Pastor Bill's Bits
STAYING WARM TOGETHER
In what the news called "The Miracle at Quecreek," nine miners trapped for three days 240 feet underground in a water-filled mine shaft "decided early on they were either going to live or die as a group." The 55 degree water threatened to kill them slowly by hypothermia, so according to one news report "When one would get cold, the other eight would huddle around the person and warm that person, and when another person got cold, the favor was returned." "Everybody had strong moments," miner Harry B. Mayhugh told reporters after being released from Somerset Hospital in Somerset. "But any certain time maybe one guy got down, and then the rest pulled together. And then that guy would get back up, and maybe someone else would feel a little weaker, but it was a team effort. That's the only way it could have been." They faced incredibly hostile conditions together-and they all came out alive together.
What a picture of the body of Christ. There have been many challenges faced by members of our church family in recent weeks but with each challenge comes opportunities. I have witnessed how you have ministered to hurting brothers and sisters and seen God at work so mightily through your lives. On the front of our Sunday bulletin the congregation is listed as the ministers. It gives me great encouragement to see how so many of you have responded to that calling.
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8
Pastor Bill's past articles may be found here: Archived Articles
Sunday School - it's not just for kids anymore!
People sometimes ask, "Just why should I come to Sunday School? I don't have children to bring and besides, I can study my Bible at home." Truth is, there are several reasons for everyone, regardless of age to be a part of a Sunday School class.
First, it is true that you can study the Bible at home, but do you? And if you do, do you understand everything you read? We have gifted Bible teachers who bless us each week with their knowledge and passion for God's word. Maybe you can even share what God has shown you in your study at home.
Second, the best way to meet people and build relationships is through Sunday School. Statistics show that those who are not involved in Sunday School are five times more likely to leave the church than those who are involved. If you are serious about being a part of Tucker Swamp Baptist Church, it is imperative you become a part of Sunday School too.
Third, Sunday School provides everyone with a terrific opportunity to be involved in ministry to others. If you really want to make a real difference in other people's lives, there is no better way than with your friends in Sunday School.
November is Join Sunday School Month. If you are not already enrolled in a class, we encourage you to become involved now. You will never regret opening the door of possibilities. Just come in any door between 9:30 and 9:45 and a greeter will be more than happy take you to a class that fits your needs best.
Casting Your Vision
In a recent survey, evangelistic, growing churches said there was one planned program that was instrumental in reaching and keeping new people. Without exception, churches of all sizes ranked this revolutionary program just behind Evangelistic Preaching and Prayer as the main reason their church was growing. What is this innovative, ground-breaking program? Sunday School! That's right, Sunday School- our small group Bible Study classes! According to Effective Evangelistic Churches by Thom Rainer, 70% of churches similar to Tucker Swamp in size, with an average attendance of 300-499, said Sunday School was a "Contributing or Main Factor" to their churches evangelistic effectiveness, 29.4% said it was somewhat a factor, and only .6% said it was not a factor. No matter what other programs they were using, or had tried previously, they all agreed that small group Bible Study was still by far the most effective way of reaching and ministering to people in their community.
Do you have a passion for evangelism? How about a vision for the Sunday School ministry at Tucker Swamp? If so, I would like to invite you to be a part of our Sunday School care group leaders, and prayer warriors. Right now, you can be an "active" member of a Sunday School class. Remember:
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 20:18
Do you know how to study your Bible?
There's an old saying, usually attributed to Confucius that goes something like "Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you've fed him for a lifetime." There's an important life lesson in that simple statement. We have many opportunities to hear God's word from gifted and exceptional teachers but we can never be complete disciples until we learn to study God's word for ourselves. Come and join us in the Sanctuary on Wednesday nights. Come learn how to feed on God's word for your lifetime.
Do you attend Sunday School?
If not, then why not? Sunday mornings here at TSBC are great for making new relationships but, more importantly, it's the perfect time to learn what the Bible has to say about your life. People, just like you, learn from teachers who have studied the scriptures, some of the following:
- Why you were born
- What your purpose in life is, according to God's plan
- What happens when you die
These and many other subjects are a part of the discussions that are happening every Sunday morning in our classes. We have preschool classes that teach our young children songs that help them learn who God is and what His Love means to them. We have classes for our children and young adults to help them know God in a personal way.