| Senior Pastor Allen Stewart "Pressing On . . ." |
OCTOBER 2011
Our church has voted to enter in to a very exciting
property purchase that will help shape the future
ministry of Milton Baptist Church! On Sunday,
September 18th, the members of Milton Baptist voted
to move forward with the purchase of the Seager
Apartment Complex adjacent to our current church
property. This decision will not only change
significantly the complexion of our community, but
will also help to shape the future possibilities of
expanded ministries at 1123 Church St.!
God continues to bless the efforts and service of His
people and “where much has been given”, I believe,
“much will be required”. It will take the prayerful,
unified efforts of all the members of Milton Baptist
Church to “press forward” in our endeavors to
continue current ministries, while “pressing on” to pay
for this “new” adventure into future ministry!
In the coming days, I will begin a preaching series on
“Tithing and Giving” as God’s people. In a world
where so much is demanded from our time, talents and
resources, we must be reminded that “all that we have
is His” and we are merely “stewards” of our time,
money and service!
If we truly believe that God has lead us to this point of
decision, then each of us must “prayerfully” honor
Him with “doing our part”! If you are a Christian and
have never trusted God by “Tithing”, this would be a
good time to “honor His promise” to “meet your needs
according to His riches in Glory”.
I believe our “financial” tithe is to go towards the
“ongoing, upkeep” of God’s church and ministry! All
giving to mission offerings, land purchases and other
“new” ministries not currently in the church budget,
should be seen as “above and beyond” our normal
tithe. Our weekly budget needs cannot and should not
suffer, because we believe God has “led us” to move
forward into new avenues of ministry! Hang on for
some exciting days ahead!
Pastor Allen
Our church has voted to enter in to a very exciting
property purchase that will help shape the future
ministry of Milton Baptist Church! On Sunday,
September 18th, the members of Milton Baptist voted
to move forward with the purchase of the Seager
Apartment Complex adjacent to our current church
property. This decision will not only change
significantly the complexion of our community, but
will also help to shape the future possibilities of
expanded ministries at 1123 Church St.!
God continues to bless the efforts and service of His
people and “where much has been given”, I believe,
“much will be required”. It will take the prayerful,
unified efforts of all the members of Milton Baptist
Church to “press forward” in our endeavors to
continue current ministries, while “pressing on” to pay
for this “new” adventure into future ministry!
In the coming days, I will begin a preaching series on
“Tithing and Giving” as God’s people. In a world
where so much is demanded from our time, talents and
resources, we must be reminded that “all that we have
is His” and we are merely “stewards” of our time,
money and service!
If we truly believe that God has lead us to this point of
decision, then each of us must “prayerfully” honor
Him with “doing our part”! If you are a Christian and
have never trusted God by “Tithing”, this would be a
good time to “honor His promise” to “meet your needs
according to His riches in Glory”.
I believe our “financial” tithe is to go towards the
“ongoing, upkeep” of God’s church and ministry! All
giving to mission offerings, land purchases and other
“new” ministries not currently in the church budget,
should be seen as “above and beyond” our normal
tithe. Our weekly budget needs cannot and should not
suffer, because we believe God has “led us” to move
forward into new avenues of ministry! Hang on for
some exciting days ahead!
Pastor Allen
FEBRUARY 2012 A new year, a new month and so far, winter hasn’t been too bad! We are thankful for the mild temperatures and the lower than average snow fall through the month of January 2012. Life and ministry continue in the lives of the Body of Christ and opportunities to “expand our territory” as far as ministry is concerned always abound! As God’s children, created by His hand, saved by the blood of His Son and blessed with the “gifts, talents and abilities” He has given, we are responsible to “expect great things, by attempting great things”! Due to the very difficult times that we are living in, there seems to be more “ministry need” than each of us can bear up under. It is very early in the year, but let me take this opportunity to address our worship, ministry, opportunity, command to give! I believe the Bible says that we, as Christians, are to “bring the whole tithe into the store house…” I believe our first “priority” in the giving of all we have (finances, time, talents) belongs to the church. If the on-going ministries of the church are not taken care of (facilities, programs, staff, missions, etc.) we cannot continue to provide “basic ministry”. Don’ t forget, the church voted to assume debt in the “resurfacing of the gym floor” and the “purchase of and development of the Seager property”. These needs must be taken care of before we can “expand our territory” of ministry. We must prayerfully consider God’s direction in each of our lives as we provide for our families, our church and beyond! There will continue to be many viable, important and “worthy” ministry opportunities presented for the consideration of the “Body of Christ” at Milton Baptist Church! Please hear me say that none of us can “take them all on”! Find out what you are “passionate” about and “join God where He is already working”! If it is “river ministry” go for it! If it is providing food for “backpacks for kids” get it done. If it is supporting a “Woman’s Choice Pregnancy Center” lend a hand. We must follow Christ’s lead by finding a “balance” in our “ministry of giving”! I would in no way try to “limit God” in what He can accomplish through His Body the Church, but we as individuals we must seek “balance and priority” when it comes to how we use our “resources” to further His Kingdom! This is how I see it – Family, Church, “Above and Beyond”! God is waiting for us to “cooperate with His plan and His will for our lives”! Let us continue to be good stewards of “all” He has given. Pastor Allen |
