Ready for the Next Fight!

I truly believe New Grace Baptist Church has reached a whole "New Grace" maturity level. The Lord has truly worked in our midst since the start of VISION1615, and I am amazed at where our church has come from and where it appears to be headed. As I preached Sunday Evening, there was just a sweet presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the people. I could sense their excitement for God in ways that I never have before.

On the flesh side of things, we are tired.

In October, we dialed close to 20,000 phone numbers and endured fussing, cussing and rejection for 30 days. It was an adventure, believe me.

Then, in November we began the holy march through the streets of Tarboro to distribute 10,000 doorhangers. Already our feet are tired and hurting; and I am trusting the Lord that it will only get easier as I have discovered how out of shape I am.

We have yet to face November 23, which is Community Appreciation Day. We thank God for churches like Gethsemane Independent Baptist, in Elm City, NC; Bailey's Grove Baptist, in Asheboro, NC; and Grace Baptist Church in Louisburg, NC; who will be helping us to distribute these doorhangers.

I've often wondered if we're going to make it by the time Jonathan Barber comes for three whole months, in which the campaign for souls begins through the streets of town.

Ephesians 6:13 and 14 says, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;"

Do you see that word "stand," at the end of verse 13?

Do you see that word "Stand," at the beginning of verse 14?

What are we looking at? Well, what the Bible is saying is that when we have conquered one fight in the battle, we need to Stand, ready for the next fight!

This is truly something New Grace Baptist Church is having to learn to do as we overcome obstacles, and encounter new ones. It is the only way a church will ever build, is if it keeps battling.

And so I challenge you if you are weary in well-doing, Keep Standing, and be ready for the next fight. God will meet you.

There are some lyrics to a song that I wrote some years back that say:

There are times when battles last till evening, and then the whole night through, and we become so tired! But at the enemy's strong line, Jesus breaks the bread each time, saying "Child, be not afraid! Just come and dine!"

Keep those hands raised to the sky, oh Christian; the battle you fought so long is almost done! Keep your eyes upon the Lord, and your hand upon that sword, Don't give in! Keep those hands raised to the sky!

Fan the Flames of revival, and be ready for the next fight, and the next one, and the next one! God will meet you each time!