Culturally Relevant

The following is an attempt to address an ignorant understanding of being culturally relevant in a dialog I had on a recent forum.

There are several words or statements you used that may have been directed toward me so I am going to attempt to make sure you understand correctly what has been said.

You said: 1. "I hear a lot of talk about being relevant."

You wrote this statement as if it is a bad thing to be relevant. You write as if being relevant means not preaching the Bible. This is an ignorant understanding of what it means to be relevant. One def. of "relevant": having significant and demonstrable bearing on facts or issues To me to be relevant in the context of church and preaching means to preach the Bible and make the right application to the ones listening. I preach through books of the Bible usually, therefore being relevant to the audience is very important. If I have children or teenagers in the audience and I never make an application or address their age group in my messages I am failing in meeting their needs. If you were chosen to speak to a group of senior citizens and you decided to preach on "Sexual Abstinence" besides being stupid it would be irrelevant! We need to make proper application to particular audiences. If you were to preach "all things work together for good...(you know the verse)" and not break down "ALL" into different areas and issues you would be very general and miss the opportunity to meet relevant needs in your congregation. We need to be relevant in our preaching!

You said: 2. "bend the Word to culture"

I never said anything about bending the Word to a particular culture. I believe the Bible was written and is applicable to every culuture. However there are things that change in different cultures that we must understand and adapt to. There are different tools that can be used for ministry depending on the culture. For example-How many pastors had cell phones 50 years ago? How many churches had vans 100 years ago? How many churches had pianos and organs 1500years ago? We better get some harps and get rid of some stuff in our churches if we are not going to use anything not mentioned in the Bible.Is it wrong to use electricity? Is it wrong to have heating and air? Is it wrong to use media equipment like projectors and microphones? Is it wrong to have a kitchen? Is it wrong to have toys in the nursury? What kind of toys should we have in the nursury? Should we get rid of electronic toys and go back to marbles? What should the dress code be? Would Jesus wear a suit and tie? (NO, but the pharisees did!) Should we use guitars or pianos? What about language? Should we use Old English in our preaching or modern terminology? I can hear it now, "Thou shouldest not forget to take thy Son with thee tomorrow." If you go to Mexico and preach in English without an interpreter you are not being culturally relevant! All of these kinds of things have to do with culture to name a few.

You said: 3. "Why do we need to change our preaching and methods?

"First, no one said we need to change our preaching of the truth. Second, if you think that the church at Jerusalem met at 9:45, had Sunday School, then opened with a prayer to begin the worship service, sang two songs (with a piano), had another prayer then received the offering, then sung two more songs (with a piano), had preaching, and ended at 12 noon, you have been brainwashed. This is a method used by many today, but it was not the method of the first church. There are many different times that could be chosen to meet, different locations/houses/buildings, different ways to arrange the order of a service, different instruments could be used in a service, and things could be added to or taken away if needed. Sunday school could be used or home bible studies could take the place of Sunday School. Do you have to have a pulpit? Do you have to have a steeple? These are all examples of using different methods and preferences in the church. Your mold and order is not the only method or even the most effective. I cannot understand why some people do not get this stuff!!!! No one is talking about getting rid of preaching and the Bible. If you think changing the way we do church is the "falling away" I don't know what to tell you. I'm probably wasting my time.

You said: 4. "Hey, if you don't like the way we do things, we have free association, which means you are free to leave."

The association has a doctrinal statement not a list of rules and regulations, times, and methods churches must submit to in order to associate with the ABA. There are many churches in this association that use different methods, meet at different times, and still believe the 21 statements of faith (they could be shortened if some of them where lumped together and you want to add more?). This association is not based on "What we do" but what we believe!

LAST THING- I do not believe that all traditions are bad. However when a tradition (if not founded in scripture by example) becomes the only way to do something and you insist on this tradition that may be out of date-you have not fallen away but you do fall into the category of teaching the doctrines of men as the doctrines of God. Be careful!

Devotion

This morning I was reading Ps. 116 and really enjoyed it. One verse really caught my attention.

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." v.15

We look at death from a negative perspective most of the time. God looks at it much differently-I'll let the passage speak for itself.

Special Evangelism Pools

The following list are special focus days coming to TBC in the next few months. Also included in the list are brief ideas that I have for those days.

Thanksgiving Praise- music, testimony, and message will be centered around thanksgiving.

Celebrating Christmas- duh

Second Coming Sunday- duh

Miracle Day- music, drama, and message will be centered around miracles Jesus performed and the application will be about the supernatural power that God has to change lives! Needed to clarify this one.

Creation Vs. Evolution- Athiest/Creationist debate, drama, and message will all be centered around the God of Creation.

Any other ideas?

2 More Names Written Down!

Mason and Chelsey were saved today! Mason has attended our church for a few weeks, and Chelsey came for the first time last Sunday. I wish I knew how to load an audio file on here so you could here a phone message from Chelsey before she got saved (i have the media file in my computer-going to use it for a special message before response time)!

While we were in Memphis taking care of immigration stuff-TBC was still functioning!!! Mason recently starting working with Tommy (recently surrendered to the ministry) and it was Tommy that helped them both close the deal.

I am pumped about what God is doing in our church. We have been praying for music leadership and Mason is amazing on the guitar. Our people won't mind the lip ring either! BTW- Mason was at our men's group tonight!

Pray for Dustin, Shana, Mason, and Chelsey to get baptized.

WOW! It is over!!!! We have been trying to get this thing for years! Today in Memphis, TN Margarita was deemed a resident of the United States of America! Thank you God!!!

An Overview Of Last Night's Message

I Sam. 15 - God gave King Saul a specific command. He sent him on a "mission". He disobeyed the direct command, but for some reason claimed he was obedient. In his conversation with Samuel, he blamed the people for HIS sin as if he was not in charge. He lied about why they did not completely destroy everything (the command)-he said it was for God, but it was really for themselves. Proof it was all about him is in the fact that he established a monument of himself after defeating King Agag. The fact of the matter is God isn't interested in partial obedience to His commands! Samuel told Saul God had regreted annointing him as King and removed His blessing from Saul's reign. Saul continued to reign as king, but without God's blessings!

This is an Old Testament Example for the Church!

• God has sent us on a mission and given us the command to go.
• We claim we are obedient, but are we really?
• We say we do what we do for God, but it seems to be more about us.
• How many times has God said of pastors and churches, "I regret having established this particular ministry."?
• How many churches continue on without God's blessing? Maybe they say the right things, but neglect to do what they say. Can you have the right doctrinal statement and still loose your candle stick?
• Churches are closing their doors because they are not obeying the command to "GO ON MISSION WITH GOD".
• If you think you are going to reach this postmodern world by holding on tight to your building and your pulpit, with your Sunday School book under your arm in your Bible, telling people to dress up in "church clothes" and conform to a particular denomination you are as crazy as Saul was.
• Don't tell me you are obeying the commands and God is pleased-He's no more pleased with you than He was with Saul!

WHY SOME CHURCHES DO NOT GROW-

• Leaders discourage growth because they are afriad of loosing their power or being overshawdowed.
• Pastors and members are set in their ways and unwilling to make cultural changes in their model of "church".
• Pastors and churches are more concerned with what they like and being comfortable than lives being changed.
• Pastors are not honest with their churches and are afraid to take a risk.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE ON MISSION WITH GOD?

• Eyes That See A Genuine View of God- He's Big!
• Ears That Hear The Voice of God- He speaks!
• A Heart's Desire To Please God- Only Him!
• A Mind That Leads To Action- Obey Him!
• A Mouth That Speaks About God- He's Good!
• Lips That Whisper Prayers To God- He's listening!

Samuel took a sword and sliced up King Agag like Saul was supossed to have done. Somebody had to complete the task! Will you be the one? I want to be a Samuel not a Saul!

DA-VISION-EMR2

Dear TBC,

I want to thank you for allowing me to serve as your pastor. You are a great church with a great heart. My family and I have enjoyed this first year. We have seen many souls saved and baptized and several new members join our fellowship. I enjoy hearing you talk about how well things seem to be going!

I am very thankful for each person that works hard to make things happen around here. As your pastor I want to encourage you to stay focused and on guard for the sake of the cause of Christ. Keep unity as one of your priority goals. Always remember that this ministry is not about one person or a certain group of people, but all of us are in it together.

One of the dangers in church life is to see a few souls saved and numbers increasing and be satisfied with such small results. We should be thankful, but not satisfied. This is one of the reasons some churches keep growing and others stop or eventually decline. We must all continue to work hard to reach and touch people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The key to accomplishing this goal is for each member to minister in every day life.

I want to challenge every member including children and teenagers to reach 2 people between now and November 2008. Each member should pray for them, invite them, and when they trust Christ help disciple them and assimilate them into the church. It is not enough to bring someone to church one time, we must make a continued effort to minister to them. If you will do your part God will bless TBC incredibly!

To those of you who are not yet members of TBC please consider following through and connecting yourself with this great church. There is a special connection between the membership in a local church enabled by the Spirit of God. We love you and are glad you have chosen to participate in our worship services, why not become a part of the family?!

The Downside of Time

According to I John 2:8 we are on the downside of time, "darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining."

There was never a darker day than when Jesus was crucified on Mt. Morriah. Evil reigned and Satan struck the heal of the seed of the woman (Jesus). Darkness has existed with powerful results from the beginning of time, but 3 days after Jesus was placed in the grave light began to shine as He came forth ALIVE! That light is shining in the world today and soon the word darkness will not even exist in our vocabulary. We are on the downside of time! Jesus is coming back soon and He will regin and rule as King of Kings. Yes, there is a short period of time when Satan will be unleashed again, but then He will be cast into the lake of fire to be tortured day and night forever!

1. We need to be reflectors of THE LIGHT.

2. We need to help “whosoever” find THE LIGHT.

3. We need to promote THE LIGHT in every message, lesson, or conversation we engage in.

People who are still in darkness are blind and do not know where they are going. They are hopeless and lonely and in need of some LIGHT to shine in their darkness. I John 2:11

"He came to tell people the truth about the Light so that through him all people could hear about the Light and believe. John was not the Light, but he came to tell people the truth about the Light. The true Light that gives light to all was coming into the world!" John 1:7-9

God Is Good!

Lately there has been some rodeo action in the ABA blog world. It has been rough, tough, straight forward, questionable, sad, and humorous at the same time. It feels like the time I was at the Catholic World Youth Conference in Toronto when 8 priest gathered around me and tried to beat me up for telling their teenagers, "You can know for sure that you're going to heaven when you die." One said, "I don't think John Paul II would like this...(BTW-he was there-I hope he read our material)". They were all dressed in their suits and thought they had it all figured out. In my opinion they were modern day pharisees (I am not calling anyone a pharisee). The same truths exist in the current situation as then:

1. It doesn't matter what "so and so" says about a particular subject.

2. God is the Judge. He is the One we should seek to please.

3. Traditions don't determine what is right and wrong (SIN)-the Bible does!

4. In the end the ones who are honest and seeking to glorify God will be used of God to win people to Christ and disciple them!

5. Politics, popular opinion, experiences, culture, traditions, heritage should never be our example for decision making.

6. Our loyalty should be to God and what He wants to do in the future not to what someone else did in the past.


"On the day I call for help, my enemies will be defeated.
I know that God is on my side." Psalm 56:9

No Title Needed

I'm out!

Clearing things up/Random thouhts-

I didn't mean to sound negative concerning TBC in my last post, but although it is true there are no ideal churches (there should be), we are constantly trying to become one. We can't be satisfied with where we are!!!! If the church at Jerusalem was ideal (we use it as it was) then we can be too. TBC is a great church with a heart for God and people. No one in our church is perfect (especially the pastor), but we have some great leaders!

Being Transparent- I'm the type of person that wants everything to happen over night, but reality (man's disobedient response to God's commands) says impossible! God has been teaching me if something is going to last, it will take time and quality efforts to build it. The key is to keep Jesus (let him stay) in the boat. If He is in the boat-He can calm any storm and walk on any raging sea we might encounter!

"Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good." Psalm 127:1

Signing out for now.

Get me out of this rut!

It has been a while, but I feel like I'm getting into a rut. Things are happening and people's lives are being changed, but I'm on auto pilot mode. I don't want to stay here so please say a prayer that Billy will wake up and smell the coffee!

One of the things that has me feeling the way I do is-the new has worn off and the honey moon is coming to an end. Preaching fourty times a week doesn't help either (please save any holier than thou comments)!

Another thing is that I have tried for months to get our very talented music inclined people together to lead worship, but for some reason it just wont happen! We have 5 very talented individuals and the leader is willing to do whatever needs to be done, but no one is moving!!!

God is blessing, but this major part of worship is missing. The people seem to be satisfied, but I'm not! It is hard to settle for less than what you have experienced in the past. Please say a prayer that God will help me to endure until (if ever) this piece of the puzzle is in place. I know that things don't happen over night, but with the talent we have there is no excuse (but TIME, and we live in Bald Knob!!!).

Another thing is we have 90 adults who regularly attend, but never enough volunteers. Some people just never seem to get it!!! To the ones that are working I remind them to pray and ask for God's strength, but they seem to be tired too! Some of the same people have to do baby nursury, toddler nursury, Sunday School, Children's church, Awana etc.

Before you give me the spill about how to fix all this understand that I am venting something that I have to get out! I believe God is going to continue to change lives in spite of my rut, my crying like a baby, and what may be a petty list of issues in His mind.

From Charles H. Spurgeon

My sweet Lord Jesus remembers well the garden of Gethsemane, and although he has left that garden, he now dwells in the garden of his church: there he unbosoms himself to those who keep his blessed company. That voice of love with which he speaks to his beloved is more musical than the harps of heaven. There is a depth of melodious love within it which leaves all human music far behind. Ten of thousands on earth, and millions above, are indulged with its harmonious accents. Some whom I well know, and whom I greatly envy, are at this moment hearkening to the beloved voice. O that I were a partaker of their joys! It is true some of these are poor, others bedridden, and some near the gates of death, but O my Lord, I would cheerfully starve with them, pine with them, or die with them, if I might but hear thy voice. Once I did hear it often, but I have grieved thy Spirit. Return unto me in compassion, and once again say unto me, “I am thy salvation.” No other voice can content me; I know thy voice, and cannot be deceived by another, let me hear it, I pray thee. I know not what thou wilt say, neither do I make any condition, O my Beloved, do but let me hear thee speak, and if it be a rebuke I will bless thee for it. Perhaps to cleanse my dull ear may need an operation very grievous to the flesh, but let it cost what it may I turn not from the one consuming desire, cause me to hear thy voice. Bore my ear afresh; pierce my ear with thy harshest notes, only do not permit me to continue deaf to thy calls. To-night, Lord, grant thine unworthy one his desire, for I am thine, and thou hast bought me with thy blood. Thou hast opened mine eye to see thee, and the sight has saved me. Lord, open thou mine ear. I have read thy heart, now let me hear thy lips.

Mark Yancy

Mark was saved in his home 2 weeks ago after attending one of our services. He is going through a rough time with his current employment. It seems the new owners are replacing all the former employees. Mark has two girls that he takes care of by himself, and needs a new job. Please pray with me that Mark learns to depend on his new DADDY during this trying time. Mark is getting baptized on Sunday!

Hilarious Clinton

I agree with Gov. Huckabee that there is nothing funny about Hilary Clinton becoming president. As Christians we need to be praying for our country as we prepare to elect our next president. It almost seems that we are watching American Idol and not understanding the seriousness of what is at stake. We are in a serious time and transition that should not be taken lightly. From terrorism to the complete moral decline of the younger generation I fear the future for my kids! We better keep God and his standards as our rule and action plan or we will say, “GOOD BYE TO THE USA THAT WAS ONCE SO GREAT”. One individual at a time and one church at a time we can make a difference, but we must speak up in these crucial times!

My prayer: God, please cause your people to take a stand in these last days and impact change in this great country! In Jesus Name, Amen.

BTW- I heard that the Hilary Clinton costume was voted the scariest of all Halloween costumes.

Revival

We kicked off our Revival last night with a great crowd! We met in the altar for prayer, had a baptismal service, Lori, her sisters and mom led us in worship, and Roger Copeland preached it like it was the last time he would ever preach again! Please pray for us the next couple of days as we seek to get closer to our Jesus!

Does this post have too many exclamation marks???

A Great Place To Be...

One of the destinations that I am working hard to arrive at is "OLDYOUNGUNITY". Oldyoungunity is the place where both the older and younger generations come together for the same purpose! This is a hard island to find, but we are constantly looking at the compass trying to head in the right direction.

Unity in the church is a must! Without unity a church cannot experience consistent life change and spiritual growth. Unity is the third session in our membership seminar. Every person interested in becoming a part of TBC must go through the membership seminar before they "unite" with us. Church life is way to serious to miss out on this crucial opportunity (membership seminar)!

We had 8 people who started the membership seminar Sunday afternoon. Mark attended our friend day service and was saved last Thursday in his home. Brandy, who has Pentecostal background, will be baptized on Sunday for sure. I am hoping four others will be baptized with her (including Mark). Dustin who has Church of Christ background hasn't made his decision yet (baptism). Please pray that he will join the excitment!

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:3

Pastoral Preaching

Today I was thinking about what kind of preaching I do-I decided to call it Pastoral Preaching. My style is linked to my responsibility. A shepherd is a guide and protector that helps the sheep get from one place to another, feed, drink, laydown, rest, and ultimately produce something that is going to benefit others (the wool). My preaching isn't, "this is what the Bible says-like it or lump it", but "this is why (the Bible says such and such) and how we can have an abundant life with Christ on this earth (here and now)."

All my messages focus on living the Christian life. All messages include some evangelistic challenge. All messages conclude with an invitation to enjoy life with God by submitting to His commands. I guess since I am preaching through books of the Bible it would be called Expository Pastoral Preaching.

I am not a scholar but I do believe my Shepherd helps me be the shepherd He wants me to be to His people!

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." I Peter 5:1-4

Regarding My Last Post

My comment about the "cultural church wave" has to do with leaders and churches that see one church do something and think, "hey we should do that"... hear one mainstream leader say or write something and say, "hey that sounds good"... then they make it their new philosophy or position without ever consulting God and the Scriptures. I am not opposed to doing new things or being different, but I certainly want confirmation from God that He's in it before I run with it!

What Is The Best Way To Do Ministry?

Answer: Listen to God!

I'm on my soap box again. I get fed up with people that think they must ride the cultural church wave to reach people. It is obvious that if we ask God for His help and listen to His answer (to us personally and specifically) He will help us do HIS WILL-which is to save people with the gospel. The following formula seems to work for me.

1. Prayer and Openness to God's Spirit (with clean hands and a pure heart listen to God)

2. Openness to Change When God Says Change (certain things change over time)

3. Determination To Be An Example Not A Spectator (as an individual and church)

4. Evangelistic Preaching (the whole Bible is evangelistic)

5. Consistency (in teaching, training leaders, and example)

6. Biblical (don't promote or bank on a philosophy that contradicts scripture)

If you are trying to be the man of God that He wants you to be let 2 Timothy 3:16-17 sink in deep.

My prayer: God help me to constantly evaluate my spiritual walk with YOU, my motive, and performance in ministry according to your terms. Keep me in check! In Jesus Name. Amen.

Thelma Hamby

Thelma Jean Hamby went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 7, 2007. Thelma was one of the best church members at TBC. She never complained about anything although she battled cancer for 7 years. I saw FAITH today! Elgin, her husband, and all the close knit family overwhelmed me with their hope in the Lord. I pray that someone trusted Christ or will soon as a result of today's service. Thelma is celebrating with her Jesus, but we will miss her!

Journal Download

I have been at Temple for one year today. The following list is a recap of the major details of what God has been doing in our church since last October.

• Lives have been changed through a variety of ministries.
• Our average attendance has increased by over 30%. We frequently run in the 120’s on Sunday mornings in comparison to 85 (which included two families that have moved from the area) a year ago.
• Our high before September 30th was 150.
• On September 30th we had over 200 people and one profession of faith.
• We have seen at least 25 professions of faith.
• We have had 27 additions (14 baptisms).
• We have restored a family that had a terrible experience with sin.
• We have started two new bible studies through the week for men and women.
• We have implemented Faith Evangelism with 8 teams making home visits.
• We have built 4 new class rooms in our education building.
• We built an additional gravel parking lot.
• We have started Faith Promise Giving and over doubled our mission’s offerings.
• We started supporting Jeremy Flanagan and Pathway Baptist in Fayetteville, AR.
• We took our first mission trip with 19 people (Fredericksburg, VA). We saw several professions of faith from this trip!
• Tommy Slinker’s life was transformed then shortly after he surrendered to the ministry.
  

Thank you Lord for working in my life and empowering me to lead TBC to get involved with you and your kingdom work! In Jesus Name. Amen.

We Doubled Our Attendance

Sunday was great! With this once a year evangelism pool we were able to almost double our current attendance. We had around 100 unchurched people at Temple on Sunday Morning. The best was that atleast one that I know of trusted Christ as Savior!

We are walking out the door... I will write more later.

This next week will be one of my most exciting weeks of the year!

Sunday will be the climax of our 7 week evangelism campaign. We are expecting a record number of people to show up. Please pray for God to change lives!

Monday is opening day of bow season. The other day I sat in my stand to see what was happening and I had 8 deer eating under me at 15 yards. Wow!

Family Life!

If there is one thing that pastors need more than anything it is a healthy family life! Sometimes we get so busy that spending time with family becomes a thing of the past. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't be busy-it just means that we must make the best of every moment with our family during those times we are busy. I personally need to work on not being so tired from business that I'm useless when I'm around my family.

My goal (with two young children) is to motivate (help) my family to serve the Lord with me, and have fun while doing it! A lot of preachers say that the family wasn't called into ministry... blah-blah-blah... Joshua said, "As for me and my house we are going to serve the Lord!"

Lord, please give me the strength and wisdom to be the Husband, Father, and Pastor that you have called me to be. Also, lead my children to the cross and give them the faith to believe in your one of a kind Son. After they trust you-give them the teaching, strength, and desire to serve you with all their heart. In Jesus name. Amen!

My Wife Is The Greatest

I love my wife! I got to lead her to the Lord in 2002 while serving in Canada. She has grown so much over the last few years and is a great support to me. She is the mother of my two wonderful kids. If I'm blessed with nothing else in life, I will be just fine. Te amo mi amor!

Hawg Prophecy

Arkansas

20

Alabama

14

We are not skinheads!

Don't miss the Arkansas Football shirt!

The Greater Sin

I have come to a bump in the road! I'm not sure which sin is greater-believers who do not attend church any longer OR the church that is so boring (religious/traditional/far from Acts) no wonder numbers are dropping like flies.

Be Yourself!

I get tired of reading blogs and concluding that so many people in ministry are trying to be like somebody else. They want to be like so and so that has a huge church and is blowing up the world with the gospel, but so and so didn’t get there by trying to be like anybody else-so and so is just being himself and allowing the Spirit of God to lead him. Nobody has all the answers (has it going on), but day by day listening to the Spirit of God we can do everything that God has called us to do. Learn from others yes, but don’t try to be someone your not. God created you the way you are and the best way to do ministry is to be yourself! “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” Philippians 2:13

Rising Above the Plateau

Is it possible to take a church that has plateauamized (new word from the root plateau) to higher ground? The answer is yes, but it will not be easy! It doesn’t happen overnight- it is a gradual process. The following list has proven to be key factors for this giant task. It may not be exclusive but will definitely help make things happen in your church!

Make sure you have been called by God- At times life will be stressful, tiring, and you will often mentally overload. The only way you will move forward is by staying focused on the one who called you.

Let the people know you love them and are there to care for them- Visit their homes and especially make hospital visits (even to extended family members). Show genuine interest in their lives. Pray with them before you leave their homes.

Understand the mindset of the people- You cannot change a state of comfort unless you know how they got into that position. By understanding the details help them tear down the walls little by little. People arrive at traditions and comfort zones through a variety of avenues. Don’t be a dictator, be an aggressive leader AND shepherd. Ask questions and communicate clearly about all issues in the church.

Constantly promote unity- Promote a family atmosphere that expresses love for one another through action. Teach the church to be patient and gentle with one another. Church members will feel comfortable to bring their friends to a place where there is love in house! Ephesians 4:1-3

Preach Motivational Messages- Personal Evangelism, Devotion, Servant-hood, Participation, Worship, Unity, Real vs. Religious, Love, and Missions are subjects that should be promoted frequently.

Implement a special prayer time during worship services- The prayer during the offering doesn’t count! Encourage people to come to the altar and lift their request to the Lord. People are constantly encountering struggles and circumstance that cause pain and suffering in their life. Teach them to rely on God when life throws a curve ball. Also use this prayer time as an opportunity for people to pray for unchurched friends and family. Many will not come to the altar, but you can encourage them to turn their seat into an altar before God!

Give time and clear explanations for everything you feel God is leading you to do- Take several weeks or even months to implement new ministries or changes. During the process share ideas and encourage everyone to pray about those ideas over a period of time. Make sure the people know that you simply want to please God through the ministry of His church.

Don’t let one or two people cause you to give up- The ones who are comfortable and negative are not your enemies-they just can’t see beyond what they have become accustomed to. In most cases these are good people-just got some bad teaching along the way. Ask God to help you to overlook these few and move on. Try hard not to take any attack personally.

Constantly build relationships with new people- One major factor to getting past the plateau is fresh people in the church. The people need to see that you are bringing new faces to the services. Never give up on those relationships!

Prepare a membership seminar and lead the church to adopt it as a prerequisite to membership- The membership seminar should cover the basics of salvation and baptism, unity, purpose and responsibilities (including giving). Take the entire church through the seminar and every new member from that point forward. This starts new members off serving instead of ending up as pew demons (another new term).

Implement a corporate evangelism ministry- Get the people working together to get people the gospel. Use teams to follow-up on prospects and visitors. Send out letters and invitations through the mail.

Train leaders to carry out every ministry detail in the church- Don’t try to do everything-take people with!

Give people the freedom to be led by the Spirit of God- Don’t try to control every little detail-allow people (especially leaders) to make decisions on their own.

Plan ministry meetings regularly- Meet with your leaders and teachers to encourage and evaluate. Plan and pray for every ministry in the church.

Develop an aggressive children’s ministry- Reach children and teach them to hide God’s word in their hearts. All children’s ministries open the door to eventually reach the parents.

Implement new Bible studies throughout the week- Use these Bible studies to train and cast vision for leaders.

Promote missions giving- Develop a faith based missions strategy to support new church plants and missions world-wide.

Spend church funds wisely- Don’t buy everything you think you need right away. Yes, you have to spend money to do ministry, but you must pick and choose along the way. As the church grows a surplus of funds will become available. If you feel led to purchase something costly communicate clearly by giving the reason it is necessary and allow the church time to pray about the need.

Please add any details or comments to the list!

Journal Download

• Awana begins this Wednesday. We have more leaders and workers than last year and everyone is excited and ready to go. We have several new families interested in bringing their children.
  
• Friend Day is September 30th. I am going to preach out of a casket. We are going to have lunch (grilling hamburgers and hotdogs). A concert will follow at 1:30.
  
• Faith Teams kick off the week of Friend Day. Letters will be sent out the Monday following Friend Day and teams will follow up on every person in service that day.
  
• Unity has been a major subject around our church lately. It seems that almost every church in town and surrounding areas is fighting except for ours. We must stay on guard!
  
• Youth Ministry is taking a leap to the next level. Tommy, Kathy, Michael, Dana, James, and Tasha are working as a team to get the job done!
  
• Membership Seminar is fulfilling its purpose. People are joining and getting involved in the ministry.
  
• Nurseries are expanding. We now have (2) two nurseries (babies/toddlers). We have (4) four babies and (3) three more to arrive soon!
  
• Sunday School is not going as well as I would like, but we do have 3 new classes.
  
• Bible Studies seem to be going well. People are growing and leaders are developing quickly.
  
• Generosity is a true characteristic of our church. We have recently given a few thousand dollars to the Bald Knob school system. As a community we are attempting to save our school from a 2.2 million dollar deficit.
  
• Problems never go away. Besides growing pains many families are struggling and experiencing difficult circumstances. Satan never stops distracting us from our purpose.
  
• Building Plans are on the verge. Temple has a new worship building that is debt free. A research committee will soon be formed to start the process of building a multipurpose center with education space.
  
• Tradition is becoming a thing of the past. I mean our church is evolving and everyone seems to be ok with that. I don’t even where a tie on Sunday mornings! Praise God! Jesus would not where a suit today. Sunday morning was a record service with no special event at the number 137.
  
• Music Ministry is struggling. We have some real talent, but they are not working together to lead worship as of yet. Look out near future!
  
• New To Ministry- Tommy Slinker threw down for a few minutes last night. He preached his first message and brought tears to my eyes. One of the things he said was “I am still a sinner, but I have learned how to fight sin- This is what I do: When I wake up in the morning I think about Jesus-When I get to work I think about Jesus- When I get home in the evening I think about Jesus-When I go to bed at night I think about Jesus-Sometimes I even wake up in the middle of the night and have been dreaming about Jesus!” PREACH ON BRO!

John 3:18

"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:18

"Don't condemn me." We here this type of lingo all the time. In many Christian circles people are moving so far from the idea of judgment toward sinners that they take a very vague stand about everything including God. The best way to condemn someone is not to say a word to them about Jesus. Jesus' words to the pharisees were harsh, but he wasn't here to condemn them. If Jesus wanted to condemn the pharisees he would have never opened his mouth to them. Instead he said things like, "Unless you repent you shall all like wise perish." Luke 3:13. The pharisees were condemned already because they did not believe on the name of the only begotten Son of God!

Let's speak up and share Jesus!

Pray For A Wind!

Last night in our Bible study we started talking about some new ways of doing ministry. We are starting to plan for some huge evangelism pools. We want to take over our city! The people here at Temple are getting excited about reaching people with the gospel. We are on the verge of an outbreak! I said all of that to say that I just got a call from a good friend here in the church. He wanted to talk a minute about spreading the fire that is burning among us. I thought for a minute and said, "the only way I know to spread a fire is to pray for a WIND!" We need a fresh wind on this fresh fire that is burning.

Spread the Seed-Spread the Fire... There is this ancient seed called the Gospel-if you spread it, a fire begins to burn where it grows.

The Key Is Passionate Diligence
"In the morning sow your seed, And in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, Either this or that, Or whether both alike will be good." Ecclesiastes 11:6 (work hard-don't let anything stop you)

My prayer: Lord every where we spread the seed do your thing to make it grow!

Raise Your Expectations

We expect too little when it comes to reaching people, but too much when it comes to what we want for ourselves.

People are going to Hell, we want a new car, and instead of praying for God's power to witness we are praying for the money to buy the car! God's people must rearrange their priorities and start praying for souls to be saved! The following is my favorite verse in the Bible.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that works within us..." Ephesians 3:20

Raise your expectations about God's power to change lives and he will use you as a tool in the process!

Friend Day

We have begun 7 weeks of planning and preparation for Friend Day. We expect to have over 200 on September 30th. This will give us the opportunity to share the gospel and our best friend (Jesus) with people that are confused and hopeless. This is an attempt to reach unchurched people, not friends that attend other churches of like faith. Please pray for us as we desire to take over the city of Bald Knob in the next few years!

Pre-Deer Season

I don't think I have ever been so excited about bow hunting. October 1st is just a few weeks away. I've been feeding corn (they are eating it), and buying odds and ins for opening day! Dad and I have a 2 day hunting trip planned in the big Strawberry AR Oct. 1-2. I hope to top last year's eight point on opening morning (wishful thinking never hurt anyone).

Temple Baptist DVD

Thanks to Jerry Smith “THE VIDEO MAN”, we have an eight (8) minute DVD that members can hand out to friends and neighbors-and immediate learn about our church and Savior. This is a great tool for evangelism. Thanks Jerry!

Tom Slinker

God has absolutely changed a man in our church. Several months ago Tom was a casual once in while attender. He was a member but not very faithful. Three months ago after worship he told me, "Billy, I'm going to join the church now." I said, "I thought you were already a member." He responded, "I am, but I'm REALLY going to join the church!"

Since he told me that he has been to every worship meeting and every Tuesday night Bible study. He has led several people to the Lord, and brings visitors every week. He taught a class for the first time last wednesday night and the students loved it. This man is on fire!

God still changes people-don't ever give up on anyone! Tom's fire is starting to spread!!!!!!

My Prayer Today

Lord, today I worship you. I realize that I need you just as much today as the day I was saved. Please take me and use me for your honor and glory. I don't care what the world thinks about my devotion to you, I desire to please you and only you. Accomplish your will in my life. Help me to be kind, loving, and forgiving as I minister to those in my path. I'm sorry that I fail you so often, but I am very thankful for your grace and mercy. Keep me from temptation and the evil one. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Para Animarle!

Este blog sin acentos es para mis amigos que hablan en español. Mi teclado no le gusta funcionar bien acerca de los acentos en las letras (disculpa).

Buen dia Amigos! Que Dios les bendiga con todo su gracia y misericordia. Espero que se encuentre bien en el lugar que Dios le ha puesto. Le quiero escribir siete cosas importantes para recordarle...

1. Dios quiere estar cerca de usted en cualquier situacion.

2. Dios quiere que se comunique con el todos los dias.

3. Dios quiere que usted estudie su palabra todos los dias.

4. Dios quiere que usted sea un buen testimonio todos los dias (en aciones y palabras).

5. Dios quiere que usted comparta el evangelio con las personas que se encuentre en su camino.

6. Dios quiere que usted tenga una actitud que refleje la de el Señor Jesus.

7. Dios quiere que usted confie en el cada segunda que respire.

"todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortelece" Filipenses 4:13

Consistency = Influence (bad or good)

I have friends who pastor large churches, small churches, no churches, and others who lead out in parachurch organizations. Many of them disagree with each other while some simply want to see results from the other. In observing and being in conversations with these select individuals I have learned one thing for sure. Whatever your philosophy or ministry mentality is make sure you keep JESUS and the SCRIPTURES at the core, and winning the lost as your goal. Also, philosophy and mentality have less to do with the results-CONSISTENCY is the key. I think the “Top 50 Most Influential Church List” clarifies the point of consistency. There are many different backgrounds on that list, but where there is consistency there seems to be influence. Check out the list at thechurchreport.com or click the link below.

http://www.thechurchreport.com/mag_article.php?mid=1095&mname=July

Jonah

We finished Jonah on Tuesday night. Jonah chapter four tells us why Jonah was so passionate and willing to preach to the people of Nineveh. He had convinced himself that God was going to destroy Nineveh even though he knew deep down God was loving and patient. The book ends with God having the last word. God made clear to Jonah that He is sovereignly in control and that no one deserves his mercy and grace, not even the religious, Jonah.

My Space

Today I found 750 people that live in a 10 mile radius of our church. In the last 2 hours I have sent out 120 messages on My Space and already have unchurched people writing back interested. Wow!

The following in one of many messages I have received.

"sir, i thank you for the adress to your church. i work at the hopital in searcy and i am usally to tired to go. byt i promise i will try to come. if you would pastor could you pray for me to have the lord help my ex wife regain her love for me, so i can get my family back. she just recently divorced me, and it is tearing me apart. i love her with all of me. thank you. Brian"

This was my third message from Brian. Please pray for him and his family.

Evangelism-Church Growth

The following post is made up of thoughts from a recent email I sent out about evangelism.

Relationship Building
Relationships produce the most results. Statistics are clear that friends reaching friends is the most effective way to reach people. We are about to start a 7 week campaign using Elmer Towns Friend Day Program. I have used it twice and more than doubled our attendance both times. This campaign provides many new prospects to follow-up on. Awana is another great evangelism ministry that helps in building relationships. We really work on visiting our Awana kid’s families-this is one of the best methods I have been involved in. Special events like Harvest Fest, Christmas banquets, Day Camps, and Bible Schools all prove to work in the relationship building arena. The follow-up obviously being the key! Most of the individuals that have been saved and baptized in the last few months at Temple started attending our church because a friend invited them.

Other Tools & Methods
We are about to have another tool-Jerry Smith will be with us August 12th to make a DVD about our church which will also include me sharing the gospel. This is a great tool that anyone in the church can pass out.
I have recently started walking people through the first few pages in the gospel of John (http://www.pocketpower.org/).

Programs
Any program is an elementary training process for people that have never shared their faith. Programs get churches started in evangelism. The ultimate goal should be that evangelism becomes a lifestyle, and not a program. My personal opinion is that if the majority of the church members are living the lifestyle of evangelism the program is needed especially to follow-up on ALL the prospects. Frequent preaching on evangelism, Heaven, and Hell seem to keep people motivated in the area of evangelism.

Door Knocking Still Works
The door to door method does not produce as many results as other methods, but seeds are planted and occasionally people are saved. The Jehovah’s Witness and Mormons seem to like this method! They have more results because they do more of it-like every day. I have recently visited one man (5) times. The first time he closed the door in 2 seconds. The second time-1 minute, third time-5 minutes, fourth time-10 minutes, 5th time-30 minutes and I shared the gospel with him. He was a hair away from trusting Christ, but I didn’t push him. I am praying for him and believe he will be one of the next soul winners in our church. There is another aspect of this method that I have experienced, but don’t understand. I guess it goes back to the GROW principles. Immediately when we began our evangelism ministry floods of visitors started attending our church. To God be the Glory!

Prayer
This past Sunday evening after I preached our church was in the altar praying for specific names of people who are lost. Multiple individuals prayed at different times, then I closed our prayer time. I believe we all left more excited about sharing our faith. I felt like I was in a “book of Acts” church service!

Follow-Up
Having good tools for follow-up is important. We printed a special invitation that includes a simple Salvation presentation, a What’s Next? section that talks about the new life as a believer and next steps, and a schedule of our services. Scheduling a Bible study at the moment someone trusts Christ is the soul winner’s responsibility. Project One Generation is a great tool for discipleship (Faith Bible Institute offers this material at no cost if I’m not mistaking).

My greatest desire is to become a more concerned soul winner.

Please Pray!

When you read this post please stop and say a prayer for Johnny, Christie, Melony, Darrel, Ned, and Mandy. I am praying they will trust Christ SOON!

Billy The Barber!

Since I bought Margarita the bed ($$$) for her birthday, I had to start cutting my own kid's hair to save money. I've got to save every way I can! Just for laughs-I realized after I started that I was using a set of dog clippers. Ha!

Margarita's Birthday!

Margarita’s birthday is tomorrow, July 20th. She’s been wanting a new bed for a long time. I decided her birthday is once a year and I might as well spend a years worth of $$$! Now I’m broke, but she will be happy for a while. Go do something crazy for your wife!
Her dad is coming in from Mexico tomorrow and we are planning on going to Branson for a couple of days. Hopefully he will foot the bill for that! :)

In our Tuesday night bible study we finished up Jonah chapter three. Jonah has been a great book with lessons about God’s will, God’s Grace, God’s Miracles, multiple chances, evangelism, ministry results, and more! The following is a thought from last night’s discussion.
Jonah’s preaching extravaganza was a 3 day walk through Nineveh. How many of us would walk for three days preaching the gospel without receiving anything in return. There was absolutely no self-gain for Jonah. These people were not even going to become a part of his church back home. As Jonah preached with passion the results were incredible. God is calling us to do ministry even if there is no personal gain. How many preachers view their calling as a job and not a joy? We have been called to preach not profit!
Other thoughts from Jonah:
Jonah ran.
Jonah tried to hide.
Jonah tried to sleep it away.
Jonah paid.
Everyone was effected by Jonah’s sin.
Jonah wanted to die rather than obey God.
Jonah was a preacher and no one on the ship knew it. They had to ask his occupation. How many preachers are undercover?
God was in control the entire time.
God sent a storm that frightened even professional sailors.
Jonah was thrown over board. Jonah was entangled in sea weed. God prepared a big fish to save Jonah’s life.
When Jonah repented, he was spit out on solid ground.
God re-commissioned Jonah. God is a God of another chance. Usually not the second chance since we have already used that up.
God blessed the message.
The people of Nineveh repented.
How many people are ready to repent if we would just listen to the voice of God and do our part?

Washington DC

It was great to return to Washington and see all the monuments from American History. We also went to the Holocaust Museum. I recommend it! All the museums in DC are free by the way. The greatest part was getting to pass out hundreds of gospels of John to people from many different countries right in the capital city of the United States of America.

People in DC are very skeptical about receiving anything you give them (especially gospels of John). Also, we found out that it is against the law to hand out material around the monuments. We found the best way to give them away was to first ask directions from the person. We would then give them directions to heaven! The neatest thing was when we saw people on the subway and the train back to Fredericksburg reading gospels of John. For those of you that don't know about the pocket power gospels of John, in the front they explain how to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Go to http://www.pocketpower.org/ to order your free 30 per month. Donations are accepted.

Mission Trip Summary

-We drove over 2300 miles!

-We ministered in 3 specific cities; Fredericksburg, Va, Washington, DC, and Beckett, New Jersey!

-We door knocked and canvazed over 600 houses!

-We personally handed out over 300 hundred gospels of John!

-We saw 4 people trust Christ as Savior!

-Benchmark Baptist was very encouraged and ready to win their city!

-New Jersey is in desperate need of churches!

-Several teenagers and adults who have never shared their faith before are now excited about evangelism!

-We made it home all in one piece, no one got hurt, and we are all still friends!

Mission Trip Update

Stop #1

God has been blessing in Fredericksburg, VA. Saturday we passed out 500 Bible School invitations for Benchmark Baptist Fellowship. Nora (from El Salvador) accepted Christ on Saturday. Lauren, a teenager from the neighborhood we canvassed, came to church on Sunday. I shared the gospel with four skaters we met on the street. We had several visitors Sunday morning. Cody, a visitor, came back fired-up Sunday night! The church was encouraged and ready to "GO MAKE DISCIPLES"!

Keep praying! Two more stops coming up!

7 Things I Need To Work On

1. Being a better husband and father.

2. Spending more time in prayer.

3. Becoming a better listener.

4. Not being misunderstood.

5. Adding some steak to my messages.

6. Recognizing the good (positive) things in people.

7. Spending more time meeting new people.

A Great Book

This is a great book!

We will worship the Father and the Son in Heaven.

We will learn more about God's Word in Heaven.

There will be many things that we do in Heaven, but one thing we won't be able to do is tell lost people how to find hope in Jesus. Since we can't share Jesus with lost people in Heaven, we need to take every opportunity to do so now!

If you need some fuel for evangelism this is like a gas station!

Mission Trip

Twenty of us will leave on July 5th for a life changing mission trip. The trip will take us to three different locations. We will spend a couple of days in Fredericksburg Virginia, New Jersey, and Washington DC. We are praying for God to open up doors, give us divine appointments, and even send people from all over the world to receive the gospel and a copy of the Gospel of John (www.pocketpower.org). Since people visit Washington this time of the year we decided to ask God to connect us with some future Billy Grahams of other countries on the globe! Please pray that everyone going and everyone we connect with will experience life change!!!!

A Day At The Pool

Margarita's mother is visiting from Mexico, so while they went shopping I took the kids swimming at the community pool in Searcy. Some friends from church showed up and the party got bigger and better. Neta, Natalie, Tyler, Colby, Daniel, Anna, and me had a blast (does this word still exist?)! Tyler even got dunked about 30 times and still wanted more! My kids are 2 and 3 but act like sea creatures. They love the water! I hope they grow up to love Jesus as much as they do playing in the pool!

New Bible Study

Our new young men's Bible study kicked off tonight. Tyrel, Michael, Tommy, James, and myself dove into the book of Jonah. The purpose of our Bible study is to build up our younger men, train leaders, strengthen our families, and turn the excitement up in our church ministry! I had fun tonight!!!

Universal Church

The funnest thing happened today. Someone identified me as holding "the universal church position"! The problem is, I DO NOT BELIEVE IN A UNIVERSAL CHURCH.

I believe a church is a visible body of saved, baptized believers, covenanted together to carry out the Great Commission and observe the commands of Christ. In order for a church to exist there must be saved, baptized believers, meeting together!

I believe the best way to start churches is by local churches sending out missionaries/church planters to carry out the Great Commision on their God chosen field.

It is funny when men give you a nametag for disagreeing with a word, idea, or philosophy that is not found in Scripture. The best way to do ministry is by less manmade rules, and more of God's Word and His Spirit!

Ministry With Results

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit shall come upon you..." Acts 1:8a

My heart is heavy about the need for God's men to allow the Spirit to lead. All ministry should be directed and empowered by the Spirit of God. Reaching people is best accomplished as led by the Spirit of God. If God called us by His Spirit, placed us by His Spirit, can He not connect us to those who He is drawing to Himself?

I love programs and different strategies for reaching people, but nothing can replace the powerful working of the Spirit of God! Sometimes the job of pastor and church planter becomes very busy, but not necessarily led by the Spirit. We spend a lot of time thinking about how to reach people, but little time in prayer FOR people. God, help us to seek your face for we need you to give us divine appointments!

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are Sons of God" Romans 8:14

Joseph had his name written down!
Recently I posted a note asking prayer for Joseph's salvation. Joseph just graduated highschool this past May. He finally told me that he trusted Christ two weeks ago. We then had a little party along with the angels!!! Please pray for him to be baptized soon.

New Bible Studies...
We have 16 ladies, and 5 men beginning new bibles studies this week. Please pray that God will use these worship opportunities to change lives and build strong leaders. We pray that these laid back Bible studies will attract the unchurched too!

Church Planting Led By The Spirit

I recently preached a message at our church that challenges the mentality and philosophy of ’mission work’ in the ABA. For the first time ever I heard this same challenge during our 2007 annual meeting at the World Evangelism Conference. I believe his name was Tim Thompson (not sure about the first name). I’m not good at repeating word for word so I will use my own terminology. This brother led his church to “untie” their missionary in India so that he could work as the Spirit of God led.

The issue is whether or not a ‘sponsoring church’ is to hold a position of authority over a new group of saved, baptized, believers. He said a missionary cannot be led by the Spirit of God if he is authorized to stay in one location by the sending church (among other demands). If the ‘sponsoring church’ is the head of the newly planted church, how can Jesus be the head too?

I recently taught the following responsibilites/instructions of a sending church. The purpose of this message was to prepare our church to be a sending church in 2008…

1. Pray for God to connect us with His man.

2. Make all necessary questions previous to the commissioning service in order that you will have confidence in his decisions (dependence upon God) on the field.

3. Send the church planter/missionary to the location (chosen by God) with the resources necessary to accomplish God’s plan.

4. Participate and be involved as much as possible to help and encourage the church planter/missionary.

5. Advise when necessary but never take an authoritative position over the church planter who is to be led by the Spirit of God.

6. If there is such a disagreement or problem between the sending church and church planter/missionary both can chose at any point to separate as led by the Spirit of God.

7. Enjoy together what God is doing through the ministry of the newly planted church.

This method allows the church planter and new members the freedom to follow the leadership of Jesus (the head of every body) rather than another body of fallen sinful men who’s only worth is in their salvation through Jesus Christ. Most of the time decisions made by ‘sponsoring churches’ that override the decision of a church planter/missionary are based on tradition rather than an understanding of the field, prayer, and the leadership of the Spirit of God. The “Acts Principle” will produce more results and fewer problems between the sending church and the church planter/missionary. We must take our hands off in order for God to get the glory!

The Shadow of Death

Bro. Neal Clark gave his president’s address on Psalm 23. I wish he would have gotten lower to the ground in preaching mode (those of you that know him are laughing), but he had too many alliterated points to get away from his notes. I really like what he had to say about the “shadow of death”. A shadow cannot hurt you!

These are not exact quotes:

The shadow of a snake cannot bite you.
The shadow of a lion cannot growl at you.
The shadow of an arrow cannot strike you.
The shadow of a bullet cannot penetrate you.
The shadow of death cannot kill you.

Let me add, as long as we are walking with the Shepherd, we have nothing to fear, especially a shadow! Sometimes in the dark a shadow looks real, but when the light comes on the shadow disappears. Shine Jesus shine!

Life with the Life Giver

Jesus has been misunderstood by the promotion of religion. Jesus isn’t looking for religious followers, but people who desire to experience LIFE with the LIFE GIVER! I’m not sure who will read this, but my reason for posting this entry is to offer hope to anyone struggling with answers about life. If that is you, the following truths should encourage you.

1. God loves you no matter what has happened in your life. He is not to blame, but He does have a way out!

2. As Creator, God has prepared a wonderful place for you to spend eternity. He doesn’t desire suffering for anyone, but paradise for everyone!

3. God sent His one of kind Son (Jesus) to become the bridge for you to enter into Heaven. Jesus paid your sin debt when He died on the cross. Because He rose from the grave (seen by hundreds) you can live forever with Him! This new life can begin here and now.

4. God simply asks that you call on Him, based on what Jesus did for you, and He will answer your call.

“God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were sinners Jesus died for us.” Romans 5:8

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord (Jesus), will be saved (made new and given a home in heaven).” Romans 10:13

It is evident that all of humanity has a problem called sin. We have missed God’s mark or standard of holiness. For this reason we need His plan of redemption. The following prayer is one that recognizes Jesus as the only answer for this great problem we have.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I’m a sinner who needs your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross for my sin and rose from the grave so that I could be redeemed for eternity. I trust you to save me, because I cannot save myself. Thank you Jesus for your love, understanding, grace, and mercy. In Jesus name, Amen.

Please write for more information about God’s changing power!

The Tongues Movement...

The following paragraph was copied from the Associated Press on June 13th, 2007.

“SOUTHERN BAPTISTS HEAR CALL FOR UNITY SAN ANTONIO (AP) The president of the Southern Baptist Convention says that instead of fighting to change the culture and win souls, Southern Baptists have been fighting each other.Before being elected to a second term at the denomination's annual meeting in San Antonio, the Reverend Frank Page said, "In our arrogance, we've been fighting the wrong battles." The latest controversy involves speaking in tongues. Some Southern Baptists believe seminaries and other agencies should prohibit the hiring of people who advocate the Pentecostal practice.Their opponents argue that the Baptist Faith and Message doctrinal statement sets no such standard, and point to a study by the denomination's research arm that found that half of Southern Baptist pastors believe the Holy Spirit can work through speaking in tongues.”

_________________________________________

How important is it to protect our churches from the modern “tongues” movement?

First, let it be clear that the purity of a church and a friendship outside of the church are not connected. These writings do not suggest that the charismatic movement should necessarily divide friendships. However, we are commanded by God to protect the teachings and purity of HIS church. If it were my church, it wouldn’t be so important, but it’s HIS!

Second, all teaching within the church should be founded on the Word of God. When determining what is biblical one should NOT rely on an experience, but the Scriptures! In other words, “What does God say about it?”

Modern Tongues and the Scriptures:

1. An HONEST observation of this modern day movement in churches must lead one to acknowledge it is unbiblical.

A. Many of the leaders in the tongues movement are WOMEN. In I Corinthians chapter fourteen Paul explains the rules of using the GIFT of tongues. One of the rules was that WOMEN were not allowed to speak in tongues.

“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak.” I Cor. 14:34

· Some wrongly use this verse out of context; teaching that women are not to say a word in a church assembly, meetings, or even prayer time. Clearly this is not the case, for the verse in context refers specifically to the issue of tongues.

B. In many churches there are no interpreters for those speaking in tongues.

“If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church...” I Corinthians 14:28

C. The ability to speak in tongues was a GIFT that not everyone had. Many churches and denominations make the claim that all saved individuals should be able to speak in tongues. I do recognize that everyone does not make this stipulation, never the less it is important to understand the following passage of scriptures.

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” I Cor 12:4-11

· Not only could only certain people speak in tongues, no one went to a training seminar on HOW to speak in tongues.

· Today, many churches offer seminars and conferences on how to speak in tongues. Many people catch on by being in a service where everyone around them is speaking in tongues. Again, with no interpreter!

· I do not discredit the reality of the experience some claim to have had, but acknowledge that anyone who imagines in their mind this is the right thing to do can fall into an emotional state and then slur made up words at random. (long sentence… I know)

· The GIFT of tongues was an immediate ability to speak in a KNOWN language, so UNBELIEVERS would be able to hear the gospel message.

“Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to unbelievers.” I Cor. 14:22

· Never was everyone in the congregation to be speaking in tongues, for this gives a very confusing appearance to unbelievers concerning what Christianity is all about.

“Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?” I Cor. 14:23

· On the day of Pentecost the gift of tongues was given to the Apostles which spoke in known languages the “wonderful works of God” in order that the listener could trust in the gospel! On that particular day there were over a dozen different nations and languages represented.

“we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God” Acts 2:11

Acts chapter two reveals the following truths about tongues:

A. Tongues were a gift from God. v.4
B. Tongues were real languages. v.8
C. Tongues were for the purpose of preaching the gospel. v.11

2. I Corinthians chapter fourteen is a follow-up passage to chapter thirteen.

· In order to understand chapter fourteen one must grasp chapter thirteen. In I Corinthians thirteen Paul uses the phrase, “whether there are tongues, they will cease.” I Cor. 13:8

· In chapter 13 Paul writes that one day tongues will cease. Many scholars say the language suggest they were beginning to cease. Since they still existed on some scale Paul wrote chapter fourteen so that the church at Corinth would use the gift for the right purpose, at the right time, and in order. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” I Cor. 14:40

· Getting past the fact that the majority of those leading out in the tongues movement have failed in the area or PURPOSE, TIMING, and ORDER, one must ask the question, “When does Paul say they will cease?”

WHEN DOES PAUL SAY THE GIFT OF TONGUES, AMONG OTHERS, WILL CEASE?

· Paul doesn’t say exactly when, but he does give us some clues.

a. “and NOW abide faith, hope, and love, these three.” The church at Corinth was using their spiritual gifts to elevate themselves above the general public. They were prideful! In reality Paul was saying, get your focus off of tongues and LOVE people! NOW focus on faith, hope, and love.

b. Why the phrase, “these three”? Why not these three, plus tongues, healing, and prophecy etc.?

c. In I Corinthians 13 Paul says, “prophecies will fail, tongues will cease, and knowledge will vanish…” However, he doesn’t speak of an end to Faith, Hope, and Love! Paul says, NOW these three.

d. Some claim that I Corinthians thirteen says these gifts will cease at the return of Christ. They make reference to verse ten.

“But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” I Cor. 13:10

· It is important to note that the church was in its infancy stage (it was a new concept). For this reason God gave the apostles and the early church special gifts that we do not possess today. These gifts (prophecy, knowledge, tongues) were needed for growth of the church in the area of evangelism and maturity. Paul uses the analogy of infancy or childhood verses the need for manhood in the following verses. These verses in context must be applied to the local church.

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” I Cor. 13:11-12

· “WHEN that which is perfect is come” and “THEN face to face” and “but THEN I shall know just as I also am known” all refer to the same time frame.

· It is the opinion of this writer that the phrase “that (meaning a thing) which is perfect (meaning complete or mature)” refers to the stage of the church when it no longer needs these special gifts for evangelism and maturity, for it is well past its infancy.

· Others suggest “that which is perfect” refers to the completed Word of God. In my opinion, this may be one of the reasons the church is mature and no longer needs these gifts, but it is not “that which is perfect.” For those of you who analyze every word, I am not saying the Word of God is not perfect.

· In Ephesians chapter four Paul writes the purpose of spiritual gifts is to bring believers to the point of maturity in Christ.

“11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

· The word “till” again suggest a time frame. It is clear that Paul is referring to the maturity and unity of a local church. This maturity is something God desires us to have NOW, not when Christ returns. Today, he doesn’t want us to be tossed around with every wind of doctrine; He wants to grow up in Christ!

· Again, the purpose of the Word of God is to bring that level or stage of maturity.

“16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

· To suggest that the gift of tongues will cease at the return of Christ is to suggest that believers cannot be “complete” or mature until Christ returns. This causes a problem with the validity of scripture, for the scriptures urge us to mature in the faith!

“11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:12-14

“1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection…” Hebrews 6:1

I have to stop here for now…

Let me conclude this entry by saying, the scriptures are clear on the issue of tongues. The modern tongues movement is of no use to the church today. The purpose of the original gift of tongues has been fulfilled and any counterfeit only causes confusion!

My Blessings From God!

Daniel is the man!

Anna the princess!

Joseph, Christi, Darell, and Tiffany...

Please take a minute to pray for these 4 people. We have a close connection with them, but they have yet to put their faith in JESUS.

Also, please lift up the Robinson family who has had a very serious emergency in the last 24 hours.

Thanks for the prayers.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

I found the best way to discipline my son!

YOUR WAY OR MY WAY?

Neither! It’s God’s way that matters. For years churches have started Americanized churches in other countries professing to be fulfilling the great commission. Besides the fact that God never intended us to start Americanized churches in places like Africa, Mexico, and Canada, maybe He never intended Americanized churches to exist anywhere. The current religious status of churches is far from the description of the church Jesus started. Many are asking the question, “How can I know if I belong to a Biblical church?".

Some claim a biblical church to be one that believes a particular doctrinal statement. I have to dismiss this idea with a laugh and my eyes crossed in frustration about such a shallow check list. The real criteria of a biblical church is NOT about buildings, pews, pulpits, style of music, pianos, organs, guitars, drums, a particular S.S. literature, or 21 beliefs on a sheet of paper, but REAL people who PRACTICE what they say the Bible teaches!

1. Does your pastor live what he preaches?
2. Do you follow your pastor’s example and leadership?
3. What is your church doing to reach lost people?
4. How much time do you spend in prayer about people who are going to Hell?
5. How long has it been since you have seen someone saved as a result of your church ministry?
6. Is your baptistery a storage department or is it used regularly?
7. Are new leaders being trained in your church?
8. Does your worship service invite the presence of God or scare Him away (not talking about style, but excellence)?
9. Are you learning HOW to live for Jesus or just learning WHAT the Bible says about it?
10. Is your church kind and loving or a bickering body of strife?
11. Is your church starting new churches?
12. Is your church growing or dieing?

Why are some churches growing and reaching people and others dieing in a coma? Is it because some fields are harder than others and people are not responding? No. The answer is that something is missing. It is not enough to say you believe something; you must practice what you believe! If your church is dieing stop insulting the power and glory of God by pretending that you are contending for the faith! We only have one shot to reach the people of this age; will you sit on the sideline or join in the fun?!

Note: I do realize that there are exceptions to the comments in the last paragraph. In most cases the field is not harder, but there are certain areas in the world where reaching people is a slower process. However, we need to be careful to compare our fields to that of Ezekiel, and make sure we are connected to God and doing what we are supposed to be doing. To many people are using the excuse, "Ezekiel didn't have one result from his ministry."