1. Do you believe, honor, and follow the teaching of the Bible?

If you believe what the Bible teaches about heaven, hell, sin, and salvation through Jesus and only Jesus; then you will love being a part of outreach visitation. If you believe the Bible and honor what it says the chances are you are already sharing your faith with people, so come help us on Tuesday night as we meet together around this purpose.

2. Do you love people and long for them to know Jesus?

If you love people and have a desire to see them saved then come help us and let us help you reach them with the Gospel. We can’t save people but we can introduce them to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to do a work in their life. You come help us and we will do all that we can to help you as we work together to reach our community with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

3. Are you willing to face your fears, to sacrifice time and effort to see people saved and the church grow?

If you answered yes to the above question then come out Tuesday night to outreach, bring your family and learn how to share your faith more effectively. Get started by writing letters, watching kids for others to go out and work or by making phone calls. We will train you; we will work with you to make sure that your participation in this ministry is as painless and positive as it can possibly be. We want you to help us because we know that in doing so you will grow spiritually.

The Bible also teaches us that “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 (KJV) If a person has tasted that the Lord is good then they will desire the sincere milk of the Word that they may grow. Hearing the Word of God taught, preached, and sung about will help us mature and grow in the Lord. If we do not attend Church regularly then we will certainly stunt our growth as Christians. I want to share this little parable with you:

I don't eat any more because:

1. I was forced to eat as a child.
2. People who eat all the time are hypocrites; they aren't really hungry.
3. There are so many different kinds of food, I can't decide what to eat.
4. I used to eat, but I got bored and stopped.
5. I only eat on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter.
6. None of my friends will eat with me.
7. I'll start eating when I get older.
8. I don't really have time to eat.
9. I don't believe that eating does anybody any good. It's just a crutch.
10. Restaurants and grocery stores are only after your money.

Giving a lame excuse for not attending church or for not getting involved in ministry is just as silly as giving up eating. Church attendance for the Christian is as important as regular, balanced meals.

“For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother’; and ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him surely die.” Mark 7:10

Our Mothers are the final defense between a chaotic world of sin and the righteousness of God. They are the last guardians of faith. Without faithful mothers our world would be lost. That is why the apostle Paul writes with a tone of shock and disappointment that “even the women did change the natural use into that which is against nature (Romans 1:26).” He knew that when the women exchange Godly morals for unrighteousness the world is in a sad shape. Mothers safe guard our souls against the blast of ungodliness by their womanly disposition and tender care. This position often overlooked, undervalued, and overwhelmingly hard at times needs a day like Mother’s day to Honor that most sacred of institutions, motherhood. My Mom prayed for me, loved me, and counseled me through the temptations and trials of life. Our mothers are the best friend we’ve got as we pass through this veil of tears.

It is so important to honor our mothers and fathers that a verse like Mark 7:10 is given to us. Let me share with you a few things that stand out to me about this verse. First of all to “speak evil” means to “curse” in the KJV but this is not curse in terms of casting a spell. It means to speak bad about or to your mother and father. Then the consequence of insulting your parents is death. For he said, “let him surely die.” This must not be translated permit him to die or one day he will die. Rather, it means he must be put to death! In the Old Testament God was really serious about the parent-child relationship. He still is today. Only Christ has taken our punishment away and left us to discipline. As I see the way children talk to their parents today I am scared for the generation because God still commands us to honor our mother and father. It is the commandment with promise of life. “Honor” is in this context primarily is 'love' and 'respect’. In some languages the equivalent is 'do good for'. Have you done something good for your parents lately? Honor is the present active imperative, which means we are commanded to have the ongoing action of honoring or doing good for our parents active throughout our lives. To violate this sacred trust God hates! He knows when we do we have completely gone away from him. If you are estranged from your parents reconcile quickly. We won’t have them here forever to do good for. Remember, even up to Jesus’ last moment with His mom he provided for her.

We would like to thank you as a church for allowing us the opportunity to build our own home.

This coming Saturday, December 12, 2009 we would like to invite you to come see our home. We are having an open house from 3:00-6:00 and everyone is invited to come and view our new home. We are thankful to the Lord that He blessed us with our own place and we would like for you as our family to come and see it. Light refreshments will be served.

Our address is 62 Gooseway Rd, Eastanollee 30538

Directions: From the church take Hwy 145 to Ridge Rd, go to the end of Ridge Rd and cross Akins Bridge Rd onto Pulliam Rd, go to the end of Pulliam Rd and take a left onto North Broad River Rd. stay on North Broad River Rd pass the Go cart track which is on the left, you will then turn right onto Gooseneck Rd, go approximately ½ mile then take a right onto Gooseway Rd and we are the second house on the right.

From Hwy 106 turn right at the entrance of the old MX 106 dirt track onto the dirt rd which will turn into Gooseneck Rd as you enter back into Stephens County, when the road turns back to Asphalt look for the next paved rd on the left which will be Gooseway Rd and we will be the second house on the right.]]> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 434391E1-218A-4D7B-AB82-B72C913D799B Mon, 7 Dec 2009 10:02:39 -0500 <p>It has been prophesied that in the latter days people will lose interest in things of God, that they will grow cold in their faith, listen to what the Apostle Paul told young Timothy. <span class="scripture">“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.</span>” 2 Tim 3:1-5 (KJV)</p><br /> <p>Think about what Paul said in the last day there are going to be terrible times, this is how the people will be characterized, Men will be lovers of themselves, in other words narcissism will be ramped, people will be full of pride, blasphemers, unholy. Notice as you read that he says that they will lose natural affection, and will be plagued with unrest in their spirit (incontinent). Then He describes our generation with great precision by saying high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. That my friend describes this generation very well, people spend hours on top of hours watching movies, but if a sermon goes 5 minutes over, the preacher is too long winded, they spend hours in freezing temperatures watching ball games but if the heat or air is not perfect in the Church they grip. Even the Church has fallen in love with this mistress called pleasure; we have committed adultery against the God of heaven with a mistress named entertainment. Therefore we have lost our power and too often only have a form of godliness. Jesus asks this question that I would like you to ask yourself in a time of personal soul searching. <span class="scripture">“Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"</span> Luke 18:8 (KJV), In your life will Jesus find real Biblical faith when He comes back? </p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm D798A912-DEDC-412E-BAB6-CC7FE17F5F2E Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:08:42 -0500 This week many of us will gather with our families and enjoy a time of fellowship and giving of thanks for all that God has done. This is always both a hectic and refreshing time, a time to enjoying each other’s presence and reminiscing about the past. My prayer for you is that you have an especially good Thanksgiving Holiday and that it will be a time filled with laughter, love and praise to our wonderful heavenly Father. When I think of this time of gathering around the table in fellowship and praise my mind does not go back to the past but rather it races forward to a time that is to come. It is recorded in Revelation 19:5-10 the Bible says; <span class="scripture"“>And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.</span>” Rev 19:9 (KJV) As you put this passage in context you realize this is taking place at the conclusion of all the worlds conflicts, the great whore who has filled the earth with her corruption has been defeated and the Satan is about to be bound and cast into the bottomless pit. Now we come to a time when all of Gods people have been gathered together as a big loving family around the table to feast in celebration as the Bridegroom receives His bride which is the Church. Can you imagine the fellowship that will take place on this day? There will be Old Testament saints fellowshipping with New Testament saints, there will be families reunited who were ripped apart by the cold hand of death, there will be generations of families together around the same table. Think about it great-great-great-great- grandparents meeting their descendants and having one common thread, a love for Christ. You talk about a family tree being discovered, what a day this will be, and what a time of praising and glorifying the Lord. I can hardly wait for this day of thanksgiving but I know that it is coming, what a blessing to look forward to. http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 09455088-8E71-4B05-B005-65982E2760E5 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:30:05 -0500 An Attitude of Gratitude-<br /> Where does an attitude of gratitude come from? It comes from understanding that if we receive what we deserve we would all be tormenting in the eternal flames of hell. The Bible and history both teach us that mankind is very deprived and full of sin. If righteous judgment were to be passed out, all of us would be found as guilty sinners doomed for a devils hell. To put it another way, any thing we receive that is better than hell is a gift from God. Instead of giving us what we deserve, God gave us His only begotten Son, through mercy and grace God blessed us with the gift that gives eternal life. Sure there are tough times in life, there are times when people don’t agree and you and I feel hurt, forsaken, and let down, but we all have much to be thankful for. So the next time you start feeling as though you have been cheated or that you deserve much more than you are receiving remember that you really do not want what you deserve. We are much better off being recipients of God’s amazing grace than we would be with what is fair. This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 7B04346D-6F22-4AA1-AEBE-DE050B8AF254 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:41:04 -0500 <p>What if we lived a world where everyone thought more of others than they did themselves? What if when we made decisions or lived out our life we did with the best interest of others as a priority over our own desires? If we lived in a world like this it would be a world that was living as Christ by His example taught us to live. It would be a world where people brought honor and glory to God, because this is God’s will for us. The Bible teaches us that we are to; “<span class="scripture">Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”</span> Phil 2:3-5 (KJV)</p><br /> <p>You see in this passage that often seeking ones own will and way is the cause of strive and vainglory, but when a people humble themselves and looks at others as having value and wisdom great harmony and unity can be accomplished. Jesus taught us this when He humbled himself and subjected Himself even to the cross as He focused on the value of others. If Jesus who created all things, saw value in others surely little ole you and me can esteem others better than ourselves and serve as Christ taught us to.</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 12707D74-C94E-4AF1-8239-468D64D3C1FF Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:34:53 -0500 <p>Sunday you honored Tammy and me by hosting a pastor appreciation meal, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for your consideration, your love, and the privilege that you have given me to serve as your Pastor over these last 11 years of my life. As I think about all that this Church means to me and my family I always go back to what it was like 11 years ago when we came. I see all the kids that have grown up and changed so much over these years, the marriages, the funerals, the counseling sessions and all the hours that we have been able to sit with you in various hospitals all over North Ga. Toms Creek has not been a job but truly my family and my life. As a family we have faced and endured many trials, enjoyed a lot of victories, and through it we have become closer together as we have grown through the adversities that we have experienced.</p><br /> <p>It is hard for me to explain the relationship I feel toward you as my Church family, but I think that Apostle Paul sums it up with his address to the Church in Philippians chapter 4. <span class="scripture">“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”</span> Phil 4:1 (KJV) Paul refers to the Church as his dearly beloved, his longed for and his crown. Meaning that he dearly loves the Church, has longed to see them saved and grow. Yet he also knows that because he has labored among them that he will receive crowns in Heaven due to his ministry with them. So the more they stand fast the more Paul has to look forward to in Heaven. Toms Creek is not just a Church to me it is a Church that I, like many of you have poured my heart into in hopes of eternal rewards some day. I love you and am thankful that God has allowed me to serve as your Pastor. .</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 10E27E2C-51B9-4974-A177-E6731C1BE744 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:48:08 -0500 <p>Today is a day of rejoicing for Toms Creek Baptist Church. We have had a great Judgement House so far, with over twenty people getting saved the first night. It is amazing to see how hard everyone is working to share the gospel and glorify the Lord. Toms Creek is an amazing fellowship of believers, the work that everyone has done, the co-operation, and unity that is present in our fellowship has never been more evident than it is right now as we labor together for the Lord. Please be reminded that what we do at Judgement House is not about us, it all about the Lord, everything that we see accomplished is all because of the power of God almighty. </p> <br /> <p>Please join me in thanking God for all that He has and is going to do this week through His people working together to lift up and magnify His majestic name. Pray, pray and then pray some more for the cast of Judgement House and for the lost that will be going through this week. Pray for souls to be saved, for Christians to be revived and that God will be glorified through all that takes place. I love you Toms Creek and look forward to celebrating with you over the blessing of God this coming Sunday.</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm B5C9B055-0702-4FFB-93D2-01B75B92BDB7 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:20:54 -0400 <p>I found this story that reminds me of how God wants me to trust Him and thought I would pass it on for you to enjoy. “Several years ago, a woman and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. The Woman, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely. As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? "Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She read the words "United States of America." <br /> "No, not that; read further." <br /> "One cent?" <br /> "No, keep reading."<br /> "In God we Trust?" <br /> "Yes!" <br /> "And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust is in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful! </p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm BA64C767-FEC5-483C-A4BB-0CF8D7F4A948 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:53:31 -0400 <p>It is important for us to stand firm in our faith, as we live in a day where any form of a standard or conviction is considered evil or discriminating. If we agree with this world, or go the way that so many have gone we will soon be a people with no security, assurance, purpose and last but certainly not least no results for our efforts. The scriptures tell us to stand firm, to be indoctrinated with the Word of God so that we can know what we believe, live by it, and if need be die for it. Standards or convictions allow us to examine ourselves, guide our lives, and are the only way to keep down the confusion that is so rampant in this world. At Toms Creek our conviction is the Bible, the Word of God directs us, and as our operating manual we take what it says literally and to heart, understanding that when placed in context it can always be used as a guiding light in our confusing world. As the church our challenge is not the obstacles of this world but rather the temptation to drift away from the Word of God. It matters not why a person goes off course, it could be the pressures of this world that blow you as a ship on the sea, or it could be personal preference that lures you as a mouse into a set trap. Regardless of the ploy that Satan uses there is always great danger at the end of a disobedient walk. Please commit your life to an unreservedly commitment to following the Word of God, one might say well on the big issues I will follow the Bible but the little things are no big deal. Remember that the first step leads to the second, and farther you walk away from the Lord the harder it becomes to hear His voice. Eating a forbidden fruit didn’t seem like a big deal, but it started a whole world of sin. </p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 396CE99E-689C-4B8A-9800-229245DB0EB7 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:15:56 -0400 <p>Please be in prayer for Shawn and Robin as they are in Haiti, on a mission trip this week. Also pray for our upcoming Judgement house, pray that there will be a lot of people saved during the week and that God will allow all of us to grow closer to Him. Please pray for me that God will give me wisdom and help me as I seek to obey Him in all my ways. Prayer is the answer to us getting the answers we need in life. The Lord has told us to pray without ceasing, to seek that we might find, to knock that it may be opened, and to ask that we might receive. So this week in all that you do for the Lord, start by doing this most important thing, which is to pray. There is power in prayer, there is a peace that comes from just knowing that the Lord of glory is in control and when you invite Him to work His perfect will in your life. The greatest thing that we can do today is to yield ourselves to the Lord and allow Him to have His will and way with us. Take my life Lord and use it, take it and use it to bring honor and glory to your name; that is my prayer today and that you will join me in praying this prayer and then without reservation let us make ourselves available to the Lord.</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 2C55EC69-3EA1-456E-A636-91337D4BE1E3 Mon, 5 Oct 2009 10:31:34 -0400 <p>God has called us to be bearers of good news, to be a people who work diligently at inviting others to come to the feast that God has prepared for them. One of the hardest things to keep actively going at any Church is outreach visitation, for some reason people are timid about visiting with people that they have never known. Yet, the Word of God calls and commissions us to go to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in. Jesus commissioned us to go to the uttermost parts of the world with the gospel. There is no doubt when you read the Word of God that God’s will is that we go and so we will go. We will start our outreach visitation back up on Tuesday October 13th at 6:30. If you would be willing to obey God and come help as we in an organized effort work to reach out to those around us then please do so. We will have names, maps, phone numbers, and letter writing stations set up in order to give you an opportunity to reach out to people who may just be waiting for an invitation. God is always honored when we obey His Word, so come be a part of an important ministry. I look forward to working with you as we mobilize the Church to reach the community. </p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm EBF6CCDC-1150-4F9A-9F35-5A51021CB84E Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:45:07 -0400 <p> The rain of the last days is a great reminder of what Jesus said in Matt 7:24-27 as He talked about people who build their lives on the Word of God being like the man who builds on the rock. Jesus said that a man that builds his life with no regard to the Word of God is like a man who builds on the sand and when the storm come it is washed away. In this passage Jesus doesn’t say if the rain comes He says when it comes. There are no doubts as to the fact that we will face storms in our life it is not a matter of if; but rather a matter of when. I have faced storms in the past, I will face storms in the future, and so will you, it is just a matter of when. It is hard to determine when our storm will come or what it will look like when it comes, but it pays to be prepared for the torrential down pour when the clouds burst open. Jesus teaches us that the way we are to prepare is by hearing and doing what He tells us to do. It is that simple; to be prepared is to be obedient to the Lord. The question that begs for an answer today is this, are you prepared, have you been obeying the Lord in all aspects of your life? If not, allow this last weekend’s events be a stark reminder to you to make preparations for something much greater that material loss. Jesus said “<span class="scripture">and great was the fall thereof</span>”. It is devastating to lose something for all of eternity. Please be ready for the coming storms, obey the Lord!</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm F5F3F5E5-1949-451D-87EF-74A335BE9B51 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:18:24 -0400 <p>We had a great homecoming service Sunday, a great crowd, great preaching, great singing and some great food to follow. I would like to thank all who planned and participated in the worship service. Every year I am reminded of how great the final homecoming will be, the time when we all leave this earth headed for our eternal abode, when we are all caught up to meet the Lord in the air. What a reunion day that will be, the day when we see friends and family who have gone on before us, a time when we get to meet relatives that had passed away long before we were ever born. On that day we will re-acquaint with old friends, and rejoice in all that the Lord has taken us through here on this earth. When I think about the struggles and tribulations that we go through here on this earth I am reminded that some day we will see the reason God allowed all these things to happen, and how God allowed all of our trials and pain work for good in our lives. This homecoming will be a time of not only fellowshipping but of making sense out of what was thought to be senseless sufferings that were endured in this life. Think about it, when we get to heaven some of our most thankful experiences may be the ones that were the most painful while we were sojourning through this life. To have perfect understanding of God’s amazing plan for our life will no doubt allow us to see things from a whole different perspective, after all hind sight is 20-20. Just remember that there is coming a glad reunion day.</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 05ED6A27-DD40-4251-9B7C-8703958852E5 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:39:42 -0400 <p>Have you ever been overwhelmed because of God’s blessings on your life? I feel that way when I look around at all that God has blessed me with, I think of my salvation, my family, and of course you, my Church family. Tammy and I have experienced an overwhelming out pouring of love as we have been working on our house, so many of you have called wanting to bring us lunch or have come by to help us work, and others have just stopped in to let us know that you were excited for us. We have a great Church and please don’t let anyone tell you different. There has never been a harder working, more loving people than you; I am so blessed of the Lord to be your Pastor.</p> <p>Please remember homecoming this week, there will be no Sunday school and we will start the worship service at 10:00 am. The Nelon’s will be singing and Rev. Jerrell Beatty will be preaching. Then after the Worship service we will move down to the Family Life Center for a meal and fellowship, and please remember there will be no Sunday Night Worship Service. As I conclude, I want to thank you for your love, your labor, and for allowing me to be your Pastor.</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 40057488-AF80-4DCB-94E4-A7F3E9015647 Tue, 8 Sep 2009 11:32:47 -0400 <p>Over the past few weeks we have been talking about knowing God’s call on your life. We have already established the fact that the Bible is the supreme authority on what a person is qualified to do; we also discussed that passion is a great indicator as to what area God has called you to serve in. We are created to serve the Lord which means that we are created with a great passion to do what God has called us to. This week I want to talk you about the third and final aspect of knowing God’s plans for your life. The subject this week is commitment, the level of commitment that you are willing to make will to a great extent determine what you are qualified to do. For instance it requires a greater level of commitment to teach a class than it does to serve on the historical committee. A teacher is required to prepare and teach a lesson each week, and to minister to their class, where as a person on the historical committee will only meet once a year to write a synopsis of that years events. You may be willing to commit long hours to serve the Lord or you may only be willing to commit a minimal amount of time in His service. The Bible teaches us that we are to count the cost before we make a commitment. Please remember when you consider serving the Lord that you would be better off not to take on responsibility that to take it and not be responsible in fulfilling it to the very best of your ability. The Bible also teaches us that whatever we do we are to do it as unto the Lord, we should never half heartedly serve our Lord and Savior. So count the cost, consider the commitment that is required, and do what God has called you to do with all of your heart.</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm F57FA6AF-AEC6-478D-BFE0-94E584F56178 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:55:15 -0400 <p>Are you stressed out and tired, has life become such a burden that you feel as though you can’t go on? The Lord offers a great solution to your problem, if you are really tired; learn how to find rest for your soul. Jesus gives us a great promise in Matthew 11:28-30 <span class="scripture">“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (KJV)</span></p> <p>How could Jesus talk about being yoked in a harness, which suggests hard work and rest in the same breath? Most of us work harder trying to find rest than we would if we simply did the work we are called to do. Our problem is not work, our problem is the weight of the work and the shortcoming of the work force. Accepting the yoke of the Lord is a picture of submitting to Christ. When you yoke up with Jesus, He leads and pulls the majority of the load, you follow and reap the greatest benefit by being on the right team. To yoke up with Jesus means to learn of Him, work to be like Him and then you shall find rest for your soul. In conclusion allow your work to be a walk with Jesus, and you will find joy and peace in your labor for the Lord. </p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 574B0D55-A25D-4D4D-90C8-06B4717F5288 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:37:51 -0400 <p>How do you know what God is calling you to do? Last week we talked about the biblical qualifications being the upmost authority as what God called you to do, another indicator is your passion. What has God given you a passion to do, what are the things that you are most interested in? People tell me all the time that they do not understand how I do what I do as a Pastor, in saying this they are indicating that they do not have a Pastors heart. They are right, they do not understand because they were not created by God with the same passion, (the call to serve as an under shepherd to God’s people). This does not make them less of person than me or me lesser of a person to them; it is simply the different call that has been placed on each of our lives. God created us with certain passions and desires to serve Him in diverse ways so that ministry would be complete. What is it that frustrates you when you see people not doing it the way it ought to be done? What is something that God has burdened you about and you would like to see people place more priority on it? You see if you are passionate about a ministry or burdened about a need God is probably directing you to use your gifts to minister in that area. Why would God burden you about a ministry that you cannot make a difference in? <span class="scripture">“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:4-5 (KJV)</span></p> http://ww.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htl F10EA300-1CB0-4223-BC1E-E2F150A02C32 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:20:33 -0400 <p>How can you know what God has called you to do? This is one question I get often from people in the Church. There is in the heart of every born again Christian the desire to do what God has called them to do, to serve in the capacity for which God created them. Yet often there is a lot of confusion about who God called to do what jobs or hold which offices in the Church. There are some simple principles or guidelines to understanding what God has called you to do. The first principle to follow is of course the Bible, look at the biblical qualifications and make sure that you are biblically qualified to do the job that God has called you to do. Allow me to share with you several examples as to what is meant by this. In I Timothy 3 there is a list of qualifications for both Pastors, and deacons. Common sense tells us that if we do not meet these qualifications then we are not called of God to be either a Pastor or a deacon of the Church. These qualifications are spelled out and are gender specific, they discuss such things as marital status, character, testimony, and spiritual maturity. There is also a verse in I Timothy 2:12 that addresses the office of teachers, this verse is very specific in saying that a woman should not teach or usurp authority over a man. According to this very straight forward and plain spoken verse of scripture a woman should not be teaching a class that has men in it, nor serving in a position where she is usurping authority over a man in the Church. This is the first principle and as you search for God’s will and His place of service in the Church please remember the Bible is the first and foremost authority in giving the qualifications and area’s in which you can serve. In the next few weeks I will share some other principles to consider when searching for God’s call on your life.</p> http://ww.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htl 72D1C3C3-9522-48AB-8981-DC215C32B059 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:18:21 -0400 <p>Can God use you? That is the question of the day, we all know that we are not smart enough, strong enough or gifted enough to do what God has called us to do, and yet that does not mean that we can not be used of God. Sunday we talked about God’s call in the life of Moses, God called Moses a stammering, stinking shepherd to lead His choice people. Moses had the task of going to the most powerful man in the known world at that time and demanding that He let God’s people go. Then Moses was called of God to lead them, to judge them, and even to instruct and feed them. Was Moses qualified for this enormous task, not at all; Moses knew that this was a God size job and that he could not do this. That is the secret to being used of God, knowing that you are not able to do what God has called you to do. God desires a people who will bring honor and glory to Him, God wants us to be available to Him, and allow Him to work through us. God’s words to Moses were: <span class="scripture">“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; “Exodus 3:11-12 (KJV) </span><br /> The secret to us being used of God is to make sure that when we do a work that God is with us, that He is doing the work through us. You see, God and you, or God and Me, or just God by Himself is a majority. He is God all by Himself and does whatever He desires. Nothing is too big for God! Can God use you? The answer is yes if you will humble yourself and yield yourself to the power, wisdom and plan of God. God can use you, and will use you if you will allow Him to do so.</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 23857648-1A51-4C38-A2A0-127BA7997E5F Mon, 3 Aug 2009 13:07:34 -0400 <p>Sunday was a great day, I had a wonderful birthday and I want to thank each and everyone, you are such a wonderful part of my Church family. Tasha called me one day last week and asked what I wanted to do on my birthday and I told her that I wanted to preach. Preaching is what God created me to do, I love to preach, there is a never a time in my life when I feel more at peace than when I am preaching the Word of God. My prayer is that God will allow me to preach until the day that I die. By the way the day that I die is getting closer everyday, every birthday should remind us that the appointed time of our death is drawing ever closer. The Bible tells us to number our days.<span class="scripture"> “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 (KJV)</span> May I ask you to be reasonable and consider how many more days or years you could possibly have on this earth. Consider that as of right now the average life expectancy in the United States of America is 77.6 years. This does not mean that you will only live 77.6 years nor does it mean that you will live that long. This is a national average. If you take your age right now and subtract it from the national average how many more years can you estimate that you have to invest in the kingdom of God? I will use my life as an example; I am 42 years old if I subtract that from 77.6 that gives me an estimated time period of 35.6 years to invest into the kingdom of God. Having already lived 42 years, 35.6 years will go really fast. As I number my days, I have come to the conclusion that I need to close this article and go, I have a lot to do and a short time to get it done. Get the picture; numbering our days helps us stay focused on the task that we are to be about. So let’s get busy serving, the time is short. <p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 04DE551B-F30C-4FE5-9ED2-413A482A2EC3 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:49:00 -0400 <p>The Summer is almost gone and I hope you are ready to get busy winning souls in the new Church Year. We will start the election of our new officers this coming Sunday with our first deacon election of the year. The nominating Committee will be meeting within the next few weeks, and nominations will begin. This should always be a reason to spend time in fervent prayer. God has blessed us with some wonderful capable people to serve in this Church and as always it is our desire to get them into the right place of service. I would like to ask you to pray two very specific prayers for the nominating committee and me, first pray that God will give us wisdom and bring to our mind the right people to ask for the right position so that it will be God’s appointments and not ours. Secondly, pray that if that person is you that God will impress it upon your heart and that you will by faith be willing to do whatever He asks of you. It would also be my desire to see some of you begin by getting involved in the Church, there are many ways you can serve without being in a leadership position at Toms Creek, we are always in need of people to serve and help us expand the ministries that God has called us into. Please let us know what areas you feel God is leading you to serve in so that we can get you equipped and plugged into doing the work of God.<p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/feeds.htm 10EDF66F-ED5C-4318-9D5D-BAED59D5E3FE Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:49:25 -0400 <p>Over the last couple of months Toms Creek has had a difficult time, this has been a tough time for many in our church as we have been tested in many directions. We have lost some great soldiers of the cross, faced conflicts within the Church and all of this has happened during a busy time of the church year. During this time of testing God has allowed us to continue to move forward but as is the case with many, I am tired and at times frustrated and yet I am also very thankful for the way God has held us together and allowed us to grow in our faith. God has continued to add to the Church and we are still seeing souls saved, lives changed and through all that Satan has thrown at us the church as a whole has matured. We had a great services Sunday and Sunday night with many being added to the Church, bringing their burdens to the altar, and sharing testimonies as to how God has blessed their lives.<br /> <p>Most of you have handled the conflicts of the past months very well, of course there are always a few who follow emotions rather than doctrine but for the biggest part you have searched the scripture and chose to follow the Word of God. Your spiritual discernment and maturity is encouraging to me as your Pastor and allows me time to work on the important mission of studying, preaching and praying. I have said all of this to say thank you for your love and commitment to Christ through the midst of all of Satan’s attacks. Please remember our fight is not with man or woman.<span class="scripture"> “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” Eph 6:12 (KJV)</span> <p>Keep up the good fight and remember we win on our knees, not with our forked tongues or our fist<p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com 3CCC229D-2FC3-4AD3-AAA4-47CE7E9AA1E1 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:07:45 -0400 <p>It was great to see so many unfamiliar faces last night at Vacation Bible School. There were a lot of kids, 242 of them to be exact which is a great number for the first night. I want to share some facts with you that may help you understand why we make such a big deal out of Vacation Bible School. Vacation Bible School is the single largest outreach event for most churches. Statistics show that anywhere from 25 – 28 percent of all baptisms in Southern Baptist churches are a direct result of VBS. VBS is an exciting fun-filled time of Bible study. Because the setting is more relaxed, outreach opportunities are numerous. More people will be on the church campus during VBS than at any other time. What an ideal setting for ministry. Theme generated excitement sets the stage for Bible study. Bible study leads to fun learning activities including crafts, music, missions, recreation, and of course snacks. All of which are excellent opportunities to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to those in attendance. Understanding that this is an enormous opportunity, let us be faithful to pray this week that God will do a great work and we will see a lot of kids come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. I hope to see you at Vacation Bible School this week. <p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/ 173D2831-4CC6-4C1D-A1A8-78E52993C920 Mon, 6 Jul 2009 09:19:25 -0400 <p>Today I sit in my seat agonizing in pain and rejoicing in my heart. I am agonizing in pain because my mouth volunteered my body into activities that it is no longer willing or capable of doing. Every year I find that my abilities to play like a teenager are diminishing, yet I have to admit I had a great time Saturday water skiing, swimming and pulling others on the inter-tube. As I stated early, my body aches but my heart rejoices. I rejoice because we have such a great church family, after almost eleven years of serving along side of you as my church family I still get amazed by your love and willingness to minister to others. Last Saturday I was so thankful and proud of the turnout at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home lake day. The kids had a blast; they were so thankful and already are asking to come back next year. Then on top of all that we did Saturday, we had our family night and VBS kickoff service Sunday evening, with a great turnout and a lot of hard work being done. It is such a blessing to serve along side of you and my prayer is that we will see a lot of kids come to know Christ during our Vacation Bible School. Tammy and I would like to say thank you for the love that you exhibit for Christ Jesus and those in whom He died for. There are a lot of people who talk about loving Jesus, but you show that you love Him through your devotion and commitment to do ministry. May God continue to bless our lives and ministry as we serve Him! <p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/ 4D70CEC9-8E64-45CF-8CB2-C1EC1DE08C5C Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:41:27 -0400 <p>We had a great Father’s Day and now we turn our attention to the celebration of our Country’s Independence. As Americans we would be amiss if we did not thank God for the freedoms that we have been able to enjoy in America. Not only should we thank God but we should also pray to God that he will give us wisdom to protect our fleeing freedoms. Our freedom of religion, our freedom to bear arms, and our freedom of speech are all under attack and in great jeopardy. Why most Americans are concerned with the economy, one of the most valuable attributes of America is being destroyed; our freedom! <br /> I would like to encourage you to read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights so that you can see how far America has already been drawn away from our freedoms. As Christians we need to understand the urgency of the moment and do all that we can to preach the Gospel before the opposition grows is strength. No matter what happens we will be determined to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, but the door of opportunity that has been opened wide is swiftly closing. Therefore, with urgency and resolve let us do all that we can to spread the gospel around the world starting here at home. As the debauchery of our generation continues to increase pray that our boldness and determination to share the good news of Jesus Christ will grow in an expediential way. May God give us grit, gumption and determination that will help us preserve the fundamental principles this country was founded on. <p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/ D9839971-3607-4BFD-A2B7-23B9D2626B57 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:18:40 -0400 <p>What a mighty God we serve! We had a great day Sunday with a great atmosphere of worship and God moved in an amazing way. When God is doing a work it makes going to Church exciting, I am already looking so forward to this coming Sunday as we celebrate Fathers Day and Worship our heavenly Father. Please continue to be in prayer for our mission teams that will be leaving for their different destinations in July and our VBS both at Church and in several of the communities where we will be doing back yard Bible Clubs. If you have not signed up to help in VBS please do so soon so we can get you all prepared and placed in the right job. <br /> As I conclude please remember that as a Christian one of the most valuable things you have to protect is your Christian witness. God called us to be light and salt in this world therefore; we must walk in the fullness of the Spirit and not be defiled or distracted by this world, our flesh, or the principalities and powers of darkness in this world. A Christian without a good testimony is like an axe handle without an axe head, or a ink pen without ink. For you to be used as you were intended you must be a good witness of the power of God almighty to make a real difference in your life. People are watching your life more closely than they are listening to what you are saying, so walk louder than you talk. Souls hang in balance and the way you live your life makes a big difference. <p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/ B8E1966B-FAC5-48DF-A649-B06C1580A678 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:57:56 -0400 <p>Sunday you as a church voted to allow Tammy and me to purchase a home of our own. We would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for allowing us this privilege. Over the past ten years we have enjoyed the opportunity of living in the house that you have provided for us and are very grateful to have had such a nice home to live in. Yet, now we know it is the right time to try and purchase us a home of our own, I am 42 years old and not getting any younger and need to be buying a home of my own. I have jokingly, and yet seriously said in the past that the pastorium is nice but when I retire or get too old to pastor I know that I will not be allowed to continue to live there. It just makes sense while housing is a buyers market with a lot of tax benefits and low interest rates now is the time to work toward getting a home. We are looking forward to having a place to call our own, to work on, to relax in and yes to have some privacy. I would never have ask you as a Church to consider this if it were only going to benefit me and my family, this will allow the church the opportunity to turn the house into church offices, which will save the church money on utilities. It will be much more efficient to heat and or cool the house through the week than it is to heat and cool the second building of the church. It will also make the church offices much easier to find, and allow us the opportunity of turning the present offices into ground floor Sunday school classes which are desperately needed. This is obviously a win – win situation for both the church and Tammy and I. Of course you have already seen that which is obvious by your 93% approval vote. I just want to write this to say thank you and please know that this will not negatively effect the way I serve you in any way. </p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/message.htm AE5E765E-6F87-4DFD-A54F-FE34AFC4E958 Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:10:42 -0400 <p>Today is a day of opportunity, although everyday has its own share of evil and adversity each day brings with it great potential for us to give honor to God. When faced with opposition today remember that opposition is opportunity in disguise, problems are platforms for us to trust God and see His mighty hand at work. Does this mean that we are excited about the turbulent times of life; not at all, but they are still going to come! Therefore, let us determine in our hearts to make the most of them, as the ole cliché says “make lemonade out of lemons”. Life has a lot of sour spots in it and those spots are as much a part of life as any other, so in order to get the most out of life we must be determined to get the most out of our problems. As you walk with God today ask Him to help you cease the opportunities that are around you, show people the love of Christ, and do all that you do as unto the Lord. I would like to challenge you to memorize this verse of scripture this week, <span class="scripture"> “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV) </span> Living out this verse will change our lives as we prepare ourselves for service to our Lord every day.<p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/ 762C55CF-872B-44EF-8D9D-7D3E890175D9 Tue, 26 May 2009 09:41:28 -0400 <p>Sunday we talked about the responsibility that we as parents have to teach our children to walk with God during their childhood. Now the question is how do I train my child up in the way that he should go? This coming Sunday morning we will attempt to answer this question with the Word of God. I realize that there are a lot of people who are trying to raise their children up but they are perplexed as to how they are to teach their children biblical principles at an early age. There are so many people in the world trying to tell us how we need to raise our children, and yet so few are seeking the wisdom of the perfect Father. I encourage you to invite all of your family and friends to come this Sunday as we look into the Word of God at how we are to train our children up. We will look at how God told the Children of Israel to teach their children and learn from His instructions. <br /> There has never been anything more important to our families, church, community, state, or nation than this one thing, that we train up our children to walk with God. Our society has become so wicked, and so evil that many people are having second thoughts about even bringing children into this world. As Christians we need to do all that we can to raise up some godly leaders to fight the good fight and lead the church through the perilous waters of the future. Please let us work together to equip the next generation to be godly leaders for heavens sake.</p> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/ FDBD3EA4-D8F8-44A1-BCB0-CDA7C7E4BD8A Mon, 18 May 2009 09:34:04 -0400 <p>What does it mean when less than 10% of Christian parents think that “being Godly” or “having faith” is one of the marks of parental success? That means that over 90% of “Christians” believe they can be successful parents without passing on their faith to their own children - those whom they love more than anyone else. Research also shows that 83% of parents believe that they are the main spiritual influences on their children, but 48% (almost half) of them do not consider their own faith as an important influence in their parenting. This means they recognize their influence, but don’t see their faith as a priority in parenting. No wonder we are in such a state of confusion and failure when it comes to raising our children in the faith. Think about it, we have a real dilemma on our hands. We bring our children to church at least sporadically as long as football, basketball, baseball, band or the other 20 activities are not jeopardized, at least until they get out of high school then usually they are gone for about 4-7 years. Then they sometimes come back bringing their broken lives and hurt seeking help and the Lord and, as we ought to do, we wrap our arms around them and do our best to help them get straightened out. Why do we lose so many of our young people when they graduate high school? Why is it that they seem to turn away from their faith and fall into folly? I think it is because their belief is not theirs but rather ours; they have never owned what they believed and to be honest never really understood what they supposedly believe. I think it is safe to say if you don’t know what you believe you really don’t believe it but rather accept it until it is challenged. So over the next few weeks we will be looking at ways to help our children develop a belief system that is theirs. Therefore I challenge you to make coming to Church a priority in your life so you can learn from God’s Word how to be a better parent.<p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/ 85CEE66A-D4C4-4545-928A-97F1E15E8613 Mon, 11 May 2009 09:22:15 -0400 <p>This coming Sunday we will be celebrating Mother’s Day which is a wonderful way to let women know they are honored, loved, and appreciated. The origins of Mother's Day can be traced back as far as the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Romans would honor the goddess, Cybele, who they believed to be the mother of all the gods. The Romans would present offerings in Cybele's honor. The Greeks had a similar pattern as they would dedicate spring festivals to their goddess, Rhea, who much like the Romans goddess, was the mother of several other gods. The act of honoring mother figures spread throughout the world as Christians honored Mary, the mother of Jesus, on the fourth Sunday which occurred during the observance of Lent. The act of honoring mothers soon came to America by way of a woman named Anna Jarvis. Jarvis had a desire to better her community and as a means of doing so, instigated 'Mother's Work Day', as a time to celebrate mothers who had to work in order to provide the means of taking care of their families. After Jarvis' death, her daughter, also bearing the name Anna, carried on her mother's work. Jarvis' daughter sought to further the steps her mother had laid out and campaigned in an effort to honor the life of the elder Jarvis. Resulting from this, by 1914 Woodrow Wilson signed a bill that instated Mother's Day as an official holiday, and one to be recognized by the nation. Now, every year on the second Sunday in May, sons, daughters, and husbands, across the country honor the special women in their lives. Mother's Day is an excellent opportunity to let moms know that all their love, hard work, and self sacrifice pays off, and letting them know they are appreciated and valued, is of great importance. Join us at Church this coming Sunday as we honor our Mothers and thank God for them. <p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/ AF7242AB-7C48-459A-BCFE-B25282BC5964 Mon, 4 May 2009 10:51:00 -0400 <p>As the summer heat rolls in and the sun begins to shine in all of its power there is always the need to indentify what is proper attire for church. Over the last ten years I have tried faithfully to do this without offending or hurting anyone. It is my prayer that every person reading this understands that when I talk about proper church attire I am not talking about the cost of the clothing or the quality of the clothing, Church is not to be a place where people are looked down on due to the value of their clothes. When we discuss proper church attire we are talking about what is considered morally decent to wear to Church. Understanding that Toms Creek is a growing Church with new people added almost weekly it is important that we be reminded of the Church dress code; the dress code states “that no one over eight years old can wear shorts or bermuda shorts at church except when participating in athletic activities.” Now allow me to take this a step forward, as your pastor I would like to ask you to use Biblical guidelines in determining what to wear to Church. Allow me to share a verse of scripture with you that will help you understand what the Bible teaches about proper attire, and please remember this is not just for church, this is for life in general. <span class="scripture">“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” 1 Tim 2:9-10 (KJV) </span> When reading this verse it is important to remember that the Apostle Paul was writing to young Timothy who was a pastor to equip him in the leading of his people to dress properly. This means that God is concerned with the way we dress and the way we present ourselves in public. Please read over this verse this week and come to Church next Sunday night as I will be preaching on this verse and explaining it in great detail. Parents you will want to have your sons and daughters there as this will help them understand why what they wear is so important to their future.<p/> http://www.tomscreekbc.com/ 5ED23B09-B213-49C6-9F51-2C284478744B Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:52:26 -0400