Heartland Baptist Fellowship

Maple City Vision Conference

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:01:00 +0000

We returned Thursday night from our trip to Monmouth Illinois! It was a great vision Conference which included missionaries from Brazil (our own Harold & Tammy Hatman), London England (Brian Clark), Philippines (Eric Barbosa) and the USA (Tom Gang & Paul Wolfe).

Thanks to the team from HBF who cared for the children's ministry throughout the week. They did a great job! Because of their faithfulness, the entire congregation of MCBC was able to enjoy the blessing of hearing the Vision conference together. Thanks to Jamie Davis and the crew for their hard work!

Beau and Carrie Green were particularly gracious hosts! They took care of us and made our stay very enjoyable. Our entire family enjoyed the trip. Amy and I especially enjoyed being able to sit under the preaching together. We seldom have opportunity to attend church services together when I am not preaching. It was very refreshing for us. Thanks to all the folks who spoke and the dedicated workers from HBF.

I look forward to seeing our friends from Monmouth again in April when they return to relieve our workers during our Vision Conference.

India & Nepal Trip

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 06:24:00 +0000

Once again it has been too long since I have dropped by this blog site. Since my last visit I have visited India and Nepal. We had an incredible journey to meet Doug Pearson and Pastor Karl Silva of Mumbai. Pastor Silva pastors the Greater Grace Church of Mumbai, India. He has a prolific ministry that reaches across India and regions beyond.

While in Mumbai we had the privilege to meet many Indian Pastors. It was my particular privilege to spend time with a Pastor from Orrisa. Orrisa is the state of India that has received much attention due to the recent persecution of Christians by Hindu radicals. The reports coming out of Orrisa are very compelling. We must continue to pray fervently for the Hindu's who are persecuting the people and work of God. Likewise we must continue to pray for the displaced and suffering believers in Christ who are struggling to literally survive this satanic onslaught.

Our trip to Mumbai was excellent as we had the opportunity to join Indian Pastors in several settings and churches. One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the orphanage and school that Pastor Karl started just North of Mumbai. Moving from Mumbai, we travelled to Kathmandu Nepal to visit the bible college. We met Pastor Rajan and several other Greater Grace Pastors from all over the country of Nepal. From Kathmandu we moved to the Pokhara then on to remote churches in the mountains Southwest of Kathmandu. The climb up the mountain to reach the church was difficult but worth it. Our team of Americans, along with Pastor Silva literally endured hardness as we ascended at least 3000 feet into the Nepali mountains.

After returning to Mumbai we had the privilege of joining the Greater Grace church of Mumbai for one more service. I was completely impressed with the work of God both in Mumbai and Nepal. I look forward to the partnership that HBF and GGWO of Mumbai will have in the days before Christ's return.

In God We Trust

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:46:00 +0000

This week I wrote an article that will appear in this Friday's Democrat Missourian Newspaper called In God we trust. Unfortunately the spot we have in the paper does not allow for an expansive discussion of the current economic situation.

There are so many dynamics to the current credit crisis that are cause for preaching. I love the fact that God has pasted "In God We Trust" on our currency! How cool is that? In reality our nation has never found it's strength in currency or military might. From our inception our greatest recognized resource has been God. Whether Born again Christian or unenlightened Deist, the founding fathers were aware of God's value of humanity. What a unique source of wealth! The Creator and his creation. We are simply stewards of the blessings of God.

From the revolutionary war to the current financial crisis God often calls Christians to remember to whom we truly owe our allegiance. Our law is love and our legislation is liberty from sin. It is ironic that in time, as this crisis fades, the antichrist will rise with a economic and military solution to bring financial and military stability to the world. Of course it won't work, and will make the borrower servant to the lender, but a sucker is born every minute (literally).

We don't know how long it will be before the Lord returns for his bride, but we know it is certainly near. What matter of men ought we to be? Even if the Lord tarried 100 years (slim to no chance of that) the time is short. The time to proclaim the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ is now! Every knee will bow, it's just a matter of when. It's my prayer sooner than later for then it will be too late.

The article I put in the paper is posted below:

Proverbs 23:4-5
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Where is Chicken Little when you need him? I can just hear him screaming the Dow is falling the Dow is falling. Of course I’m referring to the Dow Jones Index. Only an ostrich could ignore the news about the financial crisis in our country and the world.

The scripture addresses the subject of financial security in many places. As Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun. Today, just as in ages past, financial insecurity is used of God to draw us to eternal security in the God who formed us in our mother’s womb.

A very wealthy man once lost all his assets and his children in one incredibly difficult day. As he assessed the loss and evaluated his standing he made a profound statement.

“…. Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21

Financial security is such a short sighted goal! How secure is your eternal portfolio? March 27, 1987 I realized my soul was bankrupt. I needed an injection of something more than this world could offer. I found my bailout plan in the scripture. It was a simple transaction written in the blood of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My bankrupt soul redeemed by the supernatural gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. From an alien of heaven to a citizen of heaven. From a soul bound to sin and death to freedom from sin and the grave. In a moment of genuine repentance, esteeming the things of this life as loss, I gained eternal life in Christ.

The current financial crisis will pass and in time another will take its place. No matter how the markets correct themselves or what brilliant plan is hatched to restore the strength of currency, there will be no true and lasting security outside of a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if the Dow soars and your stock portfolio and your financial picture improve dramatically, will that really secure your future? How far will financial freedom take you? Friend, divest yourself of the cares of this life and receive the one who has already invested everything in you. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

I didn't say it, but I agree with it.

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:43:00 +0000

Below is an article that Randy Foster forwarded to me, I'm guessing because I preach a 50 minute messages most Sunday's. Nevertheless, I'm in MacArthur's corner on this one!

Preaching and the Clock
September 15th, 2008
(By John MacArthur)
Today’s post adapted from the Q&A section of Rediscovering Expository Preaching (Nelson, 1997).
How long should a sermon be?
As long as it takes to cover the passage adequately! I do not think the length of the sermon is as important as its content. At times I have preached fifty minutes and it has been ten minutes too long. Other times, I have preached an hour and twenty-five minutes and it has been just right. The important thing is to cover the main point so that people are convinced of its truth and comprehend its requirements. If you have nothing worthwhile to say, even twenty minutes will seem like an eternity to your people. If you are interesting, they will stay with you. Do not mistake persuasion for long-windedness, however. If you preach longer than you should, you will sacrifice persuasiveness.
I am convinced that biblical exposition requires at least forty minutes. Less than this just is not sufficient to probe the text deeply. If it takes fifteen to twenty minutes to give the setting, ten to fifteen minutes to draw out the principles, five to ten minutes to cross-reference them, and five to ten minutes for a conclusion, you already have about fifty minutes. Rarely does a man preaching twenty-five to thirty minutes do doctrinal exposition.
That is why developing the logical flow of a sermon is crucial. If your message is clearly outlined and you lead your people through the process of discovery, you will hold their attention. Your sermon must be going somewhere. You cannot merely give a number of assorted truths unrelated to each other. If your sermon lacks interest because it is disjointed, your people will lose interest.
If you are going to be a Bible expositor, forget the twenty- and thirty-minute sermons. You are looking at forty or fifty minutes. In any less than that, you can’t exposit the Scripture. The purpose of a sermon is not to get it over, but rather to explain the Word of God. My goal is not accomplished because I am brief. My goal is accomplished when I am clear and I have exposited the Word of God.
Won’t people get bored if you preach too long in the same book?
I think people will be bored if you are boring. It is not related to how much time you spend in a book. As long as you are saying things that capture their interest and challenge their lives, they will not care what book you are in or for how long.
I think, however, that a balance is desirable. If you are preaching through a heavily doctrinal book like Romans or Hebrews, it is good to give your people a break from that periodically. If you are preaching through one of the Gospels, such may not be necessary. When I preached through Matthew over an eight-year period, I rarely felt the need to take a break. Matthew contains such a mixture of doctrinal passages, parables, and narrative passages that it changes pace frequently on its own.
At times, too, you will need to deal with a specific topic. You may find that people in your church are being influenced by an unbiblical teaching that you must combat. Or they may be confused over a Bible passage or a theological issue. Also, you may occasionally see a need to preach about the biblical view of a significant world event. In general, though, preaching through a book will not bore people if you are an interesting preacher. This is the purest form of expository preaching.

Beautiful Feet Take It To The Streets

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:55:00 +0000

What is “it”? “It” is the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The only message with the power to resurrect! The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. (Romans 1:6) It is based in the fact that Jesus Christ suffered for our sin on the cross, died, was buried and rose again the third day according to the scripture. The reality of Jesus Christ’s resurrection is the only hope for humanity to overcome the grave! God is not willing that anyone anywhere spend eternity separated from Him (2 Peter 3:9). However the burden of going does rest upon us!

Romans 10:13-15
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

What a blessing it was to take the gospel to the streets of Cass County the past Labor Day weekend. I want to thank God and the saints of HBF for engaging our community in a very real and tangible way. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate a fabulous fifth Labor Day weekend than to put our feet into action for our Lord.

Regardless of whether you went out or you stayed behind to pray, it is beautiful when the church body makes Christ’s priorities our priorities. May HBF have beautiful feet to display our faith! I trust that this event was not the climax of HBF’s collective outreach to our Jerusalem but the beginning of a sustained awareness of the need to reach our Jerusalem as well as Judea and the uttermost Parts of the Earth!

It was awesome to watch the congregation as a whole overcome fear and place their faith in the Word of God as they went forward into the communities of Cass County. As our Lord opened doors of utterance He provided the boldness necessary preach the gospel as we ought. We enjoyed a great time of celebration Sunday evening as we heard testimony after testimony of seeds planted, watered and one soul harvested. We praise God for giving the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). As a whole the experience matched the response of those the apostle Paul ministered to in Athens; some mocked, some will hear the gospel again and others clave to the gospel (Acts 17:34). As we concluded our time Sunday I reminded the congregation that the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is worthy to be preached even if no one receives it! Fortunately, we praise the Lord that we found many open doors in the Cass County community.

For the disciple of Jesus Christ, the opportunity to share your faith is as available as our willingness to do it. If we are willing God will open doors with people who not only need to hear the gospel but want to hear the gospel. If you are interested in stretching your faith beyond your comfort zone, I encourage you to ask the person discipiling you to take you to the streets! It will change your life and the lives of those who hear you. If you would like training or more opportunity to share the simple plan of salvation with someone you love please contact your disciple, one of our pastors or Rick King and we will certainly help you take the first steps in accomplishing the mission of God in the power of God.

John Daugherty

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:51:00 +0000

John Daugherty, A dear friend and church member, was promoted to glory Friday August 1, 2008. John is doing great but we continue to pray for John's wife and Daughter. The obituary was written by John's daughter Tracy. She did a great job of honoring her Father by capturing who John was in the writing.

John Alan Daugherty, 47, of Harrisonville, Missouri, was born March 26, 1961 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Max and Gladys (Witt) Daugherty. He was greeted at the gates of Heaven on Friday, August 1, 2008, at his home. On April 3, 1982, John married his best friend and love of his life, Monica Elizabeth Melton in Kansas City, Missouri. John was a computer specialist for the Department of Agriculture in Kansas City, Missouri since 1991. He had lived in Kansas City before moving to Harrisonville in 1997. John loved his family, Monica and Tracy, as well as his extended family. He was a member of the Kansas City Baptist Temple and became a member of Heartland Baptist Fellowship, Harrisonville. When he joined Heartland, they quickly became family too. He loved to laugh and smile and you could see that neither were far away. John enjoyed being outdoors, whether deer hunting, 4-wheelin’ with the German Shepherds, 5 a.m. trout fishing or just sitting on the porch looking at the stars. He liked umpiring men’s softball games each summer at KCBT and fellowshipping with old and new friends. John liked to relax by reading his Bible, watching the fish tanks, playing with the cats or watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys. John was a big man, not just in stature, but of spirit. A noticeable presence in a room, a presence that is already noticeably missed. He had big arms and broad shoulders, better to pull you and carry you in his big heart. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. John is survived by his wife, Monica E. Daugherty and daughter Tracy R. Daugherty both of the home; his father and mother, Max and Gladys Daugherty, Raytown, Missouri; three brothers, Wayne Daugherty, Peculiar, Missouri, Rick Daugherty, Kansas City, Missouri, Daniel Daugherty, Belton, Missouri; two sisters, Cheryl Arnell, Overland Park, Kansas, Lisa DeNicola, Mt. Dora, Florida; other relatives and many friends.

Doug Pearson

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:49:00 +0000

We are getting ready to go to India with Doug Pearson in October. It should be a great time! You can check out Doug's latest message preached at HBF Sunday July 20th, 2008.

Plexiglass Preaching

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:07:00 +0000

I started riding my bike to work this week. No I don't have a Harley, I mean a 10 speed. My legs are noodles, but the ticker is certainly needing the workout. By the way, I will have to work out a bit more before I do any downhill urban cycling like the pic above.

This morning I opened an update from Greg Kredrovsky and he had a link to a way of the master radio message concerning plexiglass preaching. They outline 15 points from a John McCarther presentation on the subject. It was refreshing to hear. I agreed with almost all of it.

You can hit the link here: http://www.greg-and-sue.com/
urban%20cycling.bmp

Home Alone

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:55:00 +0000

This week I am on vacation because Amy is out of town ministering in Juarez Mexico. We have joined the work of Manuel Estabane and Iglesia Bautista Del Valle located in heart of Juarez Mexico.

Many Americans have not heard of Juarez, but it is a key city in Mexico and to the United States. Known for it's population explosion, manufacturing capabilities and rising murder rate. Juarez is in my opinion the place to fight the fight of faith. Many souls hang in the balance as Satan attempts to exert his influence on people and a nation that is ripe to be free from the bondage of sin and death.

The gospel is warmly and readily received in Juarez and our team was blessed to be a part of the harvest in this key city bordering El Paso, Texas.

I look forward to seeing Amy tomorrow! Please pray for the return trip and fruit that remains in Mexico. I have posted the latest update from Tom Fuert the trip leader:

TODAY'S UPDATE FROM JUAREZ:

Good morning to everyone,

Tom Feurt reports that all is well in Juarez. Their project which was to paint the church building finished late yesterday. They are tired but praising God for all the work that has been accomplished, the friendships forged, and the moving of the Holy Spirit in each team member.

Tom also mentioned that they have been able to eat well too and that real Mexican food has been very enjoyable.

They are planning to depart sometime today for the trip home to Heartland. Please be in prayer for their travels, especially as they cross the border. It is always congested at the border.

Brazil Benefit Concert July 12th

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:18:00 +0000

Don't forget to mark your calendars for July 12, 2008. HBF will hosting a benefit concert for Harold and Tammy Hatman. I'm sure you won't want to miss this wonderful event. Please contact the office at (816) 380-3o33 should you want to purchase tickets or have questions about this event.

Celebration!

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:02:00 +0000

Every time there is a fifth Sunday we clear off a spot and celebrate what God is doing with HBF and our opportunity to join Christ in the mission of God. This past Sunday was an exceptionally good celebration!

We had a ministry celebration! Our theme for Sunday was "Reaching Jerusalem". It is my belief that the scripture teaches we are to accomplish the mission strategically (Matthew 28:19-20); simultaneously (Acts 1:8) and supernaturally (Philippians 2:14). These verses tell us what to do, where to do it and how we are to do it.

After opening up the sermon with these principles I preached from 2 Samuel 5:6-10 on David taking Jerusalem from the Jebusites. To conclude the sermon a team from HBF put on a dramatic skit that portrayed the redemptive power of Christ over the plague of sin and death. God was all over it! Immediately following the service we all proceeded to join our children under the big top erected on the property behind the building where over 25 ministries were represented with displays and representatives.

While the children played on the moonwalk the ministry leaders introduced our new members and guests to the many ministry opportunities God has blessed HBF with to accomplish the mission of God in our Jerusalem. It was a blast! The food, fellowship and focus was absolutely beautiful! I can not express how excellent it was to see HBF focused on the Word and work of God. It was one of those things you just had to be there to experience.

I want to throw out some thanks to our Lord for the sweet spirit of His people and the wonderful weather. The ministry workers were absolutely awesome! The amount of work it took by everyone to pull this off was monumental! God blessed as everyone had excellent quality displays which represented the quality of ministry God has blessed our congregation with.

Randy, Jim & the ministry coordination team did an excellent job off coordination and pulling the details together the final two weeks before the event while I travelled for both ministry appointments and our family vacation. I especially want to thank Trish Hunter for suggesting this in passing a couple months ago.

It is my prayer that the Lord continues to keep us focused on the main things so we can simultaneously be used of God to impact our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth.

Divine Appointments

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:18:00 +0000

When I think of the term, "Divine Appointment" I typically think of an opportunity to share Christ with an individual who is lost. I don't think we should limit our concept of God's direction in our lives to witnessing alone. Just the other day I was boarding an airplane for Baltimore to visit my friend Doug Pearson when I looked up and I saw Pastor Jeff Adams of the Kansas City Baptist Temple. It was a divine appointment! We both were on the same flight to the same destination at the same time for completely different reasons without any coordination between us whatsoever. That my friends is a Divine Appointment!

I've had a great trip visiting with Doug and planing an upcoming mission trip to India in October. Doug will be with us at HBF July 20th. It will be a great time of catching up on what God is doing in Doug's life, India and sharing Christ right here in Cass County.

Happy Father's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:27:00 +0000

The only thing better than being the father of my two children is being a son of God. 1 John 3:1-2

Below is an excerpt from today's sermon. You can hear the audio at hbfcass.org:

It is Father’s Day. What do you think of when you think of the word Father? Who do you think of? Some of you, like me have loving memories of your earthly father. You know intuitively that the love that you received from your earthly father is only a glimpse of the eternal glory of the heavenly Father.

Others have a gut wrenching emotional pain or resentment when they think of the earthly father who may have abandoned them of abused them.

Regardless of what emotional response the word Father conjures up in your heart and mind, it is important this morning that we acknowledge and appreciate the love of our Heavenly Father. We all may have peace knowing there is a God in Heaven who wants you to call him Father. He eclipses your best or worst experience with your earthly Father and offers you the ability to know him, share him and reproduce his image (The Lord Jesus Christ) in the lives of your disciples.

It’s Father’s Day. Is God your Father?

There are some who are religious; who think coming to church is what makes God their Father. They would be wrong. There are some who are convinced they can call God Father because they are a “good person”. They too are wrong. Still others, who like the Pharisees, thought they could call God Father because of an ancestor who had a relationship with the Lord. That is wrong as well.

There is only one way to call God Father. You may call God Father when you repent and receive the Son as your atonement for sin.

Abraham was the Father of many nations, but Jesus is the author of eternal life according to Hebrews 5:8-9.

The Father says you are my son when you acknowledge the sacrifice of my Son. When we call upon His name, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the bible teaches we are saved. We become sons of God according to 1 John 3:1-2 & John 1:12.

Do you know God as your Father? It’s Father’s Day!

Today the role of the Father is under attack. To be a man of authority in your home or in this culture is difficult in a culture that will bow its knee to no authority other than its own whim and pleasure. Being a Father is difficult. God the Father knows how difficult it is to love those for whom he has authority over. He is a Father who watched as his children chose the lies of Satan over the Truth of His Word. The Father knows how difficult it is to be a Father. He knows the pain of winning an argument and losing his sons. He knows what it is like to exercise tough love and cast our 1/3 of the angels from the place he had set aside for them.

God the Father knows the joy of Fatherhood. He understands the joy of seeing his only begotten Son come into the world just like you saw your children born. The only difference is that this world didn’t have room for his son from the day of his birth to the day of his death.

The Father knows what it is like to encourage his Son when he does a good thing, like submit to baptism, or preach the Kingdom to a nation who would not receive it. The Father knows what it is like to have to give up his son in order to receive him again.

It’s Father’s Day! The Father knows what it is like to see his son suffer alone while He is helpless to help his cries.

The Father knows what it is like to see his son home from a long journey, bestow upon him all his honor, authority and glory. The Father looks forward to the fruit that is produced through his Son in millions if not billions of souls.

It’s Father’s Day! Do you know the Father through His Son Jesus Christ?

fathers%20day%202008.bmp

One Nation Under God

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:30:00 +0000

I know it's a little early for the fourth of July, but it is always good to remember the liberty we have in Christ to share the gospel. For those United States citizens it is especially sweet to be free because of the unique situation we find ourselves in. Seldom if ever in history has a nation been founded on ideas and with ideals that ensure it's liberty was part of it's success.

With global agenda's on the rise it's increasingly important that all of us who call ourselves free, use our liberty to set others free. It is easy to get caught up in global warming, global war, global famine, global government, etc. and forget that we have a global gospel and the power and freedom to use it no matter where we live. Though the price is higher in some places than others, the reality is we are free no matter where we live as Christians.

Christians, just like Americans do not have to question if they are free, they must question how they are free. Freedom in itself is not the goal. Liberty is designed to be shared with others.

Galatians 5:13-15
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

For those who might wonder what the picture above is all about, you need to check out your history books. Just as you are free to choose or deny Christ, so the sovereign nation of the United States of America is free to pursue interests that benefit her and the nations of the world. No other nation on earth has given so much to secure liberty for her citizens and the world at large. That is not a political statement but a fact of history.

December 25, 800 AD Pope Leo III blessed and ordained a man named Charlemagne as the political leaders of Europe. Charlemagne is now considered the "father" of Europe as he protected the Roman church and united the continent through a "christian" dictatorship endorsed by the papacy. That my friends is exactly what the founding fathers of the United States of America wanted to rid themselves of. It is ironic that today as we approach the celebration of our liberty as a nation that again, world governance is vogue. National sovereignty, at least according to one religious leader should be trumped by world consensus and peace at all cost is exactly what the Antichrist has on order.

The picture above reminds me of how blessed we are to be free to worship our God in a country that is not controlled by the mandates of the rest of the world or a particular denomination or church claiming authority over all others. The only leader that will be capable of pulling off a sovereign world government is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He will return shortly but not before the Antichrist and his global governance attempts to monopolize the globe economically under the guise of peace. (See Daniel 7-9; Revelation 6,13,17; 2 Thessalonians 2:11 and several other prophecies in old and new testaments)

Liberty is not soley and American concept. In fact freedom from sin is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Men left to themselves will degenerate, but men conformed to the image of Christ will sacrifice thier liberty so others may find thiers in Christ. This is why the scripture concludes we are more than conquerors in Romans 8:37.

Real freedom is only found in one man, The Lord Jesus Christ. When it comes to real freedom, the apostle John said it best:

Revelation 22:20
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Reaching Jerusalem

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Sat, 31 May 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Before Jesus ascended in Acts 1:8, Jesus told his disciples that they would be witnesses both in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the Earth. While we live in what Jesus considers the uttermost, it is our responsibility to accomplish the mission of God both in our home and around the globe.

It is our custom to take the fifth Sunday of each month and celebrate our opportunity to fulfill the mission of God. Come and join us Sunday June 29th as we focus on reaching Cass County. Cass County and the communities associated with it, represent our Jerusalem. While HBF will never lose sight of our responsibility to take the gospel to the rest of the world, it is important to pause and praise God for his wondrous works right where we live.

Sunday June 29, 2008 will be a day to celebrate the ministries of our church and where we will praise God for what he is doing throughout our church body. We will suspend the 9:00 A.M. B.I.B.L.E. Hour and have one service at 10:00 A.M. Immediately following service we will celebrate the various ministries of HBF through a ministry exposure under the big top. Over 30 ministries from HBF will be represented under a tent located on the grounds of HBF. Food and fun will accompany this event and it is sure to be a joyful time for all or members and guests.

Accomplishing the mission of God is work, but celebrating our opportunity to participate in the mission of God is going to be a blast. Please join me and the rest of the HBF and our guests for a very special ministry celebration!

The Hatman's In Nova Santa Rita Brazil

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:16:00 +0000

In June 2006 HBF sent Harold and Tammy Hatman to Brazil as missionaries. They have worked along side another HBF supported missionary named Jeff Barker. Harold has now completed language school and is trusting the Lord to allow him to establish a local New Testament church in a suburb of Porto Alegre named Nova Santa Rita. If you have an opportunity, checkout this clip.

Brian

Jesus Marvelled

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:58:00 +0000

This morning I read from Mark 6 in my time with the Lord. I was struck by the statement in Mark 6:6 where the Holy Spirit records Jesus marvelled at the unbelief of the children of Israel.

Mark 6:6
And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

It's really says something to me about who God in the flesh is. He who created the universe was struck by the resistance of those he created and called to be his people. What is more incredible is that Jesus didn't grow frustrated or disillusioned. He simply took what was given or withheld and pressed forward with the accomplishing the will of the Father.

That passage is not the only time Jesus marvelled. The scripture records in Luke 7:9 that Jesus marvelled at the faith of a Roman centurion who requested Jesus heal his servant. The centurion didn't want a personal visit from Jesus, just the assurance that Jesus would exercise his authority in the matter trusting by faith that it would happen.

This military leader trusted that Jesus' authority was enough to heal his sick servant. This made Jesus marvelled because the faith he hoped to find in his people Israel was uncovered in the occupying armies centurion.

Luke 7:9
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

This passage serves as a reminder to me to rest in the power and authority of my Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is enough and prayer is enough. He is a man of authority, and he is The Authority. He spoke the worlds into existence and he breathed in my nostrils the breath of life. Oh that he would faith in my life that would make him marvel.

The Bumpy Hill

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Thu, 22 May 2008 04:15:00 +0000

"Daddy, I'm so busy talking to you that I'm not scared to go over the bumpy hill!" Those are the words of my wise son Samuel who tonight conquered his fear of climbing the long stretch of country road just west of 71 highway in Harrisonville. We call this rough stretch of road north west of the 7 and 71 highway interchange the bumpy hill because of all the potholes we have to dodge on the way to the crest of a hill that overlooks the city of Harrisonville.

Samuel usually prefers to go over the "bumpy hill" in the day time because he can see for miles and likes to point out all the landmarks he can see from the top of the hill. However at night he usually prefers to take another route home because that particular stretch of road has no lights and he can't see what is in the darkness.

Tonight was a different story. I asked him which route he wanted to take home and he chose the bumpy hill, even though it was dark out. As we approached the summit of the hill, Samuel said "Daddy, I was so busy talking to that I'm not scared to go over the bumpy hill!" With that statement the reality of my relationship with God flashed before my mind. Oh how important our fellowship with the Father is! Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks. When we are in constant communion with the Father the darkness of this world becomes irrelevant because the Father is so engaging and before we know it we have conquered our greatest fears.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Who defines marriage anyway?

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:29:00 +0000

Fresh off the wire! California overturns the states ban on same sex unions. You would expect a Baptist preacher to start a rant about how non-biblical this ruling is and how homosexuality is an affront and an abomination to our God.

While all that is true according to the scripture, this ruling is actually an indictment upon my Christian witness. You might ask how this could be? This ruling along with many other humanistic amoral or immoral rulings are simply the path that has been chosen in a culture that chooses to ignore the divine design of God. See Romans 1: 15-32 for clarity on the issue.

I will be the first to stand up and say God loves homosexuals. As a matter of fact God loves every human despite their immoral behavior. As a Christians my stand must be with God. Immoral sexual behavior rather heterosexual or homosexual is the symptom. The problem is a world that collectively denies the authority of God in matters both public and private.

Decisions like this one in California are inevitable unless we who believe in the redemptive power of the Lord Jesus Christ, offer better solutions to many who are destroying themselves, their families and the culture with bad behavior. The root of bad behavior is sin. Regardless of the legislation, people who have not experienced the freedom from sin through a personal relationship with Christ will never be free from the law of sin and death.

When I see rulings like this, it does grieve my heart for those fighting to behave badly. It grieves my heart for my country and most importantly it grieves my heart for my Savior, who died and rose again to set liberate all men and women from the law of sin and death regardless of, or in spite of their deviant sexual behavior.

If I really do care about the decision in California today, it will be manifest primarily in my prayer and preparation to share the gospel as much and hopefully more than my political participation (which is also very important). We can't expect sinners to act like saints, but we can expect saints to act like their Savior.

If you read this and get mad. I want to thank you for hanging with me. Please know and understand that without Christ I was the chief of sinners. Charity covers the multitude of sins. If we reject the love of God (Jesus Christ) then all we have left is his wrath. That realization alone is what drew me to repentance. Look we can choose to blame God for our bad behavior or we can own up to his ability to fix it through the sacrifice of His Son. You will not find anyone who loves you more or has done more to solve your sin problems.

Don't you dare call me a hater. I don't hate sinners. How can one who was a sinner hate one that is a sinner. It is like two thieves hanging on crosses next to the sinless Son of God. One can choose to receive the sacrifice for his sin while the other can choose to ridicule Him. I choose Jesus.

What's For Dinner?

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:41:00 +0000

I love the Mexican restaurants in the KC metro area. Before moving to Harrisonville in 2002 my top two eating spots were Los Corrales (9th & Broadway) and Manny's (2oth and Southwest Blvd). When I was in a pinch and couldn't make it to my Manny's or Los Corrales, I would settle for Habenaro's in Lee's Summit or Margarita's.

I am pleased to report that Harrisonville has, in my humble opinion, one of the better Mexican restaurants in the metro area. That's right. Right up there with Manny's and Los Corrales, I rate Best Burrito of Harrisonville, Mo as one of the best Mexican restaurants in the metro. If you are on you way to the lake or Joplin, make sure you stop in at the Best Burrito! It's right across the street from Sutherlands on Commercial right here in Harrisonville.

FYI, for those of you who like "real" Mexican food, they do serve some real dishes along with the sour cream topped gringo favorites.

Happy Mothers Day!

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:15:00 +0000

Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It's has turned out to be a beautiful Mothers Day despite both of our children being sick. We just returned from taking Samuel and Elisabeth to the doctors in Lee's Summit. Both will be fine but it will take a few days before they battle through their illness.

Amy is such an awesome mom! She is so focused on caring for the kids and honoring her own mother that she didn't even think twice about the fact that she was nurturing two sick kids on Mothers Day. It just goes to prove that a mother has to do what a mother has to do. That is what makes mothers so special.

This morning I preached a sermon on our Identity in Christ. As those who have Christ's DNA and his name, we are bound to run into opposition when faced with the world. The process of giving every soul an opportunity to be born again was extremely painful for both the Father and the Son.

Praise God we have the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, along with the loving family of God to help us through the rough days of our spiritual life in Christ. Just as Jesus encouraged his disciples to stay the course and be faithful, so I encourage mothers to continue to invest in your husbands and your children. I know it is painful at times and you don't get near enough appreciation, but it will be worth it all.

Childbirth is painful. And so was the process Jesus went through to give us eternal life. However it was for the joy set before him that he endured the cross, despising the shame and is now sitting in a position of honor at the right hand of the Father. Most mothers despise the pain of childbirth but would never trade in the experience or the privilege of bringing life into the world.

Mothers I want to encourage you to stay the course because your children will rise up and call you blessed and your husband will appreciate and praise your sacrifice (Proverbs 31:28). Unfortunately you may not see the evidence immediately but the joy that is set before you is worth the sacrifice.

Mothers, thank you for your dedication to your families! Enjoy your Mothers Day!

Vision Conference 2008 - Rest

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:10:00 +0000

It's Monday evening and things are going well for HBF at our sixth annual vision conference. We are excited to mark the beginning of our seventh year with an emphasis on rest!

Maple City Baptist has brought an incredible crew to care for the children, Blake Anderson's preaching has been anointed of God and Sam Miles presentation of his ministry at Midtown Baptist Temple was simply inspiring.

Yesterday Blake preached on our theme verse from Matthew 11:28-30. He spoke to our need to be broken not bitter. He taught us from the Word to Turn, Take a Knee and Give and Ear to the Lord so we can exchange our burden for the liberty of serving the Lord.

This will be a banner Vision Conference for our church as God has definitely shown up to challenge us. This morning I was reading from the book of Zacharia hand was reminded how important it is to rely upon the grace of God.

Zechariah 4:7
Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.

I am looking forward to tomorrow's meetings. Blake Anderson will teach us on the importance of being sensitive to those who have immigrated to the United States from other countries. this should be a great time in the Lord!

Inspiring Devotion From Steve Fleshman

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:52:00 +0000

One

“O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!” Job 16:21

Job’s statement about the impact that the prayer of “one” person can have, is echoed in James 5:16b; “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Job himself was “one that feared God” (Job 1:1); and the Bible tells of many others; “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” (Heb. 11:33, 34). These are the lonely few who chose the hard but right path in their day, rather than succumbing to the spirit of the age in which they lived. Although God doesn’t need more Mavericks (those who do their own thing), he could use a lot more Pioneers (those who initiate works within his structure / the church)! William Carey (1761-1834, called the “father of modern missions”), was such a pioneer who said, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” These are men from the same mold as John the Baptist, who boldly accepted his calling.

“…I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord…” Jn.1:23

Pharaoh said of Joseph, “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” (Gen. 41:38b); he was used to preserve Israel. Moses was “…one of the Hebrews' children.” (Ex. 2:6b), yet he was used to deliver a nation. David went out against Goliath, knowing the answer to Rom. 8:31b before it was written; “…If God be for us, who can be against us?” David and God were a majority of one, and he inspired this same courage in his friend Jonathan who said, “…there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.” (1 Sam. 14:6)! Gideon and his 300 men, turned to flight 135,000 Midianites (450:1 ratio, Jud. 8:10). Elijah stood alone (with God), against 450 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18), and was victorious. Paul stood alone (with God), and the Lord delivered him out of the mouth of the lion (2 Tim. 4:16, 17). It was but one “young man” that God used to save Paul’s life, when 40 men sought to kill him (Acts 23:12-35)! It was but “…A certain man...” in Luke 10:29-34, known today as “The Good Samaritan”; that Christ used to define who our neighbor is. As Ezekiel wrote below, God is still looking for “a man” to “make up the hedge, and stand in the gap”.

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30

God told Jeremiah to look and see, “…if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth…” (Jer. 5:1). Could someone like this be found in our day? It has been said that “The world has yet to see what can be accomplished by one man, who is wholly consecrated to God”. Could you be that man, if not you, then who; if not now, then when? Jesus Christ was that “one man” in Jn. 11:50, who Caiaphas prophesied of, by saying, “…that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” He is the good shepherd who leaves the 99, in search of the “one… gone astray” (Mt. 18:12), i.e. you! Friend, you can’t be the “one man” mightily used of God, until you submit to the “one man” who was God; why not accept his “free gift” of salvation by “grace” today?

“Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned… But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” Romans 5:12, 15

Author Steve Fleshman, copyright © 2008, all rights reserved. You may copy this material or use it as long as it is not changed and this copyright, and author’s information is left intact. All scripture references are from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.

2008 Vision Conference Comming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I am so excited about this year’s 2008 Vision Conference! This year will mark our first Vision Conference in our new building as well as our seventh year as a ministry in the heart of Cass County. The past six years God has done a tremendous work in our lives to bring us to this place in the life of our church.

This year our theme will be “Rest”. As the ministry increasingly expands and deepens it is important that we learn to rest in God’s provision. The scripture admonishes us in Matthew 11:28-30 to come to Jesus and learn of Him and He will provide rest for our souls. Speaking of rest, I am excited to announce for the first time in the history of Heartland Baptist Fellowship that we will be able to come together collectively to sit under the preaching of God’s Word! Throughout the entire week of Vision Conference a team of over 15 workers from Maple City Baptist Church of Monmouth Illinois will be teaching our children through two action packed Bible curriculums. You will have an opportunity this year to simply soak up the Word of God as your children are ministered to by the ministry of MCBC. Neither you nor your kids will want to miss out!

This year will be special as God has provided a tremendous line up of speakers who will challenge our hearts concerning God’s will for our lives as they share their ministries and the Word of God with us. Please keep Blake Anderson in your prayers as he will be primary speaker each night. I am trusting God will speak directly to HBF this week and clarify our vision as we continue to move forward equipping the saints of god to accomplish the mission of God in the power of God.

Please set aside time in your schedule the week of April 6-9 to join us. If you would like to help by housing a visiting pastor, missionary or guest from out of town, contact the office or see Kathy Cundiff at the office. You may also want to take time off of work to join us for a special session taught by Blake Anderson during the morning of Tuesday April 8^th. Please make sure you see the attached pamphlet for a list of times of service and events taking place during this exciting week.

I look forward to seeing you at the vision conference.

Yours in Christ,

Brian Hedges
Pastor

Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Rest in the Lord

noreply@blogger.com (HBF) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:13:00 +0000

The Theme of our upcoming Vision Conference is Rest. As we enter our seventh year of ministry at HBF it is almost hard to believe all that God has done and wants to do through the faithful folks of HBF. Of course the reality of ministry is that we really don’t have a lot of time to “sit down” or “lie down” and rest in the conventional sense of the word.

Our rest is based in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we patiently wait upon him he provides for our every spiritual, emotional and physical need. There will be a one thousand year day to rest, but until that day, our Lord is enough, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light.

I am excited about this year’s vision conference! Our dear friend, Blake Anderson, will be our key speaker each session. You will want to mark you calendar to make sure you make the HBF Vision Conference, April 6-9 2008.

Psalms 37:7

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.