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Most of the time when the scripture is read "And the two shall become one flesh" = latter portion of Matthew 19:5 = a wedding is taking place. In Acts 2, scripture talks of being in one mind and one accord. In these times of waste everywhere you look, two churches in this little portion of the panhandle of Florida and Alabama have decided to do both of the above. Most of the time the only thought in churches' mind is to split or to build a big building and go into debt when problems arise. But not these two body of believers!
Clear Springs Baptist church and First Baptist church of Florala decided to seek the Lord for His will in the problems facing each body of believers. Clear Springs was rapidly running out of room and needed to build but the cost was just astronomical. Florala First had lost its pastor and had also begun to be swallowed up by their huge building. The Lord's will was for these two body of believers to come together as "one flesh" and to be in one mind and one accord.
After much prayer and seeking the Lord's guidance as well as numerous meetings of the various committees and Directors of Missions of both associations (Okaloosa County in Florida and Covington County in Alabama) on February 7, 2010 they came together as one. During the morning worship service Florala First Baptist called as their pastor, Brother Charlie Lennard (and wife Linda). Then the invitation was given for salvation or joining of the church at which time approximately 61 members came forward and joined Florala First Baptist. This Sunday was not only marked with 125 in attendance for Sunday school and over 170 for worship service but a huge dinner was provided hosted by Florala First Baptist. Both congregations, now one body of believers marching forward in the Army of God in this community, were elated and so richly blessed to be together as one body. The choir of some 38 members provided special music resulting in a standing ovation - God so blessed us all. Then Interim Pastor Brother James Pickron gave a short message from Joshua and then new Pastor Brother Charlie Lennard provided some more encouraging and challenging words from the same chapter of Joshua. God be praised as this newly joined body of believers march forward for the Kingdom of God.
We know we have a huge challenge ahead of us but as scripture tells us: in Romans 8:31-35 (King James Version) "
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"
We know that we are in the will of God and He will move us forward through much prayer on our part and working against the powers of evil and darkness. We are so richly blessed.
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