Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church

October 22, 2015

Pastor Barksdale Online

"Greeting One Another In The Love Of Christ"

In This Issue

Weekly Message

News Update

FWMBC WEBSITE

www.fwmbc.org

FWMBC Members and Friends,

Last week I was honored to participate in a "Breast Cancer Awareness" Service. The service included speakers who were Breast Cancer Survivors. I was tremendously impressed by the courage, endurance, and faith in God, expressed by these brave individuals who had experienced so much hardship, but yet were so positive in their attitudes. Let us pray for all people who must face cancer in their lives, and let us pray that a cure for all cancers will ultimately be found.

Weekly Message

WE MUST NOT GET COMPLACENT

Those who recline on beds of ivory. And sprawl on their couches, And eat lambs from the flock, And calves from the midst of the stall......Who drink wine from sacrificial bowls. While they anoint themselves with the finest of oils. Yet they have not grieved over the ruin of Joseph. (Amos 6:4,6)

As I remember my childhood, I realize how blessed I am to have many of the freedoms now that were not available to my grandparents, and great grandparents, etc. I can eat in certain restaurants that they could not enter into. I can afford to have certain luxuries that they could not afford. My children were able to attend schools of their choice, whereas it was not the case so many years in the past. And of course, we have the right to vote for those who will lead us, which was not always a right that our ancestors had.

In the passage above, Amos was prophesying to the Northern Kingdom (Israel). Israel's leaders had become arrogant and foolishly confident that all was well and they failed to rely on God for guidance. They did not foresee trouble as it seemed that everything was going in their favor. Since that was the case, it was just a matter of time before God's judgment would take place.

We should be very careful that we do not become complacent as the Israelites did. We should make wise choices in selecting our leaders as we vote on November 3rd, and we should also hold them accountable as they make decisions that affect our lives. Complacency can lead to destruction. Most importantly, we should look to God for guidance as we deal with the challenges of our times. After we make those things a priority, we can then take a little time to enjoy the fullness of our labors.

News Update:

Oct. 25, 2015 - 8am Min. Harrison

11am WOMEN IN RED Pastor David Everson will be guest speaker, First Union B.C. Galveston, Texas

Nov. 1, 2015 - 8am Pastor

11am Rev. Criswell

1pm -- Pastor will preach Anniversary Service for
Pastor George Burrell - Internal Hope Church (Friendswood, Texas)