Suck Creek Baptist Church

Suck Creek Baptist Church Suck Creek Baptist Church
Lifting... Loving... Living Jesus!

12/10/2021

Join in celebrating Christmas with us Sunday night, December 19th, as we'll be having a Christmas concert by Marcellus Scott. After the service we'll join together for a time of Food and Fellowship. Bro. Marcellus has a beautiful voice, and his music is always such a Blessing for us. The service begins at 6:00 p.m. (EST) and we're located at 2721 Suck Creek Road. Hope to see you there!

07/09/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“I beheld a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before The Throne, and before The Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands…” Revelation 7:9

If you've ever moved from one city, school, or job to another city, school, or job, you know how you can miss people from where you've been, even while growing to love the people and things in your new place. In this world it seems that we always miss someone or something, wherever we are currently. There’s often a memory of someone or a reminder of something for us.

In the book of Revelation, the apostle John gets somewhat of a “sneak peek” into Heaven and sees that one day everything and everyone will be brought together in perfect harmony. Indeed, no one will be missing, and nothing will be out of place.

We can only imagine what it will be like with Believers coming together in Heaven from different countries and cultures with differing preferences and practices, all meshing together in an interesting correlation of unity.

In music alone, for example, there will be the rhythms of African music, the solemnity of European worship, the joyful praise of the Filipino culture, the majesty of American choirs, and so much more. All aspects of life and living merging together equally as well.

What a joyous excitement it will be to be united with all the Saints from around the world, each one Redeemed by Faith in Jesus Christ. And best of all, The Lamb, Jesus Christ Himself, will be there. We'll finally get to see His smile of satisfaction.

But today, we’re still here on earth. There are some who should be in Heaven, who we want in Heaven, but who are still missing. Let us leave the comfort of the fold to go out seeking the lost!

07/08/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“O taste and see that The LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Psalm 34:8

Many years ago, when we were younger and were being treated to a rare special dessert, my sister and I often held a repetitive conversation that went something like this: "You know what this tastes like?" one of us would ask. "No, what?" said the other. "This tastes like . . . MORE!" And together, with huge smiles on our faces, we held out our plates or bowls for MORE. The dessert was so good, even though we were full, we still had to have more!

I wonder, is that how we feel about our relationship with God? The famous preacher, Jonathan Edwards once wrote, "Another distinguishing feature of gracious affections, is that the more they are heightened, the greater will be the spiritual appetite and longing of the soul." As knowledge of the Love of God grows within us, our Love for God deepens… “it tastes like MORE!”

Edwards makes four observations:
First of all, Spiritual enjoyments are such that those who find them realize they are incomparably satisfying.
Second, Spiritual enjoyments satisfy the expectation of the appetite. The more they are anticipated, the more they are enjoyed.
Third, the gratification and pleasure of Spiritual enjoyments is permanent.
Fourth, Spiritual good always satisfies the soul to whatever degree the soul is able to enjoy it.

Edwards added, “There is always room enough for the soul to expand itself, until it becomes like an infinite ocean. Spiritual good is so satisfying that the more the soul tastes of it and knows its nature, the more it will desire" … to have MORE!

It’s certainly not uncommon for people to want “more” today,
more prosperity, more possessions, more pleasures, more
prestige, but do you have a longing desire for MORE… of God?!

07/07/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you…” John 13:34

You may be familiar with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the Sherlock Holmes detective series. He also authored a lesser-known book called The White Company. It’s about English knights fighting in France and Spain during the Middle Ages, quite an exciting adventure! But readers today, may wonder why the English knights were always looking for other famous knights to “cross swords” with or to charge at on horseback and “break a spear.” It was basically done as a fulfillment of honor, and not particularly to fight a hated enemy. It’s an early and intriguing version of many of our current athletic competitions.

Defending honor, or fighting for honor, often more popular in other cultures than our own, may certainly, be puzzling for some of us to understand in today’s society, although there are various societies today, in which honor is the main ideal. By comparison, and in contrast, societies that are strongly influenced by Christ, such as Churches, Church Ministries, or individual Christians, Love is the central ideal promoted or the ultimate goal pursued.

Sadly, however, we don’t always live up to our ideals, i.e., the ideals or goals of Christ. That doesn’t alter the fact that they’re definitely, the ideals or goals we’re to aim for, as noted in today’s text. And we must be careful not to lose sight of our goals or get confused about our ideals. For example, if we think Love is basically, just a romantic emotion that’s only useful during dating and courtship, we may wake up one day and realize that we never really knew what Love truly is.

The essence of Love is seen and shown in giving, and that giving will often involve sacrifice. Jesus demonstrated this by His own selfless example of the ultimate sacrifice: His Life (John 10:11, 18). Love is costly, directed toward the blessing and benefit of others (I Corinthians 13:1-8a, 13). It’s not preoccupied with itself or with its own self-comfort, honor, reputation, pleasure, or satisfaction.

Do we Love like that? We should, and thankfully, Christ does!

07/06/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“That we henceforth be no more children… but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things…” Ephesians 4:14-15

A child’s proper and progressive growth is always of great concern to parents, whether their children are babies, young children, or teenagers. Naturally, it can be hard for parents to watch a child struggling to grow and develop properly, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This was highlighted for me several days ago as I listened to a young mother fretting that her child wasn’t talking “like other children” the same age.

But it’s just as difficult, maybe even more so, for our Heavenly
Father to watch us – His children of Faith – faltering in our Spiritual growth into Christlikeness.

Paul once lamented that the Corinthian Believers weren’t maturing Spiritually as they should have been when he told them, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready” (1 Corinthians 3:2). Peter, likewise, addressed the need for Spiritual growth among all Believers (I Peter 2:1-2). Some of the obvious signs of Spiritual immaturity are jealousy and quarreling (1 Corinthians 3:3), being confused by false teaching (Ephesians 4:14), and failing to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14).

Committing your life to Jesus Christ may take just a moment, but Spiritual Growth is a lifelong process that takes place in stages, much like our educational growth in school. As Peter puts it, we need Faith, and then, we grow in goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love (II Peter 1:3-7). As time goes on, faithful Believers will grow toward maturity in each of these qualities, thus bringing pleasure to our Heavenly Father.

So, how Spiritually mature are you? And no matter how much you’ve already grown Spiritually, do you still desire to grow?
Since God desires our continual growth, so should we!

07/05/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“Now, therefore, be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me (into slavery): because God sent me before you to preserve life.” Genesis 45:5

Joseph’s story contains all the drama of one of today’s reality television programs. In a shocking revelation, he exposed the truth about what had become of him. The “misfit” whom his brothers had sold into slavery had become a powerful ruler in Egypt! WOW! Now, that’s an intriguing plotline for sure.

So, what would happen after the tables were turned, and Joseph was in control? His brothers, who had earlier plotted his death, before engaging the “convenient” services of passing slave traders, were now at his mercy, and understandably, they were scared to death! In fact, the brothers were so terrified, they were unable to even answer Joseph (Genesis 45:3). That must have been a real “deer in the headlights” moment! They had lived their lives for so long in guilt, deception, shame, and denial, yet now, came the moment of truth and accountability.

Fortunately, for the brothers, Joseph wasn’t focused on revenge but on grace. He was well aware of how God had been working in his life all along, through all the trauma and troubles, the deceits and discouragements (Genesis 45:5-8). Joseph definitely had some time to consider his situation, and his conclusion was this: God put me here, and therefore, He has a plan for my life. Joseph could see how the difficulties in his life prepared him for the leadership position he now held. He could see how it was God who had protected him and guided him throughout all his experiences: good and bad, right and wrong.

How has God been working in your life, even in the distasteful and devastating times? As we mentor others, we should share glimpses of what we've seen of God’s Faithfulness in our lives, equipping us for the challenges we have faced and the opportunities we’ve been given. God uses both the good and the bad for the greater good, and for His ultimate Glory (Jeremiah 29:10-14; Romans 8:28).

Why not tell someone today, how God has been, in the past – and
currently is, in the present– working in your life! No doubt, it’s a story well worth telling!

07/04/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Congratulations, America, on 245 years of Independence! Thinking about that admirable blessing, however, should cause us to wonder what exactly our “Independence” means today. Unlike its original intent, our “Independence” today, has little to do with Independence from England’s oppressive rule, or from that of any country for that matter.

I fear that our attitude of and affection for “Independence” has sadly morphed into a desire for “Independence” from God, God’s Word, and God’s Will. Now, I’m well aware that many would debate the extent or even deny the existence of God’s involvement in our nation’s founding. But that argument is truly hard to defend, especially in consideration of all the ways our nation and its people have visibly demonstrated and vocally defended such involvement of God in the past and our dependence on God’s Grace in our foundation and His Guidance in our formation.

It’s the nature of all people to seek to be “independent” of the rules, restrictions, regulations, and requirements of those in authority over us. In a way, it’s a reflection of the “shadow of Sovereignty” we possess as being created “in the image of God”. Indeed, children seek “independence” from parents, citizens from governments, and yes, people from God. The reason for this “natural desire” is found in an understanding of Sin in our lives. Sin, in its original context and on-going conduct is a purposeful and passionate rebellion against the authority of God, which therefore, pushes us to pursue and promote an “Independence” from God.

As we celebrate our nation’s “Independence” today, let’s not celebrate losing our essential “Dependence” on Almighty God. After all, as Jesus tells us in God’s Word, it’s only when we truly “know The Truth that we will be totally set free” from the entanglements of Sin’s deceptive bo***ge of Spiritual slavery (John 8:34).

07/03/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“Jesus came… preaching The Gospel of The Kingdom of God, saying: repent ye, and believe The Gospel.” Mark 1:14-15

The word we translate as “Gospel” means “Good News!” Without a doubt, “Good News” is truly exciting, normally triggering joyful responses of cheers, applause, and “high fives.” Picture football fans reacting to a surprise touchdown in the overtime period of a championship game. (Any memories come to mind?) Or, more importantly, picture a cancer patient being declared “Cancer Free!” Now, that certainly is good news!

But we don’t always have “Good News” in mind when we read the Bible. Often, we read the Bible more like a book of “good advice” than it truly is, one of “Good News”. Or it may, at times, seem more like a stern warning or an important restriction.

When our reading of Scripture sounds like anything other than “Good News”, it’s usually a sign that we’re not reading very attentively or affectionately. The Bible tells us what God has done to fix a problem that we could never fix on our own, the problem being Sin. While the Bible describes what we should do in response to what God has done, the main point of the story isn’t what WE need to do, but rather what GOD has already done. The burden of pleasing God has been taken off our shoulders and transferred to Christ’s. And that is definitely “Good News” for anyone who has ever felt burdened!

There are really only two ways to respond to the Bible. One is to say, “I’ll try harder.” That’s usually how people respond to good advice. The other is to humbly and honestly say, “Thank you.” That’s how people should respond to receiving "Good News".

When you read The Bible (which hopefully, you do), what do you find: just some good advice or the joyful “Good News” of God’s Eternal Love and Saving Grace?

07/02/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

We tend to think of being “busy” as something that’s positive, maybe even a compliment, especially when we consider some of the contrasts, like being “idle” or “lazy.” But we shouldn’t always assume that mere “busyness” is always a virtue. Now, I’m not, of course, abdicating that Christians not be busy serving God and others, but I am suggesting a cautious balance. Could it be that our “busyness” is actually a sign of doubt rather than devotion?

We should be thankful that many Believers are busy for the Lord. Giving of ourselves in devoted service to God’s Kingdom is an essential part of the Believer’s Life and Love. But mere “busyness” alone does not equal faithfulness in the Christian life.

In a time of great social upheaval and national crisis, God urged His people to simply “be still” and know that He was indeed, then, and will always be, Almighty God, all-powerful and always present. Twice in Psalm 46, God’s people heard the assurance that the Lord Almighty was with them. He would be their comfort and mighty fortress. The key to experiencing that assurance, however, would be to approach God with a stilled heart and quiet trust.

When we withdraw from our busy lives to spend time with God, we find ourselves enjoying the reality and reward of His Presence and Peace. While we are not called by God to be lazy or idle, neither are we called to a life of non-stop activity or endless service. Even Jesus, on one occasion, after the disciples returned from a time of busy, active ministry, invited them to “come aside into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:30-31).

God’s invitation to “be still” unlocks for us the joy of knowing Him more fully. Let's take some time to rest… in God’s Presence!

07/01/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“Jesus saith unto them, Children, have you any meat? They answered Him, No … Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine.” John 21:4–13

British Petroleum's CEO, Tony Heyward, watched as oil washed up on the once-clean Gulf of Mexico beaches following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill catastrophe. The sticky sheen was destroying the livelihood of many people and would seriously taint wildlife for years to come. Heyward immediately knew he’d “blown it” after blurting out in a TV interview that he “wanted his life back”, rather than expressing concern for making things right for the people truly and traumatically affected by the disastrous oil spill. Later, the cameras found him later doing the one thing he loved: sailing.

No one had to tell Peter he had “blown it” with Jesus. Just a few days earlier he had claimed that he – unlike the others – would never betray Jesus and would even die for Him if necessary (John 13:31-38). But when Jesus was arrested and people pointed to Peter as one of Jesus’ disciples, he quickly changed tunes, denying having any association with or awareness of Jesus (John 18:15-27).

Later, while waiting for Jesus to meet them in Galilee (Matthew 28:10), Peter and some of the other disciples went back to the one thing they knew and loved best: fishing. But to their surprise and sorrow, they came up empty.

Then someone on the shore offered some advice and another chance to “get it right”. If you’re like me, you probably don’t get too excited whenever someone offers unsolicited advice. The disciples could have easily picked up their nets, called it a day, and headed home. But instead, they listened, swallowed their pride and obeyed, and as a result, got a miraculous catch of fish. Suddenly, they knew it wasn't just some guy on shore offering advice but it was actually Jesus. After that, Jesus invited the disciples to join Him for breakfast.

So, have you ever “blown it” with Jesus? Do you think because
of it that He won’t welcome you back, won’t forgive you, won’t accept you, or won’t bless you? Well, one thing is absolutely certain, Jesus will never give up on you – or – on any one of us.

06/30/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“But God… who is rich in mercy… hath raised us up together and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His Grace in His Kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-9

WOW! What an absolutely awesome passage of Scripture and such a wonderful Truth to consider. All that God does for us is through His amazing Grace and abundant Mercy, extended through His matchless Love and unending Kindness.

And as if what He’s already done for us and is continually doing for us every day isn’t enough, we’re told that “in the ages to come,” that is, when we’re in Heaven with Him, He will “show us the exceeding riches of His Grace”! What?! How much greater, more wonderful, and far superior could those demonstrations of His Grace possibly be over what we’ve already seen and experienced and treasured?

It’s no wonder that the apostle Paul once wrote that “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of people the things that God has prepared for those who Love Him!” (I Corinthians 2:9). At least, we’ll have all Eternity to enjoy the Presence and Pleasures of Almighty God bestowed upon us by His infinite Grace.

Understandably, none of us deserve any of the wonderful Blessings of life received through God’s Grace, but thankfully, through our Faith in His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can freely, fully, and forever access them. “For by Grace are you Saved through Faith, that not of yourselves, it is the Gift of God, not of (human) works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Have you reached out to God in Faith in response to His amazing Grace? If not, do so today, and if you have, thank Him, and enjoy Him forever!

06/29/2021

Pastor Kellogg’s ‘Morning Meditation’
“God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

The apostle Paul invested a lot of time and effort in discipling and developing the Church at Ephesus. His preaching of the Gospel and heartfelt pastoring had led many people to trust in Christ and thus to live transformed lives. The Church also spread, growing in several surrounding cities. But when Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he heard of controversies and conflicts springing up among the Ephesian Church family. Therefore, he dispatched his trusted colleague and spiritual son Timothy to address the problems troubling the Believers (I Timothy 1:1-4).

In his second letter of encouragement to Timothy highlighting the challenging ministry before him, Paul gives a wonderful picture of being a Peacemaker (2 Tim. 2:22-26):

“Flee the evil desires of youth.”
“Pursue Righteousness, Faith, Love and Peace.”
“Avoid foolish and stupid arguments.”
Do not be “quarrelsome,” but “be kind to everyone.”
Be “able to teach”; do not be “resentful.”
Instruct opponents gently “in the hope that God will grant them Repentance leading them to a Knowledge of The Truth.”

Do you resemble this picture? Are you this type of person? Every one of us, not only our Church leaders, should be seeking to be Peacemakers. And while political or social or racial peace is understandably, extremely vital and valuable, the greatest Peace of all that we need to seek is the ultimate Peace between God and people provided solely through Faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord (Romans 5:1-2). In fact, our making Peace with God is what truly enables us to make peace with others (Ephesians 2:13-18). Jesus even pronounced a Blessing on all true Peacemakers when He said, “Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

So, are there parts of this description of a humble and honest Peacemaker that you need to be working on? If so, there’s no better time than the present to do so.

Address

Chattanooga, TN
37405

Opening Hours

Wednesday 7pm - 8pm
Sunday 11am - 12pm

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