Deep Thoughts by Chad

Sermon Feb.5, 2012

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:49:31 PST

Sermon January 29, 2012

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:21:06 PST

Sermon January 22, 2012

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:35:06 PST

Sermon January 15, 2012

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:36:38 PST

Sermon January 8, 2012

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:55:38 PST

Sermon January 1, 2012

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:37:03 PST

Awaken

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 09:12:49 PST

January 2-22nd Louisiana Baptists will join in 21 days of prayer and fasting. Our state needs a spiritual awakening. We still seem to lead the nation in negative categories. I'm encouraging our church to use this time to get on our faces before the Lord and cry out to Him. Seek revival. We live in desperate times but we don't seem to be desperate. We have an over-abundance of possessions and wealth unmatched around the globe. We have more conviences and enjoy more luxuries than any previous generation. We are comfortable and content with the status-quo. Perhaps that's the problem, the roadblock to revival. We need a holy discontent. We need to be satisfied in Christ alone, not our material possessions. This may be the very reason America hasn't experienced a move of God in over 150 years. It's time. Time to wake up. Time to pray and fast. If not now,when? If not you, who?

Star of Bethlehem

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:35:41 PST

What is the Star of Bethlehem mentioned in scripture? Was it a real star? A meteor? A Nova? Was it the Shekinah glory of God? This Sunday my sermon is all about the Star. It's a special Sunday as this is Christmas Day. We are having one service at Airline Baptist in Bossier City. Our worship service will begin at 10am. If you don't have a place of worship join us and learn about the Star that guided the Wise Men (Magi). "O Star of Wonder, Star of Night. Star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding guiding us to Thy perfect light."

No Matter How Hard They Try...

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:26:15 PST

This past Sunday I talked about the attempts by many to remove Christianity, symbols of Christianity and any mention of Jesus Christ during this time of year. The expression "Happy Holidays" comes to mind. Some retailers caught backlash last year at their attempt to make the season more politically correct. Many of those retailers have changed their ways and are wishing customers a "Merry Christmas". Ironically the expression "holidays" according to the origins of that word is "Holy Days". During the 3rd and 4th centuries the Catholic Church had special dates set aside as Holy Days. People would greet one another with "Happy Holy Day". The expression over the years became one word, "Holiday". No matter how hard some people try they can't take Christianity out. Even the usage of Merry X-Mas has it's roots in Christian history. The Greek letter "Chi" looks like our "X". The Greek "Chi" is the first letter in the name Christos. You can see the Greek X in stained glass windows and church architecture. It is representative of Jesus Christ and has been a symbol of Christianity on jewely and art for centuries.

So no matter how hard the liberals, atheists or even the politically correct crowd try they can't keep Christ out of this season. Next time someone greets you with "Happy Holidays" respond with "Happy Holy Days to you too!"

A Day That Will Live in Infamy

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:06:43 PST

Today is December 7th. A day that President Franklin Roosevelt said would live in infamy forever. This is the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked during World War II. I would like to first recognize and honor the greatest generation ever, the generation that endured the Great Depression and World War II. We should tip our hat to those who are among us that witnessed some of the darkest days in American history. Their courage and determination ought to inspire us and motivate us. We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans of World War II and those who grew up during that time period.

This day also should remind us that we have an enemy. Ultimately it is not a foreign government or a rogue terrorist group. It is Satan, the deceiver, the father of all lies. He is attacking our families, our spiritual foundations and churches across the world. Let us learn from those who put on the armor and served in the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific. Heed the call and pray for God’s protection. Take a stand for issues that are vital to our families and our country.

God bless you and never forget the sacrifice of our veterans and the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Back Home

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:07:27 PDT

The Lord has moved us back home. This past June we were called to Airline Baptist Church. We are within miles of where Angela and I grew up and went to high school. Within a couple of weeks of moving, our youngest son Parker made his profession of faith and I had the privilege of baptizing him! There is a lot of excitement around Airline Baptist. We just hosted a Fall Festival for Families and over 600 people attended. We have big plans for this coming Sunday as we talk about the Family of God and a Family Reunion. We invite you to come hear more, 8am and 10:45am worship services. Sunday School 9:30am. Being in the Family of God has great benefits. Forgiveness of sins, indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life in Heaven. Are you in the family? Hope to see you this Sunday!

Remember, Never Forget

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Mon, 30 May 2011 07:19:33 PDT

I have had the opportunity to walk the sacred ground of Arlington National Cemetery. I've witnessed the changing of the guard and looked at the names on the headstones and thought about that person, their family, their service to our country. Whenever I hear "Taps" played I get a lump in my throat and shed tears even if I didn't know the individual. A story on KSLA revealed that 80% of Americans are not clear about the true meaning of Memorial Day. This is a tragedy. This day is a special, somber day to remember the sacrifice of so many. The military and their families. Many paid the ultimate price and laid down their very lives for our freedoms and freedom around the world. Young men and women, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers. Take time to remember them, to preserve their memory, to honor their sacrifice. Brave men like Craig Nelson and Ross McGinnis. Today is not just a day to grill or barbeque. It is not the start of summer. It is a day to honor those who gave it all. Remember, never forget.

Bad News Sells

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Mon, 30 May 2011 07:04:55 PDT

Watching an episode of 20/20 tonight about another church scandal. An Independent Fundamental Baptist Church that allegedly encourages members to abuse children and practices strict discipline and standards. The story interviewed former members. I was saddened by the story and the atrocities. Yet another stain against our Christian witness. I am also saddened about the focus of many sensational news stories showing the worst of churches and preachers. There are so many great churches that God is working through. Numerous faithful men of God who lead with integrity. If you were to count the number of stories on churches covered by the media the majority of them would be negative stories. Yet right now churches across America are helping storm victims, feeding the hungry, ministering to countless numbers. Some would place the blame on the public's out of control appetite for negative news. I'm not looking to assign blame. I simply want to point out there are great churches out there with loving people and effective ministries. Those churches may not get a story on primetime television, but they are out there serving the Lord nonetheless.

Revival

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:19:35 PDT

Our church is getting geared up for Revival Services with evangelist Bill Britt, April 3rd-April 6th. A couple of things to ponder: The lack of Revival Services in the local churches; The low attendance in Revival Services; The desperate need for Revival in the American Churches. I am burdened and disappointed in the lack of "Revival Services" in churches today. I think most would agree the church needs revival. Of course some don't understand what Revival really means. I have always believed that Revival Services are for the "Church". Granted in many revivals people get saved and become followers of Christ. But technically to be Re-Vived you had to be a part of the church to start with. Granted a church can experience "revival" without even having official Revival services with an evangelist or special guest speaker. I desire to see the Church revived, my life revived, Christians forsaking the things of this world, a brokenness among God's people. Prayer has preceded every major revival in history. Perhaps Christians have grown complacent, even apathetic towards their spiritual condition. Due to our apathy we don't pray, we don't hunger and thirst for a move of God. Are you concerned about the spiritual condition of our country? Are you desperate for a move of God? I'm also saddened by the low attendance in many revival services. I have attended local churches in our area that were hosting Revival. The pews in most of these churches were "comfortable"-meaning you had a whole pew to yourself! I realize everyone is so busy these days. We have so much to do. Sundays aren't sacred, Wednesdays are just another day of the week. I believe for just one week we could reschedule or postpone some things in our lives. We could get our priorities more in line with God's will. The games, practices, meetings, and everything else that occupies our time can be put on hold. After all some of us have put God and the church on perpetual hold. He has been waiting and waiting... Most historians agree there hasn't been a real regional revival in over 100 years in any industrialized nation. Many say the last great revival that truly changed a culture was the Welch Revival of 1904. As stated earlier, most of us would say revival is needed. I believe we see glimpses of revival in some Third World countries and other nations. The American Church has grown lazy, apathetic, indifferent. We have beautiful buildings, superb sound systems, pleasant pews, cluttered church calendars. But we are missing the most important element...The Power of the Holy Spirit! Someone once said, "If the Holy Spirit ever departed from the Baptist Churches the Baptists wouldn't even notice because they are so program driven." I would agree. I would encourage you to pray for revival. I know some believe it is too late for revival. I heard a preacher the other day say we are in the next stage where God gives us over. I'm not sure I completely agree with that. But I believe the door of revival may be closing. When a church in your area hosts Revival make time in your schedule to attend. Support your local church. Realize that the Church has to be revived so that lost people will see revived Christians. If you are in our area, come April 3-April 6th, 6:30pm nightly. First Baptist Oil City 416 Furman Street. We are excited about Revival and we sense a move of God! Come be a part!

Loss of Privacy

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:28:21 PST

So there has been a lot of discussion lately about the TSA standards at airports. The full body scans, the shoe removals, the friendly pat downs, etc. It seems to me most Americans have been led to believe these "procedures" make us safer and keep our airplanes free of terrorists. Is that a safe assumption? Is there a better way to screen passengers? I certainly believe there is a better way that will actually make us safer. I have flown into many airports both in the United States and abroad. I have flown into Mexico City, Montego Bay Jamaica, San Juan Puerto Rico, Tel Aviv Israel just to name a few. My experiences in Dallas, Detroit, Atlanta, Memphis, Honolulu Hawaii are all very similar. But my Israel experience is unique. Passengers are brought through a screening process. Passengers are "profiled", I know that is politically incorrect but we have to stop fooling ourselves. We claim we want to be safer and we are willing to give up some rights and our right to privacy. I would argue that the body scanners are an invasion of privacy and in fact do not make us safer. Not to mention the risk of radiation for those who are frequent flyers. The pat downs are also an invasion of privacy and are not full proof. Are infants and toddlers really being used to smuggle weapons or explosives that an adult hand can detect by groping the child? Check the history, the Tel Aviv airport is the most secure airport in the world. Their record is much better than ours! If you truly desire safe travel then we have to do what works. The body scans are nothing more than a way for Michael Chertoff and his clients to get rich. His company represents the manufacturer of the body scanners. A conflict of interest for sure. Find out more about the Tel Aviv Airport security procedures http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/30138 It time to get serious about security and safety.

Country Music Theology

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:37:50 PDT

Two years ago I preached a message series called, "Country Music Theology". It was well-received and I have preached a couple of recent messages under the same heading. I have been encouraged to take my sermons and get them published as a book. I covet your prayers for this endeavor. It will be a lot of work, editing, re-writing, the publishing process, not to mention the financial cost to get a book published. I must confess I am not the biggest country music fan, but one can't grow up in the south and not be at least familiar and even slightly conditioned to appreciate it. There are some country songs with great theology. I have taken just a few of those songs and preached a message based on the song and of course scripture. I will keep everyone posted on the "book" process. Thanks for your support.

Community Support

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:29:11 PDT

Getting involved in the political process is what we are called to do as citizens and as Christians. When Christians surrendered the movie industry and then complained about the smut coming out of Hollywood it seems a little like whining. When Christians don't vote and then gripe about the people who get elected that seems a little like a book critic who never actually read the book! Recently many parents, teachers and faculty and members of the community took an active stand for our local school and it made a positive difference. We campaigned actively, we made our case to our School Board and we got involved. Attending meetings, speaking up, writing our representatives, writing editorials in the local newspapers, calling people in the community, etc. We believed in our school and wanted the 7th and 8th grade reinstated after a 10 year absence. During this process our School Superintendent put our school on his recommended closure list. That caused a great deal of passion and more people got involved and signed up to help. Yesterday a large of people came to express their support for the school at the School Board meeting. There were also people there who didn't want the 7th and 8th grade reinstated. I think it was good to hear both sides and in our democracy that is how it works. But after taking everything in and considering all the sides our School Board voted unanimously to support the school and reinstate the 7th grade this coming school year and 8th grade the following year! I felt a great sense of satisfaction in the results after all our hard work. When we take a stand and let our voices be heard we can make a difference! Don't give up, keep praying, stay involved! The system is not perfect but I'm reminded of the words of Edmund Burke, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Do something, don't just complain!

The Hardest Thing I've Ever Had To Do

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:06:59 PDT

I have been thinking about my mom a lot lately. She passed away November 12, 2009. I still find myself thinking about her all the time, starting to dial her phone number and just thinking about the day she died. I have questioned whether I am dealing with her passing in a healthy way. We all deal with grief differently. As a pastor I have counseled others about grief. As a chaplain for the Fire Department I have been on death notification calls. But when the roles are reversed and you are the one who loses a loved one it is much different. Perhaps my writing about this is therapeutic. There are a few days that stand out to me and I can remember every vivid detail. One day I recall so clearly was January 31, 1984. That was the day my sister Kim died. I can recall the conversations in the room, the moment she passed, my mom's reaction, etc. Another day I can recall just as vividly and perhaps even more is November 12. Mom had been at Grace Home for about four days. She was in a coma, unable to talk. I stayed with her the last couple of days. I knew what was coming. I tried to prepare myself for it, but I'm not sure that is possible. On the morning she died I looked at her in that hospital bed. She was in pain. She was swollen. The cancer was in her liver, lungs and bone. I talked to God so much that morning and could feel His presence in her room. I told her with a huge lump in my throat that it was okay for her to leave. I didn't want to say that. I didn't want her to leave. But I knew she needed to hear that. So in between my sobbing I told her, "Go to heaven momma. Kim is waiting for you." That was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. To tell her to die. Those of you that have experienced the death of a loved one can relate to the pain and yet the relief when our loved one was suffering. I couldn't deal with watching my mom suffer. I held her hand. I read John 14 and Psalm 23. I watched the life go out of her about two hours after I told her it was okay. When she left my presence she entered into the presence of the Lord. It was bitter sweet. I was comforted in knowing no more cancer, no more pain. She would no longer miss her daughter, she was reunited with her. That day will be with me for a long time. It doesn't get easier, but it does get better.

A Convention of Contradictions

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:40:12 PDT

I was one of over 11,000 messengers at the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida. I have been asked how the convention was, what was it like? My response has been it was a "Convention of Contradictions". Allow me to explain. While statistics indicate that the vast majority of the churches in the Southern Baptist Convention run 200 or less in Sunday School, most, if not all, of the speakers and platform guests came from churches that run 1,000 or more in Sunday School. Another contradiction was in the preaching style of some of the Pastor's Conference speakers. Some preached textual sermons and never let go of their Bible. Other preachers gave topical messages and didn't even appear to bring their bible to the platform. I found it ironic that the messengers passed a resolution taking a strong stand against divorce and affirming marriage, yet the previous night the Pastor's Conference gave special recognition to a well-known pastor who has been divorced. An African-American pastor offered a motion that our Convention disassociate itself from churches that practice racial discrimination. The convention hall was probably made up of 98% white messengers revealing we still have work to do in the name of diversity. Yet during the convention I sat next to a Black pastor originally from the Bahamas who pastors a church in Bossier City, La.

The hot topic this year was the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force recommendations. The discussion lasted for a good couple of hours. Yet there were people who said there was no division, no tension in the Convention hall. Some requested special prayer for a spirit of unity and to stop the divisiveness. Isn't disagreement about whether or not there is division in fact division? It was a Convention of Contradictions. Our Convention gave special recognition to a church that gives over 30% to the Cooperative Program and yet we elected a president whose church gives 4% to the Cooperative Program. All of these contradictions baffled me initially and made me ponder whether or not we as Southern Baptists are losing our identity. I am still slightly undecided on that. However, all of this diversity and contradictions reminded me of another group of individuals who came together 2,000 years ago. The disciples of Jesus Christ. One was a wealthy, powerful tax collector and others were Galilean fisherman. Some were outspoken, others were more reserved. Sometimes they argued among themselves. The disciples even contradicted themselves. However out of that diverse group of contradictions rose up the early leaders of the church. Those same men who earlier in the gospels ran like cowards became martyrs for the faith they so strongly believed in. So perhaps our diversity and our contradictions are a good thing. After all the heart of the Southern Baptist Convention is not our Annual Meeting, it is still and will always be the local body of believers gathered together on the Lord's Day. I am proud to be a Southern Baptist!

Baptist Press - Young pastor nurtures cooperative vision - News with a Christian Perspective

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:35:14 PDT

Baptist Press - Young pastor nurtures cooperative vision - News with a Christian Perspective

A Change Would Do You Good

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:36:33 PDT

I read James MacDonald's book, "I Really Want To Change, So Help Me God". This book spoke to my heart and has inspired my latest sermon series. Change is a popular topic. We talk a lot about changes, making changes, needing to change habits, jobs, vehicles, churches, etc. Politicians run on platforms promising change. Change is good at times. We all need to make changes. But change can be so hard. In fact we CAN'T change ourselves. God and the Holy Spirit are the agents of change. If you have a current struggle, unhealthy habits, then you are invited to come check out the latest message series at First Baptist Oil City. You can also hear our sermons on our church website, www.firstbaptistoilcity.com

A change would do you good!

Are you a Giver or a Taker?

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:25:14 PDT

How could a bleeding-heart liberal be so stingy? Vice President Joseph Biden and his wife, Jill, earned $333,000 in 2009, and gave $4,820 -- 1.44 percent -- of that to charity in cash or in-kind donations, according to their newly released tax forms. Bear in mind they knew their tax records would be released, in fact they are the ones who made the decision to release it. They apparently don't believe in supporting charities, they don't tithe to a church, or even send money to Haiti. Now some Obama/Biden supporters may claim the Biden's give in secret and didn't list it on their federal tax forms. Let's follow that illogical line of reasoning for just a moment...why in the world list the pathetic $4,820 that they did report? They are like so many who claim to care, who want us to believe they are compassionate and loving, it is not genuine. If you have real compassion you will put your money where your mouth is. I gave more money to my church than the Vice-President of the United States gave to any charity combined! And by the way I do not make $300,000 a year, not even close. This same issue has come up before with other politicians. In fact the President of the United States gave less than 6% to charity, and didn't report any giving to any church. But it also shows another trend in America. People in general do not tithe to a church. 21% of consistent church members don't give ANYTHING to their church. You read that right. They don't give a nickel. 71% of Christians give less than 2% of their income to their church. So perhaps the VP is representative of the public. Are you following his example? Are you charitable? Are you compassionate? Do you put your money where your mouth is? Do you support your local church by tithing? Some of you will not like this article. It will make you feel convicted but you will say it "offended you" instead. Take out your Bible and open it to Malachi chapter three and soak in the wisdom of God's word and the wisdom of giving.

Christian Atheists?

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:56:15 PDT

If you don't read another book this year, you must read "The Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschel. I am just a few clicks into it (I am reading it on my new Kindle). But I am totally captivated by this book. The sub-title expresses the theme of the book, "Believeing in God, But Living Like He Doesn't Exist". This book is an eye opener! I have seen in my own life this concept alive and well. I believe in God but I sometimes behave like He doesn't exist. I have witnessed this same behavior in church members and other ministers. We may wear the Christian t-shirts, sing the Christian songs, even speak Christianese (Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, Amen) but are we living any differently? Are we bearing fruit in our life? Are we making disciples? Allow Titus 1:16 to sink in for a moment, "They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Read it again. There are those who say they know God, but their actions show otherwise. Remember the question from those who said they were followers of Christ in Matthew 7, " Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'' Ouch, that hurts, but the truth often will. Ladies and gentlemen I believe one of the biggest struggles facing the Church today is we have a lot of false converts, a lot of wolves in sheep's clothing, a lot of CINOS (Christians in Name Only). It affects the cause of Christ in a negative way. People that claim to be Christian are living like the devil. So pick up a copy of the book, "Christian Atheist" and learn how one recovering Christian Atheist is doing something to make a difference.

Obama Snubbed Netanyahu to Have Dinner with Michelle and the Kids

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:29:40 PDT

Obama Snubbed Netanyahu to Have Dinner with Michelle and the Kids

Quite frankly I am ashamed. Downright angry with our President and disappointed in his foreign policy advisers. First on the issue of building housing in Jerusalem. Do we have the right to tell the nation of Israel where Israelis can and can't live? I would encourage anyone who is either undecided, or in favor of the creation of the Palestinian state to visit Israel and specifically Jerusalem before you open your mouth and insert foot. I recently spent 9 days there and my support of Israel was solidified. But regardless of where you stand on the Two-State nightmare, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vice-President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama do not have any credibility among the Israeli leadership. The VP showed up late for a dinner with Prime Minister Netanyahu intentionally. His staff said it was to communicate disappointment with the announcement of building homes for Jews in Jerusalem. Then when Prime Minister Netanyahu comes to Washington, DC he is snubbed by our president. They didn't give him the courtesy of the traditional photo op. You do realize that since 1948 American Presidents regardless of political party have stated their strong support for the nation of Israel and had the "hand-shake photo" made in the Oval Office. I am embarrassed that we didn't treat Netanyahu with more respect. Remember this is the president who was so concerned with America's standing among other nations. You will also recall this is the president who bowed to the Japanese emperor and the King of Saudi Arabi. But not so much as a courteous visit for a visiting head of state? Times are changing. America for over 60 years has stood behind Israel. Our support is being brought into question now. Israelis no longer feel confident that America will stand beside them. Israel I stand with you and millions of other Americans do!

Jamaica Pictures

chad@firstbaptistoilcity.com — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:19:39 PST

Wonderful trip! God is at work!!!