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I Peter 2:9-19

Included in the verses of I Peter 2:9 are the words, “but ye are.” This places every Christian under close scrutiny, or another appropriate word would be a “microscope.” Pulpit commentary stated that “every Christian is bound both by witness for God with a life made fair by communion with Him, and by speech, when speech may be used.” Intelligible Christians will many times have to avow the morals which guide him or her.

Issues become urgent when they affect you, your family, friends, neighbors or your Christian community. Putting faces to issues makes the issue become very personal and important. People tend to be apathetic to injustices that affect society at large. However, when they affect us personally, or our children, grandchildren or others we know, we become concerned and engaged to become activists.

Marriage Is Under the Microscope:
The Word of God affirms the sanctity of the marriage vows. Included in the vows are love, personal commitment, mutual support and fidelity between ONE man and ONE woman. By obeying these Biblical concepts, we teach our children what is morally sound.

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was enacted in September, 1996 and is a United States Federal Law. It defines marriage as “a legal union of one man and one woman.” The law was passed by both houses of the United States Congress with a large majority. It was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996.

The DOMA law, in summary, states that no state or any other political subdivision of the United States may recognize “same-sex” relationships. God’s law also states in Genesis 2:21-25, in the marriage of Adam and Eve, “a man and a woman.” He declared “Adam and Eve” not “Adam and Steve.”

Microscopically, we examine the law of the United States and God’s Laws. The President and Vice President of the United States, recently, declared their allegiance to “same-sex marriage.” This is contrary to Federal Law and God’s law. Therefore, we as Christians, must teach our children I Peter 2:9 so that they will know who they are in Christ.

Media and Values Are Under the Microscope:
“But ye are” of I Peter 2:9, puts every Christian under a microscope, and “has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Mass Media, whether intentionally or not, is undermining the truths of Christianity.

The media continually promotes non-Christian values including graphic sexual content, profanity, violence and non-functional family lifestyles. They could choose to promote, motivate and inspire but this is seldom the scenario. Family values are attacked through television, computer and the entertainment industry. Their affects are dehumanizing and with excessive sensationalism. They are, of course, in violation of Biblical teachings. For the sake of our Christian families, we must work together to halt the erosion of moral and ethical values.

Gambling is Under the Microscope:
States are desperate again for economic dollars, particularly for the funding of education, and once again gambling is being considered the most likely source of income. Gambling is a menace to our society and further erosion to moral values. This so-called form of pleasure is destructive to “good” government and “good” stewardship.

Those who have faith in God’s Word, should abstain from this practice and pray for those who are victims of this deed. They should seek counseling and be directed into positive and constructive habits. Pastors, church leaders and congregations should preach and teach against commercial gambling, pubic lotteries, casinos, bingo, and other ‘games of chance” as either a source of income, recreation or escape.

Christians are under the Microscope:
I Peter 2:9 states, “but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” The apostle Peter reminds us of the privileges we have as believers in Christ.

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by Dr. John M. Adams • Executive Director – Moral Action

As 2012 continues to pass, God’s blessings continue to flow here in Smithville. He is still at work changing lives, answering prayers, and drawing people to Himself! We have seen direct answers to prayers in the pass week and we want to thank you for your continued support and interest in the goings on here with our Kingdom work!

During the month of March we had the privilege of seeing the lives of two people changed by God’s grace. Maria Pinzon learned of North Lake church through her son Javier, and has been attending for sometime now. She is originally from Cuba, and moved to Smithville from New Jersey. Since she started attending many questions have been raised for her to seek answers to. Well, on March 18th, she found the answer…JESUS!

Barb Baker,who was saved in January of this year was used by God in this life changing process for Maria. It has been a pleasure to watch God use new Christians, like Barb, to invite others to “come and see” the Jesus who changes lives.

Lisa Roseman has been attending North Lake for over a year. Her daughter, Amanda, was saved in January of this year and their family has been a great encouragement to the ministries of North Lake. Lisa had been dealing with making a decision about following Christ for sometime and on March 21st she knew that it was time that she made her commitment. As tears flowed, she confessed with her mouth that Jesus was her Lord! My wife, Rebekah, and Lisa have been working together for over 2 years now, and have become close. It seems to me that there are no substitutes for personal relationships in the process of someone coming face to face with the truth about Christ. God uses His children to share about their relationship with Him, so that others can begin a relationship with Him as well. Please pray that we continue to do that at North Lake.

We began our summer by taking a group of students to serve Joplin the last week of May. It was a great trip in whichwe were able to cut and deliver wood to Mr. MaCallister, and work on the home of Miss Martin. We were blessed to have the opportunity to serve and I was proud of the young people of North Lake Church for giving their first week of summer vacation to aid others in need.

The disciple making process is a great endeavor and we covet your prayers. Our LifeGroups have expanded from two to six and we are seeing more and more opportunities come to light. Please pray that God will continue to grant us wisdom in this process and that He would provide/train leaders for the harvest (Luke 10:2).
Bro. Jamie

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The pictures below show the people Bro. Jones writes about in his article. These are examples of what happens when God’s people establish relationships with those around them and show the love of God through service, helpfulness and interest in the lives of others. We should let God use us each day in helping others. Show them God cares and they will listen to you when you tell them about Jesus!

by Chris Polk, Camp Superintendent
Things are starting to get busy in the Garwood area. We had a great time at the Men’s retreat and are looking forward to the work weekends and retreats preceding camp. The campgrounds are in great shape but there are always things to do. We have begun a drainage project that needs to be finished.
Along with some painting. Pressure washing, and just good ole cleaning. There are a dozen or so other odd jobs that we are hoping to see done by
camp week.

Our camp theme and verse may seem, mismatched at first so I’d like to explain my thoughts a little.

“Finishing Strong”

Job 27:6 “My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.”

While Job himself offers plenty of teaching opportunities. “Finishing Strong” is intended to be directed at teaching our youth that we remain faithful to God and His church, regardless of our life circumstances. We could have used 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” but Job also provides a great foundation for teaching this lesson in the present tense. Oh, if we could learn that it’s better to remain faithful through the hard stuff. As opposed to running off to another church or the world every time life gets tough. By being determined to Finish Strong before trials come.

The Harper Family will again be leading the worship services and Bro. Dustin Wisely preaching the word. Most of you have met the Harpers and know their love for the Lord. Dustin has been Youth Pastor since 2008 at First Baptist Church Magnolia, AR. “I train students up to be warriors for the cause of Christ with the ultimate goal of exalting him and revealing his
glory to the world! Whoo! Hoo!” (Dustin’s FB job description)
I expect camp will be a tremendous blessing as always. I’ll have the camp grounds as ready as possible, you bring as many people as possible, and lets all pray for the Lord to move in a mighty way.

May 19, 2012 by Dennis Baker, President

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The 2012 Annual meeting held at Stony Point Missionary Baptist Church, Mineral Point, Missouri on March 3, 2012 was will attended. The program focused on prayer. A passage of Scripture was read and each individual was asked what the text contained that either reminded them of something to thank God for or something that that was an encouragement. Then individuals were selected to pray concerning each item. Officers elected were Dennis Baker, President, Roy Callahan, Secretary/Treasurer, and James Hoffmann and Claude Evans, to help with planning the spring and fall retreats.

The Spring Men’s Retreat held at Camp Garwood on May 4 & 5, 2012 was attended by a total of forty men and young men. The retreat began with a Fish Fry prepared by Lucas Polk and Manuel Spraggs. The theme was “Honoring Women.” Bro. James Hoffmann brought a wonderful devotional that focused on respect for women because they are God’s creation. After the devotion the men shared a picture of the their wife or their girlfriend and shared something about their relationship. Thanks to those men who shared the joy and lessons learned in their marriage relationship. The evening closed with a “Flower Talk.” Each man was given a rose that represented honor and true respect for womanhood, and more importantly motherhood. The flowers were a symbol of a mother’s love. If the individual’s mother has passed away the sight of the flower was to quicken every tender memory of her and strengthen the individual’s efforts to be worthy of her hopes and ambitions for them. If their mother was living, when they got home, they were encouraged to give it to their mother and to tell her that it is in recognition of God’s best gift to a man other than salvation, a mother’s love. They were encouraged to take their mother in their arms and say- thank you for all the sacrifices you have made and the love and care you give me.

The Saturday activities included a great breakfast and a devotional by Brian Whitlock, Skeet Shooting and Turkey Shoot. There were thirty men and young men that took part in the shooting events. The Skeet Shoot consisted of three rounds of three shots per person.

Trophy winners were:
• 1st place Experienced-Larry Jamison (9 of 9)
• 2nd place Experienced-Denver Page (6 of 9)
• 3rd place Experienced-Bobby McMahan (4 of 9)
• 1st place Beginner-Matthew Bolen (8 of 9)
• 2nd place Beginner-Bradley Evans (6 of 9)
• 3rd place Beginner- Drew Burgess (5 of 9)

The Turkey Shoot was three rounds of three shots each at 75 feet, the winners were given a frozen turkey. There was a four-way tie with a perfect score of 30. These four were given one shot at 100 feet and Bobby McMahan was the over all winner and winner of the Skilled Youth.
Eddie Pickens-Amateur Adult, James Eaton-Skilled Adult, and James Shoemaker-Amateur Youth, were also winners.

A special thanks is due Jason Colburn and Kenny McMahan for helping mentor the beginning shooters and insuring that everyone handled their guns safely. Door prizes were given to Jonathan Brown, Jerry Pickens, Jason Colburn, Daniel Burgess, and Bobby Bowls.

Thanks to the individuals and churches who contributed over $750 for the expenses of this retreat.

Continue to pray for the BMA of Missouri Brotherhood as we try to promote Christian fellowship, biblical leadership education, and mentoring for the older men and young men of our churches.

Our church building sits on a busy road with an elementary school just a block away on the same street. Daily, during the school year, I can watch hundreds of kids walking on the sidewalk to the school in the morning and back home again in the afternoon. Over a decade ago, I got the bright ideal to send some of our church staff over to the school to pass out Vacation Bible School fliers to the students on the sidewalks. Noticing our activities, the school administrators told us to vacate the sidewalk and not to bother the students with our invitations on their way home. The school felt the need to protect the students from any unwanted solicitation. We were disappointed and confused. We had not approached the school again to serve them until this school year.

Last year, our church involved itself in LifeWay’s Transformational Church survey and an action plan discovery process. We realized that while we had great fellowship within our church, we were not investing in our community very well. We were failing to be the body of Christ to our neighbors and therefore were not impacting our community so that it would reflect the Kingdom of God. Change was necessary!

Part of our action plan for transformation was to go back to the elementary school across from our church and ask the administrators if we could “adopt them,” meaning…

1. We would pray for the teachers by name every day.

2. We would survey the teachers to find out what kind of school supplies that they needed in their classrooms. We filled every “wish list” presented to us.

3. We would celebrate the teachers’ birthdays and have a teachers appreciation day once a month.

4. We would help them in any school events (we have already sponsored Car shows, Spring Carnivals, and field trips).

5. We would help families in need within the school with food and clothing.

6. We would host a Back-to-School carnival to provide school supplies to families.

7. We would serve as mentor/tutors to children who needed some extra help in the class rooms.

Our list continues to grow. The school, the students, and the parents have been amazed that we would care for them. Why should the world that God loves, be surprised and amazed that a church would love on them? Our school had every right to be amazed… we had ignored them for years.

The other day, I went by the school and saw a message on their outside sign that brought tears to my eyes. Without fanfare, the school posted that they were thankful for all that we do for them.

The believers at Lindsay Lane Baptist realize that in comparison to what our Savior has done for us, we have done so little. God is the giver of all things! I am so glad that our “adoption” went through! McCurdy Elementary is God’s gift to us that we might demonstrate the love of Christ!

When asked to write down phrases and words that come to mind when she heard or thought of FAITH Sis. Shirley Dowd of Friendship, Harviell wrote the following:

• All growth in our spiritual life depends on faith.
• Impossible to please or have any walk without faith.
• The shield of faith is as bias as God himself.
• Free grace, free pardon, change of heart, comfort poured in , satisfies our heart, great gain thru faith.
• With faith, we become well pleasing to God. Without faith we have NO fellowship.
• Everything of God hinges on faith.
• Faith supplies our greatest wants, delivers from our greatest danger and admits us to our greatest glory.
• A waiting faith is rare.
• If you are without faith, you are in a fearful state.
• To be nothing and let Him be everything.
• Weapon of prevalence, shield of safety, substance of hope, evidence of eternity, passport to glory.
• Sins are cleansed, carried away, drowned in the sea, blotted out behind God’s back.
• A precious promise as great as the demands of our sins.
• Thru faith, God is ALL sufficient!
• We are clothed and dressed in his righteousness, once aliens, now saints and will live in the household of God.
• Heirs of God, joint heirs of Jesus Christ, never taste death, just fall asleep.
• We have the harps of heaven, streets of glory, trees of paradise, river of life, eternal bliss.
• You are rich thru faith. What treasures, what a gold mine, what oceans of wealth. What mountains of sparkling treasure, all because of faith in God.
• Faith, first sure sign of a spiritual life. All JOY of a spiritual life depends on faith.
• When God comes, He will not look for riches, honors or abilities but he will look for our faith.

Will he find faith on earth at His return? He will search for even a mustard seed size of faith.It is necessary for us to believe MUCH or we will do LITTLE for God. I Corinthians 2:5, “Our faith should not stand in the wisdom of man but in the power of God.” Faith for me is the bliss of ever beholding the face of God. If the church ever has faith enough to expect great things, she will see great things.

submitted by Carolyn Meade