PASTOR NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2025
Mountains and Valleys
As I begin typing this newsletter, another Power 4 conference head football coach was relieved of his duties. There are currently ten major college football programs who have fired their coaches during the 2025 season. I can’t remember a time when so many head coaches have been let go in the middle of a campaign, but that says a great deal about the pressures to succeed in a sport where not making the playoffs is seen as a losing season, no matter what the season record winds up.
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I had the privilege of coaching high school athletics for two decades, and I certainly enjoyed seasons of triumph. A state championship, multiple playoff wins, and regular seasons full of victories were blessings I was able to enjoy because of many young women and men who loved the sport they played and tried to be a champion in practice and in competition. Yet there were also times in those years where the effort was there from the players, but the victories were not as frequent. I learned, as most sports fans should understand, that there will always be mountains and valleys when it comes to team success.
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The Bible speaks of those mountains and valleys when it comes to our personal lives as well. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” God promises His strength to help us stand in those times when temptations come, when health fails, or when relationships sour. We are going to have trials in life, but the Lord is with us, encouraging and sustaining us as we continue to live our lives for Him.
We are blessed when we have times of gladness and peace in our lives, and those are to be celebrated with family and friends. When Ellis was saved a few weeks ago, she called family members to tell them of her decision. Needless to say, everyone was filled with joy. Yet as much as we celebrate the mountaintop experiences with those closest to us, we must first give glory and honor to the Lord, for He is the author of all that is good in our lives. Psalms 136:1 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” In the valley or on the mountaintop, God is worthy to be praised. He loves us and is gracious and merciful to us. He is a good God, and He is always and forever God. Hallelujah!!
Upcoming Events!
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November 9: Dr. Keith Wrenn will be preaching during the Sunday morning service.
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November 19: Operation Christmas Child packing party in the FLC at 6:30 p.m.
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November 26: No Wednesday evening services. Happy Thanksgiving!!
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December 2: Feeding the Crossville basketball teams. Time will be announced soon.
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December 11: Crossville bands will be performing their Christmas concert.
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December 17: Candlelight service with the Lord’s Supper.
FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK
Liberty Baptist Church is now in its 123rd year of ministry in the Painter community. What a testimony to the faithful men and women who faithfully served the Lord for all these years. What a testimony to the pastors who faithfully preached the Word of God, shepherding the flock and guarding them against false teaching that could have destroyed this or any congregation that is not doctrinally sound. I have been a part of many churches in my fifty-eight years of life, and I can tell you that there is indeed something special about this body of believers.
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The apostle Paul cared for all the churches that he planted through his various missionary journeys. As he writes to the church in Thessalonica in the letter we call 1 Thessalonians, we see several elements that describe a healthy church. These are the attributes that should be present in all congregations. I pray that as I look at those elements for just a few moments, you will be encouraged as you consider how blessed we are as a church family.
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As Paul mentions the prayers that he and his brothers in Christ lift up for Thessalonica, he shares three attributes immediately. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 “remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,” First the apostle notes the church’s work of faith. When individuals receive Christ as Savior and Lord by grace through faith, these born again believers will become engaged in Kingdom service. They will use their spiritual gifts to serve the Lord in some area in the church as well as in their daily testimony. Our faith in Christ will lead to service that gives Him honor and glory.
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Not only does Paul describe our service as a work of faith, he also describes it as a labor of love. Think for a moment about the time that we invest in Kingdom work. Just at our church, we have community outreaches through our car show, VBS, our Back to School bash, our Fall Festival, and all the school ministries we are involved in. We do it not for the recognition or the praise; instead, we do it because we love our community and want to see the lost saved and the downtrodden be encouraged for a season. No matter the time, the energy, or the resources necessary, it is a blessing to work hard for Jesus to reach others with the Gospel.
What does all of this work eventually lead to? It is our patience of hope for the time when we see Jesus face to face. It doesn’t matter if that happens via the Rapture or our physical death, for in either scenario, Christians will be in the presence of Christ for all eternity. Jesus is indeed coming soon, but until that time comes, we trust in Scripture and keep on working for the Lord. I am thankful that Liberty has these attributes. Rejoice in the Lord!
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Blessings from the Pastor’s Desk!