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Paul

Dumb Christianity Is Okay?

I was listening to a sermon tonight and realized that I am tired of, in my opinion, a misunderstanding of a verse. This verse is Acts 4:13, "When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus."

I almost always hear the emphasis on the fact that the apostles were "uneducated and untrained men." First, the emphasis here is on the boldness of the apostles because of the work of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, the men were perceived as uneducated and untrained by the Sanhedrin. The were uneducated and untrained in their culture and worldview. Instead, in God's eyes they were educated and trained for the past three years BY JESUS CHRIST!  That was the most intense education and training ever! 

So please, to whom it may concern, please stop using this verse to confirm your decision not to go to seminary or pursue a deeper knowledge of God. If so, you are basically calling the authors of the New Testament morons. That they were not. No, they were not trained in a Rabinical school, but they were trained in Christ Seminary. This gave them boldness - a boldness that the other leaders did not have. This impressed them and intrigued them.  

People are not impressed with our knowledge, but with the God who lives inside of us. This verse is not, however, an excuse to ignore education and training.  We must be trained and educated, but most of all have boldness!

When Love Begins

After having a baby your perspective changes - no matter how many children you have. For us, it is number two. The other day, I held our 2 week old baby in my arms and once again in her short life so far told her how much I loved her. I told her something, and then stopped to think about what it means. I told her that I loved her ever since I knew of her existence. I did not just start loving her on July 14, 2009 at 1:49pm. I have loved her since I knew of her.

This is not the case with God. A few Sunday's ago we were singing about the love of God and it made me think - God did not just start loving me when I was conceived or born. He has loved me forever. Catch that - God has loved me forever, He has love YOU forever. God is infinite and eternal meaning that He has always loved and will never run out of love. Also, He never changes, so His love for us never changes. That is unlike my love. My love is finite - it has a starting place. God's love does not. Not only is God's love an action (John 3:16), it is an attribute (1 John 4:8)! Love is who God is.

How do you respond to this love? How do you respond to the infinite, eternal, unchanging love of God? Is He your Lord? Have you made Him Lord? Do you love Him back? Our love for Him should be greater than any love we have. Doesn't He deserve it?? Reread this hymn by Frederick M. Lehman:

1. The love of God is greater far
   Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
   It goes beyond the highest star,
   And reaches to the lowest hell;
   The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
   God gave His Son to win;
   His erring child He reconciled,
   And pardoned from his sin.
   • Refrain:
     Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
     How measureless and strong!
     It shall forevermore endure—
     The saints’ and angels’ song.
2. When hoary time shall pass away,
   And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
   When men who here refuse to pray,
   On rocks and hills and mountains call,
   God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
   All measureless and strong;
   Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
   The saints’ and angels’ song.
3. Could we with ink the ocean fill,
   And were the skies of parchment made,
   Were every stalk on earth a quill,
   And every man a scribe by trade;
   To write the love of God above
   Would drain the ocean dry;
   Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
   Though stretched from sky to sky.

Death And Life

Last night I got an important call. It was from the nursing home, informing me that a woman was near death and the family had requested my presence to pray. Of course, I do not have a problem with this at all. I have been around death before and it is not the last time I will be for sure. The problem was not going to the nursing home, but the problem is thinking about what to say and what to pray.

I showed up, found the room and family and prayed for this sweet woman. You could obviously tell that her time on earth was coming to an end. She had lived a long life and everyone in the room was basically there to watch her final moments on this earth. My feelings were bittersweet. It was bittersweet because she was leaving the earth and that causes sadness, yet she was about to enter into eternity with God in heaven and that brings joy! As we all huddled around the bed, I prayed. I prayed for an easy and painless transition from this life to the next, but then a sense of jealously came over me.

The Bible says that when we are absent with the body, we are present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8). It is an either/or - when on earth we are absent from the Lord, but death brings the presence of the Lord. I knew that when she breathed her last breath here, her next breath would be in heaven if she had made a decision to put her faith in Jesus Christ. She was about to step into a place where there is no pain, sorrow, tears, or death (Rev. 21:4). Most of all, I am jealous that she is now worshiping around the throne of Jesus. I know that I will one day join her, and that gives me a hope and an excitement!

What are we doing with our lives? What will be on our mind and our heart when we have a preacher praying around our death bed? Is heaven even an option right now for you? It can be! The Bible says that we are all sinners and that sin causes death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). God sent Jesus, His One and Only Son, to take our place and die on the cross for our sin. This opened up the chance to have a relationship with God. When Jesus rose from the grave, He conquered death giving us eternal life and the chance to spend it with God. But, because sin demands a punishment, there is a literal and real hell. Because of man's free choice, many choose hell because they do not put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is so simple to change this.

The Bible says, "if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation (Romans 10:9-10)." All it takes to spend eternity with God is faith, receiving the free gift by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is nothing we can earn, but only something we receive from God. Have you received this free gift? Will you? We learned in VBS that it is as simple as ABC - Admit, Believe, Confess. If you haven't already, pray in your heart to God. Admit to Him that you are a sinner in need of His salvation. Tell Him that you believe that Jesus is God and He died for you and your sins and rose again conquering death. Confess your need of Him to be your Savior and your Lord. Ask Him to come into your life and be your Lord and Savior. Then, thank Him for a new life and eternity in heaven with Him! Yes, it's that easy - why make something so easy so difficult?

Salvation though gives us a task. God has left us here for a purpose. Are you completing His purposes for you life so that when you get to heaven, He will greet you with a "well done, thy good and faithful servant?" I hope so. I hope I am. What does He want you to do? Are you using your gifts to serve God in a local church? Are you committed to becoming more like Jesus? Are you sharing the story of salvation? We ALL must!

"Lord, bless this family as they mourn a loss. Thank you for the life of this precious women. As our lives continue here on earth, give us comfort through the pain and joy through the suffering. May those who do not know you, find you during this time. In Jesus name, amen."

The Shadow Proves The Sunshine

On my way to the Y this morning I was looking for some music to "pump me up." Yes, I need all that I can to get me motivated. So, I put on some Switchfoot which I haven't listened to in a while. I forgot how philosophical the album "Nothing Is Sound" is. I enjoyed listening to one of my favorite tracks called "The Shadow Proves The Sunshine." Some of the lyrics include:

Oh Lord, why did you forsake me?
Oh Lord, don't be far away away
Storm clouds gathering beside me
Please Lord, don't look the other way

We are crooked souls trying to stay up straight
Dry eyes in the pouring rain where
The shadow proves the sunshine
The shadow proves the sunshine

Sometime we get so wrapped up in our lives; storms of life, relationships, etc. that we forget about God's providence. We talked about this last night as well. We need to see life from a different perspective - God's perspective. Switchfoot gets it right, the shadow proves the sunshine. Even though there are dark days, there is always Someone who is bigger than any problem. As God's children, He will never leave us or forsake us. This week focus on God's providence. He is our Father and He cares for us and protects us. We read this verse last night: "Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things (Acts 17:25, emphasis mine)." God doesn't need anything and He gives you and I everything. That is an amazing truth!

Dangerous Theology Of The Gift Of Prophecy

There is another dangerous theology found in C. Peter Wagner's book 7 Power Principles I Learned After Seminary. It is one of extra-Biblical revelation. This is prophecy above and beyond the Bible. This is so dangerous that Joseph Smith picked up on this and started a cult. Let me briefly breakdown this dangerous theology in the following paragraphs.

Wagner writes, "The reason that God has provided prophets is so that His will can be heard, understood and obeyed by the Body of Christ. The major source of the revelation of God is, of course, the Bible, and no authentic prophecy could ever contradict what the Scriptures say. Nevertheless, there are many things that God wants to tell us today that cannot be found in the Bible (pg. 46)."

Wagner is confusing an OT office of prophet with the NT gift of prophecy. The Bible specifically says, "I testify to everyone who hears the prophetic words of the is book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, written in this book (Revelation 22:18-19)."

The reason God spoke through prophets in the OT is because Christ had yet to die making Himself a mediator between us and God (1 Tim. 2:5, Heb. 8:6, 9:15, 12:24). God used His prophets to speak to man. Today, thanks to the blood of Jesus Christ, we now have the ability to enter into a personal relationship with God. God has spoken. He has revealed all of Himself that He wants us to know. That is through general revelation (nature, earth, sky, universe, etc.) and special revelation (through Jesus Christ which is revealed in the Bible). Today, we do not need anyone to talk to God for us (1 Pet. 2:9) and we don't need anyone to speak for God - we now all have equal access to God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The Bible says about the Holy Spirit, "When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, because He will take form what is Mine and declare it to you (John 16:13-14)." If every believer has God indwelling inside of them, there is no need for someone to speak for God anymore. This eliminates the OT office of prophecy.

Basically, with all of this I conclude, as with Wayne Grudem, "So prophecies in the church today should be considered merely human words, not God's word, and not equal to God's words in authority (Systematic Theology, 1055)." I believe that I have the spiritual gift of prophecy. It DOES NOT mean that I speak for God. God has spoken and reveled Himself. I believe that God gives me a message FROM HIS WORD, to share with the congregation that God has called me to serve. It is not new. It is an interpretation of Scripture applied to our local context and to His body of believers.

God does NOT have anything to tell us that is not in the Bible. We can apply Biblical principles differently, but God does not SAY anything different. If so, God could change. If God keeps changing we could never know Him, and only those with a "special" gift could tell us who He is. This denies the Christian unity of the Body of Christ in the church as prescribed in Scripture. Also, this gift of prophecy goes hand in hand with my other highest gift of exhortation. I believe I stand in the pulpit to point out sin and the direction we need to take as believes and a church (as given by Scripture), but also to encourage all believers to keep on keeping on in the faith. This is exactly what the apostle Paul did throughout his letters.

One of my former pastors, Harlan Caton, sums up my view (the Biblical view) of the gift of prophecy when he writes, "Notice that the gift of prophecy is to be distinguished from the office of the prophet. The true New Testament office of a prophet was a man who was at the particular time actually receiving the Word of God, while the gift of prophecy is the divine-given ability to preach the Word of God. Since we have the written Word of God, there is no longer any need for the office of a prophet, but we do have those who have the fit of prophecy. It certainly should be stated here that the gift of prophecy has nothing to do with the ability o tell the future. It is the divine-given ability to preach the Word of God and is given only to men (Strengthening The Saints Through Sound Doctrine, 175)."

Basically, God is not saying anything new about Himself. God does not need anyone to talk specifically for Him because He can simply tell each believer who has the Holy Spirit indwelling inside of them. Therefore, there is no need for a future-telling gift. We already know what's going to happen! What do you think? Stay tuned, there is more to come...

A Dangerous Theology Of The Trinity

C. Peter Wagner’s book 7 Power Principles I Learned After Seminary lends itself to a very scary, but accepted, doctrine of the Trinity. I believe this belief in the Trinity is not compatible with Scripture and I briefly hope to make my case here. Wagner writes,

"The pragmatic question, then, becomes, What does it take to reach the lost? The answer, of course, is that it takes the power of the Holy Spirit. This is not simply a theologically correct statement. It has been borne out of empirical research. The churches that are growing most vigorously in the world, are with few exceptions, the churches that are permeated by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, supernatural power becomes a determining operational force. It is derived from the premise that the Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity most directly involved in effective evangelism. This does not mean that the emphasis on the Father and the Son is reduced in apostolic churches, but rather that the emphasis on the Holy Spirit is increased.

This is not only a pragmatic conclusion based on the premise that the more we have the operational power of the Holy Spirit the more we'll evangelize, but it is also understood as a clear biblical principle. While I was in seminary, I was taught that the Cross was an indispensable lens through which I should interpret the Bible. Before coming to a conclusion on any doctrine or important idea for ministry, I was taught to ask the test question, How does this relate to the Cross? The assumption behind this was that our focus should constantly be on the work of the Second Person of the Trinity - Christ. As I look back on this assumption years later, I regrettable feel that it ingrained in my mind an exaggerated Christology. The slogan 'Christ is all!' has its positive connotations, but it can also become and obstacle to biblical evangelism (pg. 20-21)."

And later,

"What Jesus was telling His disciples is the point I am trying to make now, namely for the purpose of evangelization, the immediate presence of the Third Person of the Trinity is more important than the immediate presence of the Second Person of the Trinity (pg. 22)!"

Wagner here is very close to saying that Jesus is no longer needed because His work is done. The work is now done by the Holy Spirit and Him alone. Also notice that there is no mention of the Father anywhere. This is because I believe Wagner is leaning towards a Trinitarian theology called modalism (which is accepted by the United Pentecostal Church which I believe Wagner uses for many of his examples in the book. For an eye opening look at their doctrine on the subject visit http://www.upci.org/doctrine/60Questions.asp).

Modalism, as defined by theologian Wayne Grudem in his Systematic Theology, is "God is not really three distinct persons, but only one person who appears to people in different 'modes' at different times (pg. 242)." This means that God was the Father in the OT, the Son in the NT, and the Holy Spirit today (technically after Jesus ascended). This theology is nothing new. It was introduced in the third century by a teacher in Rome named Sabellius and is sometimes known as Sabellianism.

There are big problems with this. First, God reveals Himself as plural in the OT. This does not tell us exactly that He is one God in three Persons, but it points to the fact that there is more than one person that makes up this one God. A great example is Isaiah 6:8, "Who should I send? Who will go for us?" God speaks of Himself in the singular and the plural. If that is not enough, the biggest hurdle in my mind to get past would be Jesus' baptism in the Gospels of the NT. Here we see Jesus, hear the voice of God the Father, and the Holy Spirit rests on Jesus like a dove (Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-10; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34) If this is not true, then either Jesus or someone nearby was an awesome ventriloquist!

Plus, this theology denies relational aspects of the Trinity which is the core of Trinitarian theology. Human beings are relational begins by nature and this comes from the relational nature of the Trinune God.

Next, let me interact with a few words from the above quotation that jumped out at me. First is the use of the word "empirical." As we will see as we flesh out more of the ideas in this book, the focus is on an experience or feelings. While feelings and emotions are important, it is not how we judge or base our relationship with God. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is important to know what God is like. To know His character and to trust Him - even if we don't have the emotional experience we are hoping for. It does not diminish God's work.

Also, the word "force" is used. Now, thanks to Jonathan and my own doing, I have been watching Star Wars way too much. As you know, the focus of the movie involves a New Age-ish philosophy focusing on a force around us. We have to be careful to turn the Holy Spirit into a force or focus on the force of His power. If that is the case, the Holy Spirit is diminished to a weapon. The Bible is our weapon (Eph. 6:17). The Holy Spirit does have power - all power - because He is God, but He is not the only source of power. God the Father has power and God the Son has power. Our desire is to seek the will of the Father, live like Jesus Christ, and be guided by the Holy Spirit. Every person of the Trinity plays an important role in our sanctification.

Lastly, there seems to be an emphasis on the number of the Trinity. Remember that those numbers are just placed there for human understanding. Every person of the Trinity is equal - no One is more important. It does not matter that three comes after two and that the Holy Spirit is now more useful or powerful. They are all equal because they are three persons as ONE God. Hard to understand - yes! What the Bible teaches - yes! Accept it by faith - we're gonna have to!

So this leads us to ask, what is the difference in the three Persons of the Trinity? Well, I'm glad you asked! Join us on Sunday nights at 6pm as we look more carefully at the Trinity starting with God the Father in two weeks (no PM Sunday due to Father's day). See you then!

7 Power Principles...Um, No

Last night I finished reading a new book I purchased called 7 Power Principles I Learned After Seminary by C. Peter Wagner. I felt duped. I figured it was a leadership book with practical ideas I could apply to ministry. I was mistaken. Instead, I found that it was purely Pentecostal theology. I am not "against" any of our Pentecostal friends, but I do have some problems with some of their extreme theological interpretation. So, for the next few blog posts, I will interact with this book and some of the ideas presented, some being very close, if not directly heresy. I will explain more.

To make myself clear though, I know that not all Pentecostals are the same and believe the same (as the book even points out). So before we begin, know that not ALL Pentecostals adhere to the ideas in the book, just like not every Baptist believes the same thing. I am sure that some of the views expressed are extreme and I will deal with those. So, stay tuned and be ready to interact!

VBS Recap

What an amazing week!! This had been the best VBS ever and I am so proud to be a part! Here are some of the numbers that I have so far:

• 10 professions of faith
• over $1,000 given to missions
• an average of 92 kids each day with the high of 97 on Wednesday
• about 200 people here last night for family night
• 1 big chicken!

There are three things that made this week so amazing:
1. God showed up in a huge way! He did all this!
2. People prayed
3. The volunteers/workers did an outstanding job

Continue to pray for those kiddos who put their faith in Christ this week and again if you see some of these volunteers around, give them a big hug and tell them "thank you!"

Don't forget to be here Sunday to hear more and see more. We're going to show a video of the week and you won't want to miss it!

VBS Update

God is definitely up to something at FBC!! Yesterday we had 85 kiddos and today we have 95!! Praise the Lord! This is due to the faithful prayers of our members and all the hard work and obedience of these incredible workers. As you see these workers around town or at church on Sunday, hug their necks and tell them "thank you!" Thank you church for your prayers and support. God is absolutely amazing! Y'all have a G'day mates!

A Must Read

If you have time please read this. It is incredible. True hero.

http://www.crossexamined.org/blog/?p=110

Memorial Day And My Commitment To My Children

I want to make a commitment today to Jonathan, Maddie, and any other children that God may bless us with (right Michelle??) to always remember the sacrifice that other Americans have made for our freedom.

Many of my family members fought in wars. Some even gave the ultimate sacrifice - their life. I am indebted to them for all they have done for me. So many gave their lives for my freedom. Men and women from all over our great nation laid their lives down for me.

As I watch many of the war movies on this weekend, it really makes me think. As I watch where the men prepared for the attack on Normandy, I bet I would be thinking, "I wonder how I'm gonna die." Not if, but how. That's got to be how they thought as they signed their GI contract to give their family money if they died in battle. They may have thought that, yet they willingly and obediently jumped out of planes, off boats, to the beaches to die for my freedom.

To all of those who have died I thank you - from the bottom of my heart. I also make a commitment to not take your death for granted and to pass on your legacy to my children that they may never forget what you have done. I will not let your death be in vain. I will fight also to protect my freedom now. Thank you for serving men and women, and thank you for your lives. You are truly great Americans!

"Fresh Wind Fresh Fire" Book Club Meeting....Online!

I know that many of you emailed me or talked to me about not being at the book club meeting last night. So, I thought that we could interact here. What did you think about the book overall? Pro's and con's? Agree/Disagree with parts? Let me know in the comment section. Interact with others as well.

Let's Put It To A Vote

During the summer's, for some reason, I like to do something different with my facial hair. I once tried to grow out my goatee as long as I could (inspired by christian music artist Charlie Hall, pictured to the right). Also, I joined the Astros in a playoff beard grown while they were in the playoffs. Change is good. I have had a goatee since I graduated college, and sometimes, I just need change. So, I thought it might be fun (more for you!) to put up a vote for this summer's FHC (facial hair contest). Also, whatever wins, I would love to be joined by any other men(sorry ladies) that would like to join me in this feat. So, without further ado, here are this summer's choices:

The Soul Patch (illustrated by TobyMac)
The soul patch says, "There's something deep inside, but you have to know me before I let you see the real me." It's a hidden mystery what is behind that soul patch, but you know that its something special.

The Chinstrap (aka the Chin Curtain)

The chinstrap beard says, "Check out my jawline. I'm strong and powerful. Don't mess with me." The only downside of the chinstrap is that it makes fat guys faces look fatter, trust me I know from experience. The chinstrap is the new full beard. It likes to keep things looking good, clean, and trim. It is worn mostly by hip hop artists.

The Fu Manchu (worn wonderfully by John Rich)
The Fu Manchu is a wonderful tool of fear. This must have started way back in the old school kung fu movie days, because all the scary guys who can beat you up with martial arts wear it. The Fu Manchu is worn by flat out scary people. It casts fear. It sends a message. Yet, at the same time the upside down U says, "I am really a nice guy and I can sing country music. Also, I look good on a horse or motorcycle."

Mutton Chops
The mutton chop was made famous by generals in the Civil War, but worn beautifully and majestically by the King - Elvis Presley. As you can see, one needs to have the accommodating flowing hair to make the ensemble complete, but it can be worn other ways. Mutton chops say, "I am a wonderful looking man, yet I am too scared to have hair all the way across my cheeks."

Full Beard (illustrated by Charles Spurgeon)
The full beard takes perseverance. When growing one out, one will be tempted to give up, to shave it off, to give up on the itchiness. But a real man will bear the pain. He will stand strong. He is intelligent. He's not worried if food gets caught in there. The beard keeps the man warm, keeps predators away, and shows strength and intelligence. The full beard says, "I am a manly man. I can do anything I want. I am smart. I will stay warm." (see also Sean Connery)

Not Making The List:

The Neck Beard
The neck beards were worn by a special group of young men when I was in college. They liked to wear sweats and polo shirts, play nerf wars with the Jesus statue, as well as other made up fantasy games. Because of these repressed feelings, the neck beard will not be allowed. Sorry.

The Standalone Mustache
This facial hair will not be available. Michelle does not allow it, so case closed. Sorry fire fighters and Chicago policemen, it's not happening this year!

So cast your vote and cast it with thought. Remember, you will be the one looking at it for a while so choose wisely. I can avoid mirrors if I have to. Have fun and happy voting!

What Will Bring Revival?

Baptist Press just released an article by one of my favorite SWBTS profs Dr. Malcolm Yarnell entitled "The Unchanging Relevance of Biblical Revival." You really must read this, it is an excellent, EXCELLENT article. Click here.

What is Twitter Anyways?

Here's an article from the NY Times to help and clear up any confusion. Click here.
Enjoy!

Don't Forget To Pray Tomorrow!

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. If you can, please meet in the sanctuary at 7pm for a time of prayer for our nation, our community, and our church. It will be worth your time! The more prayer, the better!

24 And The 99

I love the television show "24" on Fox. Jack Bauer is really a messiah-like character that saves the day, comes back from the dead, and can't die. Unmessiah-like though is his ability to interrogate people, kill them, or stab them in the knee cap with a pen. That's good TV!

Anyway, we were watching it last night and something was said that got my attention. Like every season, someone is trying to attack the US Government and Jack has to protect her. This season, outside military companies in the US want to prove to the government that they need them and decide to attack the US on her own soil. An attack is made and many innocent Americans loose their lives. In the latest episode, Jack confronts the "mastermind" behind the attack. The conversation went like this:

Hodges (the bad guy): "I tried to tell the politicians how vulnerable we are, but they wouldn't listen so we decided to show them."
Jack: "By attacking your own country with a biological weapon, by killing innocent people."
Hodges (the bad guy): "Yes, a few innocent lives would be lost, but only to save the greater number. Having the courage to make those hard choices gives us a lot in common Mr. Bauer."

The interesting part is that innocent lives will be lost, but all for a "greater number." Though this character Hodges is a terrorist on the show, his ideas are somewhat normal to our country today. In fact, this is just utilitarianism repackaged.

Wikipedia defines utilitarianism as, "the idea that the moral worth of an action is determined solely by its contribution to overall utility: that is, its contribution to happiness or pleasure as summed among all people. It is thus a form of consequentialism, meaning that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome: put simply, the ends justify the means. Utility, the good to be maximized, has been defined by various thinkers as happiness or pleasure (versus suffering or pain), although preference utilitarians like Peter Singer define it as the satisfaction of preferences. It may be described as a life stance, with happiness or pleasure being of ultimate importance.Utilitarianism is described by the phrase "the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Therefore, it is also known as 'the greatest happiness principle.'"

Isn't this where our nation is heading? Do we not, as a nation, embrace the idea of murdering innocent children before they are born, to ensure the later happiness of the mother? Are celebrities in our country not shown justice in legal matters because it would be a greater good to have them on the Big Screen rather than in jail? Do we not live in a culture of comfort - do whatever makes or keeps you comfortable? Do our politicians not think of themselves and what they want and seek what makes them happy, even if some of their constituents pay the price? Are we becoming a utilitarian country? I believe we could be on that track. It's up to us as believers to help stop it. Stand up for what's right. Stand up for truth. Don't let these secular morals sink into your thinking. Utilitarianism is definitely not compatible with Scripture.

Jesus explained how He works - the complete opposite of utilitarianism.

¹⁰"See that you don't look down on one of these little ones, because I tell you that in heaven their angels continually view the face of My Father in heaven. [ ¹¹For the Son of Man has come to save the lost.] ¹²What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won't he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray? ¹³And if he finds it, I assure you: He rejoices over that sheep more than over the 99 that did not go astray. ¹⁴In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish. - Matthew 18:10-14

The greater good would be to leave the one who went astray, would it not? But that's not what Jesus did. He cares for each one of us equal. He never seeks His own happiness. Being sinless, Jesus is without selfishness and pride. It is in His character to look after the needs of others.

Who can you serve this week? Is there something you can do to help someone else? Let's stop thinking about what makes us happy in life and in the church. Let's seek after God and become more like Him. He served people. He wasn't concerned about His own happiness. He was concerned about doing God's will and loving and serving all people. Let's adopt this attitude and see what can really happen! Any thoughts?

Don't Skip Over The "Difficult" Scripture Passages!

Here is the PowerPoint from Sunday night. I really enjoy talking about the "tough" parts of the Bible! It challenges me. I hope you all enjoy it as well. What did you think? Any other thoughts/comments about this passage? Focus on His sovereignty this week and seeking His will and wisdom. He will give it if we ask! See ya'll Wednesday.

Also, here is a link to Studylight which I mentioned during the teaching: http://www.studylight.org

A Cure For Boredom

Here is something to help with boredom. Enjoy. Trust me, there will be more videos posted. We may have to make it a regular posting...hmmm. Have a great weekend you guys and see you Sunday!!

Don't worry, he's okay. He was sick. My favorite line is, "...Gone."


One of my most favorite Christian comedians Tim Hawkins performing his original hit song "Cletus Take The Reel." Enjoy.



Roy, I think that you and the praise team should try out moves like this on Sunday:


Anyone want Taco Bell? Order this way:


Talk about expectations and judgmental people! Check out this video on YouTube of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent - over 40 million views now! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY


Of course, MY ALL TIME FAVORITE music video! You will have this song in your head for days!

McChange

In my constant pursuit of keeping my child entertained, one thing I always look for when stopping for lunch somewhere is a playground. If there is any place I KNOW I can go, it would be the golden arches...at least until recently.

McDonald's has seem to go through an overhaul. I have personally seen two free standing Mickey D's completely demolished and then rebuilt within months. One thing that is missing from many of the new McDonald's...a playground!

Now, why would they do that? Don't you remember spinning around in the Hamburgler until you got nauseous? Don't you remember sitting next to the scary plastic Ronald McDonald on the bench or crossing the suspension bridge on the playground while not quite sure if it would hold you up? I celebrated many a birthday in that wonderful place....

But those are just memories of the past. Obviously, I will one day tell Jonathan and Maddie, "I remember when gas was $.75 a gallon, there were no such thing as the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana, and McDonald's had a playground!" They'll probably think I am so old.

I have to ask, why would McDonald's do this? Why would they take away my precious playground? Why substitute it for video games at the tables and a McCafe? I believe they are trying to keep fleeting customers. They are having to make changes to reach the crowds that are glossing over the fun of a playground for the comfort and coziness of a Starbucks. In order to do this, change would be inevitable.

Sometimes change is good, and sometimes it is bad. I am mad about some McDonald's no longer having a playground. But, that is the decision they had to make to reach a broader audience. If they kept doing things the same, they would loose customers. Change hurts sometimes, but sometimes it is needed.

God wants to change us - constantly - to be more like Him. Sometimes that will hurt, sometimes it will be hard, but in the end it will be for the better. I didn't like the changes McDonald's did at first, but now that you can order a latte from a fast food place, I am coming around...

Greater Things Ahead!

What did you think about Sunday? What if...huh? Please don't let the thoughts stop. Post comments below on what you are thinking. Keep thinking, keep praying, keep believing (wait that sounds too much like a Journey song!). In the meantime, will you give this song a listen at the bottom of this post? Let's make it a "theme" song for the next few weeks shall we? I am SOOOO excited about what God is doing and what He is going to do. There truly are greater things in store for us - I believe it and expect it!

God Of This City - Chris Tomlin

New Sermon Series Begins Sunday...What If?

I am very excited about a new sermon series that will begin this Sunday. I really hope that everyone who can will be there. I believe this is a very important set of sermons that God wants us all to hear. We are going to slow down (yes, even more!) and really digest Acts 2:41-47. The new sermon series is called "What If? Dare To Dream..."

What if we act like the Christians God wants us to be? What if the church acts like the church? What if God wants to use us in a big way? What if we listen and respond? What if our church grows? What if I can't stop coming up with more what if's? Find out more in the coming Sunday's. Please be praying...

See you Sunday!

Don't Leave!!

I read this in a book I am reading now called Killing Cockroaches by Tony Morgan, a pastor and CSO of NewSpring Church. He also posted this on his blog. It really provoked my thought because I have seen many friends drop out of church. According to other books I have read recently (Essential Church and Lost and Found) these twenty and thirty somethings do not see the church as essential and relevant. What do you think? Is this true in our community?

"Wired magazine (October 2006) interviewed Dawn Ostroff, the president of entertainment for the new CW television network. Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

Wired: Every channel drools over the 18- to 34-year-olds.

Ostroff: We’re the only broadcast network focusing solely on this demographic. And if you think about it, all the major life events happen to people between the ages of 18 and 34. They graduate high school, go to college, get their first apartment, and buy their first car. We will have the ability to advertise to these viewers when they’re going through all of this.

Here are my observations and thoughts:
There are several other major life events that typically happen during this season of life. As examples, people get married, buy their first homes, have children and raise those children.

Most churches focus their ministry on people that are 20 to 30 years older than this demographic (emphasis added).

This demographic is leaving the church. I recently noted that Agape Press reported that 88

percent of children from evangelical homes are leaving the church shortly after they graduate from high school.

Sometimes I think television is more concerned with reaching this generation than churches are.
I’m guessing it will be almost impossible for existing churches to shift their focus to try to target this generation. If that’s true, we probably need lots of new churches to reach this generation.

So, what do you think? If existing churches tried to focus on reaching this generation, how would our ministries have to change?"

Read more: "The Lost Generation? TonyMorganLive.com" - http://tonymorganlive.com/2006/10/01/the-lost-generation/#ixzz0Cu1PvJPA&A

God Showed Up This Easter!

He is risen - He is risen indeed! The tomb is still empty because it was not possible for Jesus to be held by death!

I just wanted to thank everyone again who was at church yesterday - some of you from 8am to 12pm! I had a great time just being around everyone and believing that God is doing something big here at FBC! I am so blessed and thankful to be at FBC and I thank God all the time to serve along with such a wonderful congregation. I know that God is at work! We counted 174 people in attendance in the 10:45am worship service and many were in Sunday School as well (thanks for all you do teachers!), so praise God for that. Please continue to pray for God's will and His vision and direction for our church. God is so good!

Do you have any stories to share about this Easter?

My Prayer For Easter 2009 At First Baptist Church

I pray that people come to FBC tomorrow expecting to see God move.

I pray that people come looking for a change in their lives.

I pray that people come ready to listen and open their minds and hearts.

I pray that people come to show Christ's love to someone who may not know it.

I pray that people come not out of guilt or duty, but because they truly want to know more about God.

I pray that people will be drawn to FBC tomorrow by the Holy Spirit.

I pray that people will know and respond to the Truth.

I pray that God is magnified in our services tomorrow and everything we do points to Him.

I pray that tomorrow, those who do not have a relationship with Jesus, will begin one.

I pray that there will be no distractions from the enemy.

I pray that God will speak through me and fill me with the Holy Spirit.

I pray for a revival to begin tomorrow in people's lives, families, in our church, and in our community.


What are you praying for?

Easter Sunday!!

Are you ready for Easter?? I am VERY excited about this Sunday and I hope you are to. Here is the title of the sermon on Sunday and an advertisement we put in the paper and will run at the movie theater. Check it out!

Cooked Spaghetti

Something happened to me yesterday morning that has made me think, yes it hurts when I do that. My alarm went off. I was planning to hit the Y for a morning workout. That never happened, but that is neither here nor there. What did happen, was that I raised my arm up to turn off my alarm. Unbeknownst to me, it was totally asleep. It was like trying to push the snooze button with a piece of cooked spaghetti. I was all over the place. Finally, I shut it off and happily went back to sleep...for a while actually. I learned a lesson: it's hard to do stuff when you're numb.

I will admit that sometimes I get busy. Sometimes even real busy. Especially this week. I get tunnel vision where I have to accomplish each task of the day and I am oblivious to everything else. In a sense, I am numb to everything else around me. God has to sometimes gently remind me that I am responsible as a minister and pastor for people. People make up the church. It is a body. I cannot be numb to the needs of the people around me. When I am, I don't accomplish as much for the Kingdom. This week, don't get too numb. Look around at the needs around you - your family, your co-workers, your neighbors. Show them the love of Christ. We can accomplish so much more when we are not numb!

Thought For The Week

I was thinking about something this weekend as I was reading two new books: The Ice Cream Maker by Subhir Chowdhury and Killing Cockroaches by Tony Morgan.

Put yourself in someone else's shoes for a moment. What if you were a visitor to our church for the first time ever. What would you expect? What would you be looking for? Would you know where to drop off the kids? Could you find a Sunday School class? Would you be greeted? Would you know where to park? Would you like to be smiled at and have your hand shook (or shaked, shooken or shooked, whatever)? Would you feel comfortable? Would you know where to sit in church? Would you visit the website before you came for more information? Would you know where the restrooms are?

This list can go on and on. Just thinking about these things. Have you done this recently, have you seen the church through the eyes of a visitor? If so, what do you see (p.s. this is not necessarily a negative answer expected question. There are many, many good things, I am just trying to provoke thought. Is it working?)?

The Winner of Best Burger

Well, the results are in. A winner is announced - The Canadian, but not by much! Thanks for participating. Another vote on the way...

The Canadian - 8
Other/Bucket - 6
My Own - 3
Cattle Exchange - 2
Railhead - 2
Doxie's - 2
Fillin' Station - 0
Alexander's - 0
DQ - 0

My Sincerest Apologies

It seems that I left one of the best places in town off the burger voting list and for that I am deeply sorry. Sorry for one reason, because it is actually my vote so far. The Bucket should be on the list. I know some have voted for it under "other" so please continue to do that. Yes, I was made aware of this mistake and I feel pretty small (well, as small as I can get, so never mind you know what I mean). It would actually get my vote so far, and I enjoyed an amazing cheeseburger about 30 minutes ago. You CANNOT beat that bread anywhere my friends, anywhere. Anyway, again I am sorry and please vote for the Bucket under "other." Thanks and see you tonight!

Overreaction

There is something I was thinking about this weekend. As a father, I sometimes have a tendency to overreact to minute things. Don't we all, right? As I thought about that, I began to think, how does God the Father never overreact? As God, He is perfect. A perfect God knows exactly how to respond to every person and every time in every way. I mean, come on, my sin is much worse than spilling something on the carpet, or eating playdough right? God doesn't overreact with me. He knows exactly the right grace to extend, the right amount of mercy to give, and the right discipline action to take. How does He do that? I mean, I know He's God, but how can I do that?

I know, I know, I will never be God or perfect like God, but I wish I could have a tiny bit of His infinite wisdom to know how to react to disobedience. In the meantime, I am glad that God does not overreact to my sin. King David writes, "How happy is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How happy is the man the Lord does not charge with sin, and in whose spirit is no deceit!" - Psalm 32:1-2. I am happy that God is just. I am happy that God is love. I am happy that God is gracious and kind. I am happy that God doesn't overreact to my sin. I am happy that He can help me be the Godly father that I need to be by not overreacting and being wise and loving. Thank you God!

From Sunday 3-29-2009

Sunday Night:
Click here for the essay "Speaking of Tongues, What Does The Bible Teach?" by Dr. Malcolm Yarnell, III, associate professor of systematic theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (my Alma Mater and best school in the world!!).

Sunday Morning:
Impress your friends with this!
- "Pick a number between 1 and 10 and write it down.
- Multiply your number by 9.
- If you have a number with two digits, add the first and second digits together.
- Subtract 5.
- Pick the letter of the alphabet that corresponds to your number (A is 1, B is 2, etc.)
- Think of a country in the world that begins with that letter.
- Take the next letter of the alphabet and think of an animal that begins with that letter.
Of all the countries and animals in the world,I can guess which on es you wrote down. Your answers are Denmark and elephant. Was I right? Pretty amazing isn't it (Swindoll's Ultimate Book of Illustrations and Quotes, 594)?"

Have a great week!

How To Make A Man Extremely Frustrated

There is a cardinal offense out there that I wanted to let everyone know about because I believe it is a little known secret. It is how to frustrate a hungry man. I will provide ten steps that help show the progression and how you can pinpoint what is happening, because guys it can happen so quickly you don't even see it coming:

1) Find a man who is hungry
2) Make sure he is truly hungry
3) Let him go get food at the concession stand so he can pick out what he wants to eat
4) Ask him to hold your drink while you get things situated
5) Man looks down to find drink in one hand and food in the other
6) Man hears his stomach growl
7) Man looks for a place to put the drink down so he can eat the food that he greatly desires
8) Man cannot find such a place
9) Man is now frustrated and drooling from the smell of the food
10) Woman may not even know this has happened

I share this information for two reasons: that women can now know what is happening and; that men will no longer unknowinly fall into this trap. Both are to be blamed for this offense, but now maybe more men will become aware. This is what I try to do - pass on wisdom that will help in life.

Time After Time

But the Lord God of their ancestors sent word against them by the hand of his messengers, sending them time and time again, for He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they kept ridiculing God's messengers, despising His words, and scoffing at His prophets, until the Lord's wrath was so stirred up against His people that there was no remedy.- 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 (emphasis mine)

Don't you wish that sometimes you could just see God's expression physically, or know what He is thinking? I envision God giving the human author the words to say here and almost letting out a sigh. I imagine you could see the love in His eyes, but feel the hurt of His own creation rejecting Him - time and time again. Yet, God did not give us just one chance to listen to Him. The character of His compassion in God is full of grace and mercy. God sent His prophets to warn His people time and time again, yet they rejected time and time again. This is what brought the Hebrew people's destruction and slavery in Babylon - rejecting God's law and choosing disobedience. It was not that God just wanted to destroy something like a kid with a magnifying glass burning ants, it is that His compassion was rejected leading Him to then exercise His wrath. In these two verses alone we see the balance of God's compassion and His wrath. He gives us a chance to repent and choose obedience, but if we do not, then His wrath must be exercised.

This begs the question I must ask myself: am I rejecting God's time and time again? Will I listen? I know I don't want God's wrath, that's for sure! It's that easy - avoid wrath by choosing obedience. Simple, yes. Simple to actually do, not so much.

I also love the last part of this passage: there was no remedy. The people could not escape His wrath. We could not escape God's eternal wrath either unless one thing could take place: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, comes and takes God's wrath for us and takes our place on the cross. Jesus Christ is the remedy. Do you have the remedy? As we lead up to this time of year, meditate on the idea that Jesus is the remedy for God's wrath. Thank Him. Love Him. Obey Him. Trust Him. Here is the chorus to the song "Remedy" by the David Crowder Band:

He is the one
Who has saved us
He is the one
Who embraced us
He is the one who has come
And is coming again
He’s the remedy 

Rational Emotions

I just finished watching a movie again that I saw for the first time in theaters - August Rush. While there are some interesting themes and it is sad at times, I returned to the living room to catch the end and I have a confession - I had an emotional response. Yes, Mr. Director of August Rush, you win. I got the tinglies as I watched the end (don't worry, no spoilers here). But it reminded me what I have been studying this week and will preach on tomorrow - emotional responses.

We must be careful not to base our Christian lives on emotional moments. I am sure we all love the warm fuzzies, and the teary eye stories, but we must remember that God is not all about emotional responses. He is an emotional God and we are emotional people, but our spiritual lives cannot and should not be based on these experiences. God came to save us. At some point the Holy Spirit will convict us of sin and we'll be confronted with God's truth. That truth is not based on an emotional response, but rather on faith. We are not saved because we get a warm fuzzy. We are not saved because the preacher told an emotional illustration and walked the aisle. We are saved because the reality of a real God confronted us with real sin and the salvation provided by a real Savior who really rose from the grave. We are to respond with faith - in our minds, hearts and souls.

Now, are all emotional responses bad? By no means! I'm not going to lie, I've cried in prayer meetings praying for those sick, I've teared up watching someone walk the aisle who was in complete rebellion with God and rejoiced with tears over healings. Those are good, but we cannot base our faith on emotional experiences. If we do, that will begin to judge how we live our lives and if we don't have an emotional response, we may start to fake one. Plus, they will get more and more dramatic. When will it stop? Thoughts...