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BRUCE'S ARTICLE

Why Do You Go To Church?
People come to church for a myriad of reasons. Some come to church out of habit. It is so ingrained into their existence that there is never a question of whether they will be “in God’s house on God’s day”. The real challenge to coming out of habit is preventing your habit from becoming “going through the motions”, never actually worshipping or hearing from God. From there it is an easy step into another reason some come: to prevent anything unusual from happening. Whenever the “norm” isn’t adhered to, it causes some to immediately bristle, not because there has been a violation of Biblical principle, but because it upsets their tradition. There are a few that attend to represent God. Our teachers, leaders and staff would fit into this category. They come not only to worship but also to share what God has done in and through their lives over the course of the week and to open God’s Word for examination. Of course there are some that fit this category that don’t actually teach, but still come with that dual purpose in mind. There are some that come out of a misguided notion that somehow God is pleased if they make the effort to be in church. Most of them equate church attendance with confession. They honestly believe that no matter how they have lived throughout the week, God will absolve them if they attend church. The last group is the group that comes to encounter God. They are willing to endure the hardship and discomfort of being around strangers because they so desperately want to encounter God. That is exactly the scene in Mark 3:1-6. Examine with me the motives behind those in attendance as we answer this question, “why do you come?”
He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. (2) They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. (3) He *said to the man with the withered hand, "Get up and come forward!"…"Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. (6) The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.

I. Encounter God (1, 5b)
The first man mentioned is the man with the withered hand. We don’t know much about him other than one of his hands was useless. Since two hands are essential for manual labor, he couldn’t work. He couldn’t support a family. His options were limited. He could beg for a living, or get help. He came in complete humility with a serious need. He wasn’t belligerent; he was seeking mercy; a miracle that would restore his life and livelihood. He came seeking God. He came that day to encounter God. He had no idea what was going to happen when he went into the synagogue, but when he came out he was renewed. He knew that he had a need, and the only one that could fix it was God. He didn’t know how God was going to do it. He just knew that he needed a miracle.

This man understood something most of us miss today.
1. He approached God humbly because God owed him nothing.
2. He came with a need. The one commonality of every encounter with Jesus recorded in the New Testament resulting in restoration is need. The person came with a need! It might surprise you to learn that the only person to ever come to Jesus asking without receiving the answer was the rich young ruler. He came with no sense of need. Everyone else came with a need and left with it met. The woman with the issue of blood, the lame, the blind, the impotent and the dead, they all had a need! This man came to meet God. He came to worship, and seek Him. He was expectant, positive and ready to receive. He was ready to do whatever it took to see healing. He was ready when Jesus told him to do something. He did it. He stretched out his hand.

On any given Sunday, there are people who come to encounter God. They come to see Him. They come because there is something in their life that once was whole, and it needs to be restored. They come expectantly, positively and ready. They come hoping God can do something to change their life. They come willing to do whatever He tells them to do. There are some reading this today that need to encounter God the way this man did. We need God to restore our lives. For some, it is a relationship with Him. For others, it is other relationships. For a few it is something else. All of us have something in our lives that we have let wither away due to work, sin, or non-use. God will meet that need if you approach Him humbly and with a need.

II. Counter God (2, 6)
The second group I want you to notice came for an entirely different reason. The Pharisees were there for no other reason than to make sure no one did anything wrong. They were not there to worship. They certainly weren’t there to encounter God. They were there to make sure that their traditions were upheld. They took no notice that God Himself entered their church. When He did, they watched Him to make sure He wasn’t going to break any of their laws or traditions. They could care less about encountering God. Their traditions and rules got in the way of their worship.

Jesus had a word for them in Mt 23:23-34,"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. (24) "You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! (27) "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. (28) "So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

May God have mercy on us if we ever come to the point that our rules and traditions are more important than the presence of God. Not all traditions are bad, but if they damage hurting people, act as a barrier to Christ, or keep you from worshipping, it needs to go. It is a sad fact that there are people who come to church to see how much damage they can do to the Kingdom of God, rather than how much good they can do for it. I have to believe their motives are not to counter God, but the result of their actions do so. They are the ones that come and sit and watch to make sure that everyone walks the line. To make sure that everything is done, “the way we have always done it.” They have no regard for the consequences. They could care less if God Himself showed up, as long as no one sat in their seat, or offended their comfort or tradition. Two pastor friends related stories to me over the last few weeks that beautifully illustrate this point.

#1 A man came into their church on Sunday morning. He had long hair and was wearing
a baseball cap. His dress was shoddy and unkept. The pastor almost instructed him to remove his hat, when the Spirit spoke to him, “does it really matter?” My friend said a prayer asking God to speak to anyone that might reprimand the young man. At the end of the service this man repented of his sin and prayed to receive Christ. The next Sunday he was back, but this time he had on nice clean clothes and wore no hat.

#2 A young Hispanic woman with two kids came. She attended twice, coming forward for prayer and to receive Christ on her second visit, but she never returned. The Pastor called and finally met with this young mother. Here is her story: “The first time I came, I was told I couldn’t sit where I was sitting. Not sure what to do I moved to the back and hoped I hadn’t sat in someone else’s seat. During the service I mentally noted which seats were empty, so when I came again I sat in one of those. After I came forward later that morning I was told that we were not welcome here so I never came back.”
Two completely different events in two completely different churches, but the point is illustrated. There are folks that never do anything but criticize what is being done. They have the opportunity to take part in what was going on, but they choose not to. They are more concerned with tradition than with worship, or evangelism. They look for problems rather than seek the kingdom. There are always going to be people who come to counter God. A movement of God’s Spirit would disrupt their service.

III. Represent God (4-5)
In our text, this was Jesus. He came to do the work and the will of God. He was there to accomplish God’s purposes. He came to heal the hurting. He came to meet needs.
Those who come to represent God are the ones that are His messengers. They come by the authority of God. Jesus came that day having all authority. He not only was the messenger and representative of God, He was God, yet he was rejected and despised by those there. He came that day to meet the needs of those that were there. He comes today to meet your need. There is nothing too big for God. Our God is a need meeting God. Whatever it is that you are in need of, He can do it. God has never failed to meet a spiritual need. He is not interested in your comfort. I am not sure He is interested in your agenda, but I know He is interested in your need. If you have a need today your halfway to having it met. The other side of that equation is to do what He says to do. I hope that you will make encountering God and worshipping Him your top priority. If you will make obedience to His Word and command your reason for coming, your needs will be met at the same time.

TRUE STORY

“A Miracle in Branson"- by: Christine Scott
As a gospel singer and preacher's wife, it is imperative to me that before each time we get up to sing, I pray and ask God to put me aside so that the audience sees Jesus instead. This time I experienced first hand a manifestation of God's presence beyond any I have ever experienced before. Allow me to explain.

While in Branson, MO in June for the Branson Gospel Music Convention, I had been there all week unable to speak a word because I lost my voice the previous weekend getting too hot and cooling off too fast at two different singings.  We were schedule to sing at a 544 spot, 340-acre RV park called Treasure Lake Resort. They had called us because they found out we were going to be in Branson that week...and (even more important) we live in Texas! We were so excited about singing there. I asked Floyd if he thought we should use our tracks with stacks in case I couldn't sing when we got there. We have never used them, but I was considering it in light of my circumstance. He walked out to the coach in the parking lot to get our stacks (if you don't know - that is an accompaniment track with our own voices added to the chorus of the song to make you sound "fuller" on stage) but instead he just stopped and prayed. He told the Lord he didn't want to use a crutch but rather wanted to trust Him to help us. He left the tracks in the coach and we headed to the RV park. The Arnharts had a rental car so they drove us to there.

All the way there I prayed, "Lord, here we are heading to sing and I cannot utter a sound. I have to trust you to allow me to sing and not let you or these folks down." We set up our sound equipment and I prayed again..."put me and the attack on my earthly body aside so that the audience sees Jesus instead of me."

When we got up to sing, Floyd opened with "You can't have Church until the Holy Ghost shows up" and the Holy Spirit certainly did show up! The second song was "Stand By the River" and EVERY single note came out of my mouth - full voiced!  You could tell that I was hoarse when I would speak to the crowd but the notes came out clear as a bell!  GOD IS AWESOME!  

The Arnharts were there in the crowd and they can testify to the miracle these mostly unchurched folks witnessed right before their eyes.  We were so blessed the entire week meeting folks and making so many new friends and contacts. We truly have to get our eyes off our circumstances and do what we sing about...TRUST GOD!!

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us as a group and for me personally. We serve an awesome God and I am living proof that He hears AND ANSWERS the prayers of His saints!
Christine Scott - Hearts of Grace

ATTENTION MEMBERS

BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTION:
Attention members:  its time to think about the Director position presently held by Tootsie Dann.  The nominations for this position will be held at the October general meeting.  If there is more than one nominee, the election will be held at the November general meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WIRELESS MICROPHONES
Many of you may not be aware that the FCC has banned the use of wireless microphones and similar devices in the 700 MHz frequency ranges. More specifically, it is all bands from 698 MHz to 806 MHz. This became effective as of June 12, 2010 and these frequencies will now be used as emergency channels. I would urge you to check the equipment used not only in your ministries, but in your churches as well. Continued used of these can result in confiscation of your equipment and/or fines. You can go to http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html to see a list of manufacturers and models. If you would like a PDF copy of this list as well as the FCC advisory, feel free to contact me at fpministries@verizon.net.
Ray Walker

LADIES LUNCHEON
The next ladies' luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 11:30am.  The location will be back at Pizzini's Italian Restaurant,

GENERAL MEETING LOCATION CHANGE 
Don't forget...we will be meeting at First Baptist Church of North Channel.  The address is 13817 Force Street, Houston, TX 77015. We will be meeting in the fellowship building, which is the white building to the left of the main church building.  The time is still 7:00pm.  Arrive early for a buffet style meal prepared by Brother Ken.  The cost will be $5.00 per person.

NEW MEMBERS

Dr. Donald Frazier
Eugenia Tutor
The Martin Family

DATES TO REMEMBER

PRESIDENT'S PEN
I was reminded recently about attitudes.  We can not expect people to have a positive attitude about our ministries if we ourselves don't have the right attitude.  Are we promoting ourselves, or are we promoting our Savior, Jesus Christ?  Naturally, we will all say "Of course, we are here to lift up the name of Jesus!"  However, as we all know, actions speak louder than words.  The degree of our talent is not at issue here.  It does not matter if we are the very best singer or musician, or we are more on the mediocre end of the scale, or anywhere in between.  At issue is our focus.  
 
Not long ago, I attended a service (it was not presented by a BAGMA member!) and I came away from it wondering why I even went.  Now, to be fair, the problem might have been with me, not with the singers.  But it did seem to me that they were more interested in showing off their talents than in presenting the Gospel.  Now, I don't believe there is anything wrong with showcasing talent, but again it is all about focus.  If we center our ministry around God, then the talents that He gave us in the first place will just naturally shine through.
 
I also take some exception to the statement "we did not come to entertain...."  The matter of this statement again falls to focus.  What is wrong with a Christian being entertained?  The answer has to do with "who" is doing the entertaining.  If we are trying to be the entertainers, then our focus is on ourselves and we have the wrong attitude.  If we have made God the center of our ministries, then the entertainer is The Holy Spirit.  I don't believe we can be entertained by anyone better.
 
The bottom line is:  lets not forget who we are supposed to be representing.  It is very easy to get caught up in our own talents and abilities and ignore who gave them to us.  Attitude and focus:  these are the keys.  Placing, and keeping, Jesus first in our ministries will result in our audiences being touched, blessed, inspired and entertained.

God bless you and your ministries...
Watson Holyfield, IV

OPEN MIC SINGINGS

1st Friday
Tram Road Baptist Church, Splendora, TX  7:30 PM - 281.399.3858 or 281.689.0113.

1st Saturday
Harmony Church, 1002 FM 223, Shepherd, TX 6:30 PM  281.592.6396 or 936. 628.3292
Unity Baptist Church of Porter, 21772 East Memorial Drive. 6 PM 

2nd Friday
Fostoria Oaks Baptist Church, Cleveland, TX 7 PM 281..659 2744.
Conroe Missionary Baptist Church, 600 Austin Street, Conroe, TX 7 PM

2nd Saturday, Church By Christ Jesus, 695 Hwy 1960, Dayton TX 936.258.5726

3rd Friday:
North Cleveland Baptist Church, 302 Elk Street, Cleveland, TX  7 PM  281.592.2321
Cathedral of Praise, 113-3 C.E. King Parkway, 28.479.1933

3rd Saturday:
Church of Ace, Hwy 146 @ Hillbilly Heaven Road, 4 miles North of Rye, TX 6:30 PM
1st Baptist Church of Point Blank, 6 PM Hwy 190, about 2 miles east of 156, Point Blank, TX

4th Friday: Cypress Point Baptist, 21 Blue Lake Drive, Hwy 2100, between New Caney and Huffman, TX  281.221.9286. 6:30 PM

4th Friday: Faith Hope & Love Ministries, North Glen Road, about 7 miles North of Livingston, TX 6:30 PM  936.398.0346.

4th Saturday:
New Sonrise Baptist Church, 6 PM, Russell @ Ann, New Caney, TX  281.608.4393
House of Prayer, 6:30 PM, Bar-D-Subdivision, Hwy 787 between Romayer and Rye, TX
281.592.1351

Last Saturday,
Fellowship in the Pines, 6 PM  29 County Road 2295, (Tarkington) Cleveland, TX 281,432.0056

Every 5th Friday,
Amazing Grace Missionary Baptist Church, 7 PM, County Road 386 off of Hillstore Road, Cleveland, TX 281.592.1361.