Newsletter Mar 15th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

I feel impressed of the Lord to continue our discussion from last week—-our need for the Fire of God. What difference does the fire make? What are some evidences that the fire is present?
WHEN THE FIRE IS PRESENT THERE IS A BOLD PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD OF GOD 
,…Jeremiah [20:9] was discouraged and wanted to quit preaching. But he testified that God’s Word was “like a fire in his bones” and that he could not be silent.
…When the early disciples were hit by the Fire of God [Acts 2] , they did not sit in the Upper Room admiring their ability to speak in tongues. NO! NO! NO! They hit the streets telling the “good news of Jesus”. The Apostle Peter preached and 3000 were saved.
WHEN THE FIRE OF GOD IS PRESENT THERE IS HOLINESS
…Isaiah [6] saw the Lord. Isaiah recognized his sinfulness. An angel took a hot coal from the Heavenly altar and touched his lips to make him clean. Then, he was prepared to preach.
…Holiness was such a vital part of the Early Church that when Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, they dropped dead on the spot. [Acts 5]
…Believers were serious about living holy lives. “Be ye holy, for I am holy, says the Lord” [1 Peter 1:16] 
WHEN THE FIRE OF GOD IS PRESENT THERE ARE MIRACLES
… Lame man healed [Acts 3]. Signs and wonders done by the Apostles {Acts 5:12]. Peter’s shadow brought healing [ Acts 5:15]. The New Testament is full of examples of the Fire of God bringing miracles to people.

In the 1920s and 1930s the Fire of God came to Southern Baptist Missionaries and native Chinese Christians. I was blessed to meet two of those missionaries, Martha Franks, and Bertha Smith. Another of those missionaries C.L. Culpepper, wrote a book about that move of God, THE SHANTUNG REVIVAL.  I wish I could give you the entire book, but it is out of print. The following are some citations from the book:
BOLD PROCLAMATION
   …People discovered and admitted that they had not been born again [p.19]
   …3000 saved in one year [p.28]
   … We have gone from 50 church members to 1000 Christians [p.34]
   …600 girls and 900 boys from the mission school accepted Jesus [p.43]
   …Pingtu… No longer a school, but a powerhouse , preparing bands of soul winners [p. 58]
   …It revived spiritually dead churches [p.62]

HOLINESS
   …It is easy to win the lost  when Christ’s Spirit has clean channels through which to work [p.55]
   …The Fire of the Holy Spirit was burning away everything but the purest and holiest of impulses [P.50]
   …God removed pride, envy, jealousy, and criticism, so that we embraced, laughed, and shared the love of Jesus [p.40]

MIRACLES
   … Mrs. Culpepper’s eyes were healed as a result of prayer and anointing with oil [p.12-14] 
   …A woman who was paralyzed for 28 years was healed [p.31]
   …A man who knew he was dying bought his coffin and grave clothes. When he was healed he sold the coffin and gave the money to build a church building. [p;64]

The Shantung Revival was so unusual that the Mission Board sent some one to check it out. The report was, “God is at work. Do not criticize” There was also the prayer that the revival would spread to the USA.

Is it possible to have the powerful Fire of God today? I personally know a family that is living in that Fire. Documented [not guesses or estimates] results for 2025—-over 360,000 accepted Jesus. Over 100,000 were baptized. More than 1000 new House Churches were planted in the nation where they have most of their ministry. Yes, powerful ministry is available when we, like the New Testament Christians live in the Fire of God.

WHAT NOW?
   …Some readers probably believe that the authentic Fire of God is no longer available. They will  scoff at those who do believe and will muddle along in their “ice box” faith until they die or until Jesus returns.
   …Others will get excited and say “Amen, Brother, I agree”. But their enthusiasm will soon wane and they will return to their lukewarmness.
   …I am praying that some will get such a hunger for the Fire of God in their personal lives and in their churches that they will not be satisfied until the are anointed with that Fire.

SING WITH ME
“Lord, send the old time power, the Pentecostal power
The floodgates of blessing on us throw open wide
Lord, send the old time power, the Pentecostal power
That sinners be converted and Thy Name glorified”

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. We are now in the process of giving our  Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions
5. Easter schedule
   April 2—6:30 pm—-Maundy Thursday Service
   Easter—-7:00 am – Sunrise Service
                7:30 – Breakfast
                8:30 – Worship Service

Ice Box or Hot Fire—–Your choice

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church