Pastor Kenny's BlogPastor Kenny's Bloghttp://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2010-07-20T16:30:20ZSquarespaceMaking Disciples of Christhttp://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2010/7/20/making-disciples-of-christ.htmlKenny Bailey2010-07-20T15:12:44Z2010-07-20T15:12:44ZI wanted to give a quick update on how God is working in the lives of those who are seeking to follow Christ. 

Matthew 28: 18-20 gives us the command to not only "Go" but also to "Make disciples" and "teach them" as we go! I am watching God transform several lives as we see this very thing happening before our eyes! Just in the last six to eight weeks I have heard stories of how people from this body of believers are "Sharing Jesus without Fear", just yesterday a lady in the church called to let us know that she was able to watch God save a soul as she opened her bible and let the lady read for herself of how Jesus died for her sins and that by turning from her sins and putting her faith and trust in Jesus she could be forgiven (saved). The lady said "Yes" to Jesus!! 

I was told of how one of our bible study teachers while on a mission trip was able to use his bible over thirty times to explain who Christ is and why He had to die for our sins. (He is now on another mission trip)

I am totally amazed while watching God work in the life of a good friend who now has announced his call to ministry.

If you would like to start meeting with someone who can teach you more about Jesus Christ and what He has called us to become and to do, please call me here at the church and we can hook you up with one of several different groups that are seeking to be obedient to the word of God. 

In Christ,

Kenny

 

 

]]>Blog Checkhttp://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2010/7/15/blog-check.htmlKenny Bailey2010-07-15T13:38:49Z2010-07-15T13:38:49ZHello to all who read this. If you read this blog, please reply back! Just checking to see if any traffic ever comes through here! 

Christ is LORD,

Kenny

]]>The Southern Baptist Conventionhttp://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2010/6/19/the-southern-baptist-convention.htmlKenny Bailey2010-06-19T16:03:03Z2010-06-19T16:03:03ZAs I reflect back on the week I realize that I was able to take part in what I believe is a defining moment in Southern Baptist history. We from the "south" are use to seeing a church on every corner and seeing some type of Christian influence just about wherever we go in our own little part of the world. But as you start to travel west in our own country you will see that the Christian influence in many places disappears.

What took place this week at the convention will allow more missionaries to work full time not only here in the western part of our country but in all of North America and the world. The GCR task force took serious their task of how to better reach the unsaved with what God has given us.

We take serious the command to "Go and make disciples" here at First Baptist Lavaca and with the overwhelming majority vote, so do the messengers that attended the convention. 

You ask, What does this mean for us? It means that we keep on keeping on! We keep loving God first and then our neighbors as ourselves! It means when we get the opportunity to tell someone about the saving grace of Jesus, we do so! It means that we take that person and personally disciple them in the way that Jesus taught us to. It means that we live our lives as though we were going to look into His eyes and then bow before Him before this day ends.

I want to thank you First Baptist Lavaca for allowing Sonda and I to go,

We love you,

Kenny

]]>A Great Dayhttp://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2010/6/11/a-great-day.htmlKenny Bailey2010-06-11T16:44:09Z2010-06-11T16:44:09Z June the 5th was a great day indeed. I gained a new daughter-in-law, was able to see my son as happy as i've ever seen him and it was also my first wedding ceremony. It was a great time as Jake and Tara made a covenant to God and to each other for as long as they both shall live!! 

After it was all over and I had a little time to sit down and reflect, I couldn't believe just how quick he had grown up and became a man. For all of you Fathers of young ones who are wondering how long before it slows down, it will be here before you know it! I can't believe I am saying this, but, I can't wait for grandkids!! Am I not tooo young for grandkids? I guess not (anymore).

For Sonda & I, it's another new chapter we face together. She is a wonderful soul-mate and I think she is the prettiest thing since volunteer orange! NOW THAT is PRETTY PRETTY !

Love you guys,

Kenny 

]]>Spring Time Challengehttp://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2010/3/21/spring-time-challenge.htmlKenny Bailey2010-03-21T22:25:47Z2010-03-21T22:25:47ZHello Everyone,

I am thankful that springtime is finally here. Several of the trees and plants are beginning to bud and show signs of new life. People are also starting to come out and about and enjoy God's wonderful creation after a long cold winter. When you are out and about during the next few months I would like to challenge you to share the Gospel of Christ with people who will cross your path. In "Share Jesus Without Fear" it is noted that it takes 7.6 "Christian" contacts (Gospel presentation, Personal testimony or Christian act of love) before someone will commit their life to Christ. My prayer is that God would inspire you to be one of those 7.6 contacts for someone or several people during this exciting time of the year. Who knows, you may even be the .6th person that is there when God saves their soul.

John 4:35-38, The fields are already white for harvest and the ones who sow and reap can rejoice together. What a Savior we serve!

I am truly grateful to serve you guys as we seek to show Christ to the world.

In Christ,

Kenny 

]]>Merry Christmas!http://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2009/12/1/merry-christmas.htmlKenny Bailey2009-12-01T15:32:53Z2009-12-01T15:32:53ZI can remember as a young boy and into my 20's at how easy it was for people to say "Merry Christmas", but now I hardly ever have anyone to wish me a merry Christmas. 

Saturday evening as we were exiting Wal-Mart, I told the young cashier "Merry Christmas". She looked at me for about five seconds and replied back very hesitantly "you too" as if she had no idea what I meant by wishing her a merry Christmas. I asked how the day before went for her (friday after Thanksgiving) and she told me she would never work another friday after Thanksgiving. There is more than meets the eye as to why they call it "Black Friday". This day shows how dark and sinful the hearts of many people are. I hear of stories of people getting trampled and cursed out just because another person was too slow or got the last item on the shelf. The issues of I, me, and mine have overtaken the central theme of why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas is about giving, caring, sharing, and most of all it is about the love of Creator God for humanity. God gave us the greatest gift that is far above anything that man could ever offer. He sent His Son to save us. Jesus came to the earth, lived a sinless life and then died on a cross for our sins, giving hope to every single human being alive.

To know Jesus is to repent of your sins, believing that He died on a cross placing those sins on Himself and then raising from the dead gaining victory over death, the grave and hell. One must know the Truth of why Jesus came. He came to redeem mankind, to restore the relationship between God and man because of man's sins against God. He came so that we would not have to go to Hell and be permanently separated from God when this life on earth is over. Yes, Hell is a real place that real people go without trusting in Jesus as Savior. The Bible tells us this clearly. The Bible has changed entire cultures and millions of lives throughout history because it is the living Word of God by which the Holy Spirit directs and guides His people.

The message of Christmas should be shouted from every Christian alive. When you get an opportunity to wish someone a merry Christmas, remember that in our culture they may not have a clue to who Jesus is or why you would say it but, there is no better time to explain the Grace of God than during the time that we celebrate the birth of Christ. May you have the opportunity to explain what you mean by saying the words "Merry Christmas."

We love you guys,
Kenny & Sonda

Oh, I almost forgot, "MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE"

]]>Share Jesus Without Fearhttp://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2009/10/19/share-jesus-without-fear.htmlKenny Bailey2009-10-19T16:10:14Z2009-10-19T16:10:14ZAs I pondered this morning in my quiet time about the wonderful grace of God, the question came to mind, will I "share Jesus" with anyone today, will I take the time "as I go" to tell someone of His saving power and His willingness to forgive anyone of their sins,  I immediately stopped and ask God to give me the boldness to stand for Him and for His Spirit of love to overtake any internal battle that begins as the opportunity to witness arises.

My prayer for you is that God will give you not only the willingness, but the boldness to stand and present the Gospel of Christ to someone "as you go" today.

May the Lord Jesus bless your day,

Kenny

 

]]>"The Ice Cream was Right on a Hot July Night"http://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2009/7/28/the-ice-cream-was-right-on-a-hot-july-night.htmlKenny Bailey2009-07-28T20:42:42Z2009-07-28T20:42:42ZThere was about 110 of our senior adults along with a few visitors at our ice cream fellowship held last thursday night. It was great evening of fun and fellowship as our Lighthouse Clowns brought many smiles and laughs throughout the evening. There were over 15 different flavors of home made ice cream and several desserts. Thank you to those who came out and supported our ministry and also a thank you to our staff for their support.

Here are some pictures of the evening

 

 

]]>God blessed the Montana Mission Triphttp://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2009/7/9/god-blessed-the-montana-mission-trip.htmlKenny Bailey2009-07-09T19:05:22Z2009-07-09T19:05:22ZAs we traveled out through the western states and into the Northwest, I realized for the first time how amazingly big America really is. I knew our states and where they were on the map, but had never traveled through them until this mission trip. We were able to see the vast amount of wheat fields in Kansas and they truly do look like "amber waves" of grain. We were able to see the snow covered peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. I understand now why they call Montana "Big Sky Country". The rolling hills and the mountains seem to go on for ever with no sign of civilization and the sky is amazingly blue. 

As Mac Green drove our van most of the way out I was able to look at all that God had created and had to just thank Him for placing us in such a beautiful nation.

The mission trip was an awesome experience as we were able to minister to the needs of the native Americans of Montana. We were able to speak to many people about God's love for them through Jesus Christ. Many of the people have a belief in Indian Spiritualism and some believe in Jesus as well, but our message was believe in Christ and Christ alone for there is no other way and nothing can be added. I know that some of our team did talk to those who knew Jesus as Lord and Savior, but for the most part that area is in need of Jesus. So please remember to pray for Bruce Plummer as he and his wife minister to that area. 

One individual that Pastor Danny and myself happened upon as he drank his beer reminded me of what Paul must have dealt with in his travels as he tried his best to spread the Gospel of Christ. We were just inviting people to the clown presentation that was taking place in that town and as we came upon this place that was right on main street, Pastor Danny told them about the presentation and before he could get any type of invite out, the guy interrupted him and told us to enjoy our show, then Pastor went on to invite him and the guy then told Pastor and myself again to enjoy the show and to move on and leave them alone, Let me tell you that this guy was evil and he looked like he wanted to tear me and Pastor Danny apart. That's when I slammed him against the wall and shoved my knee into his throat !!!! Just kiddin" :)  That is really when I wondered if I could outrun Pastor, Just kiddin' again, but in all seriousness, I wonder if God will ever give this man another opportunity to know Christ as Lord, my prayer is that he will.  

Pastor Danny made the comment that he knew God was up to something that night as there were too many distractions taking place. After the clowns presented the gospel as only they can, Pastor Danny gave the invitation and there were 5 people saved that night. Praise His Holy Name !!!!  

To the Clowns, I say a big thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ministry during this week. 

For those of you who have never watched the "The Gospel Clowns", I suggest you do. These ladies worked tirelessly every day presenting the Gospel and making kids and myself laugh. Through the week I know of 7 hands that went up as the invitation was given of those who had accepted Christ as Lord after the clowns had finished their presentation.  Thank God for people who are willing to step out!!

There are so many other stories that could be told, but for sake of time I'll have to wait for those. But one other thing that needs to be stated is a Big Thank You to Chris and Paige and Jack and Fru and all the others who helped plan this mission trip, may God bless your efforts to spread His Gospel message. 

]]>UPCOMING EVENTS FOR SENIOR ADULTShttp://www.firstlavaca.com/kenny/2009/6/12/upcoming-events-for-senior-adults.htmlKenny Bailey2009-06-12T15:27:38Z2009-06-12T15:27:38ZHello to all, I just wanted to give you an update on upcoming plans in the senior adult ministry. First and foremost is to always magnify Christ in anything that takes place, so with this understood, lets look at what is coming up.

After the Montana mission trip, we are planning an Ice Cream Supper for July 23rd in the gym and this is for all who would like to attend. We will be asking that you make your favorite homemade ice cream and make sure you bring your families and friends as we will have entertainment and fun. I think we will probably set up a contest for the best HOMEMADE ice cream with a prize for the winner.

On Oct 22nd we hope to have a day trip planned where we can enjoy God's creation and good Christian fellowship, probably to Mt. Magazine or possibly take a ride on the Arkansas - Missouri Railroad.

November 17th, we will be taking a trip back to Branson to the Sight and Sound Theatre to see "Miracle of Christmas", we will see the show at 3 or 3:30 and have dinner after the show and it looks like we will be able to go shopping the next day before heading home. I know how all you ladies love going to the Bass Pro Shop !! 

December 10th will be our Christmas dinner. It will be a pot luck in H2O and we will have Christian entertainment and great fellowship. Seniors always remember you can bring your family, just make sure they are signed up. This is a good opportunity for the Chicken and Dumplins to make an appearance.

Please remember this schedule will be null and void if the trumpet of the Lord sounds and He calls us home before hand.

I just wanted to give you a tentative schedule so you can put it on your calendar. I would ask you to please remember to pray for the ministry that God could use us to reach other seniors with the Gospel of Christ.

We love you guys

In Christ,

Kenny & Sonda

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