This morning we are celebrating the 38th anniversary of Grace Baptist Temple. Whenever we celebrate an anniversary there is always cause to reflect on the past. Let me put this event in a personal perspective. On January 13, 1961 twenty-six people met to organize this church. I was 9 ½ years old when the church was first organized. This building was built in 1968, one year before I graduated from high school. The same year that the first educational building was built, 1974, I came to know Christ as my personal Savior. Then 11 ½ years ago, in June of 1987, the church called me as their pastor. Since then we have seen some growth and have built additional facilities.
This morning, I would like to ask and answer three questions concerning this church.
1) Why was this church started?
2) What has been going on around here for nearly four decades?
3) What is the future of this ministry?
I. Why was this church started?
(Mat 28:19-20) "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
A. In obedience to the great commission.
1. Prior to His ascension, Jesus met with the first church, His disciples, and gave them a command.
2. We refer to it as the 'great commission'
a. because of the great task : to reach the entire world with the Gospel message
b. because of the great responsibility : it was up to the church to get it done
c. because of the great promise : Jesus said, "…I am with you always…"
3. The 26 folks who met together to establish and organize this church did so with this in mind.
a. This was not to be a social organization.
b. It was not to be a private club catering to the whims of its members.
c. It was and continues to be an independent Baptist church with a desire to reach this world for the cause of Christ.
B. The purpose of this church has never been hidden or secret.
1. In our constitution and by-laws the purpose of the church is outlined.
2. "…to spread the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ…"
3. "…to make converts to the Christian faith…"
4. "…to carry on divine worship and service…"
5. It is what we are about, always has been and continues to be today…it who we are.
C. The Gospel message.
cf. Romans 10:9-13
1. It is for everybody ..."Whosoever"
a. Because all of us have sinned!
1) No matter who a person may be or what their station may be in life.
2) No matter what their family back- ground may be.
3) No matter how morally good that a person might strive to be.
4) The Scriptures are clear on this matter
(Rom 3:23) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Rom 3:10) "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
b. Because all of us must die!
1) "For the living know that they shall die..." cf. Eccl. 9:5a
2) God told Hezekiah, "...Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live." cf 2Ki. 20:1
3) We may escape paying taxes, but we cannot escape death.
(Heb 9:27) "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
2. It requires us to make a decision: "Shall call upon the name of the Lord"
a. This is a response from a position of faith.
b. When we believe in our heart, we are to confess with our mouth.
c. The result of this faith is salvation!
3. Salvation is sure: "Shall be saved"
a. Not might be, could be, but shall be!
b. Eternal life is just that…eternal.
c. Listen to the words of the Savior: "He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life." cf Jn 5:24
d. "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish." cf Jn. 10:28
II. What has been going on around here for the last 38 years?
A. The message has been proclaimed from this pulpit.
1. There have been seven men who have served as pastor of this church.
2. Each man, though diverse from the others, preached Gospel message loud and clear.
3. No compromise on the truth of God's Word.
B. The message has been proclaimed around this country.
1. This church has never taken an isolationist position.
2. We have always cooperated with other Bible-believing Baptist churches to reach America with the Gospel.
3. We started the Grace Baptist Church of Elnora, and have helped many churches get started across the state and country.
C. The message has been proclaimed around this world.
1. Since the great commission is to go into all the world, this church has always been a strong mission-minded church.
2. We have sent missionaries to Africa, England, and China.
3. We support over 50 foreign missionaries who proclaim the same Gospel message in their respective countries.
D. Local ministries abound.
1. Sunday school classes, VBS, youth meetings, Bible studies, camps, retreats, ladies' meetings, Christian school, etc.
2. All of that and so much more.
3. This church has been busy about the Master's business for nearly four decades.
III. What is the future of this ministry?
A. It is as bright as the promises of God.
1. It isn't dependent upon personality.
2. If I die tomorrow, the work of this church will go on till Jesus comes!
3. We have had some great saints of God who have gone on to meet the Lord.
4. But, the work continues forward.
5. Jesus promises that He will be with us as we minister.
B. It is only limited by our faith and obedience.
1. There has always been critics of the work.
2. But thank God we do not answer to the critics…we answer to God.
3. There will be times when we fail to do all that we could do or even all that we should do, but God's grace will sustain us.
4. As we trust Him and endeavor to obey His Word, He will be glorified.
C. The question this morning, is what part will each of us have in the future ministry of Grace Baptist Temple?
1. If you have never accepted Christ, today is the day of salvation.
2. If you have never been Scripturally baptized in obedience to God's command, why not come?
3. If you are not a member of this local church, why not join with us in reaching this world for Christ?
4. If you are a member, but for whatever reason, you have not been involved as you know you should, come and re-commit yourself to the Lord.
5. Whatever your need, the invitation is for you to come.