He Reigns

I believe that says enough!

Where Do We Go From Here?

This coming Sunday, I will preach 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 (Lord willing). I am truly excited about this message, for it is a wonderful treatise concerning the resurrection of Christ and believers. Over the years, I've come to appreciate this text for its beautiful teaching and wonderful encouragement. First, I thought Paul was trying to prove the resurrection to the Corinthians and to us. However,over the years, I have come to realize that specific idea was only part of his objective. This passage actually was written to strengthen the Corinthians' belief in the resurrection of Christ and to clear up any misunderstanding or false teaching concerning their own resurrection. In fact, MacArthur and I agree on this point! "The doctrinal problem on which this chapter focuses was not the Corinthians' disbelief in Christ's resurrection but confusion about their own. Paul was not trying to convince them that Christ rose from the dead but that one day they, too, would be raised with Him to eternal life." (MacArthur)

What a wonderful God we serve! He not only saw fit to redeem us, furthermore, He gives (gave) us a new life with a glorified body (and I have no idea exactly what age we will be!). Praise God!

Down With The Patriots

This is a post from my uncle's blog (Robert Vaughn). I thought you might enjoy it.

Football
After a win over San Diego yesterday, the New England Patriots remain undecheated.

Word of the day
Undecheated. adjective, remaining victorious in spite of being cheaters. Etymology {from un- "not" + defeated [Failure to win] (n.) + cheated [To violate rules deliberately, as in a game] (v.) - f = remaining victorious in spite of being cheaters (or something like that)}

Spiritual Gifts

Continuing through I Corinthians in my Sunday morning sermons has of course led me to chapters 12-14. This is somewhat a tricky area for those who still preach and teach that the spiritual gifts listed are still in effect. The context teaches these miraculous gifts actually worked themselves out of a job. They became less and less useful to the point they were no longer needed when "that which is perfect" came.

However, the question is, what is "that which is perfect"? Well, in the English it is hard to tell. In the Greek however, it is much more clear. The Greek word is neuter and the construction shows it to be something other than Christ's return to the earth (i.e., Second Coming). Therefore, it is the teaching of this blogger that the "perfect" referred to in this passage is the completed Word of God, the Bible. The spiritual gifts would no longer be needed when the full revelation of God was revealed. Furthermore, all of these gifts will fail, except faith, hope, and love. And what need is there for hope when Christ is already returned? Also, considering that present day "miracle workers" are not even following Paul's admonition to edify the body or orderly exhibit the gifts (tongue-speaking with an interpreter), it must be inferred that it is not of God. Obviously, many Christians will find this disturbing, however, the Bible is quite adamant about the usage of such gifts. God gives the gifts as He wills, and His will is to have faith, hope, and love exhibited...along with the full revelation of His will in His Word.

Monster Mom

We all know of political voting groups such as soccer moms, etc., but I now introduce you to a new group - monster moms. Yes, it seems that classically-trained pianists, highly-educated individuals, and otherwise normal wives/mothers can get really crazy when it comes to monster trucks. (Of course, this is about Jennifer if you haven't figured it out yet.)

She is so reserved and calm, yet Saturday at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, Jen went crazy. She was yelling for the trucks, dirt bikes, etc. It was hilarious to me. It was even funnier when she sat down one time and complained about how no one was "getting into it." Hahahaha...sounds like me at a football game! Well, the night was fun; the kids enjoyed; Public Disturbance won; and I had popcorn.

The Calculus Of Worthiness

The following post is from Bart Barber's blog. It is truly a moving story.

Mike Cave(December 29, 1947 – January 13, 2008)
"If you don't understand what he's saying to you, the worst thing you can do is just say 'Yes' or 'OK.'" And with those instructions, I, the new pastor at FBC Farmersville, embarked upon my relationship with Mike Cave in 1999. Mike was born with Down Syndrome. The doctors told his father and mother that Mike wouldn't live to celebrate his tenth birthday. He outlived them both (and the doctor, to boot).
Upon my arrival in Farmersville, I found that Mike loved to come to church (although he wasn't nearly as fond of the getting-up-in-the-morning that coming to church required). He loved to sing. Mike sang with gusto. The notes weren't quite right. The words weren't quite right. Mike only knew fortissimo. But the spirit of his worship was spot on.
During the Sunday School hour, Mike stayed in the office with the pastoral staff and the Sunday School records staff. Mike loved to receive a present. It didn't have to be much, but Mike did have his favorite categories: hats, books, and wrestling. Mike couldn't read, so the book could be anything, really. I would save junk mail and catalogs throughout the week to give to Mike on Sundays. If I really scored with a particular gift, Mike would reward me with a handwritten thank you note—a Post-It adorned with lines of Arabicesque scrawl.
Mike had his own language—his own names for people, his own system of verbs and nouns and adjectives. By the time we encountered one another, Mike's parents were gone. He lived with his brother David ("Galla") and his sister-in-law Billie ("Burl"). Every week he would come into the office and look for the key (a key ring to open the deposit bag for the offering). As the time drew near for the second service (Mike didn't favor the first service, but Billie did, so that's when Mike attended), Mike would stroll into my office with his finger tapping his raised watch-wrist. Mike didn't want me to be late.
Even if he had his own system of gestures and syllables, Mike perfectly understood everything that I said. That's the reason for the injunction against issuing agnostic yes-es to Mike. David had been burning brush once when Mike issued some unknown utterance. David gave a simple, "Sounds good to me," and then went back to get some more brush. When he returned, he found Mike holding a burning brand by the cool end, setting a large swath of grass on fire. David had approved it, so it must have been OK!
This was our weekly routine. Mike did the same thing, whether it was just me in the office or I was hosting the Sultan of Brunei. A closed office door communicated absolutely nothing to Mike. After all, he knew how to operate a doorknob.
Mike gave big hugs and big smiles. After a recent foot surgery, I went to see Mike in the Rehab Hospital. In my hand, I carried a magazine and a big white fishing hat. The magazine didn't go over so well, but the hat was a hit. I got a vigorous, whiskery hug for that one. The next time I returned to visit him, I saw that hat tooling down the hall just above the back of a wheelchair. It was a good hat for Mike, who loved to fish anyway.
I'm glad that Mike was born in 1947, back when people like Mike still had a chance to be born. Today, Mike's chances of ever seeing the light of day would be less than one in ten (see research here and commentary on the phenomenon in general here). In 1973 we handed over the law to people who have concluded with great certitude that they have mastered the complex calculus of worthiness—that they know which lives are worth living and which are not. Lives like Mike's, it seems, just don't make the cut, and so they get the scalpel.
Last night I stood by his bedside in ICU. "Mike, God loves you, your church loves you…I love you," was about all I could choke out, and then I wept a little. Later, we had prayer. At around 7:00 last night, Mike went home. David said, "I'm surely a much better person because of him." There's a variable they don't consider when figuring out who's life is worth living.
Thursday afternoon, our sanctuary will be full for Mike's funeral—I promise you. I wonder if there is a single rationalization or slogan from the pro-death crowd that would sound anything less than obscene at that gathering. I doubt it. If the number of people touched, inspired, humanized, or befriended by Mike Cave is any good measure, then his sixty years have turned out to be quite valuable. I'm glad he lived. I'm glad I knew him. I'm glad he's home. I'll be glad to see him someday soon."

Imitate Me?

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (1 Corinthians 1:10-15)

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." (1Co 1:30-31)

[This topic may turn into a multi-post topic, but I feel there is an issue that needs to be addressed. However, by doing so, I'm sure some of you may not like what I am about to say. I do want you to know that I am not accusing anyone of what I am about to write, but I am worried such things will only worsen. So, without further adieu, here we go.]

It seems that within the last few years, there is more and more of what Paul addressed in the above verses. (While writing to a local church, I do believe this can still apply to Christianity as a whole.) There seems to be a movement within Christianity as a whole, to be "people followers" instead of "God-followers." Whoever has the latest trend, fad, book, etc. is the guy we should pattern ourselves after. While realizing this is not necessarily a bad thing, it can become misguided. I wish I could always say, "Imitate me as I follow Christ." However, the truth is, I can't. And neither can these other men ALWAYS say such. Now there are many men and women that do set forth the correct example and we should learn from them, be mentored by them, and honor them. Yet, I do believe they would be the first ones to admit that we should not put them on a pedestal that only belongs to Jesus Christ. Is it wrong to follow a godly man or woman? No. Is it wrong to follow them blindly? Yes. Only follow them as they follow Christ. And please don't follow someone just because they have something new like the latest fad, books, buildings, programs, or "the look".

[These thoughts also pertain to our association. I'm afraid we are more divided than ever. People keep asking me if I think a split is coming (why they ask me, I'll never know), and maybe it is - I just don't know. However, if we (including me) were all focused on Jesus Christ, I do not believe we would have half the fights and disagreements we are having.]

As I said, this may turn into a multi-post, so be patient and leave me your thoughts.

International Symbol Of Marriage

After 5 years of heated debate, the Commission of Human Rights approved the new International Symbol of Marriage.

(Thanks to Bobby Peek for posting this at Ruined Metropolis.)

Order In The Church

Sunday, we will study 1 Corinthians 11:1-34. This section of Scripture has been quite interesting. The last section was not as difficult to me as the first section was. I have studied quite a bit about the Lord's Supper (though I'm sure I still have a long way until I properly appreciate it and understand it). I've grown up in churches that properly observed the Lord's Supper. It is something with which I am familiar. However, the first section of this passage is a little more difficult. While I grew up in a Baptist church, and the teachings of this section were applied, the details concerning length of hair, a veil covering, etc. escaped me. Now I'm sure it was taught - I probably just didn't listen! However, I have studied this section and realized that almost everyone disagrees on the details. Yet, most all agree on the basic principle of submission in God's work and order in public worship. So, while I may not understand all the details, I do believe I can at least expound upon the main principle the Holy Spirit through Paul is trying to teach. As Christians there is to be submission and order in the Lord's work. Furthermore, there is to be a proper observance and order to the Lord's Supper. And while some people may not like it, I figure since the churches belong to God and it's His Supper, He can do what He wants and how He wants. Anyway, pray that God will speak through me this Sunday concerning this passage of Scripture.

Keep On Keeping On!!!

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

"The faithful Christians at Thessalonica were discouraged by the conduct of the careless saints who refused to work. 'If they don't have to work, why should we?' was their argument; and Paul nipped it in the bud. Sin in the life of a believer always affects the rest of the church. As members of His body, we belong to each other, and we affect each other. The bad example of a few saints can destroy the devotion, and hinder the service of the rest of the church." (Wiersbe)
Paul even names the sins of which they were guilty such as disorderliness and being busybodies. (However, these busybodies were not busy workers!) Even the Romans understood this concept, for they had a saying: "By doing nothing, men learn to do evil." Just as idleness was a danger then, it is today. Instead of being idle which can lead to being a busybody (i.e., noisily running around), we should "work quietly...and eat our own bread."

Where does that leave us? Well, unfortunately much of Christianity sees serving the Lord as a passive commitment. However, true service requires action, and action is something desperately missing among many Christians. I'm not talking about a "keeping the Law" type service, but a willingness to serve out of love and adoration. Does Christ deserve less than our very best? If the answer is "no," then why is it so hard for EBC to find enough people who are committed to serving the Lord? Why is it so hard to find enough teachers, workers, and leaders, who will fulfill their obligations "day-in, and day-out"? Are we just tired? Are we calloused? Are we committed?
Serving the Lord is a good thing, and it is something that we should never quit doing. Yet, we must remember that serving the Lord takes action, and action will exhibit our love for God to others.

P.S. I do appreciate all of you who are so faithful, yet isn't it true that God deserves more than we, including me, really give?

(Taken from EBC's monthly newsletter.)

This Is Interesting

This is not my entry (in fact, I forget the name of the person who originally wrote this), however, I thought it was quite interesting. I had not seen this before. See what you think.

January 5, 2008
My Entry in the Disagree with Piper Essay Contest

From tomorrow’s sermon:
I do not believe that the term “double predestination” is a helpful term because God does not predestine people for wrath in the same way that he predestines people for glory. It is not as though God takes some morally neutral clay and makes one person to glorify and then in the same way makes another person to torment. No, all mankind are hellbound because of their own sins and then God shows mercy to some of them and he withholds mercy from others. You may say that the end result is the same. But it is still an important distinction for thinking rightly about the character of God and it is a distinction that Paul himself makes here in verses 22-23. Notice two phrases. “vessels of wrath prepared for destruction” and “vessels of mercy prepared for glory”. In most of the English versions the word “prepared” is used in both verses, but Paul actually uses two different words and the first one is passive while the second is active. So vessels of wrath are, passively, prepared for destruction in the sense that they are fit to be destroyed because of their own sins. But the vessels of mercy are actively prepared for glory in that God gets his hands dirty and remakes us into people fit for heaven. Why would Paul change his verbs like that unless he intended to communicate that God is not involved in the preparation of vessels of wrath for destruction in the same way that he is actively involved in the preparation of vessels of mercy for glory?

W4J: Out Of Order

The Weekend 4 Jesus retreat is right around the corner. (It seems just like yesterday that we had the last one!) This year, the focus is on service. Yet, to truly be a servant fulfilling all your service, you must be in love with God. That is why I have chosen Matthew 22:37-40 as the theme verses for my sermons.

And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."

If you love God with everything you are, then you will have no trouble serving Him. If you love your neighbor as yourself, you will have no trouble serving them. Yet, how often do we have trouble serving?!? What is the disconnect? Where are we failing? Well, I could go and on about that, but I believe we all know the answer to that.

Please pray for the retreat. Pray for the speaker (please!). Pray for the students. And most of all, pray that God will be glorified in all we do.

Happy Anniversary!!!

Jennifer and I were married January 3, 1997 at Arp First Baptist Church with Jody Meason officiating (yeah Jody!). Our eleven year journey together has been incredible. While I don't know what the future holds, I'm sure that we can tackle it together, especially with God as our foundation.

Anniversary Prayer (shortened version):
Thank You Lord for Jennifer. Thank You for giving me a wife that understands, supports, and completes me. She is certainly a blessing in my life. Please help me to be the husband You would have me to be. I ask that You soften my heart and help me understand her better. Give me the strength I need to provide for my family and the wisdom to lead as I should. And forgive me for where I have failed You, my wife, and my family. Please help me learn from the mistakes and grow in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I love you Jen!!!

P.S. Yes, I know this post is one day late...but I did not want to blog on our anniversary!!!

Happy New Year!

Well, 2007 is gone and 2008 is already underway! My how time flies. I don't really have much to say about resolutions, etc., except that for 2008 I pray that I stay committed. In fact, I guess you could say that is my one resolution. To stay committed - committed to God, committed to my wife, committed to our budget, committed to faithfulness, committed to my diet, etc. It's not that I have necessarily cheated on any of these issues, it's just that sometimes I have not been as committed as I need to be. So, for 2008 (and hopefully longer!) I plan, pray, hope, expect to be committed!