Articles

From The Baptist Testimony - Volume 54 Number 5 May 2008

Caring is a key dynamic of “Church Partnering Relationships” (CPR).  So far a dozen partnerships involving 24 churches have been arranged for this summer.  Remember to uphold these opportunities regularly in prayer in the weeks ahead.  Prayerfully consider ways in which you can be personally involved in demonstrating godly care for others this summer.

Church Partnering Relationships with 3 primary goals:
Caring:  a proactive vision towards mutual edification
Praying:  regular sharing of requests and initiatives that promote mutual prayer 
Resourcing:  embracing the mission of practical encouragement by outsourcing materials and personnel Read the rest of this article »

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

March's Word: “Relationships”

Recently, while accompanying my wife Sharon and daughter Allison on a shopping expedition in preparation for Allison's upcoming June wedding, I stopped in a book store and did some browsing. On this particular visit I spent most of my time in the historical section and focused upon volumes dealing with wartime events. I left the bookstore once again captivated by the several stories of raw courage and human drama. Read the rest of this article »

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

February's Word: “Partnering”

This past week our local news media shared stories commemorating the 30^th anniversary of the “blizzard of '78.” Sharon and I were newlyweds then and I was in my first year of seminary. We were snowed in at our rural trailer park for three and a half days. We spent time trying to stay warm and hoping that the power would stay on. I used some of the free time to catch up on collateral reading and reviewing Hebrew vocabulary. Alas, I must confess that more time was spent trudging back and forth through snow drifts to continue an impromptu Rook tournament with our special friends, Dave and Carolyn Culver. Those were the early days of what has become a lifelong ministry partnership that grows dearer with each passing year. Read the rest of this article »

The Word Has It
“Strengthen me according to Your word,” Psalm 119:28
Ken Floyd
MARBC State Representative

January's Word: “Church”

“So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.” Acts 16:5

The Need for a Pioneering Vision and Spirit

Some three hundred and fifty years ago, a shipload of pioneers landed on the northeast coast of America. The first year, they established a town. The next year, they elected a town government. During the third year, the town government revealed plans to build a road five miles west into the wilderness. Read the rest of this article »

Practical Ideas for Growth

Read through the Bible in a year. Why not consider reading through the Word of God this year? There are several formats and ways to accomplish this. Many study Bibles include reading schedules. Many ministries offer a folded daily record that you can keep in your Bible. I have recently enjoyed a paperback Bible entitled, “The One Year Chronological Bible.” It includes daily scripture readings that allow you to read the Bible books from an historical, chronological perspective. This allows the reader to appreciate, for example, how particular Psalms, prophecies, and epistles, fit within the historical record of the text. Perhaps you desire this year would be to read through the New Testament in a year (possibly including the poetical and wisdom literature of the Old Testament.) Some may choose to focus upon an in depth study of a certain section of scripture. Whatever you decide, make 2007 a year to focus upon the Word of God!
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From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt MARBC State Representative

Thanks For The Memories!

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8

Where has this year gone! It seems like only yesterday we announced that this would be our last year of ministry with the MARBC. It has truly been a good and busy year as we have had the opportunity to speak in 51 churches including a 27 hour Masters Module at the Regular Baptist Seminary in Curitiba, Brazil. Other areas of ministry included serving as chairman of the Continental Baptist Missions Search Committee, attendance at the regular meetings as a board member and council member of CBM, BMM, and Bible Tracts, Inc. Of course, there has been the daily office load of caring for correspondence, editing the Baptist Testimony, counseling, meetings, planning retreats and conferences and simply assisting with requests and needs of our some 200 MARBC churches. Though our health has managed quite well, early on in the year Ann did struggle with a very serious hand surgery and recover) - which proved a challenge in the office. Also, we are glad to report that my brother, wayward from the Lord for many years, after 3 months in hospitals, is doing much better and has recently joined Pastor Coon’s church at Northeastern Baptist in Kalamazoo. Thank you so much for praying. Ann and I want you to know-that we are very pleased with the Council of Fifteen’s decision in selecting Ken and Sharon Floyd to replace us in this ministry. They are a lovely couple with a great heart for ministry’ and our Fellowship of churches. We pray God’s richest blessings upon them.
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From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

Introducing the New MARBC State Representative Elect

by Pastor Tom Townsend
MARBC Search Committee Chairman
First Baptist Church, Rochester

After months of searching, hours of prayer and interviews, it is my privilege to introduce to you our new State Representative for our MARBC. Before I do that, I want to thank the members of the Search Committee: Mark Cizauskas, Doug Compton, Doug Crawford, Will Davis, and Bob McNeil for their wisdom and insight as we fulfilled this assignment. I also want to thank our MARBC Fellowship for their encouragement and input as many shared ideas and potential candidate names, always looking to God for His mind and His direction in this important matter. As a Search Committee, we coveted your prayers and encouragement. Thank you for your investment in this important matter.
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From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

The Power of A Midnight Song!

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

No doubt by now, in my writings, you are well aware that I enjoy reading the sermons of George Morrison (1866-1928), a Presbyterian pastor and preacher born in Scotland. The pastor of Wellington Church, Glasgow, the last twenty-six years of his life, his ministry primarily consisted of personal visits, postcards and letters for all those in his care who were sick or in sorrow or in trouble. He chose not to serve on committees, preferring to spend his time in what he considered the most important responsibilities to his church - mornings in study and afternoons in visiting his congregation. Many of his sermons and devotional thoughts have been put in print. In his volume entitled, Wind on the Heath, he has a sermon entitled, “Unconscious Ministries,” wherein he states that all of us exercise unconscious ministries and opportunities of making others aware of the goodness and grace of God in our lives. He references Paul and Silas, who sang at midnight while under adverse circumstances, not particularly paying attention that the prisoners were listening to them.
Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

THE NATIONAL GARBC CONFERENCE was held this year, June 27-30, in the capitol of our State, Lansing, MI. Hundreds of Regular Baptists gathered to hear good sound Bible teaching and preaching centered around the theme, “Reflecting God Among the Nations.” Joining us for this year’s conference were our brothers and sisters from the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship Association (FBFA). Speakersand leaders from both Fellowships participated in the general sessions and workshops. On Tuesday prior to the beginning of the conference more than 100 were in attendance for the Pre-conference Ministry Symposium on “Reshaping Global Missions in the 21^st“. Seven new churches were added to the GARBC Fellowship including the Cloverdale Baptist Church, Pastor Joshua and Leillani Rager, Fruitport, MI, which came into the MARBC last fall. Two resolutions were approved by the messengers on “Biblical Preaching and Teaching“, and “The Integrity of the Biblical Canon.” You will find these printed in the September issue of the Baptist Bulletin along with conference highlights, business matters and election of new members to the Council of Eighteen. You may also visit the GARBC website (www.garbc.org) for details and messages delivered during the week. One challenging sermon was by one of our own, Pastor Mike Eleveld, Berean Baptist Church in Portage, who preached on “Good Ambassadors“, from II Corinthians 5:16-21.
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From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

Don’t Forget Our Mothers!

Some time ago I noticed Ann sitting on the edge of the bed, with moistened eyes and a forlorn look. When I asked what was the matter, she quivered, “Today is my Mom’s birthday and I miss her.” With a gentle hug I shared that I missed her too. Several years earlier she had had a massive stroke and entered into the presence of the Lord at 76 years of age and I had the privilege of officiating her celebration service. My Mother passed away on Christmas Day, 1978, at the young age of 58. We both expressed how we missed our mothers and think of them often, for some reason, more so as we get older.

Mothers are very special people and should not be forgotten but honored, just as the Scriptures state (Eph. 6:2). In one church I pastored, Mother’s Day always brought the largest attendance of the year. Children and grandchildren, even many who were wayward, would always honor their mother and grandmother on Mother’s Day by coming to church with them. It was a great opportunity to preach the gospel and emphasize the importance of walking with Christ. That same church also provided carnations for everyone present, white ones if your mother was still living and red ones if they had passed away. It was always a very special day of the year and we always tried to make it that way. Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

Things!

“Morrison of Wellington,” George H. Morrison (1866-1928), during his era was no doubt the most popular preacher in Scotland. A Presbyterian pastor, for twenty-six years he faithfully shepherded the flock at Wellington Church, Glasgow. Surrendered totally to ministry, he chose not to serve on committees, preferring rather to spend his time on what he considered were his greatest responsibilities to the church - mornings in study and afternoons in visiting his congregation, making an average of one thousand calls a year! Primarily an expository preacher, his Sunday evening sermons targeted the specific needs of his sheep and standing room only crowds gathered to hear him. Many of these sermons are in print and worthy of your reading. I like what Warren Wiersbe said of Morrison in his volume, “Living with the Giants,” a statement which pastors should take to heart: “Morrison's preaching strength lay in his knowledge of the Bible, his knowledge of his people and their needs, and his ability to put both together in an imaginative way that reached the heart.”
Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

There's No Testimony Without The Test!

I had never seen it before. It was a piece of wood about 36 inches long, 4 inches high and one half inch thick. It was sitting on a shelf in a Christian Book Store on the eastern side of our state where we had gone for a brief get-away after the Christmas holidays. Ann and I enjoy visiting unique shops and this one contained several quaint items, most of which we had seen before. But there sat this one piece of wood, really not so unique in itself, but the saying inscribed on it was what caught my attention - “There Can Be No Testimony Without The Test!” Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

Matthew Henry’s New Year!

Matthew Henry was born in 1662 at Broad Oak, Flintshire, Wales. Son of the evangelical Church of England minister, Philip Henry, he was educated privately in the home by his father, and later at an academy at Islington. A studious boy, he learned well Latin, Greek, Hebrew and French. Matthew Henry dated his conversion to Christ at about ten years of age. After his formal education, he went to London to attend a Nonconformist academy and then read law at Gray’s Inn. Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

63^rd Annual MARBC
Conference Highlights
“The Courage to Stand!”

Berean Baptist Church, Portage, Pastor Mike Eleveld, staff and people were our very gracious hosts for this year’s 63^rd Annual MARBC Conference. October 24-25 were the dates and Berean more than put out the red carpet making us feel right at home and meeting all of our needs with happy smiles on their faces. Thank you for being such a blessing.
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From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

2005 Annual Report

“…I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.” Ephesians 3:7

Paul’s testimony became mine as I claimed the above verse on the day of my ordination into the gospel ministry. I have never ceased to marvel that God would choose me to be one of his servants. In February, Ann and I will observe our 40th year in full time pastoral ministry and I can not adequately express how honored we are to have had such a call in our lives. It seems like only yesterday that we packed our few belongings in a U-haul and headed North to our first pastorate which numbered about 40 people, an old parsonage and $45 a week in salary. We couldn’t have been happier! Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative
“The Courage to Stand!”
“Do not be dismayed before their faces…”
Jeremiah 1:17

Well, dear friends, once again we are just around the corner from our 63^rd Annual MARBC Conference which will be hosted this year, October 24-25, by Pastor Mike Eleveld and the dear folks at the Berean Baptist Church in Portage. You will enjoy their beautiful facilities and certainly will enjoy their gracious hospitality. The very first MARBC state meeting took place in 1942, exactly 10 years after the initiation of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches in 1932. Since our inception this Fellowship of churches has stood strong for the “fundamentals of the faith.” I am very pleased to be part of an association that has had courage to stand against the onslaughts of these great Scriptural truths. I thank the Lord that through the years our pastors and churches have been faithful to the cause of Christ. Being fully aware that the devil is still about his business we must also be about ours, being good keepers of the faith, until our Lord comes again. Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

A Treatise For Local Churches On Pastoral Sabbaticals

I have been contemplating this subject for sometime and decided that I needed to give attention to writing about it. When statisticians tell us that fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches, fifty percent of pastors’ marriages will end in divorce and seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression, something certainly needs to be addressed. Have you ever considered that your pastor might need a time away from ministry in order to be refreshed and possibly even extend his years of service to the Lord and His people? In my study I am finding that Baptists are far behind some denominations in caring for their pastor’s physical and spiritual welfare, many even having a “sabbatical policy” in their constitutions. There is not space to say all that I have written about this subject but I would be glad to send “A Treatise for Local Churches on Pastoral Sabbaticals” to any church leaders who are interested. Simply drop me a note or an e-mail. Hopefully I can entice you to do so by sharing with you a brief summary. Read the rest of this article »

“He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should
continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

There’s No Testimony Without The Test!

I had never seen it before. It was a piece of wood about 36 inches long, 4 inches high and one half inch thick. It was sitting on a shelf in a Christian Book Store on the eastern side of our state where we had gone for a brief getaway after the Christmas holidays. Ann and I enjoy visiting unique shops and this one contained several quaint items, most of which we had seen before. But there sat this one piece of wood, really not so unique in itself, but the saying inscribed on it was what caught my attention - “There Can Be No Testimony Without The Test!” Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

THE NATIONAL GARBC CONFERENCE was held this year in hot and sunny Lakeland, FL, June 28-July 1, at the Lakeland Convention Center. Hundreds of Regular Baptists gathered to hear good sound Bible teaching and preaching around the theme, “His Vision – My Vision.” Eleven new churches were added to the Fellowship and two resolutions were approved by the messengers: Preterism and the Future, Physical Fulfillment of Biblical Prophecies and Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul, both of which will be printed in the September issue of the Baptist Bulletin along with all of the other conference highlights. Dr. Jim Vogel, pastor of South Baptist Church in Flint, was re-elected to the Council of Eighteen. Read the rest of this article »

“He…..encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should
continue with the Lord.”Acts 11:23

Things!

“Morrison of Wellington,” George H. Morrison (1866-1928), during his era was no doubt the most popular preacher in Scotland. A Presbyterian pastor, for twenty-six years he faithfully shepherded the flock at Wellington Church, Glasgow. Surrendered totally to ministry, he chose not to serve on committees, preferring rather to spend his time on what he considered were his greatest responsibilities to the church - mornings in study and afternoons in visiting his congregation, making an average of one thousand calls a year! Primarily an expository preacher, his Sunday evening sermons targeted the specific needs of his sheep and standing room only crowds gathered to hear him. Many of these sermons are in print and worthy of your reading. I like what Warren Wiersbe said of Morrison in his volume, “Living with the Giants,” a statement we preachers should take to heart: “Morrison’s preaching strength lay in his knowledge of the Bible, his knowledge of his people and their needs, and his ability to put both together in an imaginative way that reached the heart.” Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

“Real Men Love God’s Word” a Reality at Annual MARBC Men’s Retreats!

Some 560 men attended the two weekends of the MARBC Men’s Retreats May 5-7 & 12-14 at beautiful Lake Ann Baptist Camp near Traverse City. Even though this year’s weather was less than desirable it did not keep the men from enjoying some very special time away from their daily routines of life. A little rain didn’t dampen their parade at all! This year we had a variety of speakers including Pastor Bob McNeil, Shelby Rd. Baptist Church in Shelby, State Representative Maynard Belt, and nationally known evangelist Rev. Jason Nightingale, all speaking on the theme of the power of God’s Word. Brother McNeil spoke on “God’s Transforming Power” from John Chapter five; Brother Belt spoke on “My Bible and I” from Psalm 19:7-14; and Brother Nightingale on Friday night gave his personal testimony and a dramatic recitation of the first epistle of John and Saturday morning quoted and expounded several chapters of the Gospel of John. We rejoice that during both weekends many men committed to making the Word of God their Friend. Read the rest of this article »

“He…..encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

“The Joy Robbers of Ministry!”

Do you ever find yourself losing your joy in ministry? I mean, all the commitments, obligations, responsibilities, problems and unnecessary distractions become so overwhelming that you just slam the study door, turn off the lights, fall flat on your face on the carpet (if you are blessed enough to have carpet!) and cry out to God, “I just can’t do this myself! I am tired, I am mentally fatigued, my strength has failed e’re the day is half done”…..you know what I mean. Read the rest of this article »

“He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” 11:23

“Congregations will gather around a pulpit from which living water is flowing!” –E. Stanley Jones

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5

Now, just because I quoted E. Stanley Jones, don’t go around saying that he is my favorite role model in ministry. I certainly do respect him for laboring 66 years as a missionary evangelist to the upper castes of India, but I do have a problem with much of his theology. But when he said that “congregations will gather around a pulpit from which living water is flowing,” I just had to say, “Amen!” Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

Tested By Fire!

“We Shouldn’t retreat or lose heart when unexpected things happen to us. Instead, we should submit to the One Who knows best and Who will test our hearts by fire as long as He likes.”  –Chrysostom Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

Exposing The Myths Of The Church #7

It’s Not Important To Be Part Of a Fellowship Of Churches - We Can Go It Alone!

John Donne, a minister and poet, once wrote: “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” King Solomon said in Proverbs 18:1: “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire.” One thing for sure, as pastors and local independent Baptist Churches, we do not stand alone in the work of the ministry and we are just a piece of the larger work, just a part of the main! Read the rest of this article »

“He…encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

The Glorious Account Of Easter!

Luke Chapter 24

Though the term Easter is found but once in the King James Version (Acts 12:4), and is translated “Passover” in nearly all other translations of that text, it is a term that is commonly acknowledged as representing the day of the week in which our Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected from the grave. Certain chapters of the Bible seem to bear a theme that helps us to recognize their content, such as Hebrews 11 is the “Faith” chapter; I Corinthians 13 the “Love” chapter; Luke 15 the “Lost & Found” chapter; Ephesians 6 the “Soldier’s” chapter; John 3 the “New Birth” chapter; and Luke 24 is often called the “Easter” chapter. Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

Exposing The Myths Of The Church
Myth #6

If The Church Lights Are On - The Lost Will Come!

Some of the older saints of our congregations will recognize these words, “If the church lights are on - the lost will come!” Actually, there was an era in which this was true. At the turn of the last century, there were many who made their way to the House of the Lord because there were not all of the other attractions of the world, and they often sought refuge in a place that could give them solace and peace. Have we not heard of the wanderer passing the church at night, seeing the lights, hearing the singing, and going inside to see what was happening? Read the rest of this article »

“He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

Weaknesses!

A sizable share of my ministry over the past several years has been to assist churches find pastors. The question that I am often asked regarding prospective candidates is, “What are their strengths and what are their weaknesses?” Strengths have a tendency to be more observable while often weaknesses more imperceptible. Strengths are generally visible while weaknesses are more hidden. Strengths often can be detectable through casual acquaintance, weaknesses, on the other hand, usually only surface when there is a more familiar relationship. It is not uncommon to converse about our strengths while discussing our weaknesses lies outside our comfort zone. Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

Exposing The Myths Of The Church

The Seven Deadly Sins Really Aren”t That Deadly Anymore!

I once read of a pastor who announced in a sermon on sin that there were 789 different kinds. That week in opening his mail there were 94 requests from members of his church desiring a complete listing of all 789 sins! Concerning the seven deadly sins, Norwegian Lasse Tonnesson, in 1982, somehow managed to successfully commit all seven deadly sins in a record-setting 32 minutes and 19 seconds! He earned himself not only the respect of his countrymen, Read the rest of this article »

“He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

The Power of the Midnight Song!

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

George Morrison (1866-1928) was a Presbyterian pastor and preacher who was born in Scotland. The pastor of Wellington Church, Glasgow, for twenty-six years, his ministry primarily consisted of personal visits, postcards and letters for all those in his care who were sick or in sorrow or in trouble. He chose not to serve on committees, preferring to spend his time in what he considered the most important responsibilities to his church - mornings in study and afternoons in visiting his congregation. Many of his sermons and devotional thoughts have been put in print. In his volume entitled, Wind on the Heath, he has a sermon entitled, “Unconscious Ministries,” wherein he states that all of us exercise unconscious ministries. He references Paul and Silas, who sang at midnight while under adverse circumstances, not particularly paying attention that the prisoners were listening to them. Read the rest of this article »

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

Exposing The Myths Of The Church

Change In The Church Is Of The Devil!

Let’s confess! Change bothers all of us! Just try sitting in a different seat around the dinner table and watch the response! Just take another member’s seat at church! Just try taking another route home from work! Just try telling the dog he can’t sleep at the foot of the bed anymore! Change has been around since Adam and Eve and sin in the garden. I don’t recall which translation, but Adam said to Eve, “My dear, we are living in a period of transition.” Read the rest of this article »

"He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord." Acts 11:23

The Glory of the Incarnation!

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter nineteen, verse ten, we are reminded that Jesus came to seek and to save those who were lost. Had man not been lost, He never would have had to come. Now here is a sobering thought — to our sin we owe the incarnation! As we contemplate the Christmas season and all of it's hustle and bustle, let us revel in the glory of the incarnation, that moment in time when God became man, in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. That time when God, the Invisible, appeared. Ponder it's mystery, slight not its history, glory in it's majesty and clarity, it is such a wonderful story to tell. One of my favorite advent poems is that by Charles Wesley, one of the great hymn writers of all time. It deserves our thoughtful meditation. Read the rest of this article »

Volume 50, Number 50, December, 2004
Issue of the Baptist Testimony

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

62^nd Annual MARBC State Meeting
“The Hand of God and the Arm of Flesh!”

First Baptist Church, Rochester, Pastor Tom Townsend, staff and people were our hosts for the 62^nd Annual State Conference October 25-26, and what gracious hosts they were. They greeted us with open arms and more than put out the red carpet. It takes a host church weeks of diligent preparation while carrying on their daily ministries to make such a conference a blessing and they did it in high fashion. Thank you, Pastors and people, for being such faithful, loving and giving servants of the Lord. It was so greatly appreciated. Read the rest of this article »

"He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should
continue with the Lord." Acts 11:23

I'm So Thankful For His Grace!

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O LORD God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O God; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the rank of a man of high degree, O LORD God." I Chronicles 17:16-17

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From MARBC MESSENGER - Volume 4 Number 23 11/2/04

Preaching To A Shifting Culture
12 Perspectives on Communicating that Connects
Edited by Scott M. Gibson - Baker Book House

There is no question that our pastors need to read this very important book for the church in America today is truly a part of a changing culture, and we must be prepared to engage the unique issues of our postmodern age, and to do it biblically. This book includes 12 chapters by different men who can help us communicate the Word of God is a way that will keep the interest of our people. Be sure to check this volume out.

Before You Move
A Guide to making Transitions in Ministry
John R. Cionca - Kregel Publications

This is a revised and expanded edition of the previously published title Red Light, Green Light: Discerning the Time for a Change in Ministry.” I was very disappointed when that edition went out of print for I shared it with many pastors seeking to discern God’s leading in their lives. Calvin Miller in his forwards states, “Read this book carefully, but never lend it. There may come a needy night when its wisdom will be for yo the only light in a passage of darkness.” Well, I did lend mine out, and it took almost forever to get it back. I am not lending out this new edition so you better go out and buy one. When you call and ask for assistance in knowing whether it is time to go or stay, I will say to you, “Did you read ‘Before You Move?’”

Discovering the Way of Wisdom
Spirituality in the Wisdom Literature
E.M.Curtis & J.J. Brugaletta - Kregel Publications

This is a very helpful, insightful and practical look at models for spiritual growth found in the wisdom books of the Old Testament. With clarity and depth, the authors explore essential principles for spiritual growth including developing self-control, nurturing good relationships, practicing fairness and justice, speaking appropriately, and responding properly to difficulty and suffering. A book worthy of consideration to help meet the day by day needs of your people.

The Minor Prophets
An Ironside Expository Commentary
H.A. Ironside - Kregel Publications

For many years pastor of the historic Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, and visiting professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, Dr. Ironside has left us many valuable expository studies on various books of the Bible. Many are beginning to be reprinted for a new generation and I am glad to recommend this volume on the Minor Prophets. It was very helpful to me in my early days of ministry in trying to bring understanding to my people on the wonderful truths of these men of God and their ministry to God’s chosen people. When you study the Minor Prophets, have Ironside by your side.

Exploring The Epistle of Jude & Exploring Galatians
The John Phillips Commentary Series
John Phillips - Kregel Publications

These are two separate volumes but I am listing them together. I hope that you have become acquainted with the expository commentaries of John Phillips. I would encourage you to have all of them in your library. I thoroughly enjoy his two volumes on the Psalms. These volumes are good for pastors and Sunday School teachers and are filled with doctrinally sound interpretation that emphases the practical application of Bible truth. His commentaries study the text and its meaning and includes detailed outlines and numerous illustrations and quotations.

Volume 50, Number 10, November - 2004
Issue of the Baptist Testimony

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

The State Rep’s 2004 Annual Report

“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God…” Isaiah 61:10

Where has this year gone? It seems like only yesterday we were meeting at our annual conference at beautiful Lake Ann Baptist Camp. Someone once wisely said, “Time goes, you say? Ah, no! Alas, time stays, we go!” Well, needless to say, as I once again look over the past year and attempt to put a year of ministry on one page, I can truly say that Ann and I have been “going!” I don’t wish to bore you with detail but here are some highlights. Read the rest of this article »

“He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

VI. During times of failure we must not forget the purpose of our call

Note: Times of failure are gentle reminders to reexamine our call, renew our commitment, stop having pity parties and remember that failure is not a person - it is an event! From time to time it is very important for us to truly examine our hearts and be reminded of our call to ministry. In each of the lives of these three men who sensed failure and wanted to quit, “The Word of the Lord came…..” This is why it is so important for us to stay in the Word of God. God’s instruction to Moses was “Go teach….” - to Elijah, “Go touch….” and to Jonah, “Go tell…” This is about as simple as it can be explained. In fact, if I am not mistaken, this is basically, in reverse order, the Great Commission!
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Volume 50, Number 9, October - 2004 Issue of the Baptist Testimony

From Where I Stand
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative
"The Hand of God and the Arm of Flesh!"

Well, dear friends, once again we are just around the corner from our 62^nd Annual MARBC Conference which will be hosted this year, October 25-26, by Pastor Tom Townsend and the dear folks at the First Baptist Church in Rochester. You will enjoy their lovely facilities, as together, we worship and learn from the Lord. For nearly 30 years I have been attending these conferences, even before I was a part of the MARBC Fellowship, and I have never been disappointed yet.
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“He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

Failure Is An Event - Not A Person!
Part 3

V.
During Times of Failure We Must Remember The Greatness of God

Note: The greatness of God is the primary factor in ministry - it is not ministry if God is not in it!
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We Don’t Have Enough Money To Take on Missionaries!

From: Volume 50, Number 8, September - 2004 Issue of the Baptist Testimony
Maynard H. Belt
MARBC State Representative

The World Factbook tells us, as of July, 2004, that we have a world population of approximately 6.4 billion souls, 28.2% of which are 14 years and under, 64.5% of which are 64 and under, and 7.2% 65 years of age and over. The estimated birth rate is 20.24 births per 1,000 population while the death rate is 8.86 per 1,000 population. Nearly one out of four over age 15 cannot read or write. The major religions are Christian 32.79% (consisting of Roman Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, and Anglicans); Muslims 19.6%’ Hindus 13.31%; Buddhists 5.88%; Sikhs 0.38%; Jews 0.24%; other religions 12.83%; non-religious 12.53% and atheists 2.44%.
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The Barnabas File
Volume 4 Number 10, 8/31/04
“He….encouraged them al that with purpose of heart they should
continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

Failure Is An Event - Not A Person!
Part 2
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The Barnabas File
Volume 4 Number 9, 7/30/04
“He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should
continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

Failure Is An Event - Not A Person!
Part 1
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THE BARNABAS FILE
Volume 3 Number 12, 8/1/03
“He….encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should
continue with the Lord.” Acts 11:23

PRESSED!
“Should such a man as I flee?” Nehemiah 6:11

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