Welcome to Pastor's Pen
Thoughts from Pastor John Nelson
People Will Talk
Depending on who you talk to, you can hear some interesting things about our Church. You can hear some call us a cult, which we are not. A cult centers its focus on a man, our focus is on Jesus Christ and the Bible. Some will call us judgmental, which we are not. We teach and preach the Bible as literally true, so we believe all judgment has been committed to Jesus Christ. What we do is help people prepare for that judgment. Some will call us old-fashioned, which we are! We still use the old-fashioned King James version of the Bible, we still sing old-fashioned gospel music, we still have old-fashioned preaching on "...righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come..." (Acts 24:25) We still love people, we still welcome people, and we still strive to help people. Why not visit us and see for yourself what people are talking about?
Why Should You Visit our Church?
Reason #1. God says we should attend Church. (Heb. 10:25) The Lord says here we are not to be..."forsaking the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching."
Reason #2. Our Church is an old-fashioned Scriptural Church, preaching the old Bible, singing the old-fashioned songs, and welcoming visitors in the old-fashioned way. The Bible says, "...meddle not with them that are given to change." Prov. 24:21
Reasong #3. A new generation is coming up. Most young people don't know the Lord, the way of salvation, or the responsibilities of mankind to their Creator. If you have children, bring them to Jesus. "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not..." Mark 10:14
Reason #4. You can't think of any good reason not to come.
Sunday Morning: 9:30 Sunday school
10:30 Morning Worship
6:00 PM Sunday Evening Worship
7:00 PM Prayer Meeting and Bible Study
Vacation Bible School!
Vandament Avenue Baptist Church will host Vacation Bible School on June 3,4,and 5th at 7PM each evening. Our theme for this year is: God's Super Heros! Our evangelist for the week is once again, Bro. Van Heckle, from Guymon, OK.
We will have songs, games, prizes, refreshments, and fun for all! Please call: 405-354-5872 for a ride. Pre-registration is not necessary. Come and join us, we'll have simply SUPER time!
We Are Still Here!
2024 was a devastating year for us. Covid of course, took a terrible toll on attendance. We still have several of our folks who don't feel safe in attending services. We thank God we are able to broadcst on-line service, but it is still not the same.
Then, Satan reared his ugly head and we endured a mass exodus of folks from the fellowship of our Church. Each family seemed to have a different reason, but we lost about 40% of our faithful folks. The good news is, WE ARE STILL HERE!
Yes indeed, the ministry of Vandament Avenue Baptist continues to go on. We have, in recent weeks, seen several baptisms and several people added to the membership of our Church. God is still good. A very wise preacher whom I respect and love in the Lord gave me some precious advice. When I told him how far down our membershp had gone he replied, "Well, those you have left are still worth ministering to." Amen to that!
We have not changed our doctrine, we have not changed the style of our services, we have not changed the polity of our Church. So, come give us a visit. We are, the end of your search, for an old-fashioned Church.
Don't Miss our VBS!
Coming up June 12-14, is our Vacation Bible School. We will host it each night at 7pm. We hope many adults will come and help us out. We need a few adults to sit with the kids, to help with refreshments, to help clean up, and even a few brave souls who will sign up to take a 'pie in the eye' for our penney contest each night.
Vacation Bible School is one of my two very favorite times of year. I remember Jesus was much displeased when the apostles tried to keep little children from 'bothering' him. He said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." You and I need to do our utmost to help a good number of children He loves so well, come to him this year.
We have flyers available, bus service available, snacks, games, and challenging messages available, I just wonder one thing. ARE YOU AVAILABLE?
Go Forward!
God is always interested in our going forward. We may find ourselves hemmed in by circumstances and problems, yet God says, "Go forward." In Exodus 14, we see an example to consider. Here, Pharaoh pursued Israel, determined to take them back into slavery in Egypt. The wilderness hemmed them in on two sides, and the Red Sea was in front. God still said in vs. 15, "...speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." Isreal would find out a salient truth, when God tells us to go forword, He always makes a way.
In these days of apostasy, apathy, and animosity we are also told, to go forward. We need to go forward, holding forth the Word of Life, still preaching the old fashioned message from the old-fashioned Bible, and keep going forward for God.
Remember these difinitions: To go foward is progress. To go backward is digress. To stand still and do nothing worthwhile, is congress. (smile)
When A Missionary Heads Back to the Field
Our Missionaries, Bro. & Mrs. John Edwards, are heading back to the field of Australia, where they have ministered for several years. It was a wonderful and refreshing time while they were back with us, but now it's time for them to return to the land of their service.
God speed, beloved ones. My consolation is that each day your are gone from us, means it is one day close to the time when you are back with us. We love you all!
Here We Go Again!
I really never thought we would see 2023. Actually, I had rather hoped we would't. The older I get, the more I am ready to go home with the Lord. Oh, like all of us, I have a natural inclination to fight against death and to keep drawing breath. Like everyone else, although I don't fear what lies berond death's door, I am hesitant when I think about that door opening for me, but I think on the whole, I'm exited about the prospect of the Lord coming for us soon. I am not a date setter. Anyone who tries to be is in total denial of the Bible, for Jesus said, "No man knows the day or the hour."
None of us know if we have a year left, or a fraction of a year, or if it may be a long while before He comes to take us home. The return of the Lord is imminent, but not necessarily immediate. I think I need to spend whatever time I have left here, actively serving God to the best of my ability. Won't you join me?
Exciting Times!
As we watch the disintetgration of society around us, it is tempting to be a little discouraged. However, we can choose to look at this day and age another way. Each step of corruption and degradation that rapidly is becoming the norm, is one step closer to the return of the LORD!
Truly, Jesus is coming soon. I believe He will be here beforet the end of the year, but if not then, He will be coming soon. I know this for certain. His coming is 24 hourse closer that it was yesterday. Are you ready? Are your spiritual bags all packed? It is so exciting to prepare for a journey, isn't it? Be sure you are prepared for this one.
The End of Your Search!
I want to advise all that Vandament Avenue Baptist Church is alive, well, and open. All our services proceed normally, and you can watch us stream our services on Facebook. (Vandament Ave. Baptist)
These have been crazy days, haven't they? Covid struck, we endured a crazy election, and unseasonable, and I may add, unreasonable cold for Oklahoma. It seems like everything is in a state of change. Doesn't anything remain the same?
Come to visit us at Vandament Avenue Baptist. You will hear an old-fashioned choir, sing out of old-fashioned song books, and hear old-fashioned preaching and teaching from the old-fashined King James Bible. Satisfaction is guaranteed, or your sins will be returned in full!
Seriously, come visit. I think you will agree, this is, the end of your search, for an old-fashioned Church!
The Dog Days of Summer!
The "Dog Days" of summer refer to that time of year when the weather is the hottest, the humidy is the highest, and tempers are the shortest! The term "Dog Days" dates back to the time of the ancient Greek astronomers. This year, the "Dog Days" date from July 22-Aug. 22. This is when the "Dog" star (Siritus) in the "Dog" constellation, (Canis Major) is most noticeable in the night sky. This is when weather conditions are most miserable!
However, even in the midst of "Dog Days" there are many things to be thankful for. Some folks remember the days before air-conditioning, when the unbearable heat in a Church auditorium could only be relieved through the use of the cardboard fans provided thoughtfully in each pew. (Usually a give-away from a local funeral home) Now our auditoriums are cool. Splintered wooden pews are replaced by soft seats, and cold water can is readily available in our refrigerated water coolers.
Heat like we experience in the "Dog Days" of summer, always bring to mind a few Scripture verses which refer to the eternal destination of those who refuse to accept Christ as personal Savior. Mark 9:44,46, and 48 the Bible describes that awful place of Hell as a place, "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." Rev. 20:10 says, "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night, for ever and ever." Rev. 20:15 adds, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
If you are in Yukon, come join us at VABC and share our air conditioning. If not, join us on Face Book under Vadament Avenue Baptist Church, and we'll show you how to, "Beat the heat!"
Let Freedom Ring!
July 2, 2020
There certainly is a lot of foolishness going on, isn't there? As if the Covid - 19 pandemic wasn't enough, now a wave of violence and destruction is sweeping across the land, where unruly mobs wage war on our history by toppling statues and attempting to eliminate from society anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. National historical figures such as Robert E.Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, U.S. Grant, and even John Wayne are disparaged, while these same folks attempt to 'unfund' police departments all across the country. Our flag is routinely dishonored by folks 'taking a knee' during the playing of our National Anthem, and political correctness has reached the point of being totally ridiculous!
People have the right of peaceful protest. This is certified in the 1st Ammendment to our Constitution. This ammendment never gives folks the right to loot and destroy. I am afraid however, many folks want to destroy our nation and recreate it in their own image. I am convinced much of the trouble we are experiencing today is the result of Marxist mob leaders and inciters.
Well, what is the answer for our troubled nation? The answer is the same as it has always been, Jesus Christ and Him crucified. John 3:16 assures us that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Everyone's soul is important to God, everyone's life matters. We at Vandament Avenue Baptist Church wholeheartedly agree with our Lord.
Pray for your President and all of our national leaders. Pray for your Governor and state leadership. Pray for your city and all of its officials. Pray for your Church and its effectiveness to minister is such a sin-sick society. Pray for the police, pray for the protesters.
Finally, we issue an invitation to all. Come and join us here at Vandament Avenue Baptist Church as we attempt to be part of the cure and not contribute to the cause of our country's woes. If you can't come in person, join us as we stream live on Facebook. God bless you all, you are being prayed for.
May 25, 2020
Today is Memorial Day. Originally called "Decoration Day," it is a day to commemorate those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in ensuring freedom for our country.
The USA did not just 'happen". God had a hand in establishing and preserving this nation, and today we ought to give Him thanks for the men and women who have given so much in order to give us the freedom we cherish and so thoughtlessly abuse. As Abraham Lincoln so aptly said, "...let us here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, for the people, and by the people, shall not perish from the earth." (Excerpts taken from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address)
Let me take a moment also to speak about our Church "Opening Up" again. Of course, we were never closed. We did try to observe the guidelines given to us by our President, our Governor, our Mayor, and the CDC. We did so out of love and concern for those most vulnerable to disease, and for testimnony's sake. Now, as of June 1, we are officially "open" once again and no longer limited to groups of ten or less. That is wonderful!
I do thank God for the opportunies we have had to stream our services on our Church Face Book page, and we plan to continue to do so. However, although we still have some who cannot attend services in person and must follow us 'on the stream', let's make sure if we are absent ourselves from Church, we do so of necessity, and not merely out of convenience.
If you are ill, if you are at high risk for Covid 19, if you are out of town, please feel free to follow us on Face Book. But, if you are able, it is time once again to practice, "...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb. 10:25)
—June 4, 2015
Summer is upon us. This is traditionally a time for folks to "take it easy" a little. We are planning vacations, weekends at the lake, and a myriad of summer activities. What we must not do however, is to take a vacation from God.
Make sure you start your day with prayer. (That's how you talk to God.)
Then, take some time to read your Bible. (That's how God talks to you.)
Vacations are good. By all means, go on vacation, or take a stay-cation, but don't leave God out of your plans. After all, He never leaves you out of His.
July 4, 2015
Happy Independence Day to one and all! How we thank God for the men and women who have given so much for the independence of our nation. How we thank God for giving us true freedom through Christ. We have freedom from the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and one day we will be free from the presence of sin.
Do pray for our country. The recent Supreme Court decision legalizing the unholy union of sodomites and lesbians is tragic indeed. Homosexuality is a behavior, not a national, racial, or birth characteristic. Many claim homosexuals are born that way, but there is nothing but pseudo-science that shows homosexuality is anything but a learned behavior. Therefore, since it is a learned behavior and immoral preference, it ought to have no specialized protection from the Supreme Court. If sexual preference is protected, then how long will it be until pedophillia and bestiality are protected also? Now, don't get me wrong. Everyone is welcome to attend our services, as long as they behave in what reasonable people would term decent and acceptable behavior in Church. We love all people and want to see them all embrace Christ as personal Savior. When they do so, they are not homosexual any longer.
It is possible that even Churches could one day be sued because they refuse to admit practicing homosexuals to membership, or because Pastors refuse to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples. Then so be it. I will never perform such a ceremony. Our Church constitution forbids the addition of professing homosexuals to our membership, and we will stand on this premise regardless of what modern society says or does.
In the spirit of our founding fathers, we will back up no more. Here we stand!
Aug. 3, 2015
The moral fabric of our society continues to disintegrate around us. The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently ruled that the representation of The Ten Commandments must go from the state capitol grounds, because it conflicts with the clause which forbids specific religions to benefit from public money or property.
I believe this entire thought process, where government, both state and federal, must somehow ignore the very existence of Christianity as the foundation of our state and our nation is totally ridiculous.
Our history proves this country was founded as a Christian nation. True, certain members of the Supreme Court of the United States have decided that the 'separation of Church and State', a phrase which, by the way, does not even appear in our Constitution, means the government cannot even recognize any longer any symbol of our religious heritage. We need to remind ourselves that historically, members of the Supreme Court have also decided that slaves were not legally to be regarded as human beings. (Dred Scott decision)
It is high time for Congress to institute yet another ammendment, making it clear once and for all that, when the 1st Ammendment says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...",' an establishment of religion' refers to an existing established practice of worship. If congress was prohibited from even legally recognizing Christianity, the constitutional ammendment would have read, "the establishment of religion".
Something like the following would be exciting to have congress propose.
"Nothing in this Constitution may be interpreted to prohibit government from furthering an envioronment conducive to the growth and practice of the Christian faith, which faith historically is an integral aspect of our nations founding."
In spite of what many leaders say, I am still not convinced that America is not still, a Christian nation. May God bless you all, and may God bless America!
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