From the Pastor's Heart

2011-03-02T12:57:00.000-05:00

Occasionally, someone will ask, “Russell, what do you do all week?” I usually just smile and give a quick summary of an average week in the life of a pastor. After all, pastors do take on many roles of ministry and service. We can become very busy with ministry planning, leadership development, administrative details, visiting, making phone calls, counseling, performing funerals and weddings, attending denominational functions, and several other meaningful, yet time consuming pastoral tasks. If I am not careful, I can allow these vital roles to squeeze time away from the most important pastoral functions – prayer and preaching. I go back to Acts 6:4 quite often as a reminder of why I am ultimately here. Christ has called me to give myself “continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Quality times of prayer and focused study of Scripture are essential before I can ever effectively preach His Word. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to serve Christ in this way, here with you, at Ocean Park.

There will be fliers and posters for our Health Fair outreach available this Sunday. Please consider taking a few to your favorite local restaurants, stores, and other places you frequent. You can also share some with neighbors in your community and take some to work or school. Please be in prayer as we seek to reach out to the Beaches Community. Pray that lives will be saved through the health screenings and more importantly, through the sharing of the gospel.

I hope to see you this Sunday as we worship our glorious King and open our hearts to His word as we continue our study of Christianity According to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7.

In His Grace,
Russell

2011-02-16T16:45:00.000-05:00

We are truly living in challenging days. Parts of the world are in political upheaval and others are facing equally dismaying issues. Food, fuel, and other costs are steadily rising while incomes have either stagnated or declined. Haiti has lost over 3,000 people to cholera and continues to deal with governmental corruption. Many around us are facing serious health issues, family struggles, and financial devastation. It would be so easy to throw our hands up in frustration and discouragement, but let’s not forget that God is sovereign. He is still in control. As dark as things may appear, His light still shines brighter. We need to keep our eyes focused on Him as we go through these days. We, as believers, have such a great opportunity to share the hope that is found only in Christ Jesus. This is a great time for Ocean Park Baptist Church to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we share and show His love around Jacksonville Beach and beyond.
As I write this, the new church sign is in the process of being set up between the Ed. Building and the Sanctuary. Thanks go to Mike Rawson and Jerry Benton for their labor and to everyone who contributed financially. The sign is just one way we hope to connect with our community. We also seek to connect through ongoing ministries, like Angel Food Ministries, and evangelistic outreaches, like our upcoming Beaches Community Health Fair on April 9th. I pray we will continually seek ways to connect with our community so members of our community will hear how they can connect with God through Jesus Christ.
I look forward to gathering with you once again to worship our Lord this Sunday. We will continue our focus on Christianity According to Jesus as we look verse by verse at the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7.

In His Grace,
Russell

2011-02-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful to have been able to attend the 25th annual Pastor’s Conference at FBC Jacksonville this year. The theme of the conference was Endurance and all the seminars and sermons dealt with various aspects of enduring in ministry. I was greatly encouraged and renewed as a pastor and a Christian. Every once and a while, we all need to be reminded of why we are here on this earth. God has called us to endure - to keep on serving, keep on reaching, keep on praying, and keep on growing. He has called us to stay faithful to Him as He has been so faithful to us. I am thankful for FBC Jax and all they do to help pas-tors through this wonderful conference.
As I walked the campus of FBC and sat in the massive auditorium, several things ran through my heart and mind. I remember sitting in the auditorium that seats thousands and hearing the choir made up of hundreds of voices, accompanied by a beautiful sounding orchestra. I met several staff members who led many different impacting minis-tries. As great as FBC Jax is, it is not Ocean Park. I am so thankful I serve in this fellowship of believers. We have been given a task that no other church, no matter the size, has been called to. We may not be as big in number as some churches, but we are just as big, if not bigger, in heart. Don’t compare Ocean Park with other churches and feel discouraged. Instead, confidently know that God has a purpose for this church and praise Him because you get to be a part of it.
I look forward to worshiping our great God and King with you this Sunday. We will continue our focus on Christianity According to Jesus as we look verse by verse at the Sermon on the Mount.
In His Grace, Russell

2011-01-22T10:50:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday, I preached from Matthew 5:13-16, where Jesus tells us we are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” As salt, we are to act as a preservative in this world by living the life Christ died to give us. In our obedience to Him, we prolong the decaying and rotting process this world is going through due to sin and rebellion against God. Also by sharing the gospel, we make people thirsty for the living water that comes only from Jesus. As light, we are a reflection of His light to a world fumbling about in spiritual darkness. Christ has called us to dispel darkness by shining our light wherever He has placed us. In verse 16, Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The ultimate goal is to glorify God by living as He has called us to live. So, are you salty? Are you preserving the world through holiness or are you aiding in the decay through disobedience? Is your light shining? Are you standing out for Christ, or have you hidden in the shadows of the world? These are important questions for all of us to prayerfully consider.
A few months ago, a team was assembled to begin planning a spring outreach to our surrounding community. I am pleased to share that the planning process is nearly complete for the Beaches Community Health Fair, April 9th at the South Beach Community Center. The fair will feature various health screenings and information booths. We are very ex-cited to have Baptist Beaches and many other health associations participate with us. Along with health information, we will also be sharing Christ through a Gideon Bible distribution and our Ocean Park booth. Many volunteers will be needed, so please prayerfully consider helping when the call goes out.
I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we continue our focus on Christianity According to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Next Sunday, January 30, we will celebrate Baptism and Lord’s Supper. Let me know if you have a question about Baptism.
In His Grace, Russell

From January 3, 2011

2011-01-10T07:49:00.001-05:00

Greetings from the year 2011!! Part of beginning a new year is reflecting on the past one. As I look back at 2010, it is easy to see what God has done in the life of our church. Last year we ordained two deacons, learned how to Share Jesus Without Fear, PrayerWalked our community and distributed nearly 1,000 Bibles, participated in a Lay Renewal Weekend, became an Angel Food Ministries host site, took a large group to youth camp, doubled our VBS attendance, baptized five teens, ate some awesome fish at our Holy Mackerel Fish Fry, went on a mission trip to Haiti, sent over 40 shoeboxes through Opera-tion Christmas Child, and exceeded our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal by over $1,000. I look forward to what God is going to do in and through Ocean Park Baptist Church during 2011 as we live out His mission here in Jacksonville Beach and beyond.
I know you will join with me in welcoming Shawn Rawson and Chelsey Sears as members of Ocean Park. Shawn joined by statement and Chelsey by transfer of letter from a sister church. I was privileged to meet with them before morning wor-ship. Shawn shared that he wants to be a part of the ministries here at Ocean Park – he said he just wants to be used by God. Wow – that is what it is all about. I pray that all of us here at Ocean Park will share Shawn’s desire.
Come join us this Wednesday as Mike and Bonnie Snider, directors of the Cabaret Baptist Children’s Home in Haiti, share and this Sunday as we begin two new sermon series. In the mornings we will discover Christianity According to Jesus (Matthew 5-7) and in the evenings we will focus on Praying God’s Way. Also, this Sunday we will vote concerning the forma-tion of a Senior Adult Director position and the proposed 2011 Church Budget. I look forward to seeing you then!

2010-12-15T21:16:00.000-05:00

Wow – what a great day we had last Sunday during our 2nd Annual Missions Celebration. Josh and Amy Bowman (IMB) did an excellent job sharing their missionary adventures during our Sunday School hour and Josh challenged us from Acts 20 to “testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Continue praying for the Bowman’s as they prepare for their next assignment. Also, as part of our Mission Celebration, Cami and Andrea opened an ApParent Project Jewelry Store made up of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings made by Haitian men and women from recycled cereal boxes. Yesterday, Cami sent a check for over $600 to Haiti as payment to the artisans. We learned earlier that the cost of one necklace feeds a family in Haiti for a week. Cami has ordered another box of jewelry and the store will be open again this Sunday. This is a powerful ministry – helping to keep families in Haiti together through training and ongoing employment.
Another big part of our Missions Celebration was the continuation of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, which goes through December 26. Our church goal is $2,000 and as of Sunday, we are only $100 shy of the goal. Let’s strive to continue in our generosity towards this offering, and also our ongoing giving through Ocean Park. Let’s end this year and begin the next focused on giving generously and serving generously as the Lord leads.
This Sunday, we will be blessed by several beautiful Christmas specials and congregational singing. I will continue sharing from God’s word, The Mission of Christmas. I hope to see you then!

2010-11-17T11:36:00.001-05:00

Many things have burdened my heart these past few weeks. Being in Haiti affected me greatly. My heart was broken in ways it has never been broken before. It wasn’t the poverty of the Haitians as much as my own poverty I discovered there. I realized anew that the securities of life are not found in financial freedom, but the freedom found only in Christ. I learned anew that the goal of life is not have more, but to give more. My heart was broken by God to remind me that all I need is Him, not more stuff. I am also greatly burdened for the beautiful people of Haiti as the Cholera outbreak continues to spread. As I write this, the death count is over 900 men, women, and children and rising. Join with me in praying every time you drink a glass of clean water and eat non-contaminated food. I pray that God will break our hearts today as we encounter numerous people all around us in desperate need of His grace and mercy.
Looking ahead, I am excited that IMB missionaries Joshua and Amy Bowman will be sharing with us on Sunday, December 12 during our Missions Celebration. The Bowman’s recently finished up eight years in Africa and will leave for South-East Asia in April 2011. They will share some of their missionary stories during the Sunday School hour and Joshua will preach during morning worship. Be in prayer for the Bowman’s and all our missionaries spreading the gospel across the world. Be praying how you will give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering this year to support their mission.
This past Sunday, I shared a message on Christian Stewardship. We saw in the first chapter of Ephesians that we were adopted into God’s family through the blood of Jesus Christ – We are His! All that we are and all that we have belongs to Him. In the sixth chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote that we do not belong to ourselves – Christ bought us with His blood. This Sunday I will share how this truth should affect how we use what God has given us. I hope to see then!

Bad News, Good News

2010-09-01T14:37:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday evening, I preached from Micah concerning the announcement of judgment on the people of Judah and Israel due to their continual sin against God. Micah did not come to warn them to stop this sin, but to tell them it was too late – judgment was imminent. Then, in chapter five, Micah shared some great news about the One who was to come years later. This One, Micah shared, was “from everlasting” and this “One shall be peace.” While he was proclaiming impending doom and gloom, Micah also shared about the coming of Jesus Messiah. Grace is the good news that comes after the bad. The bad news is we are sinners who deserve death and everlasting judgment in hell. The good news is Jesus died on a cross in our place to forgive our sins and rose again to give us eternal life in Him. To be a Christian, one must face the bad news through repentance before salvation comes through the good news of His grace.

In His Grace,
Russell

A Lasting Impression

2010-08-03T15:54:00.000-04:00

I grew up in a parsonage right next to the church my dad served as pastor. While most other people had to drive to church, we only had to walk about fifty yards. I have many memories of growing up in that house. I guess I was around nine when the church decided to expand the house. A new bedroom was added for my parents, a family room, and a cement patio were also added. After the patio was poured, I took a stick and wrote my initials in the wet cement. Long after we moved from that house, my initials remained as a reminder of me. I made a lasting impression on that patio. How are you impacting your world? Wherever you go, whatever you do or say, you are making a lasting impression. Look around. There are people you know, like wet cement, who are waiting for someone to make a lasting impression in their lives. I pray that we leave the impression of love, compassion, grace, forgiveness, and mercy on the lives of others. Above all, I pray that we leave the life transforming impression of Jesus Christ.

In His Grace,
Russell

Being the Church

2010-06-01T10:36:00.001-04:00

All around the Southern Baptist Convention, churches are being challenged to be on mission in the communities where God has placed them. This has largely been in response to a gradual decline in recent years in church membership, attendance and baptisms throughout our denomination. Sadly, it should not take a decline to awaken us to what Christ has called His church to do. Our desire must always be to make the name of Jesus known in our families, friendships, communities, nation, and into the world. I once heard a pastor say that, “anybody can go to church - Christ has called us to be the church.” I pray that Southern Baptist churches will be more engaged in the sharing of the good news of Jesus Christ, but more specifically I pray this for Ocean Park Baptist Church.

In His Grace,
Russell

Total Surrender

2010-05-07T12:09:00.002-04:00

As I study and preach through Philippians, Paul's determination for the Gospel amazes me. Already he has suffered much loss in his life due to due preaching the offensive message of the cross. In fact he is chained to a Roman prison guard as he writes this powerful letter to the church in Philippi. Paul writes in the first chapter, "For to me to live is Christ." In Colossians Paul also wrote, "When Christ who is our life appears, then you will appear with Him in glory." Paul's life was wrapped up in Christ. He understood and lived out total surrender.

When we come to Christ we are to leave behind our old lives and follow Him, much like Peter, Andrew, James, and John as they left their nets to become fishers of men. We are to surrender all of who we are to Christ and look to Him alone as our provider. No one has ever partially surrendered, it's all or nothing. How can we say we have trusted Christ as our Savior if we haven't surrendered to Christ as our Lord? He must be both.

In His Grace,
Russell

On Being Missional

2010-03-17T16:41:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday, several of us PrayerWalked the communities around Ocean Park. We prayed for the spiritual, physical, financial, relational, and emotional needs of those who live all around us. It was a powerful experience for all of us. What impacted me the most was when we were able to hold conversations with people as they worked in their yards. I told one man in particular that I was pastor of Ocean Park Baptist Church. He had no clue where the church was. I had to use a local car wash as a landmark before he recognized our location. This man lives less than two miles from the church.

Being missional means we see ourselves as missionaries where God has placed us. We are to live sent. Sent to our families. Sent to our neighborhoods. Sent to our jobs. Sent to our schools. Jesus has called us all to impact our worlds with His gospel. He has called Ocean Park to impact South Jacksonville Beach. I pray that as we live sent, the people around us will no longer need a landmark to recall where Ocean Park is. I pray that Jesus is proclaimed here and throughout the world. Let us make His name known!

In His Grace,
Russell

Talk is Cheap!

2010-03-02T14:46:00.001-05:00

There was a TV commercial several years ago that used the phrase, “Put your money where your mouth is.” I later learned that phrase basically means talk is cheap, back up what you say with actions. Jesus put it this way, “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed.” (John 8:31) He also said “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) The only way we prove to be Jesus’ disciples and demonstrate our love for Him is by doing what He says. James challenged us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) Having a thorough knowledge of Scripture is important, but without application and obedience, Bible knowledge alone is useless. Remember, talk is cheap. There is a world out there waiting for us to put our money where our mouth is. Let us be people of the Book who live out its truth and point others to its Author.

In His Grace,
Russell

The Promise of Life

2010-01-27T10:05:00.002-05:00

There are many things in this world that compete for my allegiance, time, money, and other resources. They promise me happiness and fulfillment if I only make them the focus of my affections. Still, I have learned that these are fleeting promises that blow away like leaves in the wind. Only Jesus Christ can fully satisfy the longings of my heart. It is only in His grace and mercy that I have the promise of eternal and abundant life with Him. Please, never settle for the stuff of this world. Instead, place your life in the hands of the One who loves you more than life itself. Give yourself to Jesus. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. If you would like to know more about life in Jesus, please email me at oceanpark@bellsouth.net.

In His Grace,
Russell

Rain Falls on Us All

2010-01-20T10:02:00.003-05:00

As we continue to react to the horrific situation in Haiti, I am reminded of the sorrows closer to home. Today, one of our church members will say her final goodbyes to her sister. Yesterday, a daughter placed her mother in the care of hospice. And another church member just returned from Idaho where she spent several weeks with her terminally ill sister until she passsed. One thing I have learned about life is that you can't take it for granted. The sun shines bright in our lives, but the rain will also fall on us all. But as the rain falls, so does the loving grace of God into our hurting hearts. Even if my faith falters as the winds blow, I am so thankful that I stand on the strong foundation of His loving grace and mercy. Thank you Lord!

In His Grace,
Russell

Pray For and Financially Support Haiti

2010-01-13T12:42:00.003-05:00

This Sunday, January 17, there will be a special offering taken for relief efforts underway in Haiti following the tragic earthquake on Tuesday. Andrea Benton will also be sharing the latest updates of how things are at the orphanage and school near Cabaret. Please be in prayer for the people of Haiti and plan to give generously on Sunday.

In His Grace,

Russell

Two New Message Series

2010-01-08T10:10:00.004-05:00

I am finishing up sermon prep for the first messages of two new series starting this Sunday, January 10.

In the mornings we will be walking through the beginnings of the church in a verse by verse study of Acts of the Apostles. The goal is to learn and apply the truth that our extraordinary God uses ordinary people to carry out His mission in the world.

In the evenings we will take a close up look at the kingdom parables of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel. We will be challenged and confronted by the powerful stories Jesus shared and learn how applicable they are still today.

As we begin this new year, let's make diving deeper into God's Word our top priority. Everything that concerns us in this life is dealt with in Scripture. These wonderful pages offer life transforming truth to those who read, learn, apply, and obey its contents. I hope to see you Sunday as we begin this journey through Acts and Matthew.

In His Grace,
Russell

Confessions of a Practical Atheist

2010-01-04T11:21:00.004-05:00

This past Sunday, I preached out of James 4 and asked, "What is your life?" Of course James tells us that our life is nothing but a vapor - like your breath on a cold morning. We often get so caught up in the cares of this life. We make all these plans and dreams often without even seeking God's face. We never know what is coming around the bend, but we serve a God who does. I have to confess, that even though I do believe God is here, there are times that I live as if I don't. I have been a practical atheist. How about you? Have you already figured 2010 out? Have your plans, dreams, career, etc become your focus? Or have you surrendered everything to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Decide right now to make every day this year count by giving every day to Him.

In His Grace,
Russell

A New Beginning

2009-12-28T12:54:00.003-05:00

As 2009 dwindles away, I can't help but feel excited about 2010. Every new year is an opportunity to start fresh, but this is the beginning of a new decade! I am trusting that God has great things in store for us we walk in His ways and seek His face. I will soon begin preaching from the the book of Acts on Sunday mornings. We will get a close up look at what the church was like in her early stages. We will see the excitement of how God used ordinary people to turn the world upside down with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that we can experience a new beginning here at Ocean Park as 2010 begins.

In His Grace,
Russell

Reflections on the Stomach Flu

2009-12-21T18:06:00.003-05:00

I spent Saturday and Sunday at home wondering why my stomach was so mad at me. It is hard for a preacher to sit at home on a Sunday. God has given me a passion to preach His word, but I guess it's OK to be sick every once in a while. On Saturday, Jarod (who was also sick) and I watched episodes IV, V, and VI of Star Wars. On Sunday, Cami came home from Illinois where she attended her cousin's funeral. We were all glad to see her, but she was very reluctant to see us. I was sorry to miss the Christmas Musical in the morning and I was blessed to have Bro. Eddie step in for me on Sunday Evening. I am very wound up, so come prepared this Sunday! Until then, I pray you have a blessed Christmas!

In His Grace,
Russell

The Meaning of Christmas

2009-12-15T10:09:00.001-05:00

Christmas will be here in just a few days. Like you, we are running around trying to get everything ready. Our shopping is just about done and we have only a couple of parties left to attend. Our church choir will soon be sharing the beautiful music of the season. So as we continue to check things off our Christmas to do list, have I made sure I am ready? In all the craziness of this time of year, it is so easy to remember the stuff of Christmas and still forget the true meaning. Christmas is about the incarnation of Christ - That He came to this sinful, dark world as the One true light. He lived a perfect life and laid Himself down on a cross to forgive our sins and rose again three days later to give us life everlasting. The beauty of Christmas is that He came to reconcile sinners to God. Have you placed your trust in Jesus? It is the only way to truly celebrate the meaning of Christmas.

In His Grace,
Russell

Every Member a Missionary

2009-12-01T09:32:00.006-05:00

It's more than a sermon title or catchy slogan. Every member a missionary is the heart of what it means to be a Christian. For too long churches have made missions and evangelism a program. Much time and energy are spent convincing members to participate in specific church created opportunities to share their faith, but what about everyday life? Jesus did not commission us to reach the world through a church visitation program alone. He has called us to reach our own corner of the world. We need not go very far to see people in need of His grace and mercy. We must learn to see our families, friends, jobs, schools, and communities as our personal mission fields. Yes, churches should seek to reach out to their surrounding communities, but let's not forget that God has called every member to a mission field that is ready for harvest.

Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matthew 9:37-38

Imagine If...

2009-11-12T10:43:00.004-05:00

Cami and I braved Tropical Storm Ida in Pensacola as we attended the Florida Baptist Convention and Pastor's Conference. We were challenged to imagine what God could accomplish in our churches, cities, state, nation, and around the world through us if we simply trusted and obeyed Him. John Cross, pastor of South Biscayne Church in North Port, was reelected as President. He was also given overwhelming approval to form a Florida State Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. Ron Rowe, of the Jacksonville Baptist Association, has been selected to serve on the GCR Task Force. I am excited about what God is doing and is yet to do in the state of Florida.

In His Grace,

Russell

He Turns Our Mourning Into Dancing

2009-10-30T10:16:00.003-04:00

Earlier this week, seven year old Somer Thompson was laid to rest. We continue to pray for her family and the Orange Park community that has shared this tragic loss. We also pray for those investigating her murder - that they quickly will find the one responsible and bring that person to justice.

There will be another funeral this coming Monday. I have had the great pleasure of getting to know Bill over the past few months. He had been battling cancer for a long time with great courage and strength. We had many conversations about his military career, his love for his family, and his deep faith in God. He knew, without a shadow of doubt, that his life was in God's hands and that the cross of Christ covered him. Bill trusted in God's sovereignty and grace which allowed him to die with peace. I would visit Bill with the intention of ministering to him, but it usually went the other way around. Please pray that his 94 year old mother will be covered in God's peace and strength as she buries her son. Pray for his wife and children as they face the upcoming days.

May we all come to the realization that life is only a vapor. We are not promised another day. What matters most is that we trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Have you had a saving encounter with Jesus? Email me, I would love to share this beautiful truth with you.

In His Grace,

Russell
oceanpark@bellsouth.net

Praying for Somer

2009-10-21T10:42:00.004-04:00

Even though I'm a pastor out at the beach, we still live in the Orange Park area of Clay County. Most of you have heard about the seven year old girl who has been missing since Monday afternoon. Her name is Somer Thompson and she lives about five miles from us. Please join me in prayer for Somer, her family, and all those who are searching for her.

In His Grace,
Russell

Word of God Speak

2009-10-05T10:00:00.003-04:00

I began a new sermon series yesturday on Christian doctrine based on the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 edition. Throughout October and November we will dive into the Truths that have marked us as followers of Christ. Yesturday, we focused on the Bible, God's Holy Word in 2 Timothy 3:10-17. Check out this link to see a great video, Word of God Speak by Mercy Me. May we find ourselves at a loss for words, listening to God speak through His Word.
Next Sunday is the first of three weeks dedicated to the Triune God. Check out our web site to listen or download these and other sermons.

In His Grace,
Russell

Total Surrender

2009-09-22T10:09:00.003-04:00

On June 4, 1940, British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill gave a stirring speech that encouraged his nation during the early part of WWII. Here is the final portion of that speech.

"We shall never surrender and even if, which I do not for the moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, will carry on the struggle until in God's good time the New World with all its power and might, sets forth to the liberation and rescue of the Old."

Surrender was not an option for Churchill and the Allied forces that joined his struggle against the Nazi regime. Thousands gallantly gave their lives to restore freedom throughout the world.

Surrender is to be avoided by all measures in a military conflict, but total surrender is the ultimate goal for one who follows after Christ. Consider Luke 9:23-24 where Jesus teaches that to follow Him one must "deny himself, and take up his cross daily." Also, consider the Apostle Paul's words in Romans 12:1, calling believers to be "living sacrifices." Galatians 2:20 also comes to mind as Paul reminds believers that we are to relinquish all rights to Christ. We have been called to empty ourselves and follow Christ as Lord of our lives.

Yes, there are times when surrender is not an option, but in order to follow Christ to not surrender is never an option.

In His Grace,

Russell

There Must Be More

2009-08-29T10:28:00.005-04:00

I am a prenatal Southern Baptist. I am pretty sure that my first words were all stanzas of Victory in Jesus. I was in Sunday School, Training Union (later Church Training then Discipleship Training), RA's, years of VBS, attended hours of revival services, and was saved and baptized in a Southern Baptist church. I trained in Southern Baptist schools were I learned to minister among Southern Baptists. I was licensed to preach and ordained into the Gospel ministry at the Southern Baptist Church I grew up in. I now pastor a Southern Baptist church.

Still, there must be more to my life than an identity to a certain denomination. Before I am a Southern Baptist, I am a Christian - a child of God. Jesus Christ laid down His life as the perfect and final sacrifice to cover the penalty due me because of my sinfulness. He did not save me to be a Baptist or Methodist - He saved me to be His vessel to carry the Good News of His grace to the world. I pray we all will look beyond our denominational titles and together seek to reach this world with the One who makes us one body with one purpose.

"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26-28

In His Grace,
Russell

Run The Race

2009-08-13T12:21:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday we were motivated by the cloud of witnessses in Hebrews 11 to run with faith the race set before us. We can also look around us at those who run this race today. Dick and Rick Hoyt have run in marathons, competed in triathlons and once even trekked 3,700 miles across America. What they have accomplished together is simply amazing when you consider that Rick cannot walk or talk. Check out this video on Tangle - make sure to put it on full screen.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c7f297818b844699ba47

In His Grace,
Russell

By Faith

2009-08-03T16:05:00.003-04:00

This coming Sunday, I will complete my preaching series through the eleventh chapter of Hebrews - the faith chapter. We all know that God has called us to walk by faith and not by sight. Still, it would be so nice to see more than just a few feet in front of me. But I desire to be like Abraham who, by faith, left all that he knew for a place he had no knowledge of. He held firmly to the promises of God as if they had already come to be. Instead of existing in the familiar, Abraham chose to live the journey of faith. We show our faith in Christ by trusting Him with all that we are. It is then that He uses us as He used Abraham, Moses, David, Paul and so many others who yielded themselves to His will. The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who went from existing to living a life of faith. So, are you existing or living? You've never really lived until you live by faith.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Jesus Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

In His Grace,
Russell

Life of a Commuting Pastor

2009-07-28T15:18:00.008-04:00

When our friends found out that I was going to pastor a church out at the beach, they were like, "I wish I could live near the beach." That's exactly how we feel! We have been commuting back and forth five days a week from our Middleburg home (Which is for rent if you know anybody looking) since starting in mid June. It is not all that bad, really. God has used the forty minute drive to teach me a lot about patience - I'm still in the learning process. I definitely have a new respect for those who do this year after year. This time has put a strong desire within me to live among our church members and be a part of the beach community. Anne is enrolled in a PreK at the beach and we are in the process of transferring Jarod into a school here as well. We are waiting for our house to rent - please pray this will happen soon and that we will find a house here at the beach. In the mean time, I will try to be nice as I drive down the commuting pastor's highway!

In His Grace,
Russell