Executable Preacher

Discontinuing This Blog

2009-10-05T20:45:00.003-04:00

Just a note to let any who may stumble on to this blog that as of 10/1/09 it has been discontinued.

If you are on Facebook, you can join the ExecutableOutlines.com "fan page" which I am using to inform others of updates to the EO website, along with other notes of interest, such as information on books, preaching, evangelism, software, websites, and interesting news.

For those of you who may have visited this blog in the past, and especially posted comments, thank you! I hope you can join me on Facebook.

Downloading Hudgins' Chart Sermons

2009-07-23T15:46:00.002-04:00

As mentioned previously, I have uploaded a total of 299 chart sermons by my father-in-law, Steve Hudgins, to my web site. The screen show below gives you an idea what to expect:

I've recently added suggestions on downloading Steve Hudgins' Sermon Charts one at a time or all at once, and how to incorporate them into a PowerPoint presentation.

Click on this link. The instructions are below the slide show.

H.E. Phillips Website

2009-07-16T10:21:00.003-04:00

For those of you who knew him, and for anyone looking for good Bible study material, articles, sermons, podcasts, etc., check out this new website devoted to the life and work of H. E. Phillips:

HEPhillips.org

I might add that the website was created by Beth McNabb, wife of Allan McNabb whose own website is a treasure store of Bible study materials:

BibleStudyGuide.org

Allan is the person who helped me set up ExecutableOutlines.com as a virtual domain. With Allan's web expertise and Beth's graphic design talents, they would be a good source to turn to if you need web design services. You can email Beth at:

A New Blog, Seek Ye First The Kingdom

2009-07-11T10:48:00.001-04:00

Dear Brethren,

Brother Leo Nikoldze is a faithful member of the West End congregation (the spiritual family of which I am a part, and with whom I labour here in Toronto). Leo is set to begin his third year at the University of Toronto this Fall and is a brilliant student, but his true passion is for the Lord and to do His will.

Leo has recently begun a blog called, Seek Ye First the Kingdom. I am proud of my young brother and I want to encourage you to check out his writings, subscribe to the blog, leave helpful
comments, etc...

Leo is a great and much beloved friend, very much like a son to me in the faith.

I pray that you are all thriving in the faith!

Your Friend and Brother,

John Maddocks

Apologetics Press Response to the Ida Fossil

2009-05-23T08:14:00.006-04:00

If you have been keeping up with the news this past week, you have no doubt heard about "the most significant scientific discovery of recent times”, that being the fossilized remains of, Ida, purported to be a link between man and his ancient primate ancestry.

On the Apologetics Press website is an excellent article, refuting these outrageous claims. You can read the article here:

http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/240160

Many thanks to groups like Apologetics Press for refuting, clearly and plainly, the boastful claims of those who claim to be wise in the scientific world.

Contend earnestly for the faith brethren,

John Maddocks

UPDATE

Here is another excellent article on this subject, this time from Answers in Genesis:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2009/05/19/ida-missing-link

And yet another great article, this one from Creation Ministries International

http://creation.com/darwin-fossil-ida-hype

Audio Sermons By Shawn Jeffries

2009-05-19T12:20:00.003-04:00

During May 15-17, 2009, the church at Fortune Road in Kissimmee where I preach was blessed to have Shawn Jeffries speak on the theme "Finding God's Answer To Our Questions."

Shawn is the preacher for the Beverly Shores Church of Christ in Leesburg, Florida. I was privileged to serve the same congregation from 1984-1989.

Shawn's sermons at Fortune Road were recorded and I am happy to share them with you in MP3 format:

If you wish to be challenged regarding your faith in God and your personal relationship with Him, check out the above sermons.

You should also consider inviting him to speak at your congregation.

What Makes Logos Books So Special

2009-04-22T09:21:00.002-04:00

Here's a blog entry along with video to illustrate how useful the Libronix Digital Library System (LDLS) can be:

What Makes Logos Books So Special

The Power Of An Invitation

2009-03-27T10:19:00.007-04:00

The Christian Post had an interesting article on the recent results of a survey by Lifeway Research:

Americans Most Likely to Try Out Church through Family, Friends

From the article:

Over half of Americans say they would visit a church if they receive a personal invitation from a family member, friend or neighbor, a new study shows.

The latest LifeWay Research survey found that people are most willing to hear about a local congregation through a family member (63 percent) and through a friend or neighbor from the church (56 percent). Less than half are open to receive information about a church any other way, such as through an advertisement.

"We want to help Christians discover what approaches work best in today’s culture," said Ken Weathersby, senior strategist for evangelization at the North American Mission Board, according to LifeWay. "It’s not about changing the Gospel, but determining how best to share it."

Some other interesting information from the article:

The survey, which LifeWay says may be the largest survey ever conducted on Americans' receptivity to different methods of church invitations, shows that conversations are the best way to invite someone to hear about Christ.

"The primary lesson North American believers should learn from this research is that many of your unchurched friends are ready for an invitation to conversation," said Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research, in the report. "Unbelievers next door still need a simple, personal invitation to talk, to be in community and to church. Clearly, relationships are important and work together with marketing."

Also, Americans are most likely to be open to invitations from non-denominational churches. They are least likely to be open to invitations from Mormons.

Regarding follow-ups to those who have been introduced to a community of faith, the only time a majority of Americans would respond positively is through a postcard from a church advertising upcoming talks on topics that matter to them.

Reading this article reminded me of one of my sermon outlines: "The Power Of An Invitation".

Often, all it takes is for someone to ask another, "Come and see . . ."

Convert PDF to Word

2009-03-12T16:16:00.002-04:00

Good Day Brethren,

Available now for free, you can convert any pdf document to word, online.

Below is a write up on the service from the website, and a link to access it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Using our PDF-to-Word conversion technology, you can quickly and easily create editable DOC/RTF files, making it a cinch to re-use PDF content in applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, OpenOffice, and WordPerfect.
Best of all, it's entirely free!

www.pdftoword.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope this may be of use to some. All the very best of the day brethren,

John

Praying Through the Bible

2009-03-10T11:18:00.002-04:00

Brother Edwin Crozier has posted a great article today on praying through the Bible with your family, which you can read here, Pray Through the Bible.

It is well worth your time to read this short article and I would encourage you to put this simple exercise into practice with your family. I'm going to with mine starting today!

Make today a fruitful one brethren,

John Maddocks

Free Online Access To The ESV Study Bible

2009-03-03T09:17:00.004-05:00

For those interested in the ESV Study Bible, check out this press release from Crossway:

Crossway is pleased to make the ESV Online Study Bible available free—for anyone and everyone—for a limited time beginning today, March 2, 2009. Until now, the ESV Online Study Bible has been available exclusively to those who have purchased the print edition.

In addition to the features found in the print edition, the ESV Online Study Bible provides numerous interactive features enabling readers to:

• Record personal notes, reflections, and links
• Click hyperlinked cross references
• Search by verse, topic, or keyword
• Digitally highlight Bible passages with various colors
• Listen to audio of passages

For full access to these features through March 31, 2009, visit www.esvstudybible.org/online. Simply create a login and password. Email information will not be shared, nor will there be any obligation to purchase.

Man of Galilee - Free PDF Download

2009-02-25T15:12:00.001-05:00

The Man of Galilee. By Atticus G. Haygood is available for a free download (PDF file) at the following link:

www.cimmay.us/haygood.html

Go with God!

Boot Camp - by Jason Hardin

2009-02-21T14:09:00.002-05:00

Brother Jason Hardin, evangelist working with the Laurel Canyon church of Christ, in Columbus, Ohio, has recently published a book called Boot Camp. Here is a little write up about the book from his website, http://ingodsimage.com

Boot Camp. Where a soldier learns the basics. Where he is equipped for the battles ahead. Boot Camp is where he tests his weapons and learns to fight with discipline and honor. Boot Camp is where careful, deliberate time is taken to learn from the veterans of previous wars. What obstacles confronted them? Where did they meet the enemy? Most importantly, how did they succeed?

Boot Camp: Equipping Men with Integrity for Spiritual Warfare is the first volume in the new I.M.A.G.E. series of books for men by Jason Hardin. It serves as a Basic Training manual in the spiritual war for honor, integrity, and a God-glorifying life.

Men love the epic tales of warriors who have defied the odds, proven to be larger-than-life at the decisive moment, and led other men in efforts that have shaped the course of history. We quite naturally imagine being “that kind” of man. But there is a greater story. There is a grander adventure. There is a divine chronicle of eternal magnitude in which you—in one way or another—will play your own unique part. The means of shaping our lives into harmony with the glory of our Creator has been furnished in Jesus the Christ. And he invites you to join his ranks.

Here are some reviews of the book:

This is a great book to help us men live opposite of this world’s model of a man.

– Steve Arterburn
Best-selling writer
Author of Every Man’s Battle

Jason focuses like a laser beam on a theme that has been the defining passion of my own life for some years now. Writing particularly, but not exclusively, for men, he urges us to lift our vision to the extraordinary things that God can make possible in us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Our problem is not that we desire too much but that we settle for so little. As a man, I was stirred deeply by this triumphant call to arms. Jason has that unique combination of spiritual insight, emotional maturity, and literary zest that make a writer’s work special. This is a must-read! I will be impatient for the remaining volumes in the series!

– Gary Henry
Author of Diligently Seeking God & Reaching Forward

Hardin’s first installment is an excellent explanation of what hinders most of us from being the men we imagine and God envisioned. This book exposes our chief struggles and encourages us to overcome by God’s strength and armor. It’s an outstanding start for a journey toward biblical manhood. I’m a better man because of Boot Camp; you will be too. I can’t wait for the journey to continue.

– Edwin Crozier
Author of Plugged In: High Voltage Prayer & Walks with God: Daily Exercise for the Journey to Heaven

In 1966, I went through Army Boot Camp at Fort Benning, Georgia. It was exhausting, agonizing and sobering, but you couldn’t become a soldier without this preparation. In Boot Camp: Equipping Men with Integrity for Spiritual Warfare, Jason Hardin brings into print valuable spiritual training for men.

The military allegory is consistently used to convey the value of godly integrity. The relevant issues of debt, pornography, leadership and family responsibility are tackled directly from the text of Scripture. You visit the battlefield of David and Goliath, sit in the classroom of Joseph and discover new places like Currahee.

Men are invited to listen to and trust God, to “rediscover the divine inscription, to press it onto our hearts, and to unashamedly bear the image of our Father, to his glory.” This strikes at the heart of one of the great needs of our time—the development of godly men.

I like the specification of Jason’s work. This is much more than just saying, “men should be good and not bad.” Boot Camp uses Scripture to define “good” and “bad” in practical detail. There are specific chapters on selfishness, sexual immorality, idolatry, jealousy, anger, sins of the tongue and hypocrisy. In his study of Ephesians 6, Jason helps men put on their armor and learn how the equipment works to defend personal integrity and defeat enemy assaults.

Get this book for your teenage boys. Give this to young husbands. Conduct a class for men and generate healthy discussion about being “real men.” Men—of whatever age—who are seeking integrity, discipline and hope should read this book, study it, and teach it.

– Warren Berkley
Editor of The Expository Files

Jason expands the Biblical imagery of the spiritual war between the forces of good and evil and describes the beginning of the Christian walk in terms of joining an army and experiencing “boot camp.” This “boot camp” involves understanding the conflict, recognizing the sins that hinder us in the conflict, and the way in which God arms (prepares) us for the conflict.

It is a great book that challenges men to greater faithfulness and integrity in their walk with God. It would work quite well as a book to use in a men’s study, and a great means by which a small group of men could challenge themselves to lives of greater and more accountable integrity.

– Ethan Longhenry
Author of Churches of the New Testament

A Prayer For President Obama

2009-01-20T08:56:00.003-05:00

Albert Mohler offers a prayer for the new President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. I found it worthy of anyone who calls himself or herself a Christian.

Check it out!

It is certainly in the spirit of this exhortation by the apostle Paul:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. - 1Ti 2:1-4

We Thank Thee, Lord

2009-01-01T12:05:00.006-05:00

For all the blessings of the year,
For all the friends we hold so dear,
For peace on earth, both far and near,
We thank Thee, Lord.

For life and health, those common things,
Which every day and hour brings,
For home, where our affection clings,
We thank Thee, Lord.

For love of Thine which never tires,
Which all our better thought inspires,
And warms our lives with heavenly fires,
We thank Thee, Lord.

- by Albert H. Hutchinson

ht to Jason Hardin, ThingsHopedFor.org

Many Paths To Heaven?

2008-12-18T09:27:00.004-05:00

USA Today has an article on a new report from Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life that indicates that most people, including many who call themselves Christians, believe that those in other religions will be saved.

Albert Mohler is quoted in the article as calling the findings "a theological crisis for American evangelicals. They represent at best a misunderstanding of the Gospel and at worst a repudiation of the Gospel." He has written a more exhaustive response on his blog.

The report is actually a followup to one conducted last year, that was criticized by some for not clearly indicating whether by other religions people meant simply other denominations. This time, the survey is clear that most "professing Christians" believe many people in non-Christian religions (Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, atheism, etc.) will be saved.

That is a comforting view to hold, but is it what Jesus taught? Here's a link to a sermon outline I preached some time ago:

Are There Few Who Are Saved? (Luke 13:23)

It may be time to preach it again...

Baker NT Commentary For e-Sword

2008-12-17T08:45:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite sets of New Testament commentaries is now available for purchase and use with the e-Sword Bible software program!

Baker's New Testament Commentary is composed for the benefit of serious Bible students who want the insight of quality evangelical scholarship communicated with clarity. Each volume offers fresh translation, repetition of the text before each exegetical unit, verse-by-verse comments and applications, critical notes on the Greek text, and chapter summaries.

Begun by William Hendriksen, Baker's New Testament Commentary has earned the acclaim and respect of Reformed and evangelical scholars and pastors. Since Hendriksen's death in 1982, the series has been continued by Simon J. Kistemaker.

The commentaries are written from a Reformed, amillenial perspective, though they treat other views with respect. I like how they often summarize alternative views on a passage, then offer what they believe is the correct view. Sometimes I find myself preferring one of the alternatives.

This electronic edition of Baker's NTC is made available by eStudySource for only $59.95. They also sell about 30 bestselling Bibles and other Bible study resources in e-Sword formats.

Though I also use the Libronix Digital Library System (Logos), I much prefer the GUI and ease of use of the e-Sword Bible program. Most of the resources for e-Sword are free (being older and in the public domain), but thanks to eStudySource more up-to-date resources are becoming available for e-Sword users.

e-Sword Updated to v8.0.5

2008-12-16T08:20:00.002-05:00

The e-Sword Bible program has been upgraded to version 8.0.5!

According to the developer, Rick Meyers:

The e-Sword user interface has been completely localized. The various menus and dialogs can be displayed in numerous languages, with the initial offering of Afrikaans, Czech, German, French, Slovak and Spanish. As the e-Sword GUI Localization will be an add-on module, this will be updated individually as new languages are added to it.

Scripture references are displayed using localized abbreviations, and popup ToolTips are converted according to the language in use.

A new Bible book browser has been implemented.

The Orthodox Apocrypha is now supported, in addition to the Catholic Deuterocanon. Both the Revised Standard Version and New Revised Standard Version add-ons now include an additional module with all of these Books.

Some of the text colors and window backgrounds can be customized. Select "Options, Text Colors" from the e-Sword menu to use this feature. This will also allow you to turn off red-letter formatting in Bibles if you so desire. [This feature I really like! MAC]

Go here to download either the update or the application installation.

Ancient Rome in 3D in Google Earth

2008-11-12T19:30:00.002-05:00

Here is a very interesting new feature of Google Earth that I am sure many of you will be interested to check out.

Here is part of the announcement from the Google Earth Blog:

[NOTE: This new layer is not yet live - it will appear under the Gallery layer folder. I will remove this message once the layer is available (which should be soon). You can watch the video below in the meantime.]

"Diligently Seeking God" Audio Sermons

2008-11-12T10:16:00.005-05:00

During November 2-7, 2008, the church at Fortune Road in Kissimmee where I preach was blessed to have Gary Henry present his "Diligently Seeking God" series.

Gary is the author of a wonderful devotional book by the same title which challenges its readers to seek God seriously.

You can read about his book (including how to order it) and even sign up for his daily devotions via email from the Diligently Seeking God website.

His lessons at Fortune Road were recorded and I am happy to share them with you in MP3 format:

Here is a PDF file of his outlines used in the above sermons.

Gary also presented two sermons that were not part of the DSG series:

If you wish to be challenged regarding your faith in God and your personal relationship with Him, check out the above sermons and/or read Gary's book.

You should also consider inviting him to speak at your congregation. Here is a list of different series Gary is prepared to present.

When The Election Is Over

2008-11-10T11:26:00.002-05:00

Now that the election is over, how should Christians respond? Especially if one feels that the election did not provide the results that one hoped for?

I found several articles that I thought worthy of sharing:

America Has Chosen A President, by Albert H. Mohler

A Christian Response To The 2008 Election, by Mark D. Roberts

The series of articles by Mark D. Roberts prompted me to develop and preach the following sermon on the Lord's Day following the election:

When The Election Is Over

Another article that I found thought provoking is this one:

Religious Right, R.I.P., by Cal Thomas

If the above article by Cal Thomas intrigues you, you can read more of his perspective in his book:

Blinded By Might: Why The Religious Right Can't Save America

Wisdom For The Age Of Consumerism

2008-11-01T09:19:00.005-04:00

There is a burden of care in getting riches;
fear of keeping them; temptation in using them;
guilt in abusing them, sorrow in losing them;
and a burden of account at last to be given concerning them.

- Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
- 1Ti 6:17-19

Your Brethren In Africa Need Your Urgent Help!

2008-10-10T06:13:00.001-04:00

Recently, I have had correspondence with brothers Mike Divis (IA) and Carl McMurray (IN). Both are capable gospel preachers. They have been involved in evangelism locally and abroad for many years. Mike and Carl recently returned from a missionary trip to Zimbabwe. They were shocked and dismayed when they learned of the state of the brethren when they returned this time.

Upon arriving they quickly learned that many of our brethren have starved to death. Times have been hard in portions of Africa for a long time, but it has taken an extreme turn for the worse.

There is no doubt in my mind that the poor will be with us always (Jn. 12:8). However, to neglect the poor is to neglect Christ (Matt. 25:42-45). John wrote, "But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (1 John 3:17).

As individuals, we can help our brethren. In order to make this possible, Mike and Carl are putting together a means of delivering funds to those who have the greatest need. Please consider the starving brethren in Zimbabwe. Check out their web site www.openheartshelpinghands.com. Visit also our blog of the trip.

Brethren, so many of us have never gone to bed truly hungry or worrying about where our next meal might come from. Your brothers and sisters in Christ need your help! No amount is too small, every dollar can be used. In fact a family of about six can live an entire month on just $40! $40!...I have spent that on one meal going out to eat at a restaraunt! (I have a family of six.) Surely we can do something to help.

For those who may have concerns, I want to stress this is an effort put on by Carl and Mike alone (as messengers to deliver funds). It is not a "Missionary Society" as the funds will only be used to help provide the physical needs for these brethren. Additionally, it will be tax deductible once all of the paperwork is in place and 100% of the funds will go toward the Christians. Mike and Carl are not expecting to pocket any of the funds for their efforts. Additionally, they are looking for help with some of the operating costs. (contact them about this).

Someone asked me in concern why they are not asking the churches to help. If a church desires to help, you might contact Mike or Carl to see how that might be possible though their non-profit will not accept donations for this effort from Churches, only individuals. This does not stop what the church may do in a scriptural manner, but that is a different subject to address.

The fact is, a church may collectively decide they chose not to help the brethren at this time. That would be their decision to make. However, within that local congregation there may be individuals who would like to take of their means to send to help. There are no restrictions placed upon the help one individual can provide for another. However, restrictions do exist concerning how church funds can be used.

Please share this information with all of those you know. Contact Mike or Carl with any questions or concerns you might have and please consider this earnestly in your heart. Consider making this part of your monthly budget, rather than a one-time consideration.

Thank you for your consideration,

Michel Mahler

Executable Outlines Website Refreshed

2008-09-25T11:18:00.003-04:00

Just a quick note to announce that I've refreshed the Executable Outlines website.

The changes are mostly cosmetic. Feel free to take a quick look:

ExecutableOutlines.com

I've also made changes to my "bio" and distribution report.

ESV Study Bible: Video Resources

2008-09-20T07:31:00.003-04:00

Here’s a one-minute overview of the online version of the ESV Study Bible, which will be free to whoever owns a print version of the ESVSB:

For more video clips, interviews, and endorsements, visit the ESV Study Bible Video Resources page.

For more information on The ESV Study Bible, click here.

The publication date for the ESV Study Bible is Wednesday, October 15, 2008.