I pray that these two websites will assist you as you open your mind, heart, checkbook, and time to reach our world for Christ.
Guy
Monday, March 31, 2008
Calvary Missions and a Global Impact
Last Sunday evening our Pastor, Al Gilbert, challenged those in the worship service to pray for missions. We were challenged to learn and pray for unreached people groups in the world. He suggested two websites to assist our prayer support:
Monday, March 24, 2008
Permeating Our Community with the Love of Christ
This email came to me this morning and I thought I would share it with you. It tells the story of how someone took a simple opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ.
"I just wanted to say thanks to a young lady that provided lunch for my mom and two girls at the Japanese restaurant in the shopping center where Staples is located in Clemmons. As we approached the counter to pay the lady, she told us our meal had been paid for by a young lady that sat behind us. I paused for a moment and looked at my mom and two daughters and said nice things still occur in the world today. I was raised in a christian home and still remember values, morals etc. that was instilled in my life and continue to teach my 4 kids ages 21, 19, 15, and 13. Without the guidance and faith that God has provided me over the last 6 years when their dad chose to leave his family, I would not be where I am today. Thanks again to a member of your church that will be blessed for her kindness."
I hope that this will encourage you to continue to look for the open doors and opportunities that God is placing before you to be a blessing to others and to our community.
If you have a similiar story to share take a moment to let us know...
WT
"I just wanted to say thanks to a young lady that provided lunch for my mom and two girls at the Japanese restaurant in the shopping center where Staples is located in Clemmons. As we approached the counter to pay the lady, she told us our meal had been paid for by a young lady that sat behind us. I paused for a moment and looked at my mom and two daughters and said nice things still occur in the world today. I was raised in a christian home and still remember values, morals etc. that was instilled in my life and continue to teach my 4 kids ages 21, 19, 15, and 13. Without the guidance and faith that God has provided me over the last 6 years when their dad chose to leave his family, I would not be where I am today. Thanks again to a member of your church that will be blessed for her kindness."
I hope that this will encourage you to continue to look for the open doors and opportunities that God is placing before you to be a blessing to others and to our community.
If you have a similiar story to share take a moment to let us know...
WT
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Easter Weekend and the Reality of Hell
One of the things that has permeated my thoughts over the last week preparing for this Easter Weekend is the majesty of Heaven and the reality of Hell. As followers of Jesus we long for the day that we will be face to face with Jesus, enjoying Him for all eternity. Through faith in Jesus Christ and repentance of sin we know that heaven is a glorious and impending reality.
And what about those who never by faith and repentance come to know Jesus Christ? The horrible reality is eternal separation from God...the horrible reality is Hell. God's word is not ambiguous nor silent regarding Hell, its reality, and its attributes.
How then should we respond? How should the reality of Hell impact our daily lives?
And what about those who never by faith and repentance come to know Jesus Christ? The horrible reality is eternal separation from God...the horrible reality is Hell. God's word is not ambiguous nor silent regarding Hell, its reality, and its attributes.
How then should we respond? How should the reality of Hell impact our daily lives?
First I believe that it ought to cause a follower of Christ to fall on their face before Almighty God and give Him thanks realizing that it is only because of His grace and mercy that we do not incur His wrath and judgment. Read Ephesians 2:1-22.
Secondly, it ought to lead every follower of Jesus to approach life and the Gospel with great urgency. We can never forget the reality of Hell.
Listen to this quote from John Piper in his book, "Brothers, We are Not Professionals"
"Brothers, you have heard it said, "Do not think such negative thoughts, do not preach such negative things, do not look back. Speak of the blessed love of God and look to the new creation." But I say to you, on the authority of Scripture, remember, remember, remember the horrid condition of being separated from Christ, without hope and without God, on the brink of hell. "Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12)
If I do not believe in my heart these awful truths--believe them so that they are real in my feelings--then the blessed love of God in Christ will scarcely shine at all. The sweetness of the air of redemption will be hardly detectable. The infinite marvel of my new life will be commonplace. The wonder that to me, a child of hell, all things are given for an inheritance will not strike me speechless with trembling and humility and lowly gratitude. The whole affair of salvation will seem ho-hum, and my entrance into paradise will seem as a matter of course. When the heart no longer feels the truth of hell, the gospel passes from good news to simply news. The intensity of joy is blunted and the heart-spring of love is dried up."
May the reality of hell and the glory of heaven permeate our thoughts so that we seek to further the Kingdom of Jesus Christ with the greatest sense of urgency.
Invite your friends and family this weekend to our Easter services (7:00 pm Saturday, and 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 on Sunday)! See you then.
WT
Monday, March 17, 2008
Fear, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
One of the common reasons that people give for not sharing their faith verbally is fear. Fear manifests itself in a variety of ways. There is fear of rejection, fear of "messing it up", fear of condemnation, and we could go on. How should we respond to fear when we face it?
When facing the fear of "messing it up" we need to go to God's word and claim the promises that exist there. When we do we will realize that we don't save ANYONE! Jesus reminds us in John 6:44, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..." God is the one who draws men to Himself. God is the one who gives man a new heart. God is the one who saves! Our responsibility is to faithfully share the Gospel message by challenging others to repent and transfer their trust to Jesus Christ.
J. I. Packer in his book "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God" wrote,
"First, we must admit that we were silly to ever think that any evangelistic technique, however skillful, could of itself guarantee conversions; second, we must recognize that, because man's heart is impervious to the word of God, it is no cause for surprise if at any time in our evangelism fails to result in conversions; third, we must remember that the terms of our calling are that we should be faithful, not that we should be successful; fourth, we must learn to rest all our hopes of fruit in evangelism upon the omnipotent grace of God.
For God does what man cannot do. God works by His Spirit through His Word in the hearts of sinful men to bring them to repentance and faith."
Let's be confident that God will bring men to salvation as we faithfully and passionately share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Who are you praying for? Who has God brought into your life to share the Gospel with?
WT
When facing the fear of "messing it up" we need to go to God's word and claim the promises that exist there. When we do we will realize that we don't save ANYONE! Jesus reminds us in John 6:44, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..." God is the one who draws men to Himself. God is the one who gives man a new heart. God is the one who saves! Our responsibility is to faithfully share the Gospel message by challenging others to repent and transfer their trust to Jesus Christ.
J. I. Packer in his book "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God" wrote,
"First, we must admit that we were silly to ever think that any evangelistic technique, however skillful, could of itself guarantee conversions; second, we must recognize that, because man's heart is impervious to the word of God, it is no cause for surprise if at any time in our evangelism fails to result in conversions; third, we must remember that the terms of our calling are that we should be faithful, not that we should be successful; fourth, we must learn to rest all our hopes of fruit in evangelism upon the omnipotent grace of God.
For God does what man cannot do. God works by His Spirit through His Word in the hearts of sinful men to bring them to repentance and faith."
Let's be confident that God will bring men to salvation as we faithfully and passionately share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Who are you praying for? Who has God brought into your life to share the Gospel with?
WT
Thursday, March 13, 2008
God keeps using Dr. Chapman!
A few months ago Dr. Chapman launched a new radio program on the Moody Broadcasting Network. The one-hour program (Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman) airs every Saturday morning and features many topics designed to help people understand how they can build long-term positive relationships. Chris and Andrea Fabry serve as co-hosts along with Dr. Chapman. The weekly program is available as a download and can be accessed at http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/
“As we move into a more talk-oriented, issues-focused format, Gary and the Fabrys bring great depth to Moody Radio,” said Wayne Pederson, Vice President of Moody Broadcasting. “We feel it is important for our listeners to hear the scriptural perspective and how it applies to relationship topics.”
This program is in addition to Dr. Chapman’s daily one-minute program (Love Language Minute) that airs Monday through Friday on the Moody Broadcasting Network. More information about this program can also be found at http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/
We’re proud of how God is using Dr. Chapman. I hope that you will check this out and keep praying for Gary as God continues to open doors for ministry.
AG
“As we move into a more talk-oriented, issues-focused format, Gary and the Fabrys bring great depth to Moody Radio,” said Wayne Pederson, Vice President of Moody Broadcasting. “We feel it is important for our listeners to hear the scriptural perspective and how it applies to relationship topics.”
This program is in addition to Dr. Chapman’s daily one-minute program (Love Language Minute) that airs Monday through Friday on the Moody Broadcasting Network. More information about this program can also be found at http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/
We’re proud of how God is using Dr. Chapman. I hope that you will check this out and keep praying for Gary as God continues to open doors for ministry.
AG
Monday, March 10, 2008
New Births...New Beginnings...and Easter Weekend
On Friday morning Dr. Tim McNight, our Associate Pastor for Evangelism and New Member Assimilation, and his wife Angela had their fourth child Maryanna Faith McNight. Tim and Angela are thrilled as are their other three children Noah, Micah, and Charissa. Let's make sure that we are praying for them as they adjust to another child at home! CONGRATULATIONS Tim and Angela!
Let's also remember this week to pray for Eric and Becky Davis as they make a different type of transition. In case you haven't heard Eric has accepted the position of Associate Pastor for Connections at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point. Eric and Becky have faithfully served at Calvary for over 11 years in our Children's ministry. Although we will greatly miss them and the influence that they have had at Calvary we are excited about what God has in store for them at Green Street.
Finally, let's be praying and begging God for a great moving of the Holy Spirit on Easter Weekend. Our service times are 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 22 and 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 on Sunday morning March 23. Take advantage of the invitation cards that we have printed for you that gives you an opportunity to do an intentional act of kindness towards another and at the same time invite them to one of our Easter services. We would love to hear how you are using them, so take a minute and post a comment sharing what you have done to "love your neighbor."
WT
Let's also remember this week to pray for Eric and Becky Davis as they make a different type of transition. In case you haven't heard Eric has accepted the position of Associate Pastor for Connections at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point. Eric and Becky have faithfully served at Calvary for over 11 years in our Children's ministry. Although we will greatly miss them and the influence that they have had at Calvary we are excited about what God has in store for them at Green Street.
Finally, let's be praying and begging God for a great moving of the Holy Spirit on Easter Weekend. Our service times are 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 22 and 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 on Sunday morning March 23. Take advantage of the invitation cards that we have printed for you that gives you an opportunity to do an intentional act of kindness towards another and at the same time invite them to one of our Easter services. We would love to hear how you are using them, so take a minute and post a comment sharing what you have done to "love your neighbor."
WT
Friday, March 7, 2008
What a week!
I’ve had a great week….what about you?
Sunday night I spoke at the closing session of a Global Impact Celebration in Birmingham. The travel went well, God’s hand was on the service and there was a tremendous response—thanks for praying for me! Shades Mountain BC is a great church with a heart for missions!
Monday morning, Steve Hardy and I drove to Atlanta for some meetings and I met up with KK. Steve stayed behind for more meetings; KK and I drove home Tuesday night…just in time get unpacked before the power went out! We lit a bunch of candles and enjoyed the quiet.
Wednesday night, I had the chance to spend a few hours with 15-20 church leaders who are seeking to know God’s will for our Second Campus. It is a big challenge, and we are struggling with the details, but we know God is at work and we are excited as we watch Him opening doors.
Last night I got home just in time to play outside with the grandkids! I am really looking forward to the time change and spring temperatures.
Don’t forget to set your clocks forward Saturday night….and we’ll see you Sunday morning with great anticipation that God will speak to our hearts as we gather around His Word.
AG
Sunday night I spoke at the closing session of a Global Impact Celebration in Birmingham. The travel went well, God’s hand was on the service and there was a tremendous response—thanks for praying for me! Shades Mountain BC is a great church with a heart for missions!
Monday morning, Steve Hardy and I drove to Atlanta for some meetings and I met up with KK. Steve stayed behind for more meetings; KK and I drove home Tuesday night…just in time get unpacked before the power went out! We lit a bunch of candles and enjoyed the quiet.
Wednesday night, I had the chance to spend a few hours with 15-20 church leaders who are seeking to know God’s will for our Second Campus. It is a big challenge, and we are struggling with the details, but we know God is at work and we are excited as we watch Him opening doors.
Last night I got home just in time to play outside with the grandkids! I am really looking forward to the time change and spring temperatures.
Don’t forget to set your clocks forward Saturday night….and we’ll see you Sunday morning with great anticipation that God will speak to our hearts as we gather around His Word.
AG
Monday, March 3, 2008
Greetings from Bangladesh
On a couple of different occasions over the last couple of years we have had the privilege of having Chad and Cyndi Tilley and their family visit our church. The Tilley's, along with their five children, are currently serving in Bangladesh. We wanted to share with you a note they sent to our church family.
Dearest friends at Calvary Baptist Church,
Greetings from Dhaka, Bangladesh! We pray that Calvary is being blessed abundantly as you have been and continue to be such an amazing blessing to us. We thank you for your support and prayers for our family and ministry here in Bangladesh. Your support has equipped us to reach the hardest hit areas after the cyclone; to bring others with aid the people so desperately needed. Thank you for being a part of blessing the lives of thousands of Bangladeshis.
In Christ,
Chad, Cyndi, Mark, Zac, Nina, Emma, and Rebecca Tilley
Let's continue to be in prayer for those who are serving God so faithfully overseas! If you want more information about the Tilley's and their ministry, please visit their website at http://www.chadtilley.com/.
WT
Dearest friends at Calvary Baptist Church,
Greetings from Dhaka, Bangladesh! We pray that Calvary is being blessed abundantly as you have been and continue to be such an amazing blessing to us. We thank you for your support and prayers for our family and ministry here in Bangladesh. Your support has equipped us to reach the hardest hit areas after the cyclone; to bring others with aid the people so desperately needed. Thank you for being a part of blessing the lives of thousands of Bangladeshis.
In Christ,
Chad, Cyndi, Mark, Zac, Nina, Emma, and Rebecca Tilley
Let's continue to be in prayer for those who are serving God so faithfully overseas! If you want more information about the Tilley's and their ministry, please visit their website at http://www.chadtilley.com/.
WT
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Personal Stuff and Prayer Requests
As Will said in the first post, we have lots of reasons for starting this site. One of the things we have talked about is finding a way to share some personal things with you. So, here goes:
KK spent the week in Boise with two of our grandkids. She got back last night and boy was I glad….for a week now I have been quoting Gen 2:18 to her: “it is not good for the man to be alone…” Josh and Erin are doing great and you can pray for them as they start a new church in Boise.
Tomorrow, after the morning services, I jump in the car and rush to catch a flight to Birmingham. I am scheduled to speak at the Shades Mountain BC as they close out their Global Impact Celebration. If you read this before Sunday night, I hope you will check out Matt. 9:38 and do what it says!
Monday and Tuesday, KK and I will be together in Atlanta. I will be in a couple of meetings there and she will spend some time with her parents. We will drive back late Tuesday.
I hate to end on a sad note but I need to give an update to a prayer request I shared a few weeks ago. A friend of ours was abducted on the way to work in Afghanistan. Cyd worked for a relief organization and was investing her life in the women of Afghanistan. This week the news is reporting that they have received reports of her death. We are grieving with her family and friends from all over the world.
If you would like to read more about Cyd, you can check it out at http://www.arldf.net/
AG
KK spent the week in Boise with two of our grandkids. She got back last night and boy was I glad….for a week now I have been quoting Gen 2:18 to her: “it is not good for the man to be alone…” Josh and Erin are doing great and you can pray for them as they start a new church in Boise.
Tomorrow, after the morning services, I jump in the car and rush to catch a flight to Birmingham. I am scheduled to speak at the Shades Mountain BC as they close out their Global Impact Celebration. If you read this before Sunday night, I hope you will check out Matt. 9:38 and do what it says!
Monday and Tuesday, KK and I will be together in Atlanta. I will be in a couple of meetings there and she will spend some time with her parents. We will drive back late Tuesday.
I hate to end on a sad note but I need to give an update to a prayer request I shared a few weeks ago. A friend of ours was abducted on the way to work in Afghanistan. Cyd worked for a relief organization and was investing her life in the women of Afghanistan. This week the news is reporting that they have received reports of her death. We are grieving with her family and friends from all over the world.
If you would like to read more about Cyd, you can check it out at http://www.arldf.net/
AG
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