My name is Rebecca Blue. I grew up in Oklahoma, where we were always at church. I knew about Jesus and God for as far back as I can remember. I always believed in God, but I didn’t totally believe Him. At the age of 16, I started questioning my beliefs. It seemed that those at my church had a peace that I didn’t have. But, having been in church all my life, I was sure I was going to heaven, I just wasn’t sure why.
One Sunday evening, all the teenagers in the church came to my parent’s house to hangout. Later, a close friend came in and asked if we would turn the TV off so that he could tell us something important. He shared that he had accepted Christ as his personal Savior that night, and he told of the peace and joy he now had. He said, “I found out that salvation isn’t something you get along the way, it’s a time and place when you ask Christ to forgive your sins and take control of your life.” Now, this friend and I had talked about how we both had the same feelings; that even though we didn‘t remember it we must have become a Christian sometime. So his words that night shook me to the core.
After he left, I told my parents that I wasn’t sure I was a Christian. I knew that Romans 3:23 says that “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. I could quote
Romans 6:23 that said “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God was eternal life.”
I knew “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” but I had never done just that.
That night, I knelt by our couch and ask the creator of the world to forgive my sins and asked Jesus to take control of my life. What a difference that made! Oh, not to those around me, because I always tried to obey and make people happy. But, for the first time, I was doing the right things to make my Savior happy.
My life has not been perfect since then, and there have been some major tragedies occur, but it is so wonderful to know there is someone else in charge of my life, and as long as I listen to His (Jesus’) spirit and obey, I will know a peace and joy not available anywhere else. If you are missing this peace in your life, please talk to someone listed on this page, we would all love to tell you about the Savior who is waiting to forgive your sins and give you eternal life with Him in heaven.
Rebecca Blue
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Pam Rehbein's Testimony
I was in church at a very young age. When I was 10 years old, I went to a revival meeting with a friend. I remember being so broken as I knelt at the alter, realizing my sin was keeping me from God. I then asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life.
I wish I could say that my life was lived completely for Him after that, but that is not the case. I spent several years living for myself instead of living for the Lord, wasting opportunities that could’ve been used for His glory, and I failed Him. The fact is, we all fail Him in one way or another. That’s what is so awesome about God. He is compassionate and gracious, “slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” In Joshua 1:5 God tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us, and I am so thankful for that, because He has been there with me through some very difficult times. He has carried me when I thought I could not go on. He is always faithful.
In Isaiah it says that though our sins are “like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” We all have something “scarlet” in our lives, but we have a God Who love us the way we are, forgives us, carries us through difficult times and rejoices with us. That’s where revival begins, with each of us humbly bowing before the Father, realizing that we are nothing without Him. Then He can use us and burst forth His Spirit in an amazing way. I am excited to see God’s Spirit moving in our midst. He’s been waiting for us – and someday we shall see Him face to face. Hallelujah – what a Savior!
I wish I could say that my life was lived completely for Him after that, but that is not the case. I spent several years living for myself instead of living for the Lord, wasting opportunities that could’ve been used for His glory, and I failed Him. The fact is, we all fail Him in one way or another. That’s what is so awesome about God. He is compassionate and gracious, “slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” In Joshua 1:5 God tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us, and I am so thankful for that, because He has been there with me through some very difficult times. He has carried me when I thought I could not go on. He is always faithful.
In Isaiah it says that though our sins are “like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” We all have something “scarlet” in our lives, but we have a God Who love us the way we are, forgives us, carries us through difficult times and rejoices with us. That’s where revival begins, with each of us humbly bowing before the Father, realizing that we are nothing without Him. Then He can use us and burst forth His Spirit in an amazing way. I am excited to see God’s Spirit moving in our midst. He’s been waiting for us – and someday we shall see Him face to face. Hallelujah – what a Savior!
Pam Rehbein
Introducing Steve Hale, Revival Evangelist
As a young college student, Steve Hale accepted God’s call into vocational evangelism. Although his career path was pointed toward sports journalism, God had other plans when He led Steve to kneel in prayer with an open Bible and a surrendered heart. During that moment, the message in 2nd Timothy 4:1—5 quickened Steve’s spirit to “preach the Word…Do the work of an evangelist.” It was instantly obvious to Steve that God had arrested his attention and was applying those words to him personally.
For over twenty-five years, Steve Hale has been devoting himself to the pursuit of God’s high calling. While the evangelical landscape has changed over the years, Steve’s commitment and passion for God’s call is stronger than ever.
Having stood the test of time, Steve Hale’s ministry has been recognized as a standard bearer for integrity in evangelism. In the early ‘90’s he served as national president for Southern Baptist evangelists and on two occasions was one of a select few evangelists to meet with Billy Graham’s staff for eight hours. In 1992, he was invited by Dr. Johnny Hunt to base his ministry out of the 14,000 member First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia where he holds the title of Staff Evangelist. Through the years it has been Steve’s privilege to speak on numerous occasions at FBCW, but it was a special honor to recently conduct a major four-day evangelistic event in his home church.
We are happy to have Brother Steve in our church leading our revival, March 16th through March 19th. I want to encourage you to pray for him daily as he prepares to come and lead us in our revival.
Bro. Bob
For over twenty-five years, Steve Hale has been devoting himself to the pursuit of God’s high calling. While the evangelical landscape has changed over the years, Steve’s commitment and passion for God’s call is stronger than ever.
Having stood the test of time, Steve Hale’s ministry has been recognized as a standard bearer for integrity in evangelism. In the early ‘90’s he served as national president for Southern Baptist evangelists and on two occasions was one of a select few evangelists to meet with Billy Graham’s staff for eight hours. In 1992, he was invited by Dr. Johnny Hunt to base his ministry out of the 14,000 member First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia where he holds the title of Staff Evangelist. Through the years it has been Steve’s privilege to speak on numerous occasions at FBCW, but it was a special honor to recently conduct a major four-day evangelistic event in his home church.
We are happy to have Brother Steve in our church leading our revival, March 16th through March 19th. I want to encourage you to pray for him daily as he prepares to come and lead us in our revival.
Bro. Bob
Invitation to College and Careers
Around Second Baptist Church you can feel excitement and expectancy in the air. God is moving and we are so privileged to be a part of it!
In our College and Career Department, we have a wonderful, faithful group of young people who would love for you to join us on Sunday mornings for Bible Study and fellowship and to join us at our Revival.
Please, COME AND JOIN US!
Tom and Paula Hendrickson
In our College and Career Department, we have a wonderful, faithful group of young people who would love for you to join us on Sunday mornings for Bible Study and fellowship and to join us at our Revival.
Please, COME AND JOIN US!
Tom and Paula Hendrickson
Deanna Stonecipher
What a wonderful privilege it is to be able to share about my relationship with Jesus Christ. I serve a God who loves me and knows me by name. He cares about every little detail in my life, and nothing is too great or small for Him to handle. I wish I could say that realization happened the night I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, at the age of nine. Thankfully God is also patient and allows us to grow in our relationship with Him. The Second Baptist Church family has been very instrumental in that growing process.
Through solid Biblical preaching and teaching at Second Baptist, God has impressed upon me the importance of getting out of my comfort zone and being obedient to His will. God has shown me that we all have a responsibility to share His saving grace with others. Believe me, for years I thought that was someone else’s responsibility. I have two verses I claim each time the opportunity arises for me to share Christ.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power,
of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will
never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
God knows that I am definitely a work in progress. It is my prayer that I will be totally focused on Him daily and aware of the divine appointments He has already set up.
I praise God for allowing us to have been members at Second Baptist. We have been away for the last two years; however, we believe that God has left the door open for us to be back. He has shown us so much over the last two years. Because of the firm foundation of preaching and teaching we received at Second Baptist and the prayer support of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we have been able to recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives. We serve a Risen Savior!! I join you all in praying for revival in Marion and may it start with me here in Kansas City.
Thank you, Jon for starting the 2BRevived blog. It has been a wonderful encouragement and reminder.
Deanna Stonecipher
Through solid Biblical preaching and teaching at Second Baptist, God has impressed upon me the importance of getting out of my comfort zone and being obedient to His will. God has shown me that we all have a responsibility to share His saving grace with others. Believe me, for years I thought that was someone else’s responsibility. I have two verses I claim each time the opportunity arises for me to share Christ.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power,
of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will
never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
God knows that I am definitely a work in progress. It is my prayer that I will be totally focused on Him daily and aware of the divine appointments He has already set up.
I praise God for allowing us to have been members at Second Baptist. We have been away for the last two years; however, we believe that God has left the door open for us to be back. He has shown us so much over the last two years. Because of the firm foundation of preaching and teaching we received at Second Baptist and the prayer support of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we have been able to recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives. We serve a Risen Savior!! I join you all in praying for revival in Marion and may it start with me here in Kansas City.
Thank you, Jon for starting the 2BRevived blog. It has been a wonderful encouragement and reminder.
Deanna Stonecipher
Donna Martin's Testimony
I was born into a family that did not go to church, into a family of a periodic alcoholic father and mother weighed down by shame. A periodic alcoholic is someone who may be sober for years at a time, drunk for years at a time, and in our case, absent for years at time.
While my family didn't go to church, I think I was allowed to go with a neighbor. I don't remember going, but I believe it must have been there that I learned the song "Jesus Loves Me" and another simple chorus.
During sober years dad collected apartment buildings. Two of these were across the avenue from the Arkansas state capital. One afternoon dad got a call to go to one of these buildings. After much discussion between parents I got to go. I'm not sure how old I was, I guess 3 or 4. I know he was gone before I started kindergarten and didn't come back until the end of 3rd grade. And I was still young enough to do as I was told.
I stayed in the car while he went into the building. It got dark... and darker. People began to stop by the car and look in. The darker it got, the creepier the men looked. I began to sing a chorus to myself , sang it over & over; "Whenever I'm afraid I will put my trust in thee; Whenever I'm afraid I will put my trust in thee"
Eventually I fell asleep. I sang the chorus again whenever I'd wake up and a face would be at the window.
It was well into daylight before dad drove me home. I went home knowing that I had a safe place, a refuge, and that whenever I sang "whenever I'm afraid..." "THEE" was right there with me.
In October the year I was 9 the little church down the street had revival meetings. Mom and I went with someone. The music for the invitation began and I started to get out of the row. Mom said I didn't know what I was doing and wouldn't let me go. But the next night we went back. I don't know what the sermon was about, but "THEE" was there and nothing could hold me back from Him. Peace broke over me. I knew God was my Father. There was a man who sometimes lived in the same house, but God was my Father, my Abba.
Salvation is a church word that means you know you need Jesus to fill those hurt and scary places and you want His presence in your life so much you willingly give up anything that would keep you away from Him. Just ask Him to do that. Tell Him you want Him to be all the things He wants to be in your life. Let Him love you. Love Him back. You can learn church words later.
Donna Martin
While my family didn't go to church, I think I was allowed to go with a neighbor. I don't remember going, but I believe it must have been there that I learned the song "Jesus Loves Me" and another simple chorus.
During sober years dad collected apartment buildings. Two of these were across the avenue from the Arkansas state capital. One afternoon dad got a call to go to one of these buildings. After much discussion between parents I got to go. I'm not sure how old I was, I guess 3 or 4. I know he was gone before I started kindergarten and didn't come back until the end of 3rd grade. And I was still young enough to do as I was told.
I stayed in the car while he went into the building. It got dark... and darker. People began to stop by the car and look in. The darker it got, the creepier the men looked. I began to sing a chorus to myself , sang it over & over; "Whenever I'm afraid I will put my trust in thee; Whenever I'm afraid I will put my trust in thee"
Eventually I fell asleep. I sang the chorus again whenever I'd wake up and a face would be at the window.
It was well into daylight before dad drove me home. I went home knowing that I had a safe place, a refuge, and that whenever I sang "whenever I'm afraid..." "THEE" was right there with me.
In October the year I was 9 the little church down the street had revival meetings. Mom and I went with someone. The music for the invitation began and I started to get out of the row. Mom said I didn't know what I was doing and wouldn't let me go. But the next night we went back. I don't know what the sermon was about, but "THEE" was there and nothing could hold me back from Him. Peace broke over me. I knew God was my Father. There was a man who sometimes lived in the same house, but God was my Father, my Abba.
Salvation is a church word that means you know you need Jesus to fill those hurt and scary places and you want His presence in your life so much you willingly give up anything that would keep you away from Him. Just ask Him to do that. Tell Him you want Him to be all the things He wants to be in your life. Let Him love you. Love Him back. You can learn church words later.
Donna Martin
Pam Ward's Testimony
Months ago, on a Sunday morning, when it was first announced that a revival was scheduled for March, something quickened in my spirit. I knew God was in this.
In the days, weeks and months following, God has pointed me to the altar area of our sanctuary. He is comparing it to a garden. The soil is rich and capable of growing a crop and producing a good harvest. But I believe God has said that this fertile soil has lain fallow too long. Before it can be tilled and planted, the sod must be broken. Sod is made-up of the matted roots of grasses and must be cut and torn from the surface.
I am not a farmer but I know enough to say that “busting” sod is very hard work. Even so, it is worthwhile, valuable and profitable work, for beneath that sod is rich, fertile soil waiting to be tilled and planted. A crop will grow and this church will reap a spiritual harvest.
I believe the work has already begun, but are the “workers few”? Beth Moore says, when God gives you a handful of seeds, don’t eat them and enjoy a one-time meal for yourself. Plant those seeds and raise a crop that will bless many.
I do not claim to understand, in a spiritual sense, all that this analogy of the garden means. I do know God is speaking to Second Baptist church and He is moving. He intends for us to experience revival. Will you come work in His garden?
Pam Ward
In the days, weeks and months following, God has pointed me to the altar area of our sanctuary. He is comparing it to a garden. The soil is rich and capable of growing a crop and producing a good harvest. But I believe God has said that this fertile soil has lain fallow too long. Before it can be tilled and planted, the sod must be broken. Sod is made-up of the matted roots of grasses and must be cut and torn from the surface.
I am not a farmer but I know enough to say that “busting” sod is very hard work. Even so, it is worthwhile, valuable and profitable work, for beneath that sod is rich, fertile soil waiting to be tilled and planted. A crop will grow and this church will reap a spiritual harvest.
I believe the work has already begun, but are the “workers few”? Beth Moore says, when God gives you a handful of seeds, don’t eat them and enjoy a one-time meal for yourself. Plant those seeds and raise a crop that will bless many.
I do not claim to understand, in a spiritual sense, all that this analogy of the garden means. I do know God is speaking to Second Baptist church and He is moving. He intends for us to experience revival. Will you come work in His garden?
Pam Ward
The Great Commission
I have been appointed (anointed?) chairman of the Steve Hale Revival steering committee, and have been referred to in some circles as the “Revival Pope”. I profess no infallibility, but I do have some strong feelings about the revival, and outreach in general.
Churches, including Second Baptist in Marion, tend to do a credible job of ministering to their in-house flock. A good example is each week Sunday School class members volunteer the names of members with various illnesses or problems, and then we ardently pray for those suffering members. That is a good thing.
However, if praying for each others’ gall bladders is all we ever do as a church, we overlook the main mission of the church, which is the Great Commission Christ commanded his disciples to follow:
Matt. 28:16-20
19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always, to the very end of the age."
It occurs to me that God designed our gall bladders to wear out. God designed our souls for eternal duration. What should we spend more time praying about: our members’ gall bladders or our friends’ souls?
Although it’s certainly easier to pray piously for a friend’s gall bladder and then head out to Cracker Barrel for lunch than to talk to that same friend about his spiritual alignment, I can think of no good excuse why a follower of Christ should not be concerned with the eternal well-being of his friends, family and neighbors.
The Steve Hale revival is simply a good focal point to emphasize and then concentrate upon the church’s outreach ministry. That concern for our friends and our church’s outreach should continue well after the revival team has uprooted its tent and moved on.
Doug Dorris
(618) 997-2035
dandmdorris@verizon.net
Churches, including Second Baptist in Marion, tend to do a credible job of ministering to their in-house flock. A good example is each week Sunday School class members volunteer the names of members with various illnesses or problems, and then we ardently pray for those suffering members. That is a good thing.
However, if praying for each others’ gall bladders is all we ever do as a church, we overlook the main mission of the church, which is the Great Commission Christ commanded his disciples to follow:
Matt. 28:16-20
19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always, to the very end of the age."
It occurs to me that God designed our gall bladders to wear out. God designed our souls for eternal duration. What should we spend more time praying about: our members’ gall bladders or our friends’ souls?
Although it’s certainly easier to pray piously for a friend’s gall bladder and then head out to Cracker Barrel for lunch than to talk to that same friend about his spiritual alignment, I can think of no good excuse why a follower of Christ should not be concerned with the eternal well-being of his friends, family and neighbors.
The Steve Hale revival is simply a good focal point to emphasize and then concentrate upon the church’s outreach ministry. That concern for our friends and our church’s outreach should continue well after the revival team has uprooted its tent and moved on.
Doug Dorris
(618) 997-2035
dandmdorris@verizon.net
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Mary Baggett's Testimony
Mary’s Testimony
At Second Baptist Church we sing a song titled “ People Need the Lord”. I want that to be the theme of my testimony. All people need the Lord Jesus Christ and He is willing and able to give us what we need.
I don’t have a testimony of deliverance from drugs, alcohol or sexual sin. My siblings and I did have a dysfunctional childhood. I think that because of the addictions we lived through and the consequences that ensued, I wanted no part of those lifestyles. But, I was still a sinner. I needed the Lord. In March of 1974, during a revival, my husband and I were saved on the same night. I will never forget the feeling that flooded me. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted off of me. I wanted everyone to know my good news.
I wish I could say that life was just perfect after my salvation. But, that’s not Biblical. The Bible says “it rains on the just and the unjust”. Circumstances of living cause a lot of different emotions. But the Joy of the Lord never ceases. God gives a peace that passes all understanding.
With this Joy and Peace and reading God’s word and Prayer, we can make it through.
Now I’ve said that I did not get involved in the “bad sins”. (To God, all sin is “bad sin”) But, what if I had? Or more importantly, what if you have? You are a sinner just like me. Without salvation from Jesus, sinners are headed to an eternity without the Lord in a devil’s hell. Are you stuck in the miry clay of bad choices and day to day living and feel like you can’t get out? Do you think that you are so far gone that even Jesus can’t or won’t help you? You just need the Lord. Please let me direct you to my Lord Jesus Christ. I promise you with all my heart that He is the Answer to all of your needs. He loves everyone of us and has a wonderful plan for your life.
I thank God for the life He has given me.
Mary Baggett
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Translation
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
At Second Baptist Church we sing a song titled “ People Need the Lord”. I want that to be the theme of my testimony. All people need the Lord Jesus Christ and He is willing and able to give us what we need.
I don’t have a testimony of deliverance from drugs, alcohol or sexual sin. My siblings and I did have a dysfunctional childhood. I think that because of the addictions we lived through and the consequences that ensued, I wanted no part of those lifestyles. But, I was still a sinner. I needed the Lord. In March of 1974, during a revival, my husband and I were saved on the same night. I will never forget the feeling that flooded me. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted off of me. I wanted everyone to know my good news.
I wish I could say that life was just perfect after my salvation. But, that’s not Biblical. The Bible says “it rains on the just and the unjust”. Circumstances of living cause a lot of different emotions. But the Joy of the Lord never ceases. God gives a peace that passes all understanding.
With this Joy and Peace and reading God’s word and Prayer, we can make it through.
Now I’ve said that I did not get involved in the “bad sins”. (To God, all sin is “bad sin”) But, what if I had? Or more importantly, what if you have? You are a sinner just like me. Without salvation from Jesus, sinners are headed to an eternity without the Lord in a devil’s hell. Are you stuck in the miry clay of bad choices and day to day living and feel like you can’t get out? Do you think that you are so far gone that even Jesus can’t or won’t help you? You just need the Lord. Please let me direct you to my Lord Jesus Christ. I promise you with all my heart that He is the Answer to all of your needs. He loves everyone of us and has a wonderful plan for your life.
I thank God for the life He has given me.
Mary Baggett
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Translation
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Frances Van Horn's Testimony
As I start to write, I am not sure what I want to say. I am thinking—what is it about my relationship with Christ that makes it all worthwhile for me on a daily basis? I do not have a testimony of a dysfunctional childhood, abuse or addictions. In fact, it is just the opposite, I have been truly blessed. God continues to bless me each day—in spite of my many shortcomings!
Of course, there have still been times of great stress and/or trouble. However, I have always felt the comforting presence of my God. I think that is what I would like to convey as much as anything—no matter what comes, my God is able to carry me through it.
Our time here on Earth is very short when compared to eternity. I am so thankful for this great country we live in. However, by accepting the gift of salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection, my permanent citizenship has been moved to Heaven. Hallelujah!!
It easy to become complacent about what God has done. My prayer is that I become excited about the plans He has for me today, tomorrow and forever.
“THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE. I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT.” Psalm 118:24
Frances Van Horn
Of course, there have still been times of great stress and/or trouble. However, I have always felt the comforting presence of my God. I think that is what I would like to convey as much as anything—no matter what comes, my God is able to carry me through it.
Our time here on Earth is very short when compared to eternity. I am so thankful for this great country we live in. However, by accepting the gift of salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection, my permanent citizenship has been moved to Heaven. Hallelujah!!
It easy to become complacent about what God has done. My prayer is that I become excited about the plans He has for me today, tomorrow and forever.
“THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE. I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT.” Psalm 118:24
Frances Van Horn
Ron Ervin's Testimony
Some of my fondest memories revolve around church. I was fortunate to be born to parents that loved the Lord and was determined to raise me in such a way that I would also know and love the Lord. I attended church for the first time at the age of 11 days. From that time forward, if the church was unlocked we were probably there. I have often joked that I didn’t see the end of “The Wizard of Oz” until I was 15 years old (for younger readers, at one time “The Wizard of Oz” was only shown on Sunday night).
At around the age of nine, I began realizing that other people in our church had something that I didn’t. I didn’t know what that something was (I later learned it was a personal relationship with Jesus) but I knew that I wanted it also. I could not give you the exact date but I can tell you that on a cold winter’s night in 1961, I could wait no longer. When the invitation was given, I fairly flew to the altar and accepted Jesus as my Savior. I cannot fully describe the weight that was lifted from that nine year old boy.
Since that time, knowing that I am His and He is mine has meant so much to me. Yes, I’ve had my failures. Yes, I was a rebellious teen. In short, I am not perfect. But I have found that no matter how I fail Him, no matter how faithless I am, God is always faithful. God is always there and He always loves me. He loves you, too.
You can know Jesus as your Savior. You can experience His peace and love. Just accept the free gift of salvation that He offers.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Ron Ervin
At around the age of nine, I began realizing that other people in our church had something that I didn’t. I didn’t know what that something was (I later learned it was a personal relationship with Jesus) but I knew that I wanted it also. I could not give you the exact date but I can tell you that on a cold winter’s night in 1961, I could wait no longer. When the invitation was given, I fairly flew to the altar and accepted Jesus as my Savior. I cannot fully describe the weight that was lifted from that nine year old boy.
Since that time, knowing that I am His and He is mine has meant so much to me. Yes, I’ve had my failures. Yes, I was a rebellious teen. In short, I am not perfect. But I have found that no matter how I fail Him, no matter how faithless I am, God is always faithful. God is always there and He always loves me. He loves you, too.
You can know Jesus as your Savior. You can experience His peace and love. Just accept the free gift of salvation that He offers.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Ron Ervin
Carla's Testimony
Having been raised in a Christian home and in church, I was familiar with Jesus from a young age. It was not until I left home that i realized I needed more than just knowing about Jesus.
I had been provided the opportunity for a college education. I had a good job, a house, a nice car, and family and friends. I had the things that by society's standards indicated I was successful and thus should have been happy. Yet with all these "things" I felt lonely even when I was among people.
One day I understood that although I was a good person, I was still a sinner. I asked Jesus to be my personal savior. From that point, I have never been along and have been happy in both trials and joyous events of life.
I know that "things" do not bring happiness. I have seen people with abundant wealth who are not satisfied. I have also seen people with little according to society's standards, and have found them to be joyful because of the One that they do have. Jesus.
Carla Pulley
I had been provided the opportunity for a college education. I had a good job, a house, a nice car, and family and friends. I had the things that by society's standards indicated I was successful and thus should have been happy. Yet with all these "things" I felt lonely even when I was among people.
One day I understood that although I was a good person, I was still a sinner. I asked Jesus to be my personal savior. From that point, I have never been along and have been happy in both trials and joyous events of life.
I know that "things" do not bring happiness. I have seen people with abundant wealth who are not satisfied. I have also seen people with little according to society's standards, and have found them to be joyful because of the One that they do have. Jesus.
Carla Pulley
Monday, February 25, 2008
Krista's Testimony
First of all I would like to congratulate the publicity committee for creating such a professional blog.
My name is Krista Cartwright and I have attended 2nd Baptist Church since my existence on this earth. I feel very grateful to have been raised in a church that has always encouraged my spiritual development and allowed me to be surrounded with great examples of God’s servants.
As a person that has always been surrounded with bible truths and “Christian” people I feel like I have come to a place in my life were I am unexcited or unresponsive with many spiritual things. I don’t know if this is because of years of spiritual complacency or lack of faith. When talk of this revival first started I had many emotions and thoughts that came to me. I first thought that I would attend 3 or 4 services and after they were finished would see little lasting impressions made on our church or community. I also questioned the “tactics” that would be used to share the gospel. I quickly saw that some past experiences or this pessimistic attitude was quickly affecting my thoughts that a “revival” would do anything for me or the lost people in Marion, IL. My negative attitude came to a halt when I saw something different in some of His people. I saw a desire. I saw a desire to see God work. This was something that moved me from with in and has started a spark in my own life.
I have witnessed many people honestly fired up with the possibility of people in our community coming to know Christ. This has not only excited me but it has also given me the realization that revival is something I need for myself. I looked up the synonyms for the word revival and these are a few of the results: restoration, renewal, revitalization. I can easily say that these are the exact things I need to take place in my life.
I want to come to a place where I am totally dependent on Jesus Christ and continue to have a great desire to know Him more. I am ready to be a part of something great. I am tired of “going” to church and am ready to be the church that God wants me to be.
Thank you to everyone that has given time to the planning of the revival. I also want to thank God for giving us the opportunity to meet with you.
Krista Cartwright
My name is Krista Cartwright and I have attended 2nd Baptist Church since my existence on this earth. I feel very grateful to have been raised in a church that has always encouraged my spiritual development and allowed me to be surrounded with great examples of God’s servants.
As a person that has always been surrounded with bible truths and “Christian” people I feel like I have come to a place in my life were I am unexcited or unresponsive with many spiritual things. I don’t know if this is because of years of spiritual complacency or lack of faith. When talk of this revival first started I had many emotions and thoughts that came to me. I first thought that I would attend 3 or 4 services and after they were finished would see little lasting impressions made on our church or community. I also questioned the “tactics” that would be used to share the gospel. I quickly saw that some past experiences or this pessimistic attitude was quickly affecting my thoughts that a “revival” would do anything for me or the lost people in Marion, IL. My negative attitude came to a halt when I saw something different in some of His people. I saw a desire. I saw a desire to see God work. This was something that moved me from with in and has started a spark in my own life.
I have witnessed many people honestly fired up with the possibility of people in our community coming to know Christ. This has not only excited me but it has also given me the realization that revival is something I need for myself. I looked up the synonyms for the word revival and these are a few of the results: restoration, renewal, revitalization. I can easily say that these are the exact things I need to take place in my life.
I want to come to a place where I am totally dependent on Jesus Christ and continue to have a great desire to know Him more. I am ready to be a part of something great. I am tired of “going” to church and am ready to be the church that God wants me to be.
Thank you to everyone that has given time to the planning of the revival. I also want to thank God for giving us the opportunity to meet with you.
Krista Cartwright
Jennifer's Testimony
I gave my heart to Jesus when I was 13. I made that decision after a week of Bible School at Palestine Baptist Church. The pastor at that time was Seba Marshall, and for some reason he took a special interest in me. It was during that Sunday morning invitation that he reached out for my hand that was gripping the back of the pew with all the strong will I could muster. I was so afraid of what I was embarking on, but I knew I was a sinner and that Jesus was calling me to accept Him. I was baptized that same afternoon in Little Grassy Lake. I remember it like it was yesterday. I never knew that giving my heart to Jesus would reap such rewards for me in the years to come.
Since that tender age of 13, I have experienced trials and times of real sadness, just like everyone else. God didn’t say living the Christian life would be easy, but He did promise that He would never leave me or forsake me. He has always kept that promise.
God has blessed me with a great husband, 2 wonderful sons and 3 ¾ even MORE wonderful grandchildren. Blessing he has given me certainly out weigh the troublesome times.
God has been my comforter, my teacher, my friend, my deliverer, and many more names too numerous to mention. But most of all, He is my Lord and my Savior! I can’t imagine living without Him and the good news is because of His sacrifice on the cross, I won’t ever have to. I look forward to seeing all the things He has planned for my sons and their children. He truly is an amazing and loving God!
PROVERBS 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him and the will make your paths straight.
Jennifer Hartwell
Since that tender age of 13, I have experienced trials and times of real sadness, just like everyone else. God didn’t say living the Christian life would be easy, but He did promise that He would never leave me or forsake me. He has always kept that promise.
God has blessed me with a great husband, 2 wonderful sons and 3 ¾ even MORE wonderful grandchildren. Blessing he has given me certainly out weigh the troublesome times.
God has been my comforter, my teacher, my friend, my deliverer, and many more names too numerous to mention. But most of all, He is my Lord and my Savior! I can’t imagine living without Him and the good news is because of His sacrifice on the cross, I won’t ever have to. I look forward to seeing all the things He has planned for my sons and their children. He truly is an amazing and loving God!
PROVERBS 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge him and the will make your paths straight.
Jennifer Hartwell
Paula's Testimony
When I was 8 years old, I came to the realization that something was not right in me. At the time, I wasn't sure what it was. My Sunday School teacher, Betty Hanor, had been teaching about how God loved us all. But we were all sinners to Him and our sin kept us from being able to know Him. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. She said if we would ask Jesus into our heart and accept Him as Lord of our life, He would accept us. I knew that was what I had to do.
So on a Sunday evening in May, 1961, I asked Jesus into my heart. I can't explain the feeling that flooded into me when I made that decision. I only know I felt the void fill up!
Since that night, I have felt God with me in everything I do. He leads me when I need guidance, comforts me when I am sad, gives me peace when I am in turmoil, carries me when I don't think I can make it through another day.
I love Him with all my heart! You can too, if you just ask Him into your heart.
Paula Kelly
So on a Sunday evening in May, 1961, I asked Jesus into my heart. I can't explain the feeling that flooded into me when I made that decision. I only know I felt the void fill up!
Since that night, I have felt God with me in everything I do. He leads me when I need guidance, comforts me when I am sad, gives me peace when I am in turmoil, carries me when I don't think I can make it through another day.
I love Him with all my heart! You can too, if you just ask Him into your heart.
Paula Kelly
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Friendliness Attracted Me to Second Baptist
My first visit to 2nd Baptist Church, I was welcomed and the friendliness shown to me and my husband was great. You could feel the sincerity of the people. I have been a member of the church now for over 5 years and I haven’t regretted a minute of it.
We have an experienced, reliable and caring pastor, the music speaks to people of all ages, the Word of the Lord is taught, there is an outreach ministry of the church with the youth, upwards basketball, fellowship meetings and visitation. Sunday School classes are teaching and encouraging people to stand firm for God in this very troublesome time. There are bible studies for women of all ages, our senior members have many activities and programs and so much more.
There are so many things that are offered at the church that no matter who you are, you would find a place to meet God, learn of his boundless love and mercy and worship and praise the Lord with a loving church family.
I pray that the weeks leading up to this revival, during the revival and for a long time after the revival has ended that people give their hearts to the Jesus Christ, that Christians receive an over abundance of joy and such a burning desire to see people come to know the Lord that this revival will spread over the entire town and the surrounding areas.
In closing, my prayer for this revival and for myself and all who attend is not that 2nd Baptist Church, or the people, or the evangelist receives the glory….that only God will get all the praise and glory. God not only deserves the praise and the glory, He demands it.
Psalms 150:6: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
We have an experienced, reliable and caring pastor, the music speaks to people of all ages, the Word of the Lord is taught, there is an outreach ministry of the church with the youth, upwards basketball, fellowship meetings and visitation. Sunday School classes are teaching and encouraging people to stand firm for God in this very troublesome time. There are bible studies for women of all ages, our senior members have many activities and programs and so much more.
There are so many things that are offered at the church that no matter who you are, you would find a place to meet God, learn of his boundless love and mercy and worship and praise the Lord with a loving church family.
I pray that the weeks leading up to this revival, during the revival and for a long time after the revival has ended that people give their hearts to the Jesus Christ, that Christians receive an over abundance of joy and such a burning desire to see people come to know the Lord that this revival will spread over the entire town and the surrounding areas.
In closing, my prayer for this revival and for myself and all who attend is not that 2nd Baptist Church, or the people, or the evangelist receives the glory….that only God will get all the praise and glory. God not only deserves the praise and the glory, He demands it.
Psalms 150:6: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Introducing 2BRevived.com
Hello, my name is Jon Musgrave and I'm a member of Second Baptist Church, and more specifically, a member of the publicity committee for the church's upcoming spring revival set for March 16-19, 2008.
I'm the one who suggested the blog so it fell on my shoulders to set it up. Over the next six weeks different people from the church will be adding information about the plans for the revival and what different events will be taking place.
To be honest I used to dread revivals as a kid. I didn't see the point. Now with a few more years under my belt and a few mission trips later I can really understand the two-fold purpose of revivals.
First, I need it in my own life. Even as a Christian, life can be tough. Career demands can seem to eat away at every available minute — whether I'm at work or at home. For others it's the demands of family and other interests. We get busy and too often we let our spiritual life slide into second place (or even further back).
Organized revivals can jar our attention back to God, often when we probably need it the most.
Secondly, revivals, like mission trips, help can the church to focus on what God has called us to do — to reach out and tell people about Him and what He can do in their lives if they will believe in Him, confess their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Thus 2Brevived.com is not just for believers who need to refocus, but also for those still seeking salvation and new life as the apostle Paul explained in his letter to the believers in Rome:
It's a powerful concept Paul was writing about but I and others can testify that it is real both in the here and now, as well as eternally in life after death.
I'm the one who suggested the blog so it fell on my shoulders to set it up. Over the next six weeks different people from the church will be adding information about the plans for the revival and what different events will be taking place.
To be honest I used to dread revivals as a kid. I didn't see the point. Now with a few more years under my belt and a few mission trips later I can really understand the two-fold purpose of revivals.
First, I need it in my own life. Even as a Christian, life can be tough. Career demands can seem to eat away at every available minute — whether I'm at work or at home. For others it's the demands of family and other interests. We get busy and too often we let our spiritual life slide into second place (or even further back).
Organized revivals can jar our attention back to God, often when we probably need it the most.
Secondly, revivals, like mission trips, help can the church to focus on what God has called us to do — to reach out and tell people about Him and what He can do in their lives if they will believe in Him, confess their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Thus 2Brevived.com is not just for believers who need to refocus, but also for those still seeking salvation and new life as the apostle Paul explained in his letter to the believers in Rome:
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin — because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (Romans 6:3-7 NIV)
It's a powerful concept Paul was writing about but I and others can testify that it is real both in the here and now, as well as eternally in life after death.
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