Online Logos for April 15, 2006

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Forget About Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting?         

I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me.” (Rom. 7:21).  The “law of sin” in our flesh works against the “law of the inward man.”  Paul says, “I delight in the law of God after the inward man.”  God desires a relationship with human beings based on unconditional love and unconditional loyalty.  The greatest hindrance to that kind of intimacy is our sinful flesh which accommodates the law of sin.”  However, when the Holy spirit possesses the believer, the law of sin has no power in the flesh (Rom. 8:10-14).      

          Any vibrant relationship with God involves a consecrated prayer life.  Many delight to pray according to “the inward man” but fail miserable. Why? We often depend on ourselves and not the Holy Sprit.  The enemy resides in the flesh.  “The carnal mind is enmity against God:  for it is not subject to the law of God; neither indeed can be” (Rom. 8:7). So, a buoyant prayer life includes receiving the Holy Spirit into your life; then daily pay your’ debt of surrender’ to Him.  We are debtors not to the flesh but to the Spirit (Rom. 8:12, 13).

            Instead of planning to pray, surrender to the Holy Spirit.  Without this, the flesh, in which the law of sin operates, will trip you up.  So, even if you put a prayer schedule together, you fail to meet these appointments.  The right approach to prayer is a daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, not planning and mechanics.  Prayer builds a relationship with God.  Too many use prayer to satisfy the needs of the flesh instead of building intimacy with God.  So, we often seek to force God, to answer us on the basis of prayer planning and mechanics.  The outer world of mechanics and devotional planning may be important.  However, they are useless if they do not flow out of relationship with God; which is made possible by the indwelling Spirit of Christ.

            Take a look at our Wednesday Night Prayer and Praise Service.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the law of sin is gaining victory,  through the “flesh” of our members.  The flesh has yielded to the temptation of consumerism.  Hence, the majority of the members are found where fleshly needs are met on any given prayer night.  Sadly, this is done at the expense of a relationship with god.  In the physical body, the apostle warns us not to have sin reign in the flesh.  This results in the member of the body serving sin.

            In like manner, when the body of believers allow consumerism to gain victory in the flesh, the members will serve iniquity and not holiness. (Rom.6:19).  Is it any wonder that the same ungodly acts, (incest, adultery, lying, stealing, fornication, domestic violence, cursing, teen rebellion) which thrive in the secular society find their counterpart in the church?

            The believer needs to pay attention to his/her strategic position.  In a war the soldier stake out a strategic position.  Victory depends on holding on to the strategic position.  The goal of the opposing force is to lure the protagonist away from the strategic position.  Prayer is the believer’s strategic position.  After putting on the whole armor of God, Paul added, “Praying always.” (Eph. 6:18)  The defeat stories in the church, whether they be, sexual immorality, no healing, no employment, failing to finish a project, unfinished task, absenteeism are all due to an abandonment of the strategic position. –Relationship with God. Next week I’ll point out a way to prayer partner ministry.  -Pastor Peter Joseph, Prayer Coordinator

 

19 Precious Souls Baptized At Bahamas Academy Pastor T. Basil Sturrup, Personal Ministries Director of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, conducted the annual Spring Week of Prayer for both the Elementary and Secondary Divisions of Bahamas Academy.  During the First week, Pastor Sturrup addressed the theme “God Made Me Special” and taught the Elementary students five nuggets of truth; through the following sermons.

1. I am created in the image of God
2. I am blessed.
3. I have the freedom to choose.
4. By the grace of God, I want to choose good over evil.
5. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Among the highlights of the first week were lively praise and worship sessions, skits and important health tips including a special presentation by our Health Ministries Director, Pastor Paul Scavella.

During the second week Pastor Sturrup addressed Bahamas Academy’s Secondary Division under the theme “Prayer Changes Things”;  The Holy Spirit continued to move in a marked way on the campus as pastor Sturrup preached powerful sermons teaching teenagers how to use the Bible as the compass for direction in their lives.

Many students commented on the high spiritual tone of the services.  Scores of students responded to altar calls, some to give their hearts to Jesus for the first time, and others to rededicate their lives.  As we approached the second week, Mrs. Elmore Jacques, Sr. Mistress at the Elementary Division, suggested we erect a pool at the school’s gymnasium for the joint baptism and invite the parents of those who will be baptized to attend the final service and come to the altar with their children.

            This was the first time the week of prayer ended with a baptism on the campus; and the students were excited and looked forward to this dramatic conclusion.  On Friday, March 31, 2006, we watched with great joy as parents (most of them non-Adventists) came forward and supported their Children as they were examined to be baptized as members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At the end of the two weeks, nineteen of our precious students began their walk with Jesus and were buried in the watery grave of baptism.

 

Philadelphia’s Seventeenth Anniversary and Pastor’s Appreciation The courts of the Philadelphia resounded with praise and thanksgiving as the members celebrated seventeen years of ministry, under the theme “Enduring the Race…Sustained by His Grace.”  If you know how good God has been, then you know that Psalms 107:1 was a fitting text, calling us to give thanks unto the Lord for His everlasting mercies.

            The Sabbath school, led by Sister Tameika Mamby took the form of a Birthday party with well wishes and musical presentations given to the celebrants.  Inspiration was brought to the hearts of all as the prestigious male quartet of Bahamas Academy presented their gifts in music.  Under the topic ‘Reflection’ a panel consisting of former members enthusiastically discussed the formative years and the anticipated future of the church.

            The Divine Worship Service was two fold as the day was also designated Pastor’s Appreciation Day.  The highlight of the Sabbath celebration was the dynamic preaching of a timely message, ‘It’s Time For Spring Cleaning.” Dr. Michael Toote who is the current pastor, was also appointed inn 1994 as the church’s sixth pastor. Taking his text from Matthew 11:19-23, Pastor Toote expounded on the many ills of our society, some of which are far reaching into the lives of our church members.  He admonished each person to get rid of the strong man, Satan, that is holding them captives and to lay hold continually on the strongest man, Jesus Christ, who will clean us up and keep us clean.

            After a spiritually fulfilling sermon, members and guests were invited to a Sabbath feast to celebrate and appreciate our Pastors.

 

Press Release by Pacific Press Publishing Association As the date for the first-ever Ten Commandments Day, May 7 nears; many Christians are preparing to show their support through public demonstrations, church events, literature distribution, and even the wearing of a Ten Commandments pin.  Meanwhile, Adventists see this as an opportunity to demonstrate that the Ten Commandments are a reflection of God’s perfect, loving character, and that all of the Commandments are still relevant and applicable today.

            Twelve prominent Adventist evangelists,  have joined together with Pacific Press to publish The Ten Commandments Under Attack, a small, inexpensive book to share with non-Adventists.

The Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has placed an initial order for 5,000 copies of this book for distribution to share with friends, family, neighbours and co-workers.

    

 

New Air Time for Adventist Spotlight Adventist Spotlight is now being aired on Friday evenings, at 8:00 on Cable TV 12. 

        

 

Bethany Seventh-day Adentist Church “The Church Where Resurrection Takes Place” You are cordially invited to share with us as we celebrate our Church’s 9^th anniversary.  We begin the weekend with a Vespers service under the stars on Friday, April 21, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. on Fort Charlotte, and a grand Sabbath Celebration on April 22, 2006 beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Please come and enjoy this Bethany experience.  It is one you will not soon forget!!!

           

 

Entrance Exam  The next entrance exam for students wishing to enter grades 1-10 at Bahamas Academy will be held on Friday, April 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the respective divisions (elementary and high school).  Applications are available at the school on Wulff Road and should be submitted by Wednesday, April 19.

            Applications are also being accepted for students at the Early Learning Center.   As space is limited, parents are asked to submit their applications by May 31.

 

1^st  Annual Music Workshop & Conference    will be held from May 14 to 21, 2006 at the Hillview Church.   Register on-line at:   www.bahamasconference.org/musiconference   -Allison Mason (for) EMMN Committee

 

Youth Talent Explosion!!!!! – On stage live and direct!  Come get your Joy On, and experience a great evening of talent and fun APRIL 22, 2006 at 7:45 p.m.  at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets available from your AY and Pathfinder leaders and at the Conference Office.  You just gatta’ be there ! -Erika Perpall

 

West Indies Union Youth Director’s Visit    Pastor Charles Blythe, Youth Director for WIU, will be visiting the Bahamas Conference on the weekend of May 5th - 7th.

 

National youth month is almost here.  The theme for the month is "Empowering Youth for the eradication of Poverty, HIV/ AIDS and Crime." It begins with a commitment service on Sunday, April 30^th, at 6:00 p.m. at Rawson Square.  The annual Youth March will be held on Sunday, May 7th.

Joint Uniform Inspection for all Churches/Clubs in New Providence will now take place on Sunday Morning, April 23^rd at 9 a.m. on the top of hill at Fort Charolette.  All Pathfinders, Eager Beavers, Adventures and Masterguide are asked to meet at that time in full uniform.

 

All AY/Pathfinder/Sports Club Leaders –Please promote Softball Jamboree for April 23-30 and meet with us on April 16 at 9 a.m. at the Living Faith Church.

 

All Persons Interested in Softball - - There will be a meeting at Living Faith tomorrow at 9am at Living Faith Church.  Teams are encouraged to begin softball practice. Newly baptized and young people 10 and above are especially invited to be a part of a church team.  Church colour and softball uniform are encouraged for all games. 

 

 

Publishing Month    This month of April has been designated Publishing Month by our union.  Today is Literature Evangelism Emphasis Day in our Conference.  Let us tell the world about Jesus by distributing our literature.

Publishing Rally and Spirit of Prophecy Emphasis  Everyone is invited to attend a Publishing Rally and Spirit of Prophecy Emphasis on Sunday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant’s Town church.  Training sessions for colporteurs will be held April 24^th & 25.  The Book of the Year, Counsels on Stewardship is now available to members.  Consult your pastor or Lay Activities leader.

 

 

 

Adventist Single Adults Organizing Meeting, Saturday Night (tonight) at 8 o’clock at Grant’s Town Church.  All single adult age 25 to 125 are invited to attend, especially our New Members.

 

Cleanup Day at Campsite, Marshall Road     The next cleanup day will be on Sunday, April 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - contact Sis. Marilyn Bonamy at 393-8507, or 427-3476 for Pastor Andrew Burrows at the Conference Office.

Mary Ingraham Home Hour of Gospel Music  The Hour of Gospel Music at the Mary Ingraham Home 6:p.m. –7p.m. today by Good News Church.   Next week Gambier church is scheduled.

 

 

Sun sets today at 7:31 p.m.