A Blast From The Past

We've got a little something special for this week's blog in honor of this past Sunday's Class of 2008 service. Many of you probably saw some dashing and distinguished young pictures from the staff during the first worship service. After many hours of grueling soul-searching we've (actually, that would be me) decided to post these pictures and a few comments for your edification and encouragement during this extremely hot month of June.

So, without further ado...

Our fearless and intrepid leader!

The craziest topspin this side of the Mississippi.


37 years and still going strong!


Napoleon D.?


Take two and call me in the morning...Ode Boyka!


I'm totally unashamed of the mullet and my shorts.


Ms. A. Poe


Tall, Dutch and Handsome


Nothing can stop my devastating bicycle kick.

I love my Andrea Bocelli ringtone.

Without me, staff lunches descend into total confusion.

His post-trib leanings and full NCSU allegiance give B the whole package.

Handling The “Grand Floridians” Of LIFE

Matt Rice
Church Plant Pastor

We recently went to Disney World ……with kids (Mollie and Andrew only), my brother-in-laws family, and Grammy and Papaw. What an experience. Notice I did not say vacation. We stayed at the Double Tree which accommodated our family – all 11 of us perfectly.

One day while out in the Magic Kingdom, we stopped by the Grand Floridian Resort. This place was pretty incredible. They have their own lake, they have pools with sand on the bottom, and incredible views of the Magic Kingdom only a ferry ride away. The “opportunities” at the Grand Floridian were limitless (or they seemed) and posh.

In life some of the best opportunities can be the worst distractions. In Nehemiah 6, Nehemiah was rebuilding the temple wall to restore worship in the city of Jerusalem. When those opposed to this task heard of his work they invited him to Ono, the “Grand Floridian” of the Day located on the Fertile Crescent. They did so to distract him from the task he was called of God to do.

Nehemiah was focused on his calling and task. He responded in verse 3 with one of the greatest statements, “I AM DOING A GREAT WORK AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.” Maybe in life you have had better opportunities come your way and can easily justify them with reasoning such as, “Its more money; It’s a bigger house; It will be better for the kids; It makes me happier.”

I want to encourage you to be focused on what God has called you to do (Micah 6:8) so that when the “Grand Floridians” come your way you are able to boldly and confidently say, “I AM DOING A GREAT WORK AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.”

Zeal Without Knowledge

Peter Dubbelman
Family Life/Admin. Pastor

Hindsight definitely presents us with twenty-twenty vision. Looking over our lives most of us would readily agree that “the plans of the diligent lead to profit, just as surely as haste leads to ruin” (Pro 21.5).

Now that some of the anxious zeal of youth have passed by me; now that I have weathered some storms caused by my own haste and anxiousness; now that I have fathered children through their own anxious and zealous times. I can say that I have tasted first handed and seen also in the lives of others that “it is not good to have zeal without knowledge nor to be hasty and miss the way” (Pro 19.2).

What balanced lives we would have if we took two things to heart: living each day as if it were our last but planning each day as though our world would endure forever; resting in the understanding that the faithfulness of today will prepare us for the steps of tomorrow. May our Lord “teach us to number our days aright, that we might gain a heart of wisdom” from which we can sensibly embark upon the opportunities of each day.

A Mother's Dedication

Alex Cosio
Hispanic Pastor

On Sunday May 11th we are celebrating mother’s day; it is a day where we want to recognize and pay tribute to our moms. This celebration began exactly 100 year ago in 1908 when Anna Jarvis requested her pastor to have a special service on Sunday to honor all of the mothers of the congregation. On may 10th, 1908 they had a special celebration and gave all mothers a carnation, which was Mrs. Jarvis’ mother’s favorite flower. Then a few years latter President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed the second Sunday in May as mother’s day.
So this day is a very special day for all mothers and I want to recognize you and thank the Lord for all of you.

It is true that one of the most demanding responsibilities for each woman is that of being a mother. Many of us have studied hard to be engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers and so on, but there is not a major, to my knowledge, in motherhood or parenthood. Parents mostly learn by example, experience and trial and error. Where I am from there is this saying: “Learning comes by messing up.” But when it comes to our children; we need to avoid learning by messing up. As it is we’ve messed up many times.

God has given you the blessing of being a mom or a dad but along with his blessing he asked us “And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4)

How can we train and bring up our children in the instruction of the Lord?

There is a family in the period of the Judges that raised a godly child who later became a judge, a prophet and a priest; Samuel. It was a time of corruption, rebellion and sin. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes”

This phrase describes exactly the time and condition not only of our time but of every period in history, every society in the world that has not the God of the Bible as their King.

The first characteristic of this family was his devotion. Elkanah and his wife Hanna went from his town to Shilo every year to worship God. In one of those trips, Hanna poured her soul before God in prayer asking for a son (1 Sam. 1:3,15) Our example is the best teaching that we can give our children, if they see our devotion to God, they will learn by example.
When Samuel (which means God heard me) was born, Elkanah and Hanna knew that this child was the Lord’s and had only a few years to train him.

Here we see the second characteristic of this family which was dedication. This they did to train Samuel for the service of the Lord. This is true also with our children; the first years are the best years to teach a child. We only have a few good years to train them in the instruction of the Lord. Psychologists say that by the age of three, 80% of the child’s character is formed.
Finally we also see in them determination. For Hanna it should have been very difficult to gave up her son to stay in Shilo with Eli; however she was determined to follow up her promise to God. She left Samuel and visited him every year; she saw how her child grew up to be a judge, a prophet and a priest in Israel.

To all of you moms, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being such devoted, dedicated and determined mothers. The Lord has blessed you richly and my prayer is that He continue to give wisdom and strength to train you children in the instruction of the Lord, and that you may see them grow to glorify Him. Happy mother’s day!

It Is Finished

Tim Shaw
Adult Education Pastor

"…He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, he gave up His spirit."
John 19:30.

For several weeks my son and I have been working on a rather large Lego building project. It was a building that had hundreds of steps in the instructions and even more pieces to put together. One night we completed the final step in the instructions and my son yelled with joy, "Dad, we finished it!" I think we were both happy to be done and proud of our accomplishment. During the recent Easter season I kept reflecting on three words that Jesus spoke while on earth. Perhaps they are the most significant words He uttered. “It is finished.” Here Jesus was not rejoicing simply because he had reached the end of his earthly journey. He loved life, and lived it with a glad heart. No, He proclaims that He had completed a task of supreme worth, much more than any earthly tasks of which we are familiar. He had not merely brought the task to an end; He finished it! His victory was not partial, but complete. Just as Jesus a few hours before had said to the Father, "I have finished the work which thou gavest Me to do," (John 17:4) even so now He was shouting the same triumphant words from the cross. He was rejoicing over finishing the greatest of all tasks.

What was the task the Lord finished? What had the Lord come to do? The Gospels give more than one answer. I want to address three.

1) The Son of Man came to seek and to save those who are lost. As the great physician, He had come to attend, not to those who are well, but to those who are sick. He came to save all the lost people of the entire world. The single Greek word "teleho" which translates "It is finished" has been found in the early papyri on tax receipts meaning "paid in full." Christ satisfied God’s justice by dying for all to pay for their sins. These sins can never be punished again since that would violate God’s justice. Our sins have been paid in full by our Substitute.

2) "I am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) He came not merely to preserve but impart life. Yes, eternal life in Heaven, but also meaningful, purpose-filled life here on earth.

3) The all-inclusive reason for which Christ came was to reveal God. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the father, he hath declared Him." It was to make God known! Therefore if we desire to know what God is like, we can find our answer in Jesus. Could we possibly imagine a more satisfying answer! When Paul sought to describe God as best as he could, he said that He was the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is, God is like Jesus. Jesus revealed God by what He did on the cross. Here on Calvary we see God's supreme revelation about Himself.

It is easy for us to sit back and look at this finished work in a trite fashion as it applies to us. We may look at Calvary, sit back and relax, and say, "Yes, Jesus paid it all." However, this contradicts Paul's teaching in Col. 1:24 when he says, "I… fill up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions." Paul does not mean that in any way the suffering of Christ on Calvary was incomplete or inadequate. He is however teaching that Christ, who gave Himself to the uttermost must have disciples that will give to the uttermost if they are to reach their highest usefulness. He was asserting with another apostle, "He laid down His life for us: we ought to lay down our life for our brethren." I wonder if you will reflect on this the way I did and ask yourself, “Can this be said of my commitment to Christ?”

Love so amazing, Love so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Real Beauty

Hi, my name is Melody Merritt, and I am the Director of Women’s Ministry at ABC. You may be asking yourself why am I writing the blog this week and not one of the pastors or staff members? They have graciously asked me to write this week and to share about the Women’s Ministry and an upcoming event in April. I feel inadequate to do this, but I know God has called me to Women’s Ministry and given me a love for the women of this church and community. God loves each of you, men and women. So, men, keep reading even though this is really for the women, and encourage the ladies in your life to be godly women of grace. Women, listen up!

The purpose of the Women’s Ministry is to encourage and equip women to gather, grow and go. This is pursued through Bible studies, mentoring, small groups, More for Moms, Apples of Gold, Treasurekeepers, Godly Gals of Grace, and special events. Women need other women in their lives to encourage them, to listen, and to share life. My heart’s desire is to see every female (from 1 to 100) that comes into the fellowship of ABC to feel welcome, encouraged, and equipped to grow in their relationship with God and the body of Christ.

On April 18th and 19th we will have “The Real Beauty Retreat” at Apex Baptist Church for women and teens. Shari Braendel, a speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries, will be with us to give a Christian perspective on beauty, fashion, and modesty. This weekend will be a chance for women of all ages to come together and celebrate being women and find out what real beauty is.

Last summer when we began talking about a theme and a speaker for our Spring Fling, I had just heard Shari speak, and her message touched my heart. As I prayed, I felt God saying this was something the women and teens of Apex needed. Modesty has taken a back seat in fashion for years. As Christians, we too often look at the world and go along with what the world dictates. God does have a word for us. We don’t have to go along with the world. We are daughters of the King, and guess what? “The King is enthralled by your beauty.” ( Psalm 45:11). God loves each one of us, and we represent God to the world.

The weekend begins on Friday night with the Modest is Hottest Fashion Show and a What Not to Wear segment for girls and teens focused on the 5 B’s of Modesty. This will be very interactive with audience participation. Moms, you are encouraged to come join your daughters for this night of excitement and hear the heart message that Shari shares with our daughters on modesty. Please encourage your daughters to come and bring their friends.

Saturday morning will be for women from 18 to 100. Shari tells it like it is in a best friend way, sharing practical image and style advice. The day will be uplifting, engaging, and off the wall fun. Shari will talk about body types, clothing styles, color analysis, and give lots of fashion tips in the Girlfriends Guide to Glamour and If Clothes Could Talk workshop segments. She will also share her heart and God’s Word on Real Beauty.

Ladies, you do not want to miss any part of this weekend. Plan now to come and to bring your daughters and their friends on Friday night and your sisters and girlfriends on Saturday. Tickets are $15.00 each, but moms come free on Friday night. Friday night is from 7:00 until 10:00. The doors open at 6:00 and Shari will be doing color analysis at that time. Saturday starts with coffee and muffins at 9:00. Lunch will be served during the day and the workshop ends at 2:00. There will be something for everyone. Don’t be the one left out of the fun when you hear about it on Sunday the 20th and wish you had come. I hope to see each of you there!

Gastrointestinal Gymnastics, Loving God & Anthem

Rick Gutierrez
College/Singles Pastor

As I type this blog I am without the ability to speak. I can’t talk. I have completely lost function in my vocal chords. Pardon the graphic picture, but my current dilemma is due to having stayed up all last night enjoying the thrill and ecstasy of vomiting. Basically, last night’s gastrointestinal gymnastics have rendered my ability to vocally communicate obsolete.

Not being able to talk has made something very clear to me—I have a lot of stuff to say! All day I have wanted to speak but I have been frustrated by the fact that I cannot communicate. Throughout the day, I have been in need to share information, share something funny, ask questions, etc. Truly it has been irritating to not be able to communicate whatever has been on my mind or on my heart.

Here’s the real sad thing…I cannot audibly tell my wife that I love her. I’m sitting on the couch feeling awful and Jamie is taking care of me. The, she looked at me and told me she loved me; and when I tried to respond all that came out was something that sounded like 99 year old chronic smoker trying to catch their breath after a long walk to the mail box.

Love is incomplete unless it is communicated. In order for love to find completion it must be expressed. While I admit that there are many ways to communicate love apart from actually saying it, the fact remains that something is lacking unless it is spoken. Love must be announced. Love must be heard. Whether you are 12 years old with a crush on a girl in class or you are 65 and have been married for 40 years, there is a desire to express the love we have for the other person.

To a large degree this is what is involved in worship. Worship is lavishly expressing to God the affection we have for Him. Worship is telling God we love Him. As a Christian there must be a desire to communicate our heart to God. Psalm 147:1 says, “Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.” Is this your confession? Would you agree with the psalmist that it is good to sing praises of adoration to our God? Do you consider it to be pleasant to tell God you love him? Have you ever considered the fact that it is becoming of a Christian to express their affections to God?

There are many ways to verbally express our love to God, but one of the best and most ancient is through corporate song. This is the most important thing that is to take place when we gather on Sunday mornings. We are to lavishly communicate our affection to God when we gather with one another. The bride (the church) must tell the Groom (Christ) that she loves Him. This is good, pleasant and becoming.

An anthem is a symbolic song of praise, devotion and loyalty. It is a piece of sacred music commemorating a grand event. It memorializes something or someone great. As Christians, when we gather we are to worship by singing anthems to God—songs that express who God is to us and that thank Him for all that He has done for us. We have to sing anthems. This is part of what it means to be Christian. We have to verbally communicate our love to God by antheming His name.

Please come to ANTHEM this Sunday (March 16, 2008) at 7:00 PM in the fellowship hall for a time of praise and worship in which we will lovingly lavish our affection and adoration to God. Come to ANTHEM and communicate your love for God.