up has begun for the two-day Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home Mission Project on December 29-30. We will drive back and forth each day. The work will be primarily painting in two of the residence cottages. You can be a part of this project by signing up at the Connection Point, in your Sunday School class, or send an e-mail reply to the church office. There is no cost for this project, simply be a part of the team.

6. All Senior Adults, 60+ are invited to a covered dish Christmas luncheon next Tuesday, December 13 at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We will have a delicious luncheon, great fellowship, and a special Christmas program. Invite others to attend the luncheon with you.

7. During the Christmas season, the church office will be closed on Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26.

8. Here is a beautiful Christmas carol by the group Casting Crowns that reminds us that “Christmas Is Peace.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7670CXvPX0

FBC Carthage E-News for November 28, 2011

2011-11-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

November 28, 2011

Good Rainy Monday,

It may be raining outside, but I am feeling the cheer of the Christmas season on the inside. Yesterday began the Christmas services at FBC Carthage and they were great services. Last night’s “Hanging of the Greens” service was a great way to begin the special Sunday nights of Christmas. I want to say “Thank You” to everyone who participated. The classes all did a wonderful job in presenting the special service and decorating the sanctuary. It looks beautiful. I want to say a special “Thank You” to the Flower Committee and the Young Women’s Sunday School class for all the preparation for this service. There was a lot of work done behind the scenes and I appreciate to effort. Several special individuals gave tremendous direction to the night and to them I say “Thank You.”

I hope you are planning to be present for each service during this season. It truly is “the most wonderful time of the year.” Here is a listing of the special services and events for the Christmas celebration:
December 3 Lighthouse Christian Camp Girl’s Christmas Party
4 Children’s Christmas Program @ 6:00 PM
“Arrest These Merry Gentlemen”
4-11 International Mission’s Week of Prayer
5 Carthage Christmas Parade and Singing on the Steps @ 5:30 PM
7 Senior Adult Ladies Luncheon @ 11:30 AM
10 Lighthouse Christian Camp Boy’s Christmas Party
11 Shut-In Caroling and Services @ 6:00 PM
13 Senior Adult Christmas Luncheon @ 11:30 AM
18 Christmas Celebration Service at SCHS @ 10:00 AM
Heart Strings Harp Ensemble Christmas Service @ 6 PM
24 Christmas Eve Service @ 5:30 PM
25 Christmas Morning Service @ 10:45 AM
No evening services.
29-30 Mission Project: Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes

The theme for our Sunday morning services will be “Christmas Is…” and will focus our attention on the true meaning of Christmas. Yesterday, the focus was on “Christmas Is Hope.” There is hope for living because of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be ready this week, this month, to offer a reason for the hope you have in Jesus to those you meet. There are many in our community who need a word of hope. Jesus is that hope.

Have a blessed week,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:

1. The Carthage Christmas Parade is re-scheduled for next Monday, December 5 at 6:00 PM. We will have coffee and hot chocolate in the front yard of the church and Christmas carols on the steps. Join us at 5:30 PM for this community event.

2. The Children’s Choir will be presenting their Christmas musical, “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen,” this Sunday night, December 4 at 6:00 PM in the Christian Life Center. This will be a “new” setting for their special program. Bring a finger food with you for a time of fellowship following the program.

3. We are collecting toys for the Smith County Help Center “Toyland” for needy families in our area. Bring a gift and place it in the collection box near the office area on the bottom floor of the Educational Building.

4. This coming Sunday begins the Week of Prayer for International Missions and our collection of the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. This is our annual focus on the work of our missionaries who serve in the nations of the world. One of our distinctives as Southern Baptists is the great mission effort done collectively and in cooperation through the more than 40,000 churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The mission study provides a glimpse of this mission effort and the Lottie Moon Offering provides a large percentage of the funding. I have considered this offering for international missions as my Christmas gift to Jesus as the missionaries touch the lives of the “least of these” around the world.

5. During the Christmas season, there will be many Christmas parties and fellowships of Sunday School classes and ministries in the church. Please contact Deborah in the church office 9735-1929) with the date and time of your events, even if they are taking place at someone’s home. This helps in our communication and information flow within the church.

6. One of the special events for the month will be a two-day mission project at the Baptist Children’s Home in Franklin, Tennessee. We will drive back and forth from Carthage on Thursday and Friday, December 29-30. This is a great project for individuals and families and there is no cost to be involved, only your time. This is a great project for students to be involved in missions during your Christmas break. To sign-up, simply reply to this e-mail or stop by the Connection Point on Sunday.

7. Speaking of Christmas events, all adults 60 and above are invited to a covered dish, Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, December 13 at 11:30 AM in the Christian Life Center. We will have great food, a festive program, and great fellowship. Invite friends, neighbors, and family to join you for this event. It is hopeful that this can be the beginning of an active senior adult ministry in our church. If you would be interested in helping in this ministry, contact Bro. Tim.

8. The Church Council will meet this Sunday at 4 PM and the Deacons will meet at 5 PM.

9. For your information: The weekly FBC Carthage E-News and the Sunday sermons are posted at http://www.ontheword.blogspot.com/.

10. Here is a special rendition of the “Hallelujah Chorus” on video from the Inuit people: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=LyviyF-N23A

FBC Carthage E-News for November 21, 2011

2011-11-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

November 21, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving,

This is the time of year we are reminded to that the Lord for all He has done in our lives. As you gather with your families and friends this week, remember to give thanks for the eternal things God has given, as well as, the things we normally think of such as health, family, friends, etc.

As your Pastor, I am thankful for each of you and our fellowship at First Baptist Church Carthage. The Lord has blessed us in a great way this past year in missions, in membership, and especially through the recent revival. His presence among us is our true blessing.

Here is some Thanksgiving fun. I have posted below several videos that help focus our thoughts on Thanksgiving. They will bring a smile to your face, as well as, remind you to be thankful. Enjoy these and share them with family and friends.

God’s Goodness
http://skitguys.com/videos/item/thanksgiving-gods-goodness

A Thanksgiving Inventory
http://skitguys.com/videos/item/your-thanksgiving-inventory

Thankful
http://skitguys.com/videos/item/thankful

All Mom Wants for Thanksgiving
http://skitguys.com/videos/item/all-mom-wants-for-thanksgiving

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Bro. Tim

Here is the news for the week:
1. Continue to be praying for Zeke’s dad, Frank Tomaselli. Zeke flew to Las Vegas last week to be with his dad during surgery. The Lord intervened and Mr. Tomaselli did not have to have the surgery and is back in his home. We thank the Lord for His healing power.

2. We will not have Wednesday night activities this week. Take this time to spend with your family.

3. Sunday, November 27 begins our celebration of Christmas 2011. The 6:00 PM evening service will be a special service called “The Hanging of the Greens”. We will sing familiar carols, focus on the story of Christmas, and decorate the Sanctuary, all in the same service.

4. Thank you for the gifts for the Lighthouse Christian Camp’s Christmas Parties. We are also receiving gifts for the Smith County Help Center Toyland for the families in our area. The Help Center Toyland will be during the week of December 5-9.

5. Next Monday, November 28 will be the annual Carthage Christmas Parade. We have enjoyed providing coffee and hot chocolate, as well as, singing carols on the steps before the parade. We will have details on Sunday.

6. Speaking of mission projects, we will be going to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home in Franklin December 29 and 30 for a two–day mission project of painting in the cottages. A sign-up sheet will be on the table in the Connection Point this Sunday. You can go one or both of the days and be a part of this mission effort.

7. During December we will receive our annual Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. The International Mission Board has over 5,000 missionaries throughout the countries of the world. These are our missionaries and this is our opportunity to join together and provide their support for the coming year. In our giving this year, be sure and give a gift to share the gospel of Jesus to the ends of the earth through the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. Here are some videos that share the mission and work of the IMB. Check it out:

http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5595&LanguageID=1709

8. In case you missed the Christmas schedule last week, here are the special services and activities of Christmas 2011:

November 27 Advent celebration begins.
Hanging of the Greens Service @ 6:00 PM

November 28 Carthage Christmas Parade

December 3 Lighthouse Christian Camp Girl’s Christmas Party

December 4 Children’s Christmas Program @ 6:00 PM
“Arrest These Merry Gentlemen”

December 4-11 International Mission’s Week of Prayer

December 7 Senior Adult Ladies Luncheon @ 11:30 AM

December 10 Lighthouse Christian Camp Boy’s Christmas Party

December 11 Shut-In Caroling and Services @ 6:00 PM

December 13 Senior Adult Christmas Luncheon @ 11:30 AM

December 18 Christmas Celebration Service at SCHS @ 10:00 AM
Heart Strings Harp Ensemble Christmas Service @ 6:00 PM

December 24 Christmas Eve Service @ 5:30 PM

December 25 Christmas Morning Service @ 10:45 AM
No evening services.

FBC Carthage E-News for November 14, 2011

2011-11-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

November 14, 2011

Good windy morning,
The wind and warm weather feel more like a spring day that November. Better enjoy it while we can.

The Fall Revival last week was a great blessing to me and to the church. The church building was filled at each of the services. The altar was filled during the invitations. Hearts were stirred and lives were changed. That’s what revival is all about. Hallelujah!

A special thank you goes to the men and ladies who made visits, phone calls, and invited people for the services. If we will ask people, they will attend.

A special thank you goes to the ladies and men who prepared the meals each night. That was a blessed time of fellowship as well as some great meals.

A special thank you goes to those who helped in the preschool care and the Revival Adventure. It was a great response.

A special thank you to Zeke, the instrumentalists, choir, praise team, and sound technicians for all your extra work in leading us in worship.

The greatest thanks and praise goes to the Lord Jesus Christ. Revival is not about a service or a crowd. Revival is about a love relationship with Jesus that is real and personal.

The revival messages are online at the church web site www.fbccarthage.com under the media tab then click listen to sermons. We also had CDs of the services but they have all been taken. Additional CDs will be available by Sunday at the Connection Point. These are form you to listen to and/or to give to others.

The Fall Revival was a great blessing. Thank you.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. We rejoice with those making decisions this week during the revival services. Those coming for membership are:
Joe, Carla, Ellie and Anna Vining
Chris and Marsha Kemp
Anthony Hackett
Ben Gates
Raymond Lee Bernal
Jessica Lee

2. The annual church-wide Thanksgiving dinner will be this Sunday, November 20 at 5:30 PM in the Christian Life Center. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish vegetable, salad, and/or desert. The church Hospitality Committee will coordinate the turkey, dressing, bread, and drinks. Plan to join us for this great time of thanksgiving and fellowship.

3. This Sunday morning, November 20, will be the completion of “The Amazing Journey.” In January we began a trek through the Bible, beginning in Genesis and ending this week in Revelation. To those who have been reading through the Bible this year, congratulations on an amazing journey.

4. We are planning a Deer Hunter’s lunch on opening day of deer season, this Saturday, November 19 at 11:00AM in the Christian Life Center. This lunch is for hunters in the community as well as those in the church. This is a great opportunity to invite a buddy to join you for lunch. I am sure we will hear plenty of stories of the morning hunt. A short devotion will be shared and many door prizes will be given away. I need a couple pots of soup and two or three plates of sandwiches for the hunters. If you would like to help in this community outreach, please contact Tim Frank at 735-1929 or send a reply to this e-news.

5. Ladies, the Ladies Retreat at Lighthouse Christian Camp is this Friday and Saturday, November 18-19. There are still spaces for you and/or a friend to attend. Contact Lynn Sharenberger or call the church office for more information.

6. The Christmas gifts for Lighthouse Christian Camp’s Christmas parties are to be brought to the church by this Sunday, November 20. Lighthouse is expecting over 800 children for these parties, December 3 and December 10. Bring your unwrapped gift items to the Young Women’s Sunday School classroom, Room 17, just through the Sanctuary door beside the organ. There are still a few gift requests on the tree in the Connection Point. You can pick one up by coming by the church office during the day or on this Wednesday night.

7. Speaking of Christmas, here is a listing of special services and events:
November 27 Advent celebration begins.
Hanging of the Greens Service @ 6:00 PM
November 28 Carthage Christmas Parade
December 3 Lighthouse Christian Camp Girl’s Christmas Party
December 4 Children’s Christmas Program @ 6:00 PM
“Arrest These Merry Gentlemen”
December 4-11 International Mission’s Week of Prayer
December 7 Senior Adult Ladies Luncheon @ 11:30 AM (see note #8)
December 10 Lighthouse Christian Camp Boy’s Christmas Party
December 11 Shut-In Caroling and Services @ 6:00 PM
December 13 Senior Adult Christmas Luncheon @ 11:30 AM
December 18 Christmas Celebration Service at SCHS @ 10:00 AM
Heart Strings Harp Ensemble Christmas Service @ 6:00 PM
December 24 Christmas Eve Service @ 5:30 PM
December 25 Christmas Morning Service @ 10:45 AM
No evening services.

8. The ladies of the Sr. Adult Sunday School classes (Janet Bailey and Jim Broyles classes) will have a Christmas luncheon at Sweet Teas on North Main St., Wednesday, December 7, 11:30AM. Cost is $15 per person which includes a “Christmas Favor”. Reservations can made with Carol Wilmore, 489-6841 (leave message, if no answer) or you can sign up on the signup sheet in the Sunday School class. Deadline for signing up is Dec 1.

9. All Senior Adults 60+ are invited for a Christmas luncheon on Tuesday, December 13 at 11:30 AM in the Christian Life Center. Bring a covered dish and join together for good food, good fellowship, and a Christmas program. We will also discuss beginning a Senior Adult Ministry at FBC Carthage in 2012.

10. One last date for your calendar, we are presently seeking a mission project at the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home in Brentwood for December 29-30. We have enjoyed serving before with the Children’s Homes during the Christmas break. More details will be coming. Save the date and plan to be a part of this mission team.

11. In honor of the unsung heroes, the sound and Power Point techs: Jeremiah, Stephen, Zeke, Jerry, Layne, and Christy, here is a rap that will bring a smile on your face. Thank you for all you do to make us all sound great and stay connected.

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=F1ECJJNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11/14/2011

FBC Carthage E-News for November 8, 2011

2011-11-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News

November 8, 2011

Good Tuesday Morning,

Sorry for the delay in E-News this week. I was “under the weather” yesterday, not even able to go to the Revival service. After rest and antibiotics I am much improved today and hope to be back in place for the rest of the week. It is never convenient to be sick. Thank you to all who have been praying for me during these days.

The Fall Revival continues tonight and tomorrow night and I encourage each one to attend and to invite someone to attend with you. I heard that the attendance was excellent last night for the service and the meal. A special thanks to those who are preparing the meals this week for the revival. Supper begins at 5:30 PM with spaghetti tonight and roast beef tomorrow night. These meals are provided by the church as a ministry to you and your family during this revival week.

I also heard the Revival Adventure for children ages 3-1st grade had 9 boys and girls last night. Thank you, Miss Becky, for leading the children in this special Bible/Revival Adventure. The Revival Adventure continues through the Wednesday night service.

This has been a spiritually moving week with decisions and/or people coming to the front for prayer at each service. Invite your friends and family to attend these last two nights with you. God is moving among us and people are moved to respond.

Thanks again for praying for me last night and I will plan to see you tonight at 5:30 PM for supper and at 6:30 PM for the revival service.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. We rejoice with those making decisions this week during the revival services. Those coming for membership are:
Joe, Carla, Ellie and Anna Vining
Chris and Marsha Kemp
Anthony Hackett

2. Fall Revival Schedule – 2 Nights Remaining
5:30 PM Supper
6:30 PM Revival Services
Revival Adventure – begins in the Sanctuary

3. Special Sunday Night Services
November 13 Community Thanksgiving Service at FBC Carthage
@ 6:00 PM
Several churches throughout Smith County will join with us this year as we thank the Lord for His goodness.

November 20 Church-wide Thanksgiving Dinner
@ 5:30 PM
Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish for the meal.

November 27 Hanging of the Greens Service
@ 6:00 PM
This service will be a special time of preparing our hearts and sanctuary for the celebration of Christmas.

December 4 Children’s Choir Christmas Presentation
@ 6:00 PM
“Arrest These Merry Gentlemen” is the title of the Christmas musical. A finger-food fellowship will follow in the Christian Life Center.

December 11 Christmas Caroling and Services with our Shut-Ins
@ 6:00 PM
Each year we divide into groups and go to the different shut-ins’ homes to share with them the songs and message of Christmas.

December 18 Cindy Dowell and the Heart Strings Harps will present a Christmas concert @ 6:00 PM.

December 25 There will be no services that evening to allow you to spend time with your family on Christmas Day.

4. A reminder to deer hunters, we will plan a Deer Hunter’s lunch on opening day of deer season, Saturday, November 19 at 11:00AM in the Christian Life Center. This lunch is for hunters in the community as well as those in the church. This is a great opportunity to invite a buddy to join you for lunch. I am sure we will hear plenty of stories of the morning hunt. A short devotion will be shared and many door prizes will be given away.

5. “This may be the only Christmas many of these children will know.”
Lighthouse Christian Camp Christmas Parties are December 3 and December 10. These parties are for disadvantaged children in the area and your help would be appreciated. Ornaments for designated gifts are located on a tree at Connection Point. Please stop by and pick an ornament from the tree. There will also be a suggestion list in each SS classroom. Unwrapped gift items may be placed in the Young Women’s Sunday School classroom, Room 17. Please bring gifts by Sunday, November 20.

FBC Carthage E-News for October 31, 2011

2011-10-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

October 31, 2011

Good morning,

I begin this e-news with a special thank you for the Appreciation Brunch held yesterday in my and Zeke’s honor. It is a blessing and an honor to serve as your Pastor. Thank you for the gift certificate and thank you for the new Bunn coffee maker given in my honor in the kitchen. That will be a great addition to our fellowships, Wednesday night meals, and other special events. There may even be some coffee brewing during the week. If you have not seen the coffee maker, stop by the office and we’ll have a cup of coffee together.

The main emphasis for this week is preparation for our Fall Revival which begins this Sunday, November 6. Bro. Jimmy Arms will be with us for these special days as we explore the theme “Committed: Being the Church.” Listed below are the service times for the revival. I ask you to clear your schedule and plan to attend every service. Be praying for revival to take place in each member’s heart and life. Pray for inactive members to be drawn back into the life of the church. Pray for the lost and unchurched to be reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for the Lord to do His work among us.

The revival schedule:
Saturday 10:00 AM Visitation for the revival
(A light breakfast will be served at 9:30 AM.)

Sunday 8:00 & 10:45 AM Revival Services
9:30 AM Sunday School classes for all ages
6:00 PM Revival Services
Ice Cream Sundaes after the service

Monday 2:00 PM Visitation for the revival
5:30 PM Supper provided by the church
6:30 PM Revival Services

Tuesday 2:00 PM Visitation for the revival
5:30 PM Supper provided by the church
6:30 PM Revival Services

Wednesday 2:00 PM Visitation for the revival
5:30 PM Supper provided by the church
6:30 PM Revival Services

During the revival services we will provide child care for babies through two year olds in the Preschool area. We will also conduct a “Revival Adventure” for children 3 years old through 1st grade. The children will join us for the worship portion of the services and then be dismissed before the message (similar to our Children’s Church.)

During the revival week, I encourage each family to accept a unique challenge, to fast (do without) from the television each evening after the revival services. This provides time for reflection on the service and helps reduce the influence of the world from taking away the message the Lord has placed on your heart. It may be surprising how addicted we have become to the television.

I also encourage each family to spend time during the evening in a time of family prayer together. Read a few verses from the scriptures and pray together.

I am looking forward to this coming week of revival and renewal in my own life. I am expecting and anticipating many lives to be touched by the Lord. I am praying that we will experience what only God can do, salvation of souls and reviving of hearts. Join with me in prayer this week. Invite your friends and family to attend. May these next two weeks be devoted to the glory and honor of Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed week,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. All ladies are invited to the Women on Missions quarterly meeting this Wednesday, November 2 at 5:45 PM in Jim Broyles’ Sunday School classroom behind the sanctuary. The Women on Missions is our mission organization which involves ladies in mission projects locally and around the world. This Wednesday the group will discuss two Christmas projects for the children of our area.

2. One of the Christmas events will be the annual Toyland through the Smith County Help Service. They are cleaning out a room they have under the center for the Toyland and need our help. I (Bro. Tim) will plan to go on Wednesday, November 2 around 9:00 AM. If you would like to come and help at that time send me an e-mail or call the church office. There will also be ladies from the help center working Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

3. Congratulations to the 2011 Smith County High School Owls’ football team on your undefeated season. This Friday the team will play Pearl Cohn High School at home in the first round of the payoffs. We will host a 5th Quarter Youth Fellowship following each of the home games. Invite your friends to join us in the Christian Life Center following the game for food, fun, and a great time of fellowship.

4. Excitement is building for the Ladies Retreat scheduled for November 18-19 at Lighthouse Christian Camp. There is still opportunity for you to be a part of this time of inspiration and fellowship. Reservation forms are available at the Connection Point.

5. Vol State Students: We will have lunch together this Thursday, November 3 at 12:45 PM at the Cracker Barrel. I look forward to seeing you there.

6. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and here are two Thanksgiving week events you will want to have on your calendar:

• Sunday, November 13 Community Thanksgiving Service
FBC Carthage will serve as the host of the Community Thanksgiving Service on November 13 at 6:30 PM. Several churches in the community will join with us for this special service.

• Sunday, November 20 Church-wide Thanksgiving Dinner
We will gather in the Christian Life Center at 5:30 PM for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Everyone brings covered dishes and the church will enlist people to bring the turkey and dressing.

7. The winter youth retreat, scheduled for January 14-16, has had a great signup. Just a reminder: the deposits ($25) / Waiver and Medical Release forms, and Signup Forms are due this coming Wednesday, Nov 2. You can get those forms in the youth room or from our website. There is still space available for both youth, and parents if interested. Please contact Zeke if you have any questions.

8. Deer Hunters: We will plan a Deer Hunter’s lunch on opening day of deer season at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 19. Plan to stop by for lunch and hear the stories of the morning hunt. Invite deer hunters you know to come and join us. We will have many door prizes to give away.

9. Here are dates for your November Calendar:
November
2 Women on Missions Meeting @ 5:45 PM
3 College Road Trip – Vol State – 12:45 PM
4 5th Quarter Youth Fellowship
5 Revival Visitation @ 10:00 AM
6-9 Fall Revival – Committed: Being the Church
13 Last session for AWANA for 2011
Community Thanksgiving Service @ 6:30 PM
14-16 Tennessee Baptist Convention – FBC Hendersonville
16 November Business Meeting
18-19 Ladies Retreat – Lighthouse Christian Camp
19 Deer Hunter’s Lunch @ 11:00 AM
20 Thanksgiving Dinner @ 5:30 PM
23 No Wednesday evening services
24 Thanksgiving
27 Advent celebration begins
Church Council @ 4:30 PM
Hanging of the Greens service @ 6:00 PM
28 Carthage Christmas Parade

FBC Carthage E-News for October 24, 2011

2011-10-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

October 24, 2011

Good Morning,

I am writing early this morning in preparation for my lunch visit with our students at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. This year’s College Road Trip has been extended over several weeks due to schedules and conflicts. In fact, my trip to Vol State will be moved to next Tuesday, November 1. I appreciate our college students and feel these visits can be a way we stay in touch with them during their college years.

The New Salem Association of Baptist annual meeting went well yesterday. It is exciting to hear all we are doing together with the other churches in the Association. We also had several guests from the Tennessee Baptist Convention who shared their reports of their work in the state for Christ.

The focus for the next several weeks will be on our Fall Revival with Bro. Jimmy Arms, November 6-9. This week we will have Home Prayer Groups in various areas of the county praying for the revival, for Bro. Jimmy, and for the lost and unchurched. The Home Prayer Groups are organized through the Sunday School classes. If you are not in a Sunday School class, I encourage you to look at the list below and attend one of the prayer groups near you:

Monday, October 24 Brad Tackett’s Class and Janet Bailey’s Class
Meet at Brad and Melody Tackett’s home
6:30 PM 740 Jackson Avenue

Tuesday, October 25 Jim Broyles’ Class
Meet at Ray and Sharon Raymond’s home
6:30 PM 134 Lock Seven Road

Thursday, October 27 Charlie Daigre’s class
Meet at A.J. Sharenberger’s Office
5:30 PM Main Street, next to McDonald’s

Rhonda Ethridge’s Class
Meet at Deborah Bane’s home
7:30 PM 53 County House Circle

We will have several times of visitation for the revival. These times will focus on unchurched and inactive members. We will be inviting them to join us for the special services. Saturday, November 5, we will meet at 10:00 AM in the Christian Life Center. In addition, we will go out each afternoon during the revival week from 2:0-4:00 PM. This would be a great time to stop by and visit Sunday School members that have been absent, friends for whom you have been praying, and others you have on your heart who need the Lord Jesus Christ.

One question for you today, would it help you and your family attend the revival services for the church to provide a supper meal on Monday and Tuesday, as well as, Wednesday night? Please click on this brief, one question survey and let us know:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FKD7G9B

Have a blessed week as you serve the Lord,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. This Wednesday, October 26 will be our annual Fall Fun Festival for the children and our chili/soup cook-off. Everyone is invited to attend this fun evening which begins at 5:30 PM. Invite friends and family to attend with you. If you have Facebook, send an invitation to your friends. We will havd games, inflatables, and candy for the children.

2. Attention ladies, the deadline for registration for the Ladies Retreat is Sunday, October 30. Pick up you registration forms at the Connection Point or contact Lynn Sharenberger or Michal Deaver. The Ladies Retreat will be November 18-19 at Lighthouse Christian Camp.

3. Thank you to Shawn Pinson for leading the Defeated Creek Campground services these past three weeks.

4. Our senior adults will be traveling this Saturday, October 29 at 10:30 AM to Miss Jennie’s Tea Parlor in Lancaster.

5. All ladies are asked to attend an organizational and informational meeting for our Women on Missions group on Wednesday, November 2 at 5:45 PM. The group will meet in Jim Broyles’ Sunday School class, beside the Connection Point. They will discuss several upcoming mission projects, especially the smith County Help Center Toyland and the Lighthouse Christian Camp Christmas Parties.

6. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and its time to get these special events on your calendar:

Sunday, November 13 Community Thanksgiving Service
6:00 PM at the Ag Center

Sunday, November 20 Church-wide Thanksgiving Dinner
6:00 PM in Christian Life Center

FBC Carthage E-News for October 10, 2011

2011-10-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

October 10, 2011

Good morning,

I would like to begin this E-News with a word of thanks to those who have been praying for me during my battle with a stubborn foot infection. I appreciate and need your prayers every day, especially when going through times of physical trials.

Speaking of praying, I ask everyone to begin earnestly praying for our Fall Revival which is coming up in less than four weeks on November 6-9. Bro. Jimmy Arms will be our guest Evangelist. The theme of the week will be “Committed: Being the Church.” Bro. Jimmy will preach in the Sunday morning and evening services at regular times. The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday services will begin at 6:30 PM. I am praying for a spirit of revival to cover our church and spread throughout our community. That will happen as we pray and seek the Lord. In fact, God’s plan for revival is given in 2 Chronicles 7:14 where God Himself says, “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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

To prepare our hearts for revival, I am asking each adult Sunday School class to have a time of prayer for renewal and revival in our church. I suggest meeting at one of the member’s homes during the week of October 24-29 and having this special time of prayer. Revival comes to churches as God’s people pray.

Last week I began my 2011 College Road Trip with a visit to the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. This week I hope to be at Tennessee Tech on Monday night and Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday night. Thank you to Katie Goolsby at Tech and Taylor Reece at MTSU for helping set up these visits.

This coming Sunday, October 16, Fran and I would like to invite you for an after-church fellowship after the evening service. The service and AWANA gets out at 7:00 PM and we’ll meet at our house at 607 Main Street N. If you would like to bring a plate of finger foods we will spread it out in the kitchen. I hope this can be the beginning of after-church fellowships where we can have some unstructured time just to sit, talk, and get to know each other. Feel free to bring your children.

To all our school teachers and students I wish you an enjoyable and safe Fall Break. May this week be the break you needed to do your best through the remainder of the semester. Have a great week.

May the Lord bless you this week,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:

1. Just as a reminder, the weekly sermons are available to listen and download on our church website. If you are out one Sunday, simply go to www.fbccarthage.com and open the Media page. Click on Sermons and Listen to FBCC Sermons. You can also access the sermon player directly at www.ontheword.blogspot.com.

2. We had right at forty persons at the Defeated Creek Campground service this past Sunday. We will also be hosting the service this coming Sunday, October 16 at 8:30 AM with Shawn Pinson preaching.

3. This Friday will be a Fifth Quarter Fellowship for all students, grades 7-12, in the Christian Life Center. There will be food, games, and time to be with your friends. During Fifth Quarters we always have a great devotional time as well. Fifth Quarter starts immediately following the game and ends at 11:30 PM.

4. This Friday and Saturday, October 14-15, the Pregnancy Help Center at 108 College Avenue W is needing some volunteers to help do some work to their facility. Several of the members of FBC Carthage are on the board and serve in this ministry. The work days will be Friday from 8AM-4PM and Saturday from 8AM-3 PM. For more information contact Tim Frank at tfrank@fbccarthage.com.

5. Sunday, October 16 will be the annual Life Chain, organizing at the corner of Main Street and Highway 25 at 1:30 PM. The Life Chain is an opportunity to join with others in the county and across the nation to physically take a stand for the life of the unborn.

6. Attention ladies, a fall ladies retreat will be held November 18-19 at the Lighthouse Christian Camp in Smithville. Several ladies from FBC Carthage, in addition to other churches, are serving as the leaders and organizers of this retreat. For more information, stop by the display in the Connection Point, located just behind the sanctuary.

7. A special “Thank You” to Trey Sanders for the painting of our church logo which is on display in the Connection Point.

8. Here is a good story I have received from one of our members this week. It reminds us of the “blessed hope” we shared yesterday in the message.

Woman and a Fork
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things 'in order,' she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

'There's one more thing,' she said excitedly..

'What's that?' came the Pastor's reply.

'This is very important,' the young woman continued. 'I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.'

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

That surprises you, doesn't it?' the young woman asked.

'Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,' said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. 'My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favourite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: 'Keep your fork ..the best is yet to come.'

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, 'What's with the fork?' And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we have hope in the blessed life beyond this life. This hope is not based on our works or goodness, but on Jesus and what He has done for us on the cross as He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the dead. Paul writing to believers said this in 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” The best is yet to come.

FBC Carthage E-News for October 3, 2011

2011-10-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

October 3, 2011

Good frosty morning,

There is nothing like a brisk, clear fall morning in Tennessee to give me a lift in my spirit and a smile on my face. The blue of the sky is spectacular. Every day is a gift from God, whether clear or cloudy, cool or hot. Each day we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and His care for us. Take time today to pause and thank God for the day and a new week to live, work, and serve Him.

Last week’s On Mission Celebration was a blessing and a challenge. It is always a blessing to meet some of our missionaries and hear their messages. As Southern Baptists, we have almost 10,000 missionaries serving in the United States and around the world. This past week gave us a few faces to represent those thousands of missionaries we support.

The On Mission Celebration also brought a challenge as the missionaries shared of their work. Each one had a specific thought that has stayed with me. Here are a few of those thoughts:

“You are either a missionary or a mission field.” Dwayne Brown
“Poverty has become our Samaria.” Randy Poole
“What is the one thing, the ‘it’, you are praying for your church?” Don Pierson

Last night during the evening service as we looked at several Bible study helps, we mentioned Bible Gateway which is an Internet based Bible study tool on our church web site http://www.fbccarthage.com/. It is found on the Media page under links. Take a minute to look at this tool and see the help it can be to you in your study. You can look up scripture verses, compare translations of a verse, and locate verses containing a specific word.

Have a blessed week and enjoy the beautiful day the Lord has made.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. This Wednesday, October 5 will be our monthly business meeting at 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary. In addition to hearing reports of the ministries of FBC Carthage, the Budget Committee will present the 2011-12 budget.

2. Our first Membership 101 class met yesterday with 13 in attendance. We will offer this one-session class on the first Sunday of each month at 9:30 AM in the Pastor’s Office. If you are a new member, or considering becoming a member, you are invited to attend. The next meeting will be Sunday, November 6.

3. This week begins our College Road Trip 2011. Bro. Tim and Bro. Zeke hope to visit on campus with all of our students. If you are a student, or have a student in college, send us a reply note with their name, college, e-mail and/or cell-phone number so we can contact them for this special visit.

4. During October, we will be preparing and praying for our Fall Revival with Bro. Jimmy Arms. The revival services will be November 6-9 and the theme will be “Committed: Being the Church.” Be praying for our church, lost friends, and Bro. Jimmy as we prepare our hearts for this special week. We will have Home Prayer Meetings during the week of October 24-28.

5. We had about thirty join us Saturday night at the Roxy Theatre in Lebanon for the movie “Courageous.” It has a powerful message for the family, especially for dads. I encourage all couples, especially the dads, to see this movie. It is a message we all need. I believe it will be at the Roxy through this weekend.

6. The Pregnancy Help Center is open and operating each Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 108 College Avenue West, behind Heartland Realty. There are still a few projects that need to be completed before winter. Friday and Saturday, October 14-15 will be work days to help finish these projects. This would be a great opportunity for individuals or Sunday School classes to be a part of a local mission project. Work will begin each day at 8:00 AM at the Pregnancy Help Center. For more information contact Tim Frank.

7. Speaking of missions and class mission projects, last week Jim Wilburn mentioned his desire for a CD duplicator to begin a ministry on Long Island, New York with the homebound. Here is the model Jim has suggested would be of help to the ministry of North Shores Baptist Church:
http://www.amazon.com/DVD-Duplicator-built-SONY-Burner/dp/B002ROFUMK

If you, or your class would like to be a part of providing this ministry need, contact Tim Frank or Jim Wilburn directly at wilburn.jim@gmail.com.

8. The New Salem Baptist Association will have its Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 23 from 2:00 – 5:30 PM at Riddleton Baptist Church.. This one-session meeting will make it possible for greater participation. We will elect messengers from FBC Carthage to the Annual Meeting this Wednesday night during the monthly business meeting.

9. On Sunday afternoon, October 16 an opportunity will be given for us to take a stand for life. The annual Life Chain will begin at the corner of Main Street and Highway 25 at 2:30-3:30 PM. Anyone wishing to participate should come a few minutes early to be assigned a place in the Life Chain.

FBC Carthage E-News for September 26, 2011

2011-09-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

September 26, 2011

Good morning,

The On Mission Celebration is in full swing here at FBC Carthage. We had a great Mission Fair on Saturday with approximately 130 people in attendance. Two of our children won First Place in the On Mission Poster Contest for their age division. Reece Wilkerson won in the Kindergarten and below division. Eva Etheridge won first place in the 6-12 year old division.

Three sessions remain for this special week of services:

• Monday, September 26 6:00 PM Dinner with the Missionary
There are still five spaces available for our supper together at the Walton Hotel at 6:00 PM with Randy Poole, missionary with the Mississippi River Ministry in Tennessee. Call the church office today and let us know you can attend. If you can not make the supper you can join us around 6:45 PM at the Walton for the mission’s presentation. We are praying for opportunities to serve directly in this ministry with Randy during 2012. It is our desire that mission teams, Sunday School classes, and individuals will have opportunity to be a part of this ministry and mission in the coming year.

• Tuesday, September 27 6:30 PM The Strategic Importance of Prayer
For the past year we have desired to grow in our prayer times together. Don Pierson is the Prayer Strategist with the Tennessee Baptist Convention and he will be sharing with us the importance of prayer and leading us to pray. Don has preached at FBC Carthage several times in the past and we are looking forward to this service with him.

• Wednesday, September 28 6:30 PM Jerri Younkman, Missionary to Mexico
The evening will begin with supper at 5:00 PM. Jerri Younkman will be sharing with everyone at 6:30 PM of her work with the International Mission Board in Mexico.

• In addition to the nightly services, there will be luncheons with the missionaries at different churches at 11:30 AM. You are invited to attend each of these special events:
Monday Hickman Baptist Church
Tuesday Peyton’s Creek Baptist Church
Wednesday Brush Creek Baptist Church

Have a blessed week as we celebrate missions.
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. A Night Out at the Movies will be this Saturday, October 1 at the Roxy Theatre in Lebanon. We will meet at the theatre around 6:30 PM to see the 7:00 PM showing of the new movie “Courageous.” This movie is produced by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. They also produced “Fireproof” and “Facing the Giants.” For more information and trailers click on: http://www.courageousthemovie.com/

2. Our New Member 101 class will be held this Sunday, October 2 at 9:30 AM in the Pastor’s Office on the first floor of the Education Building. This one session class is for new members and those interested in becoming a member.

3. The Tennessee Baptist and Reflector has been publishing information through a weekly newspaper for years. This week they have launched the Virtual Baptist and Reflector Online. You can read the articles and see the photos by clicking on: http://www.tnbaptist.org/BRNews.asp
then click on the headline:View the Virtual Paper edition of the B&R!

4. This Wednesday, September 28 is the annual “See You at the Pole” prayer emphasis for students to gather at the flag pole of their school. Gather for a time of prayer at your school this Wednesday morning at 7:30 AM.

5. During October, Bro. Tim will be traveling on the annual College Road Trip. This year we have students from FBC Carthage in eight different colleges in Tennessee. We will be contacting the students this week to work out the details for lunch or dinner.

6. Upcoming meetings:
Finance Committee Wednesday, September 28 @ 7:30PM
Church Council Sunday, October 2 @ 4:00 PM
Deacon’s Meeting Sunday, October 2 @ 5:00 PM
Business Meeting Wednesday, October 5 @ 6:30 PM

7. Information was distributed in adult Sunday School classes this past week concerning the Cooperative Program and it’s effectiveness in funding missions in Tennessee, North America, and around the world. Here is an informative website explaining more of this unique tool for mission support: http://www.cpmissions.net/2003/what%20is%20cp.asp

FBC Carthage E-News for September 19, 2011

2011-09-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News
September 19, 2011

Good Morning,
This is an exciting week as we prepare for the On Mission Celebration which begins this coming Saturday, September 24 and runs through the following Wednesday, September 28. There will be many different opportunities for you to share with the special guest missionaries who will be with us. Here is the schedule and information for this important week:

• Saturday, September 24 5:00 PM “Kaleidoscope of Missions” Mission Fair
All of our guest missionaries, along with our own mission teams will have information, displays, and items from their countries. Following the time with the missionaries, we will enjoy a meal provided by the Tennessee Baptist Convention at 6:30 PM.

• Sunday, September 25 8:00 &10:45 AM
Dwayne Brown, Missionary to Asia will be our special guest missionary during both morning services.

• Sunday, September 25 5:30 PM Picnic with the Missionary
The church services and AWANA will be moved to Crump Paris Park for an enjoyable evening with Joe Gardner, Missionary with the North American Mission Board in Illinois. He will share with us and then we will have a picnic supper together. We will meet at the picnic area next to the large playground beside the walking track. In addition to the playground, we will have inflatables for the children to enjoy.

• Monday, September 26 6:00 PM Dinner with the Missionary
Everyone is invited for a special night out. We will have supper together at the Walton Hotel at 6:00 PM with Randy Poole, missionary with the Mississippi River Ministry in Tennessee. We are praying for opportunities to serve directly in this ministry with Randy during 2012. It is our desire that mission teams, Sunday School classes, and individuals will have opportunity to be a part of this ministry and mission in the coming year. Please contact the church office or sign-up Wednesday night for dinner reservation.

• Tuesday, September 27 6:30 PM The Strategic Importance of Prayer
For the past year we have desired to grow in our prayer times together. Don Pierson is the Prayer Strategist with the Tennessee Baptist Convention and he will be sharing with us the importance of prayer and leading us to pray. Don has preached at FBC Carthage several times in the past and we are looking forward to this service with him.

• Wednesday, September 28 6:30 PM Jerri Yorkman, Missionary to Mexico
Our final service will be a celebration of missions in the Christian Life Center. The evening will begin with supper at 5:00 PM. Jerri Yorkman will be sharing with everyone at 6:30 PM of her work with the International Mission Board in Mexico.

• In addition to the nightly services, there will be luncheons with the missionaries at different churches at 11:30 AM. You are invited to attend each of these special events:
Monday Hickman Baptist Church
Tuesday Peyton’s Creek Baptist Church
Wednesday Brush Creek Baptist Church

The On Mission Celebration will be a great week for our church as we focus on missions, ministry and prayer. I encourage you to attend each and every sessions. Jesus Christ’s mission and commission are at the heart of what we do at FBC Carthage.

A special congratulations goes out to Hunter and Kendra Apple Birtsch on their weeding this past Saturday, September 17.

Have a blessed week as we prepare our hearts for the On Mission Celebration,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. This week is the week of prayer for Tennessee missions through the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Listed below is the prayer guide for this week and the website for more information on the ministry and work of the Tennessee Baptist Convention:

http://www.tnbaptist.org/page.asp?page=127

2011 Week of Prayer for State Missions
MONDAY John 4:34-36 - Pray for God's eyes so that you will see the ripe harvest fields in our lost and hurting state. Pray for ministries in east, middle and west Tennessee.

TUESDAY Matthew 25:31-46 - Pray that even in times like these you will have a heart for ministry to strangers, prisoners, sick, naked or hungry. Pray for Christian Women's Job Corps and Christian Men's Job Corps sites across Tennessee.

WEDNESDAY John 3:16-21 - Pray that this unchanging truth will cause you to become a beacon of light in your world. Pray for opportunities to share light even in times like these.

THURSDAY John 6:28-29 - Pray that God will strengthen your faith so that you will accomplish the work that He has planned for you. Pray for Baptist Collegiate Ministries.

FRIDAY Acts 5:27-32 - Pray that even in times like these that you will obey God rather than men and that you will be on mission to share the Gospel with all people. Pray for evangelistic efforts in Tennessee to increase.

SATURDAY Acts 1:8 - Pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will give you the boldness to witness to your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors even in times like these. Pray for missionaries, missionary parents and missionary kids.

SUNDAY Matthew 28:19-20 - Pray that as you go, you will make disciples of all nations teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded you even in times like these. Pray for Dr. Randy Davis as he leads the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

2. This Friday, September 23 will be a 5th Quarter following the Smith County High School football game. All students, grades 7-12 are invited to attend. The 5th Quarters begin after the ball game and conclude around 11:30 PM. A special thank you to all the adults who help in this great ministry.

3. The Couples Night Out at the Movies will be Saturday, October 1 at the Roxy Theatre in Lebanon. We will meet at the theatre around 6:30 PM to see the 7:00 PM showing of the new movie “Courageous.” This movie is produced by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. They also produced “Fireproof” and “Facing the Giants.”

4. The Children and Preschool Mission Groups and Sunday School classes will join together for a special mission project this Wednesday, September 21. The children and leaders will gather in the Christian Life Center at 6:30 PM and deliver cookies to the police department, EMS, and sheriff’s department.

5. The Finance Committee will meet this Wednesday, September 21 at 7:30 PM to begin preparation for the 2011-12 church budget. All ministry leaders are asked to submit budget requests to the church office today for consideration by the committee.

6. The Church Leadership Council meeting was postponed this Sunday and rescheduled for Sunday, October 2 at 4:00 PM.

7. Here is the link to a great prayer resource with several inspirational videos from the Nashville House of Prayer you may want to check out:
http://nashvillehop.wordpress.com/

FBC Carthage E-News

2011-09-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

September 12, 2011

Good morning,

It is a beautiful September morning in Tennessee. This is a great time of year as the temperatures cool and we move toward Fall. It is a perfect time to complete some of those projects I have been putting off until it is cooler outside. We all have those things we know we need to do, yet seem to put off until another day. This week may be the time to get started. It may be as simple as calling an old friend or writing an encouraging note. It may be more complex and time consuming. An old adage which I remind myself of often says, “Once begun is half done.” Get started and soon you will be enjoying the satisfaction of completion.

Yesterday, September 11 was a somber day for many throughout our nation. The ten year anniversary of 9/11has brought back many memories of that fateful day to my mind. The video we shared in the services is a good reminder of the strength we have in God during times of crisis. Here is the link for you to share it with someone else:
http://skitguys.com/videos/item/ten-years-ago-10th-anniversary-of-9-11

Congratulations to Cal and Lauren Upchurch Welch on their wedding this past Saturday.

Speaking of weddings, please pray this week for Kendra Apple and Hunter Birtsch as they look forward to their wedding service this Saturday, September 17.

Have a blessed week,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. The Beth Moore Simulcast at the Ag Center on Saturday was all that we had hoped for and more. About sixty-five women gathered to laugh, cry, study scripture, take notes, and worship as Beth Moore shared more than most of us had ever realized about Luke's role in Paul's life and ministry. Thank you to the steering team for the leadership it took to host this event for the women in our community. Many lives were touched and changed because of Saturday's meeting with each other and with our Heavenly Father. Special thanks to Zeke Tomaselli, A.J. Sharenberger and Steve Dowell for your invaluable help in our church's hosting of this women's event.

2. Make your plans to attend every session of our On Mission Celebration, September 24-28. We will have missionaries from Asia, South America, Illinois, and Tennessee. Here is a schedule of all the events of the On Mission Celebration:

• Saturday, September 24 5:00 PM “Kaleidoscope of Missions” Mission Fair
All of our guest missionaries, along with our own mission teams will have information, displays, and items from their countries. Following the time with the missionaries, we will enjoy a meal provided by the Tennessee Baptist Convention at 6:30 PM.

• Sunday, September 25 8:00 &10:45 AM Dwayne Brown, Missionary to Asia
We will have Dwayne Brown as our special guest missionary during both morning services.

• Sunday, September 25 5:30 PM Picnic with the Missionary
The church services and AWANA will be moved this night to Crump Paris Park for an enjoyable evening with Joe Gardner, Missionary with the North American Mission Board in Illinois. He will share with us and then we will have a picnic supper together.

• Monday, September 26 6:00 PM Dinner with the Missionary
Everyone is invited for a special night out. We will have supper together at the Walton Hotel at 6:00 PM with Randy Poole, Missionary with the Mississippi River Ministry in Tennessee. We are praying for opportunities to serve directly in this ministry with Randy during 2012. It is our desire that mission teams, Sunday School classes, and individuals will have opportunity to be a part of this ministry and mission in the coming year.

• Tuesday, September 27 6:30 PM The Strategic Importance of Prayer
For the past year we have desired to grow in our prayer times together. Don Pierson is the Mission Prayer Strategist with the Tennessee Baptist Convention and he will be sharing with us the importance of prayer and leading us to pray. Don has shared with us at FBC Carthage several times in the past and we are looking forward to this service with him.

• Wednesday, September 28 6:30 PM Jerri Yorkman, Missionary to South America
Our final service will be a celebration of missions in the Christian Life Center. The evening will begin with supper at 5:00 PM. Jerri Yorkman will be sharing with everyone at 6:30 PM of her work with the International Mission Board in South America.

• In addition to the nightly services, there will be luncheons with the missionaries at different churches at 11:30 AM. You are invited to attend each of these special events:
Monday Hickman Baptist Church
Tuesday Peyton’s Creek Baptist Church
Wednesday Brush Creek Baptist Church

3. This Friday, September 16 will be our next 5th Quarter following the Smith County High School Homecoming Game. All students, grades 7-12 are invited to attend. The 5th Quarters begin after the ball game and conclude around 11:30 PM.

4. All those helping with the Fishing Rodeo with the children from Lighthouse Camp are reminded to be at Ragland Bottom Boat Ramp on Center Hill Lake this Saturday, September 17 by 7:30 AM. As of Monday morning, they are still in need of additional boats and fishermen to take the children. If you can be a part of the fishing rodeo call Lighthouse Camp at 931 597-1264.

5. A Couples Night Out at the Movies is scheduled for Saturday, October 1 at the Roxy Theatre in Lebanon to see the new movie “Courageous.” This movie is produced by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. They also produced “Fireproof” and “Facing the Giants.” Sign-up for this fun night at the Connection Point this Sunday.

6. Ministry Opportunity: Help is needed on Wednesday afternoons with preparing the supper meals. Cooking teams rotate on a once a month basis and preparation usually begins at 3:30 PM. If you would like to help in this important ministry, contact Melody Tackett or call the church office at 735-1929.

7. The Children and Preschool Mission Groups and Sunday School classes will join together for a special mission project on Wednesday, September 21. The children and leaders will gather in the Christian Life Center at 6:30 PM and deliver cookies to the police department, EMS, and sheriff’s department.

8. The Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, September 21 at 7:30 PM to begin preparing the 2011-12 church budget. All ministry leaders are asked to submit budget requests to the church office by Monday, September 21.

9. The Church Leadership Council will meet this Sunday, September 18 at 4:00 PM.

FBC Carthage E-News for September 5, 2011

2011-09-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

September 5, 2011

Good Labor Day morning,

This is a beautiful day to rejoice in the Lord. The rain may cause some changes in plans but it has cooled the temperatures and refreshed the earth. With the summer season officially ending today, there is an excitement of the fall season. I love this time of year as we move toward the celebration of Christmas. Take time to enjoy these days and to rejoice in the Lord.

The Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flame dramatic presentations were an awesome series of services last week with many lives forever changed. 35 professions of faith were recorded and many more were made at the Ag center and in the homes after the services. Thank you to the cast and everyone who worked so hard to present this message to our community. Jesus is the way to eternal life.

We had a great time last night with the “Indoor” picnic. The rain kept us from Defeated Creek Park but it did not defeat us. The attendance was great, the food was delicious, and the cornhole competition was fierce. We have some very intense competitors in the church. Unfortunately, I was not on the winning team, but we all had a lot of fun. Thank you to Kandy and Taylor for organizing the tournament and to everyone who brought the cornhole boards. Here are the winners for the tournament:

Winners and Runners-Up:
Twelve and Under Division Winners:
Bryant Goolsby and Brannan Hackett (no runners-up)

Parent/Child Division Winners:
Jerry and Clayton Wilmore (no runners-up)

Guys Division Winners:
David Wilson and Brent Reece; Runners-up: Stephen Russell and T.J. Dixon

Girls Division Winners:
Audrey Russell and Lindsey Dixon; Runners-up: Sharon Raymond and Rita Shiverdecker

Guy/Girl Division Winners:
Shawn Pinson and Anna Maxwell; Runners-up: Matt Ferrell and Amanda Etheridge

Married Couples Division:
Barbara and John Maxwell; Runners-up: Deborah and Tommy Bane

GRAND CHAMPIONS:
Shawn Pinson and Anna Maxwell; Runners-up: David Wilson and Brent Reece

A photo of the champions receiving their medals can be seen at http://www.fbccarthage.com/ and click on the media and look in the photo gallery for the cornhole tournament.

The big news for the week is the Beth Moore simulcast this Saturday, September 10 at the Ag Center. Here’s a final announcement:

Ladies, the Beth Moore Simulcast is this coming Saturday, September 10 at the Smith County Ag Center. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Local worship begins at 9:00; the first simulcast session begins at 9:30 and lasts until 11:30. Lunch on your own from 11:30 to 1:00. The afternoon session is from 1:00 until around 4:15. Remember - if you'd like to see the special preview of the movie Courageous, that will be from 12:15 to 12:45 during the lunch break. You may want to bring a lunch or go get something and bring it back to eat while you watch. It's going to be a great day! Please make plans to attend and invite as many friends as you can. God loves us so much, and He has a word just for us this coming Saturday. You won't want to miss it!

Two upcoming events to be making plans to attend:
• On Missions Celebration Week September 24-28
We will have guest missionaries with us for a Mission Fair on Saturday night and for a series of special services beginning Sunday morning. These services are for everyone as we focus on missions and get to know several of our missionaries from the International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, and Tennessee Baptist Convention.

• Couples Night at the Movies Saturday, October 1
We will plan go see the new movie “Courageous” at the Roxy Theatre in Lebanon. This movie is made by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia who made “Facing the Giants” and “Fireproof.”

This Wednesday night will be our regular monthly business meeting at 6:30 PM. We will also begin a series of studies on the Fruit of the Spirit.

It is a pleasure to introduce you to those making decisions over the weekend. This week we had two families coming for membership: Jera Huff and her sons Camron and Nathan; and Carrie Myers and her son Tre’ Gammons. Welcome to FBC Carthage.

Have a blessed week,
Bro. Tim

FBC Carthage E-News for August 29, 2011

2011-08-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

August 29, 2011

Good Afternoon,

The talk on the street and the posts on Facebook are about the Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames dramatic presentation last night at the Smith County Ag Center. The crowd was standing room only and the presentation was powerful. Many people came forward at the time of the invitation to open their lives and hearts to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

If you missed last night, I strongly urge you to come tonight at 7:00 PM. This presentation dramatizes what our ultimate purpose is all about as a church in Carthage, Tennessee. There is an eternal destiny that awaits every person and the decision they make about Jesus in this Christ in this life makes all the difference.

The drama also reminds Christians of the importance, the urgency, to share with others the message of Jesus. How can we know that judgment and Hell await the soul without Christ, and not share the good news of salvation? Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames has caused me, your pastor, to recommit my life and ministry to sharing the gospel of Jesus. This is the message we have to share.

Use this week and the special services to make an eternal difference in the life of a friend or family member. See you at the Ag Center.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the News for the week:
1. It is a joy to welcome Dezi Gage and Judy Markham to FBC Carthage. These have requested membership in the church and we will begin their process for membership.

2. The church-wide Labor Day picnic will be this Sunday, September 4 at 5:30 PM at the Defeated Creek Picnic Pavilion, next to the basketball courts. Bring a picnic dish to share together and soft drinks of your choice. We will have a cornhole tournament starting at 4:30 PM for those wishing to participate. A sign-up sheet will be available on Wednesday night and Sunday morning at the Connection Point.

3. Brad Tackett will be leading the Defeated Creek Campground service this Sunday, September 4 at 8:30 AM. You are invited to come out and be a part of this special service.

4. On Saturday, September 10, you have the incredible opportunity to study the Bible with Beth Moore at the Simulcast which is taking place at the Ag Center. The doors open at 8:00 with local worship starting at 9:00. The morning simulcast session begins at 9:30 and ends at 11:30. You'll do lunch on your own from 11:30 to 1:00. The afternoon session is then from 1:00 until about 4:15. During the final 45 minutes of the lunch time, you'll have the opportunity to preview the soon-to-be-released movie Courageous. You may want to either bring a lunch or make plans to grab something and bring it back so that you can get a taste of this promising new film from Sherwood Baptist Church (Facing the Giants, Fireproof). In preparation for the Simulcast on September 10, we'll be prayer walking at the Ag Center this coming Saturday, September 3, meeting at the Ag Center at 8:00. Join us as we ask God to take our preparation and use it to accomplish His will in our lives and in the lives of women from all over Smith County.

5. On Saturday, September 17, Lighthouse Christian Camp in Smithville needs some ladies to ride in boats with girls as they are given the opportunity to be out on the lake and fish. There will be boat drivers and fishermen, so all you'll need to do is be there as the female mentor to these wonderful girls. Email Kandy Smith at ksmith90@utk.edu or call her at 489-6912 if you can help. If you haven't been over to Lighthouse Christian Camp and seen not only the awesome facilities and God's incredible handiwork but also the unbelievable work that is done through this ministry, please consider giving a few hours on the 17th of September to be a part of this work. You'll be glad you did. We should be home by mid-afternoon.

6. The deacon’s meeting will be a little early this Sunday afternoon, September 4 at 3:00 PM due to the Labor Day Picnic.

7. Save these dates: We will be having a special On Mission Celebration September 24-28 with guest missionaries, mission’s presentations, and a mission’s fair. More details will be coming in next week’s E-News.

FBC Carthage E-News for August 15, 2011

2011-08-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

August 15, 2011

Good Morning,

Is it my imagination or does it really feel cooler this morning? It may be the thoughts of school being back in session, summer vacations being past, and the first home football game this Friday night. There is something about this time of year that I love. It is a reminder to slow down a minute, take a breath, and thank the Lord for the day.

With a home football game this week, our 5th Quarter student fellowships will start as well. I am looking forward to seeing the students and hearing the great speakers. Pharris Garcia will be the speaker this Friday night. He was the guest speaker this year for ReFuel and the spring youth retreat connected to the Youth Evangelism Conference. To all those who are helping with this great community outreach I want to say a special word of thanks.

This week, several of our college students are headed to school. Let’s be praying for all our students as they prepare for a great year of studies.

AWANA had a great start for the year last night. There is something special about a room full of children praising the Lord Jesus Christ in singing. Pray for the AWANA workers this week and for the new year of study, witness, and fun. AWANA is a fun-filled, Bible learning ministry on Sunday nights from 5:30 – 7:00 PM for children, ages 3-6th grade. Laying a strong biblical foundation in children’s lives is crucial as they grow to be men and women of God. In all the activities of childhood, do not neglect the most important aspect of your child’s development, his spiritual development. AWANA and its emphasis on Bible memory is a strong help in that development.

Speaking of spiritual development, I also want to encourage everyone, not only children, to be active in one of our Sunday School classes each Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. Sunday School provides bible study for all age groups, as well as, fellowship and ministry. Sunday School is the place to learn God’s word and get to know people at FBC Carthage.

Have a great week as we serve this community as ambassadors for Christ,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. Ladies and Young Ladies,
The Beth Moore Simulcast is less than a month away! You'll receive a letter this week from the planning team asking you to commit to attend, bring your friends, and volunteer to help in any way you feel the Lord's leading. Help us promote the simulcast by stopping by the Connection Point (new area back of the sanctuary) and picking up posters, business cards, fliers, and/or table top triangular advertisements. Use this as an opportunity to reach out to someone who's been missing from your Sunday School class or from a pew near you in worship services. Maybe you can mail a business card-sized reminder with a short note saying, "We miss you and hope you'll join us for this event. Go to lunch with me that day." Deborah can help with addresses if you will call or email her at 735-1929 or fbcarthage@comcast.net.

Please be praying about this event. We don't know the conference topic yet, but we should soon. Whatever God leads Beth to share, the Bible study will surely serve to bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and His Will for our lives. God must be so looking forward to September 10th - thousands of His daughters taking a day to meet with Him, to talk to Him, and to hear from Him. You do NOT want to miss this day!

2. Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames will be presented at the Ag Center on August 28-30 at 7:00 PM each evening. This dramatic presentation depicts the joys and blessings of heaven for those who have trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord. It also portrays the horrors of hell for those who have rejected the message of salvation. This is a presentation for you to experience and to invite your friends and family to join you. We are praying that many people will see their desperate need for salvation and turn to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. I encourage everyone to be at the first night’s presentation.

3. The church council will meet this Sunday, August 21 at 3:30 PM to begin working on the 2011-12 Church Calendar. If your class or organization has dates for the calendar, please contact the church office to include those in the calendar planning.

4. The final celebration of summer will be the Labor Day Picnic on Sunday, September 4 at 5:30 PM. We will meet at the Picnic Pavilion at Defeated Creek Park, next to the basketball courts. Bring a covered dish and join your church family at the park.

5. Here is an excerpt from a newsletter from Pastor Vance and Cathy Thomas in Poplar, Montana in which they reference the good job done by our mission team. Continue to pray for the work in Poplar, Kenya, Hawaii, and other places we have ministered this summer:

Good evening prayer warriors!!! I have lots of good news this evening. First of all, the water is almost completely dried up in the basement at church!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!! There is just one area in the 5th-6th grade classroom that is still coming in. Vance is only getting about a quart when he vacuums there and he is only doing it once a day. We are so thankful. The sump pumps are still putting water out though so the water table has not gone down as much as we had hoped. It really needs to drop a lot more before winter sets in. We still have not been able to get back into the kitchen. Things are just totally out of sync with us not having the children’s ministry. We will be having a meeting of all SS teachers on the 23rd to see if we can come up with some other way to reach the kids. We already have a couple of ideas but are wanting everyone else’s input.

Secondly, Kenneth and Debbie Carver did join the church on July 10th! That was a very fitting day for them to join as one of our long time mission teams, FBC Carthage TN, was here at the time!! Bro. Tim Frank has been coming up here for about 15 years and the teams do not always get to witness any of the fruit of their efforts. I think it was especially nice for them to see a family join the church while they were here. So, please keep them in prayer as they are trying to get the youth going again.

Thirdly, neither Bill and Kathy Hess or Pearl Hopkins, had ANY water in their house!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had asked for you to pray specifically for that and the Lord answered our prayers. He is so good to us!!! The engineers at Ft. Peck are slowly cutting back on the release amounts at the dam.

Fourth, the team from Carthage TN put us on a new roof. We have had 3-4 hard rains since then and there have been NO leaks!!!!! Praise God!!!!!!! They also repaired the foyer and removed all of the paneling in the basement-again! That paneling was only 2 years old. We had just been waiting to see what would happen, so now we will finish the foyer and get it painted.

FBC Carthage E-News for August 8, 2011

2011-08-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

August 8, 2011

Good Morning,

My family and I are headed to College Station, Texas to get Jill moved and settled in her new apartment. She will begin her studies at Texas A&M soon. Pray for Jill and all the college students as they prepare for a new semester of learning.

One of the blessings of college for me was the Baptist Student Union (BSU), now called the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM). As Baptists, this is our ministry on the college and university campuses. The BCM provides discipleship, fellowship, and missions opportunities for the students. Here is a link that will give you more information on the BCM ministry in Tennessee:
http://www.tnbaptist.org/category.asp?cat=college

Speaking of our students, a special word of congratulations goes to Sam Smith and his Internship at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. Sam will begin his seminary studies this Fall at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Check out Prestonwood at:
http://www.prestonwood.org/central/

The first rehearsal for Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames was a powerful experience. This dramatic presentation will be a blessing to our community and I believe many people will come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord through this experience. The drama will be presented August 28, 29, and 30 at the Smith County Ag Center. Invite your family and friends to attend with you. Invite those lost friends for whom you have been praying.

There are still a few non-speaking parts for men and women needed in the heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flame presentation. Contact me or Lynn Sharenberger to find out more information and sign-up.

Remember to pray for the work of the New Salem Association of Baptist and our Director of Missions, Marty Dodge. I appreciate Marty preaching last night in the evening service. He is a blessing to me, to our church, and to the association. An Open House will be held next Sunday, August 14 from 2-4 PM at the Association office on Highway 70 East towards Lebanon. Come out and learn about this avenue of our work through the New Salem Association of Baptists. To learn more on-line, go to:
http://www.newsalemassociation.org/

Ladies, I remind you to mark your calendars, invite a friend, and plan to attend the Beth Moore “Living Proof” Live Simulcast, scheduled for Saturday, September 10. The morning session will begin at 9:30 AM and the afternoon session at 1:00 PM. This year, the simulcast will be held at the Smith County Ag Center and there is no admission cost. Here is a link to Beth Moore and the “Living Proof” Live Simulcast:
http://www.lifeway.com/Simulcast/c/N-1z13wd3?type=events

One last word, Dr. David Sills has a great post on his web site on missions and mission trips. Several of our students have indicated a sense of call into missions. Dr. Sills gives several helpful steps to take as you consider missions. Take a minute to read through his thoughts:
http://davidsills.blogspot.com/

Have a blessed week and I will see you on Wednesday night.

Bro. Tim

FBC Carthage E-News for August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

August 1, 2011

Good Morning,

With area schools beginning this morning, it feels like summer has come to a close and it’s time to get back into a regular routine. I am all for that. This has been one of the best summers I can remember, however, it has been one the busiest. Busy is good. Trips are good. Mission efforts are very good. Regular schedules and time to work are also very good. There is a sense of a new start, a fresh start in my spirit today. This is going to be a great week!

Remember to pray for the teachers, administrators, and students this week as they begin a new school year. We have a great group of teachers and administrators in Smith County. Many of these are strong Christians. Pray for them as they teach, guide, and serve as role-models for the children.

We had a great response to the Teacher’s Luncheon last week. I want to say a special word of appreciation to all who helped in the preparation, serving, and clean-up.

Yesterday we recognized the work of the three summer Interns who have served these past ten weeks at FBC Carthage. Our Interns were Taylor Reece, Shawn Pinson, and Marcus McBee for your work. Thank you for a great summer. It has been a busy and face-paced. I pray you have received a blessing through serving the Lord at FBC Carthage. You have been a blessing to many.

I also want to say “Thank You” to all those who served in the ministry booth at the Smith County Fair. I appreciate the diligent work that was done each night of the fair. I would love to hear from you as to improvements, changes, and ideas you have to make the ministry booth more effective in coming years. You can e-mail your thoughts to me at tfrank@fbccarthage.com.

Congratulations to all those who participated in events at the fair. A special congratuleations to the Fairest of the Fair winners:

Sara Frank Fairest of the Fair

Ellie Vining Junior Fairest of the Fair

Grace Nixon Petite Fairest of the Fair

Have a blessed week as you serve the Lord,

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:

1. We welcome Conner Hackett as he made his profession of faith in Jesus Christ yesterday during the morning service.

2. Today begins an emphasis on the New Salem Association of Baptist. FBC Carthage is one of the ten churches and one mission which make up the Association. Marty Dodge, a member of FBC Carthage, is the Director of Missions. This past year, the Association has participated and led in the following events:

The Power Team

We Love Smith County Day

Mission work to tornado victims in Alabama

Children’s Day Camp

Youth ReFuel

Mission Trip to Hawaii

Mission Trip to Rogersville, Tennessee

Many training and fellowship events

Pray for the work of the New Salem Association as we serve together in Smith County. A special offering will be received at the end of both services this Sunday morning for the work of our Association. Also, an Open House will be held next Sunday, August 14 from 2-4 PM at the Association office on Highway 70 East towards Lebanon. Come out and learn about this avenue of our work through the New Salem Association of Baptists.

3. This Wednesday, August 3 will be a return of our regular Wednesday night schedule:

5:00 PM Supper

6:00PM Prayer Time in the Sanctuary

6:30PM Adult Prayer Meeting and Bible Study

Youth Worship

Children’s Missions (RA’s, GA’s, Mission Friends) and Choir

7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

4. The Sanctuary Choir will begin rehearsals again this Wednesday at 7:30 PM in the Choir Room. All choir members are urged to attend. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, simply come to rehearsal this Wednesday and join in.

5. All Sunday School teachers are reminded and urged to attend the Sunday School Conference at FBC Gordonsville, this Thursday, August 4 at 6:30 PM. This annual training conference will be a great inspirational and informative time for teachers of every age group. The training is usually in Lebanon or Cookeville, but this year the Tennessee Baptist Convention is conducting the conferences here in Smith County. Let’s all plan to attend.

6. The first rehearsal for Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames will be this Saturday, August 6 from 9:00-11:30 AM at the Christian Life Center, FBC Carthage. Be spreading the word about this production coming to the Ag Center on August 28-30.

7. The Beth Moore “Living Proof” Live Simulcast is fast approaching , scheduled for Saturday, September 10 with the morning session beginning at 9:30 AM and the afternoon session at 1:00 PM. This year, the simulcast will be held at the Smith County Ag Center. There is no admission cost so invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family to come with you.

8. It soon will be “Football Time” in Tennessee! Here is the schedule for the Smith County Owls. Each “Home” game will be followed by a 5th Quarter Fellowship for all students, grades 7-12. Make a note of these dates on your calendars and be praying for our 5th Quarter Ministry to the students. The Smith County Football schedule is:

August 19 White County Home

August 26 at Gordonsville Away

September 2 at Livingston Academy Away

September 9 at Warren County Away

September 16 DeKalb County Home

September 23 Macon County Home

September 30 at Upperman Away

October 14 Cannon County Home

October 20 White House Home

October 28 at York Institute Away

9. The Nominating Committee and Committee on Committees will meet this Wednesday, August 3 at 7:30 PM following the evening service.

10. Pray for the persecuted Christians around the world. I was reading an article from “Voice of the Martyrs” this morning and was convicted of my lack of prayer for brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering, imprisoned, and killed around the world for their faith in Jesus. Here is the web site: http://www.persecution.com/

FBC Carthage E-News for July 25, 2011

2011-07-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

July 25, 2011

Good Morning,

It’s hard to imagine, but this is the last week of summer break for the students of Smith County. The weeks have flown by and now its time to get back in the routine for many families. Please pray for the teachers and administrators this week as they have their in-service training and prepare for the student’s return next week. We are blessed in Smith County to have many Christian teachers in the school system. They need our prayers and encouragement.

One way we, as a church, seek to encourage the teachers is with a luncheon during their in-service training. We will have that opportunity this Wednesday, July 27, to host the teachers and administrators for lunch in the Christian Life Center. If you would like to help prepare the meal, serve, or clean-up, you can contact the church office or Melody Tackett.

Speaking of serving, this is the week of the Smith County Fair and we will once again have a ministry booth. We will have face painting, balloon animals, water, fans, and information about the church. The booth will be open from 5:30 – 8:30 each evening. If you would like to help, simply stop by the booth or you can contact Bro. Tim at the church office, 735-1929.

The Mission Montana Team gave a great report last night during the evening service. I appreciate each one who made the trip and ministered to the people of Poplar.

The Mission Hawaii Team will share their report this coming Sunday, August 31 in the 6:00 PM service.

Sunday morning’s message was on the power, point and place of sharing your story. The Christian’s testimony is an effective way to share with others what God has done in your life through Jesus Christ. Here are a few web sites that will give you additional help and examples in sharing your story:
1. http://www.cmf.com/Ministries/TrainingDiscipleship/PersonalTestimonyDevelopment/tabid/134/Default.aspx

2. http://www.leaderu.com/touching/YourStory.html

3. http://ong9d.rmxpres.com/Accordent/data/sorensen/msh.html

Before the news, I would like to say a word of congratulations to all the children and youth who promoted to their new Sunday School classes yesterday. The Promotion Day Celebration was a great visual reminder to me of the importance of Sunday School and the great opportunity we have as a church to teach and train our children in the ways of the Lord. Thank you teachers for your time, effort, and love you give to the students each week.

“Keep telling the story, be faithful and true. Let others see Jesus in you.”
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:

1. Welcome Brandon Scholtens and CJ Fisher who came yesterday, making their profession of faith in Jesus Christ. We will visit with the two young men and look forward to their baptism in the coming weeks.

2. The casting for “Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames” went very well on Saturday. Most of the parts were cast and only a few are left to fill. There are several non-speaking parts for angels (women) and demons (men). If you are interested contact the church office or see Lynn Sharenberger. The presentation will be August 28-30 at the Ag Center.

3. We will observe the Lord’s Supper this Sunday, July 31 during both morning services.

4. The Church Council will meet this Sunday, July 31 at 4:30 PM and the Deacons will meet Next Sunday, August 7 at 5:00 PM.

5. The Pregnancy Help Center, a new ministry in our community, will have it’s Open House this Sunday, July 31 from 2:00-5:00 PM. The Center is located at 108 College Avenue West, just behind Heartland Realty. The Pregnancy Help Center is a Christ centered ministry in Smith County, Tennessee offering life affirming, compassionate care to men, women, and children who face pregnancy related issues. Several members of FBC Carthage are serving at the Center as volunteer counselors and workers. Everyone is invited to the Open House.

6. All Sunday School Teachers are reminded of the training conference which will be held on Thursday, August 4 at 6:30 PM at the FBC Gordonsville. There will be conferences for teachers of all age-groups.

7. We are a part of the ministry of the New Salem Baptist Association which is made up of ten Southern Baptist churches in Smith County. During August 1-14, we will be having a focus on the work and ministry of the Association. Marty Dodge, a member of FBC Carthage, is the Director of Missions. The Association serves as a coordinating point for missions, training, and fellowship among the churches. There will be an Open House at the Association office on Highway 70 West on Sunday, August 14 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Everyone is invited to attend the Open House.

8. AWANA is an energetic, children’s discipleship program which we offer on Sunday nights at 5:30 PM for children ages 3- 6th grade. AWANA is similar to Vacation Bible School in its focus on the Bible and scripture memory. AWANA also includes music, recreation, and snacks. A new year of AWANA will begin on Sunday night, August 14 at 5:30 PM. Here is a link to more information about AWANA:

http://awana.org/about/about-history,default,pg.html

FBC Carthage E-News for July 4, 2011

2011-07-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

July 4, 2011

Happy 4th of July!

On this day we remember our freedoms as Americans and celebrate the birthdate of our nation. America is a great nation and what makes her great is the foundation on which she is built. Our founding fathers established this nation on a foundation of Judeo-Christian principles. It is true that every leader was not a professing evangelical Christian, however, the principles underlying the nation were Judeo-Christian. In honor of our founders and their strong beliefs, here are some of their own words:

Patrick Henry stated, “It can not be emphasized too much or repeated too strongly that America was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the gospel of
Jesus Christ.”

In his Inaugural Address on April 30, 1789, George Washington said, “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained”. The Ten Commandments represent those “eternal rules”.

John Adams stated, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other”.

Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have need for masters”.

These and many other statements from the founding fathers remind us today of the religious heritage of our nation. Throughout the centuries since the founding of the United States people have held to these religious principles as the undergirding of this great nation. It is only in the past thirty to forty years that a question has been raised.

The second paragraph in the Declaration of Independence begins, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”.

It is God who endows us with the rights and freedoms we have as Americans. To the signers of the Declaration of Independence America was established as a nation “under God” and this truth was “self-evident”.

Take a few minutes today to thank the Lord for our nation and pray that we may return as a nation to the foundations on which we were built. The Lord says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their land.”

Have a safe, joyous holiday,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news of the week:
1. The Mission Montana team left this morning for Poplar, Montana. Please remember to pray for the team as we travel and work. The major project will be re-roofing the First Baptist Church in Poplar. Other projects of the trip will be a ladies Bible study, a community feast, a movie night, and prayer visits in the community. A special thanks to everyone who came and “saw us off” this morning, especially the coffee and breakfast to go. It was delicious.

2. We reported last week that the offerings were coming in well for the “Raising the Roof” project in Poplar, Montana. Through a special gift received by Meadowbrook Baptist Church from Texas, we were able to more than reach and exceed the $5000 needed for the shingles. Praise the Lord!

3. Remember to pray for the mission teams leaving out next Monday to Hawaii and Rogersville, TN. Be praying for them as they make their preparations.

4. A special thank-you to Shawn Pinson who has served these past 6 weeks as one of our Summer Interns. He begins a month of ministry at Lighthouse Camp as a staff counselor during boy’s week. Pray for Shawn as he shares with the boys and as many accept Jesus as their Savior.

5. Last week was a fantastic week with the youth at Summer Camp. Even with the vehicle repairs, it was a life-changing week for all who attended. One of our youth accepted Christ and one of our leaders felt God’s call into missions! You can see Zeke’s daily blogs on the church web-site at www.fbccarthage.com.

6. Thank you to those who helped with last night’s cook-out. It is always good to fellowship together with the churches of our Baptist association. There were four churches represented at the cook-out.

7. “Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames” is a powerful dramatic service which will be presented by the churches of the Smith County Ministerial Alliance on August 28-30 at the Ag Center. This presentation will have many dramatic parts which members of the churches will fill. Several of the parts are speaking parts and many are non-speaking. You are encouraged to be a part of this dramatic presentation by attending the casting try-outs on July 23& 24.

8. One of our local mission weeks will be July 25-30 as we minister to our community at the Smith County Fair. FBC Carthage will have a ministry booth with face painting, balloon animals, games, and information about the church. The booth will be open from 5:30-8:30 PM each evening .

9. We have had six complete the VBS survey for workers and parents. Take a few minutes to help us evaluate a few of the aspects of this year’s VBS, especially the changes. Log onto http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3SHQ9GV and complete the seven questions. Thanks for helping us prepare for VBS 2011.

FBC Carthage E-News for June 27, 2011

2011-06-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

June 27, 2011

Good Morning,

The day began early for thirty adults and youth as we met at 5:30 AM and left at 6:00 AM for Orange Beach, Alabama for Youth Camp 2011. Last year’s camp was an awesome week of worship and life-change for our group. The Lord did amazing things in the lives of many, especially the bus driver. This year I am the bus driver so I am excited about the week. Pray for Youth Camp 2011, for safety, and for God to move in the hearts and lives of all those who attend.

Last week was an amazing week of Vacation Bible School. We had just over 150 children enrolled and over 50 adults and youth serving in various leadership roles. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of the week was the picnic on Friday night at the park. There were many parents and families from the community who came to see their children sing and have a great evening at the park. A special thank you goes to all the VBS teachers, directors, and workers. It truly was a Big Apple Adventure.

Speaking of Vacation Bible School, all workers and parents are asked to go online and complete the survey to help us evaluate and prepare for next year, VBS 2012. To complete the survey, go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3SHQ9GV

Everyone is reminded of the Church-wide cookout next Sunday night, July 3 at the Defeated Creek Campground pavilion. We will meet at 5:00 PM and plan to eat at 5:30 PM. The church will be cooking hamburgers and hotdogs. Bring a picnic covered dish and soft drinks of your choice. Also, if you have a corn hole game, please bring it with you. A special patriotic service will be held at 6:30 PM.

Have a blessed week,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:

1. We are glad to welcome three ladies who desire to unite with our church fellowship: Lisa Swan, Billie Lowe, and Anna Belle Lowe.

2. Plans are being finalized for the Mission trip to Poplar, Montana, July 4-13. Please be praying for the team and for the First Baptist Church in Poplar. The people of the town are going through a difficult time of flooding and water in many basements. This mission team will be called on to be very flexible and responsive to the changing needs of this community in crisis.

3. Speaking of Montana, we have had a great response to the “Raising the Roof” offering for the FBC Poplar. Sunday, the bulletin reported over $2800 with more than $500 coming from the offering of the children during VBS. There is still time for you to give toward this special offering.

4. Two other teams from the New Salem Association will be on mission during the week of July 11. These teams, going to Rogersville, Tennessee and Wiamea, Hawaii, will have members from FBC Carthage.

5. Work continues on the Pregnancy Help Center facilities. This week we are working on refinishing the wood floors and finishing up painting. If you have a couple of hours to help please contact the church office or A.J. Sharenberger.

6. Please remember the great opportunity we have to minister to our community at the Smith County Fair, July 25-30. We will plan to have a ministry booth again this year and people are needed each evening. If you can serve one night, or more, send a reply to this e-news. We will be doing face painting, balloon animals, water distribution, and other ministry activities.

7. Plans are coming into place for a great community evangelistic effort, August 28-30, called "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames." This event will be a dramatic presentation of judgment day, the glory of heaven, and the horrors of hell. The actors for this presentation will be people from our church and other participating churches. Scripts will be available within the next couple of weeks with casting try-outs July 22-23. You are needed to be a part of this powerful event in our community.

8. Jim Broyles will be leading the service this Sunday, July 3 at the Defeated Creek Campground at 8:30 PM. His class will be joining him for this special ministry at 8:30 PM.

9. Here is the July calendar for you to note special events:

July 3 Defeated Creek Campground Service @ 8:30 AM
Mission Montana Team Packing @ 2:30 PM
Church Picnic at Defeated Creek Camp Pavilion @ 5:00 PM

4-13 Mission Montana – Meet at 5:30 AM

11-20 Mission Hawaii

11-16 Mission Appalachia

13 Business Meeting @ 6:30 AM

17 Defeated Creek Campground Service @ 8:30 AM

23-24 Casting for Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames

24 Sunday School Promotion Day

25-30 Smith County Fair

27 Teacher In-Service Luncheon

31 Lord’s Supper

FBC Carthage E-News for June 20, 2011

2011-06-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News
June 20, 2011

Good morning,

Bible School is off to a good start and the excitement is high as we begin a great week of Bible study, crafts, music, missions, recreation and crafts. The theme of VBS 2011 is The Big Apple Adventure with the focus on New York City. Here are some specifics for this year?s VBS:

Motto: Hear It! Believe It! Connect It!

Scripture: Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Preview of Songs for Week:
http://www2.lifeway.com/vbs2011/yourvbs/index.php/multimedia/music/

Overview of Lessons for the week:
http://www2.lifeway.com/vbs2011/yourvbs/index.php/theme/children/

Helpful Videos:
http://www2.lifeway.com/vbs2011/yourvbs/index.php/multimedia/videos/

Pray for the VBS workers as they share the truths from God?s word with the children. Tuesday will be the day they share the gospel presentation. Pray for clear understanding of this important message.

There is room in each class for more boys and girls to join in the fun. VBS 2011 meets each evening this week from 6:00 ? 8:30 PM with classes for ages 3 through 12th grade. Invite friends and family to join in the adventure, the Big Apple Adventure.

If you missed the special E-News report from the Mission Kenya Team last week you can read it on my blog at www.ontheword.blogspot.com. The Mission Kenya Team will share their report this Sunday, June 26 in the 6:00 PM service. Come and hear the great things the Lord has done in Africa and in the lives of the mission team.

I want to say a special word of appreciation to everyone who helped in the services and ministry in my absence. I have heard many good reports from the messages and services. Thank you.

Happy Father's Day to the dads in the congregation! We gave a special gift yesterday to the men in the services, a copy of the book, Man in the Mirror. There are several copies available on a first come first served basis in the church office. Stop by and pick up a copy.

Sunday was the "mid-way" point on our Amazing Journey through the Bible in 2011. We completed our study of the Old Testament with the book of Malachi. Next Sunday begins our journey through the New Testament, beginning with the Gospel of Matthew. I encourage you to read the gospel of Matthew this week. By reading four chapters a day, you will finish Matthew in seven days.

It is a blessing to be back in Carthage and to serve along with you at First Baptist. Have a blessed week,

Bro. Tim

Here's the news of the week:

1. During this month we are receiving a special offering to go towards a new roof for the First Baptist Church in Poplar, Montana. A bundle of shingles cost approximately $33. The 2011 VBS offering will be going toward this mission effort. Everyone is asked to be a part of "Raising the Roof" for FBC Poplar.

2. Work continues on the Pregnancy Help Center facilities. This week we are working on refinishing the wood floors and finishing up painting. If you have a couple of hours to help please contact Bro. Tim.

3. We will have our annual cookout at Defeated Creek Campground Pavilion on July 3. The church will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish and soft drinks. Other churches in the New Salem Association will be joining with us for this time of fellowship. We will meet at 5:00 PM, eat at 5:30 PM, and have a service together at 6:30 PM.

4. The Smith County Fair is just over a month away, July 25-30. We will plan to have a ministry booth again this year and people are needed each evening. If you can serve one night, or more, send a reply to this e-news. We will be doing face painting, balloon animals, water distribution, and other ministry activities.

5. Plans are coming into place for a great community evangelistic effort, August 28-30, called "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames." This event will be a dramatic presentation of judgment day, the glory of heaven, and the horrors of hell. The actors for this presentation will be people from our church and other participating churches. Scripts will be available within the next couple of weeks with casting try-outs July 22-23. You are needed to be a part of this powerful event in our community.

6. Reminder: The Church Council will meet this Sunday, June 26 at 4:00 PM and the Deacons will meet at 5:00 PM.

Mission Kenya Team Report

2011-06-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Mission Kenya Team Report

June 17, 2011

“Bwana asa fiwe!” Praise the Lord!

After fifteen days on mission in Kenya, Africa, it is a blessing to be back home in Carthage, Tennessee. The trip was a wonderful experience for the eight members of the team: Tim, Fran, Jill and Sara Frank, Stephen and Audrey Russell, Taylor Reece, and Josh Lynn. These days will be a lifetime memory and a lasting influence on each of our lives. Below is a brief report of our journey.

Our journey began on June 1 with a wonderful “send-off” luncheon at FBC Carthage. We appreciated the ladies who prepared the meal. In addition to these ladies and family members, Mayor Sabra Hodge, her daughter Katelyn, and State Representative Teri Lynn Weaver were present to see us off. After prayer, we loaded the bus and Brad Tackett drove us to the airport.

Check-in at the airport went smoothly and soon we were in the terminal waiting for the first flight. Within the next 24-hours we would travel to Chicago, Illinois then to Istanbul, Turkey and finally to Nairobi, Kenya.

We were met at the airport by Jim and Linda Gandy, International Mission Board missionaries in Kenya, and their daughters Gillian and Lydia. At the airport we also met Daniel, an intern from Memphis, Tennessee working with the Gandys this summer. Pastor Elijah Wanje and his Mission Pastor Hamisi also were there (at 2:30 AM Kenya time) to welcome our team.

Our accommodations in Nairobi were at a nice bed and breakfast called Carina’s, owned and operated by a member of Pastor Wanje’s church. The beds felt great and sleep came quickly.

Friday was spent getting over the flight, traveling into the city to the Maasai Market for some shopping, and then having a team orientation over dinner.

On Saturday, the team went into the Haruma slum and met Pastor Fred and several of the people involved in a Bible study group in one of the homes. The slum covered 3-4 acres and housed over 3000 people and animals. Living conditions are desperate in the slum with no running water or sewage. We brought two soccer balls for the children and a great shout went up when they saw the balls. By the end of the afternoon the balls looked like they had been used for weeks, covered with the dirt that covered the area.

Sunday was a great day of worship at Ridgeways Baptist Church. They have built a 1000-plus seat auditorium since I was last there in 2008. Ridgeways is a English speaking congregation so we were well able to communicate and understand the singing, prayers and announcements. I (Bro. Tim) had the privilege to preach the morning message which the Lord had lead me to use Romans 3:21-26 and preach on God’s grace. Several came for decisions at the invitation.

Following the service, we changed and drove 6 hours to Maasai Mara, Kenya’s largest and best game parks for a two day safari. Most mission teams have the safari experience at the end of the trip, but because of the schedule, we had ours toward the beginning.

The safari was a visual treat as we saw thousands of African wild animals in their natural environment. They are protected within the park but there are no fences to keep them in. We saw the “Big Five,” which are lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and cape buffalos. In addition, there were gazelle, giraffes, impalas, hippos, cheetahs, wildebeest, crocodiles, hyenas, baboons, and zebras. Our sleeping and eating accommodations for the safari were tents just outside the unfenced park. Maasai warriors stood guard through the night for our protection.

We headed back to Nairobi on Tuesday and packed for the journey to Malindi, Kenya on Wednesday. After eleven hard hours of driving, we reached Malindi, a city of over 400,000 people on the coast of Kenya. Our work was with the Fellowship Baptist Church and the people greeted us with song, prayers, and African chai tea. This was just the beginning of a great move of God in our lives and the lives of the people of the church. We retired for the night to our accommodations at Breeze Point for dinner and rest.

Thursday morning began with breakfast and then to the Fellowship Baptist Church. More than thirty members of the church greeted us and nine visiting teams were formed to go into the community and share Jesus with the people. The teams were named with Biblical city names: Capernaum, Jerusalem, Bethel, Bethsaida, Jordan, Galilee, Canaan, Nineveh, and Nazareth. We walked to the homes and villages from the church, came back for lunch, and went back out until 4:00 PM. When the reports were given, 98 persons had given their lives to Jesus Christ. Many of them joined us that evening for a service. At the end of the service, during the initiation time many came for prayer and decisions. Two ladies came and the Pastors prayed for healing and deliverance. It was one of the most powerful prayer experiences I have ever witnessed. By 7:30 PM we were back at Breeze Point for supper and rest.

Friday began with a visit to the Mayor’s office in Malindi. We felt like dignitaries meeting in the large conference room. We talked and presented the Mayor with several Bibles. He shared his faith in Jesus Christ as did we. The rest of the day was spent back at the church and out in the community visiting door-to-door. One team went to two local schools. During the report time, 45 people had accepted Christ during the visits and 58 students had prayed during the school visits. Many of the people and students joined us for the evening service.

Saturday was our final day of visiting in the community followed by an afternoon of games with over 200 children of the community. The church uses AWANA and the games played were connected to this great program. One of the church members commented how the AWANA program had revitalized the church. During the evening service, reports were given for the day’s visits and 35 people had come to faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Over 230 people had trusted in Jesus during the three days!

Sunday was a great day of worship with the Fellowship Baptist Church. Sunday School began at 9:30 AM and the worship service at 10:30 AM. I preached that morning from Romans 5:1-5 on what we have in Jesus Christ. Following the service, the church gave gifts to all the mission team members. It was humbling to see the outpouring of love from these gracious people. After the service, several families fed us lunch and then we went for a visit to the beach and a swim in the Indian Ocean.

Monday was a day of rest and relaxation for the team at Turtle Bay, a beautiful retreat on the Indian Ocean. It was a good day to enjoy being together as a team.

Tuesday and Wednesday ran together in a blur as we drove 12 hours back to Nairobi, repacked our luggage, had a quick supper, and headed to the airport for the 28 hour flight home. Steve Dowell picked us up from the Nashville airport and drove us to the church where many members of FBC Carthage were waiting to welcome us home. They had signs, balloons, and food prepared for us to take home. It was a blessing to be welcomed home in such a festive way. After a farewell prayer of thanksgiving, we headed to our separate homes for much needed rest.

The members of the Mission Kenya Team experienced a great blessing throughout the trip. It was very evident that many people were praying for us and for the work. God moved and those prayers were answered in amazing ways. Thank you for your prayers for the team. Many of the members of Fellowship Baptist Church asked if we would return next year and continue the partnership. That is another matter of prayer for us to seek God’s will to be done.

“Bwana asa fiwe!” Praise the Lord!

Jambo from Kenya

2011-06-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

Jambo! Greetings from Nairobi, Kenya!

We have made it safely to Kenya and have had a great first two days of orientation and seeing the city. Today we went into the Hamara slum which had about 3000 people living in 2-3 acres. It was a desperate place with a lot of needs. Ridgeways has a Ministry Intern who has begun a Bible study in this slum and is making plans toward a church. The main issue seemed to be alcohol addiction. Just as we have seen this problem on the reservation in Montana, alcohol has destroyed the lives of many people within this slum. In fact, alcohol has made the slum a virtual prison for many of the people who live here. There are active stills where the people are brewing the alcohol. There is a sense of hopelessness and when one of the intoxicated men asked me what I could do to help him (He had in mind giving food or money) I could not think of one thing I could do to help. But, I knew that Jesus could do the impossible. In fact, our Lord Jesus Christ came to set the prisoners free! The young man who is serving as the Ministry Intern shared that already four of the six alcohol stills have been closed. God is at work in this place. There is little I can do but the Lord I serve can do great and mighty things that we can not even imagine.

Please continue to pray for the Kenya Team. We will be going to Malindi to minister on Wednesday through next Monday. To see several pictures from the team, click on our Africa page on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150196771882675.324539.514512674

FBC Carthage E-News for May 23, 2011

2011-05-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

May 23, 2011

Good Morning,

By the time you read this I will be headed toward the great state of Texas. Jill, my oldest daughter, and I are going to look for a place for her to live during her graduate studies at Texas A&M. I will be the proud father of a Texas Aggie. I can feel the jokes pouring in.

I want to say one last congratulations to the Class of 2011. We attended Jill’s graduation at Union University Saturday and it was an important time for the families as well as the graduates to celebrate.

This week begins what I believe will be our greatest Summer of Missions yet. There are mission trips, camps, and events every week of the summer. This week is the Children’s Day Camp at the Smith County Ag Center. Preparations are being made for up to one hundred children, grades 1-6, to attend. The camp is Monday thru Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. You can still register your children at the Ag center.

Next week is our third ReFuel Community Youth Mission Week and it is already looking to be our best yet. That seems to be a theme already this summer. Almost 100 youth are signed up for this week of ministry and missions right here in Smith County. Make sure your teens will be a part of ReFuel, May 30-June 2, from 1:30 – 8:00 PM at the Smith County Ag Center.

A special thank you goes to Charlie Daigre, Janet Bailey and others from FBC Carthage for leading the Defeated Creek Campground service Sunday. They reported twenty in attendance.

We also want to welcome our 2011 Summer Interns who begin their service this week. Marcus McBee, Taylor Reece, and Shawn Pinson will be serving this summer in many different ways. In addition to ministry in Smith County, they will also be participating in the mission efforts locally and around the world. Put them on your prayer list.

Before we go to the news, let me remind you to pray for our mission efforts each week this summer. Special times are set aside each Wednesday at 6:00 PM and Sundays at 5:30 PM to pray especially for the mission efforts of the week. I also encourage you to pray that the Lord will allow you to be a part of leading at least one person to Him this summer.

Have a blessed week and remember to pray,

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:

1. The work on the Pregnancy Help Center is making progress. We will have a work day this Saturday, May 28 at 8:00 AM. Come and help get the center ready to open soon. The Pregnancy Help Center is located at 108 College Avenue West.

2. Speaking of the Pregnancy Help Center, the training of volunteers will be next week, May 31-June 4. If you would like to serve in this vital ministry or would like more information, contact the director, Debbie Bernal, at 615 281-8499. The volunteer training will be at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce on Upper Ferry Road, Tuesday, May 31-Friday, June 3 at 6:30 PM and Saturday, June 4 at 8:00 AM. The cost for the training is $10 which covers the cost of the workbooks.

3. The Relay for Life Team met yesterday and finalized plans for our participation in the June 4, Smith County Relay for Life to be held at the Courthouse Square. We will have a booth with food and activities. Everyone is encouraged to come to the square for this year’s Relay. Each booth will have food with the proceeds going toward the American Cancer Society. This Community festival is a direct contact of our church to the people of Smith County. Bring the kids and enjoy the evening. Most booths open around 5 PM and the activities begin with the Survivor Walk at 6:00 PM. Our team has many ways which you can be an active part of Relay. For more information you can contact our Team Captain, Joe Hackett or contact the church office.

4. This Sunday, May 29 is Memorial Day and special envelopes will be available for you to make a donation to the American Cancer Society in memory or honor of a loved one or friend who has battled cancer. As part of your memorial (donation of at least $5), a luminary will be placed in memory of your loved one along the route of the 2011 Relay for Life.

5. We will observe the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, as part of the two morning worship services this Sunday, May 29.

6. The evening services will be held as part of our Memorial Day Church Picnic, this Sunday, May 29 at 5:30 PM at the Defeated Picnic Pavilion near the basketball court. Bring a picnic dish(s) to share together.

7. Are you signed up to help in Vacation Bible School, June 19-24? There are opportunities for everyone to be a part of this important week in the life of our church.

8. Raise the Roof is the special offering we are receiving during the month of June for the Mission Montana project with the First Baptist Church in Poplar, Montana. The roof is in great need to be replaced and the members of the team are preparing to do the work. Everyone can be a part of this mission effort by donating the cost of a bundle ($33) or several bundles of shingles. Offering envelopes will be available in the pews for this mission project.

9. The Africa Mission Team will be collecting soccer balls, pens and pencils through this Sunday, May 29. You can drop these items off at Bro. Tim Frank’s office.

10. With all the talk of our summer of missions, here is a listing of the mission events, trips, and projects:

o Kids Camp May 23-26
o Refuel May 30-June 2
o Africa Mission Trip June 1-15
o Teen Music Camp June 16-18
o VBS June 20-24
o Youth Summer Camp June 27-July 1
o Montana Mission Trip July 4-13
o Rogersville Mission Trip July 11-16
o Hawaii Mission Trip July 11-18
o New York Mission Trip October 7-14
o Prayer for Missions – Sundays 5:30 PM / Wednesdays 6:00 PM

11. Take a minute and write down these dates on your calendar:
May 23-26 Children’s Camp 9:00AM – 2:00 PM @ Ag Center
 29 Lord’s Supper AM
Memorial Day Picnic @ 5:30 PM Defeated Picnic Pavilion
 30-June 2 ReFuel 1:30-8:00 PM @ Ag Center
 30 Renovation begins on Welcome Center
 31-June 4 Pregnancy Help Center Volunteer Training 6:30 PM @ Chamber of Commerce
June 1-15 Mission Africa
 4 Relay for Life 5:00 PM @ Smith County Historic Courthouse
 5 Youth Camp Support Dinner
Deacon’s Meeting
Shawn Pinson Preaching PM
 6-14 Zeke leading music for SBC Pastor’s Conference June 12-13
http://www.sbcpc.net/media/
 7 Backyard Bible Clubs Begin @ Project Circle
 8 Business Meeting
 12 Jimmy Arms Preaching
 16-18 Youth Music Camp
 19-24 VBS 6:00 – 8:30 PM
 19 Defeated Creek Campground Service – Stephen Russell leading
Father’s Day
 26 Church Council
Deacon’s Meeting
Marcus McBee Preaching PM
 27-July 1 Youth Camp @ Orange Beach, Alabama

FBC Carthage E-News for May 9, 2011

2011-05-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

May 9, 2011

Good Morning,

These are two big weeks in the Frank home. Sara will be graduating from Smith County High School on Saturday and Jill will be graduating from Union University the following Saturday, May 21. Several have asked me if I am crying yet and the answer is, “Of course.” It is hard to go through these life transitions and not feel a sense of emotion. Some of the emotion is excitement as the girls begin a new chapter in their lives. Jill will be moving to College Station, Texas for graduate studies at Texas A&M. Sara will be going to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to begin her college years. Fran and I will move into the interesting time of life know as “the empty nest.” I am thankful for a great church family to walk with us through this time in our lives. I’ll let you know how it is on the other side of the transition.

We will have an Open House celebration this Saturday, May 14 from 2-4 PM in honor of Jill and Sara’s graduations. You are invited to come by for some delicious refreshments and say a word of congratulations to the girls. We live at 607 Main Street N.

I also appreciate all the prayers and inquiries about Fran’s dad, Paul Herald. She is with her dad and mom in Knoxville where he is in a Hospice facility. He is having a difficult weekend and please continue to pray for him and the whole family.

On a lighter note, if you missed the service yesterday you missed an excellent video tribute to moms. Here is a link:
http://www.skitguys.com/videos/item/the-mom-song/

Here is another one from the same group that gives a perspective from two moms:
http://skitguys.com/videos/item/all-mom-wants/

The book Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacAuthur was given to all ladies yesterday at the end of the services. We will be offering some women's book club meetings starting in late May/early June discussing these twelve women from the Bible. More details will be coming through the bulletin and future E-News. There are a few books remaining at the church office if you would like to come by and pick one up.

Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms.

Have a blessed week,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. The Islam Awareness Conference began last night at the Ag Center and continues through tomorrow at 6:30 PM each evening. With so much reference in the news, it is important to have a Christian perspective on Islam. This event is sponsored by the Smith County Ministerial Alliance.

2. Remember the graduates this week:
Friday, May 13 Gordonsville High School
Saturday, May 14 Smith County High School

3. Next Sunday, May 15, the Children’s Choir will present their spring musical, The Amazing Grace Race at 6:00 PM. Everyone is invited for the presentation and the finger-food reception immediately following. This is always a great evening with many friends and family joining in for the program. Take a few minutes to be aware of those around you, greet them warmly, and help them feel at home at FBC Carthage.

4. Vacation Bible School will be coming up very soon and if you have not signed up to help, contact Becky Mitchell or Rhonda Ethridge. You can also send a reply e-mail to the church and we will be glad to forward them to Becky and Rhonda. The VBS dates are June 19-24, 6:00 – 8:30 PM each evening.

5. Speaking of VBS, all workers will receive a Missions 2011 T-Shirt with this summer’s special theme. Please send a reply e-mail with your t-shirt size. This is also for all participants in the mission trips this summer (I assume all mission team members will be serving in some capacity in Vacation Bible School.)

6. A new special event this year for our children in the Children’s Day Camp, May 23-26 at the Smith County Ag Center from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM each day. The cost is only $10 per child, which includes lunch and a T-Shirt. See Zeke for more information. This will be a great “kick-off” to the summer.

7. The Relay for Life Team will meet on Sunday, May 22 between the first service and Sunday School in Bro. Tim’s office. Everyone is encouraged to plan to attend the Relay for Life on Saturday, June 4 at the Smith County Courthouse.

8. The renovation continues on the Pregnancy Help Center facility at 108 College Avenue West. Listed below are the projects still needing to be completed before the center opens in June:

Finish electrical (85% Complete)
Run plumbing (40% Complete)
Replace flooring in bathroom and closet (10% Complete)
Drywall bathroom walls (0% Complete)
Finish roofing (65% Complete)
Finish painting (25% Complete)
Sand and re-finish floors (0 % Complete)
Caulk and paint windows (50 % Complete)
Hang duct work for HVAC (0% Complete)
Grade driveway and yard for parking (0% Complete)

Here are several days we will be working on the house:
Wednesday, May 11 8:00 AM
Thursday, May 12 8:00 AM & 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 14 8:00 AM
Tuesday, May 17 8:00 AM
Thursday, May 19 8:00 AM
Saturday, May 28 8:00 AM

For more information and to sign-up to help, contact Bro. Tim Frank at tfrank@fbccarthage.com.

Volunteer training has been scheduled for the Pregnancy Help Center Volunteers Tuesday, May 31-Friday, June 3 at 6:30 PM and Saturday, June 4 at 8:00 AM. The cost for the training is $10 which covers the cost of the workbooks. This new ministry will be a great blessing to Smith County in its stand for life, abstinence, and healing.

9. Let’s end today’s E-News with one more great mother’s day video from the Skit Guys:

http://skitguys.com/videos/item/why-she-gets-a-day/

FBC Carthage E-News for May 2, 2011

2011-05-02T05:46:00.001-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

May 2, 2011

Good morning,

These are exciting days for many families in our church as graduations draw close. Jill and Sara Frank are both graduating this year so it is fast paced at our house. We had a great meal and recognition of the graduates yesterday. A special thank-you goes to those who helped with the delicious meal. Here are our 2011 Graduates:

High School

Zach Sanders

Leah Bane

Sara Frank

Shawn Pinson

Kirk Conger

Hunter Hackett

Lauren Nesbitt

College

Jill Frank

Monica Wilmore

Allie Hackett

Sam Smith

Brad Tackett

Zeke Tomaselli

Davin Apple

Kendra Apple

Take a few minutes and pray for them as they finish their school year.

The Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions is near the goal of $7000. As of yesterday, we had $6,665. If you have not had a chance to be a part of this great offering you can bring or send your offering to the church office.

Speaking of North American Missions, we have a great opportunity to reach out during this time of disaster through NAMB and the Tennessee Baptist Convention Disaster Relief. Check out the work being done and how you can help at www.namb.net

This coming Sunday, May 8 is Mother’s Day and we will have a special gift for all ladies. Remember your mom this week is a special way. If she is living, take time to spend some time with her. My mom has been with Jesus for seventeen years now. I continue to thank the Lord for the Godly heritage she gave me.

Have a blessed week,

Bro. Tim

Here’s the News for the week:

1. This Thursday, May 5 will be the National Day of Prayer Rally at 6:00 PM on the steps of the Smith County Courthouse. Let’s join together and pray for our nation. Bro. Zeke will be leading the worship and several pastors will lead in prayer. I ask you to set aside an hour to come to the courthouse and pray.

2. Here are two mission/ministry opportunities for this summer:

FBC Carthage will be leading the Defeated Creek Campground Services on the following dates:

Sunday, May 22

Sunday, June 19

Sunday, July 3

Sunday, September 4

Sunday, October 9

We need classes or individuals to lead these services at 8:30 AM. Contact Bro. Tim to be a part of this great ministry.

FBC Carthage will lead and provide a meal for the Backyard Bible Club at Project Circle on the following dates:

Tuesday, June 7

Tuesday, June 14

Tuesday, June 28

Tuesday, July 25

We need classes and individuals to volunteer to prepare the food and lead in the Bible lessons for about twenty children. The Bible Club meets from 4:30-5:30 PM. Contact Bro. Tim to help in this ministry.

3. Speaking of missions, here is a list of the upcoming mission events. Place them on your calendar and begin praying now for a Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered Summer:

Mission Projects:

• Kids Camp May 23-26

• Refuel May 30-June 2

• Africa Mission Trip June 1-15

• Teen Music Camp June 16-18

• VBS June 20-24

• Youth Summer Camp June 27-July 1

• Montana Mission Trip July 4-13

• Rogersville Mission Trip July 11-16

• Hawaii Mission Trip July 11-18

• New York Mission Trip October 7-14

4. To help focus our prayers for missions this Summer, we will begin having special times of prayer each Sunday and Wednesday evening in the sanctuary before the services. These times of prayer will be Wednesdays at 6:00 PM beginning May 18 and Sundays at 5:30 PM beginning May 22.

5. Here’s another idea to help call us to pray for the mission efforts this Summer; set your cell phone to ring each day at 4:15 PM. 4:15 PM corresponds to our focus verse for this Summer, Mark 16:15 (4:15 PM in military time would be 16:15). Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Let this ring be a reminder to pray for the teams that are serving that week and those preparing to go.

6. The monthly business meeting will be held this Wednesday, May 4 at 6:30 PM. We will share the ministries of the church and hear several recommendations from the deacons.

7. We will join together in sponsoring an Islam Awareness Conference May 8-10 at the Ag Center. These sessions will begin at 6:30 PM each evening. Here is some basic information on the conference:

Islam Awareness Conference Information

Pastor El Masih is coming to our county to hold a three day Islam Awareness conference at the AG Center; May 8th-10th Sunday - Tuesday. Scott Nesbitt, pastor of Christ Community Church writes, “I know brother Masih personally and can testify that he is an outstanding preacher and teacher and brother in the Lord. I am bringing him here because I know first hand of the watered down version of Islam that is being taught in our country. While in a discussion with a Muslim last year, He told me that his Imam (teacher of the mosque that he went to) teaches him that we are all trying to serve the same God and he believed in being very peaceful...etc. The truth is, this is part of the plan of Jihad for our country....brothers I am not a conspiracy theory type of person...but I know that there is a specific plan for Jihad on demographic states and the American version of Islam is not true Islam....that is why I think as many people as can need to know the truth.”

Here is some information about Brother Masih:

• Dr. Mujahid has studied Islam and the Qur'an for many years in Pakistan.

• Jesus Christ found Pastor Masih at the age of 25 and used him to start churches in Pakistan. Now there are over fifty churches, a Bible school, the Jesus Heals Medical Clinic, and a child-support program in Pakistan.

• He has traveled to 42 states here in the USA, and has spoken in over 500 churches of all sizes.

• Pastor Masih has also spoken at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs; Pastor John Piper's church (Bethlehem Baptist) in Minneapolis, Minnesota; the national conference for The Voice of the Martyrs, and many regional conferences.

• Pastor Masih has spoken on Christian television programs, Moody Radio, American Family, and other radio programs.

• Pastor Masih has given many conferences and seminars on Islam throughout the country.

• Pastor Masih has also spoken in public and Christian schools, community colleges, Christian colleges and universities like Christian University in Colorado, Biola, Masters College, NCU, and many others.

Key topics Pastor el Masih teaches include:

• A True Understanding of Islam

• Reaching Muslims for Jesus Christ

• The Voice of the Martyrs

• What is Islam?

• What is the Qur'an?

• The Life of Mohammed

• Allah-Is He God?

• Why Do Muslims Hate Christians and Jews?

• Why Do Muslims Want To Eliminate Jews From the Land of Israel?

• What is Jihad?

• Islam's Plan To Take Over America In 2020

• Islam and Human Rights

• What does the Qur'an say about Jews, Christians, the Bible, and Jesus Christ?

• The Treatment of Women in Islam

If you would like more information on Pastor Masih please visit http://fortheloveofmuslims.org

8. The church council met yesterday and shared the following dates and plans:

May 5 National Day of Prayer@ 6:00 PM

8 Mother’s Day – Twelve Extraordinary Women

8-10 Islam Awareness Conference

13-14 High School Graduations

15 Mission Montana Team Meeting @ 3:00 PM

Children’s Choir

22 Defeated Campground Service

Church Council

Lighthouse Camp Emphasis

23-26 Children’s Camp

29 Lord’s Supper AM

Memorial Day Picnic @ 5:30 PM Defeated Picnic Pavilion

30-June 2 ReFuel: Local Community Student Missions

31-June 4 Pregnancy Help Center Volunteer Training

9. Here is a letter I received this week from Randy Davis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. It shares the part we are playing in the ministry to the storm damaged areas:

Just a quick update on the compassionate response of our TBC churches to the devastating storms and tornados impacting our state, as well as much of the southeastern part of our country this week. As you step into your pulpits this Sunday to proclaim the ageless message of the love of Christ for humanity, we hope we can all join in a concert of prayer across our state for those whose lives have been radically changed by these storms. Our prayer is that ultimately in this sea of grief and hurt many people will come to know the God of all hope through a personal relationship with Christ. As we respond with mercy and grace may they see Christ in our actions and may we be plain in our gospel presentation. Hopefully the following information will assist you in keeping your congregation informed concerning our united response to this opportunity.

Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief (TBDR) teams have been active all week since the first storms came through West Tennessee on Tuesday. For the most part, our associational and church DR teams have responded in their local areas to the immediate needs of the local community. As search and rescue operations have transitioned into recovery efforts, these local teams have begun clearing downed trees and assisting victims as they can. Many of our local teams along with their churches have established small feeding ministries as needed. The Sullivan Baptist Association feeding unit is set up at FBC of Greeneville and began serving meals on Friday night. We do not anticipate much further in the way of feeding operations at this time.

On Thursday of this week, the Disaster Operations Center (DOC) was activated at the Baptist Center in Brentwood. TBDR volunteers contacted every associational DOM or DR director in TN for an updated assessment of needs. In almost every instance, the local DR teams felt capable of handling the damage in their areas. Where assistance was needed neighboring DR teams have been activated. We do anticipate that as assessments continue and additional needs are discovered that additional teams may need to be activated to the hardest hit areas. Both our state and local TBDR leadership are very sensitive to not overwhelming an area with volunteers.

On the regional level, Alabama was the most devastated state. The Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Ministry is working throughout the state and beginning to identify locations that need help and that can support (shelter and feed) volunteer recovery teams. The Florida Baptist Convention is responding first, as they had no damage recently. We do anticipate as fresh water and access is restored to many areas of northern Alabama, that Tennessee teams will be needed. Our TBDR leadership is in regular contact with the Alabama leadership and will activate teams to Alabama as soon as they are requested. Long-term recovery efforts in northern Alabama are expected to rely heavily on Tennessee teams.

Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief funds have been released and will be hand delivered to our hardest hit areas on Monday and Tuesday of next week. In addition, a special fund has been established to assist in the immediate and long-term disaster relief efforts through the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Churches and individuals may give on-line with a credit or debit card at www.TNBaptist.org or by sending a check to TN Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 728, Brentwood, TN 30724, with the designation, "DR - Spring 2011 Tornadoes and Storms."

For the latest information on Tennessee Baptists response to the storms, check regularly the www.TNBaptist.org website.

10. Last night during the evening service, we preached through the Song of Solomon from the perspective of The Book of Romance. I refered to the royal wedding and here is an article from Focus on the Family that may be of encouragement to you in your marriage. It is entitled “Love and Respect: A Royal Marriage.” Focus on the Family has hundreds of articles and resources to help strengthen your marriage. Check it out:

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/communication_and_conflict/the_love_and_respect_principle/love-and-respect-a-royal-marriage.aspx

40 Days of Easter Last Devotional April 26

2011-04-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 26, 2011

Written by: Bro. Tim Frank

Where From Here?
Matthew 28:16-20

Focus Verse: Matthew 28:19 -20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

For the disciples, the crucifixion and resurrection were not the end but the beginning. Jesus would soon ascend into Heaven and be seated at the right hand of God, but before He left He gave them their mission. We call that mission the Great Commission. He instructed the disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations. That is a big task. That is the task that still goes on today. That is an unfinished task.

We talk a lot about missions at FBC Carthage. We support missions through our giving, our praying and our going. We consider ourselves to be a "mission-minded" church. However, the Great Commission goes deeper than the task of a church organization. No it is the task of each and every believer. We do not fulfill the Great Commission by being associated with the church. No, you and I are called and commissioned by Jesus Himself to live a life "on mission" wherever you may go.

You may ask, "How do we live 'on mission'?" First, exalt Christ in all you do and say. Next, establish connections with the people you come in contact with. Finally, through those connections, express compassion by sharing with them the good news of Jesus Christ, His death for their sins, and His glorious resurrection. Live the mission.

Do I live "on mission" for Christ?
Is my life centered on exalting Him?
Do I have compassion for people and seek to establish connections with them through which I can share Jesus?

Dear Lord, May I be a follower of Jesus who lives my faith by sharing with others the hope I have in Him.

FBC Carthage E-News for April 25, 2010

2011-04-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

April 25, 2011

Good Morning,

Wow! Yesterday was a great day of celebration. The service was fantastic. One of the members commented that he would have paid to get to hear the music and be a part of the worship. (He also said the message was ok:) It was a wonderful time praising the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

A special thank you goes to all who participated in the resurrection celebration service. Also, an extra special thank you to all who helped set-up and take down the stage and equipment.

We are blessed to be able to use the High School auditorium for these special services. As you see one of the school board members or one of the administrators from the school, be sure and let them know how much we appreciate them and their hospitality. The auditorium is the perfect size for our services and gives plenty of room for us to invite friends, family, and other guests.

Speaking of guests, if you know some of the guests who attended yesterday’s service, take a minute and call them. Thank them for their attendance and invite them to come and be with us again. Let them know the regular service times and invite them to join you in Sunday School. Friendliness and connection to others takes all of us working together. Let someone know how glad you were to have them with us this past Sunday.

Before I share the news, I want to thank Zeke and others who covered for me on the Good Friday Service. We had gotten a call that Fran’s dad was critically ill in Knoxville and needed to come immediately. He made it through that crisis time but is still in the critical care unit of the hospital. Thank you for your prayers for us and for Fran’s dad, Paul Herald.

Live with the hope, joy, and purpose of the resurrection of Jesus. Have a blessed week.
Bro. Tim

Here’s the News for the week:

1. We had a great service yesterday at the Defeated Creek Campground. There were five from FBC Carthage and about twenty campers. Thank you to those who helped with this service.

2. This Sunday, May 1 will be our graduate recognition of the High School and College graduates. There will be a special presentation in the services and a church-wide potluck luncheon in honor of the graduates following the 10:45 AM service. Everyone is invited to attend the luncheon and asked to bring a covered dish. The church will provide bread and drinks.

3. We will continue to receive the special Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions through this Sunday. Let’s give generously to the work of over 5000 missionaries throughout the United States and Canada.

4. We will be working on the Pregnancy Help Center house at 108 College Avenue W on Tuesday at 3:00 PM and on Saturday at 8:00 AM. It is exciting to see the progress as we are preparing for this new ministry in Smith County. Part of the work of the Pregnancy Help Center is through Abstinence Education classes in the public schools. Pray for these classes as they continue to touch the lives of the students and challenge them to “Choose the Best.”

5. Church Council will meet this Sunday, May 1 at 4:00 PM and the Deacons at 5:00 PM.

6. You are invited to attend the National Day of Prayer service, next Thursday, May 5 at 6:00 PM at the Smith County Courthouse. Bro. Zeke will be leading the worship and there will be several area Pastors leading the times of prayer for our nation.

7. The Islam Awareness Conference is only two weeks away, May 8-10. This will be an informative and inspirational series of meetings at the Ag Center, 6:30 PM each evening. The Smith County Ministerial Alliance is sponsoring this conference. More information on the church web site.

8. May begins our Summer of Missions and Ministry at FBC Carthage. Make sure you have these events on your calendar and be praying for them throughout this month. With all these opportunities, everyone can be involved in missions in some way this Summer.

May 23-26 Children’s Camp @ Ag Center, 9:00 AM
May 30-June 2 ReFuel: Youth Community Missions@ Ag Center, 1:30 PM
June 1-15 Mission Team to Kenya, Africa
June 1-4 Volunteer Training for Pregnancy Help Center
June 7-13 Zeke Leads Worship at Southern Baptist Pastor’s Conference
June 16-18 Youth Music Camp @ FBC Carthage, 1:00 PM
June 19-14 Vacation Bible School @ FBC Carthage, 6:00 PM
June 27-July 1 Youth Camp @ Orange Beach, Alabama
July 4-13 Mission Team to Poplar, Montana
July 11-18 Mission Team to Hawaii
July 11-16 Mission Team to Rogersville, Tennessee
July 25-30 Ministry Booth at Smith County Fair

9. Here are two great videos I received during the Easter season.

Following Jesus on Twitter
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FB0CEMNU

Incredible Easter Flash Mob
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FB1B9CNU

40 Days of Easter Devotional April 23

2011-04-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 23, 2011

Written by: Chandelle Hackett
HE IS RISEN

Matthew 28:1-8
Focus Verse: Matthew 28:7 "He is going into Galilee ahead of you!"

God goes ahead of us in all that we do!! He sent His Only Begotten Son in human flesh to experience each and every temptation and feeling that we endure as temporary residents here on earth. He knows our every thought, fear, and worry. He longs for us to share these thoughts and worries with Him. Often times we get bogged down by the busyness of life and don't spend quality time sharing our thoughts and feelings with God and seeking His plan for our lives. Because of this, He often waits ahead in order for us to catch up! God has a plan for each of us, plans to prosper us, not to harm us. (Jeremiah 29:11). But we must be willing to move forward towards Him with purpose! If only we could have as much fear and excitement to move towards God and share the Good News as Mary had after finding the tomb empty. As Easter approaches, take time daily to build your personal relationship with God. Skip, hop, run in order to catch up to Him! And always remember God has gone ahead of us and prepared a path for us so that we may spend eternity with Him.

Is God waiting on you to catch up?

Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise You for always waiting on me to catch up! You are faithful even though I fail You time after time! Lord I pray that You would renew in me the excitement and fear of Mary to spend time in Your Word and in prayer. Amen.

40 Days of Easter Devotional April 24

2011-04-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 24, 2011

Written by: Lynn Sharenberger

Can You Hear Me Now?
Matthew 28:9-10

"And behold Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshipped Him." (Matthew 28:9)

Matthew's gospel does not share many details about Jesus 'first encounter with these sad ladies as they leave the empty tomb on Easter morning. John' gospel reveals that as Mary was turning to leave, she nearly bumped into a man she thought to be the gardener. This man asked Mary why she was crying. Still not recognizing the man as Jesus, Mary asked Him where they had taken her Lord. Then it happened! Jesus spoke her name, "Mary."It was at this moment the women threw themselves at the feet of Jesus and began to worship Him.

As a parent, have you ever been separated from your child in a crowd? There may be twenty moms in the room, but if your child calls, ?Mom!? across the room, you recognize her voice and respond to her needs. John 10 tells us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He calls His own sheep by name, and they follow Him for they know His voice.

When Jesus calls your name, can you hear Him? Do you recognize His voice? In order to know His voice, we must spend time with Him. He speaks through His Holy Word, the Bible, and also through our time spent with Him in prayer. I encourage you to take a favorite passage of scripture this week and commit it to memory, then pray for an opportunity for God to allow you to use that particular passage to encourage someone else.

Lord, help us to be still and know that You are God. Help us to hide Your Word in our hearts and spend time on our knees, listening to Your voice, so that when You speak our names, we not only hear You, but we fall on our faces at Your feet and worship You, our risen Lord. Amen

40 Days of Easter Devotional April25

2011-04-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 25, 2011

Written by: The Hess Family in Poplar, Montana
Concealed Truth for a Price
Scripture: Matthew 28:11-15

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

Focus Verse: So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. Matthew 28:15

The soldiers were going back to town while the women were going to the tomb. The soldiers saw that Jesus was not in the tomb. They were surprised and hurried back to the town to tell the priests and councilmen of the news. They offered money to the soldiers to keep the news quiet. They asked the soldiers to lie and say that the followers stole Him. The soldiers took the money and were promised they would be protected from the reaction of the governor when he heard that Jesus' body could not be found.

It's ironic, isn't it? I wonder if the soldiers had seen the women. I wonder if the women had seen the soldiers. It was all perfect timing. It was part of the great plan of God. The soldiers saw with their own eyes that Jesus was no longer in the tomb. They knew that they didn?t put Him anywhere. They hurried back to tell the news; they were probably very frightened not only for their own lives but also for the question burning in their hearts: "Who is this Jesus?" They knew that they had killed Him, but where was He? I am sure they conversed a great deal heading back to town that day. The reaction of the council was crazy, too. They just wanted to cover it up, pay a price to conceal the truth. No one knew that day that there was no chance of concealing the truth, no price great enough from mankind to cover the truth. You see, God gave His one and only Son to die for all mankind. There was no greater price; it was all He had to give to show the world His love and compassion. It was God's sacrifice, His one and only Son Jesus.

The Word of God reminds us that God wanted the world to know and believe in His Son (John 3:16). The money exchange that day made no difference. Everyone still knew the truth. In fact, the soldiers displayed belief in their unbelief by telling the good news to the council. God had His own way of telling the story; it reached the unbelievers, and, by their actions, they displayed true belief. They would not have wanted to conceal the truth if the truth did not exist. Amazing, huh? God sent His Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world, and He wished that no man perish, but that all men would have everlasting life! The price? His Son Jesus. We have the story in the Holy Bible His written Word. It was not concealed; the story continues to be told from generation to generation. The truth is at our fingertips, and we praise God that although man continues to rebel and turn from God, God has a plan to reveal the truth to all men.

Application: Do you understand the price that was paid for your salvation? Do you tell others, or do you conceal the truth for a better time?

Lord, please help me cherish the price on Calvary that very special day. Jesus died for me and all mankind. Help me to remember the sacrifice and Your love for me. I am so thankful for my life in Christ. Help me tell others about Him. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

40 Days of Easter Devotional for April 19

2011-04-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 19, 2011

Written by: Pastor Zeke Tomaselli

THE PURSUIT
Matthew 27:51 - 53

FOCAL VERSE
Matthew 27:51 "And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split."

The veil in the temple, like sin, (Isaiah 59:1-2) separated men from God's dwelling place the Holy of Holies (Heb 9:1-9). Only the High Priest could go where God dwelt once a year. The temple stood 90 feet tall when Solomon created it, and it was raised another 30 feet by King Herod according to first century Jewish historian Josephus. It is said that the veil stood about 60 feet tall. Josephus also said that the veil was four inches thick, and horses tied to each corner would not be able to tear the veil apart.

The word "BEHOLD" (v. 51) gives this text a very epic setting. Jesus takes His last breath on that torturous cross and yields His spirit to be in the presence of His Father. Following this authoritative control that Christ displayed of giving up His Spirit, a huge earthquake occurs. Earthquakes were not uncommon in Palestine, but what was uncommon was the strength this earthquake had to split a 60-foot tightly woven veil in two. It had survived many past quakes but not on the day Christ was crucified (ESV Study Bible). The text also says that rocks were split and removed from the gravesites of past saints who showed themselves too many (v. 53).

We must understand that God's will of redeeming man back to Himself demands to be showcased. This text proves that. Since man's fall, God has been in PURSUIT of reconciling His people into an intimate love relationship with Himself. On the cross, Christ gave up His right to breathe to conquer sin and to be in the presence of His Father. In that same way, our Holy God shook Palestine to its core, literally splitting the indestructible veil (sin) that kept people from having the opportunity to come into a relationship with Him. No veil, no tomb, nor even a religious system will stop a Holy God in PURSUIT of His children, the true temple.

- How do you view salvation from that text?
-Do you understand that God wants to be in fellowship with you through an intimate love relationship?
- Are you okay with the fact that God doesn't dwell in a building, rather He dwells within the born again believer, saints, His children?
- If you have encountered God through this devotion, thank Him for His sovereign pursuit after you.

Glory to God, Forever!

FBC Carthage E-News for April 18, 2011

2011-04-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

April 18, 2011

Good Morning,

This is a very special week in the life of Christians, the week of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. We celebrate these two events every week as we worship and proclaim Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior. However, this week is especially special as we focus entirely on the cross (Good Friday Service) and the Resurrection (Easter Sunday). I hope you are making your plans and inviting your family, friends, and neighbors to join you for these two special services:

Good Friday Service with the Lord’s Supper
Friday, April 22 at 6:30 PM
Smith County High School Auditorium

Easter Celebration
Sunday, April 24 at 10:00 AM
Smith County High School Auditorium

Throughout this week, I encourage you to read the Gospel accounts of the last week of Jesus’ life:
Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 11-21

You may want to watch the Jesus Film during this week. This film is taken from the Gospel of Luke and has been seen by millions of people around the world. You can watch this film at
http://www.jesusfilm.org/film-and-media/watch-the-film.

In fact, this film can be watched on the Internet in many languages of the world. Check it out.

This past week has been one of sadness for several families in our congregation. Let us remember these families this week in our prayers:

The family of Kenneth Robinson
The Family of Dr. Tommy Hight
Charles and Fran St. Andrews in the death of Charles’ mother.
Neal and Brenda Langford in the death of Neal’s nephew.

Have a blessed week as you think about the hope and peace we have in Jesus Christ and all He has done and is doing for you.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the News for the Week:

1. It is with great joy that we celebrate with Lynn and Judy Dedman and Kristin Ralph who came yesterday during the 10:45 AM service to become members of FBC Carthage. They each gave testimony that they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and have followed Him in believer’s baptism.

2. We have distributed Easter Service invitations to all the homes in Carthage. There are still several hundred to distribute in South Carthage, Tanglewood, and other close areas outside the city limits. These invitations are available at the church for you to come by and distribute as your schedule permits. You simply hang the invitations on the door. DO NOT put them in mail boxes.

3. This Sunday, April 24, we will be leading the service at the Defeated Creek Campground Pavilion at 8:30 AM. You are invited for this service.

4. Reminder for the Mission Montana Team, we will meet today, Monday, April 18 at 5:00 PM in Bro. Tim’s office.

5. You are invited to help work on the Pregnancy Help Center building this week on Tuesday at 3:00 PM and Friday at 8:00 AM. We will be finishing up the electric, beginning the plumbing, and reconstructing the bathroom.

6. The National Day of Prayer service will be Thursday, May 5 at 6:30 PM at the Smith County Courthouse. Everyone is invited.

7. Remember the Islam Awareness Conference, May 8-10 at the Ag Center, 6:30 PM each evening. More information on the church web site.

8. This is the last week to sign up for the LifeLine Health Screening to be held at FBC Carthage on Tuesday, April 26.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional for April 18

2011-04-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 18, 2011

Written by: Mark Dillon

The Way Back to God
Matthew 27:45-50

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Saying, ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI? That is to say, MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, this man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

Focal Verse
Matthew 27:50 "Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost."

The ultimate price was paid. The blood of Jesus was shed on Calvary's cross. Jesus Christ had offered Himself as a sinless, spotless lamb, as a sacrifice for mankind. It is so great a story that men and women, boys and girls still tell it today over two thousand years later. It is well-documented in the Bible, still the greatest selling book of all time. The way back to God, lost since Adam's sin in the garden, was restored by Christ's sacrifice.

So what should we do with this sacrifice? First, be born again. This is to put your full faith and trust in what Jesus Christ did for you and me. Second, tell someone about what Jesus did for you. Third, present your bodies a living sacrifice for God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

Reflection:
Can I think back to a time and place and know that right there I received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior?

Have I told someone lately that Jesus Christ died, was buried, rose on the third day, and is coming again?

If my time on Earth were finished today, would the Lord say "Well done, My good and faithful servant?"

Prayer
Lord, thank You for loving me enough to give Your life freely for mine. Help me to share this story with others as You would have me to. Lord, use my life in such a way that is pleasing to Thee. Amen

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional April 17, 2011

2011-04-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 17, 2011

Written by: Karen Shoulders

LOVE KEPT HIM THERE
Matthew 27: 38-44

Focus Verse
Matthew 27:42 He saved others: himself he cannot save. If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

As parents, it is our nature to protect our children. Anything that negatively affects our children is of the utmost concern to us. I would defend my children more quickly than I would defend myself. It would be far too difficult to watch my child suffer in place of others and remain quiet. How difficult it must have been for God to watch what the people were doing to His Son. He fully knew the price that Jesus was paying for sins that were never His own.

Jesus is the Son of God, and He always obeys the will of the Father. Jesus stayed up on that cross because of the love He has for us. When I think about how much He must love us to do such a thing, I can't imagine having that kind of love for an entire world. How easy it would have been to come down and show the scorners who He was and what He could do. He remained on that old cross. He stayed there for all of us.

I know His love for me exists because of what I have experienced through salvation. I know Jesus' love is similar to the love I have for my two boys. Yet it is so much more; His love is big enough to save each one of us. This price was paid so that we would become joint heirs in the kingdom of God. What a Wonderful God we serve!

Questions
How can I show love when others don't show me love?
How can I share His love with those who don't know Him?
Can I learn to stop defending my actions and just be who I need to be?

Prayer
Dear Lord - Help us to remember the price You paid on the cross. Help us to remember that You loved us enough to stay there when You didn't have to stay. Help us to make the right choices daily. Guild our decisions; help us to make the choices You would have us make. Amen.

40 Days of Easter Devotional April 15

2011-04-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 15, 2011

Written by: Vance Thomas
Pastor, FBC - Poplar, Montana

THEY SIT AND WATCH
Matthew 27: 32 - 36

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgatha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had cruicified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there.

At one time we all were of the world, and our lifestyle gave testimony to that fact. Our Lord came to save us out of that world and change that lifestyle. But that world knew Him not and did these horrible things to Him. And while these things were being done to Him, the world just watched!

Verse 36 says, "And sitting down they watched Him there." A survey once revealed that at least nine people are watching you at any given time, and you don't even know it. Now if you are in Christ through His sufferings and people in the world are watching you, what are they seeing? Are you bearing the cross Jesus gave you to bear, or are you sitting and watching?

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional April 12

2011-04-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 12, 2011

Written by: Fran Frank

Cannot Deny Himself
Matthew 27:11-14

Focus on Matthew 27:11
Jesus cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13) nor His deity when asked, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Having all power and authority over all of creation, and having all of heaven's Angels at His command, he could have added he was not only the King of the Jews, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Truth is powerful, but any defense against the false accusations of the chief priests and elders would have been wasted effort.

Let us also never deny Jesus is our Savior and the Savior of the world who gives eternal life to all whom believe. Let us never deny that in Jesus we have us comfort in times of sorrow, peace in the midst of storms, and everlasting joy. But more importantly, share your faith in the one and only Savior, hope in the eternal promises of God, and love, the everlasting love, of our Redeemer.

Again, let us also never deny Jesus and be reminded of the warning from 2 Timothy 2:12 is "If we deny Him, He also will deny us."

Who needs to hear you speak up and speak out for Christ?

Pray for persecuted Christians. In many parts of the world today, many Christians are persecuted because they have named Jesus as their King. Also in the recent weeks, we have seen several countries in the Middle East turn toward more extreme forms of Islam, and Christians living in those countries are in great risk.

40 Days of Easter 2011 April 13

2011-04-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 13, 2011

Why Barabbas
Mathew 27: 15-26

Focal Verse - Mathew 27: 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

As a child growing up, my siblings and I had a strict "no tell" policy. As I am the youngest, I had no vote. I just grew into the system. It was our normal. We would all take punishment before one informed on another. Within us, we have the ability to sacrifice for others.

I remember one instance when my oldest sister was already in a lot of trouble when she broke a window trying to get into the house. She was scared of what might happen if she got in trouble for this one more infraction. So, she asked us to stand in her place. My other sister did. Have you ever stood in the place of another?

What we know of Barabbas is recorded in this one story. According to Arthur S. Maxwell's The Bible Story, Barabbas is a generic name with "Bar" meaning "son", and "abba" meaning "father". Literally, his name means "son of father." We are all sons or daughters of fathers.

Was Barabbas just another criminal in history or a symbol of sinful man? Was Jesus just another man sacrificing for a man, or the Lamb sacrificed for all men?

We have the ability to sacrifice for others. Jesus was the only one who could/did sacrifice for all of us.

FBC Carthage E-News for April 11, 2011

2011-04-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

April 11, 2011

Good Windy Morning,

The wind is blowing the trees outside the window and rattling the windows. It is a Spring day in Tennessee. During this season, take time to enjoy the freshness of Spring. Take a walk. Notice the dogwood trees. Feel the breeze. Enjoy the day. It seems we get so busy that we miss the simple blessings of each day. I encourage you to say with the Psalmist, “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24)

This is an exciting two weeks as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the resurrection. I encourage you to read the e-devotionals each day as they point us to the cross and the empty tomb. The theme for the Easter service will be “He Rose!” The hope we have is in the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. Invite your family and friends to join you for the special Easter celebration service at the Smith County High School Auditorium at 10:00 AM. I love these special services when we all have the opportunity to worship together in one service and have plenty of room to invite the community.

Speaking of inviting the community, this Saturday, April 16 we will gather at 9:30 AM in the Christian Life Center, form our teams, pray, and go out to invite the community to the Easter service. We found, last Saturday, during the prayer walking that there are approximately 2000 homes in our immediate church field. Wow! That is almost double what we had expected. We need everyone to join together in this invitation distribution on Saturday. People will come to the Easter service if we will invite them.

Have a blessed week as you live in the hope of Jesus’ resurrection.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. It is a joy to welcome Shawn Pinson as he came yesterday to move his church membership to FBC Carthage. In addition, Shawn shared his call into the gospel ministry. Pray for him and the other young people God has called out in the last several months. These are exciting days in their lives and in the life of our church.

2. Remember to put the Easter Invitation Distribution on your calendar for this Saturday, April 16, at 9:30 AM.

3. The Mission Montana team will meet in Bro. Tim’s office on Sunday, April 17 at 3:00 PM. We will be planning the travel and work for the trip. All team members are needed.

4. The Church Council will meet this Sunday, April 17 at 4:00 PM.

5. This Sunday will be the last meeting for AWANA this year. A special thank you to all the workers in this important and vital ministry.

6. Last Wednesday, during the business meeting, the church approved a recommendation to purchase a 25 passenger bus. The bus will be a great tool for the many ministries and missions of FBC Carthage.

7. The Islam Awareness Conference is coming up quickly on May 8-10 at the Smith County Ag Center. The Smith County Ministerial Alliance, of which we are a part, is sponsoring this conference. The speaker will be Pastor Mujahid el Masih, a former Muslim who now has a ministry of exposing the truth of Islam and sharing how Christians can share Jesus with their Muslim friends. We have an information flyer posted on the church web site www.fbccarthage.com. Look for, and click on, the picture link at the bottom of the “About” page.

8. The Pregnancy Help Center had their first fundraising banquet last week and received over $4,000 in contributions and pledges. This is a great start for this new ministry which will be a voice for life and an encouragement to young ladies in unplanned pregnancies. A house has been provided at 108 College Avenue West for the Center to use, however, there are still many renovations to do before the it can open. The following dates are set aside to as work days on the house. Help is needed in electrical, plumbing, roofing, and painting. The work dates for April will be:
Tuesday, April 12 @ 3:00 PM
Friday, April 15 @ 3:00 PM
Tuesday, April 19@ 3:00 PM
Friday, April 22 @ 8:00 AM
Tuesday, April 26 @ 3:00 PM
Saturday, April 30 @ 8:00 AM

9. My phone alarm just went off, 9:38 AM, to remind me to “Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:38) This one simple reminder each day has been a great tool to call me to stop what I am doing and to pray for the Inuit people in Northern Canada. My prayer is for God to raise up a pastor to go into that unreached people group and see a church established. Set your alarm and let’s pray specifically for laborers in the harvest.

10. Here is a link to a great resource for missions and three great videos on reaching native peoples in America and Canada. Donny Coulter, the North American Missionary who spoke last Sunday, shares in one of the videos on the work with the First Nations People of Canada. Check it out: http://www.lbc.org/NACulturalTraining/

11. Here are several youth related dates from Zeke’s Parent Blog:
April 16, YOUTH OVER NIGHT at 11pm - This is for High School Student's attending prom. Snacks and games will be provided for. We will end with breakfast, and a devotion on Sunday morning. Please contact Zeke if you are attending.

May 23 to 26, KIDS CAMP at the AG Center from 9am to 2pm - Need more students to sign up to serve in recreation, tech, meals, and more.

May 29, YOUTH CAMP SUPPORT LUNCHEON at FBCC - Contact Zeke if you can supply a dish.

May 30 to June 2, REFUEL at the AG Center from 1:30pm to 8pm - You can signup in the Youth Room. More info on Web Site.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional for April 10

2011-04-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 10, 2011

Written by: Jim Wilburn (New York)

Taking Trials Head-On
Matthew 27:1-2
When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius[a] Pilate the governor.

The very people who should have embraced the Son of God the most had rejected Him. They were extremely offended by His preaching. He had called them hypocrites and vipers. He said they were blind and dead inside. He accused them of "leavening" the Holy Scriptures. Most offensive of all, He claimed to be the Christ.

It was not enough for these men to put Jesus through the humiliation of a trial. They sought for Him the harshest punishment available, death by crucifixion. They devised a plan to ensure that would happen and bound our Savior to take Him away.

At any time He could have said "enough?" "Peace! Be still."
At any time He could have called an angelic army to His aide.

But there was only one way for Him to pay the price for our sins. He could not run from this trial; He had to take it head-on. The eternal destiny of a countless multitude upon His shoulders, there was no turning back.

Sometimes the easiest thing to do when we encounter difficulty in life is to run away or quit, especially when we know that staying and pressing on will be painful. But Jesus' example shows us that some things truly are worth fighting for. In our age of convenience, we need to be reminded: no pain, no gain. And as we think of Jesus: His pain, our gain.

Up to this point in your life, what has been your most difficult trial?
Did God sustain you? In what way?

Dear God, give me strength to press forward in difficult times. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

40 Days of Easter Devotional for April 11

2011-04-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 11, 2011

Written by: Marty Dodge

Sorry, But Not Forgiven
Matthew 27:3-10

Judas, a man with natural desires, walked with Jesus for about three years, listening to parables, watching Jesus heal people with infirmities, and still betraying the Lord Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. We may never know what Judas was thinking. Thirty pieces of silver was a lot of money, and we could say that greed had taken him over. When Mary took costly oil, put it on the feet of Jesus, and wiped it off with her hair, that oil was worth about a year's wages. Judas asked, "Why was this not sold and given to the poor?" He did not care for the poor, but he did carry the money bag.

After Judas betrayed the One who loved him with a kiss, he became convicted and asked himself, "What have I done, betraying innocent blood?" He regretted betraying Jesus, gave back the silver, and then walked by the One who could have forgiven him. He walked past the One, Jesus, who in a few hours would shed His blood which would wash away sin for years to come.

Are there times in our lives that we are just as sorry and convicted of what we have done? We may be sorry for getting caught but not have a repentant heart. I John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I am thankful that God can and will forgive our sins if we will confess them.

Lord, forgive me of my sins. I pray that I will not betray You and that my life will be pleasing to You

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotionals April 9

2011-04-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 9, 2011

Written by: Carol Wilmore

PETER DENIES JESUS
Matthew 26: 69-75

Focal Verses
Matthew 26:70b "I know not what thou sayest."
Matthew 26:72b "I do not know the man."
Matthew 26:74b "I know not the man."

Do you claim to be a Christian but deny Christ in your relationship with friends and fellow workers? When you tell that little white lie, are you denying Christ? When profanity or gossip comes out of your mouth, are you denying Christ? When you are dishonest in reporting income on your federal tax return, are you denying Christ?

Father God, let us know You and not be ashamed but recognize You for who You are and what You have done for us. In His Name, Amen.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional April 8

2011-04-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 8, 2011

Written by: Melody Tackett

LEAD TO TRIAL WITH PEACE
Matthew 26:57-68

Key Verses: And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas. But Jesus held his peace. Matthew 26:57a and 26:63a

There were two main trials for Jesus, a religious trial before the Jewish leaders and a civil trial before the Roman authorities. Matthew's account is of the second stage of the Jewish trial before Caiaphas, the high priest. His accusers brought Jesus at night with no regard to the rules under which the court operated in hopes of finding someone to give a false testimony against Jesus.

In verse 60, the Bible tells us "though many came, yet none were found. At the last came two false witnesses." Caiaphas gave in and accepted the final two witnesses who misquoted and misapplied a statement Jesus had said some three years prior. (John 2:19-21) Even through all of this, Jesus held His peace. (v 63)

What a great God we serve! Recently I was reminded of how Jesus remained so calm while He was led away, not given a fair trial, falsely accused and then taunted. Jesus was totally committed to the will of His Father. He was at peace after His praying and agonizing in the Garden of Gethsemane. Because of this peace, He was able to endure this terrible event that led to the cross, the cross that was necessary to cover my sins.

Questions to consider:
How is your relationship with God? Could you be calm and respond the way God would want you to if you were falsely accused for the good of the Lord? What is your limit to being obedient? Do you have the peace that God promises?

Prayer for today:
Jesus I want to follow Your will for my life. I understand that by the world's ideas and views it will not make sense. Help me to not to respond fleshly but in all things to stay obedient to You. Thank You for the peace You give me.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional April 7

2011-04-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 7, 2011
Written by: Layne Tomaselli

Trials that Transform
Passage: Matthew 26:47-56

Key Verse: Matthew 26:56

Trials and stressful circumstances come into all our lives so often that the saying that "you are either in a trial, just coming our of one, or about to head straight into one" is almost cliche'. Jesus warned us about these trials (John 15:19-21) and also set an example for us to follow when we face these trials.

In this passage we see Jesus facing one of these trials. Those who opposed Jesus were coming to take Him away. Verse 47 tells us this crowd came with swords and clubs. This was not a peaceful circumstance. They were coming for Him in anger. But, when we look at Jesus? response, we see that He stood firm. He never retaliated, never yelled, never laid a hand on one of these people. He was calm. In the face of a great trial, He simply accepted it. Don?t be mistaken; He had a way out if He chose to take it (v.53), but He understood that this trial came for a purpose.

In verse 56 Jesus reminds us that all these trials happened to fulfill scripture. The very scripture this crowd had learned from birth was being fulfilled right in front of them (Isaiah 53). All of this happened so that the world could see that God is who He says He is and does what He says He will.

When the Word of God is being fulfilled in our lives, things won?t be easy, but it will be worth it. From this passage, God shows us three different responses to His movement. We can FIGHT AGAINST His movement like the crowd did. We can COWARDLY RUN AWAY for a season like His disciples did. Or, we can STAND FIRM, believing that God is moving in our lives to accomplish His purpose and accepting what He is doing in our lives as Christ did.

Application:
How do I respond to God?s movement in my life? Do I FIGHT, RUN AWAY, or STAND FIRM when I see God working in my life?

Prayer:
Lord, Open my eyes to Your movement in my life. Help me to understand that the trials You bring into my life serve to accomplish Your purpose. Help me to STAND FIRM when trials come, believing that You will do what you say you will. Thank You for choosing to work through me to bring glory and honor to Yourself. Amen.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional for April 6

2011-04-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 6, 2011

Written by: AJ Sharenberger

The Crushing Press of Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-46
Focal Verse: "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." v. 38

We tend to focus on Easter as a time of celebration of Jesus' victory over sin, death, and the grave. As I read the Gethsemane verses, however, I am convicted of not having stayed and kept watch with Jesus as He bore the sorrow of our sins and prepared with prayer to endure the wrath of God for my sins and the sins of the whole world.

As humans, we tend to celebrate victories but dismiss their cost. Even if we sometimes consider the physical pain our Lord endured for us on the cross, more often we overlook the spiritual wrath Jesus took upon Himself to make atonement with God for our sins. We have crosses to remind us of His physical crucifixion, but we have so very little comprehension of what it meant for Jesus to bear God's absolute wrath for all our sins.

"He had full knowledge of the infinite evil of sin, and of the immense extent of that guilt for which he was to atone; with awful views of the Divine justice and holiness, and the punishment deserved by the sins of men, such as no tongue can express, or mind conceive."
Matthew Henry Commentary

As He prepared to face this burden in Gethsemane, Jesus said, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

Gethsemane was the place where olives were crushed in a rock press to yield olive oil. As I think about Gethsemane, I am reminded of Isaiah 5:3 which foretold that Jesus would carry the sorrow of all our sins and would be crushed for our iniquities:
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5

How about you? Will you celebrate His Resurrection but neglect to stay and pray with Him in the crushing press of Gethsemane?

Lord, help us to stay and keep watch with You.

FBC Carthage E-News for April 4, 2011

2011-04-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News

April 4, 2011

Good Morning,

This is the season for missions at FBC Carthage. I hope you enjoyed meeting and hearing Donny Coulter yesterday in the morning services. He is one of our 5000 North American Missionaries serving in the United States and Canada. Donny’s work is in starting churches in Canada with the native people of Canada, the First Nations people. Take a minute and visit the North American Mission Board web site at http://www.namb.net/.

Speaking of North American Missions, during the month of April, we will be receiving the Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions. Our church goal is $7000 which goes directly to the work of the missionaries as they serve in the United States and Canada. You can be “friends with Annie” on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/annie.armstrong.aaeo

The special 40 Days of Easter Devotionals will continue this week and into Easter. I am enjoying reading the devotional thoughts of our members and friends each day. In addition to sending the devotions by e-mail, we also are posting them each day at www.ontheword.blogspot.com. Share them with a friend and the Lord may open a door for you to share the good news of this season, Jesus’ death for our sins and His glorious resurrection.

Be praying for a new ministry which is forming in our community, the Pregnancy Help Center of Smith County. This ministry will share the sanctity of life and walk with ladies through their pregnancy with encouragement and resources. The center will also promote and teach sexual abstinence before marriage. One of the center’s volunteers, Barbara Kannapple will be going into the schools this month and sharing with students using a curriculum titled, “Choosing the Best”. The center itself is planning to open at 108 College Avenue West in June. There are opportunities for volunteers and training is scheduled for the last week of May. There are several projects remaining to be done on the house the center will use for its ministry. If you have some time and can help, contact me at 735-1929.

Have a wonderful, blessed spring week,
Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. This Wednesday, April 6 will be the monthly business meeting in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 PM. There are several recommendations to be considered as well as reports from this past month. One of the recommendations will be to purchase a 25 passenger bus for the church. This will be a blessing to many groups in the months and years to come. Here is a specification list of the bus for your review: http://www.carpenterbus.com/detail.php?recid=10866&WebCategory=Medium%20Buses

2. As part of our Easter Celebration 2011, we have two special events set for Saturday, April 9 and 16. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 AM each morning for prayer and to form prayer and invitation distribution teams. We will be prayer walking each of the streets and roads in Carthage and South Carthage. We will also be distributing an invitation to the Easter Service on Sunday, April 24 at 10:00 AM at the Smith County High School Auditorium. With the invitation we will also be distributing a tract with the message of salvation. It will refer persons to the website www.findithere.com. Take a minute and visit this site to become familiar with the resources and information it shares.

3. As part of the Easter 2011 celebration, we will be having a Good Friday service at the Smith County High School Auditorium on Friday, April 22 at 7:00 PM.

4. Several have asked if we are having a sunrise service on Easter Sunday. We are not having a special sunrise service, however, we are having the service at the Defeated Creek Campground at 8:30 AM on Easter Sunday, April 24, which will be similar to a sunrise service. You are invited to come and celebrate the resurrection with the campers on that morning. We will also be conducting the Campground service on May 22, June 19, July 3, September 4, and October 9. If you and your Sunday School class would like to lead one of these services, contact Bro. Tim at 735-1929.

5. The FBC Carthage Relay for Life Team will sponsor “Painting for a Cure” this coming Sunday, April 10 at 2:00 PM. The project will meet at the Paint Pail on Main Street. Participants will purchase a canvas (8X10 - $20; 16X20 - $35) and be instructed in painting a cross. The proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. The signup contact the church office or see Denise Hackett. In addition, special Relay for Life shirts are available for a contribution of $10. The Smith County Relay for Life will be held on June 4.

6. Just a reminder to High School and college graduates, the 2011 Graduate Recognition and Luncheon will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011. We are gathering pictures and making a special graduate video to show during the morning services on that day.

7. LifeLine Screening will be providing several medical screening tests on Tuesday, April 26. Contact Deborah at the church office to schedule a priority screening. Church members may qualify for a $10 discount by calling this week, 735-1929.

8. An upcoming event that will be extremely informative will be the Islam Awareness Conference on May 8-10 at the Smith County Ag Center. The Smith County Ministerial Alliance, of which we are a part, is sponsoring this conference. Pastor Mujahid el Masih is a former Muslim who now has a ministry of exposing the truth of Islam and sharing how Christians can share Jesus with their Muslim friends. We have an information flyer posted on the church web site www.fbccarthage.com. Look for the picture link at the bottom of the “About” page.

9. The Priscilla Shirer Simulcast this past weekend was a blessing to the approximately 60 women who were able to attend. While Priscilla taught on Jonah and “life interrupted”, she also shared a very practical way to have a quiet time each day. The conference was for women only, but her “5 P’s of Bible Study” will work for anyone who is seeking a more effective devotional time with our Heavenly Father. Shirer says that when we study the Bible and know God better, aligning with His ways more and more, it will be easier for us to determine when other voices are talking, voices like fear, ego, and even Satan, voices we need to ignore. Satan makes his will enticing. We have to know God well enough to know when it is His voice we’re hearing.

Here are Priscilla’s suggestions:

With your Bible open – and a journal by your side -

• Position yourself to hear from God.

o Find a place to be silent and hear from God.

o Stay as long as you can. If you can only spend 10 minutes, then spend 10 minutes.

• Pore over the passage and paraphrase the major points.

o Sometimes we try to read (or cover) too much scripture when we are in our devotional time with God. Only read what you can pore over (maybe two or three verses). You might also try reading the same verses for 7 days, placing index cards with the verses in visible places in your life so that you see the verse and think about it from time to time during the day, allowing God to continue to speak to you.

o Paraphrasing is summarizing. Write down ideas like “Who are the participants?”, “What are the promises in this scripture?” and “What’s happening here?”

• Pull out the spiritual principles.

o Look at the paraphrase. Consider what principles are there and what they mean.

 Priscilla says even if you’re in the “begat” passages, ask yourself “what does this reveal to me about the character of God?”

• Pose the questions.

o Take the spiritual principles and turn them into questions.

 “Am I… being obedient, believing in God’s power, …?

• As you ask questions, the Holy Spirit will ask more questions, questions that only He knows that we need to ask. He’s our Helper.

• Plan obedience and pin down the date.

o God does not speak just to be heard. He speaks to be obeyed. Have an accountability partner. Do what God tells you to do according to the scriptures. Tell your partner what you believe God wants you to do so that you will be accountable to obey.

If you are seeking this type of personal devotional time with God, try this simple plan. For more information, Priscilla has also written a book - Can We Talk. Ladies, make your plans now to attend the Beth Moore Simulcast on September 10. You’ll be blessed.

April 4 - 40 Days of Easter Devotional

2011-04-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 4, 2011

Written by: Joe Hackett

The New Deal
Scripture: Matthew 26:26-30

Jesus brings a new relationship, a new deal, a new covenant to us. He offers up His body and gives His life to cover our sins and then offers up His grace. He asks us to accept Him, believing that His death pays our spiritual debt and makes us holy. He asks us to receive His grace. He has paid such a high price and suffered so much.

Jesus tried to prepare His disciples, yet they did not completely understand. Do we understand what a loving God we have and what a loving Son He has? Do we understand what God asks in return? We have a choice: heaven or hell. Jesus gave His life for us. We now have the new deal, the new covenant. The Lord's Supper is our representation today of the God's covenant with us.

Are we holding up our end of the new deal? Are you thankful for the new deal?

Prayer: Thank You for sending Your Son. Thank You for the Lord's Supper to remind us of Your commitment and Your love. Thanks for Your grace. May we live each day so that it would be pleasing to You. Amen.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-04-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 3, 2011

Written by: Dewayne Wilmore

THE PASSOVER
Matthew 26: 17-25

Focal Verse:
Matthew 26: 21-22 And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"

It was the Passover, a time of celebrating and remembering. Then Jesus broke the news to them -- "one of you shall betray me." The statement brought an emotional shock to the eleven of the disciples and, one by one, they began to ask, "Lord, is it I?" Each was genuinely troubled. Would a weakness known only to the Lord cause him to betray Jesus?

There was also something honest and right about the eleven disciples' responses. They did not say, "It must be this one or that one." Their souls were troubled wondering, "Lord, is it I?" The only one without the correct response was Judas, aware of his own guilt. Yet knowing he had already betrayed Christ, he was unrepentant.

It is hard to believe that one would not know if he were planning such a deed. Yet each day, either through apathy or weakness, we may "betray" Christ and not be fully aware of it. There are times when we all should ask, "Lord, is it I?"

Let our response and prayer be like the words of the song "Search Me, O God" written by James E. Orr in 1936:
Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.

40 Days of Easter - April 2, 2011

2011-04-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 2, 2011

Written by: Deborah Weaver
Secretary, FBC Carthage

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
Matthew 26:14-16

Judas was a Zealot, a maniacal zealot. He was looking for the coming Messiah to overthrow the Roman government and to restore the Jewish kingdom. Judas was ready to rise up in arms and slay the Romans. But Jesus did not come to take up swords against the Romans. Rather, He came with words and wonders, teaching us to love our enemies and honor the Father. Judas was disappointed. Jesus did not show to be the Messiah he wanted. Judas was too focused on seeking his will instead of God?s will. Therefore, in his disappointment, he agreed to "sell out" Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave under the law.

How many times do we "sell out" Jesus in our hearts because of disappointment and wrong focus? Are our eyes on the cross and Risen Savior, or are they on what we want? Are we seeking the will of the Father and not our will? These are hard questions to answer sometimes.

2011-04-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - April 1, 2011

Written by: Ray Raymond

ARE YOU ANOINTED?
Matthew 26: 6 - 13

Focal Verse
Matthew 26:11 "The poor you have with you always; but you do not always have Me."

In Matthew 26:6-13, we have an account of Jesus' visit at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany. Jesus was reclining at the table when Mary of Bethany came to Him in what appears to be a normal activity of hospitality and honor and anointed His head with a small vial of expensive perfume. In those days, good perfume was as valuable a commodity as precious metal like gold, but, for Mary, this anointing had a deeper meaning. She had recognized, as some others had not, Jesus' previous announcement of His soon-to-come death and resurrection.

Some of the disciples thought this was a waste and began scolding Mary, saying "the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor." But Jesus rebuked them, "Why do you bother the woman, For she has done a good deed to Me. For the poor you have with you always; but you do not always have Me." In Mark 14:7, we get a little more detail with Jesus saying, "The poor you will always have with you, and whenever you wish, you can do them good; but you do not always have Me."

Have you been anointed? Probably not in the way that Mary anointed Jesus, but you have been anointed if you have accepted the saving grace of Jesus Christ. You have been anointed with something absolutely priceless. You have been consecrated, or set apart, with the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. As Jesus pointed out, we always will have the poor with us and we do, and indeed we should help them as much as we possibly can. Still, while we share our worldly blessings, it is far more important to share the Good News of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you been able to help someone in need lately and neglected to give the glory to our Father? Have you missed an opportunity to witness to someone, someone in need or not? Our attention and response to the voice of the Holy Spirit can be diminished by the world if we are not careful to stay in His Word and actively seek His guidance.

Prayer
Our Holy Father, to whom all glory and honor and worship belongs, forgive us for neglecting to stay in your Holy Word as much as we should and not applying it in our daily lives as much as we should. Help us to keep our hearts open to the voice and guidance of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

2011-03-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 31, 2011

Written by: Janet Bailey

THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS

Matthew 26:1-5

Focal Verse

Matthew 26:2 "You know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified."

Jesus was reminding the disciples that in just two days His life would be over. He would be betrayed by one of them and crucified, which is the worst form of execution known to man. Did the disciples listen? Do we listen when God tells us how things are going to happen? Or do we try to do things "our way" and dig ourselves into more trouble? Do we disappoint (betray) God when we do something that we are not supposed to do? Or maybe it is the sin of "omission" when we know we are supposed to take responsibility and stand up for Jesus, but we choose to let somebody else take care of it.

Which disciple would you be at the feast of the Passover?

2011-03-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter March 30, 2011

Written by: Michael Collins

Matthew 25:31-46
JUDGMENT IS COMING, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

I must admit I struggled with this passage as I read it over and over. I got to where I couldn?t see the forest for all of the trees in my way. I know who the King is, but who are the sheep, who are the goats, who are His brethren, which judgment is this, will the nations be judged as a whole, will the people of the nations be judged individually? As I studied all of the different versions of the Bible on my computer, my New Testament commentary, and all of the available resources the internet hold I learned that many people either disagree or just don?t know the answers to some of my questions above.

But there are several things that I do know. I do know Jesus spoke the words in the above scripture, and the scripture preceding this, to his disciples on the Mount of Olives. He was speaking to His believers about a coming judgment, and how they should act in expectation.

Well then, what should I do in light of the coming judgment? First and most important we should prepare for the coming judgments by accepting Jesus Christ as our savior and the Lord of our lives. In Romans 10:9-13 we are told the following:

If you declare with your mouth, ?Jesus is Lord,? and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ?Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.? For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile?the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ?Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.?

If I have accepted the Lord as my savior then what should I do? As one that would make Jesus Christ Lord of my life I know in Matthew 22:37-40 we are told Jesus answered and said, ? ?Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.? This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ?Love your neighbor as you love yourself.? All the law and the writings of the prophets depend on these two commands.?

Okay, as a believer, then how should I love the Lord my God? Jesus tells us in John 14:15, ?If ye love me, keep my commandments,? and in Luke 10:25-37 Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan and explains to ?who is my neighbor??

With that in mind the scripture above discussing the sheep and goats is one illustration of how Jesus wants us to live awaiting judgment. Jesus tells us that as ?sheep? in the flock of the Lord we should willingly love the Lord our God and our neighbors as we love ourselves. If we have a brother, sister and neighbor with a need we should try and meet that need in the name of our Lord to give him honor and glory. We should attempt to meet the needs of those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, or in prison or any of the people who could not help themselves that may be called ?the least of these.? Jesus says as you serve them you serve Jesus himself. In Matthew 23:11-12 Jesus said ?But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.? We should serve our brothers, sisters and neighbors out of a true love for the Lord and not just for others to see as Jesus described when He rebuked the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:5 saying ?But all their works they do for to be seen of men.? As is described by Jesus in a parable in Matthew 25:14-30 we are to take the blessing and gifts that he has giving to us and use them to serve our Lord and our brothers, sisters and neighbors so that He will tell us ?Well done, good and faithful servant.?

Well then, does the scripture above discussing the sheep and goats tell us that to ?inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world? we are required to perform the described tasks or works? Remember, Jesus was speaking on the Mount of Olives to his disciples in response to their questions of when the temple would be destroyed or when Christ would return. Jesus tells his disciples in Matthew 24:27 ?For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be,? and in Matthew 24:44 ?Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.? Jesus was telling them He would return suddenly and unexpectedly, so do not worry yourselves about when, just follow my commands and serve the Lord until that time comes. In Ephesians 2:8-9 we are told ?For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, lest any man should boast.? And in Romans 11:6 we are told ?But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.?

So I know Jesus shall return, and I know judgment will come, what should I do? I should make Him Lord of my life by accepting his precious gift of salvation, and then obediently serve Him as my Master loving Him by following his commands and loving others by humbling myself serving any and all of their needs with the gifts and blessings He has so graciously provided for me.

Dear Lord I pray thanks to you for loving me enough to send your Son as a sacrifice for my sins and defeating sin for all by rising from the grave. I pray You will remind me not to ponder on the mysteries of Your ways that You tell me I shall not know. I pray that you will continue to show me that I should obediently serve You by humbling myself to serve others. I pray that when the day of judgment comes You count me as one of Your sheep and You tell me ?Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.? I pray my ears will be open to Your commands. Give me the words to use to spread Your message to others and I pray I serve You in such a way that others see Christ in me. Lead, guide and direct me in all I do. In Jesus? name I pray, Amen.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-03-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 30, 2011 The Final Judgment Matthew 25: 31-46 In the scripture passages listed above, Jesus tells about the Final Judgment. He explains how the heavenly Father will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep being those who are His children. And the goats are those He never knew. In the passage, Jesus said that we are to be focused on those around us who are in need as though they were Christ himself. Focal Verse - Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" How many times during the day do we ignore or overlook those who are in need? We live in a world full of needs. But the greatest need goes beyond the physical. The greatest need is to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. How will we choose to let others know of His love and mercy towards them? Dear Heavenly Father - May my heart and ears always be open and my eyes focused on those I encounter who are in need. May I be willing to openingly and unashamedly share the love of Jesus and what that love has done for me. Guide my steps, my words, my thoughts and actions throughout each day. May my life be a reflection of Your love and compassion at all times. Amen

2011-03-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 29, 2011 Written by: Stephen and Audrey Russell Are you using your talents for God's glory? Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30 Focal Verses: Matthew 25: 24-25 "Then he which had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where that thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine." The tragedy of the story and the focus of the parable is the man who hid his talent. I do not believe he was necessarily "lazy" on purpose; he may have just failed to realize the significance of what he was given, and, as a result, failed to put it to good use. It was "only one" talent, and compared to the five talents given to the other man, what use was his one? Why even try and compete? From him we probably learn the most. First, the talent was not his in the first place; it was on loan. Secondly, Christ shows that people bury their gifts primarily out of fear. Thirdly, the whole parable illustrates that regarding spiritual gifts, one never loses what he uses. That is a powerful lesson; if we use the gifts that God gives us, we cannot lose! The one who was punished never even tried, so God called him wicked and lazy. His disobedience regarding spiritual things doomed him. Christ keeps no servants to be idle; they have received their all from Him and have nothing they can call their own but sin. Not all are expected to produce the same results, but all are expected to be equally faithful to the gifts God entrusts to them. God judges according to what we have. Since He is a perfect judge, He is the only one qualified to measure whether we are using and increasing our gifts or whether we are hiding and squandering what He made available to us. The earth is robbed of God's plan of bringing ministry to a hurt and dying world when the gifts He sends into the earth are detested by those who receive them. Have you detested your talent? Have you hidden it somewhere, too discouraged or too self centered to see beyond your own poor self image? It's not about you. When God gave you a gift to sing, dance, play, write, or whatever, He wasn't thinking about you; He was thinking of somebody else. We need to stop thinking about ourselves and comparing our gift with others, and just get on with the business of being faithful givers of what we've got. "They that compare themselves among themselves are unwise" (2Cor 10:12) "Let every man prove his own work and then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." (Gal 6:4) Acknowledge the uniqueness of your own calling, and give yourself to the world to be used by God. Do not be unfaithful to those God has called you by holding back your gift because you are too proud to admit to the world that you are only a "one talent" vessel. Are you a one talent vessel? If so, are you using that one talent? What talent did God give you? Dear Heavenly Father, I humbly come to You, thanking You for all Your many blessings. I pray that we begin putting our talent into work and using what You have graciously given us to further Your Kingdom. I am blessed that You gave each of us a talent that makes us unique and different among our fellow believers. I pray that we use our unique gift to honor and glorify Your name. We ask all these things in Your name. Amen.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-03-28T06:52:00.001-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 28, 2011 Written by: Lisa Reece Being Prepared Matthew 25:1-13 Focal Verse: Matthew 25:10 This parable was written to help us prepare for Christ?s second coming. "Ten virgins were preparing to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise and carried extra oil for their lamps while the other 5 were foolish and did not take extra oil. The bridegroom was late. The 10 virgins became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight a cry rang out that the bridegroom was coming. All ten virgins jumped up to begin preparations for serving the bridegroom. The five wise virgins put more oil in their lamps while the five foolish had no extra oil. These 5 virgins were not prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom. They begged the wise ones for some but were refused. They were told to go buy some. While the five were gone to buy oil the bridegroom arrives. The five wise virgins went into the wedding banquet and the door was shut. Upon returning the 5 foolish virgins found the door closed and were not allowed into the wedding banquet." Being a Christian is more than receiving Jesus as Savior. It is about being Christ like everyday and showing our love for man just as Jesus did while on Earth. We must be ready to serve, minister, and tell about God and His wonderful Son that was sent to Earth to die on a cross. Jesus will come again one day as a bridegroom ready to take His church to Heaven. We do not know the hour or the day, but we know because He said He would return. We should all be prepared like the wise virgins. We cannot put off our work and wait until the last minute as the foolish virgins. We must be prepared each and everyday working to further God?s Kingdom so that all may attend the wedding banquet. Have you asked Jesus to come and live in your heart? If you have asked Jesus to be your Savior, are you serving Him daily as if He were coming back in the next 5 minutes? Dear Lord, I ask that you help me to live each and everyday as if you were going to arrive within the next few minutes. Help me to serve you through my work and not be idle watching and waiting for You. Amen

FBC Carthage E-News for March 28, 2011

2011-03-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News March 28,2011 Jambo, We had our first lesson in Swahili yesterday with Pastor Elijah Wanje. There are seven team members making plans to travel to Nairobi, Kenya for a mission project with Pastor Wanje and his church, June 1-15. Pray for this team and the plans, especially working through airline ticket issues this week. If you missed the message by Pastor Wanje, or you would like to pass it on to others, it can be found in the online sermons under the Media page on the church web site www.fbccarthage.com. It is one of the best messages I have heard in a long time. Ladies, I remind you of the Priscilla Shirer simulcast on Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 6PM on Friday. Invite someone to attend with you. This week is the week of prayer for North American Missions. Here is the link to read of the specific missionaries to be praying for this week: http://www.anniearmstrong.com/2011missionaries/ Our church goal is $7,000 for the Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions. This is a great time to give to the work of more than 5,000 missionaries in the United States and Canada. I trust you have been enjoying the special 40 Days of Easter Devotionals each day. Thanks to all who have contributed to this effort. Have a blessed week, Bro. Tim Here’s the news for the week: 1. All Vacation Bible School workers are urged to attend the VBS Clinic this Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 PM. We will begin in the Family Life Center. Even if you have not officially signed-up, attend the Clinic and we will get you plugged-in. 2. The Pregnancy Help Center of Smith County will hold its first banquet on Tuesday, April 5 at the Ag Center. The banquet will begin at 6:30 PM. If you would have interest in attending the banquet to learn more about ways you can be involved, send a note to Bro. Tim. There is no cost for the banquet. Opportunity will be given to support the center through volunteering to serve and/or financially giving to the center. The Pregnancy Help Center will begin ministry to the community in June. 3. In preparation for Easter 2011, we have two special events set for Saturday, April 9 and 16. Here is some information distributed in the Adult Sunday School classes yesterday: Across Tennessee is a part of a nation-wide emphasis, Across America, to reach every home in the United States, Canada, and their territories with a gospel distribution, as well as an invitation to attend a local congregation for an evangelistic Easter service. Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, is quickly approaching and Baptist churches across Tennessee and the United States are preparing for one of the largest evangelistic efforts in our convention’s history. Churches will participate by praying across Tennessee on April 9, followed by a gospel distribution on April 16 and Harvest Sunday on Easter Sunday. Your Sunday School class is asked to participate in the prayer walking and gospel distribution days by enlisting teams of two-three to partner together for this effort. Encourage everyone who to participate as a part of your class team. Here are some practical ideas for prayerwalking on Saturday, April 9. • We will meet at FBC Carthage at 9:30 AM for prayer and assignments. • Prayerwalking is simply praying in the very places we expect God to bring forth his answers. Prayerwalking is usually a low-profile affair: Friends or family walk in teams of two or three through their assigned streets, praying as they go. We've come to call this sort of on-site intercession "prayerwalking." It's simply praying in the very places that we expect God to bring forth His answers. • The prayers are intercessory rather than devotional. Prayerwalkers learn to pray beyond their own concerns, focusing pray on behalf of their neighbors. You will pray for the people in the homes you are walking past. Pray for God’s power and grace to touch their lives during this Easter season. • Pray for the present-hour needs of people and places that you see. Pray quietly. You can be on the scene without making one. In confidence of God's unfolding purpose which includes your preparation prayer, don't look to initiate gospel conversations during your prayerwalk. Pray for God to open doors of communication soon. Explain what you are doing to inquirers: "We're praying God's blessing on the neighborhood. Are there specific ways we can pray for you or others? Here are some practical ideas for the gospel distribution on Saturday, April 16. • Each team will be given a specific street(s) to distribute the gospel cards. These cards will be inside a door-hanger bag and will also include an invitation to the Easter Sunday service on April 24 at 10:00 AM at the Smith County High School Auditorium. • You can knock on the door and personally deliver the invitation or you can simply place the bag on the door. Do not place the bag on or inside of the mailbox. • We will seek to distribute over 1000 invitations. Each team will have approximately 50 bags which should take 1-2 hours to distribute. We will meet at FBC Carthage at 9:30 AM for prayer and assignments. 4. As part of the Across Tennessee emphasis leading up to Easter, there will be a witnessing tract, in addition to an invitation to the Easter service, included in each packet we distribute on April 16. That tract will share the gospel and also point people to the web site www.findithere.com. This is a great web site with testimonies, answers to spiritual questions, and much more. It can be a blessing to you and a tool to use in sharing with your friends and family. Take a minute and check out the site: www.findithere.com. 5. The FBC Carthage Relay for Life Team will sponsor “Painting for a Cure” on Sunday, April 10 at 2:00 PM. The project will meet at the Paint Pail on Main Street. Participants will purchase a canvas (8X10 - $20; 16X20 - $35) and be instructed in painting a cross. The proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. The signup contact the church office or see Denise Hackett. In addition, special Relay for Life shirts are available for a contribution of $10. The Smith County Relay for Life will be held on June 4. 6. High School and college graduates are asked to contact Zeke to participate in the 2011 Graduate Recognition and Luncheon on May 1, 2011. We are gathering pictures and making a special graduate video to show during the service on May 1. 7. LifeLine Screening will be providing several medical screening tests on Tuesday, April 26. Contact Deborah at the church office to schedule a priority screening. Church members may qualify for a $10 discount by calling this week, 735-1929.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-03-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 25, 2011

Written by: Sheila Dodge
Matthew 24:32-35

The Parable of the Fig Tree
- a spiritual lesson from nature

The fig tree pictures or represents the Nation of Israel. Jesus says we are to "look to the fig tree". The nation of Israel is God's timepiece. Dr. J. Vernon McGee says "God's timepiece is not G-R-U-E-N, B-U-L-O-V-A, nor T-I-M-E-X, but I-S-R-A-E-L." In 1948 Israel became a nation (the fig tree is shooting forth) with its own land ("putting forth new leaves"). The Jews have national existence in their own homeland (this means the Kingdom of God is near), government, currency, stamps, etc. but spiritually the nation is still barren and cold- there is no fruit for God. Nationally we might say that "its branches are green and tender". Israel's emergence as a nation means not only that the beginning of Tribulation is near, but that the Lord Himself is near, at the very doors!

Christ could return at any moment. Things are happening so fast today that it is evident Christ's return is very near. Things like drastic decline of moral standards, violence and civil disobedience, a spirit of lawlessness abounding in our homes, national life and even in our churches, earthquakes, threat of worldwide famines, increasing hostilities among nations, government failures to maintain law and order and suppress terrorism, and the list goes on.

"This Generation", referring to the Jewish race, would survive to see all these things accomplished. Their continued survival despite terrible persecution is a miracle of history, a race that steadfastly refused to acknowledge Him as Messiah. ?"aman was not able to destroy them neither was Pharaoh, nor did Hitler succeed in his attempts, and no dictator in our day will be able to exterminate these- God will see to that."-J.Vernon McGee - an indestructible people, God's Chosen People.

Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not. A new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1) but He will not change His word; it will stand throughout the eternal ages! Now is the time; don't delay. Tell someone about His Good News!

Don't let your guard down. Don't give up. These are great days to live for God. God's business is to reform or change the world. He has asked us to live for Him and to get His Word out. Trust in Him as your Savior, commit all your ways to Him and if we are alive at the time of the rapture, we'll meet Him in the air by the grace of God. In light of His soon return we should lift each other up by teaching, by encouragement, by example and build up one another with the Word of God. In connection with Christ's coming there is a sound to hear, a sight to see, a miracle to feel, a meeting to enjoy, and a comfort to experience. Thoughts of the Lord's coming do not produce terror for the believer. It is a hope that thrills and cheers and comforts.

Prayer thoughts:
Thank you, Lord, for the promise of Your Word, and the hope for every believer. We pray for opportunities every day to be a witness to the world around us and lift up each other up with loving care. Give us a spirit of hope to a lost and dying world. Amen

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-03-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 26, 2011
Written by: The Hess Family (Bill & Kathy)
Poplar, Montana

Ready or not, He's Coming

Matthew 24:36-44

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Jesus was talking to His disciples. They were asking about what will happen in the future. Jesus talked about all things would pass away, even Him, and there would be a great return. He told of the tribulation. He spoke of leaving and then returning at a time they would not know. He emphasized that only His Father would know (v. 36). He described practical scenarios like in days of Noah. Noah spent years believing that God told him to build an ark, years to be prepared. He prepared for himself and his family and underwent great ridicule for his belief. Jesus described two workers in a field: one stays, one goes; women grinding grain: one stays, one goes. There is a sense of a lack of preparedness on the part of mankind. It is a scripture of great warning.

Key Verse: Matthew 24:44 "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

We need to be "ready" when He comes again. It's funny, but somehow I feel like the readiness He is leading the disciples toward is an act of the heart. He wants us to know Him and to live for Him with the anticipation that He will come at any moment. The readiness He speaks of requires obedience and a hidden rule of telling others. We do not want the person we work with to be left behind; we want everyone to know about Jesus. We want everyone to know about the Savior. We want everyone to know that He has come to save the world through His death on the cross. We will be ready for His return if we believe and obey Him and His Word. We especially want everyone to go be with Him like we are! He is coming.

Application:

Are you ready? Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Do you share the Good News with everyone? Check your heart and seek Him. Intentionally serve Him and live for Him so that all people will be drawn to Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I'm ready. Help me tell others about You so they will be ready, too. I do not want anyone to be left behind. Give me a burden for those who are lost and do not know the way to You. Thank You for Jesus' dying on the cross for the sins of the world, for my sins. Thank You that I have a story to tell!

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-03-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 24

Written by: Lisa Walker

Signs of the End

Matthew 24: 3-14

Focal Verse: Matthew 24:13 ?But he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

In today's world, we are witnessing the destruction of homes, lives, nations, and futures. The chaos seems endless. We cannot turn on the television, read a newspaper, or scan the internet without being bombarded with the news of devastation that is happening all around us. It is a time of uneasiness. The safeguards into which we have invested our time and energies are no longer safe. So now what? Could this be the beginning of the end of time?

Jesus told his disciples that no matter what was happening in the world, they were not to worry, not to run and hide, and not to allow themselves to be deceived by the false prophets of their time. And guess what? His answer is still the same for us today. We are not to worry. We are not to run and hide. And we are not to listen to the false teachings of those who would lead us astray. Jesus said we are to stand firm. The words of an old hymn come to mind: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name."

Prayer: Dear God, during times of chaos and uncertainty, may my faith and hope remain firm in Jesus' name. Amen.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-03-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 23, 2011

Written by: The Hess Family (Bill & Kathy)
Poplar, Montana

The Heart of God

Matthew 23:37-39

"O Jerusalem, O Jerusalem thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee. How often I would have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not! Behold your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you. Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."

Jesus is the temple of God. He is pleading to His people to turn from their rebellion. He sees that they are prideful and unwilling to listen. His heart goes out to them, and He tenderly describes His care and desire to protect them, although they have rejected His calling nearly seven times with His visits to Jerusalem. He recognizes that they are nothing without Him. Desolate, there is no chance for them on their own. They have made their own rules the law and have not recognized Him as the returning Messiah. He gives them a hint of His deity when He tells them that when they see Him again, when they recognize that He is God, the Messiah, they will say ?blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord?.

Key Verse: "How often I would have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not!" Matthew 23:37

I couldn't help but remember watching my hen gathering her chicks one rainy day. There were over a dozen! She wouldn't settle down until they all were found, gathered together near the porch. She was just a little hen, wings not very large, but colorful: red, orange, brown, sparkling teal green. I remember wondering how she could look so beautiful on a rainy day, her movement so intentional, seeking her golden, fluffy baby chicks. The most amazing moment was to watch her spread her wings. The span increased by over double! She turned and twisted to get every baby chick under her wings, not a drop of rain could touch them. It was amazing, like a miracle.

You know, God is that way. He is intentional with His love for us. He looks for us, protects us, and goes to the end of the earth to keep us under His wing. I feel it sometimes when my heart is wandering. I feel it when I am not who I am supposed to be. I feel it when I feel vulnerable, a target of ridicule from people around me or maybe just the enemy. God's protecting love surrounds me. How possibly could God cover such a span of rebellion in my own life? It's through His Son. It has been prepared for me from the beginning. His heart was thinking of me even in Jerusalem. There was a plan. The thought of it overwhelms me sometimes, but then I realize that I have always been in the mind and heart of God. All mankind has been on His mind from the beginning. He has always been a God of love, compassion, protection, and purpose. That comforts me. When I feel like I am alone, I know that He is with me. His wings of love surround me, protecting me from those things that pull me away, and He tugs me a little closer so I stay near and know He is with me. I thank God for sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin. Without Jesus? death, I would be forever separated from God. I am thankful that God prepared from the beginning a way to stay with Him. I am thankful my heart does not have to be desolate from my rebellion but that it is filled with His grace and especially His love.

Application: Do you feel God's wing of protection over your life? Have you experienced the unfailing grace of God through asking Jesus into your heart? Take time to know Him today, or maybe refresh your spirit by imagining yourself underneath the ever-protecting wing of God.

Prayer: Lord, please help me remember what You have done for me. Help me remember Your love for me, how You desire to be near me, to protect me, and to want the best for me. Help me to remember Your heart weeps for me in my rebellion yet rejoices when I return! Praise be to God for His heart for me and unfailing love.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-03-22T04:50:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 22, 2011

Written by: Glen Kirby

Trying or Trusting
Matthew 23:1-5, 23-28

Jesus had harsh statements to say about the religious leaders of His day who served God on the outside but were dead on the inside. He referred to them as "whitewashed tombs." To the world and in their own sight, they appeared to be clean and white. God saw a different picture. He looked on the inside and saw they were dead and unclean.

There's a line in the world today which divides people into two categories. On one side, there are those who are trying to be right with God through their actions. That is the problem; they are trying and basing their hope on their own efforts. In the end those efforts, those works, will be rejected.

On the other side are those who are trusting in Jesus. Their trust is not in their own goodness but in Christ's righteousness. The Bible says they are accepted before God. The Apostle Paul writes inEphesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

One has zeal to please God by their works. They are religious. The other has a love for God and faith in His Son Jesus. They have a relationship.

Folks, I submit to you that some of us are not greatly unlike the Pharisees; we have spent some or most of our life "trying", trying to make ourselves righteous by simply performing a 'balancing the scales act' of doing all the good we can so our good deeds outweigh the bad ones! In the end, Jesus' words will be "woe".

The truth which the Bible shares is that in Christ and Christ alone our righteousness is found. Jesus is our hope. He is our peace. He is our life.

Isn't it time you stop trying and start trusting in Jesus?

Dear Father, May I truly trust You and Your Son Jesus Christ for my salvation. I humbly submit my life, my will, and my destiny to You.

FBC Carthage E-News for March 21, 2011

2011-03-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News
March 21, 2011

A beautiful spring morning to you,

Yesterday marked what is recognized as the first day of spring and it feels like it this morning. This is a beautiful time of year with the nice weather and flowers blooming. Take some time this week to be outside and enjoy the season. Be sure and thank the Lord for His goodness and your blessings.

I appreciate the good message Zeke brought last night in the evening service. He is a blessing to our church and community. Let him know you appreciate him.

We rejoice with Chealsey Apple in her baptism in the 10:45 AM service yesterday.

It was a joy to have Jacob Testa, the newborn baby of Joseph and Amanda Testa, in church for the first time yesterday. Jacob was born March 10.

This coming Sunday, March 27, will be special as we welcome Pastor Elijah Wanje as our special guest. Pastor Wanje is the pastor of Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi, Kenya. He will be preaching in the morning services. Our mission team to Africa will work with a team from his church in starting a new church in Kenya. You will receive a great blessing this Sunday from Pastor Wanje.

I encourage you to take a minute and visit a great website from Ridgeways Baptist Church in Kenya. The site will give a greater awareness of the people of Ridgeways and introduce you to Pastor Wanje.
http://ridgewaysbaptistchurch.blogspot.com/

Here are a couple of videos from the children’s choir at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaOZDeZSggE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDO6oE1SkIg

This Sunday will also begin our Week of Prayer for North American Missions. During the next five weeks we will be emphasizing the work of the more than 5000 missionaries serving throughout North America through the North American Mission Board. The web site for NAMB is http://www.namb.net/.

I hope you are receiving and enjoying the daily devotionals of the 40 Days of Easter 2011. It has been a blessing to read the thoughts and reflections from our members on these scriptures which prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. If you miss one of the devotionals or would like to share them with friends, we are posting them each day at www.ontheword.blogspot.com.

Have a wonderful week as you live in the victory of Jesus.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for this week:
1. GPS: God’s Plan for Sharing is a Tennessee Baptist emphasis of sharing the gospel with every person in Tennessee. We will be accepting the challenge to do our part and share with everyone in Carthage and South Carthage. This year’s emphasis is to prayer walk each street in our area and distribute an invitation to every home to join us for our celebration service on Easter Sunday, April 24. Everyone is asked to mark your calendars for two special city-wide outreach events leading up to Easter:
· Saturday, April 9 Prayer-Walk
· Saturday, April 16 Invitation distribution to the Easter service

2. All Vacation Bible School workers are urged to attend the VBS training conference on Tuesday, March 29 at FBC Carthage at 6:30 PM. If you have not yet signed up to help in VBS you can do that by contacting Rhonda Etheridge or Becky Mitchell. There will also be a sign-up form this Sunday in the bulletin.

3. The Mission Montana Team met Sunday and continued the plans for a mission trip to Poplar, Montana, July 4-13. The team will focus on projects on the church building and in member’s homes. There will also be community-wide events such as a movie night and a possible pool party. New this year are plans for a ladies conference and an appreciation dinner for the people of the church.

4. Speaking of a women’s conference, First Baptist Church Carthage is hosting a women’s conference simulcast with Priscilla Shirer on April 1-2. This special conference will begin on Friday night, April 1 at 7:00 PM and resume on Saturday, April 2 at 9:00 AM. Invite your friends to attend with you. Check out her web site and hear a special message for you in preparation for the April 1&2 meetings: http://www.goingbeyond.com/

5. Vacation Bible School preparation is under-way as we enlist workers and begin planning for the best VBS yet. Our first planning event will be a training clinic for all workers on Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 PM. We will begin in the sanctuary and then have time for training in the various age-groups. If you have not signed up, you can contact the church office or see Rhonda Etheridge or Becky Mitchell.

6. The Sunday messages are online and can be accessed through the Media page on the church web site www.fbccarthage.com. You can also access the sermon player at www.ontheword.blogspot.com. This is a great resource if you miss a message or if you want to refer a message to a friend.

Here is a cute e-mail I received last week. I hope it brings a smile to your face:
How to stay safe in the World today! Where IS the Safest Place?
1. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.2. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians. 4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.

5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, above all else, avoid hospitals. But. . .You will be pleased to learn that only ..001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physicaldisorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is in Church! And . . . Bible study is safe too! The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.So, attend church, and read your Bible. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!

40 Days of Easter Devotional

2011-03-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 21, 2011

Written by: Billy Friel

Making Light of God's Invitation

Passage: Matthew 22:1-14
Focus Verse: "But they made light of it and went their ways." (Matt.22:5)

Devotional:
The experience of salvation and the Kingdom of Heaven are often described as a great meal or banquet. God wants everyone to be present. To that end, He sends multiple invitations. We see the hard-heartedness of men as they were "not willing to come" and even "made light" of God's gracious invitation. Why would anyone reject God's offer of forgiveness and eternal life?

People offer these excuses:
(1) "I don't understand the Bible" - we are helped by the Holy Spirit.
(2) "There are hypocrites in the church" - if a hypocrite stands between you and God, he's closer to God than you are!
(3) "I can't hold out" - you don't have to hold out: God will hold on to you!
(4) "I've been too bad" - no, God will forgive if you only confess.
(5) "I don't have the time" - eternity is a long time and deserves your consideration.

Don't make light of God's invitations to you. Time after time He has knocked at your heart. Now He is knocking again to see if you're willing to open the door of your heart. This could be the very first Easter you've ever had, if you will surrender your heart to Jesus.

How About You?
Have you ever really celebrated Easter? Do you know for certain that you will go to Heaven after this life?

Prayer
Dear Father,
Thank you for Your love and patience as You invite us to be with You in Your Heaven. Help each person to give serious attention to Your gracious invitations.

40 Days of Easter Devotional

2011-03-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 19, 2011

Written by: Lisa Walker

The Parable of the Two Sons

Matthew 21:28-32

But what do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, My son, go, work in the vineyard today. He answered, I don't want to! Yet later he changed his mind and went. Then the man went to the other and said the same thing. I will sir, he answered. But he didn't go. Which of the two did his father's will? The first, they said. Jesus said to them, I assure you: Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you! For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him. Tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him, but you, when you saw it, didn't even change your minds then and believe him.

Jesus tells this parable while being tested by the Chief Priests and Elders of the temple. In the parable we read of the first son who is rebellious, stubborn and possibly lazy. When approached by his father and asked to work in the vineyard, his response is 'No'. However, he later has a change of heart - true repentance. He is sorry for his initial response and goes back to the father agreeing to do the work that is asked of him.

The second son is also approached, but his response is 'Yes'. He then, for whatever reason, does not follow thru. There is no repentance from him and he goes on his way.

In this parable God is the father. And we as sinners are the sons. How we respond to God's calling is the difference between heaven and hell.

God has allowed us free will. We have the choice of saying 'yes' or 'no'. God has also given us a gift in His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus has set the example for how we are to live our daily lives as well as how we are to respond to the will of the Father. God wants us to share with others what Jesus has done for us. That is the work each of us are called to do in the vineyard.

Thought: Today as you are at work, school, shopping, home or wherever you may be, will you listen for God's call to the work in the vineyard? To share His love, grace and forgiveness with those you may encounter?

Dear Heavenly Father - May we ever be mindful of your Presence and the work you have called us to do. In Jesus name and whose example we are to follow - Amen.

40 Days of Easter 2011

2011-03-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 20, 2011

Written by: FBC Member

Read: Matthew 21:33-46

The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers

If you are like me, you read the title and said, ?Wicked vinedressers? I don?t remember that one.? I suppose that is because Jesus didn?t really make us sit and ponder over what this could possibly mean. At the end of the parable, Jesus looked at the church leaders and said, "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it." (Verse 43) Of course, this made the chief priests and Pharisees very upset, and they sought to kill our precious Lord.

So, if Jesus said it was the church leaders He was talking to, what message could it possibly have for us? Look back at the previous verses. Verse 33 says that the landowner built a perfect vineyard and allowed the vinedressers to use it for a time. When the landowner sent workers to gather his portion, the workers were killed as well as the second group after them by the evil vinedressers. He then sent his son who was likewise killed. The son we know was the Son of God whose time had not quite come, but Jesus was foretelling the future.

We, like the vinedressers, were sent prophets before Jesus. Their instructions and guidance are written in the Old Testament; we are to learn from those teachings. Hebrews 1:1-4 tells us this as well. These passages are written to give us hope and to help us understand that Jesus fulfilled all prophesy, and He truly IS the Son of God. He truly is the sacrificial lamb promised since the beginning. They tell us how to ensure fruits for the Kingdom of God. Then, He blessed us by sending His Son, knowing the Son of Man would die so that we can have eternal life.

How about you? Do you spend time reading your Bible, Old and New Testaments, to try to learn about the One who came to save us, what His plans are for us, and what the prophets who came before Him had to say about what our futures hold? Do you consider the entire Bible as a letter from God to You with nuggets of truth leading to truth, or do you consider portions of it unnecessary? Once the Lord is in your life, do you fully accept what He came to do, believing everything He says to us through His Word including we are His and are forgiven?

Prayer: Glorious Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to this place of evildoers. You knew what He would have to endure for our sake yet sent Him anyway. What amazing love! Please help us to accept His wonderful gift. Help us to believe the tremendous promises He has given us that are sprinkled throughout the scriptures if we only take time to look for them. In Jesus' most Holy name, Amen.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-03-18T06:45:00.001-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 18, 2011

Written by: Richard Deaver

Questioning Jesus' Authority

Matthew 21: 23-27
Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. "By what authority ar you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you this authority?" Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism - where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?" They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven' - he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'From men' - we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet." So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Then he said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

Why do we question Jesus? Why can't we give honest answers when Jesus turns the question on us? Are we afraid of the work he can do in our lives?

Just as Christ was cleaning up the temple, He wants to clean up our lives and use us for His glory. Say yes to the Lord and allow Him to be the Lord of your Life.

2011-03-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter - March 17, 2011

Written by: Kandy Smith

Temple Cleansing

Matthew 21:12-17 (New International Version, ©2010)
Jesus at the Temple
12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 "It is written," He said to them, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it 'a den of robbers.' "14 The blind and the lame came to Him at the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things He did and the children shouting in the temple courts, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant.16 "Do you hear what these children are saying", they asked Him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, 'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.'"17 And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where He spent the night.

How comfortable it would be to read this passage and focus on verse 12 as a way of feeling good about ourselves here at FBC, even assuring ourselves that if Jesus could do a walk-through of our church building, He wouldn't find anyone selling or buying things in the hallways. Instead, He would see mission bulletin boards, Sunday School posters, and scripture passages displayed. We know how to behave in God's house and therefore might expect to receive a high score on our evaluation.

But on closer examination, would Jesus find anything occurring that, like the work of these money changers, interferes with worshipping Him? Because of these buyers and sellers, the Gentiles couldn't even pray without interruption in their single designated area in the temple. While we're definitely not a "den of robbers", we have to acknowledge the possibility that Jesus might not pen the words "house of prayer" in the comments section of His formal summary, either.

Actually, a more appropriate understanding of this scripture doesn't involve Jesus' walking through our church building. It involves instead the Holy Spirit's moving through our individual temples ; our physical bodies and minds. We're encouraged to not only guide but actually welcome the Spirit's examination because of God's grace. Speaking of grace, we might realize additionally that the much-maligned merchants in this scripture passage had an excuse that we don't have. They didn't have the constant presence of Jesus; they didn't even have a copy of God's Word. Straying from the Truth for them seems a little more understandable. But, for us? We not only have the Bible, we also have the Gift of Constant Monitoring, Constant Comforting, and Constant Companionship; with the presence of the Holy Spirit, we have every opportunity to avoid setting up tables of sin in our own temples that separate us from God and keep us from being available to do His will.

Finally, notice our loving Lord in this passage. While He does pause to do some necessary table clearing, more aligned with His nature, He quickly turns His full attention to those in need. He heals the blind and the lame. Attuned to the voices of the children who recognize Him and praise Him, He quiets the voices of the indignant chief priests by scripturally reminding them of who He is. He doesn't focus on the negatives so much that He misses the positives, the opportunities to touch lives and share His love. The Message translates verse 17 as saying, "Fed up, Jesus turned on his heel." I don't really see "fed up" here or Jesus "turning on His heel", do you? I see our Lord doing what He always does: loving us in spite of the bad, cleaning up our mistakes and moving on to accomplish the will of Our Father.

How about you: Do you daily realize the gift we have through the Holy Spirit, a gift that allows us to constantly seek our Father's love and forgiveness? Do you have any sins you need to ask God to not only reveal to you but then help you clear off the table?

Dear Heavenly Father, I know You love me in spite of my sin. And yet, I also know how it breaks Your heart that time and time again I recognize and regret my sinful ways, ask and receive Your forgiveness, leave my prayer time with You and set the table of sin right back up. I ask You to continue to help me, to show me how to fill those needs that my sinful self desires with Your goodness and blessings instead so that I can be fully available to do Your will. Thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to rest in You daily. Amen.

40 Days of Easter 2011 Devotional

2011-03-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

40 Days of Easter 2011
Written by: Bro. Tim Frank

March 16, 2011

WHO IS THIS
Matthew 21:1-11

Focal Verse
Matthew 21:10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?"

As the week began in Jerusalem, there was a sense of excitement and wonder. A great crowd had gathered, waving palm branches, and shouting praise to God. The people were shouting praise to Jesus and proclaiming Him as the "One who comes in the name of the Lord!" They were proclaiming Him as the Messiah. The scripture says the whole city, all the people in the city, were asking one question, "Who is this?"

Two thousand years later, no greater question has ever been asked. No greater answer has ever begged to be known. In fact, your destiny rests in the answer. Your future rests in the answer. Your eternal life rests in the answer. Who you profess Jesus to be will change who you are. It will have a life changing effect. Think carefully. Answer wisely. Profess proudly.

Over the next forty days, various people from First Baptist Church Carthage will share the answer to this question. They will take their thoughts from the Gospel of Matthew and focus the daily devotionals on the week of Jesus' life leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. In the scripture passages you will find the answer. In fact, it is my desire that everyone come to the same profession as the soldier at the foot of Jesus' cross who exclaimed, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

How do you answer the world's most important question, "Who is Jesus?"
With whom have you shared the answer?

Jesus, You are the Son of God!

FBC Carthage E-News for March 14, 2011

2011-03-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

FBC Carthage E-News
March 14, 2011

Good Early Morning,

At least it feels early this morning after the Daylight Savings Time change yesterday. It normally takes me a couple of days to get back into a early routine after the “spring forward.” Aside from the sluggish start, it will be nice to have an extra bit of sunshine and light in the afternoon. It also is a sure sign that spring has come.

This week we will begin our 40 Days of Easter e-Devotionals. In preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s resurrection, we will send out an e-Devotional each day to everyone who receives the e-News. The devotionals will also be posted on the blog, www.ontheword.blogspot.com. I hope these daily scriptures and thoughts will help focus our attention on this most important event. If you are writing a devotional, please have it returned to me this week; the earlier, the better.

Our Relay for Life team did a great job yesterday providing lunch after the services. Thank you to everyone who helped and to all who came down for lunch. The donations will go to the American Cancer Society’s work. The next event will be a painting class on Sunday, April 10 from 2-4 PM at the Paint Pail. The Relay for Life event will be at the Courthouse on June 4-5. To find out more on the Relay for Life, click on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esdA6RMpm3I&feature=email

Let us all be praying for the people in Japan and the surrounding areas. The devastation is horrific. I received the following e-mail from Randy Davis, the Executive Treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Convention:
“I know you and your church will want to join the TBC staff in praying for the many, many people who have been impacted by the earthquake off the coast of Japan this morning. The 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan causing significant damage to the island nation and spawning a massive tsunami that continues to move across the Pacific Ocean. A tsunami warning has been issued for the west coast of the United States. Your Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief leadership is monitoring the situation closely and I wanted to let you as a Board know our protocol during this type of disaster.

Based on the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief international response plan, Baptist Global Response (BGR) will take the initial lead in assessing the situation and how Southern Baptists can best respond to this natural disaster. In fact, BGR has Baptist partners in the area who are moving to assess the damage even now. Jeff Palmer, BGR’s executive director (and originally from West Tennessee), has issued a statement saying, “We hope to have someone on ground tomorrow for an initial assessment and contact with Baptist partners there. We have great Baptist partners that we will contact and see how we can initially support them with resources and expertise in the response.”

It is unknown at this point if volunteers will be needed to assist in the response. If they are needed, Alabama is the first state convention on call during the month of March and have been put on standby. Tennessee is the first state convention on call during the month of May each year. However, a large volunteer response may necessitate trained personnel from multiple states being involved in the effort.”

In these days, it is a blessing to know we have a Heavenly Father who knows us, loves us, and calls us to reach out and serve a hurting, helpless world in the name of Jesus. Do what you can, where you are, with what you have for the glory of God!

Have a blessed week,

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. We rejoice with Kasey Eatherly, Chelsey Apple, and Johnny Baxter and the decisions for Christ made yesterday in the 10:45 AM service.

2. This Sunday, March 20 we will have our New Member 101 class at 4:00 PM in the room to the left of the sanctuary. This one-session class is for all new members and those wanting more information on becoming a member of FBC Carthage.

3. Sunday night, March 20 will be a case of role-reversal. Bro. Zeke will be preaching and Bro. Tim will be leading the music.

4. Mark your calendars for two special city-wide outreach events. The churches in the Tennessee Baptist Convention are joining together to prayer-walk every street and invite every family to the 2011 Easter services. This emphasis will work like this:

Saturday, April 9 Teams from FBC Carthage will Prayer-Walk the streets
of Carthage and South Carthage.

Saturday, April 16 Teams from FBC Carthage will visit every home in
Carthage and South Carthage with a special invitation to the Easter service at the High School on Sunday, April 24.

5. All Vacation Bible School workers are urged to attend the VBS training conference on Tuesday, March 29 at FBC Carthage at 6:30 PM. If you have not yet signed up to help in VBS you can do that by contacting Rhonda Etheridge or Becky Mitchell. There will also be a sign-up form this Sunday in the bulletin.

6. The Mission Montana Team will meet this Sunday, March 20 at 5:00 PM in Jim Broyles Sunday School room, just behind the Sanctuary. All persons interested in being a part of this mission team are asked to attend. The mission trip to Poplar, Montana is planned for July 4-13.

7. Plans are being finalized for a mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya in late May, early June 2011. If you have interest in being a part of this effort, contact Tim Frank for information and details.

8. Attention, Ladies! We will host the national women’s conference simulcast of Priscilla Shirer on April 1-2. This special conference will begin on Friday night, April 1 at 7:00 PM and resume on Saturday, April 2 at 9:00 AM. Invite your friends to attend with you. Check out her web site and hear a special message for you in preparation for the April 1&2 meetings: http://www.goingbeyond.com/

9. I referred to Dr. David Sills several times in the message yesterday. Dr. Sills spoke at FBC Carthage on March 6 in the evening service. If you did not hear him, I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen to his message. You can find it on the church web site www.fbccarthage.com under the Media page. You can also click on this link: http://sermon.net/fbccarthage/sermonid/2629366

10. I close today’s E-News with an e-mail sent last week by our friend and former Interim Director of Missions, Billie Friel. I mentioned this in yesterday’s message and wanted you to have a copy. As you read the devotional, take a minute to reflect on your perspective of church. Do you see FBC Carthage as a place where you come to be served or a place through which you serve Jesus and others. Good stuff Bro. Billie:

Bibs or Aprons?
I recently visited a fast-growing church in Minnesota to learn from their staff. It was a privilege to witness their passion for doing high quality ministry in Jesus' name. I left with some new insights and renewed passion for the Gospel.

One of the phrases that I heard while I was there was, "We want our members to wear aprons, not bibs."
Here's what they meant:

Bibs are for people who only want to be fed.
Bibs are for those who are not yet ready or willing to feed themselves.
Bibs are for those who are more interested in being served than in serving.
Bibs are for those who insist that the church exists for them and their needs.
Bibs are for babes in the faith, those who haven't caught God's vision for the church, or those who are not yet of the faith.

Aprons are for those who have a heart to serve others in Jesus' Name.
Aprons are for those who know that they are the church.
Aprons are for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Aprons are for those who take the time daily to feed their Spiritual hunger.
Aprons are for those who are growing in faith, and hunger to help others grow.

Church growth consultant, Win Arn, interviewed thousands of Christians in America several years ago and asked them, what they though the church existed for. Eighty-eight percent said, "The church exists to serve my needs and the needs of my family." In other words, 88% of Christians in America are still wearing bibs.

On the night when he was betrayed, just hours before he was crucified, the very Son of God took off his outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed his disciples' feet. When he was done he said, "I have just given you an example to follow." In other words, Jesus called his disciples to wear aprons, not bibs.

In Matthew, Jesus is recorded as saying, "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give My life as a ransom for many." He also said, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it."

Jesus calls us to wear aprons, not bibs. Which are you wearing?
Bringing It Home:
1. How would you answer the question, "Why does the church exist?" Does your answer reflect your bib or your apron?

2. How can you help others in your Christian community to trade their bib for an apron?

3. If you're not already serving in a ministry in your church, make a commitment to begin this month.

"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:28

FBC Carthage E-News for March 7, 2011

2011-03-07T07:34:00.001-08:00

FBC Carthage E-News
March 7, 2011

Good morning,

The buttercups are blooming and it is beginning to look and feel like spring. In fact, several of our college students are out this week on Spring Break. This is an exciting time of the year as the grey skies of winter are exchanged for the bright blue days of spring. It is a great day the Lord has made, let us remember to thank Him.

I want to say congratulations to Zeke Tomaselli on his first anniversary as the Minister to Youth and Music at FBC Carthage. Zeke and Layne have been a blessing to me personally, to our church family, and to the community. This would be a great week to say a good word to Zeke and Layne and let them know how much they mean to you.

We had a great time yesterday as Dr. David Sills shared about the Inuit people and missions in general. It was one of the most engaging mission presentations and messages I have heard. What a challenge to think of the people who have never heard the gospel and the responsibility we have to go and share with them. Here is a link to Dr. Sills’ Reaching and Teaching website. It has many helpful articles on living missions:
www.reachingandteaching.org

Speaking of missions, I have had nine people express interest in the Mission Trip to Kenya, Africa tentatively set for May 26-June 12. The initial plane tickets are around $2500. Hopefully we can get the price a little more competitive. We will need to buy tickets very soon. If you need a passport, start the process right NOW! Time is of essence. If you are considering the trip and I have not heard from you, send me an e-mail tfrank@fbccarthage.com or reply back to this e-news.

We also need to be firming up our plans for the Montana Mission Trip, July 4-13. If you are planning on being a part of this trip, send me an e-mail or reply.

Remember the good news of Jesus, He is our Redeemer! Have a blessed week as you live for Him.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the News for the week:

1. The Still Water’s Women’s Conference will be tonight and tomorrow night, March 7-8, at the Ag Center at 7:00 PM. Tina Craighead will be leading this special two-day event. All ladies are encouraged to attend and invite a friend to come with you.

2. A Community-Wide Youth Conference will be held this Wednesday and Thursday, March 9-10 at the Ag Center at 7:00 PM. Zeke Tomaselli and Shane Ray will be leading these two nights. Everyone is invited to attend.

3. This is a big week for the youth, in addition to the Community Youth Conference, the Tennessee Baptist Youth Evangelism Conference will be this Friday and Saturday, March 11-12. The youth will travel to Nashville for the conference, have a lock-in with a local Nashville church, and return Saturday afternoon. See Zeke for more information.

4. This Wednesday, March 9 is the regular, monthly business meeting at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Each month we report on the work and finances of the church, as well as, hear recommendations from various ministries. Everyone is invited to participate and be informed.

5. Remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on Saturday evening. Spring forward.

6. Sunday, March 13, the church’s Relay for Life team will host a spaghetti luncheon after the morning service. Everyone is invited to stay after the second service for lunch and a great time of fellowship around the tables. Donations will be accepted to go toward the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and their fight against cancer.

7. As we get closer to the celebration of Easter, the 40 Days of Easter 2011 e-devotionals will be sent each day beginning March 16. We pray that these devotionals will be an encouragement and blessing to you. There are still a few passages left if you would like to write one of the devotionals.

FBC Carthage E-News for February 28, 2011

2011-02-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

FBC E-News
February 28, 2011

Good morning,

This is an exciting week as we begin to move from Winter into Spring. There may be several additional days of cold weather but moving into March is a sure sign Spring is almost here. Good bye gray skies, hello sunshine and warmth.

This week is also an exciting week as we join several churches for a county-wide Revival at the River. The services will be each evening at 7:00 PM at the Ag Center. Our men’s quintet will be singing Tuesday night. Here is a listing of the preachers and special music for each night:
• Revival by the River February 28-March 5 @ 7:00 PM
Monday Scott Nesbitt with special music by His Scars
Tuesday Sam Allen with special music by FBC Carthage Quintet
Wednesday Floyd Massey with special music by the Nesbitt Family
Thursday Doug Dillard with special music by Forgiven
Friday Shane Smith with special music by the Bryant Family
Saturday Michael Nesbitt with special music by Right on Time
Sunday Jason Lohorn with special music by Lighthouse Praise Band

• Still Waters Women’s Conference March 7-8 @ 7:00 PM
Featuring Tina Craighead, speaker with music by Annette Bass and Lynn Sharenberger.

• Smith County Youth Conference March 9-10 @ 7:00 PM
Wednesday, March 9 Speaker, Zeke Tomaselli and music by Without Bounds
Thursday, March 10 Speaker, Shayne Ray and music by Zeke Tomaselli

During the service last night we shared five steps of revival and the pattern we see throughout the Bible for God’s people to return to Him. In preparation for the message I found the following quote from Henry Blackaby:

“Revival is a divinely induced work in which God’s people pray, repent of their sins, and return to a holy, spirit-filled, obedient, love relationship with God.”

May this week of revival services lead us to true revival as the people of God. Souls wil be saved as our hearts and spirits are revived. May we each pray this prayer today, “Lord, send revival, and let it begin in me.”

Have a blessed week and enjoy the beautiful weather of spring.

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:
1. We welcome Renee Apple Davenport as the newest member to our congregation.

2. This Sunday, March 6, Dr. David Sills, Professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky will be sharing on his research trip with the Inuit people of Northern Canada. We have been praying for the Lord to open a way for us to minister to this group and see a Baptist church started. Dr. Sills will share at 3:30 PM and preach in the 6:00 PM service. If you haven’t read his report from the trip with the Inuit people, you can read it at:

http://ontheword.blogspot.com/2011/02/mission-research-of-inuit-people-of.html

3. We have a member within our church whose sister is in need of help. Due to personal circumstances she and her 15-month old daughter will be moving to Carthage within the next week. If you can help with any of the needs listed below, please contact the church office.
Needs:
Diapers (size 4)
Baby Wipes
Sippy Cups
Girl Clothing (18-24 mos)
Blankets
Baby Bedding
Baby Bed
Stroller
Full or Queen Mattress and Box Springs
Dresser
Also, If you know of any job openings here in town please let us know as the lady is also looking for a job. Her background has been in office work and childcare.

4. Ladies - On Monday and Tuesday nights of next week, March 7th and 8th, the women of Smith County have the opportunity to join together in worship at the Ag Center (beginning at 7:00 both nights). We're calling it the Still Waters Women's Conference. Tina Craighead will be teaching in the worship services. Lynn Sharenberger and Annette Bass will be leading our music. Let's attend these worship opportunities expecting God to pour out His blessings.

And - because we know we should - let's pray first. This coming Saturday, March 5 from 7:00 a.m. to noon, let's have someone in the small sitting room beside the library calling to God and asking Him to show us His glory at this conference. We'll have prayer lists there for you. Bring a cup of coffee, your Bible, a friend to pray with if you want. If you need to bring your children, we can have care for them while you pray. Call or email Kandy Smith (489-6912/(ksmith90@utk.edu) and tell her what time you're available. There will be a signup at church this Wednesday night. We'll work out the details before Saturday. Just be willing and available so that God knows we're serious about seeing ourselves and other women in Smith County come to know Him in a life-changing way.

5. We still have several passages available for you to write a devotional for the 40 Days of Easter. We will send a daily devotional during the days leading up to Easter to focus our attention on Jesus and His final week, beginning with the Triumphant Entry through His resurrection. If you will write a devotional, please contact Tim Frank for an assigned passage.

6. Plans are being made for a mission trip to Kenya, Africa, May 26- June 12. If you have interest, contact Bro. Tim. More details will be coming next week.

7. Here is the web site for U.S. Passports. I encourage you to have an active passport for your personal travel and in preparation for mission opportunities.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html