0e4249639 1432232044 central connection newsletter may 2015
NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 138 PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
1104 Balboa Avenue ~ Panama City, FL 32401 850.769.6000 ~ www.centralbaptistpanamacity.org Dr. Bruce Barton, Pastor
Central Connection Connecting members and friends to Central Baptist Church in Panama City, Florida
Spring 2015 Dr. Bruce Barton, Pastor
Make your plans to join us for our 60th Anniversary Weekend — June 10-12, 2016!
Responding to Injustice
Church Events
The Bible has a method to conflict resolution and hurtful emotions The story of Joseph is perhaps the most instructive story in scripture regarding injustice and how to handle it. Injustice is a fact and the older and more thoughtful we become the more we see injustice around us. This world is not a just place to live.
Now is the Time. This is the Place.
Isaiah 59:14, “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.”
Our city needs a church like ours. Not because we are anything special or important, but because He is. In a time, when today’s church—even Baptist churches—are turning to the world for their methods and their messages, our city needs a church like ours.
Whether Hitler’s Germany, WWII’s interment camps to over 100,000 Japanese people, human slavery to African Americans with no vote, or women’s right to vote in America, much persecution has come about from good and bad men.
In a time when today’s government—even though founded upon God and His Word—is turning away from our heritage, our history, and our God, our government needs a church like ours. In a season when today’s culture—heavily influenced by starlets and superstars—finds its place without the only Lord and the only God, our culture needs a church like ours. Now in my fifties, I am resolved with a greater determination to make an impact in our world, fortified together with the Central Baptist Church membership, remaining fundamental in doctrine and faithful in practice. Now is the time, more than ever, to stand for righteousness. This is the place more than any place, to be a lighthouse in a stormy, tumultuous world. Church, join me in remaining GOD-CENTERED, living TRUTH-DRIVEN lives, touching the lives of others because we are PEOPLE-FOCUSED.
The case of Joseph was intentional from
his brothers, Potiphar’s wife, and a forgetful butler. If anybody had a right to be bitter, it was Joseph. If anyone had ever been done wrong, it was Joseph. How did this man overcome? What qualities got Joseph through the grave injustices committed against him? How did he keep from becoming bitter, sour and despondent? HIS FAITH. Joseph knew God and knew the providence of God and the faithfulness of God. Genesis 50:21, “but God meant it unto good…” Genesis 45:5, “for God did send me before you.” We are not headed to a place in life, but toward a purpose—the image of Christ.
Missions Giving Exceeds $60,000 The week following our Global Impact Weekend on March 7-8, our church spent a week in prayer and came back the following week for Faith Promise Commitment Sunday, placing our commitments to the Lord in sacrifice and solidarity. When the commitment cards were tabulated our church committed $60,050.00 above our tithes and offerings for world-wide evangelization to our 58 current missionaries. This is the highest commitment since our pastor began leading us in 2006. We are excited about increasing our support to all of our missionaries and to add three additional ones.
MAY 17 Missionary Kevin Ruwersma United Kingdom MAY 24 Memorial Sunday MAY 31 Graduates Day Dr. Tom Wallace, Murfreesboro, TN JUNE 7 Super Sonic Sunday Night Fellowship JUNE 14 Quarterly Business Meeting JUNE 20 Father, Son, Grandson Breakfast JUNE 21 Father’s Day JULY 5 Patriotic Day JULY 26 Anniversary Sunday AUGUST 16 Back to School Sunday
Dealing with Injustice….from page 1 If one can have faith in God’s faithfulness when everything around them seems to be crumbling, when the men and the institutions one has trusted in fails them, then one will overcome injustice. David ran for ten years. He did nothing but good for Saul and Saul in his jealously turned on him and chased him like an animal from cave to cave, from country to country. David understood the faithfulness of God. (II Samuel 16:10) Joseph seemed to always be able to do that! He conquered injustice by his faith in the faithfulness of God. So the first mark of a man who handles injustice without bitterness is his faith. HIS FOCUS. Joseph’s focus was always on his responsibility in all that happened to him, not on what others did wrong.
are what you are because of your decisions and your reactions to your situations. Joseph handled injustice by his Faith in God, by His Focus on his own responsibilities and by—
CBC Snapshots
HIS FORGIVENESS. Years later, Jacob died. The brothers had been in the land for many years now. But they still feel like Joseph will someday try to get even with them. (Genesis 50:1521) Forgiveness is the opposite of revenge. When someone hurts another, particularly if it is a deep hurt, an embarrassing hurt, a lingering hurt, down deep in this depraved heart, we want to see them get their just reward. It often means we are carrying a grudge. A grudge—when we will not acknowledge them anymore, we
The Athlea Ladies Class at Po Folks
Global Impact Taking personal responsibility for the world
PLEASE HIM IN 2015 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. —John 8:29—
Dr. and Mrs. Tom Lancaster, residents of Panama City, and members of Central Baptist Church, led our annual Global Impact Weekend on March 7-8, 2015. His four messages were more like a revival meeting and stirred our people to take a personal responsibility in sharing the gospel in our region and supporting others prayerfully and financially around the world.
Dr. Tom Lancaster Preaching
Joining Tom and Dottie Lancaster were, Brian and Amanda Collins—missionaries to Zambia through Baptist International Missions and their local church; and, Caleb and Alicia McCollum—missionaries to Germany through Global Independent Baptist Missions and their local church. All are pictured above with Pastor and Mrs. Barton at the close of this year’s Global Impact Weekend. 2015 Global Impact Award Recipients Tom and Dottie Lancaster
I Heard...
Is Central Baptist Church closing?
How does one respond correctly? When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, he never thought about all the injustices done to him. No, he said in Genesis 39:8, “how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Joseph did not focus on his brother’s sins, he focused on his own personal responsibility where he was at the moment. Whether a slave or a prisoner, while he did not choose it, he was responsible for his actions, his countenance, and his treatment of others. Do not focus on what people may do to you, focus on your own personal responsibility! Remember, Moses lost his opportunity to go into the promised land because of his temper. (Psalm 106:32-33) Happy is the day when Christians realize that God gave us the power to be controlled from within, not from without. Nobody can control you unless you allow them to . You may not be where you are because you decided to be there, but you
No. However, in a historic decision on March 15, 2015 the church, with a near-unanimous vote decided to sell our property, purchase new property, and transition to the new property as God allows.
do not want them to succeed, we seek opportunities to point out their failure in order to say, “I told you so.” An old proverb teaches that forgiveness is setting the prisoner free from bondage, only to discover that the prisoner was you! Forgiveness puts the light back in your eyes, puts the kick back in your step, puts the love back in your marriage, puts the warmth back into that cold friendship.
Joanna Barton 4.20 GPA
While these discussions are on-going, we are prayerful regarding God’s leadership and are dependent upon His wisdom.
It restores relationships with others and with God. Matthew 5:23-24, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” In the end, Joseph dealt with injustices like this—Genesis 50:21, “Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” Do you handle injustice the way Joseph did? The Bible way?
There has been ongoing discussions with a potential buyer and the Transition Team, made up of our five Deacons, our Business Manager, and our Pastor, has been seeking a new tract of land in the new SweetBay community.
Outing n Golfith, and o o n r fte stin Sm rday A u A Satuy Barton, Dr Barton d o a t r B Pas
We long to be debt-free, in buildings that are up-to-date and more cost efficient to operate, while being in an expanding and growing new development in our city, yet still centrally located. Until then, we continue with our purpose, trying to remain true to our fundamental position in doctrine and in practice. No, we are not closing, we are just moving forward!
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
1104 Balboa Avenue ~ Panama City, FL 32401 850.769.6000 ~ www.centralbaptistpanamacity.org Dr. Bruce Barton, Pastor
Central Connection Connecting members and friends to Central Baptist Church in Panama City, Florida
Spring 2015 Dr. Bruce Barton, Pastor
Make your plans to join us for our 60th Anniversary Weekend — June 10-12, 2016!
Responding to Injustice
Church Events
The Bible has a method to conflict resolution and hurtful emotions The story of Joseph is perhaps the most instructive story in scripture regarding injustice and how to handle it. Injustice is a fact and the older and more thoughtful we become the more we see injustice around us. This world is not a just place to live.
Now is the Time. This is the Place.
Isaiah 59:14, “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.”
Our city needs a church like ours. Not because we are anything special or important, but because He is. In a time, when today’s church—even Baptist churches—are turning to the world for their methods and their messages, our city needs a church like ours.
Whether Hitler’s Germany, WWII’s interment camps to over 100,000 Japanese people, human slavery to African Americans with no vote, or women’s right to vote in America, much persecution has come about from good and bad men.
In a time when today’s government—even though founded upon God and His Word—is turning away from our heritage, our history, and our God, our government needs a church like ours. In a season when today’s culture—heavily influenced by starlets and superstars—finds its place without the only Lord and the only God, our culture needs a church like ours. Now in my fifties, I am resolved with a greater determination to make an impact in our world, fortified together with the Central Baptist Church membership, remaining fundamental in doctrine and faithful in practice. Now is the time, more than ever, to stand for righteousness. This is the place more than any place, to be a lighthouse in a stormy, tumultuous world. Church, join me in remaining GOD-CENTERED, living TRUTH-DRIVEN lives, touching the lives of others because we are PEOPLE-FOCUSED.
The case of Joseph was intentional from
his brothers, Potiphar’s wife, and a forgetful butler. If anybody had a right to be bitter, it was Joseph. If anyone had ever been done wrong, it was Joseph. How did this man overcome? What qualities got Joseph through the grave injustices committed against him? How did he keep from becoming bitter, sour and despondent? HIS FAITH. Joseph knew God and knew the providence of God and the faithfulness of God. Genesis 50:21, “but God meant it unto good…” Genesis 45:5, “for God did send me before you.” We are not headed to a place in life, but toward a purpose—the image of Christ.
Missions Giving Exceeds $60,000 The week following our Global Impact Weekend on March 7-8, our church spent a week in prayer and came back the following week for Faith Promise Commitment Sunday, placing our commitments to the Lord in sacrifice and solidarity. When the commitment cards were tabulated our church committed $60,050.00 above our tithes and offerings for world-wide evangelization to our 58 current missionaries. This is the highest commitment since our pastor began leading us in 2006. We are excited about increasing our support to all of our missionaries and to add three additional ones.
MAY 17 Missionary Kevin Ruwersma United Kingdom MAY 24 Memorial Sunday MAY 31 Graduates Day Dr. Tom Wallace, Murfreesboro, TN JUNE 7 Super Sonic Sunday Night Fellowship JUNE 14 Quarterly Business Meeting JUNE 20 Father, Son, Grandson Breakfast JUNE 21 Father’s Day JULY 5 Patriotic Day JULY 26 Anniversary Sunday AUGUST 16 Back to School Sunday
Dealing with Injustice….from page 1 If one can have faith in God’s faithfulness when everything around them seems to be crumbling, when the men and the institutions one has trusted in fails them, then one will overcome injustice. David ran for ten years. He did nothing but good for Saul and Saul in his jealously turned on him and chased him like an animal from cave to cave, from country to country. David understood the faithfulness of God. (II Samuel 16:10) Joseph seemed to always be able to do that! He conquered injustice by his faith in the faithfulness of God. So the first mark of a man who handles injustice without bitterness is his faith. HIS FOCUS. Joseph’s focus was always on his responsibility in all that happened to him, not on what others did wrong.
are what you are because of your decisions and your reactions to your situations. Joseph handled injustice by his Faith in God, by His Focus on his own responsibilities and by—
CBC Snapshots
HIS FORGIVENESS. Years later, Jacob died. The brothers had been in the land for many years now. But they still feel like Joseph will someday try to get even with them. (Genesis 50:1521) Forgiveness is the opposite of revenge. When someone hurts another, particularly if it is a deep hurt, an embarrassing hurt, a lingering hurt, down deep in this depraved heart, we want to see them get their just reward. It often means we are carrying a grudge. A grudge—when we will not acknowledge them anymore, we
The Athlea Ladies Class at Po Folks
Global Impact Taking personal responsibility for the world
PLEASE HIM IN 2015 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. —John 8:29—
Dr. and Mrs. Tom Lancaster, residents of Panama City, and members of Central Baptist Church, led our annual Global Impact Weekend on March 7-8, 2015. His four messages were more like a revival meeting and stirred our people to take a personal responsibility in sharing the gospel in our region and supporting others prayerfully and financially around the world.
Dr. Tom Lancaster Preaching
Joining Tom and Dottie Lancaster were, Brian and Amanda Collins—missionaries to Zambia through Baptist International Missions and their local church; and, Caleb and Alicia McCollum—missionaries to Germany through Global Independent Baptist Missions and their local church. All are pictured above with Pastor and Mrs. Barton at the close of this year’s Global Impact Weekend. 2015 Global Impact Award Recipients Tom and Dottie Lancaster
I Heard...
Is Central Baptist Church closing?
How does one respond correctly? When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, he never thought about all the injustices done to him. No, he said in Genesis 39:8, “how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Joseph did not focus on his brother’s sins, he focused on his own personal responsibility where he was at the moment. Whether a slave or a prisoner, while he did not choose it, he was responsible for his actions, his countenance, and his treatment of others. Do not focus on what people may do to you, focus on your own personal responsibility! Remember, Moses lost his opportunity to go into the promised land because of his temper. (Psalm 106:32-33) Happy is the day when Christians realize that God gave us the power to be controlled from within, not from without. Nobody can control you unless you allow them to . You may not be where you are because you decided to be there, but you
No. However, in a historic decision on March 15, 2015 the church, with a near-unanimous vote decided to sell our property, purchase new property, and transition to the new property as God allows.
do not want them to succeed, we seek opportunities to point out their failure in order to say, “I told you so.” An old proverb teaches that forgiveness is setting the prisoner free from bondage, only to discover that the prisoner was you! Forgiveness puts the light back in your eyes, puts the kick back in your step, puts the love back in your marriage, puts the warmth back into that cold friendship.
Joanna Barton 4.20 GPA
While these discussions are on-going, we are prayerful regarding God’s leadership and are dependent upon His wisdom.
It restores relationships with others and with God. Matthew 5:23-24, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” In the end, Joseph dealt with injustices like this—Genesis 50:21, “Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” Do you handle injustice the way Joseph did? The Bible way?
There has been ongoing discussions with a potential buyer and the Transition Team, made up of our five Deacons, our Business Manager, and our Pastor, has been seeking a new tract of land in the new SweetBay community.
Outing n Golfith, and o o n r fte stin Sm rday A u A Satuy Barton, Dr Barton d o a t r B Pas
We long to be debt-free, in buildings that are up-to-date and more cost efficient to operate, while being in an expanding and growing new development in our city, yet still centrally located. Until then, we continue with our purpose, trying to remain true to our fundamental position in doctrine and in practice. No, we are not closing, we are just moving forward!
