In Bible study last Wednesday, we read 1 Thessalonians 3:
1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.
Pastor Ronny pointed out that Paul is clearly stating the quality of a church is judged by its faith. How blessed we are as a church to be able to celebrate the faith of those who came before and renew our faith for the future.
With the faith of fifteen committed believers, Bradfordville First Baptist Church began as a Sunday School class in April 1974. This class grew as they began reaching people for Jesus and moved in to the chapel that was donated and moved to our south campus. This class incorporated as a church in February 1980. In June of 1997 the MacMillan Center became the main building. In August 2006 we dedicated our current facility.
We are planning a big celebration of the foundation of this faith journey this summer. On Wednesday, August 17, we will have Bible Study and Prayer at 6:00 pm in the Betty Fuller Chapel on the south campus. We are anticipating an overflow crowd and will broadcast that service simultaneously in the MacMillan Center.
Then, Sunday evening of August 21, we will have a special Sunday night Worship Celebration in the McMillan Center.
On Thursday, August 25, we are inviting our Sunday School teachers to a dinner in appreciation of their service.
On Sunday, August 28, we are going to celebrate the 10 year Anniversary of the Dedication of our current sanctuary. That day will include setting goals for High Attendance Day in Sunday School and in Worship. We are anticipating that this Sunday we will have over 500 in Sunday School and over 750 in Worship. What a glorious way to celebrate the faith of all who are a part of our church’s past and also make a commitment to continue growing in faith for the future.
As a special component of the August 28 celebration, our 20/20 Vision Team is planning to present a master plan for future growth of Bradfordville First Baptist Church. We have selected an architect and are working diligently in preparing a long-term building proposal plan for you to see. Conceptual drawings and potential floor plans will be available and on display.
This is a blessed time to be a part of Bradfordville First Baptist Church as we are Celebrating Faith: Our Foundation and Future.