Connections JANUARY FEBRUARY 2018
1
FBT.ORG
Find the Lamb! Be one of the first 5 to email us at thelamb@fbt.org, with the location of the lost lamb in the January-February Connection, and you'll receive a copy of Mark Cahill's The Watchman!
What will be most important to you in 150 years? I hope you’ve seriously considered where you will be in the next life. You can know for sure that you will be in heaven. The Bible teaches that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and that because of our sins, we deserve death (Romans 6:23). You realize this in your heart because you recognize that no matter how hard we try we fall short – we lie, steal, curse, gossip, lust and many other things. There is a way to be forgiven – it’s not through good works or trying harder. God’s good news is this: Christ died for our sins and rose from the grave. Just ten words. But, ten words with eternal impact. Jesus did not die on the cross for what He had done but as your Substitute – He died for you. Will you place your faith in Christ and be forgiven? What is keeping you from trusting Christ right now? For more information contact Pastor Monroe today at (843)661-4327.
Pressing On The Power & Importance of Goals
Today’s culture values success and those individuals, or organizations, who achieve a level of success. Yet few people actually attain the success they desire in spite of their hard work and busy schedules. Pastor Bill Monroe, however, firmly believes success is possible for every individual who gains a Biblical understanding of goals. In fact, his philosophy of leading by setting goals has been foundational in the expansion of Florence Baptist Temple. Pastor Monroe recalls decades ago when he had a vision for planting a church, but was floundering in the implementation of that vision. At a loss for what to do next, he began to work for Success Motivation Institute, selling motivational materials to businesses. God used the entire process to train and direct Pastor Monroe in the value of setting goals. He has never veered from the principles he learned.
Set Goals. Scripture is clear on many issues regarding Christian living, but there are other areas which present a wide-open field for choices and goals. Framed in Biblical principles, the choice of who to marry, the career to pursue or the dream to follow is unique for each individual. The habit of setting goals prevents a person from simply reacting to life’s choices and circumstances, and instead, enables them to move forward with purpose and success. Unfortunately, the average person never writes down a goal. Bill Monroe believes, “If a goal is not written, it is simply a wish.” People who articulate and write down their goals are far more successful than those who do not. Additionally, Pastor Monroe stresses goals can be applied to a multiplicity of areas such as family, finances, career, or ministry. For the believer in Christ, goals must also be Christ-honoring, consistent with Scripture, and covered in prayer.
Detail Goals Every goal must have a detailed, written plan of action. A plan of action includes strategies and ideas for bringing a goal to fruition, as well as measurable markers of suc-
cess such as numbers and timelines. “We set measurable goals in sports all the time,” explains Pastor Monroe. “In a ball game, the goal is to score the most points within a certain time frame. If you don’t talk about numbers, you can’t keep score and you don’t know if you are winning.” Ultimately, it is impossible to define success without measurable goals. A detailed plan also includes possible obstacles that must be addressed. Often, the Lord uses obstacles to redirect, refine, or change a person’s goals. What could be viewed as a closed door or source of discouragement may be actually cause to rejoice, knowing the Lord is at work in the plans.
Implement Goals Jesus’ goal was to accomplish the will of His Father, and His entire earthly ministry was focused in that direction (John 4:34). Likewise, the Apostle Paul, orchestrated his life to “press on toward the mark” (Philippians 3:14). To act accordingly, successful people move forward in faith and confidence, enthusiastically implementing their plans, trusting the Lord to direct. When asked if he has ever been discouraged in the implementation of goals, Pastor Monroe gives a timely answer. “We will not accomplish all of our goals. We will fail at some. But in the long view of life, those that set goals are further ahead than most, accomplishing more than those who do not set goals.” He continues, “The failure to meet a goal is not a final defeat. God is still in control and He is working according to His will” (Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 46:10). Looking back over decades of ministry, Pastor Bill Monroe understands that goals inspire and motivate people. They create an environment of expectancy and yet, dependency upon the Lord. And even though disappointment or realignment with God’s plans may come, setting goals clearly invites success. What will be your goals for 2018? Are they written down?
IT'S JUST TEN WORDS: Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead.
A UNIQUE
PERSPECTIVE JIM BERRY / PRINCIPAL jberry@fcseagles.org 843.661.4346 DISTINCTLY CHRISTIAN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
SC
2308 S IRBY 2950 ST . FLO, SC 29501 . 843.662.0454 . WWW.FCSEAGLES.ORG
Walking the halls of Florence Christian School as a first grader, Jim Berry could not have imagined he would one day walk those same halls as the school principal. But the Lord knew and directed Jim’s life accordingly, eventually enabling him to impact hundreds of lives for Christ.
As a high school student, Jim played soccer, baseball, and basketball. He also sang in the school choir and ensemble. Academically, he was drawn to math. His career as a student at Florence Christian School was well-rounded and fulfilling, preparing him for the next step in God’s unfolding plan.
Jim attended Florence Christian School from grade school through high school. At the time, his family did not attend Florence Baptist Temple, but like many other families in the community, they were interested in the school because of its high academic standards and Christian principles.
A college accounting major was a natural choice for Jim, and Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina was a good fit. Unfortunately, his time at Bob Jones was short lived. He left the university to return home when his father became ill and eventually passed away.
Would a Christian education be a great option for your child? Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
While at home, Jim worked as a substitute teacher and enjoyed his reconnection with the school. God used this difficult season of grief to direct Jim’s future. After finishing his undergraduate work in math at Liberty University, Jim was invited to return to Florence Christian School as a high school math teacher and coach. He accepted the offer and his unique position as a former student and current faculty member set him apart. Five years into his teaching career, the principal asked Jim to consider an administrative role. Two master’s degrees later, Jim became Principal of Florence Christian School, and has served in that
capacity for 14 years. Undoubtedly, his career is also his ministry as he continues to challenge and inspire those around him. His leadership impacts the more than 600 students attending Florence Christian School, and his influence ripples out to their families, the community, and the 1500 alumni serving and working around the world. Today, it seems life has come full circle for that young, unsuspecting first grader walking the halls of FCS. By grace, the Lord has allowed Jim Berry to experience Christian education from every vantage point, making his story a meaningful tribute to the ministry and work of Florence Christian School.
Curriculum that supports a Christian worldview Teaches traditional, Bible-based morals Excellent, high standards of academic achievement JIM BERRY / PRINCIPAL Florence Christian School offers Students thoroughly prepared for college or work jberry@fcseagles.org a complete educational program Weekly chapels for all ages for K3843.661.4346 – 12th grade students. Clean and safe facilities DISTINCTLY CHRISTIAN Wide array of sports and fine arts for ACADEMIC boys andEXCELLENCE girls Call (843) 662-0454 for a personal tour. 2308 S IRBY ST . FLO, SC 29501 . 843.662.0454 . WWW.FCSEAGLES.ORG
For a daily Bible reading plan, check out resources at fbt.org.
What’s better than a bunch of men gathered around a smoker so big that it’s hauled in attached to a 4x4 – with smoke rolling out sending that wonderful grilled aroma halfway across Florence County? We think this is as good as it gets! On Friday, March 2, 2018 the grill will be loaded down with a feast of wild game cooked to perfection. The men of our church have been working all year harvesting deer and wild boar. We’ll also have alligator, fresh turkey, steaming sides, dessert and a beverage. What else could you want? Men need time together enjoying good food and a challenging message to help them thrive in today’s world. This is what the FBT Men’s Wild Game Supper is all about.
Our speaker Pastor Johnny Hunt
Pastor Hunt is a member of the Lumbee Native American Indian tribe. He is originally from the Lumberton, North Carolina area where he spent time as a young person managing a pool hall. God dramatically saved and transformed Johnny’s life. He quit the wild living and soon felt God’s call to the ministry. He has now been the pastor of First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia for 31 years. You will be blessed by his powerful message.
This event is FREE to men who are non-FBT members and are at least 13 years old. However, you must register in advance at www.fbt.org.
Free!
Special speaker, Pastor Johnny Hunt Friday, March 2 @ 6:30 Awesome door prizes! Proverbs 27:17 " Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
SUNDAY
Sunday School 9 a.m. Morning Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship Service 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY Evening Service 7 p.m.
JOIN US LIVE ON FBT.ORG FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR YOUTUBE.
843-662-0453
FLORENCE BAPTIST TEMPLE. 2308 S IRBY ST. FLORENCE
Florence Baptist Temple 2308 South Irby Street Florence, SC 29504 843.662.0453 www.FBT.org
Friday, March 2 - 6 p.m. For more info or to register, go to fbt.org.