Merry Christmas!

I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. Remember to keep Christ in Christmas and of course, enjoy the eggnog (without the alcohol obviously)!

Church Discipline

Well, without giving any details, etc., we (Ebenezer Baptist Church) exercised church discipline to the point of exclusion about one week ago. There was a situation where we took approximately 6 months to pray, teach, and approach the subject. In my opinion all these actions are to be considered church discipline. However, the person involved would not repent, and we excluded them from membership. After the official vote, we gathered together and prayed for this person hoping that they might repent of the particular sin. Of course, we know God can do great things, and we hope He will move in a mighty way in this individual's life. The question I have is how many of you have ever exercised church discipline to the point of exclusion? How did it affect your church? Did you use it as a teaching opportunity? I have more to say about how God has already used this event, but I'll stop for now.

Prayer Request

Please pray for my family. I lost my grandmother this morning (Wednesday) at 11:50 am. Pray that my grandfather will have the strength he needs as it was a sudden, severe stroke that killed her. Also, pray for me as I try to reach some of my family through this event. However, praise God that she was saved and is now in the arms of a loving Savior. What amazing grace!

Matt

The Nativity Story

Saturday night, my family and some other families from church went to see The Nativity Story. I have been wanting to see this movie for quite some time and since I had a bulletin insert promoting the movie (along with an exclusive behind-the-scenes dvd with trailer to show during morning worship), I thought I might need to see the film. And boy am I glad I did! The film was very, very good. The main thing that I had to bite my tongue on was about the wise men being at the manger scene. However, I overlooked this common tradition and looked at it from the bigger theme of the birth of Christ. This movie is different from the Passion of the Christ in that it is not as intense to begin with. In fact my wife looked at me and said, "It's not as majestic as I thought it would be." However, later in the movie, the majesty of Christ's birth came through in a glorious way. But she does have a point. The whole story of Christ's birth is not majestic. I mean the King of Kings, the Savior of the world, being born in a manger! Of course, at the same time, it is majestic in what it means. Now, back to the movie. It portrays Joseph and Mary, in my humble opinion, as normal, everyday people. I think the producer did a great job not creating a Mary of worship but a Mary of Israel.

Okay, for the rating. I give it 5 stars out of 5 stars. Yes, in fact, I told the congregation that they ALL needed to see it, and I encourage you to see it too. In fact, I am going to buy the movie when it comes out.

P.S. I wish I could watch this movie on Christmas Eve...whew, what an emotional ride that would be!

I am preaching a sermon from Genesis 3:15 and would like to know if any of you have preached a sermon from this text before. If so, give me some thoughts or email me your sermon! I want this to be a tight sermon because we are having so many lost people and new Christians attending that need to know what is taught in this passage. Thanks for your help!

Whoop!

I love it! A&M beat t.u.!!! What more could a guy want? Not only that, but after the game I put up the Christmas decorations (lights, outside Christmas card, etc.). Wow, what a day. I love this time of year!

Texas A&M - 28
t.u. - 24

Yes, that's right. Texas A&M will defeat texas university on Friday. What a glorious day that will be! If you are around Henderson, come on over and join the guys from church as we watch the big game. Gig'em Aggies!

Happy Thanks Living!

Yes, I know it's cheesy, but that is the current series I am preaching on Sunday morning. This coming Sunday will be the last Thanksgiving sermon (hey, there were only 4!). I pray that all of you have a great Thanksgiving and please, please, please, remember to thank God for His many blessings. And maybe you ought to take time and read Psalm 105 just to refresh on how to do this. Once again, happy thanks living!

Well, we took the kids to see Happy Feet. It was okay, but not an out of this world film to me (watch Hoodwinked for that!). I do have one question though. Have any of you noticed how the kids' movies are including more and more sexual references, etc. I understand that most of the small children do not understand it and that mainly adults "get it." But why must it be included in the first place. Happy Feet had way too many sexual innuendos. I now know why it was rated PG. I guess that should have been my first clue. What happened to the good, rated G movies? (not the rated G movies that should be rated PG either!) I don't want to sound old-fashioned, etc., but it just concerns me as a parent. Besides it's my blog and I can type if I want to! (sorry for the bad Cindi Lauper joke.)

Well, that was one interesting state meeting. There was a great time of fellowship and discussion. However, sometimes, the tension was felt when certain issues arose. But, I'll say this, at least there was no yelling and shouting (kind of boring huh). Sometimes I wish we could have a meeting like the British House of Commons. Really, all I want to do is yell "Aye! Aye! Aye!" Well, let me know what you think about the meeting.

Whew. I finally made the transition to Beta Blogger! I thought I'd never be able to get everything straight. I love computers and I love to be on the Beta end of things, but sometimes it does make you sweat. But at least I'm up-to-date! Now I've got to go Beta on my email! Yikes!

What are the odds?

I can't believe it. For the second week in a row, Texas A&M was outscored by 1 point. And both games were on ABC! We gave the game away...how sad. But I can't complain too much because my wife and kids gave me a great birthday present. They took me to the A&M-Nebraska at Kyle Field. Whoop! It was so much fun to go back to my old school and see all the new stuff going on and show the kids where daddy went to school. We toured the campus, went to the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library, ate great food, and visited with one of my old roommates (and yes Greg, you are old!). Overall, the best part of the entire 3 days was watching my children's eyes light up when the jet planes (warthogs) flew over, the corps marched in, the football team took the field, the band marched, and 87,000 crazy fans yell like you've never heard. They were so excited about the game, etc. that they started crying when we had to leave. I know this is "mushy" and all, but it really made me a proud daddy. It may mean nothing to you, but when my children love their dad and his old school like they do, it brings tears to my eyes. I'm sure you can make a good correlation to how we should act towards God, but I won't do it because I'll start preaching if I do. Anyway, I'd like to say thanks to Jen and the kids for such a great weekend and Gig'em Aggies!

What Time Is It?

Okay, wait a second. It just turned November 1, but I'm already through Thanksgiving on my school calendar. What is going on? Well, with the state association meeting and then the week of Thanksgiving, half of November has "disappeared." (Not that it's all bad, mind you!) But what is even worse is that on Halloween I turned 32. When did I get to be 32? Wasn't I just 22 yesterday? You mean I've almost been married 10 years? Savannah is 7? Levi will be 5 in a week? Jason Sheffstall's son is 3? Well, why don't you just call me Rip Van Winkle! My how time flies.

But you know, that should make us realize that time is short and before we know it *poof* - we're gone. We should make most of our time and make full use of the tools God has given us to reach others around us for Christ. Time is short. The Bible teaches that very principle...so maybe we should start acting as if we believe it.

Besides, by the time I get around to writing another post, I'll probably be 42. Oh well...

Starting November 5, I will preach a series of sermons with the theme "Happy Thanks Living." I pray that these sermons will challenge us to truly be aware of how much we have spiritually and physically and to be thankful for them. And of course, a thankful child of God will be a child of God who has a happy (joyful) life. Besides, shouldn't we be the ones who are happy? We have eternal life! Let's put on a smile and share it with all!

Great things are happening! I finally cleaned out the closet and found stuff I had been looking for. My wife is extremely pleased with the cleanliness too. Overall, I must say that I did quite a job on the closet. You can actually see the floor. But please don't call me to clean your closet...unless, I get to throw away everything! Well, enough chit-chat for now. I have homework to do.

Texas A&M - 34
Oklahoma St. - 33

Whoop! Gig'em Aggies!

Faith Promise Results

Well, Bro. Lynn Raburn did an excellent job this past week. At the close of our Missions Revival, Sunday morning, we had everyone sit down and fill out a commitment card with their covenant between them and God circled or written down. That evening, the Missions Committee met and tabulated the totals. Now, are you sitting down? For our FIRST Faith Promise Missions Revival, the members of Ebenezer Baptist Church covenanted with God to give $24,432 for missions over the next year! Praise God! What an awesome God we serve. Who says God can't do big things still!?!

Faith Promise Missions Revival

Please pray for us as we have our first annual Missions Revival. Bro. Lynn Raburn is the guest speaker, and, as usual, is challenging us to be more faithful to God. Pray for us as we try to be obedient in this area of "church life."

"Do You Have Change For A..."

I bet you never hear that in a Baptist Church. Why is it so difficult for a church to make changes? Does change equate to new doctrine or unscriptural teaching? Wasn't it a change to have microphones, air conditioners, padded pews, etc. in the church building? Wasn't it a change, at one time, to have a church building? Did Jesus reach every person with the same method, or did He change the method to fit the person?

While many changes are not for the best, how about an honest evaluation of something before it's condemned because "it's never been done this way before."

I believe it's time for a change. We need...no, we must get back to the basics of preaching and teaching the Bible. We must quit promoting the church welfare system now known as "missions." We need to teach local church and practice local church! We must be more concerned about people than we are about land and buildings. We must be willing to take the heat and quit backing down when people don't like what the Bible has to say. We must change!

Oh, by the way, do you have change for a...?

What a week!

Where do I start? Ah, yes. It all began during Sunday night's business meeting, while Bro. George was giving his youth report, when one of the men came in and told me that our yellow lab Aggie II had been hit and killed. Well, I knew instantly that there was going to be a long night ahead of me. Well, thankfully, three of our men took care of the mess and took him off before my children could see him. And yes, Savannah and Levi were distraught to say the least. There was crying, crying, and more crying. This was their first "real pet." I felt so bad for them and wish I could take all the hurt away. All I could do was hold them and tell them that things would be okay. Even Jennifer, who is not a big animal person, was tore up. She had grown so attached to Aggie that he actually minded her better than he minded me! Well, we're all doing better now, but it has caused quite a stir to say the least. The saddest part though, to me at least, is watching my little boy Levi walk around (or mope) as if he's lost. I guess you could say he is lost in a sense. His best buddy is no longer running around his feet, etc. Now we all know that we'll get another dog, etc. He won't be Aggie II (maybe we'll call him Aggie III), but we'll love him too.
But think about this. While I couldn't do anything about the pain Savannah and Levi were experiencing, God can help us with our pain and suffering. He will do more than just hold us; He will provide for us. If He doesn't remove the pain or problem, then He'll see us through it. Oh how great is the Father's love. Being a father helps me understand that more and more.

We are starting a study over the book of Malachi, and if you have any information that would useful concerning this book, please send it to me. I have some commentaries and research, but I always like to broaden my horizons on these issues. Have any of you ever really studied through this book? If so, what did you come away with and how did it change your life? Just curious.

Okay, I missed on my prediction. A&M won 35-3. Whoop! Gig'em Aggies!

Oh what a great time of year it is. The temperature is dropping, school is back in session, and COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS IN THE AIR!!! Yes, I have plans to listen to the Texas A&M / Citadel game tomorrow. Of course, A&M will have a much better year and will surprise many people. Okay, here's the prediction for tomorrow's game.

Texas A&M - 42
Citadel - 17

Okay, okay. So I haven't been able to blog here for awhile. Everyone stop complaining and start enjoying again (there you go Jason!). We have had a great summer even though it has been extremely busy. I cannot even begin to tell you all the great things God has done. Well, let me try to tell you a couple. Two weeks ago, we had 102 in our morning service. What a change! 18 months ago the average was 20-30. Can you believe that? In fact, God has added 63 members to Ebenezer since January 2005. NOW THAT IS AMAZING (sorry for the shouting...but you know us preachers)! And God continues to do great things in the church and my personal life.

One great thing God has done is to save my daughter's precious soul. Savannah accepted Christ as her Savior on Monday evening at 7 pm. She was sitting next to me on our couch and prayed to the Lord to forgive her and to save her. Wow! Now, just to let you know, I'm one proud daddy. I was blessed with the opportunity to lead my little girl to the Lord. You can't ask for more than that. How I wish other parents would see the need to teach their children and be ready for that precious moment when the time is right. Well, that's just a couple of the things God has accomplished this summer. Post a comment and let me know what God has done for you.

"Seeking The Salvation Of Others"

Did you know that the most effective witnessing is that which you do among those who know you best? Your friends, family, and neighbors will listen to you many times when others will not (unfortunately, sometimes the opposite is true). However, the real question is, "How do you reach those people you love and admire for Christ? What are some effective methods to reach those close to you? Can we as a church institute these methods?" I would like for you to give me some ideas, comments, or even questions about this. I will use your comments (unless you specify otherwise) during our Sunday night service on August 6. Remember, the ideas you share may allow us to lead someone to Christ! (Thanks for your input!)

God Bless America!!!

What a familiar saying that is, but have you ever thought about why God should bless America? Should He bless a nation that denies its Christian heritage and continues to fight anything with the name of Jesus in it? God will bless this nation if her people that are called by His name take a stand and fight for what is right. What do you think? Can this nation become the nation it once was? Will God continue to bless us? Let me know!

Family Feud?

Is it me or does it seem like Satan and the world is constantly attacking the institution of family? Pro-Homosexual groups are now wanting to call a genuine marriage (that between a man and a woman) an "opposite sex partnership." I say bologna! Our courts and schools teach our children that parents have no right to discipline them. I say phooey! Families are deemed outdated and unneeded. The BIBLE teaches differently. What is even sadder is the fact that many churches do not even seem to notice the breakdown of the family. So, how can we as a church help strengthen the family which will in turn strengthen our church and nation? Is it too late to do anything? Have we as a nation tolerated too much liberal, ungodly thinking to now turn back to our godly roots? Can we restore "family" to the rightful position it once held? I pray that your family will look to the Word of God to strenthen itself and in turn strengthen others.

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm sure you would agree that godly mothers hold a very special place in the success of a family. Mothers sacrifice that last piece of pie so the children "will not do without." They clean, clothe, and cook for their family without much thanks. They teach their children the Bible stories that can change one's life. So, how does today's woman fulfill her God-given obligation to meet the needs of the family and still find some time for herself? How does she meet all the demands of our society while still functioning as a successful mother? How can we as a church teach what a mother is to be and how to be it? Let me know what you think!

The Da Vinci Code - Fact Or Fiction?

The Da Vinci Code, written by Dan Brown, has become a bestseller in over 100 countries. It has even been made into a movie which will open later this month. So why all the "hoop-la" about this book? Granted, this book meets many of the requirements for a "good read," however, it is based on much bad history. And much of this bad history has been around for centuries! There are many websites that address this controversial issue, but what I want to know is what questions and concerns you have about the book and/or movie. Are you afraid of what this movie will do to Christianity? Have you read the book or do you plan on seeing the movie? Do you think Christians should abstain from watching the movie? Give me your feedback, and we'll try to answer any question you put out there!

Miracle-Gro?

What a wonderful 16 months we have experienced here at EBC. We have added 50 new members and seen many needed changes made. But what is the real reason behind all this growth? Is it the new staff? Is is the blended-worship? Is it people talking to their friends about church? Is it all of the above? Or is it something else? What do you think? Leave me a note and keep praying for more growth!

Isn't it interesting that most people say that their church is doing great, but then they will turn around and say "We need a revival"? So, what's the deal? Are they doing great or not? Well, the answer may be both. There are many times in our life that we are doing good but maybe not great. A revival can be a time for a church body as a whole to examine itself and see what areas need to be improved. The question is, "How can a church experience true revival"? So many times, churches have a revival and things change for a week. Then you look at the church six months later and nothing has changed. Did that church experience true revival? Probably not! So what can we do here at Ebenezer Baptist Church to experience a God-inspired true revival? Comments are welcome!!!

Jesus Christ Was Crucified On Wednesday

I hope all of you have read the booklet I handed out at church Sunday. If you have any questions or comments about this position, please post them here. Remember, Christ entered Jerusalem on Saturday, was crucified on Wednesday, and rose on Sunday. It fits with Scripture and Jewish tradition!

"Full-Time" Christians

A tragedy of modern American Christianity is that Christian service has become so exclusively associated with the church building. The average Christian seems to think that his attendance at and participation in church services comprises the total extent of his service to God. We have also created the unbiblical distinction of "full-time" and "part-time" Christian service.

God ordains that all His people be in "full-time" service, and almost all of that service is performed outside the church building. We have the daily opportunity and responsibility to take up our cross and follow Christ -- on the job, in school, at home -- wherever we are is the place of service!

May God grant that we the reject the notion of "part-time" Christian service and begin to recognize His calling beyond the four walls of the church house.

- by Robert Vaughn, 03/23/06

According to The Barna Group's article "Spirituality May Be Hot in America, But 76 Million Adults Never Attend Church," many people that rarely or never attend church will be present on Easter Sunday. While Barna and his group goes into a discussion about the demographics and other issues (some of which pertain to our discussion), what do you believe is the main reason people come to church on Easter? Why will they come to church on Easter and not Christmas? Is this more of a family reunion than a religious occasion, or do people sense a real need to be present in church on Sunday? Please comment and give me your thoughts. Also, give feedback on how you think we truly can reach people around this Easter season.

Well, at this time I do not have any earth shattering info or controversial subjects to post. However, I would like to let the members and guests of Ebenezer Baptist Church to post their thoughts, ideas, and comments. Who knows what we might learn?!? E-mail me if you have any problems.