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ROSCOMMON, MI – With Mother’s day just around the corner I have been thinking about my own mother and qualities that make her so special. As a boy I was stubborn, threw temper-tantrums, kept a messy room, well, I think you get the picture. Obviously just being my mom gives her the distinguished title and position of “special”. However, among the many things that endear her to me, the one trait I have come to appreciate the most, is her prayer life. No matter the circumstance or situation, she is fully confident her Father in Heaven is listening and active in the moment. I have seen her walk through financial woes, health setbacks, family drama and the passing of my dad with a humble boldness and peace that only comes from a strong personal prayer life. Even now she faithfully prays for my brother, myself and our families. In 1 Thessalonians 5 we are encouraged to rejoice always, pray constantly and give thanks in everything. I believe praying always is the key. It’s hard to feel hopeless when you pray. It’s hard to be ungrateful when you pray. Continually communicating with our Heavenly Father is the bedrock of a growing, authentic relationship that allows us to filter every situation through His eyes and rely confidently on His strength for each day. I have seen my mom personify this in her life and I hope one day my kids will say the same thing about me. Thanks, Mom. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael Schatz, State Director of Spiritual Enrichments and Retreats since March 1, 2017 when he moved from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. He and his wife Jackie have 3 children, Julia, Noah, and Emily. #MAY17

FENTON, MI – Did you know dozens of missionaries live near you? They do and you can find them and their email addresses at: www.bscm.org/SendMeMI. Each of these men and their wives are considered missionaries. They have answered God’s call to plant a church. Yet, in other ways these men and couples are a lot like you. They have bills to pay. They have children who become ill. They are caring for aging parents. They need date nights. They need encouragement. They need your prayers. I will share a few examples. Daniel Tackett is a Detroit police officer and police chaplain. Tackett often works the night shift and then after brief hours of sleep connects daily with the church leadership and members. His wife and family are passionate partners in the ministry. Despite their early stage at the church, Tackett has two associate pastors helping the church in outreach and discipleship in Wyandotte. Our church planters serve in a variety of settings: Rural communities Small towns Lakeside resorts Medium-sized cities Suburbs Urban pockets of Detroit Stanley McLellan is the pastor in Standish. Retired women make up the church membership and faithful, and support McLellan as Pastor. They are waiting on a miracle of new and continual growth. The women report that McLellan, who suffers from cerebral palsy and is legally blind, has led them in some of the best Bible teaching they have ever received over the years. Our church planting families are different in their make-up: Single men Young couples with no children Young couples with plenty of children Middle-aged couples with adult children out of the home Semi-retired couples redeploying as missionaries Drew Ansley labors in Detroit on two fronts. First, he and his wife disciple residents and the homeless of his area often times allowing them to live with them and their daughter in their home. Those who share their home are overcoming addictions and dark phases in their lives. Secondly, Ansley is focused on reaching the students of Wayne County Community Colleges. Ansley, a Florida surfer who moved to Michigan, impressed me one day when he said, “Tony, I focus on the students at the community colleges knowing that most of them will remain in Detroit after graduation. If I can reach them for Christ during their college years and they remain in the community then Detroit will really be transformed.” I thought, “Wow!” Our church plants are at different stages of growth, some are: Getting started and gathering a core team of volunteers Growing rapidly and consistently Leveling off on a plateau and must redefine their future advances Less than 1 year old, many are 1-3 years old, and a few are 7 years old David Pennell and his tireless team organized a short-term solution for the homeless and helpless in Menominee. Church members join Pennell daily caring for those in need. In a former Catholic school, Pennell and his team feed school children before they are transported to nearby public schools. The daily morning devotion time is where the adults are instructed in the Bible and vent their feelings. Everyone feels the mutual sense of family and connection whether you are there for days or a few weeks. Stories of rebuilding and renewal occur each month. Local business people and vendors participate and believe in what Pennell and the church are doing for their city. On occasion, I hear people say, “I would like to meet some missionaries.” Well, here is your opportunity. Let me suggest you plan two or three getaways this summer traveling throughout Michigan. Locate the church planter and location that peaks your interest and make plans to visit their church. While traveling, here are some ways in which you can assist or encourage the missionaries serving in Michigan: Pray for them & send them a note letting them know you prayed Visit a church plant and express your gratitude face to face to the family Gather a special offering and give it to the church plant Ask the church planter for a special need that requires funds and mobilize people in your church to collect until the amount is achieved and then celebrate with the church plant Ask the church planter if you can organize a short-term event or ministry that would increase relationships for the new church; such as, Vacation Bible School, a concert, door-to-door gifts and invitations, remodeling/updating the building or church yard, or follow one of your inspirational ideas Whether you are in a new church plant or a church celebrating a 40-year anniversary our mission is the same, we’re here to punch holes in the darkness and lead our neighbors to Christ. Please, take time to look at www.bscm.org/SendMeMI. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #APRIL17

GRANDVILLE, MI – Easter is the most important Sunday of the year! It’s the day when many people who don't attend church regularly go to church. When I was a kid, I can remember going out the Saturday before Easter to buy new clothes, because on Easter Sunday everyone dressed up. It was important to look good on Easter, and for some reason wearing a tie equalled “best.” It was the only Sunday I wore a tie as a kid to church. I remember singing songs, and people being more excited about being together. I remember hearing more “Amens” on that day than any other Sunday the rest of the year. I remember it was very clear who we were worshipping as well. We were all gathered together, dressed in our best, to worship the Resurrected King! Why did we make sure we were in church that day? Why were we dressed in what we thought was our best? Why were we more excited to worship and gather together? Because it was the Superbowl of Sundays’… It was Easter Sunday! Now, as I am in the process of leading a Church plant, which will be two years old this Easter, I have a different view than I did when I was a kid. We wrestled with these questions when embracing the prompting of the Spirit to plant Redemption Church in Grandville, Michigan. Even though we go all out at Easter… What if what we celebrated on Easter, we celebrated every single time we gathered as a church? What if Jesus' resurrection was not just celebrated once a year, but celebrated every week? What if we realized that Jesus is the point of our existence? What if every message brought people into a deeper understanding of all that is ours in Christ? What if we understood that the Gospel is the most profound message the world has ever heard? What if we understood the great depths of the Gospel and had a commitment to never move past it? What if we recognized that if we move past the Gospel, then our message would turn into moralism? What if we realized that Hell will be full of really good moral people? What if we never told our people what to do without first reminding them of what Jesus has done? What if we were convinced of this important biblical truth-that we would never give a message where Jesus wasn’t the point? What if we understood that the person and work of Jesus is the greatest motivation in our obedience to him? What if we understood that God has you where he has you to advance the Gospel through you? What if we embraced the reality that everybody around me has been intentionally placed there by the Lord? What if we understood that everything we do is because Jesus is the point? What if we believed that Jesus changes everything? How would this change everything? Whether you're reading this right before Easter Sunday, or two weeks after Easter Sunday, or even if you’re reading this in mid December, know that this coming Sunday is another HUGE opportunity to celebrate the glorious truths of the Gospel, the reality that Jesus is alive, and that HE changes everything! What if we never missed the main point and we realized that Jesus is the main point, and further, realize that Jesus wasn’t joking when He said… John 5:39, “You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Josh Tovey is Lead Pastor of Redemption Church in Grandville, Michigan. Redemption will be two years old in April of 2017. Redemption has been blessed to see God move in mighty ways in their short history. We are currently praying through what God is calling us to do next to reach greater Grand Rapids for Jesus. Redemption is excited about future opportunities to multiple what God is currently doing in Grandville throughout West Michigan. #APRIL17

Every pastor and leader of a ministry should read this book every year! During a time in my ministry, this book was the tool that God used to keep me from imploding, and helped me refocus my life and work. Since that time I have purchased cases of this book and shared it with as many pastors as possible and will continue to do so. It is a fact that many leaders will become so focused on their work that they neglect their own spiritual, physical and emotional health. This in turn causes foundations to begin to crumble and the structure of life just falls apart. Author Wayne Cordeiro writes in Leading On Empty about these dangers and gives practical and productive means by which one can be restored to health and wholeness as well as protect from future failures. The review in Kindle states: “Wayne Cordeiro found himself paralyzed by burnout. He had been in ministry for 30 years, and 10 years after founding what is now the largest church in Hawaii, he found himself depleted. Wayne took a season out of his growing ministry to recharge and refocus on the truly important. He was able to get back in touch with his life, get back in proper balance, and re-energize his spirit through Christ in a way that propelled him forward to greater levels of service. Wayne first gave this message at a recent Willow Creek Leadership Summit, where it was the highest-rated presentation by those in attendance. Pulling no punches, Wayne talks about the walls leaders must break through, and how to move on with integrity. Included are ways to care for oneself physically and emotionally as well as spiritually.” I strongly recommend this book so much so that if any pastor in the Baptist State Convention of Michigan cannot afford a copy, email me and I will be glad to provide one for him. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board. #APRIL17

FENTON, MI – Michigan girls and teen girls, are you ready to "Dive In" to a crazy fun week of camp? Take a boat ride, visit the miniature golf course, cast a fishing line, swim in Bambi Lake, and learn about the wildlife of northern Michigan. How about worship with friends from churches all over our state, work on service mission projects, and meet with a real missionary? It is not too early to start planning. Register today for our Michigan Girls' Mission Camp 2017 at Bambi Lake Retreat and Conference Center! (www.bscm.org) Join your friends (old and new) for Girl’s Mission Camp 2017! Our theme “Dive In” will challenge campers wherever they are in their journeys to love God more and to love others more. The theme Scripture is Luke 10:27–28 (NIrV): “He answered, ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength and with all your mind.” And, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do that, and you will live.’” Through Bible-based activities and fellowship, campers are provided foundational knowledge of Christian principles as well as practical ways to share their faith and testimony. Along with fun activities that encourage physical and mental development, campers are involved in exciting, fun activities and camaraderie; they are also involved in activities that provide practical as well as challenging Christian development. God calls us to fellowship with others, share the Good News of God’s grace, and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. At Girls Mission Camp, campers learn how God invites us to reach out to the world by being Christ’s presence to others every day! Here are the details: When is Girls Camp 2017? MI Girls Mission Camp is July 10-14, 2016. (starting time: Monday- 1:30pm, departing time: Friday - 10:30am) Where is Girls Camp 2017 located? MI Girls Mission Camp is held at Bambi Lake Retreat Center a beautiful place, in northern lower Michigan. Send mail to: P O Box 487, Roscommon, MI 48653 Is the camp fully equipped and comfortable for living? Yes; its lodge-style dormitories, dining hall, and conference center. The recreational facilities are engaging and readily available for camp activities. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended supplies for campers to bring with them. How do I get to Girls Camp? Many church groups bring vans while some parents bring their camper to camp. Please contact us if we can help you connect with a church van ride. (wmu@bscm.org) What is the age group allowed to attend? The age group of girls allowed to attend Girls Mission Camp is girls completing grades 3rd-12th. Are there any prerequisites to attending Girls Mission Camp? Girls Mission Camp is a Christian camp open to all girls (grades 3-12) from any faith or culture. What are the necessary forms I need to complete, and where can they be found? You must complete these forms to attend: camper registration and a medical form. These forms will be available starting June 1st. online at www.bscm.org. How much does it cost to attend Girls Camp 2017? $155 per camper. What should my child bring to camp? A “what to bring” list will be located on the registration form page. If I have questions, how can I contact the Girls Camp Director? Email: wmu@bscm.org How do I donate camp scholarship funding? To make a donation to Girls Camp, please send a check to: Girls Camp 2017, BSCM, 8420 Runyan Lake Road, Fenton, MI 48430. Please make checks payable to: BSCM. What is the history of Girls Camp? Many women will remember going to G.A. Camp when they were younger. Girls Camp is the same, a missions-education camp. The camp is called Girls Camp and is open to all girls desiring to experience a Christian camp and to grow in their relationship with friends and Jesus! Is there a Boys Camp? Yes! Boys have their own camp at the Bambi Lake Retreat Center. Boys Camp will be held August 7-11, 2017, for registration information check the www.bscm.org website. I have never been to camp, can I bring my Mom? Not, for this one, But, you can bring your mom, your grandma, aunt, older sister to Mom and Me Camp! Mom and Me Camp is, July 14-15, 2017 at Bambi Lake Retreat Center. The cost is $50, ($25 for campers 8 & under). Mom and Me Camp is designed to share the experiences of the mission camp. It helps mom and daughter to understand what mission camp is, as well as providing an opportunity for quality time together. Registration information can be found on the www.bscm.org website. We are looking forward to seeing you "Dive In" to Girls Mission Camp! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sue Hodnett serves as the BSCM Women’s Ministry Director and WMU Michigan Executive Director. #APRIL17

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – I began writing the poem, The Wind, one stormy night while I was living in Southern California. I was born and raised in New York and after getting married, moved with my husband to the West Coast so that he could complete seminary. I was far away from family and everyone I had ever known (my husband not included). We had been trying to get pregnant, unsuccessfully, for over a year. I had recently had a miscarriage and I couldn’t get a full-time job. I felt useless and lonely. The Wind By Kristin L. Norman The wind is blowing outside my window. May the glass hold through the night; Hold fast until the sun rises. The sun will rise. The wind will fade. Rest easy my soul. Years have passed and still the rain falls, but the walls are strong, the roof faultless. My body is safe and my soul secure. A new day. A new storm. The thunder shakes my core. My heart beats to the rhythm of the storm. My body is tired and my heart is faint. When will this storm subside? The thunder has faded, my heart will find rest. Relief will come tomorrow. The wind has returned and yet it brings joy instead of pain. It brings hope. As the wind beats against the windows, my heart is hopeful for what it may bring. There aren’t too many stormy nights in Southern California, but as the wind shook my windows I felt as though it was shaking my very soul. So, I began to write. And as I did, I was reminded of the Psalms and how, so often, no matter how difficult the circumstance, the Psalmist would end it with hope. As I meditated on the Psalms and wrote, my soul was comforted. After my husband completed seminary and was ordained, we moved to Traverse City, Michigan. We accepted the call to a senior pastorate at The Orchard Church and I was still infertile and unemployed. I was excited about this new opportunity to serve, but then another storm came. Again, I found myself lying awake in bed hearing the wind against my windows, and although several years had passed, I was still without a child or a full-time job. I still felt alone. God did not give me either a child or a full-time job for five years. It was a long five years, filled with sorrow, pain, but also joy and new friendships. Then, within one month, I received my daughter through foster care, found out I was pregnant, and received my first contracted teaching position. I am now a full-time teacher, a mother of two amazing children, and so much more. My life is full and chaotic, but so very wonderful. There was a drought in my life for five years and then God opened up the floodgates and the storm no longer brought pain but joy. The rain that pounds on my roof is no longer a symbol of sorrow, but of God’s profound grace in my life. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kristin L. Norman was born and raised in the ‘forgotten borough’ of New York City. She has lived on each coast and now resides in Traverse City, Michigan. She is a pastor’s wife, mother of two, teacher, worship leader, and author. You can follow her at www.facebook.com/KristinLNorman. #APRIL17

SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MI – Bill Haas and his wife, Cindy were the featured speakers at this years’ annual Michigan WMU Retreat at Bambi Lake. More than one hundred women came to hear what God is doing among Native American people in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Sault Sainte Marie has been a historic Native American gateway and gathering place for centuries. Situated on the United States side of the U.S. and Canadian border, it is home to the largest Native American tribe in the state of Michigan. The Sault Tribe of Chippewa has over 40,000 members spread out across Michigan. The Haas are looking at an opportunity to start a new church in Watersmeet in the western U.P. This is near where they live, and they say the Lac Vieux Desert Reservation has great need. Haas says, “I have been praying for this reservation near where we live. You can only imagine how our hearts were thrilled when we heard about the Michigan WMU ladies who decided to begin praying for every Native American reservation and community in the state.” He adds that they are seeing God move among Native people. A man they had lost touch with has resurfaced and is very interested in having a Baptist church started in Watersmeet. Three days before they heard from this man, a pastor in Ironwood told them about a Chippewa woman who is interested in a church, too. Watersmeet is home to the Lac Vieux Desert Reservation. Like many in Michigan and even in Wisconsin, it is an Ojibwe (Chippewa) reservation. The Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Ottawa are part of a group called the Anishinaabe. The Anishinaabe are only 5% evangelized across the United States and Canada. Just north of the reservation is Bond Falls. Haas describes the area, “It is a beautiful place of mighty rushing water and yet is peaceful as well. It reminds me of the power of God and the peace of God simultaneously. The Gospel that we preach is both a powerful message and a peaceful message of hope to all who receive the Savior. Even the name, “Bond” Falls, brings to my mind the bond that you and I have as we agree together to take the message of hope through Jesus Christ to our Native American people.” Haas is inviting anyone interested to contact them for ways to be a part of their team of partners. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bill Haas, Church Planter/Missionary at Grace Fellowship of Sault Sainte Marie, in Northern Michigan. Working among Potawatomi, Native Americans. #APRIL17

LANSING, MI – This year, 2017, marked the third anniversary of Night to Shine sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. In just three years, this unforgettable prom night experience centered on God’s love for people with special needs ages 14 and older has become a worldwide movement. This year, more than 150,000 volunteers in more than 375 churches around the world served more than 75,000 honored guests simultaneously on one night, Friday, February 10, 2017. The 375 host churches represent all 50 states, 11 countries, 28 different denominations, and mark an 850% growth from year one. Faith Fellowship Baptist Church partnered with the 2|42 Community Church to host the Night to Shine event for the Lansing, MI area. The Lansing area honored approximately 200 guests with a red-carpet entrance complete with a friendly welcome from paparazzi, limousine rides, hair and makeup glam party, and, of course, a dance floor! Every guest was donned with crowns/tiaras – because they are all Kings and Queens, corsages/boutonnieres, and a catered five course meal served for each King and Queen. It is a night not only for guests to shine, but for churches to shine, for volunteers to shine, and most importantly, for Christ to shine. The lives of 200 young men and women were touched by loving and caring individuals and churches who had come together to show Christ. ABOUT THE AUTHOR The article was written by Djuana Dismuke, she is the Community Education Specialist at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church in Detroit. She coordinates our After School Program for our Community Center. #APRIL17

ADA, OK – If God were to begin a spiritual awakening in the “Bible Belt,” He might just choose a place like Ada to do it. That is what Brad Graves, pastor of Ada, First, believed. Through a multi-day event in February called “Awaken Ada,” the church saw approximately 200 spiritual decisions and has recorded more than 65 baptisms. “Many describe what happened in Ada, Okla. last week as unbelievable, overwhelming, anointed; and most said it was simply indescribable,” said Graves who mentioned there were a few “only God” attributions leading up to Awaken Ada. To prepare for the event, which would be headlined by revival evangelist Ken Freeman, members of Ada, First “cleansed the Temple” with 300 people reading aloud the entire Bible, cover to cover, in the sanctuary. Following this, approximately 100 members fasted for 21 days, calling on the Lord to send awakening and revival in Ada. Hearts were set as Freeman arrived on a Wednesday, and a series of events took place. Speaking at five school assemblies involving five different area schools, God clearly began to move on the hearts of people. Giving his “choices” school assembly speech, many students connected with Freeman’s message. “With one of the largest crowds hosted on a Wednesday Night Youth Service this school year, Ken spoke to a packed room of students, and the first 18 decisions for Christ were made,” according to Graves. On Friday evening, more than 100 students and adults traveled to the Ada Lodge at Falls Creek for a weekend Winter Camp. During worship services, 13 more decisions for Christ happened. Then, at a Saturday night Communion Service, which lasted for hours, students worshipped the Lord with great intensity. This sparked a number of student-led prayer groups at schools, the following week. According to Graves, the community participated in the awakening. “One local high school even added the Wednesday night service in its daily announcements. Posters and invite cards were distributed around our area by the hundreds, and countless people gave rides, picked up people and walked,” he said. All of these events led up to the Sunday morning worship service, which kicked off the five-service revival week. That morning, the church baptized 19 students. From Sunday through Wednesday, Graves and the congregation saw the crowd sizes only grow. During the times of response, the altar was full of people. “On Wednesday we had other churches join for worship, and with a crowd of between 1,500 and 2,000 people, we believe it to be the largest crowd our sanctuary has held,” said Graves. “We had the balcony full, choir loft full, students and adults crammed into pews, and many students sitting on the floor. We also had a nursery and elementary kids service for 4th grade and below in the gym. With the size of our town it is easy to celebrate that close to 10 percent of our population came to our service that night.” “I was overwhelmed with emotion, because we had been praying for a moment like this for years,” said one church member. Each evening, dozens of people came to faith in Christ. At the time Ada, First had recorded 199 decisions for Christ, with 68 baptisms and more baptisms scheduled. These people came from all walks of life, from teens to married couples. “I have been in a lot of revivals and crusades, even Billy Graham and Luis Palau, but Wednesday night was the most historic and anointed service that I may have ever been a part of,” he said. “Someone asked if I knew this was going to be this epic of a movement. I replied that I knew it was going to be this special, not because of the crowds, salvations or baptisms, but because I saw the intensity and passion of the students in their worship. I have never seen that many students that sincere and intense on just worshipping God, and with God’s promise to inhabit the praises of His people, He did not disappoint,” added Graves, who believes the prayer and fasting was a key to focusing the church on God.” Graves’ prayer is that this outpouring of blessing from God changes the spiritual landscape in Ada. With God’s help, an awakening like what was seen in Ada also can spread to other parts of Oklahoma and the nation. NOTE: Evangelist Ken Freeman is coming to Michigan the week of May 14-17. He will be speaking at Riverwalk Baptist Church in Bay City with Pastor Steve Roe. If you would like Evangelist Ken Freeman to come to your church, please contact the BSCM at 810-714-1907 or Ken Freeman at dude@kenfreeman.com to schedule a date. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brian Hobbs is the Editor of the Baptist Messenger in Oklahoma, an initiative of Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Today, the Baptist Messenger is mailed to nearly 45,000 households every week, making it the third-largest newspaper in terms of paid subscriptions in the state of Oklahoma. In November 2011, Messenger Digital was launched, a full online edition of The Baptist Messenger, along with the Messenger Mobile companion app. On May 15, 2012, The Messenger celebrated its 100th year. Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 3800 North May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 © 2017 All Rights Reserved • BGCO.org • 405.942.3800. #APRIL17

O'FALLON, IL (BP) – The crowd is often wrong. Popular opinion frequently misses the truth. And unfortunately, it seems that unrighteousness is usually trending. From the earliest days of human history that has been so. The crowd was wrong in the days of Noah, as it was in the gathering at Babel. Godliness was often forsaken in the days of the prophets, and the dominant culture was usually wrong in the days of the early church. But the crowds that gathered as Jesus entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday weren’t wrong. They got it gloriously right. The crowds that gathered in the city just days later would call for the murder of Jesus. Many political and religious leaders would exult in His crucifixion. But on that first Palm Sunday the gathered people welcomed the Messiah and Savior of the world. Let's note three ways the crowd got it right on that first Palm Sunday as we consider our response to Jesus on this Palm Sunday. THE CROWD WAS RIGHT TO GIVE HONOR The people got word that Jesus was entering the city and they immediately stepped forward to honor Him. He entered on a borrowed donkey which both fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and spoke to humility. People rushed to cushion each step by placing palm branches and even their own cloaks on the ground before Him. We rightly honor Jesus by our care for the things of God. When we care more about the glory of the Lord than our own comfort, we honor Him. When we sacrifice our time and energy and possessions, we honor Him. When we look for ways to bless His work, we honor Him. I pray you will honor the Lord with your life this Palm Sunday and Easter season. Honor Him by loving the things that matter. Honor Him with your sacrifice for the things that count. Honor Him with a bent knee and a giving heart. On Palm Sunday we remember all that Jesus is and all that He has done. And we honor that memory and that mission as we gather with the crowd. THE CROWD WAS RIGHT TO WORSHIP The people began a spontaneous worship service as Jesus passed by on the first Palm Sunday. They sang out snatches of the Psalms. Their cries of "Hosanna" -- a word of praise from the Hebrew word for "salvation" -- rang out above the noise. They sensed the working of God to save mankind from sin and could not contain songs of loudest praise. I hope you will worship the Lord joyfully this Palm Sunday and Easter season. He is worthy of all your praise. By His death, we can find life. By His work, we can find meaning and purpose in the work of our lives. By His resurrection, we have power over death and the grave. We have ample reason to praise our Messiah, Savior and Lord. When you gather for worship on Sunday, remember who Jesus is and what He has done. And praise Him from the depth of your heart. Jesus told the skeptical Pharisees who hated this praise that the rocks would cry out if the people didn't. We have a reason to sing and a reason to shout and Palm Sunday reminds us of this privilege. Let no stone be needed to take your place in worship. Praise His name fully and powerfully. THE CROWD WAS RIGHT TO PROCLAIM Matthew's Gospel tells us the city was shaken by the crowd's praise. People asked who it was that passed by. The crowd proclaimed, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee!" (Matthew 21:11). We gather in worship on Palm Sunday and the Easter season to proclaim the message of Jesus. We proclaim the Gospel message that Jesus is God's only begotten Son, that He died to pay the penalty for our sins, that He was buried but that He rose from the dead on the third day. We proclaim Christ as our Savior and as our King. We proclaim that He is the only hope for the world. We proclaim that He will return one day to claim His own and that those who repent of their sins and place their faith in Him will live for eternity with Him in heaven. This is our proclamation in song and sermon and life. The crowd got it right on that first Palm Sunday. Let's gather with other believers and all those who will hear and, together, honor and worship and proclaim the name of Jesus. There will be no need for stones to take our place. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Doug Munton is first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of First Baptist Church in O'Fallon, Ill. #APRIL17

SHARONVILLE, OH – The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central tenant of the Christian faith. Unlike other events in the life of Christ we know when it happened, down to the hours of the day. We know why it happened, where it happened, and most of the incidental events which accompanied it. The Apostles made it clear that it was the essential element of the gospel message. The resurrection of Christ featured prominently in their preaching as did the suffering of the cross. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). The New Testament stresses the resurrection in its teaching as Paul argues, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). We cannot diminish the primacy of the resurrection or the suffering of the cross to minor points of theological debate. Without them we do not have a living faith, merely a dead religion. Yet, when most people hear the word, “Easter” they don’t think of these things. I used to work in a mall. Most of the time I took my lunch break at the food court. Every spring, on the outskirts of the food court, the mall entertained a notable visitor. Sometime around March/April the Easter Bunny held court. Parents and children would come there to have their pictures taken and memories made. While I always found the family dynamic a tender scene I never thought to myself, “Wow, what a wonderful representation of the resurrection of Christ!” There is nothing about eggs and bunnies that teach Christ’s passion. Don’t misunderstand, I’m all for eating chocolate bunnies. My concern is that we’ve allowed the images of an increasingly secular culture take over the clear teaching of the Scriptures in our churches and our families. We’ve become so numbed by the culture that it seems we’ve forgotten that these events are central to the gospel message. So what is the solution to this erosion of a biblical spirituality? The pastor. He stands firmly between the culture and the congregation. It is his job to teach and preach in such a way that the truth of Christ’s passion and resurrection is heard, learned, and understood. Paul tells the Ephesian elders that it is their job to, “feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The pastor is only one part of the answer. The Christian must also be diligent in their devotional life, following the lead of the pastor and holding to the Church Covenant. The Covenant helps us here, “We also encourage family and personal devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances. To walk cautiously in the world;” If we were to add this kind of focused life to biblical teaching we would never worry about the gale winds of culture. Preaching and teaching the cross and the empty tomb won’t win any popularity contests, especially in a time when free speech has been replaced by approved speech. But we are not called to be popular. We are ordained to tell the truth. ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Smith is an author, speaker and podcaster. He is pastor of Creek Road Baptist Church in Sharonville, OH. #APRIL17

ROSCOMMON, MI – The March Men’s Retreat promoted a Wild Game Dinner which brought the hunters to Bambi Lake. The guest speaker was Chuck McAlister, of the famed Adventure Bound Outdoors TV program launched in 1996. He is an avid hunter, and is full of stories that kept attendees on the edge of their seat. The praise band was from The Potter’s Wheel in Fenton, Michigan and our new Bambi Lake Camp director Michael (Mick) Schatz joined them as worship leader. On Friday night, McAlister, challenged the men to be intentional in witnessing using Acts 17 – Paul in Athens. That night, twelve men accepted Christ. Saturday morning, McAlister continued teaching using the stories of Abraham and Isaac. The surprise for the retreat attendees was local churches had planned a wild game dinner for approximately 250-300 people in addition to the men at the retreat. This turned into a somewhat of a mission trip. Retreat attendees were the the hands and feet by setting up tables, chairs and props, and by earnestly praying before and during the dinner, expecting the Holy Spirit to move freely in the hearts of the people. All afternoon, prayers were being lifted to encourage McAlister and to prepare the hearts of the people who would be attending. His message from Friday night’s message was; you must care about people, you must go where people are, you must change your methods (not message), you must tell people the truth and you must expect people to be saved. Make yourself available. Saturday night, he did just that. He demonstrated to the men exactly what he taught. His ending message was this: Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by me, John 14:6. And his illustration of a cure was spot on. He left them with a choice, accept the Truth or throw away your cure. That night 79 people came to know the Lord as their personal Savior. Sunday morning, McAllister shared about the paralytic and four friends. Another powerful message – “We should expect more with Jesus in the house” and “people gather when Jesus is in the house!” Pray for the churches as they begin to disciple those whose lives have been changed forever. Pray for the men who attended, that messages of the weekend will burn in our hearts and be shown through their lives as men of God. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Terry Whitehead is chairman of the Deacons, a Sunday School teacher, Men’s Bible Study leader at First Baptist Church, Swartz Creek, Genesee Baptist Association. #APRIL17