Pastor's Message

 

September 6, 2020

Praise the Lord!  If God has been good to you, let’s give him a worthy hand praise!  Come on now, I know you can give him some greatly deserved praise.  Being virtual does not limit the manner in which we praise our Father; for we can praise Him just as we do in the building.  Do not make use of being virtual as your excuse for not faithfully, and fervently, worshipping and praising God.  Join with us as we partake in our virtual Holy Communion later during the service.

It’s my prayer that you are all doing well.  Let’s continue to pray for each other as we navigate these uncertain times.  Continue to read and study your Bible to maintain your walk with Him.  Most importantly, reach out to not only those who are saved, but especially; especially, to those who are unsaved.  Be a living testimony, as well as a witness, to the power of His saving Grace.

I want to give a special thanks to those of you who join us during the week by participating in our weekly services.  Your participation is greatly appreciated.  If you have yet to join us, you can start this week.  If I were you, I wouldn’t keep putting it off for tomorrow; for tomorrow is not promised to any of us.  Choose and praise Him while you can!  There’s a service for everyone; morning, noon, and evening.  Let’s be about our Father’s business.  It’s yours for the asking.  Don’t miss your blessing!  Remember, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly” Psalm 84:11.

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton

Pastor's Message

 

August 30, 2020

Greetings Round Top Family,

Indeed it is a pleasure to be able to worship and praise the Lord!  Let’s shout, “Hallelujah!”  For it is the highest praise that we can give to our Heavenly Father.

To our students who will be starting the new school year tomorrow, my prayer is that you will be blessed as you begin anew.  Know that no matter what is going on in your life, God is always there for you.  You have a direct, life line to Him through prayer.  Don’t be afraid or ashamed to use the life line that He has given to you.  If you should ever feel overwhelmed, or lost, reach out to someone to let them know that you are in need.  There is no shame in needing help or being overwhelmed.  Many of us have felt helplessness or overwhelmed at some point in our lives.  Always remember that you are the apple of God’s eye.  Faith relies on our Almighty God’s unchanging character, not on our circumstances.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

For all of us, let’s continue to practice healthy, hygiene habits.  Wear a mask in public, maintain a minimum of 6 feet of social distance, cough in a tissue (then discard it immediately), or in the bend of your arm, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (or wear gloves), if no water is available, then use hand sanitizer.

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton

Pastor's Message

 

August 16, 2020

To The Round Top Family and Friends:

First, let me say, Thank you!” to God for letting us see another day.  I thank you, our family and friends, for your continued support of God’s House.  It is my prayer that you are all in good health, still practicing safe, healthy habits, and wearing your face masks in public settings. 

I ask you to support your candidate of choice in the upcoming elections on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.  If Round Top Baptist Church can be of any assistance with getting you, your neighbors, or family members registered to vote, applying for an absentee ballot, or even providing transportation to your respective polling place; know that we are here to be of service to you.  November 3rd will be a very important day in the life of our country, so let’s not wait to get registered, and prepared, to make our vote count.

It is our civic duty, as well as our responsibility as a Christian to vote for leaders who will promote Christian principles and values.  It is written in the Bible days that God has been displeased with the leadership at times (Hosea 8:4). Much of our suffering in our world is because of godless leadership (Proverbs 28:12). We should strive to choose leaders who will be led by God.  Pray that God will give you guidance and direction.

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton

Pastor's Message

 

August 9, 2020

To our Members and Friends,

First, let us say Happy Anniversary to our Youth Choir!  May you be blessed with many more years of celebrating the usual way; in the building at “The Top?”

Even as the Coronavirus has continued to devastate our communities all around the world, and created uncertainty pertaining to the future, it has also presented an amazing opportunity for us to pray more than ever before.  We, especially, need to pray for our children today because the new school year is beginning very soon.

For weeks parents and educators have been worried about whether or not our schools will be able to reopen safely, but I say, “Let’s not worry; let’s put it in God’s hands and pray without ceasing.  Pray for what you may ask.  Pray for their health.   Pray for their protection against any sickness, whether in body or mind; especially COVID-19, because “His Word can heal.” Proverbs 4:20-22.  God’s word is medicine for our bodies.  Try taking it three times per day; before or after a meal.

Pray against any physical harm.  “Always pray and never give up.” Luke 18:1.  Make a daily habit out of praying for their physical protection from cuts, bruises, fights, gun violence, abuse, and addiction.  Pray that the schools will fulfill its purpose during this pandemic by providing your child with an education that will benefit and enhance their lives.  “Learn them.” Deuteronomy 5:1. 

Pray for your children’s influences.  “He is always listening.” Psalm 34:15.  God hears and sees everything that happens with our kids and He knows their circumstances, even when we, as parents, may not know; therefore, pray to Him regarding that which He already knows.  A great way to pray is to quote God’s Word, so it’s important to memorize Scripture. 

Prayer works!  Give it a try, and remember, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6.

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton

Pastor's Message

 

August 2, 2020

Round Top Family and Friends,

It’s August!  Happy Birthday.  Happy Wedding Anniversary; to those celebrating.

I pray that you all are happy and grateful in the Lord!  Are you grateful during this pandemic season, or are you complaining with frustrations?

Maybe you have lost your job, health, finances, or a loved one.  Even though these circumstances can be very difficult and heartbreaking, recognize that the most difficult challenges you’re facing right now, may actually be your blessing.  As God is working today, in and through your life, He has a purpose for your pain that brings joy for your tomorrows. 

We have so much to be thankful for.  No matter what you might be facing today, the good news is that you are still here.  God woke you up this morning.  If you are in your right mind, then you should thank God.  If you have a roof over your head, then you should thank God.  If you have clothes to wear; thank God.  If you have reliable transportation; thank God.  If you don’t have a shortage of water or food; thank God.  It’s easy to take these blessings for granted and focus our attention on what we don’t have without being grateful for what we do have.

Show God how grateful you are for who He is by giving Him the thanks that He deserves.  As you begin to thank God for the small things in your life, it will help you to focus on the things that you do have; even though those things may not seem like much to you.  Be certain that there are those around you who would be thankful to have just a little of that which you take for granted.  Don’t get caught up in complaining about the trivial things of life and don’t allow other folk’s bitterness or negativity, nor their circumstances, to influence your inner peace.  No matter how hard things appear to be, choose to give God thanks in “all” things.  

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton

Pastor's Message

 

July 26, 2020

Greetings Round Top Members and Friends,

I’m praying that all of you are doing well and safely staying out of harm’s way with this virus and the hot weather.  

I have a question to ask you.  Is there something that’s stealing your joy today?  Jesus wants you to have joy and so do I.  Let’s not confuse happiness with joy.  Happiness is often tied to our circumstances and usually temporary; however, joy is having a sense of inner peace, and contentment.

Our joy is strengthened when we remember that no matter what the circumstances, God is with us and He is above all people or things; even COVID-19.  If you’ve found yourself experiencing joy less and less, you may need to reevaluate your relationship with Jesus.  My prayer is that our relationship with Jesus will help us to serve others with joy.

Each and every day, we have the ability and opportunity to be upset, angry, and frustrated.  There will always be something that can ruin our day, however, there’s also always something to be thankful for.  Instead of counting your disappointments, I encourage you to count your blessings; name then one by one.  When we do, we will find ourselves beaming with JOY!  Don’t let the enemy steal your Joy!  Remember that no matter what you are going through, God can deliver you!  He will supply all of your needs.  But you must be about doing your Father’s work.  Are you doing your Father’s work?  Give it a try and you may see your own circumstances beginning to change.

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton

Pastor's Message

 

July 19, 2020

Dear Youth, Family and Friends, 

Today is Youth Sunday!  I miss seeing you and hearing your voices.  I pray that you all are doing well and staying safe.  COVID-19 does not appear to be ending any time soon. As a matter of fact, I’m certain that you know that it’s on the rise.  Therefore, I am emphasizing that you wear a mask whenever going out in public places, wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing, and stay away from public places and/or crowds as much as possible.

Most children mimic their parent’s behavior, so parents let’s set the example and continue to demonstrate safe habits.  Be prayerful.  Be careful and cautious.  Be wise.  Be practical in everything that you do.  Utilize this opportunity to be an example for our children, family, and each other.  Parents and caregivers, “Be a good role model;” – if you wash your hands often, your children will, more than likely, do the same.  Pray with them.  Teach them the importance of prayer; for prayer changes things, people, and circumstances.

What concerns me, just as much as COVID-19, is that we remember who we are and to whom we belong.  We belong to Christ.  Continue to make use of this time to draw even closer to Jesus; in prayer and in studying His Word.  God is not limited to a building, but is within each of us, everywhere, all the time, and in all situations.  We are to keep praying and worshiping; whether in-person or not.  God will never abandon His people.  So, Round Top, it’s not time to abandon God.  Give Him the worship and praise that he is due.  Not being in-person shouldn’t affect your praise and worship of Him.  We offer opportunities which are present, available, and open to continue your worship and praise.  Join us on Sunday during our virtual service in either of our three mediums, Tuesday at Noon Bible Study, and Wednesday mornings on the Prayer Line.  Always keep in mind Romans 8:31, “What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?”

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton

Pastor's Message

 

July 5, 2020

We hope that you all had a happy and safe 4th of July. 

We are experiencing situations, and living in conditions, that have caused our world to be full of fear and anxiety.  In addition to being inundated with an abundance of information pertaining to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) coming to us from a variety of sources, we are experiencing the results of the simmering frustrations for the innumerable years of racial inequality and injustice that’s been bestowed upon our people.

This Coronavirus is extremely serious and even more deadly; therefore, it is not to be taken lightly.  It can, may and will affect anyone of us, our loved ones, our communities, and even our churches at any time.  If we don’t heed the advice of the medical professions.  We must individually take on the responsibility for our safety.  We can and should not depend on others be responsible for us, but let’s not be fearful while doing so, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)  I remind you all be obedient to the CDC guidelines; wear a mask in all public places, maintain social distance, do not gather in large groups, frequently wash your hands for the minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitizer containing at least 70% alcohol, and if you are feeling ill please stay at home.

It’s good to know that we have a friend in Jesus who will be closer to us than any brother or sister.  We can cast all of our cares on Him for He cares for us.  We don’t have to be fearful or anxious about anything; just keep God’s Word and trust Him with your whole heart.  After all, He did raise Jesus and Lazarus from the dead.  Just imagine what He can do for you and me.  What He has done for others, he can, and will, do for you.  God has all power in His hands.  Keep praying that His will be done in your life and allow God’s will to be your will.

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton

Pastor's Message

 

June 28, 2020

Congratulations to those who made the Honor Roll this last semester of the 2019-20 school year. 

As Pastor of “The Top,” I want to express words of loving care to my church family and friends (God’s people).  I am very sensitive to the grief and loss that many of you are having or have had to experience, along with the interruption of life, dealing with COVID-19.  This virus does not discriminate who it infects; therefore, I am mindful of our seniors, as well as those with heart, lung, and immune conditions. 

I am concerned about all of us as a family, so I encourage you to wear a face mask or face covering when you are out in public, practice “Social Distancing,”, and wash your hands often; especially, when touching shared items.  We must be spiritual together even while we are apart. 

Continue your personal prayer practices and studying God’s word.  In prayer, we are connected to God and one another.  In prayer we are never alone.  Our prayer line is still open every Wednesday at 9 am; so you can call in to pray or be prayed for. 

Keep reaching out and connecting with one another by phone calls, texts, emails, etc.  Technology has given many avenues for us to be connected but most of all, stay connected to God. When we stay connected to God and His people, we can experience hope in these challenging times of pandemic and the continuous fight for racial equality and justice.  

I invite you to be creative and “try out” new ways to be united with God, in Christ, and each other.  It’s time for us to be the church that God is coming back for.  So keep your faith, hope and trust in God.  Sow love where there is hatred.

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton

Pastor's Message

 

June 21, 2020

Dear Fathers,

First and foremost, we want to say, “Thank you!” to our Heavenly Father.  Then, of course, “Happy Father’s Day” to all of the fathers who are worshipping the Lord with us on this Father’s Day.  Father’s Day of 2020 will most likely be very different than any other Father’s Day of years past; as we slowly endure this global pandemic.

As the Round Top Baptist Church Family celebrates you today, it is with delight and appreciation we recognize all that you do.  We celebrate you; the great men who have helped shape our lives.  We are reaching out to you to say, “Thank you!” to all of the amazing Fathers and Father figures.

When we think about the love that our Heavenly Father has showered upon us, we should be more than happy to worship and praise Him for the abundant blessings in our lives.  While it may be said that no one has or may have had a perfect earthly Father; it’s still important that we take the time to applaud and encourage those Fathers who are bringing their child(ren) up in a way that honors God.

There has been several recent, very public attacks on our families; especially on our Fathers.   These have been some immensely challenging months that we have gone through, but know that God is still great and greatly to be praised.  Fathers, I encourage you to continue to stand strong, remain faithful, and be the Father that God has called you to be. If you haven’t been the Father that you should have been, it’s never too late to start; for today is a new day.  Stand up and take your place!

In His Service,

Pastor Fleming O. McClinton