I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12
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The
Lamplighter
February, 2012
“Greater LOVE has no one than this,
that he lay down his LIFE for his friends. “
John 15:13
We’re embarking on an adventure
Dear church family,
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have you ever gone on an adventure?
Were you excited? scared? both?
Adventures are
like that.
They elicit both kinds of emotions.
Our church is embarking on an adventure.
We are partnering with our brother Phil Meekins in starting a new
church. The church is called
New Beginnings Christian Fellowship.
We are both excited and a little scared.
It is exciting to plant a new church, reaching new people in a
new part of our community.
It can also be a little scary to step out on faith into places you have
not been before. It makes me
think of Matthew 14 where Peter sees Jesus walking on the water towards
his boat. Peter called out,
“Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.”
So Jesus said, “Come”.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and
came toward Jesus. If the
story ended there we would all say what a splendid adventure by Peter,
he must really be a man of great faith.
But at that very moment Matthew says Peter saw the wind, began to
be afraid, and started to sink.
But then Peter did the very best thing he could have done, he
cried out, “Lord, save me.”
Of course Jesus reached right out and saved him, but he added a little
rebuke “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
I wonder how our faith venture will go.
Will we “walk on water,” sink, need to be rescued and rebuked?
I don’t know for sure, but I know we must take these steps of
faith. If we begin to fear
let’s just cry out to Jesus.
I believe both churches are going to be blessed of God.
I shared this information with the Susquehanna Baptist
Association at the Executive Board meeting today (1/24/12) and they
voted to support this new church plant with $5,000 a year>
Imagine. God is so
good.
Several of our church families are cooperating with Pastor
Phil Meekins with their presence and support.
We want it to be an amicable relationship, full of good will.
I told Phil we are trying hard to find the right people to
replace him here at First Baptist Church of North East, but it will
probably take about 10 persons to fill all the jobs he was doing!
Starting a church may be the most challenging venture of
faith our church has ever attempted.
But if God is for us who can be against us?!
In our business meeting February 8 we will vote on a statement
voicing our desire to cooperate together with Rev. Phil Meekins in the
church plant. I want to
encourage all of you to please set aside a day for prayer and fasting
about this important decision.
Adventures can be exciting and scary, but when we are together
and God is on our side nothing can stand in our way.
In Christ,
Dr. Stephen D. Hokuf
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Have you noticed scruffy faces?
Have
you noticed the scruffy faces on some of our men?
It must be that time of year when the men in our church get ready
to perform in our production The Re-enactment of The Lord’s Last
Supper. This has become
an annual event and no man ever taking part has regretted it.
It is a wonderful witnessing tool watching the Scripture come
alive on stage.
Every year we look for men that are committed to learning a
few lines and attending our scheduled rehearsals, usually held on
Sundays after the 11 am worship service.
If you feel challenged to join us this year please let me know
as soon as possible. God is
always looking for a “few good men” (So am I).
Jesus said, “Go ye into the world and preach the gospel” (even
if it’s a drama on stage).
In Christ’s service,
Patricia Adkins
Call 443 945-5958
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Pills
I
destroy homes, tear families apart,
take your children, and that’s just the start.
I’m more costly than diamonds, more costly than gold, the sorrow
I bring is a sight to behold.
And, if you need me, remember I’m easily found.
I live all around you in schools and in town.
I live with the rich.
I live with the poor. I live
down the street and maybe next door.
My power is awesome, try me you’ll see; but, if you do you may
never break free. Just try
me once, I might let you go; but, try me twice and I’ll own your soul.
When I possess you, you’ll steal and you’ll lie.
You do what you have to just to get high.
The crimes you’ll commit for my narcotic charms will be worth the
pleasure you feel in your arms.
You’ll lie to your mother; you’ll steal from your Dad.
When you see their tears you should feel sad.
But you
will
forget your morals and how you were raised.
I’ll be your conscience; I’ll teach you my ways.
I take kids from their parents and parents from their kids.
I turn people from God and separate friends.
I’ll take everything from you—your looks and your pride.
I’ll be with you always right by your side.
You’ll give up everything—your family, your home, your friends,
your money and then you’ll be alone.
I’ll take and take till you have nothing more to give when I’m
finished with you, you’ll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned this is no game.
If given the chance I’ll drive you insane.
I’ll ravish your body.
I’ll control your mind.
I’ll own you completely; your soul will be mine--the nightmares
I’ll give you while lying in bed, the voices you’ll hear from inside of
your head, the sweats, the shakes and the visions you’ll see.
I want you to know these are all gifts from me.
But then it’s too late and you’ll know in your heart that you are
mine and we shall not part.
You’ll regret that you tried me.
They always do but you came to me not I to you.
You knew this would happen many times were you told but you
challenged my power and chose to be bold.
You could of said no, and just walked away.
If you could live that day over now what would you say?
I will be your master, you will be my slave.
I’ll even go with you when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me what will you do?
Will you try me or not?
It’s all up to you. I
can bring you more misery than words can tell.
Come take my hand.
Let me lead you to hell! . . . your choice not mine.
(anonymous)
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