THE EVANGEL

September 2019

From The Pastor,

       Words are very powerful tools. They are most often how we communicate with one another. God's Word teaches this very lesson. Words can be used in both a positive or a negative manner. They can encourage, affirm, and edify or they can discourage, hurt, and tear down. I think that we all basically know this to be true. What I would like to talk about for a few moments is how just a few words can be used to teach us some of the great lessons in life.

      I have confessed before that I do not possess the virtue of being a man of few words. I can read simple statements made by others and wonder why in the world can't I say things so succinctly. That may very well be why I struggle so much with the newsletters. I don't have room to say all that I want to say. A fellow by the name of Winston Churchill put this into perspective. He was asked how long it took him to prepare a speech. His reply was simple, "It depends on how long you want me to talk." He went on to explain like this, "If you want me to speak for an hour it takes me about ten minutes to prepare. If you want me to keep it to thirty minutes it takes about two hours of preparation. If you want me to speak for ten minutes it will likely take eight hours to prepare." His explanantion concluded with this thought. "What takes so long is not knowing what to say, but weeding out what you don't need to say."

     Back to some of those simple statements which have had a great impact in my life. Probably the one statement that has shaped my ministry as much as any was made by an old evangelist by the name of Vance Havner. His obersvation went like this, "Even Satan, himself, will let the man of God prepare a semon if he can prevent him from being prepared to deliver it." Another statement which has been a challenge to me was made by one of God's choice men, Brother Gordon Willingham. He told me, "Don't forget to pray for your sermons after you preach them. God may not be finished with them yet." Another that many of you have heard me quote many times was said by Dr. Adrian Rogers, "The Word of God is an excellent sword, but it makes a lousy club." Let me share one more that has to do with preaching. Dr. David Allen has said to young and old preachers alike, "Learn to paint word pictures." These are simple statements, but profound in their depth.

     When it comes to the matter of prayer Jesus taught us to be careful about using lots of empy and worthless words. "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." Matthew 6:7 An old country preacher used to say about prayer, "Don't try to dress it up, just get to the point." My son has told me on more than one occasion, "Pray fast, God is busy." One of the most powerful prayers in the Bible is only three words in length. Peter prayed, "Lord save me."

     Some of the most challenging words in our country's history were made in brief statements. The cause of American freedom was framed in Patrick Henry's words. "Give me liberty or give me death." One of the most memorable speeches of all time was the Gettysburg Address. It was only 272 words long. In my lifetime we have the quote from John Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon's surface his first words were, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." When said with sincerity, from adult or child, some of the most meaningful and heartwarming words in the English language are, "I love you."

     Truly words are powerful tools. We would be wise to use them well. As a boy I learned this limerick, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never harm me." Ladies and gentlemen that is a lie. It is only by God's grace that the tongue can be tamed. Even then each word needs to be carefully chosen and guarded.

     Let me ask one question and I will close, not because I don't have more to say but because I have said enough. When was the last time you used your words to make someone's day better?

 

Bro Danny

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Catoosa Baptist Association Fall Meeting

Sunday, September 15 at 6:00 p.m.

Hosting Church: Ringgold First Baptist

Preaching: Rev. Tommy Fountain

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 SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

1 - Deacon's Meeting 7:15 p.m.

2 - LABOR DAY - Office closed

 3 - Care Ministry 6:30 p.m.

8 - GRANDPARENTS DAY

10 - GBC  Executive Committee Meeting

11 - CONFERENCE

14 - Youth Hiking at Fall Creek Falls

15 - Fall Associational Meeting 6:00 p.m. First Baptist Ringgold

22 - Pastor's Appreciation

23 - FALL BEGINS

29 - LORDS SUPPER

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GRAYSVILLE GOOD NEWS CLUB

BEGINS September 10, 2019 3:10 p.m.

Currently more than forty boys and girls have signed up to be a part of the Graysville Good News Club. We are very excited about what God is going to do through this ministry. If you know a student at Graysville Elementary, please invite them to join the Good News Club. Also we need all of you to pray for the students, their families, and all the volunteers. Remember what Jesus said, "...Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Betty Taylor

Scott Womack

Sheila Womack

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BIRTHDAYS

 1 -Diane Shankles

2 - Brenda Camp

Luke Raby

Jack Parris

3 - Michelle Smith

Nick Yott

4 - Justin Farrow

Mary Hillis

6 - Sean Kittle

7 - Patsy Simpson

9 - Christina Guinn

10 - Donna Gray

Tommy Self

Ronnie Raby

Shirley Templeton

12 - Jean Harris

13 - Wanda Keener

14 - Katherine Vaughn

Stephen Holcomb

15 - Robert Holsomback

Barbara Stamey

Marcia Scarbrough

16 - Jennifer Ellis

17 - Carl Cox

Steve Leduc

Jerry Roebuck

19 - Rossie Grisham

George Loyack

Elaine Creeden

20 - Linda Volz

Elizabeth Smith

21 - Lisa Gray

22 - Rick Armstrong

Kim Baker

24 - Ernest Stamey

Carolyn Chandler

27 - Deborah Owens

Wayman Sullivan

28 - Anthony De La Garza

29 - Billy House

Rosemary King

Chris Gray

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 ANNIVERSARIES

   1 - Billy & Christine House

2 - Eddie & Jodee Day

4 - Michael & Cheryl Arp

5 - Bobby & Marcia Scarbrough

6 - Jeff & Robin Norvell

8 - Rodney & Patsy Simpson

10 - Lebron & Lisa Durham

11 - Andy & Peggy Kinzalow

15 - Matthew & Kati heath

16 - Wayne & Robin Tamewitz

17 - Donald & Vicki Powell

18 - Joe & Teresa Roach

21 - Rex & Alberta Dover

22 - Marion & Carolyn Foster

24 - Randy & Cindy Cashon

27 - Ronnie & Connie Keck

  

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Fall Is In The Air

This is a good season to FALL into the habit of being in Sunday School!

9:45 Sunday Mornings

 

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Think on This

Nine times the Psalmist said that he cried unto the Lord. In those verses he makes the observation that God heard, healed, and answered in response to his cries. Have we gotten so self sufficient that we have forgotten how to cry out to God? I have found that sometimes the only cry I have is one word - HELP!   However, that always proves to be enough.