THE MESSENGER. Ben Brags on the Savior. June Volume LIV Issue 6. Oh to Serve God, God's Way...By His Spirit! (Part 2)

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1 June Volume LIV Issue 6 THE MESSENGER Ben Brags on the Savior Oh to Serve God, God's Way...By His Spirit! (Part 2) What is "God's Way?" And how can we stay on the Jesus Path? In "Flickering Lamps," Henry Blackaby speaks to this through personal testimonies, one after another, as he witnessed firsthand the divine intervention and transformational work of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the most ordinary but broken, surrendered, obedient children of the Most High God. When Blackaby first arrived, the church had a For Sale sign in the yard and the facilities were even more pitiful than the outlook of the last ten people struggling to keep the lights on. BUT GOD...took their weakness and demonstrated His power. BUT GOD...inspired a VISION from on high, not to keep the lights on, but to win their community for Christ and to disciple enough laborers in the harvest and equip enough pastors to plant enough churches to win Canada for Christ! That little church never surpassed a membership of 70, BUT GOD...called and sent over 100 "missionaries" out of their membership. Their budget remained small, BUT GOD provided just enough... to create a Bible College and a Seminary and to plant 38 churches across Canada. And those churches are now parents and grandparents of new generations of churches planting churches. Blackabye declares, "The Church was not commissioned to do good things, BUT GOD things." What brings God glory is when churches accomplish what only God can do...when we focus (exclusively) on what He cares about...when we act, talk, and look like Christ. Our problem is we do not think the way God does. God declares, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways." So by default, whenever churches assume our thinking and planning is identical to God's, we naturally try to accomplish God's work the world's way, not God's way. It is arrogant to assume God seeks to be glorified and to make disciples of all nations, yet He leaves the local churches to figure out the details in our own thinking. Recently, a pastor said, "We can easily spot the external threat of secular humanism, but the most insidious enemy is inside the church in the form of CHRISTIAN HUMANISM." It has a form of godliness but denies the power thereof. Conventional wisdom, common sense logic, pragmatic problem-solving, and bottom-line decision making are not bad. But they are human-centered, which is not the definition of serving God, God's way...by His Spirit. Continued

2 Ben Brags on the Savior Continued Blackabye says, when we ask people what they want and what they like, we ask the wrong question, and that leads to the wrong answer. The correct question is "What does God want, what does the Bible say, what does God speak to your heart when you cry out in prayer?" Business Meetings change dramatically when we ask the right questions, because those who haven't prayed and would speak in the flesh are silenced, while those who have been praying and seeking God's heart are emboldened to stand, testify and provide God's wisdom in decisions. The key to honoring God is not to develop my own plans and then ask God to bless them. GOD ALREADY HAS A PLAN!!! The key is to cry out to God and beseech Him to reveal His plans to you. As a church, you have the Holy Spirit present within you. He does know God's mind, and His role is to guide you into the will of the Father. Dear children of God, if we would but wait on God and keep our spiritual eyes open, He will not only tell us what to do, He will also show us how to do what He asks. For starters, we are called to seek first His Kingdom, which is the polar opposite of selfishness and building "our church." We are called to give ourselves away, for in so doing, we are never more like Jesus. We are called to love one another, as Christ has loved us, and so prove we are His disciples. AND...we are called to let God direct our steps, and trust the divine voice whispering instructions over our shoulder. Such ways are GOD'S WAY! He said so! (More to follow) Shower Trailer The Holston Baptist Association Shower Trailer the Clean Machine went to Damascus, Virginia during Trail Days where they were able to give snacks, showers, have a foot washing/massage, and share the gospel. During this time there were 51 come to know Christ! Praise the Lord for the opportunity to be able to share the gospel with the Appalachian Trail Hikers. From the reports we have received, they were able to pray over 500 hikers. They saw more believers on the trail this time and were able to pray, encourage, and love on them.

3 Among the Churches VBS Schedule Southwestern Baptist Church theme is Submerged. Their VBS starts June 5th-9th from 5:30pm-8:30pm. For more information or questions please contact Rebecca Potter at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Kickoff and Family Night will be Saturday June 25th from 6:30-8:30pm. Their VBS will start Sunday June 26th and go through Tuesday June 28th from 6:30-8:30pm. Heritage Baptist Church July 11th-15th from 9:00am-Noon. The theme is Cave Quest Following Jesus the Light of the World. For ages K-5th grade. New Victory Baptist Church is having their Kick-Off/Registration on Sunday June 12th from 5:00-6:00pm with an Ice Cream Social. Their VBS will be Monday, June 13th- Wednesday, June 15th from 6:00-9:00pm Thursday, June 16th 6:00-8:00pm Commencement/Family Fun Night Bowmantown Baptist Church will be having VBS from June 12th-16th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The Kick-off is June 11th from 4:00pm-6:00pm and Family Night is June 17th at 6:00pm. The theme is Submerged. Clark Street Baptist Church is having their VBS June 5th-10 th From 6:00pm-9:00pm. Ages 3- Adult. Van transportation available by calling church office at Please leave a message. Shallow Ford Baptist Church in Erwin is having their VBS July 11th-14th from 6:00PM-8:00PM. The theme this year is "Cave Quest." Woodlawn Baptist Church 1400 Southside Avenue Bristol, TN June 12-16, :15-8:30 Theme: Cave Quest (Following Jesus the Light of the World) Fordtown Baptist Church in Kingsport is having their VBS June 12th 16th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Their theme is Cow a bunga Calvary Baptist Church in Greeneville will have VBS on June 13th-17th from 6:45pm-8:15pm

4 Among the Churches VBS Schedule First Baptist Church of Fall Branch VBS Kick-off is June 11th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Their VBS starts June 12th-16th from 6:00pm-8:30pm. Their theme is Egypt Joseph's Journey from Prison to Palace. CHEROKEE BAPTIST CHURCH 143 Mayberry Rd. Jonesborough, TN will be having VBS on June 6th-10th from 6:30pm-8:45pm. The theme is SEMERGED. Grades Nursery thru 8th grade. Join Mountain View Baptist Church 4005 Bristol Highway Johnson City, TN June 5-10, 2016 for...sumberged! Diving deep Vacation Bible School Call the church for more information. Tennessee Avenue Baptist Church will be having their VBS each Wednesday evening starting June 15 th July 27th starting at 6:00 pm and ending at 7:30 pm ( with the exception of Wed. June 29 th we will be in Revival Services with Bro. Rick Coram). Their theme is Submerged. Telford Missionary Baptist Church is having VBS July 10th-15th Faith Fellowship will be having their VBS June 27th-30th. Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church is going to begin on Saturday June 4 th with a kick-off lasting from 5pm to 7pm at our youth center located at 1727 Chinquapin Grove Road, Bluff City. The block-party trailer just acquired by the association will be used that evening and hot dogs/chips/soft drinks will be served. VBS will then begin on Sunday June 5 th at 6:30pm and will end at 8:30pm nightly through June 8 th. Commencement will be held in the church sanctuary on Thursday June 9 th at 7pm. Southside Baptist Church is having their VBS on June 20th-24th from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Skyline Heights Baptist Church is having their VBS from July 17th-22th. The theme is Cave Quest.

5 To Your Health When we speak about our physical health we inevitably need to turn to the subject of healthy eating. This is always uncomfortable. Our culture is largely about eating for pleasure and comfort. There are huge industries built around manufacturing food that tastes good, but is sadly unhealthy, even dangerous. After recently taking some nutritional training I now am amazed as I walk through the grocery store or consider a menu in a restaurant. People not focused on their health really do not want to consider these matters. Therefore, I give you permission to stop reading right now. HA! Here are a few highlights to inform and inspire. Most doctors will tell you that as life moves into the home stretch of retirement years, they see so many serious health issues that obviously were mostly impacted by the food habits of people who ate the wrong things for the wrong reasons. A lack of discipline or support meant a shorter and far less abundant life that became a burden to those around them. Here are some good general rules: (1)Eliminate regular soft drinks and cut back even on diet drinks; (2)cut way back on red meat, particularly if it contains considerable marbling or extra fat; (3)avoid white flour products and move toward whole-grain; (4)eat fresh fruits and vegetables when possible; and (5)learn to eat smaller portions regardless of what restaurants serve (particularly meat and pasta). If you are truly interested in a healthier lifestyle (especially if you have diabetes) please contact me personally. This could lead to a workshop or personal consultations. I want our association s ministers to live a long time and to live in an abundant manner. Let s all learn to EAT TO LIVE instead of LIVING TO EAT. Greg Burton gregburton@chbckingsport.org Agape Women s Services Agape is searching for a part-time RN who would be responsible for the medical side of the center. The position would require hours per week. It would be a bonus if the RN was also a certified sonographer. Please reply to agapejc2273@gmail.com if you are interested! Clifton View Baptist Church in Johnson City enjoyed A Ladies Brunch honoring mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends on Saturday, April 30th. Welcome, introduction, and prayer was given by Lillian Babb. Devotion topic What s in Your Bag by Deborah McCarn. All enjoyed the meal, gifts, and the fellowship. Thirty ladies attended. Claude Babb is the Pastor. Providence Academy is hosting a Christian Storytelling Festival. All proceeds from this event will go and help support families that can t afford to provide their children with a Christ centered education. For more information please visit

6 The 2nd Annual Tennessee Weekend of Prayer Over Students takes place on August 6-7, This weekend is a call to the Body of Christ to unite together and pray for the students, teachers, staff, administrators and families of our state s schools and colleges. In 2014, the Governor s Office declared the first Day of Prayer Over Students on August, 10th. In 2015, the Tennessee State Senate and House of Representatives passed legislation declaring the 2nd weekend of every August to be the Tennessee Weekend of Prayer Over Students. Thousands of individuals, families and churches will gather across the state this August 6th and 7th to cover our schools in prayer as they begin the school year. We encourage churches to adopt a school or college campus tor the weekend and schedule a community prayer gathering or prayer walk on the campus or other designated location. Our goal is to see a prayer walk take place on every elementary, intermediate, middle and high school as well as every college campus in Tennessee. If you or your church are interested in coordinating a prayer walk at a local school, please visit Pray4StudentsTN.com. Here are some other ideas to help you, your family and your church to pray for schools: Obtain a school yearbook and pray over the students, teachers and staff by name. Create prayer bookmarks or magnets for a school and distribute them to prayer warriors. Hold a concert of prayer at your church, inviting teachers and administrators to attend. Take time during the service to lay hands on them in prayer. Obtain a list of teachers and administrators from a local school. Create prayer cards for each, distributing them to prayer warriors. Contact administrators, explaining the Weekend of Prayer Over Students and asking them for any prayer needs they may have. Hold a commissioning service for the students in your congregation, commissioning them as missionaries to their schools. Don t forget the home-school students and their teachers (parents). For more prayer ideas, visit Pray4StudentsTN.com. Together, we can help our students get off to a great start this coming school year! Let s pray for their academic and spiritual health! Soli Deo Gloria, Haley Wherry haleywherry@me.com (423)

7 HBA Bible Drill Holston Baptist help it s Bible Drill this year at Southwestern Baptist Church in Johnson City on April 12th where there were 7 children, 4 youth, and 1 high school student. The following children went from our Association Drill to the State Drill in Morristown: Bowmantown Alyssa Bailey Cherry Grove Conner Bailey, LilyGrace Honeycutt, Katelyn Waters Trinity Christiana Gilbert All of the youth in the Association Drill went to the Regional Drill in Morristown. All of the youth drillers were regional finalists and Amanda Huggins was runner-up for first place in the regional final. Amanda also received trophies for three years in youth and six years in children and youth. Bowmantown Cheyenne Ward Trinity Luke Mixon and Cara Nichols Unaka Avenue Amanda Huggins There was one High School student who went to the Regional Drill and she won Regional and went to Nashville for the State final round. Trinity Emma Gilbert

8 Upcoming Summer Events Compel Calling all youth! On July 22nd-23rd, Compel is coming to Telford Baptist Church for two nights of worship with speakers Billy Wayne, from Lamplight Theatre and Scott Hayes, Youth Pastor at Cherry Grove Baptist Church. Special music by Tattered Saints and Cody and Amber Greene from Mt. Zion Baptist Church. On Saturday, there will be food for everyone and they will also be passing out school supplies to all the students. Culture Shock This is for students that are going into the 7th grade through graduated seniors. It will be from Wednesday, July 27th through Sunday, July 30th. If you plan on attending please call Adam Sells at (423) or the church office at (423) by Monday, July 25th so they can plan for food. The speakers for the event will include Cody Greene, Youth Pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Adam Sells, Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church in Blountville. Men s Warrior Weekend If you are interested in going to the Men s Warrior Weekend, please turn in your registration to the HBA, there is a limited number of people that can go. This is for men and boys (boys 12 and under must have a parent/relative with them). Some of the activities that will be going on that weekend is: paintball, rope course, skate park, flag football, shooting range, basketball, kayaking/canoeing, swimming, zip line and more!

9 Thank you to all of our wonderful churches for supporting and praying for us! We have our meal signups out for the new school year (2016/2017). We really appreciate when you sign up to bring us a Monday Lunch or Tuesday Dinner. We truly could not do what we do without churches like you all supporting us!! You can sign up for a Monday lunch meal here: go/20f054aaea82ca4fb6-monday or a Tuesday night meal here: tuesday1. Also, we are collecting coffee and pop-tarts for a new ministry we will be staring up this fall. We will be serving the campus with our coffee cart and hopefully utilizing that to engage students in Gospel conversations. If you have any questions, please contact us at etsubcm@gmail.com or (423) Calendar June 6 Minister s Fellowship, 10: Southern Baptist Convention 16 WPRO, HBA, 12:00 19 Father s Day 23 Youth Minister s Fellowship, 11: Fun in the Son, Carson Springs July 4 Independence Day, HBA CLOSED 11 Minister s Fellowship, 10:00 21 Youth Minister s Fellowship, 11:30 WPRO, 12: Compel Culture Shock Men s Warrior Weekend

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