RICHARDS REMINDS BCF STUDENTS THAT GOD IS GREATER THAN OBSTACLES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2010

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Director of Student Services and General Education Division Chair Roger Richards spoke during the Wednesday, Feb. 3 chapel service at The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville, Fla. Senior Vice-President R.C. Hammack introduced Richards as a man who not only cares about the students at BCF, but always shares a word from God when he steps behind the pulpit.

After a time of praise and worship led by Professor Ron Branning and the college choir, Richards began by sharing experiences and challenges that he faced when he was 21 years old, a seminary student, husband, and father of six week old twin boys. He identified with the obstacles that students face today as he told of the complex course God took him on after accepting God's direction to become a Navy Chaplain. There were many twists and turns along the way, but Richards reassured those gathered that regardless of the obstacles, God is greater.

Referencing 1 Samuel 17:15-37, Richards told how David, a man after God's own heart, defeated the Philistine Goliath. David was the anointed king of Israel, but he spent his days before taking the throne tending his father's sheep and occasionally playing the harp for King Saul. "David could have had an attitude, but he didn't because of his heart. He remained faithful in his place of service tending the sheep," said Richards. "It is an honor to serve the Lord, and we cannot approach it with arrogance. We ought to serve with the same heart that David did."

According to Richards, when David learned of Goliath's threats against the armies of Israel, he was appalled at this man's gumption. In 1 Samuel 17:26, David asked, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" David was a young man, not skilled in battle, but he knew Goliath was an obstacle he would have to tackle, and David was faithful in following God's command.

"I don't care how big the Goliath is in your life, Almighty God is greater," Richards emphatically stated. "If you are faithful, God will take care of the Goliath in your life." Richards concluded the service in prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness and asking for strength to overcome everyday obstacles.

Chapel services at The Baptist College of Florida are open to the public Monday - Wednesday at 10 a.m. CST. For more information, please call at 800-328-2660 ext. 446 or download the chapel schedule at www.baptistcollege.edu.