FBC Carthage E News for September 15, 2008

FBC Carthage E-news
September 15, 2008

Good Morning,
The air outside is crisp and cool this morning and it makes me glad to be alive. I love the fall of the year as the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change. I am looking forward to each day as we enter this season.

As I walked in the hardware store today the men were all gathered around the TV watching the news about another bank failing and the devastation caused by the hurricane over the weekend. I have written an article at the end of this e-news on having peace in these troubling times. It helps me to be reminded to trust God when things seem to be falling apart. I am glad He is always there.

Remember the importance of praying for your lost and unchurched family, friends and neighbors. In addition this week, ask the Lord for an opportunity to speak to them about coming with you to church, especially on September 28. John Nix, an evangelist from Memphis, will be preaching on September 28 and I believe God will work eternally in many hearts if we will be faithful to get them to come with us. It begins with a simple invitation. This Sunday, September 21 I will be preaching a message from John 1:35-51 entitled, “Bring them to Jesus.”

Sunday night, September 21 we will have a special service at 5:30 PM on “How to Share Your Faith.” One of the main reasons people do not tell others about Jesus is they are not sure what to say or how to say it. We will be looking at the simple and familiar scriptures our children are learning in Awana and how we as youth and adults can share them with others. This is a service filled with information you won’t want to miss.

Speaking of Awana, parents this is one of the best disciple making programs I have ever seen and I urge you to bring your children each Sunday night at 5:30PM in the Fellowship Hall. Children absorb and memorize scripture like a sponge if we will give them the opportunity and a little challenge. Awana does both.

On a personal note, we are making great progress with the house. We moved into the upstairs bedrooms over the weekend and have the kitchen completely finished. We are looking forward to having a church-wide Open House around Christmas.

Congratulations are in order for Seth and Abby Dias in the birth of their baby girl, Reagan.

Be praying for Jerry Hutchins in the death of his mother and Jerry Wilmore in the death of his dad.

Have a blessed week and I’ll see you Sunday.

Bro. Tim

Here’s this week’s news:
1. This Friday, September 18 will be our third 5th Quarter for 7th - 12th gradeers after the Smith County football game. Be praying for the outreach and ministry this event is to many of the youth of our community.

2. Speaking of youth, next weekend is shaping up to be a fantastic weekend for youth. John Nix, evangelist from Memphis will be our special guest for the weekend. Friday night, September 26 he will share with the youth at the 5th Quarter. On Saturday we are hosting with Campus Life, Smith County FCA and Gordonsville FCA a Powder Puff Football Game and Cookout at Crump-Paris Park at 5:00 PM. Everyone is invited to see the ladies from Carthage take on the ladies from Gordonsville. It should be a lot of fun and provide a great opportunity for John Nix to share the good news of Jesus. John will also be sharing in the Sunday services on September 28.

3. In anticipation of an overflow crowd on September 28 we will have an additional morning service at 8:15 AM. It will be identical to the regular service at 10:45 AM and will allow for much needed room for our guests. We need many of our members to attend this early service for this one special day. I encourage you to try coming early, you might just like it.

4. Sunday, September 28 is also our High Attendance Day in Sunday School. All members are asked to attend on this Sunday. Better yet, invite someone to attend with you who is on your prayer list. Bring them to church. Bring them to Sunday School. Bring them to Jesus!

5. The week of prayer for state missions has passed but it is not too late to make an offering toward the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions. One of the much needed ministries that this offering helps fund is the state Disaster Relief which responds to hurricanes, tornados, floods, and whatever disaster occurs through the year. David Acres, director of the TBC Disaster Relief will be our special guest this Wednesday unless he is in Texas or Louisiana with the relief efforts.

6. A special Women’s Bible Study begins this Tuesday, September 16 at 9:30 AM in the Christian Life Center. All ladies are invited to attend. For more information contact Kay McCall.

7. A new Christian movie is coming out September 26th called Fire Proof. This movie is produced from the same church that produced “Fly Wheel” and “Facing the Giants.” At the present time the Roxy in Lebanon is not planning on showing it but have said they would consider it if enough people call them at 615 444-4664. Check out the information and movie trailer below and then call and encourage the Roxy to show “Fire Proof.” The movie link is: http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/

8. Here is a special article I have written in the wake of the hurricanes and financial troubles of this past weekend. Share it with someone who worries and is anxious about the events of the world:

Hurricanes in the gulf. Bank failures over the weekend. War in Iraq. In this world it seems we go from one crisis to another. The crises are what the news media thrives on, but the constant barrage of bad, tragic events can cause anxiety, worry and concern in even the bravest of souls.

What we need in this world is peace; peace of mind, peace of heart, peace of soul. The Bible speaks of this peace in Philippians 4:6-7 as the Apostle Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The peace of God is the peace that we need in our lives. It is peace that transcends the crises and disasters of life. It is peace that protects our hearts and our minds in a society filled with heart attacks and strokes. It is peace that comes only from God Himself. So, how do we acquire this peace which we so desperately desire?

First, the peace of God begins as we have peace with God through placing our faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. The Bible says in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through Jesus Christ we are reconciled to God through the forgiveness of our sins. We are made right before Him, justified, “just-as-if-I’d-never-sinned.”
Second, the peace of God comes as we make the decision to stop worrying and start trusting God. We are told in Philippians 4 to “be anxious for nothing” or in modern language, “stop worrying about everything.” Growing up, I remember a sign on the kitchen wall that said, “Worry is putting today’s sunshine behind tomorrow’s clouds.” Jesus said it this way in Matthew 6:33-34, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Yet you say, “I can’t just stop worrying. I am a worrier, my momma was a worrier, and her momma was a worrier. In fact, worry is what I do best.” If that is you, the rest of this passage has great news.

Third, the peace of God comes as we exchange worry for prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Instead of worrying about things we can do nothing about, we go directly to God in prayer and ask Him who has all power to intercede. As the old gospel song says, “Take it to the Lord and leave it there.”

No one but God knows what difficulties are ahead. No one but God knows what decisions you need to make. No one but God can give you the strength and direction for life. Therefore, when you feel worry and anxiety rising up in your heart and mind, go to the Lord in prayer. But you say “I’d be praying all the time.” That may be the reason the Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” Throughout the day go to God in prayer, trusting Him to lead and guide in every situation. Through prayer and a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, you will find peace, peace that goes beyond your understanding.

“Leave it there, oh, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”