Bro. Brad's Blog

My Trip To The Pro Football Hall of Fame

2013-05-28T17:07:00.002-04:00

My brother and sister-in-law, who live in Dallas/Ft Worth, came up to Kentucky and Ohio for a vacation and to see some sights. Since Darci and the girls are in Texas visiting family, I decided to drive down on Memorial Day to see them and tag along with them as they went to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. Growing up I remember watching on t.v. every year the newest Hall of Fame class get inducted. I can still see these men, standing on a stage in front of a very large crowd, wearing their yellow blazers, and telling us what an honor it is to be remembered while thanking their coaches, teammates, family, etc.

After walking around for 3 or so hours and taking lots of pictures, I came away a bit confused about what I thought of the place. I had a lot of fun and was definitely glad that I got to go...but there was something. I don't know what it was, but there was something about it that didn't match up with what I assumed it would be. Part of the Hall was being remodeled for a new exhibit, and it seemed like there

Romo's in the HOF!

was a handful of items that were missing. It was interesting to walk around and see and read some of the history. The room with all the busts was unique. You could definitely tell it was an older building built during a different time. But...I don't know, it just didn't seem to measure up with what I had thought the place would be. That doesn't mean it was their fault. Even though I was glad that I got to go, it just was not what I had thought.

All of this leads me to this thought: sometimes we build things up in our mind, only to be let down by reality. Has this ever happened to you? How do you handle the reality of un-met expectations?

That's Why

2013-05-22T12:10:00.003-04:00

Have you ever had that moment, that event, that "something" that cements in your heart why God prompted you to do something? I had one of those moments last night (Tue. 5/21).

All this week we have had Evangelist JC House, and his wife Wanda, with us (you can read more about him here). It has been a great week with many wonderful messages from God's Word on Stewardship. We had two adults walk the aisle and put their faith in trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior on Sunday morning. In the past, I had the privilege of hearing Dr. House for many years while I was in Texas. He would preach every year in the church I was saved in (Trinity Baptist Church of Grand Prairie, TX), which ran a couple hundred of people. I have heard him preach in churches and meetings that were 600+ in attendance. This week, unfortunately, we have had only around 20 for our evening services. In spite of that fact, you could not tell from his attitude in and out of the pulpit. He is the same preacher, preaching in the same manner, at our smaller church as he is at the much larger churches. And as a pastor, I have greatly appreciated that because I cannot say that about some preachers - which is a shame. So, if that was all that this week was for us and for myself, I could tell you without reservation that it has been a good week.

But it's not.

Last night, Dr. House preached from Luke 6:38 (KJV 1900) — 38 Give, and IT shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (emphasis mine). I am sure many who read my blog have preached, or heard someone preach from this verse many times. Often, the message is about our giving. Yet, as Dr. House unpacked this verse, he brought us the the realization that the immediate context was not about giving money (though there is the secondary application to be made for giving financially), but it is about "it." What is the "it" you ask? IT is given to us in the previous verses:

6:37 - Judgement (and 6:30-36 shows us that when we fail to give to those in need (money, mercy, etc.), we are judging them). Why are people unfriendly with you? Maybe because you are unfriendly to them? Why are people critical to you? Maybe because you are critical to them? etc. etc.

My point of this post is not to re-hash the entire message, but to share with you that "ah-ha" moment that I had. Sitting on that front pew soaking it all in, I realized that this night was the reason why God prompted me almost a year ago to call Dr. House and invite him to come. And for that, I praise the Lord.

Have you ever had one of those moments?

Fighting For Motherhood

2013-05-12T13:04:00.005-04:00

Proverbs 31:10 (KJV 1900) — 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

As I (a son, a husband, and a father) consider the mother's of my life this week and how thankful I am for them (the mother who raised me, and the mother of my four girls), I thought about the virtuous woman of the 31st chapter of Proverbs. When we think of the word "virtuous," we often think of the following definition:

Adjective

Having or showing high moral standards.

(esp. of a woman) Chaste.

Synonyms

chaste - moral - righteous - honest

But as I considered what the Bible means by "virtuous," I came across something additional. The Hebrew word translated "Virtuous" is: chayil (298c); from 2342b; strength, efficiency, wealth, army. We can see here how the Hebrew word is translated:

Part of the word "virtuous" means to have valor in battle. So, when you put it all together, we see that the character of the virtuous woman is something that should be fought for. Motherhood means fighting and striving for what is right in you home, what is godly for your children, and with (on the same team, not against) your husband.

As a mother, are you fighting for it? Are you striving to be a virtuous mother,a virtuous wife, a virtuous woman? Remember this - just because you are not fighting, does not mean you are not in a battle. It just means you are probably losing.

A Whosoever Church For A Whosoever God

2013-05-05T19:48:00.003-04:00

When you think of your church (if you don't attend church, that is okay, I have a question for you in a second. Just read on), what first comes to mind? The people...the building...the worship service...preaching...evangelism...helping others...something else? Those are good things, and needful things, but that is not what I am worried about at this time.

My concern is this: what do "outsiders" think of first when they think of the church? The truth is, we often don't ask this question, and that is probably because we are afraid of what the answer might be. Week in, week out we sing great hymns such as, "Just As I Am," but do we mean it? Truth be told, many churches really mean, "Just As...Long As You Look Like Us, Talk Like Us, Think Like Us, etc."

When Paul wrote "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13)," there were no qualifiers for it. Paul did not say, "For whosoever shall fit into our church culture shall be saved," but WHOSOEVER. That included people who think differently, act differently, grew up differently, and have different backgrounds. Why is it that we often put more hurdles up for people to jump in order to get to God in our churches? Do sinners feel comfortable coming into our church buildings for worship? Before you get up in arms and try to tell me that sinners shouldn't feel comfortable in our churches, re-read the story of the woman at the well. She felt comfortable enough to converse with Jesus, even after He confronted her with the truth of the sinfulness of her life.

Our churches are not country clubs filled with similar people - but a place where whosoever's can come and hear the truth that they are sinners who are loved by a holy God and His people; Jesus died for their sins just like He died for our sins; and they can believe the Gospel in their heart and call upon the Lord to save them (Romans 10:9-10) just like we did. The church today has politicized certain sins and spends more time ranting and raving about them then loving those people and sharing with them our faith. And then we wonder why people have such a negative view about Christians and the Church!

If you read this and don't attend church, would you please comment and let me know what is the first thought that comes to your mind when you hear "church"?

If you read this and do attend church, what can you do better in order to help your church be A Whosoever Church For A Whosoever God?

All Baptist Are Like Westboro Baptist

2013-04-19T11:26:00.001-04:00

Do you like the title of this blog post? I am sure that most of my readers don't. If that is all I said, you would probably fill my comment section, Facebook page, and Twitter feed (_brad_Gilbert_), berating me otherwise and trying to "set me straight." Before you skip the rest of this post to do so, understand this: I don't think all Baptist are like Westboro Baptist. They are a very, very poor representation of what a church is supposed to be, and what we as Baptist believe. Truth be told, I don't even like using the word Baptist or Church when talking about them.

So then, why would I say it? My goal is that some who read this may open their eyes and see that blanket statements made about other religions and people groups can be just as hurtful. As the situation in Boston unfolds further, it did not take long for the anti-Muslim posts, tweets, pictures, etc. to make their way around. Which is interesting, because as of now (4/19/13 11am EST) no specific detail as to what, if any, group they belonged to, and motive, has been revealed. Now, it may come out that there is some connection to a Muslim extremist group, but it hasn't yet - but those facts don't stand in the way of what many post, share, or promote.

It is easy to sit behind a computer, or smart phone, and make a bold proclamation about an entire people group without ever thinking through what you are saying. Just as we would agree all Baptist are not like Westboro Baptist, not all Muslims are here to take away your freedoms and kill you. As my wife could attest (she volunteers with a missionary family to work at a local Arab American Friendship Center teaching Muslim women English), many who come to America do so to escape the violence and live the American dream - just like our ancestors did not so long ago.

When I read these blanket statements that are filled with such smugness and vitriol, whether the issue is homosexuality, Muslims, etc., it reveals to me that the person saying it and posting it has never actually tried to reach out with the Gospel to that person. Truth is, most people who make these types of statements live their life in a vacuum with people who believe, live, and act just as they do. As someone who comes in contact with people of the Middle East all the time, and someone who has personally spoke with and counseled with those who are caught up in the homosexual lifestyle, I know that these kinds of statements do not help. In actuality, they often reveal that we are more like those who attend Westboro Baptist Church, whether we want to admit that or not.

So, all I ask is that you think before you post, share, say, etc. Think about who may read it. And think about how that may harden their heart for the next person who actually wants to share with them the love of God and sacrificial death of His Son Jesus for their sins.

America: Be The Change Needed

2013-04-15T16:57:00.001-04:00

As news filters out about the terrible tragedy of the bombing of the Boston Marathon and prayers are lifted up on their behalf, my mind began to think of the recent outbreaks of mass killings here in America. Whether it be a movie theater, school, or a sports event, one thing is true - the violence that we see oversees has made its way to our shores. I am sure many people have their theories why, and I have mine. And while many will use the suffering and tragedy of others as their own personal soap box for whichever side of the issue they fall on, that should not be our focus. The "why" is not important at times like this, the "what" is more important.

What ever the reason, one thing remains the same: the Church needs to be the Church, and Christians need to be Christians. The more salt and light that exist, the less of these tragedies we see. Instead of lamenting why, lets seek ways to be used of God to be agents of change. Start with your city, your street, your house - you heart. Just start. If you won't, who will?

What I Believe

2013-04-10T17:53:00.004-04:00

What I Believe

I believe that the Bible is the collection of 66, God-breathed, Holy Spirit inspired books that reveal to us the nature and character of our triune God - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit - and His eternal plan of redemption for mankind throughout the ages.

Because of the sin of Adam and God’s great love for us, He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to be born of a virgin, live a sinless life, die a sacrificial death, and resurrect from the grave three days later victorious over death, hell, and the grave so that whosoever calls upon His name in faith and repentance shall be eternally saved.

While not a requirement for salvation, every born again believer should follow our Lord in believer’s baptism, completely immersed under water to show the likeness of our Lord’s death and the new life He has resurrected us into. This baptism unites us with our fellow believer’s in membership to our local church, and we join with them in observing the Lord’s Supper and fulfilling the Great Commission of going into all the world to witness to the lost, baptize converts, and start local churches until the Lord’s pre-millennial, pre-tribulational return.

Half-Hearted Sympathy

2013-04-06T17:06:00.001-04:00

As the very sad news of the passing of Pastor Rick and his wife Kay Warren's son made its way through Twitter, I began to see tweets of condolences that upset me. Now, anyone that keeps on top of the issues knows that Rick Warren is a controversial figure, no matter which side of the issue you are on. Many conservative evangelicals are often at odds with how he practices his theology.

So, at a moment such as this, where a family is hurting after the loss of their son, is it really time to take a shot at your differences with that person? I say that because I kept coming across tweets that said things like, "While I often disagree with him, I am praying for the Warren family and am sorry for their loss." Really?!?! Why can't you just say you are praying for them and are truly sorry for their loss?

When you say or post similar statements during people's suffering, what you are really doing is revealing your own heart -and it's wicked! True compassion for others does not mean you take a person's tragedy to remind them why you think they are wrong.

Half-hearted sympathy is full-hearted sorriness.

What The Bible REALLY Says About Marriage

2013-04-01T10:47:00.001-04:00

There has been plenty written and said recently about marriage, same-sex union, and the Bible. Many Christians have loudly and repeatedly shared, said, or posted the words of Jesus when He is speaking to some Pharisees in Judaea:

Matthew 19:4-5 (KJV 1900) — 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Now, is Jesus saying that God created man and woman and brought them together in what we call today "Holy Matrimony"?

YES!

But......that is not all Jesus is saying.

Unfortunately, many who champion the words of verse 4 overlook the following verses, and the overall context of what Jesus is really trying to teach. First, lets look at the entire conversation Jesus had with the Pharisees:

Matthew 19:1–12 (KJV 1900) — 1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; 2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. 3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. 10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. 11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

As you can see, the Pharisees initiated the conversation, and it has nothing to do with same-sex marriages. The question was asked in relation to DIVORCE, and Jesus' answer is a description as to why and how God began the institution of marriage. Did God design marriage to be between one man and one woman -YES. But also JUST AS IMPORTANT, God designed that marriage to be FOR LIFE! It is interesting to me to read and see how so many Christians are up in arms with this issue today, yet they have no problem with divorce. Truth be told, many of them are divorced themselves. Where is the consistency?

Have you ever stopped to wonder if our hypocritical attitude on this subject is actually repelling more people away from the Gospel instead of drawing them in? If you think the Bible is against same-sex marriage as a viable option (and it is), then you should also feel the same way about divorce (because Jesus does). Where is the outrage over people discarding their sacred vows, tearing apart families, and causing confusion as to the Bible's stand against divorce? We cannot pick and choose the issues that we support or are against. Consistency is needed not only in the pulpit, but in the pew/seats as well.

Just as those who have experienced divorce like to be treated with love and compassion, maybe we should be willing to extend that same grace to those fighting with the issue of same-sex marriage?

Deposit of Audio Sermons

2013-03-09T17:16:00.001-05:00

The following is a link to some of my audio sermons that are posted online from the last year, or so:

SERIES: Stop Doing and Start Growing - https://www.box.com/s/a52a1155d6ccc996c5a0

SERIES: Students of Prayer - https://www.box.com/s/y1jw2rubduju14bv4ie6

What Does God Look For In A Worship Service - https://www.box.com/s/tud7y48lt6gz48rfj8aj

Excuses: I'm Too Young

2013-02-26T11:39:00.002-05:00

Jeremiah 1:4–6 (KJV 1900)

⁴ Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, ⁵ Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. ⁶ Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

Many people offer to God every day the same excuse that Jeremiah did, I’m just a child. It is said that Jeremiah, at this time, was somewhere under the age of 25. While he may have felt himself too young to do anything for the Lord, God already had a plan and purpose for His life. This reminds me of Paul’s advice to young Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth, but be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, impurity. There are many Christians who feel just like Jeremiah. They think they are too young to serve the Lord. Church is for the “old” people, and they say, when I get older, then I’ll start coming faithfully and serving God. You are never too young, or old, to serve God.

But many Christians give this same excuse, even though by human standards, they are not considered old. They may not physically be a child, but they feel as if they are one, spiritually. Many Christians use their lack of Christian experience as an excuse to not get involved. But here’s the catch – you never gain the experience you feel you need until you get involved. Many Christians have not taught a Sunday School class because they did not feel as if they knew enough of their Bible. Yet, a great way to learn your Bible is to study a Sunday School lesson all week before you teach it. This was how my church started my training after I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and surrendered my life to His will. I became the helper in the 4-5th grade boys Sunday School class. Every week, I studied their lessons and helped in the class when Sunday came around. Soon after, i was teaching about once a month. I learned more then because I had to study every week to be prepared for that class.

The strange thing is - many who use their lack of Bible knowledge as an excuse never actually do anything about it. They won’t read their Bible more, they won’t listen more attentively in the service, and they won’t even volunteer as a helper in a class to get the experience.

If God has placed an opportunity in front of you, realize this – God wouldn’t put you into that position unless He was going to equip you with the tools needed to succeed. God will not set you up to fail.

When you site your lack of Christian knowledge and experience as a reason why you cannot serve God, you are really telling God that He can’t get it done. It is one thing for us to know our weaknesses, but it is quit something else for us to say that our weaknesses prevent God from getting anything done.

Instead of being humble, we are being very prideful.

God has heard the excuse of time.

eBook Review: Who Do You Think You Are

2013-02-06T11:07:00.001-05:00

BOOK DESCRIPTION

You are a saint ...You are blessed...You are saved ...You are afflicted ...You are heard.

Pastor Mark Driscoll answers the one question you need to ask: Who am I in Christ?

Being a Christian can be like driving in a foreign city. You try living on the straight and narrow but instead take a wrong turn onto the wide avenue of sin and temptation. In the process, you become discouraged and condemned, limping along in your faith—or giving up altogether.

But this isn’t the real Christian life. You can make a U-turn.

Pastor Mark Driscoll knows that underlying our struggles in life is the issue of our identity. “The fundamental problem we have in this world,” he says, “is that we don’t understand who we truly are—children of God made in his image—and define ourselves by any number of things other than Jesus. Only by knowing our false identity apart from Christ in comparison to our true identity in him can we finally deal with and overcome the issues in our lives.”

Who are you in Christ? Among other things:

You aren’t what’s been done to you but what Jesus has done for you. You aren’t what you do but what Jesus has done. What you do doesn’t determine who you are. Rather, who you are in Christ determines what you do. These are fundamental truths that Pastor Mark explores in depth throughout Who Do You Think You Are? Finding Your True Identity in Christ.

MY THOUGHTS: I found this to be a helpful book, based on Ephesians, on a subject that there doesn't seem a lot written about. This issue of who we identify with and in is important and should be understood more by the average Christian. Like any book outside of the Bible, you won't necessarily agree with every point the author makes, but the positive definitely outweighs the negative. The author is unapologetically Reformed, which I am not, but that did not take away from the over-arching truth this book proclaims.

While it is in no way written to be a practice commentary of Ephesians, it would be immensely helpful and useful to any Bible preacher or teacher doing a work through this book of the Bible. Even if you are not a teacher or preacher, this book will help you realize your true Identity in Christ.

DISCLAIMER:
This book was given to me free in exchange for a review. This did not change nor effect my thoughts, comments, or review.

Love and Free Will

2013-01-30T16:41:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share a quote that I read from William Barclay's commentary on the letters of John and Jude in relation to 1 John 4:16, in which we learn that God is love:

Unless love is a free response it is not love. There can be no love which is not spontaneous love. Had God been only law He could have created a world in which men moved like automata, constantly obedient to the laws of the universe and of God because they had no more choice than a machine has. But, if God had made men like that, there would have been no possibility of a personal relationship between God and man. Love is of necessity the free choice and the free response of the heart; and, therefore, before men could love God in any real sense of the term, their will had to be free; and, therefore, God by a deliberate act of self limitation, had to endow men with free will that the very purpose of creation might be fulfilled.

The fact that God is love and wants us to love Him reveals to us the nature of free will. Man exercises that free will in choosing to love God will all their heart, mind and soul.

eBook Review: Grace

2012-12-25T13:14:00.001-05:00

Book Excerpt:
Grace.

We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.

But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?

Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?

God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly.

Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.

My Thoughts:
While I have read excerpts and quotes from author Max Lucado many times, tis was my first full book of his to read. I was impressed with how easily the book flowed, even thorough the pattern of each chapter was somewhat predictable: illustration, bible truth, illustration. But, as the old saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Many times as I was reading I was struck with how compelling of a story teller he really was. It encouraged me as a pastor to be more effective in using illustrations.

As far as the book itself, it was not a badd book. While it would in no way be considered a theological read, it was very effective in covering the subject of grace in a devotional manner. This would be a great book to encourage a young or struggling Christian with.

The end of the eBook had a study guide. While I could see this as being helpful to some people, small groups, etc., I would not recommend the eBook if you are looking to do the study. It would probably work better in an actual printed copy.

My Recommendation:
If you are looking for a deeper, theological study on grace, you will want to look into something else. But, if you are looking to encourage some in God's grace, or be encouraged yourself, this would be a great read and worthy of a purchase.

DISCLAIMER:
This book was given to me free in exchange for a review. This did not change nor effect my thoughts, comments, or review.

Faithfulness To YOUR Church - Part Two

2012-11-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to PART ONE if you have not already read it first.

Hebrews 10:25

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Now we come to the important question of the subject of church: are you faithful? Specifically, are you faithful to the church God has called you to? As a pastor, I never begrudge anyone a vacation. We all need them from time to time. This often means that you will miss a Sunday. Again, I have no issues when members miss our church because they are out of town on a vacation. But, as I am apt to say from time to time, "You can take a vacation from work, but not from God. Find a church to attend when you are away from here." So, when I speak of faithfulness, I am not talking about those who miss for a occasional vacation, yet are still faithful to God's House.

There also comes a time when people miss church due to illness. Sometimes, that illness is short-lived and they are soon back to their fellowship of believers. But other times, these illness' turn long term and some believers and church members even become bedridden and a shut-in. It is my belief that God gives grace to those who are in this predicament, and it is the responsibility of the church to minister to them in their homes (James 1:27, James 5:14, Romans 16:1-2, Psalm 68:5, Acts 6, 1 Tim 5, etc.). So, when I speak of faithfulness to YOUR church, I realize there are those who want to attend and assemble, but are hindered by health.

Now, what about the rest of the time? There seems to be a lessening of the importance of attending church in our day. I see many believers who choose hobbies, activities, and work, to name a few, over attending worship on Sunday mornings with their fellow believers in Christ. It seems the norm for many today is to work all week and play all weekend. But is this what God has saved us for? And for many church's, Sunday morning is the "big service" of the week in which the lost and those looking for a church are invited to. What are they to think when the one who invites them does not think it important enough to be there? What are they to think when they show up to an empty church? You may come back that night, or next week - but will they? Did we miss our God-given opportunity?

We often use the phrase "my church" when we discuss it with others, but yet so many of those same people neglect the assembly when something else comes along. There was a time and a day when believers would do all their personal activities and hobbies on a Saturday in order to make it to church on Sunday morning. But today, the Lord's Day often is taken up with activities that have nothing to do with our Lord, and bring no glory to our savior Jesus Christ.

As I discussed it with our church this past Sunday, I reminded those who were there that we can show up to church on Sunday mornings and still not be faithful (faithfulness is MUCH MORE than mere attendance in a pew/seat), but you CANNOT be faithful and willfully chose to consistently miss church. I wonder sometimes if people do not take our invitations to church very seriously because they watch us and observed that we don't take our attendance very seriously? If God has led you to a church (and it is His will for every believer to be a part of a local assembly), then be faithful to where God called you! Your church needs you, and you need your church!

Remember, a week without church makes a Christian weak.

Faithfulness To YOUR Church - Part One

2012-11-26T11:41:00.001-05:00

Before I begin discussing in Part Two what I really want to cover - faithfulness to YOUR Church, let me first cover a few issues in regards to the church:

When I say YOUR church in the title, I realize that it is God's church, which began to physically take shape on earth when Jesus called the Twelve during His earthly ministry. When Jesus said, "I will begin MY church…" we take that very literally. He called the twelve leaders/apostles/pastors during His earthly ministry, commissioned them (Matthew 28:18-20, etc.) and the church was empowered post-ascension on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. (On a side note: One of the reasons we know that the church began before the Day of Pentecost was that in Acts 1 they were deciding who would replace the bishopric of Judas. To have a bishopric, there must have already been an organization of the church.)

This is why Paul, in his first preserved letter to Timothy, tells Him in the third chapter that the church is the, "the house of God…the church of the living God…" We labour together with God, building upon the foundation that He has laid, with Jesus as the chief cornerstone and the apostles being the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:9-10, Ephesians 2:20).

Sometimes, people are "between" churches. This is either because they move to a new place and need to find a new church, or because certain things have transpired and led them to seek a new place of membership. Let me encourage you if you are reading this and looking for a church: k

now what you believe before you look, then look quickly. Don't drag your search out for years. I have seen some that become "professional church shoppers." While deciding which church to join is an important decision that should not be taken lightly or hastily, it also should not "drag out."

If you moved to a new city and there is no church that holds to the core doctrines/beliefs that you know to be true, it may be an God-given opportunity to plant a new church. I would suggest you contact your previous church (because you left on good terms, didn't you?!) and ask them to pray with you about starting a new work. Your previous pastor may know of a church nearby that would be good for your to visit/consider, as well.

Now, with all that being said, I am going to being dealing with the issue of faithfulness to the church that God has called you to in the next post. My question to you now is this: DO YOU KNOW WHICH CHURCH GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO?

Thank You

2012-11-22T09:11:00.001-05:00

Allow me to take a moment and thank those who come by and read this blog. Some of you are followers of the blog, and some come via social media posts. Either way, Thanks!

I am looking forward to putting even more time and effort into this blog in the coming year. Not sure if it helps you when you read it, but I know the writing process helps me. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Selfishness

2012-11-19T11:01:00.001-05:00

Psalm 50:19–22 (KJV 1900)

¹⁹ Thou givest thy mouth to evil,

And thy tongue frameth deceit.

²⁰ Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother;

Thou slanderest thine own mother’s son.

²¹ These things hast thou done, and I kept silence;

Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself:

But I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.

²² Now consider this, ye that forget God,

Lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.

This past Sunday, we finished up our study on the 50th Psalm. In it, we have seen two attitudes that can be prevalent within the Christian: Selfishness and Thankfulness. Verse 19 & 20 show us that we choose (givest) how we use our words, and that we can build (frameth) our conversations either for selfish reasons, or with a thankful spirit.

Now, verses 21-22 speak more towards the attitude. As I thought about the attitude of the selfish, I came across three forms of selfishness:

1. ALL FOR ME - NONE FOR YOU

This is the first, and most common form of selfishness. The person who suffers from this form of selfishness that wants everything for themselves, with no one else getting any. There is no desire to share your blessings with others around you, and no regard to the wellbeing of others.

2. SAME FOR ME - SAME FOR YOU

This is a more subtle attitude of selfishness that many people never realize exists, or that they suffer from it. Many people don't mind others receiving a blessing, or a portion. Just make sure they get the same amount as you. This is the person who constantly cries, "That's not fair!" Truth be told, 99.9% (unscientific data) of those who claim its not fair have no real clue on what fairness really is.

3. NONE FOR ME - NONE FOR YOU

This may be the most damaging of all the forms of selfishness. The greed and selfishness permeates this person in such a manner, that if they can't have something, they want to make sure no one else can, either. They will go as far as to destroy something that they used to have just so those that come along after them cannot enjoy it or have it.

As born-agian believers, our attitude ought always to be an attitude of thankfulness. Those who are thankful cannot be selfish at the same time.

Do you see selfishness as a problem today in society? How about the church? Discuss.

The Idolatry of Ideology

2012-11-16T13:33:00.001-05:00

The Bible has much to say against the worship of idols. I assume that most of those who read this blog understand that. I also assume that most of those who read this blog understand that an idol is not necessarily a statue that you bow down to. It can be money, a job, a hobby, etc. But have you ever considered that your ideologies could be your idol? Especially your political ideologies?

It seemed to me, via the different social media avenues, that many Christians were convinced that this election was a test of God. Not a test FROM God, but a test OF God. By that I mean that many posted, tweeted, shared, and emailed pictures, statements, and links with the thought that God HAD to elect people and pass laws the way they saw it or God's whole eternal plan would collapse.

So, what was the response when the election did not turn out like they thought? Most have gone "old school" and reverted to children on the playground when things don't go their way and they decide to take their toys and go home! This attitude reveals that too many place their hope in a government and not God. The last time I checked, God did some pretty amazing things in the Bible while ruthless, corrupt men ruled as kings and queens.

Many Christians, just mere days removed from an election, have revealed a couple truths about themselves:

1. They live in "insular vacuums" and have lost touch with the reality of the people who they are called to minister to. Just because everyone in our small circle of influence agrees with us, that does not mean it represents the majority.

2. In spite of what they may say, their real hope is place in elected officials and not the Sovereign God. Isn't the Bible pretty clear that God works through His Church, not the government? Whose responsibility is it to preach the Gospel, take care of the poor and widows, love the unlovable? Maybe if the church did a better job of it, some political parties wouldn't feel the need to legislate it?

God did not save us to propagate a political ideology, but His Gospel.

Good Ol' Days Syndrome

2012-11-12T09:46:00.001-05:00

Job 29:2–4 (KJV 1900) ² Oh that I were as in months past,

As in the days when God preserved me; ³ When his candle shined upon my head,

And when by his light I walked through darkness; ⁴ As I was in the days of my youth, When the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;

As I was considering these verses this past week in preparation for our Sunday Evening Bible Study, I came across the thought of another commentator who made the application that Job was suffering from what we often refer to as, "good ol' days" syndrome. Webster defines syndrome as:

1: a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition2 : a set of concurrent things (as emotions or actions) that usually form an identifiable pattern

Job was in the midst of reminiscing back to a time in his life when he did not face such hardship and trial. Remember, Job is facing a situation that few, if any of us, have ever dealt with: the loss of ten children, ALL AT THE SAME TIME! So, we will cut Job a little slack as he looks back to happier times.

But as I considered it this week, I was reminded how often Christians & Churches today fall into this trap that convinces them that their best days are behind them and they should just "hold on" till the end. This syndrome shows in many different symptoms. A few I have witnessed are:

Constantly bring up blessings and victories that happened many decades ago, with no fresh stories of God's goodness and grace from today.
A critical spirit directed at a new, younger generation who are different than we are.
No desire to break out of the spiritual rut and attempt andy great work of faith for the Lord.
Constantly going through the motions of religious works in the name of tradition.

We get a mentality that tells us we are to circle the wagons with us four, and no more. While we all know and understand that as the final days approach this age of Grace that many will fall away and depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1 ref.), does that mean that God is through with us right now?

Does that mean that God's best for us was already experienced in our past? Does that mean that we should disengage from those around us because they don't fit our ministry mold that was created one or two generations ago? Does that mean that those who don't fit our preferential ministry mold are one of the ones who have departed the faith? Or, could it be that WE have departed from the faith by ignoring and giving up on this current generation by not engaging them where they are just as someone once did for us?

Our best days don't have to be behind us - they can still be ahead of us! I am reminded of the story of Ezra and Nehemiah. Both accomplished a similar task (going back to Jerusalem), yet they both did it in ways that were completely different from each other. Ezra refused the help of the king, saying it would bring reproach to God if he did so. Yet, when it was Nehemiah's turn, he coveted the help and protection of the king. So which one was right? Because, lets be honest here, that is how we think in these situations - if they are different, only one can be correct. The truth is they were both correct in their ministry and efforts for God. God is not confined to our little box, our set mold of ministry. We often fail to remember that our "tired and true" methods are only a generation or two old, at the most. God is much bigger and greater than a generation or two.

So, lets not fall into the trap of the "Good ol' Days Syndrome." Instead, seek a fresh movement and blessing of God today as we seek to reach and reconcile a new generation for God!

Our Political Role

2012-11-05T10:04:00.002-05:00

Everywhere you go, you cannot escape the fact that it is time to elect/re-elect a president. Much is said about why each candidate should and should not get your vote. My thought this past Sunday at church was this: What does the Bible have to say about our role in government, and politics in particular.

As I studied it out, I really didn't find much. There are verses in Proverbs that deal with how we interact at work, and New Testament scriptures (1 Timothy 6 comes to mind) on the relationship of boss and employee. We see the Hebrew Midwives and the New Testament apostles choosing to serve and obey God rather than the laws of the government that contradicted God's command. So, what should be the Christian principle in relation to our government and the upcoming election? Here is what I found:

1 Timothy 2:1–4 (KJV 1900)
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; ² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; ⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

The internet, and especially social media, is filled with criticisms and complaints. My question is this: where are the prayers? If you notice, there are four types of prayers we are supposed to offer for all men, and especially for kings, or those in government who lead us. One of those prayers is the prayer of supplication. This is the type of prayer that we pray when we realize that we are needy people and God is the only one with the answers. To be honest, when I hear most Christians talk about prayer and the election, it seems as if they are trying to tell God who He should bring into authority. This led me to the following conclusion about supplications: THESE ARE THE PRAYERS WE PRAY WHEN DON'T TRY TO TELL GOD HOW TO ANSWER IT! I am afraid that too many Christians have forgotten that it is God who raises up kings, and brings them down (Daniel chapter 2). The truth of the matter is, the style of government we enjoy here in America is unique, and God has often used corrupt men and kings to bring about His purpose (Pharaoh, Pilate, etc.).

If you still have any doubt that our most important duty is to pray for ALL who are in government, even those that we disagree with and may be hostile to our faith, remember who wrote this and when he wrote it. As Paul penned these words to young Timothy, King Nero ruled the land. If you are unfamiliar with King Nero, do a google search for "King Nero" and you will think twice about complaining about our government today. If Paul would tell them to pray for men like Nero, what makes us think it should be any different for us today?

The next time you are tempted to forward a politically charged email, Facebook picture, or anything else, ask your self this: have I prayed for those who lead me? As an American, I will exercise my right as a citizen to vote. But if my vote is not preceded and followed with prayer for WHOEVER may win, I have failed in my duty as a born again believer. Which closet is most important to you tomorrow?

Click here to listen to, "Our Political Duty," preached Sunday @11am @ the First Baptist Church of Westland, MI.

Changes still coming...I think?

2012-11-05T09:15:00.001-05:00

Just a quick update to let you know that:

I will be eventually making a change here...I think. I started this blog when I was using a PC, and now that I have made the switch to Mac, I am looking at designing a separate web page that would host blogs, audio sermons, etc. But that is still a bit down the road, so....
I will be posting here until then, with a new post coming a little later today.

I realize that after "going silent" for so long that many, or not most, of my readers have probably stopped checking here. But for those who still stop by, thanks for your patience.

Changes!

2012-05-07T15:07:00.001-04:00

Some of you may have noticed that there has not been a lot of post the last month. I am in the process of transferring from a PC to an iMac. Once I get settled in to the new OS and programs, I will be writing again, but know this: Changes will be coming soon. Thanks for being patient with me, and I promise to bring you something new and exciting soon.

Stewrardship Discussion: Saturday, April 14th

2012-04-14T10:01:00.000-04:00

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

Today, we see the illustration and comparison of giving to sowing. The farmer who sows little to no seed wold never expect anything to grow when it was harvest time. Yet, the while ignoring their personal responsibility to give to God. And don't think that this is some "get rich quick scheme" that you often hear on television and radio today. This is what is often known as the "Law of Sowing and Reaping." You reap what you sow, and when you sow faithfulness to God, you reap the blessings of God.

Could your spiritual sowing be considered bountiful or sparing?

Book Review: Kingdom Man by Tony Evans

2012-04-13T15:03:00.003-04:00

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

When a man follows the principles of biblical manhood, those around him benefit from his leadership and care. Kingdom Man challenges and equips men to fully understand their position under God as well as their position over what God has given them. The biblical definition of a man is one who has learned to operate under the authority of Jesus Christ while carrying out responsible and legitimate leadership within the sphere of influence that God has placed him. Kingdom Man provides concepts men can follow that will help them to actively pursue ways to maximize and develop the character qualities of biblical manhood in their lives.

MY TAKE:

I was looking forward to this book once I ordered it, and really planned on reading it right away. My plan is to preach on the family between Mother's Day and Father's Day, and I thought this would be a help. But that just was not the case.

I continued to start this book, then put it down fairly quickly for another book. Then, as some time would pass, I would pick it back up with the intention of finishing it. But that just never took place and I just skimmed through the remainder of the book.

Before I gone forward, let me give you a little background. I grew up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and really enjoyed listening to Dr. Tony Evans on the radio. Not only that, but I have read and enjoyed his book on Fasting and Prayer. But I just could not get into this one. The truth is though, I may not be the target audience for a book like this. It is chalked full of illustrations, and most of them sports related. You would think that would be right up my ally, but it just did not work out that way. When I read a book, I like for it to be a little more Gospel/Scripture based, and less on stories and illustrations. But with this book, page after page was a story or sports illustration, mixed in with a little Bible. And for that reason, I just could not finish this book, nor recommend it to my readers.

DISCLAIMER:

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you me a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.