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Report from the Rep. (October 2015)

10/15/2015

 
Dear Brethren,
There are still many questions about the charismatic movement and its associated doctrines, even among believers.  Concerns, confusion, and controversies of the movement have prompted both private discussions and public declarations.  Articulate prosperity preachers fill huge stadiums as they build massive empires and amass great wealth.  
In spite of gross doctrinal errors and scandals, mainstream evangelicals have embraced this movement.  Charismatic doctrine has reshaped the Bible, gospel, church, and ministry in the minds of countless evangelical leaders.  These influential pastors promote reliance on subjective experience rather than on the absolute truth of God’s Word.  There is great emphasis on strong emotion, human experience, and personal revelation.  They encourage Christians to listen for God’s voice and to understand, if we are “gospel centered”, it is compatible with Scripture.  
Let’s review and reaffirm our FFBC distinctive on The Charismatic Movement.  We must realize that while the charismatics and their sympathizers emphasize a special work of the Holy Spirit, they are guilty of blaspheming Him.  Their aberrant doctrinal position is rarely challenged today.  It is imperative that we preach and teach with accuracy and clarity the person and ministry of the Third Person of the Godhead.
Many appreciated our Annual Conference at Tri-State in August, and enjoyed the food, fun, and fellowship.  The annual elections were conducted, and our Distinctives were revised, rewritten, and received by the delegates.  They are available on our website.  Thanks to the speakers, workshop leaders, and Tri-State staff for their ministries to us.
We are grateful to our secretary for his faithful work with prayer, news, and praise items.  Ron has also shared with us important fellowship news.  There have been several special situations with members of our FFBC families.  We extend our Christian sympathy to Gary Myers upon the home going of his dear mother.  Please continue to remember Drew Franklin as he battles Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) with chemo treatments at HUP and rest periods at home.  He is the older son of the late Mark and Liz Franklin and was the HBC delegate to conference this year.  
Please remember the winter weekends at Tri-State:  January 15-16 (grades 7-12) and the 22-23 (grades 4-8).  The Sweetheart Getaway is scheduled for February 5-6 with speaker Mike Brown.  Let’s encourage, support, and pray for Chris, Keith, Karen, and all who serve at our camp.  
Mary and I are always grateful for your encouragement and love, and praise the Lord for the privilege to serve with you for the cause of Christ.  I preached at Fellowship Baptist, W. Berlin, in August and for Mike Brown at Kendall Park Baptist in September.  God gave us good services and warm fellowship with the people.
Joyfully serving Christ together,
Terry R. Smith, National Representative

Getting Ready for the Fall

9/1/2015

 
Greetings friends,

We had a great Annual Conference. I trust that you are looking forward to the Fall season at your church as most of our programs get back into full swing.

Some of the wives were interested in having their emails listed in the FFBC phone directory so that they can stay in touch a little better with one another. If you are interested, please send an email to Pastor Rich Archut (pastor@cbcbarrington.com).

The FFBC is considering a Fall Youth Rally in South Jersey for the young people of the FFBC, their friends, and other like-minded churches.  We would plan on this time being a time of fun and fellowship and solid Biblical preaching geared to young people.  If your church would be interested in attending this event this year, please send an email to Frank Sansone (fcsansone@gmail.com) as soon as possible (please no later than September 7) expressing your interest, indicating how many you guess you would be bringing and also indicating any particularly bad dates for the activity - e.g. "XYZ Church is very interested in the Fall Youth Rally and we would probably be bringing about 5-7 teens.  However our teens have a major school function on Saturday, November 7 and would be unlikely to be come on that date."  If we have a decent response and a date can be worked out, we will move forward with this.

While the FFBC is not affiliated with the Harvest Rally in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, it is a good opportunity for our churches to get together with other likeminded teens. This year's speaker is Rand Hummel. The date is September 26th. You can find out more information at www.harvestrallypa.org. It is from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Pastor Frank Sansone has set up a Facebook Discussion Group that is a closed Facebook page. This means anyone who wants to be a part of this group must be invited to join. We are keeping it that way so that we can have a book reading discussion. The address is https://www.facebook.com/groups/895463593864162/

If you have not been invited to join, consider this your invitation and let Pastor Frank Sansone (fcsansone@gmail.com) k
now that you want to be involved.

Our first book discussion will be on the book, "Living on the Edge" by Chip Ingram. If you want to be involved with the book discussion, please purchase the book soon and we will begin going a chapter or two a week. Pastor Steve Snavely will be leading this for us. You must be part of the Facebook Discussion Group page to be part of the Book Discussion.

I trust you will have a wonderful day.

In Christ,

Ron Whitehead, President

2015 Annual Conference Synopsis

8/16/2015

 
This year's annual conference was marked by a tremendously gracious spirit among one another. While we tackled some difficult issues, there was a measure of grace that overruled all of our meetings. We are thankful to the Lord for the working of the Spirit among us. 

God blessed us with a legacy gift from the sale of Hopewell Crest Chapel and we will be using part of the money for capital improvements at Tri-State and the rest will be used to further the ministry of the FFBC. 

Tri-State is currently exploring the possibility of installing solar panels at the camp and we are also working on expanding the dining room. We currently have architectural drawings and we hope to present them to the Township for approval. Our desire is to dedicate this in honor of Dale and Betty Oxley who were missionaries to Japan for over 40 years. 

Dr. E. Allen Griffith officially joined us as a ministerial member of our Fellowship. He has been a great friend of the FFBC and we are excited to have him become part of us in an official capacity.

This year marked Chris & Michelle Jenkins' 10th anniversary at Tri-State. Chris serves as the Director of our camp and he has been doing a wonderful job. We are thankful for his leadership in this vital ministry.

The highlight of our week was the preaching of Pastor Cary Schmidt. God used him in great ways to challenge, convict, and encourage our hearts. 

Our next Annual Conference will be held at Tri-State Bible Camp from August 8-11, 2016.

Report from the Rep

6/26/2015

 
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June 2015

Dear Brethren,

     Paul clearly states the high calling of the Bible teacher/preacher in Romans 1:16:  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:  for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…  This should be the personal conviction of every man who enters the pulpit to declare the Word.  Such a position testifies to his confidence in the power and sufficiency of Biblical truth to transform lives.  His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness (II Pet. 2:1).

     Tragically today, many pastors ignore the sufficiency of the Word and have developed ways to adjust and adapt the Truth to our worldly culture.  May we never adorn, amend, or adjust the Scriptures nor soften or reshape the Gospel to increase its appeal to more people.  Churches are starving spiritually while overdosing on extravagant entertainment.  Let’s avoid the trend away from strong Biblical preaching and reaffirm our commitment to sound Biblical proclamation.

     It’s time for summer camp at Tri-State.  If your young people have not registered for Junior or Teen Camp, please encourage them to consider a week this year.  Pray for Chris, staff, speakers, and campers throughout the summer.  Family Camp is scheduled for August 2-8 with Dr. Allen Griffith.  Our Annual Conference follows from August 10-23 with Cary Schmidt as the keynote speaker.  I encourage all who have annual reports for Secretary Archut to get them to him ASAP.

     Cary Schmidt served as Associate Pastor at Lancaster Baptist Church, Lancaster, CA, for twenty years.  His responsibilities included student and singles ministries.  A cancer survivor, he has written several books.  He became Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Newington, CT, in late 2012.  Cary and his wife Dana have three children.  Men, plan to register now for Annual; it’s always a good week for study, prayer, inspiration, and fellowship.

     President Ron and Secretary Rich have kept us informed with timely fellowship news and church and personal items throughout the year.  One of the highlights was the Rejuvenate Conference held March 20th at Hardingville Bible Church with Dr. Allen Griffith.  Mike Brown and Liz Franklin conducted the workshops.  HBC provided lunch and a catered dinner was enjoyed in the evening at 5. 

     Watch for your credential form, a copy of the election ballot, and the conference program.  Let us continue to pray, plan, and prepare for our Annual Conference at Tri-State in August.   And may we also pray, encourage, and support one another as we serve Christ for the glory of God.

Joyfully serving Christ together,

Terry R. Smith, National Representative

Annual Conference Synopsis

8/22/2014

 
   The 2014 Annual Conference of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches was held on August 11-14, 2014 at Tri-State Bible Camp and Conference Center, Montague, NJ.  This year's Annual was special because it marked the 75th Anniversary of the "walk out" in Atlantic City, NJ, which led to the formation of what is now the FFBC.  This year's Conference was great.  Here are some of the highlights:
   1. The messages preached by Dr. Marty Marriot, president of Maranatha Baptist University were true to the Word of God, timely, and were a great blessing and challenge to us.  He and his wife Miriam also conducted workshops on various topics.
   2. Several of our FFBC men preached messages and/or conducted workshops and all handled the Word of God very well.
   3. Pastor Frank Sansone, in addition to leading the Prayer Time each morning, put together and gave a presentation on the history of our Fellowship.  It was a great reminder of the FFBC's "roots" and several churches, families, and individuals were pictured.  We had to admit, "the camera doesn't lie" as several pictures of "days gone by" were shown.  The challenge remains for us to remain faithful to the Word of God and to increase our efforts to "win this generation" and "prepare the next generation."
   4. There were great times of fellowship and good food - thanks to the Tri-State Staff who served so well and with a great attitude.  Many thanks to Christ Jenkins and all of the Tri-State Staff for their work.
   5. The Business Sessions were well-conducted by our President, Pastor Ron Whitehead.  Much business was discussed; decisions were made; and a spirit of unity prevailed.  Discussion was also held regarding our biblical positions, particularly regarding separation and the permanence of marriage.  One of the key points of discussion was whether or not our position on divorce and remarriage should be a "test of fellowship;" namely, should a pastor or church that holds a slightly different position on divorce and remarriage be allowed join the FFBC.  That particular discussion was tabled until the 2015 Annual Conference.
   6. We adopted three resolutions this year:
     -2014 Resolution #1 "Reflecting on 75 Years as a Fellowship of Churches"
     -2014 Resolution #2 "Biblical Creationism, Not Up for Debate"
     -2014 Resolution #3 "A Call to Moral Purity and Protection in the Church"
   7. Discussion was held regarding a possible expansion of the dining hall and naming in memory of Dale Oxley.  Also discussed was the possibility of constructing a gymnasium/all-purpose building and naming it in memory of Dr. Mark Franklin.  More information, discussion, etc., will follow as the Lord directs and provides.
   8. The decision was made to merge the Fundamental Bible Institute with Keystone School of Biblical Theology.  Those men who have taught in the FBI are invited to teach at KSBT and we anticipate a good relationship as KSBT seeks to continue to train men and women in the Word of God and to help prepare men for ministry.

   Overall, it was a great Annual Conference.  It is our sincere desire to have more pastors and delegates attend and participate in the future.  we appreciate and need your input!  May our great God continue to help us to be faithful to Him and to His Word; and, may He greatly bless the ministry of the FFBC.

  -Pastor Gary Myers, Vice President 

Merger of FBI & KSBT

8/21/2014

 
At our recent Annual Conference, the FFBC approved a merger between Fundamental Bible Institute (FBI) and Keystone School of Biblical Theology (KSBT). The FBI was started many years ago for the purpose of training men for the ministry. Our specific target group was men who were called later in life and who had families and full-time jobs and needed the flexibility to be taught in a more convenient manner. Our goal was to be able to eventually take FBI to online courses. In our quest to do this, we never were able to accomplish this task. KSBT already has this option in place and two of our Executive Committee members sit on the board. Through this merger, KSBT has graciously invited our current FBI instructors to inquire about teaching with them. They also will accept and transfer all credits that have been earned through FBI. We believe that this will be a great blessing to all involved. KSBT is a ministry under the authority of Open Door Baptist Church of Lebanon, Pennsylvania where Craig Griffith is the Pastor.

Matching Gift

8/16/2014

 
An anonymous foundation has offered to match any gifts that Tri-State receives (up to $4,100) for the repair of several sections of the driveway. For those who have been there in recent days, you know that this is in very bad shape. To date, we have raised a little over $2,000. We have until August 30th to receive any funds that are able to be matched. Would you be willing to help? You can send a gift to Tri-State Bible Camp, 2 River Road, Montague, NJ 07827. Be sure to mark your gift for the driveway repair. You can also donate online at: www.tristatebiblecamp.org.

Sale of Hopewell Crest Chapel

8/16/2014

 
We praise the Lord that we have entered into an agreement with the Hopewell Township Board of Education to purchase the church building, parsonage and land for $250,000. While there is an agreement in place, it is contingent upon the residents of Hopewell Township to approve this transaction during the November elections. Would you pray with us that this would be approved and that we would be able to use this tremendous gift to further the cause of Tri-State Bible Camp and the Fellowship of Fund

Weekend Help Needed!

11/25/2013

 
Have you ever considered helping out at the camp for a weekend retreat?  Not only do we have our
own camps and retreats, but there are also a number of other groups who rent our facilities 
throughout the year.  If you know how to wash dishes and cut vegetables there are no other skills
required.  If you would be willing to serve in the kitchen, dining room, or some other capacity for a 
Help would arrive at start of retreat (Fri. by 7 PM) and leave after cleanup, approximately 8 PM (retreats end Sat. by 6 PM).  Please contact the camp or Chuck Green if interested in helping in this fashion.

TSBC   (973) 293-3522 
Chuck Green -  3greens  at   cleaninter.net 

Upcoming Retreats and Helpers Needed
Dates
January 17-18
January 24-25
February 7-8
April 4-5
April 11-12
Event
Winter Weekend 1
Winter Weekend 2
Sweethearts Getaway
Ladies Retreat 1
Ladies Retreat 2
Helpers Needed
6+
6+
6+
6+
6+

Truth Bible Church holds a special "Dedication Sunday"

11/14/2013

 
Truth Bible Church of Alloway, NJ held a special "Dedication Sunday" on 
November 10th to dedicate their new building and parsonage to the Lord.

Truth Bible Church began in 2006 as a result of a burden by Pastor Mark Franklin to plant a church in the Alloway/Mannington area.
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In March of 2013, Truth Bible Church purchased the property of an existing church in the heart of Alloway.  Both the church and the parsonage needed considerable amounts of work. In June of 2013, the first services were held at the new building, while the church family continued to work hard at fixing up the rest of the building.  After several months of hard work by many, the church family was able to rejoice together in God's great goodness and provision. 

For the Dedication Sunday on November 10, special services were held at 11 am and 1:30 pm. During the morning service, Pastor David Field preached a message titled "Great God of Wonders."  During the morning service, there was also a time of testimony and special music. 

For the afternoon service around 120 were packed into the church (a number came from Hardingville Bible Church - the parent church). In addition to several hymns and special music numbers, there was a DVD, a testimony from a deacon, a dedication prayer, and a message from Pastor Terry Smith.

Truth Bible Church has seen God work in remarkable ways; it has not always been easy. They are trusting the Lord to use the new property to reach the lost and teach believers the truth of God's Word."
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