"If" - A Powerful Word!

A one word title for a message preached by Bro. Tom at Mt. Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Odd, WV on Sunday August 29th, 2010 .  "If" - in John 11 verse 21 Martha questioned the Lord immediately ". . . Lord, if thou had been here, my brother had not died."  Bro. Tom presented her as almost beligerant or resentful to the Lord - that her brother died because the Lord had not come on time.  Opening the picture that Martha had no more hope for her brother.  Then in verse 32 he showed us Mary, humble dropping to the Lord's feet saying ". . . Lord, if thou had been here, my brother had not died."  Still using the doubtful "if" word, but with an entirely different spirit.  Then in verse 40 he shows us how Jesus Himself used that small word, "if" when He said, ". . . if thou wouldst believe, thou shouldst see the glory of God?" 

One small word, but used so powerfully in three different ways.  Bro. Tom showed us IF in reconciling.  If we have reconcilation with the Lord, each other, our situations, circumstances, no matter what is causing conflict, if we reconcile the Lord can use us.  IF we reconcile then we can reap....  If in reaping of souls and causes for Christ God will receive the honor and Glory!  Are we reaping for Him?  Then the 3rd point of - the  IF of revival.  Not just a revival of people and a place but a revival of the heart so that we can affect people and places.  Do we believe as Christ questioned Martha in verse 40?  ". . . if thou wouldst believe, thou shouldst see the glory of God?"   If we do we WILL see the glory of God.  It is our desire that We will be IF believers so that we can see the glory of God in our ministries of B.A.T.A. Missionary Fellowship and FBC Publications & Printing.  Missionaries serving America and around the world through the preaching of God's Word from the pulpit and the printed page.