Adrian's Blog

Calm

2011-11-07T16:11:00.000-08:00

"He who remains calm while those around him panics probably doesn't know what is going on."

Does Jesus Know?

2011-09-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Does Jesus know when He will return? Or only the Father?

Joel Cobbs Return To America

2011-09-03T18:12:00.000-07:00

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 Ministry and Facebook

2011-08-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Colorado 2011

2011-07-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Will "Whitey" Bulger Arrest Lead To Recovered Art?

2011-06-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

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.

ABA Meeting

2011-06-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Romans 3:23 ?

2011-06-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

"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.

Getting Older...Faster???

2011-06-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

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.

I'll Just Join On Statement

2011-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Golb Snairda

2011-02-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

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.

ghost rider

2011-02-12T14:28:00.001-08:00

roll on NEP

Preacher Titles

2011-02-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

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?

Music Site

2011-01-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Top 10 Reasons ABA Blogging Has Died

2011-01-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

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!

Christmas Opportunities

2010-12-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

Is Christmas commercialized? Sure.
Does Christmas have some pagan roots? Sure.
Do Christians get so busy during the season that they forget Jesus? Sure.
Are people right when they say that we are not meant to worship a baby? Sure.
Does singing Happy Birthday to Jesus seem to trivialize His birth? Sure.

But I know this...Christmas celebrated the right way uplifts Jesus and the gospel plan of salvation. Christmas also opens doors of opportunity to help others, witness to others, and demonstrate the love of Christ, which we should do better throughout the year. Christmas, in the end, isn't a season. It's a person.

Merry Christmas!

Wikileaks

2010-12-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

Haven't actually read Wikileaks, but it's hijacked information which compromises our gov't. and our troops. Mr. Julian Assange (if that's not Frenchy I don't know what is) stated, "The truth will win out in the end." What a bunch of baloney.

If my neighbor has some "truths" in his life (a troubled marriage, checking account numbers, e-mail lists, etc.), and I steal this information off his computer and publish it, the truth is not the issue. Theft is.

Reportedly, after his arrest, when Mr. Assange was asked by the judge for his residence, replied, "I cannot reveal that." Funny, I guess he just believes in the right of privacy for himself.

I'm through leaking. Except for the fact that I know a few secrets about some preacher friends. You wouldn't believe what.....

Decision Points

2010-12-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

Just finishing the George Bush memoirs "Decision Points." I really respect Bush because he admits his mistakes as president and also clearly explains why he made some of his decisions.

Bush is clear in that protecting Americans was his top priority after 9/11. In the post 9/11 years, Bush is seldom, if ever, questioned for attacking Afghanistan but is questioned for invading Iraq. He states that Saddam had used nerve gas on the Kurds, was not cooperating with U.N. inspections, and was allowing terrorists to exist inside its borders.

Personally, I had questions about invading Iraq when we did, but reading the book caused me to think back to everyone's mindset after 9/11. My feeling was that if even 1 Al Quaeda member was in Iraq and the President wanted to use troops to exterminate the threat, then so be it. Bush is clear that different strategies should have been used to bring about quicker order.

Bush also explains Hurricane Katrina. While he admits some mistakes, the very fact that the Democratic Louisiana Governor would not authorize Bush and the federal government to take charge of the relief for days explains alot. What hypocrisy for liberals to slam Pres. Bush for not caring when Mayor Nagin and the Governor wanted to be in charge and refused troops and federal help!

Bush explains that he attempted to reign in the housing fiasco by addressing the easy loans people were receiving. Of course, when the Democrats took control of Congress in 2006, they made it even easier for people to buy houses they couldn't afford, yet somehow Bush gets the blame. Bush didn't state this, but I will. *The economy began to spiral when the Democrats took control of Congress. I don't think Pres. Bush had much to do with it.*

No President is perfect and Bush admits to this. But the book allows anyone (even a liberal) to understand why he made the decisions he did. I had almost forgotten about how much money Bush authorized to combat AIDS in Africa, which now has allowed many missionary doctors to enter and work.

"Decision Points" is a good read. Whether Pres. Bush was a good President depends on one's perspective, I guess.

One Language

2010-10-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Genesis 11:1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.

What language was it? Hebrew?

Waiting For The Day

2010-10-24T17:50:00.001-07:00

Zechariah 14:9 "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."

The Gardner Heist

2010-09-17T19:54:00.001-07:00

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. :)

Church By-Laws

2010-07-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Some churches have "by-laws" and some don't. A friend asked me about church by-laws regarding what they were, how binding were they, are they scriptural, etc.

He stated that this happened recently in a Baptist church (not ABA). The majority of a church voted to call a man to be pastor. He had been divorced years earlier and had not re-married. When the vote passed, several families who did not vote for the man informed the church that they could not vote to call him because their church by-laws from the 1950's stated that they could not call a man who had been divorced.

This caused much confusion, hard feelings and a fiery discussion about church by-laws. Any opinions? (The divorced preacher issue has been run into the ground and I think argued from every possible angle. I just used that example because it was the one presented)

Does your church have by-laws? If so, are they binding over future votes?
Just curious.

Economic Meltdown?

2010-07-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

President Obama's appointed financial committee (chaired by a Democrat) stated recently that the present and continuing debt of this country has a very predictable outcome. He stated that our country will be broke. Some say it already is broke, but we just keep printing out "hot checks" and "hot cash."

I know that God is in control and that He will be with his people. But God's people have gone through tough times throughout history. I request opinions whether you believe that we are actually heading toward economic meltdown and a drastic change in our current manner of living.

Is it silly to prepare for such a time? Not prepare as if you are in panic mode (such as just prior to Y2K), but become as self-sufficient as possible, with water and food sources readily available, and with "protection" just in case the millions who live off the government no longer receive their checks and start looking elsewhere?

Some may be hesitant to comment on this for fear of being seen as "on the fringe" or not having enough faith in God. I'm not asking you to become Nostradamus. But do you ever consider how you would take care of your family if times get tough?
For some reason, this has been on my heart quite a bit.

Summer Vacation

2010-07-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

It's always good to get away for awhile. Then, of course, it's good to return home.

En route, we visited the Vicksbug battle site. Very interesting, esp. for a history teacher. Travelled to Birmingham & spent the night.

My family & I travelled to Blue Ridge, Georgia which is near the North Carolina border. We rented a mountain home with some friends of ours, Jerylin & Eric Williams and their two kids. Jerylin is a teacher. Eric is in the Air Force & has been "in the desert," as he calls it, three times and may be deployed again in the fall. So we had interesting company which is always great.

We hiked to the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. The next day we drove up into the Smoky Mt. National Park and hit the high point in Tennessee, called Clingman's Dome (another steep hike). The road then took us into Gatlinburg, Tennessee. On the way back to our cabin, we were treated to several great fireworks shows as it was the 4th.

The next day we tubed on the Tecoah River and had some good visiting time.

We then parted ways with the Williams' and my family & I travelled to Savannah, Georgia. We successfully avoided the horrible Atlanta traffic (which begins about 2 P.M.) and drove 3 hrs or so to Savannah, Georgia on the Atlantic coast. Savannah has a historic district about a mile square that everyone should visit. There is too much history there to fully cover.....pirates, James Oglethorpe, Robert Louis Stephenson and his book "Treasure Island", old historic homes, Chippewa Square (you know, where Forrest Gump sat on a bench with his box of chocolates)....yes I did sit there and strike my best Forrest Gump pose...and the biggest live oak trees you can imagine, with Spanish moss hanging everywhere....

The last day in Savannah we drove to Tybee Island on the Atlantic and visited the huge lighthouse there. We also toured the Pulaski Fort and took in all of its Civil War history.

After then reuniting with the Williams and spending the night at their home, we hit the road for the 12 hour slog (via I20). As we blew through Minden, Bossier, etc., I couldn't help but wonder what some of you fellows were doing :)

Of course, my TomTom somehow took us to Bass Pro Shop in Shreveport. Tracy found the pistol she is planning to buy for $40 cheaper than back home. The kid told us if we were from Texas, we couldn't buy a pistol out of state. What's up with Louisiana?

Then, home.......

*If this blog has totally bored you, sorry. It might help jog my failing memory at some point in the future. Have a great day & live with a spiritual perspective.

The Christian's Need For Reassurance

2010-06-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

"The Christian's Need For Reassurance"
Luke 7:19-30 (John the Baptist in prison, inquiring if Jesus is the one?)

Intro. All Christians, at times, need reassurance.
Ill. Movie "Hoosiers" (Coach, as his team entered a huge basketball arena for the state championship, had his players measure the heighth of the goal...10 feet, and the distance to the free throw line, 15 feet...he reassured them by saying, "I think you will find those same measurements back in our gym at Hickory.")

-In this text, John the Baptist needed reassuring. He was the forerunner of Jesus, he was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, he was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb, he had grown up knowing Jesus, and a short time before he had pinpointed the Messiah, "Behold, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world."
-Yet now, in prison, after a short 6 month ministry, doubt was perhaps creeping in.
Luke 7:19 "And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?"

I.Who Needs Reassurance?
-In this case, John the Baptist...
-We often need reassurance in
A.the presence of God
B.the truths of God
C.the blessings of God
D.the promises of God

II.Why Do We Need Reassurance?
A.Because of Perilous Situations (John the Baptist was there...he had preached adultery in the palace and now his life hung in the balances)
-We live in a time of peril (II Tim.3:1-5) and we often need reassurance.
(Song: "Blessed Assurance")
B.Because of Periods of Doubt (great spiritual leaders have had times of doubt and discouragement)
1.Moses (Numbers 11:11,14,15)
2.Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:7-9)
3.Paul (II Cor.1:8)
C.Because God Is Not Acting or Doing As We Expect
-Did John feel rejected? Did he feel that no one cared about him anymore? Did he wonder if anyone would ever intercede for him? Was he perplexed?
-We can reach this point in our Christian lives as well.

III.Who Provided Reassurance?
Jesus, Luke 7:21-28

IV.The Results of Reassurance
Hebrews 10:22 "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith..."

The Sending Church (Mission?)

2010-06-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

Can a mission sponsor a missionary?

Let's say that a mission has a member who feels led to go on the foreign mission field. They know him personally. They want to be the "sending church" or entity that sponsors him. Can that mission sponsor the missionary?

(Please be kind in your comments)

Double Standard To Israel

2010-06-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu came to the United States. Our President & his administration didn't agree with Israel building an apartment complex ON THEIR LAND. The Israeli P.M. and his staff were not even offered so much as a PB&J sandwich, were told to go back to the table & discuss issues. The P.M. promptly left. Not long after, the President of Mexico comes and rants against Arizona and its immigration law. Congress claps and the Mexican President is given a state dinner.

Fast forward...Israeli soldiers board "aid ships" which have been attempting to smuggle in rockets which are fired at Israel's citizens. The soldiers are attacked and take action. Europe condemns Israel for trying to protect itself and there are protests around the world against Israel. Israel, it seems, is held to a double standard.

It is easy to see how that one day that countries will unite against Israel. I know that everything that the Israeli government does is open to scrutiny, but is the Biblical principle still in place which says: "I will bless those that bless thee, and curse those that curse thee." ???

Ever Wonder?

2010-05-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder....

Why you don't see the headline "Psychic Wins The Lottery?"

Why "abbreviated" is such a long word?

When dog food is "new and improved tasting," who tests it?

Why they call what doctors do "practice?"

Why they don't build airplanes out of those "little black boxes" they are always looking for?

Why they call where you drive a "parkway," and where you park a "driveway?"

Why in baseball the pitcher's mound is 6 ft. 6 inches from home plate?
Is there something special about those 6 inches?

Why on the bag of Fritos, it says "You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (Is this the shoplifter's special?)

Why on most Christmas lights it states: "For outdoor or indoor use only."
(As opposed to...what?)

You might be a mountain climber

2010-05-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

You might be a mountain climber if.....

You have more summit pictures than wedding pictures.

You've ever had icicles hanging from any part of your face.

You hear the name "Hillary" and think of Everest instead of Mrs. Clinton.

You've been arrested for climbing the county courthouse.

You introduce your girlfriend/wife as your belay partner.

Your first aid kit consists of Diamox, Dex and Morphine.

You have ever flipped a coin to see who slept in the trunk of the car.

You have ever been called down off a route by the sheriff.

You drop something at work and yell "Rock!"

You don't walk down stairs, your rappel them.

You have one of those "falling" dreams and on your way down you scope
out the cliff to see if it will go.

You have a secret journal of bagged peaks hiden somewhere in your
bedroom. Your wife calls it your “Peak Bagging List.” You call it a
“Climbing Log.”

You truly realize that the fall never killed anyone. It's that hitting the
ground part.

Salvation

2010-05-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

Are any of you seeing many people saved?

I realize that lost people simply don't "come to church" as they perhaps once did, either out of curiosity, church as a community event, or whatever other reason they might attend.

I'm not seeing nor am I hearing of that many professions of faith lately.

To be honest, it's discouraging.

Masonic Funeral

2010-05-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

This happened to a certain pastor and I'll relate it as briefly and accurately as possible. The pastor held a funeral service and there was to be a Masonic burial at the cemetary. While walking towards the tent at the cemetary, the pastor asked the "Master Mason" about the protocol (for instance, "Would he (the pastor) need to close with prayer?")

The "Master" said that, yes, he would call on him (the pastor) to close the service after they had performed the Masonic rituals. The pastor said that he usually made a few brief comments about the resurrection before dismissing in prayer. The "Master" simply stared him down and shook his head, indicating "No."

The pastor, of course, dismissed with one of the longest prayers of his ministry, incorporating the body as a seed, the last trump, the dead in Christ rising,etc. After saying "Amen," the pastor raised his head and looked over towards the "Master," who was definately not smiling. The Mason at the foot of the casket holding the outstretched sword wasn't smiling either.

Many people just don't realize the things that go on "behind the scenes"
in the ministry.

Cowboy Church

2010-04-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well, we have a Cowboy Church now in Huntington. I don't know how it started or who the pastor is. A typical pattern revealed itself in just a few weeks: a new paint job on a building, a sign (Living Waters Cowboy Church), the black deco of a horse and a cowboy with his hat off kneeling at a cross, and then, a full parking lot (with mostly pick-ups btw).

What does God think of "specialty churches?" How about a Sports Church? What about a Hunting Church? A Fishing Church? A Computer Church?

Doesn't the "specialty" take away from the One who is to be the focus...Jesus?

Revival

2010-04-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Psalm 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

I am privileged to pastor a wonderful church (Ora MBC) that is supportive of evangelism / revival opportunities that the Lord allows me.

Looking forward to preaching at First Baptist Church Wells (April 22-25), All The Kings Men (April 30), Sulphur Springs BC Zavalla (May 15), and Grapeland MBC (June 6-10).

At Ora, we will be having revival services May 16-19 with Bro. Davy Hobson preaching.

Revival services can be scheduled, but revival will not happen unless we humble ourselves before the Lord and truly repent and seek his face. I pray God gives me the strength and leadership of the Spirit to preach His Word like never before.
I know that I will give account of everything said from the pulpit.

I have two quotes written in my Bible that I occassionally look at. One says, "I preach as never sure to preach again; and as a dying man to dying men." I read that and am reminded that preachnig should never become commonplace.

Another says, "There is freedom in an identity that is anchored in a place beyond all human praise and blame." I read that and realize that Christ is the anchor of my soul and the praise or criticism of man shouldn't affect me at all.

I pray for my preacher brethren regularly, some whom I know well, others who I barely know. I hope that you will pray for me also.

Send Your Resume

2010-03-31T04:33:00.000-07:00

As more and more churches publicize their need of a pastor, many state, "Send your resume to...."

I understand that a resume can provide some basic information about a person, but doesn't the "resume requirement" remind you of a "job."

Christian Aid Organizations

2010-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

Jim Poindexter is a member of an ABA church. He knows that the local church is the means by which the gospel should be preached and God's kingdom work advanced on the earth. But Mr. Poindexter also sees that there are places and situations where church missionaries cannot go for a number of reasons. Therefore, he gives a little money here and there to Christian aid organizations such as World Vision and Samaritan's Purse. Mr. Poindexter also sponsors a kid (you know, the ones shown on TV who need help) and he and his family package a few Operation Christmas Child gifts each year which are sent in other areas of the world with the gospel included in the gift.

Is Mr. Poindexter off base? Should he limit his giving/support to his local church only?

Attention Government

2010-03-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

Attention Government....

The 10th amendment reads as follows:

"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people"

The 10th amendment affirms the sovereignty of the states and makes it clear that the federal government's powers are limited to those granted in the Constitution.

The federal government is attempting to control health care. Health care is not mentioned in the Constitution, therefore that right is reserved to the states and individuals (which would include businesses and the private sector).

The federal government attempts to control education (ex.No Child Left Behind). Education is not mentioned in the Constitution, therefore, that right falls to the states (public schools) and to individuals (private schools).

Lately, the federal government attempts to control EVERYTHING (student loans, cars, businesses, energy and energy usage, education, health care.....)

I would love to consider myself first, a Christian, and then, a loyal American. But when American government no longer represents the Constitution upon which our country is founded, am I obligated to be loyal?

America seems to be drifting away, and becoming,....unAmerican.

Texas / Louisiana Preachers

2010-03-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

Somebody told me that Texas preachers could flat outpreach Louisiana preachers.
I told him that was a mean thing to say. Even if it were true, it was mean and uncalled for. Don't you think?

Famous Last Words

2010-03-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?
~~ P. T. Barnum, entrepreneur, d. 1891

I can't sleep.
~~ James M. Barrie, author, d. 1937

Friends applaud, the comedy is finished.
~~ Ludwig van Beethoven, composer, d. March 26, 1827

I am about to -- or I am going to -- die: either expression is correct.
~~ Dominique Bouhours, French grammarian, d. 1702

Now I shall go to sleep. Goodnight.
~~ Lord George Byron, writer, d. 1824

Ay Jesus.
~~ Charles V, King of France, d. 1380

That was the best ice-cream soda I ever tasted.
~~ Lou Costello, comedian, d. March 3, 1959

Let's cool it brothers . . .
Spoken to his assassins, 3 men who shot him 16 times.
~~ Malcolm X, Black leader, d. 1966

Either that wallpaper goes, or I do.
~~ Oscar Wilde, writer, d. November 30, 1900

They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist. . . .
Killed in battle during US Civil War.
~~ General John Sedgwick, Union Commander, d. 1864

Lord help my poor soul.
~~ Edgar Allan Poe, writer, d. October 7, 1849

Well, gentlemen, you are about to see a baked Appel.
Executed in electric chair in New York.
~~ George Appel, d. 1928

How about this for a headline for tomorrow's paper? French fries.
Executed in electric chair in Oklahoma.
~~ James French, d. 1966

I did not get my Spaghetti-O's, I got spaghetti. I want the press to know this.
Executed by injection, Oklahoma.
~~ Thomas J. Grasso, d. March 20, 1995

Summer Climbs

2010-03-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

As the weather improves, I can't help but plan for summer. As a teacher, I have a little extra time in the summer. As a preacher, I already have VBS, church camp, and several revivals on schedule. That leaves me with a week here or there to plan a mountain climb.

This summer, I'd love to climb :
Wheeler Peak (highest point in New Mexico, 13,161 ft and
then travel north to Blanca Peak (4th highest peak in Colorado, 14,345 ft,)

Wheeler Peak is near Taos and would be a one day slog, but the summit views look great in pictures. Blanca Peak would be more challenging due to altitude and it being a 16 mile round trip (requiring two tent nights).

Michael "I'd rather sun in the Phillipines" Reese just can't seem to make it this time. Friends from two summers ago probably won't be able to take off work. My wife told me I can't take any of my children anymore because of their previous bouts with altitude sickness and one almost doing a "Peter Pan" off a shelf path in Colorado.

So now I look for another partner in crime. There are several young guys at Ora MBC who say they "might want to try it." Or, perhaps there is some ABA preacher out there who wants to take off, do something different, and get high (legally)!

If interested, let me know something.

Tiger The Buddhist

2010-02-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

So...Tiger Wooods is a Buddhist. He admitted in his press conference that he had strayed away from Buddhism which his mother had taught him as a child. But now he was going back to Buddhism and trying to find balance again in his life.

I have read about and studied Buddhism some. It perhaps can help a person with restraint and impulse control, as Tiger states. But it cannot give eternal life.

I felt a tinge of sadness for him and everyone else who has been deceived by false religion. I pray Tiger accepts Jesus as Savior.

When Christians Get Tattoos

2010-02-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

We live in a day when even some Christians go for tattoos, body piercings, etc.
Some of the "Christian tattoos" are of crosses, anchors and so forth.

I am asking seriously...What do you say when someone shows you their new cross tattoo and you know they are a professed Christian?

"Hey... nice tat?"

"Hey man, the book of Deuteronomy speaks against body markings. Didn't you know that?"

Or something in between.

You may think this a sily post but tattoos continue to explode in popularity and even among professed Christians.

The Temple Rebuilt?????

2010-01-31T17:06:00.001-08:00

Our ABA Sunday School literature states that the Anti-Christ will set himself up in the rebuilt Temple (II Thess. 2:4). Reading a blog by Bro. Tom McElmurry, however, has led me to believe that this will not happen.

II Thess. 2:4 "...he as God sitteth in the Temple (naos) of God, shewing himself that he is God."

Temple (naos) is not a literal temple but the same "temple" that is used in the verse "Know ye not that your body is the temple (naos) of the Holy Ghost?"

If II Thess. 2:4 was speaking of a literal temple, Bro. McElmurry states that the Greek word (hieron) would have been used for a literal temple. Therefore, the argument can be made that the Anti-Christ sets himself up in people's hearts, not in a literal temple. Make sense?? If Bro. McElmurry is correct, then our literature, as well as some commentaries, miss the mark on this one.

P.S. Not posting this to open a door for slamming our writers. But what is your opinion of the prophecy lessons this quarter???

Annointing With Oil

2010-01-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

I preached a revival several years ago at an "independent" Baptist church in Nacogdoches, Tx. Several bottles of oil sat around the flat part of the pulpit. I asked about it & the pastor said that they occassionally used it on someone who really needed prayer.

I have never felt led to do that nor is it practiced in any other churches that I know of. However, based on James 5:14,15, what argument could you make against it except something like, "That's weird!"

Crazy Things

2010-01-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

1.Looking up the elevator shaft to see if it's coming down (that's crazy)
2.Someone saying "I'm going to kill you dead." (that's crazy....how else can you kill someone)
3.Mountain climbers cutting their toothbrush in half to save on weight (that's crazy)
4.Saying "plastic silverware" (that's crazy)
5.Calling what doctors do "practice" (that's crazy)
6.Danny Bowman (that's crazy....love you brother)
7.Only singing three verses of Amazing Grace (that's crazy)
8.Student telling me that his dog pooped on his homework and he had to throw it away (that's crazy...and this week's latest excuse)
9.Student telling me that he cannot do his "Living Biography" assignment on a family member because his entire family is in hiding (that's crazy...and a recent excuse).
10.Sitting during the song "Stand Up For Jesus" (that's crazy)
11.Thinking the economy is as bad as it was in the Great Depression, when Starbucks is still in business (that's crazy)
12.Stealing tires from a tire dealership and rolling them in the snow to your college dorm room (that's crazy...happened at Angelina Jr. College years ago)
13.Rejecting Jesus (that's crazy)

You are welcome to comment or add your "crazy things." God bless.

Books of Late

2009-12-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-23T05:52:00.000-08:00

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.

Grace To All

2009-12-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 6:24 "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen."

Chick-Fil-A

2009-11-30T18:59:00.000-08:00

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!

Ora MBC

2009-11-28T05:44:00.000-08:00

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.

Satan's Crosshairs On Today's Youth

2009-11-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

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."

Blog Change

2009-11-21T05:21:00.000-08:00

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."

Annual Call

2009-11-15T20:02:00.000-08:00

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?

Joe

2009-11-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Pattern of The Patriarchs

2009-11-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

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???

Inconsistencies

2009-10-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Pastor's Wives

2009-10-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

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?

Gideons

2009-10-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

How much should a church support missions that cannot support its pastor full-time?

The Bible Code

2009-10-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Lawyer Quotes For Tracy

2009-10-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

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."

Random Time Again

2009-10-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

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?

Standing On The Pulpit

2009-10-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

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. :)

Hell

2009-09-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Back From The Dead

2009-09-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

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?

Interesting Discussion

2009-09-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Malachi 3:16,17

2009-09-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

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."

What About Nicodemus?

2009-09-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

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?

Advice

2009-09-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Family

2009-09-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

There's just nothing like......

FAMILY

Texas Whitetail Laws

2009-08-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

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!

Paradise Moved?

2009-08-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

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?

Epitaphs

2009-08-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

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."

Three Books

2009-08-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

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)

Earliest Christian Symbols

2009-08-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

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.

What About The Grape Juice?

2009-08-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Colorado Notes

2009-08-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Getting High

2009-07-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

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."

Street Preaching

2009-07-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

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?"

Sermonizing

2009-07-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

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) :)

Jesus' Youth

2009-07-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

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?

Blogging Standards (Etiquette)

2009-07-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

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?

Michael Jackson And The Gospel?

2009-07-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Random Questions

2009-06-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

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 <><

ABA National Meeting Comments

2009-06-22T07:11:00.001-07:00

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

Greatest Danger?

2009-06-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

What is the greatest danger facing the majority of A.B.A. churches today?

The Last Pope??????

2009-06-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

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! :)

Why Salvation Is Great

2009-06-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

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?

Government Concerns

2009-06-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

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."

Baptist Debates

2009-05-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

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?

Missing Relative Found!

2009-05-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

(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.

Feeding The Rat

2009-05-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Church Signs

2009-05-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

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"

"Winked At"

2009-05-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Would You Ask Him To Preach?

2009-05-01T17:24:00.001-07:00

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?

Dinosaurs Among Us

2009-04-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

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!

Tithing

2009-04-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Where is tithing taught in the New Testament?

Revolution (Barna)

2009-04-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Lift Up Your Hands

2009-04-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

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")

Missing In Action

2009-04-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Limiting God

2009-04-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

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.