I believe that Mark is definitely God’s man with God’s message for our time,’ says Pastor
By L.A. Williams, Correspondent
Christian Action League
LOUISBURG — Members and visitors at Sandy Creek Baptist called on the Lord to bring revival to their hearts, to His church and to the nation this past week during a series of five services led by the Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League.
“I believe that Mark is definitely God’s man with God’s message for our time,” said the Rev. Joel Story, pastor at Sandy Creek, a member of the Tar River Baptist Association. “He gave a clarion call to the individual, the church and the government.”
Focusing on Hosea 10:12 and comparing today’s moral climate to that of the days of the prophet, the Rev. Creech challenged the Franklin County congregation to examine themselves, confess their sins, humble themselves and pray.
“To break up the fallow ground is to bring the heart into such a state that it is fitted to receive the Word of God and the blessed rain of revival,” he said. “Millions are seeking to use the Cross of Christ simply as a fire escape from Hell, while sailing through life unbroken, unrepentant and unyielded.”
He followed the Sunday morning message with a word about forgiveness that night from Luke 7:36-50. True forgiveness enables us to “love, accept and forgive others that have deeply hurt us because we know how much God has forgiven us,” he said.
Rev. Story said each message touched the hearts of his people and he would recommend Creech as a speaker for any church or organization looking for inspiration and direction from God’s word.
Continuing to point people to the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Rev. Creech on Monday examined Christ’s claim that He is the “the door” to salvation and liberty.
“Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross makes people free – free from the enslaving power of sin – free from sin’s penalty, which is death and judgment,” he said, going further to explain that the freedom is not only an internal one.
“Wherever Christianity has become a vital force in the world, freedom and liberty have expanded. The principles that shaped stable democratic republics in the West
grew out of the hearts of those who embraced the internal liberty they knew in Christ,” Creech said. “Our nation is in peril today because there is a disconnect between the principles of Christianity and the principles of civil government.”
Rev. Story said the revival sermons were all powerful messages that were both pertinent and timely.
“I firmly believe our country was founded on Judeo Christian values and I’m afraid we’re turning away from those,” he said. “But I’m glad God is raising up people like Mark to help put us back on the right course.”
He said Christians can’t compartmentalize their faith but must apply it to every aspect of life, including government, an issue on the forefront Tuesday night with a sermon outlining “God’s Requirements for the State.”
Using Romans 13:1-7, the Rev. Creech laid out the Bible’s description of the role of civil government: one that ensures justice for all, has a limited and modest role, is fiscally responsible, maintains the separation of powers and encourages religion and morals.
“I think all of our churches ought to hear the message that I heard on Tuesday night,” said the Rev. Butch Gordon, pastor at Samaria Baptist in Middlesex. He accompanied his choir to the revival where they had been invited to sing.
Rev. Gordon grew up at Sandy Creek and said some two dozen members of his church who attended Tuesday night enjoyed the service.
The revival meetings ended Wednesday with a message of encouragement from Matthew 16:13-18.
“Never fear that the powers of hell will prevail. Let us put away all erroneous notions that we are less than conquerors through Him that loved us — that the object of Christ’s mission is simply changed hearts and not a changed world — that our labors in the Lord are somehow in vain,” the Rev. Creech said. “Let us put away the sins that so easily beset us and run the race before us.”
The Rev. Story said this is the third time he has invited the Rev. Creech to speak at his church and that he had heard only positive comments from those who attended the revival.
You can read more about what folks who heard the sermons had to say in the comments below.
To find out how to bring the Rev. Creech to your church, call (919) 787-0606. Or write:
Email: office@christianactionleague.org
Address: 809 Spring Forest Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
Comments about the Revival Services
Sandy Creek Baptist Church
Louisburg, North Carolina
April 25-28, 2010
Bread Up the Fallow Ground
“The Church and Christians have got to repent and return to God for a true revival in our hearts, God’s church and our nation”
“This is the sermon that meant the most. My ground has been fallow and this softened my heart and made me realize how much I need revival.”
“It takes a soft heart that is bent toward God to have true revival”
“I realize that I must stay in God’s Word and in his fellowship and not become stagnant. If I allow myself to become like fallow ground; I will not produce any fruit (cannot produce any fruit) for the Lord.”
“I feel this message told me to check myself in my walk with God and to remember who I am and who God is.”
Forgiven
“I have got to forgive people who I think have hurt me, as well as ask forgiveness from those I have hurt in order to receive forgiveness from God.”
“I wish that I could have heard this one. I heard that it was great!”
“All that I am and have that is worth anything is because I have been forgiven!”
“We all too often take things for granted; even the greatest gift we could have ever have been given. How? I’m forgiven much.”
“We must forgive ourselves and those who are around us. God has forgiven me so much.”
The Door to Salvation and Liberty
“Every Christian and American and lost person should hear this sermon. When you view Jesus as the door then you are reminded that Jesus is not lifted up as he should be. Thank you for reminding us who Jesus really is despite what the world says.”
“I must surrender to the will of God before I can be truly free.”
God’s Requirements for the State
“This sermon should be heard by every member of the U.S. Congress and the State Legislators, the Federal and State Judiciary, and the President of the U.S.”
“God requires that the government promote God and His ways among all so that both the government and people may prosper before Him.”
“We as Christians have failed to stand and fight for our morals, rights, and allowed the government to become more than what God ordained. We must do our part and let our voices be heard.”
“Our government needs to follow God’s Word. We must know what God’s Word says and check our people who are running for office.”
The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail
“We must keep telling God’s message of Jesus Christ. Never give up…We are to go boldly.”
“Keep the faith. Keep on fighting for victory is ours through Jesus Christ!”
“Christians exercising true faith in God Almighty cannot be overcome by the forces of hell. A fired-up believer with a five gallon bucket of water can charge hell and prevail.”
“Thank you…for bringing a message of God’s promises.”
“Christianity will prevail. A message of encouragement for Christians.”
“Christianity will go forward – with or without America! Jesus Christ will prevail. I must follow Jesus.”