From the Pastor's Desk

A Time of Fast

2011-05-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

WE here at Springfield have been called into a time of fasting and pray by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This fast comes at a time when much is taking place throughout our world, our country, our state, our churches and most definitely, our homes. What we are witnessing is a time of "assault" by the enemy of God and His people (Satan). Yet there are also the judgements and warnings of God at work. Satan is on the attack to steal, kill and destroy all that is holy and righteous. God on the other hand is moving to remind us all that He is the one in charge of all things and that He wants each of us to turn to Him in sincerely and faith, to live our lives as it pleases Him. Therefore, in an effort to fight off the attacks of Satan and to refocus ourselves in true commitment and devotion to God, we turn to fasting and pray. For Jesus tells us that there are somethings that will come to pass only through prayer and fasting (Matt. 17:21). This is certainly one of those times.
In our effort of fasting we are to remember that fasting is more than just a refraining from food. It also involves, even more importantly, our our drawing closer and nearer to God. There is a need to seek God out through prayer and through His word. This time of fasting must be about strengthening our walk with God and seeking His guidance and direction for our lives. There must be purpose to our fast and that purpose for this time is SPIRITUAL WARFARE. We are warring against the attacks of the enemy. All that each of us are going through now is the result of spiritual warring. The only solution to it is to turn to God and seek His way and will concerning us. No other way is available for us in this hour other than that which is directed by God.
We ask you to commit yourselves to this week of fasting and praying in the following ways:
First determine the kind of fast you will follow. We have mentioned three possible ones: a partial fast; a normal fast and a absolute fast. We do not recommend an absolute fast to any that have not fasted before, as it requires abstaining from both food and liquid for a set amount of time. The normal fast can be followed which is to abstain from solid food but intake liquids such as juice and water. The partial fast is the fast that most should follow. It allows for the abstaining of some foods and not necessarily all food as well as possible set times and meals to be determined. We are asking those that will follow this fast to remove meat (including fish) and sodas from your diet. If you do not eat meat, substitute all sweets in its place. With the partial fast we ask that you commit to one particular way. Determine how you are going to set up your partial fast and stick to it. DO NOT CHANGE IT day to day.
Next, search within yourself to know what it is that you need God to do in your live. Seek God for your answer to whatever is warring against you, your family or others in your life. Whether it is health, relationship, financial, mind, body or soul, take it before the Lord and let Him direct you. By faith, trust Him to guide you in the right way.
Lastly, be confident that God will accomplish for you what you seek Him to do. Know that God will not turn from you if you are sincere in your approach to Him. He will answer. Once He does, do not doubt, but trust and obey His will and direction.

Scriptures that reference fasting are plentiful, here are some for your consideration;
I Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18; Daniel 9:3, 20; Joel 2:12; Jonah 3:8; Nehemiah 1:4; Isaiah 58:6-8; Matthew 6:16-18.
Scriptures that encourage us at this time:
Afraid\Fearful - Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 54:17; St. John 14:27; Psalm 112:7-8; Psalm 23:4-5; Psalm 27:1-3; Psalm 91:4-7, 10
Discouraged - II Corinthians 12:9; II Corinthians 4:16-17; II Thessalonians 2:16-17; Philippians 4:13;
Health\Healing - III John 1:2; James 5:14-16; Proverbs 4:2-22
Determination - II Thessalonians 3:13; Colossians 3:2; Ephesians 6:13; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:35-36
Strength - II Corinthians 12:9; Colossians 1:10-12; Ephesians 3:16-17;Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 18:2
Doubt - Isaiah 41:13; Isaiah 55:10-11; Hebrews 10:23; Psalm 116:13; Psalm 12:6; Romans 10:17; Galatians 6:9; Jude 1:24-25.
There are many many more scriptures that can direct and guide and instruct you in this time. Let God's Spirit guide you through His word. God has a special message just for you.

We will be victorious in this time of time because our God is unfailing in all His ways toward us.

Updates

2011-05-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Springfield,
It has been a while since my last blog. Much has happened of course since December, so let's try to catch up a little.
First, as all of you well know by now, the Red Corridor Route has been eliminated and no longer poses a threat to Springfield or the homes and businesses of Garner. To this we give God the praise. We are most thankful to the many persons who worked to get this corridor off the map for consideration of the 540 Extension. The mayor and officials of Garner and NC State Senators Dan Blue and Ralph Stevens, as well as NC House Representatives and the Governor, are to be applauded for the efforts they made to make this possible. Springfield is forever grateful. U. S. Senator Elmer, who mentioned Springfield by name on the floor of Congress, is to be thanked also. Most especially the people and friends of Springfield, near and far, are to be thanked as you all rallied to the cause and let your voices be heard in such a way that we as a church could not be ignored. I want to leg
T each of you know how proud and appreciative I am of each one of you for what you have done in this matter. Every letter, signature, email, phone call, Facebook comment and prayer worked! We are victorious!!
It had been our plan to invite many of the persons mentioned above to a informal gathering of hotdogs and hamburgers just to say thank you. However time to work it in with everything else that has taken place has made that difficult. We have not given up on this effort, so please stay tuned for more information on this.
Lastly, I want to remind all of us, not to fall asleep on what we have come through with this Red Route issue. We have been blessed by God and must stay attentive to anything else that might come from this turnpike situation. We will continue to monitor efforts of the NC Turnpike Authority so that we can stay in the know about what is taking place in our community and surroundings.
Let us all be reminded from this experience that with God as our leader, we can do all things through Christ who will strengthen us.

The 540 SE Extension Issue

2010-12-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

As many of you are aware by now, the alarm has been sounded here at Springfield concerning the possible impact that the proposed 540 Extension corridors will have on Springfield church if one of three of the five options are chosen.

Currently there are five options under consideration by the NC Turnpike Authority to complete their effort. Three of the five options (Red, Pink and I-40 Corridors) directly cross the properties of Springfield in such a way that our church and property would by drastically and permanently impacted in way that could force us to relocate from where we have existed for 144 years.

It is our belief that Springfield has well proven itself in this community, this county and this state in such a way that we are of great value and worth to the moral character of this community. We have long been active in affairs of our people and this Garner community and have extended our services in all possible ways. We are a people of faith who believe that God has called us to great work here in this area where we now dwell and that it is our right to remain where God has placed us.

We continue to urge each one of you that read this message to GET Busy to do your part in helping to get the message across to the Turnpike Authority that we are totally opposed to the Red, Pink and I-40 Corridor options. How do you do this? Send letters to the NC Turnpike Authority, to the attention of Steve DeWitt expressing your concern and opposition to these corridors coming through Springfield. Better still, click on the link on our home page concerning the 540 extension and send an email directly to the Authority.

Springfield, this is a time in which each one of us MUST be a voice and not leave it to the pastor, deacons and trustees to speak alone. Our faith in God must not be shown merely by saying "we are praying and trusting God to make a way." We must get up after praying and walk in "the way" God has made for us. Remember my brothers and sisters, the Bible clearly says that "Faith without Works IS DEAD!" Let us have faith in God about this issue and the boldness to stand up and standout to show that we have the works to back up our faith in God.
If you have any questions, ideas, suggestions of how we can continue to address this matter, please call us, write or email us here at Springfield.

The email address is revsanders@springfieldbaptistchurch.com, office number is (919) 772-3616 and church address is 4309 Auburn-Knightdale Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.

Be not weary in well doing . . . . we will reap in due season.
Your Pastor

The Elections: Where Do We Go From Here?

2010-11-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

The elections of 2010 are over. For many there is the concern and fear of what is to happen now that our candidates did not win or were not re-elected. Should we just wait and "get 'em next time" or run for cover, not knowing what is coming next.

As I see it, we are still God's people. Our God has not forsaken us nor deserted us. Though we may have witnessed setbacks and defeat there is still much to be done until the next elections come about.

We must take a stand and be viligant in our efforts to monitor the activity of those who have been elected to SERVE US. We must let any and all those who serve in these offices know that they are accountable to the people. They are to keep their promises and fulfill their obligations and responsibilities to us. We have no time to lick our wounds and sing the blues. We must become "watchers" on the wall as God's people. The Word says that as Christians we are to be responsive to government. Let us not be weary in well doing but let us send a message, a holy message, so that all may hear, that we are involved, interested, and intending to make a difference in the politics of our day.

Remember, "God has called us into the city for such a time as this."

Please Contact Us

2010-05-25T17:04:00.001-07:00

March 26, 2010

Greetings My Springfield Family:

As we have entered into this year we have witnessed a great deal of sickness and bereavement in our church family and community. I am confident that God is continuing to keep us and keep His promises to us even in these times. I continue to pray God’s strength in the lives of those who are going through times such as these.

In light of these matters, I ask our church family for your assistance to better address and respond to these ongoing situations. Here are a few items we wanted you to know and be reminded of:

FYI # 6. When there is sickness, hospitalization or death in your home or immediate family, please contact the church so that we may be aware of it and be prayerful and supportive for you and with you. Contact the Pastor’s office or the Church Secretary’s office and leave the information with us even if it is a voice mail message. You are also asked to notify your assigned Deacons to share this information with them. You may also leave this information on the Prayer Line at 772-8078, extension #306.

We want to know about your circumstances so that we might respond as appropriately as possible, as soon as possible. We are never happy to hear that we have not responded to you in your time of need. However, if we do not know of your circumstances, we may not be able to assist you in a timely manner.

Please help us help you by keeping us informed in these areas.

Always know that we, your church and pastor are praying for you and your families.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Daniel Sanders

Inclement Weather & Assistant to the Pastor

2010-05-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

January 25, 2009

Greetings My Springfield Family:

We are blessed to enter a new year that holds for us many blessings from God.

Here are a few items we wanted you to know and be reminded of:

FYI # 4. Because of inclement weather that may occur from time to time; we have established a telephone extension for you to call to keep you current concerning the weather, services and changes in activities here at Springfield. The new extension number is 312. Please call the main church number (919-772-8078) and than enter the extension # 312 to get the latest information concerning inclement weather. Also tune into WRAL –TV Channel 5 for information on activities of the church doing inclement weather.

FYI # 5. Rev. Rudolph Britton serves in the capacity of Assistant to the Pastor. This is a very important position that ties directly to me as Pastor. Rev. Britton’s responsibility is to assist me in areas here at Springfield that makes it possible for me to stay better informed, and to help ensure that matters of SBC are being addressed in a timelier manner. He works at my discretion and is to be afforded your respect and cooperation as he may have need to approach you. I am confident that you will give him the same respect and cooperation that you continue give to me as we strive for the greater good of SBC.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Daniel Sanders

Use of Church Financial Envelopes

2010-05-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

June 15, 2008

Greetings my Springfield Family:

Use of Church Financial Envelopes

In an effort to better assist our members in matters of giving of tithes and offerings, we offer church financial envelopes. These envelopes are available from the ushers each Sunday at your request. We strongly encourage all persons, both members and non-members to use these envelopes when giving your tithes and offerings. No matter how little or how much you give, please use your envelope.

Use of the envelope allows the church to maintain a record of your contributions for the year and will generate a contribution statement at the end of the year for your records and income tax purposes (as you may desire).

Use of the envelope also assists the church in its awareness of our member’s financial support to this church. Part of our covenant promise as members of this church is to support it financially. Additionally, your use of the envelope assists us in tracking member’s attendance. These areas serve as an important part in maintaining each member’s status as “active” or “inactive.”

Many of you do make regular use of the envelope and I thank you. I believe that many more of you give financially but may not be using the envelope and I thank you also, but do ask that you take advantage of using the envelope at least monthly if not more.

I am grateful to each and every one of you who have blessed this church with your presence and with your gifts. Again, I say thank you for your attention in this matter

Be Blessed,

Pastor Daniel Sanders

New Wedding Planning Guidelines

2010-05-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

January 27, 2008

Greetings my Springfield Family:

This is a new addition to the Sunday bulletin monthly, to keep you informed and up to date on matters that are relevant to you and the church. It is our hope that you will benefit from this “FYI” in the coming months.

Thank you all for being the best church anywhere.

FYI #1

Since we have experienced a great increase in the number of weddings requested and held here at SBC over the last two years, we are now requiring persons to give a minimum six (6) month notification if they wish to have their wedding held at Springfield.

This will insure that ample time will be given to scheduling, planning, counseling (required) and having necessary personnel in place.

If wedding bells are ringing for you and yours, and a date is being considered, please contact the Pastor’s office to discuss your wedding date as well as all other necessary information pertaining to the scheduling and procedures for having your wedding here.

My office number is 919-772-3616.

These changes are effective as of the beginning of this year and are subject to all members and non-members alike.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Daniel Sanders

Join us during the New Members Receptions

2010-05-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings my Springfield Family:

Again, this is a new addition to the Sunday bulletin monthly, to keep you informed and up to date on matters that are relevant to you and the church. It is our hope that you will benefit from this “FYI” in the coming months.

Thank you all for being the best church anywhere.

New Members Reception

In an effort to show greater appreciation for those who are joining our church fellowship the following changes are being made:

Starting this fourth (4^th) Sunday doing the Right-Hand-Of –Fellowship, only the Pastor, Deacons, Ministers and their spouses will come up to extend the right-hand-of-fellowship to the new members. This will help to decrease the amount of time taken to complete this action by more than 10 minutes.

At the end of the worship service all new members will be escorted to the Fellowship Hall where they are to be greeted by the congregation, family and friends. A “light” repass will take place and members can spend a few minutes welcoming and congratulating our newest family members.

I believe that this is a much better way of showing our thankfulness and joy for those that God has brought into this fellowship.

Please join me and the officers in the Fellowship Hall after worship for a few minutes to receive our new members on this 4^th Sunday and each 4^th Sunday there after.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Daniel Sanders

A Betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane

2010-05-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Reference: Mark 14:32-50

These selected verses give us an account of those things that took place following Jesus' instituting of the Lord's Supper and just prior to His trial before Annas and Caiaphas, then before Pilate, where He would be sentenced to death.

After having completed the first Lord's Supper, the scripture says that Jesus and His disciples sung a hymn together and then went out into the Mount of Olives. One can imagine as they went forth, Jesus must have begun to feel the weight of the load that He was about to bear. The agony of those coming events must have grieved His heart tremendously. Realizing that He was carrying the weight of the world on His shoulders, Jesus knew that He needed not only to pray, but some place, somewhere to go and pray. Jesus knowing this knew where to go to. A place they called the Garden of Gethsemane. A place where it is said He prayed often. (You and I ought to have a place where we pray often.)'

If one was to look closely at these events that unfolded in this garden, we would see that contrary to popular belief, there was not one act of betrayal, but three.

(1) The first betrayal is the three disciples, Peter, James and John. They proved faithless by falling asleep while He prayed. (See Mark 14: 37-38)

(2) The second betrayal is the one we most recognize. Judas led the soldiers to Jesus and identified Him with a kiss. This was aiding the enemy. (See Mark 14:43-45)

(3) The third betrayal is each one of us. At some time and in some way, we have betrayed our Savior. We have aided the enemy of Christ. We have been traitors to the Cross of Christ and the way of our Jesus. Lastly we all have at times proven faithless to and deserted our Lord when He needed us most.

Yet with this being the case, even though His disciples betrayed Him and even though each of us have betrayed Him, we can still praise Him. For while He was on the cross of Calvary, He cried out to His Father in Heaven: "Father, forgive them, for they know now that they do!"

This is the joy and power of Easter, that we have a Savior who loves us enough to look beyond our faults and see our needs. We celebrate Easter because Jesus sacrificed His life that you and I might have life. Though we have betrayed Him as the disciples did, we can turn our errors of betrayal into reminders to serve Him continually.