A backwoods preacher once went to the editor of a village newspaper and asked him to print an announcement of his church services.  Not knowing how to go about it, the minister had put nothing in writing.  The newspaperman, however, took a liking to him, and, sensing his dedication and complete sincerity, suggested that he just give him the facts.  He would see to it that an article would be properly prepared for the Saturday edition.  This is what the pastor told him; “There’s preachin’ morning’ an evenin’.  Three books are necessary: the Bible, the hymnbook, and the pocketbook.  Come and bring all three.”

This uneducated man of course, knew nothing about writing “news releases,” but he did have enough sense to include in the announcement three basic elements for a good worship service.  First of all, there is the Bible.  Without it the church might as well not even open its doors.  We are to “preach the Word”!  That’s basic!  In addition to the “Book of Books,” there is also a place for songbooks.  Writing to believers in the church at Ephesus, the apostle said, “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:18,19.  There is a third “book,” however, which is very important.  It’s the “pocketbook.”  The Christians in Corinth were told, “...lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2).  Next time you go to church, think of these three “books.”  They are all necessary!
-Dr. Richard DeHann

It was my wonderful privilege to hear Dr. Adrian Rogers at the 2005 “Pastor Training Institute” in the Great Smokey Mountains.  I was one of 120 invited to sit under this Godly man.  It was his last conference.  That was in September; he died the next month in October.  These words came from his heart:  “The sun is shining, the perfume of life laces the air, the hills surrounding us are groomed by God, the waters of the creeks and rivers dance, the song birds sing and the clouds of God’s heaven are a canopy.  We must ask God to open our eyes to the details of life around us.  God’s hidden fingerprints are on all that envelopes you.  You have so much to live and so much to give.”

Dr. John Adams
Psalms 95:1-2


Do I Have To Go To Church?
1) Do you have to hug your little children?
2) Do you have to remember your wife’s birthday?
3) Do you have to call when you’re late coming home from work?
4) Do you have to buy Christmas gifts for your family?
5) Do you have to attend ball games and band functions in which your children  are involved?
6) Do you have to attend the funeral of a close friend or loved one?
7) Do you have to say, “I love you” when you love someone?
               -Steve Higginbotham- 

We thank our God for our Godly mothers who not only gave us life but who have cared for us through life.  The joys have been so many with such happiness. Thank your mom, if she is still living, for her love! Enjoy this oft told preacher's tale:

Pastor Roger Matthew tells the following story:

We were traveling one summer in the Pocono Mountains, and like a good Christian family, attend church while we were on vacation.  One lazy Sunday we found our way to a little church. It was a hot day and the folks were nearly out in the pews.  The preacher was preaching on and on until all of a sudden, he said, "The best years of my life have been spent in the arms of another man's wife."

The congregation let out a gasp, came to immediate attention, and the dozing deacon in the back row dropped his hymnbook.  Then the preacher said, "It was my mother."

The congregation tittered a little and managed to follow along as the sermon concluded. I filed this trick away in my memory, a great way to get the congregation's attention back when it has been lost.  Sure enough, the next summer, on a lazy Sunday, I was preaching and the flies were buzzing around and the ushers were sinking lower and lower in their seats on the back row until I could hardly see them.  Then I remembered our experience in the Pocono Mountains, and I said in a booming voice, "The best years of my life have been spent in the arms of another man's wife."

Sure enough, I had their attention.  One of the ushers in the back row sat up so fast he hit his head on the back of the pew in front of him.  I had them. But you know something, I forgot what came next!  All I could think of to say was, "And for the life of me, I can't remember her name!"

Dr. Sims and I represented our church at the National Association meeting in Waco, Texas April 21-23.  The meeting was harmonious as our 1400 churches continued to support missions, education, benevolent and societal needs.

Would you continue to pray for these departments of our Baptist work and these great men and women who work for Him?
-BMA Theological Seminary and Dr. Charley Holmes, Dr. Philip Attebery, Bro. James Blaylock and all our professors and staff.
-LifeWord Broadcast Ministries and Director George Reddin, Bro. Steve Crawley and all radio speakers and staff.
-Disciple Guide Resources and Dr. Kevin Clayton, Bro. Donnie Parrish, Bro. James Speer, Bro. Charles Reddin, Bro. Jerome Cooper, and all our writers, conference staff, camp staff and office workers.
-BMA Dept. of Missions and Director Grady Higgs, Dr. Ralph Izard, Bro. Jerry Kidd, Dr. John David Smith, Bro. Larry Barker, Bro.  Phil Knott and the hundreds of missionaries and their families.
-Ministers Resource Services and Director Ronnie Chesser.