Political Hypocrisy

[The following excerpt is taken from the June 14-21 issue of World Magazine.]

"The IRS concluded that Wiley Drake, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church in Beuna Park, California, acted as an individual and not as a representative of his church when he endorsed presidential candidate Mike Huckabee last summer in a press release and on his radio show. The ruling means the church's tax-exempt status is not in danger."

Now for my thoughts:
You have got to be kidding me. The IRS seriously investigated this man? What a ridiculous way to spend taxpayers' dollars. Furthermore, if they investigated pastor Drake, why are they not investigating men like Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Priest Michael Pfleger, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Rev. Al Sharpton?!? Oh, I forget, the above mentioned men are of the liberal persuasion thus they can do no wrong.

As for myself, I do not endorse any candidate from the pulpit, however, I will speak with you after the service and tell you what I think about a candidate. And yes, I have that right as a U.S. citizen (remember, the first amendment?). Furthermore, I unashamedly speak about ISSUES from the pulpit. And yes, that is legal! (If you do not believe me, then check the laws. I have researched this issue and a church is 100% lawful in speaking for/against the issues. The only restriction in this arena is in the endorsing of a candidate - which is still debated in some areas.) The IRS cannot stop a person from doing such, for we as Americans have freedoms, and we as Christians have an obligation to speak out against sin of all kind. For example, I have preached against same-sex marriage, yet at the same pulpit I have preached that we should be a good citizen of our country.

May God have mercy on our nation.

"Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers,and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest,of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." - John Jay

"How To Survive In An Age Of Apostasy: Learning From The Lessons Of History"

The church today is quite possibly more susceptible to false teachers, doctrinal saboteurs, and spiritual terrorism than any other generation in church history. Biblical ignorance within the church may well be deeper and more widespread than at any other time since the Protestant Reformation. If you doubt that, compare the typical sermon of today with a randomly chosen published sermon from any leading evangelical preacher prior to 1850. Also compare today's Christian literature with almost anything published by evangelical publishing houses a hundred years or more ago.

Bible teaching, even in the best of venues today, has been deliberately dumbed-down, made as broad and as shallow as possible, oversimplified, adapted to the lowest common denominator - and then tailored to appeal to people with short attention spans. Sermons are almost always brief, simplistic, overlaid with as many references to pop culture as possible, and laden with anecdotes and illustrations. (Jokes and funny stories drawn from personal experience are favored over cross-references and analogies borrowed from Scripture itself.) Typical sermon topics are heavily weighted in favor of man-centered issues (such as personal relationships, successful living, self-esteem, how-to lists, and so on) - to the exclusion of the many Christ-exalting doctrinal themes of Scripture.

In other words, what most contemporary preachers do is virtually the opposite of what Paul was describing when he said he sought "to declare...the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). Not only that, but here's how Paul explained his own approach to gospel ministry, even among unchurched pagans in the most debauched Roman culture: "I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you i weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." (I Corinthians 2:1-5)

Notice that Paul deliberately refused to customize his message or adjust his delivery to suit the Corinthians' philosophical bent or their cultural tastes. When he says later in the epistle, "To the Jews I became as a Jew...to those who are without law, as without law...to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (I Corinthians 9:20-22), he was describing how he made himself a servant to all (vs. 19) and the fellow of those whom he was trying to reach. In other words, he avoided making himself a stumbling block. He was not saying he adapted the gospel message (which he plainly said is a stumbling block - 1:23). He did not adopt methods to suit the tastes of a worldly culture.

Paul had no thought of catering to a particular generation's preferences, and he used no gimmicks as attention-getters. Whatever antonym you can think of for the word "showmanship" would probably be a good description of Paul's style of public ministry. He wanted to make it clear to everyone (including the Corinthian converts themselves) that lives and hearts are renewed by means of the Word of God and nothing else. That way they would begin to understand and appreciate the power of the gospel message.

by contrast, today' church-growth experts seem to have no confidence in Scripture's power. They are convinced the gospel needs to be "contextualized," streamlined, and revamped anew for every generation. Forty years of that approach has left evangelicals grossly untaught, wholly unprepared to defend the truth, and almost entirely unaware of how much is at stake. The evangelical movement itself has become a monstrosity, its vast size and visibility belying its almost total spiritual failure. One thing is certain: the cumbersome movement that most people today would label "evangelical" is populated with large numbers of people who are on the wrong side in the Truth War.

[Entire quotation taken from John MacArthur's The Truth War, pgs. 165-168.]

Here I Raise Mine Ebenezer

Since becoming Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, I have had many (and I mean many) people ask me the following type questions:
“What does Ebenezer mean?”
“Why would anyone name a church Ebenezer?”
“Why name a church after a word in a song?”
“What does Ebenezer Scrooge have to do with the Bible?”
So what does the word Ebenezer mean anyway?

It comes from Scripture, specifically 1 Samuel 7:12-14 where it is written: Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah, and named it Ebenezer; for he said, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel; the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The towns that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites.

“The word ‘Ebenezer’ comes from Hebrew and is actually two words pronounced together: Even Haazer. Written in Hebrew it looks like this:
It is usually transliterated as a proper name by dropping the definite article (Ha) from the Hebrew word for ‘place’ (Ezer) and putting it together with the Hebrew word for ‘stone’ (Even) to create: ‘Ebenezer.’ The etymological roots of the word, thus defined, should demonstrate that an ‘Ebenezer’ is, literally, a ‘Stone of Help.’
“The place named ‘Ebenezer’ was not actually called ‘Ebenezer’ until after the Israelites finally defeated the Philistines, and took back the Ark of the Covenant. To commemorate the victorious battle, Samuel set up a marker-stone, named it ‘Stone of Help,’ and thereby the site became identified with the stone and with the place where God’s miraculous help aided them in their victory over the Philistines. The stone, standing up-right, was called "Ebenezer," and the site naturally took on that name as well. Literally speaking, an Ebenezer is a "stone of help," or a reminder of God’s Real, Holy Presence and Divine aid.” [copied]

Maybe now when you hear the following song at church, it will give new meaning to the words that are being repeated.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I’m come
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He, to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood
(taken from “Come, Thou Fount”)

May Ebenezer Baptist Church be a Stone of Help!

(Thank you Sis. Pamela for sending me the email that started this idea for the newsletter. Kudos to the original author whose name was not given, but to whom much credit is due.)

ABA Mission Policy

The following is copied as sent without any re-editing from yours truly except for some spatial concerns (empty lines, etc.). I believe that this proposed change could solve many of our problems and prevent possible tax & legal problems from occuring on a national level. This would also allow a missionary to designate support for housing, medical, etc. instead of just all salary. Anyway, read over this proposed change and let me know what you think.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO MISSION POLICY

Be it resolved that the Mission Policy of the American Baptist Association be amended by the changes listed below.

CHANGES TO THE MISSION POLICY

SECTION l

Page 223 of Year Book
June 19, 20, 21 – 2007

POLICY FOR THE MISSIONARIES

Section 1 changed to read

1. Each supported missionary must have an endorsement from the
church of his membership. The Missionary may not be the
pastor of his endorsing church, except in the case of a National
Missionary as provided for in Section III, Article 3. In the event
a missionary moves his membership from his sponsoring church
between annual sessions, his endorsement stops, and he must be
endorsed as a new missionary by his new church at the following
annual session.

2. Each missionary may be recommended to receive no-designated
support or designated funds.

3. Each missionary asking for non- designated support or
designated funds must submit an itemized monthly financial
report and a quarterly statistical report to his sponsoring
church, which shall in turn send a report to the Secretary-
Treasurer of Missions using forms supplied by the office of the
Secretary-Treasurer.


Page 226

SECTION 5

1. “Delete” (This should be left up to the sponsoring
church.)

2. Support for endorsed missionaries.

A. The dollar amount of support for missionaries shall be
recommended by the Missionary Committee
annually and approved by the messengers when
meeting in regular annual session.

B. Support shall be paid July 1 through June 30.

C. Support and designated funds shall be dispersed
between the 20th and 25th of each month. Reports
from supported missionaries must be received
before support checks are issued.

D. “Delete”

E. No change

F. Any supported missionary whose endorsement is
discontinued or who is recommended and does not
receive a re-endorsement from the assembly for
the following year shall receive one additional
month’s support from the time of his endorsement
being discontinued.

G. In the event of the death of a supported
missionary, his support shall be given to his
widow or dependent children
for the ensuing six – month period.

H. In the event a supported missionary is disabled,
either by illness or accident and has to resign the
mission field, his support may be continued for six
months upon a request from his sponsoring
church.

3. Time on mission field for Supported Missionaries.

A. Interstate Missionaries shall be given a three-week
leave of absence annually with pay..

B. Foreign Missionaries shall be given a three-week
leave of absence annually with pay. In addition,
Foreign Missionaries shall be permitted a six-
month furlough every four years with pay.

C. National Missionaries shall be given a three-week
leave of absence annually with pay.



Done by order of Heritage Baptist Church, Missouri City Texas, May 25, 2008.

Dr. Charles A. Murphy Sr. - Pastor
Lela Burgess - Church Clerk

Outrigger Island VBS

Theme: God's Unshakeable Truth
Time: June 2-6 from 6:30-9:00 pm
Age: 3 yrs.-5th grade

Happy Mother's Day

I hope every mother has a great day of relaxation, surprises, and comfort. Well, at least maybe they'll realize how much we appreciate all they do. Mothers play a vital role in a child's life, so pray for your mother, wife, sister, etc. to have the strength to be the mother God would have them to be. Also, read Exodus 2:1-10 and see how God used Jochebed to prepare Moses for his task of delivering Israel out of Egypt.

Do Not Disturb

That's what I feel like saying many times when the phone rings, the doorbell chimes, or there is a knock on my door. I know that is not a proper attitude, but sometimes I feel so busy...it's like I never get a break. To me, the problem is in finding the proper balance between work, church, family, school, and my relationship with the Lord. Sometimes I'm busy about His work, but not really doing HIS work. I just hope and pray I can keep things relatively balanced and productive. And don't worry, if I don't answer your call right away, you can at least leave a voice mail!

Prince Caspian

It's almost time for the next Narnia movie!

Stairway To Heaven

Sunday's sermon will be over the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). Please read Genesis 9-10 and Revelation 17-19.

Leadership & Growth Conference



Remember me in prayer as I speak today, at this conference, regarding "Recapturing Generation Lost: The Small Town Effect".

Aggie Muster

Softly call the Muster, let comrade answer 'Here'..."

Aggies gathered together on June 26,1883 to live over again their college days, the victories and defeats won and lost upon the drill field and in the classroom. By April 21, 1903, this annual gathering evolved into a celebration of Texas' Independence on San Jacinto Day. These early meetings included field games and banquets for Aggies to reflect and celebrate their memories of Aggieland. 'Let every alumni answer a roll call' wrote the former students. It was not until 1922, however, that April 21 became the official day of events for all Aggies, thus, the annual tradition of Muster was born. The March 1923 Texas Aggie urged, 'If there is an A&M man in one-hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.
Still remembering and honoring the time spent in Aggieland, the tradition of mustering has grown in strength, meaning, and spirit. By 1929, meeting had grown worldwide, and in 1942 Aggie Muster gained international recognition. Twenty-five men, led by General George Moore '08, mustered during the Japanese Siege of the Philippine island of Corregidor. Knowing that Muster might soon be called for them, these Aggies embodied the essence of commitment, dedication, and friendship- the Aggie Spirit. They risked their lives to honor their beliefs and values. That small group of Aggies on an outpost during World War II inspired what has developed into one of our greatest traditions.
Muster is celebrated in more than four-hundred places world wide, with the largest ceremony on the Texas A&M campus in College Station. The ceremony brings together more Aggies, worldwide, on one occasion than any other event.
The students of Texas A&M University coordinate the Campus Muster. Because Muster was established to bring Aggies together, each Campus Muster is dedicated to the fifty-year reunion class. The Campus Muster involves an entire day of activities for students both present and past. Alumni enjoy a special program including tours of the ever-changing campus. At noon, all Aggies congregate at the Academic Plaza for the Camaraderie Barbecue that rekindles the tradition of the original Muster celebration. That night, the Muster ceremony consists of an address by a keynote speaker, the reading of poems, followed by the Roll Call for the Absent. The Roll Call honors Aggies that have fallen since the last Muster roll was read. As the names are read, a friend or family member answers 'Here', and a candle is lit to symbolize that while those Aggies are not present in body, they will forever remain with us in Aggie Spirit.
Century-old roots provide the basis of Muster as Aggies know it today. It has changed, yet the Spirit in which it was established remains the same. Since the beginning, every Aggie has lived and become a part of the Aggie Spirit. What is felt today is not just the love of a fellow Aggie, it is the spirit of hundreds of thousands of Aggies who have gone before. Muster is how that Spirit is remembered and will continue to unite Texas A&M and the Aggie family. A&M may change, but the Spirit never will.

[Copied from Aggie Traditions.]

God's Blessings

Many of you have asked about the Spring Revival, so let me report the good news.

Each service (5 in all) had a wonderful time of invitation. Overall, the invitations averaged 30 minutes with people being saved, re-dedicating their lives to Christ, asking for forgiveness, confessing sins, etc. In fact, we now have 7 baptisms to administer (we have already administer 3 in the last 3 weeks...10 baptisms in a month! Praise God!).

Bro. Lawrence Thompson was the evangelist, and he spoke mightily from the Word of God. God convicted and pierced our hearts with His Word. In fact, it seems as though Ebenezer has been revived (of course, time will tell)! Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Well, I'm physically tired but spiriturally recharged. May God use me in a mighty way and use Ebenezer Baptist Church for His honor and glory.

Do Christians Get On Your Nerves?

Lumiere Du Monde (Here I Am To Worship)

Enjoy watching Jason Clark sing this song in French. Sounds like he's getting it down to me!

Spring Revival

April 13-16
Sunday @ 10:45 am & 6:00 pm
Monday-Wednesday @ 7:00 pm
Evangelist: Bro. Lawrence Thompson

Please pray for God to truly revive us and the Henderson area.

True Revival

EBC will hold services in hope of being revived on April 13-16. All are welcome, however, the main thrust of the services will be to the members of EBC. Please pray for us as Bro. Lawrence Thompson speaks from the Word of God and shares God's will for us as an individual and church.

However, I am concerned that true revival may not occur if we just see our need to repent. In other words, if we are just trying to correct ourselves, then it may be a quite shallow revival. But what if, instead of first focusing on us, we focused on who God is and His majesty. Such a revelation of His magnificence and glory would cause us to fall to our knees and repent! I believe such an occurrence would bring true revival. So may we realize who God is in all of His glory and power!

Happy Birthday!

My mother's birthday is today (and that's no April Fool!). It seems she has mixed emotions about these birthdays. While she is able to get cheap coffee (25 cents at McDonald's), she doesn't really like getting the cheaper price because of her age. Of course, my dad thinks it is great! Well, I guess I'll go play some April Fool jokes on her now.

Happy Birthday Mom!

A More Correct View Of Christ?

I do believe that we have made Christ so user-friendly that the mention of His name no longer instills fear and respect in the lost - nor even the believer! He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! May we all fall down at His feet.

Absentia

Sorry for the lack of blogging, but it has been quite busy around here.

First, I ask that you pray for Jen's cousin, Christina and her husband Josh Croswell. They lost their two-year old son a week ago today. They have a baby girl who is 9 days old as well. They are very faithful to the Lord, but need His people to surround them in prayer and support during this crucial time.

Second, I thank everyone who prayed for Jen and the children. The kiddos seem to be doing fine now, and Jen is getting stronger everyday. Thank goodness too, for daddy just doesn't do things like mama!

Third, Easter was wonderful yet busy. We had a Sunrise Service with 45 in attendance. After that we had a really good Breakfast Fellowship. The Morning Worship was wonderful as well with a sanctuary-full of people worshiping the Lord.

Fourth, all of this happened while we were in Arkansas, returning from Arkansas, or just returned from Arkansas. So you can see why the blogging has been slow. On top of that, I'm trying not to get sick myself! Well, I'll try to catch up on all the good stuff in the next few days.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 22

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations. All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul. A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

The Messiah - Hallelujah

Part #4 of Handel's Messiah.

The Messiah - He Was Despised

Part #3 of Handel's Messiah.

The Messiah - And He Shall Purify

Part #2 of Handel's Messiah.

Homeschooling

Most everyone has heard about the issue in California regarding homeschooling, however, wading through the truth of the ruling seems to be quite difficult. According to which lawyer, paper, defense organization, etc. you read, the ruling has different meanings. All I know is that I do not want the village of idiots (not referring to teachers but to much of government) raising my children into a village idiot. I'm fine with public, private, and home school education. What I'm not okay with is a government where a few rule over the many uninformed and powerless...hmm...I believe we would call that an oligarchy.

The Messiah - For Unto Us A Son Is Born

In order to properly celebrate the Easter season, I will post parts of Handel's "The Messiah" (and yes, this composition was written for the Easter season even though we primarily use it at Christmas). Here is part #1 - Enjoy!

End Of The World...Again

Okay, I know I've said it before, but it's really got to be the end of the world this time. First, a Jewish seminary is attacked. This cannot be good. Secondly, it's snowing in Dallas in March (that's definitely a sign!).

Psalm 21

O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults! You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head. He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever. His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him. For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved. Your hand will find out all your enemies; your right hand will find out those who hate you. You will make them as a blazing oven when you appear. The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath, and fire will consume them. You will destroy their descendants from the earth, and their offspring from among the children of man. Though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed. For you will put them to flight; you will aim at their faces with your bows. Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.

What's Your Theological Worldview?

Okay, I took another one of those quizzes and no surprises from the following results:

You scored as a Fundamentalist
You are a fundamentalist. You take the Bible as the foundation of your faith and read it very literally, and it shapes your worldview. Non-fundamentalist Christians have watered-down the Gospel in your view, and academic study of the Bible stops us from 'taking God at his word.' Science is opposed to faith, as it contradicts basic biblical truths.

Fundamentalist 89%
Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 71%
Reformed Evangelical 64%
Neo orthodox 61%
Emergent/Postmodern 36%
Classical Liberal 29%
Charismatic/Pentecostal 21%
Modern Liberal 18%
Roman Catholic 7%

However, I'm not sure the above representation of Fundamentalism is totally correct. Science is not opposed to faith, for true science does not contradict basic biblical truths. Also, academic study will only add to the character of God if it is an unbiased study.

If you would like to take the quiz, go to The Quiz Farm.

Happy Birthday Texas!!!

Today is Texas Independence Day (March 2 - in case you're reading it late). 172 years ago Texas declared its independence from Mexico at Washington-on-the-Brazos, and to celebrate, I say we should all go eat some good Tex-Mex food! Yee-haw!

Napoleon and Spooky II

Our two dogs are crazy. Napoleon is the inside dog (he's a small Yorkie of course) and Spooky II is our outside dog (a huge black lab for his age). Anyway, they have developed a wonderful friendship even though they are totally different (except for the part about being dogs). The problem is they tend to get one another in trouble. Spooky finds a rug and starts ripping it apart. Well guess who joins in? Napoleon! Napoleon finds an obscure outside ornament (supposedly in storage) and mutilates it. Well guess who joins in? Spooky! While I'm glad they are "friends," I sure wish they would destroy less of my backyard.

Yet, people are so often like my dogs (just be patient...you'll see). They often travel in packs and just follow the lead dog. It doesn't really matter what is right, if it's fun and everyone is doing it, then let's join in! And pretty soon, you have a whole life destroyed.

And yes, my dogs are just dogs...I know that. But isn't it sad when people act no better than dogs? For some reason this passage of Scripture keeps popping into my mind - "Our righteousness is as filthy rags." Which reminds me...I've got to go clean my backyard.

Pray For Savannah

Please pray for Savannah tomorrow morning around 9-9:45 am. She qualified to represent Full Armor Christian Academy in a speech meet and will compete at the event in Tyler tomorrow. She is nervous, of course, but I hope she will do her best (win or lose!). So please pray for her to remain calm, remember what she has studied/practiced, and to rely upon God for her strength. Also, pray that she can use her talents/gifts to glorify God in all she does. And thanks in advance for the prayers.

A Proud Papa

Apologetix - Tom Saw Ya

Parody of the Rush song "Tom Sawyer" with new lyrics about doubting Thomas and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

I'm Suing My Parents

Yes, that's right. I'm suing my parents for defamation of character, for all the years they went around calling me by my full name when I got in trouble. Yes, they called me Matthew Derek Gholson! They used my middle name, and of course, we all know that middle names are now off limits. I mean we definitely cannot say Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Sydney McCain, or even Barack Hussein Obama, for that might insinuate something. I mean, let's forget the facts, and just make everyone "feel" good. Oh well, maybe I'll settle out of court for a blackberry cobbler.

A False Messiah?

According to several reputable news agencies, people are now calling Barack Hussein Obama the savior and messiah (lower case letters intentionally used). Whether they mean of this nation or not, it is a chilling thought to even have those labels attached to a person. There have been many instances of people fainting at the sight of him (come on now...you've got to be kidding me) and even a great roar of applause as he blew his nose.

However, this "got me to thinking" about how easily people will be deceived by the antichrist. If all it takes is a well-dressed, likable, good motivational speaker to make people abandon their principles and vote against their "party," then how easy will it be for Satan to use his antichrist to fool the lost and unbelieving world. Besides, the world already is looking for anything that looks good and denies Christ, so no wonder many will fall prey to his schemes.

Now while I am not accusing anyone of being an antichrist, Obama's massive following does help us to see how such movements occur.

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time - I John 2:18.

Petrified Gopher Wood?

Below is the article Bro. David Smith referenced concerning tangible evidence of Noah's Ark on Mt. Ararat.

Noah’s Ark nestled on Mount Ararat Saturday, February 23, 2008-->Web posted at: 1/19/2008 5:50:44Source ::: The Peninsula / BY SATISH KANADY
Dogubayazit (Turkey’s Iran-Armenian Border)

For the first time in the seven decade-long history of the search for the legendary Noah’s Ark, a Turkish-Hong Kong exploration team on Tuesday came out with “material evidence”, to prove that the Ark was nestled on Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest mountain peak bordering Iran and Armenia.
A panel of experts, comprising Turkish authorities, veteran mountaineers, archaeologists, geologists and members of Hong Kong-based Noah’s Ark Ministries International, also displayed an almost one-metre-long peice of petrified wood before the media and specially invited international experts.
The experts claimed it to be a part of a long structure they had unearthed during their February-August 2007 exploration. “It is for the first time in the history of the Ark search that an exploration team is getting a material evidence and graphic documentation. This makes it not only a the significant breakthrough in the Ark-search, but one that is supported with the most substantial evidence in recent history,” the panel said.
The revelation is expected to open up a fresh chapter in the ongoing debates in the scientific community on the search for Noah’s Ark.
Narrating the genesis of their exploration on Mount Ararat, the mount which has a direct reference in Holy Quran (Mount Judi) and Bible, the panel said the search team had made several foiled attempts before unearthing the evidence at an altitude of 4,500-metres of the estimated 5,165 metre volcanic mountain.
“The structure was discovered in the interiors of an unusual cave. The 11.5m wide and 2.6m high white wooden texture was revealed after removing thick layers of volcanic ash on the cave wall,” panel members said at a press conference.
One of the underlying issues in the search for the Ark is the proper identification of its wood fragments. A petrographic examination carried out by the Applied Geoscience Centre of the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Hong Kong, identified the object as a petrified wooden structure, the panel said.
“Some of the big holes found on the structure indicate the locations where branches used to grow on tree. In places, original holes are partly or completely replaced by individual minerals and crystalline materials that can be found in rock materials,” said Dr Ahmet Ozbek, a panel member, who is also a faculty of Geology Engineering Kahramanmara Suctcu Imam University.
Dismissing the possibilities of the structure being wood that could appear naturally around the discovery site, Professor Oktay Belli, director, Eurasian Archaeology Institute, University of Istanbul, said researches have proved that there was no vegetation on Mount Ararat ever since 2000BC, because of the asperities of Ararat’s climate.
Talking to The Peninsula, Cemalettin Demircioglu, Dogubayazit City Governor, under whose jurisdiction the mount is located, said the civic body will invite more international experts to conduct further scientific studies on Mount Ararat.
“History has more than one times corroborated the legendary evidence that the ark was nestled on Mount Ararat. We will introduce the latest findings to the world and continue the scientific study. All interested scientists and NGOs can join our missions” he said. However, he said, those who are involved in the project must ensure the findings are not used politically, religiously, or for any vested interest.
Located in the Far Eastern Turkey, Ararat is great prize for mountain collectors. Ark sighting has often been reported from this mountain. The observation of Vessel-shaped features in aerial photograph of Ararat had caused a stir in the late 1950’s. However, this is the first time an exploration team is coming out with “material evidence”.

Prayer For Missionaries

So often, those serving on the "front lines" of the Lord's work are overlooked and underappreciated. These missionaries who have sacrificed so much should be remembered in our daily prayers and thanked for helping us fulfill the Great Commission. This is especially true when difficult times arise. Thus, I ask that you take a minute and pray for these missionaries, and their families, who have faced some recent difficulties. (Also, if there is a missionary you would like to list, add them in the comments section.)

Bro. Charles Bobo - He is having to leave the field of Papau, New Guinea due to internal strife.
Bro. David Helmnick - He is in Kosovo (Kosova) which has declared its independence.
Bro. Joel Cobbs - He has been forced to leave the nation of Kenya and is working in surrounding countries.
Bro. Asheervadam Sankya - He constantly faces persecution from terrorists in India.
Bro. David Smith - He just started pastoring a church while also working with the XSTREAM Global Missions ministry.
Bro. Leland Acker - He is in need of monthly support for the work in Texas.

Praise God for the faithful men, and their families, who have been obedient to His calling!

That's My King!

Starting Sunday, I will preach through the final week of Christ's ministry before His crucifixion and burial. I will use Matthew 26 and 27 as my primary texts but will also reference the other Gospels. Please pray that God will use these sermons to touch our hearts and to plant the good news of Jesus Christ in those without hope.

Cletus Take The Reel

Thanks to Jason Clark for sending me this link. It is a parody of Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take The Wheel."

Bookmark This!

Check out www.globalincidentmap.com for all the updates on worldwide terrorism and other suspicious activities.

(This is the same map about which I sent an email several weeks ago.)

Top Ten Pickup Lines Used By Adam

10. You know you're the only one for me!
9. Do you come here often?
8. Trust me, this was meant to be!
7. Look around, baby. All the other guys around here are animals!
6. I already feel like you're a part of me!
5. Honey, you were made for me!
4. Why don't you come over to my place and we can name some animals?
3. You're the girl of my dreams! (Gen. 2:21)
2. I like a girl who doesn't mind being ribbed!
1. You're the apple of my eye!

(Taken from Mike's Funnies)

Interesting Thoughts

The following is an adaptation of the article written by Dr. Raymond McAlister, president of Emmaus Baptist College, Brandon, Florida. The article is based on the book, The Coming Destruction of Baptist People by James R. Beller.

Baptist Heritage in Danger
The following is an adaptation of the article written by Dr. Raymond McAlister, president of Emmaus Baptist College, Brandon, Florida. The article is based on the book, The Coming Destruction of Baptist People by James R. Beller.

Mr. Beller’s thesis in the book is that our Baptist heritage is systematically eroded and soon Baptist people will have no idea that Baptists are not Protestants. His idea of Baptist heritage is threefold, “ancient ancestry, revival heritage and American principles.” Even now few people have any idea of the part Baptists played in the establishment of religious liberty in America.
Presbyterians know the names of John Calvin, John Knox and Jonathan Edwards. Methodists know the names of John and Charles Wesley, Sam Jones and Gypsy Smith. Fundamentalists know the names of Dwight Moody and Billy Sunday.
Why then do Baptists not know their ties to the Donatists, the Waldensians, the Paulicians, John Clarke, Obadiah Holmes, Shubal Stearns, John Leland, Isaac Backus and a host of others?
Beller makes the statement, “Until 1899 every Baptist historian in the world acknowledged the Baptists as ancient people tracing their principles back to Christ and His disciples.” Then he lists the Baptist historians who do:
Thomas Crosby (1740), Isaac Backus (1770), David Benedict (1813), G. H. Orchard (1830), William Cathcart (1887), Thomas Armitage (1880), J. M. Carroll (1901), and John T. Christian (1922).

Reason One—Baptists
The first reason Beller gives for the demise of Baptist heritage is some Baptists, beginning with one William H. Whitsitt. Whitsitt was a professor and eventually president of the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, KY. In 1896 he wrote an article about the Baptists for Johnson’s Encyclopedia in which he said that Baptists did not begin to baptize by immersion until 1641, when a portion of the “Anabaptists” began immersing.
This “Theory of 1641” set off a firestorm of opposition and Whitsitt was proven wrong many times over and was dismissed from Southern Baptist Seminary in 1898. However historians A. H. Newman, W. W. Barnes, and Henry Vedder followed Whitsitt into the next generation.
And in the Twentieth Century Baptist historians Robert Baker, Leon McBeth, Walter Shurden, Robert G. Torbet, and others all marched lockstep with a man who was proven wrong in his own generation.

Reason Two—Fundamentalism
The second reason Beller gives for the demise of Baptist heritage has been “Fundamentalism.” It was an accidental blow but it happened. He points out that as Baptists, being both Fundamental and Baptist, we have been drawn into Fundamental heritage to the forsaking of Baptist heritage. For example, you have heard of the great revivals of Finney, Moody, Sam Jones and Billy Sunday. But, I doubt if you have heard of the great Baptist evangelists: Shubal Stearns, Daniel Marshall, Samuel Harriss, John Waller, John Taylor and Jeremiah Taylor.
You probably did not know about Shubal Stearns, a converted New England Congregationalist who migrated to North Carolina. He began preaching to a congregation of seventeen in central west North Carolina when revival broke out. He soon had seventeen preachers whom he trained and sent into Virginia and South Carolina. Within one generation 1,000 churches were started and within two generations 5,000 churches were started. Many Baptist churches today are direct descendents from Stearns’ revival.
Baptist people today have seldom heard of people like: John Clarke, Obadiah Holmes, Isaac Backkus, Samuel Stennett, Shubal Stearns, Daniel Marshall, Samuel Harriss, John Gano, John Leland, Adonirum Judson, Jeremiah Vardeman or Hudson Taylor.
Many Baptist preachers have attended Fundamentalist schools, like Moody and Bob Jones. These schools are not Baptist and graduates come away with the “Baptists are Protestants” philosophy. Fundamental heritage has overtaken our Baptist heritage.

Reason Three—Christian Schooling
The third reason Beller gives for the demise of Baptist heritage has been our Christian School system. Christian schools have been training our children for several generations but few to none have taught or teach the part that Baptists played in the establishment of religious liberty in America.
Our religious liberty certainly did not come from theologians like Martin Luther or John Calvin. These men did not believe or teach personal or religious liberty.
Beller reviewed all the major Christian curriculums for Christian schools and home schooling, Bob Jones, Alpha-Omega, A Beka, Landmark, ACE, Bill Gothard and Christian Liberty Home School, and did not find one that gave a true accounting of Baptist heritage.
I realize this article has turned into a book review but this is a book every Baptist should read, especially every Baptist preacher. What Beller says is true and we are in fact in danger of losing our Baptist Heritage.
The book is a 120-page paperback and is an easy read with a big impact. You may order it online at http://21tnt.com/pfp/. The cost is $12 plus shipping.

Have It Your Way

Forget the old way of planting churches. According to some information, the new way is to franchise your existing church so that there will be brand recognition, quality, etc. Check out this blog to read more information on this new trend.

Out Of Ur - McChurch: I'm Loving It

Right or Wrong or Indifferent?

Many people say that Mike Huckabee should not be running for President since he is called of God to preach the Gospel (for sake of this argument, let's all assume he has been called as a minister). What do you say? Is this a matter of right or wrong? Is it being approached in the wrong manner? Does it really make a difference? Does he have his "nose" where it does not belong? Let me know!

A Brave New World

The article below can be found at Yahoo! News. Just thinking of the implication(s) of this news is scary enough. Where will it all end?

Britain allows creation of human-animal embryos
Thu Jan 17, 3:30 PM ET

Britain's fertility regulator said Thursday it would allow scientists to create human-animal hybrid embryos for research.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) approved applications from two universities to create "cytoplasmic" embryos, which merge human cells with eggs from animals such as cattle or rabbits.
Scientists argue the research could pave the way for therapies for diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, although opponents condemned the HFEA's decision Thursday as a "disastrous setback for human dignity".
"An HFEA licence committee has considered two applications, from King's College London and Newcastle University, to carry out research using human-animal cytoplasmic hybrid embryos," the authority said in a statement.
"The HFEA licence committee determined that the two applications satisfied all the requirements of the law and has now offered one-year research licences to the two applicants, subject to a series of detailed conditions in each case."
Researchers want to produce hybrids that are 99.9 percent human and 0.1 percent animal.
Doctor Lyle Armstrong, from the Newcastle University team, hailed the decision and hoped to make rapid progress.
"Finding better ways to make human embryonic stem cells is the long term objective of our work and understanding reprogramming is central to this," said Armstrong, who helped to create the world's first cloned human embryo in 2005.
"Cow eggs seem to be every bit as good at doing this job as human eggs so it makes sense to use them since they are much more readily available."
The research involves transferring nuclei containing DNA from human cells to animal eggs that have had nearly all their genetic information removed.
The resulting embryos are therefore mostly human, with a small animal component.
Stem cells, which can grow into different kinds of tissue, are then formed.
Once their own nuclear DNA is removed and replaced with DNA from a human cell, they become effectively human. The only "animal" element left is the tiny amount of DNA housed in the mitochondria, rod-like power plants outside the cell nucleus that generate energy.
The embryos could give researchers a large supply of stem cells to work with.
Scientists have had to rely on human eggs left over from fertility treatment, which are in short supply and often poor quality.
An HFEA consultation out in November found people were "at ease" with the proposals, once the possible implications had been explained.
Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, head of stem cell biology at the Medical Research Council's national institute for medical research, said: "The HFEA's decision is excellent as it adds to the arsenal of techniques UK scientists can use to provide understanding and eventually develop therapies for a wide range of devastating genetic diseases.
"It is logical to use animal eggs to refine techniques, provide knowledge of reprogramming and early development, and understanding of disease mechanisms."
However, John Smeaton, national director of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), said the decision was a "disastrous setback for human dignity", creating sub-human "slaves" used as raw materials.
"Of those embryos with a smaller proportion of human material, greater uncertainty arises... as to whether such an embryo is a human being with due rights," he said.
The use and destruction of embryos in research is a highly sensitive subject in the United States, for political and religious reasons.
US President George W. Bush has twice vetoed a bill seeking to allow federal funds for stem cell research as it would involve human embryo destruction.

Facing The Giants

The New England Patriots faced a face-full of Giants last night as they were finally defeated which ended their "perfect" season. As I have said for two weeks, the Giants did win. The last regular season game showed the Giants that they could measure up to the Patriots and instilled confidence which I believe was needed last night. Also, I will give this to the Patriots - they were not just playing against the Giants, they were playing against history as well. It has been 35 years since there has been a perfect NFL team ('72 Dolphins - and they didn't have to cheat to accomplish that feat!). All year the Patriots have had to deal with the media, other teams, and now Congress. Of course, that really doesn't bother me because I'm glad the Giants won! (Don't get me wrong, I would have much rather seen the Cowboys in the Super Bowl...) Alas, the word my uncle introduced me to - undecheated - must now go back into the log of unused words...at least until another team keeps winning despite all their cheating.

Fe Fi Fo Fum,
I smelled the blood of an Englishman

An Interesting Week

This has been quite an interesting week in the religious realm. First the Mormon church leader passes away, then Jimmy Carter calls for reconciliation amongst Baptists.

The Mormon church leader, who was 97, passed away Sunday. There have been thousands of people attending the viewing, and various thoughts concerning the leadership he provided. While I know nothing about this man personally, it is a shame that if he truly practiced what he believed (or vice versa), then he is not in a paradise as he expected but a place of eternal torment. This is not a personal judgement, but an observation of what Mormons teach and how anti-Biblical it is. However, I think it would be good that we pray for this family during this time of loss so that they might come to truly know Christ as their Savior.

Jimmy Carter thinks that Baptists (especially conservative Baptists) need to reconcile and just get along. According to him, it doesn't really matter what we think concerning issues such as homosexuality, women preachers, etc., for we can still all get along. Yet, how can this be true? Doesn't Amos teach us that unless two are in agreement, they can not walk the same path? How are we as conservative Baptists able to teach that the Bible is God's inspired Word and then say it doesn't matter what we think or do concerning certain issues that the Bible prohibits? Isn't that hypocrisy? I say it is. Besides, it seems that the meeting that Carter arranged was nothing but a Democrat barn-burner. Oh well, what do I know anyway.

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!