Another Thought

Wouldn't the verse below be a problem for hyper-Calvinists?

Say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11)

What A Catch!

Chris Miller sent me this picture of a fish he caught. And no Chris, I don't think all Missionaries "goof off" - just you! Hahaha!!!

What has happened to logic and our legal system?

While eating lunch today, I saw a news item on Fox News concerning "Sanctuary Cities." The news item focused on San Francisco and its mayor (both of which have issues), and how the city was spending taxpayers' money to advertise itself as a "sanctuary city" for illegal aliens. While I have major issues with the whole idea of sanctuary cities, one statement was made that almost made me choke on my poppy seed chicken casserole.

(To give you a clearer understanding of the following statement, let me inform you of an issue being discussed. There was an illegal alien that had committed a crime and was not deported because he was able to make it to a sanctuary city. Unfortunately, he then killed a man and his two sons. The widow wonders why this man was able to remain in the United States after committing a crime and then able to kill her husband and two sons. While they were discussing this issue, the following was statement was made.)

"Sanctuary cities are not designed to protect criminals."

Then for what reason do you have a sanctuary city?!? A sanctuary city allows illegal aliens (someone who has BROKEN a federal law) to safely live there. So, you have a city designed to protect criminals but it's not a city to protect criminals...uhhh...okay. This is idiocracy (nice word, huh?)! No wonder our nation is in the mess it is. Politicians and citizens cannot even fathom the problems because they don't understand simple issues such as this!

Well, I say let the sanctuary cities be sanctuary cities. In fact, I'll make sure I stay out of there and keep my money out of there. I'll make sure cities such as San Francisco, Austin, and Houston (sanctuary cities) do not have to worry about "my kind." Besides, we don't want law-abiding citizens there...oops, I mean...criminals.

Well, I have more - but for now, I'll stop and let you post your thoughts.

Whew!

What a summer! It has been one BUSY summer for me. I have loved every minute of it, but my body (and mind) is exhausted. Regardless of that though, I am glad God helped me in so many ways to accomplish His work. And yes, it was because of His blessings that I was able to do the following in the last 7 weeks:

Outrigger Island VBS
ABA Messenger Meeting in Spokane, WA
Kids Kamp Evangelist
Encounter Camp Evangelist
The Journey Team Rec Director

Well, now I can get back to my "normal" routine and hopefully catch up on a few things...yeah right!!!

God Bless America

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people - Proverbs 14:34.

The United States of America is a great nation, and has been preserved for 232 years by God. The young country of 1776 has grown from two million strong to over 300 million, with fifty states, much wealth, and power. The necessities of life are available to all and freedom is granted as a right to each individual citizen. What a truly blessed nation we are. However, can such a nation continue being blessed when abortion, pedophilia, drugs, murder, and a general hatred towards one’s neighbor is the norm? We all know the issues facing our country, but what can be done about it?
Fortunately, we are given the answer in Scripture. To continually be exalted, we must be righteous. Yet, the righteousness spoken of here is that of just principles and actions which seems to be foreign to the train of thought of many Americans. No matter what the pundits say, righteousness is required by God for a nation to be blessed and that righteousness can only be found in Jesus Christ. We as a nation are not righteous, but we as a nation following the Lord Jesus Christ can be righteous.
“Justice, reigning in a nation, puts an honor upon it. A righteous administration of the government, impartial equity between man and man, public countenance given to religion, the general practice and profession of virtue, the protecting and preserving of virtuous men, charity and compassion to strangers, these exalt a nation; they uphold the throne, elevate the people’s minds, and qualify a nation for the favor of God. Vice, reigning in a nation, puts disgrace upon it: Sin is a reproach to any city or kingdom, and renders them despicable among their neighbors. The people of Israel were often instances of both parts of this observation.” (Commentary)
The early leaders of our nation realized morality and righteousness were needed for a nation to truly succeed.
“Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and Morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great Nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt, that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages, which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its Virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices ?” (George Washington in his farewell address to the nation)
May we as Christians pray for our nation, repent of our sins, allow the righteousness of Christ to lead us, and be the godly citizens the U.S.A. needs!

Fox News Reports...You Decide

Schoolboys punished with detention for refusing to kneel in class and pray to Allah

Two schoolboys were given detention after refusing to kneel down and 'pray to Allah' during a religious education lesson. Parents were outraged that the two boys from year seven (11 to 12-year-olds) were punished for not wanting to take part in the practical demonstration of how Allah is worshipped. They said forcing their children to take part in the exercise at Alsager High School, near Stoke-on-Trent - which included wearing Muslim headgear - was a breach of their human rights.

Alsager School, near Stoke, has received furious complaints from parents after two Year 7 boys were punished for refusing to kneel to Allah during a religious studies class. One parent, Sharon Luinen, said: "This isn't right, it's taking things too far. I understand that they have to learn about other religions. I can live with that but it is taking it a step too far to be punished because they wouldn't join in Muslim prayer. Making them pray to Allah, who isn't who they worship, is wrong and what got me is that they were told they were being disrespectful. I don't want this to look as if I have a problem with the school because I am generally very happy with it."

Another parent Karen Williams said: "I am absolutely furious my daughter was made to take part in it and I don't find it acceptable. I haven't got a problem with them teaching my child other religions and a small amount of information doesn't do any harm. But not only did they have to pray, the teacher had gone into the class and made them watch a short film and then said 'we are now going out to pray to Allah'. Then two boys got detention and all the other children missed their refreshment break because of the teacher. Not only was it forced upon them, my daughter was told off for not doing it right. They'd never done it before and they were supposed to do it in another language."

"My child has been forced to pray to Allah in a school lesson." The grandfather of one of the pupils in the class said: "It's absolutely disgusting, there's no other way of putting it. My daughter and a lot of other mothers are furious about their children being made to kneel on the floor and pray to Islam. If they didn't do it they were given detention. I am not racist, I've been friendly with an Indian for 30 years. I've also been to a Muslim wedding where it was explained to me that alcohol would not be served and I respected that. But if Muslims were asked to go to church on Sunday and take Holy Communion there would be war."

Parents said that their children were made to bend down on their knees on prayer mats which the RE teacher had got out of her cupboard and they were also told to wear Islamic headgear during the lesson on Tuesday afternoon. Deputy headmaster Keith Plant said: "It's difficult to know at the moment whether this was part of the curriculum or not. I am not an RE teacher, I am an English teacher. At the moment it is our enterprise week and many of our members of staff are away. The particular member of staff you need to speak to isn't around. I think that it is a shame that so many parents have got in touch with the Press before coming to me. I have spoken to the teacher and she has articulately given me her version of events, but that is all I can give you at the moment."

A statement from Cheshire County Council on behalf of the school read: "The headteacher David Black contacted this authority immediately complaints were received. Enquiries are being made into the circumstances as a matter of urgency and all parents will be informed accordingly. Educating children in the beliefs of different faith is part of the diversity curriculum on the basis that knowledge is essential to understanding. We accept that such teaching is to be conducted with some sense of sensitivity."

(Thanks Noah for the map!)

Kids Kamp '08

I was blessed to have the opportunity to preach the Evening Services at Kids Kamp this year. The theme was "Heroes of Mega-City" which the kids just loved! It was a superhero based theme which always fits with children and was especially appropriate seeing that this summer has more than its fair share of superhero movies.
While the week was a great hit, the best part was the salvation of at least 15 souls. Praise God! And while the number may seem small to some camps, many of these children are very young, "new" to church "stuff," and at least had the gospel seed planted in their heart.
Continue to pray for Pine Springs Baptist Camp and its staff. Continue to pray for me - I will be preaching at "Encounter" (another week of camp at Pine Springs Baptist Camp). And continue to pray for the salvation of souls.

On The Road Again...

After a week of meetings, it was good to hang out with some friends Thursday afternoon and evening. We ate supper with the Hebert's and saw Jason make a horrendous mess (just ask him about it!!!). We then got everything ready, slept a bit, and arrived at the rental car place around 6:00 am. Our flight to Seattle was to leave at 7:00, however, at 6:55 they called us off the plane and put us on a plane flying straight to Portland (instead of Spokane-Seattle-Portland). For as time goes, that's great, but I did want to see Seattle. Anyway, we arrived at Portland ahead of schedule and was even able to fly out of there four hours early. To make a long story short, we arrived in Dallas before we would have even left Portland!!! And yes we flew first class (thanks again Retta!!!), and yes we enjoyed it!

Well, I have been working on the plane, in the hotel room, etc. and am ready for a short break. After that, we'll eat and get back to working on Sunday's stuff and next week's camp stuff (and the next week's camp stuff!!!).

Pray for us, we have one more flight from Dallas to Longview in the morning around 9:00 am or so. Can't wait to be home!!!

Day 4 - Report B

1:30 PM:

The session began with music and prayer and contained reports from the National Music Director's Association, the National Women's Auxiliary, and the Resolutions Committee. A standing vote of thanks was shown for the city of Spokane and its hospitality.

The following were elected as officers for 2008-2009:

President - Roger Copeland

V.P.s - Calhoun, Crain, and Owens

Speaker - Robert Myers

Alt. Speaker - Barry Carter

Missionary Speaker - Livingstone Lambert

Alt. Missionary Speaker - Carrion

Music Directors - Paulk, Albritton, and Crouse

Director of Mtg. Arrangements - Eddie Sutton

Asst. Dirs. of Mtg. Arrangements - Neal Sutton, Jerry Grimes

A standing vote of appreciation was given for now past president, Bro. Neal Clark, who served as president of the ABA for the last two years

All salaries were kept the same (as were the salaries for the Secretary-Treasurer of Missions, Editor-in-Chief, and Business Manager).

With a few closing remarks from the officers and other individuals, the 83rd messenger meeting of the churches of the American Baptist Association ended. Pray was offered for God's blessings upon every one's travels, upon their churches, and upon the work accomplished in Spokane.

Day 4 - Report A

9:15 AM:
The meeting began with Scripture, prayer, and music. The Editor-In-Chief and the Business Manager of the Baptist Sunday School Committee gave their reports which were adopted. A motion was made to increase the literature price by 7%. An amendment was made to that motion to increase the literature price by 10%. The amendment passed and the overall motion passed. This price effect will take place starting in the Winter Quarter (according to my understanding). A motion was made and seconded to authorize the SS Committee to increase the price of the literature throughout the year as the economy dictates. After some discussion, the motion failed. The SS Committee then recommended the writers for the coming year. The motion was passed (the office in Texarkana can provide you with the names). A motion was made for the Business Manager in conjunction with the SS Committee to produce a general financial report in basic format for information purposes of the messengers. The motion failed. (The Committee does produce an annual Auditor's Report available to everyone.)

Bro. Eddie Sutton spoke concerning the annual meetings and the hotel reservations. The attrition rate was very high this year and almost cost the association quite a bit of money. He encouraged all messengers to realize the business aspect of the association meeting.

The session adjourned for lunch at 11:30.

Day 3 - Report D

6:30 PM:

The session began with music, prayer, and a devotional. Music included many specials and a choir presentation. Following a short presentation, Fresno, California was chosen as the meeting place for 2012. (Springfield, Missouri will be the location for the 2009 meeting.)

The Memorial Committee spoke concerning all pastors that had passed away since we last met. Five past presidents of the ABA passed away last year. Combined, these men had over 320 years of ministry experience. A short presentation was given in remembrance of these men.

Following this presentation, the Missions Presentation was given by Dr. Randy Cloud. The missionaries, joined by their families onstage, were presented to the Messenger Assembly (194 missionaries through the office in Texarkana). An offering was then received ($6,003.83) while the 2009 VBS material was presented and the Olympic Bible project was presented.

At 8:50 PM, Bro. Jason Rigby, missionary to Chehalis, WA, brought a missionary sermon from 2 Timothy 3:15-17. We were dismissed at 9:30 PM.

Following the dismissal, Jen and I went to the Exhibit Hall to pick up more information concerning the 2009 Springfield, Missouri arrangements, etc. After speaking with fellow pastors concerning various business, Jen and I met up with Bro. Lynn Raburn and his wife, Brenda at approximately 10:30 PM. (It was such a joy to visit with them!) Finally, at midnight, Jen and I return to the hotel room and start finishing things up for the day.

Day 3 - Report C

1:30 PM:

The afternoon session began with prayer, music, and a devotional. The Youth Campgrounds Report was read and approved. The camp managers for Bogg Springs and Pine Springs spoke to the report. The camp trustees were re-elected.

The Chaplaincy Report was read, spoken to by various chaplains and military officials, and addressed by former chaplains. The report was then approved. "America The Beautiful" was sang and then a special time of silence was observed followed by a prayer of blessing for our military.

The History & Archives report was read, spoken to, and then approved. Bro. Terry Parish was honored for speaking at a 2007 celebration honoring Baptists in America ("300 Years of Baptist Associations in America"). He spoke concerning the legacy of Landmarkism in America at this event.

The Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Report was read and approved. The MBSF report was read and approved. The National Youth Meeting Report was read and approved. The ABA Credit Union Report was read and approved.

The Enrollment & Finance Committee reported 640 churches pre-registered with 150 registering at the meeting for a total of 790 churches sending in letters of association (very low number this year). $80,113 was given towards the meeting expense and $11,923 towards the Missions Committee expense. There were 356 Messengers pre-registered with 275 registering at the meeting for a total of 621 (very low numbers as well). [Total attendance will be determined after the Wednesday night service.] $10, 376,574.95 was given to mission work this year throughout various mission programs.

The Exhibit Hall has over 100 booths (low numbers again) containing ministry, mission work, publishing house, music, etc. information.

Day 3 - Report B

9:15 AM (cont.):

The meeting was very calm with no missionary brought up for a separate vote. (The questions concerning Bro. Jeremiah were answered yesterday and not brought up again.) Bro. Randy Cloud was re-elected as Secretary-Treasurer of Missions. The amendment proposed by Heritage MBC was taken off the table and will be referred to the churches of the ABA for the next year. At the meeting in Springfield, Missouri, this item of business will then be debated and voted on. (I have a copy and will discuss it later.) The second amendment to the Missions Policy of the ABA proposed by Pine Crest in Georgia was voted down and not taken off the table. (I have a copy and will discuss it later.) Later, a motion was made and seconded to report in the mission booklet the number of professions, baptisms, and amount of sponsoring church's support sent through Texarkana for each missionary. This motion failed. The session adjourned after a few other items were handled. After the session, we walked to Chili's for a quick lunch and then headed back for the afternoon session.

Day 3 - Report A

9:15 AM:
After enjoying a great breakfast (the bacon is incredible at the hotel restaurant - even though Jen did eat some of mine!) with the Grigsby's (former Pastor of Pleasant Hill MBC outside of Overton), we started the morning meeting with prayer, a devotional, and a special in song (a lady performed "How Great Thou Art" in sign language - it was beautiful!). Dr. Randy Cloud, Secretary-Treasurer of Missions of the ABA, gave his annual report concerning the missionary work supported through Texarkana. He reported "18,452 professions of faith, 1,613 baptisms, 601 received by letters, 74,341 sermons preached, and 16,611 lessons taught. Missionaries reported self-supporting churches being established in Africa, Philippines, India, Belize, and Thailand. For the fiscal year 2007-2008, $2,614,584.64 was given through the office in Texarkana. At the messenger meeting of the churches this year in Spokane, Washington, 194 missionaries will be recommended for financial support through the office of Secretary-Treasurer of Missions. These missionaries are serving the Lord in 28 states and 28 foreign countries. If all of the Interstate, Foreign, and National Missionaries are approved without any raises, the monthly pay out will increase approximately $23,000 or 11%. Approximately $2,767,000 will be needed to pay the missionaries for the coming year. The balance in the mission treasury at the end of May 2008 was $783,083.46." (abbreviated information taken from the Secretary-Treasurer's 2007-2008 fiscal year annual report) This information pertains only to the missionaries supported through the office in Texarkana - much more missionary work is done outside this program as well.

The final process of approving missionaries is now under way. Due to the nature of this meeting and my responsibility as a teller, I will be forced to write about the rest of the morning meeting later.

Day 2 - Report B

1:30 PM:
Separate votes were called for on several men in the Missions Committee. Most (maybe all...can't quite remember right now) of these men were "approved" to remain on the list for the main meeting tomorrow. There were some other side issues regarding raises of the Secretary-Treasurer of Missions, etc., however, the main excitement began when certain churches were named according to the amount they sent to Texarkana for "missions." This caused quite a stir to which several of those pastors spoke out against such action. Things will certainly be interesting tomorrow when much of this will come up again! Also, there is much discussion concerning the actual responsibilities of the Missions Committee. There are also two amendments to be presented tomorrow concerning changes to the Missions Policy.

6:30 PM:
The ABA meeting was opened with adoption of the agenda, specials in music, presentation of the colors, and a President's address from Neal Clark and a soul-stirring message from Bro. Darrel Owens. The list for meeting places to choose from for 2012 was distributed with the vote to be taken tomorrow. Certain amendments were proposed and tabled so that we might discuss them tomorrow.

9:15 PM:
The exhibit hall officially opened with less exhibitors than in the past, but still a great showing of colleges, printing houses, mission work, individual church ministries, etc. Jen and I even found a cool helicopter toy for the children.

10:30 PM:
Supper time. Let's eat!

12:15 Midnight
It's time for blogging, checking email, and taking care of miscellaneous business items that need to be done before the meeting tomorrow.

P.S. Pray for the meeting - I'm a teller!!!

Day 2 - Report A

8:30 AM:
After breakfast, I attended the Baptist Sunday School Committee. The overall progress of the printing and literature seems to be positive. There are concerns with the overall Christian Store Industry and the approximate 25-32% decline in the actual number of stores. The store sales have seen some upswing with the implementation of new technologies. The overall literature sales are up, however, the Spanish literature sales is not increasing as quickly as was hoped. The price of literature will also be increased upon approval of the messengers on Thursday morning.

10:00 AM:
I am currently in the Missions Committee meeting and, while I am not a prophet, I can guarantee you there will be some fireworks this year. There are some major issues/problems to deal with, so please pray for us as we use godly wisdom to further His work.

Day 1 Report

6:30 PM:
The meetings have begun, and it was good to see everyone at the opening banquet. Following approximately an hour of fellowship, I attended the ABATS (American Baptist Association of Theological Schools) as a representative of Texas Baptist Institute & Seminary. The meeting was informative and encouraging. It is good to see our schools advancing forward in the teaching of God's Word and in the methodology used (technological advancements, etc.). After the schools meeting, I attended the last part of the Missionary Share Time. This is a time where anyone from a Missionary to a Pastor of a Missionary can quickly (1-2 minutes at most) share the work with which they are involved. There are many exciting works in many different places by many different servants but all blessed by one God!!!

9:30 PM:
Following the meetings, Jennifer and I went to eat supper with some friends at Chili's, but for whatever reason, the Chili's across from the hotel closes at 9:00 pm...bummer! So, we made our way down to Azteca (Mexican Food). While it was not quite the Tex-Mex cuisine we are used to, it was pretty good. But better than the food was the great time we had with Doug & Marnie Gregg, Chris & Christine Miller, Jason & Cindy Hebert, Wayne & Novis Stringer, & Michael. It is so much fun to spend time with brothers and sisters in Christ (even if they do pick on me for the color of my shirt...which by the way Jennifer picked out!). Having finished our meal, we finally made it back to the hotel at 11:30 PM. So, now I must finish because our meetings start at 8:00 AM, and I need sleep!

Who's On First

Pray that our meetings this week do not go like this!

Father's Day

I hope every father has a great day of superior remote-controlling, lots of food, and relaxation. Well, at least maybe the fathers will realize how much we appreciate all they do. Fathers are so important to families and children, so pray for your father, husband, brother, uncle, etc. to have the strength to be the father God would have them to be. Also, read Proverbs 27:6-7 and see what God has to say about fathers.