Morning all:
It's cooler here in Tennessee this morning. About 7 degrees cooler than it has been...PRAISE THE LORD! It actually felt good this morning outside!
Last night was a hard night for Vivian and me. After much prayer and searching yesterday, I felt very sure that the Lord has led us to leave Midland. I was reading Matthew 10 for devotions and it talked about shaking off the dust of ones feet (speaking of the disciples in the cities/homes they went to) if the people would not hear them as a testimony against them. In another section of scripture yesterday in study, the Lord made it clear again "Come out from among them and be ye separate". It was strange that these two sections came up the same day.
In trying to prepare my sermon for Sunday, I have not had a peace about preaching. I usually wouldn't even consider turning down a chance to preach, but, the Lord has taken the peace from me concerning preaching this Sunday. So, that, in conjunction with the directives yesterday, I believe it's time to go. Sunday afternoon was pretty much a clencher for it for us...the church has put the motion to research this proposal and "doctrine" in a committee (subcommittee) and it will take six months to a year to research it out, which is ridiculous. God has made it clear in the Bible, it has been clearly pointed out and stated in my paper and in the proposal. The church is stalling. Then there is the fact that they were talking with me concerning reconciliation, but put disclaimers on reconciliation stating that the former pastor COULD NOT/WOULD NOT be allowed back, and that two families would be under church discipline if they came back and rejoined...but then the subject of "rebaptism" came up with this one deacon, and he stated because they left and joined a "non denominational church", which they haven't because NO CHURCH HAS BEEN FORMED, and even if it had, it would be SBC, as they are seeking to do so at this time, they would have to be rebaptized into the Baptist church. Can anyone else see where this has gotten out of hand? This deacon is running this church into the ground and no one can stop him. They have not followed their own bylaws/constitution, and it is clear they are unwilling to follow the Bible in reconciliation, so, we have no choice but to shake off the dust of our feet. It's been a vey hard decison on Vivian and me because we love the people on BOTH SIDES of the split. But, we are going this evening to the Bible study on the other side. I'm turning in my resignation Thursday and writing a letter to all members stating that there is a hindering spirit in the church and growth will not be possible until this is addressed. I hate to leave. One older couple are like parents to me and Vivian. We love them dearly, and this hurts us greatly to do this. But, I believe it may be the wake up call that the church needs. At this time, they are trying to bring in a man to candidate who was called to be a missionary to a foreign land, got cancer, had it go into remission, but now is seeking a church instead of proceeding to the missionfield where God called him. He is a liberal in doctrine, and I believe this fits "having heaped to themselves teachers, having itching ears". I cannot be a part of such ungodliness.
When this decision was made, it was like a ton of bricks had been lifted from my shoulders. I actually even slept some last night. So, God is good. But, please, continue to pray for Midland Baptist. They are going to have a rough road ahead. Also pray for those on the other side of the split, which now includes us. This "mission" is growing, leading souls to the Lord, witnessing, and the Lord is blessing.
Enough of that!
It's supposed to be cooler for the next several days. I'm going to try and do some push mowing today, against Vivian's wishes, while it is cooler. It's got to be done. Someone offered to cut it for $65.00, but I don't think the Lord would have me paying out that much money to have it cut when Vivian and I could do it in a couple of evenings.
DonnA, sorry to hear about your aunt. I'd go if I were you, if it's what is truly in your heart. I believe God will supply if it's what you're supposed to do.
Sue, glad to hear about the roof and that Dale was able to be home to help, finally.
God bless ya'll today. Time is short...keep HIM first and keep looking up! He may come today!
T
