A Wednesday evening message by Pastor Rod Harris, delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on October 29, 2008, taken from Matthew 20:1-16.

I wonder how many times I’ve said it? When talking with someone about witnessing or telling others the good news about Christ – “Let me so how I can explain this…let me see if I can simplify it…” When you hear that it is a pretty good indicator that the one saying it is trying desperately to come up with a logical sounding excuse. At least that is what I think from person experience. When I’m grasping for a way to put something it is generally I’m trying not to make myself look bad. I’ve been reading a lot lately about missions and evangelism. I’ve read approaches by various authors who approach the subject from different positions. Each author argues that his particular view is the best or the most effective. Through my reading I’ve come to this conclusion: It is not as complicated as we make it.

Of course if my conclusion is correct I’ve let myself very little wiggle room. I can’t come back and say, “Well life is different today. We have to take into account methods once popular are no longer effective. People have built up an immunity in our part of the country having heard the gospel all their lives.” I can’t say, “The only way we can be effective today is to…(you fill in the blank).” The bottom line is people are reach with the gospel today the same as always – God uses flawed, broken, ineffective witnesses, like you and me, to tell others His story. I’ve concluded it really is that simple. My caring enough to live and speak the gospel before my family, neighbors, coworkers and the people I rub elbows with every day. I wish it were more complicated than that. I love hiding in complications. At this rate I’m going to be out of excuses! And that is probably best.
It was just on my mind so I thought I’d share it.

Rod

The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 2008 will be hosted in Tulsa, Oklahoma this year.
Location: The Church at BattleCreek, 3025 North Aspen Ave., Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Dates: November 10, 11.

Schedule:
Monday:

• Pastors’ Conference - 9:30 a.m.
• Women’s Missions and Ministries Celebration - 1:30 p.m.
• First General Session - 6:45 p.m.
• President’s Address - 7:40 p.m.

Tuesday:

• Second General Session - 9:00 a.m.
• Executive Director’s Address - 11:20 a.m.
• Third General Session - 1:45 p.m.
• Annual Sermon - 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday Evening Time of Praise and Prayer - 6:30 p.m.

Taken from Luke 15. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening November 5, 2008.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY—Fellowship Hall @ 6:30 PM—Study Series:  Beth Moore’s “Stepping Up, a journey through the Psalms of Ascent”

• Thursday 11-13-08 “Blessings in Zion”—WEEK 6 DVD lesson (final lesson)—Completed Workbook Pages:  146-171

You can join the study at any point!  Contact Kelly Mills (246-0786) or Paulette Ramsey (446-9265).

Well, it is official. We are empty nesters. This past Saturday we married off the last of our three children. Of course we’ve had some time to adjust Ben bought a house and moved out back in July but Saturday was official. Our baby (sorry Ben) has started a family of his own. There is that part of us that is proud of the way our children have turned out. We can be proud that all of our children have grown into responsible adults. Each is actively involved in the Church. They are doing well in their jobs and we never tire of hearing their employers tell us what fine people they are. Rheadon and I have much to be thankful for. God has been gracious and we are blessed beyond measure. Of course the other side of the coin is – what do we do now? So much of our life was taken up with soccer practice and games, basketball, football and piano. If we weren’t heading to a practice or game of some sort we were going to a youth activity. It seems we were constantly on the go and honestly – we loved every minute of it! Now it is just the two of us after 25 years.

During premarital counseling I tell every couple, “Don’t stop dating just because you are getting married.” I explain that their first loyalty and priority is to their spouse. I also tell them that when children come along that does not change. It turns out that’s pretty good advice. As much fun as I have had with our children (and still do), as much as I enjoyed all the ball games and activities I still enjoy time with Rheadon the most. She is my best friend and my one love. I’m fairly certain she feels the same. I hope to make the most of that over the next couple of years because I might lose her when grandkids start showing up!

I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

This message by guest preacher Reverend Bob Post was delviered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 16, 2008.

An exposition of James 5:7-11. This message by guest preacher Reverend Bob Post was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, November 16, 2008.