Why You Need To Bring Someone!

What's so special about this weekend?

Well, it's Easter for one. You know - the day we celebrate the ultimate sacrifice and gift? It's KIND OF important I think!

But we're also going to be talking about what that sacrifice gives us, how it saves us from our selfish, foolish and dangerous life of sin. It will be a message of redemption and hope for not only those seeking truth, but also those who have the truth.

Studies show that 86% of people come to church because someone invited them.

• Are you part of the inviting ones?
• Is there someone in your life that needs to hear a message of hope?
• Do you know someone who is hurting and in need of rescue?
• What's holding you back from inviting them to church?

Let me encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and invite even just one person to join you at church this Saturday or Sunday. If you're saved, if you have a relationship with the Father then you have a responsibility to invite the lost. So, again, what's holding you back? Face your fears head on and take the first step.

Services times are Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

See you Sunday, and please introduce your friend to me!!!

Missions Abound!!!

We keep talking about getting opportunities for people to serve, both here and beyond the city limits. Well, this weekend has been "Opportunity Central" in the mission field arena.

• On Friday, I ran into an old friend who has sold his business here in Poky to move to his home country of India to build an orphanage. His goal is to house 100 kids and get them prepared for a new life of hope and prosperity. This guy, at his core, is a servant! He shared with me where they were in the construction phase and what the plans and needs are going forward. In the midst of building they've already taken in 11 kids WITHOUT any real place to put them. So we have a couple of opportunities to help them going forward, which I'll share about in church very soon.
• On Saturday, I had the privilege of performing a funeral in the booming metropolis of Richfield, Idaho - population 412! Not only was it an honor to do this service but we were blessed by a church plant in Richfield to use their facility for the service. The pastor, Chris and his wife, Rose, acquired the building in December of 2009 and held their first service this past Sunday. The building has been abandoned for over 2 years, but God clearly called this couple to plant this church and serve this community. It is in need of some TLC both inside and outside. We have an opportunity to bless another church with our hearts, hands and resources. Look for some information soon after Easter about how, when and where we can be a blessing to another church. And trust me, people of all ages and abilities can be a part of this one!

Is God still working and moving and showing us things? YES! The question is and will always be this - are we willing to follow Him and sacrifice for Him?

I am - hope you'll join me in being His hands and His feet!

Why Fear Is NOT An Option

We all face fears at some point in our life, and they vary in degree for each one of us from the light to the extreme. And if we're all honest with ourselves, we never like being in that spot.

Here at First Baptist, we are in a spot of transition that could easily draw us into the place where we have fear. Fear of the unknown, fear about whether we'll be okay, fear of losing our identity, and the list goes on. Fear crushes hopes - not an option. Fear robs of us of risk taking - not an option. Fear steals our joy and replaces it with anxiety - not an option!

Fear, in scripture, is a holy, reverent fear and respect of and for God alone. That fear we will live with! We've said it from the beginning and will continue to shout it out, GOD IS IN CONTROL and has been from the start. Matthew 6 talks specifically about not worrying about anything, especially those things out of our control - which is most of life in reality!

I tell people all the time you can't worry and pray at the same time. Worry is our way of saying, "I don't think God can handle this one. It's just too big!" When we worry, our prayers get pushed to the back of our minds and we focus on the what ifs instead of the HE CAN.

So let me challenge ALL of you to do this one, simple thing: the next time you feel like you need to worry about something, especially the church, stop and thank God for what you have in that moment. Thank God for what you have in His church. Praise God for who He is and what He's done, is doing, and is ABOUT to do. Trust me - your heart and attitude toward the situation quickly begins to fade away. When we focus on Him - that's when it all starts to turn around.

So join me in praising and thanking God for His next steps for us as a family and for the city of Pocatello. No matter what, it will be greater than anything we could ever imagine!

Praying along with you!