This week is a special week, due to the emphasis in our services with Dr. Bailey Smith. One of the greatest events of our church history, some would say, was a crusade meeting with Dr. Smith over 20 years ago where more than 200 people came to faith and were baptized. God used Dr. Smith greatly through his preaching and heart for the lost. My prayer is that we can experience a fresh touch in many ways. It is important to be reminded how precious and valuable our salvation is – and that it is a true gift of grace, not of our goodness. It is a powerful thing to be reminded of the lost and the hopelessness of those without Christ, and the great and ever-pressing need to reach people for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God. If we aren’t concerned about the mission of winning our city for Christ, we cannot truly have a vision for reaching the world!
    Our meeting continues in the daytime on Monday and Tuesday, ending Wednesday evening. Dr. Bill Anderson and Dr. Jimmy Draper will be preaching during those times. Can you find any men more faithful than these? I love each of them and have the greatest respect for them and their preaching ministries. I’m getting refreshed just thinking about their ministry! You just don’t want to miss next week.
     Vacation Bible School and Student Ministry Camps are quickly approaching.  These are vital times of reaching families, friends, and acquaintances for Christ. Let’s not miss the opportunities before us in the days ahead!    I believe, more than ever, that we are in the last days and the groundwork is being laid daily for “the end.” How can we not see those signs? It may not be tomorrow, but it won’t be long – and I want to make sure we’re doing all we can to reach people for Christ. Be sure you ask God for “miracle moments” and share Christ with all who will listen. 
     Next week I begin a new message series from James 5. The last part of James deals with prayer – but not just any prayer. James demonstrates passionate, fervent, God-believing prayer that radically affects people and even nature! I’m calling this series, “Desperation: A Call to Prayer.” May we be desperate people, a church desperate for God to work in our lives.

Comments

[Tommy Christopherson]

I am truly grateful for Dr. Bailey Smith's heart to share about the wheat and the tares. You see, I was deceived about my salvation for almost 40 years. What a privilege to know Him after all this time. How amazing His mercy to pursue me for lo, these 40 years. His mercy truly does endure forever!

[Kelly Siedell]

I, too, as well as my husband and his cousin were all thinking we were saved. When we heard Dr. Smith preach the wheat and the tares in October of 2000, we learned what we'd been missing. Now we have the Blessed Assurance for real! God bless your church for having Dr. Smith!