Volume 1, Issue 3 3rd Quarter 2013

S A L V A T I O N N O T S U P E R S T I T I O N Acts 17:22-23

The Edifier
The Awesome Love of God
A most familiar verse of scripture, John 3:16, states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten (one of a kind, unique) Son that whoever is believing in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.''
Julius T. Davis, Jr., Pastor

The word love is not an emotional feeling but a choice, an act of the will. It declares that God has chosen and committed Himself to do that which is absolutely and eternally best for the world. Experiencing God's love is conditional upon believing meaning trusting. Whoever is presently trusting in the Person and work of Jesus Christ has everlasting life. This is truly amazing when we consider the matter. That little two letter word, so, implies that God's love is infinite or without limit. There is no boundary or horizon to God's great love. We never come to the end or finish line of this amazing choice. Note the impact of God's love in 1 John 3:1-3. 1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. We the believers in Christ not only possess everlasting life but we are called the children of God. This means that we are God's offspring and possess His nature. Ultimately we shall be glorified together with Christ and shall be like Him. Think about His love, think about His goodness, think about His grace that's brought us through. As high as the heavens above, so great is the measure of our Father's love, great is the measure of our Father's love. Think about it and be amazed to the maximum.

Pastor Julius T. Davis, Jr.

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THE EDIFIER

Live Out Loud for Christ by Beverly Thompson

What Do You Have To Say?

There are times when I don't write anything for weeks and people ask me why. Well, I've given this question much thought and came up with a very profound answer...I have nothing to say. Yep, that's the answer...I have nothing to say. Now, in the past, I would talk just to "hear my own voice", according to my mother. I have even had people ask if I ever "shut up". I would get offended at these statements until I finally reflected upon why I felt the need to talk so much. I was uncomfortable with silence...quiet times unnerved me badly. So, I would talk...about any and everything. I would talk about my business and business that wasn't mine. I would talk and it didn't matter if people actually listened. I just didn't want to be in the "quiet". I needed noise, something to distract me from the deafening silence. It was during these times of silence that God tried to speak to me and it was during those same times that I wasn't trying to listen to what He had to say. He was showing me who I was and what I was becoming--- and it was not a pretty picture. He was showing me my disobedient and rebellious heart. He was exposing my sinful nature and how I was becoming comfortable in it. So to silence Him, I talked over His voice. And, I kept talking. The more I talked, the less I heard. So, what exactly is the problem with talking just for the sake of talking? According to Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. " Do you find yourself just talking for no good reason? Are you gossiping and being a busybody? Many people think that gossip is speaking of things that are not true. Gossip is merely speaking of things that are not your businessmerely for the sake of speaking (whether true or false). If you feel a need to always tell things that are none of your business, you are speaking idle words and will have to give an account for them. Beware of people who always begin sentences with "did you hear?" or "let me tell you what so and so did". Be very careful of those who say "don't tell anyone I told you this..." These are all precursors to gossip and rumors...idle talk. Whenever you find yourself beginning sentences this way...stop and ask yourself why you have the need to do so. Do you seek acceptance from people by being the person who is constantly "in the know"? Are you uncomfortable with the quiet times because God is trying to speak to you? Have you become uneasy because your thoughts are consistently about your own past sins and failures? If so, it is time to ask God to reveal the true you to yourself and then ask Him to help you change. Listen when He speaks. "Let the wise hear and increase in learning..." Proverbs 1:5 (ESV). My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul ..." Proverbs 2:1-10 (ESV). Learn to treasure the quiet times. Allow God to speak to you and impart to you that which He desires and then obey Him. No more idle talk or idle time. Let every word you speak have value to those who are listening. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech and put devious talk far from you." Proverbs 4:23-24 (ESV). "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29 (ESV). It has been a rewarding experience for me to learn to listen, to realize that I don't always have to be the one to do all the talking. It has been said that we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason: do twice as much listening as we do talking.

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A Remarkable Woman of God by Joyce Davidson

If someone asked me who I admire most, my answer would be Beth Baleke. When I think of Beth, a smile comes on my face. I admire her humble committed work of serving God through Scripture Union of Uganda. Beth is a strong dedicated woman of faith and courage. Currently her missionary journeys take her into
Joyce Davidson and Beth Baleke

The Republic of South Sudan and Ethiopia, where she trains staff, volunteers and others so that they may, make Gods Good News known to children, young people and families. Please keep Beth in your prayers as she travels to dangerous areas to reach others for Christ.

Gods Infinite Wisdom by Ann Clark

There was a time or two when you have heard the pastor ask me about the experience of my salvation. For that reason I would like to go into further detail concerning this matter. I was born in a Christian home. Both my parents were Christians from the time I knew them until they went home to be with the Lord. I always knew there was a God, but I didnt have a personal relationship with Him, nor did I know how to receive Jesus as my Savior. All I heard when my parents took me to church was good preaching, good singing, good devotions and good feelings. I knew someday that I would join the church, because that was what I was told I was supposed to do so I wouldn't go to hell. At age 37, I decided to join the church, but first I wanted to get more familiar with the bible, so I bought one. Someone told me the first thing to read was the book of John, so I did. While I was reading the book of John and knowing a little about salvation, I told Jesus I believed that He was the Son of God and wanted to accept Him as my Savior because I wanted to go to heaven when I died. Immediately, I felt that God had answered my prayer. The next Sunday I went to church and joined the church. I felt different than I ever had felt before in my life. One Sunday in church during devotional, the deacons were very emotional and vocal about how they felt, and that if everyone didnt feel as they did, that they were not saved. I didnt feel the way they did, and was very sad and confused. So I thought I lost my salvation that day in church. That night I cried and prayed to God because I was not saved and did not know how to be. That same night, God woke me about 3:00 AM and all he said to me was I love you. What joy came unto me! The devil was not pleased about that so he went to work on me. One day I was reading John 3:16; the devil said, Sure God loves you, He loves the whole world. Does that mean the whole world is saved? Lost again I struggled with that for sometime. Plus, going to church and not feeling like jumping over benches, and hearing remarks like if you dont feel like us, you better go and try to get saved again, confused me even more. One day I was reading the bible and the words in red actually left the page and came to my sight. It read, I died for you. Oh what joy! Later, the devil said, big deal. Didnt He die for the whole world. Is the whole world saved? Lost again. Sometime later, as I was studying the bible, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that He wrote my name in the Lambs Book of Life. I had mixed emotions. I was kind of happy, but confused because I didnt know exactly what that meant. At that time, I was going to Central Bible College, where Dr. Maddock was teaching from the book of Revelation.
Continued on page 8

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What is Gods Will? By Joyce Davidson

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The untimely death of Trayvon Martin and trial for the shooter is bringing out opposing opinions of Christians about the verdict. The shooter said, It was Gods will. That statement stayed in my mind. What is Gods will I asked myself? Jesus speaks to us in the Lords Prayer. Matthew 6:13, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. I thought about the times when I did not listen when the Holy Spirit was directing my path. I had to do it my way. When the result was not good, I said to myself, I should have listened and obeyed the Holy Spirit. Other times when I did obey, I said, Thank you Lord, I did it your way. At other times when I was obedient, I didnt know what trial or situation was avoided, but I had peace because I did it Gods way. Was it Gods will for a young man to die and the shooter go free? Christians are divided on this issue, but life goes on.

The shooter said, It was Gods will. Was it Gods will for a young man to die and the shooter go free?

Because of this incident many Christians will seek Gods will as to what they should do to bring healing to our communities. As part of the body of Christ, no matter what your color, everyone will have different assignments to bring about change, but remember we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7 Amplified Bible. Allow the divine Light of the Gospel to make clear what you should do concerning this and any of lifes other issues.

Fact One - The oldest person in the Bible was Methuselah. He died when he was 969 years old. Fact Two - The wisest man in the Bible is Solomon Fact Three - The strongest man in the Bible is Samson Fact Four - The tallest villain in the Bible is Goliath at over 9 feet tall Fact Five - King Solomon had 700 wives Fact Six - The greatest warrior in the Bible is Gideon. With 300 men, 300 trumpets, and with God, He defeated 135,000 Midianites Fact Seven - A raven was the first animal out of the ark Fact Eight - The Star of Bethlehem was reported by Matthew, but at the same time Chinese astronomers recorded it, too. Fact Nine - The Bible was written over a 1500 year span (from 1400 B.C to A.D. 100) over 40 generations Fact Ten - The Bible was written by over 40 authors Fact Eleven - The Bible was written in three languages - Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek Fact Twelve - The Bible was written on three continents - Asia, Africa, and Europe Fact Thirteen - There are 3,566,480 letters in the Bible Fact Fourteen - The Bible was the first book to be printed, in 1454 Fact Fifteen - The Bible has been translated into 1200 languages Fact Sixteen - Noah was 600 years old when he built the ark, and 950 years old when he died. Genesis 7:6 and Genesis 9:29 Fact Seventeen - Adam was 930 when he died. Genesis 5:5 Fact Eighteen - After Moses was given the Ten Commandments, he wore a veil over his face because he glowed. Exodus 34:33-35 Fact Nineteen- Joseph was 17 when his brothers sold him to the Ishmaelite's. Genesis 37:2 Fact Twenty The word Christ means, the Anointed One, the King.

Bible Facts - Did You Know?

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THE EDIFIER

God Provides
Submitted by Joyce Davidson

After their basement flooded and mold was found in the house they had rented for 4 years, Maurice and MyKesha Lytle were given an unexpected 30 day notice to move. As they prayed and put their trust in God, He opened necessary doors for them to become homeowners. After getting the 30 day notice they learned of a firstThe Lytles time homeowners program which would help with the much needed down payment. The problem was to find a house, make an offer, and complete the loan process in 18 days. With the deadline for the program fast approaching, they put a deposit on a house in Austintown. Both were troubled in their spirit about that house. They followed up on Arnold and Thais Davidsons suggestion to check houses in McDonald. When they walked in the property in McDonald, it felt like home. MyKesha said, This is our house. As their moving day arrived, the U-Haul was packed and ready to go. Not knowing where they would stay for the two days before closing, they still put all of their trust in the Lord, who always provides. Once they arrived at the new house, knowing they could leave their belongings there, the realtor surprised them with the house keys. He had received permission from the owners to allow them to move in before the closing. MyKesha, If our focus wasnt on God, we wouldnt have considered applying for a mortgage. God moved and allowed us to be approved for what by the worlds standards we should not have qualified for. Thankfully we live by Gods standards and not the worlds. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Thankfully we live by Gods standards and not the worlds.

Eunice Richardson celebrated her 90th birthday

Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Eunice Richardson is originally from Clayton Alabama and likes to read scriptures. Her favorite one is Genesis 1:1. In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. For a time she did not attend church. Her mother and Jessie Belle Cross, who are both deceased, told her she needed to get back into church.

Eunice Richardson

Eunices testimony: Fellowship with the Lord and reading scriptures has been a wonderful experience. At first I would sit and cry after my husband died. But I realized I would not get stronger that way. I began to look to God for strength. One day I realized I didnt cry as much anymore. I thank God that one day I will meet my husband again in heaven, Eunice will also see her mother and Jessie Belle Cross who encouraged her to get back in church.

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THE EDIFIER

Parents, its that time already! Its time for your children to head back to the various classrooms. Its time for many to go pick up schedules, school clothes, and class list to see who their teachers will be. BUT STOP! Parents you are their teachers. You should be home schooling your children. Proverbs 22:6 7 says Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it Gods word lets us know that as a parent you are your childs first and most influential teacher. Its not from pre school to graduation but continuous. God is holding you as the parent responsible for the training and rearing of the children He has entrusted to you. There are three aspects of training or schooling; dedication, instruction, and motivation. The first is dedication. Dedication must begin with the child being dedicated to God; the parent must realize that child belongs to God exclusively and is given to the parent as stewardship. The second aspect of schooling is instruction. Parents are to instruct or cause their children to learn everything essential in pleasing God. The third aspect of schooling is motivation. Parents are to create a taste or desire within the child so that he/she is internally motivated to do what God wants him/her to do. The thought, then, is that at each stage of development the parents or guardians are to dedicate, instruct, and motivate the child to do what God has equipped the child to do. So as parents or guardians over the next few weeks whatever school setting your child moves into, remember you should always be home schooling them. We should not expect the other systems of education to do what God is holding us accountable to do. We want our children to have the ability to be successful, but even more importantly, to be Children of God. So, our hope should be that when our children are independent adults, they will say what Joshua saidAs for me and my house we will serve the Lord Submitted by Betty Washington

Brandon Beck achieved National Honor Society status! Congratulations Brandon! Keep up the good work!

Garrett & Garen Benson are two very smart brothers. Certainly Stars on the Horizon!

Congrats to Geordyn Conne for making the Jones Dance Academy's 2013/ 2014 Performance Company Good Luck this season!!!!

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Friendship Baptist Church Praise & Worship Ministry

Although we have corporate (group) Praise and Worship at Friendship Baptist Church of Girard, our Praise and Worship Ministry encourages every believer to make it a personal experience by not focusing on anyone or anything except God. According to Ministry Leader Bro. Brian Hughes, one scripture that embodies what the Praise and Worship Ministry is about is Colossians 3:16, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. If the mission statement of the Praise and Worship Ministry seems familiar, it is because it is the same as the churchs own: Edifying the Saved to Evangelize the Lost. This is because Praise and Worship prepares the hearts for the message which will come forth. Any member of FBC is welcome to become a part of this Ministry. No musical expertise is needed. However, regular attendance at rehearsals is required and, as for all ministries at the church, regular attendance at Sunday service and also either Sunday school and/or Wednesday Bible study is necessary. The time of Praise and Worship is not a time of entertainment. The Praise and Worship Ministry presents God to the congregation through scripturally based songs to help them have an encounter with God in a meaningful way. I Worship You, Almighty God, there is none like You. I Worship You, O Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do.

Brian Hughes
FBC Praise & Worship Ministry Leader

Young Ladies Ministrys 2-Day SPA Retreat

The Young Ladies Ministry sponsored a two day SPA Retreat on August 9-10, 2013. The SPA days focused on sanctification, purification, and authentication. The main goal was to encourage the young ladies to either begin a relationship with Christ or to grow deeper in their relationship with Him. A second part of their SPA day was learning etiquette, which was taught by Sis. Loree Richardson. She taught cell phone etiquette, classroom etiquette as well as dining etiquette, which was followed by the young ladies setting a proper table and being served dinner and dessert. Finally, the young ladies were able to relax as they enjoyed a physical spa day by painting and decorating each others nails. The Lord truly blessed this two-day retreat and we look forward to having this become an annual event. We would like to thank Sis. Joyce Davidson for her tireless efforts in working with the young ladies for so long; Sis. Kim Porch for working so hard to make sure SPA Day was successful, although she could not attend; Sis. Mykesha Lytle for having such a servants heart; Sis. Sylvia Williams for her willingness to share her life with the young ladies; Sis Loree Richardson for teaching the etiquette class and Sis. Beverly Thompson for presenting SPA Day to the ministry. We would also like to thank Deacon Clyde Steverson, Brother Tom Simmons and Pastor Julius Davis for taking time from their schedules to drive the van so that the young ladies had transportation both days. We truly appreciate it.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Live Out Loud For Christ by Beverly Thompson What do you have to say? A remarkable woman of God by Joyce Davidson Gods Infinite Wisdom by Ann Clark What is Gods will? By Joyce Davidson Praise Reports! Maurice & MyKesha Lytle Eunice Richardson Parents, you should be home schooling! By Betty Washington Bible FactsDid you know? FBC Ministries 2

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PASTOR JULIUS T. DAVIS, JR. EDITOR/PRODUCTION CATHY D. STEVERSON FEATURE WRITERS ANN CLARK JOYCE DAVIDSON BEVERLY THOMPSON CONTRIBUTORS MAURICE LYTLE MYKESHA LYTLE EUNICE RICHARDSON BETTY WASHINGTON THE EDIFIER, FBCS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER WILL RELY ON YOUR INPUT, YOUR TESTIMONIES, YOUR STORIES, YOUR IDEAS, YOUR PARTICIPATION.. BECAUSE THE EDIFIER IS FOR YOU..

Gods Infinite Wisdom by Ann Clark, Continued from page 3

On this particular day, he was teaching from Rev. 20:11-15 and Rev. 21:27, explaining that there are at least two books described; the book of Life and the Lambs book. He explained that everyones name is written in the book of Life and that when unsaved people die, the Holy Spirit erases their names from the book of Life. Alternately, when a person is saved, the Holy Spirit writes their name in the Lambs book of Life, and their name will never be erased. The next Sunday, now understanding the plan of salvation and knowing that God had answered my prayer and that I had been saved from the moment I asked Him to be my Savior, I was now completely happy with my salvation. Dont let anyone elses feelings or thoughts be your answer to the Word of God. I will always thank and praise God for His infinite wisdom and for allowing me to go through that experience. I know now that was the way He prepared me to be the person He called me to be. My prayer is always, let me teach Your words and not my experiences, feelings or thoughts. I hope no one will ever squash the salvation out of me again.

111 Water Street Girard, OH 44420 (330) 545-2821 fbcgirard.org http://sermon.net/fbcgirard thenewsletter.fbc@gmail.com

The Edifier Newsletter Mission/Purpose Our mission is three-fold: To share the gospel of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ and to glorify God the Father. To inform, edify, encourage, inspire, motivate and challenge believers in Christ at FBC to a higher standard of Christian living in the world, through the distribution of printed Christcentered materials. To unify and strengthen the relationships between the FBC ministries and members, as well as with other churches in our communities by sharing information and news about our church, ministries and Christian businesses. Faith Statement We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that personal salvation and the forgiveness of sin are only available through Him, by Grace. We believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Holy Bible is Gods Word to His Church and that it is complete and fully trustworthy. (John 3:16, Romans 3:23, John 4:16, Eph. 2:8-9, Matt. 28:19, II Tim. 3:16)