The Edifier Issue 3.Sept - Dec Issue

7/29/2019 The Edifier Issue 3.Sept - Dec Issue

1/8

A most familiar verse of scripture, John 3:16, states, "For God so loved theworld that He gave His only begotten (one of a kind, unique) Son that who-

ever is believing in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.''

The word love is not an emotional feeling but a choice, an act of the will. It declares that God has

chosen and committed Himself to do that which is absolutely and eternally best for the world.

Experiencing God's love is conditional upon believing meaning trusting. Whoever is presently trust-

ing in the Person and work of Jesus Christ has everlasting life. This is truly amazing when we con-

sider the matter. That little two letter word, so, implies that God's love is infinite or without limit.

There is no boundary or horizon to God's great love. We never come to the end or finish line of this

amazing choice.

Note the impact of God's love in 1 John 3:1-3.

1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children

of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we

know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

We the believers in Christ not only possess everlasting life but we are called the children of God.

This means that we are God's offspring and possess His nature. Ultimately we shall be glorified

together with Christ and shall be like Him.

Think about His love, think about His goodness, think about His grace that's brought us through.

As high as the heavens above, so great is the measure of our Father's love, great is the measure

of our Father's love.

Think about it and be amazed to the maximum.

Pastor Julius T. Davis, Jr.

Volume 1, Issue 3

The AwesomeLove of God

3rd Quarter 2013 S A L V A T I O N N O T S U P E R S T I T I O N Acts 17:22-23

The Edifier

Julius T. Davis, Jr., Pastor


2/8

There are times when I don't write anything for weeks and people ask

me why. Well, I've given this question much thought and came up with a very profound

answer...I have nothing to say. Yep, that's the answer...I have nothing to say. Now, in

the past, I would talk just to "hear my own voice", according to my

mother. I have even had people ask if I ever "shut up". I would get offended at these

statements until I finally reflected upon why I felt the need to talk so much. I was un-

comfortable with silence...quiet times unnerved me badly. So, I would talk...about any

and everything. I would talk about my business and business that wasn't mine. I would

talk and it didn't matter if people actually listened. I just didn't want to be in the "quiet

I needed noise, something to distract me from the deafening silence.

It was during these times of silence that God tried to speak to me and it was during

those same times that I wasn't trying to listen to what He had to say. He was showing

me who I was and what I was becoming--- and it was not a pretty picture. He was showing me my disobedient and

rebellious heart. He was exposing my sinful nature and how I was becoming comfortable in it. So to silence Him, I

talked over His voice. And, I kept talking. The more I talked, the less I heard.

So, what exactly is the problem with talking just for the sake of talking? According to Matthew 12:36-37 But I say

unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by

thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. "

Do you find yourself just talking for no good reason? Are you gossiping and being a busybody? Many people think

that gossip is speaking of things that are not true. Gossip is merely speaking of things that are not your business-

merely for the sake of speaking (whether true or false). If you feel a need to always tell things that are none of you

business, you are speaking idle words and will have to give an account for them. Beware of people who always

begin sentences with "did you hear?" or "let me tell you what so and so did". Be very careful of those who say "don

tell anyone I told you this..." These are all precursors to gossip and rumors...idle talk.

Whenever you find yourself beginning sentences this way...stop and ask yourself why you have the need to do so.

Do you seek acceptance from people by being the person who is constantly "in the know"? Are you uncomfortablewith the quiet times because God is trying to speak to you? Have you become uneasy because your thoughts are

consistently about your own past sins and failures?

If so, it is time to ask God to reveal the true you to yourself and then ask Him to help you change. Listen when He

speaks. "Let the wise hear and increase in learning..." Proverbs 1:5 (ESV). My son, if you receive my words and

treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to under-

standing; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search

for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the

Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the up-

right; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his

saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into

your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul ..." Proverbs 2:1-10 (ESV).

Learn to treasure the quiet times. Allow God to speak to you and impart to you that which He desires and then

obey Him. No more idle talk or idle time. Let every word you speak have value to those who are listening. Keepyour heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech and put devious

talk far from you." Proverbs 4:23-24 (ESV). "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is

good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29 (ESV).

It has been a rewarding experience for me to learn to listen, to realize that I don't always have to be the one to do

all the talking.

It has been said that we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason: do twice as much listening as we do

talking.

PAGE 2

What Do Yu Hve To Sy?TH E ED I FI ER

Live Out Loud for Christ by Beverly Thompson


3/8

VO LUM E 1, IS SU E 3

If someone asked me who I admire

most, my answer would be BethBaleke. When I think of Beth, a smile

comes on my face. I admire her hum-

ble committed work of serving God

through Scripture Union of Uganda.

Beth is a strong dedicated woman of

faith and courage. Currently her mis-

sionary journeys take her into

The Republic of South Sudan and

Ethiopia, where she trains staff,volunteers and others so that they

may, make Gods Good News

known to children, young people

and families. Please keep Beth in

your prayers as she travels to dan-

gerous areas to reach others for

Christ.

PAGE 3

A Remarkable Woman of God by Joyce Davidson

There was a time or two when you have heard the pastor ask me about the experi-

ence of my salvation. For that reason I would like to go into further detail concerning

this matter. I was born in a Christian home. Both my parents were Christians from the

time I knew them until they went home to be with the Lord. I always knew there was a

God, but I didnt have a personal relationship with Him, nor did I know how to receive

Jesus as my Savior. All I heard when my parents took me to church was good preach-

ing, good singing, good devotions and good feelings. I knew someday that I would join

the church, because that was what I was told I was supposed to do so I wouldn't go tohell. At age 37, I decided to join the church, but first I wanted to get more familiar

with the bible, so I bought one. Someone told me the first thing to read was the book of John, so I did. While I

was reading the book of John and knowing a little about salvation, I told Jesus I believed that He was the Son

of God and wanted to accept Him as my Savior because I wanted to go to heaven when I died. Immediately, I

felt that God had answered my prayer. The next Sunday I went to church and joined the church. I felt differ-

ent than I ever had felt before in my life. One Sunday in church during devotional, the deacons were very

emotional and vocal about how they felt, and that if everyone didnt feel as they did, that they were not saved.

I didnt feel the way they did, and was very sad and confused. So I thought I lost my salvation that day in

church. That night I cried and prayed to God because I was not saved and did not know how to be. That same

night, God woke me about 3:00 AM and all he said to me was I love you. What joy came unto me! The devil

was not pleased about that so he went to work on me. One day I was reading John 3:16; the devil said, Sure

God loves you, He loves the whole world. Does that mean the whole world is saved? Lost again I struggled

with that for sometime. Plus, going to church and not feeling like jumping over benches, and hearing remarks

like if you dont feel like us, you better go and try to get saved again, confused me even more. One day I was

reading the bible and the words in red actually left the page and came to my sight. It read, I died for you. Oh

what joy! Later, the devil said, big deal. Didnt He die for the whole world. Is the whole world saved? Lost

again. Sometime later, as I was studying the bible, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that He wrote my name in

the Lambs Book of Life. I had mixed emotions. I was kind of happy, but confused because I didnt know ex-

actly what that meant. At that time, I was going to Central Bible College, where Dr. Maddock was teaching

from the book of Revelation.

Continued on page 8

Gods Infinite Wisdom by Ann Clark

Joyce Davidson and Beth Baleke


4/8

VO LUM E 1, IS SU E 3 PAGE 4

Fact One - The oldest person i n the Bible was Methuselah. He died when he was 969 years old.

Fact Two - The wisest man in the Bible is Solomon

Fact Three - The strongest man in the Bible is Samson

Fact Four - The tallest villain in the Bible is Goliath at over 9 feet tall

Fact Five - King Solomon had 700 wives

Fact Six - The greatest warrior in the Bible is Gideon. With 300 men, 300 trumpets,

and with God, He defeated 135,000 Midianites

Fact Seven - A raven was the first animal out of the ark

Fact Eight - The Star of Bethlehem was repo rted by Matthew, but at the same time

Chinese astronomers recorded it, too.

Fact Nine - The Bible was written over a 1500 year span (from 1400 B.C to A.D. 100)

over 40 generations

Fact Ten - The Bible was written by over 40 authors

Fact Eleven - The Bible was written in three languages - Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek

Fact Twelve - The Bible was written on three continents - Asia, Africa, and Europe

Fact Thirteen - There are 3,566 ,480 letters in the Bible

Fact Fourteen - The Bible was the first book t o be printed, in 1454

Fact Fifteen - The Bible has been translated into 1200 languages

Fact Sixteen - Noah was 600 years old when he built the ark, and 950 years old when h e died.

Genesis 7:6 and Genesis 9:29

Fact Seventeen - Adam was 930 when he died. Genesis 5:5

Fact Eighteen - After Moses was give n the Ten Commandments, he wore a veil over his face

because he glowed. Exodus 34:33-35

Fact Nineteen- Joseph was 17 when his brothers s old him to the Ishmaelite's. Genesis 37:2

Fact Twenty The word Christ means, the Anointed One, the King.

The untimely death of Trayvon Martin

and trial for the shooter is bringing out

opposing opinions of Christians about

the verdict. The shooter said, It was

Gods will. That statement stayed in my

mind. What is Gods will I asked myself?Jesus speaks to us in the Lords Pray-

er. Matthew 6:13, lead us not into

temptation, but deliver us from evil. I

thought about the times when I did not

listen when the Holy Spirit was directing

my path. I had to do it my way. When the

result was not good, I said to myself, I

should have listened and obeyed the

Holy Spirit. Other times when I did obey,

I said, Thank you Lord, I did it your way.

At other times when I was obedient, I

didnt know what trial or situation was

avoided, but I had peace because I did itGods way.

Was it Gods will for a young man to die

and the shooter go free? Christians are

divided on this issue, but life goes on.

Because of this incident many Christians

will seek Gods will as to what they should

do to bring healing to our communities

As part of the body of Christ, no matter

what your color, everyone will have differ-

ent assignments to bring about change

but remember we possess this precious

treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in

[frail, human] vessels of earth, that the

grandeur and exceeding greatness of the

power may be shown to be from God and

not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Amplified Bible. Allow the divine Light of

the Gospel to make clear what you should

do concerning this and any of lifes other

issues.

What is Gods Will? By Joyce Davidson

The shooter said,It was

Gods will.

Was it Gods will

for a young man

to die and the

shooter go free?


5/8

After their basement flooded and mold was found in

the house they had rented for 4 years, Maurice and

MyKesha Lytle were given an unexpected 30 day no-

tice to move. As they prayed and put their trust in

God, He opened necessary doors for them to become

homeowners.

After getting the 30 day notice they learned of a first-

time homeowners program which would help with the

much needed down payment. The problem was to

find a house, make an offer, and complete the loan process in 18

days. With the deadline for the program fast approaching, they put

a deposit on a house in Austintown. Both were troubled in their

spirit about that house. They followed up on Arnold and Thais Davidsons suggestion to check houses in

McDonald. When they walked in the property in McDonald, it felt like home. MyKesha said, This is our

house.

As their moving day arrived, the U-Haul was packed and ready to go. Not knowing where they would stay

for the two days before closing, they still put all of their trust in the Lord, who always provides. Once they

arrived at the new house, knowing they could leave their belongings there, the realtor surprised them

with the house keys. He had received permission from the owners to allow them to move in before the

closing.

MyKesha, If our focus wasnt on God, we wouldnt have considered applying for a mortgage. God moved

and allowed us to be approved for what by the worlds standards we should not have qualified for.

Thankfully we live by Gods standards and not the worlds.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

PAGE 5 THE EDIFIER

Thankfully

we live by

Gods

standards

and

not the

worlds.The Lytles

God Providesod Providesod ProvidesSubmitted by Joyce Davidson

Psalm 121I lift up my eyes to the hills.From where does my help come?My help comes from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.Eunice Richardson is originally from Clayton Alabama and likes to

read scriptures. Her favorite one is Genesis 1:1. In the beginning

God created heaven, and earth. For a time she did not attend church.

Her mother and Jessie Belle Cross, who are both deceased, told her

she needed to get back into church.

Eunice Richardson celebrated her 90th birthday

Eunices testimony: Fellowship with the Lord and reading scriptures has been a wonderful experience. At

first I would sit and cry after my husband died. But I realized I would not get stronger that way. I began to

look to God for strength. One day I realized I didnt cry as much anymore. I thank God that one day I will

meet my husband again in heaven, Eunice will also see her mother and Jessie Belle Cross who encouraged

her to get back in church.

Eunice Richardson


6/8

PAGE 6 THE ED IF IE

Garrett & Garen Benson aretwo very smart brothers.

Certainly Stars on the Horizon!

Parents, its that time already! Its time for your children to head back to the various classrooms. Its time for many

to go pick up schedules, school clothes, and class list to see who their teachers will be. BUT STOP! Parents you are

their teachers. You should be home schooling your children.

Proverbs 22:6 7 says Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it

Gods word lets us know that as a parent you are your childs first and most influential teacher. Its not from pre

school to graduation but continuous. God is holding you as the parent responsible for the training and rearing o

the children He has entrusted to you.

There are three aspects of training or schooling; dedication, instruction, and

motivation. The first is dedication. Dedication must begin with the child be

ing dedicated to God; the parent must realize that child belongs to God exclu

sively and is given to the parent as stewardship. The second aspect o

schooling is instruction. Parents are to instruct or cause their children to

learn everything essential in pleasing God. The third aspect of schooling is

motivation. Parents are to create a taste or desire within the child so tha

he/she is internally motivated to do what God wants him/her to do. The

thought, then, is that at each stage of development the parents or guardians

are to dedicate, instruct, and motivate the child to do what God has equipped

the child to do.

So as parents or guardians over the next few weeks whatever school setting

your child moves into, remember you should always be home schooling

them. We should not expect the other systems of education to do what God

is holding us accountable to do. We want our children to have the ability to be

successful, but even more importantly, to be Children of God. So, our hope

should be that when our children are independent adults, they will say what

Joshua saidAs for me and my house we will serve the LordSubmitted by Betty Washington

Congrats to Geordyn Conne formaking the Jones Dance Academ

2013/ 2014Performance Company

Good Luck this season!!!!

Brandon Beck achievedNational Honor Society status!

Congratulations Brandon!Keep up the good work!


7/8

PAGE 7VO LU ME 1, IS SU E 3

The Young Ladies Ministry sponsored a two day SPA

Retreat on August 9-10, 2013. The SPA days focused

on sanctification, purification, and authentication. The

main goal was to encourage the young ladies to eitherbegin a relationship with Christ or to grow deeper in

their relationship with Him.

A second part of their SPA day was learning etiquette,

which was taught by Sis. Loree Richardson. She taught

cell phone etiquette, classroom etiquette as well as

dining etiquette, which was followed by the young ladies

setting a proper table and being served dinner and

dessert.

Finally, the young ladies were able to relax as they

enjoyed a physical spa day by painting and decorating

each others nails. The Lord truly blessed this two-day

retreat and we look forward to having this become an

Friendship Baptist Church Praise & Worship Ministry

annual event. We would like to thank Sis. Joyce

Davidson for her tireless efforts in working with the

young ladies for so long; Sis. Kim Porch for working

so hard to make sure SPA Day was successful,although she could not attend; Sis. Mykesha Lytle

for having such a servants heart; Sis. Sylvia

Williams for her willingness to share her life with

the young ladies; Sis Loree Richardson for teaching

the etiquette class and Sis. Beverly Thompson for

presenting SPA Day to the ministry. We would

also like to thank Deacon Clyde Steverson, Brother

Tom Simmons and Pastor Julius Davis for taking

time from their schedules to drive the van so that

the young ladies had transportation both days.

We truly appreciate it.

Although we have corporate

(group) Praise and Worship

at Friendship Baptist Church

of Girard, our Praise and Wor-ship Ministry encourages

every believer to make it a

personal experience by not

focusing on anyone or any-

thing except God. According

to Ministry Leader Bro. Brian

Hughes, one scripture that

embodies what the Praise

and Worship Ministry is

about is Colossians 3:16,

Let the Word of Christ dwell

in you richly in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishingone another in psalms and

hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your

hearts to the Lord.

If the mission statement of

the Praise and Worship

Ministry seems familiar, it

is because it is the same asthe churchs own: Edifying

the Saved to Evangelize the

Lost. This is because

Praise and Worship pre-

pares the hearts for the

message which will come

forth.

Any member of FBC is wel-

come to become a part of

this Ministry. No musical

expertise is needed. How-

ever, regular attendance at

rehearsals is required and,as for all ministries at the

church, regular attendance

at Sunday service and also

either Sunday school

and/or Wednesday Bible

study is necessary.

The time of Praise andWorship is not a time of

entertainment. The

Praise and Worship Min-

istry presents God to the

congregation through

scripturally based songs

to help them have an

encounter with God in a

meaningful way.

I Worship You, Almighty

God, there is none like

You. I Worship You,O Prince of Peace, that is

what I long to do.

Young Ladies Ministrys 2-Day SPA Retreat

Brian HughesFBC Praise & Worship

Ministry Leader


8/8

PAGE 8VO LU ME 1, IS SU E 2

The Edifier Newsletter Mission/PurposeOur mission is three-fold:

To share the gospel of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ and to glorify God the Father.

To inform, edify, encourage, inspire, motivate and challenge believers in Christ at FBC to a

higher standard of Christian living in the world, through the distribution of printed Christ-

centered materials.

To unify and strengthen the relationships between the FBC ministries and members, as well

as with other churches in our communities by sharing information and news about our

church, ministries and Christian businesses.Faith Statement We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that personal salvation and

the forgiveness of sin are only available through Him, by Grace.

We believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the Holy Bible is Gods Word to His Church and that it is complete and

fully trustworthy.

(John 3:16, Romans 3:23, John 4:16, Eph. 2:8-9, Matt. 28:19, II Tim. 3:16)

111 Water Street

Girard, OH 44420

(330) 545-2821

fbcgirard.org

http://sermon.net/fbcgirard

[email protected]

PASTOR

JULIUS T. DAVIS, JR.

EDITOR/PRODUCTION

CATHY D. STEVERSON

FEATURE WRITERS

ANN CLARK

JOYCE DAVIDSON

BEVERLY THOMPSON

CONTRIBUTORS

MAURICE LYTLE

MYKESHA LYTLE

EUNICE RICHARDSON

BETTY WASHINGTON

THE EDIFIER, FBCS

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

WILLRELYON YOUR INPUT, YOUR

TESTIMONIES, YOUR STORIES, YOUR

IDEAS, YOUR PARTICIPATION.. BE-

CAUSETHE EDIFIERISFOR YOU..

Live Out Loud For Christ

by Beverly Thompson

What do you have to say?

2

A remarkable woman of God

by Joyce Davidson

Gods Infinite Wisdom by Ann Clark

3

What is Gods will?

By Joyce Davidson

4

Praise Reports!

Maurice & MyKesha Lytle

Eunice Richardson

5

Parents, you should be home

schooling! By Betty Washington

Bible FactsDid you know?

6

FBC Ministries 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Gods Infinite Wisdom by Ann Clark, Continued from page 3

On this particular day, he was teaching from Rev. 20:11-15 and Rev. 21:27,

explaining that there are at least two books described; the book of Life and the

Lambs book. He explained that everyones name is written in the book of Life and

that when unsaved people die, the Holy Spirit erases their names from the book of

Life. Alternately, when a person is saved, the Holy Spirit writes their name in the

Lambs book of Life, and their name will never be erased. The next Sunday, now

understanding the plan of salvation and knowing that God had answered my

prayer and that I had been saved from the moment I asked Him to be my Savior, Iwas now completely happy with my salvation. Dont let anyone elses feelings or

thoughts be your answer to the Word of God. I will always thank and praise God

for His infinite wisdom and for allowing me to go through that experience. I know

now that was the way He prepared me to be the person He called me to be.

My prayer is always, let me teach Your words and not my experiences, feelings or

thoughts. I hope no one will ever squash the salvation out of me again.

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The Edifier Issue 3.Sept - Dec Issue