Do You Need to be Encouraged? 2

I had a sad occurrence yesterday. I learned that First Baptist in Milton, Ma is folding their tent. After so many years of labor - they made the very difficult choice to close their ministry.

It unfortunately a sign of the slow death of our Baptist heritage here in Boston - Milton. What could have been done - is only second guessing the the hearts and mind of the congregation. I hope that they will go to another Baptist church here in the area. Mattapan Baptist here in Milton came to a similar situation 12 years ago. By the grace of God, they were able to keep their congregation from further deterioration. I wish the best for this congregation - memories will linger -memories of weddings, funerals, baptisms, and of course the great times of fellowship.

Do You Need To Be Encouraged?

Baptist churches - New England
I was reminded again today [Sat] of the heritage that Baptist have here in New England. This in spite of the encroaching lack of a biblically based theology concerning the local church, etc. There remains churches that have ministered here for the last 150 years. Modern day members have read the history of their church when it blossomed with converts and members. Now they watch their church enter a survival mode of activities. I still believe that when a church is functioning in a simple and biblical mode, people will be reached for Christ and the believers will mature. Our communities are full of people who have been hurt by church members and pastors. they also need to be reached. There are certain steps a body of believers can do and once again see their church become effective for the Lord.
I'll introduce some basic ideas in future posts.

Graduation - Class 2009

when I see the results of the hours of preparation, lecturing, an counseling the students that enter the class room - It is well worth the effort. they risen to the task that God has laid out for them. Years of study to be the best they can be for the Lord. Many are here because someone prayed for them. The world that they step into if far different than the one I entered many years ago. Yet, they will be able to handle it - because they are of this generation. As was stated last night - some will "crash and burn", other will "set themseves on fire" for the work of the Lord. May they not be of the first group.

Richard Baxter

Found this great quote on Puritan at Heart
"He is not drowning His sheep when He washeth them, nor killing them when He is shearing them. But by this He showeth that they are His own; and the newborn sheep do most visibly bear His name or mark, when it is almost worn out and scarce discernible on them that have the longest fleece."

---Richard Baxter

Bunyan and Jerusalem

Daily Quote - John Bunyan

Written by Jean Cauvin

25 April 2009 13:58

In a word, Jerusalem was now become the shambles, the very slaughter-shop for saints ...wherein the prophets, Christ and his people were most horribly persecuted and murdered...This is the city and these are the people; this is their character and these are their sins. I will now show you what it is to preach the gospel to them: [to announce] repentance and remission of sins in Christ's Name.. to bid them to repent and believe the gospel [Luke 24:47; Mark 1:15]. Christ would have Jerusalem have the first offer of the gospel. Not because they had any more right than any of the nations of the world, [but to manifest] his mere grace... compassion... and mercy [to those] in the most deplorable condition of any people under the heavens. ---John Bunyan http://www.apuritanatheart.com/puritanism