On Wednesday evening, August 18th, Baptist Bible Fellowship International missionary to Wales, Ricky Owens, presented his report and preached in the service, sharing his concerns how the Islamic religion is beginning to dominate the culture in the United Kingdom. Add that to the plans of erecting a mosque within two blocks of ground zero in New York City and it becomes clear, at least to clear thinking people, that we are at risk.

By war infiltration and other means, Islam is seeking to make America and the entire world one big Islamic state, and they are advancing at an alarming rate! For one not to believe that this is true, would be like not believing Hitler led a gruesome holocaust in Europe in the early part of the 1900s, or not believing that the Roman Catholic Church carried out the crusades hundreds of years ago. We are not to be striving to be politically correct but Biblically courageous for the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are living in a day and age that demands faithfulness on the part of God’s people. First of all,  don’t apologize for being a Christian and believing as a Christian. Stand strong!  Years ago, a godly preacher was invited to speak at a social event where many prominent and influential people would be assembled. The event organizer cautioned him before coming that he would not want to use the name of Jesus in his message because there would be people in attendance of many “faiths.” The courageous man of God said in response. “If Jesus is not welcome there, neither am I.”

Secondly, do apologize for living like less than a Christian. Nothing hinders the cause of Christ quite like a Christian acting less than Christian and refusing to apologize for it. It takes courage to admit that we have sinned and to make things right with those around us.

Thirdly, never apologize for Christ and His gospel. Romans l:16a states “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…” This is the time for us to be courageous Christians.   May we seize the moment.

We must keep the faith strong. A primary way of doing that is by being consistent in our attendance of worship services and also by being faithful in our tithes and Faith Promise missions giving.   It is vital that we keep Godly Bible loving Gospel preaching missionaries on the field. Romans 10:14-15 declares “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Verse 17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

I will be looking for you this Lord’s Day as we gather together to sing, preach and praise the blessed Name of the Altogether Lovely One. our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May we be found faithful until He comes.

Your Pastor,
Bro. Payne

In Exodus 32:3-4, we read, “And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand. And fashioned it with a graving tool.”

During World War II. Eddie Rickenbacker, America’s most famous Army aviator in World War I, along with seven companions made a forced landing in the Pacific Ocean. There they experienced twenty-four days drifting in a lifeboat until they were rescued by a Navy plane. After his recovery from the ordeal, Rickenbacker said, “Let the moment come when nothing is left but life, and you will find that you do not hesitate over the fate of material possessions.” Rickenbacker understood that at such a time, one is concerned about the fate of something more precious than material goods and life itself.

The children of Israel needed to learn the same lesson—the lesson that possessions are to be used for God and not wasted on self. God had allowed the children of Israel to spoil Egypt. They were to take the gold for the purpose of building the temple in the Promised Land. These items of gold were sanctified to build the worship house of God, but they used them for evil. Anything can become an idol. Whether it is money, a certain possession, your children, or your time. anything that takes priority over God is an idol.

God does not bless you so that you can consume the blessing upon yourself. He has blessed you so that you may bless Him with what you have! God’s blessing is an opportunity for you to glorify Him!
How are you using the things God has given you? Are you wasting His blessings on your
life? Have they come between you and God? Keep God first in your life, and He will bless you. Remember as you go about your day that honoring God with what you have and having an intimate relationship with Him is more precious than all the possessions in the world!

I am looking forward to seeing you this Lord’s Day, as we come together to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, bringing His tithes and our offerings into the storehouse, believing that God will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing upon us that we will not be able to contain it.

With a pastor’s love,

Bro. Payne

As we approach the 4th of July, I’m reminded of the many exciting and beautiful fireworks  displays  of the past. The city of Cleburne always gives a dramatic display of fireworks. The people who gather watch with wide-open eyes. The children often cover their ears when the firecrackers are too loud. As I write this, I can see in my mind, the elaborate colors and exhilarating sounds. There is a concentration of “ooh’s” and “ah’s” as a great time is enjoyed by all.

But after a while, it is all over. The fireworks cease. The last Roman candle is shot into the air; the last sparkler has made its beautiful color. The last firecracker has sounded off, and the last glowing ember has turned black, as the field becomes dark and all the people  walk away. Now it is finished. We saw it for just a few moments. Thank God there are some things that do not fade away. There are those things that abide forever.

God’s eternal word stands. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” The Bible endures. It is God’s message to man. It speaks with authority and has the answers to all life’s concerns.

God’s New Testament church also stands. For this age, for this time until Jesus comes again, the New Testament church will abide. I don’t care what, the atheists or the skeptics say, the New Testament church will abide until Jesus comes. Persecution may come, but the church will live. Liberalism may invade, but the church will live. Indifference may claim many, but the church lives. Sin may lay hold on many, but the church lives. Satan will fight and deceive, but the church lives. The New Testament church will stand. It will live.

God’s unchanging purpose stands. The purpose of God is to redeem man, to take out a people for His name      (Acts 15:14). We have been called and commissioned for God’s great purpose. Jesus said, “…as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” We are God’s messengers to proclaim the message of everlasting life through Jesus Christ, the  blessed Son of God.

Do you know Him as your Saviour? Can you say, “He is mine”? Have you accepted Him but turned away from following Him? I want to be involved and center my life on things that will not change and will never fade away. As we gather together Sunday to worship our Lord and to give of the first fruits of our labor, may it be done with a cheerful heart as we are taught in II Corinthians 9:6-7, “But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

With a pastor’s love,

Brother Payne

This is an exciting part of the summer as we prepare to leave for Southland Christian Camp in Ringgold, Louisiana on July 26th . We have a good group going and we are looking forward to a wonderful time of Christian fellowship and fun.

In I Timothy 4:12, the Apostle Paul, while writing to young Timothy, exhorted the young pastor to “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity…” Even as a young person, it is important to live a godly life as an example to others. Paul named several areas of life in which we are to be good examples. “In word” implies that our speech should always be honest and loving.

“In conversation” means “walk,” not “talk,” suggesting that our lives are to be controlled by the Word of God. “In love” points to the motivation of our lives. We do not obey God to receive the approval of men but because we love God and love God’s people.   “In spirit” describes the inner enthusiasm and excitement of a child of God. “In faith” implies that we trust God and are faithful to Him. Faith and love often go together. A strong faith will enable us to have a love for God and His people. “In purity” is important as we live in this present evil world.   Ephesus was a center for sexual impurity and the young Timothy was faced with temptations.  It was important for him as well as all of us, young and old, to keep ourselves pure in mind, heart and body. Let me encourage all our young people to take heed to the advice the Apostle Paul gave to Timothy. May God help you to live godly lives as living examples of what a young Christian should be.

We are praying for good results for our Summer Bible Time as we follow up on those children who are without a church home. It is so important that we build on the work of the Holy Spririt that was begun in their young lives during our Summer Bible Time.

I will look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we come together, trusting God for a wonderful day, and as we bring our tithes and offerings unto God.  Proverbs 3:9-10 says “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty and thy presses shall burst with new wine.”

With a pastor’s love,

Brother Payne

I would like to express my most sincere gratitude for the wonderful day last Sunday as we celebrated our 33rd anniversary as the pastor of this great church.   I greatly appreciate the gifts, cards, prayers and all expressions of kindness that our members so freely gave to my family and me.

As I reflect on the past 33 years, I can truly say “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” Philippians 1:3.

As Paul awaited his trial in Rome, his mind goes back to the believers in Philippi, and every recollection he had brought him joy. Paul remembered the Philippian jailer who found the Lord, he recalled Lydia and her household, the poor slave girl who had been demon possessed, and the other dear Christians at Philippi, and each recollection was a source of joy. It is possible that Philippians 1:5 is talking about their fellowship with Paul, a topic he picks up again in Philippians chapter 4.  But, we will not go astray if we apply these verses to the work of salvation and Christian living. Salvation is the good work God does in us when we trust His Son. Salvation includes a threefold work:

(1) the work God does for us—salvation;
(2) the work God does in us—sanctification;
(3) the work God does through us—service.

This work will continue until we see Christ, and then the work will be fulfilled. “We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (I John 3:2). It was a source of joy to Paul to know that God was still working in the lives of his fellow-believers. After all, this is the real basis for joyful Christian fellowship, to have God at work in our lives day by day.

I trust you are making plans now on being present Sunday as we will be honoring all moms in both morning services. As we come together, let us trust God that He will pour His manifold blessings upon His people. Let us bring His tithes and our offerings unto God as  Proverbs 3:9-10 says “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty and thy presses shall burst with new wine.”

With a pastor’s love,

Bro. Payne

One of the great “faith” chapters to be found in the Word of God is Hebrews chapter 11.

Verses one through three state: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

Living the Christian life without faith is like driving a car with no oil, washing clothes with no soap, or playing half-back in the Super Bowl with no helmet or pads. Without a life of biblical faith, many Christians struggle with discouragement, worry, fear, and hurt.

Having faith means trusting God even when we can’t logically figure out the outcome. It means not worrying about a problem or situation but giving it over to God and letting Him handle it.

We have become accustomed to trying to figure out the results before doing something. We like to test-drive a car, sample food, and try out new products before we buy them. There is nothing wrong with wanting to test something before we buy it, but we must not assume that thinking when it comes to faith. We must trust God with the results and choose to follow Him without knowing the outcome.

A person with faith also acts upon their faith. Anyone can believe that God is able to meet their needs or answer their prayers, but it takes true faith to act on the belief. It takes a person with real faith to say, “God, I may not understand why or how, but I know that you are in control, and I will keep on going even though I don’t see how you will provide.” True faith is not only willing to trust God, but is willing to step forward and continue serving Him as well.

Are you exhibiting true faith in your life today? Spend time with God now and commit to following Him in faith. Take the next step and trust Him for the outcome. You will never regret fully trusting God with your life.

Faith Promise Missions Giving is an excellent opportunity for each of us to put our faith to action. Faith is not true faith unless it translates into action. Begin praying now that God will reveal to you what He would have you do this year for world-wide missions. We will be receiving our Faith Promise commitment on Sunday, April 25th. It is my prayer that God will enable us to do more that we have ever done before.

The psalmist said “I was glad when they said unto me; let us go into the house of the Lord.” I hope to see you this Sunday as we gather to worship our risen Saviour, bringing His tithes and our offerings into the storehouse of God. “You ask me how I know He lives. He lives within my heart!”

With a pastor’s heart,

Bro. Payne

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:1
Living the Christian life without faith is like driving a car with no oil, washing clothes with no soap, or playing half-back in the Super Bowl with no helmet or pads. Without a life of biblical faith, many Christians struggle with discouragement, worry, fear and hurt. Having faith means trusting God even when we can’t logically figure out the outcome. It means not worrying about a problem or situation but giving it over to God and letting Him handle it. We have become accustomed to trying to figure out the results before doing something. We like to test drive a car, sample food, and try out new products before we buy them. There is nothing wrong with wanting to test something before we buy it, but we must not assume that thinking when it  comes to faith. We must trust God with the results and choose to follow Him without knowing the outcome.
A person with faith also acts upon their faith. Anyone can believe that God is able to meet their needs or answer their prayers, but it takes true faith to act on the belief. It takes a person with real faith to say, “God, I may not understand why or how, but I know that you are in control, and I will keep on going even though I don’t see how You will provide.” True faith is not only willing to trust God, but is willing to step forward and continue serving Him as well. Are you exhibiting true faith in your life today?

Spend time with God now and commit to following Him in faith. Take that next step and trust Him for the outcome. You will never regret fully trusting God with your life.
He promises, for example, to bless us in the area of our finances when we are faithful and obedient to His commission. Our Lord commissioned His Church to “go into all the world and preach the gospel.” We carry out His command by sending missionaries around the world to preach the gospel and win the lost. Our missionaries promise to go, as we promise to send. We call this our Faith Promise Missions Commitment. We commit ourselves and  our church to the financial support of our missionaries as they serve the Lord, literally around the world as representatives of our church, and ambassadors of Heaven. As we approach our Faith Promise Missions Conference, begin to pray that we will surpass all we’ve done in years past. I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we proclaim the powerful Name of Jesus and bring our tithes and offerings
to Him.

With a pastor’s love,

Bro. Payne

It would have been enough for God to tell us He loved us, yet His death on Calvary showed that love to us. As someone once said, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” John 3:16 reveals the very heart of God when it says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…” That is what Christianity is all about. God loved us so much that He gave.

In I John 4:9-10, the Bible says, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

A 36 year old mother was discovered to be in the advanced stages of terminal cancer.  One doctor advised her to spend her remaining days on vacation while a second physician offered her the hope of living two to four more years with the grueling side effects of radiation.

She penned the following words to her three small children. “I’ve chosen to try to survive for you. This has some horrible costs, including pain, loss of good humor, and moods I won’t be able to control, but I must try this, if only on the outside chance that I might love one minute longer. And that minute could be the one you might need me when no one else will do. For this I intend to struggle tooth and nail, so help me God.”

This woman endured painful treatments out of love for her children. Jesus gave so much more to offer us salvation. He proved His love when He endured a grueling death on Calvary for us.

When we love others, we will give to them. Whether it’s our time, our money, or ourselves, we will put their needs above our own. What have you done lately to manifest your love to others? Ask God to help you show your love today.

On Sunday, February 14th, we will celebrate Heart Sunday. We are encouraging everyone to put their whole heart into the church and the service of our Lord, by being present to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, and show our love for the One Who first loved us.

I will look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we come together trusting God for a wonderful day, and as we bring our tithes and offerings unto God. Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honour the Lord with thy substance and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

With a pastor’s love,

Bro. Payne