“IT’S TIME TO GET REAL!” GWENT BAPTISTS TOLD
Christians need to “get real” and face up to the fact that their faith is under attack in Wales and the UK, not just because of the growth of Islam and other religions, but because of rampant atheism which is sweeping the land”, the Gwent Baptist Association’s annual general meeting at Abertillery was told on Thursday (8 October).
“A survey I saw recently indicated that the UK is second only to Japan in being the most godless society in the world”, said the Rev. Olwen Clatworthy, the Association’s new president, in her keynote address at Bethany Baptist Church, Six Bells.
“Just as Nehemiah mobilised the people to rebuild the crumbling and broken-down walls of Jerusalem, all of us must unite and stand firmly on the truths revealed in God’s Word – the Bible – and refuse to conform to the values of this world. Then we will see how God can transform lives and situations that some would consider to be hopeless”, she continued.
“We have reached a critical point in the life of many of our churches. Now is the time to ‘get real’, to take up the sword of faith, stand firm and put our trust in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s power is only limited by what we allow Him to do in our lives and that of the churches.”
Retiring Association president Mr. Geoffrey Champion presided while others to take part were Laura Young, Jean Pow, Hazel Clatworthy, Bethan Williams and Gareth Clatworthy who was the main accompanist and led the Bethany worship team.
A visual presentation of life in the Baptist churches in Gwent, produced by Hywel and Hazel Clatworrthy, was also featured.
The following Association officers were appointed: president: The Rev Olwen Clatworthy; secretary, Mrs Fran Bellingham; treasurer, Mrs Linda Price; superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Peter Baines and the following co-opted members: the Rev. Richard Harrison, the Rev. D. Marc Owen, Mr. Ron Spillards and Pastor Huw Stephens.
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AN UP-TO-DATE TESTIMONY
One of the great blessings of being a member of the Body of Christ – the Church – is to hear how, through God’s mercy and grace, others have come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.
The question we all need to ask ourselves is “How up-to-date is my testimony?” After all, salvation is not a one-off event but a process. We may have given our hearts to the Lord just months ago or many years ago but we are still a “work in progress”. We need to do a check on that progress!
How is the Word impacting on our walk with the Lord today? It should be helping us to straighten out those things in our lives which we know are not right – those actions, thoughts and ideas which are not in line with our own standards, let alone God’s will.
As we apply ourselves to study the Word, it will be our compass and we will be able to use it to help others as well as ourselves. The Word must be an integral part of our lives before we can declare the gospel to others. It says in 2 Timothy 2: 6: It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
Before we can witness for the Lord, we must taste the fruit ourselves. Before we can preach God’s power and God’s blessings, we must experience how His power can work to bless our own lives.
It is not enough to stand off at a distance and quote what has happened in the past. We need to have an up-to-date testimony of God’s might and power at work in us. Yes, we can tell about the great things recorded in the Bible, such as how God parted the Red Sea, but we should also have a testimony of what God is doing today in our own lives.
This is what will really build up faith in those to whom we minister; building up their courage and strength that they might trust God for their own particular needs and invite Jesus into their lives.
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Speakers for Sunday Services in October
11th: a.m. Mr Geoff Champion
p.m. Rev. Robert James
18th: a.m. Pastor Peter Palmer
p.m. “ “ “
25th: a.m. Mr Robert Richards
p.m. Rev. John Hall
Special Events in October
Saturday 10th: 9.30 – 3.00. Anniversary Celebrations Upper Trosnant
Tuesday 13th: 7 p.m. Silk Road Ministries
Wednesday 21st: 7 p.m. David Pawson DVD Upper Trosnant
Wednesday 28th: 7 p.m. Deacons’ meeting
Community Luncheon club will be held on 1st and 15th
Other Organisations using Tabernacle
Mondays 12th: 19th: 26th Oct. 1-4 p.m. Caerphilly Borough Mind Group