A Fish Called Grace

The Freedom To Write

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 13:56:00 +0000

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Today is Veteran's Day.

All across the country, in small towns and villages, at American Legion Halls and VFW's, at Arlington and a million other cemeteries all across our great land, people will honor the men and women who have served, fought, sacrificed, and paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

You woke up this morning, turned on your computer, and logged into your internet browser. You found this site through Google, Facebook, Friend-Connect, or, maybe you just stumbled across it searching the web. And you did all of that because a veteran served with you, or in your stead, to help keep these freedoms we so often take for granted. The very fact that I can write these words without fear of reprisal from a British Sovereign, or a corrupt Mexicali Government, or 1,000 year totalitarian German Regime, or a Communist Comrade is all because of the sacrifice of our Veterans. (And, parenthetically, an Islamist cleric, thanks to our present day military service members.)

So I say, on behalf of a sometimes forgetful, sometimes neglectful, yet always needful nation--Thank You members of our military, and to all of our veterans, and to their families. On this day especially, may The LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

A Navy Family

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 14:15:00 +0000

I wish I could find some more pictures of my family in the Navy, but here are a few of them....

Uncle Cliff. I was closest to him, spent several summers with him and Martha in late 70's. He was in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He was on the USS Princeton (CVL 23) . She was hit by a Jap 500lb bomb on the morning of October 24, 1944. Fires spread and eventually a huge explosion rocked the ship, most likely from the bomb arsenal. This not only damaged the Princeton, but also the USS Birmingham that had come along side for Damage Control operations. Around 3:30, the order was given to abandon ship. Uncle Cliff went over the side and landed flatfooted on a gun turret. He broke both of his feet. He was in the water for almost 48 hours, and at one point was buzzed by a Jap fighter, but he didn't fire on them. Cliff told me he figured the pilot didn't have any ammo, and was probably a Kamikaze.Grandma was told he was "Missing at sea" and didn't hear that he was alive for weeks, until he was back at Pearl in a Navvy hospital. He was a great man and I reveled in his stories. He is an America hero.

USS Princeton (CVL 23) shortly after being hit by a Japanese bomb during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. 10/24/1944

Uncle Joe. I never met Uncle Joe. Cliff told me many stories about Joe and his WWII stories, but I can only remember bits and pieces. Wish I knew more.

Uncle Al. Again, I wish I knew some stories to tell. But, brother, check out that dog dish! I've never seen one that far back on someone's head! And the Clarke Gable mustache. What a looker! No wonder he won Aunt Marie!

and, then is my Dad. Check out the wings on his hat. You can tell he was an airman!

And lastly, me! Man, that's a good looking sailor! Squ...aa...ared Away and Outstanding!

Old Spice And Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:11:00 +0000

Last week I had the privilege of attending another church’s Men Conference. While there I reconnected with old friends and met some new ones. During one of the sessions, the speaker mentioned the incredible memory invoking power of the sense of smell. It was interesting to me because I agree so much with the sentiment that all of our senses have an emotional pull on us, either toward heaven or toward secular pursuits. I believe that we should treat the Bible with care, using all five senses to meet Jesus in the Bible. John wrote about the one “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled.” (1 John 1) Hearing, sight and touch—we should see Jesus in the Bible; we should hear Jesus in the Bible, and we should touch Jesus in the Bible. We should even taste Jesus in the Bible! The Psalmist wrote, “O taste and see that the LORD is good.” (Psalm 34:8)

But what about the sense of smell? I believe that the sense of smell is uniquely strong in bringing back to our remembrance days of old. The speaker talked about a certain cologne and how the smell took him back in time. That was very moving for me, because I believe that is true and a cautionary tale. I have three “smells’ on my bathroom counter. One is Old Spice. It’s what my grandfather wore. Another is Skinbracer. That was my dad’s sent. The third is Oak. (Oak has replaced Polo, as my pastor’s salary cannot afford Polo anymore.) I wear either Old Spice or Skinbracer about every day. But I only wear Oak when I go out with Patty. That is my smell when I am with her. The genesis for that (back when I was an engineer and it was Polo) dates back to the days when I was pursuing her. When I was single I wore Polo all the time. It was very vogue back in the 80's!!!!! To me there is something associated with the hunt about Polo. But the smell of Old Spice makes me think of a grandpa and something not very alluring to women of a certain age. I’m through with the pursuing now, so if you smell me wearing Polo (Oak) Patty will not be far away. It might be silly, but my though is that any female smelling me with Skinbracer on is only going to be reminded of her grandpa, not some sexy beast. (I know. Polo or not, what woman could resist alllllllllll of this!?) But I will also say that ministers are especially susceptible to sexual sin because the Satan loves to see clergy fall that way. So it is probably more for me; the smell of Oak and Polo now remind me that I am a one-woman-man, and she is close by my side.

What does that have to do with “smelling” Jesus in the Bible. It harkens back to my favorite post resurrection story, which is found in John’s Gospel. Jesus is on the shore, cooking breakfast for the disciples who are out fishing. When they got to shore the Bible says that, “they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread.” (John 21:9) Jesus cooked fish on a charcoal fire. He could have done what He did when He fed the 5,000 men, (not including women and children) and simply said “Fish.” No, He cooked on a charcoal fire. Why? Smell. Admit it, there is something about the smell of a charcoal fire. Remembrance associated with smell. He needed Peter to remember. The word translated here charcoal is anthrakia. It is only used two times in the Bible, here and in John 18:18 where Peter was at Jesus’ trial, warming himself by a…want to take a guess?...charcoal fire. Peter’s greatest collapse in faith, his greatest failure, his most despised memory was of denying Jesus three times. And I think when Peter got out of the boat and ran to shore, the charcoal fire was there to bring that episode flooding back to his memory, through the power of smell. Jesus needed Peter to emotionally reconnect with that moment of failure, so the stark contrast of his restoration and calling would stand out in great relief with his failure. In essence Jesus was saying to Peter, you failed; now get over it and feed my sheep.

The power of smell. Our speaker had it right, and it is a great reminder to me that I need to hear Jesus in the Bible, to see Jesus in the Bible, to touch Jesus in the Bible, to taste Jesus in the Bible…and to even smell Jesus in the Bible.

Power Rangers And Dentists

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 19:30:00 +0000

Power Rangers And Dentists

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When Luke was about 3, a dentist came to his preschool to teach the kids about good dental hygiene. When I got home from the church, Patty suggested I ask Luke want he wanted to do when he grew up. I expected the standard answer I had gotten to the question for months—A Power Ranger. (and specifically, I might add, the RED Power Ranger.) Instead, Luke informed me he wanted to be a dentist. I was thrilled, but tepidly so. He was three after all. But he stuck with it all the way through middle school. And I will also admit that I was disappointed when he gave that up. Dentists are expensive, and having one in the family would be great.

I heard a conversation recently where the comment was made about that old adage, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” I thought about that some, thinking back to Power Rangers and Dentists. The more I ponder that question, the more I think that we might need to rethink how we ask it. Perhaps, instead of asking what our kids want to do when they grow up, maybe we should ask them who they want to be when they grow up.

You know, Solomon made some great applications about child rearing. One passage in particular has to do with this though of doing versus being. In Proverbs 22:6 the old sage wrote “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (NASB) Train ‘em up!

Despite the popular opinion of today’s seeker friendly mentality, this is not a promise. It is a proverb. A general bit of wisdom that is axiomatic. “Generally speaking,” Solomon tells us, “if you raise them correctly, they will remember those lessons later in life.” Consider how the GNT paraphrases the verse: “Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.” I like that. The word for train up or teach here is the Hebrew word Chanak and carries the implication of a predisposition or a knack. Find out your child’s predisposition, or something they have a knack for, and encourage them in that direction.

However, I think Solomon’s advice here is not so much leaning toward what they do, again, but to who they are. Build in them a sense of accomplishment. Lift them up and encourage them. Nevertheless, we need to let them fail sometime. We need to allow them the privilege of self-accomplishment, and nurture the pride that comes from doing it themselves. So whether it’s a Power Ranger, a dentist, or benevolent dictator of the world, don’t ask them what they want to do, but who they want to be. And who knows, maybe who they want to be…will be somebody just like you.

Memorial Day Musings

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 29 May 2015 15:53:00 +0000

I grew up listening to Waylon and Willie croon on about their heroes being old, worn-out cowboys. Heroes are those rare people that make an indelible impact on our lives, so forcefully that they cause not only our admiration, but often our emulation. Well, while I like the song, I never wanted to be a cowboy. There was, however, someone that I tried to pattern my life after: my real life hero, my dad. Yeah, I know that it sounds cliché and all, but it really is true. I love Bluegrass music, Merle Haggard, and football because he did. I joined the Navy because he had been a sailor. I worked as an engineer because he did. I tried to smoke Winston cigarettes because that was his brand, even though the “cool” people smoked Marlboro. (Luckily that was a short lived attempt at my own brand of being a maverick. Plus, I never could get used to the smell.)

His life was hard, and because of that he was a hard man. His philosophy of life was simple: work hard and take care of your little acre. In other words, take care of you and yours, leave everyone else to theirs. Not an earth shattering revelation or groundbreaking epistemology of course, but it was his. He grew up very poor in the mountains of East Kentucky and left school in the eighth grade to help support the family. At nineteen he joined the Navy and spent his time in Asia touring on the USS Oriskany CV34 (The Mighty “O”) on two WestPac’s . He got a giant cobra tattoo in Hong Kong, and his True Love knuckles in the Philippians. (Did I mention my tattoo??? When I left for Boot Camp, my dad didn’t warn me about loose women or crotchety old CC’s, but he did tell me that if I got a tattoo to make sure a short sleeved shirt covered it up. Smart man and advice I’m glad I heeded. Current occupation and all.) He worked at NASA building platforms for the Saturn program, and married my mom making a buck an hour. Four kids and a move to Georgia later, he was in management at Sheet Metal Engineers. Things were going well when he lost two children in separate car crashes about five years apart. Life was never really the same.

On August 8, 2012 he lost his final battle, a bout with Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, of all things. PAP is a very rare lung disorder (about 500 cases per year worldwide) that is an autoimmune disease; the body cranks up the production of the surfactant protein and fills the air sacks in the lungs with fluid. Throughout his life he taught me things, and I guess that makes him my hero still. Even though he had become dependent on me in his last years, he will always be the one man that I will think about and wonder what he would have done in a given situation.

I will miss him terribly, and can only hope that I can measure up to the high benchmark he set for me. My hero is not a cowboy. He is a sheet metal worker. Not a barroom brawler, but a hard worker. Not a whoremonger, but a devoted husband. Not a modern-day drifter, but a dedicated family man. Not a high rider, but my dad.

How To Raise Godly Children Without Them Knowing What You're Up To

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:24:00 +0000

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How To Raise Godly Children Without Them Knowing What You're Up To:
Ten Suggestions For Biblically Based Parenting

1) Give your children a Biblical foundation and encourage their bent, and trust God when things get hairy. (Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6)

2) Always speak about spiritual things around your children, and let them see you pray. Let them see God in you. (And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

3) Remember to distinguish the urgent from the important. That phone call may be urgent, but your children are important. Let them know it! (Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:15-16)

4) Remember that parenting is a hard job. You are to be a parent, not a bff. Discipline must be a core component of biblical parenting. “Spare the rod and spoil the child?” Yeah, it’s in there! (Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.)

5) Be positive, even in correction. Praise often, even in times of discouragement. Your children will reflect your attitude about them. (Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Colossians 3:21)

6) Never, ever, ever, think that the school or church has the responsibility of teaching your children! You make sure they have knowledge. Whether about math or about God, you are responsible. (The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. Proverbs 29:15)

7) Invest in your children your most valuable commodity. Invest your time. A small amount of time now will pay off in huge dividends when they are adults. (Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 11:18-19)

8) Be a living epistle of what a good, honest, and true marriage looks like. Let your children see how a woman is to love her husband. Let them see how a husband is to cherish his wife. (Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:22-23)

9) Instill in your children a love for and appreciation of the local fellowship of Believers. Raise your children to have a great respect for church and for God’s people. (And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42)

10) The end game of all of this would be naught, if your children do not receive the gift of salvation made possible through Jesus Christ. Insure that you have a right relationship with God. And then place the necessity of salvation before your children often. (Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:3-6)

Glory Days

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 05 May 2015 04:36:00 +0000

I get this feeling every time summer appears and the night air becomes full of static and heat. The kind of air that lets you know that summer is here and is going to be intense. For a few moments, my mind drifts back to being 17 again, the t-tops off of the charcoal-grey Trans Am, sunglasses on at night, and cruising around Hwy 25 with a million other knuckle-heads who didn’t know any better either. With the radio on, Don Henley ushered us into summer time bliss...

Nobody on the road
Nobody on the beach
I feel it in the air -
The summer's out of reach
Empty lake, empty streets
The sun goes down alone
I'm drivin' by your house
Though I know you're not home

But I can see you -Your brown skin shinin' in the sun
You got your hair combed backAnd your sunglasses on, baby
And I can tell youMy love for you will still be strong
After the boys of summer have gone
Ahh...glory days. I can now full appreciate the philosopher George Bernard Shaw when he said that youth is wasted on the young! Unlike many, I not only remember the good times but also the bad. Like the very, very bad decision to try snuff. A powdery form of chewing tobacco popular here in the South. (I am instantly reminded of the Psalmist who said, “I felt weak deep inside me. I moaned all day long.”) Or the time we decided it would be “fun” to tie a rope to a bicycle tethered to the back of a pick up truck, allowing ourselves to experience biking at 55 mph. The original X games. Can I just say, it’s all fun and games until somebody gets dragged a half mile on his elbows!

But mostly I remember the good times. I remember when the biggest problem was where would we scrape up another 5 bucks for gas. (Mind you, at .65¢ a gallon, that was half a tanks worth!) I remember how much better Waffle House food was at 2am, how leather pants were considered “cool”, and how we thought Queen was a bunch of straight men. (If you’re over 50, don’t laugh, you thought Elton John was!) I remember walking around the mall, and joybuzzer attacks, wondering if a certain girl liked you, and the arcade where the hippest thing was Pac-Man! Mostly though, I think about how I never thought it would end. Glory days forever!

Now, I do not consider myself old. Let’s be clear. At 45, I’m still a spring chicken! However, I did spend the day at various hospitals and nursing homes, praying with and consoling many people who are desperately ill. In an ICU room at a hospital in Columbia, I held the hand of a man who is recovering from a heart attack. As we spoke he asked me, “How is it that our bodies just up and stop working for us one day?”

There are theological answers to his question. I could have told him about original sin and the curse and Adamic nature. But I think the answer lies in hope. And so I told him about Revelation 21:4, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

And so I told him about our new bodies that will last forever and the days of no suffering, no sorrow, sickness, or death. When our bodies will be perfect and defect free. And...for a moment within myself...I didn’t look back to glory days, I looked ahead to days of Glory.

Denominational Dirt

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 13:02:00 +0000

We all have sacred dirt. That little part of us that gives way to traditionalism and turf struggles. Remember the story of Naaman? I love that story. The leprous captain of the Syrian Army dunking himself seven times in the Jordan River and coming up clean has such symbolism. Naaman did not want to wash in the Jordan, because it was a dirty river. The leprosy represents what sin does to a person. The leprosy was on the outside, visually wreaking havoc, the sin is on the inside, invisibly wreaking havoc. And of course, the waters wash away his disease, even as the love of Christ washes away our sins. As I said, a great story. Such great sermon fodder!

Nevertheless, it is the aftermath that I love the most. The baby smooth and sparkly skinned Naaman, fresh in his conversion experience to the God of Israel, decides to take some dirt home with him. This is so he can worship on “pure dirt.” What exactly is pure dirt? Is it clean dirt? And if it is, what makes dirty dirt dirty?
In 2 Kings 5, Naaman asks Elijah for two mule loads of dirt to take back with him to Syria, so he can worship on it. The good soil. (Not exactly what Jesus had in mind with His parable!) Naaman thought, incorrectly of course, that it mattered where you were, how you were, and what you did in regards to worshiping God. But even as we laugh at such a notion, don’t we often do the same things? I have been a part of groups that believed if you weren’t baptized in their “dirt,” then the Baptism didn’t count. I have been with groups that believed if you didn’t read from the King Dirt Version of the Bible, you couldn’t be saved. I have even known of, though fortunately never been through, what is known as a church split. This is when certain sanctified Believers get mad, pack up their dirt, move about one mile down the road, plant their dirt and try to be an annoyance to the original dirt. In West Kentucky, there is even a certain place where right across the street from one another are Mt Moriah Baptist Church and The Original Mt Moriah Baptist Church. Yep, the sign says it just like that: “The Original Mt Moriah Baptist Church” and yes, they are literally across the street from one another.

But, honestly, what makes us think our dirt is better than anyone else’s dirt? If Baptist Dirt is clean, does that mean that Presbyterian Dirt is dirty? Of course not. It means we are being silly, and sinful, and prideful. When we get to packing up our dirt, or storing up our dirt, our refusing to share our dirt, we let the Devil win. And really, people, it’s just dirt anyway! The things of this world will be burned up, according to Peter. And the only two things that will remain are people and the truth. This is where we should invest our energy...in the Truth (God’s Word) and in other people.

Blessings

Steve

Magic!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:17:00 +0000

Listen to the Psalmist: “Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.” (Ps. 89:15 NKJV)

Think back for a moment to your childhood. Can you remember the joyful sound that whirled and popped and whistled it’s pied piper call? It called us from our cartoons, our play, our chores. It was like the TV commercial with heads popping up above the cubicles looking for a Krispy Kreeme. Like Pavlov's dogs, we would begin to drool and tilt our heads in order to better hear the melodious sonnet that heralded...The Ice Cream Truck!

There was no greater sound in all of the world on a hot, sticky, summer Saturday in Georgia. From every corner of the neighborhood we would come running, either toward the corner, or toward home seeking dad and his endless pocketful of quarters. So rapt was our attention that we barley noticed the music track dragging or the fading and peeling paint job, and a rather scary clown face on the side. It was as magic as it gets. Think about it, for a mere 25¢, one had the purchasing power of a millionaire. A cherry screwball (with a gumball in the bottom, of course), or an ice-cream sandwich? A tougher decision has never been made on Wall Street. I usually opted for the screwball. The gum was hard, tasteless, and lasted only a few minutes before becoming unchompable rubber, but I’ve always been a sucker for the two-for-one deal. And remember the wooden spoons. Ice cream has such better palatability when eaten from balsa wood.

My kids had the experience for a little while when we lived in Tennessee. Luke’s favorite was the Red Power Ranger popsicle, although he would sometimes go for the SpongeBob Squaresicle. Stevie liked the Strawberry Cheesecake bar thingy. Shea was a teen by this point, and way too cool for the Ice Cream Truck. But she does love mint chocolate chip! Of course, I had to purchase a Cherry Screwball for myself—quality testing is Dad’s number one job! And, it was no longer a quarter. A small business loan is required for purchasing dreams these days!

Nevertheless, let me ask you a question: “When the voice of the Lord calls out to you, do you respond to it with the same childlike enthusiasm that you showed at the approach of the ice cream truck?” We should. When the call to worship is played this Sunday, will we tilt our heads and call our souls to rapt attention at the thought of worshipping God? Will we sing to the Lord a new song, worshipping Him in spirit and truth? It is my fervent prayer that the name of the Lord bring joy to our hearts and smiles to our faces. May we run to our “Daddy”, not for a quarter and a gumball, but merely for the joy of being in His presence!

He Is Risen

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 11:16:00 +0000

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He is risen!

and He's my Lord!

Happy Easter!

Passion Week Day # 7

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 16:00:00 +0000

Day 7: Saturday

Jesus' body lies in the tomb.

Why Do They Call It GOOD Friday?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 12:00:00 +0000

"Why Do They Call It GOOD Friday?" is a question that both of my girls have asked, and most likely, every thinking Christian has asked at some time or another. The logic is simple really. IF this date (Friday of Passover) is the date Jesus Christ was crucified, then what is so good about that? Shouldn't we call it "Bad Friday," or "Murder Friday," or "StupidSanhedrinBunchOfIdiots Friday?"

The answer, of course, is no. The ancients had it right when they looked at this day as being ultimately a good day. Perhaps even the Ultimate Good Day. Now I know some of you are shouting at your computer screens right now, "That Ultimate Good Day comes three days later!" Yes, yes. I know. Easter is the culmination of the Christian faith. No resurrection = no Savior; and no Savior = no Christianity.

But think about this for a moment. For us: sinners, rebels, no-good-low-rent-smooth-kneed-sight-walking-low-living-Christ-rejecting folk, there is something marvelous about Friday! Yes, the Lord came out of the tomb on Sunday! Yes, because He did we can look forward to a resurrection ourselves in that last day! Yes, it proves that He is the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings! But none of that would matter...if. it. wasn't. for. Friday. (Whew. I got my preacher on for a minute there.)

See, without the crucifixion, we could not celebrate the resurrection. In-other-words, without Friday, we would have no cause to celebrate Sunday. The Resurrection would have been little more than a historical blip on the radar. An interesting fact, with no redeeming value. The Bible makes this abundantly clear.

First we have redemption through His crucifixion. Paul said, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7). The picture of redemption is something being bought back. The price has been paid and it is through the blood of Jesus Christ that God bought us back from the Devil. Peter also reminds us of this when he says, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Second, we have been brought closer to God because of the crucifixion. Again, Paul says, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Eph 2:13) Good Friday broke down the partition and makes the way possible for us to enter into the very presence of God. Now, friends and neighbors, that's a pretty good day. (Remember that ripped veil? It was what separated the people from God. But that's gone-baby-gone; thanks to Good Friday.)

There is so much more. For instance, we have been sanctified (Heb. 13:12), justified (Romans 5:9), and cleansed (1 John 1:7) because of Good Friday.

But, the third thing I want to show you is that we have reestablished peace with God. Did you know as a no-good-low-rent-smooth-kneed-sight-walking-low-living-Christ-rejecting sinner, God was at war with you? That's right. You and God were enemies. Still are, if you have not accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. But Good Friday allowed there to be peace between mankind and God. Paul said, "

And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God." (Col 1:20) He made peace through the blood of His cross, another benefit of a really, really good Friday.

Think about it. Redemption, closeness to God, sanctification, justification, cleansing of our sins, and peace with the Maker, and that just begins to scratch the surface of this day in history.

I kinda-sorta think that makes it one awfully good Friday. How 'bout y'all?

Passion Week Day # 6

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 04:30:00 +0000

Day 6 Friday. Trials, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial.

Jesus' third trial is held early in the morning before the Sanhedrin. The first three trials were before the religious authorities where He is found guilty. Jesus is then taken before Pilate (the fourth trial) where He is found innocent. He is subsequently taken to Herod who also finds Him innocent (the fifth), and then back to Pilate who again finds Him innocent (the sixth) but relents under pressure, no doubt fearing an uprising. He notes on the sign on the cross that His crime was being the King of the Jews. He probably did this to avoid trouble with Rome (There was to be no king but Caesar).

About 9:00 AM. Jesus is crucified on a hill called The Skull outside the city. Literally, Golgotha in Aramaic, or Calvary in Latin, it was most likely named this because it was the place of execution. While we cannot know for certain, it is tradition that this is the site where God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.

At noon, the sky becomes dark. The darkness is highly symbolic of the Father turning His back on the One He had earlier called My beloved Son. No doubt that this was also the Father’s mercy, veiling His Son’s pain and agony. Jesus will make seven proclamations while on the cross. These are known collectively as The Seven Last Saying of Christ. They are:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

“Woman, behold your son!” “Behold your mother!

"Eloi, Eloi, lamasabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

“I thirst"

“It is finished!”

“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”

At 3:00 PM Jesus utters the most important of these sayings to Believers when he cries with a loud voice: “It is finished.” This is just one word in the Greek language, Tetelestai. The phrase literally means Paid, as in paid in full. The rapidity of the trial and crucifixion was seen as necessary by the Jews for fear of the fickle crowds turning again to embrace Jesus. It was in actuality part of the Father’s plan from the beginning, as Jesus dies while the paschal (that is, sacrificial) lambs are being offered for the nation's sins at the temple. The Son of God became sin for us! "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) The veil is rent in the Temple (Mk. 15:38)

Jesus had been on the cross for 6 hours when His body is given to two of His followers, who up until this point had kept their devotion to Christ secret. (John 3:2) Jesus is laid in Joseph's tomb before the Sabbath began at sunset, or around 6:00 PM. In less than twelve hours Jesus has fulfilled the Father’s purposes: The sin of the world has been placed on the Lamb of God.

Maranatha! Even so, Come Lord Jesus!

Passion Week Day # 5

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Day 5 Thursday. Day of Preparation and Passover in the Evening.

Today (and perhaps on Wednesday evening) preparation is made for the Passover. Judas may have also utilized this time to meet with the priests for his betrayal (Matt.26:1-5; 14-16; 17-19). The Passover is celebrated on Thursday evening (which is Friday by Jewish reckoning) in an upper room. Tradition has it that it was owned by Mark's parents. At the end of the Jewish feast, Jesus institutes the Last Supper (Matt. 14:12-26; Lk. 22:17-23). The Last Supper is followed by the Upper Room Discourse (Jn. 13-17). Sometime in the evening, after the Passover, Jesus and His disciples leave the Upper Room and go to Gethsemane, a place near the Mt. of Olives where it was a custom for Jesus to Pray (Matt. 26:36-460). While in the Garden, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the temple guards (Jn. 18:2-12). The Trials begin. Before dawn Jesus is tried twice before Annas and then Caiaphas. Everything about these trials is illegal.

The Awful Loneliness Of Silent Wednesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 15:00:00 +0000

Isn’t it incredible that with all that was happening around Jerusalem on that Wednesday, that Jesus chose to be “silent”: to do nothing that was recorded? Of all the miracles that needed to be done; the teaching that was needed for the people, the healings that He could have accomplished, the hungry that could have been fed, and the depressed that could have been cheered by Jesus’ presence. The scholars tell us He most likely stayed at the home of Lazarus and his sisters.

But I don’t think it is strange, necessarily. If you are a Christ follower for long enough there will come a time when God will be silent. In the midst of your hurts, needs, depression, loss, hunger, and desperation--when you passionately need to hear from God and all your ears pick up are birds chirping and crickets singing--- you will wonder “Why?”

It is like we are going through a wilderness experience but we are actually going through a “Silent Wednesday.” Eventually we all will encounter questions of our faith, and when we seek an answer, God will be silent. Why is that? I think He is teaching us that when there are times when we don’t hear God, we need to read God. If you have gone through, or are going through, a Silent Wednesday, let me encourage you to read the Word. God has not abandoned you. He is still there. And He wants you to focus on Him in the silent times by focusing on His Scriptures.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.Philippians 4:6-8

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.Romans 8:18

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.Isaiah 41:10

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:2

Take heart, friend. God is with you, even on a silent Wednesday!

The Awful Loneliness Of Silent WednesdaysIf you are a Christ-Follower for long enough, there will come a time when God...
Posted by The Lake on Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Passion Week Day # 4

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 11:00:00 +0000

Day 4: Wednesday. The Silent Day.

After an exhausting day of controversy, Jesus more than likely spends this day

resting and visiting with His intimate friends at the home of Lazarus, Maratha, and Mary.

Passion Week Day # 3

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Day 3: The Day of Controversy and Teaching in Parables.

On Tuesday, Jesus personally confronts the authorities and defends His claims to be the Messiah. The occasion for their questions was His cleansing of the temple of money changers on Monday. Mark's gospel gives the most detailed account (Mk. 11:27- 13:37). The day ends with Jesus pronouncing a curse on the city and announcing that the Kingdom will be taken away from the nation. He also explains the significance of the cursed fig-tree. Jesus gives the great eschatological pronouncement in Matthew 23, “Baruch haba b'shem Adonai!” or, “Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord!” On the return to Bethany the Disciples are loaded with questions. Jesus stops at the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple, and gives the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24,25; Lk.21:5ff.) The theme of the Olivet Discourse is a detailed prophecy, largely about the second coming of Jesus and the end of the present age due to the rejection of Jesus as Messiah by the Jewish authorities.

Passion Week Day #2

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Day 2 Cleansing of the Temple (Mt.21; Mk.11; Lk.19).

Today Jesus returns to Jerusalem (He spends each night in Bethany). On the way He curses the fig-tree, a highly symbolic act showing that spiritual Israel was barren and unproductive. They offered the pretense of religiosity by having the leaves of true religion. But they were void of any sense of the Spirit of God because of their un-fruitfulness. He then enters the Temple and chases out the corrupt money-changers. This shows His Messianic authority (by calling the Temple “My Father's House”) and fulfills another prophecy that implies the Messiah will appear there suddenly and take possession of it. “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming.” Mal. 3:1 (NKJV). When the 12 return with Jesus to Bethany they see the withered fig-tree.

Passion Week Day #1

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 04:30:00 +0000

Day 1: The Triumphal Entry ( Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12)

Jesus rides triumphantly into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilling the ancient prophecy, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zech. 9:9 ESV). The people welcome Him with "Hosannas" and the words of Psalm 118:25-26. Jesus, on this “Palm Sunday” is officially presenting Himself to the nation of Israel as their long awaited Messiah. This date according to the Jewish calendar, was Nisan 10, the day pilgrims presented their paschal lambs for examination. On this first day of the week of passion, Jesus presents Himself for inspection as the Lamb that would take away the sins of the world.

Jesus Loves Me, This I Know

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:45:00 +0000

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One of the most encouraging thoughts I have is the Love that Christ has for me. Recently, Patty and I have been on a somewhat emotional roller-coaster. As we await blood test results that will determine her placement on the transplant list, I cannot help but think about what Karl Barth, the Swiss Theolog, said.

When asked by a young seminary student about the most developed theological concept he had yet to surmise, Barth thought for a moment and said, "Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so."

Amen, Karl.

You know, Barth was right. This little statement tells us a theological concept that seminarians could ponder over for years in its complexity...yet so concisely put that any three year old can understand it in its simplicity.

So think of this...no matter what is going on in your life, remember that the Son of God loves you.(John 3:16) He will never leave you, nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) And, He will be with you in every situation. (Matthew 28:18-20)

As we wait and pray, I know one thing for certain. "God's got this!"

Treating Others Like A People

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 13:22:00 +0000

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“When I get to heaven I will be amazed at three things. First, those who are not there that I thought would be. Second, those who are there that I thought would not be. Third, that I am even there at all.” ~ John Newton

I grew up in the Fundamental Independent Baptist Church of the Deep South. I even went to a Fundamental Independent Baptist School. Every Friday we would have preacher boys come in and have chapel at our little school. These were mostly youth guys at their respective churches who aspired to have their own little fiefdom one day. Every Friday we had to endure Sermonettes from these Christianettes.......usually about the woes of cigarettes.

They were really into soul winning and these boys did not sin. We knew they didn’t sin because they told us they didn’t sin. They would call all the guys drunkards and all the girls whores and it was their great pleasure to inform us that we were all going straight to Hell. I have to say that, even though these guys didn’t sin anymore, they looked suspiciously arrogant to me. Especially since they all wore a blue suit, white shirt, and red tie.

In Ecclesiastics 7: 20 Solomon opines that “there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” In James 2, the pragmatic James tells us that we should not be respecters of persons. I heard a story about a boy who walked for miles to get to church, passing by churches much closer to his house. When asked why he walked so far, the boy said, “They love a fella over there.” Another boy told his mom about how much he liked his new Sunday School teacher. She asked what made him better than the last teacher. The boy said, “He treats me like I’m a people.”

We may think of these as cute little stories, but would to God that more churches treated visitors like they were "a people." James says when someone visits the church we are not to “hold them up with partiality.” The Greek phrase there, Prosopolepsia, literally means to lay hands on someone’s face. In other words, don’t judge them on superficial, outward appearances. Don't just "lay hold of their face" and judge them on what they look like on the outside. The Message paraphrase puts it like this, "If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, 'Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!' and either ignore the street person or say, 'Better sit here in the back row,' haven't you segregated God's children and proved that you are judges who can't be trusted?"

Here’s an idea. Instead of judging people, let’s look to Jesus and make Him our standard. When we can measure up to that Man, then we can compare ourselves to other men.

A Harmony Of The Birth Narrative Of Jesus The Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 14:27:00 +0000

**While this is certainly no academic endeavor, it does represent what I believe to be a plausible harmonic account of the Mathew and Luke narratives of the birth of our Lord. It is from the New King James Version, and Luke's texts are in blue, while Matthew's are in red. For your Christmas reading pleasure, I present the King Steve Version of:

A Harmony Of The Birth Narrative Of Jesus The Christ

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Now Mary was betrothed to Joseph, and before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”) Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was still with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And Joseph called His name Jesus.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.

So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Green Grits and Ham

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:15:00 +0000

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The most perfect food in all of the world are grits. When made right. No Yankee grits. ecch! I discovered Yankee grits on my recent trip to Long Island New York. Yankees put sugar and milk in their grits. That's just down right blasphemous. To be made perfect, they must have salt, pepper, and butter. A few weeks ago, Patty and I were eating at a posh, eloquent, Southern restaurant...the Waffle House. It is at Waffle House that one can experience the elevation of Southern grits. You see, there is only one thing that can make Southern grits any better. When warm, melting grape jelly slides off your toast and into your grits. It is just a small taste of heaven. The yellow butter mixes with the bluish jelly to form a kind of green grits. The Wedding Feast in heaven will have green grits. And ham...honey baked, not green. I am sure of it because Daniel and his three friends ate green grits. (A little known exegete of the Hebrew in Daniel 1:12 reveals that the word Zeroa` [pulse], would be better translated as grits.)

Perfection.

So, my oldest daughter Shea said to me one time, “I think you should say that Jesus is sinless instead of perfect. His life wasn’t perfect, it was sinless. He had a lot of rough times, a lot of hardship; it was less than a perfect life.”

Hmmm. Well, she is like everyone else I encounter. They all have the right to be wrong. (tounge-in-cheekly, he said.)

I am very proud of her. She is thinking things through, which is important. Desire t-bone steaks, not baby formula, Paul tells us. I wish more of my congregation desired to think things though instead of being spoon-fed their theology.

But the fact is that this next generation does think this way about life. And the problem is that their view of life being perfect as measured by ease and comfort should give us pause. The Bible didn’t promise us a life free from troubles. As I have stated to my church many times, if you don’t have any problems let me know. I’ll pray that you get some!

Jesus had hardships, but that doesn’t mean He was out of God’s will. So why do we think that a trouble free, easy life is the only life that is perfect? A lack of problems is not a sign of God's will, just as the presence of trouble is not a sign of the absents of God's will.

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What does this all have to do with green grits? Most people wouldn’t consider green grits perfect, either. The fact is, you really can’t make them that way. Trust me on this one. I've tried. Grape jelly and grits don’t work as a recipe. But when it happens, it’s...well...perfection.

So it is with life. The things that we endure make us who we are. The things we sacrifice builds us into who God wants us to be. Would I like more stuff? Yeah, why not? But in reality, I have more house than I deserve, more cars than I deserve, and more love than I deserve. And to me, that’s just about as perfect as it gets.

A Biblio-centric View of College Football in the South

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 12:17:00 +0000

July in the South means one thing...College Football starts in less than 2 month! (April means football starts in 5 months. May: 4 months. You get the point.)

So it is in just a few weeks now. Cancel your Lifetime subscription, ladies. You won't be watching any Meridith Baxter Burney marathons for a few months. Church will drastically change in both temperament and color variation, as clashing team colors are proudly displayed. Sunday school classes are taken over by discussions of the Coach's Poll (OSU pre season #1? Seriously!?) and the etiquette of eating candy corn and peanuts is heatedly debated. (Pick out the Indian Corn, or just grab a handful?)

As a dutiful shepherd and pastor of the flock, here are ten tips for getting things right this season.

1) When your biggest rival loses, only taunt their fans outside of the sanctuary.

2) Remember this; God's TV room is painted Red and Black.

3) While it may not be a sin to wear Orange to church, it is a transgression.

4) "Sanford Stadium" in the original Greek, means, "The Place Where God's Glory Dwells" (κατοικεί δόξα)

5) The Faithful will all ways pull against their in-state rival, despite what the False Prophet of the Play-Off-System saith.

6) Our mascot is cuter than your mascot.

7) Notre Dame will always be ranked pre-season, despite the inability to win against ranked opponents. They are the Cotton Candy of College Football. Lots of size, not much substance. A lot of taste at first, then it melts away when any real contact is made. Give-me-a-break.

8) Pastors do a lot more "sermon prep" on Saturday's in the Fall. As in, "I can't make it to the Chairman of the Deacons funeral this Saturday, I.. uh..need to..uh...do sermon prep."

9) Buy soft things that can be used as projectiles and thrown at the TV. And if you live in a parsonage, for the love of all that is holy, sound proof the TV room.

10) Enjoy College football. It is one of the most relaxing, de-stressing, and morally sound things I know! :)

SBC Pastor’s Conference Day #1

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 13:28:00 +0000

SBC Pastor’s Conference Day #1

We heard two amazing messages tonight. The 2^nd one from Russ Moore was spot on; as usual. He always amazes me at how he starts with a seemingly innocuous story that grabs your attention, then jumps to a passage and expounds on it, then comes full circle to bring home the point from his story. Which, it turns out, wasn’t so innocuous after all. While the message had more to do with just this one point, it is so timely and on target that I must share. In respect to the changing culture, Moore said (possibly slightly paraphrased) “God is not as concerned about America getting into step with the church, as He is with the church getting out of step with America.” I completely agree. It is high time the church stop lamenting the America that was, and deal with the America we have. It is time to stop thinking more patriotism is the answer to the problem of lagging church attendance, and realize the gospel is the solution to lagging American ethics.

The 1^st sermon was on target as well. One of the take-a-ways was the idea of helping plant churches north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Patty had an interesting comment after we left. Why can’t churches have the same passion about saving churches down South? Her idea would be, for our particular context, having a larger church in Charlotte recruit “missionaries” from among their younger married adults. These missionaries would attend Lakewood to fill pews with younger faces, put some children in our kids programs so visiting children could have a better experience, and provide younger voices to help implement contemporary worship, and all around spend volunteer hours with community outreach. There would be no need to take an expensive trip to Columbus, or Oregon, or overseas to do mission work. There is plenty of need right here in Dixie. Volunteers would just commit to give the next 6 months worth of Sundays and two or three Saturdays to a drive to Kannapolis. This is not to throw cold water on those who have the resources and desire to travel; however, it does give the larger churches another avenue to provide resources to existing brick and mortars that still desire to have a gospel impact.

Just a few thoughts from Day one. More to come.