en http://www.wyattchurch.com © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=142 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=142&article_id=892 Ernie KavanaughJeannie WoldGlenda FiteRobertene BuffingDenise CameronKenneth AndersonEddie SmithVirginia EllisMargie GlassPatty GreggVirginia MendenhallKathy CareyTina RoakJoycelyn CameronBarbara WagesMax AdamsJuanita ShortCathy LeeDory & Angy StilesHerbert HubbardJeri AgertonEduardo BurgosStanley SulliveanHarold EllisAngela StewartJulie PikeRoy TilleyInternational StudentsMembership Matters ClassMaster's BuildersNicaraguaUkraineJacob's WellAlbuquerque, NM Mission TripBasketball MinistryNursing Home & Assisted living ResidentsNew PresidentChurch Family Thu, 2 Sep 2010 09:57:20 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=771 Interested in Wyatt? A new Membership Matters class will begin next Sunday during our Bible study hour at 9am on Sundays. This is a 6 week class designed to familiarize people with God's plan for the church and to give specefic information about becoming a member of Wyatt Baptist Church. For more information about this class please contact the church office at 862-2619 or E-mail info@wyattchurch.com. This class meets in the Membership Matters classroom located in the Welcome Center. Interesado en Wyatt? Una nueva clase de membresia en Wyatt empezara el proximo Domingo durante nuestro Estudio Biblico a las 9am los Domingos. Esta es una clase de 6 semanas disenada para familiarizar a las personas con el plan de Dios para la Iglesia y tambien para dar informacion especifica acerca de convertirse en miembro de la Iglesia Bautista Wyatt. Para mas informacion acerca de esta clase, contacte a las oficinas de la Iglesia al 862-2619 o escriba a info@wyattchurch.com. Esta clase se reune en el salon de Asuntos de membresia localizado en el Centro de Bienvenidas. Walk/Run for the World
 The Lifeword Walk/Run for the World will be on October 9th at Parker's Chapel Football Stadium. Sign-up day will be September 12th for the 3.2 mile event. Volunteers will be available at the sanctuary doors after this morning's service to help people register. Camina/Corre por el Mundo La caminata/Carrera por el Mundo sera el 9 de Octubre en el estadio de Futbol de Parkers Chapel. El dia de Inscripciones sera el 12 de Septiembre para el evento de tres millas y media. Los voluntarios estaran disponibles en las puertas del Santuario despues del servicio de la manana para ayudar a la gente a inscribirse. Good Clean Fun On Monday, September 27th at 6:30pm, Wyatt's senior adults are sponsoring comedian "Sofilthy McNasty." All ages are invited to attend. A love offering will be taken and refreshments will be served afterwards in the Fellowship Hall. Bueno limpio divertido El Lunes 27 de Septiembre a las 6:30pm, los adultos de Wyatt estaran patrocinando al comediante "Sofilthy McNasty". Todas las edades estan invitados a asistir. Una ofrenda de amor sera recogida y se serviran refrescos en el Salon de Companerismo. Children's Church Children's Church will begin next week during our morning worship service. This ministry is for children in Kindergarten through 1st grade only. La iglesia de los Ninos La iglesia de los Ninos empezara la proxima semana en nuestro servicio de adoracion en la manana. Este ministerio es para ninos desde Kinder hasta 1er grado solamente. Deacon's Meeting Postponed The regularly scheduled September Deacon's meeting will be postponed until next Sunday due to the Labor Day weekend. Se pospone la reunion de los Diaconos El horario regular de la reunion de los Diaconos en Septiembre sera pospuesta hasta el proximo Domingo debido al Dia del trabajo. I Peter 4:1-11 I Pedro 4:1-11 Thu, 2 Sep 2010 08:08:50 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=26 September 1, 2010 WeeklyAugust 25, 2010 WeeklyAugust 20, 2010 WeeklyAugust 12, 2010 WeeklyAugust 3, 2010 WeeklyJuly 29, 2010 WeeklyJuly 22, 2010 WeeklyJuly 14, 2010 WeeklyJune 30, 2010 WeeklyJune 24, 2010 WeeklyJune 16, 2010 WeeklyJune 9, 2010 WeeklyJune 2, 2010 Weekly May 27, 2010 WeeklyMay 20, 2010 Weekly May 12, 2010 Weekly May 5, 2010 Weekly April 28, 2010 Weekly April 21, 2010 Weekly April 14, 2010 WeeklyApril 7, 2010 WeeklyMarch 31, 2010 WeeklyMarch 25, 2010 WeeklyMarch 16, 2010 WeeklyMarch 11, 2010 WeeklyMarch 3, 2010 WeeklyFebruary 24, 2010 WeeklyFebruary 17, 2010 WeeklyFebruary 10, 2010 WeeklyFebruary 3, 2010 WeeklyJanuary 27, 2010 WeeklyJanuary 21, 2010 WeeklyJanuary 13, 2010 WeeklyJanuary 6, 2010 Weekly Wed, 1 Sep 2010 10:18:34 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=980 My wife brought to my attention recently an alarming reality. Youth pastors around here go to schools to have lunch with students, but the majority of parents do not. Certainly, it is not wrong for pastors to go see students at school and spend time with them (even this is becoming scarce in our country for various reasons), but why is it that more parents do not take advantage of this? When I was in school, I for some reason did not think parents were ALLOWED to come except on special days or for extreme reasons. But they are YOUR kids! Of course you have the right to go eat lunch with them. So why don't you? My wife says that the brightest student to come through her school system was a kid whose mother would come eat lunch with him all the time. Don't you have a lunch break? Then maybe you should go eat with your child. It could be a powerful ministry in our church if it became common practice for our parents to go once a week to eat with their children at school. It might be a little weird for some of you at first, but maybe after a while it will become something that you and your student look forward to each week. Maybe years down the road they will remember (as my wife does) how mom or dad cared enough about them to come see them at school. As for me, I'm heading to school now to eat lunch with some students. Maybe I'll see you there? Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:44:01 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=979 I am one of those people who enjoys traveling and seeing new places. However, I enjoy the ride just as much as seeing new places. Luckily for me, our trip to Albuquerque was a two day road trip with Rita Jones, Susan Barnes, and Doris Wambui. I knew each in passing, but I am now glad to call them friends. We have many memories but one piece of advice; always check the gas level before Mrs. Rita starts driving. Two people stood out to me while in Rio Rancho. The first person was Brother Anthony Pennington. When we arrived in Rio Rancho, we learned that Brother Pennington, Pastor of All Nations Indian Baptist Church (ANIBC), had been hospitalized for a spider bite. I think he too was reading "Don't waste your life" by John Piper. Brother Pennington takes every opportunity to share Christ's love with each person he meets. The hospital was no exception. Brother Pennington shared his story with a recovering drug addict in the next bed. Although no profession was made, seeds were planted, and we can continue to pray for this young man's salvation. The second person was Brother Ray Perry. He is the living example for Piper's book. Brother Ray took early retirement some twenty-five years ago and surrendered to full time ministry. Brother Ray has a weekly bible study at the Navaho Reservation; about a four hour drive ONE WAY in Window Rock, Arizona! Brother Ray is also actively involved in the church, has a television ministry, and probably a few other ministries I am forgetting. When God closes one door for Brother Ray, two more are opened. Our purpose was to minister to ANIBC through Vacation Bible School. I believe the church ministered more to us. Please continue to pray for AINBC as they minister to their community. Please pray for Brother Ray as he travels and his ministry on the reservation. Please pray for the reservation, drug abuse and alcoholism are major issues facing the people. Please pray about your involvement with ANIBC. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:37:49 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=975 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:37:49 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=943 Previously, Peter has made clear the call for Christians to suffer. Now, in chapter four, he continues this theme by describing the manner in which we should suffer. In I Peter 4:1-11, we will study what a lifestyle of Christian suffering looks like. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:37:49 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=135 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=135&article_id=511 A Book Review By Adam Thomas It is a regular occurrence at my house. I’m turning up couch cushions. I’m opening and slamming drawers and cabinets. My face is red and I’m muttering inaudibly. The wife and kids watch my depravity in full display. It may be a misplaced remote, a checkbook, or a pocketknife, but nothing sets my emotions off like a lost object. The scenario almost always plays out the same way. At some point during my frantic search, the blame will be directed towards my wife in a statement like, “Why do you move things around? It was right here yesterday!” Nine out of ten times things will calm down and I will find the object right where I had placed it. I then have to go to my wife and confess to her what a big idiot she married. Usually the fault lies with me, yet time and time again I bet on myself. Why? Because, it is human nature to have a higher opinion of ourselves than reality dictates. Though we will all admit that we sin, can we really echo Paul in saying we are the “chief of sinners”? If we really plumbed the depths of our sinfulness, what would we find out about ourselves? What would we discover about God’s grace? What would it change about our human relationships, especially our marriages? In Dave Harvey’s book, When Sinners Say “I Do,” he helps us discover the power of the Gospel for marriage relationships. We tend to gloss over what is haunting our marriages. We say we are having “marriage issues” or “marriage problems,” as if marriage is the problem. The real problem is that both parties in the marriage relationship are sinners who love their sin. When we turn to Christ, we receive the spirit but maintain our old sinful flesh. This is when the real battle begins, which will be fought across every battlefield of our lives. However, the battle will be most visible in our marriages. In no area can we display our old selfish flesh than with the one with whom we most intimately share our lives. While God has shown forbearance towards our rough edges, we demand that our spouses change now or else. Though God killed His Son to give us forgiveness, we refuse forgiveness to our spouse. What is wrong with this picture? Dave Harvey has found the answer. Dr. Harvey has grasped what is missing from so much of marriage counseling: a nice, healthy dose of the Gospel. What is the Gospel? It is the bad news that I am a wretched sinner followed by the amazingly good news that Christ took the wrath that I deserved so that I could receive forgiveness. Imagine the power of the Gospel harnessed for your marriage! Imagine examining yourself as a sinner before placing undue blame upon your spouse. And even greater, imagine that even when your spouse is to blame, you approach their sin in the same way that Christ approached ours - with amazing grace and extravagant forgiveness. I strongly commend this book to married couples of all ages. From the newlyweds who have no idea their depths of their new spouse’s sins (or their own) to the one who fears they could possibly be married to the anti-Christ, we are all in need of the message of this book: the Gospel unleashed on our marriages. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:48 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=978 Most everyone loves to travel, see different places, different people, experience different foods and different sights. But on a mission trip you have a specific plan to travel to a special place to benefit specific peoples or groups outside your own culture. And the great thing about this is that you don’t necessarily have to leave the US. The trip to New Mexico and the All Nations Indian Baptist Church was planned for the same time again - 3rd week in June - we went to the same place, ANIBC in Rio Rancho, NM with the same task - putting on a Vacation Bible School for the children of the church and community. Same... but different as well. One thing I have learned in the last two years is that we go as servants, we are part of a team with a common goal - Ambassadors for Christ. We were so encouraged this year with people from ANIBC joining with us. The goal next year is that we are there to support them as they teach. We are also so excited about the possibility of serving at the Navajo Reservation in Window Rock, AZ with a Bible school. A small group of us traveled to the reservation and met with a home bible study from the Community Church on the reservation. The people there were very excited about the possibility of us coming. The Christians on the reservation face many difficulties in ministering and evangelizing to the people. Cultural beliefs are prevalent, and sometimes natives are rejected and expelled from the reservation upon proclaiming Jesus Christ. Also there is a on-going problem with the Muslim population growth and a lot of Navajo women marrying into Islam. The trip to the reservation will be a whole lot different that what we have experienced, but I am so excited to join with our Navajo brothers and sisters in Christ. Mother Teresa said, “We can do no great things, only small things with love.” A mission trip to New Mexico or Arizona is not a "great" thing, but by showing God’s love and caring for people outside of our comfort surroundings, we can do "small" things for our Great God. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:15 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=977 By Laura Little. Wow. I have recently returned home from my very first mission trip. Jessica Brown, Ryan Taylor, Wes Taylor, and I traveled to Ukraine for 12 days to work with the Kanaykins and a local church to run a children's day camp in the village of Kalush. What an experience! Laura and Andrey are wonderful to work with, and they continue to be such a blessing to so many people all around the globe. I know they would appreciate your continued prayers as they serve God in the Ukraine. The children's camp was phenomenal! We had between 250 and 300 children there daily, and what stood out to me most was how hungry these children are for God's Word! I didn't know what to expect on the first day of camp. I didn't know if I would be speaking to them about something foreign that they had never heard of, or if they would even be accepting about what we were there to talk about. But these kids blew me away. A lot of them know who Jesus is, and they just couldn't get enough of it! We taught bible study to very large groups, sometimes as large as 60 or more children at a time, and in most cases they were so well-behaved. They just crave hearing more about Him, and they want to know everything that they can! Other than bible study, the children also participated in crafts, music, and sports. They are so appreciative of us coming, spending time with them, showing them attention, and teaching them about our amazing Savior. And they let you know all day long by all the hugs and smiles they give you. Language was no barrier when it came to loving these children. Thank you so much for your prayers and support while we were there. We could definitely feel all of the prayers being lifted up for us and the ministry opportunity we had. Please continue to pray that God uses the local church there to plant seeds in that community for God's love. Also, please don't miss out on a chance to get involved in missions. You never know how many lives will be changed because of your involvement Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:15 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=976 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:15 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=969 Our Lord tells us to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe everything that he commands (Matt 28:19-20). Rather than an empty, heartless proselytizing or a matter of mere recruitment, this order from Jesus is for those who know him to share their very lives with others who do not. It is about sharing the truth of Jesus with others. It is about sharing the love of Jesus with others. It is about sharing our lives, as we follow Jesus, with every tribe, tongue, and nationality of people. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:15 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=919 By: Oscar Gaitan, Nicaragua.  A group of 17 people  from Wyatt Baptist Church,  El Dorado, AR and 5 people from Catarina, Nicaragua left Monday, March 22 at 5am traveling to Espavel, in the rain forest of Nicaragua.  We arrived at 6pm the same day.  We worked in four different teams:  dental clinic, Bible school for children, visiting homes and giving talks on hygiene, and four professors began what is now a branch of the Bible Institute in Espavel. This is the third Bible institute in Nicaragua.  The eleven institute students could not believe that in their community they had the privilege of having Bible classes with great professors.  At the beginning of this project, our goal was to have two class meetings per year due to distance and cost, but seeing their interest and happiness they showed, we are now going to have three meetings per year: March, July and November.  For the months of July and November, you must travel 7 hours by car and the next four hours by horse or walking.  San Francisco de Asis is a community about 25 minutes ahead of Espavel.  It has about 25 houses and a population of about 250.  It is a new community just formed with one street that can be seen from a small mountain.  We decided to go visit with the Wyatt group to have an afternoon of evangelism.  The evangelism coins were passed out in all of the town, and we were very happy when two young ladies gave their lives to Christ.  We immediately invited them to travel back with us to Espavel and present them to the church in the service that night.  On the way back, Mrs. Tamy did not waste time to give them the first lesson in our discipleship lesson to Corina and Cristina: 1) We are born again 2)vWe are no longer a part of this world and 3) We have a place in heaven.  These two young ladies were presented to the two men who have been traveling to this place to evangeliza and were going to look for a lady who would continue the discipleship lessons.  The father of the two young ladies gave permission to open his home for a cell group (what we call action center) in his home.  He also accompanied his two daughters and had the opportunity to listen to the evangelistic message.  The church in Espavel did not stop thanking God for not only having Wyatt Baptist Church visiting but also for the first two seeds from San Francisco de Asis, which has now become a new mission point.  Your prayers are asked for the next trip in July, where we will visit again.   Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:15 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=899 Our church will be sending a team to the remote village of Espavel during Spring break. This will be our fourth trip to work with the church there. The best way to describe our trips to the village of Espavel, Nicaragua is cumulative progress. By God's grace, with each trip we find ourselves more effective for the unique work that God has for us among these wonderful people. This year we have organized our team into three distinct teams that are focusing in different areas of ministry. Our Outreach Team has planned out several creative ways to reach out to the children and adults to express the love of Christ. Our Medical Team will be addressing medical and dental needs of the people while also sharing the answer to their spiritual needs. Lastly, our institute team will be training church leaders for the work of the ministry. These leaders live in remote areas where it is difficult to find opportunities for education. We are honored to carry an education to them. It is less than a month until our departure and we covet your prayers. Your Team: Adam and Kristel Thomas, Mark and Vicki Harmon, John and Angelia Dolden, Mike and Tina Brown, Jay and Elizabeth Glass, Kelly Bishop, Tim Bolin, John Davis, Scott attebery, Michael Matthews, Clif Johnson, and Garett Taylor. Items we are Collecting for the trip: Make-up bags, bandaids, Triple Antibiotic cream, travel-size shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, lotion, antibacterial gel, clippers, chapstick, adult/kid shoes, finger/toenail clippers, fingernail files, toothpaste, tooth brushes, floss, hair combs/ brushes, Old Reading glasses, soccer balls, balloons, candy. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:15 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=873 By John & Angelia Dolden. "Are you available?" the question was asked. "Sure" we said, all the time feeling a little unsure. Mark called on Friday to ask if we could fill in on Saturday and pick up the International Students at SAU. He had the whole day planned, with the help of "his team," we just needed to drive the van. Anything to help, so off we go. What a surprise! We had such a great day. We met our new friends at "10ish" and drove to ElDorado. We had wondered "What do we say?" "What do we talk about?" That took care of itself! They had questions about us, we asked questions about them. We wondered "Will they be bored?" NO! They ate pizza at "Main Street Pizza," meeting Betty Perdue, Angie and Ava Joiner, and the Hymer's. Tommy Seabolt gave us a tour of Murphy USA after lunch and we finished our walking tour of the square. The rest of the afternoon was spent bowling and watching a movie. Our day ended with a fire pit, roasted hot dogs, and s'mores hosted by the Warrens and part of the "Cool Kids" of our church. Our guests laughed and talked, thoroughly enjoying the whole day. Everyone signed up to come again in November! As we returned them to SAU a young lady asked "When will we see you again? This day "has been like a surprise package for us" she said. You never know what God will do when you are available. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:15 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=855 Team Ukraine is currently on mission. While in the former Soviet nation, they will travel to the city of Kalush. In Kalush, they will work with a local church to minister to children and families. One of the main activities will be a children's day camp where children will learn Scripture, practice English, play games, and make crafts. During two evenings, the team will provide "Family Nights" to attract the children's parents to the church. Please pray for these efforts to support ministry in Ukraine. Team members include Jenna Tucker, Wes Taylor, Mark & Vicki Harmon, Jeffery Harmon, Scott Attebery, Katie Fleming, Jessica Brown, and Michael Rogers. The Team Ukraine Discussion Board is up and running. To leave messages and read posts from the team, login with your username and password. Then, click on "Ukraine Discussion Board" under the heading "Messages with Recent Activity." Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:15 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=847 Our mission endeavors at Wyatt continue to expand into new and exciting areas.  This summer we will not only be ministering to people groups through international trips, we will also be ministering to a very special people group right here inside our own borders.  This people group is Native Americans.  This Sunday morning a team of 16, made up of  people from all ages, will be leaving for Albuquerque, New Mexico.  They will be taking the Sonrock Bible School that we used here at Wyatt and will present it at All Indian Nations Baptist Church.  Our team will be working with Native American pastors Merrit Youngdeer and Raymond Perry.  This team is a very diverse team made up of people from all ages.  Please keep them in your prayers as they travel.  Pray that God will use them to minister to the people and plant gospel seeds that the All Nations Baptist Church can water in the days ahead.    Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:53:15 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12&article_id=341 You may download this week's questions here: Questions for 1 Peter 3:13-22 (08/29/2010) You may download previous weeks' answers here: Answers for 1 Peter 3:1-12 (08/22/2010) Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:56:39 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=12&article_id=265 At Wyatt, we believe that it is easier to master one subject at a time rather than three or four. For this reason, we coordinate our Sunday Bible studies with our preaching. This way, we study together in a series of sermons, lessons, and discussions based on one book of the Bible at a time. In Bible study, we discuss a passage, in the worship service we hear the passage expounded, and on Sunday evenings we have a Q&A time on the passage. During the week, each member has questions to study for the next week's Bible study. By the end of a series, our goal is for our people to have a working knowledge of the book. Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:21:21 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=83&article_id=348 During the five-week study, participants learn: • Why Christ established the church, • Who can become a part of the church, and • How to join and participate in the church. Additionally, Membership Matters provides detailed information regarding the structure and beliefs of Wyatt Baptist Church. Each session familiarizes participants with Wyatt's philosophy of ministry, including • What we do, • Why we do it, and • How we do it. The class is open to anyone interested in Wyatt! If you are interested in participating in the upcoming class, please call the church office at 862-2619 or click here to send us an email. Please include your name, age, and if anyone will join you in the class. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:14:35 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=974 In the text last Sunday the congregation learned that they are called out by God to "proclaim the Excellencies of him who called them out of darkness into his marvelous light." At the end of the sermon the people of Wyatt were invited to participate in an immediate opportunity to obey this verse and proclaim Christ's excellencies to our community. The Salvation Army gave Wyatt the opportunity to bless the children of this community by providing school supplies for them. Backpacks were purchased and lists were placed in them of the various supplies needed at various schools. One hundred of these backpacks were placed at the front of the auditorium. It was a blessing to see person after person pick up these packs until they were all quickly claimed. This Thursday night at the Salvation Army boys and girls will receive this small blessing that will hopefully inspire them in their education efforts. It is a great blessing when the church sets up an opportunity such as this to proclaim Christ to our community. However, a greater blessing is members constantly looking around in their neighborhoods, schools, or jobs for special opportunities to proclaim the excellencies of the King who bought them. This is what can truly bring the knowledge of Christ to a community. Let's be that kind of church! Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=935 Be part of a Summer Community Group that is meeting in your area each Wednesday evening this Summer. This is a great opportunity to grow together as you build relationships with other church members. This Summer's study, "Don't Waste Your Life," will challenge you to evaluate your lifestyle in light of the gospel. Be sure to purchase your copy of the book and study guide for a total of $10 in the Wyatt Bookstore. To find a group meeting in a home near you, please call the church office. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=877 Father, we thank you for your continued grace in our congregation. You have been merciful to us in our sin and gracious to us in your blessings. We praise you for the righteousness you have given us in Christ. By His blood alone we are saved. We thank you for the ministry you have created for us. We find our greatest joy in serving you as we serve others. We exalt you for your work among the nations. It is our honor to join with missionaries around the world in proclaiming your name. Finally, we thank you for each other. You have knitted our congregation together for your purpose. Every time we gather together, we are reminded of our dependency upon you. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=832 On March 31, Wyatt hosted a "Job Skills Seminar" in conjunction with the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce and South Arkansas Workforce Development. The seminar speakers presented tips on writing resumes, preparing for job interviews, and continuing education. Participants were able to collaborate with church volunteers in order to create and print resumes at special computer stations setup in the church lobby. At the same time, several local businesses took applications for employment during the event. Informational tables were set up by local institutions to answer questions about continuing education and financial changes respectively. The seminar provided a great opportunity for unemployed residents to connect with potential employers, prepare for interviews, sharpen job-search skills, and learn about education opportunities. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to serve our community and make the "Job Skills Seminar" a success. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=829 Auction bidding has closed after raising between $6,000 - $7,000 for missions! This summer we will be sending mission teams to Chicagoland, New Mexico, Nicaragua, and Ukraine. The money raised during this online auction will go directly toward sending our teams on these trips. Click here to view the auction and learn more about the Missions Ministry of Wyatt Baptist Church. Thank you for bidding! You may also read articles and view pictures from previous mission trips by clicking on our missions link. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=826 On Tuesday March 31, Wyatt will host a Job Skills Seminar from 1-5pm.  The event will provide help and information for unemployed individuals in our community.  Sessions will include tips for resume writing, improving interview skills, learning about training opportunities, understanding retirement roll-overs, and finding insurance for children.  If you are unemployed, or know someone who is unemployed, please invite them to this event.  To see a brochure for the event, click here. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=816 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=814 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=798 By: Vicki Harmon Thanks to all who participated as host homes for the SAU students during their Thanksgiving break. It was truly a blessing to be around these young people who are new to our country; culture; and in most cases, religion. There were sixteen students who were housed by fourteen Wyatt families. They were thrilled at the love and attention they received. One young man said that he was "unexpectedly surprised at the fun he had" while staying in El Dorado and traveling with his host family. The Bible urges us to, "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers..." It is our prayer that God was glorified by the love shown to these students. It has been said that El Dorado is conveniently located two hours away from anything! We now know that this is not true. There is a foreign mission field only 30 minutes from our church. SAU enrolls students from over 30 countries. What a unique opportunity we have to share Christ with students from various religious backgrounds in our own homes. Please join together as a church praying that people of all nations will see Christ in our lives as we demonstrate his love through hospitality. If anyone would like to host a student during the Christmas holidays, please see Mark Harmon or Jennifer Philips. Could there be a more perfect way to honor our Lord than by giving of ourselves during the season celebrating his birth? Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=772 By: Jenna Tucker Wyatt is once again partnering with the Salvation Army for another exiting ministry opportunity. "God's Leading Ladies" is a weekly Bible Study for girls ages 12-18 held on Thursday nights at the Salvation Army. The meetings are led by Kathy Sullivan, Tara Morgan, Angie Joiner, and Jenna Tucker. After witnessing the success of the Basketball Ministry, both Kathy and Tara were convicted about beginning a ministry for teenage girls. A meeting over the summer with Salvation Army Captain Paulette Marvels confirmed that there was a need for such a ministry, and plans were made to begin in the fall. Angie and Jenna joined the ministry after hearing Kathy and Tara speak of it during summer community group meetings. God has already blessed this ministry in so many ways! There are new faces almost every week, and the girls have been very receptive to the Bible lessons presented. The girls are given a weekly scripture verse to memorize; and those who can recite their verse the following week are entered into a drawing for a small prize. The discipline of scripture memorization has been a blessing to both students and leaders. "We are all memorizing scriptures with the girls and I have accountability through them as well," says Angie Joiner. "They depend on us to bring them God's Word each week and I have enjoyed studying with them." It is our prayer that God will use the relationships being formed to lead those who are lost to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. For those who already know Christ, the weekly meetings serve as a great encouragement to walk daily in our faith. "This ministry has been a blessing to me and I feel the relationships that are formed will be lifelong relationships," says Kathy Sullivan. "I am looking forward to lives being changed and commitments being made to God." Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=756 Wyatt was blessed with additional visitors Sunday as several guys from the Monday night basketball ministry were in attendance for our first ever "Basketball Sunday." The morning service highlighted how God has worked through the basketball ministry and how it has been utilized to spread the Gospel. The service included video interviews and testimonies from those involved with the ministry. Those who stayed for the fellowship afterward enjoyed great food and a skills competition. Several members helped prepare the food and fixings which included around 160 grilled hamburgers and a grand supply of picture perfect desserts. The skills competition soon followed and included a three-point contest. Bro. Scott and Bro. Adam highlighted the event with some fierce competition that ultimately ended in a tie, one point lower than Tara Morgan's score. Other participants, including a few deacons, also posted high scores only to be outdone by a Monday night regular. Congratulations to "Tell" who won the event! Thanks to everyone who prepared food and worked to serve others on this special day! Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=754 Eight teams made up of over 25 men participated in Wyatt's first ever pre-season hunting competition. Over 1,250 rounds were shot in the skeet competition. Much more skeet survived than we care to admit. The members of the winning skeet shoot team were: Chris Whidden (highest individual score), Jonathan Loftin, and T.J. Thurlkill. Three teams also participated in a walk-through-the-woods bow shoot where each person shot 16 arrows at various 3D animal targets. The members of the winning bow shoot team were: Keith Joiner (highest individual score), Dwayne Warren, and Joseph Austin. The fellowship was great and we got to enjoy meeting many family and friends of our church members. A big thank you to the Hall family who opened their property to us and did an amazing job at setting up the competitions. Happy hunting to all our outdoor enthusiasts. Keep your eyes open for information on our Post-Season Beast Feast. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=731 Tuesday, September 2nd marked the start of a new twist on our ministry to the Salvation Army, as one of our summer community groups planned to serve a meal to an expected 50 people who regularly eat dinner there. However, God had a different plan in mind! With Hurricane Gustav threatening the coastline, the Salvation Army hosted over 40 evacuees in addition to their regular residents. With the additional people, the number anticipated for the meal almost doubled with only a days' notice. With an "all hands needed on deck" call to Wyatt members, over 35 people responded and helped by recruiting and organizing volunteers, preparing food, donating needed funds, food, and supplies, serving the meal, visiting with and ministering to the people there, washing dishes and cleaning up. Not only were we able to help the evacuees and residents, we also aided the Salvation Army staff because we gave the kitchen staff (who had been working long hours to accommodate the extra people) a night off. What an awesome blessing to see our church members work shoulder to shoulder to be like Christ's "hands and feet" in serving our neighbors in need. Thank you to everyone who had a part in helping. This aspect of ministry is not over, though. The Salvation Army has invited us to prepare and serve a meal once a month. Would you be willing to help with this ministry? If you would be interested in being on a Salvation Army Meal Team, please contact the church office. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=26&article_id=690 By Katie Sandifer Local Christian band, Solace Found, presented a concert at Wyatt on Friday, August 15. The band performed songs from their debut album, Perfect Mystery, as well as some other contemporary worship melodies. Several hundred people of all ages attended the event and experienced a great time of worship! With the new school year approaching, worship leader, Aaron Williams, challenged students and adults alike to live a life of worship, glorifying Christ and spreading the gospel at every opportunity. A love offering was taken to benefit a BMA family serving this next year as missionaries to China. The new CD, Perfect Mystery, is available for download on iTunes and amazon.com. CDs may be purchased at cdbaby.com. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:51:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151&article_id=961 Our worship services are Christ-centered and encouraging. Each Sunday, families gather to exalt the Lord together through relevant music, passionate prayer, and challenging sermons. Everything we do is grounded in God's Word. Mon, 2 Aug 2010 16:57:27 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151&article_id=962 Are you planning to visit Wyatt this Sunday? Let us know if you have any questions or need special assistance. Email us at info@wyattchurch.com. Sun, 1 Aug 2010 16:16:01 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151&article_id=967 We want your child to love God and enjoy being in church. Our nursery ministry, First-Steps preschool ministry, and Kid's Club children's ministry all strive to minister to your children in a safe, loving environment. Each of our volunteers are screened through background checks for your child's safety. Additionally, a child identification process and video monitoring system promote security for your child. We believe your child will love the creative teaching and age-appropriate activities provided. Sun, 1 Aug 2010 16:14:41 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151&article_id=966 Greeters are located at all of our church's major entrances to assist you in finding everything you need. The most convenient entrance is located in front of the main building under the drive-through. This will place you in our "welcome center" lobby where child-care, restrooms, and the sanctuary are all just a few steps away! Volunteers in the "welcome center" are eager to assist you and your family. Sun, 1 Aug 2010 16:14:37 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151&article_id=965 There is no official "dress code" for attending Wyatt. Most of our congregation wears "business casual" clothing. Others dress more casually, while others dress more formally. We are far more concerned with who you are rather than what you wear. Sun, 1 Aug 2010 16:14:33 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151&article_id=964 Our main services meet on Sundays at 10am and 6pm. Bible study classes are also offered for all ages at 9am. Sun, 1 Aug 2010 16:14:29 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151&article_id=960 Attending a new church can be intimidating. You may have dozens of questions running through your mind. Which door should I enter? Where do I take my children? What should I wear? We want to set your mind at ease, so here are some frequently asked questions about our church. Sun, 1 Aug 2010 16:14:14 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=151&article_id=963 Sun, 1 Aug 2010 16:14:12 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=950 Occasionally, a church member will ask, "Why don't we have revivals?" To which I sometimes answer, "I don't know, but I wish God would send one soon -don't you?" Of course, I know what they are really asking. "Why don't we have a series of services set aside each year for preaching and singing?" First, let me say that I love preaching and I love singing. And I don't have a problem with setting aside a series of services. However, I do have a problem with getting the cart before the horse. Revival is the supernatural moving of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of men drawing them to repent of their sins and follow Christ more vigorously. During revival, the backsliders become worshippers, the self-absorbed become Christ-infatuated, and the nominal become evangelizers. True revival is evidenced by vast changes in the way believers talk, serve, work, and live. Over the history of Christianity, God has never sent revival because a church schedules services, hires a preacher, arranges for musicians, or invites crowds (This is where the cart gets before the horse). God has promised revival "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (II Chron. 7:14) This is the way it has always worked. Pick any famous revival in history (First & Second Great Awakenings, Welsh Revival, etc.) and you will find they all started the same way: By men and women pleading with God to awaken their souls by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, God begins moving -not in specially designed services, but in weekly scheduled Sunday services. When the Holy Spirit moves, the blaze can spread like wildfire. Families spend hours upon hours together in worship. Some depart from the services evangelizing throughout the community and returning to report to the church family. Others go directly to the homes of loved ones who have strayed from the Lord in order to plead with them for their souls. Often during revival, so many people are being revived that they determine to meet again before the next Sunday. And this is where we find the other answer to the original question: The reason we haven't scheduled revival services recently is because we haven't experienced revival recently. Which leads us to a simple conclusion: If you want to have these kinds of services at Wyatt, will you join me in pleading with God to send revival? "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" (Psalm 85:6) Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:00:29 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=938 "The God of the Christians is a God who makes the soul feel that He is her only good, that her only rest is in Him, that her only delight is in loving Him; and who makes her at the same time abhor the obstacles which keep her back, and prevent her from loving God with all her strength." These are the words of Blaise Pascal, the renowned scientist, inventor, philosopher, psychologist, and mathematician of the seventeenth century. Pascal was a child prodigy who mastered Latin and Greek by age twelve, solved the mystery of conic sections and wrote a treatise anticipating projective geometry by age sixteen, and discovered the famous lemma in mathematics shortly thereafter (now known as Pascal's theorem). This genius went on to invent the first adding machines and the world's first city bus system in Paris. Beyond all of his extensive knowledge and skills, however, was a faith set ablaze in Christ. After reading Christ's prayer in John seventeen, Pascal experienced personal revival. He resolved to live a life submitted to the Lordship of Christ. Immediately, he sold all of his belongings and gave them to the poor (he was a wealthy man). He even took on a pen name so that all of his future writings would not tempt him toward pride. If there were ever a man who could boast in his own knowledge and skill, it would be Blaise Pascal. However, before his death, he wrote: Self-will will never be satisfied, though it should have command of all it would; it we are satisfied from the moment we renounce it. Without it we cannot be discontented; with it we cannot be content. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:00:29 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=570 By: Adam Thomas What defines a hero? Is it someone who can swing a bat, throw a ball, or run the fastest? Is it someone who overcomes illness or the one who dies with strength and dignity? Is it the man who builds a company from the ground up or the mother of three that tirelessly does the laundry? Is it the soldier on the battlefield or the fireman in the city? There are many definitions of what it means to be a hero. As Christians we can all agree that the missionaries who labor tirelessly to bring the hope of Christ to a lost and dying world are some of the greatest heroes that the world will ever know. Last week at Wyatt we were able to welcome just such a hero. Oscar Gaitan serves in the country of Nicaragua. He is a hero that wears many masks. He is the Associate Pastor at Center of Life Baptist Church in Catarina, Nicaragua. He is Director of Missions for the entire country of Nicaragua where he oversees 20 churches and 13 missions. He also oversees the very popular youth program called Intino. He is also a very dedicated husband to Tamy and a father to his four-year-old daughter, Lydia. Many days he can be found driving the muddy roads of the backcountry bearing food, supplies, and words of encouragement for the local pastors. He works tirelessly to not only make converts for Christ, but to also make true disciples of Christ. He will never admit that he is a hero, but those of us who have seen it firsthand know the truth. Oscar is not a hero because he is great on his own, but because he serves a great God who by his grace has been using Oscar to do amazing things. The members of Wyatt did an amazing job of hosting Oscar during his visit last week. Darius and Sylvia Stubbs opened their home to Oscar and became what he called, "My new mom and poppa." Oscar was able to go out with our Spanish Evangelism Team and make contacts on Wednesday night. We had a wonderful fellowship on Friday night with music and testimony from Bro. Oscar and past Nicaragua team members. It was wonderful to have the members of the Summer 2008 Nicaragua Team from First Baptist Church of Springhill join with us that night. Also, Oscar was able to visit several of our local pastors with Mark Harmon. In true South Arkansas-redneck style, he had his first experience of skeet shooting. He was also able to take on the high school soccer team. He ate countless meals that our people prepared, including a progressive dinner planned by Elizabeth Glass. During the morning service on Sunday, Oscar helped us experience a taste of the future throne room of heaven when every tongue will sing praises to God. On Sunday night we were able to hear Oscar preach through a translator. Many churches in the area graciously canceled their services to give us what was probably the largest Sunday night crowd in the history of Wyatt. After donations from some generous givers and a love offering on Sunday night, God provided a way for use to give over $6,000 for the work in Nicaragua. Needless to say, we welcomed a true missionary hero last week. As his plane touches back down in Nicaragua, our hearts soar high with the joy that only comes through the presence of a true servant of God. May we all take Bro. Oscar's zeal for Christ and apply it to our lives as we seek to serve God in the mission field of our lives. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:59:52 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=515 By Mark Livingston, Pastor Keltys First Baptist Church in Lufkin, TX Some church members actually want the pastoral staff to chase after them. They neglect their duty to fulfill their membership vows to the church, and they do not attend the gathering of the church (Hebrews 10:25). Often when I express concern to these church members about their lack of attendance they will say, "Well, it's about time you noticed I was out." Or, "Yes, I know I have been gone, but no one bothered to call me and I have been out for a month." In other words, they are saying, "Why didn't you chase after me?" Of course, there are those members who just don't want you to notice their absence at all. That's an argument for another time. As a pastor I am burdened by these responses of these absent members, yet I am also moved with compassion. On the one hand I hear the cry of these people saying they feel neglected. I want to be there for them and love them in Christ. I am sorry they feel neglected. I am regretful that it took months to notice they were gone. On the other hand, I wonder how a Christian, who has known Christ for years, can have such an immature faith. I think the answer to this dilemma is two-fold. First, pastors should know their sheep. We (the pastoral staff) should make as much effort and attempt to care for the lost sheep of the fold. Still, we are going to invariably miss some. Pray for us that we would have the strength, wisdom and stamina to do such a job. Give us grace when we fail. Secondly, each member must mature enough in their faith to understand their responsibility to the church. You do have a responsibility to this church body if you are a member. Your responsibility is spelled out in the church covenant. You promised to attend, give, pray, love, and encourage one another when you joined our church. Members, we should all be seeking to do that if we are physically able! If we refuse to do these things due to laziness, self-pity, selfishness or even busy lifestyles then we are in sin. That fault lies with no one but yourself. Are you angry that no one has chased after you? Be careful. You may not be chasing after your membership duties! Build one another up and encourage one another. We all can do that to minister to the body. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:59:52 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=509 A new article on eldership entitled "God's Wisdom in Church Government" has been posted. To read it, click here. To view our church policy on elders, click here. To read an excerpt from the book "Elders & Leaders," click here. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:59:52 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=501 By Jonathan Baird Matthew 6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? So I was going to the Opthamologist today and was running a bit late. I hadn't had my normal morning snack and was kind of worried about the prospect of having something seriously wrong with my eye. I signed in at the front window and waited anxiously as they called one patient after another. It was my turn to go in the back to where they go through standard procedures before seeing the doctor. They tested my eyesite and gave me some drops to numb my eyes. I've never been to an eye doctor in my life and never had anybody touch my eyeball with any kind of instrument that I remember. The nurse pulls out this contraption that checks your eyes for glaucoma. She touches my eyeball with this thing and it tests my eye pressure. At this point I began to get a little woozy, but I preach to myself "No, you are a man, pull it together, don't be a wimp!" I remember being in a field Emily was there, perhaps Addie and Piper as well. It was very remniscent of the end of Gladiator where Maximus sees his family and is in a sort of euphoria even though his untimely death is drawing near. It was a very relaxing place perhaps like what heaven will be, but then to my chagrin and embarrassment I awoke on the floor, my head resting on the base of an optometric machine. I dragged myself back into my seat and sat there hyperventilating and not being able to see very well. Apparently my lack of blood sugar, the anxiety over the impending diagnosis of my eye, and the experience of a piece of metal touching my cornea all colluded to send me into hypoglycemic shock. They sat me down in a more stable chair and gave me a package of crackers and a bottle of water. I was sweating profusely and my vision was very splotchy. Eventually, after eating and drinking, I felt fine again. The doctor continued his eye exam only to tell me that my eyes were perfectly normal. Jesus gives us a very practical bit of wisdom in Matthew 6:27. What if my eye had been abnormal and my eyesight had been in trouble? Would my worrying about it have changed the outcome? No, and in this case it could have caused me to subtract a few hours from my life span. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:59:52 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=354 By Pastor Mark Livingston, Keltys First Baptist Church, Lufkin, TX. We are needy people! Believers need one another if they are to successfully live out the Christian life. Christianity is impossible to live out in a singular, individualistic fashion. There are many reasons why that is true, such as the need for sharing spiritual gifts with one another (1 Cor. 12), the need to spur one another on to show love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24), the need for exhortation and admonishment (Col. 3:16), and the need to be part of a body that gives you fellowship and support (Ephesians 4:12-13). You simply cannot live out the Christian life without other people. Therefore, if you forsake meeting and gathering with your church, then you are denying your spiritual life a basic need that should be present. Some deny this need and suffer spiritually for it. Malnourished Christians are those who do not meet regularly with other believers for prayer, support, encouragement, and admonishment in the Word of God. We all have a decision to make concerning church. In the last few decades, church in America has somewhat become another business competing for clients. This is not the fault of the church entirely. The church membership is equally at fault. Why? Because some families see church very similar to a McDonald's restaurant. You go when you want to or you go when you can. You go as long as the family is happy with the choice and the play land keeps the kids happy. If there is a sports event, Saturday late night activity, gymnastics, or hunting trip, then "McJesus" can wait. If everyone else in the neighborhood decides to go to Burger King, then your family may as well join them. No need to commit to anything at "McJesus." After all, it is just a business. The problem with this new trend in Christianity is that it is not Christian at all. Church is the body of Christ, not the place for bodily consumption. Therefore, we have a decision to make as believers. What attitude are we going to adopt, that of the culture or that of the Scripture? Every family is going to have to tackle some hard questions on this issue at some point. For example: Are we going to turn this national church trend around by committing to one another and to one church? Do we see the value of our family going to the same church and not various churches due to another church offering a new "toy?" What are we teaching our children about church when we adopt a consumer mentality? How can they grow up to respect a "McJesus" anyway? Are we contributing to consumer church or are we teaching our family that we must be accountable to others? The point is that we need one another for spiritual nourishment of our souls. You will not get the good Biblical nutrition needed if you turn church into a fast food outlet of consumerism. We need one another. I pray we all set our priorities in line and come together for church. It really is not optional if we are to grow up in the faith. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:59:52 MST http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.wyattchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=271 It has been said that "practice makes perfect." While this may not be entirely true, the principle remains. Without a willingness to train, improvement is impossible. Of course, this concept applies to more than sports. Evangelism requires plenty of practice. Sharing the gospel can sound intimidating at first. However, it can become more comfortable as practice takes place. Imagine the intimidation and confusion a football player experiences when his coach draws up a new play on the chalkboard. The X's and O's could be overwhelming. But after the player gets on the field and executes the play repeatedly, it suddenly becomes like second nature. As our church continues to practice evangelism, every member has an excellent opportunity to get "on the field" and train. Before long, we will all become more confident and comfortable. More importantly, our love for the gospel will overflow! Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:59:52 MST