Monthly Newsletter from SBMJuly 2022 Issue |
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Point to Ponder Dear SBM Friend, This month, I began reading a book by Wesley L. Duewel entitled "Revival Fire." In this book, Duewel brings to light several individuals who God used instrumentally to bring about revival, much of which shaped modern Christianity. In the years 1496-1498, revival came to Florence, Italy. God profoundly used the Italian Roman Catholic monk Savonarola. At the time this revival began Martin Luther was but a young boy. Savonarola, as a youth, would walk beside the river Po and talk with God about the vice and immorality he saw in Italian society and the corruption he witnessed in the Church. He wept and grieved over the lewdness, luxury, and cruelty of many leaders of the Church. He would lie for hours prostrate on the altar steps in the church, weeping and praying about the sins of the age and the sins of the Church. What can one unknown monk do in an age of immorality both in society and in the only church existing at the time? He simply prayed. Savonarola’s prayers and spirit-filled life helped prepare the way for the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther called him a Protestant martyr. His life is a glorious testimony that one prayer warrior by the grace of God can be used to turn the tide and prepare the way for a mighty revival. For years Savonarola studied Scripture, waited for God, and prayed. Suddenly one day God gave him a vision. The heavens opened, and a voice commanded him to announce the future calamities of the church to the people. Filled with a new powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit, Savonarola began to preach to the people.
When the Spirit of God came upon him, the voice of Savonarola thundered as he denounced the sins of the people. Revival power gripped the whole area. Savonarola’s audience – men and women, poets and philosophers, craftsmen and laborers – all sobbed and wept. People walked the streets so gripped by conviction from the Holy Spirit that they were half-dazed and speechless.
The Spirit of the Lord was upon Savonarola. He prophesied that the city ruler, the pope, and the king of Naples would all die within a year, and so they did. For months he predicted that God would punish Florence with an invasion from across the Alps. King Charles VIII of France and his army crossed the Alps and prepared to attack. Savonarola went alone to meet them. He faced the French army single-handed and twice persuaded Charles to turn back and refrain from attacking Florence.
The wicked city government was overthrown, and the revival brought tremendous moral change. However, the corrupt pope, the cardinals, and the priests were outraged. In time, the political and religious enemies incited a rough mob against Savonarola. They battered down the doors of the sanctuary of the convent where he was staying and captured him.
Savonarola was severely tortured as his enemies tried to get him to confess to heresy. Returning to his cell, Savonarola would kneel and ask God to forgive the people.
Finally, Savonarola and two companion monks were brought out to be executed before a mob of thousands of onlookers. An awesome silence settled down over the crowd. Savonarola’s last words were, “Should I not die willingly for Him who suffered so much for me?” … He and his two friends were hanged in the public square, and then their bodies were burned.”
One lone man, totally surrendered to God, burning with passion for revival in the Church and nation and the salvation of the people, had for several years turned the tide against evil in church, government, and the lives of the people. If God could use one Savonarola to bring such a mighty revival at such an impossible time, what could he not do in answer to a movement of truly prevailing prayer by the thousands of believers and Chistian leaders who love Christ today?
That is this month’s point to ponder. |
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News This past month, I had the wonderful privilege of speaking in numerous churches and attending the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Anaheim, California, fellowshipping with some of God's mightiest servants. Our convention, although finding itself in a difficult period of contention, is still being used by God to accomplish His work. Many new missionary families were sent to the mission field, numerous churches planted, and an overall desire to reach all mankind with the Gospel of Jesus Christ still remains. Disagreements abound, but we still unite in the proclamation of God's Word. May we continue to pray for God's will to be done in and through our Southern Baptist Convention. At the conclusion of this month, I am looking forward to travelling once again to Guatemala, July 28th - August 4th, where I am expected to preach each day in and around the churches of El Tejar and Chimaltenango. Pray for the people of Guatemala to experience both revival and regeneration as God's Word is preached and pray for strength as I prepare to preach each night. I always rejoice in the opportunity to travel abroad to preach, Guatemala being one of my favorite places to visit. Our “God’s Minute” daily video devotional ministry continues to reach many with the Good News of Christ. So far, we have reached approximately 38,456 people with the Gospel since February! When we decided to produce these, I never imagined they would reach many. Thankfully, they are continuing to reach our target audience: youth and the unchurched. These daily devotionals can be found on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and through our website at www.spencerbellministries.org. Things to pray for: - For our ministry to remain fully funded.
- That God would open doors for our ministry in the future.
- That God might use our daily devotionals to reach the lost for Christ.
- For repentance, regeneration, renewal, and revival to break out across our land.
I continue to receive financial contributions, and no words can express how grateful I am for your continued financial support. Because of you, I am granted the ability to continue in this ministry. THANK YOU for your financial support. If you are not currently a contributor, would you pray about partnering with us? Whether it be one time, occasionally, or monthly, your donation is a great blessing to our ministry. Please note that we are a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Charitable Organization, therefore any contribution made to our ministry is entirely tax-deductible! Finally, as always, I am thankful for you! May you grow closer to Christ this July, and may He continue to use you in a very special way. Because of Calvary, Spencer Bell
President & Evangelist, SBM |
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“Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?" Psalm 85:6 |
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“We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.” -Adrian Rogers |
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If you are not already a subscriber to our monthly newsletter, make sure to subscribe through our website by submitting your email address in the "Subscribe Form" box located at the bottom of each page. |
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Meet Our Board of Directors Officers for 2022 Rev. Spencer Bell, President Dr. Michael Mason, Vice-President Rev. Joe Bailey, Secretary Mr. Charles Howse, Treasurer Rev. Walter Blackman, Acting Treasurer Directors Rev. Randy Berry, Director Rev. Ken Blackwood, Director Mr. Eddie Turrentine, Director Mr. R.E. Tapscott, Director Dr. Edwin Hayes, Director |
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Summer Schedule Subject to Change June 5th - Bellview Baptist Church, Decatur, AL, 10:30 a.m. June 8th - New Center Baptist Church, Hartselle, AL, 6:30 p.m. June 12th-15th - Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Anaheim, California. June 19th (a.m.) - Southside Baptist Church, Decatur, AL, 10:30 a.m. June 20th-24th - Music Evangelist, 123rd Annual Hartselle Camp Meeting, Hartselle, AL. Monday - Friday - 10:30 a.m. June 26th - Southside Baptist Church, Decatur, AL, 10:30 a.m. July 3rd (a.m.) - Blue Springs Baptist Church, Somerville, AL, 11:00 a.m. July 3rd (p.m.) - Salem Springs Baptist Church, Elkmont, AL, 6:00 p.m. July 10th - Salem Springs Baptist Church, Elkmont, AL, 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. July 17th - Salem Springs Baptist Church, Elkmont, AL, 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. July 24th - Salem Springs Baptist Church, Elkmont, AL, 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. July 30th - Dare You to Move Youth Conference, Body of Christ Church, Huntsville, AL (postponed until a later date) July 28th- Aug. 4th - Partnering with directors Eddie Turrentine and Joe Bailey in missions to Guatemala. August 7th - New Friendship Baptist Church, Somerville, AL, 10:30 a.m. August 21st - Homecoming Service, Victory Baptist Church, Jemison, AL, 10:00 a.m. |
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Ministry Information Physical Address 1410 State Street NW
Hartselle, AL 35640 Office Hours Monday-Thursday 8:30-3:30 Ministry Line +1 (256) 466-1854 Office +1 (256) 773-5243 Website www.spencerbellministries.org E-mail spencerbellministries@yahoo.com |
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