Have you HEARD . . . the Gospel . . .

is the new series we are starting and going into the next few weeks leading up to Easter.  I hope you can be LISTENING each week as we post and preach several messages that we pray will remind and enliven our hearts afresh to the simple message of the Gospel of the Kingdom.
     Most people in this part of the country anyway, have heard the gospel many times.  Yet, have we really HEARD it as the Lord Himself preaches it.  Thankfully, it's recorded just as He preached it and we want to look at it afresh and respond to it afresh.  As the old song says, "Lord send a revival. . . .and let it begin in me."
     Last Sunday we began with the end of Jesus's message of the Kingdom. . .   " come on in and make yourself at home".  That's God's desire.  Indeed the very reason He came and shed His life's blood was to offer that saving invitation to "come unto me (Jesus) and I will give you rest".  In John 15, He invited His disciple's then ( and us now) to "abide in the vine (Himself, Jesus)" .  That to me translates into make myself at home.
     The gospel first and formost is God's desire for His children to COME HOME. . .  COME ON IN! 

EXPECTATIONS for 2013 . . .

Humble YOURSELF in the eye's of the Lord and EXPECT:

a.  God's blessing ( His desire is to lift you up)
b.  Satan's attack  ( his desire is to tear you down)
c.  Jesus's SALVATION ( His power to do this is well documented ... ask Him! )

I Peter 5: 6 - 11

LOOK ...

Back . . .  at what Jesus has done!  By His grace, let us be gospel centered disciples.

Out . . .  at what Jesus is doing!  By His grace, let us be a missional church. 

Up . . .  at who Jesus is! By His grace, let us be a worshiping church.  

Revelation 4 

What matters most. . .

I've lived a very blessed and exciting life.  Having lived and traveled over half the planet, seeing things that most people never see, not to mention that God has allowed me the opportunity to be part of His message delivery system to people about the greatest news and gift ever; all of this to wake up this morning, actually this weekend and realize what is the most important thing about life.  Faith, hope, and love are what God says are at the top, with the greatest being love.
Patsy Wynn's life was characterized by love.  Her family and friends testify that's what characterized her life.  Johnny Humphrey was one of the most faithful people I've ever seen.  He loved life, but lived in such a way that 'life' didn't control him, rather he faithfully lived patiently each day simply trusting God and waiting. 
Now, both of them are very aware of that reward for such love and faithful lives.  Both of them had a simple faith. . . like a mustard seed.  And both were people God used to 'move mountains'.  We may not have seen it or realized it, but one day we will see clearly what God did through both quiet lives. 
"Now we see through a glass darkly, but one day, face to face, we shall see WHAT GOD SEES...clearly.  "
( paraphrase  I Corinthians 13). 

Jack Gilliland, pastor
Rea Valley Baptist Ch.

Hindsight is a faith builder. . . .

     Yes, hindsight is 20 20.  Understanding that you do forget some things, it is always good when you can look back and see what God has done.  Last Friday we went to Ozark to visit an old friend Lorene Brooks.  At almost 92, just out of the hospital from some setbacks from previous surgeries and just plain not feeling good, she still wanted to know "can't I fix you something".  Of course we had brought our KFC bucket to share with her.  What a lady.  Always ready to serve.  And as usual, she had found a little book that she wanted to share with me.  "The Blood of the Atonement".  It was about the all sufficiency of Jesus and His shed blood for all that we need to satisfy the holiness of God.  Jesus is all we need.  It seems everytime I visit with this lady, the Lord uses her insatiable appetite for Jesus to touch my heart once more with a small bite loaded with more than enough spiritual nutrients to last me for the rest of the journey. 
     Several years ago she had found a scripture that intrigued her.  She said, "Jack, what does this mean?".  It was Ephesians 1: 6 where it says we are "accepted in the beloved".  Again, little known to her, God had used her to touch my heart at my deepest need of the moment; assurance of His love and hold on me. 

     All along the journey now as I look back I see these wonderful places of faith building.  Some are difficult times.  Some are comfortable times of ease.  All are remembered as times of God's hand touching my heart with another reminder of His faithfulness.
     Thank you Lord Jesus for that "Sabbath rest" that only you can give, and the leading into "paths of righteousness for your names sake" so we can receive it. 

God bless,
Jack Gilliland

'Sit at the feet of Jesus, and tell them what you see. . ."

     I can't remember where I heard that particular bit of advice, but it has stayed with me for awhile; at least long enough to get locked into my heart to the point it's what I really want to do.  I think it was given to someone heading to the mission field and upon asking advice for how to be a good missionary, that was the reply. 
     Can you think of a better way to describe a disciple of Jesus.  That nails it pretty good.  Our focus is on Him, learning from Him, living by Him and then passing it on. 
     This morning I asked everyone if Jesus was in the other room and you could go there and talk with Him privately would you want to go in?  I think all the hands went up.  That's it.  That's what the Bible studies are all about; getting with Jesus and listening to Him, then telling others. 
     "What a friend we have in Jesus.  All our sins and griefs to bear.  What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer".  
     God bless you in your journey with Him this week.   Isaiah 40:31!

Jack Gilliland, pastor

"Just Married". . .

That was what my college roomate and 'friends' plastered on my 62 Olds, June 1st, 1969.  Sara and I had made the commitment before God, family, and friends and, literally, rode off into the sunset.  Eureka Springs was west of Pyatt.  The happily ever after part took a little work though.  That's just the way it is.  Especially  in the Christian journey.   It's a beginning ( yes, born of God).  Only He can make that initial transformation from 'death to life'.  It's also an adventure of 'faith walking' with Him guiding you by the same grace that He used to save you intially.  That's where the work comes in.  It's trials, errors, and overcomings (victories).  The real joy of this 'roaring lion' infested walk is Jesus walking with you through it.  You learn that He can easily take care of that adversary and change you at the same time.

I'm very excited and encouraged by so many of you who responded last Sunday to "let Jesus change your life, by getting into His Word".   I believe, not only you, but so many all around us are also hungering for the truth that only comes from God.  Let's pray to that effect; that God will create and also satisfy that hunger. 

 " O' taste and see that the Lord is good".  Psalms 34:8. 

My friend, pastor Dale Freeman must have been on this same thought this week because in his notes today he wrote: 

"Perhaps you remember when you first fell in love.  The nervous glow of the first date and ultimately the excitement of the wedding.  Then, after the festivities, you went home and learned to live life together under one roof.   A little less glow and a little more hard work required in building the relationship. "  

God bless as we 'study the Word' together, 
Jack