Articles

Annual Meeting of the BMA of America 2016

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From Our President….
Greetings to the churches of the BMA of America!
I hope 2016 has gotten off to a wonderful start and proves to be a year that overflows with God’s abundant blessings on you and
your church family. I wanted to remind you that on April 25 – 27 we will gather in beautiful Gatlinburg,Tennessee for the
annual meeting of our national association. I hope you will make plans to be there for what I believe will be an enjoyable and exciting few days together.

As an added feature at last year’s meeting some opportunities were offered to attend workshops on various topics. The hope was that this would provide attendees a time to receive practical instruction and help, allowing us all to return to our fields of ministry better equipped to serve and lead effectively. The response was overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to offering additional workshops at the upcoming meeting. Of course, these are provided in addition to the times of conducting business and opportunities to gather for worship.

On page 8 of this publication is a preliminary schedule for the meeting in Gatlinburg. I trust this overview will be helpful to you in planning your schedule and travel.

If the Lord returns before April 25, I will see you in Heaven. Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you in Gatlinburg!

Until Then,
Jason Aultman, President

A Timely Lesson For Men From God’s Word

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Our church Bible Study takes us to the timely, even if somewhat awkward, passage of Proverbs 7. In a time when
sexual moors and their Biblical standards are so totally out the window for in our society, this chapter cautions against the
“forbidden woman”/adulteress — in essence the gal who offers herself to the sexual interests of a man to whom she isn’t
married. Of special note is Vv. 10ff as it describes no less than nine hints that your gal may be the wrong kind of gal to get
involved in:

  1. She’s dressed in a way that stirs a guy’s attention to her body. (V. 10)
  2. She’s motivated by a hidden agenda (V. 10)
  3. She’s loud-and-proud (V. 11)
  4. She disregards her place and her responsibilities (V. 11)
  5. She lurks for her target (V. 12)
  6. She’s brazen (V. 13)
  7. She can lie without flnching (V. 13) — about her relationship with God and her interest in you (Vv. 14-15) — in
    order to get you to drop your guard.
  8. She is an active and ongoing source of temptation (V. 16-18)
  9. She assures that you won’t get caught (V. 19-20)

    10. Men, Take Heed!

    by Pastor Don Burke, Breton Creek Baptist Church, Potosi, MO
    (Editor’s Note: Bro. Burke posted this note on FaceBook recently and has given permission for me to print it as I feel
    it is a lesson all men need to study and use to safeguard their lives.)

Implications of the Second Coming of Christ

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II Corinthians 5:10
by Dennis Baker, Brotherhood President
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Could 2016 be the year that Jesus returns? With all the turmoil going on in our country and world, many Bible students are getting excited about the possibility. The Bible speaks of many implications surrounding the Second coming of Christ. However, we will only focus on two: the basis of judgment and the finality of judgment.

All must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according
to the he hath done, whether it be good or bad. John 5:28-29, Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

While some might conclude that judgment will be based on good or bad deeds, Jesus indicated that some who claim and
even appear to have good deeds would be told to depart. Matthew 7:21-23, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in
that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many
wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

The standard on which the evaluation will be made is the revealed will of God. John 12:48, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” Even those who have not heard the law will be judged; “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law,” Romans 2:12.

Once judgment is passed, the judgment will be permanent and irrevocable. The saved and the unsaved will be sent away to their respective final places. There is no hint that the verdict can be changed. Jesus concluded His teaching about the last judgment by saying, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal,” Matthew 25:46.

If Jesus does return in 2016 will you be ready?

Greetings from the Camp Garwood Director

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We hope you have had a great holiday season. And trust the Lord will bless you in this New Year.  There’s a lot of things to
report this month. And at the same time, there’s not much.  Because I have a lot of incomplete information.  Work has begun on the tabernacle. By the end of the month the new roof. Insulation and ceiling should be in place.  I’ll post pictures on Facebook as I get them.

We also met with the land surveyor this month. Along with putting markers up around camp we plan to cut a trail around the property. If you have always wanted to help but are busy in the summer. Here’s your opportunity.  If you have attended camp
the past few years, or have read our reports, you know that we need more bunk space.  The committee discussed several options. We could split our camp week by age or church size for example. All agreed that isn’t what we want to do. So we are looking into building options.

With that in mind. The committee has set March 6th as Camp Emphasis Sunday. We are asking churches to promote this
as an opportunity to jump start this building project. It would mean a lot to myself and the committee. If our churches on that Sunday would set aside time to pray, promote and collect for Camp Garwood it would help tremendously.
While the emphasis Sunday focuses on the building project. We also want to remind you about the DEW fund. The Dollar
Every Week fund has been such a blessing, as we have been able to continue camp improvements and operate in the black because of the faithful DEWers.

Be watching for the Spring dates and opportunities to come help. We look forward to seeing you soon. As always, Please continue to pray for us. 2016 is going to be a busy year.

Chris
573-380-1975 • PO Box 271• Matthews MO 63867

Camp Garwood Sunday

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March 6, 2016
The Camp Committee has set a time for our churches to have a special day for Camp Garwood (see article below.)

Each church is encouraged to emphasize the importance of the ministry of Camp Garwood on this day by:

  • Having members share memories of Camp
  • Having special prayer for Camp, the camp committee, and leaders in this year’s activities
  • Taking a Special Offering to help with expansion.

Many souls are saved through our Camp Ministry, God has given us capable leaders, and we need to keep improving the facilities so this ministry can grow. We pray that all our churches will get behind this effort and help us reap the harvest before it is too late! What will YOU do?

Contact Bro. Chris Polk for ideas or more information

January 2016 – Assistant Missions Director’s Report

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“The rains came down, and the floods came up” in many areas of our state during the last week of 2015. As far as I
know none of our church properties around the state suffered major damage, but I am sure there was some wet basements
and perhaps some services canceled as many folks could not get the their church buildings because of the flooded roads.
The ALIVE conference dismissed early and several groups had long trips home due to the different routes they had to take
because of flooded roads. From what I hear everyone made it home safely and we praise God for that.

One thing we were reminded of with the flooding is that man cannot prevent some things and must trust the Lord to
help in difficult times. Wouldn’t it be great if we could see the Spirit of God “rush” into the churches of the BMA of Missouri, as flood waters came around our state with “power and force,” making changes in the lives of us Christians that would convict and change our hearts and bring revival in our land!

God is able to do what needs to be done and wants us to trust Him and yield our lives to Him.

Just as most of us here in Missouri and Illinois focused on the weather so much it changed our lives for a few days, the Spirit of God “flooding our hearts” would help us focus on what God is doing, can do, and wants to do through us and many souls would be saved.

Our prayer for 2016 should focus on God and what we are willing to let Him do through us. We need to surrender to God’s calling no matter what He calls us to do or where He leads us to go. We should be serving,praying, witnessing, planting
churches being obedient to Him.

James Hoffmann

Work on Tabernacle Progressing

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tabernaclebwThe work of installing a new roof, insulation, and new ceiling in the Tabernacle at Camp Garwood has started and is progressing nicely. Funds for this project are already in hand and the money raised by the Camp Garwood Sunday March 6th will help with other needful building project to improve our facilities and provide more bunk space as our annual camp attendance grows.

Please let God lead you in helping on this special day!

Reviewing Our Own Reconciliation Experience Colossians 1:21-23

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Colossians 1:21-23
As a believer in the Jesus Christ, it is encouraging to examine our own heart and review our experience of reconciliation.
In our text, Paul suggests three things that we can focus on.

First, look at what you were before reconciliation. You were alienated and were an enemy of God. Ephesians 2:11-12, Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flsh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Your mind and attitude were “actively hostile to God. You were at war with God! You needed to repent, or have a change of mind, before you could be reconciled to God.

Second, Your present reconciliation is complete. You did not reconcile yourself to God; it was God who took the initiative in His love and grace. The Father sent the Son to die on a cross that sinners might be reconciled to God. Romans 5:6, For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:8-10, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. In His human body, Jesus bore our sins on that body on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

The purpose of reconciliation is personal holiness. The word “holy” expresses the idea of “being set apart, being devoted to God.” Unblameable means, “without blemish.” It is amazing that God looks at His children and sees no blemish on them! Unreproveable mean, free from accusation.” Once we have been reconciled to God, no charge can be brought against us, Romans 8:31-34. We have perfect standing in Christ, so why seek anything else?

Third, you have a firm foundation. Verse 23, If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am
made a minister… This statement seems to cast a shadow on the assurance of the believer’s future. However, the “if”
clause does not suggest doubt or lay down conditions by which we “keep up our salvation.” Paul uses an architectural image of a house firmly set on a foundation. The town of Colosse was located in a region know for earthquakes, and the word “moved away
could mean “earthquake stricken.” Paul was saying “If you are truly saved, and built on the solid foundation, Jesus Christ, then you will continue in the faith and nothing will move you. You have heard the gospel and trusted Jesus Christ, and He has saved you.

In other words, continuing in the faith does not save us; but we continue in the faith and thus prove we are reconciled.
Paul challenges every professing Christian to examine his own faith and heart to be sure he is a child of God. II Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

by Dennis Baker, Brotherhood President

December 2015 – Assistant Mission Director’s Report

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Thank you for your prayers and concern shown for me in these last two months. My health is improving and I am resuming a more “normal” life physically. I am ready to resume visiting churches at your invitation to represent Missions and the Missouri Missionary Baptist Paper. I am available for pulpit supply as needed. My contact information is on the Available Preachers page.

We need to be praying for God to lead us in planting some new work in the State of Missouri. Please pray with me to this end and if you know of someone interested in planting a new church please have them contact me. I will be glad to send them an application and answer any questions they might have.

We also need to be praying for and helping some of our existing churches who are struggling and about to give up. If there is any way I can be of help to any of these churches please let me know. God is still on the Throne and is able and willing to help us as we look to Him in these difficult times.

Remember to pray for your pastor and his family as they work with our churches. Encourage them often and cooperate with them as they shepherd the Lord’s flock.

Alive Student Conference 2015

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December 29 – 31, 2015

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Chesterfild, MO

It’s not too late to sign up! We have a great event planned for you! For schedule, program, hotel reservation forms, and other forms and more information go to:
http://alivestudentconference.org/