5 DAYS AT MARANATHA

 Bill & Mona Dumpert / Mark & Lori Wilkerson / Lonnie & Nancy Mattingly

Last week Nancy and I had the opportunity to spend five wonderful days in Rantoul, IL in revival meeting at Maranatha Baptist Church.  What a meeting we had as Maranatha celebrated their 34th Anniversary on this past Sunday.

Bro. Mark Wilkerson who has been Pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church for six years did a great job of planning a memorable day.  One of the highlights was to bring in a former pastor, Bro. Bill Dumpert who preached the morning service.  The congregation was deeply moved by his powerful preaching on “Amazed and Afraid” from Mark 10:32-34.  There were many wonderful memories of the days of struggle and victory that they had together.

Pastor Wilkerson taught the Sunday School hour from several passages in Proverbs on the subject of “Walking in Wisdom.”  I had the joy of preaching the evening service. i also preached the evening services Wednesday through Saturday.  God gave us souls saved and full altars.

I believe that Maranatha Baptist Church has a great open door to the city of Rantuel and the surrounding areas.  There were 5 pastors that visited the various week night services along with some of their members.  The spirit was great.  The members responded with many commitments to reach the lost.  I’m praying that real Heaven sent revival will break out in the weeks ahead as the folks fulfill the commitments that were made.  Nancy and I joined with several church members in outreach.  We were able to spend a couple of hours on Saturday knocking doors, passing out fliers and finding several good prospects for the church.  Pray that these efforts will continue.  If they do I am sure that Maranatha will see much fruit.

My closing message was GOD IS GIVING US AN OPEN DOOR…

Here is a brief partial outline… It will preach.

Revelation 3:7-13 The Church at Philadelphia… The Revival Church

God Gave them an OPEN DOOR ..

Revelation 3:7-13 The Church at Philadelphia… The Revival Church

V. 8 GIVES 3 SIMPLE REASONS WHY GOD OPENED A DOOR FOR THEM…..

They had a testimony of a church that works… but that is not enough. Lots of churches are working hard today but few are having any symptoms of revival.  Consider the following.

1. THEY HAD LITTLE STRENGTH – It is not what we do for God that has eternal significance.  It is what God does through us.  Only what God does will last forever.  2 Corinthians 9:12

2. THEY KEPT HIS WORD –   Psalms 119:89, 2 Timothy 3:15-17 God’s Word is our authority and guide in our service to Him.  Our methods should never be unscriptural.  Our theology should not be man made.  Many people believe in God but they don’t believe God.  The Bible is our final word of authority in all matters of faith and practice.

3. THEY DID NOT DENY HIS NAME – We are not ashamed of the name of Jesus.  Let’s lift Him up. His name has become politically incorrect but it is still Biblically correct.  Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 4:12

I trust that these three simple thoughts will be a challenge to you and a help in teaching and preaching motivation to others to go through the open doors of opportunity that God has given to us.  I am sure that as you study and meditate on these verses that God will give you many other thoughts and applications.

AGAPE BAPTIST CHURCH, BOARDING SCHOOL AND RANCH

This week we are at Agape Baptist.  What a ministry and what an opportunity.  Next week I will give you an update on the work here.  Pray for me as I will be preaching 6 or 7 times.

Nancy and I are having a wonderful time being in a variety of precious ministries.  We have visited with so many friends and met so many new friends.  God has been good.  We miss Shawnee Baptist Church and our pastor preaching to us.  We are able to catch them from time to time live streaming at http://www.shawneebaptist.org  you should check them out.Bro. David Delaney has a huge task and is doing a great job.  Shawnee Baptist College has college days this week end and will do so in conjunction with “THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE.”  It may not be too late to call and 1participate. 502-775-8431