Summer time is rough

It seems every summer, when the kids get out of school, attendance falls off. I understand that we all have a lot going on, but that is no excuse for turning your back on God. When people get out of church, they tend to quit praying, and that leads to a reduction in Bible study, which leads to spiritual weakness. That gives sin the opening to wreck our lives. I have seen it before, and I am seeing it again. It is sad to watch good people fall away from God, but we are told that it WILL happen. Look in 2 Thess. 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; That is what we are seeing, a falling away of the faithful. It is so sad.

I had 22 kids sign up to go to youth camp. Of those, I haven't seen several of them in over a month. I wonder if they will even show up to go on the trip? I hope to hear from them soon(real soon), or we'll have to make some modifications to our travel plans.

Realize that when we make a choice to miss church to do something else, we are putting things before God. There is a name for this, idolatry. Deut. 4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. Seek Him while He can still be found, fight the good fight while you can!

Been a while

It's been a while since I posted, but I plan on trying to go back to the two a week posts that I had been doing. A lot is going on. Attendance is down a little, summer is almost here and the kids have a bunch of things to distract them. I wonder who is behind that? Anyway, I will post after church Wednesday night and get things rolling again. Please pray for my wife's grandfather, Mr. Clayton "Bud" Jones. He just got home from Jackson and he is in bad shape. Pray the Lord will comfort him and strengthen his family in this very hard time.

Until next time, FIGHT THE FIGHT! Preach the WORD! And give all honor and glory to Jesus-

Sunday March 29, 2009

Wow what a day. Brother Robert called Saturday afternoon and told me he was very sick, so I volunteered to preach for him. He let me and for that I am thankful. It is always an honor and privilege to stand in the pulpit and preach. So after Sunday school(we had 19 total), I got to preach. I preached on how as Christians we can go from being on the mountain one day, to finding ourselves in the valley the next. I used 1 kings chapters 18 and 19. Elijah went from delivering a mighty blow to satan, then the next day begging God to kill him and get him out of his misery. How very like Christians today. We need to recognize that if we do what we are supposed to, we are going to come under attack. 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. So revel in your suffering for Christ, for it can be a blessing. He will never leave us nor forsake us, so when the going gets tough, seek His strength! After Church, we ate lunch and then had our fifth Sunday singing. Not many stayed, but those that did were blessed I hope. Amazing how willing we are to devote time to this world, yet we scorn to do the things of God. Surely the Lord's army needs to regroup and press the attack while we can. Yet just as it was in the Lord's day here, the laborers are few. I had four youth stay for all our services Sunday. Four. Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Lord I pray for the few labourers left, and that the Lord of the harvest will come soon.

We had a wonderful service, and I pray our Lord was glorified. I am not discouraged, for I know how the story ends. I don't know how it will all work out, but I know it will. We must trust and obey and allow the Master to work. 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Catching up

It has been a little while, sorry no posts, but once you miss one it is so easy to get out of the habit. Kinda like going to church it seems, as we have had a few fall off and drift away. I hate that, but it happens pretty regularly. Was way off on attendance today, guess spring break and prom got them. Pretty lame excuse if you ask me, but I guess it is as good as any other.

For Sunday school we only had thirteen, that is as low as we have had in a while. We studied in the twenty-second chapter of Matthew, verses one through fourteen. In this scripture I tried to illustrate how we must be able to rightly divide God's Word. This scripture is easy to misinterpret, and many Christians have done just that. We must be very careful to always understand that not all scripture is written expressly and doctrinally to us. That is why we have so many different people preaching various things. Someone is failing to fully understand the Word of God and therefor we have confusion among the brethren. The main thing I tried to get across to the kids was that they NEED to be able to read God's Word and know what the Truth is. We have gotten lazy as a people and tend to rely too much on others. We need one on one time with God in His Word everyday! God wants us to both talk to Him(prayer) and listen to Him(reading His Word).

We are busy trying to get camp finalized, Easter services laid out, and tons of other things. This past week we carried the kids to Amory to eat at Pickle's on the hill, fed them Wednesday night, and had a little fun time afterwards. We were off on attendance, but I expected that. We studied in James chapter two verse twenty-three and chapter four verse four. We discussed whether we were friends or enemies of God. When you really look at it it will make you think about what we are doing!

We have a lot going on, like everyone else, just be sure you make time for the important things. The eternal things, like serving our Heavenly Father. Seek Him and His riches! Have a blessed week, keep the Faith, and fight the good fight.

In the King's service-j

Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.14] For many are called, but few are chosen.

Us chilling at Pickle's on the Hill

Sunday March 8, 2009

Wow, we had a great day! I started off sluggish, due to the time change, but made it to Sunday school to find a packed house. We had over 20 kids, but I don't remember exactly how many because they kept coming in late, but the important thing is they made it. We studied in chapter fifteen of Matthew, specifically in verses eight and nine. In it Jesus addresses a serious problem faced by the "religious" people of that time He said, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." I feel this is the same state of many Christians today. Instead of worshiping in Spirit and in Truth, we worship the way that best suits our needs. We should consider how Christ wants to be worshiped, and we should live our lives accordingly. So many times I see people who claim to be on fire for Jesus, yet there is no fruit to show for it. If we would only turn our hearts to Jesus, He would show us the way through His Spirit. This is what I tried to get across to the kids, get you heart right first and let Jesus lead the way. A simple lesson, yet so few can trust and obey.

As soon as church was out, we headed straight to Tupelo Mississippi to take part in Winterjam 2009. We got to try out the new bus, and it was great! Could not ask for more. Fifteen of us traveled in it with Drew Garvin at the helm, Tyler and a couple more were in the middle in his truck, and bring up the rear was Ms. Andlyn in the suburban with some of the girls. We went to the mall and ate, and then headed to the Bancorpsouth center to get in line. We got there at about 2:45 and were not the first ones there. We waited in line until 4:45. We got in fast and got great seats. About 5:30 it started, and it was a blast. Loud, but still a great time. There was some music I didn't care for, but I enjoyed most, and the tour pastor brought a good message that reached some kids, and some made decisions for Christ. The headliner this year was tobymac, and he rocked the house. Final song was my favorite, Jesus freak. To some people, I guess you wouldn't have cared for it, but the kids loved it, and so did I. We got out easy and made it back to Hamilton by 10:15. It was truly a great day, the Lord blessed us. The kids did good, we had plenty of adult support, and it couldn't have went smoother. In the end, God was praised, we had a good time, and I feel revived in the fight! Thanks to Drew and Sayonia Garvin, Andlyn Robinson, and Dyana for going with us and keeping us straight. May God bless you for your help. Keep us in prayer, and keep up the fight. To God be the glory-brother jason



Jesus Freak by dctalk

Chorus:
People say I'm strange, does it make me a stranger
That my best friend was born in a manger
What will people think
When they hear that I'm a Jesus freak
What will people do when they find that its true
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
There ain't no disguising the truth

Wednesday Night Class March 4, 2009

We had a total of 27 in class tonight, so we had a full house. We had a great supper before hand, and that always brings out a crowd, because our ladies can cook! You might have noticed that we didn't have a post for Sunday. That is because we cancelled the services due to the snow and my computer was down. Thanks to Jimmy McGhee for bringing it back to life! We studied in Matthew chapter 7 verses 24-27 and discussed building on the sand or the rock. In our lives we choose how we build our lives. Many build there life upon things that change and can let them down. This is building on the sand. Others choose to build on that which is unchanging, eternal, and never undependable. This is building on the Rock. Jesus is the Rock, and when we live the way He wants, our lives are able to stand up to the storms of life. If we build our life on the things of this world, then the storms of life can bring our lives down in a great fall.

This pertains to both getting saved(hence building on the Rock) and once we are saved building our lives in accordance to God's will(also building on the Rock). If you want a joy and peace that will last even through the worst storms, then you should build on the Rock of my salvation, Jesus Christ.

We are carrying the crew to Winter Jam Sunday, so keep us in your prayers. Also please keep the Whitaker family in your prayers as they deal the loss of Mrs. Dorothy. She is at home with the Lord now and back with her husband. Until next time, keep the faith and praise His name-brother jason

Matthew 7: 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:[25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.[26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:[27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Wednesday Night February 25, 2009

We had a crowd tonight with twenty-five kids. That was with a couple regulars skipping out on us too! It is much more fun when we have a crowd, and that is what we had. We finished up on 2 Timothy chapter three. I really focused on what Paul had to say in verse 12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Here we can clearly see that if we do what we are supposed to, we WILL suffer persecution. Many Christians view persecution and hardships as a negative thing to be avoided. The truth is we should welcome them as they show we are on course. If you never encounter any hardships, then you are doing what you should. Paul then goes on to tell Timothy to continue in the Word.

I am trying to do the same for our young people as what Paul was doing for Timothy. Paul was teaching Timothy how to be a good soldier for Christ and encourage him where he needed it. If we can lay a foundation based on God and His Word, then our youth will have what they need to bring honor and glory to the King.

We finished up Bible drills for the month of February. Richard won the older group and Sarah won the younger group. It was close, but they pulled it off. Congratulations. We will try to mix it up a little this next month with a little different format. We are finalizing plans for our summer camp, as well as working up a couple excursions in the month of March. Until next time, may the Grace of our Lord Jesus be with you-brother jason

1 Corinthians 15:14 Let all your things be done with charity.

Sunday February 22, 2009

We had a good number for both the morning and night classes this Sunday. Sunday morning we had 19 and Sunday night we had 19 again. We studied Matthew chapter 9 this Sunday morning. The focus was on who Jesus choose to minister to. He sought out the people that the religious crowd considered to be trash. Jesus went on to say: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance(Matthew 9:13). This is a lesson that we as soldiers of Christ need to understand. We are to be the light to those we love and care about, and also those that might be different from ourselves. In short, we shouldn't pick and choose who to witness to, but should witness to all. Especially those that some would consider unworthy. For the truth is that we are all unworthy of Christ, but He is full of grace and mercy. Ephesians 2:4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. This scripture allows us to see that we are not privileged in what we are(sinners saved by grace), but in who He has made us to be(sons of God). It is sad to me that so many Christians shun the poor, unsavory, and what many would call sinners, when we ourselves are separated from that only through the Blood of our Savior.

Sunday night we studied again in 2 Timothy chapter 3. We focused on verses 8-9. In it we see how that there are those that will oppose us in our fight against satan, and they have powers. Sometimes we might not be able to overcome them outright, but in this Scripture we are assured that they will only go so far until God will deal with them. It is not our place to make people believe, it is our place to preach the Word, and point them to the One. In my own life there have been times when I was not able to convince someone of the Truth of Christ. There have been times when I have had enemies get in the way of me in my service to Christ. These are things that we are going to have to face. We must take comfort in the fact that one day they will stand before their Creator and answer for themselves. Our duty is to do our part and give them a chance. Plant the seeds and allow the Holy Spirit to work.

Please keep my wife's cousin Blythe Dillard in your prayers. She was in a car accident Friday night and was severely injured. She was ejected from the car and suffered broken legs, arms, ribs, back, jaw, and shoulder. She has damage to her neck arteries, a punctured lung, a punctured liver, and other injuries. She has a long, hard, road to recovery. Pray that God will not only heal her body, but that through this she might become closer to God. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. Please remember us as we fight the fight, and for the kids here as they do the same. May God bless and keep you-brother jason

Wednesday night we will finish 2 Timothy chapter 3. Those of you coming to class be sure to read it and come up with a question on verses 10-17.

Mark 16:15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Wednesday Night February 18, 2009

We had a good crowd last night, I think we had a total of 21 kids. We started our lesson in 2 Timothy chapter 3. We only really got through the first seven verses. Our main topic was how the last days described in the verses was so like we are going through today. It is easy for us to see the prophecy of the Word taking place before our eyes. One of the main things I tried to stress to the youth was that we are to separate ourselves from the things of this world and seek Him. Only with His strength and help can we make it.

We also discussed our upcoming summer camp, and I sent letters to all the parents to fill out for me. We are trying to get things all figured out and finalized as quick as possible so everyone can plan out their summers. Every year I have conflicts in scheduling that usually keeps kids out of camp. We want to avoid that this year.

Shelbie won the Bible drills for group one, and Hayden took the prize for group two. Only one more week to go to see who the winner for February is!

I ask that you keep us in prayer, as it seems that satan is trying to get in the way of the work here. I refuse to let it. I put it in the Lord's hands and I will allow Jesus to handle the situation. It doesn't bother me to see satan attacking me, it lets me know I am getting to him. As long as we trust in God and the power of His might, what can stand against us? To all my fellow soldiers in Christ, press the attack, and keep moving forward. The battle will soon be over and Jesus already has won the victory! Keep up the fight!-bro. j

2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Sunday February 15, 2009

We had sixteen for Sunday school this morning. A little less than normal, but for some folks it is tough to make it to the "early" 10:00 a.m. class. We tend to forget about needing to get up the next morning to learn about the King of kings when we are "out" Saturday night. Then we use the excuse that we don't feel good, overslept, etc. to make ourselves feel better about missing out on 50% of the church services for the week. When I here excuses, and I do every single week, I have started saying it was really because of onions that we do not serve our God. Onions? What does that mean? Let me explain. When we stand before our God in judgement, and we all will, I think He will ask us why we did so little for Him and what will our excuse be then? We might as well say "onions", because that has as much to do with it as anything. An excuse for not serving is just that, an excuse. None will be able to explain or make our failing to obey God any easier to explain. So I say blame onions because just like onions, excuses usually stink, and make me cry. Truthfully I understand that things do come up, and sometimes we just can't be there. I know I have some kids that are in tough situations, and can't always be at church. It is not them I am cross with, it is those who just don't care enough to do better. Shame on you.

On to happier thoughts! We finished Matthew chapter eight where we started last Sunday morning. The major points we hit on was how Jesus calmed the storm and cast out demons. His disciples really learned a lot about this Man they were following. Even nature obeyed His voice! All it took was His command and the storm ceased. Later in the chapter Jesus is approached by two men possessed of demons. These demons were scared to death of Jesus, they knew what He could do. Sad that His own friends did not. In the entire encounter Jesus had to only utter one word to send the devils away. Go. That is it. He told them to go and they went. Sad that His own people can't seem to do the same. In this chapter we are really able to get a glimpse at our Savior's true nature and personality.

Sunday night we had 19 kids. We studied 1 Timothy chapter 4. In this chapter, the main thing I hit on was how that Timothy was a lot like us. He was a young man receiving encouragement and training from Paul. Even though Timothy was young, Paul stressed to him that meant nothing, youth was no excuse not to serve . He was to do what God had laid out for him. Paul was giving him instruction in how to be a good soldier for Christ. That is what I am trying to do here at Hamilton. There is a battle being fought, casualties taking place, and there is a great deal at stake, people's eternal souls. Soon Christ will return for His children, and I want us to be ready for it.

After church, we had a little get-together. We ate lasagna, corn on the cob, cheesy garlic bread, brownies, and blue bell ice cream. It was all very good, and thanks to Dyana for preparing it for us. After that we all bowled on the Wii and then played hide and seek in the dark. It really was a lot of fun. Jonathan busted it pretty hard, but he's okay. It was a lot of good, clean, fun. We are going have to try that again soon.

(Some that was there for hide and seek)

(Caleb and Evan being silly as usual)

(Cole-slaw)

(Richard and Tyler)

(Camryn)

(Drew, Sarah Catherine, and Bro. Jason)

(Bro. Jason, Bro. Drew, Lacey Drew, and Sarah Catherine)

Thanks to all those praying for us, helping out, and being there when we need them. As we try to uplift the Name of Jesus and do the work He has for us please continue to pray for us. It seems that the harder we try, the harder satan fights against us. I guess that means we must be doing something right. We are not going to let him win the battle, for Jesus has already won the war. To all my brothers and sisters in Christ, keep the faith, fight the fight, and may our Lord and Savior come soon! Until next week-brother jason

We will be studying 2 Timothy Chapter 3 this Wednesday night. Read it before you come and be able to tell me you saw this posted at the beginning of class and I'll make it worth your while-j

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Wednesday February 11, 2009

We had a smaller class tonight, I know some of the kids were going to another church for a service. Always makes you feel good about things. Maybe everybody will be back Sunday morning. We had eighteen kids in my class tonight as we studied about Gideon in the book of Judges. We looked at both how Gideon sought after a sign from God and how he led the children of Israel to victory over the Midianites that had enslaved them for seven years.

The main thing I wanted the kids to get out of the lesson was how we shouldn't ask for signs from God, but should live by faith. Also I wanted them to see how that God would not let Gideon use the 22,000 men at his disposal to fight, but only allowed him to have 300 men. God wanted everyone to know that He won the fight, not them. When we obey God and go where He sends, no number of enemies can keep us from achieving what God has laid out for us. We must seek His strength and not rely on our own. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Richard and Stephanie won the Bible drills tonight. That puts Jonathan and Richard in the hunt for this month's champions in group one, and Stephanie and Sarah in the lead in group two. I can't wait to see how it turns out. We are talking about doing something Sunday night after church that involves eating, playing some games, and having a good time together. The kids are off Monday so maybe we can all get together and have a good time. To those of you that skipped tonight, shame on ya, but we still love you. Hope to see you Sunday-brojason

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Sunday February 8, 2009

We were a little off on attendance from our average this weekend. Several of the crew had other things going, so we only had 17 for Sunday school in our class and 19 for Sunday night. That is still a good number, but it is frustrating to me that people take God so lightly and for granted. Here in Hamilton baseball is the king sport. If I could just get people to be as faithful to Christ as they are to baseball, then we'd be making progress. Sad to think a game can be more important to people than their King, Creator, and Savior. Idolatry has always been a big problem for man, and that hasn't changed. Anyway we still had a great class.

We started our Sunday school lesson in Matthew chapter eight. This is one of my favorite passages and it both shows insight into who Jesus is, and also what He holds dear. In chapter eight, there are several miracles that Jesus performs. We only got to the first two. First Jesus heals a man of leprosy. This disease was one of the most horrible ones in the Bible. Jesus is willing to touch this unclean man and make him whole. He then tells the man to not tell everyone. Jesus wanted people to love Him not for what He could do for them, but for what He was to them. Next we discussed the healing of the centurion's servant. The centurion's faith was enough to even marvel our Lord. It is here that it becomes apparent that Jesus is offering the gift of salvation to all, not just the Jews. Next week we'll finish up the chapter.

Sunday night we discussed chapter six of Isaiah. This chapter tells of Isaiah's vision of heaven and of his answering the call of God. Oh that more Christians would answer that same call today before it is too late. When God asked who would go for Him, Isaiah went without hesitation. I wish more would answer that call. Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

We did have a great thing of note happen Sunday morning, J. J. made her profession of Faith and asked to be baptized and join our fellowship at Hamilton Baptist Church. We rejoice in her decision and will pray that she will grow in the Lord and seek to be obedient to Him. We are currently working on the details of summer camp and a few other things before then. I look forward to Wednesday night and hope that we'll not only have a good number, but that we'll all come seeking the Lord. Until next time, may God bless and keep you all.

In His Service-brother jason

Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Wednesday Night Class February 4, 2009

Tonight we had our family night meal, and as usual that draws a crowd. We had 25 youth tonight, and that is a full room. I hope one day we have to build a larger classroom. Of course, we just built the present classroom, and it is already getting cramped! Not complaining, it is a great problem to have.
Our lesson tonight came from the Book of Acts chapter 3. We talked about how that Peter and John went to the temple to preach the Word even though they knew that many of the Jews there were the very ones that attacked Jesus. Before they even got in the temple they met a crippled man begging at the gate. Instead of giving him money, they reached down and lifted him up. Through them, God healed the man. As we discussed tonight, there are many lessons we can learn from this.
First, we should never fear to go to the places where God would have us to go in order to preach the Gospel. When we allow Him to work through us, wondrous things can be accomplished. The gift that Peter and John gave the man far exceeded the expectations of the beggar. He was lifted from being lame to being made whole.
This is another lesson we can learn. Many of us find ourselves spiritually lame, unable to accomplish anything of value. This is because we lack the strength, knowledge, and most of all, desire to go out and fight the fight Christ has laid before us. When we allow God to lift us up, heal our spirits, and make us whole, we can then get to the job laid before us. The first step is realizing that we need Him and seeking His strength. It is all about what is in our hearts, we will be just as good a Christian as we want to be.
Tonight in our Bible drills Sarah won in group one and Jonathan won in group two. We are going to see who can win the most this month. We are currently working every Wednesday night at our Bible drills and I have to say that they are really getting good at it. I am glad I don't have to go up against them.
Well that is all for this week, we'll post again Sunday night/Monday. Until then fight the good fight and remember if you are a child of God, live like it. Live a life that brings honor and glory to Him. If you don't know Him as your personal Savior, why not accept Him tonight. We are all sinners(Romans 3:10,23), we have a way out(Romans 1:16-17, 6:23), and if we'll do what He says He'll save us!(Romans 10:9-13) Pray for us as we try to finish the course laid out for us.

In His Service-j

Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,[15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,[16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;[17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,[18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;[19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

HBC Youth

This is the first blog of Hamilton Baptist Church youth group. We'll be keeping up with the crew here and telling what is going on. I'm going to try to update this thing every thursday and monday. We will be talking about what we are studying, what we're doing outside of church, and how we are trying to bring souls to Jesus while growing in Christ ourselves.

This will be a short post as I try to figure all this out. Keep us in your prayers as we strive to become what Christ would have us to be, and above all to bring Honor and Glory to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.