Dale – Page 47

Clippin’ Grace Coupons in the Ministry

December 16, 2016December 15, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Family, Grace, Love, Marriage, Uncategorized

I do not deserve anything. I am unrighteous (Romans 3:10) and a sinner (Romans 3:23). How blessed (Ephesians 1:3) to be able to say with confidence, “I know I am saved by the grace of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9), to be able to sing “Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone,” (Colossians 3:15-17), and to rejoice in the assurance of heaven (John 14:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Another grace gift that I do not deserve is the blessed privilege of marriage. That blessing is increased by virtue of God placing us in ministry together where we serve side-by-side. As I pastor, my wife is my faithful ministry companion who prays for me, disciples ladies and children, and makes our house a welcoming place to bear one another’s burdens. In the midst of grace-enabled ministry, we both understand that our first ministry is to each other.

Therefore, in what is usually a busy time of the year, we begin the holiday season by visiting a local coffee shop. There we pull out our calendars and schedule dates that help us set aside time to continue to build our marriage so we are fit to minister to others. Hence, we are preparing to clip more grace coupons.

Yesterday was one of those dates and it included a trip to our favorite restaurant in Pigeon Forge, TN, The Old Mill Pottery Cafe and Grille. We like it so much that while attending the Couples Advance in November, we enjoyed their scrumptious food three-days-in-a- row. (We got others hooked on it, too!)

Then we spent the rest of the afternoon and first part of the evening in one of our top five favorite places . . . Dollywood. How amazing to walk along hand-in-hand in the midst of a gazillion Christmas lights, sit through three shows that unashamedly gave the gospel, and to be entertained and welcomed in a wholesome way! Oh, by the way, the coffee and warm, fresh cinnamon roll was good, too! Brrrr, it was cold outside!!

Truth is, there’s no one I’d rather share these grace gifts of God with than my wife. Sometimes, we are just like two kids again just soaking up the moment!

We returned home refreshed, blessed, closer to each other, and ready to clip more grace coupons as we minister to others today and through this Christmas season! God is good! Grace is sufficient!

Target, Starbucks and Happy Holidays

December 15, 2016December 14, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Christmas, Discipleship, Evangelism, Uncategorized

starbucks-red-cups-hed-2016

Wow! Now that’s a troubling, profane trio!

Really?

I like shopping at Target. They have spacious aisles, a quiet atmosphere, good product selection, and usually decent prices.

I love Starbucks. The coffee is outstanding, the conversation around the tables is engaging, the staff is usually friendly, and it’s a genuine coffee shop.

I love the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are tops in my book right under Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. And they are holidays filled with happiness and joy.

Now, I realize that my troubling, profane trio is a concern to thousands. Then I read about Jesus in the following passages:

Matt. 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house (Matthew’s), behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

Luke 14:1 One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully.

Jesus mixed and mingled among sinners, and as you read on in Luke 14, you see it was for the purpose of calling men and women to be His disciples. His last command before ascending into Heaven was, Go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Indeed, Jesus renounced sin, but He called sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32).

I am greatly disturbed by some of the decisions of Target, Starbucks, and the general pushing of Christ out of Christmas. I must say something and stand against unrighteousness. Nevertheless, there is a divine call that supersedes all of this—Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). I have that same divine command upon me as do all disciples of Jesus Christ. We have what the people in Target, Starbucks, and the whole world need (John 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 4:7).

Bottom line. The greatest way to curtail sin, unrighteousness, and unholy living is the gospel. As I say to our congregation so often, you do not go to the grocery story just to buy a gallon of milk. You go with a heart for people, looking for the Lord to connect you with some precious soul that needs Him.

It is so wrong to condemn the world for living what they are, and then not sharing what they can be in Christ.

So, if your conscience does not condemn you, go ahead on over to Starbucks. Get a cup of coffee, and don’t grumble about the price. Then, engage in conversation with someone to build a relationship that will lead to sharing the gospel that day or in the future.

As I have heard and repeated many times, the gospel changes everything.

Oh, and you’ll have a happy holidays, too.

“In other words what frees you to live radically for others in this world is the confidence that this world is not the main world.”

Like

December 14, 2016December 13, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Uncategorized

4,851 likes! Facebook sent a year-in-review video and shared with me how many times I “liked” something in 2016! Thank you, Facebook. I like that!

As I thought about Facebook’s revelation of my “liked” responses, the following came to mind: How many times has my Heavenly Father “liked” or been pleased by my actions this past year?

Walk as children of light . . . and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8,10)

We make it our aim to please Him. (2 Corinthians 5:9)

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9-10)

What are your guidelines, your motivations for “liking” something on Facebook?

a) You really do like it.

b) You just want your friend to know you saw it.

c) You feel some emotional attachment to the post.

d) You do it out of obligation because your FB friend just might defriend you.

e) It’s part of living in the Facebook world.

f) All of the above!

What are your guidelines, your motivations for pleasing your Heavenly Father?

Because of my position in Christ, I am always accepted by God the Father (Ephesians 1:6). In the practical out-working on a daily basis of who I am in Christ, here are some guidelines from the Word that should help me:

Read, study, memorize, meditate on, and share the Word of God (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 119).
Respond to life each day through a biblical worldview (Romans 8:6-8; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
Live in the atmosphere of prayer; of communion with God (Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Obey the Word (Psalm 119:1-8)
Give the right opinion of Who God is by your talk and your walk (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Keep short accounts of sin (1 John 1:9).
Walk in the victory that we already have in Christ (Romans 8:28-39).
Live by faith (Hebrews 11:6).

When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16:7).

LIKE!

I Left the Theatre

December 13, 2016December 12, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Praise & Worship, Uncategorized

movie-theater-revival-setup

You attend to the theatre to view the latest, greatest, “gotta-see-it” film. You’ve bought your ticket, a big tub of popcorn and a 32 oz. Coke, and have settled into your seat. Are you comfortable now?

15-20 minutes after the show begins, you abruptly stand up, leave your popcorn and Coke, and head for the exit! In the not-too-distance future, your spouse comes out to check on you. She approaches you with her inquisitive face and asks, “Why did you leave?”

“Well, my brain can only retain 10-20% of what I hear, so I figured, why stick around?”

Have you ever done that? When’s the last time you left a football game, a concert, and/or a play because your mind would only retain a small percentage of what you heard or saw? Truth is, 9.5 times out of 10, you arrive early and stay late for an event.

You know why? Because you love it!

Let me tell you, tailgating, whooping it up and hollering at your favorite football game is just over-the-top fun!!

Hard to beat a good concert, too! And I want the best seats, up close! I want to be where the action is! Love it!

Now, you want to know when I’ve heard the 10-20% brain capacity excuse? It is always in reference to the length of a Sunday service, and especially the sermon.

So what’s the deal? I’ll just put it bluntly . . . you get your “worship on” more with what entertains you than Who loves you and gave His life for you. And that entertainment might even be a Christian concert. . . and the music is loud, too.

The Church is Christ, and Christ is the Church (1 Corinthians 12:27). If you are a true, born again believer, then you are a part of the body of Christ, the Church. Everything about Church should excite you and call you be enthralled with its Head (Ephesians 5:18-32; Colossians 1:18).

Sadly, too many believers view the church they attend by seeing people’s faces instead seeing the face of Christ. Hence, because the people who attend your church are imperfect sinners who disappoint, discourage, criticize, and fail, the church does not live up to your liking.

How about going to church this Sunday to enjoy Christ alone? When the song service and/or sermon goes too long, beyond your 10-20% mental capacity, just let your heart take over (Matthew 22:37) and enjoy being in the presence of God, His Son, and the work of God that you cannot see through all the facets of a Sunday service! You will be surprised at what you remembered because your worship was in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

By the way, how about coming back in for the rest of the film?

My Church?

December 1, 2016November 29, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Ministry, Uncategorized

bcbc

While visiting family in Kentucky last week, I passed a storefront church with a catchy name . . . My Church. Of course, my warped sense of humor made me think, “What a cool play on words for church outreach?” And then, I heard the following conversation in my head:

Church Member: “How about visiting My Church this Sunday?”

Neighbor: “What’s the name of your church?”

Church Member: “My Church.”

Neighbor: “Yes, your church. What’s it name?”

Church Member: ‘My Church.”

And this could go on and on like an old Abbott & Costello routine entitled Who’s On First?

Seriously, the name caused me to do some thinking about church. Jesus said, “Upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). What’s the difference between Jesus’ “My Church “and . . . my church.

Jesus’ My Church

Christ is the issue, the motive, the celebrity, the subject, the preeminent One, and the name that matters (Colossians 1:15-19; 1 Corinthians 1:29-31).
Christ is the architect, the builder, the model, and the planner (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:11-16).
Christ builds His Church with broken, sinful lives (Acts 16:12-34) who are eternally changed for God’s glory (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Christ offers forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14), reconciliation (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18), redemption (1 Corinthians 1:29-31; Ephesians 1:3, 7), adoption (Romans 8:15, 23), righteousness (Romans 3:21-26), and acceptance to all sinners on His merit alone (Ephesians 1:6).
Christ fits every one into His body (1 Corinthians 12:18; Ephesians 2:21; 4:16).
Christ is Who and What unifies His Church (1 Corinthians 3:11; 12:12-18; Ephesians 1:3-14).
Christ’s Word is the Operations Manual for the Church (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 4:2).
Christ’s church answers and handles all personal matters by obedience to the Word (Matthew 18:15-20).
Christ is the “face” of His Church (Ephesians 5:22-27).

My church

My church promotes man, his struggles, his failures, his sins, his illnesses, and his pride.
My church is built around what I believe the church should be and look like.
My church says, “Come as you are,” but let’s you stay as you are.
My church offers a temporal fix, a warm, fuzzy small group, and/or man-centered solutions.
My church fits me and what I like; what makes me feel good.
My church is unified around my music style, my dress code, my service times, my schedule, my selfish theology, my textual choice, and my perspective/assumptions.
My church is entertainment driven, perhaps constitution over the Bible motivated, board-run, and man-feared.
My church reacts to personal matters by anger, bitterness, gossip, and church-hopping.
My church’s “face” is the pastor, deacons, the person (pastor, deacon, church member) who hurt me or disappointed me, and the denomination.

So, now I must look at the church I serve and ask, “Is this Christ’s church or my church?” Look at the church you attend. Is it really Christ’s church or your church?

Let me add, I know very little about My Church in Kentucky, and this article is not about them. It could be if any of these nine things fits them, but I am not out to target them. I will say this, on their website I read these words, “Make My Church your church.” I think I understand their motive, but only you can make My Church into my church (your church). Only Christ can make His Church, His Church. I’ll choose the latter. . . and by His grace, make that the goal.

Are You Listening? Are You Prepared?

November 30, 2016November 29, 2016 by Dale, posted in Uncategorized

gatlinburg-fire

So many emotions, thoughts and prayers ran through my mind from early yesterday morning throughout the day in reference to the devastating fires in Sevier County, Tennessee. Off-and-on I would check the news to hear the latest. Of all the reports that I heard, two have really burdened my heart.

First, as always, is the news of fatalities caused by the fires. The greatest tragedy in any event like this is the probability of some souls never have repented and turned to Christ for salvation, and therefore, of their own freewill have slipped into an eternal hell.

Second, the “this will never happen to us” or “that’s too far away to reach us” or “we’ll be okay” mentalities. Folks, let’s face it, we are too comfortable in America. We are almost convinced we are invincible. The fires had been burning ten miles south of Gatlinburg, but due to the ferocious winds and change in humidity, these fires quickly got out of control. Read the following:

How Chimney Top Fire Rode High Winds Into Gatlinburg

“This is a fire for the history books because it is unlike anything most have ever seen,” Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said at a press conference Tuesday morning.

The fire had been going in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Then the humidity dropped ahead of a storm front. Wind speed picked up and the direction shifted, catching firefighters off guard.

Then around 6 p.m., the wind speeds doubled, Miller said.

“There were times last night where we had wind gusts in excess of 87 miles an hour. That is hurricane force. That is nowhere to be when trying to fight a fire,” Miller said.

Embers blew as far as a mile away, sparking new fires.

“At the same time we were facing that challenge, those high winds were knocking down trees. Those trees were hitting power lines and they were falling on this very dry, extreme drought-like condition, and everything was catching on fire.”

The National Park Service says they — too — were blindsided by the winds but that they were still dropping water on the Chimney Top Fire as late as Sunday.

adam-b-fire-pic

As I listened to the news coming out of an area that is very dear to us, my heart sank. For days folks knew of the fires around them. How sad when I heard one man say, “We were not warned!”

In another report, a couple from South Carolina came on Saturday for their vacation. They said, “We saw the smoke, and knew of the fires, but we came anyway.” Monday night, they barely escaped with their lives as the flames licked its way up to their cabin destroying it and their belongings.

My heart is further saddened because thousands upon thousands of people respond in the same way to the declarations of “You must be born again” (John 3), and “Christ is coming soon” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), and “Prepare for eternity” (Hebrews 9:27)!

My friends, the ABSOLUTE, MOST IMPORTANT decision you must make in this life is the answer to this question, “Where will you spend eternity?”

The answer to that question is predicated on your response to this question, “What will you do with Jesus?” God so loved you that He sent His only begotten (only one like Him) Son to die for you (John 3:16), to take your place on the cross to pay your sin debt (Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24) and to make you righteousness in the sight of God (Romans 3:21-26). The only way to God and to Heaven is through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Ephesians 1:3-7). In other words, Jesus took my sins to the cross so God could take me to heaven.

In closing, please do not hesitate one second to turn to Christ for eternal life, eternal salvation. Just like these fires, which came swiftly and quickly, Jesus is coming soon. Death is just one breath away. Don’t be numb to the truth, my friend. Are you listening? Are you prepared?

For more information, see What the Bible Says About Hell

Still Growing & Thriving After 62 Years

November 29, 2016November 28, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Love, Marriage, Uncategorized

Dad & Mom watching a Hallmark Christmas movie.

“Well, don’t you look handsome?”

“Here, let me get that for you.”

“Want some popcorn?”

“Here’s a blanket for you.”

“Mil and I have shared many wonderful memories with each other.”

“I love you.”

These are statements that I heard over the Thanksgiving holiday from two people who are still head-over-heels-in-love with each other . . . after 62 years. Dad and Mom are two sinners redeemed by the blood of Christ, daily needing grace to work at their marriage, and willing to walk in that grace for God’s glory and their marriage.

My in-laws have always been a marriage inspiration to me. I am sure my father-in-law has his equals, but no one loves their wife any more than he does, and my mother-in-law simply adores her husband. And yes, they have had their share of conflicts, gripes, hardships, heartaches, and other marriage related issues.

What causes a marriage to continue to grow and thrive even past 62 years? Well, the answer is found in Scripture. The answer is found in the daily application of the following grace-enabled commands and principles.

DAILY . . .

Soak your soul in the grace of God (2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:9a)
Love one another (1 Corinthians 13)
Serve one another (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10)
Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)
Submit to God and one another (Ephesians 5:21)
Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
Build up, encourage one another (Romans 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:25)
Bear each other’s burdens (Gal. 6:2)
Be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward one another (Ephesians 4:32,
Outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10)
Welcome one another as Christ welcomes us (Romans 15:7)
Enjoy the act of marriage with only one another (Genesis 2:25; Hebrews 13:4)
Make each word a gift not a gripe (Ephesians 4:29)
Be hospitable to one another (1 Pet. 4:9)
Pray for each another (James 5:16)
Imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Grow in the application of God’s Word (2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 3:18)

Marriage is the creation of God and a gift from God (Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:6; Ephesians 5:18-32). He can help your marriage grow and mature as He so designed if you will submit to Him each day. Furthermore, a marriage does not run on auto-pilot. You must make more deposits into your marriage than withdrawals.

If your marriage has grown stale, blah, ordinary, or headed for trouble, then surrender your rights. Get honest with God and each other. There’s mercy and grace with the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:16).

If your marriage is thriving, precious, meaningful, and fulfilling, keep doing what you have been doing each day. Do not take it for granted. Take one of the aforementioned list and work on it each day or each week. Enjoy the journey together with your eye on Christ and each other.

After our delicious Thanksgiving dinner, we went around the table and shared words of gratitude. Denise asked, “Dad, what are you thankful for?” His reply being a man of few words, “Many things.” And then with tears in his eyes, he pointed to Mom and simply said, “Her.” He didn’t need to say anything else.

Still growing and thriving after 62 years.

Clippin’ Grace Coupons in Ministry

November 18, 2016November 17, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Evangelism, Grace, Salvation, Uncategorized

The focus of my blog posts this week has been on our Grace Giving Missions Sunday at BCBC. Truth is, every day of our life is a focus on the grace of God because by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9) and by grace we operate in life (2 Corinthians 9:8). Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve. Grace is the principle upon which God operates in our life. Therefore, these “coupons” we clip are gifts of His grace to undeserving people who stand in Christ alone, redeemed, justified, and forgiven (Romans 3-5).

Coupon #1: Denise, My Wife

I certainly do not deserve such a godly, Word-filled, hard-working, caring, loving, lady of prayer and faith as my wife! For 35 years we have been working by grace on our marriage. One of the things that she has seen fit to do through the years is to make our house a home. A man cannot do that. Only a woman with her touch can make your home a place where you are accepted, love, and . . . fed as the picture shows. How cool to walk in the house this week and see fresh homemade French bread on the counter. She knows me so well. In moments she said, “You want a piece? Get some butter.” Wow! What a grace blessing Denise is to my life in so many ways!!

Coupon #2: Souls Coming to Christ

How awesome to hear the testimony of teens coming to Christ for salvation!! How awesome to hear when anyone comes to faith and repentance for salvation through Christ alone (Five Questions), but to hear about precious teens in their public schools coming to Christ is super-awesome!! My friend, there are no schools, work-places, government, or countries closed to the gospel (Romans 1:16). My, my, my what a thrill to hear of fifteen students getting saved in one school! Wow!! Glory!!!!

Coupon #3: Grace Investments

When you reach my age, you are able to look back over your life and rejoice in the people God put in your life to make spiritual and ministry life investments! Yesterday, we were able to have lunch with two faithful, glowing, caring servants of the Lord who made those investments in us while we were serving in Indiana from 1986-2000. One of the awesome blessings to our hearts is that these two servants have not really retired. Dr. Taylor is no longer the senior pastor of Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN, but he teaches a seniors Sunday School class and supports his pastor and the ministry that he loves so dearly. His dear wife, Joan, continues to serve alongside him in the class just as she has done for many years. These folks are investors, champions, encouragers, and trophies of God’s grace!

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)

Joining God In His Work With His Resources

November 17, 2016November 16, 2016 by Dale, posted in Church, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, Missions, Money, Uncategorized

missions

This week, I have been writing primarily to the congregation of Boones Creek Bible Church. One of the most blessed aspects of this ministry is joining God in His work through missions! Every Sunday we are brought up to date about two of our supported missionaries through our Adopt-A-Missionary Ministry. Each missionary family is “adopted” by one of our church families. How stirring to hear what God is up around the world as these families give their reports via pictures, videos, praise notes, and prayer requests. Friend, the most exciting event on the planet happens every time a lost soul repents and receives Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. (If you have never been born again, please take time to watch this: Five Questions)

This Sunday is Grace Giving Missions Sunday. This is a special day as look to the Lord for His direction in how He will provide for His mission’s work through His people. BCBC Family, would you consider the questions below after reading the following passages: Matthew 6:25-33; 28:18-20; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 and Philippians 4:16-19.

What part will you play in mission’s giving this year at Boones Creek Bible Church so we as a body of believers can be obedient to the Great Commission?
Have you been asking God to reveal to you the amount that He would have you trust Him for each month?
How big is your God?
What is the value of a soul to you and your family?
What do you need to set aside that is temporal so you can give for the eternal?
What does your wallet, your checkbook say about your heart for missions, for the lost?
What will your children learn about giving to missions from your example?
How much celebrating via giving will you do in 2017?

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)

A Giving Celebration

November 16, 2016November 15, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Giving, Praise & Worship, Uncategorized

occ2

“God directs his people not simply to worship but to sing his praises before the nations. We are called not simply to communicate the gospel to nonbelievers; we must also intentionally celebrate the gospel before them.” (Tim Keller)

One of the many ways we can “celebrate the gospel” before nonbelievers is for them hear how God meets our needs for His work and His glory! How sad that the unbelieving world sees us storing up treasures here, even going into debt for temporal things that have no eternal value, and they never heard the stories of how our great God supplied our needs and especially provided so we could get in on the blessing of giving!! God wants you to celebrate not grumble or be a Mr. Scrooge.

The following passage describes one of the many celebration activities in a believer’s life:

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

One of the most joyful events that occurs in any church service is when the offering is received! Think about it. Look at the following based upon the above passage:

God promises that if you sow bountifully, you will reap bountifully.
God does not pressure you to give.
God does not want you to be miserable when you give but joyful.
God is able to provide so you can get in on the blessing of giving.

Indeed, it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35), even when you do not think you have to give. God is able! So, when it comes time to give, do not look at your wallet, look at your God Who is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work (2 Cor. 9:8).

Therefore, people of BCBC, preparing to give and then giving to missions in 2017 should really make you celebrate when you consider 2 Corinthians 9:15!!

I am looking for much celebration in the days to come! God is able!