The Baptist Testimony
Volume 54 Number 8 September 2008

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

September’s Word:  “Eyes”

One of the most marvelous organs of the human body is the eye.  The eye serves as a window that opens up the world to us.  Here are some amazing facts about this God-created window into the world:

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

August’s Word:  “Repent”

Sharon and I were stopping for lunch one day while traveling when we were startled by the blaring sound of emergency warning sirens. While we were quite concerned about what prompted such an alarm, we quickly noticed that there seemed to be no sense of panic or urgency on the part of others walking or driving in the area. After speculating for a few seconds, I glanced at my watch.  Recognizing that it was noon, I surmised that the abrasive noise of the sirens was probably the result of a routine test of the area warning system.  Sure enough, in a few seconds the sirens stopped. 

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

June’s Word:  “Exceeding”

Ephesians 2:7 – “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

The “exceeding” ministry of God in the life of His followers was the primary emphasis of this year’s MARBC Men’s Retreat, held on May 1-3 at beautiful Lake Ann Baptist Camp and Retreat Center near Traverse City.  Over 400 men enjoyed wonderful worship, challenging messages from God’s Word, encouraging fellowship, and great meals.  We were blessed to discover that this was the first MARBC retreat for several men.

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

May’s Word:  “Care”

As a young boy I was fascinated by the infant endeavors of the NASA space program.  I would sit mesmerized in front of our black and white television watching the grainy images of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs as scientists and adventurers sought to learn as much as they could about the “final frontier.”  In its early days, the space program and America’s participation in the “space race” with the Soviet Union captured our nation’s attention.  It was not unusual for hours of network coverage (which was the only TV coverage in those days) to be devoted to the preparations of launching astronauts into space, sharing elementary simulated depictions of what might be happening in space, and speculating upon the successful return of the space capsule and its human occupants.  

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

April’s Word: “Wash”

An old Hebrew proverb declares that “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” In his classic book, “Great Expectations,” Charles Dickens describes the meticulous work of Mrs. Joe as she prepared for her family’s Christmas gathering. From the new linens that replaced the worn versions to the scrumptious feast to be served at dinner, her goal was a perfect dining experience for the holiday. In summarizing her compulsive behavior, Dickens shares that Mrs. Joe was a very clean housekeeper who was obsessed by the motto “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”

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.

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.

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.

You can also download a PDF of the December 2007 Baptist Testimony
(1 mb PDF; PC: Right click / MAC: Control click on the link and choose “Save As”)

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

December's Word: “Room”

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

“Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.”
(“Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne,” Emily E.S. Elliott, 1836-1897)

You may also download the November 2007 Baptist Testimony (PDF Download 1.1 mb)

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

November's Word: “Striving”

“Discerning the Times and Seasons” was the theme of 65^th annual conference of the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches. The conference was held October 22-24, 2007, on the beautiful campus of Lake Ann Baptist Camp near Traverse City, Michigan. The location for this year's conference allowed for a retreat-like atmosphere. Tuesday afternoon included free-time for attendees to take a color tour of the area and to be involved in other activities.