Communication from the King

In 2 Chronicles 30 we read the second phase of the revival that took place in Jerusalem under the young reign of King Hezekiah. At the beginning of his reign the king had already repaired the temple, sanctified the priests, made a covenant with God that God might stay His wrath, charged the people to be not negligent but to prepare their hearts, was an example by rising early and going to the temple himself and offered sacrifices with worship, joy and a free heart.

Revival was taking place. Chapter 30 then Chronicles how the king reinstituted the passover in a powerful way and this is what was especially intriguing to me this morning.

2Ch 30:6 - So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
2Ch 30:7 - And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.
2Ch 30:8 - Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.
2Ch 30:9 - For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.
2Ch 30:10 - So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.
2Ch 30:11 - Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.

What a picture of Missions this is.

• The posts (missionaries - the responsibility and privilege of all Christians) have been sent by the decree of the KING
• Their task is to go from city to city declaring a message
• That message is the Written decree of the King (Bible) charging all men everywhere to repent (turn to the Lord God)
• It is a message that has hope of restoration thanks to the grace and mercy of God
• It is a message that has a stern warning of wrath for those who don't turn
• There is a compassion represented - a pleading with the people not to be stiffnecked, not to be like the others, not to follow the crowd, not to continue in the sinful ways of their fathers but to turn to God
• In the process the Posts receive persecution (promised to those that will live godly in Christ Jesus - 2 Tim. 3:12)
• The result - divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem - To the glory of God!
• Beyond that we read how that revival continued to spread through the land -
  2Ch 31:1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.

Be encouraged today, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation!

The Putney Family

A little about us as a family. We have enjoyed a wonderful marriarge of nearly 14 years for which we give thanks and glory to God. The past eight years have been especially incredible times as God has clearly directed our steps for the future and blessed us with our four precious daughters during this time.

Aaron worked for a large company for 14 years which God used to send me to the Philippines on five occasions all expenses paid! It was during these trips (which were spent working by night and preaching and evangelizing by day) where it became clear that this is where God called us to be. I had the privilege to travel to Africa prior to that on a short term trip to preach a resurrection conference where God impressed upon me a great burden for missions. It was only after surrendering to God's will for missions that He would then orchestrate these paid trips to the Philippines and solidifying our calling there. I have now graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity from a four year Bible institute and have had many opportunities to teach and preach in a variety of ministries at church, conferences, on the streets and at other churches. Considering the example of the prophets, Christ and the disciples, I place importance in public ministry where we can witness and preach to those that dont have another gospel witness. Discipleship is also incredibly important to us. The work of the gospel extends to teaching all things and that people may be trained in good doctrine to go reach others. Personally, I enjoy playing basketball, photography and memorizing scripture. Basketball is the favorite sport in the Philippines and at almost 6'8", this opens a great door for me to witness to so many Filipinos that are amazed by my height. I believe memorization is important for our personal walk, for ministry effectiveness and because there is nothing more profitable you could put in your mind.

Stephanie is a wonderful mother who loves our girls dearly and takes seriously her responsibilty as their teacher, mother and example of a godly woman. We have homeschooled right from the outset and while an oft intimidating challenge, she is doing a wonderful job. She prays fervently for our family and strives to provide an atmosphere and example that will lend to raising up godly maidens of virtue that will glorify Jesus Christ with their lives. Stephanie loves finding some quiet time with a cup of coffee and her Bible. She also enjoys journaling about family and what God is doing in her life.

Our family loves to take walks, observe wildlife and enjoy picnics. Family devotions, board games and group efforts on everything from laundry to dishes lend to sweet times of fun and teaching.

Autumn loves to sing. We look forward to seeing how the Lord uses our girls in this area. The three oldest girls are already starting to sing on occasion in churches. Looking at books and playing dolls with her sisters are other favorite things to do. She is a great encouragement when we go places as she regularly wants to pass out gospel tracts. We rejoice to announce that Autumn trusted Christ as Her Saviour on 4/16/2010 in Houston Texas during a missions conference!

Anna is a regular shadow of Autumn, wanting to be a part of whatever she is doing. She likes to pretend she is talking on the phone, enjoys stacking blocks, kicking around a soccer ball and playing hide and seek. With her youngers sisters, she is definitely interested in the role of being the mommy. Anna has a special testimony in that she nearly died the day after she was born, as they rushed her out of the room in a panic all we could do was cry out to God. We praise the Lord for His wonderful mercy toward her at that moment and acknowledge that she is now a walking testimony of His goodness and grace.

Sarah is a busy young lady with a dynamic personality. Although she is often on the go, all the girls love to sit and look at books, especially when there is a lap to sit on and a reader available. Sarah is fairly independent compared to Anna yet they get along wonderfully. We pray God will use them all mightily for His glory. Anytime anyone cries, Sarah is there to let us know about it with concern and love, she has a very tender heart in this way.

Emma Joy is growing fast and has demonstrated her personality in many ways. She loves to sing and to play mommy with her dolls and stuffed animals. Should you give her opportunity with band-aids she will have them all patched up in no time! She is very passionate in the way she will quickly escalate whether in displays of sadness or jubilation.

We pray fervently for the souls of our girls and desire to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Children can be powerful influences in the work of the gospel, as arrows in the hand of a mighty man we are taught in Psalm 127. Our prayer is that from their youth they will be actively involved in ministry in the Philippines. Autumn is already very excited and asks many questions about the Philippines - especially about when we are going! We praise the Lord for this.

Isa 54:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Birthdays:
Aaron 4/7
Stephanie 10/10
Autumn 1/17/02
Anna 10/18/04
Sarah 3/13/06
Emma 11/26/07

Anniversary 7/20/96

We sincerely appreciate your prayers on behalf of the Putney Family!

The greatest present we can give to God

Isa 18:2 ...Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
Isa 18:3 All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye.


Isa 18:7 In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion.

A challenge that rings through the centuries imploring messengers to GO.
This land is not Israel, the command is not to go to them to destroy them or to pillage them - it is to a land in this case that is downtrodden, scattered and humbled. What is to gain from such a place?

It is to bring a message, a message that if they will look to the ensign on the mountains, if they will heed the trumpet call and hear the declaration - they will know that there is hope, they will know that there is a God in Zion, a God that they can meet with, a God that will recieve them.

That wonderful declaration is the heartcry of the missionary that proclaims it, the hope to those who hear it and the glory of God who made the message possible.

Should the people respond, what a beatiful result - the missionary is allowed to see the fruit of the labour and as those people from that downtrodden land find the hope in Jesus Christ, they can meet with God.
Lastly and most importantly as this passage tells us, it will be a PRESENT - a gift, a blessing, a means of God getting glory as His desire is fulfilled that more people come into His kingdom!

What better present is there to bring to our Saviour then souls to worship Him.

Luk 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Religious Strongholds

82% of the population of the Philippines are professing Roman Catholics. This began in the 16th century when the Philippine Islands were a Spanish colony and therefore the religion was strongly engrained in the culture. Many of the indigenous tribal groups fought the colonization and infiltration of catholicism by fleeing to the mountains in order to maintain their own traditions and beliefs. Despite the spread of westernization, many of those tribal groups still reside in the mountainous regions and desperately need the gospel.

Catholicism errs in many ways and as a result is leading millions of its faithful adherents to hell. The root of their false doctrines come from the fact that their authority is not the Word of God only. The catholic church teaches that tradition and the teachings of the pope are equal in authority with scripture. Ps. 118:8 alone tells us that God's word only should be trusted, not mans. When we do not rely on the Bible as the final authority for all matters of faith and practice we are allowing man to alter and overrule the very truth God has given to us and the result is nothing more than men creating false gods that suit their own desires and lusts.

Many of the heretical teachings of the church are that Mary was sinless and is a co-redeemer with Christ, that the pope is infallible in his authoritative teachings, that works and participation in the sacraments are needed for salvation, that some sins do not bring eternal punishment where others do, that salvation can be lost, that the mass is a supernatural event in which the elements physically become the body and blood of Christ, that priests can forgive sin and act as mediators, that there is a state of purgatory for sinners prior to glory and that indulgences can be obtained to release those sinners from that state, that no one can know if he will inherit eternal life, that salvation can only come through the Roman Catholic Church and much more.

Every teaching in the above paragraph is clearly refuted in scripture. Catholics need to be shown how the word of God must stand alone as our infallible authority and doctrine must be established from the Bible alone - line upon line, precept upon precept. They must come humbly to the truth that salvation is by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, not of works.

Tribal beliefs are certainly much different and I readily admit that I have much to learn about the varied beliefs of these many groups. One thing is common and exists in many belief systems in the world (this is not coincidental) is that sacrifice is needed to appease the wrath of an angry God. These groups know that this sacrifice requires blood and so like many indigenous cultures, they have ritualistic ceremonies where they pray, chant, dance and yell to their gods prior to and during the sacrifice of an animal. In these tribes there is a powerful presence of demon possession and spirit worship. Many of the families keep the bones or ashes of ancestors in their huts, believing they will provide protection and blessing. They are taken cative by Satan at his will and can only be set free through the power of God unto salvation - the Gospel of Christ.

Amidst these groups there is also a series of other cults that have influence and are actively propagating their false messages - Mormons, Jehovah Witness, Iglesia Ni Kristo etc.

So many people have been blinded from the truth of God for generations. Their beliefs and traditions are so engrained that they will freely tell you that they are catholic before they are filipino. Because of the imporance of catholicism in the culture and family, there are significant implications when a person gets saved and leaves the catholic church. The individual must truly count the cost. Praise the Lord that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Cor. 10:4). It is the light of the glorious gospel that can open their eyes and free them from this bondage. God forbid that Christians with the truth not be as fervent to spread the gospel as the many cults are with their messages. The eternal souls of men for the glory of God is at stake, He is not willing that any should perish and He has called us to get that very message to them. Let us be fervent and zealous for our worthy King!

Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

There is much work to do and the time is short, will you pray for the Putney family and also pray with us for more laborers?

Letter of Recommendation - Pastor Paul Perkins

Dear Pastor,

It is my privilege to write this letter of introduction and recommendation for the Aaron Putney family, missionaries to the Philippines. I first met Brother Aaron in 2005, while I was serving on the mission field. Brother Aaron e-mailed me about an upcoming business trip he would be taking with the Kodak Company. While on the business trip, his desire was to serve the Lord and do ministry work on the mission field. The Lord knit our hearts together right from the start. I was thrilled to see his zeal for the Lord. I began to see the Lord working in Brother Aaron’s heart. His love for the Lord, family, the church and service was evident right away.

Brother Aaron’s testimony is one of humble service and diligent, sacrificial work. The Lord has blessed him with a wonderful wife and four beautiful daughters. They serve the Lord as a family and work well together. I have stayed in their home and have seen their interaction with one another first-hand. It is a joy and a privilege to be able to recommend the Putney family as missionaries being sent out from our church.

I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider having the Putney family in to present their burden to your church. After serving for 12 years as a missionary to the Philippines myself, I know that pastors who desire to reach the world, are careful as to whom they will support. I can say that the Putney family will be a wise investment of your time and missions dollars. The Putneys will be a blessing to your people and respectful to you, the pastor, when they visit. If the Lord leads you to support the Putneys in your missionary program, they will serve the Lord faithfully.

Because of His Love,

Pastor Paul Perkins

Grace Independent Baptist Church

Letter of Recommendation - Pastor George Grace

December 5, 2007


Dear Pastor and Faithful Church Leaders,

First Bible Baptist Church in Rochester, New York has a rich and exciting history. At my last count there are over 140 families who have been trained for the ministry and sent to assignments all over the world!

Currently we have four more families that have arrived on the mission field or have declared their future intentions.

Aaron and Stephanie Putney have served faithfully at FBBC for several years. Aaron was born and raised here, graduated from our Christian School, Northstar Christian Academy, from our four year Bible Institute, North Star Bible Institute, and is serving as a deacon in our church. Aaron is recognized as a leader by his pastors and peers. Stephanie is a wonderful mom and help meet for Aaron and has fulfilled an important role in Aaron’s preparation for a ministry in the Philippine Islands.

It has been no secret that the Putneys have had their eyes on the Islands for some time. Aaron has made several work related / mission trips where the Lord has burdened his heart for these people. Aaron has a well thought out plan and strategy to get from where he is today, to where God wants him tomorrow. Aaron is prepared, organized, thorough, and committed.

There are many worthy families who seek the support of “like faith” churches like yours. I cannot recommend these other personally, but I can recommend the Putneys to you. You will be placing your prayers, trust and money in good hands. Like you, I wish I could help more than we do. One of my greatest concerns today is the fact that worthy, committed candidates for mission work have to spend an inordinate amount of time and energy to get to the field.

All that I can ask you to do is to prayerfully consider the need and the family. I promise you that if you send a missionary my way, I will do the same.

Sincerely in Him,


Pastor George Grace

Contact Us

Aaron & Stephanie Putney

Grace Independent Baptist Church

3707 Bienville Blvd

Ocean Springs, MS 39564



phone: (585) 298-3807

email: Aaron@PutneysForChrist.com



Send us an email with your name and we will add you to our list for email updates

Doctrinal Statement

The Scriptures

We believe in the authority of the Holy Scriptures. The original manuscripts were given by inspiration of God and were without error (2 Pet. 1:21; Prov. 30:5). We believe that God has preserved His word with absolute perfection (Ps 12:6-7). We believe the infallible, inerrant complete word of God is available in the English language in the Authorized King James Version. This complete 66 book Bible is our final authority in all matters.

God

We believe in one God that eternally exists in the unity of the Godhead as the Father, the Word (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Ghost (Mt. 28:19; Jn. 10:30; 1 Jn. 5:7). The three Persons of the Trinity exist in the same divine nature, essence and being. They are co-existent and co-equal and each One has a distinct office in the work of Redemption. He is perfect in holiness, worthy of all honour, glory and praise. God is the divine creator, sustainer and ruler of the universe and the author of eternal redemption for man through Jesus Christ.
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ to be God manifest in the flesh (1 Tim. 3:16), virgin born (Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:23), without sin (Heb. 4:15; 2 Cor. 5:21), crucified, risen (1 Cor. 15:3-4) and coming again to rapture (receive) His church (1 Thes. 4:14-17), then returning to establish His kingdom with His saints on the earth after a seven year period of tribulation and wrath (2Thes. 1:7-10; Rev. 20:1-6).

Salvation

We believe salvation is a gift that is available to all men by grace through repentance and faith in the finished work and atoning sacrifice of the perfect lamb of God, Jesus Christ (Eph.2:8-9; Rom 6:23; 2 Pet. 3:9). It is not of works or of our own merit or goodness of any kind (Titus 3:5; Gal. 2:16). Salvation provides a pardon for sin and the gift of eternal life as the righteousness of Jesus Christ is imputed to us (Rom. 4; Titus 3:5-7).

We believe to be saved a sinner must be born again (Jn. 3:5). This is an instantaneous occurrence and not a process and for man to be saved he must respond to the gospel in repentant, obedient faith (Jn. 1:12; Acts 16:31; 2 Cor. 7:10).

Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is equal in divine nature with the Father and the Son and that He was an active part of creation, He convicts of sin, indwells the believer and seals them until the day of redemption. He also ministers to the believer as the Comforter and by teaching and bringing to remembrance things that we have read and learned about God’s word. (Jn. 16:7-8; Eph. 4:30).

Church

We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons. We believe that members should gather to minister to one another, work together to reach the world for Christ, fellowship, encourage, pray and be taught the word of God (Mt. 28:19-20; Heb 10:24-25; Acts 2:41-42). We believe that an Independent Baptist church is made up of baptized believers and has the right of self-government under the headship of Christ and not a hierarchy of organizations and people. Working with other churches for the furtherance of the gospel and defense of the faith is appropriate but that all other matters of church government, discipline and membership are to be established at the individual independent church level. We believe in cheerful scriptural giving of our tithes and offerings and that it be done systematically through the local church (Mal. 3:8-10; Mt. 6:21; 2 Cor. 9:6).

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

We believe that water baptism is a public testimony made by the saved Christian and is to be done by immersion and in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. It is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and also represents that in Christ we are become dead to sin and alive unt God to walk in newness of life (Mt. 28:19; Acts 8:36-39; Rom. 6:3-5).
We believe the Lord’s Supper to be a time of remembrance of the breaking of the Lord’s body and shedding of His precious blood. It is a time of self examination for the Christ with a stern warning to not partake unworthily (1 Cor. 11:23-29). We believe that the Lord's supper is to be observed strictly by the saved and baptized members of that local Baptist church.

Missions

We believe it is the responsibility of every believer to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ personally as well as by supporting missions through prayer, and giving of their means to finance the missionary efforts of the church (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 24:46-48; Jn. 20:21; Acts 1:8; Rom. 10:13-15). Jesus Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He is not willing that any should perish. He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. God has made Christians to be His ambassadors to take the Gospel to the uttermost part of the earth. The harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few. We must redeem the time and spread the gospel with urgency.

Eternity

We believe all individuals that reject the Lord Jesus Christ will be responsible for the payment of their sins through spending eternity in the conscious suffering of a literal lake of hell fire (Rev. 20:15; Lk. 16:23; 2 Thes. 1:8-9). We believe that those receiving the the gift of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ will spend eternity in the glorious presence of God (Jn. 14:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:8).

Creation

We believe in the literal Genesis account of creation that God spoke the world into being and that man was created in the likeness of God. We do not believe in the false teachings of evolution but that God created and that species reproduce after their own kind (Gen. 1, 2; Rom. 1:20; Heb. 11:3).

Separation

We believe all saved individuals should be separate from the sinful ways, desires and philosophies of this world, being holy in mind and body (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Prov. 18:1). We do not believe that righteousness comes by keeping laws and commandments but by a heart that is changed and desires the things of God. We believe that as an individual draws nigh to God and God draws nigh to him that the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of sin will grow dimmer and less appealing. The inner man is changed and consequently it becomes reflected in the outward areas of life (Jms. 4:8; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; Mt. 5:14).

Civil Government

We believe that God’s purpose for government is for the good order of society and justice (Rom. 13:1-7). We believe it is a Christians duty to be responsible law abiding citizens so long as the law requires nothing that is opposed to God’s will (Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:11-17). We believe that any attempt by the state to interfere with the working of the church is a violation of God's purpose.

Satan

We believe that Satan is a created being that was once holy but fell through pride and rebellion and in doing so drew many angels with him. He now acts as a roaring lion seeking to devour. He is a thief, a murderer, a liar, and a great tempter. He is responsible for all false teachings and cults and is the enemy of God. His end will be at the hands of Jesus and will spend eternity in the hell that was prepared for him and his angels (1 Pet. 5:8; Ezek.28:14-17; Isa 14:12; Rev. 20:10)

The Fall of Man

We believe that man was created without sin but chose voluntarily to break the law of his Creator making him guilty without excuse before God. All of mankind since Adam and Eve have been guilty of sin as well (Rom. 3:10-23; 5:12).

Resurrection

We believe that Jesus Christ arose bodily from the grave. We also believe that this resurrection assures all believers the same bodily resurrection when the Lord returns for His saints at the time of the Rapture. There will also be a resurrection of the unsaved to stand in the judgment before the Lord, known as the Great White Throne Judgment. (1Thess.4:13-18; 1Cor.15:51-58; 1Thess.3:13; Rev.19:11-16;20:1-6; Titus 2:13; Act.1:9-11).