Pastor Sentenced To Eight Years In Prison For Sharing HIs Faith In Iran

It is a sad day when Christians cannot share their faith without being threatened with death or possibly facing prison time. Christians should stand together everywhere and pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted for their faithfulness to Christ.

Please read this article and make this a matter of prayer.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/01/27/report-iran-sentences-american-pastor-to-8-years-in-prison/

The Preacher's Fire

Not every day the preacher's soul is fired,
But when the spark is there, foundations quake
And mountains move. Then sinful hearts inspired
By judgment fears, to penitence awake.
Spirit anointed, most imperfect clay
Becomes a golden vessel for God's Word,
Which, overflowing, heals and cleans away
Black doubt and hindering fear. Then Christians stirred
Know rushing mighty wind, baptising fire,
Speaks such a preacher with a prophet's tone,
By love consumed, revival his desire,
Blessed beyond measure, pulpit then a throne.

Give to this preacher now the heavenly pow'r
My people wait. Make this the shining hour.

Bob Jones

It has been my joy to have had the privilege of preaching the Gospel of Christ for 46 years. I grew up in a time when there was great preaching in my local church. My pastor, and many of the men he brought into our services, were men of God. These men were greatly used by the Lord to preach with mighty power. Oh! how blessed I have been to have seen those mighty men of God being used by the Holy Spirit to touch lives and to bring souls from death to life.

This poem by Bob Jones has been on my desk through all of these years. I have quoted it and prayed it to the Lord nearly every Sunday when I have gone forth to preach. 

On our pulpit at Berean Baptist Church I have a plaque with these words inscribed,  "Lord, in mercy, open the eyes of my people's souls, that they might see their need of Jesus." I want those who preach at our church to be reminded that we are utterly dependent upon the Lord to open the minds and hearts of those who hear the Word of God.

May the Word of God continue to go forth from the pulpit at Berean Baptist Church for many years to come!

Defending The Faith

I Peter 3:15
"...be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with  meekness and fear."

Peter gives us the command to defend the faith and answer all questions that may be asked of us. Witnessing and promoting the gospel is the work of every believer. It is a lifestyle. Sharing our faith should be as natural as eating and breathing. I am going to share one more video clip with you and soon I will post the clips of Bill Tipton sharing his insights on the subject of presuppositional apologetics.

May we be defend, proclaim and adore the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Dickie