Pastor Bill's Bits
A young new minister fresh from Bible College wanted everybody in the new town where he was preaching to be baptized. One day he was walking through a section in town and spotted a homeless man sitting in an alley. He strolled up to the man and asked him if he knew Jesus. The man informed him that he did not. The minister asked him if he wanted to be baptized and the man said, "Sure, why not?"
So the two men went down to the river and the minister proceeded with the baptism. He put the man under and after bringing him up the minister said, "Did you see Jesus?" The man said, "No sir, I didn't." The preacher figured he had done something wrong so he repeated the process and again asked him, "Did you see Jesus?" The man responded the same way, "No sir, I didn't." Finally the preacher tried once more this time holding the man under the water longer, in hopes this time it would take effect. After bringing the man out of the water he asked again, "Did you see Jesus? This time the man said, as he was gasping for air, "No!! Are you sure this is where He fell in?"
How many times do we wonder why people around us don't see Jesus? Could it be we have them looking in the wrong place? Do we point them to some action like baptism or to some flawed object such as the church? Or do we expect them to see Jesus in our own imperfect lives? Could it be that those in search are examining our lives to see if He has "fallen in?"
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.