Lately I've been reading the likes of:
The Bible (always a good one)
Common Sense by Glenn Beck
Dead Certain by Robert Draper
(about George Bush's preseidency)
K2 : Life & Death on the World's
Most Dangerous Mountain by Ed Viesturs
Books on the waiting list on Shelf 5:
What Difference Do It Make by
Ron Hall and Denver Moore
The Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING???
(whoever you are)
A Wise Journey
The three(?) wise men embarked upon a wise journey.
1.It was a journey of faith. They didn't ask "Is he here..?" They asked "Where is He..?" Perhaps their ancestors had learned about a coming Messiah when the Jews had been taken captive in Babylon at least 600 years earlier?
2.It was a journey of worship. "we are come to worship him"
gold- fit for a king
frankincense- incense for worship
myrrh- used to annoint the dead (this was the world's sacrifice, right?)
3.It was a journey that took them a different way.
The wise men could not go back the way they had come. After finding Jesus, they went a different way. So should we.
If we could blend these components of the wise mens' journey, then perhaps we could have a wise journey through life as well.
1.It was a journey of faith. They didn't ask "Is he here..?" They asked "Where is He..?" Perhaps their ancestors had learned about a coming Messiah when the Jews had been taken captive in Babylon at least 600 years earlier?
2.It was a journey of worship. "we are come to worship him"
gold- fit for a king
frankincense- incense for worship
myrrh- used to annoint the dead (this was the world's sacrifice, right?)
3.It was a journey that took them a different way.
The wise men could not go back the way they had come. After finding Jesus, they went a different way. So should we.
If we could blend these components of the wise mens' journey, then perhaps we could have a wise journey through life as well.
Grace To All
Ephesians 6:24 "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen."
Chick-Fil-A
There is something that I like about Chick-Fil-A. It's not just that they cook up the gospel bird (which all preachers that I know like except for one). It's not just that they always are kind and respectful in serving you. And it's not just that they work you through the drive thru really quickly.
It's this. In a day when all other businesses operate as normal on Sunday, there is one business that is closed on the Lord's day. With all other eateries open and doing great business, there is one whose doors will not open on Sunday due to its founder's convictions. That business is Chick-Fil-A. It's profits do not suffer at all and their employess always know that they have the day off. There could be other Chick-Fil-A's open, but the Lufkin branch is always closed on Sundays.
I'm not a Chick-Fil-A spokesman nor do I own any stock in the company. It's just refreshing to see a business stand out and not travel with the herd with regards to Sundays. Maybe if we Christians wouldn't eat out so much on Sundays, then others wouldn't have to work so much. But that's another subject entirely.
Olay for Chick-Fil-A!
It's this. In a day when all other businesses operate as normal on Sunday, there is one business that is closed on the Lord's day. With all other eateries open and doing great business, there is one whose doors will not open on Sunday due to its founder's convictions. That business is Chick-Fil-A. It's profits do not suffer at all and their employess always know that they have the day off. There could be other Chick-Fil-A's open, but the Lufkin branch is always closed on Sundays.
I'm not a Chick-Fil-A spokesman nor do I own any stock in the company. It's just refreshing to see a business stand out and not travel with the herd with regards to Sundays. Maybe if we Christians wouldn't eat out so much on Sundays, then others wouldn't have to work so much. But that's another subject entirely.
Olay for Chick-Fil-A!
Ora MBC
Ora Missionary Baptist Church is located 6 miles out of Huntington on FM 2109. It is the second church I have been privileged to pastor. We are beginning somewhat small, yet we did have 50 in attendance last Sunday (the Thanksgiving meal probably didn't hurt attendance any :)
Most of the adults at Ora I already knew and most of the youth I have taught in public school. It is interesting to note the looks on faces when you do things a bit differently than the previous pastor or what the church is used to. I've tried to keep that to a minimum, but the fact is, every pastor is a bit different. Thus far, the transition has been very smooth and we have a had good services.
Sunday Services 11:00 and 5:45
Bible Study 10:00 and 5:00
Wednesday 7:00 P.M.
Most of the adults at Ora I already knew and most of the youth I have taught in public school. It is interesting to note the looks on faces when you do things a bit differently than the previous pastor or what the church is used to. I've tried to keep that to a minimum, but the fact is, every pastor is a bit different. Thus far, the transition has been very smooth and we have a had good services.
Sunday Services 11:00 and 5:45
Bible Study 10:00 and 5:00
Wednesday 7:00 P.M.
Satan's Crosshairs On Today's Youth
Sinful influences on our youth are so powerful. Take a listen to our local radio (such as KFOX) her in Lufkin and you won't have to listen for very long to hear lyrics and topics such as "tight jeans, double D..." "I kissed a girl and I liked it" (sung by a girl, btw) and on and on. Raunchy lyrics have been around for awhile, but there seems to be little shame anymore. In the words of Glenn Beck, "Shame has died."
Television constantly offers homosexual characters as being normal and well-adjusted and those who simply don't agree with their lifestyle as bigots. Do you really think this hasn't affected our youth? A surprising number of them believe that homosexuality and bisexuality is cool. Other shows regularly portray people living together who are not married, cheating on their steady or their spouse, or tricking/backstabbing someone else in order to get ahead.
I realize this post may be a bit strong, but Christians have been silent for so long that we now have a climate and culture that disdains God and the paths that God would have a person take. Many of these people don't need to change their lives. They need Jesus Christ and then He will make "all things become new."
What a time for ministry. What a time to defend and promote God's truths. And what a time to be in prayer for our youth who are in "Satan's Crosshairs."
Television constantly offers homosexual characters as being normal and well-adjusted and those who simply don't agree with their lifestyle as bigots. Do you really think this hasn't affected our youth? A surprising number of them believe that homosexuality and bisexuality is cool. Other shows regularly portray people living together who are not married, cheating on their steady or their spouse, or tricking/backstabbing someone else in order to get ahead.
I realize this post may be a bit strong, but Christians have been silent for so long that we now have a climate and culture that disdains God and the paths that God would have a person take. Many of these people don't need to change their lives. They need Jesus Christ and then He will make "all things become new."
What a time for ministry. What a time to defend and promote God's truths. And what a time to be in prayer for our youth who are in "Satan's Crosshairs."
Blog Change
The time has arrived for a blog change. Instead of adding a new blog, it would be easier to simplify and edit what I already have. It is my intention from this point to post topics that are primarily related to Christianity in general with heavy emphasis on local matters regarding the Huntington community and Ora Missionary Baptist Church.
I still value the friendship and input from my preacher friends, but this will likely not be a site that lends itself to very much debate/discussion. If it occurs, so be it.
For those of you who will be reading and are new to posting comments on a blog, it is very easy and free. Even though it is phrased that you have to "set up a Google account," it requires only a few steps and costs nothing. (the word "account" tends to scare people)
I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.
Psalm 136:1 "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever."
I still value the friendship and input from my preacher friends, but this will likely not be a site that lends itself to very much debate/discussion. If it occurs, so be it.
For those of you who will be reading and are new to posting comments on a blog, it is very easy and free. Even though it is phrased that you have to "set up a Google account," it requires only a few steps and costs nothing. (the word "account" tends to scare people)
I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.
Psalm 136:1 "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever."
Annual Call
I would like to read some discussion on the "annual call" of a pastor. This is, of course, when the pastor is called annually, usually at the time of year when Sunday School teachers, etc. are elected. Some churches practice it while others don't.
What is its origin? What is the purpose? Is it necessary? Does the church of which you are a member practice it?
What is its origin? What is the purpose? Is it necessary? Does the church of which you are a member practice it?
Joe
The only adult male survivor of the Alamo (on the Texas side) was William B. Travis' slave named Joe. Travis, commander of the Alamo, had instructed Joe that if he were killed and the battle was being lost, to go hide in the Alamo. Travis knew that Joe might have a chance to live since the Mexican government was opposed to slavery.
Travis was likely one of the first Texans killed on March 2, 1836, as he ran up the north wall ramp and was shot in the head. His slave, Joe, went and hid in the Alamo. As Mexican soldiers burst into the room he was hiding in, Joe yelled "I'm a slave! I'm a slave!"
He was shot in the shoulder and then the Mexicans ceased fire when they realized who he was and what he was saying. Joe was later released and it was assumed that he returned to South Carolina where Travis' family lived.
The only other reference to Joe was many years later when the Austin-American Statesman newspaper noted that a reunion of the Alamo soldiers' families was being held. A black man showed up, was treated rather rudely, and then left abruptly. The newspaper noted that it was Travis' slave, Joe.
The only man who could have given some insight into what happened in the Alamo (from the Texas perspective) and his own personal narrative of the event, walked out of Austin and into the unknown. Historically, nothing else is known of Joe.
Since I began teaching Texas History, I've often wondered what happened to Joe and what thoughts he carried to the grave. He is one of the Alamo's biggest unsolved mysteries.
Travis was likely one of the first Texans killed on March 2, 1836, as he ran up the north wall ramp and was shot in the head. His slave, Joe, went and hid in the Alamo. As Mexican soldiers burst into the room he was hiding in, Joe yelled "I'm a slave! I'm a slave!"
He was shot in the shoulder and then the Mexicans ceased fire when they realized who he was and what he was saying. Joe was later released and it was assumed that he returned to South Carolina where Travis' family lived.
The only other reference to Joe was many years later when the Austin-American Statesman newspaper noted that a reunion of the Alamo soldiers' families was being held. A black man showed up, was treated rather rudely, and then left abruptly. The newspaper noted that it was Travis' slave, Joe.
The only man who could have given some insight into what happened in the Alamo (from the Texas perspective) and his own personal narrative of the event, walked out of Austin and into the unknown. Historically, nothing else is known of Joe.
Since I began teaching Texas History, I've often wondered what happened to Joe and what thoughts he carried to the grave. He is one of the Alamo's biggest unsolved mysteries.
Pattern of The Patriarchs
Is there anything to the "Pattern of The Patriarchs?"
The meaning of the first 10 generational names in the Bible form an amazing statement. It is found in Genesis 5 and goes as follows:
Adam- Man
Seth - appointed
Enos - mortal (lethal)
Cainan- sorrow (final perishing)
Mahalaleel - blessed God
Jared - shall come down
Enoch - preaching
Methusaleh- his death shall bring
Lamech - strength
Noah - comfort
Statement : Man is appointed mortal sorrow, (but) the blessed God shall come down preaching (that) his death shall bring strength and comfort."
Accident or divine inspiration???
The meaning of the first 10 generational names in the Bible form an amazing statement. It is found in Genesis 5 and goes as follows:
Adam- Man
Seth - appointed
Enos - mortal (lethal)
Cainan- sorrow (final perishing)
Mahalaleel - blessed God
Jared - shall come down
Enoch - preaching
Methusaleh- his death shall bring
Lamech - strength
Noah - comfort
Statement : Man is appointed mortal sorrow, (but) the blessed God shall come down preaching (that) his death shall bring strength and comfort."
Accident or divine inspiration???
Inconsistencies
Kids are really good sometimes at pinpointing inconsistencies. This past week was Red Ribbon Week, highlighting the dangers of drugs & alcohol. After a week of this healthy indoctrination (which I believe is good btw), my 10 year old, Landon, looked at me in my pick-up as we passed Brookshire Brothers Supermarket. He said, "Dad, if drugs and alcohol are so bad, then why do they sell it in the grocery store?"
How do you explain cultural inconsistencies to a kid? I attempted to explain about how that some things are legal in a free country such as ours, but that doesn't mean that they are safe OR things that God approves of. He didn't really buy that argument after a week of "drug education."
All I can say is, his question has merit and even 10 year olds can spot cultural AND personal inconsistencies.
How do you explain cultural inconsistencies to a kid? I attempted to explain about how that some things are legal in a free country such as ours, but that doesn't mean that they are safe OR things that God approves of. He didn't really buy that argument after a week of "drug education."
All I can say is, his question has merit and even 10 year olds can spot cultural AND personal inconsistencies.
Pastor's Wives
Is there too much pressure today on the preacher's wife to be the "preacher's wife?"
Many churches have expectations in that regard, but has it gone too far?
Many churches have expectations in that regard, but has it gone too far?
Gideons
A Gideon asks you if he can come to your church and share their purpose and ministry for a few minutes in the Sunday morning service. Your response is...?
Missions and Pastoral Support
How much should a church support missions that cannot support its pastor full-time?
The Bible Code
The "Bible Code" is a series of messages alleged to exist in the Torah. The primary method by which messages have supposedly been extracted is the "Equi-distant Letter Sequence Method."
A starting point is chosen in Hebrew, and then letters are skipped with equal spacing. According to Bible Code proponents, words and extended messages are clearly evident.
There are reportedly more critics of the Bible Code than supporters. Perhaps some of you have studied this or heard about it in seminary classes. All I know is what I have read in summary and on Wikipedia. If you have anything to contribute, please do so. But please, not in Hebrew, and not in code.
A starting point is chosen in Hebrew, and then letters are skipped with equal spacing. According to Bible Code proponents, words and extended messages are clearly evident.
There are reportedly more critics of the Bible Code than supporters. Perhaps some of you have studied this or heard about it in seminary classes. All I know is what I have read in summary and on Wikipedia. If you have anything to contribute, please do so. But please, not in Hebrew, and not in code.
Lawyer Quotes For Tracy
As some of you know, my wife is a paralegal. I post these quotes in honor of her and her profession.
Stupid Lawyer Quotes
Lawyer: "You were there until you left, is that true?"
Lawyer: "So you were gone until you returned?"
Lawyer:"You say that the stairs went down to the basement?"
Witness: "Yes."
Lawyer: "And these stairs, did they go up also?"
Lawyer: "Do you have any children or anything of that kind?"
Lawyer: "The youngest son, the 20 year old, how old is he?"
Lawyer:"Have you lived in this town all of your life?"
Witness: "Not yet."
Lawyer: "And lastly, Gary, all of your responses must be oral, okay? What school do you go to?"
Witness: "Oral."
Lawyer: "How old are you?"
Witness: "Oral."
Lawyer: "Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?"
Witness: "No."
Lawyer: "Did you check for blood pressure?"
Witness: "No."
Lawyer: "Did you check for breathing?"
Witness: "No."
Lawyer: "So then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?"
Witness: "No."
Lawyer: "How can you be so sure, doctor?"
Witness: "Because his brain was sitting in a jar on my desk."
Lawyer: "But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?"
Witness: "Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere."
Stupid Lawyer Quotes
Lawyer: "You were there until you left, is that true?"
Lawyer: "So you were gone until you returned?"
Lawyer:"You say that the stairs went down to the basement?"
Witness: "Yes."
Lawyer: "And these stairs, did they go up also?"
Lawyer: "Do you have any children or anything of that kind?"
Lawyer: "The youngest son, the 20 year old, how old is he?"
Lawyer:"Have you lived in this town all of your life?"
Witness: "Not yet."
Lawyer: "And lastly, Gary, all of your responses must be oral, okay? What school do you go to?"
Witness: "Oral."
Lawyer: "How old are you?"
Witness: "Oral."
Lawyer: "Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?"
Witness: "No."
Lawyer: "Did you check for blood pressure?"
Witness: "No."
Lawyer: "Did you check for breathing?"
Witness: "No."
Lawyer: "So then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?"
Witness: "No."
Lawyer: "How can you be so sure, doctor?"
Witness: "Because his brain was sitting in a jar on my desk."
Lawyer: "But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?"
Witness: "Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere."
Random Time Again
It's been awhile since the last Random Thoughts.....here goes.
1.Trying to get a grip on the outer darkness passsages (Matt.8:12, 22:13, 25:30).
2.The Cowboys need some faster receivers.
3.Tired of hearing you LSU nuts rave on.....the Aggies will be back...one day.
4.Finished the new Dan Brown book, "The Lost Symbol." Can I still go to heaven?
5.Wondering why 1-2 degrees variation in temperature in church can cause some people to be so uncomfortable?
6.Since Barack Obama is our President, are we now an Obama-nation?
7.Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitos? Bow hunting would be much more fun.
8.Why is abbreviation such a long word?
9.Why do they call what doctors do "practice?"
10.Everest is not the most deadly mountain. It's Annapurna.
11.My number in HS baseball when I pitched the state championship game in 1983.
12.Chris & Conrad, a great new Contemporary Christian group
13.Is it really unlucky?
14.Nahum 1:7 (it's good)
15.Cogito ergo sum! Do you agree?
1.Trying to get a grip on the outer darkness passsages (Matt.8:12, 22:13, 25:30).
2.The Cowboys need some faster receivers.
3.Tired of hearing you LSU nuts rave on.....the Aggies will be back...one day.
4.Finished the new Dan Brown book, "The Lost Symbol." Can I still go to heaven?
5.Wondering why 1-2 degrees variation in temperature in church can cause some people to be so uncomfortable?
6.Since Barack Obama is our President, are we now an Obama-nation?
7.Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitos? Bow hunting would be much more fun.
8.Why is abbreviation such a long word?
9.Why do they call what doctors do "practice?"
10.Everest is not the most deadly mountain. It's Annapurna.
11.My number in HS baseball when I pitched the state championship game in 1983.
12.Chris & Conrad, a great new Contemporary Christian group
13.Is it really unlucky?
14.Nahum 1:7 (it's good)
15.Cogito ergo sum! Do you agree?
Standing On The Pulpit
Should preachers follow the scripture? Is the Bible our guide?
Nehemiah 8:4 "And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose..." Note he stood UPON the pulpit.
Let's all start working on our balance. :)
Nehemiah 8:4 "And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose..." Note he stood UPON the pulpit.
Let's all start working on our balance. :)
Hell
The Lord put the subject of "Hell" on my heart to preach today. Just studying and meditating on the pain and suffering, the hopelessness, the company, and the finality of the place, breaks my heart.
I wonder sometimes, "Do we live our Christian lives as if we don't even believe in the place ourselves?" Surely, we would witness more to lost souls.
I wonder sometimes, "Do we live our Christian lives as if we don't even believe in the place ourselves?" Surely, we would witness more to lost souls.
Back From The Dead
I have read the book "90 Minutes In Heaven" by Don Piper. I have also read "23 Minutes In Hell" by Bill Wiese. I have always been skeptical of "back from the dead accounts," but the Piper book was intriguing. The fact that his car accident and "death" occurred on the Trinity River bridge (near Huntsville) which I used to travel daily and that he was a Baptist preacher added to the credibility of the book and my interest level. "23 Minutes In Hell" was a bit "over the top," but at the very least, graphically described the horrors that hell likely is.
I have also discussed with an elderly preacher his "after death experience and return" (which he never made public) and found his account and him to be interesting and credible. I still have my doubts and would think that possibly the mind and the imagination is really firing at or near death. But I'm a little more open to the subject than I used to be.
What say ye?
I have also discussed with an elderly preacher his "after death experience and return" (which he never made public) and found his account and him to be interesting and credible. I still have my doubts and would think that possibly the mind and the imagination is really firing at or near death. But I'm a little more open to the subject than I used to be.
What say ye?
Interesting Discussion
For an interesting discussion on sovereignty/predestination, click on the Blog link "Ministry and Music..." (Particularly the post with the most comments)
I thought that predestination really only existed today behind the pulpits of Presbyterian churches. Guess I was wrong.
I thought that predestination really only existed today behind the pulpits of Presbyterian churches. Guess I was wrong.
Malachi 3:16,17
Malachi 3:16 "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."
What About Nicodemus?
Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night (John 3), stepped out and took the body of Jesus after His crucifixion, along with Joseph of Arimathea. A member of the Sanhedrin, handling a dead body on the High Passover, was unthinkable.
I have always wondered about the rest of Nicodemus' life. He is not mentioned anymore in the New Testament nor is he referred to historically, to my knowledge.
Did he become a Christian and renounce his Jewish position? Was he kicked out of the Sanhedrin? Or did he just think that Jesus was a great teacher and continue in his leadership position?
I have always wondered about the rest of Nicodemus' life. He is not mentioned anymore in the New Testament nor is he referred to historically, to my knowledge.
Did he become a Christian and renounce his Jewish position? Was he kicked out of the Sanhedrin? Or did he just think that Jesus was a great teacher and continue in his leadership position?
Advice
Everyone has advice to give....I guess some of our children will get to hear advice from our President on Tuesday concerning their education.
What about advice for young preachers/pastors? Can they not avail themselves of the experiences and wisdom (?) of mature, seasoned men of God?
I'll begin the advice and well, I guess this could apply to all preachers, no matter what their age or experience in the ministry. You may feel free to contribute.
Advice point #1 NEVER be responsible for the thermostat at church. You will always be the reason that someone is either too cold or too hot. Allow one of your trusted deacons who everyone is afraid of to handle this.
Advice point #2 NEVER wear your lapel mike to the restroom. This is self-explanatory.
Advice point #3 NEVER forget to check your zipper (twice) before leaving the restroom at church. This is also self-explanatory.
Advice point #4 NEVER call someone ( a second or third time visitor for example) by name if you are really not sure what their name is. Better to just say, Brother or Sister. I've learned this the hard way. "Hello Fred" (as I'm a bit unsure of his name). Response: "My name is Frank and I've been here three Sundays" (in other words I've told you this three times).
Advice point #5 NEVER use your wife in a sermon illustration. It may work 9 times, but the 10th time, it will reflect negatively on her in some way (at least according to her).
Sermon Example: "If your house is messy, and someone pulls up in the driveway, you will scramble and try to clean up really fast...You won't have time to do that when Jesus comes back...etc."
Wife's response after church: "You lout. Now everyone thinks I can't keep a clean house!"
Advice point #6 NEVER say this when explaining the spirit and the body in a funeral message: "This is just the shell. The nut is gone!"
Advice point #7 NEVER allow the Devil to get the best of you before you step into the pulpit. If a deacon comes up to you during the last verse of the last special and says, "Preacher, the toilet just overflowed in the men's restroom." Look him calmly in the eye, and say, "I have counted all things but dung that I may win Christ. Put a sign on the door that says Out of Order...Use the Restroom in Fellowship Hall."
That's enough advice for now. Instead of NEVERS, perhaps next time we will look at some ALWAYS of the ministry.
What about advice for young preachers/pastors? Can they not avail themselves of the experiences and wisdom (?) of mature, seasoned men of God?
I'll begin the advice and well, I guess this could apply to all preachers, no matter what their age or experience in the ministry. You may feel free to contribute.
Advice point #1 NEVER be responsible for the thermostat at church. You will always be the reason that someone is either too cold or too hot. Allow one of your trusted deacons who everyone is afraid of to handle this.
Advice point #2 NEVER wear your lapel mike to the restroom. This is self-explanatory.
Advice point #3 NEVER forget to check your zipper (twice) before leaving the restroom at church. This is also self-explanatory.
Advice point #4 NEVER call someone ( a second or third time visitor for example) by name if you are really not sure what their name is. Better to just say, Brother or Sister. I've learned this the hard way. "Hello Fred" (as I'm a bit unsure of his name). Response: "My name is Frank and I've been here three Sundays" (in other words I've told you this three times).
Advice point #5 NEVER use your wife in a sermon illustration. It may work 9 times, but the 10th time, it will reflect negatively on her in some way (at least according to her).
Sermon Example: "If your house is messy, and someone pulls up in the driveway, you will scramble and try to clean up really fast...You won't have time to do that when Jesus comes back...etc."
Wife's response after church: "You lout. Now everyone thinks I can't keep a clean house!"
Advice point #6 NEVER say this when explaining the spirit and the body in a funeral message: "This is just the shell. The nut is gone!"
Advice point #7 NEVER allow the Devil to get the best of you before you step into the pulpit. If a deacon comes up to you during the last verse of the last special and says, "Preacher, the toilet just overflowed in the men's restroom." Look him calmly in the eye, and say, "I have counted all things but dung that I may win Christ. Put a sign on the door that says Out of Order...Use the Restroom in Fellowship Hall."
That's enough advice for now. Instead of NEVERS, perhaps next time we will look at some ALWAYS of the ministry.
Texas Whitetail Laws
Numerous Texas counties have adopted the 13 inch minimum spread rule for whitetail bucks. The county I live in, Angelina, has adopted this rule and I have mixed emotions about it. I understand the management concept of allowing younger, smaller bucks to walk and I generally support it. My uncle, however, killed a 12 1/2 inch spread buck a few years ago, with 15 scorable points and tallying 139 Boone & Crockett points. The buck was 5 1/2 years old. (Of course, private leases have their own restrictions & management programs) Point is, antler spread does not always indicate maturity.
The only other objection I have is that if one of my kids sees a decent buck or ANY buck for that matter (especially on our own property), they should be able to legally take the deer. I support game management, but I'm a little tired of attempted government intrusion in every area of our lives.
Not sure if this management concept is spreading in Louisiana or Arkansas.
Let's see, how can I relate this post to Christianity or a Bible theme....
Psalm 42:1 "As the hart (deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
Just hope when he comes to water, he has a 13 inch spread or better!
The only other objection I have is that if one of my kids sees a decent buck or ANY buck for that matter (especially on our own property), they should be able to legally take the deer. I support game management, but I'm a little tired of attempted government intrusion in every area of our lives.
Not sure if this management concept is spreading in Louisiana or Arkansas.
Let's see, how can I relate this post to Christianity or a Bible theme....
Psalm 42:1 "As the hart (deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
Just hope when he comes to water, he has a 13 inch spread or better!
Paradise Moved?
I have listed 5 scriptures below (there are possibly more) that are often linked/referenced/used to make the argument that Christ moved paradise at some point after his resurrection.
Matthew 12:40
Luke 23:43
Acts 2:27
I Cor.12:2-4
Eph.4:8-10
Can we really make a strong, scriptural argument that Christ moved paradise?
Also, since the Bible mentions a "first heaven" and a "third heaven," wouldn't paradise have to be the "second heaven," even though the Bible never uses the phrase "second heaven."
Paul wrote in II Cor. 12:2,4 "...such an one caught UP TO the third heaven...how that he was caught up INTO paradise..." There is a difference between being "up to" something and being "into" something, right?? If paradise is not the second heaven, what or where is the second heaven?
Matthew 12:40
Luke 23:43
Acts 2:27
I Cor.12:2-4
Eph.4:8-10
Can we really make a strong, scriptural argument that Christ moved paradise?
Also, since the Bible mentions a "first heaven" and a "third heaven," wouldn't paradise have to be the "second heaven," even though the Bible never uses the phrase "second heaven."
Paul wrote in II Cor. 12:2,4 "...such an one caught UP TO the third heaven...how that he was caught up INTO paradise..." There is a difference between being "up to" something and being "into" something, right?? If paradise is not the second heaven, what or where is the second heaven?
Epitaphs
Death is not funny, but some epitaphs are. Here are a few of my favorites.
"Here Lies Johnny Yeast.
Pardon me for not rising."
(New Mexico)
"Here lies a man named Zeke.
Second fastest draw in Cripple Creek."
(Cripple Creek, Colorado)
"Here Lies Jedediah Goodwin, born 1828, Auctioneer.
Going...Going...Gone!" 1876
"See! I Told You I Was Sick!"
(Littleton, Colorado)
"Here Lies The Body Of Jonathan Blake,
Stepped On The Gas Instead Of The Brake."
(Uniontown, Pennsylvania)
"This Is The Grave Of Ellen Shannon,
Who Was Fatally Burned March 21,1870,
By The Explosion Of A Lamp Filled With
"R.E. Danforth's Non-Explosive Burning Fluid"
(Girard, Pennsylvania)
"Here Lies Harry Edsel Smith,
Born 1903, Died 1942
Looked Up The Elevator Shaft To See
If The Car Was On The Way Down.
It Was."
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, A FINAL EPITAPH:
"Adrian's Blog must now come to an end,
No more did others their heady thoughts lend
To the grave it goes, we cannot be bitter.
It was killed by disinterest, Facebook and Twitter."
"Here Lies Johnny Yeast.
Pardon me for not rising."
(New Mexico)
"Here lies a man named Zeke.
Second fastest draw in Cripple Creek."
(Cripple Creek, Colorado)
"Here Lies Jedediah Goodwin, born 1828, Auctioneer.
Going...Going...Gone!" 1876
"See! I Told You I Was Sick!"
(Littleton, Colorado)
"Here Lies The Body Of Jonathan Blake,
Stepped On The Gas Instead Of The Brake."
(Uniontown, Pennsylvania)
"This Is The Grave Of Ellen Shannon,
Who Was Fatally Burned March 21,1870,
By The Explosion Of A Lamp Filled With
"R.E. Danforth's Non-Explosive Burning Fluid"
(Girard, Pennsylvania)
"Here Lies Harry Edsel Smith,
Born 1903, Died 1942
Looked Up The Elevator Shaft To See
If The Car Was On The Way Down.
It Was."
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, A FINAL EPITAPH:
"Adrian's Blog must now come to an end,
No more did others their heady thoughts lend
To the grave it goes, we cannot be bitter.
It was killed by disinterest, Facebook and Twitter."
Three Books
Just curious.....what three Christian books would you recommend that everyone read?
You can list the Bible as #1 or you can list three and we will just assume that the Bible is really #1 for you.
(Yes, this is a cheesy attempt to catalog some possible reading material. Perhaps others might benefit as well)
You can list the Bible as #1 or you can list three and we will just assume that the Bible is really #1 for you.
(Yes, this is a cheesy attempt to catalog some possible reading material. Perhaps others might benefit as well)
Earliest Christian Symbols
The Christian cross is the best known symbol of Christianity today. But it was by no means the earliest. The catacombs under Rome is the burial place for thousands of early Christians (150-410 A.D.) The underground passages contain crude drawings and colorful frescoes on the walls.
The earliest symbols of Christianity are:
1)Chi-Rho (first two letters of Christ in the Greek, X stamped on the bottom stem of a P)
2)The fish symbol (ichthus) (very popular today)
3)The boat anchor symbol (one of the earliest and expressed the firm expectation of eternal life "an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast"
4)The Good Shepherd symbol (usually carrying a sheep over his shoulders)
5)The dove symbol (olive branch in mouth signifying peace and happiness of the soul)
The cross became the more prominent symbol of faith from the 5th century on, but for early Christians, the Chi-Rho, the fish, and the anchor were most often used for not only identification, but for denoting meeting places.
NOTE: I don't have a problem with people wearing crosses. Some object to it and say, "Would you wear a necklace or tie tack with an electric chair? Or a syringe needle?"
As long as the cross is a reminder of Jesus and His great love, it perhaps serves a good purpose.
If it is worshipped, I suppose it becomes an idol.
The earliest symbols of Christianity are:
1)Chi-Rho (first two letters of Christ in the Greek, X stamped on the bottom stem of a P)
2)The fish symbol (ichthus) (very popular today)
3)The boat anchor symbol (one of the earliest and expressed the firm expectation of eternal life "an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast"
4)The Good Shepherd symbol (usually carrying a sheep over his shoulders)
5)The dove symbol (olive branch in mouth signifying peace and happiness of the soul)
The cross became the more prominent symbol of faith from the 5th century on, but for early Christians, the Chi-Rho, the fish, and the anchor were most often used for not only identification, but for denoting meeting places.
NOTE: I don't have a problem with people wearing crosses. Some object to it and say, "Would you wear a necklace or tie tack with an electric chair? Or a syringe needle?"
As long as the cross is a reminder of Jesus and His great love, it perhaps serves a good purpose.
If it is worshipped, I suppose it becomes an idol.
What About The Grape Juice?
Most ABA churches seem to take great care that the bread used for the Lord's Supper is unleavened and acceptable according to the scriptures. Some pastors or deacons even prepare and cook their own bread. I have done so and kind of enjoyed doing it.
My question is this: If we take so much care with regards to the bread, why do we usually run down to the nearest supermarket and buy the first bottle of grape juice we see (usually Welch's) which contains additives and impurities? Does it matter?
This is where I would like the discussion to center, but if you would like to jump in and defend wine OR grape juice, it might make for some interesting discussion.
My question is this: If we take so much care with regards to the bread, why do we usually run down to the nearest supermarket and buy the first bottle of grape juice we see (usually Welch's) which contains additives and impurities? Does it matter?
This is where I would like the discussion to center, but if you would like to jump in and defend wine OR grape juice, it might make for some interesting discussion.
Colorado Notes
My family and I visited some super sites in Colorado. At our rented house, we saw deer every day, a gray fox (twice) and a huge black bear in our yard early Friday morning.
We visited the Air Force Academy (my 12 year old Logan was really intrigued), Seven Falls, the Royal Gorge Bridge (largest suspension bridge in the U.S.), and we river rafted (helmets, life jackets, class 3 and 4 rapids) and generally had a great time. We also visited an Old West museum, the Dinosaur Research Center (where everything is of course millions and quadrillions of years old) and the Rodeo Hall of Fame (this was Meagan's site, but she was disappointed that the barrel racers were somewhere else in the country).
Tracy, Logan and I attempted 14,110 feet Pike's Peak Wednesday morning. We began climbing at 5:30 A.M. from the Crag's Trail and steadily climbed throughout the morning. Within an hour or so from the summit (approx. 13,500 ft.) at about 11:30, my son Logan became sick from the altitude with severe headache and nausea. It also began to sleet and snow. I called it off at that point, we traversed over a rock band to the road (where Bro. Acker burned his brakes up) and we rode with a park ranger the short distance to the summit. So I guess I have unfinished business. Hopefully, I will have another opportunity to complete the route.
Our trip ended in accident when my wife Tracy broke her shoulder Thursday morning. Her horse stumbled, spun, and threw her hard to the ground up in the mountains. She is in much pain and I ask you friends to pray for her recovery. (I think the couple who went with us may have decided that the Neals are a little too dangerous to run with)
That's all for now.....and remember....God loves you. You are His child. And your sins have been removed as far as the east is from the west.
We visited the Air Force Academy (my 12 year old Logan was really intrigued), Seven Falls, the Royal Gorge Bridge (largest suspension bridge in the U.S.), and we river rafted (helmets, life jackets, class 3 and 4 rapids) and generally had a great time. We also visited an Old West museum, the Dinosaur Research Center (where everything is of course millions and quadrillions of years old) and the Rodeo Hall of Fame (this was Meagan's site, but she was disappointed that the barrel racers were somewhere else in the country).
Tracy, Logan and I attempted 14,110 feet Pike's Peak Wednesday morning. We began climbing at 5:30 A.M. from the Crag's Trail and steadily climbed throughout the morning. Within an hour or so from the summit (approx. 13,500 ft.) at about 11:30, my son Logan became sick from the altitude with severe headache and nausea. It also began to sleet and snow. I called it off at that point, we traversed over a rock band to the road (where Bro. Acker burned his brakes up) and we rode with a park ranger the short distance to the summit. So I guess I have unfinished business. Hopefully, I will have another opportunity to complete the route.
Our trip ended in accident when my wife Tracy broke her shoulder Thursday morning. Her horse stumbled, spun, and threw her hard to the ground up in the mountains. She is in much pain and I ask you friends to pray for her recovery. (I think the couple who went with us may have decided that the Neals are a little too dangerous to run with)
That's all for now.....and remember....God loves you. You are His child. And your sins have been removed as far as the east is from the west.
Getting High
A few times a year, I just need to go get high. My family will be getting high with me. This will be a great trip.
P.S. My friends know me. I love Jesus, and more than that, He loves me. If you have accidentally visited this blog because you were interested in the title or hooked on drugs, think about this:
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 10:10,13 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
P.S. My friends know me. I love Jesus, and more than that, He loves me. If you have accidentally visited this blog because you were interested in the title or hooked on drugs, think about this:
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 10:10,13 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Street Preaching
I have heard that "street preaching" used to be fairly common. I have read and heard of some of our ABA brethren that have passed on who used to preach in public occassionally (street corners, courthouse lawns, city parks, etc.).
I once heard a guy preaching in front of the Alamo. He was "in your face, hell fire brimstone" and seemed to be scaring everyone. I heard a guy preaching on 6th Street one night in Austin (yes, I admit I was walking down 6th street....similar to Bourbon Street for you Cajuns) and he was doing a great job....the simple gospel, Jesus is the only way,etc. and at least 30 to 40 people were listening to him.
What about it? Is there a need for it today? Or do most people see the street preacher as a "kook?"
I once heard a guy preaching in front of the Alamo. He was "in your face, hell fire brimstone" and seemed to be scaring everyone. I heard a guy preaching on 6th Street one night in Austin (yes, I admit I was walking down 6th street....similar to Bourbon Street for you Cajuns) and he was doing a great job....the simple gospel, Jesus is the only way,etc. and at least 30 to 40 people were listening to him.
What about it? Is there a need for it today? Or do most people see the street preacher as a "kook?"
Sermonizing
I wonder how Jesus views our preparation to preach and modern-day preaching? We all know what we are supposed to preach (the Word). We all know that we are supposed to study. We all know that we are to "rightly divide the Word" and that doing that involves questions, expository preaching, analysis, etc, along with illustration and, in modern times, alliteration.
But I wonder how God views the changes in preaching over the centuries? How far does a preacher go in "crafting a masterpiece" (alliterated, 28-34 minutes, 1-2 illustrations) before God sees the effort as human pride to please people with our "sermonizing?"
I am not against modern study aids nor am I opposed to all modern preaching techniques (alliteration, for example). I do not believe a preacher should be lazy in study or disorganized in thought. But honestly, has modern day clergy grown too dependent on the internet and the borrowed thoughts of others?
P.S. You may leave a skeletal outline after each comment (or not) :)
But I wonder how God views the changes in preaching over the centuries? How far does a preacher go in "crafting a masterpiece" (alliterated, 28-34 minutes, 1-2 illustrations) before God sees the effort as human pride to please people with our "sermonizing?"
I am not against modern study aids nor am I opposed to all modern preaching techniques (alliteration, for example). I do not believe a preacher should be lazy in study or disorganized in thought. But honestly, has modern day clergy grown too dependent on the internet and the borrowed thoughts of others?
P.S. You may leave a skeletal outline after each comment (or not) :)
Jesus' Youth
I have always had a degree of curiosity about Jesus' youth. I suppose if God would have wanted us to know more about Jesus' youth, it would have been recorded for us. Luke ch. 2 (Jesus remaining in Jerusalem for THREE DAYS with the doctors of the law), is the only reference I am aware of outside of some dubious apocryphal writings where Jesus touches a dead bird and it comes to life and so forth.
I am more curious about whether in his youth he had a clear understanding of His redemptive work or whether it was a progressive revelation throughout his life. Luke 2:52 states, "And Jesus increased in WISDOM and stature, and in favour with God and man" (emphasis mine).
Verses from his ministry, of course, indicate that Jesus knew what lay ahead (the death, the resurrection, and the glory that He would share with His Father).
As far as his young life, I guess he was like other boys, running, playing, burping, etc.
But I am confident he was a good kid, to say the least.
The scriptures are scant on Jesus' youth, but I wonder when it was that the Father began to reveal the plan.....or did Jesus realize it clearly from His youth?
I am more curious about whether in his youth he had a clear understanding of His redemptive work or whether it was a progressive revelation throughout his life. Luke 2:52 states, "And Jesus increased in WISDOM and stature, and in favour with God and man" (emphasis mine).
Verses from his ministry, of course, indicate that Jesus knew what lay ahead (the death, the resurrection, and the glory that He would share with His Father).
As far as his young life, I guess he was like other boys, running, playing, burping, etc.
But I am confident he was a good kid, to say the least.
The scriptures are scant on Jesus' youth, but I wonder when it was that the Father began to reveal the plan.....or did Jesus realize it clearly from His youth?
Blogging Standards (Etiquette)
Should brothers (& sisters) in Christ observe certain standards in blogging?
I'm not sure why some blog, but I blog just to have a little "electronic fellowship" and to discuss mostly Bible and church issues. I am concerned, though, that some recent comments and posts of late are getting more personal and more judgemental. I realize that preachers (myself included) like to press our points and explain how we interpret certain scriptures, how we see associated work, or how we see the ideal church as being. But really.....name calling? labeling people as ignorant? questioning that they are real "men of God" if they have a different view?
Is that going too far or is that acceptable?
Are there blogging standards that preacher brethren particularly can agree upon?
I'm not sure why some blog, but I blog just to have a little "electronic fellowship" and to discuss mostly Bible and church issues. I am concerned, though, that some recent comments and posts of late are getting more personal and more judgemental. I realize that preachers (myself included) like to press our points and explain how we interpret certain scriptures, how we see associated work, or how we see the ideal church as being. But really.....name calling? labeling people as ignorant? questioning that they are real "men of God" if they have a different view?
Is that going too far or is that acceptable?
Are there blogging standards that preacher brethren particularly can agree upon?
Michael Jackson And The Gospel?
Just when you think you have heard it all, one comes out of left field that makes you drop your jaw and mutter unintelligibly. Last Sunday a church (and I use that word loosely) had Michael Jackson Sunday. Here are the highlights (lowlights) of the message.
I.I'm Bad, I'm Bad, You Know It (Before I Met Christ)
II.Beat It (Jesus Beat Death)
III.Thriller (The Bible Is A Thriller, Your Life Is A Zombie Without It)
Mental images of this are funny, but the reality of it is not. Perhaps the brethren are right. Things are BAD.
I.I'm Bad, I'm Bad, You Know It (Before I Met Christ)
II.Beat It (Jesus Beat Death)
III.Thriller (The Bible Is A Thriller, Your Life Is A Zombie Without It)
Mental images of this are funny, but the reality of it is not. Perhaps the brethren are right. Things are BAD.
Random Questions
If you would like to answer or discuss any of these, let's have some levity.
1.Is the family on front of the current Sunday School Quarterly Pentecostal?
2.Does the ABA really exist when it is not "in session?"
3.When will Michael Reese blog the account of fighting off a drunk who tried to take over his pulpit in the Wednesday night service (not at Promise Land btw)?
4.Can you recall the most memorable sermon you have ever heard?
5.How can a person's breath both WARM their hands and COOL their soup?
6.Did Isaiah have very big crowds as he prophecied naked for three years? (Isaiah 20)
7.If a visitor to your church turns in a visitor card, and on the back is written this message: "Bro. ____, I need a mind healing! Satan and his demons have been working on me for some time....Will you help me to call on them to evaporate?" Should you go home with him or just go eat lunch and watch the Dallas Cowboys?
That's enough for now.
Bro. Adrian <><
1.Is the family on front of the current Sunday School Quarterly Pentecostal?
2.Does the ABA really exist when it is not "in session?"
3.When will Michael Reese blog the account of fighting off a drunk who tried to take over his pulpit in the Wednesday night service (not at Promise Land btw)?
4.Can you recall the most memorable sermon you have ever heard?
5.How can a person's breath both WARM their hands and COOL their soup?
6.Did Isaiah have very big crowds as he prophecied naked for three years? (Isaiah 20)
7.If a visitor to your church turns in a visitor card, and on the back is written this message: "Bro. ____, I need a mind healing! Satan and his demons have been working on me for some time....Will you help me to call on them to evaporate?" Should you go home with him or just go eat lunch and watch the Dallas Cowboys?
That's enough for now.
Bro. Adrian <><
ABA National Meeting Comments
If you are attending the National Meeting, please feel free to post your comments/observations/updates/summaries here.
For those of us not attending, it would be nice to know what is going on.
After the meeting, if you would like to post your perceptions, let them fly.
God bless,
Brother Adrian
For those of us not attending, it would be nice to know what is going on.
After the meeting, if you would like to post your perceptions, let them fly.
God bless,
Brother Adrian
The Last Pope??????
I have hesitated to post this topic for fear that some may think I'm looney. But since most of you now know that I'm looney, I'll go ahead and post it.
I have never given much credence to Nostradamus-like prophecies. We know that Biblically, the test of a true prophet is 100% accuracy due to inspiration by God. Man, however, can predict many things and history has shown that either by accident, good guessing, or possibly by demonic powers, some of those "forecasts" have come true. (please don't throw your rocks yet)
St. Malachy was born in 1094 and was Catholic. According to the story, he went to Rome in 1139 and there he received a strange vision. (You are gripping the rock tighter, but hold it!)
St. Malachy's vision was a succession of 112 popes with their names or characteristics. He wrote these down and this document was stored away and not discovered again in the Roman Archives until 1590. Once discovered, it became common knowledge in Catholic leadership and may have even influenced some conclaves who were deciding on the next pope.
Here's the deal. Pope Benedict (the current pope) is Pope #111. St. Malachy's description of Pope #112 (the last) is as follows: "In extreme persecution, the seat of the Holy Roman Church will be occupied by Petras Romanus (Peter The Roman), who will feed the sheep through many tribulations, at the term of which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the formidable Judge will judge his people. The End."
If you want to see the actual list of prophesied popes, you can go to Wikipedia and type in "Prophecy of The Popes."
Now, since the Mayan calendar ends in 2012 I guess we can conclude that......
(Just throw comments please, not stones! :)
I have never given much credence to Nostradamus-like prophecies. We know that Biblically, the test of a true prophet is 100% accuracy due to inspiration by God. Man, however, can predict many things and history has shown that either by accident, good guessing, or possibly by demonic powers, some of those "forecasts" have come true. (please don't throw your rocks yet)
St. Malachy was born in 1094 and was Catholic. According to the story, he went to Rome in 1139 and there he received a strange vision. (You are gripping the rock tighter, but hold it!)
St. Malachy's vision was a succession of 112 popes with their names or characteristics. He wrote these down and this document was stored away and not discovered again in the Roman Archives until 1590. Once discovered, it became common knowledge in Catholic leadership and may have even influenced some conclaves who were deciding on the next pope.
Here's the deal. Pope Benedict (the current pope) is Pope #111. St. Malachy's description of Pope #112 (the last) is as follows: "In extreme persecution, the seat of the Holy Roman Church will be occupied by Petras Romanus (Peter The Roman), who will feed the sheep through many tribulations, at the term of which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the formidable Judge will judge his people. The End."
If you want to see the actual list of prophesied popes, you can go to Wikipedia and type in "Prophecy of The Popes."
Now, since the Mayan calendar ends in 2012 I guess we can conclude that......
(Just throw comments please, not stones! :)
Why Salvation Is Great
Message 6/7/09
Introduction
Christians have something that we often neglect and are unappreciative of.
May we as Christians be reminded of what we neglect today and may the lost receive God's great salvation today.
Text Hebrews 2:1-4 "how shall escape if we neglect so great salvation"
We use the term "great" loosely today...
The greatest thing, the greatest gift anyone could ever have is salvation.
This verse does not say "how shall we escape if we REJECT so great salvation"
It says neglect, which means to have little or nothing to do with.
This verse is often preached to the lost and if the lost are saved as a result, glory to God.
But the primary intent is to saved people. We can and often do neglect our salvation and are unappreciative of our wonderful God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Why is salvation great?
I.It Comes With a Great Price
I Tim.1:15 / Rom.6:23
Illustration: Roman soldiers sometimes used other forms of execution than crucifixion. One form was to die a dead, decomposing body to a convicted criminal. The dead person had often died of leprosy or some other terrible disease. The criminal had to eat, work, sleep and live with this dead body attached to them. Soon, they began to die a slow, agonizing death because of the body attached to them.
The Bible says that we have a body of death tied to us...it's called sin.
How much would that convicted criminal have paid to have the decomposing body taken off them. This is a powerful picture of the salvation, deliverance, and freedom that we have in Christ.
Why else is salvation great?
II. It Comes With Great Promises
I John 1:7 / I John 5:13 / Rev.21:3,4
III.It Comes With Great Blessings
Eph.3:8 / Heb.13:5,6
IV. It Takes Away Fear
Fear of death. Fear of hell. Fear of trouble. Fear of uncertainty.
Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
V.It Comes With a Great Inheritance
I Peter 1:3-5
VI.It Is Personal
Ps. 23 "The Lord is MY shepherd"
Rev.2:17 (white stone given with a new name in it which no one knows except you and God)
Salvation is also great because
VII.It Is Simple
Acts 16:30,31
There is no premium on intelligence and no penalty for ignorance.
Conclusion
Do we neglect our salvation? Are we unappreciative?
Ill. Robert Robinson was a preacher and hymn writer. During one phase of his life he drifted away from the Lord. He sat down on a train and a woman sat down near him. Within a few minutes, she showed him a song she had been reading. The tears began to stream down his face as he realized this was a song he wrote years before entitled "Come Thou Fount."
Part of the song read, "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart oh take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above."
Salvation is great for so many reasons. Will you reject it today?
Will you neglect it today?
Introduction
Christians have something that we often neglect and are unappreciative of.
May we as Christians be reminded of what we neglect today and may the lost receive God's great salvation today.
Text Hebrews 2:1-4 "how shall escape if we neglect so great salvation"
We use the term "great" loosely today...
The greatest thing, the greatest gift anyone could ever have is salvation.
This verse does not say "how shall we escape if we REJECT so great salvation"
It says neglect, which means to have little or nothing to do with.
This verse is often preached to the lost and if the lost are saved as a result, glory to God.
But the primary intent is to saved people. We can and often do neglect our salvation and are unappreciative of our wonderful God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Why is salvation great?
I.It Comes With a Great Price
I Tim.1:15 / Rom.6:23
Illustration: Roman soldiers sometimes used other forms of execution than crucifixion. One form was to die a dead, decomposing body to a convicted criminal. The dead person had often died of leprosy or some other terrible disease. The criminal had to eat, work, sleep and live with this dead body attached to them. Soon, they began to die a slow, agonizing death because of the body attached to them.
The Bible says that we have a body of death tied to us...it's called sin.
How much would that convicted criminal have paid to have the decomposing body taken off them. This is a powerful picture of the salvation, deliverance, and freedom that we have in Christ.
Why else is salvation great?
II. It Comes With Great Promises
I John 1:7 / I John 5:13 / Rev.21:3,4
III.It Comes With Great Blessings
Eph.3:8 / Heb.13:5,6
IV. It Takes Away Fear
Fear of death. Fear of hell. Fear of trouble. Fear of uncertainty.
Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
V.It Comes With a Great Inheritance
I Peter 1:3-5
VI.It Is Personal
Ps. 23 "The Lord is MY shepherd"
Rev.2:17 (white stone given with a new name in it which no one knows except you and God)
Salvation is also great because
VII.It Is Simple
Acts 16:30,31
There is no premium on intelligence and no penalty for ignorance.
Conclusion
Do we neglect our salvation? Are we unappreciative?
Ill. Robert Robinson was a preacher and hymn writer. During one phase of his life he drifted away from the Lord. He sat down on a train and a woman sat down near him. Within a few minutes, she showed him a song she had been reading. The tears began to stream down his face as he realized this was a song he wrote years before entitled "Come Thou Fount."
Part of the song read, "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart oh take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above."
Salvation is great for so many reasons. Will you reject it today?
Will you neglect it today?
Government Concerns
I usually blog Christian/Bible/Pastoral topics as these are most important to me. Lately, however, I have just wanted to sound off on government concerns.
I love my country. But my country has changed and is changing.
For example,
Homosexual marriage has been cleverly twisted into a civil rights issue. Same-sex marriages are now legal in certain states and will continue to expand. Failure to agree equates one as a bigot or one who practices discrimination.
Our President has ushered in socialism with the approval of Congress. This is not authorized by the Constitution nor does it have executive precedent. (We own 60% of GM. As a majority stockholder, I'll take a new car please.)
Our President now appeals "to Muslim friends" and kicked off his presidency with three prayers: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. He stated in Cairo that "in the trauma of 9/11, we abandoned our principles....etc." (sickening)
Historically, the Treasury Secretary has been responsible for overseeing the printing of the money. You know, making sure the twenties have a "2" and a "0" and that the bills can't be counterfeited easily. In the last year, however, the Treasury Secretary has been allowed to manage billions in assets, making his job of unparalleled importance. NO ONE discusses the constitutionality of this. Who knew who the Treasury Secretary was back in the 80's or 90's?
Unless you were bored while waiting at Sonic and scanned your $$ bills!
The federal government controls education. NOWHERE in the Constitution does the federal government have any listed power with regards to education. In fact, it states that powers not given to the federal gov't. are given respectively to states and individuals (amendments 9 & 10).
The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review for ANY law it wants to rule on. How did they get this power? They gave it to themselves with Marbury v. Madison in the late 1800's.
No one questions this power grab nor the absolute control of Appeals Courts throughout the country.
Congress is corrupt (nuff said).
The state of Texas so graciously says that I can carry a weapon if I have a "right to carry license." Thank you Texas for giving me permission to do something that the Constitution ALREADY SAYS I can do. "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed"
I could go on and on about permits for Bible studies in California, the squashing of abstinence education by the current administration, or the proposal of "smart energy" in our homes (you know, where the gov't. controls your thermostat out of concern for energy usage).
But I'll stop. I'm starting to depress myself.
I guess I'll just hang on to the middle verse in the Bible:
Psalm 118:8 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."
I love my country. But my country has changed and is changing.
For example,
Homosexual marriage has been cleverly twisted into a civil rights issue. Same-sex marriages are now legal in certain states and will continue to expand. Failure to agree equates one as a bigot or one who practices discrimination.
Our President has ushered in socialism with the approval of Congress. This is not authorized by the Constitution nor does it have executive precedent. (We own 60% of GM. As a majority stockholder, I'll take a new car please.)
Our President now appeals "to Muslim friends" and kicked off his presidency with three prayers: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. He stated in Cairo that "in the trauma of 9/11, we abandoned our principles....etc." (sickening)
Historically, the Treasury Secretary has been responsible for overseeing the printing of the money. You know, making sure the twenties have a "2" and a "0" and that the bills can't be counterfeited easily. In the last year, however, the Treasury Secretary has been allowed to manage billions in assets, making his job of unparalleled importance. NO ONE discusses the constitutionality of this. Who knew who the Treasury Secretary was back in the 80's or 90's?
Unless you were bored while waiting at Sonic and scanned your $$ bills!
The federal government controls education. NOWHERE in the Constitution does the federal government have any listed power with regards to education. In fact, it states that powers not given to the federal gov't. are given respectively to states and individuals (amendments 9 & 10).
The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review for ANY law it wants to rule on. How did they get this power? They gave it to themselves with Marbury v. Madison in the late 1800's.
No one questions this power grab nor the absolute control of Appeals Courts throughout the country.
Congress is corrupt (nuff said).
The state of Texas so graciously says that I can carry a weapon if I have a "right to carry license." Thank you Texas for giving me permission to do something that the Constitution ALREADY SAYS I can do. "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed"
I could go on and on about permits for Bible studies in California, the squashing of abstinence education by the current administration, or the proposal of "smart energy" in our homes (you know, where the gov't. controls your thermostat out of concern for energy usage).
But I'll stop. I'm starting to depress myself.
I guess I'll just hang on to the middle verse in the Bible:
Psalm 118:8 "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."
Baptist Debates
Most Baptist debates occur informally on the internet these days....and with fellow Baptists.
But is there still a place for public debates between Baptists and other groups?
Several years ago, Bro. Michael Reese and I helped organize a debate between a local, loud, challenging Church of Christ preacher and the late Bro. Hoyt Chastain of Oklahoma.
It was difficult to get support for the debate and many ABA folks said, "I don't really believe we should be doing that anymore." Many others were simply not interested in attending.
The debate occurred, some Missionary Baptists attended, many Church of Christ people attended, and I think I gained something from the debate.
Brother Bobby Sparks (who is well known for his Tabernacle sermons) has also debated and from a tape I have watched, I don't know if a Church of Christ preacher will ever get on the stage with him again!?
I suppose my question is this: If challenged by a preacher from another group, or if they regularly "trash Baptists" and everyone else in a local newspaper, should we debate them?
Or just ignore them?
But is there still a place for public debates between Baptists and other groups?
Several years ago, Bro. Michael Reese and I helped organize a debate between a local, loud, challenging Church of Christ preacher and the late Bro. Hoyt Chastain of Oklahoma.
It was difficult to get support for the debate and many ABA folks said, "I don't really believe we should be doing that anymore." Many others were simply not interested in attending.
The debate occurred, some Missionary Baptists attended, many Church of Christ people attended, and I think I gained something from the debate.
Brother Bobby Sparks (who is well known for his Tabernacle sermons) has also debated and from a tape I have watched, I don't know if a Church of Christ preacher will ever get on the stage with him again!?
I suppose my question is this: If challenged by a preacher from another group, or if they regularly "trash Baptists" and everyone else in a local newspaper, should we debate them?
Or just ignore them?
Missing Relative Found!
(As you read this, please superimpose the voice of Forrest Gump)
I'm so happy! A missing relative of mine has been found! We have been searchin' and searchin' for him for years and due to some really smart people, he was discovered this past week!
Now I know he is funny looking. In fact, he kinda looks like a lizard or iguana or something. And I know he's old...they say 47 million years old, but don't hold that against him.
I also know that he is reptilian. Those smart people say that he was my 45,874 times great grandpa and that he IS the missing link between monkeys and me! Never mind, I guess, that usually reptiles begat reptiles, even lizards begat lizards, and iguana begat iguanas. I guess it doesn't matter that it has never been observed that mammals would jump out of classification and become reptiles or vice versa (which violates the little rules about being observable in the scientific method). But them smart people tell me that "missing link" is my 45,874 times great grandpa.
I wonder where he came from? Oh yeah. The smart people say his 45,874 times great grandpa
wiggled out of a puddle of water and was struck by lightening and came alive! Ouch! I bet somebody went from saying "You don't got no legs," to "Legs! You got legs!" I don't guess it matters that this idea violates the simple experiment of Louis Pastuer when he proved that life cannot arise from non-life. I suppose life is like a bolt of lightening...you never know when you're gonna get hit!
Funny, it seems that grandpa lizard (missing link) would surely have been less advanced than grandpa monkey. Yet the smart people have put grandpa lizard IN BETWEEN grandpa monkey and me. That makes me want to go mowing or running or something.
Another thing, if I and grandpa lizard came from grandpa monkey, why are there still monkeys?
Maybe the smart people will tell us one day.
By the way, I write this from mental hospital. I simply went to the Lufkin Zoo and tried to have a family reunion and picnic with all my grandpas, and now I am in this big, white, padded room.
I may not be a smart man, but I know what creation is.
I'm so happy! A missing relative of mine has been found! We have been searchin' and searchin' for him for years and due to some really smart people, he was discovered this past week!
Now I know he is funny looking. In fact, he kinda looks like a lizard or iguana or something. And I know he's old...they say 47 million years old, but don't hold that against him.
I also know that he is reptilian. Those smart people say that he was my 45,874 times great grandpa and that he IS the missing link between monkeys and me! Never mind, I guess, that usually reptiles begat reptiles, even lizards begat lizards, and iguana begat iguanas. I guess it doesn't matter that it has never been observed that mammals would jump out of classification and become reptiles or vice versa (which violates the little rules about being observable in the scientific method). But them smart people tell me that "missing link" is my 45,874 times great grandpa.
I wonder where he came from? Oh yeah. The smart people say his 45,874 times great grandpa
wiggled out of a puddle of water and was struck by lightening and came alive! Ouch! I bet somebody went from saying "You don't got no legs," to "Legs! You got legs!" I don't guess it matters that this idea violates the simple experiment of Louis Pastuer when he proved that life cannot arise from non-life. I suppose life is like a bolt of lightening...you never know when you're gonna get hit!
Funny, it seems that grandpa lizard (missing link) would surely have been less advanced than grandpa monkey. Yet the smart people have put grandpa lizard IN BETWEEN grandpa monkey and me. That makes me want to go mowing or running or something.
Another thing, if I and grandpa lizard came from grandpa monkey, why are there still monkeys?
Maybe the smart people will tell us one day.
By the way, I write this from mental hospital. I simply went to the Lufkin Zoo and tried to have a family reunion and picnic with all my grandpas, and now I am in this big, white, padded room.
I may not be a smart man, but I know what creation is.
Feeding The Rat
When you love to do something, and you don't often get opportunities to do it, "the rat gets hungry." I love the mountains. Living at 289 feet above sea level doesn't provide too many chances to climb.
The last adventure was with good friend and brother in Christ Michael Reese. We travelled to Guadalupe Peak in West Texas in late December of 2008. This park is in the proverbial "middle of nowhere." We endured the high winds and the 4 1/2 mile climb. The summit views were well worth it.
But the rat is hungry. Tracy has planned a trip to Colorado Springs in late July for a week and Pike's Peak is nearby (over 14,000 feet). My 11 year old son Logan has informed me that I am not climbing Pike's Peak without him. I know you can drive up Pike's Peak or ride the Cog train.
But, somehow, I don't think I'll travel that way.
A. Alvarez wrote, "Every year you need to flush out your system and do a bit of suffering. I think it's because there is always a question mark about how you will perform. When the rat's had a good meal, you come away feeling terrific. And even if you blow it, at least there isn't that great unknown. But to snuff it without knowing who you are and what you are capable of, I can't think of anything sadder than that."
I thank God for my family, my friends, my health and opportunities to appreciate God and His awesome creation.
The last adventure was with good friend and brother in Christ Michael Reese. We travelled to Guadalupe Peak in West Texas in late December of 2008. This park is in the proverbial "middle of nowhere." We endured the high winds and the 4 1/2 mile climb. The summit views were well worth it.
But the rat is hungry. Tracy has planned a trip to Colorado Springs in late July for a week and Pike's Peak is nearby (over 14,000 feet). My 11 year old son Logan has informed me that I am not climbing Pike's Peak without him. I know you can drive up Pike's Peak or ride the Cog train.
But, somehow, I don't think I'll travel that way.
A. Alvarez wrote, "Every year you need to flush out your system and do a bit of suffering. I think it's because there is always a question mark about how you will perform. When the rat's had a good meal, you come away feeling terrific. And even if you blow it, at least there isn't that great unknown. But to snuff it without knowing who you are and what you are capable of, I can't think of anything sadder than that."
I thank God for my family, my friends, my health and opportunities to appreciate God and His awesome creation.
Church Signs
I recently saw an interent site with actual pictures of church signs across the country. Actually seeing the signs are probably more funny, but here's a sample. We mostly discuss serious issues, but every once in a while, I need a good laugh.
"God Shows No Favoritism
But Our Sign Guy Does
Go Cubs!"
"Dysfynctional Family?
Welcome
You'll Fit Right In"
"This Sunday---Mind Control
Part 4"
"Women's Bible Stud
633-6271"
"Please Return The Laptop!"
"This Sunday's Message
The Thoughtful And The Stupid
Part Deux"
"The Rapture!
Separation Of Church And State"
"Our Church Is Like Fudge
Sweet, With A Few Nuts"
"For God So Loved The World
He Did Not Send A Committee"
"If You're Too Open-Minded
Your Brains Will Fall Out"
I'm not sure whether or not to post this final one, but I'm sure you will let me know if it's too strong. I suppose it's real important that the sign guy can spell or this will happen.
(Parenthetical letters were left out of the sign)
"An(n)(u)al Conference Here Saturday"
"God Shows No Favoritism
But Our Sign Guy Does
Go Cubs!"
"Dysfynctional Family?
Welcome
You'll Fit Right In"
"This Sunday---Mind Control
Part 4"
"Women's Bible Stud
633-6271"
"Please Return The Laptop!"
"This Sunday's Message
The Thoughtful And The Stupid
Part Deux"
"The Rapture!
Separation Of Church And State"
"Our Church Is Like Fudge
Sweet, With A Few Nuts"
"For God So Loved The World
He Did Not Send A Committee"
"If You're Too Open-Minded
Your Brains Will Fall Out"
I'm not sure whether or not to post this final one, but I'm sure you will let me know if it's too strong. I suppose it's real important that the sign guy can spell or this will happen.
(Parenthetical letters were left out of the sign)
"An(n)(u)al Conference Here Saturday"
"Winked At"
As Paul preached at Mars Hill (Acts17), he said, "Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent..."(vs.29,30).
A note in my Bible says "winked at" means overlooked. Perhaps some of you "Greek guys" could provide some perspective or someone who has heard this "winked at" explained in a meaningful way.
A note in my Bible says "winked at" means overlooked. Perhaps some of you "Greek guys" could provide some perspective or someone who has heard this "winked at" explained in a meaningful way.
Would You Ask Him To Preach?
An elderly gentlemen is passing through your area and he shows up at your church on Sunday.
He is perhaps the most well-known preacher in modern times. His name is Billy Graham.
Would you ask him to preach?
He is perhaps the most well-known preacher in modern times. His name is Billy Graham.
Would you ask him to preach?
Dinosaurs Among Us
The most common "scientific" idea concerning dinosaurs is that they were killed off by a giant meteor (or the results thereof) millions of years ago. Several noted creationists in recent years have advanced another theory concerning dinosaurs....that they are still here!!!
Here's the idea in summary:
Before the flood, man lived hundreds of years longer than he does today (Methuselah...969 years, etc.) We can only assume that animals also lived much longer than they do today.
There is only one form of animal that continues to grow its entire life: reptiles.
Snakes, kimoda dragons, iguanas continue to grow their entire lives. If these animals were to live hundreds of years as man once did, how large would they have been???
Also, serpents apparently had legs before they were cursed by God. Genesis 3: 14, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly thou shalt go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life..."
Let's see, a big serpent with legs might look like a......AGHHHHH! Dinosaurs among us!
Here's the idea in summary:
Before the flood, man lived hundreds of years longer than he does today (Methuselah...969 years, etc.) We can only assume that animals also lived much longer than they do today.
There is only one form of animal that continues to grow its entire life: reptiles.
Snakes, kimoda dragons, iguanas continue to grow their entire lives. If these animals were to live hundreds of years as man once did, how large would they have been???
Also, serpents apparently had legs before they were cursed by God. Genesis 3: 14, "Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly thou shalt go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life..."
Let's see, a big serpent with legs might look like a......AGHHHHH! Dinosaurs among us!
Revolution (Barna)
George Barna, in his book "Revolution," asks some tough questions regarding modern believers and the local church. A few quotes to consider:
"One of the greatest frustrations of my life has been the disconnection between what our research consistently shows about churched Christians and what the Bible calls us to be...
if the local church is comprised of people who have been transformed by the grace of God through their redemption in Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, then their lives should be noticeably and compellingly different from the norm."
"Only one out of four believers will allocate some time to serving other people. Most of that time is dedicated to volunteering in church programs that serve congregants; little effort is invested in serving needy people outside the congregation. Most churched Christians admit to seeing homeless or hurting people in their community...a very small percentage admit to interacting with them."
"A large majority of churched believers rely upon their church, rather than their family, to train their children to become spiritually mature. In an average month, fewer than one out of ten churched families worship together outside of a church service; just as few pray together, other than at mealtimes..."
Statistics show that "participating in church-based activities does not necessarily draw you closer to God or prepare you for a life that satisfies Him or enhances your existence."
This book is controversial in many facets, yet convicting. Barna repeatedly states that he is not trying to disparage or dismiss local churches. His statistics clearly show, however, that for a majority of professed believers in America, their faith is not vibrant and growing in church as we know it. In fact, a high percentage of new believers become disallusioned in a short period of time. His research shows that alternatives, such as house church, cyberchurch, etc., is and will be exploding in growth in the future.
If church is not vibrant, exciting, and meaningful, who can we blame?
If our lives are no different than unbelievers, who can we blame?
If we lose the joy of God's salvation, who can we blame?
I suppose the answer is....ourselves.
"One of the greatest frustrations of my life has been the disconnection between what our research consistently shows about churched Christians and what the Bible calls us to be...
if the local church is comprised of people who have been transformed by the grace of God through their redemption in Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, then their lives should be noticeably and compellingly different from the norm."
"Only one out of four believers will allocate some time to serving other people. Most of that time is dedicated to volunteering in church programs that serve congregants; little effort is invested in serving needy people outside the congregation. Most churched Christians admit to seeing homeless or hurting people in their community...a very small percentage admit to interacting with them."
"A large majority of churched believers rely upon their church, rather than their family, to train their children to become spiritually mature. In an average month, fewer than one out of ten churched families worship together outside of a church service; just as few pray together, other than at mealtimes..."
Statistics show that "participating in church-based activities does not necessarily draw you closer to God or prepare you for a life that satisfies Him or enhances your existence."
This book is controversial in many facets, yet convicting. Barna repeatedly states that he is not trying to disparage or dismiss local churches. His statistics clearly show, however, that for a majority of professed believers in America, their faith is not vibrant and growing in church as we know it. In fact, a high percentage of new believers become disallusioned in a short period of time. His research shows that alternatives, such as house church, cyberchurch, etc., is and will be exploding in growth in the future.
If church is not vibrant, exciting, and meaningful, who can we blame?
If our lives are no different than unbelievers, who can we blame?
If we lose the joy of God's salvation, who can we blame?
I suppose the answer is....ourselves.
Lift Up Your Hands
I would like to think that I have a little "charisma," but that I certainly am not a "charismatic" as we define it. But a number of scriptures seem to promote and sanction what would give Baptists heart failure in church...such as...
Psalm 134:2 "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD."
We even sing "Let's just praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let's just lift our hands toward heaven, and p-r-a-i-s-e the Lord"
If they were to actually do it, we'd exclude 'em....or at least tell the pastor to go and talk to them. I am not promoting this...just curious why we as Missionary Baptists are so scared to do something that is permissible, even sanctioned in the scriptures.
(Perhaps this fits Michael Reese's "Castaway Blog")
Psalm 134:2 "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD."
We even sing "Let's just praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let's just lift our hands toward heaven, and p-r-a-i-s-e the Lord"
If they were to actually do it, we'd exclude 'em....or at least tell the pastor to go and talk to them. I am not promoting this...just curious why we as Missionary Baptists are so scared to do something that is permissible, even sanctioned in the scriptures.
(Perhaps this fits Michael Reese's "Castaway Blog")
Missing In Action
Some of the "blogging brethren" are missing in action. I know a few of them, but I only know others through their interesting blogs in the past. Rumors are now circulating as to why they have not blogged recently. Here they are:
Mike Wilkes has not blogged becasuse he is travelling around the country doing research for his soon to be released book "The Beauty of Steeples In America." (He is buying lotto tickets to fund his journeys, I hear)
Joseph Pemberton took a wrong turn in Arkansas and ended up in Alaska. He keeps saying something about what the sign meant in "the Greek."
Tim Herrington is being held for picking up shed antlers on government land without a permit.
His last words were "Touch me not!"
Micah Carter joined Casting Crowns as a roadie. He wears a bandana, says "dude" all the time, and keeps pestering Mark Hall to let him preach during the concerts.
BroT was hit in the head by a huge KJV Bible which fell off a shelf. He forgot how to blog and keeps telling everyone that he is a lawyer who is going to put Obama on trial for being a Christian.
I hope you guys take this as a compliment. Like most of you, with families, ministry, etc., etc., I have little time to blog. But I enjoy your posts. Look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Mike Wilkes has not blogged becasuse he is travelling around the country doing research for his soon to be released book "The Beauty of Steeples In America." (He is buying lotto tickets to fund his journeys, I hear)
Joseph Pemberton took a wrong turn in Arkansas and ended up in Alaska. He keeps saying something about what the sign meant in "the Greek."
Tim Herrington is being held for picking up shed antlers on government land without a permit.
His last words were "Touch me not!"
Micah Carter joined Casting Crowns as a roadie. He wears a bandana, says "dude" all the time, and keeps pestering Mark Hall to let him preach during the concerts.
BroT was hit in the head by a huge KJV Bible which fell off a shelf. He forgot how to blog and keeps telling everyone that he is a lawyer who is going to put Obama on trial for being a Christian.
I hope you guys take this as a compliment. Like most of you, with families, ministry, etc., etc., I have little time to blog. But I enjoy your posts. Look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Limiting God
I wonder if I'm guilty of limiting God. Perhaps we all are to some degree.
Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that workesth in us...
Psalm 78:41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
Father, forgive me for limiting you. Live through me according to your will. Amen.
Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that workesth in us...
Psalm 78:41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
Father, forgive me for limiting you. Live through me according to your will. Amen.
"Unpastorable"
Occassionally you hear a church described as "unpastorable."
What would indicate that a church is "unpastorable?"
What would indicate that a church is "unpastorable?"
Solitude
How much solitude do we have....simply enjoying God's presence?
Jesus spent forty days and nights in solitude with His Father before beginning His earthly ministry. He was able to deal with the tempter who tempted Jesus with the three compulsions that Christians, and especially preachers, are tempted with.
1)to be relevant (turn stones into bread)
2)to be spectacular (throw yourself down)
3)to be powerful (I will give you all these kingdoms)
Jesus simply affirmed God as the only source of His identity (Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve). We worry about being affirmed in our identities hoping others will validate us as smart, or a good preacher, or great Christian.
A Christian writer penned this: "There is freedom in an identity that is anchored in a place beyond all human praise and blame."
Solitude, or time spent alone with God, is the best place to reclaim that identity and to be strengthened spiritually. Then church, witnessing, preaching, living...become all the more worthwhile.
Not trying to preach today...just sharing my thoughts.
Jesus spent forty days and nights in solitude with His Father before beginning His earthly ministry. He was able to deal with the tempter who tempted Jesus with the three compulsions that Christians, and especially preachers, are tempted with.
1)to be relevant (turn stones into bread)
2)to be spectacular (throw yourself down)
3)to be powerful (I will give you all these kingdoms)
Jesus simply affirmed God as the only source of His identity (Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve). We worry about being affirmed in our identities hoping others will validate us as smart, or a good preacher, or great Christian.
A Christian writer penned this: "There is freedom in an identity that is anchored in a place beyond all human praise and blame."
Solitude, or time spent alone with God, is the best place to reclaim that identity and to be strengthened spiritually. Then church, witnessing, preaching, living...become all the more worthwhile.
Not trying to preach today...just sharing my thoughts.
Where Are They?
Where are Christian leaders who are not ashamed of God? Our Founding Fathers and those who succeeded them were not perfect, but they were also not ashamed of their faith nor were they intimidated by what others thought of their beliefs.
"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."
George Washington
"The destiny of America is to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men everywhere."
John Adams
"Without the assistance of God, I cannot succeed. With His assistance, I cannot fail."
Abraham Lincoln
When will we hear American leaders speak that way again???
"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."
George Washington
"The destiny of America is to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men everywhere."
John Adams
"Without the assistance of God, I cannot succeed. With His assistance, I cannot fail."
Abraham Lincoln
When will we hear American leaders speak that way again???
REVIVAL
Let's talk revival. Should we schedule them? How should churches prepare for them?
Five night or three night? Monday thru Friday? Sunday thru Wednesday?
Finally, why are so many revivals poorly attended, even by church members?
Five night or three night? Monday thru Friday? Sunday thru Wednesday?
Finally, why are so many revivals poorly attended, even by church members?
Random Israel
I visited Israel in 2006 (along with Michael Reese, Davy Hopson, Bobby Sparks and other super ABA folks) and here are a few random observations. If you have ever visited Israel and would like to contribute, please do so. If you have questions, PERHAPS I could attempt an answer. Mr. “Promise Land” might have the answer, after all, he lives there.
1.Many people in Israel believe that Jesus worked with stone and not wood. The word carpenter simply means “one who works with his hands.” There is a lot of stone around the Sea of Galilee, and very few trees.
2.Israel is a very secular country. Orthodox Jews are only seen in small numbers, except in Jerusalem.
3.The valley of Armageddon has been and will be a natural, geographic funnel for invading armies. This is easily seen from atop the ruins of Megiddo.
4.Nearly everything in Israel shuts down on the sabbath. There are even sabbat elevators which open on every floor, thus keeping Jews from having to push buttons (work) on the sabbath.
5.The walls of Jericho did not crumble. They truly fell down flat. The walls have been excavated and they are visible.
6.Camels stink and they are a very rough ride.
7.The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. It is 1300 feet below sea level. There is new meaning to the scriptures that say they went “up to Jerusalem.”
8.Palestinians in the West Bank are very poor and will try to sell anything. One young boy pulled off an olive branch from the tree I was standing by, and then tried to sell it to me for $1.
9.Native thorns in America are usually no longer than 2 inches. The ONLY native thorn in Israel is 4-5 inches long. When I read of the crown of thorns, it now breaks my heart more than ever.
10.At David's Tomb, Jewish rabbis read the Old Testament 24/7. They rotate in 2 hour shifts.
11.Muslims sealed the Eastern Gate so as to prevent the Messiah from coming through them. (I think Jesus can handle it when He returns, don't you?!)
12.Bethesda's Pool is NOT the kiddie pool size whirlpool that we have seen in Sunday School literature & drawings. It is huge, with five distinct porches and spans almost an acre.
13.In 2006, the Temple Institute had made 70 of the 93 items to be used in future Temple worship. I took pictures of the Menorah, the altar, and the High Priests vestments until the “Israeli tour Guide lady” pointed at me, “I said no pictures!” I'm sorry angry Israeli tour guide lady person.
14.Israelis & Palestinians do not eat very many sweets. They are not fat. If you see skinny people for two weeks and then return to America, you think you have entered a Sumo Wrestlers Convention when you walk into Wal-Mart.
15.The Garden Tomb is just as powerful as I anticipated. I don't cry easily, but on our free day in Jerusalem, I went back to it, stood in there alone, prayed...and cried tears of thankfulness. I texted Tracy, “The Tomb is Empty,” just to let her know that I had been there. She texted back, “Duh.”
16.All hotels have a mezuzah mounted on the upper right side of the door. It is a small plate with 12 stones (12 tribes) and the Hebrew letter shin (El Shaddai). It is a reminder of the Passover night.
17.There is a large restaurant and museum between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv honoring, of all people, Elvis Pressley.
18.Israeli helicopters (with mounted machine guns) patrol Israel's borders continually. You just get used to it.
19.I saw one Baptist church in Israel. Location....Nazareth. By request of his sponsoring church, I tried to contact one of our ABA missionaries in the West Bank, Ibrahim Imseeh. No luck.
20.Someone in our group asked if we could go up on top of Calvary. Our tour guide, Iyad, responded, “You cannot go up there. Muslim graves are on top. They will shoot you.” I didn't try to go, even though a church member had made a request of a rock from Calvary. (maybe he was trying to set me up....?)
21.If I had known Israel would be so meaningful, I would have saved every possible cent and gone years before I did. I appreciate Oak Flat MBC and the contributors who made the trip possible. I plan on returning....when Jesus returns, if not sooner.
(perhaps some of you guys would like to plan a trip in the future and need someone to go who has been before and would help with...well, never mind, just a thought)
1.Many people in Israel believe that Jesus worked with stone and not wood. The word carpenter simply means “one who works with his hands.” There is a lot of stone around the Sea of Galilee, and very few trees.
2.Israel is a very secular country. Orthodox Jews are only seen in small numbers, except in Jerusalem.
3.The valley of Armageddon has been and will be a natural, geographic funnel for invading armies. This is easily seen from atop the ruins of Megiddo.
4.Nearly everything in Israel shuts down on the sabbath. There are even sabbat elevators which open on every floor, thus keeping Jews from having to push buttons (work) on the sabbath.
5.The walls of Jericho did not crumble. They truly fell down flat. The walls have been excavated and they are visible.
6.Camels stink and they are a very rough ride.
7.The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. It is 1300 feet below sea level. There is new meaning to the scriptures that say they went “up to Jerusalem.”
8.Palestinians in the West Bank are very poor and will try to sell anything. One young boy pulled off an olive branch from the tree I was standing by, and then tried to sell it to me for $1.
9.Native thorns in America are usually no longer than 2 inches. The ONLY native thorn in Israel is 4-5 inches long. When I read of the crown of thorns, it now breaks my heart more than ever.
10.At David's Tomb, Jewish rabbis read the Old Testament 24/7. They rotate in 2 hour shifts.
11.Muslims sealed the Eastern Gate so as to prevent the Messiah from coming through them. (I think Jesus can handle it when He returns, don't you?!)
12.Bethesda's Pool is NOT the kiddie pool size whirlpool that we have seen in Sunday School literature & drawings. It is huge, with five distinct porches and spans almost an acre.
13.In 2006, the Temple Institute had made 70 of the 93 items to be used in future Temple worship. I took pictures of the Menorah, the altar, and the High Priests vestments until the “Israeli tour Guide lady” pointed at me, “I said no pictures!” I'm sorry angry Israeli tour guide lady person.
14.Israelis & Palestinians do not eat very many sweets. They are not fat. If you see skinny people for two weeks and then return to America, you think you have entered a Sumo Wrestlers Convention when you walk into Wal-Mart.
15.The Garden Tomb is just as powerful as I anticipated. I don't cry easily, but on our free day in Jerusalem, I went back to it, stood in there alone, prayed...and cried tears of thankfulness. I texted Tracy, “The Tomb is Empty,” just to let her know that I had been there. She texted back, “Duh.”
16.All hotels have a mezuzah mounted on the upper right side of the door. It is a small plate with 12 stones (12 tribes) and the Hebrew letter shin (El Shaddai). It is a reminder of the Passover night.
17.There is a large restaurant and museum between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv honoring, of all people, Elvis Pressley.
18.Israeli helicopters (with mounted machine guns) patrol Israel's borders continually. You just get used to it.
19.I saw one Baptist church in Israel. Location....Nazareth. By request of his sponsoring church, I tried to contact one of our ABA missionaries in the West Bank, Ibrahim Imseeh. No luck.
20.Someone in our group asked if we could go up on top of Calvary. Our tour guide, Iyad, responded, “You cannot go up there. Muslim graves are on top. They will shoot you.” I didn't try to go, even though a church member had made a request of a rock from Calvary. (maybe he was trying to set me up....?)
21.If I had known Israel would be so meaningful, I would have saved every possible cent and gone years before I did. I appreciate Oak Flat MBC and the contributors who made the trip possible. I plan on returning....when Jesus returns, if not sooner.
(perhaps some of you guys would like to plan a trip in the future and need someone to go who has been before and would help with...well, never mind, just a thought)
High Stakes
“The hymn comes to a close.....fresh from breakfast with his wife and children, the preacher climbs the steps to the pulpit. His mouth is a little dry. He has cut himself shaving. He feels as if he has swallowed an anchor. If it weren't for the honor of the thing, he would just as soon be somewhere else.
In the front pews the old ladies turn up their hearing aids. A young lady slips her six year old a Lifesaver and a Magic Marker. A college sophomore, home for vacation, who is there because he was dragged there, slumps forward with his chin in his hand. The Vice-President of the bank who twice that week has seriously contemplated suicide places his hymnal in the rack. A pregnant girl feels the life stir inside her.
The preacher pulls the little cord that turns on the lectern light and deals out his note cards like a riverboat gambler. The stakes have never been higher.
Two minutes from now he may have lost his listeners completely to their own thoughts, but at this minute he has them in the palm of his hand. The silence in the shabby church is deafening because everybody is listening......everybody is listening.”
an exerpt from Telling The Truth by Frederick Buechner
Last week, the Joy of Preaching. This week, High Stakes, which emphasizes the importance of preaching to the relevant needs of people.
I plan to post a word of encouragement Friday or Saturday to my friends in the ministry. God bless you as you preach the Word. It WILL NOT return void.
In the front pews the old ladies turn up their hearing aids. A young lady slips her six year old a Lifesaver and a Magic Marker. A college sophomore, home for vacation, who is there because he was dragged there, slumps forward with his chin in his hand. The Vice-President of the bank who twice that week has seriously contemplated suicide places his hymnal in the rack. A pregnant girl feels the life stir inside her.
The preacher pulls the little cord that turns on the lectern light and deals out his note cards like a riverboat gambler. The stakes have never been higher.
Two minutes from now he may have lost his listeners completely to their own thoughts, but at this minute he has them in the palm of his hand. The silence in the shabby church is deafening because everybody is listening......everybody is listening.”
an exerpt from Telling The Truth by Frederick Buechner
Last week, the Joy of Preaching. This week, High Stakes, which emphasizes the importance of preaching to the relevant needs of people.
I plan to post a word of encouragement Friday or Saturday to my friends in the ministry. God bless you as you preach the Word. It WILL NOT return void.
The Healing of the Nations
Rev.22:1,2 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Who/what nations need healing in heaven?
Who/what nations need healing in heaven?
The Joy Of Preaching
Remember when you surrendered to preach? You studied, you prayed, you waited for the phone to ring, and you were thrilled that some church would allow you...lowly you, to step into the pulpit. Then, over time, familiarity with preaching and perhaps pastoring caused you to lose some of the joy of preaching. The spark, at times, kindles within and his word becomes a burning fire in your bones. At other times, you lament the fact that “it's time to get a message together.”
We know we can lose the joy of salvation, but can we also lose the joy of preaching?
“The Joy of Preaching,” by Phillips Brooks, was written in the 19th century but speaks to us today. In blogging these Brooks' quotes, perhaps someone will step into the pulpit Sunday with fire in their bones and with a message from God, not a crafted, lifeless sermon.
“Preaching is the communication of truth by man to men. It has in it two essential elements, truth and personality.”
“Truth through personality is our real description of preaching. The truth must come really through the person, not merely over his lips...It must come through his character, his affections, his whole intellectual and moral being.”
“There is an immense amount of preaching which must be called preaching about Christ as distinct from preaching Christ.”
“The Gospel you are preaching now is the same Gospel that you preached when you were first ordained...but if you have been a live man all the time, you are not preaching it now as you did then. The truth has not changed, but you have grown to a fuller understanding of it, to a larger capacity of receiving and transmitting it.”
“The noblest ministries in the church are those of old men who have kept the freshness of their youth.”
“If we preach as honestly, as intelligently, and as spiritually as we can, we shall not merely do good in our own day, but help in some real, though unrecorded way, the future triumphs of the work we love.”
“No man preaches well who has not a strong and deep appreciation of humanity. The minister...finds his compensation and strength in knowing man, simply as man, and learning his inestimable worth.”
“A preacher's view of all theology ought to be colored with the preciousness of the human soul.”
“Courage...is the indispensable requisite of any true ministry. If you are afraid of men and a slave to their opinion, go and do something else. But do not keep on all your life preaching sermons which shall say not what God sent you to declare, but what they hire you to say. Be courageous. Be independent. Only remember where the true courage and independence comes from.”
“Preaching...it's highest joy is in the great ambition that is set before it, the glorifying of the Lord and the saving of the souls of men. No other joy on earth compares with that. The ministry that does not feel that joy is dead.”
Preaching.....what an humbling experience. But what a JOY.
We know we can lose the joy of salvation, but can we also lose the joy of preaching?
“The Joy of Preaching,” by Phillips Brooks, was written in the 19th century but speaks to us today. In blogging these Brooks' quotes, perhaps someone will step into the pulpit Sunday with fire in their bones and with a message from God, not a crafted, lifeless sermon.
“Preaching is the communication of truth by man to men. It has in it two essential elements, truth and personality.”
“Truth through personality is our real description of preaching. The truth must come really through the person, not merely over his lips...It must come through his character, his affections, his whole intellectual and moral being.”
“There is an immense amount of preaching which must be called preaching about Christ as distinct from preaching Christ.”
“The Gospel you are preaching now is the same Gospel that you preached when you were first ordained...but if you have been a live man all the time, you are not preaching it now as you did then. The truth has not changed, but you have grown to a fuller understanding of it, to a larger capacity of receiving and transmitting it.”
“The noblest ministries in the church are those of old men who have kept the freshness of their youth.”
“If we preach as honestly, as intelligently, and as spiritually as we can, we shall not merely do good in our own day, but help in some real, though unrecorded way, the future triumphs of the work we love.”
“No man preaches well who has not a strong and deep appreciation of humanity. The minister...finds his compensation and strength in knowing man, simply as man, and learning his inestimable worth.”
“A preacher's view of all theology ought to be colored with the preciousness of the human soul.”
“Courage...is the indispensable requisite of any true ministry. If you are afraid of men and a slave to their opinion, go and do something else. But do not keep on all your life preaching sermons which shall say not what God sent you to declare, but what they hire you to say. Be courageous. Be independent. Only remember where the true courage and independence comes from.”
“Preaching...it's highest joy is in the great ambition that is set before it, the glorifying of the Lord and the saving of the souls of men. No other joy on earth compares with that. The ministry that does not feel that joy is dead.”
Preaching.....what an humbling experience. But what a JOY.
Church Organization Methods
If a preacher (not a pastor) is burdened of the Lord to organize a church in a particular area and the following components are included:
-the work will organize as a church and not a mission
-the work will not be in the community of the preacher's home church
-there are no outstanding issues or problems between the preacher and the church of which he is a member,
which of the following church organization principles would be most favorable?
1)Preacher/people meet for worship services and simply start functioning as a church, choosing a pastor, electing positions, etc. and they request their home church either to send their church letters or to delete their names from the rolls.
2)Preacher/people inform their home church(es) of their intentions and request a vote of support (extension of an arm) of a church. The vote of “support” may or may not include financial support. An announced date of organization is set and other churches are invited.
3)Preacher/people request their church letters in writing for the announced purpose of organizing a church. An announced date of organization is set and other churches are invited.
4)The preacher, by church vote of his home church, is recommended or authorized to preach the gospel, baptize, and then organize a church. He may announce an organization date or details to the church that authorized him but is not required to do so.
Perhaps rank the two most favorable methods or classify each as acceptable, questionable, or not acceptable.
Comments welcome...
-the work will organize as a church and not a mission
-the work will not be in the community of the preacher's home church
-there are no outstanding issues or problems between the preacher and the church of which he is a member,
which of the following church organization principles would be most favorable?
1)Preacher/people meet for worship services and simply start functioning as a church, choosing a pastor, electing positions, etc. and they request their home church either to send their church letters or to delete their names from the rolls.
2)Preacher/people inform their home church(es) of their intentions and request a vote of support (extension of an arm) of a church. The vote of “support” may or may not include financial support. An announced date of organization is set and other churches are invited.
3)Preacher/people request their church letters in writing for the announced purpose of organizing a church. An announced date of organization is set and other churches are invited.
4)The preacher, by church vote of his home church, is recommended or authorized to preach the gospel, baptize, and then organize a church. He may announce an organization date or details to the church that authorized him but is not required to do so.
Perhaps rank the two most favorable methods or classify each as acceptable, questionable, or not acceptable.
Comments welcome...
THE LOST PREACHER
L.R. Shelton surrendered to the ministry in Louisiana in 1916. He pastored churches and preached numerous summer revivals for several decades. Shelton was reportedly powerful in the pulpit, leading many souls to the Lord. In 1941, while another evangelist was preaching a lengthy revival in the church he was pastoring, Shelton became convicted that he was lost. He left the last service of the revival without speaking to anyone and went straight to bed, tossing and turning. Shelton was “gripped with great fear as I realized I was lost and on the road to hell.”
The next night he took a train to Shreveport to meet a preaching engagement in his brother's home church. In his brother's home, he was left to face his spiritual condition. He thought to himself, “I cannot admit to others that I am lost. I will be an outcast. My reputation will be finished.” Shelton went on and preached both services. He returned home and told his wife he was lost. He told the church he was lost and offered his resignation. Shelton was soon saved, greatly comforted by the words written by the apostle Paul, “I know in whom I have believed.”
After being baptized, added to the church, surrendering to the ministry (again), ordained (again) and called by the church (again), Bro. Shelton continued preaching and pastoring while always seemingly engulfed in controversy over one matter or another.
“From The Plowhandles To The Pulpit” L.R. Shelton
Has anyone ever heard of this man? Can God use unbelievers to proclaim His Word? Or did Shelton just preach in the flesh and God blessed anyway?
The next night he took a train to Shreveport to meet a preaching engagement in his brother's home church. In his brother's home, he was left to face his spiritual condition. He thought to himself, “I cannot admit to others that I am lost. I will be an outcast. My reputation will be finished.” Shelton went on and preached both services. He returned home and told his wife he was lost. He told the church he was lost and offered his resignation. Shelton was soon saved, greatly comforted by the words written by the apostle Paul, “I know in whom I have believed.”
After being baptized, added to the church, surrendering to the ministry (again), ordained (again) and called by the church (again), Bro. Shelton continued preaching and pastoring while always seemingly engulfed in controversy over one matter or another.
“From The Plowhandles To The Pulpit” L.R. Shelton
Has anyone ever heard of this man? Can God use unbelievers to proclaim His Word? Or did Shelton just preach in the flesh and God blessed anyway?
Pre-Wrath Rapture Part 2
Pre-Wrath Rapture Part 2
The Pre-wrath rapture of the saved is supported by scripture and logical reasoning. It is the view that the return, resurrection, and rapture (R,R, & R) will occur at some point during the great tribulation, but before the day of God's wrath. In fact, it is the oldest interpretation of prophecy. Historically, Christians and Christian writers referred to the return of the Lord and the “day of the Lord” as the same event. As this is a blog and not a book, I will try to be thorough, but brief with each point. All italics are mine.
Old Testament Scriptures
1)Job 14:12 “So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
God's revelation to Job is that there will be a resurrection of the dead, but not while the present heavens remain. Rev. 6:12-14 pictures the present heavens receding as a scroll when it is rolled up. II Peter 3:10,12,13 place the passing away of the heavens with the coming day of the Lord.
The R, R, and R cannot be expected until after the opening of the 6th seal (Rev.6:12-17).
Logically, this reads,
a)the rapture occurs during the day of the Lord
b)the moon is turned to blood before the day of the Lord
c)the moon is turned to blood after the opening of the 6th seal
d)therefore, the rapture occurs after the 6th seal is opened & the moon turned to blood
This, paralleled with Job 14:12 seems to rule out the scriptural possibility of a pre-trib rapture.
2)Psalm 110:1,2 “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.”
Jesus will not disobey the Father's will. He will not leave the right hand of the Father until the specified time. The enemies of Christ are not defeated until the end of the tribulation.
3)Hosea 5:15 “I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.”
Jesus will remain in His place until the Jews finally acknowledge their offence of rejecting Him. The Jews will not do this until after they are afflicted terribly by Satan and the anti-Christ. Towards the end of the tribulation, they will return to the Lord (Hosea 6:1-3, Zech.12:10).
4)Isaiah 26:20,21 “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity...”
The inspired, Old Testament writers speak with one voice and all harmonize. The R, R, and R will occur towards the end of the tribulation, before the wrath of God is poured out.
New Testament Scriptures
1)The return, resurrection, and rapture occurs at the last trump (I Cor.15). This coincides with the 7th trump in Revelation when the kingdoms of this world, become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev.11:15). The scriptures must harmonize. If the last trump is not the 7th trump of Revelation, then the Bible lies. At the last trump, Rev. 10:7 records, “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished...”
2)Rev.11:18 “the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and unto the saints...” This teaches that the time of the judgment seat of Christ is just prior to the wrath of God at the end of the Tribulation. It will not take very long. Jesus said, “Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be” (Rev.22:12).
3)Thess.2:3 “that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed...” What day? The “day of Christ” (v.2), or “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our GATHERING TOGETHER UNTO HIM, “(v.1). According to this scripture, the man of sin will be revealed BEFORE the return and gathering together unto him.
4)Matthew 24:29-31 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
5)Mark 13:24-27 is a parallel passage “then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.”
6)Luke 21:28 “And when these things shall begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
NOTE: If Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, and Revelation 4:1 – 19:1 are not intended for “church age believers” shouldn't pre-trib disciples produce the Pre-Trib Bible. It would be much thinner.
Perhaps it could be called “The Church Age Bible.” (This is a weak attempt at humor. Please, don't be offended)
7)Matthew 13:24-30 The wheat and the tares “both grow together until the harvest”
8)Ephesians 3:21 “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout ALL ages, world without end. Amen.” The Pre-Trib Bible would need to read, “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages (except the tribulation period when Jewish preachers only will be preaching) world without end. Amen.” (There I go again)
9)Revelation 19:7, 11-14 The Marriage Supper of The Lamb harmonizes perfectly with the following: pre-wrath rapture at the last trump, judgment seat of Christ (Rev.11:18), marriage supper, and then the heavens opening and the wrath of God (Rev.19:11-15).
10)At the return, resurrection, and rapture, “death is swallowed up in victory” ( I Cor.15:54).
A pre-trib position means that this is not true for those saints whom the antichrist is wearing out or killing during the tribulation (Daniel 7:25). Since the remnant of Jews do not return to the Lord until the close of the tribulation (see OT Scriptures #3), who are these saints? Are they a mysterious people who were saved when the church and the spirit were gone? Are they clueless because all they could find was the thinner, Pre-Trib Bible? (I can't help it)
In conclusion, all scripture must harmonize with regards to the return of the Lord. To preach to people that with 100% certainty they will be raptured before the tribulation seems to be quite reckless in the face of so many scriptures which teach otherwise. I certainly would be pleased to be wrong so that my family and I are spared from tribulation. But scripture and logic do not lead me to believe in the pre-trib rapture. Whatever the case, Jesus' return will be glorious and may we ever pray, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”
In this blog, I hope I have not offended anyone by poking fun at certain aspects of the pre-trib rapture idea. Those who know me are aware of my sincerity and my respect for others and their ideas.
The Pre-wrath rapture of the saved is supported by scripture and logical reasoning. It is the view that the return, resurrection, and rapture (R,R, & R) will occur at some point during the great tribulation, but before the day of God's wrath. In fact, it is the oldest interpretation of prophecy. Historically, Christians and Christian writers referred to the return of the Lord and the “day of the Lord” as the same event. As this is a blog and not a book, I will try to be thorough, but brief with each point. All italics are mine.
Old Testament Scriptures
1)Job 14:12 “So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
God's revelation to Job is that there will be a resurrection of the dead, but not while the present heavens remain. Rev. 6:12-14 pictures the present heavens receding as a scroll when it is rolled up. II Peter 3:10,12,13 place the passing away of the heavens with the coming day of the Lord.
The R, R, and R cannot be expected until after the opening of the 6th seal (Rev.6:12-17).
Logically, this reads,
a)the rapture occurs during the day of the Lord
b)the moon is turned to blood before the day of the Lord
c)the moon is turned to blood after the opening of the 6th seal
d)therefore, the rapture occurs after the 6th seal is opened & the moon turned to blood
This, paralleled with Job 14:12 seems to rule out the scriptural possibility of a pre-trib rapture.
2)Psalm 110:1,2 “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.”
Jesus will not disobey the Father's will. He will not leave the right hand of the Father until the specified time. The enemies of Christ are not defeated until the end of the tribulation.
3)Hosea 5:15 “I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.”
Jesus will remain in His place until the Jews finally acknowledge their offence of rejecting Him. The Jews will not do this until after they are afflicted terribly by Satan and the anti-Christ. Towards the end of the tribulation, they will return to the Lord (Hosea 6:1-3, Zech.12:10).
4)Isaiah 26:20,21 “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity...”
The inspired, Old Testament writers speak with one voice and all harmonize. The R, R, and R will occur towards the end of the tribulation, before the wrath of God is poured out.
New Testament Scriptures
1)The return, resurrection, and rapture occurs at the last trump (I Cor.15). This coincides with the 7th trump in Revelation when the kingdoms of this world, become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev.11:15). The scriptures must harmonize. If the last trump is not the 7th trump of Revelation, then the Bible lies. At the last trump, Rev. 10:7 records, “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished...”
2)Rev.11:18 “the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and unto the saints...” This teaches that the time of the judgment seat of Christ is just prior to the wrath of God at the end of the Tribulation. It will not take very long. Jesus said, “Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be” (Rev.22:12).
3)Thess.2:3 “that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed...” What day? The “day of Christ” (v.2), or “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our GATHERING TOGETHER UNTO HIM, “(v.1). According to this scripture, the man of sin will be revealed BEFORE the return and gathering together unto him.
4)Matthew 24:29-31 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
5)Mark 13:24-27 is a parallel passage “then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.”
6)Luke 21:28 “And when these things shall begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
NOTE: If Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, and Revelation 4:1 – 19:1 are not intended for “church age believers” shouldn't pre-trib disciples produce the Pre-Trib Bible. It would be much thinner.
Perhaps it could be called “The Church Age Bible.” (This is a weak attempt at humor. Please, don't be offended)
7)Matthew 13:24-30 The wheat and the tares “both grow together until the harvest”
8)Ephesians 3:21 “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout ALL ages, world without end. Amen.” The Pre-Trib Bible would need to read, “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages (except the tribulation period when Jewish preachers only will be preaching) world without end. Amen.” (There I go again)
9)Revelation 19:7, 11-14 The Marriage Supper of The Lamb harmonizes perfectly with the following: pre-wrath rapture at the last trump, judgment seat of Christ (Rev.11:18), marriage supper, and then the heavens opening and the wrath of God (Rev.19:11-15).
10)At the return, resurrection, and rapture, “death is swallowed up in victory” ( I Cor.15:54).
A pre-trib position means that this is not true for those saints whom the antichrist is wearing out or killing during the tribulation (Daniel 7:25). Since the remnant of Jews do not return to the Lord until the close of the tribulation (see OT Scriptures #3), who are these saints? Are they a mysterious people who were saved when the church and the spirit were gone? Are they clueless because all they could find was the thinner, Pre-Trib Bible? (I can't help it)
In conclusion, all scripture must harmonize with regards to the return of the Lord. To preach to people that with 100% certainty they will be raptured before the tribulation seems to be quite reckless in the face of so many scriptures which teach otherwise. I certainly would be pleased to be wrong so that my family and I are spared from tribulation. But scripture and logic do not lead me to believe in the pre-trib rapture. Whatever the case, Jesus' return will be glorious and may we ever pray, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”
In this blog, I hope I have not offended anyone by poking fun at certain aspects of the pre-trib rapture idea. Those who know me are aware of my sincerity and my respect for others and their ideas.
Pre-Wrath Rapture (Part I)
I believe the Bible teaches a pre-wrath rapture of the saved. I respect the scholarship of my Christian friends who believe otherwise and I'm sure we can all rejoice in the Bible promise that Jesus will return. Yet I am also instructed to study, to show myself approved unto God, so that I can be a workman and rightly divide the word when I teach and preach.
Bro. Tom McElmurry, on his web-site tribulationperiod.com, has an excellent article under “Historical Rapture Teachings” wherein he has researched historically the “appearance” of the Pre-Trib rapture idea in the 1800's. It began with the visions of a Scottish girl, the idea gained acceptance and then exploded when Scofield included it in his Bible notes in the early 1900's.
This blog (Part I) will only address common arguments for the Pre-Trib rapture and how they fall short, in my opinion, of sound scriptural standards. The Lord willing, I will post Part II in a few days which will include scriptural reasons I believe the return, resurrection, and rapture will occur on the Day of the Lord towards the end of the Tribulation.
1)It is said that Titus 2:13 teaches that there are two parts to the Lord's return. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing...” First of all “that blessed hope (Greek elpis, desire or confidence, which is the same hope as that of Col.1:27 “Christ in you the hope of glory) is distinct from the glorious appearing (Greek epiphaino, to shine, to show forth). Are they related in context? Sure. But do they somehow teach the rapture and then the glorious appearing seven years later? Absolutely not.
2)It is said that there is no mention of churches from Rev.4-19. I could discuss that point with several scriptures, but suffice it to say that just because the church is not mentioned does not mean that it is not there. This is called an “argument from silence.” In other words, could I say that the treadmill in the corner of my bedroom is not present simply because I have not mentioned it. Nonsense. The word church/churches is also missing from II Timothy, Titus, Hebrews, I & II Peter, I & II John & Jude. Do we assume that the church is not present simply because it is not mentioned?
3)It is said that Christ's return must be imminent. It is true that I should live my life in the light and hope of Christ's return. But can the idea of the imminent return of Christ supercede or take precedence over the Word of God? Example: Could Jesus have returned before the apostle Peter's death? No, because Jesus had told him how he would die. Could Jesus have returned before Israels' regathering? The answer is no because God's Word must be fulfilled. We are told to be aware of the times and the signs of His return. Why would Jesus say this if His return could have been at any moment after His ascension? The scriptures do not teach the imminent return of Christ so as to violate prophecy.
4)”God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ”
I Thess.5:9. The “ wrath” in this verse refers to the “wrath of God” that abides on an unbeliever. The contrast is between the wrath and the salvation that a believer has. If I were to use Biblical words in this fashion I could quote Jesus, “In the world ye shall have tribulation...”
The meaning of wrath and the context of I Thess.5:9 is clear. Yet even if one chooses to still interpret this verse incorrectly, it is still in harmony with a pre-wrath position as the wrath of God does not fall until the end of the Tribulation.
5)Thess.2:7 “he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way”
This states that the Holy Spirit will be taken out of the way, not out of the world.
6)The Bible says, ”no one knows the day nor the hour.” True. But the Bible does teach that a person can know the times and the seasons. In fact, God tells us to be aware of these.
7)It is said that God will remove the righteous before He exercises judgment on the unbelievers. True. The pre-wrath interpretation does teach that the saved will be removed before God's wrath (Isaiah 26:20), but there is NO guarantee that this will happen seven years prior to His wrath. I wonder what the millions of Christian martyrs think of the idea that all of the righteous will miss the tribulation because “God has better things prepared” for the saved.
For the sake of time and space, I'll conclude this as I know that there are several other Pre-trib arguments which could be addressed. Some of these arguments fail to reconcile the fact that several chapters in Revelation take the reader to the end, and then the next few chapters take the reader to the end while describing a different aspect of the same time frame.
To believe in a Pre-Trib rapture, I would have to believe in multiple resurrections, that when a rapture occurs and then saints are killed during the tribulation that death is really not swallowed up in victory, and that the last trump of I Cor. 15 is not really the last trump.
Pre-Trib arguments, to me, appear to be misinterpretations and wishful thinking. When I teach/preach on the Second Coming, I often share the main views of the rapture and then share why I believe the R, R & R will simply be a pre-wrath rapture. Part II soon.
Bro. Tom McElmurry, on his web-site tribulationperiod.com, has an excellent article under “Historical Rapture Teachings” wherein he has researched historically the “appearance” of the Pre-Trib rapture idea in the 1800's. It began with the visions of a Scottish girl, the idea gained acceptance and then exploded when Scofield included it in his Bible notes in the early 1900's.
This blog (Part I) will only address common arguments for the Pre-Trib rapture and how they fall short, in my opinion, of sound scriptural standards. The Lord willing, I will post Part II in a few days which will include scriptural reasons I believe the return, resurrection, and rapture will occur on the Day of the Lord towards the end of the Tribulation.
1)It is said that Titus 2:13 teaches that there are two parts to the Lord's return. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing...” First of all “that blessed hope (Greek elpis, desire or confidence, which is the same hope as that of Col.1:27 “Christ in you the hope of glory) is distinct from the glorious appearing (Greek epiphaino, to shine, to show forth). Are they related in context? Sure. But do they somehow teach the rapture and then the glorious appearing seven years later? Absolutely not.
2)It is said that there is no mention of churches from Rev.4-19. I could discuss that point with several scriptures, but suffice it to say that just because the church is not mentioned does not mean that it is not there. This is called an “argument from silence.” In other words, could I say that the treadmill in the corner of my bedroom is not present simply because I have not mentioned it. Nonsense. The word church/churches is also missing from II Timothy, Titus, Hebrews, I & II Peter, I & II John & Jude. Do we assume that the church is not present simply because it is not mentioned?
3)It is said that Christ's return must be imminent. It is true that I should live my life in the light and hope of Christ's return. But can the idea of the imminent return of Christ supercede or take precedence over the Word of God? Example: Could Jesus have returned before the apostle Peter's death? No, because Jesus had told him how he would die. Could Jesus have returned before Israels' regathering? The answer is no because God's Word must be fulfilled. We are told to be aware of the times and the signs of His return. Why would Jesus say this if His return could have been at any moment after His ascension? The scriptures do not teach the imminent return of Christ so as to violate prophecy.
4)”God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ”
I Thess.5:9. The “ wrath” in this verse refers to the “wrath of God” that abides on an unbeliever. The contrast is between the wrath and the salvation that a believer has. If I were to use Biblical words in this fashion I could quote Jesus, “In the world ye shall have tribulation...”
The meaning of wrath and the context of I Thess.5:9 is clear. Yet even if one chooses to still interpret this verse incorrectly, it is still in harmony with a pre-wrath position as the wrath of God does not fall until the end of the Tribulation.
5)Thess.2:7 “he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way”
This states that the Holy Spirit will be taken out of the way, not out of the world.
6)The Bible says, ”no one knows the day nor the hour.” True. But the Bible does teach that a person can know the times and the seasons. In fact, God tells us to be aware of these.
7)It is said that God will remove the righteous before He exercises judgment on the unbelievers. True. The pre-wrath interpretation does teach that the saved will be removed before God's wrath (Isaiah 26:20), but there is NO guarantee that this will happen seven years prior to His wrath. I wonder what the millions of Christian martyrs think of the idea that all of the righteous will miss the tribulation because “God has better things prepared” for the saved.
For the sake of time and space, I'll conclude this as I know that there are several other Pre-trib arguments which could be addressed. Some of these arguments fail to reconcile the fact that several chapters in Revelation take the reader to the end, and then the next few chapters take the reader to the end while describing a different aspect of the same time frame.
To believe in a Pre-Trib rapture, I would have to believe in multiple resurrections, that when a rapture occurs and then saints are killed during the tribulation that death is really not swallowed up in victory, and that the last trump of I Cor. 15 is not really the last trump.
Pre-Trib arguments, to me, appear to be misinterpretations and wishful thinking. When I teach/preach on the Second Coming, I often share the main views of the rapture and then share why I believe the R, R & R will simply be a pre-wrath rapture. Part II soon.
21 Random Things
I was very much inspired by Jason Hebert's "Random Things" and his request for participation, so here goes....
1.I was named "Adrian" in honor of my Dad's best friend (who was killed in a motorcycle accident just before I was born).
2.My parents never let me have a motorcycle.
3.I am saved (stupid, sinful, greedy, selfish, vain) but saved.
4.My favorite program is "The Andy Griffeth Show" (I have entire dialogue segments memorized).
5.I was an All-State pitcher in high school baseball.
6.Due to a foot accident, I have only nine toes ("Could I get a discount on the pedicure please??")
7.Root Beer has always been my favorite soft drink.
8.I love my wife and kids more than they will ever know.
9.I have kept a reading list of every book I have read since high school.
10.Daily I take an aspirin, fish oil, Vitamin C, Glucosomine, and chromium.
11.The year that I retire from teaching history, I plan to instruct the students that we WON the Battle of The Alamo!
12.I have at least three unfinished novels under my desk at home.
13.I have actually preached a message "This Church Is For The Birds."
14.I always take a glass of water to set by my bed at night.
15.I study the Bible alot, but I don't pray enough.
16.I am truly humbled when I step into the pulpit to preach.
17.Purple is my favorite color.
18.I miss my grandparents.
19.I have future hopes of climbing Pico de Orizaba in Mexico and then Aconcagua in Argentina.
20.I bleed Houston Astro.
21.I love Malachi 3:16,17.
God Bless........
1.I was named "Adrian" in honor of my Dad's best friend (who was killed in a motorcycle accident just before I was born).
2.My parents never let me have a motorcycle.
3.I am saved (stupid, sinful, greedy, selfish, vain) but saved.
4.My favorite program is "The Andy Griffeth Show" (I have entire dialogue segments memorized).
5.I was an All-State pitcher in high school baseball.
6.Due to a foot accident, I have only nine toes ("Could I get a discount on the pedicure please??")
7.Root Beer has always been my favorite soft drink.
8.I love my wife and kids more than they will ever know.
9.I have kept a reading list of every book I have read since high school.
10.Daily I take an aspirin, fish oil, Vitamin C, Glucosomine, and chromium.
11.The year that I retire from teaching history, I plan to instruct the students that we WON the Battle of The Alamo!
12.I have at least three unfinished novels under my desk at home.
13.I have actually preached a message "This Church Is For The Birds."
14.I always take a glass of water to set by my bed at night.
15.I study the Bible alot, but I don't pray enough.
16.I am truly humbled when I step into the pulpit to preach.
17.Purple is my favorite color.
18.I miss my grandparents.
19.I have future hopes of climbing Pico de Orizaba in Mexico and then Aconcagua in Argentina.
20.I bleed Houston Astro.
21.I love Malachi 3:16,17.
God Bless........
Why Climb?
Climbing has become a passion. To the question, "Why climb mountains?" there is really no adequate answer. Everest climber George Mallory when asked, "Why climb Everest?" responded "Because it's there."
I experience climbing as not a contest against the mountain, but a contest against myself. The conditioning, the planning, the begging of Tracy of how the next mountain is vital to our family welfare...all of this is part of the experience. The actual climb and peak experience is just the last chapter of the book, so to speak. But oh how that last chapter is interesting.
With the climb is the realization that I'm not 18 anymore. With the climb is the importance of what to pack in your backpack and who to accompany you, if anyone. With the climb is the importance of weather assessment (which can be vital above the treeline at 12,000 feet...there is not much for lightening to strike at this altitude except you). With the climb is varying degrees of risk, dependent upon the location. With all of these factors there are great possibilities.....of a glorious experience or a disaster.
My best experience in the mountains thus far was in July of 2008. Our teens at Oak Flat MBC and sponsors climbed Mt. Red Cloud in Colorado. We began at 5:00 A.M. and climbed steadily for hours. My daughter Meagan became altitude sick at about 13,000 feet. We were well above the treeline and basically perched on rocky switchbacks about two feet wide. She "hurled" twice and another teenager became sick also. I began to question my sanity in planning this and then realized, with sick kids and expansive drop-offs at our feet, why we had been required to sign waiver forms before coming to this camp. Our guides gave Meagan medicine and Gatorade gel tablets and soon we were climbing again. We made it to a false summit and then traversed the ridge that connected to the Red Cloud summit. Winds were strong, our breathing was very labored, and the ridge was only 3 feet wide or so with tremendous 2,000 foot drops on each side.
When we summitted (1:00 P.M.), we prayed, we celebrated, and we all felt stronger because of the experience.
My worst experience happened in the summer of 2007 on the Williams Creek trail near Lake City, Colorado. Tracy, myself and the kids began this trail as we were told that this was a great family hike. After a mile or so, the trail narrowed and intensified. At about 11,000 feet, we were on a shelf path when Logan slipped and began falling off the path. His yell alerted Meagan and she reached out quickly and grabbed his shirt near the back of his neck. She and I then pulled him up. We immediately began holding hands and descending. He would have been seriously injured or could have died in the fall. I thank God regularly for watching out for us and I have not taken the boys back to the mountians since. I periodically remind myself when climbing, "No mistakes."
Why climb? I don't know. Is it because the mountains are there? Is it the addictive exposure to intoxicating views? Is it a reminder of who created it all? Is it the physical activity? Is it the risk involved which causes other concerns in life to vanish? Or is it due to repeated exposure to lack of sufficient oxygen? I do know this. There is no known cure at this time.
I experience climbing as not a contest against the mountain, but a contest against myself. The conditioning, the planning, the begging of Tracy of how the next mountain is vital to our family welfare...all of this is part of the experience. The actual climb and peak experience is just the last chapter of the book, so to speak. But oh how that last chapter is interesting.
With the climb is the realization that I'm not 18 anymore. With the climb is the importance of what to pack in your backpack and who to accompany you, if anyone. With the climb is the importance of weather assessment (which can be vital above the treeline at 12,000 feet...there is not much for lightening to strike at this altitude except you). With the climb is varying degrees of risk, dependent upon the location. With all of these factors there are great possibilities.....of a glorious experience or a disaster.
My best experience in the mountains thus far was in July of 2008. Our teens at Oak Flat MBC and sponsors climbed Mt. Red Cloud in Colorado. We began at 5:00 A.M. and climbed steadily for hours. My daughter Meagan became altitude sick at about 13,000 feet. We were well above the treeline and basically perched on rocky switchbacks about two feet wide. She "hurled" twice and another teenager became sick also. I began to question my sanity in planning this and then realized, with sick kids and expansive drop-offs at our feet, why we had been required to sign waiver forms before coming to this camp. Our guides gave Meagan medicine and Gatorade gel tablets and soon we were climbing again. We made it to a false summit and then traversed the ridge that connected to the Red Cloud summit. Winds were strong, our breathing was very labored, and the ridge was only 3 feet wide or so with tremendous 2,000 foot drops on each side.
When we summitted (1:00 P.M.), we prayed, we celebrated, and we all felt stronger because of the experience.
My worst experience happened in the summer of 2007 on the Williams Creek trail near Lake City, Colorado. Tracy, myself and the kids began this trail as we were told that this was a great family hike. After a mile or so, the trail narrowed and intensified. At about 11,000 feet, we were on a shelf path when Logan slipped and began falling off the path. His yell alerted Meagan and she reached out quickly and grabbed his shirt near the back of his neck. She and I then pulled him up. We immediately began holding hands and descending. He would have been seriously injured or could have died in the fall. I thank God regularly for watching out for us and I have not taken the boys back to the mountians since. I periodically remind myself when climbing, "No mistakes."
Why climb? I don't know. Is it because the mountains are there? Is it the addictive exposure to intoxicating views? Is it a reminder of who created it all? Is it the physical activity? Is it the risk involved which causes other concerns in life to vanish? Or is it due to repeated exposure to lack of sufficient oxygen? I do know this. There is no known cure at this time.
Life In Nealville
Life in Nealville has been good of late. All three kids are playing basketball so many weeknights and half of Saturdays are spent in the gym. The game is so rough these days. Do the rules still say that basketball is a "non-contact sport?" It is football without pads and sadly has become not a game of skill, but of strength. Enough whining.
I have been preaching weekly, usually with appointments a month in advance. I have enjoyed visiting and preaching in many churches that I have never been to before. It is really heart-warming to see churches where people hold hands, pray together, and love to talk about the Lord and how He is working their life. It is sad to walk into bleak churches with seemingly no life, no interest in youth or their spiritual needs, and a "circle the wagons" mentality. I'm not being mean or judgmental, just observant and prayerful for those who seem to have lost their joy and purpose for Christian living. Tracy, of course, holds down the home front when I'm gone.
To be honest, if I'm not home, things roll along fine. If Tracy is away, things begin to disintegrate
like BJ Penn in the Octagon (sorry Jason).
To close today's blog, I'd like to include some jocularity (that's for egregious grammarians like Mike Wilkes) to lighten the day.
FUNNY SPORTS QUOTES
On this team, we are all united in a common goal: to keep my job.-- Lou Holtz
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!-- Pat Williams
I'd run over my mother to win the Super Bowl.-- Russ Grimm
Mike Tyson interviewed after being knocked silly by Lennox Lewis:
“I take my hand off to him...” (perhaps hat?)
In the same interview moments later:
“I think I'll just fade into Bolivian.” (perhaps oblivion?)
Mountain climber on falling:
“If you fall, act like you're swimming to amuse your friends.”
Edwin Drummond, recalling his rescue on a solo attempt off the North American Wall after a 12 day storm:
“I knew I was in trouble when my toots came out cold.”
Rick White, lying half conscious after falling 200 meters off Mt. Shivling, when his partner Greg Child finally reached him said:
“I think I took the fast way down.”
I have been preaching weekly, usually with appointments a month in advance. I have enjoyed visiting and preaching in many churches that I have never been to before. It is really heart-warming to see churches where people hold hands, pray together, and love to talk about the Lord and how He is working their life. It is sad to walk into bleak churches with seemingly no life, no interest in youth or their spiritual needs, and a "circle the wagons" mentality. I'm not being mean or judgmental, just observant and prayerful for those who seem to have lost their joy and purpose for Christian living. Tracy, of course, holds down the home front when I'm gone.
To be honest, if I'm not home, things roll along fine. If Tracy is away, things begin to disintegrate
like BJ Penn in the Octagon (sorry Jason).
To close today's blog, I'd like to include some jocularity (that's for egregious grammarians like Mike Wilkes) to lighten the day.
FUNNY SPORTS QUOTES
On this team, we are all united in a common goal: to keep my job.-- Lou Holtz
We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. I just can't figure out where else to play!-- Pat Williams
I'd run over my mother to win the Super Bowl.-- Russ Grimm
Mike Tyson interviewed after being knocked silly by Lennox Lewis:
“I take my hand off to him...” (perhaps hat?)
In the same interview moments later:
“I think I'll just fade into Bolivian.” (perhaps oblivion?)
Mountain climber on falling:
“If you fall, act like you're swimming to amuse your friends.”
Edwin Drummond, recalling his rescue on a solo attempt off the North American Wall after a 12 day storm:
“I knew I was in trouble when my toots came out cold.”
Rick White, lying half conscious after falling 200 meters off Mt. Shivling, when his partner Greg Child finally reached him said:
“I think I took the fast way down.”
The Challenge: Godly Thinking
Godly Thinking
The challenge 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
How does God think toward us??
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Jesus knows our thoughts (two of numerous verses proving Jesus perceives our thoughts)
Matthew 9:4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
Matthew 12:25And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
How should we think of ourselves?
Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
What should we think on?
Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
The challenge 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
How does God think toward us??
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Jesus knows our thoughts (two of numerous verses proving Jesus perceives our thoughts)
Matthew 9:4And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
Matthew 12:25And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
How should we think of ourselves?
Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
What should we think on?
Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Books
Our lives are shaped and influenced by many factors. Books have always influenced my thinking, buoyed my hopes and taken me to places and situations I would never have experienced or ever will. The following is not a complete, but a partial list of books that I truly appreciate
Why blog this? Perhaps you might want to consider one of the following and embark on one of the literary journeys I have enjoyed.
The Bible (appreciation for God)
The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey (appreciation for Jesus)
No Shortcuts To The Top by Ed Viesturs (appreciation for mountaineeering)
Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore (appreciation for people with special needs and ministries)
The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews (appreciation for life perspective)
Addicted To Danger by Jim Wickwire (appreciation for living on the edge)
The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry (appreciation for the historical mystery)
Books by Daniel Silva and David Baldacci (appreciation for good novels)
New Commandment: Thou shalt appreciate good books & share them with others.
Adrian
Why blog this? Perhaps you might want to consider one of the following and embark on one of the literary journeys I have enjoyed.
The Bible (appreciation for God)
The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey (appreciation for Jesus)
No Shortcuts To The Top by Ed Viesturs (appreciation for mountaineeering)
Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore (appreciation for people with special needs and ministries)
The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews (appreciation for life perspective)
Addicted To Danger by Jim Wickwire (appreciation for living on the edge)
The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry (appreciation for the historical mystery)
Books by Daniel Silva and David Baldacci (appreciation for good novels)
New Commandment: Thou shalt appreciate good books & share them with others.
Adrian
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)