Weekly Words of Encouragement 12-15-09

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
Luke 19.10 was the text verse in Sunday evening’s sermon…afterward my youth minister and I began to discuss what “was” lost (not only the salvation of creation) in the fall of man. We came up with several points which would make a great sermon one day. However I was just thinking this morning on these thoughts. Mankind lost Friendship, Fellowship and a Future with God, all of which (and more) Jesus Christ (the Son of man) came to restore.
 Friendship – Jesus Christ said: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus Christ gave His life for His friends, which is His creation.
 Fellowship – This is different than friendship, fellowship is a sweet time when even words are not needed, but one just enjoying walking with the Lord. During the busy workday, the fast moving shopping sprees for last minute Christmas items – we can have fellowship with Christ. A time when He directs our steps and guides our way.
 Future – Everlasting life – Jesus Christ came to give back eternal life unto man. It was lost through disobedience in the Garden, but gained through the death, burial and resurrection in another garden outside Jerusalem.
All of this typifies what we should really be looking for this time of year – It is not what we can or have gained, but what Christ has given that makes this time so special. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. We lost more than life, yet the Lord came to restore each one, should we partake in the Heavenly gift.
It is all about giving. We see the example in what and how Christ gave. Therefore as our example in faith and practice we should consider the same. How special is it for us to give of our:
 Time – There will be someone today, that will need just a simple moment of your time. Maybe it will be an ear, a shoulder or just an understating heart, either way, this we can give.
We can give our
 Thoughts – Thoughtfulness goes a long way, from opening a door for someone, letting them in the lane on the highway, asking if someone needs help carrying bags to the car. We assume we have not the time, but when look past ourselves, thoughtfulness will overshadow the time we think we need.
Finally, this time of year it is good to give our:
 Testimony – There had to be a time in your life that you came to the realization of the separation from God. That is one of the things that was lost in the fall of man. At that moment the gift of salvation is made available through repentance and faith in the Jesus Christ our Lord; the mediator between man and Father. It is Christ that came to seek and to save…Your testimony of salvation can and will do more good to those around than you can ever imagine. Just someone hearing how your were saved…how you came to that moment in life when you knew you must pay the price for your sins, but a Savoir step in…Through prayer, confession to Christ, believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you were glorious saved. Share your testimony this Christmas time, it may be the best gift you have ever given…It will certainly be the best gift ever received.
I hope and pray you all have a wonderful day.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragement 12-8-09

Good Morning All,
One year ago today, my Dad and I were on a plane heading to Vietnam; 40 years to the day of him losing his right leg to a landmine. Today makes 41 years later. Who would have thought when a young man was shipped to a foreign land that he would come home over a year later changed, not only on the inside, but the outside as well?

No one really knows why the Lord allows what He does, nor do we know when He will bring life changing events our way. This we do know, that without faith, it is impossible to please Him. Believe it or not, life changing events occur on a daily basis; marriages, business growth/decline, pregnancies, salvation, new jobs, no job, the loss of a child, parent, family member or friend etc. All of these things occur in peoples life every day, every hour and every minute. We just do not see them as ‘life changing’ events because they are not directly changing our life, at least not at that moment. But time will have her toll, should the Lord allow, that day will come when our life will drastically change, whether it be an event, circumstance or blessing.

That is where ‘faith’ comes into play… The Bible defines ‘faith’ as the “the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11.1). Within each and every situation we enter into, we must remember two things: 1) the Lord has allowed this to happen 2) If the Lord brought us to this point, He will bring us through this point. Faith, my friend, has no boundaries, barriers or battles untested. It (faith) has stood the test of time, it has walked the narrow road and risen to victory.

Faith is not hope, but trust…Faith is a wish, but dependence…Faith is not thought, but knowing that whatever the outcome may be, as long as you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, one way of another it will work out; either to the benefit of yourself or others. Friend, faith will see you through.

Have a wonderful day.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragement 12-1-09

Good Morning all,
How many times yesterday did each one of us give the Lord thanks for our day? How often did we take time to ask the Lord for help, direction and guidance? Throughout our day, the Lord revealed Himself to us in great and mighty way as well as in little, seemingly insignificant manners.

In reality, it is the little things we should give thanks and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ each day. For blessings, as curses, are just as imperative when they are small as when they are large. Comparatively speaking, it is not the catastrophic events that enter a person’s life that causes them to utterly crumble, but rather it is the small…little sins and/or situations that continue in our life that hurt our homes and churches. It is the little things that go un-noticed in business that take root and finally devastated the company.

Blessings, under the same examination are just as effective. It is the little blessings in our lives that go unseen and unnoticed that have the greatest impact on our life and those around us. A blue sky, a full moon, a rising or setting sun, the dry roads to drive upon and a wet ground grow the crop…all of these things most people do not give a second thought; we carry on and just skip over the little things that make the day God provided. But the Bible tells us ‘in everything give thanks’, that means EVERYTHING, not just large things, but everything, not just the miraculous moments, but the common contributions as well.

As we begin to evaluate yesterday, November came to an end. Let us open the door of December, the final month of 2009, and not only give thanks for the blessings that cannot be avoided, but also to the ones that we usually take for granted. For therein are more gifts of grace at the Lord’s disposal; if we will be thankful for that which is before us now. “…The LORD is able to give thee much more than this. II Chronicles 25:9”.
There are many more blessings the Lord is able to give, amazing and wonderful, as well as quiet and plain blessings that when placed together, grants us the day the Lord has made for His creation.

Have a wonderful day.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 11-24-09

Good Day All,
I hope this finds you doing well and having a blessed day. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to offer just a few words today that may be helpful. The Apostle Paul said in: I Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. It is the will of God that we give thanks…in EVERYTHING.
I hear people complaining about work or about their children or spouse. The fact of the matter is, instead of complaining, we should rather give thanks. We should simply be thankful. Friends, we should be thankful we have a job; We should be thankful we have a family; We should be thankful we have those children.
Rather than complaining about the massive workload, we should give thanks to the Lord for many blessings of increasing our business.
Rather than complaining about the crazy schedule with our family, we should give thanks to the Lord for the great blessing of having a family.

Rather than complaining about and school and church activities for the children, we should rather give thanks to the Lord Who blessed us with a church to take to those activities.

The list could go on forever, but the fact of matter is, that it is the will of God that we give thanks, both for the blessings and the ‘blastings’ (I don’t think that is a word, but you get my point) of life. We are all in better shape today than we could be and we should simply give thanks to Lord Jesus Christ for who and what He has allowed in our life. This is the only time when we will have the chance to offer our thanks to the Lord for our job, family, and fellowship…One day they will be gone and we would have lost that time to give thanks to One Who gave them to us. Men, right now is the only time you have to be a husband…Ladies, right now is the only time you have to be a wife… Mothers and fathers, right now is the only time you have to be parents…One day it will be over with, today is the day the Lord has given us to be thankful.

So the next time you are tempted to complain about work, home or activities just bow your head, close your eyes and say “thank you Lord for the opportunity to fulfill your will…Amen”

Have a wonderful day dear friends and a happy Thanksgiving.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 11-17-09

Good Morning All,
It has been said you are either in a storm, coming out of storm or getting ready to go into a storm. The storms of life are what they are; “part of life.” It would be wonderful to ‘coast’ through life on calm waters without problems, but how would our faith grow? If one looks into the lives of the disciples, their issue was not that they did not see what Jesus Christ could do, but namely they had ‘seen’ so much that it became common place, therefore their faith was weak. When the storms rose, (such as the arrest of Jesus) many of them ran, most into the life they led before. They simply had a weakened faith and ran from the storm rather than trusting God in midst thereof.

It is a natural response for us to desire or to seek to get out of a storm. When that storm rolls in, we typically pray and ask God to ‘settle the seas’…yet He most often seeks to ‘strengthen the saint’. The Lord is not always interested in us getting out of the storms of life, but rather that we would get through them trusting Him. You see, it is during a storm when our faith is tested. Our faith is tried, to see what type of foundation it is built upon. If it is built upon sand, you will see that soul running, attempting to open another chapter of their life, when the one they are in is yet to be closed. If it is built upon the solid Rock, they will lock down and work through the storm until clear skies appear.

The apostle Paul was ship wrecked four times in his ministry, the last time was on the way to Rome, where he finally died for the name of Christ. In the midst of that storm, Paul simply trusted in the Words of God, that he must witness Christ in Rome. For that reason, the storm did not move him. Yes it was hard, sure it was painful, but eventually they landed upon an island called Melita, where the “barbarous people shewed us no little kindness”. (read Acts 27 and 28)

There is something to be said, in coming through the storm trusting Christ, usually on the other side, the Lord has prepared a fire to comfort you, food to feed you and friends to fellowship with you. All you have to do is come through the storm, trusting and resting in the words of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Maybe you are in a storm today…just maybe you see the clouds gathering before you…batten down your faith upon the foundation of the risen Savior, Jesus Christ and He was get you through to the other side, where a fire, food and fellowship await.

Have a wonderful day.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 11-10-09

Good ‘evening’ all,
Please accept my deepest apologies for the tardiness of the weekly words, in all honesty I was exhausted after Sunday and the Lord had not given my anything until late last night. However, I do believe in what needs to be conveyed now will be a blessing to you all, it has been for me.

What are the qualities of a leader? Confidence, charisma, character? Is being a leader left to attributes of having a following or successful numbers? I will have to admit that all of these things and much more have their place in a leader’s repertoire, but what would be the greatest quality of leader?
Notice what Jesus Christ says of His leadership:

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
It quite apparent that in order to have eternal life and never thirst again one must follow Christ, therefore He becomes a great leader through His gift to mankind. Nevertheless, the greatest quality of a leader is found in His fulfillment of the will of God, notice this verse: John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
A leader is not someone who dictates and rules…But a leader is someone who not only capable of leading but also following… The greatest quality of a leader in life is his or her ability to submit. It is the spirit of humility that makes a leader; it is not always what a leader says, but rather what the leader does in their submission to perform the task at hand. Jesus Christ was able to submit to the will of the Father even though He also said: I and my Father are one. John 10:30.
It is that quality that makes a leader; that even though He and the Father are One (in the eternal Godhead) Jesus Christ had the quality to humble Himself to the will of Father and come to this earth and pay a price He did not owe in order for us to live forever with Him.
Some of you may be struggling with you ability to lead those around you in the right direction…if so, it may mean that a spirit of humility is the answer. Surrender your will to the will of the Father and lead those around in the direction to bring glory to God.
Have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 11-2-09

Good Morning All,
Just a simple thought this morning that I hope and pray will be a blessing to each and every one of you. Have you ever considered the value of a friend? Solomon said in Proverbs:

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

We all have acquaintances…we all have colleagues or business associates… It is the friends in our life that will be there when the days go dim as well as when the days are delightful. Jesus Christ mentioned friends many times. It was friends that Jesus told the maniac of Gadara to go and tell what great things the Lord had done for him (Mark 5.19); Jesus Christ referred to His disciples as friends when He expounded the fear of God (Luke 12.4); In the parable of the lost sheep, when it is found the Lord says the man called his friends to rejoice (Luke 15.6-9); Likewise with the prodigal son (Luke 15.29).

But perhaps that greatest illustration our Lord has given us concerning friendship was Himself as prophesized in John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. We know that Jesus Christ laid His life down for us, He gave it willingly. That’s is the value of a friend, one who will sacrifice their time, effort, money and manpower for the one they call ‘friend’.

But how can we have a friend today?

The best way to have a friend is to be a friend. Jesus Christ gave us a beautiful example of friendship – He laid down his life. Sometimes in being friend, we will just have to lay ourselves down, prefer others and esteem them better than ourselves. Sure it may cost you, but remember, you are investing in the value of a friend.

An English publication offered a prize for the best definition of a friend, and among the thousands of answers received were the following:
"One who multiplies joys, divides grief."
"One who understands our silence."
"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."
"A watch which beats true for all time and never runs down."
But here is the definition that won the prize: "A friend—the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."

Now, is there any cost that is too high when investing in the value of a friend?

Have a wonderful day.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 10-26-09

Good Morning All,
Isaiah 50:10, "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light?" Great Christians are made by great trials. Pain, sorrow and failure are what produce men and women of God. Those with the greatest dreams are often the ones who receive the greatest trials. Eternal lessons seem to require hard places. As Scripture declares, the way we are made "perfect," or whole or complete, is by suffering ourselves from sin and self (Hebrews 2:10). First, God must take away all our external and internal supports other than Himself, then He can strengthen our inner man, enabling us to experience His fullness – that fullness of Himself we so desperately long for.

Inside every soul is a desire to be complete… It is what drives men and women to marriage and then to have a family. Yet many times, we wonder through life with the feeling of incompleteness, even emptiness at times. Why is this? Many times is because we have actually avoided the trials the Lord has allowed our way. It is not that the Lord seeks to hurt us, but rather the opposite, He seeks to love us and to bring us closer to Himself.

As we heard yesterday about the tabernacle – the main reason for it’s construction was so that God could dwell among His people. This is important to Him and it should be important to us, but it is impossible to be close to God when we have sin and/or selfishness in our life. I am not speaking about a need for sinless perfection, that will not be achieved until the Rapture of the Church.

So what are we to do today? It places us in a position to trust in and lean on the Lord in the times of darkness… In the days of trials we are lean on the Lord. I cannot tell you why people get sick, why families break up or why injuries occur other than being part of living in a depraved sinful world. Nevertheless, many of the things we go through, are actually for our benefit – it is a caring effort to bring us closer to Christ.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" I Peter 1:7

In all that is said and done, we know our faith can and will bring glory to God as well as ourselves closer to the Him. I hope and pray this is a blessing to you all and that this day you are closer to our Lord and Savior than the day before.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 9-27-09

Good Morning All,
Ever get up in the morning and feel like going back to bed…and just sleeping the day away? The fact of the matter is many people have those kind of days, every day. But there is hope and there is a reason we have each day to live. Remember, this is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Even though today may feel like it is just another day, everything you do today will have an effect on those around you as well as those that follow you (Romans 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.). The choices we make today, will not carry throughout our life, but also throughout the lives of those around us. I remember a story about a doctor who made a similar choice one night:

In a remote district of Wales a baby boy lay dangerously ill. The widowed mother walked five miles in the night and through drenching rain to get a doctor. The doctor hesitated about making the trip. “Would it pay?” he questioned. He would receive no money, and, besides, if the child’s life were saved, he would, no doubt, become only a poor laborer. But love for humanity and professional duty conquered, and the little life was saved. Years after, when this same child—Lloyd George—became Prime Minister of England, the doctor said: “I never dreamed that in saving the life of that child on the farm hearth, I was saving the life of the greatest man in Wales.”

Approach today, in a way to seek out to be a blessing to someone in your life. If each one of us would look at trying to be blessing to someone else, think about how things would change. Just maybe, the person you reach today, may reach a thousand tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 9-21-09

Good Morning All,
I trust you all had a good weekend.

Most people in modern day society are dealing with issues that are unseen by the outside world. There are souls that deal with drunkenness, smoking, profanity, pornography, wandering eyes, angry thoughts (and words at times) etc. While others are dealing with depressions and discouragement in simply dealing with this present world. I am convinced, what Satan could not accomplish in America through problems and poverty, he is succeeding through promotion and prosperity. Many are so caught up with striving for personal goals or attaining the promise of gold they forget about Who and What the Lord is…namely what He did for them. Again, I say that many people are dealing with issues that are unseen by man’s eyes, but remember “…the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”(1 Samuel 16:7). The Lord knows your situation, He knows your joy and He knows your struggles. We must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices and understand that if he can keep you discouraged, depressed and just simply down and out then to him it is accepted as a victory.

We need to be awakened to that fact and understand, that no one is too good that they need not be saved, nor is anyone ever too bad that they cannot be saved. Yesterday, I closed the morning sermon with a story of man in Wales and would like to share it with you today. It may be lengthy, but I ask you to read on and share it with others, it will by all means touch your heart.

Years ago, in a little Welsh mining town, there was an evangelist whose name was Henry Moorehouse. Henry Moorehouse preached primarily the love of God, and his text was John 3:16. Everywhere he went, he preached John 3:16.

There was a man in that little Welsh mining town who was a drunkard, a brawler, a profane and ungodly man. A gambler who consorted with prostitutes, who abused and had beaten his wife and children. His name was Ike Miller. When Ike Miller heard that Henry Moorehouse was there, holding revival, Ike Miller said, "If that preacher, preaches tonight in this town, I'm going to come to that meeting and I'm going to pistol whip him out of town".
The people knew Ike Miller, and they said to Henry Moorehouse, "Brother Moorehouse, don't preach tonight, go somewhere else, don't let this man abuse you this way." Henry Moorehouse said, " No, I'll be there tonight, and I'll trust God to take care of me, but I'll preach." That night the little church was full, when this man of God stood up, and entered the pulpit, and everybody heard the back door slam. In walked this hulk of a man, with a pistol in his hand. He sat down and folded his arms, and looked at the preacher as if to say, "You do your stuff, and then I'm going to do mine."
Henry Moorehouse began to preach. He took his text from John 3:16, and he preached: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." He poured his heart out and he preached the love of God. At the close of the service, this hulk of man stood up, and everybody said, " Oh no, it's about to start." But rather than coming forward after the preacher, he turned around and went out the door, slamming the door behind him. And he began to walk down the street of that little mining town. The girls from the upper window said, "Come on, Ike, let's have a good time!" But he paid no mind. Some of the men in the Saloon said, " Hey, Ike, come in, let's have a drink!" He gave them no attention. He went down the main street of that little town, till he came to a little side street, and he turned down that dusty side street, till he came to a little weather boarded shack. With his fist, he through the door open of that shack. Inside was his wife, who had been beaten and abused so many times, and little children.
When the little children saw their father come home, they thought he had come home in a drunken stupor. And the little children, like squirrels, scurried under the bed. His wife spread her skirt out, backed up, to hide the children, under the bed. He looked at her and said, "Woman, you don't have to be afraid, get the kids out from under the bed, and we're going to pray." She said, "What?" He said, "You heard me woman, get the kids! we're going to pray!" So she got the kids out, and Ike Miller kneeled down by the bed, and he tried to pray. He didn't know how to pray. He said, " Oh, God!" But no prayer came. "Lord!" but no prayer came. Then he remembered a prayer, that his mother had taught him, when he was a little boy. This is what he prayed:"Gentle Jesus, Meek and MildLook upon a little childForgive my simplicityAnd suffer me to come to thee"And Ike Miller was saved. He's the one who recorded this story that we can share.
Do you know what it was that changed Ike Miller's life? People came to Henry Moorehouse and said, "Why didn't you preach the wrath of God! Why didn't you scold him! Why didn't you preach against sin! He said, "Because that man needed love. He needed the love of Jesus."
Friends that's what our world needs. The God that saved Ike Miller, is the God that either saved or will save you today. Your life style may not have been the life style of Ike Miller, but, there's nobody so good they don't need to be saved, and nobody so bad they cannot be saved, if they trust Jesus.Would you pray? No issue is so good or so bad that the Lord cannot or will not answer… just a simple and humbly pray a little prayer; placing your faith and trust in the risen Savior this day…"Gentle Jesus, Meek and MildLook upon a little childForgive my simplicityAnd suffer me to come to thee"

Have a wonderful day and thank you for reading… You are all in my prayers today.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 9-14-09

Good Morning all,
I hope and pray you all had a safe and blessed weekend… We did for sure as we had our 9th annual Old Paths Preachers Meeting the 11th-13th, what a blessing !!!

My thoughts today come from one of the sermons preached by Pastor Danny Farley, concerning Enoch, who ‘walked with God’ (Genesis 5.22 & 24). A quick study will find that the days of Enoch overlapped with the days of Noah. In these days the people ate, drank and rose up to play, they married and were given in marriage. Genesis 6 tells us that the imaginations of the people were continually evil. It was a time of complete iniquity (lawlessness) where mankind did that which was right in their own eyes; whatever felt good they did. The time was ruled by adultery, fornication, murder, deceit, robbery, sensuality etc. Yet in all this, Enoch walked with God!

Fast forward 4000 years and we have today’s society… Not too unlike it was in the days of Enoch, Noah and later even Lot. Mankind today lives by the rule of what seems right in their own eyes, they dictate to others what will benefit them the greatest. Adultery, fornication, thievery, sensuality deceit and murder reign in the world today and sad enough to say even in many churches. To get a good idea of the imaginations of mankind today, just look at the latest CD and box office sales; it will not take long to understand that mankind imaginations are simply evil continually.

Yet in all this, we can still walk with God! Enoch has been given unto us as an example, of how we are to live. He did not camouflage himself to be as the world, nor did he put a ‘moral slant’ on an immoral activity… He just walked with God. We can, even in the insanity of today’s world, walk with God…we can today even when the everything and everyone around us is going the way of Cain, walk with God. In doing so, God will honor it and bless us. We just need to remember that Enoch was in the world, but truly not of the world….for he walked with God!

Have a wonderful day!


Today in History:
1716 – Boston Light, the first lighthouse in America, in kindled for the first time.
1814 – Francis Scott Key writes “The Star Spangled Banner” after watching the British bombard Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812.
1847 – U.S. forces, including Marines, capture Mexico City and raise the flag over the “halls of Montezuma.”

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 9-7-09

Good Morning All,
In 1991 I was involved in a motor vehicle accident that changed four lives forever. Personally I suffered injuries that should have ended my college football career (thankfully it did not), the driver and other passenger in the car I was in were much worse than I. Ironically, the drunken driver who was traveling south in the north bound lane hitting us head-on experienced the least. It was by all means an event that not only changed my life, but nearly ended it. I still look back today, thinking about better decisions that could have been made that night to avoid the location of the accident or the incident all together. Many sleepless nights have occurred wishing we would have just taken another route. But we did not, and the product of that night has left two men with a painful gait and two others with brain damage. Each one of our lives could have been have lost that night, each one of our lives changed, but each one of us lost something, some more than others. It is amazing to think how quick a life can be changed by just one bad or good decision…

As I look back at the fateful night, I see a group of individuals that lost peace of mind. As you may know peace is one of the fruit of the Spirit, as located in Galatians 5.22-23. They are the product of the having the Holy Spirit of God in your life, which is a product of surrendering to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and believing on Him for eternal life. Events occur in people’s life that change everything: a child is born, a love one dies, a car accident or a soul is saved. These are all things that have mighty and long lasting effects on people’s lives; some good and some bad. It is hard for me to remove the images of that night from my mind, but there must be peace in all of this.

Where can one go to find the peace to survive the haunting images of our life or the trouble past that creeps up on us in the middle of the night or the day to day battles of living in a depraved world? We can go to the One that saved us…to the One that knows us, but we must know Him. The Lord Jesus Christ is called the good Shepherd, making those who are saved and born again His sheep. Read on:
John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.
Peace can be found in a five point review of the relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep…It is a:
1. Personal Relationship: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them”. What a comfort to have a relationship with the Creator of all things that is personal, He knows who His sheep are.
2. Permanent Relationship: “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish”. We can lose everything and anything here on earth; relationships, friendships, family…but the relationship the Shepherd has with His sheep is permanent and cannot be taken away.
3. Protected Relationship: “neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”. This relationship is protected by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Shepherd.
4. Promising Relationship: “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all”. The Father made a promise when He gave us Jesus Christ a promise that will not be removed.
5. Perfected Relationship: “I and my Father are one.”. As Jesus Christ is one with the Father, we too are one with Him, the good Shepherd Who knows His sheep and they know Him.
So with all that said, we have all had things happen to us in life, some things were so tragic that we possess a constant reminder everyday…other things are mere moments that have an effect, but only in episodes. Where can we find peace, joy, love and longsuffering? In the Shepherd, in the One that will never change…in the One that is always there for us and protects us, even when we make bad decisions.
So, today, think on these things when your mind wonders back to an event that cost you something; think on the fact that there is a Shepherd this morning that knows His sheep, no matter where they may be, what they are doing or where they may going. Just make sure you are His sheep (Jesus Christ said just one verse before the above passage: 26 “But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep…”).
If you find that you are not His sheep today, with a repenting heart believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. If you do this, reply back so that I may rejoice with you or if you have further questions concerning the relationship with the sheep and the Shepherd and eternal life.

Today in History:1896 – At the Rhode Island State Fair in Cranston, A.H. Whiting wins the first car race ever held on a racetrack in the U.S.
1899 – In Newport, Rhode Island, 19 cars decorated with flowers and flags participate in the first automobile parade in the U.S.
1927 – Philo T, Farnsworth transmits the first image sent by electronic television.
1963 – The Pro Football Hall of Fame is dedicated in Canton, Ohio.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 8-31-09

Good Morning Everyone,
I do hope and pray that you had a safe and blessed weekend, just a quick thought this morning on the topic of debt. The three most comforting words in a person’s life has to be ‘paid in full’. Whether it is a home, car or student loan, when one hears the debt has been paid in full, there is a comfort that resides through the entire body. Even more, we have assurance in the what that occurs after our life on earth is finished by the same words, ‘paid in full’.

Assurance that our sin debt has been paid in full is what gives us comfort (Colossians 2.2), confidence (I John 3.19-21), joy (I John 1.4) and the ability to overcome the world (I John 4.4-5). We are assured the sin debt we all have (Romans 3.10, 23) is paid in full by the One Who lived, died and yet lives evermore…The Lord Jesus Christ. But what I really want you to think about is those three little words: “paid in full”. Full means occupied, complete or packed, meaning there is no more room, nothing else to do and nothing more needed. Just like when you pay your home off, once that last payment is finished, you owe no more on the house (of course taxes are a different story J). Seeing that all have sinned (everyone has lied, stolen, etc. at least once in their life, the amount or size of either is irrelevant), yet that price or the debt that we owe for sins rendered, was paid in full by the One Who knew no sin…yet became sin for us… When I think on those things, sometimes I can only say: “Wow, Christ did that for me? Who am I to deserve such a gift?” That is when I remember the greatest aspect of those three little words, ‘paid in full’: “I don’t deserve the gift, I never have deserved the gift and never will deserve the gift, but He paid the debt anyway!” That my friends is grace this morning, receiving your sin debt to be paid in full, even if and when you do not deserve it to be.

Sometime today, look up in your Bible Romans 5.8, Romans 6.23 and Luke 13.3. Have a wonderful day.

Today in History
1842 – Congress establishes the U.S. Naval observatory, one of the nations scientific agencies;
1886 – An earthquake centered near Charleston, South Carolina, destroys much of the city, kills scores of people and is felt in distant places such as Boston and Chicago;
1920 – Station 8MK (later WWJ) in Detroit broadcasts the first news program on a U.S. radio station, an announcement of local election returns;
1955 – General Motors Corporation demonstrates the world’s first solar powered car in Chicago.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

weekly words of encourgement 8/24/09

Good Morning all,
I trust everyone had a safe weekend and is now looking forward in pursuing the coming week with vigor. Just a quick thought today on the love of God in light of the following verse:

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Have you ever thought that it is easier for God to love you and I when we are good? Some, I suspect, secretly feel as if they deserve salvation…With that simple thought in general, one would have to conclude that if they deserve salvation (as a result of being so good), that others are so bad that they do not deserve salvation. Is there anyone in the world today with behavior so terrible that the Lord could not save them?

Of course not, that is foolish to think that, however, you would be amazed to find out how many people feel just that way. In that thinking, the complete understanding of grace is not understood, for grace by the simplest of definitions means to receive something that you do not deserve. No matter how ‘good’ we are, our righteousness is as a filthy rag, to be cast away. The grace of God, which is bestowed upon all those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior, is a free gift. It is a gift that cost you nothing. If I were to say unto you today, I have a 2010 Cadillac, loaded to the max and you can have it right here and right now for 100.00. That is a great deal, but it is not a gift. A gift, my friend, is free…completely free and that is grace.

The more the sin, the more the grace, because your works has nothing to do with the gift of salvation, but it has everything to do with the Giver…The Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that each one of you have a blessed day today and remember, it is God’s grace that gives the gift, of even this day.

Today in History
1814 – British troops invade Washington D.C., setting fire to the U.S. Capitol and White House.
1932 – Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly nonstop across the United States, traveling from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey, in 19 hours.
1959 – Three days after Hawaii becomes the 50th state, Hiram L. Fong is sworn in as the first Chinese-American U.S. senator and David K. Inouye is sworn in as the first Japanese-American U.S. House member.
1971 – Sabrina Black (Wilks) was born.
1992 – Hurricane Andrew smashes into southern Florida, causing record damage.

Weekly Words of Encouragment 8-17-09

Good Morning All,
I do hope and pray that everyone had a blessed and safe weekend.
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Luke 11:10
One of the more difficult things to do in this life is ask, I know certain people that would not ask for help despite how difficult things may be. Yet I know some that will ask for anything, even if is through their own greed or laziness. But in the realm of reality, our hearts do not like to ask. We are commanded to do so, if we need something, we must ask… We must ask of God that He may give…
What is the key possession that restricts us from asking?
Pride - When we take a close look at the results of pride, we find that it is as a chain – a prison if you will, one that will not loosen its hold on your heart, one that compasseth your entire thoughts, emotions and life…Solomon said:
§ Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
§ Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
§ Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
o That plowing is the work of the wicked – led by a prideful heart. Pride is the one and only element needed in the life of mankind that will keep them from asking of God…It was Paul the Apostle that penned in Romans 12:3 (For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
o Pride will keep you asking yourself and others, but not God!
With that said, what is the key possession that enables us to ask?
Poverty – Psalms 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Contrite: dakka', dak-kaw'; from Hebrew (daka'); crushed (literal powder, or figurative contrite) :- contrite, destruction. David is referring to a spirit that is crushed – to literal powder…
§ The Church at Smyrna is considered to be the persecuted church; it is the church age that lived through 7 of the 10 Great Persecutions ending with the Roman Emperor Diocletion in 310AD. The attack was on true Christians, of which no other group suffered more than those of the Baptist doctrine…
§ The word Smyrna means myrrh – It is a mineral when tasted is bitter; but when crushed sends forth a sweet odor.
o Paul said in II Corinthians 2:14-17 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. [15] For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: [16] To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? [17] For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
When you enter in a state of spiritual poverty it is not too difficult to ask of God… Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. It is where we need to be, because that is where and when we receive from God! It is at this time we become as a sweet smelling savor unto the Lord.
We need to be a spiritual:
Pauper
Luke 11:13 “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” To ‘ask’ means ‘to beg’ – The Holy Spirit is the One Who makes real in you all that Jesus did for you…When we ask, we must first ask of what we lack and second we are to never ask with an end in sight – when we ask with an end in sight we are not asking out of our lack, but out of our lust…
We must come to Christ to ask of His:
§ Wisdom – James 1:5
§ Will – Romans 1:9-10
§ Way – for He said: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
§ Words – II Chronicles 7:14 (everyone knows this verse, but the answer came in V.12, look it up and enjoy)
o Luke 4:4 “…It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”
The Life of a Christian is exhibited in what he or she exercises for Christ… What they possess is contingent to what and how they ask of Christ…
Alexandre Dumas, the French novelist, was once stopped in Paris by a beggar who asked for alms in a rather threatening manner. Said Dumas: “Why do you not take off your hat to me when you ask for money?”
“Honorable sir,” replied the man, “over on the corner stands a policeman. If he sees me take off my hat, he will know that I am begging and will at once arrest me. As it is, he thinks that we are merely two old acquaintances having a chat.”
Dumas was so impressed by the man’s ready retort he gave him 100 francs.
We must become a beggar – a mere Pauper in the state of spiritual Poverty in order to overcome Pride and therefore ask and shall receive…Have a wonderful day.


Today in History – August 17, 2009
1943 – In World War II, U.S. and British troops complete the Allied conquest of Sicily;
1969 – Hurricane Camille slams the Gulf Coast, killing approximately 250 people;
1978 – Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson and Larry Newman of Albuquerque, New Mexico, become the first to successfully cross the Atlantic in a balloon when they land the Double Eagle II near Paris, 137 hours after leaving Maine.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 8-10-09

Good Morning all,
I pray that each one of you had a safe and blessed weekend. I wanted to share just a brief thought, much of what stems from yesterday’s morning sermon. How many times have you asked or someone asked you “Why do we have to suffer”?

The truth of the matter is that sometimes suffering is God’s disciplining hand of chastisement and other times suffering is just a reminder of a past days of sin… However, every form of suffering is not always punishment. Sometimes we come under fire for being a Christian, like the old saying goes: “you are not going to do right and get away with it.” Yet with all that said, sometimes suffering comes into our life as a result of none of the above. Sometimes suffering is allowed of God, in our life, that has absolutely nothing to do with us, but rather for the benefit of others. Consider the three Hebrews boys of Daniel 3 (Meshach, Shadrach and Abed-Nego), they were serving God, doing right when all of sudden they are being threatened with a burning fiery furnace. They were sincere in their stance for the Lord, they were not, under any circumstances going to bow to the false idols nor the image that the king set up. Without a guarantee, a promise or a call on their life form God they took a stand to suffer. You know the rest of the story, they were cast into the fire and the king looked and saw them walking around the midst of the flames with Jesus Christ (the Son of God v.25) walking with them. When they were pulled from that furnace, the smell of smoke was not even on their garments. That is because the hands of the living God surrounded them.

One would have to wonder ‘why in the world did they have to suffer all the frustration, humiliation, emotional distress etc.’? The fact of the matter, they suffered, not for themselves, but for others that would see them and even for the benefit of the king. Because, they were willing to be cast into the fire, without a guarantee of salvation, God was glorified by the kings mouth. Nebuchadnezzar made a proclamation across the land that no one is to speak against the God of Meshach, Shadrach and Abed-Nego. Their suffering was not for themselves, but it was of others and it was for the fact that the One true God would be acknowledged across the world.

So the bottom line is that many times, we are going to suffer in this life… Sometimes it is just part of living in a depraved world, but other times, when there is no rhyme of reason present, just look to the Lord and trust that He is using you to be a blessing to someone else. What a wonderful opportunity in this life, to be used of God to effect others.

Today in History
1821 – Missouri becomes the twenty-fourth state and the first state west of the Mississippi
1846 – President Polk signs legislation establishing the Smithsonian Institute
1869 – O.B. Brown of Malden, Massachusetts, receives the first patent for a movie projector.
1874 – Hebert Clark Hoover, the thirty-first U.S. president, is born in West Branch, Iowa.
1990 – The spacecraft Magellan lands on Venus on the anniversary of the day that Ferdinand Magellan’s ships set sail in 1519 on the first circumnavigation of the globe.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 8-3-09

Good Morning all,
I hope and pray that each and every one of you had a wonderful weekend and a safe one too. It is nice to be back home after much travel, but the time was well spent on the mission field and in the visited churches.

My thoughts this morning are around ‘others’… Other people that we come in contact with each day. I realize the stress we are all under today, with the workplace, the home and activities both in and out of church. However, sometimes we may get caught up so far in our own trials and troubles, we forget that other people are going through the same things and many times worse. In John 15.13, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “ Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Now that is love! In our days, we have become disconnected from what the word ‘love’ means, as we have done the same with the word ‘hate.’ We hear people (and maybe yourselves) say “I hate this” or “I hate that”. We have heard people say that about other people, yet the Bible says that if you ‘hate’ your brother you are a murderer. The world uses these words so often that their true meaning has been lost in the ‘details’…They have become, for lack of better terms, by-words in society, causing us a lack of understanding the statements that describe a loving God Who hates sin. In a nutshell, the words ‘love’ and ‘hate’ have emptied their meaning due to the use of describing friends, family, finances and foes.

Today, that can change. First, we must understand that to hate is to kill, that is the drastic end of the terminology. Yet, to love is even greater, for it is to give life (not in creation sense, but in a way that will offer someone else a better state of being). Remember, Jesus Christ said: “Greater love hath no man than this…”. The Love our Lord describes is a the love He had and the Father had for Their creation – a sacrificial love that allows us life by the Son losing His. This is our pattern for others… The Apostle Paul wrote: “…let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3. This is the place, the very moment, where we as humans can exercise the very love Christ exhibited for us, by simply esteeming (regard, value etc) others better than we esteem ourselves. That does not mean we think ill of ourselves or become depress of who we are. It does mean, that we are to look at other people and ask ourselves “ how can I love them in the way Christ loved me”. You will find the answer to be: “by laying down your life for your them”.
We can look at others, place ourselves on the backburner in order to help them. Sometimes it only takes a smile, handshake or a hugged neck…Other times it takes time, work and the sacrificing of what may be considered in your life dear, so that someone else may be comforted. Maybe today, you will come across someone you never met before or someone you see on a daily basis – Could you offer to them something you may never have before… yourself? Love them unconditionally as Christ loved us, give them the ear they need, the kind words, a ride to work or home or even a little help with their bills. Sure it may cost you a little time…it may cost you a little of your own personal talent… our it may cost you a little treasure. But remember, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” . We can put aside our life for a moment, that we may be able to be a blessing to someone else’s.
I hope and pray you have a wonderful day.
Today in History:
1492 – Christopher Columbus sails from Palos, Spain, with the Nina, Pina and Santa Maria n his famous journey to find a western route to the Indes.
1846 – Abraham Lincoln is elected to the U.S. House.
1852 – In America’s first intercollegiate athletic event, crews from Yale and Harvard race on Lake Winnipesaukee in Center Harbor, New Hampshire.
1923 – Calvin Coolidge is sworn in as the 13th U.S. president, following the death of Warren G. Harding.
1958 – The submarine Nautilus becomes the 1st vessel to reach the North Pole.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragement 7-27-09

I should be back on the normal email account by next Monday, we are in route heading home from south Florida. The good news is there was around 250 souls saved in Guyana for the week and two souls were saved yesterday in a church were I reached in Ft. Myers, FL. Praise the Lord!

Good Morning All,
My thoughts today come from I John 3.11"For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." From the beginning? What beginning? Is it the beginning of time, the church, Israel? When Christ began His ministry here on earth, He set in motion a new covenant, a covenant based on love. The beginning John is referring to here is the time when the Lord began preaching to His disciples:
John 13.34 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
But how should we love one another? The answer is found in the words of Jesus... In the same way Christ loved us: John 15.12 "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."

Jesus Christ loved us with a sacrificial love, a love that not only cost Him His life, but gave us eternal life. This is the pattern by which we can and really should love one another. How many times do we get the opportunity to really sacrifice our time, talent and treasure for benefit of others? I mean truely investing in teh lives of others... There are friends, family and co-workers in our lives which we could exercise that sacrificial love so that the Lord Jesus Christ could be seen in us. Sure, it may cost us some time and it may even cost some money to help others... However, if a lost hour results in a saved soul or just a brief moment of comfort in this life of love one or even a stranger, it is worth time and it is worth the tresure.

I ask you to look back in you life, begin numbering the people that took an extra moment, an extra mile or just an extra minute and see how much it helped you. This is the love the Lord showed...and it changed the world. We can exercise this love and maybe change someone's world. Jesus Christ said: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15.13

Today in History:
1214 - At the Battle of Bouvines in France, Philip Augustus of France defeats John of England.
1586 - Sir Walter Raleigh returns to England from Virginia.
1663 - British Parliament passes a second Navigation Act, requiring all goods bound for the colonies be sent in British ships from British ports.
1689 - Government forces defeat the Scottish Jacobites at the Battle of Killiecrankie.
1777 - The Marquis of Lafayette arrives in New England to help fight the British.
1778 - British and French fleets fight to a standoff in the first Battle of Ushant.
1793 - Robespierre becomes a member of the Committee of Public Safety.
1861 - President Abraham Lincoln replaces General Irwin McDowell with General George B. McClellen as head of the Army of the Potomac.
1909 - Orville Wright sets a world record for staying aloft in an airplane–one hour, 12 minutes and 40 seconds.
1914 - British troops invade the streets of Dublin, Ireland, and begin to disarm Irish rebels.
1921 - Canadians Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best isolate insulin at the University of Toronto.
1944 - U.S. troops complete the liberation of Guam.
1953 - Representatives of the United Nations, Korea and China sign an armistice at Panmunjon, Korea.
1964 - President Lyndon Johnson sends an additional 5,000 advisers to South Vietnam.
1993 - Israeli guns and aircraft pound southern Lebanon in reprisal for rocket attacks by Hezbollah guerrillas.
Til the Shout,

Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.

Pastor

New Testament Baptist Church

www.ntbctn.com

Weekly Words of Encouragement 7-20-09

Good Morning All,
As you may notice this week's 'Words' is sent from my yahoo account, we are currently in Guyana, South America therefore I must use this email account from a Internet cafe.
Rejoice with us that we have seen two souls saved this morning in opening services.

My thoughts for today are taken from Psalms Psalm 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. When we ponder upon the mercy of Christ, His wonderful grace and compassion on His people we cannot but think about the forgiveness God offered upon the cross of Calvary.
Looking at Israel and the many times in the wilderness as well as the promised land, they turned their back on the God that set them free from the bondage of Egypt (which is a picture of the world). God could have have several times over destroyed them, judged them for their infidelity. However, He had mercy...Mercy for thousands and grace for many. How many times did God forgive their trespasses? 490.

Yes, there was more to the answer Jesus gave Peter when he asked the Master how many times should he forgive his brother's trespasses. Jesus' reply was 7 times 70... or 490. It was not until Israel transgressed once more, did God send them into captivity under Babylon. They remained there for 70 years, which is the amount of Sabbath years they owed God (the commandment was to work the land 6 years and let it lie for one, however they did not do so and owed God 70 years for transgressing every 7th year within the 490).

With that thought, how often should we forgive our brother or sister that transgresses us? According to the Lord Jesus Christ 490 times... Therefore, we ought to forgive, have compassion and mercy on even those that wrong us... We should have compassion on those that even despitefully use us so that the Lord may be glorified and His name lifted high in all we do or say. Yes, as man, we should have mercy and compassion as even God did for our sake. I pray that you may use this thought the next time you are trespassed against, maybe you can use it as an opportunity to witness for Christ.

****Please remember us in prayer this week as we serve in the nation of Guyana. Also, the last man that was saved during my last trip here 4 years ago was a Muslim named Buddy. I am delighted the say he came up to me today, Bible in hand and praised the Lord for that night 4 years past. He is a faith member of the church. Amen Amen!

Today in History
1780 - General "Mad Anthony" Wayne leads two brigades of Pennsylvania militia, supported by four artillery pieces, in an attempt to destroy a fortified blockhouse located approximately four miles north of Hoboken, in Bull's Ferry, New Jersey.
1881 - Sitting Bull Surrenders
1951 - King of Jordan assassinated
1976 - Viking I lands on Mars

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com

Weekly Words of Encouragment 7-13-09

Good Morning All,
I trust everyone has had a safe and blessed weekend. Yesterday I finished my adult Sunday School class on the Life of Paul. 5 years, 2 months and 8 days after teaching lesson 1, we finally brought Paul’s life to a close. Believe it or not, I have diligent studied Paul’s life for most of my time as a Pastor. Doing so has changed my life, my walk with Christ, my willingness to serve and compassion toward others in ways I cannot explain. In reality, it was a sad day for me having been so involved in one person’s doings for so long and now we are through.

In the close of Paul’s life, he was chained to a Roman soldier; for the last years of his existence on earth, Paul would be fastened by a chain to a man of the military. There is no way to honestly describe that without words like affliction, burden and irritation. 13 times in his letters, Paul mentions his confinement, mostly referring to it as his ‘bonds’. Yet he never complains, whines, rebukes or offers any sign of regret in serving the Lord, which resulted in his latter day bondage. In Ephesians 4.1, Paul makes the statement that he is a ‘prisoner of the Lord…’ Notice, he did not say a prisoner of ‘Rome’ or ‘the world’ or ‘Nero’. It was for serving the Lord Jesus Christ that Paul was constrained to appeal to Caesar. Yet Paul does not consider himself a victim, but rather the victor! Paul looks at his confinement, this chain of affliction and bondage of irritation as from the Lord; knowing that if the Lord brought that into his life, it is for some reason to bring Christ glory. In AD58 Paul wrote the letter to the Roman Christians, in that letter we find Romans 8.28 that reads: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” If read correctly you will notice that it does not say that “all things are good to them that love God”, but “all things work together for good”. Friend, that good that works together through the bonds in your life may be for others; someone in your family or at your work place, it does not necessarily mean that everything that happens to you us will be ‘good’ in the sense of application and occurrence in your life. But it will work for good in bring glory to Christ and helping others when they have problems in their life. We can look at Paul in the midst of chains as he rejoices and celebrates the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord and gain confidence through his bonds (Philippians 1.14).
Notice how Paul looked upon that affliction chained to his arm, the soldier sent to watch Paul on 12 hour shifts more than likely. He received a new solider every 12 hours, but for Paul he has a constant chain that that was a perpetual source of pain and irritation. Yet, instead of complaining, Paul studied that affliction…He studied that soldier, from his shoes to his helmet and from his shield to his sword. Paul studied the moves, methods and manpower of the soldier. From his confinement, we now have Ephesians 6, where Paul speaks about putting on the ‘whole armor of the God’ (us preachers are always looking for a good illustration). Paul studied the soldier’s armor that each piece performed a particular task… Paul studied the soldier’s ability that he would ‘stand fast’ with his loins girt… Paul studied the soldier’s allegiance, that he obeyed his master to the fullest in every order given. From that studying he writes to Timothy in II Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
We have gained so much from the suffering of Apostle Paul and I for one am so grateful to the Lord for enabling this man to endure such contradiction that we today may live a life glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus was the life of Paul, born in AD 1 a Jew with Roman citizenship…died a Christian and child of the living God in AD68 at the hands of the Roman empire. We have learned so much from his life, to say the least, we have learned that even in suffering and situations of stress and anguish; there is a reason that will help others in their time of need.
I pray this is a blessing to all of you today. Lord bless.
Today in History:
1787 – Congress adopts the Northwest Ordinance, providing for the government of the region north of the Ohio River and west of Pennsylvania.
1863 – Rioting against a Civil War military draft erupts in New York City, leaving more than 100 people dead.
1865 – In a New York Tribune editorial, Horace Greely advises, “Go west, young man, and grow up with the country.”
1923 – The famous Hollywood sign (originally reading “Hollywoodland” to advertise a real estate development) is dedicated on the hills above Hollywood.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 7-6-09

Good Morning All,
I hope and pray everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend as we celebrated our nations Independence. With that thought, true independence is only achieved through dependence on the Lord. Thomas Jefferson said: “The God Who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time.” What a blessed attribute to possess…Freedom. So many others seek freedom and never find it, while some have it and never respect it. We Americans have been taught from childhood about our rights, and we enjoy a glorious freedom and self-rule that we can easily take for granted. We don't have to hold our Bible studies in secret for fear of the government. We don't have to worry about being imprisoned for months or years without facing charges. We accept our freedoms as a normal way of life, easily forgetting that millions of people in other parts of the world do not enjoy the independence that we do. In celebrating Independence Day in America, it is appropriate that we spend some time reflecting on our freedoms.

If we were sincerely granted freedom, there must be a granter… The Bible says: "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36. The freedoms in America we enjoy every day is more than a right and even more than a privilege, but rather it is a gift from Lord Jesus Christ Himself. I, for one, am extremely grateful for being born and raised in our great country.

In America, we are the heirs of great sacrifices made to give us a heritage of freedom. We must guard and protect this inheritance, and not squander it like ungrateful children. To keep our freedoms, we need to appreciate the cost. We need to be willing to understand the sacrifice ourselves, so that we have the same legacy to hand our children…"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." - Thomas Paine.

The Apostle Paul said: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1. America…the last best hope, as Bill Bennett would appropriately sub title his two volume history books. America was truly the final frontier, the final expansion of prophesy to be fulfilled in order to set a blaze the missionary and evangelistic trails across this globe, before God would re-gather His people to Israel…

Why America? Upon the first Great Seal of the Massachusetts Bay Colony stands a half naked Indian pleading these words: “Come over and help us.” He is beckoning Christians remaining in England to brave the peril of crossing the Atlantic to bring him and his people the true Gospel of Christ.

America’s Foundation, Faith and Freedom – was not only for the benefit of its own patrons, but as with any fruit producing tree, she was intended to produce the fruit of the Spirit of God for the benefit of others. America is a shining land, that was ordained from above to be a free nation where Jesus Christ is to be exalted and souls are freely saved. Praise God today for the freedoms we enjoy and thank God today for the men and women who sacrificed life and limb in order to provide, protect and propagate such a glorious gift.
Have a wonderful and blessed day.

Today in History:
1699 – Captain William Kidd, the pirate, is captured in Boston and later sent to England, where he is hanged.
1785 – Congress adopts a currency system with a basic unit called the dollar.
1854 – The first official meeting of the Republican Party takes place in Jackson, Michigan.
1892 – A strike at the Carnegie Steel plant in Homestead, Pennsylvania, erupts in violence, resulting in 18 deaths and dozens more wounded.
1916 – The most famous image of Uncle Sam appears on the cover of Leslie’s Weekly.
1928 – The Lights of New York, the first all-talking feature film, premieres in New York.
1976 – The U.S. Naval Academy admits women for the first time.


Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 6-29-09

Good Morning All,
With all the news in the world, in our surrounding communities and the iconic deaths the past 7-8 days my thoughts have ventured into what Solomon said in Proverbs 27.1 “Boast not thyself of to morrow…” I am quite sure the 2 out of the four deaths that were reported within the celebrity rank and file had no thought as to the end of their life here on earth. It brings about this question: “How often do you and I truly think about our days on earth coming to an end?” In discussing this topic I hear the regular rebuttals like: “I am too young to worry about that now” or “Just enjoy the time you have, there are plenty of days to give thought to death”. Yet, just a hand full of days apart two well known people at the age of 50 died. Sure, one can surmise that the other had cancer and knew death was near and another was 86 and sickly. But what about the two that were 50? 50 years young I have to say? Furthermore, I have a lady in my church who just turned 92 and she drives herself back and forth from church every week. So despite one’s numerical age, death can still be a shock and a surprise.

Well, where do we go now? The thought is that no matter how old or young you may be, your life is but a moment…a twinkle in the eyes of time. James said in: James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” We are truly promised less than tomorrow, we are not promised the next second, in a moment, in the blink of an eye you or I could draw our last breath and then what? Friend, there are 24 hours in a day, which is 1440 minutes, which equals 86,400 second… close to 155,000 people die every day. Nearly 2 every second (1.7939814814815/sec). That is every single day. Then what?

Paul wrote in the book of Hebrews: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27. Concerning the 4 celebrities lost to eternity, by all accounts known to the public to date: McMahon died a devout atheist, Fawcett a Roman Catholic (with no record or report that she gave her life to Christ – although what may or may not have occurred in the last moments is between her and God), Jackson a raised Jehovah’s Witness who ‘converted’ to Islam in 2007 and Mays I have no idea. Of a truth it is appointed unto men (everyone) once to die…but after this the judgment. It is a sad day to reflect on these lives that ended in a moment, whether known or unknown, because afterward came the judgment. Where do you think their judgment fell?

Words of encouragement, I know, not too encouraging are they? Well they can be, because if death’s door is opened for you today, you can enter in with all assurance that your judgment is paid for. We have been found guilty, but One took our place. Will you know today about that One? Do you know today that if you fall within the numbers of the 155,000 that your judgment was upon the cross of Calvary and in the shed blood of Jesus Christ? My prayer, my hope and my heart’s desire, that all reading this today will come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior through a heart that repents and believes on His name for eternal life. No we cannot boast ourselves of tomorrow, but in Christ Jesus our Lord we can of eternity. Think on these things today, for time is short.

Have a wonderful day.

Today in History:
1776 – Mission San Francisco de Asís is founded on the site of the future city of San Francisco.
1854 – Congress ratifies the Gadsden Purchase, agreeing to pay Mexico $10 Million for Parts of Arizona and New Mexico.
1925 – An earthquake levels much of downtown Santa Barbara, CA.
1953 – President Eisenhower signs legislation creating the Interstate Highway System
1995 – In a post-Cold War show of international cooperation, the shuttle Atlantis docks with the Russian space station Mir.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragement 6-22-09

Good Morning All,
I trust that everyone had a beautiful weekend. I have a thought I would like to share with everyone today if you would bear me the opportunity. In reading ‘today’s’ Proverb (22), the opening verse reads: “A GOOD name is rather to be chosen…” The verse continues on to say ‘than great riches’ and so on. My thought is in the first statement, “A GOOD name is rather to be chosen…” It is a choice to have a good name. That is our choice, not our neighbor’s, co-worker’s or even family member’s. We are living in a time right now where things are getting desperate and the old saying is ‘Desperate times calls for desperate measures’.

I would like to offer a different ‘saying’, “Desperate times calls for diligent measures.” It is a choice whether or not we have a good name, meaning we can choose right now what our next statement, comment, decision, plan of action and/or reaction, all of which will determine whether or we have a good name. The measures we take in this day and age should be diligent, not desperate, desperation will result in a name not pleasing to the Lord and usually embarrassing to the person, their family, business and other involvements. The only thing we truly have in this life is our testimony. For those who are saved, born again of the Blood of Christ we called Ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5.20), which is a representative in a foreign land. How this world sees us, our choosing of our name, our personal testimony is how this world is going to view Christ.

Sure, there are desperate times right now and yes there is a sense of uncertainty from the economy to the grocery bill, but one thing is for sure. Today, you can choose how you address that uncertainty and a GOOD name is rather to be chosen. Let’s be the representative of that foreign land today in such a way that others would want to go with us.

Have a wonderful day.

Today in History:
1793 – One of the nation’s first important canals, the Middlesex Canal, connecting the Merrimack River and the port of Boston, is chartered.
1944 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the G.I. Bill of Rights, offering educational opportunities for WW II vets.
1945 – The Battle of Okinawa ends with an Allied victory.
1970 – President Richard Nixon signs a bill lowering the voting age to 18.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragement 6-15-09

Good Morning All,
Please forgive the delay in transmission…

The thought today is concerning faith… The Lord Jesus Christ said: “…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:20 We all have daily challenges, whether they are great or small they do arise. But it is the many facets of faith that allows us, better yet, enables us to work through them and find peace and victory. None is exempt to the dry season of life, but it is faith that sees us through. Think about the avenues of faith:
By faith we please God…
By faith we believe on Jesus Christ…
By faith the just shall live…
By faith the Lord conquers our enemies…
By faith we are justified…
By faith we have access into the grace of God…
By faith nothing is impossible.

It is through faith that we can ‘do right’ even when we do not want to, trusting that the Lord will bless it and use it to His glory. Through a weary and worn out week, press on by faith, it will pay off in the end.

So no matter the situation (or mountain that needs removing) this day or this week, by faith address the issue. It is only then can and will the Lord work in our lives where the Father is glorified and the Son praise. Faith is not sitting on the sofa and doing nothing, thinking the Lord will just do it for you. Faith is putting ‘legs’ underneath your prayers and trusting the Lord to lead, guide and direct your every thought and action, in the middle of storms and seasons of refreshing.

I pray you have a wonderful day

Today in History:
1775 – Congress places George Washington in command of the Continental Army.
1804 – The twelfth Amendment, requiring separate electoral votes for president and vice president, is ratified.
1836 – Arkansas becomes the 25th state.
1846 – The Oregon Treaty sets the 49th parallel as the U.S.- Canada boundary.
1864 – Arlington National Cemetery is established.
1911 – The Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, later renamed International Business Machines (IBM), is incorporated.


Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragment 6-8-09

Good Morning All,
Yesterday, in between church services, my second oldest son’s baseball team (of which I coach) had a make-up game. It was versus the number one team in our league… Most of the players on our team have never played before, and in reality, early in the season they surely did not fair too well. Nevertheless they were having fun and that is what it is about. Lately, however, our team has really came together, we won against another team in our league that beat us 23-3 before. Even so, going into yesterday’s game, no one really counted on the fact that we would or even could win. All that changed after the 1st inning. We had a tremendous game, both teams enjoyed themselves, we exercised good sportsmanship, prayed before the game together and really had a great time. When the dust was settle, we won 20-19.
Having said all that, it is quite obvious that this week’s ‘words’ is not about baseball, but it is about being the underdog, the one who has been counted out and looked at without any hope whatsoever. I believe we have all been a situation, relationship or competition where we were the underdog. I am almost certain that at some point in each one of our lives we can look at a particular event where we were up against the wall…where everyone, including ourselves, considered the game over, the underdog loses.
The truth is, the Lord likes underdogs. He came into this world so the underdogs may have victory. Death, sin, the Devil and Hell have had the victory long enough. They have worked their way into the lives of so many, resulting in destroyed marriages, delinquent children and detestable lifestyles. As bad as it may have been and for so many people to count you out, there is one consistent character in our lives… That is the Lord Jesus Christ. It is He Who sees us through the storm…It is He who leads us in the darkness…It is He Who guides us in our weakest moment…It is He Who never fails, never ceases and never counts out the underdogs He came to save.
I Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

The next time you are looked upon as the underdog…as the one destined to lose, just look to Jesus Christ, the One Who gave us the victory. Despite our ourselves, it was and is Him Who saves, seals and sanctifies. In that fact we may trust, live and breathe in this one life we have.

Today in History:
1789 – In the House of Representatives, James Madison introduces proposed amendments to the Constitution that eventually become the Bill of Rights.
1861 – Tennessee secedes from the Union.
1887 – Herman Hollerith patents his punch-card calculator.
1948 – Texaco Star Theater, one of TV’s first hit shows, debuts with Milton Berlet as host.
1982 – In the first address by a president to a joint session of the British Parliament, Ronald Reagan predicts that Communism will end up “on the ash heap of history.”

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragement 6-1-09

Good morning all,
Today begins a new month, the old one is gone, and here lies before us the month anew…What will become of June 2009?

Let’s consider Hope…What is hope to you? In what part of your world, mind, focus, work or thoughts does hope reside? The basic definition of hope is that of ‘expectation’. The Biblical definition of hope is rooted and grounded in another word…Faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of thing not seen (Hebrews 11.1). The Bible also says that without faith it is impossible to please Him (God).

In today’s world, sometimes it seems as if all we have is hope, some days the outlook is as bright as the sun, others dark as night. But hope is still there. It is said of Abraham, ‘who against hope, believed in hope…’(Romans 4.18). Can you imagine being in a state of affairs in your life where all hope is gone? That is where Abraham was, he was against hope. If you remember, Abraham, who was promised to be the father of many nations, was commanded to take his promised son, Isaac, upon a mount called Moriah and sacrifice him as an offering unto God (Genesis22). As they walked up the hill the son asked his father where the sacrifice was (they were carrying the wood to burn, the stakes, knife etc.). Abraham’s reply is found in the 8th verse of Genesis 22: “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.”. Here is Abraham, walking up this hill, with the child that God promised him that would make him a father of many, the child of his old age (he was 99, Sarah was 90) now obeying God to sacrifice him… Abraham was against hope…yet he believed. The key to his faith in hope, his belief in hope if you will, is seen before the father-son duo began marching up the hill. In verse 5: “And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.” He did not say “I” will come again, but both would depart and both would return, friend that is believing in hope, even when hope is against you. It is my firm conviction that is Abraham would have slain that child that day, in obedience the Lord trusting that the Lord would have resurrected him straight away. Isaac’s life was spared when the Lord saw that nothing was between God and Abraham. It is upon this very hill, called Moriah, that another Son would be sacrificed, sacrificed so that the world may live. This hill is known as Calvary, where more than 1500 years later the Lord Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for sin’s debt.
Sometimes, our storms in life, are simple test in seeing what is between us and the Lord. Have we placed our own abilities, talents or strengths in front of the hope that God has given us in this world? A good storm brought our way may test that answer. There is hope in this life, despite the media, economy, the political lies and spins, there is still hope… Because there is still God. Let us commit today, to trust, rely, hope and have faith in the One Who truly controls all in this life… let us commit our works unto Him, so that He may commit His hand unto us… “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3
I like the old hymn that says: “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness”. Have hope in Christ dear friend, a hope that will one day render the peaceable fruit of righteousness… a hope that is things unseen, but not unknown…
Today in History
1774 – In response to the Boston Tea Party, Britain closes the port of Boston (boy you showed us Brother Wickens J just kidding)
1789 – President George Washington signs the first act of Congress, which dealt with oaths of office for public officials.
1792 – Kentucky becomes the 15th state.
1796 – Tennessee becomes the 16th state.
1813 – Captain James Lawrence gives his last command: “Don’t give up the ship!”
1990 – President George Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev sign an agreement to end chemical weapon production and begin destroying reserves.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragement 5-25-09

Good Morning All,
I hope and pray everyone had a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend; this is the time of year when we remember our men and women who have fought and died for the precious freedom we enjoy on a daily basis. Freedom that has been granted by God and given in America.

I for one am glad to be an American and grateful to be able to partake in the liberty that our Lord provides.

However, with freedom comes responsibility and with responsibility comes accountability. Charles Kingsley said: “There are two freedoms—the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where a man is free to do what he ought.” We have an obligation to uphold the freedom granted by God.
Galatians 5:13-15 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. (italics added)
Our liberty is fortified in love…Love, my friends has a greater power than one can imagine, for it was love that constrained Christ upon the cross, to give Himself a sacrifice that we may live. We are called to liberty by that love, the love Jesus had for us… This call unto liberty through the love of Christ guides us into our daily activities.

By it (love) we can exercise our service for one another (v.13b – “but by love serve one another.”). At the same time, our call unto liberty through the love of Christ we exercise our selflessness for one another (v.14 – Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.) Simply put, if we would treat others in same manner we would have them treat us, the world would be a better place. Lastly, this call unto liberty through the love of Christ allows us to exercise self-control toward one another (v.15 – But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.) It is much harder to criticize someone when you are looking for what is best for them…praying for them…helping them in the middle of their day.

Let us today, as we remember the great things our soldiers have performed in protecting our God granted liberty, purpose to exercise that love that was so greatly exercised toward us by Jesus Christ’s wonderful sacrifice on the Cross. Our sweet salvation cost us nothing, yet cost Him everything. Therefore, we can today, reveal that same type of love toward others by remembering the sacrifice, rendering the service in recognizing the Savior during our daily actions one toward another. Paul said: “Let love be without dissimulation…” Romans 12:9 We only have today, to show the love of Christ to those around us and those in the world. There may be someone you are involved with, or close to who has never truly seen or experienced love that is without dissimulation (sincere, pure or unfeigned). Given the opportunity this day, exercise that love in utilizing the great freedom we have, both in Christ and our country. You never know, it may be the only time in their life, where real sacrificial agape love is expressed.

This is the liberty we have as Americans and much more as Christians…But remember, with liberty comes responsibility and responsibility requires accountability:
Liberty is to be labored for…or it will be lost…Liberty is to be exercised or it will be excised…Liberty is to be grateful for, or one day it will be gone.

Today in History:
1787 – The Constitutional Convention opens in Philadelphia after reaching a quorum of seven states.
1935 – Babe Ruth hits the of his 714 home runs.
1961 – President John F. Kennedy as the nation to commit itself to the goal of landing a man on the moon before the decade is out.
1968 – The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is dedicated.
1977 – Star Wars, one of the most popular movies of all time, opens.
2008 – The Phoenix spacecraft lands on Mars to search for evidence of microbial life in its soil.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragement 5-18-09

Good Morning All,
We have, in Sunday School, heard much about ‘storms’ as we cut through Acts 27 drawing to an end in the Life of Paul (which we started in May of 2004). The storm that Paul was in while traveling to Rome is likened unto our storms in this life…they are sudden and they are certain. If you are going to set sail in the sea of life, you are going to have storms…They simply are part of life. For those of New Testament Baptist Church, this is a repeat of last night, but I feel led to share it with all.
Acts 27:14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon… V. 29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
By the 14th night of Paul’s “Hurricane Euroclydon” (euros – east wind), the ship and shipmates are in a dark, dreary and dangerous position… they are driven and discouraged, as a matter of fact according V.20 any hope of being saved was lost. I am sure that we all have been in a situation or two like this. There are days and nights when we figure it cannot get any worse, and unfortunately, it usually does. I wish I could say the storms of life were avoidable, but they are not.

What should they do? What should we do in the middle of a raging storm that seems to show no sign of dissipation?
V.29 – Cast you anchor, as a matter of fact cast four of them. There are four anchors given in the Christian life that we can cast in the midst of the storm, the first one is the anchor of:
1. Duty – It is in the midst of the storm when most people will want to jump out, but just stay in the ship – stay put and stay with the ship, for in the ship there is salvation. What is our anchor of duty to let down? Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Our duty is threefold, casting down the anchor of duty is to continue to be a:
o Witness – Psalm 145:12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
§ A businessman landed at the Dallas airport and realized he had one hour and 20 minutes before his next plane connection. He thought, How can I be used of the Lord here? He had a supply of Gospel tracts with him. He inserted one of his business cards inside each tract. Then he gave these to single men sitting waiting for their planes. But he didn't just hand them out and pass on. Instead he said to each man, "Pardon me. I have a little booklet here that explains how a person can become a Christian. Inside is my business card. I would like you to read this over and if you have any questions, I will be sitting over there. I have some time before my plane takes off. Or if you would like to write, my address is there." At the end of the hour and 20 minutes, men were standing four deep to ask questions about how to become a Christian. And, for weeks afterwards, the businessman received correspondence because of the business cards in the tracts.
Casting down the anchor of duty is continuing to:
o Warn – Ezekiel 33.1-6 (The Christian duty is to be a watchmen and warn the people of the coming sword)
The Anchor of duty requires us to:
o Wait – Prayers are heard and prayers are answered, but some are answered no, but are in the Lord’s time:
§ Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
§ Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
§ Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
The second anchor is that of:
2. Hope – The next anchor is that of hope and if one has hope, they are in the right place, looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Lord.
o Hebrews 11.2 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – “things hoped for…” Do you have some things hoped for? The Assyrians, Babylonians, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans had their many gods—gods of war, gods of industry, gods of agriculture, gods of cities, gods of towns, and various others. But in all of paganism's galaxy of gods, there never was one called "god of hope." For in that ancient world, hope had become a despised delusion, long before our Lord was born in Bethlehem. The fact is, there is no hope for this sin-cursed world apart from the true God, the God of Christians. Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
The third anchor is that of:
3. Christ – That is the presence of God. Acts 27.23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,. Friend, He is there. This ‘Angel of God’ is not ‘an’ angel, but the Angel of God, meaning the ‘appearance of Christ’. It is the same as the ‘Angel of the Lord’ in the OT, the pre-incarnate Christ appeared unto Moses in the burning bush, Abraham in the plains of Mamre and the three Hebrew boys in the burning fiery furnace. Jesus Christ appears unto Paul this night and comforts him in the midst of the storm. This is how Paul, in the worst possible time of the storm is able to stand and firmly attest that all will be well. We may not see the Lord standing next to us, but He is there, He is the third anchor that we must cast out to hold us in the storm.
The final anchor is that of the:
4. Church – Though the winds blew and the ship is battered, that church will get you through the storm… Hebrews 10.25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. The church house is a refuge, a place of safety and security where friends and family member are to help you in the storm…but without Christ, hope and duty…the 4th anchor will never hold. We all have a part in the fourth anchor, our presence and life encourages others to continue forward, or to cast the anchors, or simply to never give up.
o An old question: "Can I be a Christian without joining the church or attending worship?" Answer: "Yes, it is possible. But it is something like being:
· A student who will not go to school;
· A soldier who will not join the army;
· A citizen who does not pay taxes or vote;
· A salesman with no customers;
· An explorer with no base camp;
· A seaman in a ship without a crew;
· A businessman on a deserted island;
· An author without readers;
· A football player without a team;
· A politician who is a hermit;
· A scientist who does not share his findings;
· A bee without a hive."
After you cast your anchors all that is left to do is… wish for day! The storm may rage today…but there is sunshine around the corner. The Lord is not looking to give you peace by removing the storm, rather He will give you peace while withstanding the storm…
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Today in History:
1860 – Republicans nominate Abraham Lincoln for president.
1863 – Ulysses S. Grant begins the siege of Vicksburg, MS.
1896 – The Supreme Court upholds “separate but equal” racial segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson.
1908 – Congress requires the motto ‘In God We Trust’ to appear on certain coins.
1980 – Mt. St. Helens in Washington erupts, leaving 57 people dead or missing.

Have a wonderful day!
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church