Hopefully I will be able to share more with the congregation soon, but here is one of the highlights from the Psalm 67 Mission Network mission trip to Tamaulipus, Mexico this past weekend.
On Saturday, November 14 we met with a few Pastors and leaders from churches in the region of Matomoros, Mexico. Included in this group was the man who is the director of the local "Baptist Association" of churches as well as the state leader for the "Baptist Convention." It was a great blessing to get to know these guys.
During our conversation, the leader for the state association asked us if we would be willing to come speak to the state Pastor's meeting on February 8, 2010. So, please pray with us as we put together a team of people to do this.
If you have an interest in participating in missions through Psalm 67 or would like to know more information please visit http://www.psalm67missions.net
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Enduring the Ridiculous
Sadly, the Westboro Baptist "Church" has come to town again , spreading their vindictive non-Gospel of hatred and bigotry at a local High School that dared hold a funeral service for one of our brave, fallen warriors. As you might imagine, such visits put most of us historic, biblical Christians on edge, who understand that the Bible is to be read and believed, not waved around and wielded like a blunt instrument to savage and belittle those with whom we disagree.
I get embarrassed enough when genuine Christians do such ridiculous things. But it's worse when, what is clearly a cult in both it's belief and practice, puts itself in the headlines in a way that makes it easy for those outside of Christ to identify us with their hate-filled propaganda. How do we make it clear to the world that just because they've taken upon themselves the names "baptist" and "church," these folks have nothing to do with those who legitimately gather under those banners? How can we make it clear that they do not represent historic, biblical Christianity?
For one thing, we can make sure we don't engage our debates using their same tactics. Do we believe that homosexuality is sin? Yes, but it is not the unforgivable sin. It is sin like adultery is sin, and pornography. It must be repented of. It certainly invites God's wrath upon those who practice it. But let's be clear. So does hypocrisy and envy, selfishness and lying (see Romans 1:18-32 for the whole list!). The problem is not that one type of sin is more heinous than the rest. The problem is that we are all sinners in desperate need of God's grace through Christ. What does the Bible say?
I get embarrassed enough when genuine Christians do such ridiculous things. But it's worse when, what is clearly a cult in both it's belief and practice, puts itself in the headlines in a way that makes it easy for those outside of Christ to identify us with their hate-filled propaganda. How do we make it clear to the world that just because they've taken upon themselves the names "baptist" and "church," these folks have nothing to do with those who legitimately gather under those banners? How can we make it clear that they do not represent historic, biblical Christianity?
For one thing, we can make sure we don't engage our debates using their same tactics. Do we believe that homosexuality is sin? Yes, but it is not the unforgivable sin. It is sin like adultery is sin, and pornography. It must be repented of. It certainly invites God's wrath upon those who practice it. But let's be clear. So does hypocrisy and envy, selfishness and lying (see Romans 1:18-32 for the whole list!). The problem is not that one type of sin is more heinous than the rest. The problem is that we are all sinners in desperate need of God's grace through Christ. What does the Bible say?
As it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands; no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good, not even one."
Romans 3:10-12
no one understands; no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good, not even one."
Romans 3:10-12
Sin is a problem that touches and taints all humans, not just some. All of us have acted out or a rebellion against God that makes us worthy of death. Some by the misuse of their sexuality, others by the misuse of their tongues, but both sin. And both stand in need of the grace of God to be forgiven and reconciled to the God their sins have offended. That's why I'm so grateful for the many passages of Scripture that offer hope to sinners, rather than condemnation. Here is just a small sampling:
This is the message the world needs to hear, that anyone who comes to see their sin so that they turn from it to take hold of Christ by faith, believing that His death on the cross counts for them and that by trusting in His righteousness, they can receive as a free gift all that they need to be forever accepted by God. They need to understand that there is hope for any sinner who repents and embraces Christ and all He has done by faith. This is the promise of God, not for those who protest the sins of others, but for those who come to see in themselves, the worst of all sins and are thus moved to humbly bow before Him to receive what His grace alone can give.
My prayer is that those who gather at today's protest will hear that message, and not the arsenic-laced hatred that spews from the mouths of those who claim to speak for God, but in reality have never known Him. I ask God to help sinners -- heterosexual sinners as well as homosexual sinners and non-sexual sinners of every kind -- see their need for a Savior in Christ, and learn that they will be accepted by Him with open arms when they turn and come to Him by faith.
For that matter, if you are struggling with sin and wonder if you would be loved by our church if you showed up this Sunday, let me assure you that the answer is yes. We believe there is no sin from which God cannot cleanse the man or woman who comes to Him by repentance and faith in Christ
May God grant mercy,
S Scott Lee
Pastor, Rockport Baptist Church
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but to save the world through him.
John 3:17
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
Repent, then, and turn to God,
so that your sins may be wiped out,
that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Acts 3:19
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
but to save the world through him.
John 3:17
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
Repent, then, and turn to God,
so that your sins may be wiped out,
that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Acts 3:19
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
This is the message the world needs to hear, that anyone who comes to see their sin so that they turn from it to take hold of Christ by faith, believing that His death on the cross counts for them and that by trusting in His righteousness, they can receive as a free gift all that they need to be forever accepted by God. They need to understand that there is hope for any sinner who repents and embraces Christ and all He has done by faith. This is the promise of God, not for those who protest the sins of others, but for those who come to see in themselves, the worst of all sins and are thus moved to humbly bow before Him to receive what His grace alone can give.
My prayer is that those who gather at today's protest will hear that message, and not the arsenic-laced hatred that spews from the mouths of those who claim to speak for God, but in reality have never known Him. I ask God to help sinners -- heterosexual sinners as well as homosexual sinners and non-sexual sinners of every kind -- see their need for a Savior in Christ, and learn that they will be accepted by Him with open arms when they turn and come to Him by faith.
For that matter, if you are struggling with sin and wonder if you would be loved by our church if you showed up this Sunday, let me assure you that the answer is yes. We believe there is no sin from which God cannot cleanse the man or woman who comes to Him by repentance and faith in Christ
May God grant mercy,
S Scott Lee
Pastor, Rockport Baptist Church
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Among the Elders (October - November)
I apologize for being very late with this report from our last two elders' meetings. Here is a summary of what can be shared.
October 12, 2009
Our meeting began with a devotion by Will J on the issue of Integrity from Proverbs. We then discussed the needs of those in our body, especially some of our seniors who have health needs, those who are newer to our fellowship, and some we have not seen recently. Time was spent in prayer for each
Scheduling issues were discussed for such matters as the systematic theology class, and for how we want to make better use of Sunday Evenings at Rockport. It was decided that, for now, we will have a monthly Q/A Fellowship on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Otherwise there will not be a regular Sunday evening worship service. Instead, theology class will be moved to 6 PM on those Sundays when there is not another Sunday evening event. From time to time, though, we will have special called Sunday meetings for missionaries, or other informative events.
Also scheduled, tentatively:
- Rockport Elder’s Open House for the weekend of Dec 19-20.
- A week of prayer for the new year Jan 3-10 as a time to prayerfully seek of the Lord together
- Camp Meeting, April 15-18
The ordination of deacons was discussed, as was the building expansion project
The health and needs of our Community Groups was discussed.
Our ongoing relationship with “Gaining Christ Ministries” and Trevor Johnson’s mission work were discussed.
Several other issues concerning individuals and individual needs were brought up and then laid before the Lord in a season of prayer.
November 9, 2009
We began with a devotional brought by Pastor Scott about the biblical role of the pastor a watchman.
We discussed the needs of our members, of various kinds, and how we can lovingly respond to each. We see a need to find better ways to stay in touch with and minister to the growing needs of our body. Several things were put forward which we will be prayerfully seeking to put into practice. In addition, we see the need to remind our body to be alert to those who may be new each Sunday and make the extra effort to embrace them and make them feel welcome. Hospitality is an important grace we must practice constantly.
Scheduled matters were discussed (Most listed above). Added to the calender were:
A Ladies Cooking Fellowship this Friday
Christmas Eve Service
Possible building committee meeting November 29th
Possible deacon ordination January 24th
We agreed that the reading of chapters of Scripture is a benefit to worship. Now that we are finished with Malachi, we will move on to Ephesians. The plan is to alternate between Old and New Testament books.
Our Christmas Missions Offering options were set. Our people will have the option of giving to:
Lottie Moon (SBC); Gaining Christ Ministries; HeartCry Missions Society
Because of the urgent needs being experienced by them right now, we want to especially emphasize the needs of our Gaining Christ team.
We see the need to look into holding a family conference this summer.
Several other matters of importance were discussed.
We spent a season in prayer for these and many other needs discussed.
Submitted respectfully.
Please continue in prayer for us.
Our next meeting is November 23rd.
S. Scott Lee
Soli Deo Gloria
www.RockportBaptist.org
October 12, 2009
Our meeting began with a devotion by Will J on the issue of Integrity from Proverbs. We then discussed the needs of those in our body, especially some of our seniors who have health needs, those who are newer to our fellowship, and some we have not seen recently. Time was spent in prayer for each
Scheduling issues were discussed for such matters as the systematic theology class, and for how we want to make better use of Sunday Evenings at Rockport. It was decided that, for now, we will have a monthly Q/A Fellowship on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Otherwise there will not be a regular Sunday evening worship service. Instead, theology class will be moved to 6 PM on those Sundays when there is not another Sunday evening event. From time to time, though, we will have special called Sunday meetings for missionaries, or other informative events.
Also scheduled, tentatively:
- Rockport Elder’s Open House for the weekend of Dec 19-20.
- A week of prayer for the new year Jan 3-10 as a time to prayerfully seek of the Lord together
- Camp Meeting, April 15-18
The ordination of deacons was discussed, as was the building expansion project
The health and needs of our Community Groups was discussed.
Our ongoing relationship with “Gaining Christ Ministries” and Trevor Johnson’s mission work were discussed.
Several other issues concerning individuals and individual needs were brought up and then laid before the Lord in a season of prayer.
November 9, 2009
We began with a devotional brought by Pastor Scott about the biblical role of the pastor a watchman.
We discussed the needs of our members, of various kinds, and how we can lovingly respond to each. We see a need to find better ways to stay in touch with and minister to the growing needs of our body. Several things were put forward which we will be prayerfully seeking to put into practice. In addition, we see the need to remind our body to be alert to those who may be new each Sunday and make the extra effort to embrace them and make them feel welcome. Hospitality is an important grace we must practice constantly.
Scheduled matters were discussed (Most listed above). Added to the calender were:
A Ladies Cooking Fellowship this Friday
Christmas Eve Service
Possible building committee meeting November 29th
Possible deacon ordination January 24th
We agreed that the reading of chapters of Scripture is a benefit to worship. Now that we are finished with Malachi, we will move on to Ephesians. The plan is to alternate between Old and New Testament books.
Our Christmas Missions Offering options were set. Our people will have the option of giving to:
Lottie Moon (SBC); Gaining Christ Ministries; HeartCry Missions Society
Because of the urgent needs being experienced by them right now, we want to especially emphasize the needs of our Gaining Christ team.
We see the need to look into holding a family conference this summer.
Several other matters of importance were discussed.
We spent a season in prayer for these and many other needs discussed.
Submitted respectfully.
Please continue in prayer for us.
Our next meeting is November 23rd.
Soli Deo Gloria
www.RockportBaptist.org
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