The Pulp it. The Work of the Ministry of Pleasant View Baptist Church. The Pulpit

Transcription

1 The Pulp it Volume 2, Issue 1 November 10, 2013 Volume 2, Issue 1 Newsletter Date The Work of the Ministry of Pleasant View Baptist Church The Pulpit For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph. 4:12 The Work of the Ministry of Pleasant View Baptist Church For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:12 Ministries Cox Revival Ministries PVBS Administration Member Memoirs Sheila Thigpen Melinda Hurst Missionaries Bro. Stinnett Ballew Bro. Daniel Jordan Specials This Edition New Additions Family Camp Pleasant View Baptist Church P.O. Box 100 Hwy 261 S McQuady, KY (270)

2 Page 2 The P ulpit Volume 2, Iss ue 1 Welcome, Bro. Tucker! Kevin Tucker, a life-long resident of Breckinridge County, has recently been selected to be the new administrator of the Pleasant View Baptist School in McQuady. Bro. Tucker graduated from Breckinridge County High School and attended Western Kentucky University with a major in Civil Engineering. He is currently a journeyman for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. A member of Pleasant View Baptist Church for the past fifteen years, Bro. Tucker has been involved in multiple aspects of the church's ministries- Sunday school teacher, deacon, usher, clerk, facilities maintenance, and others. He has served on the School Board since In this position, he has helped make decisions for PVBS, its staff, and its students. This fall, he will relinquish his journeyman post and start a new chapter of his life as the Administrator. Bro. Tucker is extremely excited about this new position. His dad and granddad were both teachers. In fact, his granddad was the superintendant of the Breckinridge County Schools for several years. Bro. Tucker remembers his dad, James Tucker, and granddad, Ralph Tucker, and the impact they had on people's lives. He anticipates having this same impact on the children's lives at PVBS by the daily interaction with them. He remembers teachers from elementary school through high school and even college professors that had an impact on his life. They didn't just influence him on the subjects they taught such as math or science, but more importantly, their attitudes and the passion they had for what they did. Bro. Tucker does admit he is a little anxious regarding the new position- it is a complete change from his current line of work. However, he is prepared for the challenges and blessings ahead. Cox Revival Ministries Cox Revival Ministries is an evangelistic outreach of Pleasant View Baptist Church founded by Justin Cox in order to fulfill the Will of God for his life by reaching out to those around him with the Gospel. As a nine year old boy, Bro. Justin was saved after being presented with the gospel by his parents. As he recalls, this was the first time the Lord had brought deep conviction into his heart. He remembers falling in the floor of his closet and begging the Lord to save him. In his words, God saved my soul and changed my life. Five years later at a youth camp in Washington, the Lord called him to preach and share the Word of God through evangelism. Since then, the Lord has seen fit to move him from his West Coast home to Kentucky and has blessed him with a wife, Danielle, and son, Andrew. They travel from coast to coast and border to border, touching approximately thirty states per year and preaching at thirty to forty meetings yearly. Cox Revival Ministries holds a variety of meetings each year including church revivals, camp-meetings, and youth camps. As an evangelistic family, they have faced struggles, but God s blessings have been abundant. Through their travels, they have witnessed the Lord s hand of protection in their lives. In twenty years from now, they desire to be serving Him as they are now but with a greater burden. In the upcoming months, they will be traveling throughout New England. Please keep the Cox family in your prayers as they reach out to others across the country.

3 Volume 2, Iss ue 1 The P ulpit Page 3 Mrs. Sheila Thigpen Mrs. Sheila Thigpen was born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky. As a young adult, she joined Pleasant View Baptist Church in February of 1990 and was married in June of the same year to Bro. Craig Thigpen. They were the first couple to be married by Preacher. The ceremony took place in the old building in Hardinsburg. In May of 1990, on a Sunday morning while Preacher was out of town, Bro. Wayne Mathis preached on Hell out of the book of Luke. The Lord convicted her, and she realized her need for salvation, but she did not get saved that morning. She went back to church that night, and to her surprise, the same message from Luke was preached again, but she did not get saved. On the way home, she was still under heavy conviction. She began to cry and told Bro. Craig that she was not saved. They pulled off to the side of the road and began to pray. She accepted the Lord as her Savior. As Mrs. Sheila recalls, things were different in the early days of the church. With only twenty members in the church, she remembers fellowshipping at each others houses frequently and the strong friendship they had. Over the years, she has been involved in various aspects of the ministry. Not long after joining the church, she began playing the organ. She has coached several elementary Bible Quiz teams over the years. Since the beginning days of Pleasant View Baptist School, she has served in the elementary department teaching second, third, and fourth grade as well as fifth grade math. She considers herself to be blessed beyond measure and is truly grateful for the Lord s mercy and grace in her life. Mrs. Melinda Hurst I grew up in an Independent Baptist Church. For the longest time, I could remember God moving in our church and working in the lives of families only to realize later that our church had made decisions that was not the will of God. Even though I was not saved, I knew that what was taking place in the church was not right. My family then decided to find another church. Bro Patmore had already found Pleasant View and began to talk to mom and dad about coming for a visit. After coming to a few services they decided to continue and then we joined the church shortly after. I was 18 when we came to Pleasant View which was about 24 years ago. Prior to coming to Pleasant View, I had made several confessions of faith knowing that I wanted to be saved, but couldn t let go of my sin. Shortly after coming to Pleasant View the Lord started dealing with my heart about salvation. The Lord was very patient with me for two years. I remember sitting in the pew at church under such conviction that all I could do was cry. Pastor Massengale came to me once, asking me if I needed to get saved, but I wouldn t give in. I thank the Lord for a Pastor who had a burden and prayed for me. Then, in June of 1991, Pastor Massengale felt that he needed to come and talk to me once more and brought Bro. Kidd with him. It was that day that I gave my heart to the Lord. The Lord spoke to my heart and told me that if I didn t get saved that day he would leave me alone. I was so scared and believe with all my heart that if I had turned him away once more that I wouldn t have had the chance for salvation again, and I wouldn t be where I am today. The Lord was long suffering with me, and I am so thankful he was.

4 Page 4 The P ulpit Volume 2, Iss ue 1 Bro. Stinnet Ballew Bro. Stinnett Ballew has ministered around the United States since Though he is seventy-one years old, he refuses to let age slow him down from the work of the Lord. For almost three decades, he has focused on Faith Promise Missions meetings. He preaches fifty to sixty of these meetings annually and witnesses individuals burdened by the Lord to give ultimately millions of dollars. He also still preaches revivals, camp meetings, and conferences on the home. For the last twenty-four years, he has helped with the administration of the Faith Baptist Institute and Bible College all the while lecturing classes. He also assists pastor Sammy Allen in moderating the Faith Baptist Camp. While filling these roles, he has written and published 21 books! Bro. Ballew gives all credit to The Lord for helping him with these ministries and knows nothing would be accomplished without divine help. His newest venture, Harvest Time Broadcast, was a ministry he originally thought he would not have time for. The Lord opened his eyes to the need and has abundantly blessed this ministry. He has already prepared, preached, duplicated, and sent out 2,870 broadcasts since The show now airs around the world 105 times a day. Bro. Ballew requests that we pray for God's touch to remain on his life and ministry. The radio spots for Harvest Time Broadcast run about $ a month, and it takes a miracle each month to keep that ministry going, but Bro. Ballew serves a miracle-working God who has always met that need! He also requested that we pray for him, his wife, and daughter physically. Mrs. Edna, his wife, is diabetic and has many negative side effects from that illness, and their daughter has a blood disorder and autoimmune disease. Please continue to pray for Bro.Ballew, his family, and the many ministries in which they serve.

5 Volume 2, Iss ue 1 The P ulpit Page 5 Bro. Daniel Jordan Bro. Daniel Jordan and his family moved to Bozeman, Montana almost two years ago to start Bridger View Baptist Church. The Lord's hand is on this family and God has allowed their mission work to grow. This church may still be new, but the members are already branching into different ministries of their own. Bro. Jordan's acting associate pastor, Bro. McKinney, holds a preaching service at the local assisted living home every Sunday. This outreach is a tremendous blessing and has consistent attendance of individuals each week. The Jordan's also recently started a youth choir at Bridger View. The twelve singers work hard to learn new songs to sing for the Lord. God already used their efforts to bless in the services many times. In addition, the church began Bible studies with Bro. Jordan teaching the young men, Bro. McKinney teaching the adults, and Mrs. Heather teaching the young ladies. Bro. Jordan praises the Lord for blessing Bridger View and for making HIMSELF real in their services. He asks that we pray the power and presence of God would remain on their lives and in this ministry. They plan to constitute the church soon, and pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of the people as Bro.Jordan teaches them about this important step in the ministry. Also, the members have started a building fund and ask for our prayers regarding that new endeavor. Remember this ministry, that they may continue to be a light of the gospel for the souls in Bozeman, Montana.

6 Page 6 The P ulpit Volume 2, Iss ue 1 Sunday School Synopsis: A Living Sacrifice by Mike Grubbs In Romans 12:1 Paul says we are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. What is a "Living" sacrifice? The first thing I would like you to notice is the Plea of the Servant. Paul says "I beseech you Brethren". The word Beseech means to beg. Paul is saying I am begging you Brethren that you present your bodies. Paul is not making a suggestion or a simple request, but he is begging them. Secondly, you see Paul mentions the Provisions of the Saviour. These provisions of the Saviour are the Mercies of God. Even though Paul realizes that they are struggling with old nature, sins, and ways, He still calls them Brethren. Paul doesn t limit God to a God of mercy, (Singular) He said by the Mercies of God, (Plural) Paul is very understanding to the fact there will be times when we sin and fail and fall short of the will of God but by the mercies of God we are able to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Paul then switches from the brotherhood to priesthood referring back to the old testament economy. Paul begins dealing thirdly, with the Presentation of the Sacrifice. What does it mean to present your bodies a living a sacrifice? In the Old Testament they brought the lambs and they were spotless, without blemish, and in good health. They are the best that could be presented. These are lambs that you would want to keep. A Sacrifice is made when there is something you are wanting to keep but you are willing to give it up so that the one who receives that sacrifice is satisfied. God says that He wants the best you have in making a sacrifice to Him. You go to the book of Exodus and you see the tabernacle and as you walk in the gate there was a piece of furniture called the brazen altar that was had four horns on it. The sacrifice was laid on the altar and it was tied to all four corners of the altar. The priests were forbidden to touch dead things so the sacrifice was presented on the altar alive, if it was not alive, the sacrifice would not be accepted by God. So here comes a grown man, climbing a hill, carrying wood and climbs upon the altar of sacrifice and as Abraham begins to tie him off he says Daddy, I see the knife, I see the wood, I see the fire and I see the Altar but where is the Sacrifice? God was giving us an example of what a Living Sacrifice is. Abraham bound Isaac alive. Isaac was bound to something that would be used to kill his flesh. Sooner or later in your life, the will of God will tie you to something that will try to kill your flesh. When the sacrifice is tied to the altar, the life of that sacrifice was to be totally consumed upon that altar. God expects our life to be consumed with the will of God. If it wasn t for the Altars of Sacrifice in our lives we wouldn t pray like we should. During these times we learn humility in times of difficulty and we learn how to trust in God. We become real. The situation is much too serious in our lives for us to be playing games. These times of difficulty should strengthen our confidence in God. Abraham had confidence that God would take what would he could not handle and take it up on himself. For he said God will provide himself a lamb. You may say "I am in a situation that I really don t like. I do not like what I am going through. I really don t understand what all is going to happen. I don t know what all is taking place in my life, I do not know the outcome of what I am facing". I don t understand why I have to go through what I am going through". God may be using the situation that you are facing today to try bring you to a place where the flesh can be killed and bring us to a place where we learn to trust Him. When God ties us to altars in our lives he uses them to try to kill our flesh, that s when we become a living Sacrifice. Why would God do that? God has chosen these altars in our lives, so that we may prove what is that Good, acceptable, and perfect will of God for our lives and in doing so, we are a "Living Sacrifice". What is the Altar that God has you bound?

7 V o l u me 2, I s s ue 1 T h e P ul pi t Family Camp The week of August 12th through August 16th brought much excitement for Pleasant View Baptist Church and Mayfield Creek Baptist Church members! Spiritual refreshment, relaxation, exciting adventures, great food, and renewal of old friendships provided folks with the aspiration to attend Family Camp. We drove out in the middle of nowhere, forfeited the use of technology, slept on squeaky bunks in crowded cabins, and emerged into an atmosphere free from life s hectic schedules and stressful encounters. Some of the activities included swimming, flag football, skits, putt-putt, bouncy houses, capture the flag, fireworks, and a bow shoot (which Preacher claims to have won without cheating--that's still up for debate!). Most of the kids pronounced the bouncy houses their favorite activity, while many of the adults and teenagers enjoyed the skits put on by both churches. Many people were thankful for the fellowship and time of relaxation, while most claim the food was their favorite part of camp! Supposedly, there were chipmunks in the kitchen, but we are still trying to verify those claims! Once again, Midnight Madness Fireworks presented a spectacular fireworks show, with this year including new water fireworks and cascading sparklers. Ultimately, the most important part of Family Camp was accomplished with people noting that a work was done in their hearts. The singing, preaching, and exhortation was ordered of the Lord and much needed in all of our lives. Page 7

8 A Word From our Pastor: Biblical Faith by Rev. James Dale Massengale What has happened to Biblical FAITH? We live in a world in which people are governed by their emotions, controlled by their circumstances, and tossed to and fro by the storms they face in life. The question is not Where is religion? There is plenty of religion to go around; yet it produces no stability. The question is not Where are the rules of morality? For within the ranks of religion, there are many rules; yet none of them gives strength to fight the battle we face. We are told in Jude to earnestly contend for the faith. Paul reminds Timothy of the fight that is of faith. Can you imagine the pressure that would have been on a young girl living in the perverted world of Rome- stepping into teenage years having never heard her parents, grandparents. great grand parents or even her great, great grandparents utter a word about a move of God or the outbreak of revival? Four hundred years of complete spiritual silence with sensual sinfulness all around her yet believing God and staying pure- keeping herself as a holy vessel for God s purpose to be fulfilled in her life. Where is Biblical faith? What about a simple ordinary man that had determine to live right in the sight of God. Day after day, week after week, and year after year living in accordance to the Word of God looking for God to move, knowing that God has not moved for 400 years; yet still longing and looking for God to act. Where is Biblical faith? Both Mary and Simeon, along with many others, in human history has shown forth a faith that gave them strength to stand. How can such a faith exist? It is simple. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. What or who are you listening to? Your Feelings? Your Family? Your Friends? Your Finances? Your Flesh? What voice seems to be the driving force of your life? All of these voices have a tract record of complete and utter failure. However, faith has generated life, hope, peace joy, confidence, boldness, fruitfulness, and a good report in those that have believed God in the midst of the most adverse times of life. Where is your faith? What kind of faith is it? To be Biblical, it must be founded in the Bible. God has added to our church almost every month this year! We are thankful for our newest members. Please make them welcome and let them know you are glad they are here! John-Ross Henry, "Bo" Brooks, Ava Thren (not pictured), Charlie Moore, D.J. Owens, and Ryan Tanner. Don't forget, there are more on the way. Please pray for Rebekah Bradley and Candance Voyles. Fruitful and Multiplying