It is a wonderful thing to be afflicted of the Lord, I know this may sound strange to some, but it is true, nevertheless, Our Lord works in strange and mysterious ways sometimes.    And much of the time we just don't understand His ways.   God may afflict us to keep us in the center of His will; He may afflict us to teach us a great lesson; He may afflict us to prepare us for future service.    The blessed part of God afflicting us, is that it is always for our good and His glory.   This is why Paul wrote that he could "glory in his infirmities".   If it requires an affliction of God to keep us from going astray, then pray for that affliction.

     "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes." ~~ Psalms 119:71

     Some of our most precious hours with the Lord are during times of affliction.   It is during these times that we are most receptive to His teaching.   To be humbled by affliction from God is to enter into a special standing with God, because He has selected us to bear that blessed affliction.   He has placed us in that special position of the choicest of all learning ~~ that of humility.    If it requires an affliction of God to teach us His great lessons, then pray for that affliction.

     "I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." Psalms 119:75.

     When we receive an affliction from the Lord, then let us praise His Holy Name.   For He doeth all things well and "all things work together for good to them who love the Lord."    God is in His perfect right to afflict us, and without these afflictions, we could never know the true power and strength of that special relationship with Him.   Thanks, Lord, for afflictions!

When I like the foolish prodigal
     Turn from Thee to roam,
Then humble me Father, whate'er the cost
     And gently lead me home.

If I neglect to follow Thee,
     Then stop me Lord, and then.
Point me just like Jacob
     To Bethel once again!

If I begin to wander
     Then lest I suffer loss,
Make me see again my Savior
     And His suffering on the cross.

Remind me Lord, from day to day
     That I am ever Thine,
And make me know each moment
     That Christ is truly mine!
                              by Fred C. Creel

Salem Missionary Baptist Church

     Sister Linda Patterson writes that they had the pleasure of attending their first services in their new building August 2nd. She sent pictures and it sure looks nice.    I am very happy for them.

Church Building

Letters To The Editor

     Again there are no letters to the editor but if there were this is where they would be printed.   I would like to take this opportunity to bring something to your attention that has been troubling me.

     In looking for Independent Baptist Churches of like faith to recommend to travelers on the Baptist Billboard page of this web site, I have noticed that some churches that in all other aspects are sound, have in their statement of faith that they believe in the premillennial pretribulation rapture of the church.

     Folks The Bible Says:   And then he shall send his angels, and shall gather together the elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.   Mark 13:27.   This is not the church it is The Kingdom of God.   This is not a called out assembly it is a carried out assembly.    To call this a church is to play into the hands of the protestants who believe in the holy catholic (universal) church which they explain is a universal invisible church.   The only place the Catholic church is mentioned in the Bible is in Revelation 17:5 And upon her head was written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.   It goes on in verse six to tell how she is drunk with the blood of the saints of Jesus Christ.   This universal church has the blood of saints on its hands and its illegitimate offspring are no better.   Do not be counted with them in the judgement.

     If you disagree let us hear and from God's word as to why.   Your letter will be printed here.

     Pastor Steve and Johna Hart are in need of your help. Johna has been told she has cancer and is in need of another scan and then treatment, very probably surgery to remove the tumor.

     When they went in on Thursday, Aug 6, 2009 for the first scan the doctor ordered, the hospital denied treatment due to the fact they do not have insurance. After making appeals, the hospital did make some special arrangements for the test to be done. The next test will again have to be covered and that will be next week.

     Imagine the difficulty of hearing your wife needs treatment NOW from the doctor, and then the hospital saying they will not treat without money up front. At present Steve owes the hospital $4000. Can you help?

     I have known Steve and Johna for over 30 years. I could give no higher recommendation than I have for Steve and his wife. They are fine servants of Christ with a great heart for the work of the Lord. Steve pastors Tabernacle Baptist Church in Century, Fla.

     If you can help, please send your gift to: Pastor Steve Hart
P.O. Box 187
Century, Fl. 32535
If you cannot help financially, a card letting them know you are praying would be a real encouragement at this time. Your prayers however are the greatest need! If you have questions about this and want to talk with me, you are welcome to call me.

Doug Hammett
Lehigh Valley Baptist Church
Emmaus, Pa 610-965-4700

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