Lets say goodbye to 2013

For many 2013 has been a year that some are happy to say goodbye to. We have experienced challenges from all directions. Some have lost love ones, while others have lost their jobs. Some have deal with body part replacement, we have seen knees, shoulders, hips and overall general bad health for a few. We have been blessed as a church overall to see new believers come to know Jesus. God continues to bring new "body parts" to His church family. We have come to realize that God works with all people in giving them special gifts that can be used to glory Him. This year we had an outstanding vacation bible school with the help of a new team of people that God brought to us. We have seen two couples step forward to commit to leadership positions in both the children and the youth. I have been blessed as Senior Pastor to have God bring men and women who are anxious and ready to step along side me as we take on the many different facets of leading God's children to a mature relationship with Him. I am looking forward to the future and excited about what God has put on my heart for 2014. I will begin the year by looking at God's Amazing Grace and what it means to each and everyone of us. So often I find that people seem to understand God's grace to them, but fall short in offering grace to others. I am being challenged by God to write a series for 6 to 7 weeks to help people understand the true meaning of grace. It is my desire to keep my blog up to date in 2014 and it would help me if you would acknowledge you read my words and be an encouragement to know your out there. God Bless you and may you have a healthy and prosperous NEW YEAR. Pastor Bill

Why You Need to Join the Church

You Need to Join the Church by Rick Warren “To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21 TEV) You can show God’s glory by joining the family of God. The Bible says in Ephesians 3:21, “To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen” (TEV). The Bible says that one day there will be a new heaven and new earth. The only thing that’s going to last for eternity is God’s family. A thousand years from today, if there’s still earth here, there won’t be a Microsoft. There won’t be a Hollywood a thousand years from today. There won’t be a United States of America, because no earthly kingdom lasts forever. There won’t be all of the things we think are so great. But there will still be the family of God. God’s people last. It’s the only thing that’s going to last! You need to find a local congregation that will love you and help you grow in biblical truth and knowledge. You need to find your spiritual family. You need to find the place where you can give and share your talents and benefit from the abilities of others. You need to join a local church. Why? Because it’s going to outlast everything else you do. I make no apology in saying to you that maybe joining a spiritual family will be the most significant thing you do with your life. Because what the Church is doing in making a difference in the world is going to outlast your career. It’s going to outlast your hobbies. It’s going to outlast every other thing you do. It’s the only thing that’s going to last forever because it’s about changed lives. There are only two things that are going to last forever: God’s Word and God’s people.

Why Do Bad things Happen to Good People?

Why bad things happen to good people Posting Date: 10/11/2013 By Pastor Bill Stevenson Bad things happen to good people because we live in a fallen world. There is tragedy and consequences of sin. God created the world and man and woman he made in His image. But before long, sin entered the world, and Satan was unmasked. Bathed in innocence, creation was shattered by the willful disobedience of Adam and Eve. Fellowship with God was broken, and evil began weaving its destructive web. Because we live in a world that is far from perfect we will face problems, pain and suffering. However, these difficult circumstances in life often teach and prepare us for the future responsibilities God has for us. However we still live in a world where many people suffer and in our age of instant everything has caused us to lose the ability to wait. We expect to learn patience instantly, and of all that we want now, relief from pain is at the top of our list. We want an instant cure for everything from toothaches to heartbreaks. Although some pains have been cured, we still live in a world where many people suffer. Often we suffer consequences for bad decisions and actions. Sometimes suffering shapes us for special service to others. Sometimes suffering is an attack by Satan on our lives. And sometimes we don’t know why we suffer. At those times, are we willing to trust God in spite of unanswered questions? Although God loves us, believing and obeying Him does not shelter us from life’s calamities. Setbacks, tragedies, and sorrows strike Christians and non-Christians alike. But in our tests and trials God expects us to express our faith to the world. How do you respond to your troubles? Do you ask God, “Why me?” or do you say, “Use me!?” Jesus tells us to take courage. In spite of the inevitable struggles we face we are not alone. Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles. If we remember that the ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 So how then do good people respond to bad things? By trusting God! Romans 8:28, 31 tells us; “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good. God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill his purpose. We must trust in God, not in worldly treasures, our security is in heaven, not on earth. As we look ahead we read; “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 We cannot imagine all that God has in store for us, both in this life and for eternity. Knowing the wonderful and eternal future that awaits us gives us hope and courage to press on in this life, to endure hardship, and to avoid giving in to temptation. This world is not all there is. The best is yet to come.

Healing a Broken Heart

08/16/2013 "God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 God, not the government, is the hope of the needy and we are his instruments to help here on earth. "Even if my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” Psalm 27:10 Many have had the sad experience of being abandoned by father or mother. Broken homes, differences of belief, addiction to drugs or alcohol, even psychological isolation can leave children crippled by this loss, even as adults, the pain may linger. God can take that place in our lives, fill that void, and heal that hurt. His love is sufficient for all our needs. God says, “You are precious to Me.” Isaiah 43:4 God tells us we are lovable. "The mountains and hills may crumble but my love for you will never end; so says the Lord who loves you.” Isaiah 54:10 Because of God’s grace, he sees us as valuable, lovable, forgivable and capable. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 We often wish we could escape trouble - the pain of grief, loss, sorrow and failure, or even the small daily frustrations that constantly wear us down. God promises to be close to the brokenhearted and to be our source of power, courage, and wisdom, helping us through our problems. Sometimes he chooses to deliver us from those problems. When trouble strikes, do not get frustrated with God. Instead, admit that you need God’s help and thank Him for being by your side. “Carry each other’s burdens.” Galatians 6:2 We all need help at one time or another. The church functions only when the members work together for the common good. Do you know someone who needs help? Is there someone you know who needs encouragement? Humbly and gently, reach out to that person. Here at First Baptist church you are welcome and loved. This is a safe and supportive family. As the pastor, I am here to help you discover God’s healing grace. Please join us this Sunday to learn more about God’s amazing grace.

Why is there so much Evil?

Just saw this post and thought I would share; Someone once asked Billy Graham, "If Christianity is valid, why is there so much evil in the world?" To this the famous preacher replied, "With so much soap, why are there so many dirty people in the world? Christianity, like soap, must be personally applied if it is to make a difference in our lives." (Billy Graham)

How to Become a Super Bowl Christian

How to Become a Super Bowl Christian By Pastor Bill To win a super bowl a team has to have 5 great things and show them on the field. To be a Super Bowl Christian we need those same things and show them in our lives. We must have a deep DESIRE to commit ourselves to the Lord and run the race to get a crown that will last forever. We must also have DISCIPLINE, the kind that stays with us just not on Sundays but is with us all the time. As I Timothy 4:7 says, “Train yourself to be godly.” And in Hebrews 12:7 it states, “Endure hardship”. Discipline is hard, discipline is something that sometimes fails us but we must get right back up and keep at it. A Super Bowl Christian must have a COMMITMENT that drives them to keep studying and to keep learning. To not think you have reached perfection but to keep doing when the going get tough. As it says in Philip. 3:12 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. These are important words that indicate the type of commitment it takes. Next is the SACRIFICE it takes to run the race to get the prize. Not just a sacrifice of physical things but of the mental attitude to spot putting ourselves first but reach out to help others. Hebrews 12:1 states it this way, “ let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”. The last great requirement is CHARACTER as described in Philip. 3:10 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” For those of you who watch the game on Sunday, think of the desire, discipline, commitment, sacrifice and character that the players have and ask yourself do I have it? Yes we’re not a player with their skill at football but do we have the same thing inside us that would make us a Super Bowl Christian? I believe that you do and hope that you will come by and join us one Sunday. This Sunday might be a good one as we’re having our own Super Bowl party after the services with all welcome. Our regular Sunday morning worship services are at 8:00 a.m. and 10:45a.m This Sunday at 3:00 p.m. we’re having our Super Bowl party. The game will be on the big screen and we’re serving pizza and popcorn. Please call to reserve your seat. We are located at 700 Hardy Way, Mesquite. We are next door to the new Police Station and across from the Storage Units. For more information, transportation or to request prayer call 346-7061 or visit our website at fbcmesquite.com.

Welcome to 2013....

Are you ready to START a new life this year. For many 2012 was not the best year, and for some, they saw life change. I am reminded of all those who gave their hearts and lives to Jesus in 2012, and no matter what happened during the year, nothing matches the significant of that commitment. I ask the church family to look a 2013 with fresh eyes, and for those who struggled in 2012 to remember the words from God in Isaiah 43;18 as the Lord instructs us to "Forget about what has happened before. Do not think about the past, Instead, look at the new things I'm (GOD) going to do" To begin the new year we need to Stop making Excuses, Take Inventory of our life, Act in Faith, Refocus, and Trust God. If you would like to know more about how to START a new beginning in 2013 I invite you to go to our website (fbcmesquite.com) go to the sermons, download the listening guide and listen to what God's word says to us about that fresh start.. May God Bless you this new year...