You're All Wet?!?

Why don't we talk about baptism for a bit? There seems to be much confusion over this ordinance that Christ gave to His church. Many people believe that one must be baptized in order to be saved. Others teach that baptism is not really necessary at all. Some teachers, like R. C. Sproul, have misconstrued the early churches teaching on baptism. How can we (believers, a.k.a. Christians) mess up such a simple ordinance? In fact, many people have messed up the other ordinance (the Lord's Supper) as well (but, we'll talk about that later). So, what does baptism represent? Why do we baptize someone? What method of baptism is scriptural? Who can baptize? Etc...

I'll post more in the comment section soon.

It's Good To Be Saved

Well, let's try something a little different. Since we've somewhat "argued" about Calvinism, Arminianism, and whatever-ism I am, let's share with those who might visit this site what your favorite verse concerning salvation and the security of the believer is. Now, just to be fair, I will not post mine for a day or so. This way it'll give everyone a chance to be first to use a certain verse. So let's go! Don't be shy! Give me your favorite verse!

Does Theology Matter?

It seems that in our current evangelical culture the "does it work?" question or even the "is it cool?" question comes before the "is it right or true?" question. Obviously questions of practicality and theology are essential. The problem is the order. Many rush into the practical or the hip. If the practical starts working or the hip gains a following, then we take a breath and search for the Bible verse, Old Testament Narrative, Proverb, etc. that legitimizes our practice. In an age where sermons are more about "how to's," corvettes, and "come on the journey with me" the question begs to be asked, "Is this the kind of preaching that turned the world upside-down?" When so many are dragged away by pragmatism and pop-cultural fads that are baptized as evangelical, but lead ultimately to liberalism or worse, the question begs to be asked, "Does theology really matter?" (taken from www.sbcwitness.com)

Just in case you didn't know!

Maybe I'm Not Naive

Well, now that I've made the Calvinists mad (well, not really...but work with me), let me get the Arminianists stirred up. While I have differing views with the Calvinists concerning "predestination, foreknowledge, etc.," I can say that I appreciate their view on security of the believer (well, at least most of them). While many come to that conclusion through different routes, there is no way that a person who is saved can lose that salvation. It is an impossibility. No where in Scripture do we see an example of someone who is a believer losing their salvation. In fact, according to the words of Christ Himself, He cannot lose them, for only a strong man could take them, and no one is stronger than God. I mean, after all, if eternal life is not "eternal," then what is it?

Maybe I'm Naive

I guess I took things for granted. Within the last month or so, I have come to the realization that many (and I mean MANY) Baptists hold to Calvinism. Many conservative scholars, of whom I still appreciate for their insight in other issues, hold to the teaching of Calvinism. While I do not desire to degrade these men, I do believe that they are in error (or heresy?).

The teaching of Calvinism forces the Bible to contradict itself, so therefore we can be assured that no such doctrine is found in the Bible. (Besides, the Bible is clear in its teaching of election, foreknowledge, etc.) Without delving into this issue further, why is there such a resurgence among Baptists of the teaching of Calvinism. And yes, I have been on many conservative Baptist blogs, websites and read many of their books, and seen a huge surge towards this teaching. Maybe I'm missing something. I don't know. After all, I am a bit naive!

Missions Committee Meeting

I returned home today from the Missions Committee meeting in Texarkana and can honestly say that there is hope for our associated mission work as a whole. I was encouraged by the discussion and hope that more people will start studying "mission" work according to Biblical standards. Needless to say, there should still be some good "discussion" at the national meeting in Tulsa in June.

What A Day!

I don't know about you, but I'm beat. I've accomplished quite a bit, but I definitely paid the price (well, it's not really that bad). However, I am excited about one thing. As VBS draws near, I keep thinking of different children to invite. One group I definitely am inviting is Levi's T-Ball team. (And yes the coach said it was okay...oh by the way, I'm the coach.) Some of these children do not go to church, and some of them do not know hardly anything about God in general. What an opportunity this is! So please pray that God might open the doors to reach these children and at least see the seed of His Gospel message planted in their heart.

Have a great weekend!

I Need More Time!

Okay, I definitely need more time in each day. Beyond the usual church work, I am trying to get ready for 2 camps, a VBS, and the national meeting in Tulsa. (Okay, okay...I know God has given me what I need to accomplish all this...but it sure does keep a guy busy!) Maybe I should think about not "doing" all these activities. But then again, I love doing them! Oh well, I'm sure this is nothing new, and I know that I'm not the only one going through life at a hectic pace.

Can you believe it?

Last night my son, Levi, graduated from pre-school. How is this possible? It seems just like it was yesterday that Jennifer and I were praying that He would live. (He had many problems his first year of life - but now you would never know it!). I'm starting to realize that the time I have with him (and Savannah) is short, so I better make the most of it. I think I need to go outside and make more mudpies with them. I probably should take some time off and go swimming with them. I need to push some church work aside and enjoy a Bible story with them at night.

I think God is working on me through my children, but I'm, obviously, a slow learner. I hope and pray that I can be the father they need and take time to spend with them doing "daddy stuff."

Well, at least I've done one thing right for them. I've brought them up in the ways of the Lord as best I know how. However, I hope as they grow, I'll grow, and we'll all grow in the Lord each and every day.

God bless all of you parents!

New Sermon Series

Well, I've spent quite a bit of time praying about and meditating on what book of the Bible I should use as my text for my Sunday morning sermons, and here is the result. I will start preaching from the book of I Peter this Sunday and tentatively finish the book of 2 Peter at the end of August. I Peter is a great book of hope and encouragement, and 2 Peter is a great book about faith and alertness. (I think that both books are very needed in our society today.) So, please pray for me as I develop these sermons and seek God's direction for our church.

Post About Divorce

Here is the post that I referred to in the ABA polls blog.

The Authority Of The King: Jesus And Divorce

Harmony Of The Gospels

Our Wednesday night Men's Bible Study is using the Harmony Of The Gospels by A. T. Robertson as our source for studying "The Life Of Christ." This is something that most of our men have never even considered doing before (the harmony presents the Gospel passages in chronological order). I have really enjoyed getting to go through this study again and seeing how the men are connecting the dots as we study the life of Christ. If you have never studied the Gospels in this fashion, I urge you to purchase a good harmony and study the life of Christ chronologically. [There is also a website, independent of the harmony we use, that gives some good quick lessons and daily reading outlines to go along with the harmony study.]

Men's Retreat

This past weekend, some of the men from our church went to the All The King's Men retreat at Pine Springs Baptist Camp. It was a great time of study, prayer, and encouragement. It was also a great time of fun and singing (imagine 120 men singing...it was quite a site). The theme this year was "Walk Like A Man Of God" which is very appropriate for this age we live in. While TV, the media, our culture, etc. tries to knock godly men down, the Bible teaches that we are to be leaders and set the example for others. We cannot take the place of godly women (more on Mother's Day later in the week) nor should we expect women to take the role God has placed us in. We must lead our families and churches, for if we do not, who will? I pray that more men will answer God's call in their life and truly become one of the King's men.

National Day Of Prayer

Today is a national day of prayer where all Christians should pray for our great nation. We as a nation need to repent of our wickedness. We all need to fall on our knees and ask God to forgive us of our evil ways. We must seek God's forgiveness and ask Him to restore us, for only God can bring blessings and restoration to this great nation. Without repentance and His blessing, we will continue down this path of destruction. Thus, do you want the U.S.A. to be a great nation? Then pray, pray, pray unto the Lord and seek His deliverance!

New Music

If you want to hear some new music that is not from a mainstream band, then check out this website - http://www.myspace.com/philipgriffith. Philip is a member at our church and produces all this music at a studio at his house! He is incredible with the guitar (Steve Vai, Satriani, etc. good to me!). He also helps produce Ebenezer's radio show "Praise Point" which airs every Sunday at 7:00 am on KWRD 1470 AM (just a little free plug there!). Philip also takes care of our sound equipment and plays every Sunday during the song service. Anyway, check out his myspace page and click on the songs...you won't regret it. (Oh by the way, the song "Matt's A Punk"...yeah, that one's named after me...now I'm famous...hahaha!)

Random Stuff

Movie Reviews:

Facing The Giants
If you have not seen this movie...well, what are you waiting for? It is excellent. Also, watch the extra material on the DVD. You'll get to see some funny and heartwarming cuts. Don't rent it; just buy it.

One Night With The King
Wow! I thought this would be a good movie, but I never dreamed it would be sooo good. This is another movie that should be in every church library. Don't rent it; just buy it.

The Nativity Story
Wonderful telling of the Christmas story. (Warning: The three wisemen are at the birth, but the producers knew that in reality this was not the case. However, they preferred to stay with tradition in order to focus on the birth of Christ and not have to take time explaining about the wisemen.) This movie should be watched at least every Christmas! Don't rent it; just buy it.

Meet The Robinsons
Pretty good little movie. I enjoyed the popcorn...okay, I enjoyed the movie too. At least it was better than Happy Feet!

Book Reviews:

The Truth War by John MacArthur
This is an excellent book that should be read by all. He addresses the postmodern culture in churches today. Read it and meditate upon what he says. This will be a required reading book in my logic class.

Eldest by Paolini
Having finished Eragon, and realizing that the movie and book differ in many aspects, I went and bought Eldest, the 2nd book of the trilogy. So far, this book is moving the story along and really adds to the characters, plots, etc. A definite buy if you are into Sci-Fi/Fantasy.

The Fourth Crusade
A well-written book about the crusades (one in particular). It is easy for most to understand and tries to make sense of the socio-political, religious, and economic ideas and powers of that time. Good for Christian history.

Well, there are some recommendations. Take them or leave them...but at least you read them!

Spring Revival

Starting Sunday, and continuing through Wednesday, we will hold Revival Services with Dr. David Proctor as the speaker. Please pray that God will truly revive us and restore us again (Psalm 85).

Sunday @ 10:45 pm
Monday - Wednesday @ 7:00 pm

For more info, call (903)657-9143 or email us at info@ebenezermbc.com

Way To Go SCOTUS!

Finally, the Supreme Court of the U.S. (SCOTUS) ruled in a proper way. They upheld the ban on partial birth abortion. Kudos to the 5 individuals brave enough to say that this act is not only barbaric but ungodly. (Unfortunately, 4 individuals did not think that way...what a sad state our country is in.) Now, if all abortion was banned what a blessing that would be. I mean, we are supposed to be a "civilized" nation, but then we kill our young? That is absolutely crazy - not to mention immoral and ungodly! I pray that God will bless this nation and that we may continue to turn from our wicked ways and seek Him in all that we do.

What's Wrong With People?

This is a question that is often asked concerning the world we live in, especially after attacks like the one yesterday at Virginia Tech. What is wrong with people? Often we try to soothe our emotions by looking at someone's past and blaming societal problems, etc. for what happened (and there may be some truth to that), but we must realize that there is a much deeper problem that needs to be addressed. You see, we are dealing with a world-wide epidemic. There is a disease that affects every human and drives many people to do the things such as the massacre that occured yesterday. The problem is sin. We are corrupt creatures. We have a depraved nature that is inherently evil. There is no good in us, so what can we expect from flawed creatures? What's wrong with people? Sin! However, there is a solution. God sent His only Son to die on the cross in our place. Jesus Christ was our substitute. He is perfect. We are not. He is love. We are not. He is God. We are not. He can save us. We can not. Will you admit that you have a problem and trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Repent of your sins , believe in Jesus Christ, and He will save you.

To the students, parents, professors, workers, colleagues, families, friends, neighbors, etc. of those students injured and killed in this horrible act of violence:
Our prayers are with you. We pray that God will give you strength during this time of need. Remember, He loves you and will never forsake you. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please contact us at (903)655-0164 or email us at info@ebenezermbc.com.

May God Bless You