Benjamin Franklin exerted an enormous influence on the eventual shape of the American republic. Though he was not a Christian, Franklin was no enemy of religion. When the Constitutional Convention of 1787 bogged down over the issue of representation in the new Congress, Franklin called a halt to the rancor and implored his fellows to turn their faces to God for assistance. His motion failed—Alexander Hamilton feared that a resort to prayer would signal desperation in the Convention—but the truth and eloquence of Franklin’s words is undeniable.

 The First Baptist Church of Perryville will have their church picnic on Saturday, August 14 at McCoy’s Farm Pavilion from Noon till 4 PM. Bring any type of large covered dish or dessert.   Hot dogs, hamburgers, (hopefully) chicken, drinks, condiments, plastic ware, and paper products will be provided. Please help us to have sufficient meat. RSVP is a must to attend.  RSVP to Terri at fbcp1@verizon.net by August 9.

  The Apostle John commanded believers to “love one another, for love is from God” (1 John 4:7). Indeed, while non-Christians can and do exhibit kindness, the only source of pure, selfless compassion is to experience the saving love of God in Jesus Christ. And this truth is particularly evident on the continent of Africa, where ordinary believers are combating poverty, AIDS, and spiritual darkness with Christian compassion. Examples abound.

  9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. James 1:9-11 (ESV)

Pastor John Scripture Reference: Romans 15:14-29

Dr. Andrew Flagg Scripture Reference: Romans 15:14-29

  On August 7, 1948, the testimony of a “portly, graying, rumpled magazine editor”1 shook the United States Congress. Their fears were proven true: Communists had infiltrated the highest levels of the American government.

Augustine’s first literary work as bishop was a two-book reply to certain questions about biblical interpretation sent to him by Ambrose’s successor, Simplician, who had previously mentored Augustine during a time of spiritual distress.

   In the spring of 2008, reports of bribery were blossoming throughout the world. In China, Zhou Liangluo, a former Beijing district chief, was sentenced to death for accepting U.S. $2.37 million for special favors to ten companies.1 In Russia, financial watchdog Sergei Smirnov was charged with extorting U.S. $21,000 from a corrupt businessman caught in an audit.2 In the U.S., Tony Rezko was convicted on 16 counts of trading political influence for money in Illinois.3 Indeed, bribery is so pervasive that one might be tempted to cave in to the practice, believing there is no alternative.

Pastor John Scripture Reference: II Timothy 2:1-13