A Faith That Works A Faith That Works A Faith That Works “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1

Mainland LighthouseMainland Lighthouse

March 2016March 2016March 2016 Volume 16, issue 3Volume 16, issue 3Volume 16, issue 3

By Pastor Dean Bult

Events Upcom-

ing

3.1-3 CBA Spirit Days 3.4 CBA - No School 3.5 Men’s Breakfast 3.6 Birthday Sunday-children Children’s Ministry Takeover Service 3.8 AC Rescue Mission 3.9 Absecon Manor 3.10 Pastors and Deacons Meeting

3.13 Teen Parent Meeting 3.16-18 Encourage the Discouraged Conference 3.23 CBA Grandparent’s Day-Noon Dismissal 3.24 Sight and Sound Trip “Samson” 3.25 Good Friday Services 3.27 Easter Sunrise Service 3.28 CBA - No School 3.29 CBA Resumes

This month we will be addressing the subject of a faith that works. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We will look at the basis of our faith; when God stretches our faith; a life of dynamic faith; and developing a faith that works.

We live in a wonderful world that our Heavenly Father created and do not need faith to exist within that framework. For instance, do I need faith to breathe? No, I just breathe. Do I need faith to see, hear, speak, and live in the natural realm? No, these things are a result of being a created being. However, active faith in the Lord results in believing and practicing what the Holy Scriptures say. This sometimes goes beyond what we understand. When a person believes and lives for the unseen, there are evidences that life and outcomes are different than if he didn’t live by faith. The Supernatural steps in and we, who live by faith, are living evidence of the impact the Creator has on His creation. We still have to experience things in the natural realm outlined in our life experiences and the scriptures such as sorrow, sickness, and physical death. However, those who walk by faith have a unique experience that those who do not walk that way do not have. This is because we are in touch, have faith in our Heavenly Father, and believe all things are possible. Even though we can expect a divine miracle at any time, the assurance of His divine providence is present. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit that indwells us and illuminates our relationship with our Heavenly Father, we walk and live by faith.

All of this leads the regenerated person to know that one day he will see Him face to face and to really look forward to it. For now, we walk by faith and not by sight regarding spiritual things as pilgrims with a song in our heart and with His daily guidance. We are serving by faith and the outcome can only be explained by the fact that He lives. Do you have a faith that works?

youth ministry

Teen/Parent Meeting Sunday, March 13

After the evening service

All parents of teens are invited!

4 Benefits of the Resurrection4 Benefits of the Resurrection 4 Reasons the Believer Should Rejoice about the Empty Tomb4 Reasons the Believer Should Rejoice about the Empty Tomb

By Pastor Kurt Skelly

1. Proof of Salvation The Resurrection validated the claims of Jesus and provided ultimate credibility to His person. Because the Resurrection offers such proof, we can believe His message; moreover, we can belong to the Master (i.e. we can take Him at His simple word and be saved!). 2. Power over Sin Paul lamented that a man, minus the power of God, has no hope of living in spiritual victory. Indeed, power over sin in our own strength is assuredly an exercise in futility. But the Resurrection power of Jesus Christ—the new life He provided to believers—enables us to live in victory over the enslaving power of sinful flesh as we reckon ourselves to be alive unto God through Jesus Christ. For the believer, power over sin is a bona fide possibility that is effectual by faith. 3. Purpose for Serving Think about it—because of our resurrection life in Christ we are connected with the Lord. By His Spirit He indwells us. We are partakers of His divine nature! In the words of Alfred Ackley, “I serve a risen Saviour. He’s in the world today. I know that He is living whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy. I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him, He’s always near!” The Resurrection means that Christ is with me and will never leave me. It means that I have a context for my life. It’s not about fifty or sixty or seventy years—it’s about eternity and living my life with that eternity in view. 4. Promise of Security Based upon the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, we who trust in Him will rise too! God assures us of this by His teaching on firstfruits. The earliest ripened fruit, vegetable, or grain serves as a harbinger of the main harvest to follow. Christ arose and provided the sure hope that—in Him—we can all have confident hope of a glorified body. (Sounds good to me! My body tends to ache a bit more with every passing year!) I don’t know much about what tomorrow holds, but I am profoundly grateful–whatever speed bumps lie in the way—that the truth about my future includes a perfection in Christ forever!

Takeover Service Sunday, March 6

At 6:00 pm (practice at 5:15)

Our children will be singing special music, playing instrumental specials, and teaching a lesson.

Birthday Sunday during Sunday school

Sunday, March 6 @ 9:30 am

National Hoops 3 on 3 Tournament Saturday, April 2nd

At 9:00 am

Held @ the Galloway Twp. Middle School 101 S. Reeds Rd., Galloway, NJ

National Hoops Ministries is an itinerant evangelistic ministry that takes all of the

equipment necessary around the country to conduct 3 on 3 basketball tournaments with the goal of reaching those in need of Jesus Christ.

Over the last couple of years many people have been saved. We look forward again

to sponsoring this exciting event!

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Good Friday

Friday, March 25 @ 12:00 pm

Grandparent’s Day Wednesday, March 23 @ 9:00 am

Our students will be having a special service for our grandparents with a lunch following.

This is open to everyone!

Easter Sunday March 27 @ 7:00 am

Join us we reflect on Jesus’ resurrection.

Bus Trip to Sight and Sound

Thursday, March 24th

For those going on this trip to Lancaster, PA. Please meet

at the church at 7:45 am

3.2 Adebisi Olaniyan 3.8 Dennis Perna Sr. 3.11 Mike Leeds 3.14 Al & Sally Watson 3.15 Elijah Prempeh 3.16 Rick Kramer

3.23 Patty Warriner 3.24 Hap & Patty Warriner 3.25 Shirley Michael 3.27 Pastor Bult Bill & Lori Ruiz 3.30 Loreta Wescott

Meet our Members Meet our Members Meet our Members In 1984, 8 year old Rick Kramer trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior during junior church at First Baptist of Egg Harbor

City. The Willingboro, NJ native was raised in Egg Harbor City, with his one brother and two sisters. Rick testifies that his parents, Rick

and Gail Kramer, “had us in church every time the doors were open!” At age 16, he was scripturally baptized by Pastor Frank Camillo.

After graduating from Absegami HS and Atlantic County Vo-Tech, “the Lord provided me with a job at the FAA Tech Center as an

electronic cable tech, which required a secret clearance.” Four years later, Rick decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and was

hired as a correction officer at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. After completion of academy training, he was selected to be a drill

instructor for the inmate boot camp. This Christian drill instructor, in addition to the physical training, the teaching of self-discipline,

self-respect, how to be a good father, and other classes on personal development, “when given the opportunity,” would share the love

of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rick reflects that “after two years I felt the Lord was leading me to state corrections.” He was assigned to

Albert C. Wagner in Bordentown, which at the time was nicknamed “Gladiator School,” because of all the violence there. Despite

enjoying the work, he did feel the need to be closer to his large family here. In 2003, Rick was hired back at the Atlantic County Justice

Facility, where he is currently employed. This father gratefully testifies, “I have four wonderful children the Lord has blessed me with.”

Ricky (18), Noah (14), Logan (11), and Julianna (8) all attend Pilgrim Academy, but began their education at Champion Baptist Academy.

At that time Rick was looking for a strong Baptist church that believed and modeled the “old paths” (Jer 6:16). He attests that, “I could

not have a better preacher than Pastor Bult.” Rick truly loves the choir, singing the great hymns of the faith and the

sound King James Bible preaching. He is especially grateful that Mainland Baptist has a Sunday evening service, as

his work schedule prevents him from regularly attending Sunday morning. Rick’s favorite Bible verse, Gal 2:20, is

also the key verse of the RU Recovery Program. He loves the RU Fruit of the Spirit teaching of how to have a

victorious Christian life. Rick Kramer, who became a member in 2015, believes that “there are always opportunities

to serve God at Mainland Baptist Church, whether it is driving a bus, teaching a class, soulwinning, singing in the

choir, or vacuuming the church on Saturday afternoons.”

512 S. Pitney Road ~ Galloway, NJ 08205 ~ 609.652.7507 ~ www.mainlandbc.com

2016 Couples’ Events

On Saturday, February 13 couples (married, engaged, dating) were invited to be challenged on “Fighting” for each other. Over 30 couples were in attendance that night. Don Cross lead a game that was fun to participate in and watch! Javier Vega gave a challenge from God’s Word. The night concluded with a delicious Valentine meal at Joe and Johns in Absecon.

There will be 3 more events coming up in 2016. Wednesday, May 4th @ 7:00 pm

Saturday, August 20th @ 4:00 pm Wednesday, November 9th @ 7:00 pm

Please join us for these events and invite another couple to

come with you!