Spring is almost here!

I am so ready for Spring! I think maybe the groundhog got it wrong about how much more bad weather we would have. But now it is March and we only have 19 more days until it is officially Spring. If you want the exact info: spring begins March 20, 2009, at precisely 7:44 A.M. EDT the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. For the Southern Hemisphere, this is the moment of the autumnal equinox. But whatever you call it, I am looking for my time outside to increase, the grass to grow and my heating bill to go down.

I think what makes me look forward to this most is I want some change! The same is true for my life it too is in need of some change. The same Person who changes winter to spring is the same Person who wants to change you and me. As things change around us be encouraged that as surely as the world turns and seasons change, God will remain faithful to the task of changing us. He has not given up on us, and He is not finished with us, something better is coming.

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” (Philippians 1:6)

Jesse Waggoner

It's just us

A phrase I have used for several years goes like this: "Bible Center is not supported by any organization, foundation or denomination." By that, I mean the church is just us. I certainly understand that on the divine level Christ is the head of the church, but on the human level there is no outside control of this local church. Our Constitution in Article One declares: "All true believers in Christ make up ‘His body’ on earth. The location and the home base for activity of this assembly of believers at Charleston, West Virginia, shall be called THE BIBLE CENTER CHURCH. It shall remain denominationally independent and unaffiliated." The Constitution also sets out the responsibilities of pastoral, elder and deacon leadership and us -that the congregation is empowered with certain responsibilities. This means as a church with a congregational form of government, we who are members are responsible to be fully engaged in the life of our church.

This Sunday night is a perfect opportunity for us to be fully engaged. Our annual meeting will include an election of officers, a report concerning the annual audit of our finances and ministry reports from your pastors. This will be a time to reflect on God's faithfulness in the past as well as the opportunity to renew our trust in Him for our future. If you are not a member, you are welcome to come and "look in" on our annual meeting.

Please make plans to come and I will see you there.

Jesse Waggoner

Epitaphs

On the outskirts of Elkins lies the quaint hamlet of Beverly, WV. Despite its’ small size, Beverly has a big distinction: The historic Beverly Cemetery is thought to be the oldest cemetery in America west of the Allegheny Mountains. As pioneers moved westward across the Alleghenies, many settled at Beverly on the mountains’ western rim. History buffs can walk through the cemetery and find gravestones dating back to 1768; many having poetic and eloquent epitaphs.

The Bible sometimes “etches epitaphs” in a short sentence. Acts 7:9 summarizes the life of Joseph of the Old Testament in four words: “God was with him.” Regardless of the countless hardships, hurts, adversity and heartbreaks Joseph underwent, God was always with him, and Joseph was always faithful to God. When Joseph was on the bottom - in the pits of life, that divine connection was there. And when Joseph was on top - in the penthouse of life, his faith was unwavering. What a way to be remembered!

Have you thought about how you will be remembered? No epitaph could be more meaningful than Joseph’s. May we endeavor to cling to God in unshakable faith as he did!

Bill Tanzey

You are loved

Who doesn’t like to hear the phrase, “I love you?” Powerful words for sure! It’s an expression most do not tire of and many wish they heard more often. Our need to be loved is so basic and strong, one of the greatest threats to our emotional well being is to think, “Nobody loves me.”

I vividly remember the first time my wife told me of her love. It was rather tentative, as in, “I think I’m falling in love with you.” It made me smile and feel warm inside, but I’m glad she is now able to be more sure about it!

God’s love is never uncertain. It doesn’t change, is not dependent on our goodness, and need never be questioned. God’s love is real, true, unconditional, and an example to us all.


No matter how many Valentine gifts or cards you give or receive this week; no matter how many (or few) times you say or hear, “I love you” this week; there is no more certainty in this universe than GOD loves you. He said it. He showed it. John 3:16 declares it. GOD LOVES YOU.

Lee Walker