שִׂיחָה

Prayer Needs for The Haiti Trip

2010-03-13T05:01:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone wanted to ask you to pray for the Haiti trip, here is a prayer partner prayer needs list: THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!

Prayer Partners Info:

PRAY PERSONAL NEEDS

• True Humility and Stability — Proverbs 15:33; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5; Ephesians 3:17; 6:14

• Relationships — Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3

• Joy — 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-9

• Health and Safety in Travel — 2 Timothy 4: 6-18

• Self-Discipline — 2 Timothy 2:3-9, 15

PRAY FOR FAMILY NEEDS

• Jennilee— Ephesians 5:22-30

• Children (Noah, Austin, Eli)— Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:21; Proverbs 22:6

• Pressures They May Face as a Family — 2 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 Timothy 5:17-18

PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL NEEDS

• Spiritual Freshness and Maturity — Ephesians 4:15; 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

• Ability to Walk in Love and in the Light — Ephesians 5:2; 2 Peter 1:7, 10

• Divine Power and Knowledge of Him — 2 Peter 1:3, 8

• Prayer Life — 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

• Integrity and Accountability — Ephesians 4:25, 31-32; 2 Timothy 4:8-10

• Spiritual Warfare — Acts 20:28-31, Ephesians 6:10-18

MINISTRY NEEDS

• Field Preparation — Isaiah 66:19

• Prayer and Financial Support — 1 Thessalonians 5:25; Romans 15:30

• Fruitful Relationships — Romans 14:19

• Servant Ministry and Encouragement — 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrew 3:13

• Strength and Boldness to Share the Gospel — Philippians 1:27-30

• Perseverance in the Midst of Crisis — Philippians 1:6, 23-24

• Discernment — Proverbs 2

• Compassion, Mercy and Love Toward Those Who are Lost — Luke 19:41; Matthew 5:3-16

Missions News

2010-03-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a article the Arkansas Baptist news wrote about us.

Missions News

http://www.arkansasbaptist.org/missions_news/?id=916

The Christian and Government

2010-02-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

Was in on a discussion of how to maintain a Christian perspective with a government you don't agree with. The following is my answer.

Great question, and how we live it out will be different. Just got through
reading this, I think it says a little bit to the question.
http://www.russellmoore.com/ look at the second entry. But in the big scheme
of things our government is set up to take criticism. Questions about how
things are ran help, mass criticism can lead to change. And I think things
are starting to get stirred up because we are expressing our frustration. So
be critical, however don’t be evil. What should we expect from the
unbeliever? What concerns me is that we will undergo a fake conservatism
from people who only want to get elected, give us a few crumbs and send our
country to hell with a smile instead of a scream.
The disciples were not pleased with the Romans nor were any of the Jews who
were not in a authority position. So what did they do? While they could not
be verbal in their confrontation were we can, they did get to the heart of
the matter. What was the major problem in Israel? The Romans, no, the
Pharisees? No. It was God's people repeatedly turning from God. It had
nothing to do with government, or culture, or anything else. It was God's
people turning away from Him. It is the same today in America, government is
not the problem, culture is not the problem. Government is not the ultimate
answer. Jesus is, and His people must be His people. Openly in the
marketplace, in government, and in our homes. Voice our beliefs, vote for
those beliefs and live those beliefs. Because we can, it is legal and it is
encouraged. The government has not taken our voice or our Savior away. The
same government that frustrates us right now still enforces our religious
liberty. That same government allows us to disagree and still live free.
That same government that is making decisions contrary to biblical
Christianity still allows us to speak the name of Jesus wherever and
whenever we want. As we study some of the prophets in the OT when Israel was
in captivity, they spoke truth and lived obedient lives. Maybe look at the
book of Micah, he addressed everyone, he spoke truth, and he was obedient.
May we do the same! After all what does God require from us?

He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 (NASB)

10 Things My Wife Will Not Say In 2010

2010-01-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

10. No go ahead and use the milk carton for a spit tune.

9. I have just added more money for the monthly tattoo budget.

8. Yep I think your right we do need a bigger truck.

7. I think Texas is my favorite team too.

6. I'm tired of Mexican food.

5. Don't you need to spend more time at Camp?.

4. I don't think we need to pray about this.

3. You need to quit the ministry.

2. By staying home with the kids I am not living up to my potential.

1. No go ahead leave it, I like your mustache!

Love ya babe and can't wait to spend 2010 with you!

The Question shoud be......

2009-12-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

The question we ask is, "Why would a Loving God allow.................

The question should be, "Why would a Holy and Just God, who knows my inward thoughts, motives and desires, not kill me in my sleep last night."
(paraphrase from a Voddie Baucham Quote)

The question is not about God and others, it is about God and me.

Worshiping Preference instead of Jesus

2009-12-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here the last few months I have started to doubt myself. Some things that I used to hold in high regard now hold no place in my thoughts or actions. In some ways I have developed a extremely high and dangerous"i don't care" attitude. I believe this is because I was worshiping my preferences instead of worshiping Jesus. Here are some instances:

Music: Use to think it was such an integral part of a "good" worship service. But we don't have any music and have seen almost 400 professions of faith and baptized over 160. So tired of the old vs young, seeker vs traditional that I am almost anti-music . Can't even listen to Christian music stations without thinking it's all about money and marketing. It seems "our" stations market just like "theirs". TIRED

Books: same as music. Loved to go to Christian Bookstores and just look or buy the newest book. But it seems that it is all about marketing what they want to sell. What we want is driven by what they want to sell. PLEASE

Bible Translations: NASB or ESV? Have had more soldiers read and respond to the Good News Translation. I thought my intellectual side plus the closest word for word translation would equal the Holy Spirit as the conveyor of truth. REALLY!

Position: Was so wanting to legitimize myself as a preacher that I almost left were God wants me to be a "real" minister. WOW

Southern Baptist: Was so excited to become a part of a group of like minded Baptist people. Only to find out it is just as political as I have always heard. Have had more speaking invitations with Pentecostals and Methodists. One from each.

Now is there anything wrong with music, bookstores, translations, positions or being Southern Baptist? NO! Is there something wrong with me looking to those things to fulfil me? YES! The problem is when I make these good things, god things.

So when we start to look at other things to drive our passion for God or lead us to His throne or to make us legit those things are shown in their imperfection. When a believer worships those things soon the light of the Son will show their imperfections. We become cynical, negative or indifferent to people, places or things. And when we do this we are no good to the Kingdom as a whole and our intimacy with the King is lacking.

This is also a time when mistakes can be made, not just small mistakes but big life changing sins that have horrible consequences. We can see Sampson, Saul, David etc that this happened to. Or this can be a time of repentance and grace, "rediscovering" the Jesus who we worship.

Thank you Jesus for allowing me to rediscover you!

Meditation: Isaiah 1 & 2

Military Chaplains: Needed for a Great Commission Resurgance

2009-11-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

Why military chaplains are a missing component to a Great Commission Resurgence.

Chaplains are:

Making a difference in the lives of the future leaders of our nation. What other missionary has the opportunity to have the ear of an unbeliever and to guide them through trying times.

Ministering in a pluralistic setting that has everything from atheists to jedi knights coming to them for answers in life.

Front line evangelists in a position to be a lifeline from the unchurched to the church.

Equipped to deal with situations from combat incidents, suicides, maritial problems and children's issues.

Face to face with the unchurched culture every day.

SBC chaplains are NAMB missionaries.

The one significant problem for chaplains:

Lack the credibility among other ministers.

Hear "Why did you leave the ministry" when they become chaplains.

Have virtually no voice to show otherwise.

Have bought into the lie that we are only "unlicensed therapists" unable to talk about Jesus. BULL!!!!!!!

Check out Chaplain Berry on facebook to see the pictures of the fruit of military ministry.

Devotional Christian

2009-10-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

If you like a variety Christian devotionals without having to buy a bookshelf full of them. Click over to Devotional Christian. It is a web site full of classic devotions from Spurgeon to newer devotions like Lucado. So check out my blogs of interest and give Devotional Christian a try. They are also giving away 22 devotional books. So check it out and see how you can win.

Ergun Caner tweet

2009-10-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Watching GLEE would make the Dali Lama kick a kitten through an electric fan.

PRICELESS!

Psalm 73

2009-10-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

PSALM 73

v. 1 What we know

v. 2-3 What we feel

v. 4-12 What we see

v. 13-15 What we ask

v. 16 What we cannot understand

v. 17 What reveals the truth

v. 18-20 What their condition really is

v. 21-28 What we confess

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is my strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For behold, those who are far from you will perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell all of your works.

Psalm 73:26-28

Legitamacy and the Cult of Ministry or My Problem with Pride

2009-10-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Pride has often been a downfall for me. Now if you talk to most people that know me they would be surprised at that statement. The pride that I deal with is not seen outwardly but it is a pride that is inward. My pride issue seems to stem from the fact that I want to be seen as legitimate. Whether it was dipping Copenhagen or drinking beer while in high school to make sure everyone knew I was a legitimate red blooded southern boy. The Copenhagen and beer stayed but they soon turned into several other things that would show me legitimate to the world as a man. Those things did fade away and I had thought all that my quest for legitimacy would change as I came to realize in 1999-2000 that my identity is in Christ and He is who I am found legit in. I soon "surrendered" to God's ministry and ministered anywhere that would have me. Churches with less than 10 members in Arkansas, small missions in Idaho, dying churches in Alabama and Mississippi, anywhere that would have me I went and LOVED it! Soon I was offered a staff position at a fairly large church in of the top 5 churches in the denomination I was a part of. I took it and really enjoyed my time until people from other churches, pastors, staff members, missionaries, etc. started to question my lack of education, make fun of me being single or call me a lackey because I preformed menial tasks that no one else did.

Then it happened, PRIDE. I was not a legitimate minister to these men and I must have that label, legitimacy. I did get a BA and more than that a wife (a gift from heaven). It was amazing how people saw me as more of a minister. Soon I took my first church and now I was a real minister, a senior pastor. Soon came a MAR and an MDIV, military ministry and other things that make a minister legit. I had came to grips with who I was theologically and because of that I switched denominations to the SBC. Now I find that pride coming back. I no longer am asked to preach, the revivals and camps that used to call on me have lost my number. Churches do not call, even on July 4th or Veterans Day ceremonies and I was the only SBC Army chaplain in the state. I have had over 300 professions of faith and have baptized 89 soldiers this year alone. I find myself becoming conceded and prideful instead of humbled and grateful. I start thinking why don't I get a chance to be somebody? What a scary thing to put down! One church said I didn't have the experience they needed. My pride rose up and screamed, "I oversee over 1000 people in my positions as a Army Chaplain. You have less than 100 in your church WHAT DO YOU MEAN!

It is a horrible feeling to see what is going on. I am trying to legitimize myself in a denomination that seems to want you to do exactly that. I am a nobody until I become legit in most people's eyes. I could get my DMIN or I could push the numbers we are seeing at Camp, but I am tired of it all. I am tired of the sin of pride and the need to be legit in peoples eyes. Jesus is enough, He is my Messiah, my Intercessor, my Reconciler, my Ransom, my King. Why should I care what the culture of ministry says I should be?

Forgive me Father, a sinner who wants people to worship me instead of You. A man who worships himself before you, I am sorry and I repent of this grievous sin. Let me hide these words of Yours in my heart so I won't sin against you: But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise His eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, 'God turn Your wrath from me-a sinner!' I tell you this one went down to his house justified rather ta the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

Trip to Mars Hill Seattle for Biblical Counseling Training

2009-10-01T16:11:00.001-07:00

Before I go into this let it be known that I was not raised Southern Baptist, I choose the SBC. This is not an indictment or attack on NAMB or the SBC it is just what I have experienced.

I have been to 3 types of chaplaincy/counseling training (Army, NAMB, MarsHill)and have an undergrad in Biblical Counseling. I have pastored 2 churches and was a staff member at another. And have 2 masters degrees. (MAR and MDIV) I have been to numerous conferences and seminars on every ministry matter under the sun. And of all the "things" I have been to the Redemption group training at Mars Hill was hands down the most biblical of all training I have had, as well as being just so pure and simple. I am no Calvinist (I believe God is so Sovereign that our choices do not surprise Him or mess up His plan) but there was something so refreshing and reviving to be in a place that is apologetically Cross Centered. No politics involved, no undercover evangelism, no placing clinical over biblical, no fat cats, no compromises, just the Gospel. The SBC would do WELL to quit condemning Driscoll/Mars Hill/Acts 29 and start seeing that we are not the only "bible people" and start looking for why we lose young ministers to groups such as this. Perhaps it is not a case of this young hip group being cooler than the old
grey SBC (I am a little greyer than cooler). Maybe it is because this is the first group they have seen who firmly promote the Cross not only in their doctrine statement but in every facet of ministry. Yes, I do believe we Southern Baptists could learn alot by becoming more Gospel centered and less politically centered.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we may die to sin and live to rightousness. by his wounds you are healed.
1 Peter 2:24 (ESV)

Hypocrite

2009-09-19T12:17:00.001-07:00

Born and raised in Arkansas, but the Longhorns are my favorite team. Almost makes me feel bad......almost!

Verse for the Day

2009-09-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Now to the King
eternal,
immortal,
invisible,
the only God,
be honor and glory forever and ever.
Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17 (NASB)

Verse of the Day

2009-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

Be on the alert,

stand firm in the faith,

act like men,

be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NASB)

Solomon vs Books (What is your take?)

2009-08-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

It has been said and it has always been implied that to be a good minister/leader someone must be well read. How does that gee & haw with what Solomon said under the direction of the Holy Spirit;

The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shephard. My son beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, with every secret thing whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:10-14 (ESV)

This Mornings Baptisms

2009-07-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

(Romans 6:4, ESV)

Baptisms pics

2009-07-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

I have fell behind in my blogging through the Bible and I will do a quick one later this week to catch up. But to Praise the Lord we had 26 professions of faith 2 Sundays ago and I baptized 9 last Thursday (everyday is Sunday in the Army!) and even got a few leeches on me. We have 8 more waiting.

Numbers 1-8 God names names

2009-07-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

God spoke the names of these men Himself! What an awesome feeling to have God audubly call your name.
God knew them personally: called their name
God knew their family history: Who their forfather was
God had a specific mission/job/ministry to accomplish: gave certain jobs to certain people
God demanded the same from everyone: Numbers 7
God had a specific place for them to dwell: position of tents

"And the very hairs on your head are all numbered." (Matthew 10:30, NLT)

Leviticus 15-27

2009-07-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

A long list of rules and regulations that at first glance are boring and not very personable. But when you think about it this list of laws was a blessing from God. He gave His people an answer for every sin against Him. This is what TO DO if....... For every action that was/is displeasing to Him He warns of His judgement allows repentance or is swift to justice. But even to those who's punishment is severe they KNOW the consequences of their actions before they commit them. Grace , Mercy, and Love are in the Law. But I sure am glad I don't have to live by them! What a wonderful Savior!

"So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith." (Galatians 3:24, ESV)

Leviticus 1-14 Atonement is more than a Theological term

2009-07-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

The sacrifice for sin comes at a cost. The sacrifice is not pretty, it does not smell good, it is grisly, putrid, rotten and dirty, bloody death.

Sin costs life, the life of the innocent and also of the guilty.

Atonement is much more than a theological term. It is more than the pet word we put in front of it.

Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these [sacrifices], but the heavenly things themselves [to be purified] with better sacrifices than these. For the Messiah did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, that He might now appear in the presence of God for us. He did not do this to offer Himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. Otherwise, He would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

Hebrews 9:23-28 (HCSB)

Exodus 29-40

2009-07-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

God is very concerned about the details that go into His dwelling place. What does that say about how the details of our lives be looked at today?

God gifted men to be able to carry out His plans exactly how He wanted them to be carried out. Will He not do the same for us today?

Even though God is so much greater than the gods created by man. Mankind will always try to bring God down to there level.

People will always see in our countenance how much time we spend with God.

To complete the whole house of God it takes the whole community of God's people.

Exodus 16-28

2009-07-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

God Provides:

Provisions for the Israelites

Victory over the Amalekites

Wise Advice for Moses

Laws for living as God's chosen people

Blueprints for His tabernacle

Gifts for the people

Exodus 1-15

2009-07-03T18:19:00.001-07:00

The foundation for the exodus was very interesting to me this time around. Beginning with the Hebrew midwives:
But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. Exodus 1:17 (NASB95)
and God's reaction:
So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them. Exodus 1:20-21 (NASB95)
The fear of God was stronger than the fear of the powerful human ruler, thought to be god on earth. Sometimes I underestimate how strong the people of the Old Testament were. And it is eye opening to remember that the move to "let God's people go" was kicked off not by a big named prophet in a big event but by mid-wives fearing God.

Another interesting few passages are found in chapter 2:
Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them. Exodus 2:23-25 (NASB95)
The heart cry of God's people seems to show their utter desperation, but also their firm belief that only God could bring them salvation. Once again God's promises can be counted on, He will not forget His word.

Also a thought; Moses was a great man of God and at the same time so unwilling. Is this humility on the part of Moses. Did he see God in a way that we as ministers don't today. Is being a "spokesman" for God something that should put fear into our hearts?

Genesis 41-50

2009-07-03T08:56:00.001-07:00

JACOB BLESSES JOSEPH

Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." Genesis 41:16 (NASB95)

Now Joseph said to Pharaoh, "Pharaoh's dreams are one and the same; God has told to Pharaoh what He is about to do. Genesis 41:25 (NASB95)

"It is as I have spoken to Pharaoh: God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do. Genesis 41:28 (NASB95)

"Now as for the repeating of the dream to Pharaoh twice, it means that the matter is determined by God, and God will quickly bring it about. Genesis 41:32 (NASB95)

But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place?"As for you, you meant evil against me, {but} God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 (NASB95)

Genesis 29-40

2009-07-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

The traits of the parents show in the children
Beauty is only skin deep and it shows with Rachel and Leah
Rachel was a piece of work, Benjamin surly thanked dad for the name change
Dont mess with Jacob's daughter or Laban's for that matter.
If only Joseph knew the rest of the story, LIKE WE DO.

But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. Genesis 39:21 (NASB95)

Genesis 17-28

2009-06-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Abraham, WHAT FAITH! He trusted God enough to lay his own child's life on the line, AMAZING!

Once God promises something we can take it to the bank.

Abraham's family would scare Jerry Springer. Lots daughters, "well since you are the last man on earth, dad' WHAT?

Lot's future son-n-laws had to be mad the freak shows got offered their fiances.

The actions of the father affect his kids, so do the plans of the mother.

Abraham's servants wise prayer

Esau must have been a beast for Jacob to have to wear dead goat to pass for him.

Once again God's plan of redemption for mankind flows through despite man's sinfulness.

Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU."

Galatians 3:6-8 (NASB95)

The Bible in 90 Days Genesis 1-16

2009-06-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

A few gleanings from today:

Only God can be God: Who is like Him? Creation

Without God we cannot be: Created in His likeness

God has a plan, it has not changed: Genesis 3:15

God is willing to save despite the actions of man: Adam & Eve, Cain,Noah's line, The world at Babel, Abram, Sarai, Hagar, Ishmael

We run into trouble when we try to implement God's plan in our way: Abram and Sarai

God's plan is continuing to be shown, it has not changed: Genesis 12:2-3

God's grace received by faith precedes righteousness: Genesis 6:8-9;15:6

God does not expect blind faith, He always gives us His Word!

For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 1 Peter 1:20 (NASB95)

Important Voices at the SBC?

2009-06-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

I was not at the SBC conference in KY but I have followed it on the web through various sources. While I did enjoy Dr. Hunts presidential sermon and most of the things I heard on the streaming video, I am a little perturbed/angry at one particular phrase that has been accruing on numerous blogs. That phrase is that the important voices of the SBC are being heard. As a newbie to the SBC it would seem that the convention idolatry is just being replaced by a individual or purpose idolatry. Could this be our problem as Southern Baptists? Are we relying on the convention or the big shots of it to be the scape goat as to why our personal ministries are struggling? Are we as no names living or doing ministry vicariously through the important voices? Let us be vigilant to remember that we are an organization of independent local churches that need no important voices to dictate our individual actions. For the more we rely on the important voices the closer we will come to putting a hierarchy in Nashville or Louisville, or wherever our important voice is heard from.

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

John 10:27 (NASB95)

A Review of "The Truth of the Cross" by RC Sproul

2009-06-02T18:30:00.001-07:00

I just got through reading a pdf of The Truth of the Cross by RC Sproul from Reformation Trust and Ligonier Ministries. As I prepare to review this book I think it is important for you to know a little about me. I am not what you would call very academic in how I explain a book or in what I usually read. Getting my MDIV seemed to have burned me out on the world of overly academic religious writings. While I respect these theologians and their writings, I would call myself a reviewer for the ordinary man. So with that here it goes:

The title of the book is what first caught my eye, "The Truth of the Cross". In a Christian culture were most books are really christianityfied self help books it is always refreshing to see a title that is not about self but about the cross. I can see myself in Sproul's place as he just looks at the wasteland of christian literature in the bookstore. With this first chapter he has me hooked. Sproul does a fantastic job in starting with a broad introduction to theology, giving a short but concise explanation of Augustinianism, Semi-Palagianism, and Palagianism. This allows the book to take off in a way that has the reader wanting to know more. Which is the most biblical of these theologies, where do I fit in this, are just a few questions I asked myself as I read. As broad a scope as Sproul paints in the beginning of the book, he steadily begins to shed man made theologies and show Biblical truth. As the book goes on Sproul easily takes theological terms such as atonement, substitution, ransom, and explains them in a simple and easy manner. A few great thoughts from this book are Sprouls theology of the baptism of Christ (p.73), a hard but true statement about sustitutionary atonement (p. 81), explanation of total depravity (chapter 6) and Chapter 8 would be worth the price of the book alone as Sproul shows our dependency of understanding Old Testament covenants to understand how secure our faith really is. But then chapter 9, limited atonement. This is the only chapter were I thought here it is your are either a 5 point Calvinist or a heretic and lost. Why do we have to label ourselves either Calvinist or Armenian? Do you have to be in the middle or one or the other, please just teach like you taught in the last 8 chapters. But even with that Sproul nails it when he states, "

"What if I say Jesus went to the cross to make an atonement for believers, and only for believers? In that statement,I declare that it was God’s design that Jesus should die not for everybody indiscriminately, but only for those who would believe. If you accept that, you see that only the elect are believers and that only believers are the elect. I’m not saying anything different when I say that Christ died only for the elect" (p.146)

What a defining statement! If we could all let go of our sides and see that if we let go of our "pet" words we would see we really have nothing to argue about. Overall this probably the best book I have ever read about the cross. I would recommend it for anyone from the pulpit to the pew.

Thanks to Reformation Trust and Ligioner Ministries for the pdf. If you are interested in reviewing some great books by pdf go to http://www.ligonier.org/publishing_reformationtrust_blog.php

God Bless

I Dont Feel Like IT

2009-05-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

"We live in what one writer has called "age of sensation". We think that if we don't feel something there can be no authenticity in doing it. But the wisdom of God says something different, namely that we can act ourselves into a new way of feeling much quicker than we can feel ourselves into a new way of acting. Worship is an act which develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God which is expressed in an act of worship. "

Eugene Peterson: "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction", p.50

So the old saying, I don't feel called to do this, or I didn't feel like this was the time to share the Gospel just doesn't cut it. Forgive me Lord

"Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. " (Psalm 86:11, NASB95)

The Gospel With a 2yr old & Why Read The Puritans?

2009-05-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

I have recently started reading John Owen's book The Glory of Christ. It is a very interesting book that solidifies the Puritan's high view of Christ. In everything that I have read by a Puritan, Jesus is exalted. I suppose that is why I like to read their stuff. While I would not agree with everything they teach it does my heart good to read from a group that gives Jesus more glory than culture, the church or even ourselves for that matter.

My 2 year old wanted me to tell him about what was in the book. I told him it was about Jesus, he then told me to tell him about Jesus. This allowed for a sweet time of telling my son about Jesus. We talked about sin and how we are all guilty of it even Nana and Mimi. He then said that he was too, this led to talking about God's holiness and the need for a payment for our sins. So we talked about Jesus and he told me that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins. It was really a sweet time for me and Noah. I pray that these lessons would plant a seed in his heart so that he may be sensitive to the Spirits leading, the Word's truth, and be saved by God's magnificent grace. Would you please pray for this also. (Also for Austin (1) and brother Elijah (due date August))

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." (Genesis 6:8, KJV)

I also found this post entitled "Why Read the Puritans" by Ligonier Ministries.

http://www.ligonier.org/publishing_solideogloria_whyreadpuritans.php

I would not consider myself reformed in the Calvinist sense but I really do enjoy the Puritans. So if your thoughts about Calvinism has scared you away from Puritan DON'T LET IT, ENJOY.

The Return of Christ

2009-04-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

Growing up my Pop was my hero. I remember him coming home from work and I would be so excited because of his return. However there were times that I had gotten in trouble and heard those word's from my Momma, "just wait until your dad gets home". Those words never affected the love I had for my dad or his love for me, but it sure made me less excited his return.

Now little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.

1 John 2:28 (NASB)

Thanks to Bro. Randy for making me think!

Devotional Christian

2009-04-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

A new web site is up that offers many daily devotions, The web-site is http://devotionalchristian.com/ One reason I am writing this post is because in doing so I could win up to $200 worth of books from wtsbooks.com. (And you can too just follow the directions on the web-site) The other reason is because this web-site gives the reader many different options in devotionals. From Lucado to Tozer and from Rodgers to Spurgon the reader has many different types and styles of devotions. An excellent resource for those of us who enjoy different devotions.

A Few Easter Concerns

2009-04-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

A few thoughts have been going over and over in my mind in the last week or so.

What are we teaching the lost as well as the saved with how we celebrate Easter Sunday?
Even with that last sentence why is it only a special day?
Sure the catholic and protestant traditions have Holy Week, but what would happen if every Sunday were celebrated like Easter Sunday?
Why do we only put the resurrection on the forefront of our worship only once a year?
Why do our choirs prepare for one Sunday more than any other (besides maybe Christmas)?
Why do I feel like a bad parent when I don’t want to have an Easter basket waiting for my kids on Easter morning?
Is it any wonder why Christianity is not taken seriously?
Why will I have to explain this to my children?

Easter: originally a Saxon word (Eostre), denoting a goddess of the Saxons, in honour of whom sacrifices were offered about the time of the Passover. Hence the name came to be given to the festival of the Resurrection of Christ, which occured at the time of the Passover.[1]
Easton, M. (1996, c1897). Easton's Bible dictionary. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

I am not mad about Easter; our church is phenomenal week in and week out keeping Jesus as the center of everything. I am just a little leery of what the future holds for American Christians if we as the Body of Christ don’t take Jesus seriously.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11: 25-26 NASB

Isaiah 39

2009-04-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered. Hezekiah was pleased, and showed them all his treasure house, the silver and the gold and the spices and the precious oil and his whole armory and all that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his house nor in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah and said to him, "What did these men say, and from where have they come to you?" And Hezekiah said, "They have come to me from a far country, from Babylon." He said, "What have they seen in your house?" So Hezekiah answered, "They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasuries that I have not shown them." Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the LORD of hosts, 'Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house and all that your fathers have laid up in store to this day will be carried to Babylon; nothing will be left,' says the LORD. 'And some of your sons who will issue from you, whom you will beget, will be taken away, and they will become officials in the palace of the king of Babylon.' " Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good." For he thought, "For there will be peace and truth in my days." Isaiah 39:1-8 (NASB95)

Things I have in Common With Hezekiah

1. All to Willing to Show What Others Will Be Impressed With

2. I Hear the Lord's Word but Just Don't Get It

3. Sometimes I Just Want Right Now To Be Good and I Don't Care About Tomorrow

Lessons I Can Learn From Hezekiah

1. God Has Given Me all I Have; So Brag About Him. He alone is Worthy

2. Meditate, Pay Attention To God's Word! HE is Talking

3. Make Tomorrow Better Than Today, Ground my Kids in Christ!

Professions of Faith and Baptism pics

2009-03-14T19:19:00.001-07:00

We have had 177 profesions of faith since the end of January at the Post Chapel. Here are a few pics of the 19 that were baptized 2 Wednesday's ago. We also have 6 waiting to be baptized.

O Yeah It Was Cold!

"But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. "

(Acts 8:12, NASB95)

New to the SBC and Flustered

2009-03-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am new to the SBC coming from a Missionary Baptist background. The transition has been interesting. I pastored churches in the ABA and was endorsed as a National Guard Chaplain by them. I had many opportunities to preach at revivals, church camps, special days etc. I was even invited to preach at a youth camp in Romania. But I have never been comfortable with some of the stances that ABA Missionary Baptists take. So after much prayer we decided that the SBC was the group that we could serve in and not feel that I was endorsed by someone that I could not identify with. It has been awesome on the chaplaincy side (177 professions of faith this year!) but hard on the church side. We belong to an awesome church, Geyer Springs First Baptist, but I have been invited to preached in more Pentecostal Churches (2) than Southern Baptist Churches (1) since the switch. This has been hard for me but I am excited about the opportunities to give to a church that gives so much to the co-operative program. This brings great excitement to our family knowing that our offering is being used to bring the Gospel to "all nations". So here are two verses that I have been trying to take to heart during this time:

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,"

(Colossians 1:11, ESV)

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; "

(Colossians 3:12, NASB)