October Month 2009
Greetings family of faith, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and blessings to each and every one of you on another day that the Lord has allowed each us the privilege of life. As Pastor I am truly honored and humbled, that God has afforded us another year as Servant Leader and under shepherd of the House of Bread.
In a brief three year period God has moved mightily in our midst. We have continued to preach, teach and lead the body of Christ where the Lord has directed. We have continued to develop new and pre-existing ministries as we strive to do all things well. While we have accomplished much, we know that God is still growing our faith and enlarging our territory.
My wife and I would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to each of you for your cooperation, your sacrifices and your willingness to continue press toward the mark. Our thanks to the anniversary committee and to all who worked tirelessly to make this anniversary special. We are also very thankful and humbled by the love and support of Pastor Robert Townsend and the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. .
Joyfully submitted,
Pastor SP Courtney, Deadra, Natalie and Madison
When we examine the love of Christ it can be summarized in three words. compassion, complete and contagious. Jesus demonstrated a compassionate love that cared for those that no one else wanted. He cared for the sick, the suffering and the sinner. He provided help, hope and healing to the helpless, the hopeless and the hurting. Everything he did was out of the love of His father who sent Him.
Jesus reminded his disciples if they would love like him that people will know them as his followers if they love one another. If we are going to carry the message of the gospel then we must do so by loving like him.
Pastor SP Courtney
Many people are prisoners and slaves to their past experiences. Unable to move forward or rise above the shame or pain of what they have done or rather what they have been through. However, John’s record of the Samaritan woman, demonstrates the power in knowing that Jesus knows our story. Our past hurts, hang-ups and hindrances have no ability to hold us back. Despite our past, Christ died that we might receive the Power and privilege of the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.
The woman of Samaria had experienced racism because the Jews and Samaritans did not get along. She had experienced failed marriages, not once, not twice but five times, and now she had a man who would not give her a ring.
Yet, Christ still showed up, told her that he knew her story, he released her to be free from her past, and she went forth telling her story. No longer ashamed, no longer disappointed or depressed but rather confident that Jesus was her savior and telling the world that "He knows my Story". If he knows your story, will you tell his story?
Pastor SP Courtney
Friday, October 9th, 2009
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. [34] And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." -Acts 16:31 & 34"
The jailer in Philippi written about here in the book of Acts was a non believer who had been charged to keep watch over Paul and Silas. When the prison was shaken after Paul and Silas broke out in prayer and praise, the Jailer was overwhelmed and thought to take his own life. But Paul called out and told him not to kill himself because no prisoner had escaped. The text suggests that after experiencing this move of God, the jailer cried what must I do to be saved. His acceptance and conversion led to his whole house being saved. It does not matter if you are the oldest or the youngest, every believer must care about the salvation of their family.
Joshua said, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. What are you committed to do, that you and your house might be saved?
Pastor S.P. Courtney
Friday, October 2nd, 2009
Do we really thank God for everything we have? Do we really offer thanks for who we are and what we do? Have we thanked him for a reasonable portion of health and strength? The question is, are we really thankful for anything?
In most cases we are more likely to complain about our situation than to be grateful. Yet the Apostle Paul made clear to the church of the Thessalonians, God’s will commands our gratitude. Not our attitude, but rather our gratitude. He is looking for a humble, zealous, willing, and submissive spirit with a desire to offer a sincere thanks to a God who is worthy of our praise.
Are you really thankful? Consider God’s will for your life and make sure that you are operating in and by His Holy and Righteous Will.
Pastor SP Courtney
