My wife and I came to know the Lord through friends who witnessed to us about biblical salvation through Christ alone and not on the merit of our good works. They were the channels used by God to bring us to a Bible-teaching church, for we were both of Catholic background. Early in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, we were part of a contemporary style Bible-believing church, where both of us served and fellowshipped for approximately ten years.

We were led to First Baptist Church of Massapequa, and it was a great blessing to find out that its pastor is an exceptional expositional preacher, which means he does not leave any part of the Scripture out. As we continued to visit this church and hear his sermons, it became apparent to us that he studies and teaches very diligently, which is what pastors are supposed to do as their primary and major role in the church.

 

He is a very sound teacher of the Bible, putting strong emphasis on the original languages used to write both New and Old Testament books and their grammar, which is key to sound doctrine. Equally important, he teaches from an historical setting, another key to understanding past events and practices in the Scripture. In other words, when he teaches he does not rewrite an event to fit our current generation and its culture, but instead brings his listeners’ thoughts to the original event’s setting by clarifying ancient culture that fits the time when the text of Scripture was written.

Warmth and hospitality was not a considering factor for us in deciding which church we were to be a part of, for I know that all churches, in one way or another, have these traits in common. It was how the doctrine and the message were being delivered from the Scripture that made us stay. It is very difficult to find a church that has this kind of non-compromising teaching!

If you are a believer looking for a church and have a longing to grow deeper in the knowledge of Christ and His Word, this church is where you need to be. On the other hand, if you are someone who is still not sure and are in search of spiritual truth, trying different churches, come and join in our services and hear the messages several times. We say, come not just once, because truth is proven by hearing and time, “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

– Butch and Genia

Hello! My name is Lenore and I am a born-again Jew.

There was a time in my life when I was a stubborn-hearted, stiff-necked Jew who could not or never would acknowledge the name of Jesus.

The good Lord used a husband who was a problem drinker to bring me down, to humble me.

After many years of World War III breaking out at any time of the day or night, having absolutely NO peace — so tired of fighting, I left for Florida. I went to visit my sister, who was a believer.

I attended my sister’s church, where I was to meet Jesus. I heard about the beautiful peace of God – the beautiful peace that the world cannot understand: Jesus, Who said, “Come unto me, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke, which is light.”

Can you imagine Jesus wanting to trade places with me, to pay the debt of my sins? I couldn’t believe it! I just knew I wanted that beautiful peace He was offering, and that night I received Jesus as my personal Savior, a decision I have never regretted in the 29 years since.

Bless the Lord, o my soul! He made me a victor and NOT a victim!

 

My mother had always gone to church and took us girls along. But it was a liberal church, the kind where the pastor never preached the whole gospel of being born again as Jesus commanded. During one session of my confirmation class, I asked our pastor if he believed in Noah’s ark or Jonah and the whale. He smiled at me and said, “No.” I didn’t believe it either, but his answer still shocked me.

My mother was invited to a community ladies’ Bible class that took her completely through the Bible. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and said out loud of the Bible, “This book is alive!” Over the years my relationship with Mom became strained over the issues of Jesus, evolution versus creation, and becoming a Christian. She was very annoying even with my friends and this witnessing stuff. A message preached by evangelist Billy Graham touched my conscience, and a booklet from my aunt, “Evolution: Fact or Theory,” put a crack in my heart’s armor. But I didn’t want Mom to know.

My mom’s friend Vicky was a Bible teacher, and Mom set up an appointment for me to visit her one evening. Vicky confronted me with the Scriptures. When I came up with a feeble argument, she always found a Bible verse to answer it. After about two hours, she challenged me to accept Christ’s work on the cross for my sins. I told Vicky to pray for me. She said I had to ask Jesus for myself. Satan was waging battle that evening for my soul: he wanted to keep me in his kingdom. Of course Mom was home praying for me. I remember the long hesitation as the words stuck in my throat, but eventually I stuttered out a prayer, asking God to forgive my sins in Jesus’ name.

I was 18 years old. After driving a few blocks toward home, I pulled to the side of the road and wept tears of relief: my sin was gone! Take a message from me: resisting the Holy Spirit’s working to save and cleanse you is sheer folly. As a teenager, I thought I’d have to give up going to parties and wouldn’t have any fun as a Christian. I learned that joy and truly good times only begin when Christ comes into your daily life!

– Miriam

 

I found a little church on the corner of Clark Avenue.
The sign outside read First Baptist Church, was not sure what I should do.

The people there were oh so kind as they welcomed me from the door.
I felt like I had seen this place not long ago before.

It took me back to a day when a pulpit was in view,
a communion table with God’s open Word — memories I once knew.

There was no band or large, loud drums, no praise singers. In lieu
The pastor came to lead the songs, a virtue I once knew.
Old songs in hymnals in a rack within my reach I drew.

A Bible, too, was there, in case I came to leave mine home.
In this little church so good to have, and follow on my own.

The message that is preached to us is very clear indeed.
God’s Word just opens up my eyes and feeds my every need.

I’ve found a place I’ve longed for much from memories years ago.
Old songs I’ve missed, new friends I’ve found, and fellowship thereto….

So take a turn as I did then, on the corner of Clark Avenue.

Eleanor
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving…with songs of praise!”
Psalm 95:1,2

I want to raise my voice with the psalmist and praise the Lord for his countless blessings. Thanksgiving for anyone who knows Jesus Christ as their personal Savior is more than a special day in November. It is a way of life.

I grew up in a Christian home. That is, both my parents had trusted Christ as their personal Savior and were committed to living for His glory. Love was abundant in such a home, and it was reasonable for me to respond and accept God’s gift of love, salvation through Jesus, at a young age. I have walked with the Lord for many years now and I can honestly say that He is faithful, true to His Word, and has blessed me and my family in ways too numerous to detail here.

Among His greatest blessings to me is my church home and family at First Baptist Church in Massapequa. I value very highly the fellowship I can enjoy with fellow believers at church, as well as the opportunities there for serving the Lord in worship and evangelism. But I especially treasure the clear preaching and teaching of God’s Word our pastor gives us in each and every service. The Bible is God’s written message to us, and I’m thankful to have a pastor who holds the Bible as our authority and guidebook: he doesn’t give us his opinions or personal views, but God’s Word, pure and simple. This is a channel of God’s blessing, as He is free to meet each individual’s needs through the Holy Spirit’s application of the truths, promises, and warnings of His Word. I leave every service having truly feasted on God’s Word, with much to meditate on and apply to my daily life.

Yes, God is good and doing good (Psalm 119:68). I praise and thank Him, and invite you to come and join in the blessings at First Baptist.

– Debbie