A small church with a big heart
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Welcome to Pioneer Bible Baptist Church
Welcome to Pioneer Bible Baptist Church
THIS PRESENT DISTRESS: HOPE IN THE MIDST OF CORONAVIRUS
This too shall pass. How many times have you heard those words in the middle of this intense distress that threatens to overwhelm your soul?
Please read these words from Psalms 91:1-6, especially verses 5 & 6: The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” He Himself will deliver you from the hunter’s net, from the destructive plague. He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield. You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague (the invisible enemy, COVID-19) that stalks in darkness, or the pestilence (coronavirus) that ravages at noon. (Words in parentheses my addition.)
We all have been deeply affected by all that is happening to us personally: fear, loss, severe restrictions, uncertainty (along with a myriad of other emotions); and then the panic that has gripped billions around the world, effectively bringing economies to a screeching halt, rampant unemployment, tens of thousands dying just from COVID-19, let alone from all the ‘normal’ causes of death. Who hasn’t been impacted? Who hasn’t wondered when it will all end? Where is GOD in all this?
My answer? Where He’s always been. Think back to what life was like before the novel coronavirus. What challenges were you facing then? What caused you great concern and grief? Anything? Anything at all? Of course; there was something! While our lives are changing in ways we never could have imagined, we would like to return to our ‘old’ normal (i.e., the good ole days). But I’m afraid that is unlikely to be the case (or so we’re told). After this virus loses its potency, there will be something else. There always will be. Please know this: if God was available through our other trials, He is here now. Right here! Right now!
Our despair at times is palpable. It may seem to be alive and in danger of overwhelming our very souls. Read the articles; listen to the news (if you can stomach it). People (our family, perhaps; our neighbors, coworkers, friends) are looking for answers. They want their fears assuaged.
The Apostle Peter has some wisdom for us to consider: “You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith — more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire — may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (I Peter 1:5-9) Notice these promises for the believer: “You are being protected by God’s power…”; “You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle…”; “…though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice…” These words were written to believers facing extreme persecution just for their faith in Christ.
If you are a believer, hold onto these precious truths. These, and numerous others, provide words of calming peace to this present tempest. If you are without Christ, my friend, I can offer you the only hope available to mankind: Jesus Christ. A firm and steadfast, yet simple faith in Him as your Savior and Lord will put you on the path of peace, joy, and hope you’ve never before experienced! I’d love to help.
With hope and joy,
Dean
Pastor Dean & his wife, Martha Fitzsimmons, have been serving at Pioneer since November 2018, first as interim and currently as lead pastor. Dean has previously served as senior pastor in Wisconsin and Minnesota before moving to Kansas City to teach at Carver Baptist Bible College on The Paseo.
They have five children (three married), and six grandchildren, all of which currently live in the metro area. They are thrilled to be serving in Louisburg while currently commuting from KC. It is their desire to relocate to Louisburg in the near future.
Thank you for visiting our website. God has been blessing our growing congregation in several areas, but we want more; much more. As believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, it is our desire to impact Louisburg and the surrounding area in an increasing way as we proclaim the Gospel and flesh it out in our lives. We invite you to visit us and experience a warm family welcome. For more about what we teach, click on About Us above.
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