The Graves Family
Mrs. Sykesies heading to the van to go home...
The dad's enjoying each others company a little too much!!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Fort Christmas, FL
The Pollock Family
The Graves Family
Mrs. Sykesies heading to the van to go home...
The dad's enjoying each others company a little too much!!!
The Graves Family
Mrs. Sykesies heading to the van to go home...
The dad's enjoying each others company a little too much!!!
Fort Christmas, FL
Our church took a family outing for Fort Christmas, FL,
a few days ago. It was great fun. It gave us time to
"bond" more with each other. We also found out that day
that there is going to be a new addition to our church
in 6 or so months...the Sykesies are having a new baby!!!
We praise the Lord for our wonderful little body of believers.
Our precious church family!!!
Jordan and Mrs. Stokesies!!!
The Doolins!!!
The Sykesies!!!
a few days ago. It was great fun. It gave us time to
"bond" more with each other. We also found out that day
that there is going to be a new addition to our church
in 6 or so months...the Sykesies are having a new baby!!!
We praise the Lord for our wonderful little body of believers.
Our precious church family!!!
Jordan and Mrs. Stokesies!!!
The Doolins!!!
The Sykesies!!!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
McDonalds Boycott ends in Victory!
Great news! Because of AFA supporters and committed Christians like yourselves, McDonald’s has told AFA they will remain neutral in the culture war regarding homosexual marriage. AFA is ending the boycott of McDonald’s. As you know, AFA called for the boycott in May after McDonald’s joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
McDonald’s said McDonald’s Vice President Richard Ellis has resigned his position on the board of NGLCC and that his seat on the board will not be replaced. McDonald’s also said that the company has no plans to renew their membership in NGLCC when it expires in December.
In an e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners the company said, “It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association.”
We appreciate the decision by McDonald’s to no longer support political activity by homosexual activist organizations. You might want to thank your local McDonald’s manager.
Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution to help us continue?
McDonald’s said McDonald’s Vice President Richard Ellis has resigned his position on the board of NGLCC and that his seat on the board will not be replaced. McDonald’s also said that the company has no plans to renew their membership in NGLCC when it expires in December.
In an e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners the company said, “It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association.”
We appreciate the decision by McDonald’s to no longer support political activity by homosexual activist organizations. You might want to thank your local McDonald’s manager.
Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution to help us continue?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Baptisms and more...
Greetings in the name of the Lord!!!
It has been a few weeks since we posted anything
on our church blog, so we need to catch up!!!
Over the last few weeks we have had some precious
out of town guests...Mrs. Grace Doolin from Illinois,
she is Frank's mom and we have also had the Reynolds
from way out in Oregon...they belong to Victor and
Teresa and family!!! We are always blessed when you
all visit!!!
We also have a new member to our church. Mr. Nick
Sykes who has been with us for about 6 weeks now...we
are blessed to have you with us Nick!!! Our prayer
is that we will be there for you as your church family...
if you need us, just call!!!
The following pictures are from the last few weeks
in which we had a baptism which included Victor,
Hannah and Joshua Sykes and Anna Graves. It was so
wonderful to see these precious children being
obedient to the Lord in the area of baptism!!!
We have also been going thru the Basic Seminar with
Mr.Bill Gothard. Our church is learning and relearning
some very important principles to the Christian walk.
May the Lord richly bless each of those who hears and
applies these principles to their lives.
Well, I must go for now. I hope you enjoy the photos
to follow.
In Christ,
Steve and Tracy Graves and family
It has been a few weeks since we posted anything
on our church blog, so we need to catch up!!!
Over the last few weeks we have had some precious
out of town guests...Mrs. Grace Doolin from Illinois,
she is Frank's mom and we have also had the Reynolds
from way out in Oregon...they belong to Victor and
Teresa and family!!! We are always blessed when you
all visit!!!
We also have a new member to our church. Mr. Nick
Sykes who has been with us for about 6 weeks now...we
are blessed to have you with us Nick!!! Our prayer
is that we will be there for you as your church family...
if you need us, just call!!!
The following pictures are from the last few weeks
in which we had a baptism which included Victor,
Hannah and Joshua Sykes and Anna Graves. It was so
wonderful to see these precious children being
obedient to the Lord in the area of baptism!!!
We have also been going thru the Basic Seminar with
Mr.Bill Gothard. Our church is learning and relearning
some very important principles to the Christian walk.
May the Lord richly bless each of those who hears and
applies these principles to their lives.
Well, I must go for now. I hope you enjoy the photos
to follow.
In Christ,
Steve and Tracy Graves and family
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Statment of Faith
We believe that the Bible as contained in the Old and New Testament are directly inspired by God and are completely without error and preserved in the King James Version for the English speaking people. It’s authority is not limited to spiritual or religious themes, but includes it’s assertions in such areas as history, science and all areas of life.
• Psalm 12:6 & 7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
• Psalm 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
• Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
• II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
We believe in the one true God, existing in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. These three are coequal from all eternity, each with distinct personalities and ministries.
• Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God, (Elohlym = plural (at least three) usage of God meaning more than one in union) created the heaven and the earth.
• Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
• I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
We believe in the deity and virgin birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, His sinless life, His vicarious (took our place) atoning death upon the cross through his shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His personal return in power and glory.
• John 1:1 – 3 & 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, …
• John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
• I Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
• Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
• Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
• Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
We believe in the total depravity and lost condition of man by nature and in his need of the new birth by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.
• Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
• Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
• I Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
• John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
We believe from the foundations of the world that the Lambs Book of Life contained all the names of everyone that was ever conceived. When they had blasphemed against the Holy Spirit or died in their sins then there names were blotted out of the book.
• Exodus 32:32 & 33 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
• Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
• Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
We believe in justification by faith without the works of the flesh or the law. We also believe that all people that have ever been born have been given an opportunity to choose to accept or reject God’s gift of salvation.
• Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men
• Ephesians 2:8 & 9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
• Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
• I John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling presence, the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
• John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
We believe in the resurrection of the saved and the lost - the saved to the resurrection of life and the lost to the judgment of damnation.
• Revelation 20:12 – 15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
By Laws
Marriage
We believe that the institution of marriage is a covenant given by God between a man and woman only to be separated by death as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. This is God’s perfect picture of his salvation to mankind.
• Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
• Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
• Ephesians 5:21:26 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Music
We believe that the ministry of music is used as a form of worship and comfort to the church, it should never be conformed to the world or to be used as a method of bringing people to church. Music identifies with and enhances the spirituality of the flock. Proper music will always be identified with the melody as the main theme.
We further believe is that music is never neutral, but either good or evil. Music alone has more power of good and evil than the words themselves
Modesty
We believe that the scriptures teach and commands that there be a clear distinction in the area of clothing between a man and a woman.
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 22:5
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. I Timothy 2:9
Further we believe that men and women have a responsibility to dress accordingly, not to cause someone to lust and cause spiritual adultery between one another.
Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man. Isaiah 47:2 & 3
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:27 & 28
• Psalm 12:6 & 7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
• Psalm 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
• Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
• II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
We believe in the one true God, existing in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. These three are coequal from all eternity, each with distinct personalities and ministries.
• Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God, (Elohlym = plural (at least three) usage of God meaning more than one in union) created the heaven and the earth.
• Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
• I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
We believe in the deity and virgin birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, His sinless life, His vicarious (took our place) atoning death upon the cross through his shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His personal return in power and glory.
• John 1:1 – 3 & 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, …
• John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
• I Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
• Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
• Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
• Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
We believe in the total depravity and lost condition of man by nature and in his need of the new birth by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.
• Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
• Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
• I Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
• John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
We believe from the foundations of the world that the Lambs Book of Life contained all the names of everyone that was ever conceived. When they had blasphemed against the Holy Spirit or died in their sins then there names were blotted out of the book.
• Exodus 32:32 & 33 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
• Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
• Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
We believe in justification by faith without the works of the flesh or the law. We also believe that all people that have ever been born have been given an opportunity to choose to accept or reject God’s gift of salvation.
• Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men
• Ephesians 2:8 & 9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
• Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
• I John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling presence, the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
• John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
We believe in the resurrection of the saved and the lost - the saved to the resurrection of life and the lost to the judgment of damnation.
• Revelation 20:12 – 15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
By Laws
Marriage
We believe that the institution of marriage is a covenant given by God between a man and woman only to be separated by death as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. This is God’s perfect picture of his salvation to mankind.
• Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
• Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
• Ephesians 5:21:26 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Music
We believe that the ministry of music is used as a form of worship and comfort to the church, it should never be conformed to the world or to be used as a method of bringing people to church. Music identifies with and enhances the spirituality of the flock. Proper music will always be identified with the melody as the main theme.
We further believe is that music is never neutral, but either good or evil. Music alone has more power of good and evil than the words themselves
Modesty
We believe that the scriptures teach and commands that there be a clear distinction in the area of clothing between a man and a woman.
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 22:5
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. I Timothy 2:9
Further we believe that men and women have a responsibility to dress accordingly, not to cause someone to lust and cause spiritual adultery between one another.
Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man. Isaiah 47:2 & 3
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:27 & 28
Monday, August 18, 2008
Berean 4th of July Celebration at the Graves
These pictures are of the 4th of July Celebration at the Graves
home. We were blessed to have many of our extended church family's
families...what a blessed time we had!!! We love our country, and
our church family and their families!!!
home. We were blessed to have many of our extended church family's
families...what a blessed time we had!!! We love our country, and
our church family and their families!!!
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