Monday, November 22, 2010

Update on November 22, 2010

The Revival meeting got off to a great start with Dr. Rick Flanders preaching Sunday morning on "Grieving the Spirit."  It was a blessing to see a number of folks respond to the invitation making things right with God.  Also, one man trusted Christ as his Savior after the service.

We had 8 more visitors in Sunday School and many more in church.  So far in November, we have had 33 visitors for Sunday School!  We have one more week to go in our contest.  It was the first week in a long time that we were over 200.  Praise the Lord for 209 in attendance!

Sunday afternoon, we had the ordination council for Anthony Hayden.  Those involved were myself, Jeff McQueary, Sam Slabodian, Rick Flanders, and Fred Tanselle.  Bro. Hayden's doctrinal statement was well prepared, and it was a blessing to rehearse great Bible doctrines with him.  It was evident to all of us that God had called him to preach, and our church ordained him into the Gospel ministry in the evening service.  Bro. Flanders brought a message from 2 Timothy 1 on the Holy Spirit and the Preacher.  This was a great challenge to everyone, including laymen.

We are praying for God to continue to stir our hearts Monday-Wednesday of this revival meeting.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Update on November 18th, 2010

This past Sunday, we had 10 more visitors in Sunday School.  Praise the Lord for those who are inviting people and for the good increase.  We have had 25 visitors over the last two weeks as a result of our emphasis in November on the Sunday School.  I expect us to see even more during the next two weeks.

I preached Sunday morning on the subject, "Guard Your Heart" from Matthew 5:27-32.  Although it was a difficult message to preach, it seemed God was working in hearts.  I trust that the Lord will use it to help us all guard our hearts from the world and keep us in love with Jesus.

On Sunday evening, we continued our series on Hosea from chapter 2:1-13.  The message was entitled, "Love That Will Not Let Me Go".  I am thankful that like Hosea, God never stops loving us and is always bringing us back to Him, regardless of how far we fall in sin.  As the songwriter put it, "Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou my God, should die for me!"

Congratulations is in order to Anthony Hayden (our music director) and his wife, Mary.  God blessed them with a baby boy on Tuesday morning.  Peter Ezra was born with a head full of black hair, was 10.6 lbs and 22 inches long.  He is a very healthy looking baby.

As if that was not enough excitement in the Hayden household, Bro. Anthony will be ordained to the Gospel ministry this coming Sunday evening at 6:00 PM.  His pastor for many years, Dr. Rick Flanders, will be preaching the ordination service.    I appreciate Anthony so much - he is a godly young man with a passion for worshiping God and leading others to do the same.  He also has a wonderful grasp on the Scriptures and is a fine communicator of God's truth.  Our church is blessed to have him and Bro. Jeff McQueary on our staff.

Last night, I enjoyed sharing a Bible study with our church from Philippians 1:12-30 on "Praise in the Prison." Paul wrote Philippians from a Roman prison cell, but in no way did he hint of being discouraged or bitter.  The theme of "joy" is prevalent through this book.

We are getting prepared for the Revival Meeting that begins this Sunday with Dr. Rick Flanders.  He will preach on Sunday at 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM.  On Monday-Wednesday evening, he will preach at 7:00 PM.  We will be serving meals for the entire church each weeknight at 6:00 PM, just before the service.  On Monday night, we are asking people to invite their family members.  On Tuesday evening, the emphasis will be on bringing your friends - anyone you know who is not a family member.  On Wednesday evening, the Master Club children will present a brief program and we are hoping to see a good number of their parents in the meeting.  Pray with us that we will see God do a mighty work in our hearts this coming week and turn us to a closer walk with Him.

Today, I am looking forward to some fellowship with our Young at Heart group from the church.  We are going to see the performance of "White Christmas" at Beef and Boards here in Indianapolis.  What a blessing it is to be around these precious folks, who truly love our Lord and this church.  I enjoy their company very much.

I am excited about what God is doing at Mt. Tabor and very excited about this upcoming week.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Update from November 11, 2010

This past Sunday was a great day at Mt. Tabor.  We started our Sunday School contest for the month of November, and we had 15 visitors in Sunday School.  We also started a new class - the Precious Pearls class, taught by Cindy Starkey.  They had 9 on their first Sunday.  I am excited about seeing our Sunday School grow in the weeks ahead.

God's power was evident in the morning service.  There was a revival spirit in the air, with a number of folks responding to the invitation to make things right with others.  I preached on "The Danger of Anger" from Matthew 5 in the series through the Sermon on the Mount.

Also, we took time to honor all the Veterans in the morning service.  We had each one come by the pulpit and tell his/her name, what branch of military they served in, and when they served.  Then, we gave them all a standing ovation.  It was a moving time.

God sent us another family to join the church - we are so glad Randy and Crickett Adkins have joined.  

Sunday evening, I started preaching through the Book of Hosea on "God's Limitless Love."  God's love is unreasonable, tough, and unconditional.  

On Wednesday evening, I started a series on the Book of Philippians, entitled "Enjoying Life."  We had a pretty good crowd there and a good time together.  We had "Colts Pride" night for all the Master Club kids, so there was alot of blue over in the Fellowship Center.

Thursday, our Veterans and their spouses are going to Lebanon High School for a tribute to all who have served in the military, then we are going to Applebys to eat lunch together.  I am looking forward to spending some time with these folks.

A group of our men are headed to the Men's Conference in Mansfield, Ohio Friday morning.  I am excited about the good preaching we are going to hear from Dr. Clarence Sexton, Dr. Roger Green, Dr. Dale Adkins, Dr. Jeff Amsbaugh, and Dr. Al Stone.  Here is a link.

Our Revival Meeting with Dr. Rick Flanders starts a week from this Sunday.  I am praying for God to work in all our hearts through that meeting.