Cedar Bluff Baptist Church

The End of another year

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:12:00 +0000

2011 has been a wonderful yet at tiles a trying year. Our theme for this year has been "Evangelism", many of our messages have been preached to bolster this thought.
Many have resolved to make Evangelism an everyday action. Without an Evangelist coming to preach the Word to me, I never would have accepted Christ. So it has been my burden to preach evangelism, and my prayer that the church would once again evangelize the world, starting with Knoxville, TN.
We have seen spiritual growth and maturity all year long. In recent weeks the focus has changed in preaching, this I believe is leading to the new year and our new theme for 2012.
We are looking forward to the direction the Lord will lead in. Can't wait to see what happens

What a service

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Sunday night was a great service in itself. The singing was great the music was wonderful. But the Spirit was real! It was a long time coming for me though, I have been longing to shout and really get "tore up" in the Lord. It happened Sunday night, it felt like the Lord really showed up and showed out. Thank you Lord for allowing me to be a part of it.

Sunday School is NOT a thing of the Past

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:47:00 +0000

You know, a lot of folks think that "Sunday School" is archaic, old fashioned, provincial even, but I respectfully disagree.

It was in Sunday School that I first heard that Jesus was my Savior, it was there that I first heard that Moses wandered in the dessert, I heard it first in Sunday School that a man named Noah was called to build a boat for a flood that would soon cover the whole world.

Oh yes, Sunday School has been around for many years, but without it men and women of faith would have stumbled as children, youths, and yes even adults.

It is Sunday School that sets the stage for worship, it is because of dedicated teachers who study and pray for their lesson, students and yes even themselves, that countless men, women, and children have come to know Christ as Lord in the Worship Service.

Would you be so kind as to determine in your life to seek out a good church, with a good, sound Sunday School department that can disciple you and/or your children in the basics and finalities of the Word of God?

I hope to see you at our church this Sunday, 9:30 to be exact is the time that we'll begin worshipping the Lord in Sunday School, will you please join us?

Storms and Trials, but still pressing on

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:07:00 +0000

This past winter was one of the "wettest" ones I've seen, there was snow, ice, and of course rain. The temperature was cold (very cold) most of the season, but that was a few months ago. now, its Spring, and the Storms have come through, in fact the most recent storm brought hail, tornadoes, and torrential rains to Knoxville. The hail at the church was around the size of a nickel, however in other parts of Knoxville, there were reports of near baseball size hail. There were tornadoes from Alabama to Georgia, Tennessee got pummeled with Tornadoes (not as much as Alabama and Georgia). We had property damage all across East Tennessee, but the worst lost were the lives lost in this horrible storm.
It makes this preacher wonder, have I done enough? It also begs the question, is the church doing enough? In the recent days since these storms I have seen and heard of churches and other organizations band together to help in these times, that is commendable to say the least, but is it too late?

Don't get me wrong, know one could know that this was coming, and these organizations are doing what they can to help now, but I wonder about eternity. Eternally there are souls that either died and went to Heaven and all of its splendor, or they have died in their sins unprepared to meet a Holy God, they will spend eternity in that awful place called Hell. It makes my heart sad to know that someone, maybe even your neighbor or loved one has passed on unprepared.

In January, the Lord impressed on me the theme for this year at Cedar Bluff, its one word...Evangelism. It's high time for our church, your church...God's Church to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature"...in other words we must Evangelize this world. Will you join me in the Lords mandate to preach His Gospel?

In spite of your answer to that question, I am determined to keep pressing on in this "Pilgrim way" I have faced many things, but God has always been faithful to take me through each of those trials or storms. I have a feeling that He will be with me in the next storm too.

Until next time,
Preacher

New Episode of Conversation's

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:38:00 +0000

Part 2 of our Conversation with Dr. Beth Montgomery should post this evening! Please be looking for it in the player to the right, or you can catch it on youtube or facebook!

Revival Update

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:14:00 +0000

What a blessing we have received from this family and most of, the Lord! We've been preaching praying for and about Revival, God has brought it!(if to no one else to me)
Our Revival Choir has sang their hearts out, the Keffer's have sang the roof off, and the Men of God have preached the Truth of the Gospel of Christ!

Please continue to pray and if you can join us, we'd love to have you!

"Wilt though not revive us again that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

All of the Messages so far are posted on line at www.sermonaudio.com/cedarbluffbc feel free to download or stream the messages!

God Bless!

Revival Flyer

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:57:00 +0000

March Revival

Men of Purpose

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Time is winding down until or Men's Conference and Revival.

Listen to WRJZ 620am in Knoxville in the morning to hear Mitch Mitchell, Bob Bell and I talk about the conference and the Revival. The Keffer's will be with us on Sunday Through Wednesday singing and preaching.
Personally I can't wait, The Lord is going to do great things, and I'm looking forward to it!!!

Please tell your friends, son's husbands, and even your enemies about both of these meetings!

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saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:16:00 +0000

Welcome to the Cedar Bluff website.We're still working on it, so come back often and see our progress.

We've just returned from Pigeon Forge, we had a Sunday School Class Retreat this past weekend. Very encouraging time int he Lord, and sweet fellowship with God's people.
I spoke with Mitch Mitchell today and we may have a radio spot lined up to promote our Men of Purpose conference. So everyone help us pray about that!

I'll post some video's from this weekend sometime this week, and also post part two of the conversation with Beth Montgomery.

Don't forget to tell everyone about our conference, click on "Registration" and register today.

New Page... Must See

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 02:38:00 +0000

Hey Everyone! Take a look at the new page, "Registration" if you want to join us for the Men's Conference next month. You HAVE to register. Space is Limited, and the sooner you reserve your space, the better.

Video Update

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 03:43:00 +0000

Henley Street

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:41:00 +0000

I found this picture this morning. This was late December right before the closing on January 3, 2011. As you can see there was still snow on the Heli-pad of Mercy Riverside.

New Episode

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:35:00 +0000

We've just posted our first episode of Conversations with Beth Montgomery! Check it out and tell us what you think.

Children of Light

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 21:02:00 +0000

Does it feel dark inside ur heart? Do u feel all alone? There is always someone who wants to make ur heart his home. The darkness that u feel inside is sin living in u. But Jesus is the light of God who will make the darkness flee. He died to take ur sin away and rose to set u free. If u want the light of god to live in u believe through faith what he has done.
You were once darkness, but now u r light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

---Submitted by Kati Smith

Tell me what you think

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:55:00 +0000

For some time now I have been maintaining several social networking site, at last count, that number is 10...yeah 10 separate sites. Now, keep in mind that some of these sites have the same information.
I need your help on something though. You see, each of these sites have their own "fan base", for instance I have some followers on "YouTube" that don't follow on "Facebook", and those may not follow us on "GodTube". I can cutback on some of these websites by using only a few but I'm reluctant because of the possible loss of "Fans".
Another thing and the real reason for this post, I've been thinking about shutting down our Official Website, and use this blog as our website in the future.
I am praying about this, and I ask you to join me in prayer about this change.

If I post a video, I post to 4 sites, and I may also post here on blogger, it usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour for editing, saving, and posting. That is not a large block of time, but it is overwhelming at times keeping up with these sites.
The answer could be as simple as organizing the effort, so please help me pray for guidance on this.

God Bless and thank you for your prayer.

Are you Thankful?

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 23:17:00 +0000

The Psalmist, possibly right after his fatal sin with Bathsheba, wrote a psalm that thrills the hearts of readers.
Psalm 103 begins with "Bless the Lord Oh my soul, all that is within me bless His holy Name."
Recently i preached on the Song of Thanksgiving, and since I have been reminded daily about the blessing that God has given. Not just family, friends, health, and employment, but the little things. Things like my baby girl fighting sleep every night, and getting up every morning @ 7:00 or 7:30, or my baby doll whining because someone changes the channel on the tv, or when someone runs all of the hot water out at home by taking long showers. These may not sounds like things to be thankful for, but you see, God has reminded me that in spite of the fighting, and early rising, I have an 11 month old baby that is alive, and healthy. Regardless of the whining, I have a 4 year old that it vibrant, and happy nearly all the time. Whether or not, I have have hot or cold water, at least I have a home, where I rest, love, and live freely.

Are you thankful? David was, even in one of the darkest times of his life, after this horrible lapse in judgement and tragic consequences, he praised the Lord. Heart broken and disappointed, he cried out for his soul to praise the Lord, for his whole body to bless the Lord. Oh, that we would "Praise Him in the Storm" when everything is wrong in our lives, we would be blessed to "Bless the Lord".

Once again, I ask, are you Thankful?

We're not Blind

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:34:00 +0000

Christians have weaknesses but blindness is not one of them. We may fall short by gossiping, we see what's going on in this wicked world through prophecy, we at times think negative thoughts, but we realize those thoughts are dishonorable. People can be hypocritical some times but we know we are not hypocrites. We struggle with sin in some areas that can hinder our close walk with God but we overcome by the power of God. Christians have weaknesses, But Blindness Is Not One Of Them. We have eyes to see what is wrong and what is right. Will you choose to acknowledge these warnings?
Submitted by Avery Hicks

First and Last Look

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 21:24:00 +0000

The first book of the Bible begins with an intimate interaction between God and man and the last book ends in a similar fashion, with God Himself wiping every tear from our eyes. What a way to end the story! With our Heavenly Father bringing us on His knee to wipe away every tear from our eyes. Maybe it will be at that moment when we will realize that we are finally home.
I wonder if the tears we shed will be a mixture of joy at being in the Father's presence and relief that there will be no more death or mourning, or crying or pain. Whatever the reason for our tears, the soothing comfort
of a Father's love will assuredly take away all our pain and make all our suffering but a distant memory. We have this promise, that at the end of all time, we will find ourselves in the arms of the Father. He will come and
live with us and be our God and we will live with Him and be His people.
May this be the hope that we cling to for those who have gone before us in Christ and for us as well. While our temporal life on earth may soon come to an end, we have the hope of an eternity living near to the Father's heart.
*Rev. 21:3-4
Submitted by Avery Hicks

Through the Seasons

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 21:24:00 +0000

There are seasons of devastation that we all go through where we are in
desperate need of a Father's love and comfort. Let God carry you through
these seasons in your life. You were never meant to shoulder these burdens
on your own. The Lord wants to comfort you with His tender love, so that
you might be able to pass on the comfort that you have received to others
when they need the Father's love.
2 Cor. 1:3-4

Submitted by Avery Hicks

Thus Far

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:19:00 +0000

There is a thought on my mind, a burden rather on my heart. However it is one that I cannot explain. It concerns the will of God, and His direction. My Spirit is so excited about the moving of God, however my flesh is hesitant about what it will be caused to do.

If only my flesh and Spirit we not “Contrary” one to the other, this, or these things wouldn’t be so distracting or troubling.

You see, the Lord has impressed me to follow through on things that He began in me, and for the church a year or so ago, however I do not have the time, energy, or the knowledge of how to go forward. I picture myself as Moses (not that I am comparing myself to Moses), He was giving direction from God, yet he made excuses, but I rejoice in the end result…God made Him able, to do His will.

There are currently four separate destinations that are all accessible by the same path, the Will of God. So, I now have to prepare for the journey, make the time, maintain the energy, and go as God leads.

I am praying that God sends someone to join me without, having to be led every step of the way. I need someone that has a desire to do the will of God, and the same burden, and discernment I things of God.

God has been faithful, in everything thus far, and I feel certain that He will continue to be so.

In His Service

Preacherman

The Sheperd's Care

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:22:00 +0000

Isaiah 40:11
Just for a moment, shut out the world around you and close your eyes. Try
and visualize what God is saying through this picture with the eyes of your
heart. Can you see the loving shepherd, gently picking up His little lambs
in his big strong arms? Can you see the look on the shepherd's face as He
lovingly gazes down into the eyes of each lamb held close to Him? What a
picture of intimacy and safety.
There is no other place that these lambs would rather be at that moment in
time. Their shepherd cares for them and has vowed to lay his life down for
their protection. He has truly won their hearts. God wants us to know, that
this is how He wants to relate to you and I. He is our shepherd and He wants
to pick us up in His big strong arms and hold us tightly to His breast that
we might feel the beating of His heart.
Can you be a little lamb who needs to be picked up and held? If you can, you
will find a place of safety and rest that is better than anything you have
ever experienced.

-Submitted by Avery Hicks

Master Architect

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:19:00 +0000

It is wonderful to think that we have a Father who made each one of us
uniquely for His special plan for our life. He's a Father that loves
diversity and uses our own desires to guide us to do His will. It is when we
obey these promptings that we begin to line up with our destiny.
Many of us struggle with the concept that God might use our own desires to
direct our steps. It is as if we think that God's sole mission is to force
us to live a life contrary to our heart's desires. God is the master
architect of our life and He equips us with all we need to accomplish what
He had foreordained. He is the one who planned our DNA and He is the one who
works in us to will and to do His good pleasure. Before we assume
unnecessary guilt for yielding to the life-long yearnings in our hearts, we
may want to see if God is the One who gave us those desires in the first
place.
*Philippians 2:13 *

-Submitted by Avery Hicks

More Precious than Gold

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:16:00 +0000

We determine an object's value by what we are willing to pay for it. Some
people are willing to pay incredible sums of money to own pieces of art,
while in others eyes these paintings wouldn't be worth the wall space that
they would take up.
The value we place on things is very subjective. "One man's garbage is
another man's gold." If how much we are willing to pay for something
determines its true value, then we must be incredibly valuable to God, for
He paid the highest price that could be paid for our redemption the life of
His only begotten Son.
God demonstrated His love to us and proved our worth to Him by offering the
highest payment He could possibly pay. The God who made all the precious
jewels, the gold and the silver, has chosen us to be His most treasured
possession. Our worth is not based on what we think of ourselves, or by our
own good deeds, but solely on the astronomical price that God was willing to
pay for us to come home.
*Exodus 19:5*

-Submitted by Avery Hicks

New Podcast available

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 23:23:00 +0000

Click on the right for a new audio podcast!
If you've listened to it before, please try it again. The quality is 1000% better! Promise!

--Preacherman

"Conversation's" Update

saved_92@comcast.net (James Burke) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 02:13:00 +0000