The 4th of July is near, and it’s time for cookouts, barbecue, fireworks, and - so it seems - patriotic worship services.  At least in my neck of the woods, these are often called “God and country” services.  A typical patriotic service might include a presentation of the American flag, singing of patriotic hymns, and a message centered around the Christian roots of the United States and a call to return to them.  Are these services God-honoring?  Are they wise?  These questions strike close to home for me.  My sons have been asked more than once to present the flag ... [read more]

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At the annual church business meeting of Trinity Baptist Church in January of 2006, Pastor Martin announced to the congregation that it was his intention to relinquish his place as one of their pastors and to relocate to western Michigan some time in the year 2008. An approximate date of June 15 has now been set for that move and relocation.  Since his arrival in Caldwell, NJ in July 1962, nearly forty-six years have passed in which Pastor Martin has sought to serve His Lord by serving as one of the under-shepherds and pastors of Trinity Baptist Church. In the remaining weeks, he intends t... [read more]

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These are penny pinching days.  The wise consumer is looking for many different ways to save on necessities.  If gas is ten cents cheaper down the street, why pay the higher price where you are?  If there is a coupon to save five or ten dollars on an item, why pay more?  In regard to consumerism, the coupon mentality is a good one.  The ability to get the exact same thing at a reduced price is wise stewardship.  My problem is when professing Christians apply that mindset to their faith.   People say that they want to have patience, they want to be godly, they want to have peace, ... [read more]

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National Founders Conference Live Video http://www.bethelowasso.com/foundersvideo.htm Conference Schedule Date   Time Speaker Title Tue 24  3:30 PM Ted Christman Exposition of Psalm 1 Tue 24  6:30 PM Andy Davis Dangers in Reforming a Church           Wed 25  9:00 AM Tom Nettles Biographical Sketch of Daniel Marshall Wed 25  10:30 AM Voddie Baucham Building a Solid Doctrinal Foundation Wed 25  6:30 PM Ed Stetzer Keynote Address           Thu 26  9:00 AM Don Whitney Reforming Through Discipline Thu 26  10:30 AM Ed Stetzer Keynote Address Thu 26  1:30 ... [read more]

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What is a ‘parachurch’?  It would be any ministry or religious organization that is Christian in doctrine and practice, yet is not an official Church with a pastor/elders and deacons, and a congregation that meets regularly for worship (Fred Butler).  It could also be described as an organization, independent of the church, coming alongside the church for the purpose of assisting the church to accomplish its mission. Recently, while studying 2 Peter 1, the ‘parachurch’ came to mind. There is a burden on the heart of the Apostle.  Peter knows his days on earth are short (v... [read more]

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The Heritage Baptist Church of Owensboro, Kentucky missions conference theme this year is “Christian Imperialism - extending the Kingdom of Christ Through the Foolishness of the Cross”.  Conference dates are July 13-16, 2008. For more information click the conference banner below.  

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( originally written in 1998 ) While watching television the other evening, I came across what I can only call a Christmas Spectacular presented by a well-known evangelical megachurch in San Diego.  It was a very impressive production indeed.  At the center of the platform was a “Living Christmas Tree,” that is, a set of choir risers made to resemble the shape of a fir tree, staffed on eight or nine levels by singers in altar-boy type robes.  In front of this massive structure two highly skilled singers, a man and a woman, performed several powerful numbers, often accompanied... [read more]

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The question of the identity of your pastor may seem strange.  You say, he is the man I hear preach every Lord’s Day.  His name is on our church’s web site or letterhead.  That is an easy question to answer!  But is it really? For hundreds of years the average Christian could easily and readily identity that person appointed by Christ to shepherd and overseer their souls.  By the 1600’s many Christians however were able to read the sermons of a multitude of other people’s pastors that were being printed.  They could also read the writings of well respected theo... [read more]

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      THE TREES of the world’s forest are all marked for the axe; let us not build our nests upon them. They will come down ere long beneath the strokes of time and death, and we shall share their fall if we seek our comfort in them. Dear reader, set not your affection upon the fleeting things of time, but seek an everlasting portion, which shall be yours when sun and moon grow dim. Jesus, the Son of God, saves all those who trust their souls in his hands. His death upon the cross has made a great atonement for the sins of all those who believe in him. If you have never looked to ... [read more]

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At the annual church business meeting of Trinity Baptist Church in January of 2006, Pastor Martin announced to the congregation that it was his intention to relinquish his place as one of their pastors and to relocate to western Michigan some time in the year 2008. An approximate date of June 15 has now been set for that move and relocation.  Since his arrival in Caldwell, NJ in July 1962, nearly forty-six years have passed in which Pastor Martin has sought to serve His Lord by serving as one of the under-shepherds and pastors of Trinity Baptist Church. In the remaining weeks, he intends t... [read more]

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