Tonight, I met with the U6 and U8 Soccer teams. Both teams were successful last season, and both have most of their players back. The new players who have joined up show a lot of promise.
At The Cherokeean Herald, I seem to be at the top of my game. Last year, my net advertising sales total was $33,000 and a little change. This year, I have already booked more than $16,000, plus I filled in for the managing editor for most of January. I have learned how to update and work on the online edition, adding stories about military training missions, shootings, and The Rusk Lady Eagles winning another game... all original online content that has not appeared in the print edition, yet.
I'm also learning to design ads for the online edition, as well as lining out campaign strategies for local candidates.
I really feel like I've hit my groove here. But God did not call me to hit my groove. He called me to spread the Gospel, in this case, Brownwood, Texas.
Sister Sandie Rossiter, church clerk at Rocky Springs MBC, gave me a paper that encouraged me to follow God's call. It said when God calls us away from a good situation, He has something better in mind.
Mission: Brownwood is something special, and God is going to do great things there. I am truly blessed to be a part of it. Thank you for your prayers.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
US Army invades East Texas
I had a great time photographing a practice air assault mission performed by the 4th Infantry Division from Ft. Hood today. The training exercise was carried out at the Cherokee County Airport between Rusk and Jacksonville, TX. I got lots of great pictures, which will run in next week's paper.
If you'd like to read about today's activities, you may do so here.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Stealing Sorrow
Sally sat in the pastor's office almost in tears. Her brother had passed away the week before and she was trying to get back into the routine of life.
"I know I shouldn't be crying, because I know that he is with the Lord," she said. "I can't believe I don't have more faith than this."
The pastor showed her John 11:35... "Jesus wept."
To weep means to cry, to shed tears. Surrounded by the Jews who were mourning Lazarus' death, Jesus wept.
Jesus wept knowing what God's plan was (John 11:11, 15).
Jesus wept knowing He had the power to resurrect Lazarus.
Jesus wept knowing He would resurrect Lazarus.
Jesus wept out of sympathy for the sorrow felt by Mary and Martha.
Knowing Jesus wept, why was Sally in her pastor's office criticizing herself for weeping? Because a previous pastor and church leadership had taught that crying over the loss of a loved one constituted a lack of faith. That concept is not Biblical.
Did Jesus have a lack of faith when He wept?
Did David have a lack of faith when he wept over the deaths of Jonathan and Saul?
Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet... was he unfaithful?
Was Abraham unfaithful when he mourned for Sarah?
No! So why is Sally unfaithful when she mourns for her brother? She isn't!
There are those who read the scripture that says "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Then, they read "For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
They conclude that your faith should be so strong in the fact that your loved one is with the Lord that you should not mourn... in fact, you should be happy.
Such flawed thinking is indicative of Biblical ignorance coupled with pious arrogance.
Mourning is natural. It's an emotion God gave us, it's an emotion He feels.
We mourn when our loved ones pass away... but not for them. We mourn for ourselves. That's why 1 Thessalonians 4 is a good comfort passage. It reminds us that we will be reunited with our loved ones.
Don't steal sorrow by shaming someone for mourning the loss of a loved one, and don't repeatedly say "He's with Jesus now." Your job is to comfort the mourner with the words of 1 Thessalonians 4, and to see what you can do to help them in their time of bereavement.
If you are mourning, don't be ashamed. Your mourning just shows how much you really loved the deceased. Mourning is a sign that you are normal, natural and healthy.
Sally went on to mourn for her brother. She grew as a result and went on to become a vital member of the church.
"I know I shouldn't be crying, because I know that he is with the Lord," she said. "I can't believe I don't have more faith than this."
The pastor showed her John 11:35... "Jesus wept."
To weep means to cry, to shed tears. Surrounded by the Jews who were mourning Lazarus' death, Jesus wept.
Jesus wept knowing what God's plan was (John 11:11, 15).
Jesus wept knowing He had the power to resurrect Lazarus.
Jesus wept knowing He would resurrect Lazarus.
Jesus wept out of sympathy for the sorrow felt by Mary and Martha.
Knowing Jesus wept, why was Sally in her pastor's office criticizing herself for weeping? Because a previous pastor and church leadership had taught that crying over the loss of a loved one constituted a lack of faith. That concept is not Biblical.
Did Jesus have a lack of faith when He wept?
Did David have a lack of faith when he wept over the deaths of Jonathan and Saul?
Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet... was he unfaithful?
Was Abraham unfaithful when he mourned for Sarah?
No! So why is Sally unfaithful when she mourns for her brother? She isn't!
There are those who read the scripture that says "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Then, they read "For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
They conclude that your faith should be so strong in the fact that your loved one is with the Lord that you should not mourn... in fact, you should be happy.
Such flawed thinking is indicative of Biblical ignorance coupled with pious arrogance.
Mourning is natural. It's an emotion God gave us, it's an emotion He feels.
We mourn when our loved ones pass away... but not for them. We mourn for ourselves. That's why 1 Thessalonians 4 is a good comfort passage. It reminds us that we will be reunited with our loved ones.
Don't steal sorrow by shaming someone for mourning the loss of a loved one, and don't repeatedly say "He's with Jesus now." Your job is to comfort the mourner with the words of 1 Thessalonians 4, and to see what you can do to help them in their time of bereavement.
If you are mourning, don't be ashamed. Your mourning just shows how much you really loved the deceased. Mourning is a sign that you are normal, natural and healthy.
Sally went on to mourn for her brother. She grew as a result and went on to become a vital member of the church.
Monday, January 28, 2008
WOW! What a weekend!
Jessica and I finally got away from Jacksonville at 2 a.m. Saturday. We arrived at Ridgecrest MBC in Levelland, TX at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. (No, we didn't violate any speed ordinances, least, not while I was awake.)
The Southwest Association of Missionary Baptist Churches was holding their quarterly mission rally there, which began at 10 a.m. Being 30 minutes late, Jessica and I darted in dressed casually. (Our original intent was to change into church clothes once we arrived, but we were late and didn't want to miss any more than we already had.)
I went to the men's meeting, where Bro. B.R. Singh was presenting his work in India. Bro. Singh has a way of bringing his work to life before his audience, with or without video or powerpoint presentation. He fielded several questions concerning the work in India. After he finished his presentation, I was called upon to present the work in Brownwood. Several of the men suggested that I hold the first meeting of the mission in Brownwood at Underwood's Barbecue, a world famous Luby's cafeteria style restaurant featuring Mr. Underwood's unique BBQ recipes, such as BBQ beefsteak, spare ribs, and home cooking such as chicken fried steak and Mama Underwood's fried chicken. I told them Jessica and I were planning to start a support group for parents of young children which would utilize Underwood's as one of many meeting places. The announcement drew loud "amen's".
We dismissed for lunch where I was invited to preach at Ridgecrest the following evening (I was already scheduled to preach the morning service at Quaker Ave. Baptist Church in Lubbock.) The missionaries present gave their reports in the evening service before Bro. Singh preached to the group assembled.
I love the Southwest Association. It is rare that I am ever accepted into a group with open arms the way they have welcomed me.
I got to visit with my friend and former classmate Daniel Davis, who is beginning an MBSF at West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. He took me to my hotel room that Quaker Ave. church booked for me. After a quick nap, Bro. Monty Hilliard and his wife treated Jessica and I to some of the finest hamburgers in the Texas Panhandle.
We talked, shared our stories, and they encouraged us. (We also got to see Texas Tech University and the football stadium where the Red Raiders play football).
I presented the work at Quaker Ave. Sunday morning, then the Hilliards treated us to lunch. Then, we went to their house to watch Bonanza before heading back to Levelland to present the work at Ridgecrest MBC. Both churches, along with the Southwest association blessed us greatly during our visit. Even without the love offerings, this trip was worth it. The love offerings just gave us more reason to rejoice on our overnight drive back to Jacksonville (I had to work this morning).
Jessica wanted to drive most of the way home, so I slept a lot. Today, I got a call from my grandmother informing me that the treasurer for Denson Springs MBC (the church I used to pastor) voted to support me at a rate of $50 per month. That makes two regular monthly supporters of Mission:Brownwood, in addition to Rocky Springs (three supporters total.)
I'm really looking forward to going to Brownwood, getting the work started there, and fellowshipping more with the Southwest Association. God has blessed me more than I can imagine this time.
The Southwest Association of Missionary Baptist Churches was holding their quarterly mission rally there, which began at 10 a.m. Being 30 minutes late, Jessica and I darted in dressed casually. (Our original intent was to change into church clothes once we arrived, but we were late and didn't want to miss any more than we already had.)
I went to the men's meeting, where Bro. B.R. Singh was presenting his work in India. Bro. Singh has a way of bringing his work to life before his audience, with or without video or powerpoint presentation. He fielded several questions concerning the work in India. After he finished his presentation, I was called upon to present the work in Brownwood. Several of the men suggested that I hold the first meeting of the mission in Brownwood at Underwood's Barbecue, a world famous Luby's cafeteria style restaurant featuring Mr. Underwood's unique BBQ recipes, such as BBQ beefsteak, spare ribs, and home cooking such as chicken fried steak and Mama Underwood's fried chicken. I told them Jessica and I were planning to start a support group for parents of young children which would utilize Underwood's as one of many meeting places. The announcement drew loud "amen's".
We dismissed for lunch where I was invited to preach at Ridgecrest the following evening (I was already scheduled to preach the morning service at Quaker Ave. Baptist Church in Lubbock.) The missionaries present gave their reports in the evening service before Bro. Singh preached to the group assembled.
I love the Southwest Association. It is rare that I am ever accepted into a group with open arms the way they have welcomed me.
I got to visit with my friend and former classmate Daniel Davis, who is beginning an MBSF at West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. He took me to my hotel room that Quaker Ave. church booked for me. After a quick nap, Bro. Monty Hilliard and his wife treated Jessica and I to some of the finest hamburgers in the Texas Panhandle.
We talked, shared our stories, and they encouraged us. (We also got to see Texas Tech University and the football stadium where the Red Raiders play football).
I presented the work at Quaker Ave. Sunday morning, then the Hilliards treated us to lunch. Then, we went to their house to watch Bonanza before heading back to Levelland to present the work at Ridgecrest MBC. Both churches, along with the Southwest association blessed us greatly during our visit. Even without the love offerings, this trip was worth it. The love offerings just gave us more reason to rejoice on our overnight drive back to Jacksonville (I had to work this morning).
Jessica wanted to drive most of the way home, so I slept a lot. Today, I got a call from my grandmother informing me that the treasurer for Denson Springs MBC (the church I used to pastor) voted to support me at a rate of $50 per month. That makes two regular monthly supporters of Mission:Brownwood, in addition to Rocky Springs (three supporters total.)
I'm really looking forward to going to Brownwood, getting the work started there, and fellowshipping more with the Southwest Association. God has blessed me more than I can imagine this time.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Stand and Deliver
My Cherokeean Herald column this week deals with the life of Jaime Escalante. Jaime Escalante was a mathematics teacher at Garfield High School in East LA in the 1970s to early 1980s. His biggest accomplishment was teaching low-income, at-risk students who could barely grasp basic math to understand calculus.
Wouldn't it be awesome if we could disciple people for the Lord the way he did for calculus?
Wouldn't it be awesome if we could disciple people for the Lord the way he did for calculus?
Travel, logistics, and SOCCER!
Tonight, Jessica and I leave Jacksonville at about 1 a.m. (when she gets off work and comes home) and we will drive straight through to Levelland, Texas (just west of Lubbock) to be at the Southwest Assn. Mission Rally by 10 a.m. Afterwards, we'll check into a motel and SLEEP!
I'll be presenting the Brownwood work to Quaker Ave. MBC on Sunday Morning. One of the great things about deputation is that you basically get to take a weekend trip every week. The bad thing about being bi-vocational is that you usually do your driving late at night in order to be at work by 8:30 a.m. Monday. Still, it's a lot of fun to do.
We had the draft for the Jacksonville Soccer Association last night. My U6 team (the Bumblebees) picked up two new players and has all of the players from the fall returning. My wife's U8 team (The Purple Sky) lost their star player, who was recruited by a U10 team, but was able to replace her with two new players.
The opening kickoff is March 8! Let's get ready to rumble!
I'll be presenting the Brownwood work to Quaker Ave. MBC on Sunday Morning. One of the great things about deputation is that you basically get to take a weekend trip every week. The bad thing about being bi-vocational is that you usually do your driving late at night in order to be at work by 8:30 a.m. Monday. Still, it's a lot of fun to do.
We had the draft for the Jacksonville Soccer Association last night. My U6 team (the Bumblebees) picked up two new players and has all of the players from the fall returning. My wife's U8 team (The Purple Sky) lost their star player, who was recruited by a U10 team, but was able to replace her with two new players.
The opening kickoff is March 8! Let's get ready to rumble!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
What's wrong with Calvinism?
I am noticing a trend of friendliness toward Calvinism in the online Christian community. Some who hold to Calvinistic theology openly proclaim that they are Calvinists. I applaud their honesty. However, there are teachings in Calvinistic theology that I object to, mainly election and predestination.
Now, election and predestination are Biblical concepts, but they are done according to the foreknowledge of God.
Calvinism (at least the forms I have seen taught) teaches that before time began, God selected those whom He would save. Calvinists are quick to point out verses that teach that a man can not come to Salvation unless he is drawn by the Spirit. This teaching misses John 12:32, which teaches that Christ will draw all men. Or what about I Timothy 2:4, where Paul writes that God our Savior "will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth." (Which is His desire, though it will not happen.) If God set out in the beginning of eternity and plotted whom He would save, and forced His irresistable grace upon them, then according to I Timothy 2:4, everyone would be saved. We know that this is not true. Not all will be saved.
Calvinism recognizes God's sovereignty in salvation, but it ignores the free-will of the individual to accept the gift of salvation. So, how does free-will harmonize in scripture when election and predestination are also Biblical? Easy. A first year student at Texas Baptist Institute can tell you that these teachings harmonize in Romans 8.
(By the way, TBI catches a lot of flack in our associated work and on these blogs, all of which is unwarranted, and in my assessment, doesn't come from a pure spirit.)
Romans 8:29-30 says "Whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified."
You were created with a free-will, but God in His infinite knowledge foreknew how you would respond to the Gospel and His efforts to draw you. Learning what it would take to get you to accept the Gospel, He predestinated you to go though the events necessary to bring you to repentance. At the right time, He called you to salvation. As you accepted Christ as your Savior, He justified (saved) you. Those He saved, He glorified. (We haven't been glorified yet, but it is as good as done.) He foreknew, elected, predestined, called, saved and glorified, in that order.
Knowing that God would have all men to be saved, we must assume that God would predestine everyone in a way that would manipulate them to repent. However, knowing that not all men will repent, we must assume that there are those who will not repent no matter what God does. This refutes irresistable grace. Those who die and go to Hell go there because there is no way God can reach them, because they will refuse Him at every turn. God draws some people for a lifetime, only to be rejected in the end. He leaves some alone after his initial call, knowing that a lifetime of drawing will not work. Why? He's God.
There are other disagreements I have with Calvinism, such as the fact that I believe that Christ paid for all the sins of the world when He died on the cross, not just the sins of the elect. I don't feel like delving into that at this time.
Calvinism is not Biblical. That doesn't mean that those who are Calvinists are evil people bent on destroying Christianity. Many Calvinists are good-hearted people who are saved and want to spread the Gospel. None the less, Calvinism still is not Biblical, and should be regarded as such.
The successful evangelical efforts of regarded Calvinists do not validate their theology, for if it did, we would have to validate the scriptural error of any denomination who wins people to the Lord.
There are groups that lead people to Christ by preaching repentance and faith, and thousands are saved upon accepting their message. However, some of these groups do not teach Baptism. Some don't baptize properly. Some don't even teach it. Some have even eliminated Baptism. Does their evangelical success validate their error on the doctrine of Baptism? Of course not. Niether should the error of Calvinism be validated by the success of missions programs and evangelistic efforts of noted Calvinists.
Does Calvinism present a danger to the American Baptist Association? Yes. If we become friendly to the theology, there will be those who embrace it. The effect will be strife and contention between Calvinists, and non-Calvinists, which will ultimately lead to division, and even a possible split.
Passion for God is wonderful, so is concern for the lost (which, I believe, go hand-in-hand). Let's not let our passion and concern lead us to error.
Now, election and predestination are Biblical concepts, but they are done according to the foreknowledge of God.
Calvinism (at least the forms I have seen taught) teaches that before time began, God selected those whom He would save. Calvinists are quick to point out verses that teach that a man can not come to Salvation unless he is drawn by the Spirit. This teaching misses John 12:32, which teaches that Christ will draw all men. Or what about I Timothy 2:4, where Paul writes that God our Savior "will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth." (Which is His desire, though it will not happen.) If God set out in the beginning of eternity and plotted whom He would save, and forced His irresistable grace upon them, then according to I Timothy 2:4, everyone would be saved. We know that this is not true. Not all will be saved.
Calvinism recognizes God's sovereignty in salvation, but it ignores the free-will of the individual to accept the gift of salvation. So, how does free-will harmonize in scripture when election and predestination are also Biblical? Easy. A first year student at Texas Baptist Institute can tell you that these teachings harmonize in Romans 8.
(By the way, TBI catches a lot of flack in our associated work and on these blogs, all of which is unwarranted, and in my assessment, doesn't come from a pure spirit.)
Romans 8:29-30 says "Whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified."
You were created with a free-will, but God in His infinite knowledge foreknew how you would respond to the Gospel and His efforts to draw you. Learning what it would take to get you to accept the Gospel, He predestinated you to go though the events necessary to bring you to repentance. At the right time, He called you to salvation. As you accepted Christ as your Savior, He justified (saved) you. Those He saved, He glorified. (We haven't been glorified yet, but it is as good as done.) He foreknew, elected, predestined, called, saved and glorified, in that order.
Knowing that God would have all men to be saved, we must assume that God would predestine everyone in a way that would manipulate them to repent. However, knowing that not all men will repent, we must assume that there are those who will not repent no matter what God does. This refutes irresistable grace. Those who die and go to Hell go there because there is no way God can reach them, because they will refuse Him at every turn. God draws some people for a lifetime, only to be rejected in the end. He leaves some alone after his initial call, knowing that a lifetime of drawing will not work. Why? He's God.
There are other disagreements I have with Calvinism, such as the fact that I believe that Christ paid for all the sins of the world when He died on the cross, not just the sins of the elect. I don't feel like delving into that at this time.
Calvinism is not Biblical. That doesn't mean that those who are Calvinists are evil people bent on destroying Christianity. Many Calvinists are good-hearted people who are saved and want to spread the Gospel. None the less, Calvinism still is not Biblical, and should be regarded as such.
The successful evangelical efforts of regarded Calvinists do not validate their theology, for if it did, we would have to validate the scriptural error of any denomination who wins people to the Lord.
There are groups that lead people to Christ by preaching repentance and faith, and thousands are saved upon accepting their message. However, some of these groups do not teach Baptism. Some don't baptize properly. Some don't even teach it. Some have even eliminated Baptism. Does their evangelical success validate their error on the doctrine of Baptism? Of course not. Niether should the error of Calvinism be validated by the success of missions programs and evangelistic efforts of noted Calvinists.
Does Calvinism present a danger to the American Baptist Association? Yes. If we become friendly to the theology, there will be those who embrace it. The effect will be strife and contention between Calvinists, and non-Calvinists, which will ultimately lead to division, and even a possible split.
Passion for God is wonderful, so is concern for the lost (which, I believe, go hand-in-hand). Let's not let our passion and concern lead us to error.
Monday, January 21, 2008
My column this week
This week, I paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in my weekly Cherokeean Herald column.
True Worship (Hint, it's not about the music)
Maybe I'm the oddball of the ABA's online community, but I can worship in any true New Testament church, with any style service, traditional-upbeat, traditional-slow, contemporary-upbeat, and contemporary slow. I can worship singing "Unclouded Day," or while singing "Open the Eyes of my Heart."
I can worship during the preaching, during the prayer time, etc etc etc. I can worship in any setting, as long as I have prepared my heart to do so. If my mind is on other things, my finances, my kids, the tempo of the music, then my mind and heart are not focusing on God, therefore I can't worship.
You see, worship is not a good feeling during a song service. Enjoying music does not constitute worship, though worship involves music. Getting into the emotion of a worship service does not constitute worship, though worship does involve our emotions. No, worship is proclaiming God's greatness, His majesty, remembering what He has done for us and praising Him for it.
One does not have to be happy or giddy to worship the Lord either.
The Bible says in II Samuel 12 that when David found out the child (that was born of his and Bathsheba's adulterous affair) died, he got up, washed, changed his clothes, annointed himself and came to the Lord's house and worshipped. Do you honestly think he was jumping and clapping happily? I doubt it. I've lost a child, it takes a while to overcome that heartbreak. While David realized the finality of God's answer and moved on, he was probably still hurting. After all, he was a man after God's own heart, wasn't he? Do we not worship, even in the solemn occasions such as funerals?
But when things are well, it is appropriate that we should "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord." (Psalm 95:1). We should come before His presence with thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2).
We should bless His name and declare His glory among the heathen (Psalm 96).
We should rejoice in Him and see Him high and lifted up, reigning above all things. We should remember that He is in control (Psalm 97).
We should worship Him, because He is victorious. We should worship Him with all that we have (Psalm 98).
How? By remembering His greatness, His power, His awesomeness, the way He has blessed us, and how He is going to bless us and take us to be with Him in His kingdom. Read the Psalms. They are great examples of true worship... exalting the Lord for Who He is, and what He does. That is true worship.
There are those who believe that the American Baptist Association has dried up, that we no longer know how to worship. If the ABA ever forgets how to worship, it will not be because we are singing out of the Heavenly Highway Hymnal with piano accompaniment, it will be because we forget Who God is, and how majestic He is.
And, if it takes a certain type of musical setting to get you to worship, then brother, you are not worshipping.
We get together on Sunday morning, and we worship as a group. We should also be worshipping every day. For where and when will you have the opportunity to declare God's glory among the heathen?
Worship, Remember Who God is, what He has done, what He is doing, what He will do, and glorify Him for it!
I can worship during the preaching, during the prayer time, etc etc etc. I can worship in any setting, as long as I have prepared my heart to do so. If my mind is on other things, my finances, my kids, the tempo of the music, then my mind and heart are not focusing on God, therefore I can't worship.
You see, worship is not a good feeling during a song service. Enjoying music does not constitute worship, though worship involves music. Getting into the emotion of a worship service does not constitute worship, though worship does involve our emotions. No, worship is proclaiming God's greatness, His majesty, remembering what He has done for us and praising Him for it.
One does not have to be happy or giddy to worship the Lord either.
The Bible says in II Samuel 12 that when David found out the child (that was born of his and Bathsheba's adulterous affair) died, he got up, washed, changed his clothes, annointed himself and came to the Lord's house and worshipped. Do you honestly think he was jumping and clapping happily? I doubt it. I've lost a child, it takes a while to overcome that heartbreak. While David realized the finality of God's answer and moved on, he was probably still hurting. After all, he was a man after God's own heart, wasn't he? Do we not worship, even in the solemn occasions such as funerals?
But when things are well, it is appropriate that we should "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord." (Psalm 95:1). We should come before His presence with thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2).
We should bless His name and declare His glory among the heathen (Psalm 96).
We should rejoice in Him and see Him high and lifted up, reigning above all things. We should remember that He is in control (Psalm 97).
We should worship Him, because He is victorious. We should worship Him with all that we have (Psalm 98).
How? By remembering His greatness, His power, His awesomeness, the way He has blessed us, and how He is going to bless us and take us to be with Him in His kingdom. Read the Psalms. They are great examples of true worship... exalting the Lord for Who He is, and what He does. That is true worship.
There are those who believe that the American Baptist Association has dried up, that we no longer know how to worship. If the ABA ever forgets how to worship, it will not be because we are singing out of the Heavenly Highway Hymnal with piano accompaniment, it will be because we forget Who God is, and how majestic He is.
And, if it takes a certain type of musical setting to get you to worship, then brother, you are not worshipping.
We get together on Sunday morning, and we worship as a group. We should also be worshipping every day. For where and when will you have the opportunity to declare God's glory among the heathen?
Worship, Remember Who God is, what He has done, what He is doing, what He will do, and glorify Him for it!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Well, that hurt
I broke the news to my managing editor today that I was leaving for Brownwood at the end of May. She was saddened by the news. I really hate that this move is causing a level of disappointment with those whom I've worked for. They've been really good to me over the past few years, and I reward them by leaving. I kind of feel guilty about it.
Then again, I went through this same thing when I broke the news to my grandparents. I suppose the bird has to leave the nest sometime.
I hope that God brings someone into The Cherokeean who will perform above and beyond what I ever did. That would be a real blessing to them.
Then again, I went through this same thing when I broke the news to my grandparents. I suppose the bird has to leave the nest sometime.
I hope that God brings someone into The Cherokeean who will perform above and beyond what I ever did. That would be a real blessing to them.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Acts 29 Network, caution advised
More and more I am hearing about the Acts 29 Network. I must say there are some things that bother me about this organization.
The main thing is part of their doctrinal statement bothers me... namely this:
This portion of their doctrinal statement gives the aroma of one who tiptoes through the tulips, if you know what I mean.
In our efforts to reach as many people we can, let's be careful of what we embrace and who we hitch our wagons to. Our culture changes every 15 minutes, and we have to be versatile, but let's be careful not to drift into the waters of heresy while trying to avoid the rocks of ineffectual ministry.
The main thing is part of their doctrinal statement bothers me... namely this:
We also believe that God in His unparalleled love and mercy has chosen to elect some people for salvation.
We believe that the salvation of the elect was predestined by God in eternity past.
We believe that God's saving grace is ultimately irresistible and that God does soften even the hardest heart and save the worst of sinners according to His will.
This portion of their doctrinal statement gives the aroma of one who tiptoes through the tulips, if you know what I mean.
In our efforts to reach as many people we can, let's be careful of what we embrace and who we hitch our wagons to. Our culture changes every 15 minutes, and we have to be versatile, but let's be careful not to drift into the waters of heresy while trying to avoid the rocks of ineffectual ministry.
Aquafina has nothing on this...
Remember in this post how I didn't want to get into the hermeneutical intricacies of water? (And aren't big words fun?)
Well, it has come to my attention through my study in the Gospel of John that water seems to be a recurring theme. Think about it. In John 2, Jesus turns the water into wine. Notice that Jesus tells the servants to fill the water pots with... water. Notice how they filled the water to the brim.
In John 3, Jesus says that "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can not enter the Kingdom of God." (John 3:5).
In John 4, Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for some water, before offering her water that if she drinks it, she'll never thirst again.
John 5, the impotent man is trying to get into the water, being the first one in after the angel troubles the water.
In John 6... Okay... you got me there. Jesus did cross the water to get away from the crowds, though. (He even walked on water (John 6:19)).
John 7, Jesus says whosoever believes in Him, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:39 goes on to explain that the water signifies the Holy Spirit... which sheds a lot of light on the waters of the Gospel of John. Remember those geysers we discussed in John 4? That water Jesus offered the Samaritan woman was symbolic of the Holy Spirit, which when she received Him (upon Salvation), she would never be without Him again (Security of the believer, once saved always saved.)
A smooth preacher could have fun equating the water in the waterpots of John 2 to the Holy Spirit filling believers. But the thing that struck me the most in this is the light John 7:39 sheds on John 3:5. (And yes, I know the third year class at TBI is probably laughing at me right now... I can hear them saying, "Leland went to school here two years and pastored 19 months and he's just now noticed this?" Yep, my next visit to the student lounge promises to be a good one.)
Okay. John 3:5 is used by many religious organizations to teach that Baptism is required for salvation. We Baptists know that teaching violates the doctrine of salvation by grace apart from works. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ring a bell?) That being said, what was Jesus talking about when He said, "Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
If being born of water means Baptism, then Ephesians 2:8-9 falls short of describing how a person is saved. Furthermore, Paul neglected to inform the Philippian jailer of this step of salvation in Acts 16:31 (even if he did baptize the jailer later). No, being born of water can not mean Baptism.
Does it mean physical birth. Hey, I've witnessed labor. I've seen my wife's water break. There is a lot of water there... and a birth. But, if a child dies in the womb, and is not born (of water), does that mean they don't go to Heaven? No, being born of water does not mean physical birth.
So what does it mean?
What does water represent? The Spirit. So, Jesus is not talking about two births when he says a man must be born of water and of the Spirit. He is talking about one birth... the spiritual birth. This also fits when you plug John 3:5 back into context of the chapter. Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born again. Nicodemus asked, "How?" to which Jesus responded by explaining the second birth. Read the passage. Nicodemus understood the first birth... he asked if a man could get back into his mother's womb. John 3:5 is about the second birth, and only the second birth.
So the question becomes... have I wasted the last two nights of study only to figure out a deep theological truth that has no real bearing on what people need to hear? No, in no wise. What this study teaches us that unless someone is reborn, spiritually born, they are not saved. Jesus goes on to compare salvation to looking upon the serpent raised in the wilderness... Those who are to be saved must look to Him like those Jews in the wilderness looked to that serpent. It was a move of repentance. It was remembering God's perfection and their sinfulness. Jesus goes on to talk about belief and repentance in John 3:16-21.
You see, salvation does not come with a simple act in an undersized swimming pool. It does not come with a form-letter (insert your name here) prayer, and it does not come with getting the right answers at the end of a pre-scripted witnessing tract. It comes with a total change of mind and heart (repentance) and faith (trust) in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The effect should be the emergence of a new person (a rebirth).
If change has not happened in your life since you were "saved," if you are still the same person now that you were before you were "saved," did you really repent and trust Christ? Is there a change in your life? I can tell you my life, attitude, decision making and actions are much different now than they were before I was saved.
I praise God, because the water is portrayed in scripture as giving life... and now I have a life, whereas I didn't before.
Do you want a life? Do you need to be saved? Pray to God, tell Him you are sorry for your sins, make the decision to turn away from your sins, and trust Christ as your Savior today.
Amen!
Well, it has come to my attention through my study in the Gospel of John that water seems to be a recurring theme. Think about it. In John 2, Jesus turns the water into wine. Notice that Jesus tells the servants to fill the water pots with... water. Notice how they filled the water to the brim.
In John 3, Jesus says that "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can not enter the Kingdom of God." (John 3:5).
In John 4, Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for some water, before offering her water that if she drinks it, she'll never thirst again.
John 5, the impotent man is trying to get into the water, being the first one in after the angel troubles the water.
In John 6... Okay... you got me there. Jesus did cross the water to get away from the crowds, though. (He even walked on water (John 6:19)).
John 7, Jesus says whosoever believes in Him, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:39 goes on to explain that the water signifies the Holy Spirit... which sheds a lot of light on the waters of the Gospel of John. Remember those geysers we discussed in John 4? That water Jesus offered the Samaritan woman was symbolic of the Holy Spirit, which when she received Him (upon Salvation), she would never be without Him again (Security of the believer, once saved always saved.)
A smooth preacher could have fun equating the water in the waterpots of John 2 to the Holy Spirit filling believers. But the thing that struck me the most in this is the light John 7:39 sheds on John 3:5. (And yes, I know the third year class at TBI is probably laughing at me right now... I can hear them saying, "Leland went to school here two years and pastored 19 months and he's just now noticed this?" Yep, my next visit to the student lounge promises to be a good one.)
Okay. John 3:5 is used by many religious organizations to teach that Baptism is required for salvation. We Baptists know that teaching violates the doctrine of salvation by grace apart from works. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ring a bell?) That being said, what was Jesus talking about when He said, "Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
If being born of water means Baptism, then Ephesians 2:8-9 falls short of describing how a person is saved. Furthermore, Paul neglected to inform the Philippian jailer of this step of salvation in Acts 16:31 (even if he did baptize the jailer later). No, being born of water can not mean Baptism.
Does it mean physical birth. Hey, I've witnessed labor. I've seen my wife's water break. There is a lot of water there... and a birth. But, if a child dies in the womb, and is not born (of water), does that mean they don't go to Heaven? No, being born of water does not mean physical birth.
So what does it mean?
What does water represent? The Spirit. So, Jesus is not talking about two births when he says a man must be born of water and of the Spirit. He is talking about one birth... the spiritual birth. This also fits when you plug John 3:5 back into context of the chapter. Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born again. Nicodemus asked, "How?" to which Jesus responded by explaining the second birth. Read the passage. Nicodemus understood the first birth... he asked if a man could get back into his mother's womb. John 3:5 is about the second birth, and only the second birth.
So the question becomes... have I wasted the last two nights of study only to figure out a deep theological truth that has no real bearing on what people need to hear? No, in no wise. What this study teaches us that unless someone is reborn, spiritually born, they are not saved. Jesus goes on to compare salvation to looking upon the serpent raised in the wilderness... Those who are to be saved must look to Him like those Jews in the wilderness looked to that serpent. It was a move of repentance. It was remembering God's perfection and their sinfulness. Jesus goes on to talk about belief and repentance in John 3:16-21.
You see, salvation does not come with a simple act in an undersized swimming pool. It does not come with a form-letter (insert your name here) prayer, and it does not come with getting the right answers at the end of a pre-scripted witnessing tract. It comes with a total change of mind and heart (repentance) and faith (trust) in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The effect should be the emergence of a new person (a rebirth).
If change has not happened in your life since you were "saved," if you are still the same person now that you were before you were "saved," did you really repent and trust Christ? Is there a change in your life? I can tell you my life, attitude, decision making and actions are much different now than they were before I was saved.
I praise God, because the water is portrayed in scripture as giving life... and now I have a life, whereas I didn't before.
Do you want a life? Do you need to be saved? Pray to God, tell Him you are sorry for your sins, make the decision to turn away from your sins, and trust Christ as your Savior today.
Amen!
Stress factor
More and more, people around Rusk and Jacksonville are talking about my mission to Brownwood, Texas. So, tomorrow, I will have to give notice to my employer so that they will hear my plans from me and not a third party source. Hopefully, they will be as supportive as the owner of my newspaper.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Why we all can't get along
Whenever the topic of religion comes up, many will try to play down the differences in religion by saying, "Well, we all serve the same God, don't we?"
John 5:22 refutes this line of thinking.
Why can't one be saved by faith in God without trusting Christ as their savior? Because it will be Christ, Whom they will meet in the judgment.
The one who follows the Jewish religion believes he will face God as being his judge. He believes repentance and faith toward God (not Jesus) will bring salvation. The problem with this line of thinking is that when this person dies and faces the judgment, it will be Jesus Christ, Whom he rejected, Who will judge him.
The same holds true for the Muslim. My understanding of Islam is that it is a religion of works designed to help one avoid the wrath of Allah. However, when a good Muslim dies, he will not face the judgment of Allah. He will face the judgment of Jesus Christ, Whom the Islamic religion placed on the same playing field as Muhammad. He will face the judgment of Christ, Whose people the Koran pronounce judgment upon as being "people of the book." The Incarnate Deity that Islam played down will judge those who followed that religion.
When a Christian dies, he will face the judgment of Jesus Christ, Whom he accepted when he repented of his sins and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior.
So my question is, when you die, who do you expect to see in the judgment? If it is anyone but Christ, then you will be surprised. When you see Christ in the judgment, what will be His ruling? Well done good and faithful servant? Or depart from me for I know you not?
John 5:22 refutes this line of thinking.
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgement to the Son.
Why can't one be saved by faith in God without trusting Christ as their savior? Because it will be Christ, Whom they will meet in the judgment.
The one who follows the Jewish religion believes he will face God as being his judge. He believes repentance and faith toward God (not Jesus) will bring salvation. The problem with this line of thinking is that when this person dies and faces the judgment, it will be Jesus Christ, Whom he rejected, Who will judge him.
The same holds true for the Muslim. My understanding of Islam is that it is a religion of works designed to help one avoid the wrath of Allah. However, when a good Muslim dies, he will not face the judgment of Allah. He will face the judgment of Jesus Christ, Whom the Islamic religion placed on the same playing field as Muhammad. He will face the judgment of Christ, Whose people the Koran pronounce judgment upon as being "people of the book." The Incarnate Deity that Islam played down will judge those who followed that religion.
When a Christian dies, he will face the judgment of Jesus Christ, Whom he accepted when he repented of his sins and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior.
So my question is, when you die, who do you expect to see in the judgment? If it is anyone but Christ, then you will be surprised. When you see Christ in the judgment, what will be His ruling? Well done good and faithful servant? Or depart from me for I know you not?
More Mission: Brownwood news
1. The owner of the newspaper discovered that I am planning on going to Brownwood to start a church (Someone told her. I expected this would happen as there has been a lot of talk around Rusk concerning my plans.) She is saddened, but supportive of my plans.
2. Things are still up in the air with my prospective employer in Brownwood. I am planning on making another trip there in the near future to look for other job opportunities.
Upcoming schedule:
Sunday, Jan 20:
AM- Memorial MBC-Elkhart, TX
PM- open... contact me at (903) 625-1005 to invite me to your church.
Saturday, Jan. 26:
Southwest Association Mission Rally in Levelland, TX.
Sunday, Jan 27:
AM- Quaker Ave. MBC in Lubbock, TX
PM- Open.
Please continue to pray for my work in Brownwood.
2. Things are still up in the air with my prospective employer in Brownwood. I am planning on making another trip there in the near future to look for other job opportunities.
Upcoming schedule:
Sunday, Jan 20:
AM- Memorial MBC-Elkhart, TX
PM- open... contact me at (903) 625-1005 to invite me to your church.
Saturday, Jan. 26:
Southwest Association Mission Rally in Levelland, TX.
Sunday, Jan 27:
AM- Quaker Ave. MBC in Lubbock, TX
PM- Open.
Please continue to pray for my work in Brownwood.
Rocky Springs MBC to sponsor Mission Brownwood
Last night, Rocky Springs MBC of Jacksonville, TX voted to become my sponsoring church. The church voted to authorize me to work in the Brownwood area, and authorized the new work to carry out the work of a local New Testament church, including church ordinances. Basically, I have the freedom to perform the mission work how I feel God calls me to do it. My one responsibility to Rocky Springs is to keep them up to date and report my activities to them.
The church also elected a missions treasurer and assistant, and voted to set up a missions account on my behalf. Therefore, all support needs to be sent to Rocky Springs MBC.
Rocky Springs MBC
PO Box 1840
Jacksonville, TX 75766.
The church also elected a missions treasurer and assistant, and voted to set up a missions account on my behalf. Therefore, all support needs to be sent to Rocky Springs MBC.
Rocky Springs MBC
PO Box 1840
Jacksonville, TX 75766.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Loneliness, work, and random thoughts.
My column this week in the The Cherokeean Herald has to do with loneliness in Christianity, and life in general. You may read it here. This column runs every week in the Cherokeean Herald, which has a circulation of 4,200. It also runs on the Web site, which had 29,000 hits last month.
Work is stacking up at the Cherokeean. I seem to be gaining a number of hats. Now, in addition to selling ads and reporting the news, I am now putting together the front pages and making sure the paper gets put together. It sounds like a lot of work, but my co-worker, Gloria Jennings, handles most of the mundane work. I get the exciting work of interviewing people, feature and sports photography, writing and designing ad campaigns.
In addition to my newspaper work, I am now doing play-by-play for the Rusk Eagle basketball team on KWRW 97.7 FM, which our newspaper owns. (It came as no suprise, I did it last season.)
Another project that has been handed to me is the promotion of our Web site. Our managing editor wants to know if I can make it profitable. In my opinion, in order to do this, we'll have to drive the hit-count up so that we can charge more on the online ads. Charging subscription fees is not feasible, in my opinion. In order to drive the hit-count up, we'll have to assemble an online product that will keep visitors returning to the site. It will have to be useful, either for entertainment, or for information.
While I develop these ideas, I am running radio commercials for the site on KWRW 97.7 FM. The commercials also promote the newspaper. My goal here is to continue increasing the hit-count while driving up the print edition circulation.
I know what you are thinking... "Bro. Leland, aren't you planning to leave and go to Brownwood?" Yes. But shouldn't I leave my current employer in better shape than when I came to work?
(By the way, I have not informed them of my Brownwood plans... so please don't tell them. I will let them know as soon as a departure date is finalized.)
Work is stacking up at the Cherokeean. I seem to be gaining a number of hats. Now, in addition to selling ads and reporting the news, I am now putting together the front pages and making sure the paper gets put together. It sounds like a lot of work, but my co-worker, Gloria Jennings, handles most of the mundane work. I get the exciting work of interviewing people, feature and sports photography, writing and designing ad campaigns.
In addition to my newspaper work, I am now doing play-by-play for the Rusk Eagle basketball team on KWRW 97.7 FM, which our newspaper owns. (It came as no suprise, I did it last season.)
Another project that has been handed to me is the promotion of our Web site. Our managing editor wants to know if I can make it profitable. In my opinion, in order to do this, we'll have to drive the hit-count up so that we can charge more on the online ads. Charging subscription fees is not feasible, in my opinion. In order to drive the hit-count up, we'll have to assemble an online product that will keep visitors returning to the site. It will have to be useful, either for entertainment, or for information.
While I develop these ideas, I am running radio commercials for the site on KWRW 97.7 FM. The commercials also promote the newspaper. My goal here is to continue increasing the hit-count while driving up the print edition circulation.
I know what you are thinking... "Bro. Leland, aren't you planning to leave and go to Brownwood?" Yes. But shouldn't I leave my current employer in better shape than when I came to work?
(By the way, I have not informed them of my Brownwood plans... so please don't tell them. I will let them know as soon as a departure date is finalized.)
Upcoming Mission: Brownwood dates
Sunday (Jan 13)
AM service- Texas Ave. MBC-Abilene, TX
PM Service- Second Avenue Baptist Church- Corsicana, TX
Sunday (Jan 20)
AM service- Memorial MBC- Elkhart, TX
PM Service- open
Sunday (Jan 27)
AM service- Quaker Avenue MBC- Lubbock, TX
PM Service- open
I am also making plans to attend the Southwest Assoc. mission rally in Levelland on Jan. 26, but have not been given the day off from work yet.
AM service- Texas Ave. MBC-Abilene, TX
PM Service- Second Avenue Baptist Church- Corsicana, TX
Sunday (Jan 20)
AM service- Memorial MBC- Elkhart, TX
PM Service- open
Sunday (Jan 27)
AM service- Quaker Avenue MBC- Lubbock, TX
PM Service- open
I am also making plans to attend the Southwest Assoc. mission rally in Levelland on Jan. 26, but have not been given the day off from work yet.
More lessons learned from the impotent man of John 5
In my previous post, we explored the feelings of the man by the Bethesda pool in John 5. This incident, though, teaches us a lot about Christ.
1. Christ is compassionate. The angel would trouble the pool waters at a certain season, and the first one into the pool when the waters moved was healed. You can imagine that everyone with an illness or disability that could get to the side of the pool was there in hopes of being the first in and getting healed. My guess is that a lot of sick people, lepers, people with palsy, diabetics losing limbs, those with bleeding issues, chronic bronchial problems, etc, etc, etc, were there. There could have been hundreds, or maybe even thousands of these people. (My point is that it was not a cool hang-out!) Still, Christ waded through this sea of diseased humanity to heal the impotent man by the pool. He wasn't there to rub elbows. He was there to minister. He had compassion on the impotent man. What about the others? Scripture doesn't tell us whether He healed them or not. The story is about the situation with the impotent man.
2. Christ is all powerful. (To quote VeggieTales, God is bigger than the boogie man.) Christ did not need special ointments, rituals, magic words or anything else to heal that man. He healed him by the power given to Him by God.
3. Christ seeks those who can not help themselves. Jesus is recorded in scripture healing those who are unable to heal themselves. He healed the lame that could not walk, the blind that could not see, the deaf that could not hear and the lepers that could not clean themselves. What made them eligible for their healing was that they realized their helpless state. In order for Christ to heal us, we need to realize that we can not do it without Him.
4. Christ seeks those He can save. The man by the pool in Bethesda was not seeking Christ. He didn't even know it was Jesus Christ who healed him (John 5:13). It was Jesus who went out into that sea of humanity to seek the man. People do not naturally seek God. Most tend to run from him. They may seek religion, but they do not seek God, "lest their deeds should be reproved" (John 3:20). But Jesus seeks those whom he may save (I Timothy 1:15). I am thankful that He chased me down, and had the grace to save me after I had run from Him for so long.
5. Jesus saves and heals completely. The impotent man, once healed was able to walk and carry his bed. Jesus healed him well enough to be able to take on the activities of a normal healthy man. This man was not walking on wobbly knees. When Christ saves, He saves completely. It is not up to us to keep it, nor do we have to complete it. He did all the work, did all the saving. Our job then becomes to grow closer to Him in a relationship with Him, and grow in our faith through study of the Bible.
John 5 is an intensely theological chapter of the Bible. I highly recommend studying it.
1. Christ is compassionate. The angel would trouble the pool waters at a certain season, and the first one into the pool when the waters moved was healed. You can imagine that everyone with an illness or disability that could get to the side of the pool was there in hopes of being the first in and getting healed. My guess is that a lot of sick people, lepers, people with palsy, diabetics losing limbs, those with bleeding issues, chronic bronchial problems, etc, etc, etc, were there. There could have been hundreds, or maybe even thousands of these people. (My point is that it was not a cool hang-out!) Still, Christ waded through this sea of diseased humanity to heal the impotent man by the pool. He wasn't there to rub elbows. He was there to minister. He had compassion on the impotent man. What about the others? Scripture doesn't tell us whether He healed them or not. The story is about the situation with the impotent man.
2. Christ is all powerful. (To quote VeggieTales, God is bigger than the boogie man.) Christ did not need special ointments, rituals, magic words or anything else to heal that man. He healed him by the power given to Him by God.
3. Christ seeks those who can not help themselves. Jesus is recorded in scripture healing those who are unable to heal themselves. He healed the lame that could not walk, the blind that could not see, the deaf that could not hear and the lepers that could not clean themselves. What made them eligible for their healing was that they realized their helpless state. In order for Christ to heal us, we need to realize that we can not do it without Him.
4. Christ seeks those He can save. The man by the pool in Bethesda was not seeking Christ. He didn't even know it was Jesus Christ who healed him (John 5:13). It was Jesus who went out into that sea of humanity to seek the man. People do not naturally seek God. Most tend to run from him. They may seek religion, but they do not seek God, "lest their deeds should be reproved" (John 3:20). But Jesus seeks those whom he may save (I Timothy 1:15). I am thankful that He chased me down, and had the grace to save me after I had run from Him for so long.
5. Jesus saves and heals completely. The impotent man, once healed was able to walk and carry his bed. Jesus healed him well enough to be able to take on the activities of a normal healthy man. This man was not walking on wobbly knees. When Christ saves, He saves completely. It is not up to us to keep it, nor do we have to complete it. He did all the work, did all the saving. Our job then becomes to grow closer to Him in a relationship with Him, and grow in our faith through study of the Bible.
John 5 is an intensely theological chapter of the Bible. I highly recommend studying it.
So Close!!!!
John 5:1-9
Have you ever felt you were so close to turning a corner, yet just couldn't seem to get over the proverbial hump? Have you ever been so close to success, yet been unable to achieve it? Have you ever tried your hardest and still felt like a failure? Can you imagine what this poor guy was going through?
The impotent man of John 5 had a disease of 38 years which severely limited his mobility. Who knows how long he had been beside the pool at Bethesda. But here you have this man, and he knows all he has to do is get into that water first after the water begins to be troubled. He is just inches away from being made whole, yet it never happens. Someone always steps in ahead of him. This went on for a long time. I can only imagine the frustration this man must have felt.
We can often feel the same type of frustration. No matter how hard we try, there is discord in our marriages. No matter how hard we try, we never make the bosses happy. No matter how hard we try, we don't get the promotion. No matter how hard we try, our churches don't grow, despite our evangelistic efforts, our reaching out to our visitors, and our following of the advice of the church growth experts. It seems the moment you are about to experience a breakthrough, nothing happens. You've been bypassed, and relief goes to the one down the road.
This man's story could have ended right there beside the pool of Bethesda, and the Jewish people were cold enough to let him die there. But, thank God, Jesus showed up. Jesus invited this man to rise, take his bed and walk. The man could have said, "yeah, whatever... tried it... didn't work." He didn't. Scripture records he rose, took his bed and walked. He had faith. The funny thing is, he didn't even know Who he had faith in until later!
When you are inches away from freedom, yet you can't get across the line, remember Jesus. Look to Jesus. Trust Jesus. I'm telling you from personal experience that when you look to Jesus, He has a way of illuminating your hurdle and teaching you how to overcome it. And, if He decided to leave that hurdle in your path... just remember what God told Paul..."My grace is sufficient for you." God has done so much for us through Salvation and blessing us from day to day. We are blessed, and really need no further blessing.
When you look to Jesus, He might move that obstacle out of your way, or He might be using it to teach you "how to be content in whatsoever state you are in."
Don't give up! Don't lose hope! Keep pushing forward and trusting the Lord.
After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity 38 years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he said unto him, "Wilt thou be made whole?"
The impotent man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me."
Jesus saith unto him, "Rise, take thy bed and walk."
And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked.
Have you ever felt you were so close to turning a corner, yet just couldn't seem to get over the proverbial hump? Have you ever been so close to success, yet been unable to achieve it? Have you ever tried your hardest and still felt like a failure? Can you imagine what this poor guy was going through?
The impotent man of John 5 had a disease of 38 years which severely limited his mobility. Who knows how long he had been beside the pool at Bethesda. But here you have this man, and he knows all he has to do is get into that water first after the water begins to be troubled. He is just inches away from being made whole, yet it never happens. Someone always steps in ahead of him. This went on for a long time. I can only imagine the frustration this man must have felt.
We can often feel the same type of frustration. No matter how hard we try, there is discord in our marriages. No matter how hard we try, we never make the bosses happy. No matter how hard we try, we don't get the promotion. No matter how hard we try, our churches don't grow, despite our evangelistic efforts, our reaching out to our visitors, and our following of the advice of the church growth experts. It seems the moment you are about to experience a breakthrough, nothing happens. You've been bypassed, and relief goes to the one down the road.
This man's story could have ended right there beside the pool of Bethesda, and the Jewish people were cold enough to let him die there. But, thank God, Jesus showed up. Jesus invited this man to rise, take his bed and walk. The man could have said, "yeah, whatever... tried it... didn't work." He didn't. Scripture records he rose, took his bed and walked. He had faith. The funny thing is, he didn't even know Who he had faith in until later!
When you are inches away from freedom, yet you can't get across the line, remember Jesus. Look to Jesus. Trust Jesus. I'm telling you from personal experience that when you look to Jesus, He has a way of illuminating your hurdle and teaching you how to overcome it. And, if He decided to leave that hurdle in your path... just remember what God told Paul..."My grace is sufficient for you." God has done so much for us through Salvation and blessing us from day to day. We are blessed, and really need no further blessing.
When you look to Jesus, He might move that obstacle out of your way, or He might be using it to teach you "how to be content in whatsoever state you are in."
Don't give up! Don't lose hope! Keep pushing forward and trusting the Lord.
Monday, January 7, 2008
No man is an island, but some are geysers
John 4:14
Jesus said these words to the Samaritan woman at the well as He was leading her to salvation. He was not talking about giving her water to drink literally, He was talking about salvation. (There are hermeneutical intricacies here that I do not wish to delv into at this time.)
There are some things to note from this verse about the living water Christ offers. 1) Drinking is optional. Jesus said "Whosoever drinketh," which means that not all people will drink it. Some will, some won't. Scripture teaches that the decision to accept the gift of salvation lies with the individual. God does not force salvation, neither does He refuse it to those who repent and believe.
2) Those who drink will never thirst again. This means that you will never be spiritually thirsty. To put it another way, those who accept salvation will never lose it. They will never have to seek salvation again, because they have it!
3) The water (the living water) that Christ gives will become a well of water springing up (like a geyser) into everlasting life, in those who drink. What does this mean? It means that the natural tendency of those who are saved will be to share their salvation with others. Discipling others and witnessing is an expectation and a requirement, not a merit badge.
Jesus told the disciples after they did everything they were supposed to do, that they should say "We are unprofitable servants, we have done that which was our duty to do." (Luke 17:10). Those who are successful "soul winners" are only doing what they are required to do. They have not gone above and beyond, neither should they boast as such. They have only done that which was their duty to do. These men and women are geysers-wells of water springing up... which is awesome... but that was God's expectation.
On the other hand, many of us fail in our duty to lead others to the Lord. Where does that put us? Many of our well springs resemble the broken water fountain at the park which barely puts out a drizzle... and you can't drink from it without putting your mouth on the spout.
I don't want to be like that anymore. I want to be a geyser! The ministry I am planning for Brownwood is being planned to impact as many people as quickly as possible.
Can I prove this was Christ's intent in these words from John 4:14? You decide. The woman went on to leave her water pot at the well, ran into town, and told everyone about Jesus. Many believed and He stayed there with them a little while before continuing on His way. She became a geyser. The disciples that were with Jesus... they were not geysers that day... but they later grew and became geysers. (Acts 8:25- "They ... preached the Gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.") The growth observed in the disciples shows us that God forgives and gives us time to grow.
Let's grow, and become geysers!
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Jesus said these words to the Samaritan woman at the well as He was leading her to salvation. He was not talking about giving her water to drink literally, He was talking about salvation. (There are hermeneutical intricacies here that I do not wish to delv into at this time.)
There are some things to note from this verse about the living water Christ offers. 1) Drinking is optional. Jesus said "Whosoever drinketh," which means that not all people will drink it. Some will, some won't. Scripture teaches that the decision to accept the gift of salvation lies with the individual. God does not force salvation, neither does He refuse it to those who repent and believe.
2) Those who drink will never thirst again. This means that you will never be spiritually thirsty. To put it another way, those who accept salvation will never lose it. They will never have to seek salvation again, because they have it!
3) The water (the living water) that Christ gives will become a well of water springing up (like a geyser) into everlasting life, in those who drink. What does this mean? It means that the natural tendency of those who are saved will be to share their salvation with others. Discipling others and witnessing is an expectation and a requirement, not a merit badge.
Jesus told the disciples after they did everything they were supposed to do, that they should say "We are unprofitable servants, we have done that which was our duty to do." (Luke 17:10). Those who are successful "soul winners" are only doing what they are required to do. They have not gone above and beyond, neither should they boast as such. They have only done that which was their duty to do. These men and women are geysers-wells of water springing up... which is awesome... but that was God's expectation.
On the other hand, many of us fail in our duty to lead others to the Lord. Where does that put us? Many of our well springs resemble the broken water fountain at the park which barely puts out a drizzle... and you can't drink from it without putting your mouth on the spout.
I don't want to be like that anymore. I want to be a geyser! The ministry I am planning for Brownwood is being planned to impact as many people as quickly as possible.
Can I prove this was Christ's intent in these words from John 4:14? You decide. The woman went on to leave her water pot at the well, ran into town, and told everyone about Jesus. Many believed and He stayed there with them a little while before continuing on His way. She became a geyser. The disciples that were with Jesus... they were not geysers that day... but they later grew and became geysers. (Acts 8:25- "They ... preached the Gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.") The growth observed in the disciples shows us that God forgives and gives us time to grow.
Let's grow, and become geysers!
Full speed ahead
Mission: Brownwood enjoyed a few major steps forward yesterday. First, Bro. Swilling and I met after morning services to discuss the working agreement between me and Rocky Springs, should the church vote to sponsor me. Up for discussion, whether the new congregation would be a "mission" or a "church." We were able to resolve that question, plus Bro. Swilling assured me that I would be given the authority to carry out the mission work the way I felt God leading me to. Basically, I'm going to get everything I wanted, and have permission to carry out the work the way I want to. I will be responsible to report my activities to Rocky Springs, which I will glady do (and planned on anyway).
Bro. Swilling took it before the church last night where a few members spoke positively about the work. The church will take a final vote on sponsorship Sunday, but there has been no spoken opposition... so I expect the motion to pass with flying colors.
I appreciate the way Bro. Swilling is approaching this. He is making sure the church understands what it is doing. As such, I think I have a better chance of being sponsored by them. From my personal experience, this is going well.
Last night, I enjoyed a great evening of worship and fellowship with Ebenezer Baptist Church of Henderson, TX. I presented the work and Bro. Matt Gholson, pastor of Ebenezer, treated us to dinner at Herschels. Ebenezer (and Bro. Matt in particular) have been real supportive of my ministry from the beginning. When I was pastor at Denson Springs, they donated a van to our missionary in New Mexico, so that he could transport Navajo children to church. Now, they allowed me to present the Brownwood work to them. I'm truly thankful that we have churches like this in our work. Special thanks go out to all who helped me set up my powerpoint presentation, and those who helped us feel welcome (which was pretty much everybody).
Another major step forward comes from the 58th Ave. MBC of Amarillo, Texas. 58th Ave. sent us a check, and told us to inform them when we get a sponsoring church so that they can send the support through them. On that note, I'd like to welcome 58th Ave. as the first regular supporter of Mission: Brownwood. Thank you so much!.
Bro. Swilling took it before the church last night where a few members spoke positively about the work. The church will take a final vote on sponsorship Sunday, but there has been no spoken opposition... so I expect the motion to pass with flying colors.
I appreciate the way Bro. Swilling is approaching this. He is making sure the church understands what it is doing. As such, I think I have a better chance of being sponsored by them. From my personal experience, this is going well.
Last night, I enjoyed a great evening of worship and fellowship with Ebenezer Baptist Church of Henderson, TX. I presented the work and Bro. Matt Gholson, pastor of Ebenezer, treated us to dinner at Herschels. Ebenezer (and Bro. Matt in particular) have been real supportive of my ministry from the beginning. When I was pastor at Denson Springs, they donated a van to our missionary in New Mexico, so that he could transport Navajo children to church. Now, they allowed me to present the Brownwood work to them. I'm truly thankful that we have churches like this in our work. Special thanks go out to all who helped me set up my powerpoint presentation, and those who helped us feel welcome (which was pretty much everybody).
Another major step forward comes from the 58th Ave. MBC of Amarillo, Texas. 58th Ave. sent us a check, and told us to inform them when we get a sponsoring church so that they can send the support through them. On that note, I'd like to welcome 58th Ave. as the first regular supporter of Mission: Brownwood. Thank you so much!.
Friday, January 4, 2008
A look into my job
One of my duties at the Cherokeean Herald is sports coverage. This year is a strange year for Rusk Eagle athletics. The football team went 2-8 (after 7 consecutive playoff appearances), and the basketball team is now 0-3 in district. Tonight, they lost 80-48 to the Center Roughriders. The above picture is a sample of my sports photography skills.
Logan, the Sky Angel cowboy
This video is amazing... from the spiritual revelation this boy receives to the support offered by the KSBJ on-air personality who answered the call. Yep. It's on YouTube.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Mission: Brownwood Dec 2007 Report
December was a slow month for Mission: Brownwood. We had only two deputation appointments, and efforts toward relocation haven't resulted in the progress I had hoped for.
I visited with Wyndrock MBC in Abilene Dec. 2. Wyndrock is a great church and we experienced an awesome worship service. Bro. Ernie Kight's grandson, who just finished Army basic training and will soon be deployed to Iraq, told us how he led his "battle buddy" to the Lord. Two hours later, his "battle buddy" died when a rifle misfired on the firing range.
Some who were present at Wyndrock offered to lend us their support and help when we get onto the field. The church also blessed us with two generous love offerings. One while we were there, another through the mail a couple of weeks later.
Dec. 30, I was blessed to be a part of Missions Emphasis day at Landmark Baptist Church of Floresville, TX. Bro. Roddy Rodgers and the church family there were very accomodating. We enjoyed great fellowship.
We greatly appreciate all of the prayers, financial support, lodging arrangements, meals and fellowship that have been offered by these two churches.
My prospective employer in Brownwood still remains a prospect. (They have not formally decided to hire me). This has me feeling a little uneasy. When I add up the expenses it will cost me to live in Brownwood, support my family and get the work started, I find that I will probably need some form of employment.
In the mean time, we will continue discussions with Rocky Springs MBC of Jacksonville for sponsorship.
Our goal is to be on the field by June, have a core group established by June 2009, and be self supporting by June 2011. (We hope to be able to send out missionaries from the Brownwood church by 2014.)
Thank you for your prayers.
I visited with Wyndrock MBC in Abilene Dec. 2. Wyndrock is a great church and we experienced an awesome worship service. Bro. Ernie Kight's grandson, who just finished Army basic training and will soon be deployed to Iraq, told us how he led his "battle buddy" to the Lord. Two hours later, his "battle buddy" died when a rifle misfired on the firing range.
Some who were present at Wyndrock offered to lend us their support and help when we get onto the field. The church also blessed us with two generous love offerings. One while we were there, another through the mail a couple of weeks later.
Dec. 30, I was blessed to be a part of Missions Emphasis day at Landmark Baptist Church of Floresville, TX. Bro. Roddy Rodgers and the church family there were very accomodating. We enjoyed great fellowship.
We greatly appreciate all of the prayers, financial support, lodging arrangements, meals and fellowship that have been offered by these two churches.
My prospective employer in Brownwood still remains a prospect. (They have not formally decided to hire me). This has me feeling a little uneasy. When I add up the expenses it will cost me to live in Brownwood, support my family and get the work started, I find that I will probably need some form of employment.
In the mean time, we will continue discussions with Rocky Springs MBC of Jacksonville for sponsorship.
Our goal is to be on the field by June, have a core group established by June 2009, and be self supporting by June 2011. (We hope to be able to send out missionaries from the Brownwood church by 2014.)
Thank you for your prayers.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year from Brownwood
On an impulse, yesterday, Jessica and I decided to take the family to Brownwood over the New Year's holiday. We wanted to familiarize them with the town they will soon be moving to. We'll probably spend some time at Coggin Park, and just basically roaming around town. I hope your new year is off to a good start as well.
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