Pastor Bill's Bits
Can you believe it's November already? The time of year when we are supposed to take time out to reflect on the blessings of life and all God has provided for us. So how thankful are you? Was this a year when you really have to look hard for those reasons to give thanks or was it a year when your cup was so overflowing that you can't contain your gratitude?
In scripture, there is direct correlation between faith and thankfulness. We see how great demonstrations of faith bring a great sense of appreciation. It's because Noah demonstrated great faith in God's leading by building an ark for over 100 years that gave him such an opportunity to praise Him following the great flood. If Moses had not trusted God enough to cross the Red Sea, would Israel have been thankful for God's deliverance? Would Peter, James, and John have had their eyes opened to the wonderful blessings of following the Messiah if they had simply remained fishermen of fish?
So what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season? What has God blessed you with that you can't help but show your gratitude to Him for? Are you struggling to see what He has done for you? Maybe before we evaluate what He has done for us, we need to reflect on how we have demonstrated our trust and faith in Him. Maybe we need to make sure we are putting our faith in the only one who has the ability to truly bless us. Are the circumstances we find ourselves in simply opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and love to us? This Thanksgiving season let's remember His love and sacrifice for us and His continued blessings, but also ask ourselves how we can exhibit our faith in Him through what we say and do.
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.
