Minute with Mark

Inviting Lifestyle Everyday

2012-02-07T09:06:00.002-06:00

MINUTE WITH MARK 2-6-12 from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

Invite Sunday

2012-01-30T14:47:00.000-06:00

MINUTE WITH MARK 1-30-12 from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

Jesus Offers an Invitation

2012-01-23T14:23:00.002-06:00

MINUTE WITH MARK 1-23-12 from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

Inviting Lifestyle

2012-01-16T14:33:00.001-06:00

MINUTE WITH MARK 1-16-12 from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

Champions for Christ

2012-01-11T11:17:00.000-06:00

MINUTE WITH MARK 1-9-12 from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

The New Year

2011-12-28T17:10:00.000-06:00

MINUTE WITH MARK NEW YEARS from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

Christmas Weekend at Lynwood

2011-12-20T12:53:00.000-06:00

MINUET WITH MARK CHRISTMAS from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

RG3 and Tim Tebow

2011-12-19T10:14:00.001-06:00

We finally got our technical problems worked out. Here's the video from last week.

MINUTE WITH MARK 12-12-11 from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

Where Has God Put You?

2011-12-06T12:23:00.001-06:00

12-6-11 MINUTE WITH MARK from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

A New Thing . . .

2011-11-29T14:37:00.001-06:00

11-28-11 MINUTE WITH MARK from tracy childers on Vimeo.

In Christ, Mark

2011-08-24T17:00:00.002-05:00

This Sunday night will be a big night at Lynwood. We will begin a new semester of our Midwest Center for Spiritual Transformation (MSCT) classes. There are some great options regardless of where you are in your spiritual development. There is a class for new Christians all the way to seasoned veterans of the faith. We will also provide an open class if you are not interested in a specific study. Our purpose in these classes is to help you grow deeper in your walk with Christ. Our primary focus is to teach you how to study God's Word and how to hear Him speak to you. Please go to our website www.lynwoodc.org/mcst and register your attendance or call the church office. I'm looking forward to what God is going to do as we seek Him and learn from Him!

In Christ, Mark

2011-08-15T10:33:00.002-05:00

Our transition August 7 went very well. Thanks to all who volunteered their time along with the staff for making it a very successful day. We have also seen many new guests at Lynwood. Thank you for your inviting lifestyle.

On a personal note, please pray for our family as we take our son, Will, to Liberty University this week. We've had some practice with this with our two older daughters, but it's still a bitter/sweet transition. We're going to miss Will, but we are confident he is following God's will.

In Christ,
Mark

2011-08-04T09:22:00.002-05:00

Sunday is a big day for Lynwood Baptist Church! We have made several changes to the facility to accommodate the growth we've experienced especially in our preschool area. We have moved several LifeGroups to different hours to help balance our worship services, and we have created some new LifeGroups in both hours to allow everyone a place to study God's Word. I hope you will attend one this Sunday morning.

I will also begin a new series of messages this Sunday entitled Courageous Families. Sherwood Pictures (Facing the Giants, Fireproof) is releasing their newest film, Courageous this fall. The film is tremendous! I highly recommend it. We will discover Biblical truths in this series which will help us build courageous families. So many families are under attack by the enemy resulting in discouragement and defeat. Other families have no game plan because they have never been adequately trained in God's Word. There is hope! I believe God's Word will give your family strength, help and courage.

This is the perfect time for you to invite someone to join us Sunday. Your guests will have the opportunity to hear a God-centered message on the family, meet other believers and have a great time. More importantly, your invitation could make an eternal difference. Pray and invite!

In Christ, Mark

2011-07-24T17:09:00.003-05:00

It's great to be back home after our trip to Texas. Yes, it was very hot! We enjoyed visiting with my family in the DFW area and Karen's grandmother in south Texas. She is 98 years old and has a wondeful and humorous spirit about life.

Being away reminds me of the great privilege I have of pastoring the great people at Lynwood. The Scripture is right describing the church as family. We are part of God's family today and for all eternity. Our relationship to Christ creates a connectedness that is unique from all other relationships in life. I'm glad I'm a part of God's family especially the family at Lynwood!

In Christ,
Mark

2011-06-28T19:12:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in some time, but I hope to get back on a regular schedule. It's been a very busy summer already, but the highlight so far has been our mission trip to Brazil. I had the privilege of traveling with our students and some adult sponsors to Salvador, Brazil. What an incredible trip as God moved in a powerful way! Our students shared their testimonies in a school, held an American football clinic and remodeled a Brazilian house in much-needed repair. Over 300 individuals gave their heart to Christ. Now the work begins for Good News Baptist Church as they follow-up with those who made commitments. There are so many stories to tell. We will have a report in the future. I've been to Brazil five times now and can't wait to return. I pray we will commit ourselves in a fresh way to intentionally share the message of Christ here and around the world.

As a sidenote, my blog address has changed to http://minutewithmark.org (it was .com). Please update your bookmarks, etc.!

In Christ,

Mark

2011-03-15T15:49:00.002-05:00

All of us are grieved by the destruction and devastation in Japan. The images we see are forever etched in our minds. What can we do? We must first pray. Pray for the victim's families, rescue and relief efforts and the response of the Christian community in Japan and throughout the world. We cannot underestimate the power of prayer.

Second, we can give. The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has established a relief fund. Donations may be sent to : Office of Finance, International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230. In the memo line write "Japan Response Fund."

Or visit http://imbresources.org/index.cfm/product/detail/prodID/3352 to give online. For further information call the IMB toll-free at 1-800-999-3113.

As we have seen from other disasters, more specific requests for help will come. I'll pass those on to you as I become aware of them. This type of thing is beyond any of us. Our help and hope can only come from the Lord. We trust in Him!

In Christ, Mark

2011-03-09T09:08:00.002-06:00

Some of you may not know my daughter and son-in-law are in the process of adopting a special needs baby from South Korea. They were informed Monday they will receive a little boy in 4-6 months. We are ecstatic! Most referrals take much longer, but there has been an increase in babies given to this particular agency in South Korea necessitating quicker adoptions. He is healthy and eight months old in the care of a foster home. Please pray for the steps ahead and as Kurt and Ashley plan to travel to South Korea. Earthly adoptions are a beautiful picture of our heavenly adoption. We were orphans once, yet out of God's great grace and mercy He has adopted us into His family through the Lord Jesus Christ!

Oh, and by the way, pics are coming!

In Christ, Mark

Following this Blog

2011-03-01T11:36:00.002-06:00

There are some options now if you'd like to have an easy way to follow this blog. In the far right-hand column of the blog, you'll see a "Follow" button. Click this if you already have a blog-reading program and you'd like to add this blog to your Reader. The other option is to click "Subscribe via Email" and new blog posts will be sent to the email address you provide. Thank you for reading!

In Christ, Mark

Room for One More

2011-03-01T08:35:00.007-06:00

Yes, I know. It's been a while. I'm sure all my fans in blogger land have missed me. My blog has a fresh look so I decided to make a fresh commitment to blogging. I'm really going to try to blog at least once a week if not more. So here we go!

Our church will host Room for One More this Friday night at 7:00 in the Worship Center. Tom Davis will give a passionate and educational talk about foster care, orphan care, adoption and the injustices of human trafficking. The event will include four additional speakers and live testimonies. This will be an incredible evening featuring special music by Chris Nall. There are many ways you can get involved in changing the future of a vulnerable child.

This event is sponsored by Room for One More Child, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping orphan children find forever families, encouraging foster care and support orphans worldwide. Please call the church office at 334-4600 if you need childcare.

In Christ,
Mark

2010-11-12T08:39:00.002-06:00

Judgement House was a huge success with 118 individuals committing their lives to Christ as well as other significant decisions. Thanks to all our volunteers who sacrificed their time and effort. I am so proud of you!

The next two Sundays are very important as I wrap up my series YES. I hope you will be there while I nail down specific ways all of us can say YES to God. I've been so encouraged by those who are obeying the will of God and making life changing decisions. "Lord, before you ask, the answer is YES!"

In Christ, Mark

2010-11-03T16:51:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know. I've been a horrible blogger the last few months, but I'm trying to get back on track. My last post indicated we have a new Worship Pastor. Brian Crisman is here with his wife, Sonya, and their five chidren. They have been a great addition to our staff and doing a superb job leading us in worship each week. I trust you will make every effort to meet them and welcome them to our church family.

Please pray for Judgment House this week. We will see many commit their lives to Christ and others experience Christ in a powerful way.

Gary Smalley will be with us this Sunday. This is a tremendous opportunity for our church and community. Gary is well known around the world for his books and seminars on marraige and parenting. I will actually interview him during the service. If you're interested in attending his marriage conference with Ted Cunningham, please call the church office for tickets.

In Christ, Mark

2010-06-27T17:03:00.002-05:00

We have a new Pastor of Worship! He received a 98% vote this morning. I have not shared his name or much about him because this Sunday he will resign from his church. We need to let him be the one who shares that in person rather than someone here via a text or the internet. His first Sunday here should be August 8.

Please pray as they announce their news, sell a house, buy a house, enroll the kids in school and the myriad number of other things they will have to do as they relocate here.

July 11 I will start a new series of messages titled PEOPLE. The Bible says God has given us the message and ministry of reconciliation. God desires to use us in reconciling the world to Himself. I'm going to share over the next several how that happens. I pray God will use this series to prepare us for our Lynwood on Mission Celebration August 22. We have some great speakers lined up for the day. I'll share more later.

In Christ, Mark

2010-06-20T16:57:00.002-05:00

This weekend is very special for Lynwood. Our prospective Pastor of Worship will be here in view of a call. The Pastor of Worship Search Committee, Deacon Council and myself unanimously and enthusiastically recommend him. You will have the opportunity to meet him and his family Saturday, June 26 from 1:30-3:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

Our worship candidate will lead our morning worship services Sunday, June 27 and share his testimony and calling in ministry. We will then vote without discussion and share the results at the end of the second hour of worship. Please be in prayer as we seek God's will.

This weekend is also very special as we will have our patriotic celebration, America We Must Not Forget, Sunday, June 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. Also, we'll have an apple pie fellowship afterward in the Fellowship Hall. This is a great opportunity to invite friends who are unchurched.

I'm looking forward to this weekend and praying earnestly for God to be glorified in all we do. He is good and faithful!

In Christ, Mark

2010-05-12T14:32:00.004-05:00

As a pastor in this community, I have become increasingly concerned about the state of marriages. I'm not talking about the marriages in our country. I'm talking about the marraiges right here in the Cape area. It is for that reason I am beginning this Sunday morning a new sermon series called Married Well. I will cover topics related to the roles and models of marriage. I will answer the questions, "What if I married the wrong person?" and "What if I don't love my spouse anymore?" Also, I will show you how to affair proof your marriage.

All of these marriage issues are specifically addressed in God's Word. That is our authority, strength and hope. Whether your marriage is weak and painful or strong and joyous, this series will greatly benefit you. If you're not married, this is a perfect time to study God's proven principles before you make that significant commitment. Please pray for me as I prepare and deliver the messages, and bring someone or a couple you know who could benefit from the series.

In Christ, Mark

2010-04-24T11:08:00.004-05:00

I did it! I ran the Boston Marathon this past Monday. What an incredible exprience. Beautiful day, fantastic crowd, family together but a BRUTAL course. I felt pretty good about my pace until Heartbreak Hill at mile 20. As I started up the hill, I came upon Team Hoyt. If you're not familiar with the story, just Google Team Hoyt Video. I briefly spoke to them and thought, "stop complaining and get up the hill!" The last five miles were tough, but I was just happy to finish with a respectable time. My qualifying time in Chicago is also good for the Boston Marathon in 2011. I'll get another chance to improve after learning a few things on the course.

The highlight of the race was coming to the end and seeing my family. I stopped for a few minutes (you can see by clicking here) and completed the race with great joy and emotion. I am truly grateful and blessed to have participated in this wonderful opportunity.

Monday was one of the highest days of my life and one of the lowest. As soon as we returned to our hotel, we receieved a phone call that one of Karen's closest friends, Jane Gibbons, died that afternoon. Jane was a member of our church, and Karen taught sixth grade with her in Jackson, MS. Jane also taught three of our four children. We came home late Tuesday night and left the next morning to Mississippi to perform the funeral.

Although I ran with endurance a physical race, Jane ran with GREAT endurance the most important race, the race of life. She followed Christ to the very end with great joy and perseverance. I am truly blessed to have known her.

In Christ,
Mark

2010-04-16T14:01:00.004-05:00

Well, Monday is the BIG day! I'm running the 114th Boston Marathon. After three attempts to qualify, I finally made it. You can follow along by going to the Boston Marathon website and type in my bib number 14087. My start time is 10:30 am eastern time. I'll give you a report when I get back next week.

Don't miss this Sunday. You will hear a message and report from a group of individuals who recently visited a church in Florida that has an incredible Ministry Center. The team will share their experience and give more details to the vision God has given our church.

This Sunday night we will show a movie about the true story of a woman who was helped by this church. I watched it again this past week and was greatly moved. I think you will have a much clearer picture of what the Midwest Ministry Care Center is all about after this Sunday. Don't miss it!

In Christ,

Mark

2010-03-31T15:47:00.002-05:00

This Sunday is Easter Sunday! I pray each of you will join us at 9:00 or 10:30 if you are in town. I'm excited about the music and the opportunity to share God's Word with you. Think of it, we have the miraculous privelege to worship the living God. He's alive! He wants to bring the miracle of life to you and empower you to face every challenge with victory.

Also, Easter is a great day to invite someone to come with you. They're waiting for your invitation. I look forward to seeing you and them this Sunday!

In Christ,

Mark

2010-03-16T14:46:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know it's been way too long since I have last posted anything on my blog. Please forgive me! We've added something new on our website at Lynwood. You can now download my sermons via podcast. If you go to the SERMONS link on the home page, you will notice a podcast link on the left hand side of the page. You will also notice a video link. We're working on that right now and should have it up and running in the near future. I want to thank Tracy Childers for getting this set up for us.

Wade and Barbara Akins were here last weekend to train about 35 people how to start evangelistic Bible studies in our community. These Bible studies will be taught off campus in homes, businesses, coffee shops, etc. This is the first step in the Greater Things Vision for our church. Wade also trained three of us Friday afternoon how to use a paint board to share the gospel. We met with a group of teenagers Saturday afternoon and gave our first presentation. Four individuals commited their lives to Christ! God is at work!

In Christ,

Mark

2010-01-25T13:59:00.009-06:00

If you did not hear my State of the Church message January 10, I hope you will go to our website or get a CD and listen to it. The response has been exciting and extremely positive. I shared with the church the Greater Things Vision from John 14:12-17. Jesus said in verse 12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.” Yes, he said we will do even greater things than he did, but he is not referring to quality. No one can do anything better than Jesus did. He is referring to scope and quantity. We have the availability of travel, technology, financial resources, communication, etc., but most of all, we have the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was limited by time and space, but the Holy Spirit is not. I believe God has revealed to me three “greater “things” he wants us to pursue over the next several years.

First is a Maturity Center. I am calling it the Midwest Center for Spiritual Transformation. The name may change, but the emphasis is equipping believers to grow deeper in their walk with Christ and experience true spiritual transformation. Paul said that transformation should come by the “renewing of your mind” in Romans 12:2. This will be a center where believers can learn how to study the Bible, pray, share their faith, etc. It was also be a center where they can study books of the Bible and doctrines of our faith. We will have a variety of resources available to them and a structured teaching plan. We also have the potential of using this center to allow bi-vocational pastors and others in ministry to develop their education and skills. Some of you will have the opportunity to teach these studies.

Second is a Mobilization Center. I believe God wants us to start evangelistic Bible studies in our community through relationships. These Bible studies may be taught at home, work or school. You would simply invite those you know who are not believers but have an interest in spiritual matters. We will train you and provide the curriculum. Wade and Barbara Akins will lead a training seminar March 12-13. This material will also be used to start churches overseas. More on that later.

Third is a Ministry Center. After reading Matthew 25:31-46, God has made it clear to me Lynwood is in a position to do more to help hurting people. We already have a good understanding and ministry with Celebrate Recovery, but we’re still missing a tremendous opportunity and need. I believe God wants us to build a ministry center on our church campus. These buildings would include but not limited to a Men’s Residence for men in transition from recovery or homelessness. We need a Women’s Shelter for the same reasons but also for abused women and their children. We need an Emergency Shelter for abused or neglected children who cannot be with their parents. Other government agencies provide these much needed services, but I am deeply convicted that we have the opportunity to give them the spiritual help they need in a loving, godly, safe environment. There will be greater spiritual instruction and accountability which will help provide greater success in the lives of these individuals.

All these ministries will evolve over time, but we must begin the work now. Yes, it is overwhelming and a lot of work. Someone may say, “We can’t do all that.” We can’t, but God can! That’s why I am firmly convinced this Greater Things Vision is from God. Again, please listen to the message, and listen to it again. I believe every single one of us will have a place to serve God and glorify Him!

In Christ,

Mark

2009-12-15T13:00:00.003-06:00

First Baptist Church Euless, Texas celebrated my father's 50 year anniversary in ministry the evening of December 6. This is a church he once pastored years ago and also served as their interim pastor about four years ago. I had the great privilege of preaching and honoring my mom and dad. My three younger sisters and some of their kids were there as well as many dear friends. It was an incredible evening. Words are inadequate to express my love for my parents and their faithfulness in ministry all these years. They have been a great example to me and many others in the ministry. I am truly blessed.

For those of you who are members of Lynwood, I want you to do everything possible to be here January 10 as I share my State of the Church message. I have been praying and seeking God for the last six months asking Him to reveal what He what He wants for Lynwood. Now that I have been your pastor for the last eighteen months, I believe God has given me a clear picture of where we are and where we need to go. This vision will require great faith, courage and resources, but I know we serve a great God who will meet every challenge and need we have through His people. The way only God will be glorified as we accomplish His will. More on that later. Don't forget January 10!

In Christ,

Mark

2009-12-04T13:51:00.002-06:00

Christmas is fast approaching! I will begin a new series this Sunday, Reliving Christmas. We're going to take a look back to understand what Christmas is really all about. I believe we will gain a fresh perspective which will make this Christmas much more meaningful.

LYNWOOD members . . . I need your help. We have about one fourth of the total amount of food we need for our Christmas Food Baskets which will be delivered Saturday, December 12. Please, please, please bring a sack of goods with you this Sunday so we can meet the needs of our community. I know you'll come through. Thanks!

Don't forget about our children's Christmas music program this Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Are you getting frantic about Christmas or life in general? Stop, and let God put it all in perspective with the simple story of Christmas presented by our children.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-11-16T13:42:00.002-06:00

Yes, I know it's been a while since I've posted anything. I should do better, but it's been rather intense the past few weeks with the needs of the church. I also spent some time in Texas to visit my parents. Great trip!

This Sunday is Lynwood's 50th Anniversary. I want to personally invite you to join us for an exciting weekend. We'll have a come and go reception Saturday evening with pictures, etc., of the past. We'll also have a wonderful evening of music and testimonies beginning at 6:00 p.m. Sunday will primarily be a time of looking to our future. This will be a day you will not want to miss.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-10-18T17:21:00.002-05:00

I began a new series of messages today, "Tough Questions - Real Answers." I want to answer, in my opinion, the five most asked theological questions. We began today with, "Is The Bible True?" Is it 100% percent true? It is the foundational question for all other questions. If you were not here or do not attend our church, I would encourage you to listen to it on our website.

If the Bible is not true or any part of it, we have no faith, no help, no purpose, no hope, no moral authority. We have to get this right. The Living God has revealed Himself to us through His Word. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work,"

In Christ,

Mark

2009-10-13T14:48:00.004-05:00

I qualified for Boston! I needed a 3:35:59 and ran a 3;34:25. This is my eighth marathon and third attempt to qualify. It was the best I've felt running, but the worst I've felt afterward (physically). I suppose that's the way it should be.

Several have asked, "When did you know you could do it?" Miles 18 and 19 have always been "The Wall" for me. When I got to mile 20 and was 20 seconds under pace, I felt pretty confident. Approximatley 45,000 started with about 33,000 finishing the race. There were over 1 million specators. That was impressive.

Now I'll train for Boston. That race is April 19. There is so much more I want to say but don't have the time now. There are also some significant things I learned and will share them during my State of the Church message in January. Don't miss it! Thanks for your prayers and support!

P.S. to Kristal. Yes, you can say that to your Pastor, and I did what you told me to do!

In Christ,

Mark

2009-10-08T14:29:00.002-05:00

I want to let you in on something personal that is going to happen this weekend. I'm going to run the Chicago Marathon with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. For those who are runners, I need to run a time of 3:35. This will be my third attempt. Last December I missed my qualifying time by approximately TWO minutes! Although very disappointing, I learned a lot about myself and what it really takes to qualify. I think I'm ready, but you never know until the day of the race. Great weather is expected. I'm grateful to have Jason and Ryan Bandermann along with Mark Coots to pace me. We've been training for the last four months. I'll let you know how it goes.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-09-23T09:46:00.002-05:00

BLITZ DAY is this Saturday, September 26. There will be 6,000 plus volunteers in nine states representing Jesus Christ in their communities. Last year we had over 1,000 participate in Cape! The kick off will begin at 7:30 a.m. at St. Vincent's Church. Specific projects for Lynwood include painting a deck, making sleeping bags for the homeless, the Empty Bowl project for the hungry and prayer opportunities. Our students will work at the Salvation Army store in Jackson. Call the church office for more information.

Also, I want to remind you to look at www.whatsyourstoryblog.org. You will find six stories of individuals who have all been changed by the power of Christ. Most of them are people you know. This is a great tool when witnessing to someone. Check it out.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-09-08T14:52:00.002-05:00

First of all, I need to clarify a comment I made in my last post. I stated that I had heard nothing but positive reports about Fruitland Community Church since my return to Cape. I then said in parenthesis, "but I can't say that about the pastor!!" There are some who thought I was serious with this statement. Mike Parry and I have been friends for many years. We spend time together and talk often. Mike is a wonderful, godly pastor who is doing a superb job in leading his congregation. The comment was simply a joke because of our close relationship. I suggested that he remove that sentence from the letter to Fruitland so there would not be any misunderstanding by his congregation. He insisted that it remain, but I persuaded him to change it. I apologize if it offended anyone.

I preached a message last Sunday God's Love During Trouble. I would like to share these thoughts to you by George Matheson.

Psalm 4:1, "Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress." KJV "This verse is one of the greatest testimonies ever written regarding the effectiveness of God's work in our behalf during times of crisis. It is a statement of thanksgiving for having been set free not from suffering but rather through suffering. In stating, 'Though has enlarged me when I was in distress,' the psalmist is declaring that the sorrows of life have themselves been the source of life's enlargement.

Haven't each of us experienced this a thousand times and found it to be true? Someone once said of Joseph that when he was in the dungeon, 'iron entered his soul.' And the strength of iron is exactly what he needed, for earlier he had only experienced the glitter of gold. We all need the iron in life to enlarge our character. The gold is simply a passing vision, whereas the iron is the true experience of life. The change that is the common bond uniting us to others must be one of iron. The common touch of humanity that gives the world true kinship is not joy but sorrow - gold is partial to only a few, but iron is universal.

Dear soul, if you want your sympathy for others to be enlarged, you must be willing to have your life narrowed to certain degrees of suffering. Joseph's dungeon was the very road to this throne, and he would have been unable to lift the iron load of his brothers had he not experienced the iron in his own life. Your life will be enlarged in proportion to the amount of iron you have endured, for it is in the shadows of your life that you will find the actual fulfillment of your dreams of glory. So do not complain about the shadows of darkness - in reality, they are better than your dreams could ever be."

In Christ,

Mark

2009-08-25T14:03:00.002-05:00

The following is a recent letter I wrote to Fruitland Community Church. I wanted you to read it as well and rejoice.

Dear Fruitland Family,

It is with great joy I, along with the Lynwood family, congratulate you on your tenth anniversary. What a milestone! I can only help but go down memory lane and remember our wonderful journey together in those early years.

Approximately fifty members from Lynwood committed to help Mike Parry establish a new work in the Fruitland community. It was tough to let them go because they were some of our core leaders not just pew sitters. However, new leaders assumed responsibility at Lynwood, and we continued to grow. Once Mike and his leadership team discovered a piece of property suitable for a church facility, Lynwood committed to purchase the land. I was overwhelmed with joy to see the members of Lynwood respond to the need with great excitement. I had the privilege of leading three other church plants while serving in Mississippi, and Fruitland was the template we tried to follow. Eventually, you were ready to constitute as a church and no longer remain a mission of Lynwood. That was a bittersweet day but providential and satisfying.

Now, after ten years of ministry, Fruitland is a thriving, viable church impacting your local community and the world. I hear nothing but positive reports about your church (I can’t say that about the pastor!!) since I have been back.

I pray the next ten years will be just as exciting and rewarding. Isn’t it wonderful to join God where He is working? No doubt, He is working in southeast Missouri. I hope we can continue to serve together to reach this community for Christ. We need each other to accomplish the Lord’s work. It’s not about any one church but the kingdom of God.

Please know we are willing and ready to help you in any way possible, and I feel the same from you. Our church family will continue to pray for you and encourage you in the years ahead. I believe with great conviction Fruitland Community Church has a tremendous future as you follow the will of God. Remember the words of our Lord who said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.”

My final words of encouragement are from the Apostle Paul who said in Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

Blessings,

Mark Anderson
Senior Pastor
Lynwood Baptist Church
Cape Girardeau, Missouri

In Christ,

Mark

2009-08-18T13:26:00.002-05:00

This Sunday is a big day for our church family. Have you invited someone to come? Everyone deserves an opportunity to hear about the love of God. There is so much confusion about the nature and character of God. God is holy and just, but He is also love. There is no greater understanding of love apart from God. I will communicate from Scripture how God has revealed His love to us in so many wondrous and specific ways. These messages will not only help unbelievers but believers as well. I pray we will be motivated to love and serve God with more passion and intent. Because of who He is and after all He has done, He deserves it.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-08-07T10:02:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile since I updated my blog. Two weeks ago I went with our students to Anniston, Alabama for our World Changers mission trip. It was a tremendous week! For those who don't know, this type of mission trip is very demanding but doable. You get up early, do construction work all day, shower (my first time to use shower trailers), eat, worship, have small group time with your church, then lights out. Sleeping was somewhat challenging. I slept on the floor in a preschool room with ten teenage boys and three other men from our church. We were packed in like sardines. You can only imagine! Some things I shall never be able to repeat.

Our construction teams were made up of individuals from others churches. My crew chief was H.F. Perdue from Dublin (I think that's what he said with that accent), Georgia. He did a fabulous job keeping us on task and finishing our job. I made a new friend for life. Also during the day, team members shared the gospel in the community. 440 contacts were made with 20 making professions of faith. I turned 50 while I was there, and it was very memorable. I'll just say that Hot Dogs and Alabama heat don't mix very well on a roof! All in all, it was a great week. I told our students I saw tremendous potential in each one of them and in our student ministry. I look forward to what God is going to do through them this fall.

Remember August 23? Read my previous post. Think about if everyone in our church family brought one person or family with them. Think about if some of those invited started coming on a regular basis. Think of the real possibility that your friend could become a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Think of how their lives and their families would change for all eternity!

In Christ,

Mark

2009-07-16T14:49:00.003-05:00

August 23 is a VERY important day. I will begin a new series of sermons about the love of God. I want to ask our members to prayerfully INVITE a person or family to come with you that day. Hopefully, they will attend the entire series. So many people who do not attend church or are unbelievers are very confused about the character of God. This is especially true concerning His love. They see or experience so much suffering and evil, they question whether or note there is a loving God. This doctrine or truth is a core issue in understanding the magnitude of God's love. I will show from Scripture the various ways God has proved and provided His love to us.

Where do I start in inviting someone? Begin praying now! Prayer is the key. Ask God to prepare their heart for your invitation and for Him to give you courage. Spend more time with the person God puts on your heart. Renew that acquaintance. Engage in meaningful conversation. Ask relevant questions. Pray fervently! Then invite them to come and possibly join you for lunch after the service. Every statistic I have seen shows that over 80% of those you invite will attend. I'm not asking you to share the gospel. I'm simply asking you to invite them. Parents, this is a great teaching opportunity with your children. Ask them to pray for someone they can invite, but it's very important you model an inviting lifestyle before them.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to update my blog next week. I'll be with our students at World Changers in Anniston, Alabama. Pray for me!

In Christ,

Mark

2009-07-07T11:22:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday I shared a message about Rahab the prostitute from Hebrews 11:32. Though she was a great sinner, she now has the reputation as a woman of great faith. We often fail to see the potential in "sinners" like God does. Satan, often through religious people, throws stones of condemnation and rejection. What have you done with the stones others have thrown at you?

You can let those stones bury you. You believe the lies of the enemy that you are wasted, useless and defeated. You give up and pursue the things of this world to fill the emptiness and loneliness inside. You can use those stones to build a wall around you. You no longer allow others close to you. Outwardly you appear fine, but inside you are bitter and in great pain. Or, you can use those stone to build a bridge to God. Rather than allowing those stones to drive you away from God, they can be used to drive you to Him. That bridge becomes a lifeline of love, hope and peace.

Remember, God forgives the unforgiveable. God changes the changeless, and God uses the useless. Read Matthew 1, and you will discover in verse 5 that Rahab is in the geneology of Jesus Christ! She was used of God in His eternal redemptive plan. Don't let Satan have the victory. God loves you!

In Christ,

Mark

2009-06-28T17:10:00.002-05:00

Psalm 68:28 states, "Summon your power, O God; show us your strength." I read this article recently and want to share it with you.

The Lord imparts to me the underlying strength of character that gives me the necessary energy and decision-making ability to live my life. He strengthens me "with power through his Spirit in [my] inner being" (Ephesians 3:16). And the strength He gives is continuous, for He is a source of power I cannot exhaust.

"Your strength will equal your days" (Deuteronomy 33:25) - my strength of will, affection, judgment, ideals, and achievement will last a lifetime.

"The Lord is my strength" (Exodus 15:2) to go on. He gives the power to walk the long, straight, and level path, even when the monotonous way has no turns or curves offering pleasant surprises and when my spirit is depressed with the terrible drudgery.

"The Lord is my strength" to go up. He is my power to climb the straight and narrow path up the Hill of Difficulty, as Christian did in Pilgrim's Progress, and not be afraid.

"The Lord is my strength" to go down. It is often once I leave the invigorating heights, where the wind and sunlight have surrounded me, and begin to descend to the more confining, humid, and stifling heat of the valley below that my heart grows faint. In fact, I recently heard someone say, referring to his own increasing physical frailty, "It is coming down that tires me most."

"The Lord is my strength" to sit still. And what a difficult accomplishment this is! I often say to others during those times when I am compelled to be still, "If only I could do something!" I feel like the mother who stands by her sick child but is powerless to heal. What a severe test! Yet to do nothing except to sit still and wait requires tremendous strength.

"The Lord is my strength!" "Our competence comes from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5).

from The Silver Lining

In Christ,

Mark

2009-06-25T17:00:00.002-05:00

I returned yesterday from the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The highlight of the trip was listening to great preaching and seeing old friends in the ministry. The major issue discussed was the Great Commission Resurgence. Johnny Hunt, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock, Georgia and President of the SBC created a document outlining the need to focus our energies as a convention on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This focus includes evaluating how we do the Great Commission at every level in our convention. Are we effective and effecient? Are we wise stewards of the resources given us? Is the structure helping or hurting us? Pastor Hunt stated in his meesage "we need to raise the bar."

Some have reacted negatively to the document for a variety of reasons, but I think it's a fair question. Let's look at what we're doing and make necessary changes to do our best. God deserves that. Southern Baptists deserve that. And a nonbelieving world deserves that!

The covention formally adopted the recommendation for the President (Hunt) to appoint a task force. I look forward to what comes out of this as we continue to work together to help the world experience the love of Christ.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-06-22T09:57:00.003-05:00

Good news! Our new Student Pastor recieved a unanimous vote yesterday. He and his family will move to Cape the week of July 20. I have intentionally not mentioned his name on my blog or our website so he can share with his church family this Sunday. Please pray for them as they make the transition to a new city and new ministry. God is at work!

Don't forget about our Faith and Freedom Celebration this Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for you to invite someone to Lynwood. I look forward to seeing this Sunday.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-06-10T15:15:00.002-05:00

Please be in prayer for the weekend of June 20-21. Our new Student Pastor will come to be presented and voted on by our church family. The recommendation prayerfully and unanimously comes from our Student Pastor Search Committee and Deacon Council. Everyone is invited to a Come and Go reception to meet the candidate and his wife Saturday, June 20 from 2:00-4:00. He will share his background and ministry philosophy at 2:00. All students, parents and student leadership are invited to to meet with the couple at 6:00 that evening in the Youth Room. The church will vote on the recommendation Sunday, June 21 in both morning services.

My family and I will be on vacation next week in Texas to visit family. Karen and I have many family members who live there. We covet your prayers.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-06-04T10:04:00.002-05:00

Dr. George Tiller was gunned downed and died at his church this past Sunday morning. The only motive appears to be the fact that he was a late-term abortionist in Wichita, Kansas. Very few third trimester abortions are performed today due to individual state laws. Was his murder justified? Absolutely not! The Scripture is crystal clear concerning the sanctity of life and the protection of the unborn, but murdering an abortionist is not the right response.

Years ago one of our children was delivered by a doctor who had been an abortionist before he became a Christian. Our conversation with him about his past was very enlightening. He told us that what changed his life was encountering authentic, loving, transformed Christians.

Should we take a stand? Yes! Should we change the laws of our land to protect all life young and old? Yes! But our greatest weapon is the compelling, magnetic love of Christ.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-05-31T17:14:00.002-05:00

This morining our Student Pastor Search Committee reported our new Student Pastor will come in view of a call June 21. Our church family will have the opportunity to meet the candidate and his family Saturday afternoon, June 20. That evening our students, parents and student leadership will have a special time together with him as well. More detials concerning time and place will be announced soon. The following day we will vote in both Sunday morning services. Next Sunday night the Search Committee will share more detailed information and allow time for questions. This recommendation comes with the full support of the Deacon Council as well.

God has been faithful in leading the Search Committee to God's man. I simply ask you to pray for God to continue to confirm His will to us and the candidate.

In Christ,

Mark

2009-05-21T09:42:00.002-05:00

We have now launched our new website at Lynwood. This Sunday I will take a few minutes at the end of the service to show you how to navigate the website. Please take note of two significant changes to the site. We have provided a calendar for all meetings and events. You can click on the event and see when and where you meet. Also, check out the media page. My sermon notes are there as well as an audio of the sermon. We are currently working on podcasting the messages. We will also have videos to show in the near future. Spend some time on the site and let me know what you think.

Why so much work on this new website and my blog (I still can't believe I'm doing this)? Whether we like it or not, our culture now communicates and disseminates information in cyber world. I believe Christians can take advantage of this opportunity. Most people who want to know information about churches now go to websites. They want to know about ministries, see pictures, listen to sermons and gather as much information as possible before making a first time visit. Also, we have a tremendous opportunity to use these tools to expose an unbelieving world to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Think of it, with one click of a button I can influence millions worldwide.

In Christ,

Mark

Welcome!

2009-05-12T17:45:00.002-05:00

Well, I have moved over to the dark side and joined the blogging world. I never thought I would do this, but I believe it will be a great way to share some personal thoughts with you.

You have already noticed our new website at Lynwood. Our desire is to provide relevant information in a quick and easy manner. I hope you will take some time to navigate through the website. You will notice we are now providing my sermons via audio. We will also provide them via video in the near future. What do you think about the new website?

In Christ,

Mark