Joel Cobbs Return To America
I have the greatest respect for Missionary Joel Cobbs & his wife Jenna. They have labored in Africa over twenty years, seeing thousands of souls saved and hundreds of churches established. Bro. Joel has stayed in my home several times and I love to visit with him about the work and his many experiences in Africa (some of which he is hesitant to share in the pulpit).
The Cobbs' August report states that they are returning to the states for good. Jenna's medical condition requires more attention than what can be provided in Africa. It is sad to hear that the Cobbs are leaving Africa, but they have been a missionary force in that region for many years and God has blessed them greatly. God has also protected them in tense situations. If any misionary could write a book, Bro. Joel has ample reason to. God's blessings upon he and his family in the transition.
The Cobbs' August report states that they are returning to the states for good. Jenna's medical condition requires more attention than what can be provided in Africa. It is sad to hear that the Cobbs are leaving Africa, but they have been a missionary force in that region for many years and God has blessed them greatly. God has also protected them in tense situations. If any misionary could write a book, Bro. Joel has ample reason to. God's blessings upon he and his family in the transition.
The Ministry and Facebook
Facebook is used so differently by people. Some people seldom post anything, except maybe vacation pictures. Some people post when they adjust the thermostat, eat a meal, go to bed, etc. "To each his own."
Preachers use Facebook differently also. Some won't use it. Some occassionally do. Others post constantly.
I have posted a few times that I was preaching a revival somewhere, but most often I have not. A couple of times I have mentioned Sunday services, but I usually do not.
Surely no one is this naive, but if Facebook were used as a gauge of activity, some preachers might seem really busy, while others might seem like lazy dogs!
Not throwing any rocks here. Just making observations. Facebook can be another avenue to communicate, share, and spread the gospel. I suppose some preachers (and people) will continue to use it differently.
Preachers use Facebook differently also. Some won't use it. Some occassionally do. Others post constantly.
I have posted a few times that I was preaching a revival somewhere, but most often I have not. A couple of times I have mentioned Sunday services, but I usually do not.
Surely no one is this naive, but if Facebook were used as a gauge of activity, some preachers might seem really busy, while others might seem like lazy dogs!
Not throwing any rocks here. Just making observations. Facebook can be another avenue to communicate, share, and spread the gospel. I suppose some preachers (and people) will continue to use it differently.
Colorado 2011
If you don't know it, I love Colorado in the summer. This past week, my son Logan and I met the Reeses in Leadville where daytime temps were around 70 and nighttime temps were in the low 40's. Logan and I stayed in a tent for 3 nights, but we were hardly roughing it. We had water, electricity, an air mattress, dvd player, etc.
On July 9th, we located the trailhead for Mt. Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado. On July 10th, we awoke at 4 A.M. and began preparing for the climb. The summit is 4.5 miles from the beginning of the trailhead. We were on the trail at 5:05 A.M., with several of us using headlights in the semi-darkness. Talk about steep! We had to stop periodically and just breathe. Between 10 and 11 A.M., we rose above the tree line, which is usually around 12,000 feet. Within an hour or so, all members of the group began to struggle, physically and mentally. (Of course, Michael Reese and I already struggle mentally) :) The comments were pretty negative for awhile..."this is exhausting" "I can't go anymore" "Will we ever get to the summit?"
Within minutes, Logan became VERY altitude sick. It is called AMS (acute mountain sickness). He had a headache, stomach ache, fatigue, and was extremely disoriented. I knew we had to descend immediatley. AMS can occassionaly develop into HAPE or HACE which can be fatal. Michael and his group summitted an hour or two later, but in risky weather.
I carried Logan's backpack and mine for several miles and he began to improve. He was a real trooper and did his best. AMS strikes anyone, no matter how fit, or where they are from.
The next day, Logan and I drove east of Denver to Mt. Evans, another 14er. You can drive fairly close to the summit, and then, after a short hike, take in the breathtaking views. This was quite an enjoyable day with my son. Lots of snow still in the Colorado mountains this year.
We then travelled to Colorado Springs and toured the Olympic Training Center. What an inspirational place. After a day at Royal Gorge, we headed south to the promised land...Texas.
I look forward to going back to Colorado and attempting more 14ers. There are mountains that I would love to climb...Handies, Bierstadt, Uncompaghre, Massive...and oh yeah, there's also unfinished business on Elbert. I may have to attempt it alone in the future, but God willing, I will stand on the highest point in Colorado one day.
*If this has bored you, sorry. Blogs help me remember trips and such.
God bless.
On July 9th, we located the trailhead for Mt. Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado. On July 10th, we awoke at 4 A.M. and began preparing for the climb. The summit is 4.5 miles from the beginning of the trailhead. We were on the trail at 5:05 A.M., with several of us using headlights in the semi-darkness. Talk about steep! We had to stop periodically and just breathe. Between 10 and 11 A.M., we rose above the tree line, which is usually around 12,000 feet. Within an hour or so, all members of the group began to struggle, physically and mentally. (Of course, Michael Reese and I already struggle mentally) :) The comments were pretty negative for awhile..."this is exhausting" "I can't go anymore" "Will we ever get to the summit?"
Within minutes, Logan became VERY altitude sick. It is called AMS (acute mountain sickness). He had a headache, stomach ache, fatigue, and was extremely disoriented. I knew we had to descend immediatley. AMS can occassionaly develop into HAPE or HACE which can be fatal. Michael and his group summitted an hour or two later, but in risky weather.
I carried Logan's backpack and mine for several miles and he began to improve. He was a real trooper and did his best. AMS strikes anyone, no matter how fit, or where they are from.
The next day, Logan and I drove east of Denver to Mt. Evans, another 14er. You can drive fairly close to the summit, and then, after a short hike, take in the breathtaking views. This was quite an enjoyable day with my son. Lots of snow still in the Colorado mountains this year.
We then travelled to Colorado Springs and toured the Olympic Training Center. What an inspirational place. After a day at Royal Gorge, we headed south to the promised land...Texas.
I look forward to going back to Colorado and attempting more 14ers. There are mountains that I would love to climb...Handies, Bierstadt, Uncompaghre, Massive...and oh yeah, there's also unfinished business on Elbert. I may have to attempt it alone in the future, but God willing, I will stand on the highest point in Colorado one day.
*If this has bored you, sorry. Blogs help me remember trips and such.
God bless.
Will "Whitey" Bulger Arrest Lead To Recovered Art?
I posted the following a year or so ago under "Gardner Heist":
Shortly after midnight on March 18, 1990, two men, disguised as police, were allowed into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. They stated to security that there was "a problem on the grounds" and to "allow them in." Once in, they duct taped the security guards and stole art works which are today valued at $500 million dollars. That's right. $500 million dollars. One Vermeer, three Rembrandts (including 'Storm on The Sea of Galilee'), and five Degas. The missing art is just that...still missing.
There is a $5 million dollar reward for information leading to the recovery of the art. If you have any clues or ideas, just post them on the "Comments." I'll share some of the reward with you. I promise. :)
*** *** *** *** ***
Yesterday (June 22) Whitey Bulger was arrested. He was a Boston mobster from the
1970's to the early 1990's. It has been written of Bulger that "the last best chance to recover the stolen art is by finding Whitey Bulger." It has also been said that during that time, there was no major organized crime in Boston that Whitey Bulger was not directly or indirectly involved in. With the arrest of the 2nd most wanted FBI fugitive, hopefully the 19 murders he has been charged with will be processed.
And hopefully the art will be recovered due to his knowledge of the crime. Until that time, "Storm On The Sea of Galilee" (Rembrandt) and "The Concert" by Vermeer, both valued in the hundreds of millions, will only be seen as empty frames in a Boston museum.
Shortly after midnight on March 18, 1990, two men, disguised as police, were allowed into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. They stated to security that there was "a problem on the grounds" and to "allow them in." Once in, they duct taped the security guards and stole art works which are today valued at $500 million dollars. That's right. $500 million dollars. One Vermeer, three Rembrandts (including 'Storm on The Sea of Galilee'), and five Degas. The missing art is just that...still missing.
There is a $5 million dollar reward for information leading to the recovery of the art. If you have any clues or ideas, just post them on the "Comments." I'll share some of the reward with you. I promise. :)
*** *** *** *** ***
Yesterday (June 22) Whitey Bulger was arrested. He was a Boston mobster from the
1970's to the early 1990's. It has been written of Bulger that "the last best chance to recover the stolen art is by finding Whitey Bulger." It has also been said that during that time, there was no major organized crime in Boston that Whitey Bulger was not directly or indirectly involved in. With the arrest of the 2nd most wanted FBI fugitive, hopefully the 19 murders he has been charged with will be processed.
And hopefully the art will be recovered due to his knowledge of the crime. Until that time, "Storm On The Sea of Galilee" (Rembrandt) and "The Concert" by Vermeer, both valued in the hundreds of millions, will only be seen as empty frames in a Boston museum.
ABA Meeting
ABA meeting in St. Louis this week. "Bro. Moderator I'd like to say a thing or two concerning the motion in question..."
Business has to be taken care of. Missionaries have to be supported. Hovering clouds of questions concerning the Bookstore, the KJV, church sovereignty, church camps, etc., etc. must be settled. And oh yes, preachers need a vacation too.
Perhaps I should be more involved. I just can't help but think that the business will be taken care of in an atmosphere of Godly wisdom and decorum. So, once again, I'll stay home. I have met some dear people at these meetings. At both state and national meetings, I have also encountered groups and cliques that have obviously existed for decades and I have found entrance into their sacred realms impregnable. Talk about man-made fortresses.
One of the joys of ABA meetings is visiting with missionaries. What a great opportunity to visit with those who are on the front lines of evangelism.
Maybe I'll go next year. Maybe I'll even line up at the microphone to repeat for the 11th time that "the motion in question is a violation of church sovereignty!!!"
Or maybe I'll just stay home again and pray God's blessing on the affair and on my somewhat cynical attitude concerning some people's motives at the meetings. Seriously, God bless the ABA & may His will be accomplished.
Business has to be taken care of. Missionaries have to be supported. Hovering clouds of questions concerning the Bookstore, the KJV, church sovereignty, church camps, etc., etc. must be settled. And oh yes, preachers need a vacation too.
Perhaps I should be more involved. I just can't help but think that the business will be taken care of in an atmosphere of Godly wisdom and decorum. So, once again, I'll stay home. I have met some dear people at these meetings. At both state and national meetings, I have also encountered groups and cliques that have obviously existed for decades and I have found entrance into their sacred realms impregnable. Talk about man-made fortresses.
One of the joys of ABA meetings is visiting with missionaries. What a great opportunity to visit with those who are on the front lines of evangelism.
Maybe I'll go next year. Maybe I'll even line up at the microphone to repeat for the 11th time that "the motion in question is a violation of church sovereignty!!!"
Or maybe I'll just stay home again and pray God's blessing on the affair and on my somewhat cynical attitude concerning some people's motives at the meetings. Seriously, God bless the ABA & may His will be accomplished.
Romans 3:23 ?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"
Quoted it. Preached it. Referenced it. But wait a minute.
I do not want to dissect this verse like a lab experiment that will have to die in the process. But is Romans 3:23 two descriptions of the same concept (sin)?
Or is this a bit of a distinction between two similar concepts?
"all have sinned" = miss the mark, transgress, violate
"come short of the glory of God" = ?
In other words, can an act or condition NOT be sinful, but just fall short of the glory of God? If that's the case, this verse truly covers everything.
Quoted it. Preached it. Referenced it. But wait a minute.
I do not want to dissect this verse like a lab experiment that will have to die in the process. But is Romans 3:23 two descriptions of the same concept (sin)?
Or is this a bit of a distinction between two similar concepts?
"all have sinned" = miss the mark, transgress, violate
"come short of the glory of God" = ?
In other words, can an act or condition NOT be sinful, but just fall short of the glory of God? If that's the case, this verse truly covers everything.
Getting Older...Faster???
I think I'm getting older...faster.
Meagan graduated this year, Logan enters High School, and Landon goes into 6th grade.
At 44, it seems that I'm getting older...faster. I'm beginning to think about things that I might want to do or accomplish before I get very much older. Hopefully, this condition is not fertile grounds for a "mid-life crisis."
I look forward to climbing Mt. Elbert in Colorado in July with Rabbi Reese.
Mt. Elbert is the highest mountain in Colorado (14,433 ft.) and the 2nd highest in the 48 contiguous states. Mount Whitney in California is at 14,494. For me, this isn't a battle against a mountain. It's a battle against myself and against the mundane. There is something to just "seeing how you will do" in tough situations.
(Mt. Massive is near where we will be camping. 12 feet shorter and much harder from all accounts)
I also look forward to the ministry in my 40's and 50's. I have seen pastors/preachers be very effective for the Lord during this phase of their life.
Some experience with some good health can be conducive to fruit bearing in the ministry.
I look forward to assisting my kids in new phases of their life such as college, driving, school sports, etc. I just hope I live up to the title "Great Dad."
I look forward to finishing just one of the many books/novels I have started.
Whatever is accomplished (or not), I need to remember that a person's identity/worth/value is not rooted in nor based on "accomplishment."
I am loved by God just because I exist. Not because of anything I have accomplished.
I can be kind and compassionate to others and likely never make the newspapers as a result. There is great contentment and peace in living a quality life and not trying to live to impress others or to have others recognize and validate everything you do.
Maybe I am getting older...faster. Oh well, with God's help I'll live a quality life for as long as possible, with eternity to look forward to.
Meagan graduated this year, Logan enters High School, and Landon goes into 6th grade.
At 44, it seems that I'm getting older...faster. I'm beginning to think about things that I might want to do or accomplish before I get very much older. Hopefully, this condition is not fertile grounds for a "mid-life crisis."
I look forward to climbing Mt. Elbert in Colorado in July with Rabbi Reese.
Mt. Elbert is the highest mountain in Colorado (14,433 ft.) and the 2nd highest in the 48 contiguous states. Mount Whitney in California is at 14,494. For me, this isn't a battle against a mountain. It's a battle against myself and against the mundane. There is something to just "seeing how you will do" in tough situations.
(Mt. Massive is near where we will be camping. 12 feet shorter and much harder from all accounts)
I also look forward to the ministry in my 40's and 50's. I have seen pastors/preachers be very effective for the Lord during this phase of their life.
Some experience with some good health can be conducive to fruit bearing in the ministry.
I look forward to assisting my kids in new phases of their life such as college, driving, school sports, etc. I just hope I live up to the title "Great Dad."
I look forward to finishing just one of the many books/novels I have started.
Whatever is accomplished (or not), I need to remember that a person's identity/worth/value is not rooted in nor based on "accomplishment."
I am loved by God just because I exist. Not because of anything I have accomplished.
I can be kind and compassionate to others and likely never make the newspapers as a result. There is great contentment and peace in living a quality life and not trying to live to impress others or to have others recognize and validate everything you do.
Maybe I am getting older...faster. Oh well, with God's help I'll live a quality life for as long as possible, with eternity to look forward to.
I'll Just Join On Statement
Church membership is special. The Bible speaks of the "church which he hath purchased with his own blood." Secondly, the cooperation and fellowship in the churches of the ABA is special as well. We respect the sovereignty of individual churches, yet we should always be mindful as to how our actions as a church affect others who we are in cooperation with as well as individual Christians.
Let's get to the point. "Church A" excludes John Doe, and then John Doe goes down the road and is received by "Church B" on statement. Historically, Baptists would have recognized this as a "slight" and "insult" to "Church A." Why?
Because "Church B" has effectively negated the church discipline of "Church A" by receiving the offending member. Historically, this has also been a major test of fellowship between churches. What would then prevent the offending member to go down the road and blow up another church, steal from someone else, insult and lie about someone else, and each time just say, "Well, I can't get a letter. I'll just join on statement."
From my limited understanding, joining on statement is reserved for special situation such as:
1)church closed the doors (can't get a letter)
2)church lost records (can't get a letter)
3)baptized by a Baptist chaplain in the military or
in prison (can't get a letter)
4)some other reason which I have not thought of :)
(can't get a letter)
*These reasons are different than "owes some people or churches an
apology" (wouldn't be granted a letter until there is at
least an attempt to make things right)
I pastor Ora MBC. If I were excluded for any reason, and another ABA church
received me on statement, (without any investigation) that church just
strategically dismissed the effectiveness and scriptural strength of Ora's discipline. They have also elevated the offender's wishes/rights above that of church authority.
I have used no names in this post and if there are any comments, I'd
appreciate it if no names or actual situations are used. There is no question that affiliating/cooperating churches should respect the discipline of other churches and at least investigate before someone is accepted on statement. The pastor should be the leader and at least question as to why the person wants to join on statement and then investigate accordingly. This process aligns with scripture and with common sense.
I realize that there are likely more important issues to dwell on, such as the salvation of souls and encouraging our fellow brothers and sisters in the faith.
If anyone disagrees with the above statements, fine. But save your time and mine
by trying to convince me otherwise. Our Baptist forefathers believed this way concerning "joining on statement," and I agree with them.
Let's get to the point. "Church A" excludes John Doe, and then John Doe goes down the road and is received by "Church B" on statement. Historically, Baptists would have recognized this as a "slight" and "insult" to "Church A." Why?
Because "Church B" has effectively negated the church discipline of "Church A" by receiving the offending member. Historically, this has also been a major test of fellowship between churches. What would then prevent the offending member to go down the road and blow up another church, steal from someone else, insult and lie about someone else, and each time just say, "Well, I can't get a letter. I'll just join on statement."
From my limited understanding, joining on statement is reserved for special situation such as:
1)church closed the doors (can't get a letter)
2)church lost records (can't get a letter)
3)baptized by a Baptist chaplain in the military or
in prison (can't get a letter)
4)some other reason which I have not thought of :)
(can't get a letter)
*These reasons are different than "owes some people or churches an
apology" (wouldn't be granted a letter until there is at
least an attempt to make things right)
I pastor Ora MBC. If I were excluded for any reason, and another ABA church
received me on statement, (without any investigation) that church just
strategically dismissed the effectiveness and scriptural strength of Ora's discipline. They have also elevated the offender's wishes/rights above that of church authority.
I have used no names in this post and if there are any comments, I'd
appreciate it if no names or actual situations are used. There is no question that affiliating/cooperating churches should respect the discipline of other churches and at least investigate before someone is accepted on statement. The pastor should be the leader and at least question as to why the person wants to join on statement and then investigate accordingly. This process aligns with scripture and with common sense.
I realize that there are likely more important issues to dwell on, such as the salvation of souls and encouraging our fellow brothers and sisters in the faith.
If anyone disagrees with the above statements, fine. But save your time and mine
by trying to convince me otherwise. Our Baptist forefathers believed this way concerning "joining on statement," and I agree with them.
Golb Snairda
Golb Snairda is which of the following:
a)chess prodigy from Moldova
b)revised existentialist philosophy
c)new type of lizard discovered in Madagascar
d)none of the above
Answer to be provided soon.
a)chess prodigy from Moldova
b)revised existentialist philosophy
c)new type of lizard discovered in Madagascar
d)none of the above
Answer to be provided soon.
Preacher Titles
The funeral home called because they had previously noted that I didn't prefer the title "reverend." I told them it wasn't that big of a deal, but that I did prefer "Pastor" or "Brother" for an obituary. The Psalm stating "holy and reverend is his name" (Psalm 111:9) influences me on this.
Of course, I could use "Bishop" and that would be a scriptural term, right?
Of course, I could use "Bishop" and that would be a scriptural term, right?
Music Site
songarea.com
A neat web-site with all kinds of music. You can't download, but you can create playlists & listen.
Another site is tropicalglen.com
Both these have lots of secular music, but some Christian music also.
A neat web-site with all kinds of music. You can't download, but you can create playlists & listen.
Another site is tropicalglen.com
Both these have lots of secular music, but some Christian music also.
Top 10 Reasons ABA Blogging Has Died
10.Preachers are too busy saving the world
9.Wife keeps saying, "Get off that computer."
8.Poor ABA preachers not paying their internet bill.
7.Facebook
6.Jason Hebert too busy keeping up with UFC rankings.
5.Seminary instructors keep referring to those
"devil bloggers."
4.Exhausted from blogging in 2009.
3.Iphones more fun, but not easy to blog on.
2.James Snyder has satisfactorily answered most
theological questions. :)
1.Most preachers/bloggers have kids.....
enough said.
Have a great 2011 in the Lord!
9.Wife keeps saying, "Get off that computer."
8.Poor ABA preachers not paying their internet bill.
7.Facebook
6.Jason Hebert too busy keeping up with UFC rankings.
5.Seminary instructors keep referring to those
"devil bloggers."
4.Exhausted from blogging in 2009.
3.Iphones more fun, but not easy to blog on.
2.James Snyder has satisfactorily answered most
theological questions. :)
1.Most preachers/bloggers have kids.....
enough said.
Have a great 2011 in the Lord!
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