As Easter Sunday approaches and worship leaders are pressured to create meaningful services amid the high expectations of congregations and church leadership, worship duo Shane & Shane are calling for a return to simplicity and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

More than 200 people were baptized along a scenic Florida beach on Easter Sunday as part of a worship service hosted by a revivalist who once dabbled in the occult before she was freed by Christ.

We had another great Sunday at Vision Baptist Church this past Sunday. This Sunday was a unique Sunday, in that we had our first lunch/ afternoon service of the summer. We are planning to have a lunch/ afternoon service once a month this summer to give church people the opportunity to fellowship together. Sunday morning […]The post Sunday In Review! appeared first on Vision Baptist Church of South Forsyth.

How to Serve the Volunteer Teams You LeadJacob FlemingThu, 03/28/2024 - 00:05 Nothing compares to the privilege of serving in the house of the Lord! My heart echoes David's: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10).Along with that privilege comes responsibility; and when that responsibility includes leading others, it is imperative that we have a plan. My pastor, mentor, and friend, Dr. Paul Chappell, says, “Churches struggle when they establish goals without a strategy and ministry without structure.” Unfortunately, many times our volunteer teams never reach their full potential because of a lack of structure.? Following are five simple principles that can help you serve the volunteer team you lead and establish a culture that promotes the forward momentum of God's work.? Strategically Recruit? To lead a volunteer team, we must first have willing and able volunteers. Some volunteers will do just that—volunteer. Others, we need to recruit. And then, we must have the wisdom to place each volunteer where they will have the most impact on a weekly basis.? As leaders, we should have a personal goal to set each volunteer up for success. One of the most helpful ways to know where specific volunteers will be successful is to learn what their spiritual and natural gifts are and then involve them in areas where their gifts will be put to the best use. In addition to gifting, different areas of ministry require different levels of oversight and discernment. For instance, stocking guest tables or preparing refreshments for an event wouldn't involve the extensive background checks verifying childcare workers would require.? The fact is, God has created every person precious and unique, fitted to serve Him. As ministry leaders, we want to help our volunteer teams reach their potential by serving in their naturally gifted areas. Generally speaking, it is much easier to take a little time and effort to discern the right position for a volunteer than it is to make an adjustment when someone is already actively serving in the position that you have (mistakenly) placed them in.Think, for example, of a church member volunteering for “whatever you need me to do.” At the moment, you happen to need door greeters for the first impressions team. This volunteer, however, has an introverted personality. Should you place this volunteer in the door greeter position? Most likely, that wouldn't be the best fit. But this volunteer could shine in many other areas. Perhaps they could still be on the first impressions team, but doing the work of stocking supplies, treats, etc. On the other hand, there may be more extroverted people who would be happier to greet, knowing that the more tedious work of stocking supplies is cared for.? Equip with Resources? As ministry leaders, we are to equip “the saints for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). One of the greatest ways you can encourage your volunteer team to reach their potential is to equip them with the training and resources they need to excel in that specific ministry. Here are four areas in which you can equip your volunteers:? Job descriptions: Write out a purpose statement for each ministry with key responsibilities for each volunteer position. (The book Order in the Church by Paul Chappell has some helpful sample descriptions.) If you have not provided clear communication to a volunteer, don't get frustrated when they don't serve exactly how you desire.? Clear expectations: Volunteers want to be told what is expected. A great way to frustrate your volunteer team is to leave your expectations open-ended or fuzzy.? Contact information: If a volunteer has questions or an emergency on the day that they are serving, who do they call? Give them your phone number and the phone numbers of any other people they should turn to for help.Periodic training: Strategically schedule ministry meetings throughout the year during which you can provide further training. For instance, you may train your first impressions team three weeks before Easter so everyone has a fresh reminder of the ways to serve first-time guests.? Reward Regularly? It is impossible to encourage the wrong person. Volunteers sacrifice time and often finances to actively participate in serving our Lord. It's a good thing to recognize their sacrifice and encourage them to keep up the great work. Regular recognition can put wind in the sails of your team members. Here are some suggestions:Yearly: Recognize a ministry team in a Sunday night service.Quarterly: Write a thank you note with a candy bar.Monthly: Have a bite-size treat, waiting at their serving station.? Weekly: Verbalize your gratitude with a heart-felt “thank you.”Value the Team's Response? Your volunteer has strategically been placed, equipped with resources and training, and is feeling encouraged by serving. By now, there's a great chance that they have gleaned knowledge in their ministry and have ideas that can make their specific ministry even better. To be effective leaders, we must take the time to listen to their input.It's easy to receive compliments. But leaders are willing to receive complaints too. Make sure the compliments don't go to your head, and make sure to handle the complaints prayerfully and responsively.? Empower Responsibly? The purpose of delegation is not for you to do less, but for you to get more done effectively. The leader should always be watching for a volunteer team member that potentially could step up and help co-lead a part of the ministry. Be willing to share the ministry and allow well-trained volunteers to be empowered to help make decisions.? The person who builds by himself won't accomplish nearly as much as if he had a team of leaders helping him build. Can you imagine Nehemiah building the walls by himself? He would have ended up in the place many of us have found, or nearly found, ourselves: blown up, burned out, or quitting in discouragement. Build your volunteer team, and build with your volunteer team.It is my prayer that these five principles will encourage you as you serve your volunteer teams.? Strategically Recruit? Equip with Resources? Reward Regularly? Value the Team's Response? Empower Responsibly? Category Pastoral Leadership Ministry Resources Order in the Church Order in the Church Dr. Paul Chappell Guided by Grace Guided by Grace Dr. Paul Chappell Tags Local Church Church Service Leadership

Instructions for Serving in the Coffee Cove An opportunity for Community Groups to share life by serving together The Coffee Cove provides an immediate connection point after the Sunday Worship services for newcomers and regular attenders. Before your scheduled day of serving: Check the Coffee Cove schedule and make note of the dates when your…The post Before You Serve In The Coffee Cove… first appeared on Saylorville Church - Des Moines, Iowa.

Four Keys for Raising Up a New Generation of MissionariesDr. Paul ChappellFri, 11/10/2023 - 16:24 One of the highlights to me of World Impact Missions Conference at Lancaster Baptist Church is seeing missionaries who grew up at Lancaster Baptist and/or graduated from West Coast Baptist College and and are now serving the Lord on mission fields around the world. (The picture above is of WCBC alumni who were here for Missions Conference '23 earlier this week and are now planting churches around the world.)? The Lord has allowed us to see many young people from our own church family—kids who grew up right here in our Sunday school classes and, in many cases, whose parents trusted Christ through the outreach ministry of our church—who are now preaching the gospel in foreign countries. Additionally, there are hundreds of WCBC alumni serving the Lord on over forty foreign fields.? One of the trends that concerns me, however, is a decline of young people across America surrendering their lives to missions. The world population is growing, but fewer American young people seem burdened to reach the world with the gospel.? Certainly God is still calling young people to surrender their lives to preach the gospel. Why then does it seem that fewer are responding?There are certainly many contributing factors we could cite to answer that question. But I believe there are four simple areas of emphasis that could change the trend. And when these four are working together, they can bring a monumental shift.? What is needed to raise up a new generation of missionaries?? 1. Parents who believe it would be a privilege if God calls their childChildren are the gift of God and entrusted by God to parents to raise for God's honor and glory.Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3–5)Yet, too often Christian parents raise their children with goals of personal satisfaction. These parents are measuring by the world's goals of financial security and career success.? It's good for young people to grow up knowing that their parents' greatest goal for their lives is that they would serve God in whatever way He calls them—including the foreign field.? 2. Churches that emphasize missionsIn Acts 13–14, we read of the first organized program for missions in the New Testament. It began as the church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. After preaching the gospel through many cities and establishing churches, Paul and Barnabas returned to report on all that God had done.? And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27)Can you picture what it was like for the children and young people listening to this first missionary report? They heard about the hardships and the blessings, and I can imagine the sense of wonder and even adventure that Paul's stories stirred in their hearts. No doubt some of them eventually became missionaries themselves.? One of the great strengths of the independent Baptist model of missions, based on Acts 13–14, in which a church sends out missionaries who then come back and report of all God has done on the field, is that young people are exposed to missionaries on a regular basis.? To raise up a new generation of missionaries, churches need to keep the Great Commission of Christ—“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15)—before young people. Encourage children to pray for missionaries. Host regular missions conferences. And highlight the need for laborers in spiritually-dark places around the world.? 3. Christian schools with vibrant chapel services, emphasizing a life of surrender to JesusIn Acts 13, it was the Holy Spirit who called Paul and Barnabas to the work of missions.? As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2)But this calling happened in an environment of total dedication to Christ and service for the Lord. These were people who were already ministering to the Lord and fasting.? Effective Christian schools are not just a place to keep your children from the harmful influences of secular education and cultural brainwashing. They are places that proactively encourage a life of surrender to the Lord and are filled with teachers who model the joy of serving Christ.4. Bible colleges led by soulwinning pastors and instructors who teach missions and bring missionaries to campusIt was striking to hear how many of our West Coast Baptist College alumni who came as missionaries to this year's conference mentioned that they had sensed God's call to missions during their time at WCBC. Several even mentioned that it was during one of the Lancaster Baptist Church missions conferences.? Many young people who have surrendered to serve the Lord in full time ministry do not know right after high school in what capacity God would have them serve. Whether or not they ultimately serve as missionaries, being in a Bible college environment where missions is emphasized will strengthen their understanding of and commitment to being part of the Great Commission of Christ to go into all nations with the gospel.? Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19–20)About a year and a half ago, while hosting Spiritual Leadership Conference Egypt, I had the opportunity to visit the gravesite of William Borden in Cairo. Borden was a young American missionary living in Egypt to learn Arabic while preparing to preach the gospel to Muslim people in China. While still in Egypt, he contracted meningitis and died at age twenty-five.? As Terrie and I walked through the American cemetery there in Cairo, I was stirred to see the gravesites of other missionaries as well, many who, like Borden, gave their lives for the sake of the gospel on foreign soil. I couldn't help but pray that God will raise up a new generation of men and women who will fully and freely surrender their lives to the spread of the gospel around the world.Whether you are a parent, pastor, Sunday school teacher, Christian educator, or someone with any other influence in young people's lives, I challenge you consider how you can be part of helping young people obey the instruction of Christ to “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). Category Christian Living

Church Planting in a Metro AreaChris ChadwickFri, 05/19/2023 - 17:08 “You want me to go where?” Who says that—a rebellious teenager? a timid employee? How about a young man from Amarillo, Texas, who God is calling to plant a church in San Diego, California?Yes, those were my words in December of 2001, as I was overwhelmed that God would allow my family and me the privilege of starting a church in San Diego. But it wasn't all about the joy of the opportunity—I also knew my weaknesses, and that knowledge frightened me.San Diego is the eighth largest city in the nation, with 1.4 million people. In 2001, there were two independent Baptist churches and few non-Baptist, gospel-preaching churches in the entire city. And, although more conservative than Los Angeles or San Francisco, San Diego isn't exactly a bastion of Christendom.By God's grace, we followed His call. Fast-forward more than twenty years: I'm overwhelmed to say God has built and sustained Canyon Ridge Baptist Church. He's done more than I ever thought He would and grown us in ways I never thought possible. We're blessed with a fantastic team of servants dedicated to sharing the gospel in our city. God has blessed us with a permanent location in the heart of San Diego.Through my office window, I can see low-income, transient, and primarily immigrant housing. Our neighborhood is a thriving international community with over seventeen mother tongues spoken. It's a community where you can rent a 350-square-foot studio for $1,950.00 a month and find yourself serenaded every night by a chorus of homeless folks singing. I wouldn't trade it for the world.I want to share five simple thoughts that have helped me over the past two decades of church planting in a metropolitan/urban area. If you are a church planter or praying about planting a church in one of the needy cities of our nation, I pray these will help you as well. People Come FirstPersonal evangelism is a must when building a church in an urban environment. Guests won't run through your doors because you put up a sign and design a snazzy website. In the early days of Canyon Ridge, I spent a minimum of twenty-five hours a week knocking doors, meeting people, and participating in outreach and community events. Why? People only came to church after I engaged, encouraged, and shared the gospel. Over twenty years later, we still have an aggressive outreach plan. This year, we will hand-deliver through door-knocking and canvassing over 250,000 invitations to church—all to meet more people and introduce them to Jesus.Commit to Learning a New CultureAs I've mentioned, I came to San Diego from Texas. Texans drive differently, dress differently, eat differently, enjoy different hobbies, and think differently from San Diegans. Are there similarities? Sure! But my family and I still had to make a huge adjustment when we moved here. The more you're with the folks of your community, the more you will understand the culture. Learn and embrace the culture; it's a worthy pursuit that will help you build gospel influence. Understand You Will Say “Goodbye” RegularlyOf the many things metropolitan areas are known for, longevity is not one of them. You'll say “goodbye” to folks who change jobs, college students who graduate and move away, people who leave for a more comfortable community, and interns who get full-time jobs elsewhere. If you live in a military city like ours, you'll have the added burden and blessing of service members joining and moving.Church planter, I pray that God will bring people who will live as “missionaries” in your area—folks who will serve in your church not because it is home or comfortable but because God has called them. They'll give up the American dream of a house and being close to family for an eternal reward. They, like you, will live in a smaller house or apartment and pay exorbitant prices for the privilege of ministering in your community. And they will encourage you more than words can say.In reality, you'll say goodbye a lot, but you'll also be constantly surprised by all the hellos and by how the Lord encourages and sustains you and His church.Accept That Your Church May Never Own a BuildingFor the first five years of Canyon Ridge, we met in a 1,200-square-foot community center. We spent the next two years in a school auditorium on Sundays and the next year and a half in the multi-purpose room at our current location. We've met in hotels, Navy chapels, literally under a tree, and in our house.In 2009, the Lord miraculously provided a building. It was in disrepair, a blight in our community, and looked like a cross between a bundt cake pan and a spaceship, but it was ours! Even after extensive remodeling, it doesn't look like a “normal church.” But to me, it's cooler! I'm thankful for God's provision.My point is this: People might visit your church because of a cool or permanent building; but it won't be enough to keep them there. People came to both a recreation center and a school cafeteria and planted their lives in this local church because they were loved, discipled, and encouraged to walk with Jesus. A building is a means to an end, not the sign of success or failure. Your church may never own a building—that's okay! You may never have a permanent location—that's okay! You're not called into the commercial real estate business; you're called to reach people with the gospel. Don't make excuses. Simply do your best with what you have, and trust Christ to build His church.You Can Trust HimPastoring in a metropolitan/urban area is fantastic. It's electric when people from different parts of the country and world gather in the church they were saved in for one purpose: to glorify God and be edified for the work to which God has called them. I think back to when I asked God, “You want me to go where?” I'm so glad God called me, and I'm glad I went. Could it be that God wants you to go there? If God is calling, go. For Christ has promised, “. . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). You can trust in Him! Category Church Planting Tags Church Planting

If you want to make a real difference, don't get bogged down in the details of video streaming.Just about every church is live-streaming their services now.Necessity being the mother of invention (and adaptation), we’re all doing what we have to do.Churches with pre-existing live-stream technology are learning how to conduct their service from an empty room, while those who haven’t live-streamed before are learning the basics – fast.But let’s face two facts about churches that are new to the live-stream world:1. Most first-time streamers are my friends in small churches.2. Most of us aren’t doing live-stream very well.But that’s okay.Here’s why.You Can’t Live-Stream Your Most-Needed MinistriesWhile it’s important to make a Sunday experience available to your church members, a high-quality live-stream Sunday service is not the most significant way you can serve your church or your community over the coming weeks.Top-notch video production is not what the typical small congregation expects or needs from their church leaders.Especially now.They just need to hear from their pastor, their Sunday School teacher and their friends.And not just on Sunday morning.Do What You Do BestIf your service is being live-streamed, keep it simple and do it as best you can, then move on to doing the kinds of ministry you do well.Go old-school.Regular text messages or phone calls to check in on people will mean more than seeing you on a computer screen once a week.Recruit some younger, healthier volunteers to find and bring needed supplies to those who can’t get out.Those kinds of small, simple, low-tech ministries will be of far greater value than how you frame a video shot.What We’ll RememberAt some time in the hopefully-not-too-distant future, we’ll be able to gather ...Continue reading...

I had the privilege of speaking at the Sunday morning chapel service for the Tennessee Titans this past weekend. Reggie, their team chaplain, has a long

by Phil JohnsonNote (31 Aug 2021):I wrote this post last year to answer some evangelical critics who insisted that our church could easily follow all government-mandated shutdown protocols without sacrificing our freedoms or compromising our worship. Almost as soon as I posted it, the attorneys handling the church's court case asked us to refrain from discussing the case online—to make sure the legal argument they were making did not get clouded by a social-media debate. So I removed the post. Now that the legal case has been settled, here is that information. Internal links will take you to documentation that proves what an impossible burden the government-mandated restrictions imposed on the church.(This is kind of long. Pack a lunch.) For the past eight weeks or longer, Sunday morning worship services at Grace Community Church have been open to anyone who wants to attend. John MacArthur and the elders made that fact as public as possible in a statement they issued on July 24, saying they would continue to have normal worship services despite a July 13 edict from the California Governor ordering churches to close again after a brief respite from the original quarantine.

by Phil Johnsonne of the questions prompted by the quarantine is about "virtual communion." After all, in lieu of regular worship services, we are listening online every Sunday while our pastor preaches from the pulpit of the church. So why not have a kind of virtual communion service, where we all take the elements simultaneously in the privacy of our homes?Five times in Paul's instructions regarding the Lord's Table, he uses the phrase "when you come together as a church" or its equivalent (1 Corinthians 11:17, 18, 20, 33, 34). In verse 34 he expressly contrasts "eat[ing] at home" with the act of eating the bread and drinking the cup as a church body "when you come together." Clearly, the communion ordinance is supposed to be shared by the gathered assembly of the church collectively, not taken by individuals in solitude. It is not a private sacrament.We might sometimes serve communion with a small group of 5-10 church members gathering at the bedside of someone who is homebound or permanently confined to a nursing home or long-term health-care facilities. But there's a significant difference in a case like that—because you have a subset of the church in genuine communion together, contrasted with isolated people in quarantine who serve themselves (which destroys the symbolism of the Supper).I agree that extraordinary times do sometimes call for extraordinary measures, and I understand the desire to be flexible in a time of emergency, so although I don't approve and wouldn't participate, I wouldn't necessarily inveigh publicly against a church that offered a "virtual communion service." There may be some well-meaning church leaders who sincerely believe some kind of makeshift online Eucharistic ceremony (sans any actual communion among the saints) is better than none at all. They are wrong about that. But if done anyway, such dramatic revision to the sacrament needs (at the very least) to be carefully and thoroughly explained, along with clear instructions telling participants that this is a temporary measure only, a one-time exception to the normal practice, and it should not change how the church normally observes the Lord's Table or regards its significance.In practice, however, "virtual communion" services do confuse people—or worse. Saddleback Church, for example, has embraced the idea of "virtual communion." In an email message to church members during Passion Week, Rick Warren wrote, "Last weekend, thousands of our members participated in this tradition at home in our first online Communion in the history of this church. Many people just used what they had: cheese crackers, pancake bits, and various juices. It's hilarious seeing on social media all the things our members used!"They have literally made a mockery of the Lord's Table—the very kind of thing the apostle was rebuking the Corinthians for in 1 Corinthians 11.So the best course of action—and what Grace Community Church's elders will be doing—is to wait to serve communion until the church can legitimately assemble. Better to forego the ordinance altogether during the quarantine rather than risk confusing people about the meaning of the Lord's Table and how it is normally to be administered.

Friday, August 7th at 7pm Saturday, August 8th at 6pm Sunday, August 9th at 9:45am, 10:45am, and 5:30pm Join us for revival services with Dr. Peter Ruckman. Dr. Ruckman is the founder of Pensacola Bible Institute and Pastor of Bible Baptist Church of Pensacola, Florida. His unique preaching incorporates chalk drawings to truly ...

See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters In this edition: This Week's 2 New PowerPoint Sermons Memorial Day Section Grace Notes 5 Year Anniversary! First Timer Info. from Pastor Jerry: "5 years, and approaching 3 millions hits!  We never dreamed God had this in store for us.  Please read below for details on how we are sharing this blessing with you subscribers in the form of our best discount ever.  God bless you and HIS ministry thru you there!" Just released: 5/17/09 - "Compromising Church" - Revelation 2:12-17 Like Pergamos, today's church seems to keep only a moderate distance from the world, but both the world AND the church are moving downhill in tandem, and further away from Jesus. The world is looking for something more real before they'll get saved!     5/13/09 - "I Only Work on Sundays!" - 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 I have learned that everyone knows what the pastor should be doing except me. 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This past Sunday, the Lord blessed our services in a great way, and the Lord used His Word to encourage many. Sunday morning, I preached from John chapter 11 on the resurrection of Lazarus. I focused on the first part of the story about Jesus tarrying after he heard the news of his friend’s illness. [...]

In several former Soviet republics Christians were detained or facing their last worship service in their church building Sunday, June 29, as authorities stepped up a crackdown on mainly Protestant Christians, including believers involved in evangelism or unauthorized gatherings.

Friday, April 24th at 7pm Saturday, April 25th at 6pm Sunday, April 26th at 9:45am, 10:45am, and 5:30pm All are invited to attend and bring friends and family for this special weekend of services. Nursery will be provided for all services. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend. Directions and Accommodation information are ...

Happy Easter Season, friends in ministry,   "Grace Notes is pleased to announce our next 'Subscriber Appreciation' offer.  About 3 times each year we release new series and as always, it's 75% off just for you [Only thru Easter].  You must use the links below because you cannot get this deal on the website.  This year we're adding a special BONUS sermon best used for Palm Sunday.  Enjoy!"   Keep your 'Complete Collection' complete w/ these brand new releases...      Special Release for 2009! "Christmas:  The New Easter" - Luke 2 Christmas is the new Easter! We should celebrate it in the springtime, for the birth of Christ was only necessary to bring about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  He was born to die that we might live!                    Full Easter Section The above special Easter release comes free w/ the new Thessalonians series, below...   Special by download only-Thessalonians 75% off [Reg. $40] only thru Easter. 10 Messages with PowerPoints on the first epistle Paul wrote about the Ideal Church and several practical subjects. Includes Bonus: "Christmas: The New Easter". BOTH ARE INCLUDED FOR FREE IN THE "COMPLETE COLLECTION!" Price: 10.00 USD    Or, get our Best Deal!    The Complete Collection    See other Series we offer Stimulus Sale  [The 'bad' economy is your good fortune!] The New Thessalonians Series has just been added to the 'Complete Collection' for free...this month - get all 22 of our series at the low price of over 80% off.   Stimulus Sale!  Best Deal!          The Complete Collection [save $670 for a limited time only!]   Now over 80% off!  DO YOU HAVE 'THE COMPLETE COLLECTION'? Special pricing good thru the end of this month...   Get it on CD ROM or by instant download alternate link if above does not work  The Complete Collection Special Offer:  All 22 Series we offer by Instant Download     +Bonus: "Ark Almighty" "Allah is NOT My God" "Middle East for Dummies"         For a limited time, only...price subject to change!                       [1600+ Files!]                "Complete  Collection"                 $149.99   [$820.00 Value!]                                The Complete CollectionEverything we offer [all 22 series] in simple download format. 1600+ Files! Includes newly released series. Price: 149.99 USD You save $670 when you order the above!  And there's free shipping / no waiting when you use Instant Download …    Or, get it by mail in about 3 days on a CD ROM here.   [Hurry --  Prices subject to change] First Timer?...Here's some Tips on getting the helps you need:    We work hard to gather the best of free resources from numerous corners of the globe, and it's our privilege to share them all for free with you simply for the furthering of the Gospel, the growth of the Kingdom, and the joy of sharing!    Please feel free to copy and paste any of Pastor Jerry's original manuscripts from the site.  You are free to use them in live services without giving credit, along with the PowerPoint visuals provided.  Our CD ROMs are available by snail mail or Instant Download as a convenience only, but your purchases help support this growing ministry.  There are many benefits to getting our resources in this way, but as always, all materials are free to copy from the site if you don't mind the work and know how to retrieve them.    Have you heard?  All of our collections are downloadable, instantly.  It’s the same CD-ROMs only without the CD.  Download straight to your hard drive on up to 3 PCs, and burn a copy to take with you if you want.  No waiting, no shipping charges, and all files and folders are organized for you with no need for conversion or re-formatting.   Prices listed good for 1 week only.  Click link below for any recent changes. Click here to see our “Instant Download” Page  Or, place your order right here, below...    [no waiting, no shipping]     "There's a few thousand of you who now subscribe to these free 'Grace Notes' ...and for every one of you there's a hundred more who use the site regularly...to God be the glory!  God has used the tool of your POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS over the last 4 years to make this all possible.  It's all free because of those of you who use the voting links on each sermon, and it helps spread the Word of God at the same time. Sermon Central is where many of you learned of this ministry, and they have changed their voting to the 'star system'.  [rate up to 5 stars with a click]  It's easier than before and I think better.  In 10 seconds you can make a difference in 3 simple steps:  1.) Click on the 'recommend' button under any sermon on our site  2.) The same sermon will open up in a new page on the SC site...click on the 'rate this sermon' link right below the 5 stars  3.) Click on the far right star to give the highest recommendation if you can." Bonus Sermons included only in the "Complete Collection":    "Ark Almighty" - Hebrews 11:7 Uses "Evan Almighty" theme - GET SAVED, GET RIGHT, GET INTO CHURCH!  How parents of today can construct an ark of protection for their household.          "Allah is NOT My God" - Genesis 16:11-12 The real ‘Path to 911’ started with Ishmael.  A study of the differences between Christians and Muslims, Jehovah God and Allah, and Jesus Christ and Mohammed.  Islam is not just another denomination down the street.  Learn what they believe and why, and the terrorism connection in light of Bible Prophecy.     "Israel & The Middle East For Dummies"  - Genesis 12:1-3; 16:1-4; Psalm 122:6 Christians of all people should not be ignorant of these things, and the signs of the 'end times' now upon us. For a limited time these sermons come as free gifts when you order our ‘Complete Collection’   Call us if you have any trouble using your credit card thru PayPal:  217-877-0009 [Note:  We cannot process orders by phone, but still may be able to help with your online order or by snail mail order.  You may need to leave a message for call back.] If you prefer, you may send a check to:                  Grace Notes 3770 N. Water St Decatur, IL   62526 [please add $5 for processing and include the email address you'd like your download link sent to, or physical address if you prefer to receive it by mail as a CD ROM]  More questions?  Call us at 217-877-0009 or Write us.     You say:  "It's amazing that this ministry is free...no one else is doing this with Sermons and PowerPoints"    We say:  Please help keep it free by honoring our system:  By design and intent, this sermon service will always be free-but this is made possible by those of you who take the brief moment required to vote for the sermons after you click on them.  You do this from the link on each sermon’s page which says… Click here to recommend this sermon ministry to others.  Help spread the Word by casting your vote...it's a proven system that keeps this ministry free! If you don’t, it’s still free…But many thanks go to those who help make it free for everyone and are helping to spread the Word in the process…you too have the “spirit of sharing” and are a great part of this ministry!  How have some received a series at no cost?    Benefits to CD-ROMs: ·         No downloading, no waiting, no confusion. ·         No cutting and pasting.  Text comes completely formatted in Microsoft Word. ·         No hassles converting PowerPoint "pps" files to "ppt". ·         Already organized in folders for easy indexing. *Remember, all sermons on the site are free to download if you don't mind the work.    Your Feedback:   “I received my CD...these sermons will be a great help to me. My situation limits how much time I can put into sermon preparation.  Grace Notes gets me started, and then the Lord helps me to make it my own.”            Pastor-USA    Welcome to many new subscribers this week, you number in the thousands…to God be the glory!  You can help broaden our influence when you forward these links to others you believe may benefit.  They can sign up at the “Grace Notes” homepage.    Those who want to say “thank you”…please, just vote for the sermons at the link on each sermon’s own page and forward these links to others…it all helps this ministry expand which in turn helps the Kingdom of God to grow…which is what it’s all about. International Users:  Don’t forget to sign the GuestMap below and show us ‘where in the world you are!’  Get a custom logo like ours at Faith's Attic   Have a wonderful day, be blessed, and enjoy!       Pastor Jerry Shirley & Grace Notes Staff                See our Help Section     See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters

Get ready for outstanding music and terrific Bible preaching! Beginning Sunday, March 22 the Galkin Evangelistic Team will be ministering with music and Bible preaching to adults, teens, and  children.  There is something for each member of your family. Join us for one night or the whole week. There’s room for you!! A nursery is provided for all services as [...]

See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters In this edition: SIX Fresh new PowerPoint Sermons First Timer Info. from Pastor Jerry: "Why 6 sermons this week?  Well, 2 are from Sunday, and the other are a 4 part Wednesday Night series I didn't want to release until it was fully completed.  Please notice that these multi part messages are all on one webpage.  God bless and enjoy!" Just released: 3/15/09 - "Crown" - I Samuel - I Chronicles Dynamically interest content!  Summary of the period of the kings, w/ a special contrast of Saul, David, and Solomon.  Wonderful visuals enhance a very helpful outline. 2 Parts now complete! Click to see the Series   3/11/09 - "The Ideal Walk" - 1 Thessalonians 4-5 5 Reasons the Christian life is compared to a walk. Then Paul gives a candid illustration of sex, purity, and holiness.  Other topics include the walks of love, honesty, hope, and much more. 4 Parts now complete! Click to see the Series Stimulus Sale!  Best Deal!          The Complete Collection [save $630 for a limited time only!]   Now over 80% off!  [The Joshua Series and 2008 Topical Sermons have been added for free thru this offer, below...] DO YOU HAVE 'THE COMPLETE COLLECTION'? Special pricing good thru the end of this month...   Get it on CD ROM or by instant download alternate link if above does not work  The Complete Collection Special Offer:  All 21 Series we offer by Instant Download     +Bonus: "Ark Almighty" "Allah is NOT My God" "Middle East for Dummies"         For a limited time, only...price subject to change!                       [1600+ Files!]                "Complete  Collection"                 $149.99   [$780.00 Value!]                                The Complete CollectionEverything we offer [all 21 series] in simple download format. 1600+ Files! Includes newly released series. Price: 149.99 USD You save $630 when you order the above!  And there's free shipping / no waiting when you use Instant Download …    Or, get it by mail in about 3 days on a CD ROM here.   [Hurry --  Prices subject to change] First Timer?...Here's some Tips on getting the helps you need:    We work hard to gather the best of free resources from numerous corners of the globe, and it's our privilege to share them all for free with you simply for the furthering of the Gospel, the growth of the Kingdom, and the joy of sharing!    Please feel free to copy and paste any of Pastor Jerry's original manuscripts from the site.  You are free to use them in live services without giving credit, along with the PowerPoint visuals provided.  Our CD ROMs are available by snail mail or Instant Download as a convenience only, but your purchases help support this growing ministry.  There are many benefits to getting our resources in this way, but as always, all materials are free to copy from the site if you don't mind the work and know how to retrieve them.    Have you heard?  All of our collections are downloadable, instantly.  It’s the same CD-ROMs only without the CD.  Download straight to your hard drive on up to 3 PCs, and burn a copy to take with you if you want.  No waiting, no shipping charges, and all files and folders are organized for you with no need for conversion or re-formatting.   Prices listed good for 1 week only.  Click link below for any recent changes. Click here to see our “Instant Download” Page  Or, place your order right here, below...    [no waiting, no shipping]     "There's a few thousand of you who now subscribe to these free 'Grace Notes' ...and for every one of you there's a hundred more who use the site regularly...to God be the glory!  God has used the tool of your POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS over the last 4 years to make this all possible.  It's all free because of those of you who use the voting links on each sermon, and it helps spread the Word of God at the same time. Sermon Central is where many of you learned of this ministry, and they have changed their voting to the 'star system'.  [rate up to 5 stars with a click]  It's easier than before and I think better.  In 10 seconds you can make a difference in 3 simple steps:  1.) Click on the 'recommend' button under any sermon on our site  2.) The same sermon will open up in a new page on the SC site...click on the 'rate this sermon' link right below the 5 stars  3.) Click on the far right star to give the highest recommendation if you can." Bonus Sermons included only in the "Complete Collection":    "Ark Almighty" - Hebrews 11:7 Uses "Evan Almighty" theme - GET SAVED, GET RIGHT, GET INTO CHURCH!  How parents of today can construct an ark of protection for their household.          "Allah is NOT My God" - Genesis 16:11-12 The real ‘Path to 911’ started with Ishmael.  A study of the differences between Christians and Muslims, Jehovah God and Allah, and Jesus Christ and Mohammed.  Islam is not just another denomination down the street.  Learn what they believe and why, and the terrorism connection in light of Bible Prophecy.     "Israel & The Middle East For Dummies"  - Genesis 12:1-3; 16:1-4; Psalm 122:6 Christians of all people should not be ignorant of these things, and the signs of the 'end times' now upon us. For a limited time these sermons come as free gifts when you order our ‘Complete Collection’   Call us if you have any trouble using your credit card thru PayPal:  217-877-0009 [Note:  We cannot process orders by phone, but still may be able to help with your online order or by snail mail order.  You may need to leave a message for call back.] If you prefer, you may send a check to:                  Grace Notes 3770 N. Water St Decatur, IL   62526 [please add $5 for processing and include the email address you'd like your download link sent to, or physical address if you prefer to receive it by mail as a CD ROM]  More questions?  Call us at 217-877-0009 or Write us.     You say:  "It's amazing that this ministry is free...no one else is doing this with Sermons and PowerPoints"    We say:  Please help keep it free by honoring our system:  By design and intent, this sermon service will always be free-but this is made possible by those of you who take the brief moment required to vote for the sermons after you click on them.  You do this from the link on each sermon’s page which says… Click here to recommend this sermon ministry to others.  Help spread the Word by casting your vote...it's a proven system that keeps this ministry free! If you don’t, it’s still free…But many thanks go to those who help make it free for everyone and are helping to spread the Word in the process…you too have the “spirit of sharing” and are a great part of this ministry!  How have some received a series at no cost?    Benefits to CD-ROMs: ·         No downloading, no waiting, no confusion. ·         No cutting and pasting.  Text comes completely formatted in Microsoft Word. ·         No hassles converting PowerPoint "pps" files to "ppt". ·         Already organized in folders for easy indexing. *Remember, all sermons on the site are free to download if you don't mind the work.    Your Feedback:   “I received my CD...these sermons will be a great help to me. My situation limits how much time I can put into sermon preparation.  Grace Notes gets me started, and then the Lord helps me to make it my own.”            Pastor-USA    Welcome to many new subscribers this week, you number in the thousands…to God be the glory!  You can help broaden our influence when you forward these links to others you believe may benefit.  They can sign up at the “Grace Notes” homepage.    Those who want to say “thank you”…please, just vote for the sermons at the link on each sermon’s own page and forward these links to others…it all helps this ministry expand which in turn helps the Kingdom of God to grow…which is what it’s all about. International Users:  Don’t forget to sign the GuestMap below and show us ‘where in the world you are!’  Get a custom logo like ours at Faith's Attic   Have a wonderful day, be blessed, and enjoy!       Pastor Jerry Shirley & Grace Notes Staff                See our Help Section     See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters

What a beautiful morning at the preacher’s house. The Lord blanketed our area with a coat of snow last night.  We were still able to have our worship service last night.  Brother David Epps stirred our hearts Sunday Morning, then he returned last night to give us another dose of classic Epps preaching. If you are [...]

Well, I’m finally getting back behind the sacred desk.  I preached my first Sunday morning last week on February 22.  I preached again on Wednesday night.  I hope to be able to preach Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights for a little while, and then eventually add the Sunday night service in later.  Right now, I [...]

This is a special article by Jim Krohn, Youth Pastor of Southeast Bible Baptist Church and author of the book "Biblical Youth Work", from which this article is an adaptation. Keep an eye on Uthleader.com within the next week and you will be able to order "Biblical Youth Work" at a UthLeader special price. “The Family Cult” Part 1 of 3 Don’t chuck your Youth Ministry        What is the family cult?  If you don’t know the answer to that question, consider yourself blessed.  The family cult is a name that I have given to a movement that is gaining ground in fundamental churches.  It emphasizes the family above all things.  While I agree that the family is extremely important, they take things to absurd proportions.  For example, according to this movement, Sunday school is bad because it divides the family.  Sunday evening services are bad because it takes the family out of the home.  Instead, they encourage a Sunday evening family worship time with the father as the patriarch of the home leading the proceeding.  Of course, I call that family devotions and I think that is something that should be done during the week.  It is not something that you do instead of church.  In addition, while public school is obviously bad, this movement paints all Christian schools with the same brush as public schools since they take children away from the family.  Youth groups as well as all other age specific activities should be stopped.  They also use terms such as “family centered church” instead of “program centered church”.       

I am calling on everyone to attend this Sunday, and if possible Saturday night. In this economic time of uncertainty, we have an opportunity to get sound financial teaching and preaching for free! I am looking forward to this with great anticipation- if you plan to attend Saturday night, and have not already notified me of that, please do so asap. Also, while the sessions begin at 7pm Sat, you may come at 6pm for pizza and pop. ($3 per person) Please call to notify please. Of course, after the morning service, we will have a pot luck dinner, then afternoon sessions for anyone who would like to stay. There will be no evening service this Sunday night. I look forward to a full house Sunday!

Sunday services at Heartland were very good. The attendance in the morning was such that the main room was nearly full. Sunday night was very well attended, with a special treat with Bro. Watson adding his guitar to our congregational music. During the last two days, several of our folks have been attending the preaching conference in Canton, IL with the Gray Brothers. I had jury duty up until last night and worked tonight, so I could not go. I am looking forward to getting the cd's for sure. Tomorrow night is Bible study. Sure hope to see you then.