Great Day at Church!

Well, today was a great day at the Fords Bush Bible Church!

We had a guest speaker this morning. His name is Tom Stiles. He serves with three ministries. They are the New York Association of Christian Schools, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, and the New York Family Research Foundation.

One of the things that they do is host something called Legislative todayDay in our state's capital, Albany. I have never been able to attend this important day, but I will be going this year. It is on March 20th so I'm very excited about it. I'll be sure to post something about it to let you know how it goes and what it includes. The keynote speaker this year for the event is Alex Kendrick of Sherwood Films - the ministry that brought us "Couragous!" Pretty neat!

We had several returning visitors this morning. I was very happy to see them and blessed by their presence! We also had a few of our regular church family back who've been on vacation and/or out for a while due to health and work. It was a very busy day, but it was a very good day.

One of our fine couples will be getting married soon so I had a chance to talk with the groom today. Also, another couple who was recently married and is very new to our church, spent some time with us today so that was nice.

I enjoyed a good time of fellowship with many of our fine folks today.

Also, today was the first Sunday in two months that we've had Sunday night church. We decided not to have church during January and February in order to try to save some money on heating oil. I am so excited to back in church on Sunday nights. I thoroughly enjoyed preaching tonight. It was nice especially because we had Bro. Stiles this morning so he preached in Sunday School and the AM service. I was glad to be able to preach tonight. In preparation for a series of messages on Biblical Standards, I preached tonight on "Can I or Should I?" and gave a list of questions that we can and should ask ourselves if there is any question regarding anything that we may think about doing, saying, or getting involved with as Christians.

It was all based on Biblical principle and we looked at scripture to help us determine the proper action or response to each of the questions. I look forward to finishing up the two part message next Sunday night.

Lastly, we observed the Lord's Supper tonight. I always enjoy serving the Lord's Supper so it was a nice way to spend our Sunday Evening.

Lois is out now picking up a few things and I'm putting the children to bed.

God bless each and everyone of you. I sure am excited and can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through our wonderful church. I'm praying for you!

Pastor Keever

Many New Lessons

As I experience more and more situations in the pastorate, I seem to be learning that I know so very little. There is so much that we all can and should learn about living a Christian life that is pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is true in each and every area of my life. Just today, March 1, I started reading a book that I know will help me in a very important area. I am also starting a very vital Bible study that my dear sisters both told me about. One of them is already working through it and enjoying it very much.

As I learn and prayerfully grow in the Christian walk, I also seek to learn and grow in the ministry aspect of my life. I attended two different Bible colleges; one only for a year and then I graduated from the other one. I learn many things at both. However, there are (as most of us already know) many things that you can only learn through real world experiences...or OJT. (On the Job Training.)

This week especially, I have learned some very important lessons about the pastorate. I've learned that (and I really already knew this, but it was emphasized this week) you have to draw a line in the sand somewhere and stick with it. I've done a few things in the ministry, and allowed a few things to happen, simply because I didn't take a stand on particular issues or "toe the line" so to speak. This has been a mistake that I've had to learn from. We've probably all heard it said that "if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." Well, it isn't just a cliche. It really is true. Sometimes it is hard to say no or to hold firm on a particular issue, but right is right is right. It isn't always the easy way, but it (right) is always right. The scripture reminds us to "let your yay be yay and your nay be nay" so it behoves us as Christians, particular anyone in any type of leadership position or authority type position, to stick by something; some kind of standard or position. If we don't, we will be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine. Some times people won't like or appreciate you position; however, if you dispostion is Christ-like, they will have a much easier time dealing with the disagreement found with you position. Make you position with Biblical truth and then you don't have to worry about proving your point. :) The truth, the Word, stands on it's own merit. You just have a good heart attitude about it and let God handle the rest. Amen.

I love learning; sometimes it is via "the hard way," but learning is still a JOY!

This week, I plan to finish some books I've started recently so this just keeps getting better and better.

tc

Pastor Keever

What are You Reading?

I've been thrilled over the last few weeks to be able to read some fantastic material. Very helpful, encouraging, motivating, convicting, and inspiring. :) PTL

I'm not going to do a book review, but I will just tell you what I've been reading and hopefully I'll be able to share, over the next several posts, how these things have helped me. Perhaps they can be a help to others as well.

I've been studying the book of Matthew. WOW - what a joy. I've preached through chapters five and six and am looking forward to chapter seven.

I've recently read "Think No Evil." This is about the Amish school house shooting in Lancaster, PA several years ago. What a great book. The author's wife is the founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels...my favoritist (LOL) snack place in any mall or airport. She even wrote a book called "A Twist of Faith." I can't wait to read that book.

I've also been reading "Contemporary Compromise" by John Goetsch. Very good.

I was recently given a brand new book about the principles that Bro. Jack Hyles employed in his life and ministry. I've been reading this book as well.

I've got to work on a plan...some way to read one at a time. I've got my head buried in so many books right now that I'm struggling to keep track of which one talks about what. Ha.

I received two books today that I'm really looking forward to reading. I looked through one of them, well about half of it so far, and I can't wait until tomorrow to finish looking it over. It is called "Order in the Church." It is a book to be sure, but it is in outline form as it is a manual. It was accompanied by a CD with editible documents that I can use at the church...I'm very excited about it. With it I also received a book about understanding the times we live in and about the end times. I've not read anything on that topic in a while so I'm looking forward to it very much.

I've so much to learn! I love it. Praise the Lord for the opportunity to grow in the grace and knowledge of God, His word, His work, and His way! I'm so thrilled! I'm so blessed. I'm so privileged!

Thank you Lord for EVERYTHING!

So, what are you reading? If nothing else, READ THE WORD! Amen!!!

Sunday Morning Service - The Business of Jesus!

Praise the Lord for a wonderful service today.

We had a first time visitor and we had one new believer baptized. It was awesome.

The music was right in line with the message which was very neat since I don't pick the songs and the musicians had no idea what I was planning to preach about. Even the very special music was right - He Touched Me. The message was on Jesus.

The sermon began with a little bit of emphasis on how Christ is the same; yesterday, today, and forever. Then we went to Luke 4 and focused on the example He set for us.

He served in the power of the Spirit.
He sat in the synagogue.
He searched the scriptures.
He saved sinners.
He spared the sick.

It closed out with three thoughts on some things that Jesus wasn't interested in:

He wasn't interested in fame or wealth.
He wasn't interested in rest and relaxation. Yes, He rested and he slept, but the focus wasn't on being slothful, lazy, or an unproductive life - He worked and worked hard to fulfill the will of His Father!
He wasn't interested in popularity with the people. Phil. 2 teaches us how He humbled Himself and became a servant! Amen.

Christ is all we need.
Christ is our ultimate example.
Chirst is, or should be, paramount in the life of a Chirstian. Not ourselves, our money, our time, our ANYTHING. It is by the Grace of God that we are not consumed. Without Christ, I am nothing. Without Christ, I am headed for HELL! Without Christ as a vital part of our Christian life, our life will be hell on earth. We need HIM and we need HIM badly! Praise God for salvation; Praise God! Thank God for Jesus! Amen!

What a great day. I can't wait for church tonight. I love church!

I hope that you all have had a wonderful day and that your evening is just fantastic!

Updates and Upcoming Events

Here is a general update and some information about upcoming events.

We have been very excited about what God is doing at the Fords Bush Bible Church. Thank you to all of those who have been helping out with our needs and giving toward our newly implemented debt retirement program. It is just fantastic to see God moving in such a great way.

We had a great Sunday despite the fact that we had a blizzard roll through in the PM. We were so glad to see everyone who was able to attend. It was just such a blessing to see each and every one who was able to attend.

We will be planning to have the Lord's Supper next Sunday evening and our monthly business meeting on the last Sunday in March. What a joy.

This week saw a fantastic blessing in the special offering that we took and we look forward to finishing it up on Sunday the 13th of March. Praise the Lord. I'm really looking forward to seeing what God is going to do with our fine people. May God bless you all. Thank you for your continued support and participation in what God is doing at and in His church.

Next month, on the 29th, we will be having our Second Chance night. This will be on a Friday night at 7pm and will be a realy time of blessing. It is such a joy to see how God works in the lives of people and how He gives second chances and demonstrates GRACE!!! God is so good.

The Victory Christian Academy is involved in a fundraiser right now to help offset some of the costs incurred and our field trips and such. We are excited to offer the students the opportunity to participate in some fantastic events. We've been to the planetarium, the Proctor's Theatre, Science Centers, power plants, and museums. I thoroughly enjoy these educational and cultural adventures. Wednesday, we will be doing a field trip that is really just for fun. We'll be taking the students out for bowling and lunch along with a behind the scenes tour of the bowling alley which is always a big hit! :)

I will be sure to keep you updated as to the upcoming events as we move on into our final quarter of the 2010-2011 VCA school year, and also I will update you of the Spring events of the church and keep you posted on the Summer and Fall events to come.

God bless everyone.

Pastor Keever

Monday Night Soulwinning - 9/07/09

We had eight folks out for soulwinning tonight including two who have never been before as far as I know. We had four ladies that went out together and four men that went out togther. It was great! It was really GREAT.

It was also SHOCKING!

Why? Why was it SHOCKING?

I'll tell you...I know that shocks you...that'll I'd tell you about it. LOL!!!

We stopped the very first person that we saw. We were driving down River Road and I saw this man standing on the side of the street drinking a soda. He was just starring into the western sky. It was clear that he was just enjoying the absolutely beautiful sunset! I just happened to have my camera with me so I stopped just beyond him and tried to take a picture of it, but my batteries were dead. Also, I was just seconds late. He even said to me, "You just missed it." We talked for a moment before I gave him a gospel tract. He said he would read it but was not interested in talking about it. I told him that I appreciated his time and his kindness in talking with us and then we moved on.

Before I was able to drive away, TWO men just appeared out of the brush with SHOTGUNS over their shoulders! We gave up! No fight from us! I don't know if I've ever encountered two men with shotguns while out soulwinning! We talked with them briefly and gave them tracts. They were headed home from target shooting. They didn't seem like they wanted to talk so I didn't push my luck...especially with them armed for bear!

We went on into town and found five kind folks resting and talking after a long day of working on their home. I shared the gospel with them and four of them trusted Christ as their Savior. What a JOY it is to share Christ with people. The fifth man, Sean, said that he wasn't sure if he believed Christ died for him. I simply told him that I cared about him and that I wanted him to be saved. I asked him to consider what I had told him and think about it, and I left it at that. We did have a good talk though. He is about to get married so we chatted about that for minute after I witnessed to his future family. It was so wonderful to see a family saved together. It was a dad, Bobby, and two of his sons, Bobby Jr (an adult,) and Ben a teenager. Also, Bobby Jr.'s wife trusted Christ.

WOW, WHAT A PRIVELEGE! AMEN!!!

I love soulwinning. I love taking new people with me. I love serving God. I love spending time with other people who love serving God!

I hope you all have had a great Labor Day!

Bro. Keever

What a GREAT Day!

I hope you had a great day! I know we did!!!

It was a long day at the office because we got new office desks and new carpet so we are moving out, painting, laying carpet, and moving back in. Not to mention getting ready for school to start in one week and planning Sunday, a holiday weekend Sunday. :sweatdrop: So, I left the office to go home, grabbed my kids, and went right back. A family picked up my wife to go tco the carpet (donated,) and then get back for church. I had my children with me from 3:30 until church and it was CRAZY...but a good crazy. :) They played some and helped me some with the reorganization of my office. I've been given an "L" desk so I have to sort of plan a little different lay out, but I'm glad because I've never had a "L" desk and I've wanted one. The desk I have was given to me and now I've been given another one.

God is so good. People are so kind. I am so blessed.

Anyway, it is the first Wednesday of the month so I didn't speak tonight. We had the teens meet seperately and we spent most of our time in prayer. We did have a short time of Bible study, but it really wasn't study, it was just a reminder of the importance of prayer. It really does work. :)
God has been so good to us.

We had a GREAT time on Sunday night. I mentioned that I planned to take my kids to McDonald's for an ice cream after church and I jokingly invited everyone to join us. I got a much better response than I actually thought about and it WAS A STINKIN' BLAST. We had visitors at church who came to McD's with us...one of which I actually attended PCC with in 1993 (but I didn't know her,) so that was fun.

There was missionary present Sunday night, but I didn't know he was coming; he just dropped in. I had him give his testimony and after church, we gave him an offering. That was Sunday...WELL! Let me tell you folks, I got a check in the mail today and God gave us back that offering times (x) TEN. I like this giving business! If you take care of others, God will take care of YOU! AMEN!

What a MIGHTY GOD we serve! AMEN!

I hope that you have had a great day. I hope you had a great night at church. I hope your day was a GODLY day!

When I get 'em done, I'll post some of our videos from Wednesay Bible Study. We are "Walking In Truth" and studying Principles of God's Word. It has been great!

Please everyone, have a good night and a good day tomorrow. :)

Kevin