DO YOU REALLY WANT
REVIVAL? ENOUGH TO PAY
THE PRICE?
DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST:
I read this week that in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood is crucifying Christians. This is literally,
not figuratively. Most often they crucify them on trees completely naked. In this country there is
an affront on Christianity. If certain bureaucrats would get their way, we would first be restricted
to freedom of worship, referring to: you are allowed to preach and practice what you want, but only
within the four walls of your church. That is, no witnessing outside of that, no knocking on doors
for the Lord, no speaking out against homosexuality, abortion, etc.. If they can cut us back to
freedom of worship only, while removing freedom of religion, then it will follow that hate crime
legislation will be next and seek to control what can be preached in the church. However, if we
look in the homes of so called church people, we find that they too are watching things they ought
not, going on the internet to places they ought not, dressing as they ought not, allowing their
children to do things and go places they ought not. Added to this is our churches are trying their
best to compete with Hollywood, Nashville, and the rock music entertainers of the day. Preachers
are preaching either psychology or philosophy, while debunking Bible preaching, hymns, Psalms,
and spiritual [not carnal inducing] songs. We need to get back to Bible preaching which calls sin,
sin, while calling right, right. We need to get back to preaching the Word as it is to men as they
are. Preaching the truth in love, but never watering it down. Yes we need revival! It is now
critical. People ask if judgment is coming on America with the droughts, economic woes,
terrorism, and disintegration of the home. Perhaps we should remember I Peter 4:17 For the time
is come that JUDGMENT MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD: and if it first begin at us,
what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
September 30 - October 4 will be the dates of our Revival meetings with Dr. Dave Jaspers. You
are getting this letter in the bulletin on August 26, which is actually a late start to daily prayer and
supplication for Revival. We need to pray for repentance and faith across the board for both the
unsaved and the saved. Too few of the saved are living by faith, i.e. according to the doctrines of
the Word of God, separated from the world and separated unto God. We are too often looking at
what we can do to satisfy the flesh, rather than seeking what we can do to glorify God. We need
each member, beginning with the pastor, to pray earnestly for revival. Will you commit to do so?
Why not over the next few weeks spend some time at the altar during the invitation, praying for
revival in your own heart and the heart of others. We need a real turning from the arm of flesh in
our churches, our families, and our own personal lives. Catholics, Mormons, Islamic’s, and others
are praying for revival concerning abortion, homosexual marriages, and even prayer in the schools.
However, we as fundamental Christians, although hoping to see those things, should be occupied
with Evangelism, separation from worldliness and false doctrine, growing in doctrinal purity while
pursuing righteousness according to the Word of God and true holiness, see Ephesians 4:22-24; I
Peter 1:14-16; Romans 12:1,2; Ephesians 5:25-27; I Thessalonians 2:12; 3:13; 4:1,4,7; 5:21-24.
The month of September is going to be a busy month for us. Take note of the following important
dates:
SEPTEMBER 5, WEDNESDAY, ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS DUE.
SEPTEMBER 11, TUESDAY, LADIES CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP BEGINS
SEPTEMBER 16, SUNDAY, INTRODUCE FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL CAMPAIGN
SEPTEMBER 16, SUNDAY, OBSERVANCE OF LORD’S SUPPER IN P.M.
SEPTEMBER 19, WEDNESDAY, ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE MEETING
SEPTEMBER 30, SUNDAY, BEGIN REVIVAL MEETINGS WITH DAVE JASPERS
I am real excited about the fall campaign. It will involve a part of Central Baptist Church history.
While serving the Lord, a part of our past can be your very own. But you will need to be in Sunday
School to find out about it on Sunday, September 16.
As a side note, if you have a item for the Annual Administrative Meeting, it must be turned into the
pastor no later than August 31. It must either be hand printed or typed, and your name must be
signed to it. You also must be an active member of the church.
Side note number two, is that twenty eight years ago, Sunday, September 2, 1984, my family and I
joined Central Baptist Church, coming in as Assistant Pastor, with the understanding that I would
one day become the pastor, which happened June 29, 1986. The blessing has been 100% ours.
I also would like to say thank you for the many cards that were sent or given me on my birthday last
Sunday, August 19. Thank you members of the old Fellowship Class who took me out after
church Sunday evening and treated Janice and me at Bob Evans. The card with brother Hollis
Phillips singing was a treat. I will soon be calling him to come up and sing with Samantha. The
fellowship was great. To the Challengers Class, thank you for your gift. Also, the Helping
Hands Class and your neat recorded card. That made my day. A couple of you also gave me a
gift card to a restaurant. THANKS!
What a great transition in our Youth Department. Brother Steven Day took over for Brother Matt
Lahmann as Youth Director, and we have not missed a beat. His lovely wife Rachel is a good
help meet to Steven in this ministry. Steven is God’s answer to our prayer for a replacement and
God makes no mistakes. I believe God gave us the best. Spiritually, this is a special blessing to
Central.
The Faith Bible Institute will begin in January. Registrations will need to be in by November 15.
Brother Steve Myers is the man to see in order to register for the class. There are brochures in the
foyer with details and cost involved. The good thing is that you can go through the entire Bible in
three years having studied each book. I hope many of you will get involved.
In Christ,
Pastor Andy. I Thessalonians 2:19,20