Please join us on Saturday, February 18 at 3 p.m. for a time of bowling for the whole family. We will meet at the church at 3 p.m. and then head over to Cherokee Lanes in Salisbury for a good time of fun and fellowship.
Cost is $4.25 a game and $2.50 for shoes.
Love to see you there.
- Pastor
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Milltown Pride
Last night, Fellowship Baptist Church hosted the Regional Premiere of Milltown Pride, a new film from Unusual Films (a division of Bob Jones University).
It was good to see some folks out for the film and I pray the film was an encouragement to those who came out. For those who were unable to make it out, we are planning a second showing of the film on the evening of July 15.
Milltown Pride follows the path of Will Wright as he pursues his dream of playing baseball in the big leagues. Growing up in a wealthy family, Will leaves the wealth of his home and family in pursuit of his dream as he goes to play baseball for the local Newton Mill in the Mill League and signs up for a job at the mill in order to be able to play.
While the bigger setting is the baseball that caries the picture, the reality is that baseball is not the only struggle for young Will Wright - or even the most important struggle. Will struggles with alcohol and anger, but most importantly, Will struggles with pride - as he thinks he can do everything on his own, not realizing that it is in Christ that "we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28).
How often do we find ourselves choosing to go "our own way?" Whether the path is baseball, booze, or business - when we focus our choices on what we want instead of what God wants, we have made a foolish choice and placed ourselves on the throne of our lives instead of living with God on the throne of our lives.
Who is on the throne of your life? Whose direction and desires are you pursuing? When you make choices throughout the day, who are you choosing to please - God or self? When you make a choice today about your entertainment choices - will you choose to please God or yourself? When you make a choice this week about being in God's house for the services - will you choose to please God or yourself? When you make choices about how to spend your life - are you choosing to please God or to please yourself?
May God help us all to choose to please Him.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
It was good to see some folks out for the film and I pray the film was an encouragement to those who came out. For those who were unable to make it out, we are planning a second showing of the film on the evening of July 15.
Milltown Pride follows the path of Will Wright as he pursues his dream of playing baseball in the big leagues. Growing up in a wealthy family, Will leaves the wealth of his home and family in pursuit of his dream as he goes to play baseball for the local Newton Mill in the Mill League and signs up for a job at the mill in order to be able to play.
While the bigger setting is the baseball that caries the picture, the reality is that baseball is not the only struggle for young Will Wright - or even the most important struggle. Will struggles with alcohol and anger, but most importantly, Will struggles with pride - as he thinks he can do everything on his own, not realizing that it is in Christ that "we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28).
How often do we find ourselves choosing to go "our own way?" Whether the path is baseball, booze, or business - when we focus our choices on what we want instead of what God wants, we have made a foolish choice and placed ourselves on the throne of our lives instead of living with God on the throne of our lives.
Who is on the throne of your life? Whose direction and desires are you pursuing? When you make choices throughout the day, who are you choosing to please - God or self? When you make a choice today about your entertainment choices - will you choose to please God or yourself? When you make a choice this week about being in God's house for the services - will you choose to please God or yourself? When you make choices about how to spend your life - are you choosing to please God or to please yourself?
May God help us all to choose to please Him.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Sunday, April 03, 2011
A Welcome Comment
One of our members posted the following note on her status after our annual members meeting in January. It was an encouragement to me as a Pastor and I thought I would pass it on to those who did not get a chance to read it on Facebook.
A comment from another member on this post:
I am thankful to be part of a church where the folks feel and think like this. It makes it a joy to Pastor.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
I am so thankful to be part of a church where the preaching of God's Word challenges me to keep growing; where the Pastor loves what he does and who he ministers to; where the people are a family who encourage, pray for, and enjoy fellowshiping with each other; and where there is plenty of room to serve the Lord together. (even business meetings can be fun in such a church!)
A comment from another member on this post:
You summed it up well.
I am thankful to be part of a church where the folks feel and think like this. It makes it a joy to Pastor.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Warnings
In a couple of days is the "Ides of March." While most of us do not use the terms "ides", many of us have undoubtedly heard the expression, "Beware the ides of March."
William Shakespeare includes the following exchange in his play, Julius Ceasar.
While we generally think of the exchange as simply a story by Shakespeare, according to ancient Greek historian Plutarch in his "Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans", a similar exchange did exist - and it was this that Shakespeare later based his scene upon.
Plutarch - Life of Caesar
Warnings are important. Warnings often make the difference between life and death and between success and failure. In Ezekiel chapter 3:16-21 and Ezekiel 33:1-9 we find some important instructions about warnings.
One of the things we notice in both of these passages is that there is a proper way that warnings are to be dealt with and there is an improper way. Our need to deal properly with warnings is evident whether we are the one giving the warning or the one receiving the warning. We must deal with warnings properly.
I. If we are going to deal properly with warnings we must understand the Nature of Warnings
One of the Leadership Principles from AACS: "Discipline is good, not bad." We could correctly paraphrase that as well to tell us that "Warnings are good, not bad."
When we view warnings as bad, we are hesitant to give the needed warning and when we view warnings as bad, we are angry when we have been given a warning.
A Biblical understanding of warnings, however, tells us that warnings are not a bad thing. Warnings are not given against the person, but are given for the person.
A. Warnings are designed to enlighten, not enrage.
B. Warnings are designed to protect, not punish
When you love someone, you want to protect them and so it is necessary to warn them.
C. Warnings are a depiction of concern, not condemnation
When Paul writes to the church of Corinth in 1 Corinthians 4:14, he mentions the relationship in connection with the warning.
Solomon reminds us of this truth, as well:
Therefore, we need to understand it is the loving thing to do to warn others and that the person who is warning you is the one who is loving you. The one who is telling you it is okay to continue in your sin is the one who is hating you.
II. If We are Going to Deal Properly with Warnings, we must understand the Instruments of Warnings
There are some instruments that God uses to warn us. Two of those instruments are mentioned in this passage.
A. The Word of God - "hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me." (Ezek 3:17)
The Psalmist and Paul also remind us that the Word of God gives us warning and reproof.
That is one reason why it is so difficult to be faithful to your devotions when you are choosing sin - you don't want to hear the warnings from God's Word. It is also one of the reasons why it is easier to get involved in sin when you are not being faithful with your time in God's Word - you are missing out on the warnings from God's word.
Someone has said "This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book."
The second instrument that God has chosen to give warning is his people.
B. The People of God
This whole passage emphasizes the fact that God has chosen people to give warnings.
The reality is that we, as believers, are to be instruments of warnings to others.
Paul repeatedly emphasizes this point:
III. The Response to Warnings
One of the most important things to understand about warnings, is the response to warnings. In Ezekiel 33:3-5, we have a record of the two responses to warnings:
A. A Warning May Be Rejected
When legitimate warnings are rejected, the one rejecting the warning is heading for destruction.
Again Proverbs reminds of this:
Proverbs 29:1 ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
(See also Proverbs 1:24-31)
Repeatedly we see this in Scripture. Ahab & Jezebel rejected, rather than accepted the warnings of God through Elijah - and God destroyed them. Pharoah & the Egyptians rejected, rather than accepted the warnings of God through Moses - and God brought great destruction.
B. A Warning May Be Accepted
David understood the proper response to a warning and he said in Psalm 141:5 "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities."
God in His great mercy and love offers you a different path. If you choose to heed His warnings, you shall be delivered rather than destroyed.
This is the desired response - by God and by the warner. (Matt 18:15 - "thou hast gained thy brother"; Gal 6:1 - "restore such a one")
Warnings are important and we must deal with warnings properly. When we understand the Biblical truth regarding warnings, we should be much more inclined to deal with warnings properly. We must understand the nature of warnings - that they are "Good, not bad" - that they are designed to enlighten, not enrage, they are designed to protect, not punish and they are a depiction of concern, not condemnation. We must understand the instruments of warning - that God has chosen to warn us through His Word and through His people. And we must make the right response to warning - accepting rather than rejecting the warnings.
The story of Harry Randall Truman from Mt. St. Helens is a great illustration of the danger of refusing to heed a warning. (You can read of Harry Truman at Wikipedia here.)
Harry Truman was warned again and again of the dangers, yet he refused to heed the warnings and destruction and death came.
What is God dealing with you about today? What warning has God brought up to you? Perhaps God is warning you about the danger of your eternal soul - will you heed his warning today? Perhaps God is warning you about a particular sin that you are allowing into your life - will you heed his warning today?
Will you deal properly with warnings today?
(The preceding reflection is based on this morning's sermon at Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury.)
William Shakespeare includes the following exchange in his play, Julius Ceasar.
Act 1, Scene 2Later, in Act 3, Scene 1
Soothsayer: Caesar!
CAESAR Ha! who calls?
CASCA Bid every noise be still: peace yet again!
CAESAR : Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,
Cry 'Caesar!' Speak; Caesar is turn'd to hear.
Soothsayer: Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR: What man is that?
BRUTUS : A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
CAESAR: Set him before me; let me see his face.
CASSIUS : Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.
CAESAR What say'st thou to me now? speak once again.
Soothsayer Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass.
CAESAR [To the Soothsayer] The ides of March are come.
Soothsayer Ay, Caesar; but not gone.
While we generally think of the exchange as simply a story by Shakespeare, according to ancient Greek historian Plutarch in his "Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans", a similar exchange did exist - and it was this that Shakespeare later based his scene upon.
Plutarch - Life of Caesar
The following story, too, is told by many. A certain seer warned Caesar to be on his guard against a great peril on the day of the month of March which the Romans call the Ides; and when the day had come and Caesar was on his way to the senate-house, he greeted the seer with a jest and said: "Well, the Ides of March are come," and the seer said to him softly: "Ay, they are come, but they are not gone."If the story is true, Julius Caesar was warned to be on his guard and even warned what day it would be - but he refused to take the warning seriously.
Warnings are important. Warnings often make the difference between life and death and between success and failure. In Ezekiel chapter 3:16-21 and Ezekiel 33:1-9 we find some important instructions about warnings.
Eze 3:16 And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.
One of the things we notice in both of these passages is that there is a proper way that warnings are to be dealt with and there is an improper way. Our need to deal properly with warnings is evident whether we are the one giving the warning or the one receiving the warning. We must deal with warnings properly.
I. If we are going to deal properly with warnings we must understand the Nature of Warnings
One of the Leadership Principles from AACS: "Discipline is good, not bad." We could correctly paraphrase that as well to tell us that "Warnings are good, not bad."
When we view warnings as bad, we are hesitant to give the needed warning and when we view warnings as bad, we are angry when we have been given a warning.
A Biblical understanding of warnings, however, tells us that warnings are not a bad thing. Warnings are not given against the person, but are given for the person.
A. Warnings are designed to enlighten, not enrage.
B. Warnings are designed to protect, not punish
When you love someone, you want to protect them and so it is necessary to warn them.
C. Warnings are a depiction of concern, not condemnation
When Paul writes to the church of Corinth in 1 Corinthians 4:14, he mentions the relationship in connection with the warning.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
Solomon reminds us of this truth, as well:
Proverbs 27:5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Therefore, we need to understand it is the loving thing to do to warn others and that the person who is warning you is the one who is loving you. The one who is telling you it is okay to continue in your sin is the one who is hating you.
II. If We are Going to Deal Properly with Warnings, we must understand the Instruments of Warnings
There are some instruments that God uses to warn us. Two of those instruments are mentioned in this passage.
A. The Word of God - "hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me." (Ezek 3:17)
The Psalmist and Paul also remind us that the Word of God gives us warning and reproof.
Ps 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That is one reason why it is so difficult to be faithful to your devotions when you are choosing sin - you don't want to hear the warnings from God's Word. It is also one of the reasons why it is easier to get involved in sin when you are not being faithful with your time in God's Word - you are missing out on the warnings from God's word.
Someone has said "This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book."
The second instrument that God has chosen to give warning is his people.
B. The People of God
This whole passage emphasizes the fact that God has chosen people to give warnings.
The reality is that we, as believers, are to be instruments of warnings to others.
Paul repeatedly emphasizes this point:
Ac 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Ro 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
III. The Response to Warnings
One of the most important things to understand about warnings, is the response to warnings. In Ezekiel 33:3-5, we have a record of the two responses to warnings:
If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.
A. A Warning May Be Rejected
When legitimate warnings are rejected, the one rejecting the warning is heading for destruction.
Again Proverbs reminds of this:
Proverbs 29:1 ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
(See also Proverbs 1:24-31)
Repeatedly we see this in Scripture. Ahab & Jezebel rejected, rather than accepted the warnings of God through Elijah - and God destroyed them. Pharoah & the Egyptians rejected, rather than accepted the warnings of God through Moses - and God brought great destruction.
B. A Warning May Be Accepted
Ezek 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.
David understood the proper response to a warning and he said in Psalm 141:5 "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities."
God in His great mercy and love offers you a different path. If you choose to heed His warnings, you shall be delivered rather than destroyed.
This is the desired response - by God and by the warner. (Matt 18:15 - "thou hast gained thy brother"; Gal 6:1 - "restore such a one")
Warnings are important and we must deal with warnings properly. When we understand the Biblical truth regarding warnings, we should be much more inclined to deal with warnings properly. We must understand the nature of warnings - that they are "Good, not bad" - that they are designed to enlighten, not enrage, they are designed to protect, not punish and they are a depiction of concern, not condemnation. We must understand the instruments of warning - that God has chosen to warn us through His Word and through His people. And we must make the right response to warning - accepting rather than rejecting the warnings.
The story of Harry Randall Truman from Mt. St. Helens is a great illustration of the danger of refusing to heed a warning. (You can read of Harry Truman at Wikipedia here.)
Harry Truman was warned again and again of the dangers, yet he refused to heed the warnings and destruction and death came.
What is God dealing with you about today? What warning has God brought up to you? Perhaps God is warning you about the danger of your eternal soul - will you heed his warning today? Perhaps God is warning you about a particular sin that you are allowing into your life - will you heed his warning today?
Will you deal properly with warnings today?
(The preceding reflection is based on this morning's sermon at Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury.)
Monday, March 07, 2011
Good Soldiers
One of our men leaves this coming week to serve our country in the middle east. He is a good man and he loves the Lord, he loves his family, and he loves his country. He will be missed around here by many (including me and my family), but I rejoice in his willingness to serve our nation and I will pray for his safety as he is away, as well as for his influence for Christ amongst his fellow-soldiers and for his family that is left behind.
The Bible often uses the picture of soldiers and physical warfare to remind believers of the very real, but invisible, spiritual warfare of which we are all involved. As I thought of my friend in preparation for leaving this week, I was drawn to Paul's words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3-4
Paul uses a number of illustrations in this passage regarding the nature of Christian service and Christian living. Among these illustrations are comparisons to racing or competition ("strive for masteries"), to farming ("the husbandman that laboureth"), and this passage here on being a good soldier.
When Paul speaks of this soldier, I find it challenging to consider the traits that he lists, for these traits ought to be evident not only in the lives of good soldiers who are fighting the physical battles, but of all of us who desire to fight successfully in the spiritual warfare.
A Good Soldier Endures Hardness
One of the realities of being a soldier is that there is often times great hardship in being a soldier. There is the hardship of the conditions in the field. There is the hardship of the lost opportunities of things that could be done were the soldier at home instead of far away. Perhaps the greatest hardship, however, is the hardship of separation from loved ones.
In the spiritual realm, there are times when there may be physical hardships in the spiritual battles - and Paul certainly knew something of those hardships (see 2 Corinthians 10, for instance), the reality for most believers in America is that any "hardness" we may have to endure for Christ is not likely to be that of the physical nature. The reality is that the hardness that you and I are most likely to be called to endure involves relationships - relationships that are strained as we seek to do those things that are pleasing to Christ rather than following through with the world's way of doing things. Of course, as believers, we can take heart in the Lord's promise that this is to be expected (John 15:18).
A Good Soldier Ends Entanglements
Another reality of being a good soldier is that the soldier who is on the battlefield has to recognize that the entanglements of this world need to be avoided if he is going to fight successfully. Focusing on the things of his world back home instead of focusing on the task at hand can be very dangerous on the battlefield. Even good things must be left behind for the sake of successful soldiering.
In the spiritual realm, the picture is again obvious. Believers need to be careful to end entanglements with the things of this world if we are going to successfully serve as soldiers for Christ. It should be obvious that the sinful things of this world ought to be avoided - after all, "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) However, successful soldiering does not just involve ending the entanglements with sinful things. Successful soldiering also often requires that we get rid of the silly things and even the "not bad, but unnecessary" things.
A Good Soldier Pleases His Commander
Another reality of the characteristics of a good soldier is that the good soldier is careful to do those things that please his commander. He does not follow his own agenda in the battle, but he instead follows the orders and instructions given unto him by his commander. A soldier that "goes rogue" is a danger to himself and those around him.
In the spiritual realm, believers need to be focused on pleasing Christ. While we recognize that we can do in our own strength apart from Christ (John 15:5), He has nevertheless given us instructions and commands and as good soldiers it should be our hearts desire and our life's practice to please Him. Too many times it is easy for believers to pursue our own agenda rather than Christ's agenda. Our flesh wants us to please it, instead of pleasing Christ. The world around us clamors for us to please the world instead of pleasing Christ. A good soldier focuses instead on pleasing Christ.
What about your life? Are you a good soldier of Jesus Christ?
Have you shown yourself to be a person who is willing to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to take the ridicule of "friends" and even family for standing up for Christ and the truth? Enduring hardness requires dedication to the cause and discipline to carry through.
What is your relationship to the entanglements of this world? Are you eliminating all sinful, silly, and useless entanglements or are you caught in a web of wrong actions, wrong affections and wasted time?
When we think of our daily walk, whose agenda are we pursuing? Who are we seeking to please? Are we seeking to please our Master and Commander or are we seeking to please ourselves?
May each of us strive to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
* The preceding is (to some degree) a summarized reflection on the message I preached this morning at Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury. The audio of the sermon is available upon request.
The Bible often uses the picture of soldiers and physical warfare to remind believers of the very real, but invisible, spiritual warfare of which we are all involved. As I thought of my friend in preparation for leaving this week, I was drawn to Paul's words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3-4
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Paul uses a number of illustrations in this passage regarding the nature of Christian service and Christian living. Among these illustrations are comparisons to racing or competition ("strive for masteries"), to farming ("the husbandman that laboureth"), and this passage here on being a good soldier.
When Paul speaks of this soldier, I find it challenging to consider the traits that he lists, for these traits ought to be evident not only in the lives of good soldiers who are fighting the physical battles, but of all of us who desire to fight successfully in the spiritual warfare.
A Good Soldier Endures Hardness
One of the realities of being a soldier is that there is often times great hardship in being a soldier. There is the hardship of the conditions in the field. There is the hardship of the lost opportunities of things that could be done were the soldier at home instead of far away. Perhaps the greatest hardship, however, is the hardship of separation from loved ones.
In the spiritual realm, there are times when there may be physical hardships in the spiritual battles - and Paul certainly knew something of those hardships (see 2 Corinthians 10, for instance), the reality for most believers in America is that any "hardness" we may have to endure for Christ is not likely to be that of the physical nature. The reality is that the hardness that you and I are most likely to be called to endure involves relationships - relationships that are strained as we seek to do those things that are pleasing to Christ rather than following through with the world's way of doing things. Of course, as believers, we can take heart in the Lord's promise that this is to be expected (John 15:18).
A Good Soldier Ends Entanglements
Another reality of being a good soldier is that the soldier who is on the battlefield has to recognize that the entanglements of this world need to be avoided if he is going to fight successfully. Focusing on the things of his world back home instead of focusing on the task at hand can be very dangerous on the battlefield. Even good things must be left behind for the sake of successful soldiering.
In the spiritual realm, the picture is again obvious. Believers need to be careful to end entanglements with the things of this world if we are going to successfully serve as soldiers for Christ. It should be obvious that the sinful things of this world ought to be avoided - after all, "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) However, successful soldiering does not just involve ending the entanglements with sinful things. Successful soldiering also often requires that we get rid of the silly things and even the "not bad, but unnecessary" things.
A Good Soldier Pleases His Commander
Another reality of the characteristics of a good soldier is that the good soldier is careful to do those things that please his commander. He does not follow his own agenda in the battle, but he instead follows the orders and instructions given unto him by his commander. A soldier that "goes rogue" is a danger to himself and those around him.
In the spiritual realm, believers need to be focused on pleasing Christ. While we recognize that we can do in our own strength apart from Christ (John 15:5), He has nevertheless given us instructions and commands and as good soldiers it should be our hearts desire and our life's practice to please Him. Too many times it is easy for believers to pursue our own agenda rather than Christ's agenda. Our flesh wants us to please it, instead of pleasing Christ. The world around us clamors for us to please the world instead of pleasing Christ. A good soldier focuses instead on pleasing Christ.
What about your life? Are you a good soldier of Jesus Christ?
Have you shown yourself to be a person who is willing to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to take the ridicule of "friends" and even family for standing up for Christ and the truth? Enduring hardness requires dedication to the cause and discipline to carry through.
What is your relationship to the entanglements of this world? Are you eliminating all sinful, silly, and useless entanglements or are you caught in a web of wrong actions, wrong affections and wasted time?
When we think of our daily walk, whose agenda are we pursuing? Who are we seeking to please? Are we seeking to please our Master and Commander or are we seeking to please ourselves?
May each of us strive to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
* The preceding is (to some degree) a summarized reflection on the message I preached this morning at Fellowship Baptist Church of Salisbury. The audio of the sermon is available upon request.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Pastor's Report for 2010 (submitted for 2011 Annual Members Meeting)
(Every year we have our Annual Members Meeting in January. At this meeting we review the previous year and seek to give some direction regarding the coming year. The following is a copy of the Pastor's Report for 2010, given at our Annual Members Meeting in January 2011). (Some edits have been made due to the "world wide" nature of the internet.)
Pastor's Report - 2010
I continue to be amazed at God's blessings. God is clearly doing a work here at Fellowship Baptist Church and for that I rejoice.
After a very eventful year in 2009 that brought significant growth in the number of attenders at Fellowship Baptist Church, 2010 brought some stability to that growth. This was seen in the steadiness of our weekly attendance, which averaged about 55 for the year. This was also seen by a seven new families officially joining the church during this year.
One of the most significant steps that we made in 2010 as a church was with the addition of regular weekly teen and children's ministries, starting in October. This is a big step for our church and it has been encouraging to see the faithfulness of the young people to both the ProTeens program for teenagers and the Truth Tracker program for children. I greatly appreciate the leadership of Brent Zockoll in leading the ProTeens program and of Commander Al and Angie Gore in leading the Truth Trackers program. I also appreciate the many other helpers and teachers who work in both of these programs.
This year featured a number of events and activities, including an adult fellowship, ladies retreat, teens at summer camp for the Wilds, a "Digital Dash" youth activity, Vacation Bible School during the summer, a family bike hike and a fall family fest. We also were able to enjoy our 5th Annual Father-Son Camp-out with some good fun and fellowship at the Insley's home in Tyaskin and our annual Pie N Praise, Christmas program, Christmas Eve candlelight service, Baptisms in the Nanticoke River and many more.
This year has seen a number of folks struggle with various sickness and we rejoice that even through these times of difficulty, we have a great God Whose way is always best. At the end of 2010, we were saddened with the death of Mr. Dick G., but we rejoice that Dick is now with the Christ he loved. Many of us also experienced the loss of family and friends in this year, including the death of my own father on February 28.
On the home front, I rejoice in the continued love and growth of my family. Missy continues to work hard at the hospital and serve in many capacities here at the church. Most importantly, she stands beside me as my helper and watches over our family. It seems hard to believe how much the children have grown in the time we have been here in Salisbury. I have had the privilege to baptize my two oldest children here and I rejoice that Rebekah trusted in Christ this Easter and look forward to baptizing her in the days ahead.
I have appreciated the continued assistance of and support of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches to our church this year. It was an encouragement that a few different churches took up the call to help us with the outreach effort of "Project Salisbury" that we put into effect in the fall. Although we did not see the results we would have liked, the effort of those who supported us was an encouragement to me.
I have appreciated the work that many have put into the ministry of the church over this past year. It is truly a good and Biblical thing that so many are actively functioning to "do the work of the ministry" (Eph. 4:12). It is my prayer that this continues and abounds in the coming days.
I want to thank you and I want to thank the Lord for the privilege He has given me of serving here as your Pastor. We love you guys and we look forward to what is going to do in coming days.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Pastor's Report - 2010
I continue to be amazed at God's blessings. God is clearly doing a work here at Fellowship Baptist Church and for that I rejoice.
After a very eventful year in 2009 that brought significant growth in the number of attenders at Fellowship Baptist Church, 2010 brought some stability to that growth. This was seen in the steadiness of our weekly attendance, which averaged about 55 for the year. This was also seen by a seven new families officially joining the church during this year.
One of the most significant steps that we made in 2010 as a church was with the addition of regular weekly teen and children's ministries, starting in October. This is a big step for our church and it has been encouraging to see the faithfulness of the young people to both the ProTeens program for teenagers and the Truth Tracker program for children. I greatly appreciate the leadership of Brent Zockoll in leading the ProTeens program and of Commander Al and Angie Gore in leading the Truth Trackers program. I also appreciate the many other helpers and teachers who work in both of these programs.
This year featured a number of events and activities, including an adult fellowship, ladies retreat, teens at summer camp for the Wilds, a "Digital Dash" youth activity, Vacation Bible School during the summer, a family bike hike and a fall family fest. We also were able to enjoy our 5th Annual Father-Son Camp-out with some good fun and fellowship at the Insley's home in Tyaskin and our annual Pie N Praise, Christmas program, Christmas Eve candlelight service, Baptisms in the Nanticoke River and many more.
This year has seen a number of folks struggle with various sickness and we rejoice that even through these times of difficulty, we have a great God Whose way is always best. At the end of 2010, we were saddened with the death of Mr. Dick G., but we rejoice that Dick is now with the Christ he loved. Many of us also experienced the loss of family and friends in this year, including the death of my own father on February 28.
On the home front, I rejoice in the continued love and growth of my family. Missy continues to work hard at the hospital and serve in many capacities here at the church. Most importantly, she stands beside me as my helper and watches over our family. It seems hard to believe how much the children have grown in the time we have been here in Salisbury. I have had the privilege to baptize my two oldest children here and I rejoice that Rebekah trusted in Christ this Easter and look forward to baptizing her in the days ahead.
I have appreciated the continued assistance of and support of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches to our church this year. It was an encouragement that a few different churches took up the call to help us with the outreach effort of "Project Salisbury" that we put into effect in the fall. Although we did not see the results we would have liked, the effort of those who supported us was an encouragement to me.
I have appreciated the work that many have put into the ministry of the church over this past year. It is truly a good and Biblical thing that so many are actively functioning to "do the work of the ministry" (Eph. 4:12). It is my prayer that this continues and abounds in the coming days.
I want to thank you and I want to thank the Lord for the privilege He has given me of serving here as your Pastor. We love you guys and we look forward to what is going to do in coming days.
In Christ,
Pastor Frank Sansone
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Pastor's Pen - 2010-08-22
An Eventful Time
The next month or so should prove to be an eventful time here at Fellowship Baptist Church.
Next Sunday we will celebrate with a church dinner and then a Baptism service at the Nanticoke River. It is always a highlight of our church year to be able to worship together and to see believers obey the Lord by being baptized.
Our Lord Himself commanded us to baptize (Matthew 28:19) and set an example for us by being baptized Himself (Matthew 3:13- 17). When these folks are baptized next week, it is a testimony not only of their following Christ in obedience, but also a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to those watching.
Not only do we get to celebrate these baptisms, in the coming days there are a number of other events that demand our time, attention and prayer.
* On October 10, our church will celebrate our church anniversary with a special service and a lunch.
* On October 13, we will be launching our first-ever weekly teen ministry and weekly children's ministry.
* On October 17, we will be beginning a new Sunday afternoon Bible study that I think will be informative and challenging.
In addition to these events, there are many other things that are happening. From Labor Day to the start of school to Promotion Sunday for Sunday School to an FFBC Youth Rally, the calendar is filling up with many opportunities for ministry and fellowship.
The next month or so should prove to be an eventful time here at Fellowship Baptist Church.
Next Sunday we will celebrate with a church dinner and then a Baptism service at the Nanticoke River. It is always a highlight of our church year to be able to worship together and to see believers obey the Lord by being baptized.
Our Lord Himself commanded us to baptize (Matthew 28:19) and set an example for us by being baptized Himself (Matthew 3:13- 17). When these folks are baptized next week, it is a testimony not only of their following Christ in obedience, but also a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to those watching.
Not only do we get to celebrate these baptisms, in the coming days there are a number of other events that demand our time, attention and prayer.
* On October 10, our church will celebrate our church anniversary with a special service and a lunch.
* On October 13, we will be launching our first-ever weekly teen ministry and weekly children's ministry.
* On October 17, we will be beginning a new Sunday afternoon Bible study that I think will be informative and challenging.
In addition to these events, there are many other things that are happening. From Labor Day to the start of school to Promotion Sunday for Sunday School to an FFBC Youth Rally, the calendar is filling up with many opportunities for ministry and fellowship.
Pastor's Pen - 2010-08-15
A Good Week at the FFBC Annual Conference
My family and I had the privilege to attend the 71st Annual Conference of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churche at Tri-State Bible Camp and Conference Center this past week. It was a good few days with some other good and Godly men and their families.
The FFBC Annual Conference is an interesting combination of events. As the Annual Conference, it serves as the annual business meeting of the FFBC, complete with reports, budgets, elections, motions and all of the other stuff that make business meetings exciting and fun :) However, it is much more than just a business meeting. It is also a time of encouragement and spiritual challenge, as well as a time for some relaxation and fun.
This year our main speaker was Dr. Dick Stratton of Clearwater Christian College. Dr. Stratton not only preached Monday and Tuesday nights and for a chapel on Wednesday morning, he also led a workshop and participated in many of the other workshops. Dr. Stratton came down with Kidney Stones on Wednesday, so Pastor Mark Franklin played "pinch hitter" and preached a very good message from the book of Numbers. Mrs. Holly Stratton (Dick's wife and the speaker for this last year's Ladies Retreat) also spoke to the ladies three times during the week.
This year we also had a series of workshops that were offered and were well attended. I had the privilege of leading a workshop on Tuesday morning entitled, "Whatcha' Reading?" I was encouraged by the response to the workshop and pray that it was helpful.
Being at a camp, there are a lot of other activities that are available. The Pastors won this year's Pastor/Delegate Softball Game, folks went fishing, shot archery, played Tri-State Dodgeball, went swimming, worked on crafts, played carpetball, and spent some much needed time relaxing on the porch for fellowship and counsel. I also participated in at least four executive committee meetings, regular meetings, and was reelected to serve on the Executive Committee for another two years.
My family and I had the privilege to attend the 71st Annual Conference of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churche at Tri-State Bible Camp and Conference Center this past week. It was a good few days with some other good and Godly men and their families.
The FFBC Annual Conference is an interesting combination of events. As the Annual Conference, it serves as the annual business meeting of the FFBC, complete with reports, budgets, elections, motions and all of the other stuff that make business meetings exciting and fun :) However, it is much more than just a business meeting. It is also a time of encouragement and spiritual challenge, as well as a time for some relaxation and fun.
This year our main speaker was Dr. Dick Stratton of Clearwater Christian College. Dr. Stratton not only preached Monday and Tuesday nights and for a chapel on Wednesday morning, he also led a workshop and participated in many of the other workshops. Dr. Stratton came down with Kidney Stones on Wednesday, so Pastor Mark Franklin played "pinch hitter" and preached a very good message from the book of Numbers. Mrs. Holly Stratton (Dick's wife and the speaker for this last year's Ladies Retreat) also spoke to the ladies three times during the week.
This year we also had a series of workshops that were offered and were well attended. I had the privilege of leading a workshop on Tuesday morning entitled, "Whatcha' Reading?" I was encouraged by the response to the workshop and pray that it was helpful.
Being at a camp, there are a lot of other activities that are available. The Pastors won this year's Pastor/Delegate Softball Game, folks went fishing, shot archery, played Tri-State Dodgeball, went swimming, worked on crafts, played carpetball, and spent some much needed time relaxing on the porch for fellowship and counsel. I also participated in at least four executive committee meetings, regular meetings, and was reelected to serve on the Executive Committee for another two years.
Pastor's Pen - 2010-08-08
The FFBC Annual Conference
This afternoon, my family and I will head up to Montague, New Jersey to participate in the 2010 Annual Conference of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches.
As many of you are aware, our church became a member of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches in August of 2007 at the Annual Conference. As a member of the FFBC, we stand together with other churches of like precious faith and seek to be a voice for Christ in the midst of a world of darkness.
The FFBC started in 1939 as the "Bible Protestant Church" - a Fundamental response to the theological liberalism that was becoming more and more prominent in the day. While the FFBC has changed in some of its details over the years - including the changing of the name in the 1980s, this group has continued to stand firmly on the Word of God and I rejoice that our church is able to stand with them.
The Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches has a couple of ministries that we are able to do as a group. Our church personally benefits from the "Church Development Program" which helps small churches and church plants through financial assistance. The FFBC also has an Annual Youth Rally - this year's is Sept. 25 in Carneys Point, New Jersey, a youth essay contest, a small church-housed Bible institute, and some other forms of ministries. The most prominent and recognized ministry of the FFBC is probably Tri-State Bible Camp, located on the Delaware River where New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania meet.
For the last few years I have had the privilege of serving on the Executive Committee of the FFBC and I rejoice in that opportunity of leadership within the FFBC. The Annual Conference is an interesting combination of business meeting, camp, activities, workshops and preaching. This year Dr. Richard Stratton from Clearwater Christian College is our main speaker.
In addition to participating in the Executive Committee meetings and the business meetings, this year I will also be leading a workshop on Tuesday morning. Please pray for us while we are gone.
This afternoon, my family and I will head up to Montague, New Jersey to participate in the 2010 Annual Conference of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches.
As many of you are aware, our church became a member of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches in August of 2007 at the Annual Conference. As a member of the FFBC, we stand together with other churches of like precious faith and seek to be a voice for Christ in the midst of a world of darkness.
The FFBC started in 1939 as the "Bible Protestant Church" - a Fundamental response to the theological liberalism that was becoming more and more prominent in the day. While the FFBC has changed in some of its details over the years - including the changing of the name in the 1980s, this group has continued to stand firmly on the Word of God and I rejoice that our church is able to stand with them.
The Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches has a couple of ministries that we are able to do as a group. Our church personally benefits from the "Church Development Program" which helps small churches and church plants through financial assistance. The FFBC also has an Annual Youth Rally - this year's is Sept. 25 in Carneys Point, New Jersey, a youth essay contest, a small church-housed Bible institute, and some other forms of ministries. The most prominent and recognized ministry of the FFBC is probably Tri-State Bible Camp, located on the Delaware River where New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania meet.
For the last few years I have had the privilege of serving on the Executive Committee of the FFBC and I rejoice in that opportunity of leadership within the FFBC. The Annual Conference is an interesting combination of business meeting, camp, activities, workshops and preaching. This year Dr. Richard Stratton from Clearwater Christian College is our main speaker.
In addition to participating in the Executive Committee meetings and the business meetings, this year I will also be leading a workshop on Tuesday morning. Please pray for us while we are gone.
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