Pastor's Post 9/15/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

     Do you remember the words, “If you build it, they will come.”? And later it became, “if you build it, HE will come.”  The phrases are from an old baseball movie, “Field of Dreams”.  It’s one of my favorite movies (The edited, TV version) because it is wrapped around baseball folklore, history, controversy, and family sentimentality.  

     In short, the plot stems around a man who hears a voice telling him to build a baseball field in his Iowa corn field, and they will come.  He builds it despite all the ridicule from friends and family, and in true movie fashion, they do come.  Famous baseball stars and wannabes appear out of the corn field each night to play the game they once loved.  The end of the movie depicts miles of vehicles from the far corners of the world coming to see the phenomenon.  

     I know, it’s a stretch, and it throws some of you a curve, but the flick is a huge hit and a diamond in the rough for baseball afficionados.  Okay, I’ll drop the puns and get back to what’s really on the plate.  The theme takes a swing toward sentiment when the star’s dad appears as a young ball player, and they play catch for the first time.  

     For a few weeks, I have been encouraging evangelism, and discipleship.  We have asked everyone to tell someone about Jesus, invite them to church, and get them connected to a small group.  Has anyone noticed how our attendance is steadily climbing, excitement is escalating, and families are filling pews?  If you build it or talk about it, they will come.  

Mark 16:15: 15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. NKJV                    John 12:31-33: 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."  NKJV

     Oh yes, and what about the other statement, “If you build it, HE will come.”  Because of the logistics and numbers involved in the baptism of the student athletes on the 24th, we will be baptizing the next three weeks. As of now, we have one scheduled this Sunday, the team on the 24th, and at least one more to be baptized on October 1st.  When we proclaim the name of Jesus, the Father will send the Holy Spirit, and He will draw people to Him.  If you provide the setting, HE will show up and show out.  

Acts 8:12: 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. KJV       Acts 2:46-47: 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.  NKJV

     Shiloh, keep preaching Jesus, loving God, and loving people.         Don’t forget the 24hr fast on the 15th and 16th.   Pray for our Man Church event on the 17th.  

If you focus on something long enough, folks will stop and join in.   

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell