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January 2001
By the Grace of God, the work of the Reformed Bible Church in Central Virginia has been established. During the past year, God has shown us exactly which direction He would have us to go, and how we are to achieve that desired goal.
SO AS NOT TO BE HIDDEN
In November 1999 a vacant, small, two-story building was offered to us as a possible church location in the center of historic downtown Appomattox. The deterioration of the building was extensive and seemingly beyond repair. Convicted that it was the will of the Lord to establish a visible church in the arena of the public marketplace, despite the renovation challenge of the building, we agreed to begin work. Prayerfully we covenanted together to go forward with the plan. By February, of 2000, we had secured all the necessary permits and agreements to proceed. It seemed as if we also had the kind support of the City Council. Southern churches are traditionally a cultural heritage and encouraged. Although strangers to the area, we were warmly received.
A DREAM WITHOUT FINANCING
Even though all the plans were in place, we were not quite sure how the project would be financed. We certainly did not have the money and the church in New York, although supporting us as its missionary church couldn’t help us with a renovation project. Our initial plan was to go slowly as the donations came to us and pray God would bless the work. We had stepped out in faith; the faith that God would build His church. Upon sharing our plans, hopes and need, with the New York Congregation in Suffolk County, by God’s mercy, a certain member came forth and we were given a financial pledge to send us well on our way with the renovation. Not long into the project others came forth to assist with the work as well. At the end of seven months we were finally ready to occupy the modest but cherished building. ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY Throughout the two years prior to the opening of the church doors, we had launched a Gospel campaign via local editorials, articles, advertisements, and personal networking with local residence, pastors and civil rulers.
In January we introduced the Reformed Bible Church’s newsletters; The Reformed Analysis, The Reformed Witness on Apostasy and The Reformed Witness Update and Strategies issue. We had made a diligent effort to compile a mailing list so as to send forth the Church newsletters by way of the postal service, the internet e-mail system, and our web site. Thanks to the Sovereign providence of God, after less than one year of publishing the newsletters we’ve added The Civil Magistrate, and our readers have increase multifold. THE LOCAL PRESS
Recently, three newspapers have given the church extensive coverage; The Appomattox Times Virginian, The Lynchburg News and Advance, and The Ledger of Rustburg. This is an initial step for the public exposition of the whole counsel of God via the local press as it concerns the Reformed Doctrines of Grace and Faith. As we become more familiar with the press and its various administrators, we are hoping for an opportunity to submit Reformation Historical and Theological columns and articles. Reformation Theology is virtually unknown in this area. Yet, with the help of God we will declare His Truth.
THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM
Home education is focused upon heavily at the RBC. It is the hope of the Gospel throughout, and for, the benefit of the future generations. Since God places a serious and overwhelming emphasis upon the Scriptural education of Covenant Children, so must we. Presently, the RBC in Central Virginia hosts a weekly home education curriculum. The need for God-Centered Education is paramount, and prayerfully we seek to offer a more extensive program in the future. All this takes a principled devotion by parents, teachers, clergy, Christian friends and of course constant financial support.
MAKE FRIENDS OF THE UNRIGHTEOUS MAMMON
In order to plunder the house of the secular humanists, the Christian must be pro-active and productive in the establishment of faithful evangelistic and educational programs. This production can be accomplished in small increments or in large advancing strides. The secular kingdom of wickedness has followed a principle which the Christians have yet to understand. The wicked have used unrighteous mammon to seize control of the very culture that God has placed in stewardship to the Christian. If the saint is to “occupy” until He comes, he cannot possibly do this without taking control over that which he is to occupy. Christian dominion is accomplished by being faithful to the Scriptures, devoted to the Gospel, diligent in the Commission of God, and by properly acquiring, and using, the unrighteous mammon in order to establish faithful Churches and faithful God fearing institutions.
THE WORK IN SUFFOLK COUNTY NEW YORK
Now that the Reformed Bible Church is underway in Central Virginia, it is our prayer that it may be used as a prototype for the RBCSC in New York. Carefully we are assessing the surrounding community and exploring some options so as to engage the culture for the advancement of the Gospel and the honor of the Kingly office of Christ. We ask for your prayers in this matter as the field is “white unto harvest but the laborers are few“. PLANS FOR THE YEAR 2001
In light of all that God is offering us, we must be careful to be proper stewards and use our time wisely and effectively. Here are some of the ways in which we hope to accomplish God’s will. 1. The Newsletters: The pattern for the newsletters was originally structured upon a monthly publishing schedule. However, as time progressed, more data and information was being put into each publication. Consequently, a fourth newsletter was born, The Civil Magistrate, and the time and money needed for the publishing of all these was increasing. This year we are planning to condense the information where possible, and produce 2 – 3 newsletters every other month. 2. Audio Tape Ministry: Beginning in September, the RBC in Central Virginia began copying and mailing its weekly pulpit sermons to a significant number of subscribers. Since the tapes are offered free of charge, and continue only through the gracious donations of God’s people, we need to be careful not to over load any one of these ministries at the expense of the other. This is another reason for the newsletters being published every two months. 3. Theological writings: It is also our hope to publish a series of Theological works for the internet and print publication. This, as you may know will take time and dedication due to the on-going nature of this endeavor. God willing these works will see fruition. 4. The Reformed Bible Institute: The RBC in Suffolk County experienced the RBI some years back. Some time this year we hope to introduce a series of lectures for the benefit of the local community as part of that program. Pray that God will use this effort to teach and inform many of the Reformed Faith, and the Gospel of the Sovereign Lord, Jesus Christ. We are forever thankful to God for moving so many of His people to support us over the past years. For by this we have been able to better serve Him and do His work. It is our prayer and request that you pray for the work of the Lord, not only here, but in every place that His will is revered and carried out; unto the praise of the Glory of His Grace. AMEN RW
Other articles by Pastor Paul Michael Raymond
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08/05/2004