Review, Reflect, Relax (Sunday, March 21, 2010)

22 Mar Review, Reflect, Relax (Sunday, March 21, 2010)

Today has been a tremendous day, both here in Salisbury, NC and back in Simpsonville!  God’s grace was abundant and evident in the services and there were many who came to know Jesus as their Savior today.

Let me give you the review.

Yesterday I left Simpsonville and drove to Salisbury, NC to be with Rick Cockerham, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church.  I had the opportunity to share with Calvary’s deacon body about what it means to be a servant-leader.  It was an encouraging time of sharing and equipping as we walked through what the Bible says about the spiritual and personal qualifications of men who would serve as deacons. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together.

This morning I began preaching Calvary’s Spring revival with a message entitled, “The Saddest Word in the Bible.”  I shared what the Bible has to say about the person who doesn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus.  When the invitation was given, there were 5 people, teenagers and adults, who indicated that they had prayed with me and asked Jesus to come into their heart.  Several came forward to talk with a pastor, and others were talked with after the service.  I shared with the pastor about those who indicated that they had given their heart to Jesus.

At 6:00, i was able to eat bacon pizza and share with about 30 children how Jesus can take their dirty heart and make it clean.  I shared a simple gospel presentation and encouraged them to talk to one of the pastors if they would like to know more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

In the evening service I preached about the rapture of the church and the Second Coming of Jesus.  Again, several teenagers indicated that they had prayed what many call “the Sinner’s Prayer” with me and had asked Jesus to come into their heart.  When the invitation was given there were several who came to the altar or talked with one of the pastors. God was really good to this preacher and His people today.

A personal highlight for me today was meeting and having the opportunity to talk with Robert Tenery.  For those who don’t know Pastor Tenery, he is a hero from the Conservative Resurgence days and a wonderful man of God.  From talking with those who were “on the ground” during the SBC Bible battles of the 80’s and 90’s, Pastor Tenery is to be credited with much of the success that Southern Baptists have had in returning our convention to the inerrancy and authority of Scripture.  I enjoyed hearing him shared some of the little known facts of our Baptist history and I look forward to spending more time with he and his lovely wife this week.

The reports that I have received from Temple today were encouraging.  I know that there were several who were out traveling, recovering from surgeries or suffering at the ball park.  If you were not able, or chose not to be at Temple today, I understand you missed a real blessing.  Dr. Charles Sullivan preached for me in all three services today and I understand that there were many at the altar in the services – and I just received word tonight that Grayson Everidge prayed and asked Jesus into his heart.  WOW!  I am so proud of this fine young man!  I look forward to seeing how the Lord works in his heart and uses him in the years

I’m looking forward to what the Lord has in store this week at Calvary.  Please pray for physical strength and spiritual power.  Pray that I will know the messages that the Lord wants me to preach and that the work that He wants to be done will be.

Thank you for your love and encouragement.

Now, I’m planning on watching Fox News and sitting back and eat a few powdered donuts and drink a diet coke.  Have a great night and may the Lord give you rest and peace as you prepare for the week ahead.

HIS.

Pastor Brad