The Encourager -

January - February 2018

Volume 15 Issue 1

The Encourager Eastern Shore Bible Baptist Church of Galena, Maryland Sunday Service Schedule 9:30am

Sunday School

Do Something

10:30am Morning Worship 6:00pm

Evening Worship

Wednesday Service 7:00pm

by Pastor Steve Hays, M.Min,D.Min

Prayer Meeting

and Bible Study

Salvation God’s Way Our salvation is not based upon our ideas or politically correct guidelines.

It is solely based upon our acceptance of God’s chosen way, which is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Gal. 2:16. It involves our repentance of trusting everything else, and only trusting the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for payment for our sins - I Cor. 15:1-4. You cannot add Jesus Christ to your collection of saviors, He is the only Savior, and it is by His blood that our sin debt is paid - Col. 1:14.

Jesus Christ is still the only way of Salvation John 14:6

Whatever the field of study, the sentiment is the same in regard to this particular area.

The old saying is that idle h a n d s a r e t h e d e v i l ’s workshop.

Science says nature abhors a vacuum.

Psychology tells us we must have purpose in life.

Scripturally we are told that if we repent of one thing, it must be replaced by another [Acts 20:21 “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”]. The faith toward Jesus Christ replaces whatever you were trusting in before.

That is exactly the way it works in almost everything in life.

Many New Year’s resolutions fail because a bad habit was sworn to be quit, but

nothing replaced the void it left. This is self reformation that is described as a man cleaning his life, but the devils return with a vengeance when they find the space unoccupied by anything of substance [Matt. 12:45].

So my encouragement for this start of the new year is to find something to do. We can all use a kick in the pants in the right direction. We all tend to get complacent in our comfort zone and we need a push to motivate us back into action.

However, the “something” I am talking about is something that will bring us closer to God. Our flesh likes to find things to do so that we feel busy, productive, profitable, etc. but I want to encourage us to do something that will be more in the line of fellowship with God. Even the thought of trying to be a better witness, passing out the tracts and Bibles the church provides, and

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inviting someone to church are not exactly what I am trying to get across.

This is something for you personally, and to try to bring you and God in a closer relationship.

This may be something that does not involve anyone else at the moment, yet eventually others will definitely be blessed by your closer walk with God. Allow me to digress and show you what I am NOT trying to put forth: The Pharisees were known for their public piety and were very quick to let others know all about their spirituality and their daily oblations.

The Lord Jesus Christ uses this as an example of how not to be.

Matthew 6:5 “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

Anything that we may possibly be doing to show off our spirituality, let’s take that off the list. Moving on: Again, the religious crowd did a lot of wonderful works.

Jesus, Himself, did not deny their works when they presented them to Him. The problem was the motive

behind the works they did.

Their works were used to prove their spirituality to themselves.

They did not trust Jesus Christ, nor did they believe what God said about Jesus Christ and their need to be saved. They were plenty good, and they could prove it by the multitude of good works with they did. But the works only proved their lack of faith, unbelief, and self righteousness.

Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? {23} And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

So, any resolution that we may take on to prove our spirituality to ourselves, let’s forego that one also.

Think relationship. I recently read an article written and approved by several preachers stating that the word “relationship” is not Scriptural, and should not be in the vocabulary of real Bible believing preachers. This is true, that it is not a Bible word, but neither is “rapture” or even “Bible”. But all three of these words are definitively described multiple times in the Scripture and perfectly

describe the event, the Scripture, and our place with God. The Bible starts out with a relationship; that of a man and a woman placed in a garden.

The Bible ends with a relationship, that of a Groom and a Bride located in a new city. Every look at our God is pictured or typified as a relationship: we are the sons of God [John 1:12], we are the bride of Christ [Eph. 5:32], God is our Father [Matt. 6:9] and the saints are our brethren [Eph. 6:23]. We are called the family [Eph. 3:15].

To say that “relationship” is a bad word is very poor exegesis of the text and extremely careless preaching.

So again, think relationship.

Ask yourself, what could I do that is between me and God, that would help me be closer in my relationship to God? It may very well involve quitting some bad habits with the help of God and replacing them with something good.

What gets in the way of our fellowship with God? Or it may be more along the lines of something that just causes us to think of God more than we do. Whether it would be memorizing continued on page 7

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Christian Strengths

by Pastor Rob “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:10-12 The Apostle Paul wrote this passage to the church of Galatia along with his personal testimony about his salvation, his calling, and the manner by which he received his doctrine. The doctrines of the New Testament church were given to Paul by the Lord Himself and he was faithful to preach them until his death years later. Paul is admirable in many ways. His courage, boldness, zeal, focus, and tenacity are all qualities a Christian wants.

He struggles in the flesh, yet overcomes by the Spirit.

Often discouragement and despair are a looming presence, but Paul rises above them through praise a n d p r a y e r. T h e L o r d ’s revelation to Paul of the 3rd Heaven caused Paul to measure everything on earth against the glories of heaven and eternity to come. He

constantly encouraged Christians to understand that heaven is worth all costs and eternity is worth any sacrifice.

That revelation helped Paul and through application of the doctrines, mysteries, and understanding given to him by the Lord, he increased in spiritual ability and strength.

There are many strengths which are unique to a serving Christian, and we can identify several of them by following Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts.

A Christian is strong because: I. A Christian Can Relate.

In Acts 26:9-11, Paul is standing before King Agrippa and is giving his personal testimony. He informs Agrippa of his religious zeal as a Pharisee prior to his salvation and the fallacy of it. Paul knew how to be religious. If salvation would have come by religion, Paul certainly would have been saved, but it does not. A Christian is familiar with religion and does many things religiously. He is able to relate to the religious person, yet understands the danger of having religion without salvation.

He can also relate to the sinner. Since all have sinned, the Christian understands the struggle of sin but knows also

that through Jesus Christ we are no longer consumed by it or held in bondage by it.

There is victory in Christ. A Christian is not out of touch because he can relate on many levels.

A Christian is strong because: II. A Christian Can Reason.

In Acts 24:24,25 Paul is speaking with Felix the governor and Felix’s wife Drusilla. In this passage it says that Paul “reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come”. The ability to reason is a great strength in a Christian. He has the information and personal experience to reason of spiritual matters that may be foreign to the lost. God understands the value of reasoning. He says in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The Lord’s purpose for Paul to the unsaved was that he strive, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” - Acts

page 4 26:18. That is also our purpose.

A Christian is strong because, III. A Christian Is Right. a. He is right in his conduct.

Many times the Jewish leadership tried to find fault with Paul’s conduct and condemn him, but they could not. He was careful to do right and live right, and it was important to him to maintain a good testimony to those around him. He said in Acts 24:16, “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” Exercise requires effort. The more effort one puts in, the more results he gets out. There are not many people in prison who prior to their conviction had made a constant and consorted effort to do right. b. He is right in his prophecy.

Paul, in Acts 27, told the shipmaster that it was dangerous to sail and that if they did they would suffer loss. Sometimes it is not convenient to believe. The owner of the ship had “better” plans and chose to sail anyway. Being wrong can be expensive. The owner lost the cargo, the tackling, the food, and finally the ship. A Christian today is not a prophet but he has God’s completed prophecy written in the pages of Scripture. The Bible is right and the prophecies are right and he can speak them with confidence.

c. He is right in his doctrine.

A Christian may be judged as wrong but that does not mean that he IS wrong. Philosophy and world views may have the support of the masses, but that does not guarantee validity. Christians since the time of Christ have been persecuted in the name of religion. Many opposed Paul but he was still right. Because of that, when he got the opportunity to speak up he did so cheerfully (Acts 24:10) and happily (Acts 26:2). What did he have to lose? He knew his doctrine was right because the Lord is right.

A Christian is strong because, IV. A Christian Is Ready.

Ready for what? Anything. a. He is ready to die.

Paul told Timothy, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.” - 2 Tim 4:6. Death was not a tragic event to be feared or dreaded. Paul had the hope of the resurrection. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?...But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Cor 15:55,57. He said also, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” - 1 Cor 15:19.

Paul was not miserable. He was filled with hope (Rom 5:2-5). A Christian knows where he is going when he dies, and that confidence provides great strength. b. He is ready to live.

Christians know that heaven is their home, but they have much to live for on earth. Paul was busy going place to place teaching, preaching, evangelizing and starting churches. He did not mind dying and he loved living for his Savior. In all he did he strived to give his best, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” - Col 3:23. He was always looking for the open door to witness and preach the gospel, “that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ - Col 4:3.

And Paul requested that Christians pray for his boldness so “that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. -Eph 6:19. Paul relentlessly encouraged the brethren to live pleasingly to the Lord in all areas of their lives. A Christian has great purpose.

Paul is our example that heaven is worth sacrifice and eternity is worth our earthly efforts. Salvation is our hope and cause for rejoicing no matter the challenges or obstacles we face. Along the way, know that people need the Lord, and that God can use you to meet that need.

Recognize and use your strengths. Know that you have the experience to relate, you have the knowledge to reason, you are right because of God’s truth, and that in Christ you are always ready.

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ESBBC Happenings

By Cindy Hays

Congratulations on the birth of three new babies! Robert & Caroline Rosati’s twin girls, Quinn Electra and Hazel Louise were born on December 11, 2017. Weighing in at 2lbs.

8 oz and 1 lb 7 oz respectively. They are still in the hospital at this time. Please pray as they continue to strengthen and grow.

Emily Griffin delivered her baby boy, Charles William LaGrossa on December 14, 2017.

He weighed 3.13 lbs at birth. He is at home and doing well.

We are always thankful for new life! please pray as these parents raise their children.

(Note: Congratulations to Jenny Griffin, the happy grandmother of these newborns!)

In October, Pastor Steve and I were privileged to be able to travel to Colson, KY and attend the 33rd Homecoming of the Bible Baptist Church. This is the church started by us back in 1984. These folks have remained faithful to the Lord in their doctrine and fellowship. Pastor Steve and Pastor Jeremy Blair preached at the homecoming. The church has been without a pastor for sometime now. We are thankful for Pastor Lon Taylor filling in as they searched for a new pastor. At the end of December the church called Pastor Jeremy to be the pastor. We are excited to see the work that God will do in the Letter County area. Please pray for the Blairs as they make this move from PA to KY.

We presented our very first cantata entitled Christmas Joy on Christmas Eve. The choir had an enjoyable time practicing and presenting the music. We thank Bro. Don Kennedy for leading us and are thankful for all who participated in the choir.

Christmas Memories

Lots of fun Christmas fellowship!

The Saturday Saints enjoyed a good luncheon and fun gift exchange. The church ladies and a few guests enjoyed a fun time of food, fellowship and making sock snowman! A few of us gathered at Clairvaux Farm to sing carols with the residents, then on to Galena Pizzeria to sing a few more.

Following with pizza and snacks at Pastor Steve & Cindy’s house. And of course, we won’t soon forget Pastor’s red suit!

Our Birthday gift for Jesus this year totaled at $ 4,610.08 We have sent a check to Clairvaux Farm, a local homeless shelter for families.

Thanks to each of you who gave a gift this year. We appreciate your generosity.

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continued from page 2

verses of Scripture that hold a special meaning just for yourself, or listening to Christian music on the way to work that make you think about the glory, grace, and blessings of our God. It would be easy to spend the rest of the space for this article giving you a list of things to pick from, and you could make one a new year’s resolution. But that would defeat the whole point. This is about you, about your personal walk with God, about your distractions and motivations, and your seriousness about spiritual things. I am not able to tell you what that may be in your life.

Although I can give you a pointer: I have noticed in my own life, when I begin to slip in one area of my life, it will eventually affect every area of my life.

So it could be something even physical that you need to work on, in order to get control on the spiritual matters. The physical and the spiritual are connected and that cannot be denied .

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

I have listened to medical doctors in symposiums stand before hundreds of other doctors and patients and explain that having a good spirit [they called it attitude or outlook] will greatly improve chances of a good outcome.

It could be that your situation does not allow you to change your physical condition, but you could work on changing your spiritual handling of it.

By that “physical”, I am speaking of anything in this carnal realm: health, finances, human relationships, etc..

How we handle all of these could possibly be a hindrance to our relationship with God. So find something to do about it. Seek out ways to change the situation, or if that is not possible, seek out ways to change your spirit about the matter.

I know we are to make these things a matter of prayer, but truthfully, we cannot expect God to be the active one in the relationship and we just sit passively as a spectator. Yes, that is how it works for salvation, as we are saved by His works of righteousness and nothing of our own [Eph. 2:8-9]. However, I am not talking about being saved, I am talking about being in a relationship after we are saved. And for that, we need

to be active. This is why God said we should “devise” good.

Proverbs 14:22 "Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.”

We need to put forth some effort in trying to make the best of the relationship God has graciously allowed us to enter into. We need to look at this in a way that considers that I do not want Christ to be a stranger when I see Him face to face someday. I want to already be close to Him. That is what the Lord Jesus Christ desires as shown when He says we are friends.

John 15:15 “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

Let me encourage you in this new year to devise something good. To actively think up a way to draw closer in your relationship with the Lord. To consider what hinders you in your life from thinking about the things of God or taking them seriously.

God saved us to enjoy the relationship we now have with Him.

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Fellowship of the Saints The main article that I wrote for this edition is about our relationship with God and finding ways to get closer to Him. That is for each of us as individuals. Yet, it is also true that it certainly helps to have some encouragement from the saints.

Find ways to try to not always have a earthly, carnal conversation.

There is certainly nothing wrong with talking about cars, dogs, or politics, but God forbid we spend all day with the brethren speaking of those things and never bring up the blessings of God.

The Encourager 13984 Gregg Neck Road Galena, MD 21635 410.648.6744

Pastor Steve Hays, M.Min,D.Min. Assistant Pastor Rob Manaraze

Reaching the World, Beginning with the Home w w w. e s b b c . o r g

A ministry of

Eastern Shore B I B L E B A PT I ST C H U R C H Standing for the Incorruptible Word of God AV 1611

Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.

John 17:17