The Testament - Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church · · 2012-11-20The Testament November 2012...
Transcript of The Testament - Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church · · 2012-11-20The Testament November 2012...
The Testament November 2012 Durham, NC Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church
Awakening The Sleeping Giant
The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by
Japanese military forces on December 7,
1941, stands as one of the deadliest
attacks against our country. Over 2400
men died on that fateful day. Most of
them were aboard the USS Arizona,
which sank to the ocean floor after being hit by a
modified bomb. To this day, the area above the sunken
ship has been preserved as a burial ground for the men
who lost their lives during the attack.
Following the attack, Japanese Admiral Isoroku
Yamamoto, credited with planning the attack, worried
about the consequences of attacking our powerful
country. While those around him in Japan celebrated
the success of the attack, he is quoted as saying "I fear
all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill
him with a terrible resolve."
He was correct. Provoked by the attack, the
sleeping giant was awakened and America's resolve
was unleashed in a powerful display of military might
that crippled Japanese forces and contributed greatly to
ending the war going on at that time.
Much like the power harnessed by our country,
each of us has been blessed by our heavenly father
with an array of gifts and talents. Some share these
gifts openly, but others hold back and deprive others of
the blessings received when we share these gifts.
Sleeping among us are teachers, singers, craftsmen,
musicians, painters, authors, leaders and countless
others who have yet to display their awesome talent.
What will it take for you to reveal your gifts and
talents? What needs to happen that will awaken the
giant that sleeps in you? Whatever the stumbling
block, I encourage you to step out on faith and show
yourself mighty in Christ. Don’t worry about what
others will say, focus instead on the gift that you have
and how special you are to have it.
Faith is the key. Have faith that God will be with
you with every step of the way, for in Hebrews it is
revealed that our heavenly father will never leave or
forsake us. Faith strengthens us and it instructs us in
using our gifts. Reading Romans 12:6-8, we learn -
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace
that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us
prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or
ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that
teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on
exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with
simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that
sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Faith serves as the catalyst for exercising your
gift, and love is the anchor that grounds us to
everything that we believe as Christians. As you
evaluate your skills and talents, ask yourself – am I
truly using the gifts that God has measured unto
me? What ministry at Lincoln can benefit from
what I have to offer? Am I contributing to the
growth of God’s kingdom, or is there a giant lying
dormant in me that once awakened can be a blessing
to others. Only you know the answer. Wake up!
-by Bro. Dean Jernigan **VOTE** TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH
POLLS OPEN:
6:30AM - 7:30PM
VOTE EARLY FROM NOW THROUGH
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD
Every election is important and you are
strongly urged to exercise your voting
rights during the 2012 election cycle. We
will either re-elect President Obama or
elect a new president during this election.
There are several other national, state
and local decisions that will be voted on
as well. Your Vote is Your Voice so
PLEASE VOTE!!
Habakkuk 2:2-3
“And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the Vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he
may run that readeth it. For the Vision is for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and
not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
1. A New Sanctuary
2. Burn the Present Mortgage within 4 Years
3. Let’s All Get Debt Free (in every sense)
4. Be Faithful Stewards (Time, Talent, & Treasure)
5. Every Member Operating in their Spiritual Gift(s)
6. Break Ground within 5 Years
7. Total Church Commitment to Bible Study and Prayer
Acts 4 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together;
and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of
them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Let’s Build the Community in the Church
LMBC – Rev. Linzie B. Atkins, III June 27, 2012
Member Spotlight
Bro. Irvin L. Wooten Jr.
Brother Irvin Wooten has been a member of the
Lincoln family since 2008. He was born in
Whiteville, North Carolina, where he attended West
Columbus High School and Southeastern Academy.
Brother Wooten states his spiritual journey is just
beginning. He chose to start his journey by serving
others. He is currently serving in the Lincoln family
as an Usher and as a Trustee. In his spare time he
enjoys motorcycle riding, going to the racetrack and
cooking. He has been married for 10 years to
Shekina and they have two children Cameron (14)
and Saige (3).
-by Sis. Marva Atkins
Happy Birthday To our
November Birthday Celebrities
Ebony Atkins ● Archie Perry
Krystal Holman ● Antoinette Daye
Brenda Atwater ● Kathy Williams
Nevaeh Hemmingway ● Stacey Bell
Georgia Watkins ● Janetta Atwater
Peyton Thorpe ● Larry Parker
Yolanda Wooten ● Santeda Hinton
Best Wishes For Many More!!
Food For Thought...
Drinking From My Saucer
I've never made a fortune
and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much,
I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loved ones around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for His blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
cause my cup has overflowed.
O, Remember times when things
went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe
about the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
Cause my cup has overflowed.
- by John Paul Moore
Prayer - Resource for Victory In order for believers to stand victoriously in the
conflict...there must be constant, earnest prayer.
Prayer is effectual when it has its origin with God.
God sees the whole battlefield and knows the Devil's
plans. God decides the place and part of every soldier
in the conflict, and He directs the movements of the
entire spiritual army. Since God sets forth definite
objectives to be carried out in His eternal purpose,
He must also implant in us our prayers for spiritual
victory. God communicates to us through the Holy
Spirit the prayers we are to pray. The Holy Spirit lays
the proper burden on us, motivates us and gives us
the thoughts to pray (Rom. 8:26).
So it is God who gives the deep sense of urgency
for prayer and who also gives assurance of victory.
We don't know where Satan has placed his snares
and pitfalls; but if we are alert to the Holy Spirit, He
will stimulate prayer within us so we will be
forewarned and fully ready with the provided armor.
We should be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's work in
our lives as He prompts us to prayer and gives
assurance that our prayers will be answered.
Even though we don't know what to pray for, the
Holy Spirit will prompt us and will pray through us.
The Father, through the Spirit, motivates us to pray
for what we should (Rom. 8:26,27). Then we, in the
Spirit, present our petitions back to the Father in the
name of Christ. Even in prayer, we can expect God to
work in us to give us the desire to pray and then to
energize us as we pray (Phil. 2:13).
The words "praying always" (Eph. 6:18) suggests
alertness as well as praying at all times under all
conditions. This is unbroken communion with the
Lord, not just set times of coming to Him in prayer.
It's good to have definite times set aside to spend in
prayer, but we should be talking to the Lord
throughout the day as we go about various tasks.
Praying constantly in the Spirit has two significant
implications: First, it is an admission of our
ignorance and impotency in spiritual conflict--we
don't know what to do and we don't have the power,
of ourselves, to do anything. Such prayer is heeding
the words of Proverbs 3:5,6.
Second, it reveals to the Enemy that we are totally
depending on God because we don't have
supernatural wisdom and power. By means of prayer,
we are "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might" (Eph. 6:10).
The prayer warrior is a paradox: Toward Christ he
shows conscious weakness and seeks strength and
wisdom; toward Satan he shows strength in Christ
and stands firm in the place of victory.
In ourselves we can do nothing, as is evident from
Christ's words in John 15:5. However, in Christ we
can do all things, as Paul stated in Philippians 4:13.
As we claim our position in Christ through prayer,
He will always cause us to triumph (2 Cor. 2:14).
www.backtothebible.org
Christian Missionaries
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus’ final words to the disciples were, “Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
The command by Jesus has been called “The Great Commission” and it still holds for
Christians today. We are called to do what we can to spread the word about Jesus Christ. The
apostle Peter encourages us to be ready to explain our faith in Christ, but cautions that we must
always do so “with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
One of the ways that missionaries can demonstrate what Christianity is about is to provide an excellent
example through their service, love and compassion. Compassionate work is done to demonstrate the love
of Jesus Christ. People are naturally drawn to this kind of love.
The first Christian missionary, the apostle Paul, explains in Acts 20:35 - In everything showed you that by
this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the word Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed
to give than to receive.”
What makes someone a missionary is that they have moved to a new level and have made service the
primary purpose of their life. However, Christians are missionaries even if the people they influence are
only their family, co-workers and neighbors.
Everyone has been called to live a life in the example of Christ and tell people about the good news.
- by Sis. Janice Campbell
Domestic Violence
Our annual Domestic Violence Awareness program
featured a number of individuals who shared stories,
songs and poems of inspiration and struggle
regarding domestic violence. There are far too many
victims of domestic violence. Thanks to our
Missionary Ministry and Sis. Lasheka Daye for
keeping this critically important topic in the
forefront. Thanks to all who participated in the
success of this program.
From A Strictly Mathematical Viewpoint
-submitted by Sis. Marva Atkins
What equals 100%? What does it mean to give
MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those
people who say they are giving more than
100%? We have all been in situations where
someone wants you to give over 100%. How
about achieving 101%? What equals 100% in
life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might
help you answer these questions:
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U
V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 1 9 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
and
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
AND,
look how far the love of God will take you
L- O- V- E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical
certainty that:
While Hard work and Knowledge will get you
close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the
Love of God that will put you over the top!
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall
see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall
be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven.
Matthew 5:8-10
Early Detection Saves Lives
Preventing and detecting breast cancer early
will help save more lives. Understand the
lifestyle factors that may affect your risk of
breast cancer and what you can do to stay
healthy. Breast exams, mammograms and
other screenings increase the chances of
detecting breast cancer early, when they are
most likely to be curable.
Early breast cancer usually does not cause
symptoms. This is why regular breast exams
are important. As the cancer grows, symptoms
may include:
• Breast lump or lump in the armpit that is
hard, has uneven edges, and usually does not
hurt.
• Change in the size, shape, or feel -- for
example, you may have redness, dimpling, or
puckering that looks like the skin of an orange.
Symptoms of advanced breast cancer may
include:
• Bone pain
• Breast pain or discomfort
• Skin ulcers
• Swelling of one arm (next to the breast with
cancer)
• Weight loss
If breast cancer is found early, there are more
treatment options and a better chance for
survival. A mammogram can find breast
cancer before it can be felt. However, it is not
perfect. But, when mammography is combined
with clinical breast exams, your chances for
finding cancer are even greater.
Remember, even if you feel healthy now, just
being a woman and getting older puts you at
risk for breast cancer. Getting checked
regularly can put your mind at ease. Finding
cancer early may save your life.
Karen Boone, R-PAC
Health & Wellness Ministry
Health and Wellness Corner - by Sis. Karen Boone
Meet Your Deacon Night
Welcome New Deacons!
Congratulations to Bros. Eugene Lofton, Joe Hilliard
and Dean Jernigan on being recently ordained as
Deacons. We pray for God’s grace, mercy and
blessings on each of them as they continue their roles
as servants in God’s kingdom
Deacon Eugene
Lofton
Deacon Joseph
Hilliard
Deacon Dean
Jernigan
Once per quarter, members of the Lincoln family gather
to meet with their Deacons for an informal discussion.
No topic is off limits during these meetings. The
meetings were designed to be an outlet for members to
share thoughts, concerns and suggestions for all matters
relating to the church. The suggestions and ideas are
given serious consideration by the Deacons and Pastor.
Following are photos from the last meeting.
Newsletter Photos by Bro. Reginald Davis, Sis. Jocelyn Campbell, Sis. Chanetta Evans,
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
6:00pm
Praise Team
7:00pm
Voices of Praise
3
10:00am
Trustees Meeting
12:00Noon
Women of Faith
4
5
6
***VOTE***
12:00Noon
Noon Day Prayer
6:30pm
Pastor’s Aide
Committee
***VOTE***
7
6:00pm
Sounds of Joy
6:30pm
Intercessory
Prayer
7:00pm
Bible Study
8
6:00pm
Christian Board
9
6:00pm
Praise Team
10
10:00am
Deaconess Outing
to Nursing Homes
11
3:00pm Youth Missionary
Meeting
12
6:00pm
Praise Team
7:00pm
Voices of Praise
13
12:00Noon
Noon Day Prayer
6:30pm
Health & Wellness
Ministry
14
6:30pm
Intercessory
Prayer
7:00pm
Bible Study
15
7:00pm
Church
Conference
16
6:00pm
Praise Team
7:00pm
Voices of Praise
17
9:00am
Laymen’s League
12Noon
Male Chorus
Rehearsal
18
19
20
12:00Noon
Noon Day Prayer
6:30pm
Newsletter
Committee
21
6:30pm
Intercessory
Prayer
7:00pm
Bible Study
22
THANKSGIVING
23
6:00pm
Praise Team
24
10:00am
Durham County
Missionary Dept.
25
26
6:00pm
Music Ministry
6:00pm
Praise Team
7:00pm
Voices of Praise
27
12:00Noon
Noon Day Prayer
6:00pm
Computing &
Technology
Committee
28
6:00pm
Sounds of Joy
6:30pm
Intercessory
Prayer
29
30
To add an event to the church calendar, please
contact Sis. Jocelyn Campbell by calling the church
at 688-1886, option 1. You may also reach her via
email at [email protected].
Please send articles, photos or information for The
Testament to [email protected] by the 3rd
Sunday of each month.
November 2012
“Building the Church in the Community and the Community in the Church”