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Prayer: The Power of the Local Church

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I Timothy 2:1-8
by Dennis Baker, Brotherhood President

The focus of the text is prayer for all men in relationship to the preaching of the gospel message. Paul encourages Timothy to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks on behalf of all men. This included praying for all that are in authority. Then he emphasizes, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”

No one is outside the in?uence of prayer. This means that we pray for the unsaved and saved, for people near us and people far away, for enemies as well as friends. We must pray for those in authority. Even when we cannot respect men or women in authority, we must respect their office and pray for them. When we face opposition and persecution it is wise to pray for those in authority. It is good that we pray, “so that we might live peaceful and quiet lives in holiness.” The word “quiet” has reference to a calm attitude within us. The calm attitude is the result of turning over what is on our heart to God.

Paul stresses the reason for prayer, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

The purpose of prayer is not to get our will done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth. It is God’s will that we pray for “all men” because as stated in the text, God would, “have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” We must pray for all people, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, religious and pagan. We have the responsibility of praying for lost souls and making ourselves available to share the gospel with others.

The basis for prayer is the work of Jesus Christ as Savior and Mediator. There is only one God, therefore there is a need for only one Mediator, and that Mediator is Jesus Christ. No other person can qualify. Because the death of Christ is efficient only for those who trust Him, but is sufficient for the sins of the whole world we must pray for all as we become a part of God’s world program to reach all people before it is too late.

The posture of the heart is more important than the posture of the body. “Holy hands” refers to a holy life. It is symbolic of a blameless life. If we have sin in our lives we cannot expect God to answer our prayers. Psalms 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” The phrase “without wrath and doubting” requires that we be on good terms with other believers. Christians should learn to disagree without being disagreeable.

Effective praying is demanding. It requires a right relationship with God and with fellow believers. How much more effective would the ministry of the local church be if we spent more time preparing to pray and getting our heart right before God? Do you think it would help us to quit looking at past hurts and disappointments and cause us to be focused on praying for “all” that they might be saved?

I would like to close by sharing a blessing I receive the first Wednesday night of the month at the church I pastor. The entire service is focused on prayer. There are no classes or preaching, just the church praying together. We have a prayer list with many names, some are church members, some family members, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and ministries. We pray for health needs, our church ministries, the bereaved, the unsaved, and the churches and pastors of our associational works. Some of the names or items have been on the list for years, but we rejoice together as God answers our prayers. Prayer is the Power of the Local church!

Greetings From Garwood

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Ahhh Springtime! It’s the time of year all of Gods critters get busy. And so do we! Work has begun on the new dorm. Hopefully we can send some pictures next month. We are working on the directors apartment. We’ve also done some work on the paintball area preparing for our retreat this weekend.

Looking back, We had such a wonderful time at the Renewal Retreat. I believe it was helpful for all who attended. It certainly was for me. Thanks to Bro. Ben Kingston and all that helped.

Looking forward we are expecting another great Men’s retreat May 12th-13th. Please encourage your men to attend this retreat, and bring the boys (young men) with them. We always have a great time of fellowship. It’s Spring so we will have skeet shooting, Door prizes and Lots of food.

Ladies don’t forget! The GMA retreat is July 7-8. For more information concerning this retreat or if you would like to help. Please contact Shelia Polk 573-380-4064.

As Spring gives way to Summer we will try to get camp ready early this year. There are always little jobs that get pushed back until camp week. I can’t do that this year. Due to a con?ict at work I am unable to get o? for camp week. Not to worry though, my trusty assistant is on board and ready to take my place. I’m really hoping to make it over for the evening services. We have plenty of time, 18 Saturdays to be exact!

There’s a ton of stuff happening at camp this year. Not one but two super men of God! Shawn Hammontree and his son-in-law Jordan Bowen will be there. Not one but two great worship groups. The Harpers you all know and love and Central Baptist Church/Conway’s youth band, Crossroads is coming to help with filling in the gap after evening services. They will also be helping with some of the recreation activities. But that’s not all, We are working on train cars to haul 35-40 people around camp. But wait! No really, you have to wait. Because, Sorry I can’t give any details yet. But it’s gonna be Gggreat! I’m really excited about this year’s camp. AND I CANT GO! (Yes, I’m crying just a little)

As I was typing this I received the proofs for our promotion posters. Looks good! They will be included in the packets that should be mailed in early May. Be sure to get your adults screened. Everyone 18 and over has to complete the form every year. It’s not too early go ahead and get it out of the way.

Blessings,
Chris Polk
P.O. Box 271 • Matthews MO 63867

Report to Our Churches about The Renewal Retreats

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This is a report of our two Renewal Weekend meetings that took place March 10th – 11th at the Meramec Retreat Center and March 17th – 18th at Camp Garwood. Both were well attended, each having 11-14 Pastors at each meeting. Some could not stay for the entire meeting, thus the discrepancy in the number. I do want to thank all the Pastors that were able to be present and humbly beg those that were not able, to please
make plans to attend the next one when it is announced.

The spirit of both meetings was tremendous. I was asked if I would give a report, thus the article you have before you.

Nineteen years ago, when God brought me back to Bethel, I came back not only with a burden for Bethel, but also for the local and state associations that she was a part of. These two meetings were a culmination of that burden.

My Father taught me that, associationally we can do more together than we can do apart. I truly believe that still today.

There were 11 elements to go over in the booklet we used. It was made clear to everyone to come with no expectations and with a humble spirit. That request was beautifully carried out.

These are the 11 elements:
1) Sharing personal history and ministry
2) Healing possible fractures
3) Connectedness
4) Association core values
5) Non-negotiables
6) Confict resolution
7) Association focus
8) State VS. Meramec (Yes, we went there)
9) Reaching out to the churches not there
10) A possible strategy to reach Missouri
11) Where to from here

Now, you may look at that and say, “Wow! They got a lot done.” You would not be wrong; just probably not in the way you are thinking. You see, those elements are the areas we must deal with and hammer out. However, I assure you, one 13-hour retreat is not going to allow enough time to exhaust those areas.

So, what did we accomplish? At both retreats we spent the entire Friday evening on the 1st element (Sharing personal history and ministry). Those men shared from their hearts. It was heartbreaking and glorious to hear where they come from and how God has richly blessed them. Hear me, please: your Pastors love the churches to which they have been called.

Next, we enjoyed enriching discussions on our core values and how we can stay better connected.

Just a note on element 8: Both retreat participants shared their absolute desire for past wrongs to be forgiven and forgotten on both sides. So that everyone knows, I purposefully planned the retreats separately not to continue the division, but to give us our space and freedom to speak openly about ending the division and received unanimous approval to bury past wrongs and unite for the greater glory of God. Thus, when we have a “Renewal” Retreat again, it will be as a whole state association because the Meramec is a local association and we know that.

Is it wrong for each local association to have their own retreats? Absolutely not, and I greatly encourage it for fellowships and strategy. But as far as state association renewal, we will be doing it together from this point forward. That was the plan all along. If you have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to call me at (636) 629-2526.

I look forward to God’s blessings upon the state and local associations of Missouri and her churches, to the glory of His Name.

by Ben Kingston

April 2017 – Assistant Mission Director’s Report

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The Pastor and Sta? Renewal Retreats at Camp Garwood and Richwoods Retreat Center were great and we look forward to combined Retreat sometime in the future. Please read the article about the Mission Symposium and Mid-Year BMA of MO meetings and make plans to attend all sessions and bring a generous o?ering to apply to our goal of $5,000.

Each pastor and church needs the support and fellowship of other pastors and churches and these meetings give each of us the opportunity to have many needs met, but we must attend and participate to get
the benefits we need.

I hope many go to the National Meeting in Arlington May 1-3 and the State Meeting in DeSoto May 19-20.

by James Hoffmann

68th Annual Meeting of the BMA of America

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68th Annual Meeting of the BMA of AmericaLetter From Our President…
Greetings to the churches of the BMA of America: Well, it is nearing that time of the year when we have the opportunity to gather and conduct the Lord’s business as an Association. This note is to remind each one that this May 1-3 has been set aside as the time for our 2017 annual meeting to convene in Arlington, Texas. It is my prayer that God will continue to bless all of our departments, agencies and churches. I hope you are already making plans for your church to be represented at this year’s meeting.

Again this year you will be given the opportunity to choose between several great breakout sessions presented this year by our National departments and agencies. It is the desire of your officers and those involved in planning to provide you with materials and practical instruction that you will be able to
use in your respective fields of service. Of course, these are provided in addition to the times of conducting business and opportunities to gather for worship.

Please review the enclosed preliminary schedule of this year’s meeting. This will help you in your planning and travel schedule. Remember, this year’s theme “Brick by Brick” is built around teamwork with the emphasis on increasing our attendance for the purpose of strengthening every area of our ministry. Make plans now to join us and may God bless every aspect of our time together.
Paul White, President BMAA

Scientific Proof That Evolution is Impossible

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by Ray Lambright • Creation Ministries of Humble
2838 Pheasant Run • Humble, Texas 77396

As pointed out in previous articles, the Theory of Evolution suffers many insurmountable obstacles for a thinking individual. There is no trace of it ever happening in the Fossil Record nor is it happening today. Therefore I think it is only fair to ask, “is it even possible?” The gaps in the fossil record are serious enough to doom evolution, but there is another nail for the coffin even more menacing to this indefensible fable, and that is the origin of life.

There is an absolute scientific law called Biogenesis, which states that life comes only from life, and can only come for ancestors who have a similar genetic make-up. Evolution requires that life “evolved” from nonliving material. In this article we will discuss the probability of this happening by chance in some long-ago primeval ocean or swamp. After all, if life evolved from inorganic material, this is where it must have came from.

We will examine a few of the requirements for life to have evolved from inorganic material, but first, let’s scrap the term “simple life.” There is no such thing. Secondly, let’s not equate chemical compounds as being life. They are essential, but without a program designed for each cell, the chemicals would just be lifeless globs.

When we hear that water must have been present on Mars, modern day scientist get very excited. However, you could have all the water and chemicals and compounds necessary for life, but you would still not have life Each living cell must be programmed to reproduced itself, or it would be sustained for only one generation. We must ask, “Where did the programs come from?” Inorganic material, such as chemical compounds are necessary, but they are mindless. Unless they have a self-replicating program, it is but a mass of lifeless matter.

On pages 234 and 235 of the “Biblical Basis For Modern Science,” Henry Morris shows the absurdity of evolution by using mathematical probability. He concludes it is impossible for life to have evolved based on his calculations. We learned in Biology 101 that enzyme is unique for a specific type of cell and will not work in other types of cells. They are absolutely essential to life.

What are the chances they evolved from an inorganic soup? Fred Hoyle, an English scientist who is not a creationist, has calculated the chances at less than one in 1,040,000. This is a number that is totally impossible. For probability to be considered zero, the odds only have to be 1050. The genetic code is another problem for evolutionists. The code for each individual is specified by its parents, and there
is not other way it can happen. But how did the whole process start? The only convincing answer is Special Creation. The law of Cause and Effect we discussed in the first article states, “Each effect has a preceding cause which is greater than it is.”

This is the exact opposite of evolution which postulates that each species promotes itself and is getting more complex as time goes by. However we know this is not happening. Another problem for evolutionists is the amino acids in living forms. They come in right-handed and left-handed orientations in respect to their optical activity, and each is equally probable. However, in living organisms they are all left-handed. Does this indicate there was a “design” for life? If so, there must have been a designer. One other interesting fact about amino acids racemic (become again equally probable), and gradually decay until they are all equally right-handed and left-handed. Does this demonstrate intelligent design or random chance? What do you think?

Many other problems exists for the theory of evolution in the origin of life. The present atmosphere, free oxygen (water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen) would preclude life from evolving. It would kill all simple organisms as soon as they were formed. You would need to have a “reducing atmosphere” (methane, ammonia, hydrogen, water vapor), with no ultraviolet rays, in order for life to evolve. In addition to the
fact that there is no proof that such an atmosphere ever existed, it has a terminal problem.

If life did evolve, it could not continue without oxygen and the rays from the sun to promote photosynthesis. So with oxygen evolution is dead, without oxygen evolution is dead. I hope you can see by now that the Theory of evolution is a fantasy, promoted by pseudo-scientists to promote a Godless agenda. Who would have the most to gain by this? Who was the first being to say he was above God a try to take control? Note in Isaiah 14:14, “I will ascent above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High” Who is the subject of this verse? Look in verse 12 for the answer; Isaiah 14:12, :How art thou fallenfrom heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!”

Satan has been deceiving man from the beginning. The deception has always begun by trying to make man believe he is equal or superior to God (Genesis 3:5). Modern day evolutionists promote humanism which is an extension of the lie started in the Garden of Eden.

I hope we can say as David did in Psalm 139:14, “I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knoweth very well.” Nature, true science, and God’s Word declare the same thing. The whole universe is “fearfully and wonderfully made” by the creator, which is none other than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (John 1:3)

Finally, a quote from a devout evolutionist, Leslie E. Ortel in the Scientific American (volume 27, October, 1974, p. 78): “It is extremely improbable that proteins and nucleic acids, both of which are extremely complex, arose spontaneously in the same place at the same time. Yet it also seems impossible to have one without the other. And so, at first glance, one might have to conclude that life could never, in fact, have originated by chemical means.” Amazingly, in spite of recognition of these facts, Dr. Ortel
still believes it happened. As Duane Gish has said, “It’s incredible what one has to believe to be an unbeliever.”

The Generation of Jesus Christ

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“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Matthew 1:1
by Dennis Baker, Brotherhood President

Matthew’s gospel is a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is a book
of promise and the New Testament is a book of fulfillment. Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Matthew 1:21, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” The Old Testament provides the sad history of Adam’s family and how
sin entered the world and man became a sinner in God’s eyes. The Old Testament illustrates the truth that the wages of sin is death. In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes eternal life through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.” Through no choice of our own each of us were born into the generation of Adam. However, by faith we can be born into the generation of Jesus Christ, and become the children of God!

Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus points out that Joseph did not “beget” Jesus Christ. Joseph was the “husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” Jesus was born of an earthly mother without the need of an earthly father. This is known as the doctrine of the virgin birth. Every child born into the world is a totally new earthly creature. But Jesus Christ, being eternal God, existed before Mary and Joseph or any of His earthly ancestors. If Jesus were conceived and born just as any other baby, then He could not be God. By a miracle of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary, a virgin. Luke 1:26-38.

The genealogy of Jesus shows that Jesus Christ is a part of history and that Jewish history prepared the way for the birth of Jesus Christ. God, in His providence, ruled and overruled to accomplish His great purpose in bringing His Son into the world. Both Mary and Joseph belonged to the house of David. The Old Testament prophecies indicate that the Messiah would be born of a woman, of the seed of Abraham, through
the tribe of Judah, and of the family of David. The genealogy of Jesus illustrates God’s wonderful grace.
Rarely are the names of women found in Jewish genealogies. Matthew listed four women from Old Testament history. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bethsheba the wife of Uriah. Rahab and Ruth were not born Jews. Rahab was a harlot. The ancestral history of Jesus was made up of sinners who needed a Savior. God’s wonderful grace is that, Jesus took on the likeness of sinful flesh so that He could condemn sin. Romans 8:3, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfulflesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:”

The genealogy of “Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” has been wonderfully designed and fulfilled. He is called Jesus because, “He shall save his people from their sins.” He is called Messiah because, “He was the anointed one.” He is called Emmanuel because, He is “God with us.”

Moral Action Goals 2017

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Dr. John M. Adams, Executive Director
It is the Moral Action ministry goals:

  1. To be in the center of God’s will with this Agency,
  2. To present Jesus Christ as the Savior of all who will
    call upon Him,
  3. To encourage the B.M.A. family to daily intercede for the President of the U.S.A. and his cabinet that they may live for God,
  4. To contact (at least) 4 new U.S. Senators and 4 new U.S. Congressmen in D.C. in 2017,
  5. To continue visiting and acquainting myself with our B.M.A. State works and Capitols (Jackson, Little Rock, Austin, Oklahoma City, Baton Rouge, Jefferson City, Tallahassee, etc.)
  6. To have Godly boldness in speaking up for moral values that are so needed today, and that it may encourage Godly and biblical legislation,
  7. To continue the “God and Country” rallies upon invitation,
  8. And to be an encourager for our B.M.A. churches, pastors, associational workers, and staff workers to stand in this sinful and diverse world.

We humbly ask for your prayers and financial support for Moral Action in 2017. We take the scriptures of II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide.

BMAA Seminary Offers FREE Online Class

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Registration for the free online class for spring is now available.

  • So you are a new church worker, a new deacon, a new Sunday School teacher, a new youth worker, or any newly selected worker in your church. You feel you are in need of more information and study of the Scriptures to help you do your work.
  • Here is the FREE course you have been looking for. Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary is providing you a FREE course this Spring. All you need to do is sign up at the seminary website, purchase the book and begin your eight-week study of the New Testament.
  • What is the course about? Glad you asked that question. Here is a brief synopsis: This course is a survey of the entire New Testament. The general background, authorship, and content of the various books of the New Testament are covered. The life and work of Jesus, the organization of churches and early missionary enterprises are especially stressed.
  • Your place in this class is waiting for you. Class will begin on or about February 1, 2017.
  • TEXTBOOKS: (Textbooks required)
    The Holy Bible-Student selected English translation
    Encountering the New Testament, 2nd edition Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough, Baker Books, ISBN 0801021561 (any edition new or used) (Text outline used by permission of Contracts and
    Permissions, Baker Publishing Group.)

    Supplemental atlas suggested (not required): Holman Bible Atlas, Broadman and Holman Publishers, ISBN
    1558197095

  • Please follow the link below to fill out the registration form. http://bmats.edu/othereducational-opportunities/free-courses/

    • You may also contact the Seminary by phone: 903-586-2501/1-800-259-5673

    Lisa Satterwhite, Dean’s
    Assistant
    Dr. Philip Attebery, Dean

The Generation of Jesus Christ

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“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David,
the son of Abraham.” Matthew 1:1

by Dennis Baker, Brotherhood President

Matthew’s gospel is a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is a book
of promise and the New Testament is a book of fulfillment. Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Matthew 1:21, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” The Old Testament provides the sad history of Adam’s family and how
sin entered the world and man became a sinner in God’s eyes. The Old Testament illustrates the truth that the wages of sin is death. In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes eternal life through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.” Through no choice of our own each of us were born into the generation of Adam. However, by faith we can be born into the generation of Jesus Christ, and become the children of God!

Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus points out that Joseph did not “beget” Jesus Christ. Joseph was the “husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” Jesus was born of an earthly mother without the need of an earthly father. This is known as the doctrine of the virgin birth. Every child born into the world is a totally new earthly creature. But Jesus Christ, being eternal God, existed before Mary and Joseph or any of His earthly ancestors. If Jesus were conceived and born just as any other baby, then He could not be God. By a miracle of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary, a virgin. Luke 1:26-38.

The genealogy of Jesus shows that Jesus Christ is a part of history and that Jewish history prepared the way for the birth of Jesus Christ. God, in His providence, ruled and overruled to accomplish His great purpose in bringing His Son into the world. Both Mary and Joseph belonged to the house of David. The Old Testament prophecies indicate that the Messiah would be born of a woman, of the seed of Abraham, through
the tribe of Judah, and of the family of David.

The genealogy of Jesus illustrates God’s wonderful grace. Rarely are the names of women found in Jewish genealogies. Matthew listed four women from Old Testament history. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bethsheba the wife of Uriah. Rahab and Ruth were not born Jews. Rahab was a harlot. The ancestral history of Jesus was made up of sinners who needed a Savior. God’s wonderful grace is that, Jesus took on the likeness of sinful flesh so that He could condemn sin. Romans 8:3, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through
the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:”

The genealogy of “Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” has been wonderfully designed and fulfilled. He is called Jesus because, “He shall save his people from their sins.” He is called Messiah because, “He was the anointed one.” He is called Emmanuel because, He is “God with us.”