"Like Precious Faith"

"To those who have obtained like precious faith with us ...." (2 Peter 1:2)



The Greek word translated "like precious" indicates a faith that is equal in value or equal in privilege.

To think that the common Christians who received this letter ... as well as we very ordinary Christians today ... possess a faith of equal privilege with the great apostle Peter!

Talk about living in a spiritual high-rent district!

We have the same Christ, the same Holy Spirit, the same forgiveness, the same promises, the same access to the throne of grace, the same future glory.


Child of the Eternal Father,
Bride of the Eternal Son,
Dwelling-place of God the Spirit,
Thus with Christ made ever one;
Dowered with joy beyond the Angels
Nearest to His throne,
They, the ministers attending
His beloved one:
Granted all my heart's desire,
All things made my own;
Feared by all the powers of evil,
Fearing God alone;
Walking with the Lord in glory
Through the courts divine,
Queen within the royal palace,
Christ forever mine;
Say, poor worldling, can it be,
That my heart should envy thee?

--Gerhard Ter Steegen.

Launching Into Second Peter

After taking a couple of weeks off for the "Spiritual Warfare in the Family" series, this Sunday we'll rejoin our chapter by chapter excursion through the New Testament.

Our passage for Sunday is 2 Peter chapter 1.

Special Speaker Again Sunday

David Carrell will be with us again Sunday morning (March 26) to complete the "Spiritual Warfare in the Family" series. (There will be no afternoon session.)

Please be in prayer and come with a desire to hear from the Lord.

On April 2, we will continue with 2 Peter chapter 1.

Come Early Sunday for Prayer

Given the topic that David Carrell will be addressing Sunday … “Spiritual Warfare in the Family” … some of the men felt it would be good to have special prayer for the meeting.

For all who can get there early Sunday … we’ll have a brief, informal prayer time starting around 10:00 a.m. (We’ll probably have separate prayer for the men and the women.)

Also, please be in prayer with your family for the Sunday sessions.

"Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary the devil, like a roaming lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour; whom resist, steadfast in the faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Mini-Seminar: Spiritual Warfare in the Family

On Sunday, March 12, David Carrell will present two sessions on Spiritual Warfare in the Family.

David is active in men's ministry for First Baptist Church of Gadsden and the Alabama Baptist Convention. He is a strong advocate of the family-integrated church and of scriptural family reformation.

The Carrells are dear friends of our church, and we are excited to have them with us Sunday.

David will be speaking during our morning ministry time and again after lunch.

Please be in fervent prayer for God's blessing and protection on this special time of ministry.

Joziel and Raul

Latest update from Daniel White on the two boys who were hurt in the auto accident involving the Mexican pastor:

For those of you who have been praying for Joziel and Raul, I wanted to send out an update on their condition and recovery.

Joziel continues to improve and regain mobility. He beginning to regain some movement in his legs. If he concentrates very hard and with much effort he is able to raise his feet slightly. This is wonderful news, however, it take all his energy and he still has a long road of recovery ahead of him.

Raul is not doing well. He has been back in and out of the hospital several times. He is unable to keep food down, has infections and temperatures, and is not making progress towards regaining movement.

In answer to the need, Leap of Faith Ministries obtained hospital beds and wheel-chairs for Joziel and Raul, was able to cross them into Mexico and have the equipment shipped down to Guadalajara. The equipment was received in good order and both families express their gratitude.

We also received several generous donations for the families involved in the accident and they were very grateful. Thank you all for your prayers, and for those who have given to the need. Please continue to keep both of these youths in your prayers and their families during this difficult time.

Special Delivery Blessing!

Another answer to prayer:

Emma Jean Nelson ...

... arrived Wednesday, March 1, about 7:00 p.m.




She was 7 Lb. 15 oz. and 20 ½ in. long, with lots of dark hair!

This is number seven for the Nelsons ... each one a hand-designed treasure from the Lord!

God Grants a Miracle!

In case you haven't seen it, here's a thrilling praise report from Greg H. --

All the prayers have worked a miracle. Cindy was told this evening her platelet count was 200,000. That is normal!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! She is supposed to get out in the morning. Please pass on the praise report.

As I mentioned a Sunday or two ago ... I believe God is calling our assembly to be a "house of prayer." I think everyone senses that God is moving in a special way in our corporate prayer times.

By His grace, I think we're going to see more and more examples of Jeremiah 33:3.

"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."