Elder Randy Waters was born on December 12, 1951 in Bulloch County near Brooklet, Georgia. He attended Southeast Bulloch High School, graduating in 1969. He attended the University of Georgia and earned a degree in Forest Resource Management in 1974. He worked as a forester for a number of years and owned a forestry consulting business.

Brother Randy joined the Upper Black Creek Primitive Baptist Church near Brooklet, Georgia in 1968 at age 17. He was ordained as a Deacon before becoming a Licentiate in 1995. He was ordained as an Elder on November 13, 1997 at Upper Black Creek Primitive Baptist Church.

Brother Randy served as pastor of the Lake Primitive Baptist Church from 1997 to 2005. He began serving as the pastor of the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church in July 2005.

He has preached meeting at a number of Primitive Baptist Churches in Georgia, as well as churches in Alabama, Virginia and Indiana.

He and his wife Penny have six children; Ashley, Jennifer, Sarah, Kelsey, Caroline and Faith.

Brother Randy and Sister Penny's home phone number is 912-842-9116. Brother Randy's cell phone number is 682-7543. Their email address is pwaters@bulloch.com.

Elder Scott Riner was born on July 3, 1965 in Augusta, Georgia. He graduated from George P. Butler High School in 1984. He received a B.A. degree and a M.A.T.S. degree from the Atlanta School of Biblical Studies. He has done additional studies at Liberty University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Brother Scott was ordained an Elder in July 1989 at Augusta Primitive Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia.

Brother Scott has served as pastor of churches in Georgia, Florida and Missouri. He began serving as the Assistant pastor of the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church in August, 2007.

He and his wife Robin have Eight children.

Brother Scott can be reached at the Statesboro Primitive Church at 912-764-6058.

A Prosperous Perspective

God loves us and wants us to grow in 2012! Although we will face trials that are difficult, we must remember that God is sovereign and merciful. When we apply the wisdom of His Word in our disappointments and disruptions we will see that our problems are really Divine appointments.

That perspective will make all the difference for us as we approach the new year. It will keep us from discouragement and fill our hearts with peace in the most disruptive situations.

A while back I read a copy of a letter written by Laura Barter Snow in the third person. Imagine this to be a letter from God to you for the new year journey ahead.

"My child, I have a message for you today, let Me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you hay have to tread. It is short - only five words - but let them sink into your inmost soul, use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head.

THIS THING IS FROM ME

Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you, concerns Me too? For "he that touches you, touches the apple of His eye" (Zechariah 2:8)

I would have you learn, when temptations assail you, and the "enemy comes in like a flood" that this thing is from Me; that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

You are very "precious in My sight (Isaiah 43:4). Therefore it is My special delight to educate you.

Are you in money difficulties? Is it hare to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer, and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Philippians 4:19. I would have you prove My promises. Let it not be said of you, "you did not believe the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 1:32).

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I an the God of circumstances. You came not to this place by accident; it is the very place God meant for you. Have you not asked to be make humble? See, then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.

Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the "Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief." I have let earthly comforters fail you, that, by turning to Me, you may obtain everlasting consolation (II Thessalonians 2:16,17).

Has some friend disappointed you? One to whom you opened out your heart? This thing is from Me. I have allowed this disappointment to come, that you hay learn.

I want to be your Confidant. Has someone repeated things about you that are untrue? Leave them to Me, and draw closer to Me, thy shelter out of reach of "the strife of tongues," for I shall bring forth My righteousness as the light, and My judgement as the noonday? (Psalm 37:6).

Have your plans been upset? Are you bowed down and weary? This thing is from Me. You made your plans, then came asking Me to bless them; but I would have you let Me plan for you and then I take the responsibility; for "this thing is too much for you, you are not able to perform it by ourself" (Exodus 18:18). You are only an instrument, not an agent.

Have you longed to do some great work for Me, and instead been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of My deepest lessons. "They also serve who only stand and wait." Some of my greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of prayer.

Are you suddenly called upon to occupy a difficult and responsible position" Launch out on Me. I am trusting you with the possession of difficulties. "For this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand" (Deuteronomy 15:10).

This day I place in your hands the pot of holy oil; make use of it freely, my child. Let every circumstance as it arises, ever word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your own weakness, be anointed with it! Remember,interruptions are divine instructions. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.

Therefore "set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today...for it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land" (Deuteronomy 32:46,47)

May you have a prosperous and peaceful New Year!

Brother Randy

Make The Choice Clear In This New Year

Our calendar year ends in a most special way - acknowledging the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ! A birth whereby God invades this world through human flesh to give His people a new start; peace, forgiveness, and joy, even salvation.

The main motive and meaning of God's salvation plan is pure love. Intentional, particular, performing affection from God that is effective in changing our character, building His church, and glorifying His name. Love is a choosing sort of love. God chose us because He loved us not because we loved Him.

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 3:8). Our finite minds could never fathom the scope of God's amazing, choosing love. However, we can feel His love's power. Love is powerful! Now we have power to choose right from wrong. We have power to choose who we will serve. "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth" (Ps. 110:3).

Don't you think the choice should be clear that Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives. Surely we know that we are saved by grace, that God had to make the first move in order for something dead to have life, yet, the whole purpose of making us a new creation is to manifest good works. Now, if you show me something you made,or something your accomplished, or tell me about a place you've visited, you're implying that you made certain choices which aided you in moving toward an obvious motive or goal. Actually, our lives are lived by choices. Someone has rightly said, "Our choices are what make us!"

Probably the greatest choice we'll ever make is the choice of who we serve. In other words, who is your final authority in life? The truth is everybody is serving somebody and we all choose whom we will serve. Some people choose an esteemed person like a politician, professor, or even a pastor. This is a dangerous choice because at a close look, these esteemed people will have faults and imperfections. Some people choose to serve a relationship, maybe to do what their wife or husband wants, or what makes my children happy. Some people decide to serve a mission, a value, or an organization. These people are always raising the flag for some important cause - my company, my club, my church, feeding the poor, saving the trees or electing the best candidate. Some people serve a personal agenda like getting a degree, building a company or staying in shape. But most people serve themselves. It's serve yourself, suit yourself, help yourself, and take care of yourself. Most people live by this philosophy, "At the end of the day, I'll do what works for me. I'm the one who's in charge here."

If we've never made our choice clear that Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, we're probably in the serve yourself group by default. We may not feel like we chose anything, but by not making a deliberate, conscious choice, we have been swept up in the cultural current and carried along in the white water of living for self.

It's real important to understand that we choose who we serve. God has given to us in the package of salvation the power to make our life different. The choice to change is right within our grasp. This is far truer than most people are willing to admit.

Let's quit making excuses - we choose whom we serve. We don't serve by accident, not by our background or environment. Our mama doesn't choose for us. Our preacher doesn't choose for us. As much as someone might love us, they can't choose for us whom we will serve. Even God, who loves us perfectly, will not choose for us. There are simply some crucial decisions we have to make for ourselves. The ball is in our court. Joshua was right when he challenged Israel, "Choose this day whom you will serve."

The poem "Invictus" was written by William Henly more than a hundred years ago and is a troubling celebration of "I am in control of my life". Among those who have used to define their lives was Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, who wrote out the words of this poem as he sat on death row. He left it on the table as he walked out to be executed.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever god's may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the full clutch of circumstance
I have not winced or cried aloud
Under the bludgeoning of chance
My head is bloodied, but unbowed.

It matters not how straight the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul.

Timothy McVeigh made the final choice not to change whom he served, and then he went to account for his choices. He was the lord of his life.

Contrast this attitude with a young woman named Dorothea Day, who was once mesmerized by "Invictus". It characterized her life and mission until she met Jesus Christ, as Lord. She was so ashamed of what she had formerly believed that when wrote a poem to parallel her old master of self and declare the new choice she was making. She entitled her poem "Conquered".

Out of the light that dazzles me,
Bright as the sun from pole to pole
I thank the God I know to be,
For Christ - the conqueror of my soul.

Sin His the sway of circumstance,
I would not wince nor cry aloud.
Under the rule which men call chance
My head, with joy, is humbly bowed.

I have no fear though straight the gate
He cleared from punishment the scroll.
Christ is the Master of my fate!
Christ is the Captain of my soul!

If life is about one thing, it's about getting this authority relationship figured out. Nothing is more important this new year than to acknowledge and bow to Jesus Christ as Lord. No matter what we accomplish in this world, a hundred years from now, if we didn't get this figured out, we will have nothing. Let's make the choice clear this new year. "Jesus Christ is Lord!"

Brother Randy

The Kind of Revival We Need

As I write this article and look out of my study window, I notice a fresh, green look of new life. We were out of town this weekend, and this Monday morning it appears I've returned to a new place. Have you ever noticed when you're away from something dear to you and return, the dearness grows dearer? My garden has grown several inches, and the pastures are greening up, although the lawn needs mowing again. It looks like revival around here! Maybe it's because of the recent rainfall, or because the temperatures are warming up. It could be the seasonal change or the longer days. Whatever it is, it's got to be God and it's just plain common sense.

Mr. Webster defines common sense as "the unreflective opinion of ordinary people, sound and prudent, but often unsophisticated judgement." A characteristic of a genuine Christian is that of having a good hold on common sense "Who is wise, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein:" (Hosea 14:9)

If we would rely on our common sense, we would be more committed to living the way God wants us to. The Bible is a book about common sense, and since God made us, it would seem His book would be a good rule to live by. Salvation by grace is not some mysterious doctrinal depth to reach, but just plain common sense. Listen, we're all sinners, so it makes sense that if we are going to heaven the only way to get there is by God providing the means through the only Holy one, the incarnate God, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Common sense tells us there is no other way.

Common sense should teach us that if we recognize our need of a Saviour, then we should follow Him in believers baptism and that if we are serving Him in a local church body, we should be re- baptized if need be to identify with the people we're working with.

Going to church is not a hoop to jump through to get to heaven or to get the approval of your friends, but is just plain common sense. Jesus Christ is the bread (food) of life. And, if you don't eat, you will die! The gospel is food for hungry should.

Not having sex outside of marriage is not a holy restriction to keep you from having fun, but is just common sense. The emotional, biological, and spiritual implication of God's gift of sex makes for a clear path of that special act to be between a husband and wife in the covenant of marriage.

When we don't have revival, we don't have God. When we don't have God, we don't have common sense. When we don't have common sense, we lose our direction and we wither. If we're going to have revival, we've got to have God, and God is most clearly seen through the eyes of common sense. "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." Matthew 11:25)

Let's ask God to send a common sense Revival right now. Only He can do it, and nobody needs this worse than His people. Common sense has died in many hearts, ;homes, and churches. The following article appeared in the Pine Mountain Traveler.

My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed. Today I read his obituary.

Obituary - Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by a simple, sound financial policy (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are always in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set into place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't legally defend yourself from a burglar in your home and the burglar can sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, sued and was awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was predeceased in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter Responsibility; and his son. Reason. He is survived by three step brothers, I Know My Rights, Someone else Is To Blame, and I'm a Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone!

Brother Randy

The morning of December 20, 2005 was to be a tragic day in the life of my mother and for all that had the privilege to know and love her. For that was the day the phone call came to my office at the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church informing me that a neighbor had spotted my parents' house on fire. The drive from the church to my parents' home was the most prayerful journey I've taken in a while. Even before reaching the home, a follow-up call indicated that mama was inside the burning house. Upon arriving at the scene, the driveway was filled with EMS, fire trucks, law enforcement officials, and friends and neighbors. I suppose I won't ever forget standing beside a large pine tree near the front of the house and bowing to the news that my mother was dead.

Some of you have dealt with similar tragedies in your lives and I guess these storms can easily unsettle our spirits and even toss us into the depths of despair, except for one thing - "God's unspeakable gift".

    w  How can we describe God's eternal promise, "He will never leave us nor forsake us"? That means
         something when your heart is broken.

    w  How can we go on unless we know that this great gift encompasses life eternal - so eternal that a fire
         can't put it out?

    w  How do we know what grace is unless a prayer is not answered and we still find that God is
         sufficient?

It's times like this that makes you feel real thankful to be a part of God's church on earth. Truly, where could we go without the Lord and whom would we have without God's people?

While the smoke was still smoldering at the scene, a brother in Christ walked up to me, embraced me and said a prayer chain in the church had already began for me and my family. During the next few days, including the memorial services, it was truly overwhelming to see and feel all that you did to make a storm at sea reach a peace with understanding. More than ever, I am convinced that we need grace for ore than eternal life, that it must come from God alone, but He uses His people to deliver it. Thank you for every prayer, card, phone call, love offering for her memorial, flowers, and especially your genuine compassion.

I hope that God will bless me to be as comforting to you as you have been to my family, and me if such a time should come to your life.

Brother Randy

Perhaps the most quoted part of the Bible during a time of pain and suffering is Romans 8:28. It reads, "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." This verse has often been misunderstood and perhaps misused, but its truth can bring a great deal of comfort.

The context of Romans 8 emphasizes what God is doing for us. The indwelling Holy Spirit gives us spiritual life, reassures us that we are children of God, and helps us with our prayers during our times of weakness. Romans 8 also puts our sufferings in the bigger picture of what God is doing - that God is working out His plan of redemption. It also reassures of God's love for us, that no one or no thing could ever keep God from accomplishing what he wants to do, and that nothing could ever separate us from His love.

Romans 8 powerfully reassures us that God is working on behalf of all who have trusted His Son as Savior. The verse does not promise that we will understand all the events of life or that after a time of testing we will be blessed with good things in this life. But it does reassure us that God is working out His good plan through our lives. He is shaping us and our circumstances to bring glory to Himself.

"The good news is not that God will make our circumstances come out the way we like, but that God can weave even our disappointments and disasters into His eternal plan. The evil that happens to us can be transformed into God's good. Romans 8:28 is God's guarantee that if we love God, our lives can be used to achieve His purposes and further His Kingdom,"

"But," you may ask, "how can God be in control when life seems so out of control? How can He be working things together for His glory and our ultimate good?"

As the sovereign Lord of the universe, God is using all of life to develop our maturity and Christlikeness, and to further His eternal plan. In order to accomplish those purposes God wants to use us to help others, and He wants other people to help us.