That is a universal greeting among believers that is used at Easter. It’s called the Paschal Greeting. Pastor Bill started our own Easter service with this greeting. I looked on-line and discovered a long list of other languages where this greeting is used. Just imagine what it was like for the Lord to hear His children greeting one another with this phrase in 100′s of different languages around the world on Easter Sunday morning.

Here are just a few of the languages that some of you may be able to read and understand. I’m not too sure that the last one is actually used, but I figured my son and few others would like to try it.

Christ est ressuscité! Il est vraiment ressuscité! (Frence)
¡Cristo ha resucitado! ¡En verdad ha resucitado! (Spanish)
Cristo ressuscitou! Em verdade ressuscitou! (Portugese)
Christus ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden! (German)
Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere! (Latin)
ქრისტე აღსდგა! ჭეშმარიტად აღსდგა! (Kriste aĝsdga! Č’ešmarit’ad aĝsdga!) (Georgian)
!המשיח קם ! באמת קם (Hameshiach qam! Be’emet qam!) (Hebrew)
Hu’ta’ QISt! Hu’bejta’! taHbej peplu’ta’! (Klingon)

That, my friends, is the message we need to tell our friends and family members, our co-workers and those we go to school with, those we hang out with and those we see only from time to time. We need to tell them that Jesus is ALIVE. They need to know this and we need to tell them. It is so important for everyone everywhere to hear this Good News.

In John 11, before His death and resurrection, Jesus speaks to Martha saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”

Martha responded: “Yes, Lord, I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.”

Friends, let’s tell as many as we can that Jesus is ALIVE and let’s pray that they will all respond with saving faith just as Martha did.

I hope to see all of you on Sunday morning. Invite someone to come with you to our Bible studies and to our worship services.

May God Bless,
Pastor Greg

Here is a guide that we are using in our Sunday School class. I hope that you will find it beneficial. This begins 10 days prior to His resurrection.

Friday - Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive ointment during dinner.
Matthew 26:6-13 / Mark 14:3-9 / John 12:1-11

Saturday – Nothing is recorded in scripture, but Jesus’ regular activity would be to attend worship in a local synagogue.

Sunday - (Palm Sunday) Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Matthew 21:1-11 / Mark 11:1-11 / Luke 19:29-44 / John 12:12-19.

Monday – Jesus cleanses the temple a second time.
Matthew 21:12-19 / Mark 11:12-19 / Luke 19:45-48

Tuesday – Jesus’ final day of public ministry. Jesus is challenged by the religious authorities and He teaches several parables to His disciples. He also teaches about the resurrection, the great commandment and signs of His 2nd Coming and Judgment.
Matthew 21:20-26:16 / Mark 11:20-14:11 / Luke 20:1-22:6 / John 12:20-50

Wednesday – A day of rest and prayer.

Thursday – (Maundy Thursday) Jesus observes Passover, institutes the Lord’s Supper and then goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.
Matthew 26:17-56 / Mark 14:12-52 / Luke 22:7-53 / 13:1-18:23

Friday – (Good Friday) Jesus is denied by Peter; He is tried, convicted, sentenced to death and then crucified at Golgotha.
Matthew 26:57-27:46 / Mark 14:53-15:34 / Luke 22:54-23:49 / John 18:24-19:30

Saturday – The tomb is sealed and guards are set.
Matthew 27:62-66 / Mark 16:1

Sunday – Easter Morning / Resurrection Day. Jesus is alive!
Matthew 28:1-15 / Mark 16:2-14 / Luke 24:1-43 / John 20:1-23

Remember all that Christ has done for you and then recognize what He is doing in you and through you. I hope to see all of you on Easter Sunday morning for Bible Study and worship. Our adult choir will be leading worship with the “Eyes of Faith” cantata.

May God Bless,
Pastor Greg

What an appropriate place to start a new year. After God had led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and before He gave them the 1st Commandment He reminded them of who He is and just what He had done for them.

1 Then God spoke all these words: 2 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. 3 Do not have other gods besides Me. (Ex 20:103 HCSB)

I’m afraid that we also, just like the Israelites, need to be reminded at times. We need to be reminded of the fact that the Lord is God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the creator of you and me. We need to be reminded of the fact that Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins and to give us freedom from being slaves to sin. We need to be reminded of all that God has done for us.

Because of Who He is He has the authority to tell us what to do. And because of all that He has done for us, is doing in us and will do for us He has the right to give us His commands for living a righteous and holy life. And if we are wise we will not only hear His words we will also obey His words and commandments.

In our society today not too many people still believe in absolutes. In the minds of many people everything has become situational rather than absolute. What is right for you may be wrong for me and what is wrong for you to do may be alright for me. What was wrong yesterday may be alright today because the situation has somehow changed.

But notice here, as the Lord speaks, He is very absolute and direct with His commandments. Do not have other gods besides Me. The Lord is not leaving any room for us to have any other “gods” in our lives. Only the Lord our God is worthy of our praise and adoration. Only the One True and Living God is to be worshipped.

Think about that as we begin 2012. Don’t allow anything or anyone to become a “god” in your life. That includes your work, your relationships, your hobbies, your habits, etc. Only God is God so let’s keep Him always as our focus as we go through our daily lives.

Hope to see you all on Sunday for bible study and worship.

May God Bless,
Pastor Greg

Although you know those things are important, in the back of your mind there’s some doubt-the shadow of failure. I can give you seven quick things that will greatly increase your chances of success – something practical to help change your good intentions toward successful completion:

1. Make a plan. Your resolutions won’t happen without a plan. Move beyond a broad statement like, “Quit smoking” down to a detailed plan of how you will make that happen.
2. Write the plan down in great detail.
3. Tell several people so you are accountable to someone other than yourself. Just telling someone gives your resolution more weight in your mind and will help propel you forward.
4. Post your plan in a prominent place – or several places. On the mirror where you get ready in the morning. On the dash of your car. On your desk or work station at work. Put it places where you’re weak. If you’re on a diet, put it hanging down on the inside of the refrigerator.
5. Set a target – how will you know when you’re successful – and lay out milestones that you can achieve. Break your big goal down to smaller ones and give yourself little successes.
6. Track it. Write down progress in a prominent place. If you’re going to try to lose 30 pounds, write your weight at the top of a piece of paper and post it on the wall – each week write down your new weight. It is motivating to not let that number go up!
7. Celebrate little successes. Congratulate yourself. Don’t focus on the huge goal, but celebrate those milestones achieved.

God’s blessings and best wishes for success! let me know how it goes.

Several of our men went out early on Saturday morning to do a special yard cleaning ministry for one of our members. Many ladies from our Women’s Ministry prepared and served a Thanksgiving Feast to over 50 people at Legacy Commons. Our Senior Adult Fellowship on Saturday afternoon was a lot of fun and the food was wonderful as always. Then, on Sunday, we had a special treat when we heard from two extraordinary missionaries during Sunday School and also during our worship service.

Next week is Thanksgiving week. I hope that you will be able to spend time with loved ones and truly enjoy the holidays. Our family will be in Quantico, Virginia celebrating with Elizabeth and Jonathon. We will miss being with you on Thanksgiving Sunday, so in advance from our family to yours: “Happy Thanksgiving!!!”

Hope to see all of you in bible study and worship this Sunday morning.

May God Bless,
Pastor Greg

During the next eight weeks most of us will be busy getting ready for the holidays. We’ll be cleaning and preparing for guests, decorating inside and out, planning menus for the holidays and making travel arrangements for visiting relatives and loved ones. We’ll be busy at the church also. Members will be decorating the sanctuary, the choir will be rehearsing for the Christmas cantata, Sunday school classes and small groups will have holiday parties and guests will be invited to every event.

During this busy time of year I want to encourage you to take time each day to think about the things you are so grateful for and then thank the LORD for all He has done for you. Psalm 100 says,

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD He is God: It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.”

I really like this passage from the Psalms. It reminds me that no matter how busy I am and no matter what situation I find myself in I can and should always thank the Lord. I know that He is good to me and His mercy toward me is everlasting. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 the Apostle Paul says,

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”

Take time this week to say “Thank You” to the LORD in every situation. Remember that “He is good and His mercy is everlasting”. I hope to see all of you in Sunday School and Worship on Sunday morning.

May God Bless,
Pastor Greg

For the first few days we were in Athens, Ohio where Amy’s brother, Dave Drozek and family, live. On Sunday morning we joined them in ministry at “The Timothy House”. This ministry offers shelter to people who are experiencing homelessness in their lives. Five medical students from Ohio State joined us in serving breakfast to those in the shelter that morning. We had time to talk with the residents, hear their stories and pray with them. After breakfast Dave led the medical students in a bible study that centers on learning how to truly help the poor and needy. After attending the morning worship service we ventured to another ministry called “The Hannah House” which offers a variety of ministries to help people get back on track and put their lives back together. All of the ministries are Christ Centered and the Lord is blessing those who participate in the ministries as well as those who are being ministered to.

On Tuesday and Wednesday we went to “The Creation Museum” in Northern Kentucky (just below Cincinnati). This was our 2nd trip to the museum and it still amazes me each time we go there. I learn something new each time I go through the museum and especially when I hear their guest speakers present lectures on various topics. I highly recommend The Creation Museum to all of you. I hope that each of you will make a special trip up to Kentucky to see this amazing museum that proclaims the truth of God’s Word and helps believers and non-believers to understand that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”.

On Saturday we stopped in Chattanooga and enjoyed going up on top of Lookout Mountain. It was a clear day and once again we are able to see God’s wonderful creation as we saw 6 or 7 states from the various vantage points. Later in the day we traveled back home to Lilburn.

It’s good to go on vacation and it’s also good to be home. It was good to be in Bible study and Worship with you on Sunday morning and then in choir rehearsal and Bible study on Sunday evening. I hope that all of you will take opportunities to relax and refresh yourselves, but don’t forget to come back and remain faithfully involved in the ministries the Lord has given us here at Rock Bridge Baptist Church.

Hope to see you all on Sunday morning.

May God Bless,
Pastor Greg

Today, you may find yourself wandering away from the Lord, away from His church, and away from His people. Maybe you’ve gotten too busy with things and stuff that the world has to offer and you’ve allowed worldliness to squeeze the Lord out of your daily life. That happens to believers a lot. In fact, that always happens when believers take their eyes off of the Lord. When He’s not in charge of your life, something or someone else will be.

That’s where I have found myself several times. I had wandered away…just a little at first… and then, all of a sudden, I would realize that I was far away from where I needed to be. I needed to be close to God, but I wasn’t. Each time that He has called to me, I’ve discovered that the Lord was simply one short prayer away. All I needed to do was turn around and follow Him….that’s repentance….and I started to walk and talk with Him again.

He has always been faithful even when I wasn’t faithful. He has always been with me, even when I wasn’t with Him. He has never left me, even though I have left Him. He has still been faithful to love me and watch out over me even when I have ignored Him and disobeyed Him. I find that to be so amazing. God is so good and kind and gracious. He really does love me (and you).

If you have been wandering, the Lord calls out to you saying, “Return to Me and I will return to you”. Listen to Him! He knows what He’s talking about! I’ve trusted Him and found Him to be completely faithful. If you are wandering, simply turn around, fix your eyes on Jesus, follow Him and then get on with living life His way and I truly believe that He will be blessed.

Come and join us on Saturday and Sunday when our church family joins together to celebrate in fun and fellowship and worship.

May God Bless,
Pastor Greg

We specifically talked about how to reach out to the Muslim community around us. Here is a brief recap of practical ways we can break down barriers so the gospel can be shared.

1 – Pray for the salvation of Muslims…
This will help us to develop a heart for the Nations.
2 – Find and befriend Muslims in our community…
Actively look for and approach Muslims with Christian love and respect.
3 – Visit their shops and restaurants…
Get to know their culture, their likes and dislikes.
4 – Invite them into our homes…
Have dinner together, laugh, tell jokes, play games. Just take time
to get to know them and allow them time to get to know you.
5 – Pray specifically for them and with them…
As the Lord leads you, tell them that you are praying for their needs,
their families and their salvation.
6 – Share your personal testimony with them…
Open your heart to show them what Christ has done in you/for you.
7 – Send teams (go with teams) on mission trips to Muslim nations…
Be prepared to go wherever He leads you.

Reaching out to the Muslim community all begins with prayer followed by obedience to the Lord’s instructions.

In Matt 5:43-45 Jesus said:
43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Then He said in Matthew 28:18-20
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

I’ll be praying for you. Let’s be obedient and reach out to the Muslims in our community.
See you on Sunday.

May God Bless,
Pastor Greg

Today I was reading and searching the scriptures for answers – answers to questions that I have and solutions to situations that I’m facing. I searched God’s Word because I know that’s where I will find the answers that I need. In Ephesians 4 the Lord provided the Words that I needed to hear today. Maybe this is the passage of scripture that you need to hear today also.

In Ephesians 4 Paul says:
1 I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, 2 Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another. 3 Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace. 4 [There is] one body and one Spirit–just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received — 5 [There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.
7 Yet grace (God’s unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and bounteous] gift.

God calls us to love and support one another and to deal with each other in kindness. He calls us to be willing to set aside our own will in order to minister in ways that will exalt Christ, bring harmony to the church body and deliver peace in the midst of crisis and conflict. This is truly a ‘God thing’. It’s something we can’t do on our own.

Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we truly love and support one another. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can brothers and sisters set aside their difference of opinion for the good of the Kingdom. In last Sunday’s sermon, we were told through the scriptures “Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit that it may be controlled by My Spirit.” This is a must for every area of our lives if we desire to bring honor and glory to our Lord.

As we minister to and with each other, let’s remember the Lord’s Word to us in John 13 -
34 I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. 35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

For those who need it – I hope this helps. It helped me to write it. I hope it helps you to read it and consider what the Lord has said to us. I’ll be praying for you.

See you on Sunday.

May God Bless,
Pastor Greg