Her name is sweeping the headlines. Who has not heard of Sarah Palin? Can you recall in your memory when a Vice Presidential candidate has attracted so much attention? 40 million people watched her acceptance speech. Michael Reagan, the son of former President Ronald Reagan said watching her was like seeing his dad reborn, only this time he's a she! Without a doubt, Sen. John McCain's choice has everybody talking.
I think of another woman who did something that got everybody talking. She stood up for something by sitting down. Rosa Parks was a forty-two year old seamstress from Montgomery, Alabama. At the end of a work day she got on a bus and took her seat in the "colored section". The law did not allow her to be in front of the bus and forced her to give up her seat to any white person left standing, including a man. On December 1, 1955 while ridding the bus she was ordered to give up her seat for a white man. She refused and was immediately arrested. The brave action of Rosa Parks started a movement that eventually helped bring about desegregation. Rosa Parks was right and the heroic decision she made that day helped to turn the tide in America .
Who knows? Maybe Sarah Palin will "sit down" as our next VP and help start a movement that will bring about much needed change in Washington.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Running the Race
September 3, 2008
1 Corinthians 9:24 exhorts Christians with these words, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” Labor Day morning gave me a chance to do something I truly enjoy, running. I participated in the U.S. 10K Classic in Marietta, Georgia. In that race I do not know who received the prize for the overall male and female winner, but I know it was not yours truly! Nor can I even say I followed Paul’s injunction to, “Run in such a way that you may win.” 50 year old joggers do not win these races! But, this race did provide a good learning experience for me- really, two.
The course was up and down hills. It starts off with a slight downhill and then you are almost immediately on the first of several long hills. Learning experience number one for me, that is how life is. There are many ups and downs. Runners can not quit because the hill is steep or long. We go through those times in our lives when we are going up a hard hill in marriage or finances or emotionally or in our career or in- you can add to this list. Which hill are you on today? May I encourage you not to quit? Even though it is much harder and you may want to quit, keep running. Others have made it and so shall you, in due time.
The second learning experience is that running with a partner sure beats running alone. Yes, honestly, there are times that I enjoy running alone, but on a long run having a partner with you makes all the difference in the world. Here is the main point, when you are climbing the steep hills of the challenges of life, it sure does make a big difference to have somebody with you. We really cannot be isolated as Christians and expect to get up too many hills. It just will not happen. I am so incredibly thankful for a life running partner in my sweet wife. She is there for me for every hill! As wonderful as she is to me, I like you, still need the encouragement of fellowship with other believers in the church. Don’t even think of running up the hills of life without other Christians. It just will not happen.
Maybe you are starting up a long hill as you read this. The top looks so far away. Focus on the goal. Persevere; it will be worth it if you do.
Pastor Chuck
1 Corinthians 9:24 exhorts Christians with these words, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” Labor Day morning gave me a chance to do something I truly enjoy, running. I participated in the U.S. 10K Classic in Marietta, Georgia. In that race I do not know who received the prize for the overall male and female winner, but I know it was not yours truly! Nor can I even say I followed Paul’s injunction to, “Run in such a way that you may win.” 50 year old joggers do not win these races! But, this race did provide a good learning experience for me- really, two.
The course was up and down hills. It starts off with a slight downhill and then you are almost immediately on the first of several long hills. Learning experience number one for me, that is how life is. There are many ups and downs. Runners can not quit because the hill is steep or long. We go through those times in our lives when we are going up a hard hill in marriage or finances or emotionally or in our career or in- you can add to this list. Which hill are you on today? May I encourage you not to quit? Even though it is much harder and you may want to quit, keep running. Others have made it and so shall you, in due time.
The second learning experience is that running with a partner sure beats running alone. Yes, honestly, there are times that I enjoy running alone, but on a long run having a partner with you makes all the difference in the world. Here is the main point, when you are climbing the steep hills of the challenges of life, it sure does make a big difference to have somebody with you. We really cannot be isolated as Christians and expect to get up too many hills. It just will not happen. I am so incredibly thankful for a life running partner in my sweet wife. She is there for me for every hill! As wonderful as she is to me, I like you, still need the encouragement of fellowship with other believers in the church. Don’t even think of running up the hills of life without other Christians. It just will not happen.
Maybe you are starting up a long hill as you read this. The top looks so far away. Focus on the goal. Persevere; it will be worth it if you do.
Pastor Chuck
Church Membership or Just Attendance
August 13, 2008
A troubling trend of our day among Christians is the practice of attending a church without joining a church. First, let me qualify what I am thinking by attending. Attending is the practice of going to a church or more popular in our day, multiple churches, without considering membership. Obviously, one would want to go to a church for several weeks to learn about the church and get to know their belief’s and practices before committing to membership. However, those who are simply in the habit of attending have no intention of membership. They come; they go. Why is this? I have given some thought to this phenomenon and am sure that there are more capable and articulate views than mine but here are my thoughts.
This practice of attending removes accountability. That is a dreaded word because it flies in the face of our relentless pursuit of individualism. As long as I am in the attending practice, I am not accountable to anyone. No one can expect anything of me because, after all, I am not a member. Not only can nothing be expected of me neither can anyone say anything to me about my lifestyle practices and choices. If I am in the practice of “attending” I can come and go. I have no vital connection to the local church. If I am attending but have no plans toward membership I can fall in sin and have nobody to come rescue me. I have not committed myself to a local church or they to me. To borrow from a sports analogy, I may believe in the sport and like the team but when I “attend only” I am really saying that I would rather not wear the uniform.
However, when I join a church that all changes. I become accountable to others and others now have a Biblical mandate to admonish me. The New Testament is very clear on this…”And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.” (Romans 15:14) Accountability brings me under the protective umbrella of the church body and the care of godly leaders. Accountability to a local church through membership says that I’m on your team and I want to wear the uniform. To use another analogy-I am not just along for the ride in the boat. I want to use my gifts and my resources to help row the boat. Those that are along for the ride usually have no problem abandoning the boat when storms are on the horizon. Why shouldn’t they? They have no sense of accountability to others. It is much easier to find another boat.
Here is my plea. Once you have found a church that preaches/teaches the gospel, is committed to helping you mature and wants to take the gospel to the ends of the earth-“get in the boat with them!” Make yourself accountable to that local church. If you are going to play on the team, wear the uniform. Think about it.
A troubling trend of our day among Christians is the practice of attending a church without joining a church. First, let me qualify what I am thinking by attending. Attending is the practice of going to a church or more popular in our day, multiple churches, without considering membership. Obviously, one would want to go to a church for several weeks to learn about the church and get to know their belief’s and practices before committing to membership. However, those who are simply in the habit of attending have no intention of membership. They come; they go. Why is this? I have given some thought to this phenomenon and am sure that there are more capable and articulate views than mine but here are my thoughts.
This practice of attending removes accountability. That is a dreaded word because it flies in the face of our relentless pursuit of individualism. As long as I am in the attending practice, I am not accountable to anyone. No one can expect anything of me because, after all, I am not a member. Not only can nothing be expected of me neither can anyone say anything to me about my lifestyle practices and choices. If I am in the practice of “attending” I can come and go. I have no vital connection to the local church. If I am attending but have no plans toward membership I can fall in sin and have nobody to come rescue me. I have not committed myself to a local church or they to me. To borrow from a sports analogy, I may believe in the sport and like the team but when I “attend only” I am really saying that I would rather not wear the uniform.
However, when I join a church that all changes. I become accountable to others and others now have a Biblical mandate to admonish me. The New Testament is very clear on this…”And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.” (Romans 15:14) Accountability brings me under the protective umbrella of the church body and the care of godly leaders. Accountability to a local church through membership says that I’m on your team and I want to wear the uniform. To use another analogy-I am not just along for the ride in the boat. I want to use my gifts and my resources to help row the boat. Those that are along for the ride usually have no problem abandoning the boat when storms are on the horizon. Why shouldn’t they? They have no sense of accountability to others. It is much easier to find another boat.
Here is my plea. Once you have found a church that preaches/teaches the gospel, is committed to helping you mature and wants to take the gospel to the ends of the earth-“get in the boat with them!” Make yourself accountable to that local church. If you are going to play on the team, wear the uniform. Think about it.
Pastor Chuck
July 30, 2008
On August 8th the 2008 Summer Olympics will get underway from Beijing, China. More than 10,000 competitors representing 204 nations will come together. The United States will have an estimated 550 athletes participating. Even if you are not an athlete or sports fan, the Summer Olympics provides an opportunity to see some of the worlds best athletes compete in sports ranging from archery to wrestling. The events I am most looking forward to watching are Track and Field, Swimming and Diving, Triathlon, and Basketball. Watching these athletes from around the world perform will be exciting. Yet, the 2008 Olympics have the potential to get Christians around the world focused on something else- Praying for the nation of China.
China has spent more than $40 billion dollars transforming itself. More than one-fifth of the worlds population calls China home with a population of 1, 321,851,888. According to a recent New York Times article there are 80-100 million Chinese worshiping in underground churches. We need to pray for our brothers and sisters in China. Christianity is restricted and the persecution is intense. Would you allow these upcoming Olympic Games to be a reminder to you to pray for China? If you would like, go to www.vombooks.com to order an Olympic prayer band. Once you get to the Voice of the Martyrs web page, scroll down and click on the China Olympic prayer bands to place your order.
Let the games begin and as they do, let our praying match the intensity and devotion of the athletes that will compete.
On August 8th the 2008 Summer Olympics will get underway from Beijing, China. More than 10,000 competitors representing 204 nations will come together. The United States will have an estimated 550 athletes participating. Even if you are not an athlete or sports fan, the Summer Olympics provides an opportunity to see some of the worlds best athletes compete in sports ranging from archery to wrestling. The events I am most looking forward to watching are Track and Field, Swimming and Diving, Triathlon, and Basketball. Watching these athletes from around the world perform will be exciting. Yet, the 2008 Olympics have the potential to get Christians around the world focused on something else- Praying for the nation of China.
China has spent more than $40 billion dollars transforming itself. More than one-fifth of the worlds population calls China home with a population of 1, 321,851,888. According to a recent New York Times article there are 80-100 million Chinese worshiping in underground churches. We need to pray for our brothers and sisters in China. Christianity is restricted and the persecution is intense. Would you allow these upcoming Olympic Games to be a reminder to you to pray for China? If you would like, go to www.vombooks.com to order an Olympic prayer band. Once you get to the Voice of the Martyrs web page, scroll down and click on the China Olympic prayer bands to place your order.
Let the games begin and as they do, let our praying match the intensity and devotion of the athletes that will compete.
My "Finish Well" List
July 16, 2008
Thank you so much for all that prayed for Steven and Christy’s wedding. For those that were able to make the trip, we are humbled. For those that could not, we completely understand and just want you to know that your prayers meant so much to us. It was a beautiful wedding; they did a great job planning it. Christ was honored from start to finish. We are most thankful for our new daughter in law and gladly welcome her into our family.
In my last blog, I talked about finishing well. I shared the story that Pastor John Bisagno has told of the men he started out in seminary with compared to how few were in the ministry when he retired as a pastor. Many, too many, seem not to finish well. For sure, we know that we can not do this apart from the grace of God. But, I do think that there are some principles that should be working in our lives to put us in a position to finish well. I think of the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. Written when he was only 19 years old, these resolutions show a depth of thinking way beyond his youth. At my age, I feel I lack the maturity he had as a 19 year old. I certainly know I do not have the intellectual capabilities and the spiritual depth he had. Yet, I do have a desire to finish well.
Here are some things that are important to me in this desire.
-I want to be consistent in my devotional time.
-I want to be honest in confessing all sin and keeping short accounts with God.
-I want to be devoted to my wife and live above reproach.
-I want to never do anything that would disappoint my family.
-I want to trust God for meeting my needs and avoid a fretful disposition.
-I want to be disciplined.
- I want to be a faithful pastor.
-I want to cling to Scripture and clearly and lovingly proclaim God’s Word.
I am sure that there is more that I should have on this list but these are some that I want to tenaciously and consistently stick to.
Pastor Chuck
Thank you so much for all that prayed for Steven and Christy’s wedding. For those that were able to make the trip, we are humbled. For those that could not, we completely understand and just want you to know that your prayers meant so much to us. It was a beautiful wedding; they did a great job planning it. Christ was honored from start to finish. We are most thankful for our new daughter in law and gladly welcome her into our family.
In my last blog, I talked about finishing well. I shared the story that Pastor John Bisagno has told of the men he started out in seminary with compared to how few were in the ministry when he retired as a pastor. Many, too many, seem not to finish well. For sure, we know that we can not do this apart from the grace of God. But, I do think that there are some principles that should be working in our lives to put us in a position to finish well. I think of the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. Written when he was only 19 years old, these resolutions show a depth of thinking way beyond his youth. At my age, I feel I lack the maturity he had as a 19 year old. I certainly know I do not have the intellectual capabilities and the spiritual depth he had. Yet, I do have a desire to finish well.
Here are some things that are important to me in this desire.
-I want to be consistent in my devotional time.
-I want to be honest in confessing all sin and keeping short accounts with God.
-I want to be devoted to my wife and live above reproach.
-I want to never do anything that would disappoint my family.
-I want to trust God for meeting my needs and avoid a fretful disposition.
-I want to be disciplined.
- I want to be a faithful pastor.
-I want to cling to Scripture and clearly and lovingly proclaim God’s Word.
I am sure that there is more that I should have on this list but these are some that I want to tenaciously and consistently stick to.
Pastor Chuck
Finish Well
July 2, 2008
I’ve often heard it said that “it’s not how well you start but how you finish that counts.” For example, we have all heard of students that started poorly and finished well. Or, teams that struggled to find a way to win early in the season but finished strong. Who can forget the political journey of Abraham Lincoln to become our nations sixteenth President? Our Lord Jesus finished well. In His prayer in John 17 He said, “I glorified Thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do.” (John 17:4 NAS) Finishing well is important; however, it is not common. I recall hearing an incredible story from Pastor John Bisagno that highlights this sad fact. At the end of his college days, he and all the young men who were graduating and entering the ministry decided they were going to pray for one another throughout their ministry. Pastor Bisagno had all of their names written on the inside cover of his Bible. There were 24 names on that list. Over the years he would hear of one of his friends who had dropped out of the ministry for various reasons and scratch through the name. When he retired as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Houston, of the original 24 names there were only two names beside Bisagno’s left in the ministry. You see, how you finish is what counts but sadly most do not finish well.
Why do you think that is? It is certainly worth consideration. In fact it’s worthy of some serious investment of thought and prayer. Here is a challenge for you. Why not find a quite spot and think through this one. Using your Bible and a note pad, why not write out a “My Plan to Finish Well” strategy. If it’s not too personal I would love to read about your strategy. You could email it to me at chuck@woolseybaptist.org In the subject box, please put “My Plan to Finish Well” I will look forward to reading what you write. By the way, I will share more about this in my next blog.
Pastor Chuck
I’ve often heard it said that “it’s not how well you start but how you finish that counts.” For example, we have all heard of students that started poorly and finished well. Or, teams that struggled to find a way to win early in the season but finished strong. Who can forget the political journey of Abraham Lincoln to become our nations sixteenth President? Our Lord Jesus finished well. In His prayer in John 17 He said, “I glorified Thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do.” (John 17:4 NAS) Finishing well is important; however, it is not common. I recall hearing an incredible story from Pastor John Bisagno that highlights this sad fact. At the end of his college days, he and all the young men who were graduating and entering the ministry decided they were going to pray for one another throughout their ministry. Pastor Bisagno had all of their names written on the inside cover of his Bible. There were 24 names on that list. Over the years he would hear of one of his friends who had dropped out of the ministry for various reasons and scratch through the name. When he retired as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Houston, of the original 24 names there were only two names beside Bisagno’s left in the ministry. You see, how you finish is what counts but sadly most do not finish well.
Why do you think that is? It is certainly worth consideration. In fact it’s worthy of some serious investment of thought and prayer. Here is a challenge for you. Why not find a quite spot and think through this one. Using your Bible and a note pad, why not write out a “My Plan to Finish Well” strategy. If it’s not too personal I would love to read about your strategy. You could email it to me at chuck@woolseybaptist.org In the subject box, please put “My Plan to Finish Well” I will look forward to reading what you write. By the way, I will share more about this in my next blog.
Pastor Chuck
Vacation Bible School
June 23, 2008
VBS- Does that mean anything to you? For many of you reading this it does. VBS stands for Vacation Bible School. It is a fun week for children where they learn Bible stories, make crafts, play games, sing, and enjoy snacks. Some of you can recall your childhood experiences of VBS. We just finished what I believe is one of the best VBS we have ever had! I say that for several reasons but mainly because of the enthusiasm I saw in the teachers and workers each day. They were amazing, energetic, concerned, faithful, dedicated, loving, kind- what else can I say? They were all of those and more. If you served in VBS-THANK YOU!
What really struck me this year more so than in past years is the narrow window of opportunity that we have with children to impact their lives. The tentacles of a sin cursed world so quickly wrap around the minds and souls of boys and girls. At the risk of sounding like an alarmist, I sense that those of us in the Christian community are looking over a large field where hundreds of children are playing innocently. On the horizon we can see a threatening and ominous looking black cloud approaching. The cloud formation is suited for a tornado. Soon, cell phones are ringing with frantic callers watching the weather reports of a tornado warning in our area. We are in the path of a serious storm. We have to act quickly to get these children to safety.
Children are innocently enjoying a stage of life in which they should be secure and protected. The impending storms on the horizon are world views and values that are in direct contradiction to the revealed truth of God’s Word. They are certain to cut a swath of destruction and leave countless numbers devastated. Yes, we have to act quickly.
Who is “we”? I am thinking of parents and the church. We have to live an exemplarily life, we have to know and teach the Bible, we have to give credible answers for why we believe what we believe, and we have to teach creatively and consistently. Does my life say that Christianity is life-changing? Do I know my Bible? (This is not a matter of just knowing where to find things as much as it is a matter of knowing the key doctrinal teachings and how they apply to life.) Do I know how to defend the truth? Can anybody say apologetics? (Check out 1 Peter 3:15. Can I do what that verse tells me to do?) Here are a few recommendations and resources-
A daily time with God’s Word is a must. Pick a book and stay with it until you finish. Pick a shorter book such as Colossians and work your way though it over a couple of days. Go back through it once and then move on to another book of the Bible. Consider a book such as The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel. I have not read this book in its entirety but have used it as a reference. It is very good. It is a book that seeks to answer some of the toughest objections to Christianity. Josh McDowell and Ravi Zacharias are both excellent resources. For Josh McDowell go to www.josh.org and for Ravi Zacharias go to www.rzim.org
The storm clouds are indeed gathering. Let us not be caught up in idle conversation and ignore the warnings. Children are too precious and the opportunity to reach them is too short.
VBS- Does that mean anything to you? For many of you reading this it does. VBS stands for Vacation Bible School. It is a fun week for children where they learn Bible stories, make crafts, play games, sing, and enjoy snacks. Some of you can recall your childhood experiences of VBS. We just finished what I believe is one of the best VBS we have ever had! I say that for several reasons but mainly because of the enthusiasm I saw in the teachers and workers each day. They were amazing, energetic, concerned, faithful, dedicated, loving, kind- what else can I say? They were all of those and more. If you served in VBS-THANK YOU!
What really struck me this year more so than in past years is the narrow window of opportunity that we have with children to impact their lives. The tentacles of a sin cursed world so quickly wrap around the minds and souls of boys and girls. At the risk of sounding like an alarmist, I sense that those of us in the Christian community are looking over a large field where hundreds of children are playing innocently. On the horizon we can see a threatening and ominous looking black cloud approaching. The cloud formation is suited for a tornado. Soon, cell phones are ringing with frantic callers watching the weather reports of a tornado warning in our area. We are in the path of a serious storm. We have to act quickly to get these children to safety.
Children are innocently enjoying a stage of life in which they should be secure and protected. The impending storms on the horizon are world views and values that are in direct contradiction to the revealed truth of God’s Word. They are certain to cut a swath of destruction and leave countless numbers devastated. Yes, we have to act quickly.
Who is “we”? I am thinking of parents and the church. We have to live an exemplarily life, we have to know and teach the Bible, we have to give credible answers for why we believe what we believe, and we have to teach creatively and consistently. Does my life say that Christianity is life-changing? Do I know my Bible? (This is not a matter of just knowing where to find things as much as it is a matter of knowing the key doctrinal teachings and how they apply to life.) Do I know how to defend the truth? Can anybody say apologetics? (Check out 1 Peter 3:15. Can I do what that verse tells me to do?) Here are a few recommendations and resources-
A daily time with God’s Word is a must. Pick a book and stay with it until you finish. Pick a shorter book such as Colossians and work your way though it over a couple of days. Go back through it once and then move on to another book of the Bible. Consider a book such as The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel. I have not read this book in its entirety but have used it as a reference. It is very good. It is a book that seeks to answer some of the toughest objections to Christianity. Josh McDowell and Ravi Zacharias are both excellent resources. For Josh McDowell go to www.josh.org and for Ravi Zacharias go to www.rzim.org
The storm clouds are indeed gathering. Let us not be caught up in idle conversation and ignore the warnings. Children are too precious and the opportunity to reach them is too short.
Wedding
June 5, 2008
Many reading this know that our youngest son Steven is soon to be married. We as parents could not be happier for Steven and Christy. They both have their hearts set on the Lord and desire His plan for their lives. We are honored to welcome Christy into our family.
Steven was home for just over two weeks recently. It was a special time to spend with him. As dad and son, we got to do many of the things we both enjoy. The time he was home just flew by. When he left early Monday morning it was hard for me. The next time he comes home, he will be a married man. In a strange way I feel that nothing will change but at the same time everything will change. The changes are good but hard to come to terms with. I mean this from the standpoint of time. You see, to me, it seems like just last month that we were in Ft. Worth, Texas welcoming Steven into the world. And it seems like just last week we were at the little league field watching a T-Ball game and that only yesterday I was watching Steven in a high school football game or run in a track meet. Those years went by like a flash; just as his years in college did and now already one year of seminary! I know full well that some reading this are saying, “It just gets faster.” And, I have no doubt that it will.
So, I want to enjoy the moments. Each is special. Neither you nor I can slow time down nor can we control what happens in time. But, we can control what we do with our moments. We can determine that every day is a gift from the Lord and determine to honor Him in each day. Things do sneak up on us- like a son getting married- but things should not sneak by us! Let us look forward to each day as an opportunity to know God better and to enjoy the simple but beautiful things of each day.
Steven and Christy- Looking forward to your wedding!
Many reading this know that our youngest son Steven is soon to be married. We as parents could not be happier for Steven and Christy. They both have their hearts set on the Lord and desire His plan for their lives. We are honored to welcome Christy into our family.
Steven was home for just over two weeks recently. It was a special time to spend with him. As dad and son, we got to do many of the things we both enjoy. The time he was home just flew by. When he left early Monday morning it was hard for me. The next time he comes home, he will be a married man. In a strange way I feel that nothing will change but at the same time everything will change. The changes are good but hard to come to terms with. I mean this from the standpoint of time. You see, to me, it seems like just last month that we were in Ft. Worth, Texas welcoming Steven into the world. And it seems like just last week we were at the little league field watching a T-Ball game and that only yesterday I was watching Steven in a high school football game or run in a track meet. Those years went by like a flash; just as his years in college did and now already one year of seminary! I know full well that some reading this are saying, “It just gets faster.” And, I have no doubt that it will.
So, I want to enjoy the moments. Each is special. Neither you nor I can slow time down nor can we control what happens in time. But, we can control what we do with our moments. We can determine that every day is a gift from the Lord and determine to honor Him in each day. Things do sneak up on us- like a son getting married- but things should not sneak by us! Let us look forward to each day as an opportunity to know God better and to enjoy the simple but beautiful things of each day.
Steven and Christy- Looking forward to your wedding!
Computers - Good or Bad
May 23, 2008
What do you think about computers? Obviously you and I both like them or we would not be using them! We just updated some software in our church office and although I have to learn to navigate my way around, I am glad we have it. Computers can save time but they can also waste time. Henry Blackaby writes that “…computers are instruments for work as well as for entertainment, and some people struggle to differentiate between the two.” What do you do with your computer? Is it for work or entertainment? Some people with computers definitely own one for entertainment. Somehow, they manage to find all kind of stuff on the Internet that they pass on. They get forwarded emails and automatically forward them to all on their mailing list. In addition, they seem to find all kind of neat things on the Internet that they send on for others to read or see.
If you are not careful this can become a major waste of time. Here is a fact; you can not read everything on the Internet. Here is an opinion; you do not need to forward everything you do read. Listen to Henry Blackly again. “Everyone seems to know at least one zealous Internet guru who inundates them with quotes, jokes, feel-good stories, and late-breaking news about impending crises or the most current computer virus.” Here is a plea. Everything you read is not true. Unless you really know the source, you might want to verify the accuracy before you forward it on and even then you might need to ask if sending this is really necessary. Just a thought!
What do you think about computers? Obviously you and I both like them or we would not be using them! We just updated some software in our church office and although I have to learn to navigate my way around, I am glad we have it. Computers can save time but they can also waste time. Henry Blackaby writes that “…computers are instruments for work as well as for entertainment, and some people struggle to differentiate between the two.” What do you do with your computer? Is it for work or entertainment? Some people with computers definitely own one for entertainment. Somehow, they manage to find all kind of stuff on the Internet that they pass on. They get forwarded emails and automatically forward them to all on their mailing list. In addition, they seem to find all kind of neat things on the Internet that they send on for others to read or see.
If you are not careful this can become a major waste of time. Here is a fact; you can not read everything on the Internet. Here is an opinion; you do not need to forward everything you do read. Listen to Henry Blackly again. “Everyone seems to know at least one zealous Internet guru who inundates them with quotes, jokes, feel-good stories, and late-breaking news about impending crises or the most current computer virus.” Here is a plea. Everything you read is not true. Unless you really know the source, you might want to verify the accuracy before you forward it on and even then you might need to ask if sending this is really necessary. Just a thought!
Discipline
May 14, 2008
Discipline- What comes to your mind when you see that word? Do you think of the rigorous practice and training of the athlete or musician? Do you think of a drill instructor getting a group of raw recruits in shape? Do you think of the student determined to graduate from college with a high GPA? Maybe what comes to your mind is the image of punishment.
Here is what I am thinking. Discipline is an attitude or action steps that you consistently take to develop or improve in a particular area.
I have found that the most effective Christians I know have this ingredient of discipline in their lives. There are some attitudes they have or actions steps they regularly take that make them strong in their walk with the Lord.
Here are some I have seen:
-They have disciplined themselves to read their Bibles, pray, attend church, witness, serve etc. independent of their feelings.
-They have disciplined themselves to make a plan and work their plan unless God redirects them.
-They have disciplined themselves to focus on those areas where they are most effective. -They have disciplined themselves to press on even when it is not easy.
-They have disciplined themselves to keep learning and growing
How are you when it comes to discipline? Today is a great day to begin. By the way, every effective Christian had a day where they began some disciplines. What might you begin today?
Pastor Chuck
Discipline- What comes to your mind when you see that word? Do you think of the rigorous practice and training of the athlete or musician? Do you think of a drill instructor getting a group of raw recruits in shape? Do you think of the student determined to graduate from college with a high GPA? Maybe what comes to your mind is the image of punishment.
Here is what I am thinking. Discipline is an attitude or action steps that you consistently take to develop or improve in a particular area.
I have found that the most effective Christians I know have this ingredient of discipline in their lives. There are some attitudes they have or actions steps they regularly take that make them strong in their walk with the Lord.
Here are some I have seen:
-They have disciplined themselves to read their Bibles, pray, attend church, witness, serve etc. independent of their feelings.
-They have disciplined themselves to make a plan and work their plan unless God redirects them.
-They have disciplined themselves to focus on those areas where they are most effective. -They have disciplined themselves to press on even when it is not easy.
-They have disciplined themselves to keep learning and growing
How are you when it comes to discipline? Today is a great day to begin. By the way, every effective Christian had a day where they began some disciplines. What might you begin today?
Pastor Chuck
Moms
May 7, 2008
Mom’s, we are soon to celebrate a special day for you. You know it as Mother’s Day. You are honored on this day. You are appreciated and valued so much and this day just gives all of us that are not Mother’s the chance to say what we should say all the time- Thank You!
My blog is not really for “preaching” and while what I want to say may sound like it; it’s not. Really, I just want to encourage you.
I want to encourage Mom’s that feel under appreciated, that are tired, that many times feel that all you do goes unnoticed- hang in there! You are appreciated. You are making a difference. What you do is not unnoticed! Some reading this are changing diapers for one, getting another child to practice, and helping still another child deal with important decisions in life. What you are able to do in a day is amazing. You may not think it matters but everyday and every word, hug, and act from you does matter!
I want to encourage Mom’s that have experienced the death of a child. My heart goes out to you. Nobody knows the depth of your pain but God. He cares. Far be it from me to explain the ways of God. Foolish is the person that thinks they can. I can say what I know for sure is that He loves you. He observes every tear that falls and knows your pain. He will not leave you.
I want to encourage every woman that longs to have a child. Like death, who can explain why a woman that aches to hold her own baby in her arms is unable to do so? I hurt for you. I think of the account of Hannah in 1 Samuel and her anguish when she was childless. Our God has not forgotten you.
I want to encourage Mom’s that are dealing with a child in rebellion. You have prayed, cried, taught, begged, pleaded and more and yet you face the reality that your child is on the wrong path in life. For some, it’s a very destructive path. You seldom get a good night’s sleep and live in fear of what’s coming next. I’ve heard too many testimonies of those that came to the Lord because of Mom’s persistence prayers. Don’t give up.
I want to encourage Mom’s that do not hear from your grown children as often as you would wish. A visit would be wonderful but you would gladly settle for just a phone call! You know they are busy but you also know you would just love to hear from them. This has to hurt. May I tell you that while they may not call or come as often as you might wish, I suspect there is not a day they don’t think of you.
Happy Mother’s Day and to those who hurt, Jesus loves you and will not forget you!
Pastor Chuck
Mom’s, we are soon to celebrate a special day for you. You know it as Mother’s Day. You are honored on this day. You are appreciated and valued so much and this day just gives all of us that are not Mother’s the chance to say what we should say all the time- Thank You!
My blog is not really for “preaching” and while what I want to say may sound like it; it’s not. Really, I just want to encourage you.
I want to encourage Mom’s that feel under appreciated, that are tired, that many times feel that all you do goes unnoticed- hang in there! You are appreciated. You are making a difference. What you do is not unnoticed! Some reading this are changing diapers for one, getting another child to practice, and helping still another child deal with important decisions in life. What you are able to do in a day is amazing. You may not think it matters but everyday and every word, hug, and act from you does matter!
I want to encourage Mom’s that have experienced the death of a child. My heart goes out to you. Nobody knows the depth of your pain but God. He cares. Far be it from me to explain the ways of God. Foolish is the person that thinks they can. I can say what I know for sure is that He loves you. He observes every tear that falls and knows your pain. He will not leave you.
I want to encourage every woman that longs to have a child. Like death, who can explain why a woman that aches to hold her own baby in her arms is unable to do so? I hurt for you. I think of the account of Hannah in 1 Samuel and her anguish when she was childless. Our God has not forgotten you.
I want to encourage Mom’s that are dealing with a child in rebellion. You have prayed, cried, taught, begged, pleaded and more and yet you face the reality that your child is on the wrong path in life. For some, it’s a very destructive path. You seldom get a good night’s sleep and live in fear of what’s coming next. I’ve heard too many testimonies of those that came to the Lord because of Mom’s persistence prayers. Don’t give up.
I want to encourage Mom’s that do not hear from your grown children as often as you would wish. A visit would be wonderful but you would gladly settle for just a phone call! You know they are busy but you also know you would just love to hear from them. This has to hurt. May I tell you that while they may not call or come as often as you might wish, I suspect there is not a day they don’t think of you.
Happy Mother’s Day and to those who hurt, Jesus loves you and will not forget you!
Pastor Chuck
Fade into Irrelevance
April 29, 2008
Dr. Chuck Lawless is the Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Church Growth at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Today I read this statement by Dr. Lawless that really got my attention. Too much is at stake for us to sit by and fade into irrelevance in North America. We desperately need God to move us, change us, and redirect us to Great Commission obedience. What is he talking about? He is talking about the decline in church membership and baptisms in our denomination.
While all that he said in that statement is important and thought provoking, I can not get away from the words “fade into irrelevance.” Imagine the church fading into irrelevance. Can that happen? Is it possible? One only needs to look at Western Europe for the answer. Cathedrals and churches dot the landscape but say less than 10% of the population attends church regularly. The research on our denomination cannot be denied regarding the trend in membership and baptisms. Much like the x-ray that reveals a broken bone, the research indicates that something is in fact broken and needs to be repaired.
At the risk of sounding like I know what to do or of having a simple answer I humbly offer this “what if?” What if individual believers in Christ just got honest about our lives? What if we just confessed and forsook sin? What if we just came before God in our churches and prayed for spiritual awakening? What if we just started living before others an authentic Christian life? What if we just loved people and practically demonstrated it? What if we just made it a point to purposefully tell our friends about our relationship to Christ and showed them how they could be saved according to the Bible? What if we just invited people to our churches and gave them the best seats and the best parking places? What if we just did those things?
Dr. Chuck Lawless is the Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Church Growth at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Today I read this statement by Dr. Lawless that really got my attention. Too much is at stake for us to sit by and fade into irrelevance in North America. We desperately need God to move us, change us, and redirect us to Great Commission obedience. What is he talking about? He is talking about the decline in church membership and baptisms in our denomination.
While all that he said in that statement is important and thought provoking, I can not get away from the words “fade into irrelevance.” Imagine the church fading into irrelevance. Can that happen? Is it possible? One only needs to look at Western Europe for the answer. Cathedrals and churches dot the landscape but say less than 10% of the population attends church regularly. The research on our denomination cannot be denied regarding the trend in membership and baptisms. Much like the x-ray that reveals a broken bone, the research indicates that something is in fact broken and needs to be repaired.
At the risk of sounding like I know what to do or of having a simple answer I humbly offer this “what if?” What if individual believers in Christ just got honest about our lives? What if we just confessed and forsook sin? What if we just came before God in our churches and prayed for spiritual awakening? What if we just started living before others an authentic Christian life? What if we just loved people and practically demonstrated it? What if we just made it a point to purposefully tell our friends about our relationship to Christ and showed them how they could be saved according to the Bible? What if we just invited people to our churches and gave them the best seats and the best parking places? What if we just did those things?
An Incredible Trip
April 16, 2008
I have just returned from a wonderful time of vacation with my family. It was good to get to spend this time together seeing some amazing scenery in Washington D.C., New York and then on throughout New England. You probably don’t really want to read every detail of our trip so I’ll just give some thoughts and reflections of this time.
-In Arlington National Cemetery I was reminded of the countless men and women that have given their lives for this great nation. Walking among the graves of those that have been buried even recently, seeing the names and dates of birth of these so young that gave their all in Operation Enduring Freedom was a touching experience.
-Standing in the Pentagon where a commercial plane was flown into the building was a reminder of the reason why America must prevail in the war against global terrorism.
-Walking through the U.S. Capitol, seeing the historical aspects of our government, and the process of how our government works was eye opening.
-A tour of the White House was incredible.
-Going to church at the Brooklyn Tabernacle was great. Driving in Brooklyn was not so great!
-West Point, our oldest U.S. Service Academy was majestic and definitely worth seeing.
-New England is beautiful! The coastlines, the historical aspects; it was unlike anything I had ever seen.
-Skiing in New Hampshire was so much fun. I knew that our sons’ ability had long ago exceeded mine but I was not prepared for our daughter’s to just yet. It is oh so humbling when you can’t stay with your 14 year old daughter on the slopes anymore! I was not expecting that but quickly realized I had to decide between my pride and my bones.
-The food was great. What can I say? I like to eat.
-I loved to hear the people’s ascents, especially in Boston. I probably sounded like Jethro Bodine to them.
-There is definitely a need for Southern Baptist Church planting throughout New England.
It was so special to be with our family. At the risks of sounding sentimental, I know that we will never have another vacation quite like this one. When Dave Ramsey is asked, “How are you doing?” He answers, “Better than I deserve.” Without a doubt, I have better than I deserve in my sweet wife, and wonderful children.
Thank you, Woolsey Baptist Church, for making this trip possible for us. We love you and are glad to be home with you!!!
I have just returned from a wonderful time of vacation with my family. It was good to get to spend this time together seeing some amazing scenery in Washington D.C., New York and then on throughout New England. You probably don’t really want to read every detail of our trip so I’ll just give some thoughts and reflections of this time.
-In Arlington National Cemetery I was reminded of the countless men and women that have given their lives for this great nation. Walking among the graves of those that have been buried even recently, seeing the names and dates of birth of these so young that gave their all in Operation Enduring Freedom was a touching experience.
-Standing in the Pentagon where a commercial plane was flown into the building was a reminder of the reason why America must prevail in the war against global terrorism.
-Walking through the U.S. Capitol, seeing the historical aspects of our government, and the process of how our government works was eye opening.
-A tour of the White House was incredible.
-Going to church at the Brooklyn Tabernacle was great. Driving in Brooklyn was not so great!
-West Point, our oldest U.S. Service Academy was majestic and definitely worth seeing.
-New England is beautiful! The coastlines, the historical aspects; it was unlike anything I had ever seen.
-Skiing in New Hampshire was so much fun. I knew that our sons’ ability had long ago exceeded mine but I was not prepared for our daughter’s to just yet. It is oh so humbling when you can’t stay with your 14 year old daughter on the slopes anymore! I was not expecting that but quickly realized I had to decide between my pride and my bones.
-The food was great. What can I say? I like to eat.
-I loved to hear the people’s ascents, especially in Boston. I probably sounded like Jethro Bodine to them.
-There is definitely a need for Southern Baptist Church planting throughout New England.
It was so special to be with our family. At the risks of sounding sentimental, I know that we will never have another vacation quite like this one. When Dave Ramsey is asked, “How are you doing?” He answers, “Better than I deserve.” Without a doubt, I have better than I deserve in my sweet wife, and wonderful children.
Thank you, Woolsey Baptist Church, for making this trip possible for us. We love you and are glad to be home with you!!!
Have You Been Fooled?
April 3, 2008
This past Monday was April Fool’s Day. I heard a news story about the top 100 April Fool’s hoaxes of all time! Here is one that was mentioned…
In 1976 the British astronomer Patrick Moore announced on BBC Radio 2 that at 9:47 AM a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event was going to occur that listeners could experience in their very own homes. The planet Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, temporarily causing a gravitational alignment that would counteract and lessen the Earth's own gravity. Moore told his listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment that this planetary alignment occurred, they would experience a strange floating sensation. When 9:47 AM arrived, BBC2 began to receive hundreds of phone calls from listeners claiming to have felt the sensation. One woman even reported that she and her eleven friends had risen from their chairs and floated around the room.
It is amazing how easily we are fooled. In the case of the dear woman who reported that she and her eleven friends had floated around the room, she was really fooled. Have you ever been fooled? Most of us have and most of us more than once.Jesus warned us…“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) To be wise as serpents reminds us that serpents are cautious in avoiding danger. We need to practice situational awareness. One area that comes to my mind is related to teachings we hear in the name of Christianity. Just because it is on television does not make it true. Just because a “minister” says it does not make it true. We need to make sure that what we are hearing is based on what the Bible says and what it means. If we do not ask those questions- what does it say in the Bible and what does it mean we may find ourselves and our friends floating around the room!
This past Monday was April Fool’s Day. I heard a news story about the top 100 April Fool’s hoaxes of all time! Here is one that was mentioned…
In 1976 the British astronomer Patrick Moore announced on BBC Radio 2 that at 9:47 AM a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event was going to occur that listeners could experience in their very own homes. The planet Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, temporarily causing a gravitational alignment that would counteract and lessen the Earth's own gravity. Moore told his listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment that this planetary alignment occurred, they would experience a strange floating sensation. When 9:47 AM arrived, BBC2 began to receive hundreds of phone calls from listeners claiming to have felt the sensation. One woman even reported that she and her eleven friends had risen from their chairs and floated around the room.
It is amazing how easily we are fooled. In the case of the dear woman who reported that she and her eleven friends had floated around the room, she was really fooled. Have you ever been fooled? Most of us have and most of us more than once.Jesus warned us…“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) To be wise as serpents reminds us that serpents are cautious in avoiding danger. We need to practice situational awareness. One area that comes to my mind is related to teachings we hear in the name of Christianity. Just because it is on television does not make it true. Just because a “minister” says it does not make it true. We need to make sure that what we are hearing is based on what the Bible says and what it means. If we do not ask those questions- what does it say in the Bible and what does it mean we may find ourselves and our friends floating around the room!
Easter Sunday
March 24, 2008
Sunday was a great day- Easter Sunday- that is. To reflect on the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the grave on the third day stirs my faith and helps me refocus on the central truths of the Christian faith.
Sunday was a great day because of the incredible joy of being with my family. Although Steven was unable to come home, we had a great afternoon watching some old movies, the NCAA basketball tournament, playing “horse”, and having our own home run derby. It was fun. It was more than fun, it was great! Sunday also marked our 29th wedding anniversary. God has been so good to me in giving me such a sweet and godly wife. I am so thankful for Lisa. She is a wonderful wife and an incredible mom.
Yes, Easter was a good day. God has been so good to me. I honor Him above all. He is good!
Sunday was a great day- Easter Sunday- that is. To reflect on the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the grave on the third day stirs my faith and helps me refocus on the central truths of the Christian faith.
Sunday was a great day because of the incredible joy of being with my family. Although Steven was unable to come home, we had a great afternoon watching some old movies, the NCAA basketball tournament, playing “horse”, and having our own home run derby. It was fun. It was more than fun, it was great! Sunday also marked our 29th wedding anniversary. God has been so good to me in giving me such a sweet and godly wife. I am so thankful for Lisa. She is a wonderful wife and an incredible mom.
Yes, Easter was a good day. God has been so good to me. I honor Him above all. He is good!
Easter
March 20, 2008
I’m glad we are soon to celebrate Easter! What a day for the believer in Christ to know that no matter how bad things may get, Jesus Christ is alive! May I tell you why that has meaning to me?
- It has meaning because I know my sins are forgiven. He died for sinners and the fact that He arose from the dead demonstrates that God the Father accepted His payment for my sin. I am not trying to earn my way; my salvation is in Christ. He defeated sin, death, and the grave. Wonderful news- my sins are forgiven.
- It has meaning because I know death is not the end. In October 2004, when I stepped off an airplane in New Delhi, India, I was met by the Air France gate agent and notified that my Dad had passed away. Shocked, hurt, grieving, and more I made my way back home and to his funeral. We sang “Because He Lives.” What a comfort to know that because Jesus Christ lives, we too shall live. As I stood there singing with a broken voice, I stood knowing that my precious Dad was in fact more alive than ever because Jesus Christ is alive!
-It has meaning because it brings hope. Just listen to the evening news; it’s depressing. War, crime, a failing economy, and more- there is not too much good news. Yet, I have hope. Jesus is alive. He is coming again one day. And, until He comes He is at work in the world. He is at work in my world. He can resurrect hope in me when I feel hopeless. He has done it countless times.
Easter- celebrate it, thank God for it, worship with other believers on Sunday and remember- if you have trusted in Christ- sin is forgiven, death is not the end, and of all people, you should have hope!
I’m glad we are soon to celebrate Easter! What a day for the believer in Christ to know that no matter how bad things may get, Jesus Christ is alive! May I tell you why that has meaning to me?
- It has meaning because I know my sins are forgiven. He died for sinners and the fact that He arose from the dead demonstrates that God the Father accepted His payment for my sin. I am not trying to earn my way; my salvation is in Christ. He defeated sin, death, and the grave. Wonderful news- my sins are forgiven.
- It has meaning because I know death is not the end. In October 2004, when I stepped off an airplane in New Delhi, India, I was met by the Air France gate agent and notified that my Dad had passed away. Shocked, hurt, grieving, and more I made my way back home and to his funeral. We sang “Because He Lives.” What a comfort to know that because Jesus Christ lives, we too shall live. As I stood there singing with a broken voice, I stood knowing that my precious Dad was in fact more alive than ever because Jesus Christ is alive!
-It has meaning because it brings hope. Just listen to the evening news; it’s depressing. War, crime, a failing economy, and more- there is not too much good news. Yet, I have hope. Jesus is alive. He is coming again one day. And, until He comes He is at work in the world. He is at work in my world. He can resurrect hope in me when I feel hopeless. He has done it countless times.
Easter- celebrate it, thank God for it, worship with other believers on Sunday and remember- if you have trusted in Christ- sin is forgiven, death is not the end, and of all people, you should have hope!
Safely Home
March 11, 2008
I recently finished reading a book that I want to recommend to you. Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn, is a novel about the persecuted church. This book shook me. I have known that Christians in other parts of the world are persecuted for following Jesus but this book brought it home unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I highly recommend that you read this book. Without telling you too much I will tell you that the book chronicles the lives of two men that get reacquainted after twenty years since their graduation from college. One is a believer; one is not. One is pursuing the American dream; one is pursuing God and suffering for it. They come together and the story takes off from there. It is a fascinating look at persecution and its reality.
Here are some of the lessons I took away from the book:
-Persecution is real. Christians really are suffering greatly for the name of Jesus Christ.
-Success in life without Christ is really no success at all.
-The Bible is such a treasure. There are believers in the world that would love to have a copy of even a portion of God’s Word.
-Will persecution come to the American church? I don’t know. But what if it did? How would things change? What if it became illegal to speak openly about Christ? What if churches were required to sign something saying that they would not preach about certain sins? What if they were monitored to make sure that nothing was taught that went against the regulations of the governing authorities? Just something to think about.
I recently finished reading a book that I want to recommend to you. Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn, is a novel about the persecuted church. This book shook me. I have known that Christians in other parts of the world are persecuted for following Jesus but this book brought it home unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I highly recommend that you read this book. Without telling you too much I will tell you that the book chronicles the lives of two men that get reacquainted after twenty years since their graduation from college. One is a believer; one is not. One is pursuing the American dream; one is pursuing God and suffering for it. They come together and the story takes off from there. It is a fascinating look at persecution and its reality.
Here are some of the lessons I took away from the book:
-Persecution is real. Christians really are suffering greatly for the name of Jesus Christ.
-Success in life without Christ is really no success at all.
-The Bible is such a treasure. There are believers in the world that would love to have a copy of even a portion of God’s Word.
-Will persecution come to the American church? I don’t know. But what if it did? How would things change? What if it became illegal to speak openly about Christ? What if churches were required to sign something saying that they would not preach about certain sins? What if they were monitored to make sure that nothing was taught that went against the regulations of the governing authorities? Just something to think about.
More Fouls We Commit
March 4, 2008
I’ve been using the analogy of fouls in a basketball game to address the issues we can be guilty of in the church. I have talked about some different types of fouls we are easily guilty of committing and now I would like to look at the two that I would consider the worst. These are the flagrant foul and the technical foul called on the bench. As in the past weeks, for those that have little knowledge of basketball rules, let me explain the fouls and then provide the analogy.
-The flagrant foul - This is a foul that is called when the referee determines that excessive force or contact is used or ill intent toward an opposing player.
How could a church be guilty of this kind of a foul? Certainly we would not consciously do ill will toward a non believer, but unconsciously we can if we become like the Pharisees. In our desires to do right and maintain that which is right, we can get ourselves in a position where we attack the sinner instead of the sin. This is never right. When Paul was observing the idolatry in Athens, his message was Jesus and the resurrection. There is no indication of his attacking the people of Athens, but rather of his clear contrast between the God who made the world and their idols. (Acts 17:16-31)
-The technical foul on the bench - This is a foul that is called when the referee determines a player on the bench or a coach has said something unsportsmanlike or has overtly questioned a call made. It could also be called if the coach has left the coaches box and not heeded warnings.
How can a church be guilty of such a foul? I think one way it happens is when we forget our role. We are not in the game to officiate. We are to play and to coach. The translation is that there is a God and we are not Him! He makes the calls; not us. I think sometimes the non-believing world sees us in a debate with God about what He is doing or has done instead of just trusting that He is God and that His ways are always best. If the non-believer should look down our bench, do they see joy and contentment or frustration and complaints about how life is treating us? It is something to think about!
I’ve been using the analogy of fouls in a basketball game to address the issues we can be guilty of in the church. I have talked about some different types of fouls we are easily guilty of committing and now I would like to look at the two that I would consider the worst. These are the flagrant foul and the technical foul called on the bench. As in the past weeks, for those that have little knowledge of basketball rules, let me explain the fouls and then provide the analogy.
-The flagrant foul - This is a foul that is called when the referee determines that excessive force or contact is used or ill intent toward an opposing player.
How could a church be guilty of this kind of a foul? Certainly we would not consciously do ill will toward a non believer, but unconsciously we can if we become like the Pharisees. In our desires to do right and maintain that which is right, we can get ourselves in a position where we attack the sinner instead of the sin. This is never right. When Paul was observing the idolatry in Athens, his message was Jesus and the resurrection. There is no indication of his attacking the people of Athens, but rather of his clear contrast between the God who made the world and their idols. (Acts 17:16-31)
-The technical foul on the bench - This is a foul that is called when the referee determines a player on the bench or a coach has said something unsportsmanlike or has overtly questioned a call made. It could also be called if the coach has left the coaches box and not heeded warnings.
How can a church be guilty of such a foul? I think one way it happens is when we forget our role. We are not in the game to officiate. We are to play and to coach. The translation is that there is a God and we are not Him! He makes the calls; not us. I think sometimes the non-believing world sees us in a debate with God about what He is doing or has done instead of just trusting that He is God and that His ways are always best. If the non-believer should look down our bench, do they see joy and contentment or frustration and complaints about how life is treating us? It is something to think about!
Fouls We Commit
February 27, 2008
Last time I shared a bit with you about the analogy of a basketball game and the work of the referees in calling fouls. We agree if their call is to our advantage and disagree if their call is not. Even when they do not make a call, we see them! That is, we see the ones the other team commits but never do we see our teams’ fouls.
I think that can be true in the church. We can miss our fouls if we are not careful. In fact, I think sometimes we are committing fouls that we are unaware of.
Let me mention a couple:
- Holding Fouls... We can be guilty of holding on to cherished traditions that are keeping non-believers off our court. Reflect on these words from George Barna. “…unchurched people embracing church life is "both counter-cultural and counter-intuitive." Reaching out to unchurched people is difficult for born again Christians because the two groups have such different viewpoints and lifestyles. "Born again adults are more excited about a church’s strengths and more forgiving of its weaknesses, more disposed to spiritual growth, and less skeptical of theological and biblical claims. They neither see nor understand the obstacles that impede the unchurched. Addressing the reticence of the unchurched takes more than prayer and hard work: it requires a lot of deep reflection to see the world and the local church from a completely different angle.”
-Player Control Foul- In the basketball game this is usually called “charging.” It is an offensive foul indicated by the referee’s fist in the air, then the hand behind the head and point in the opposite direction. In the church, we can be guilty of running over people with our programs and wondering why they are not interested. In most cases, I think it’s not that the program is wrong it’s just that we charge forward so hard with them without first meeting the needs of people. The unchurched are not looking for polished programs they are looking for relationships.
Next time, I will share what I think are the two worst fouls we can commit.
Last time I shared a bit with you about the analogy of a basketball game and the work of the referees in calling fouls. We agree if their call is to our advantage and disagree if their call is not. Even when they do not make a call, we see them! That is, we see the ones the other team commits but never do we see our teams’ fouls.
I think that can be true in the church. We can miss our fouls if we are not careful. In fact, I think sometimes we are committing fouls that we are unaware of.
Let me mention a couple:
- Holding Fouls... We can be guilty of holding on to cherished traditions that are keeping non-believers off our court. Reflect on these words from George Barna. “…unchurched people embracing church life is "both counter-cultural and counter-intuitive." Reaching out to unchurched people is difficult for born again Christians because the two groups have such different viewpoints and lifestyles. "Born again adults are more excited about a church’s strengths and more forgiving of its weaknesses, more disposed to spiritual growth, and less skeptical of theological and biblical claims. They neither see nor understand the obstacles that impede the unchurched. Addressing the reticence of the unchurched takes more than prayer and hard work: it requires a lot of deep reflection to see the world and the local church from a completely different angle.”
-Player Control Foul- In the basketball game this is usually called “charging.” It is an offensive foul indicated by the referee’s fist in the air, then the hand behind the head and point in the opposite direction. In the church, we can be guilty of running over people with our programs and wondering why they are not interested. In most cases, I think it’s not that the program is wrong it’s just that we charge forward so hard with them without first meeting the needs of people. The unchurched are not looking for polished programs they are looking for relationships.
Next time, I will share what I think are the two worst fouls we can commit.
Lessons from the Court
February 19, 2008
The whistle blows, the referee’s fist goes into the air, the game stops as the referee approaches the scoring table. A foul has been called. With his hands he indicates the player’s number that has been charged with the foul to the official scorer. In a well officiated game, play resumes quickly even among the cheers and groans (usually worse) depending on which player and team was cited with the foul.
What about those cheers and groans? We readily agree and applaud the referee’s decisions when their call is to our favor and we are quick to disagree when the call goes against our team. And then there are the calls that are not made. Funny isn’t it- how easily we can spot a foul or traveling violation or a charge on the other team but never see the same on our team? Think about it. Have you ever heard a die-hard fan say something like this when a player from their team drives in for a lay up and scores: The official should wave that off. That should be a player control foul. We shouldn’t get those two points!
Basketball has so many parallels to life. Momentum can change quickly, sometimes nothing goes right; sometimes you’re on a roll and can’t miss. Back to the analogy of the referees- it seems they make good calls when it is in our favor and they miss it when it is otherwise.
Here are a few lessons that I am learning…
- It is hard to see my own fouls.
- Unlike the best referee that will miss some violations, God sees all.
- Not only is it hard to see my own fouls, it’s easy to see those fouls others commit.
- It is safe to say that with our best intentions, we as a church are guilty of committing some fouls that we are unaware of.
I want to say more about that last statement next time.
Pastor Chuck
The whistle blows, the referee’s fist goes into the air, the game stops as the referee approaches the scoring table. A foul has been called. With his hands he indicates the player’s number that has been charged with the foul to the official scorer. In a well officiated game, play resumes quickly even among the cheers and groans (usually worse) depending on which player and team was cited with the foul.
What about those cheers and groans? We readily agree and applaud the referee’s decisions when their call is to our favor and we are quick to disagree when the call goes against our team. And then there are the calls that are not made. Funny isn’t it- how easily we can spot a foul or traveling violation or a charge on the other team but never see the same on our team? Think about it. Have you ever heard a die-hard fan say something like this when a player from their team drives in for a lay up and scores: The official should wave that off. That should be a player control foul. We shouldn’t get those two points!
Basketball has so many parallels to life. Momentum can change quickly, sometimes nothing goes right; sometimes you’re on a roll and can’t miss. Back to the analogy of the referees- it seems they make good calls when it is in our favor and they miss it when it is otherwise.
Here are a few lessons that I am learning…
- It is hard to see my own fouls.
- Unlike the best referee that will miss some violations, God sees all.
- Not only is it hard to see my own fouls, it’s easy to see those fouls others commit.
- It is safe to say that with our best intentions, we as a church are guilty of committing some fouls that we are unaware of.
I want to say more about that last statement next time.
Pastor Chuck
Super Bowl
February 4, 2008
It is being called one of the greatest Super Bowl upsets ever. The highly favored New England Patriots’ team was stunned by the New York Giants come from behind victory. With only 2:42 to go in the game the Giants offense was able to drive the ball 83 yards for a touchdown. It was an incredible drive. On one particular pass play it looked like it was all over for the Giants. Eli Manning narrowly missed being sacked for a loss. Eli then was able to not just throw the ball away, but throw it into the arms of a receiver that somehow managed to catch the ball and hold on to it to keep the drive alive. The Giants would go on to score to take the lead and then to hang on for the win, shattering the dreams of the New England Patriots’ perfect season.
I like it when underdogs win. (Unless an underdog beats Georgia Tech!) I love comebacks that defy the odds. Eli Manning led his team at a crucial time to make a great comeback. It took everybody working together. Lineman blocking, receivers making catches, coaches sending in the right plays: everybody had a role to play. There were no unimportant roles.
It’s kind of like churches. Everybody has a role to play. What about you? Are you playing any role in your church? Your church, whether it’s Woolsey Baptist or any other church, faces some stiff competition from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Some in the crowd are for us; some are not. That is really not what matters. What matters is that the church is on the field with one purpose in mind and everybody playing their role.
- It may be to block out criticism and negativity.
- It could be to catch the mission and purpose of the church and run with it.
- It could be to send in others with a warm and positive invitation to attend.
This is a great day to be in the game. Victory is sure. The struggle is worth it. Even if at times we seem behind, we are going to win!
Our God reigns!
It is being called one of the greatest Super Bowl upsets ever. The highly favored New England Patriots’ team was stunned by the New York Giants come from behind victory. With only 2:42 to go in the game the Giants offense was able to drive the ball 83 yards for a touchdown. It was an incredible drive. On one particular pass play it looked like it was all over for the Giants. Eli Manning narrowly missed being sacked for a loss. Eli then was able to not just throw the ball away, but throw it into the arms of a receiver that somehow managed to catch the ball and hold on to it to keep the drive alive. The Giants would go on to score to take the lead and then to hang on for the win, shattering the dreams of the New England Patriots’ perfect season.
I like it when underdogs win. (Unless an underdog beats Georgia Tech!) I love comebacks that defy the odds. Eli Manning led his team at a crucial time to make a great comeback. It took everybody working together. Lineman blocking, receivers making catches, coaches sending in the right plays: everybody had a role to play. There were no unimportant roles.
It’s kind of like churches. Everybody has a role to play. What about you? Are you playing any role in your church? Your church, whether it’s Woolsey Baptist or any other church, faces some stiff competition from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Some in the crowd are for us; some are not. That is really not what matters. What matters is that the church is on the field with one purpose in mind and everybody playing their role.
- It may be to block out criticism and negativity.
- It could be to catch the mission and purpose of the church and run with it.
- It could be to send in others with a warm and positive invitation to attend.
This is a great day to be in the game. Victory is sure. The struggle is worth it. Even if at times we seem behind, we are going to win!
Our God reigns!
Politicians
January 29, 2008
Do you read church signs? Some are humorous. Some are silly. Some make you think. Rarely have I seen one that offends and disturbs, but recently I did. I will not dignify it by quoting it but I will tell you that it is about politicians. It makes the assumption that when a political figure speaks they spread that which is foul.
Why do I find the sign offensive? For one thing, the sign reflects a total lack of understanding of history. It was a politician, William Wilberforce, who was responsible for the ending of the British slave trade. In fact, this member of Parliament would spend his political career seeking to end the slave trade. It was a politician, James Madison, who led in writing a Constitution that secures for Americans the right to worship as they please.The sign also makes the mistake of putting every politician in the same boat, so to speak. To be a politician is to be bad. That simply is not true. There are men and women serving in politics that do so simply because they love their community, their state, or their nation and they want to make a difference. We desperately need young adults that have a Christian worldview to step up and run for office. Signs that categorize all politicians as bad certainly do not inspire gifted young leaders to run for office. In fact, the type of thinking reflected on the sign actually makes people cynical toward the political process, a process we desperately need Christians participating in. Beyond that, the type of thinking reflected on the sign could well cause people not to vote because they might feel, “Why vote? It will not do any good.”
A few thoughts to think about….
- Be thankful to live in a nation that has a political process such as we have.
- Pray for the men and women in office. Scripture commands us to do this in 1Timothy 2:1-2 It is hard to pray for someone when we have the attitude presented on that sign.
- Disagree with them if you will; vote them out if you must, but don’t assume all are bad.
- Maybe you should consider running for office. Some of you reading this have ideas that could make a difference.
- If you serve in public office... Thank You! I may not agree with you. I may not support your parties platform but I thank you for your willingness to do what you do.
Do you read church signs? Some are humorous. Some are silly. Some make you think. Rarely have I seen one that offends and disturbs, but recently I did. I will not dignify it by quoting it but I will tell you that it is about politicians. It makes the assumption that when a political figure speaks they spread that which is foul.
Why do I find the sign offensive? For one thing, the sign reflects a total lack of understanding of history. It was a politician, William Wilberforce, who was responsible for the ending of the British slave trade. In fact, this member of Parliament would spend his political career seeking to end the slave trade. It was a politician, James Madison, who led in writing a Constitution that secures for Americans the right to worship as they please.The sign also makes the mistake of putting every politician in the same boat, so to speak. To be a politician is to be bad. That simply is not true. There are men and women serving in politics that do so simply because they love their community, their state, or their nation and they want to make a difference. We desperately need young adults that have a Christian worldview to step up and run for office. Signs that categorize all politicians as bad certainly do not inspire gifted young leaders to run for office. In fact, the type of thinking reflected on the sign actually makes people cynical toward the political process, a process we desperately need Christians participating in. Beyond that, the type of thinking reflected on the sign could well cause people not to vote because they might feel, “Why vote? It will not do any good.”
A few thoughts to think about….
- Be thankful to live in a nation that has a political process such as we have.
- Pray for the men and women in office. Scripture commands us to do this in 1Timothy 2:1-2 It is hard to pray for someone when we have the attitude presented on that sign.
- Disagree with them if you will; vote them out if you must, but don’t assume all are bad.
- Maybe you should consider running for office. Some of you reading this have ideas that could make a difference.
- If you serve in public office... Thank You! I may not agree with you. I may not support your parties platform but I thank you for your willingness to do what you do.
Be Consistent
January 24, 2008
A few months before our first child was born, we bought a book entitled “The Complete Book of Baby and Child Care for Christian Parents” by Grace Ketterman M.D. and Herbert Ketterman M.D. The book really is complete, covering everything from preparing to have a child, nurturing the newborn, treating illnesses, rearing a confident child and much more. We did not read this book cover to cover but used it more as a reference manual. I suppose a great deal has changed in the medical section since that book was published in 1982. However, there is something mentioned early in the book that clearly has not changed. The authors state, “Nurturing your child is a big job- one that encompasses his mind, emotions, and spirit, as well as his body. Protection of your child is not likely to demand walking into a freezing north wind on the plains. It is, however a very cold world into which your children will be born. The selfish, humanistic environment of our culture is an even more deadly threat than frostbite. You must become strong to protect your children from this. Training and guidance are, first of all, and most importantly of all, your responsibility. Training today for the child’s future is awesome, but it is exciting to know that doing it right now will bear good fruit later.”
At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, I will tell you that it saddens me greatly and grieves me when I see the ravaging effects parental neglect has on children. To be to the point, I am thinking of neglecting spiritual leadership and training. Here is one suggestion- not two or three- but one that if you do as a parent, I believe you will in time reap a reward. Are you ready for it? Two words- Be Consistent! Children learn by seeing something modeled over and over to them. If you consistently pray, read your Bible, come to church, love your family, discipline in love, serve your fellowman, reject the shallow values of this world and embrace a Biblical worldview- guess what- the likelihood is extremely high that your children are going to follow you. You don’t have to be perfect. In fact, consistently admitting your need of God’s grace is important too. May God grant us the grace to be consistent!
A few months before our first child was born, we bought a book entitled “The Complete Book of Baby and Child Care for Christian Parents” by Grace Ketterman M.D. and Herbert Ketterman M.D. The book really is complete, covering everything from preparing to have a child, nurturing the newborn, treating illnesses, rearing a confident child and much more. We did not read this book cover to cover but used it more as a reference manual. I suppose a great deal has changed in the medical section since that book was published in 1982. However, there is something mentioned early in the book that clearly has not changed. The authors state, “Nurturing your child is a big job- one that encompasses his mind, emotions, and spirit, as well as his body. Protection of your child is not likely to demand walking into a freezing north wind on the plains. It is, however a very cold world into which your children will be born. The selfish, humanistic environment of our culture is an even more deadly threat than frostbite. You must become strong to protect your children from this. Training and guidance are, first of all, and most importantly of all, your responsibility. Training today for the child’s future is awesome, but it is exciting to know that doing it right now will bear good fruit later.”
At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, I will tell you that it saddens me greatly and grieves me when I see the ravaging effects parental neglect has on children. To be to the point, I am thinking of neglecting spiritual leadership and training. Here is one suggestion- not two or three- but one that if you do as a parent, I believe you will in time reap a reward. Are you ready for it? Two words- Be Consistent! Children learn by seeing something modeled over and over to them. If you consistently pray, read your Bible, come to church, love your family, discipline in love, serve your fellowman, reject the shallow values of this world and embrace a Biblical worldview- guess what- the likelihood is extremely high that your children are going to follow you. You don’t have to be perfect. In fact, consistently admitting your need of God’s grace is important too. May God grant us the grace to be consistent!
A Special Honor
January 15,2008
It’s Tuesday morning, 9:00, as I write this. I am sitting in a doctor’s office in Alpharetta. I actually arrived here about fifteen minutes ago. I am thankful I am not here for myself. You see, I brought my mom to the doctor. I left Fayetteville at 5:40 to get to Canton by 7:00 to pick up my mom in order to get to Old Milton Parkway by 9:00 a.m. - Wow! I am thankful I don’t live around here. Talk about serious traffic congestion. Crowded would not explain it. However, here is what I am thankful for. I am thankful that I can do this for my mom who spent 21 years of her life taking care of me in thousands of ways. It is my privilege to get to do this for her.
Many of you reading this are in that stage of life, like me, where you have the special honor of taking care of your parents at some level. It is so important, if you are able, to be there for them. You can’t be everything and you can’t do everything. You cannot neglect your family or your career but you can look for ways to love and serve those that served and loved you and gave so much for you. Here are a few simple but hopefully meaningful suggestions to help you serve your parents.
-Pray for them-Call them regularly
-Go visit them
-Plan to do things with them that they are able to do
-Be patient with them
-If health permits, take them on trips with you
-Listen to them
Doing these things can help us toward obeying the fifth commandment to"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12
It’s Tuesday morning, 9:00, as I write this. I am sitting in a doctor’s office in Alpharetta. I actually arrived here about fifteen minutes ago. I am thankful I am not here for myself. You see, I brought my mom to the doctor. I left Fayetteville at 5:40 to get to Canton by 7:00 to pick up my mom in order to get to Old Milton Parkway by 9:00 a.m. - Wow! I am thankful I don’t live around here. Talk about serious traffic congestion. Crowded would not explain it. However, here is what I am thankful for. I am thankful that I can do this for my mom who spent 21 years of her life taking care of me in thousands of ways. It is my privilege to get to do this for her.
Many of you reading this are in that stage of life, like me, where you have the special honor of taking care of your parents at some level. It is so important, if you are able, to be there for them. You can’t be everything and you can’t do everything. You cannot neglect your family or your career but you can look for ways to love and serve those that served and loved you and gave so much for you. Here are a few simple but hopefully meaningful suggestions to help you serve your parents.
-Pray for them-Call them regularly
-Go visit them
-Plan to do things with them that they are able to do
-Be patient with them
-If health permits, take them on trips with you
-Listen to them
Doing these things can help us toward obeying the fifth commandment to"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12
Can you be dogmatic?
January 2, 2008
I am thinking out loud as I write this. (Actually, I guess I am thinking in print but you know what I mean.) Here is what I am thinking- “What’s up with all this business about tolerance and openness and statements like ‘You can’t be dogmatic’?” I don’t know if you have been listening lately but there seems to be no shortage of voices from media, academia, and sadly, even religious circles that tout tolerance as the greatest virtue. The Associated Press and MTV conducted an extensive survey among young people age 13-24. You can read the article by going to HERE. Here are a few quotes from the article. When it comes to spirituality, American young people also are remarkably tolerant -- nearly 7 in 10 say that while they follow their own religious or spiritual beliefs, others might be true as well. Sixty-eight percent agree with the statement, "I follow my own religious and spiritual beliefs, but I think that other religious beliefs could be true as well." Thirty-one percent choose, "I strongly believe that my religious beliefs are true and universal, and that other religious beliefs are not right."One 14 year old stated, “I believe whatever you believe is true to you and it really shouldn't matter what other people think.”Think about that. Almost 75% are saying in essence, “I have my beliefs, but whatever you believe could also be true.”There is an incredible danger to this reasoning. Why? If those who stand behind the pulpit and those who sit in the pew start to buy into this view of tolerance we will step on to a slippery slope from which recovery of balance will be nearly impossible. Fundamentally, there will cease to be Biblical absolutes; the natural consequence being chaos. We will become like the people in the history of Israel where “…everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” I plead with Christians to adhere to the Word of God. Jesus was emphatic about truth. (“…Thy Word is truth.” John 17:17.) We can not afford to buy into the views stated above in the USA Today article. Standing on the truth of God’s Word is not intolerant. Rather, it is more essential than ever. In 2008 determine that you will be one, regardless of the shift in culture, that applies Biblical truth to your values. And, I would add, be one that stands for Biblical truth as the only truth.
I am thinking out loud as I write this. (Actually, I guess I am thinking in print but you know what I mean.) Here is what I am thinking- “What’s up with all this business about tolerance and openness and statements like ‘You can’t be dogmatic’?” I don’t know if you have been listening lately but there seems to be no shortage of voices from media, academia, and sadly, even religious circles that tout tolerance as the greatest virtue. The Associated Press and MTV conducted an extensive survey among young people age 13-24. You can read the article by going to HERE. Here are a few quotes from the article. When it comes to spirituality, American young people also are remarkably tolerant -- nearly 7 in 10 say that while they follow their own religious or spiritual beliefs, others might be true as well. Sixty-eight percent agree with the statement, "I follow my own religious and spiritual beliefs, but I think that other religious beliefs could be true as well." Thirty-one percent choose, "I strongly believe that my religious beliefs are true and universal, and that other religious beliefs are not right."One 14 year old stated, “I believe whatever you believe is true to you and it really shouldn't matter what other people think.”Think about that. Almost 75% are saying in essence, “I have my beliefs, but whatever you believe could also be true.”There is an incredible danger to this reasoning. Why? If those who stand behind the pulpit and those who sit in the pew start to buy into this view of tolerance we will step on to a slippery slope from which recovery of balance will be nearly impossible. Fundamentally, there will cease to be Biblical absolutes; the natural consequence being chaos. We will become like the people in the history of Israel where “…everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” I plead with Christians to adhere to the Word of God. Jesus was emphatic about truth. (“…Thy Word is truth.” John 17:17.) We can not afford to buy into the views stated above in the USA Today article. Standing on the truth of God’s Word is not intolerant. Rather, it is more essential than ever. In 2008 determine that you will be one, regardless of the shift in culture, that applies Biblical truth to your values. And, I would add, be one that stands for Biblical truth as the only truth.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Merry Christmas
December 20, 2007
That is what Christmas is about- Christ came that sinners condemned in sin and under the judgment of God, could have a second birth. Think of the wonder of it. It is mind boggling and utterly beyond us. Yet, it is so simple that children can grasp it. If you have experienced the second birth, Christmas is a day for you to rejoice and celebrate! Here are a few suggestions that might just help you as you look to honor Christ on Christmas Day.
Read (Slowly and thoughtfully) the account of Christ’s birth from Luke 2:1-20.
Get up early or stay up late or find a suitable time to just be still for five or ten minutes and do nothing but think about Christ coming into the world for the purpose of dying for sinners.
Express to Him your thankfulness for your salvation.
Call somebody that could use a word of encouragement and let them know that you love and care for them.
Remember to pray for the men and women in our Armed Forces that are away from their families on Christmas Day. Many are in harms way fighting for our national security and the preservation of the freedoms we enjoy.
Don’t forget to pray for missionaries that are fighting a spiritual battle for the souls of men. What a blessing an email to someone overseas could be on Christmas Day!
If you are traveling, go out of your way to be sensitive and courteous to store and hotel clerks that are working on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Don’t forget to speak a word of appreciation to a Police Officer or other emergency personnel you might see on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Pastor Chuck
It’s almost here- Christmas Day- a day for celebrating the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ came to live among fallen humanity. Yet, His ultimate purpose was more than living among us. He came to die for sinners and to be raised from death to life. I love the words of the hymn by Charles Wesley-
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
That is what Christmas is about- Christ came that sinners condemned in sin and under the judgment of God, could have a second birth. Think of the wonder of it. It is mind boggling and utterly beyond us. Yet, it is so simple that children can grasp it. If you have experienced the second birth, Christmas is a day for you to rejoice and celebrate! Here are a few suggestions that might just help you as you look to honor Christ on Christmas Day.
Read (Slowly and thoughtfully) the account of Christ’s birth from Luke 2:1-20.
Get up early or stay up late or find a suitable time to just be still for five or ten minutes and do nothing but think about Christ coming into the world for the purpose of dying for sinners.
Express to Him your thankfulness for your salvation.
Call somebody that could use a word of encouragement and let them know that you love and care for them.
Remember to pray for the men and women in our Armed Forces that are away from their families on Christmas Day. Many are in harms way fighting for our national security and the preservation of the freedoms we enjoy.
Don’t forget to pray for missionaries that are fighting a spiritual battle for the souls of men. What a blessing an email to someone overseas could be on Christmas Day!
If you are traveling, go out of your way to be sensitive and courteous to store and hotel clerks that are working on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Don’t forget to speak a word of appreciation to a Police Officer or other emergency personnel you might see on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Pastor Chuck
Good Morning?
November 27, 2007
Can you think of the times in your life when you have been exhausted and proud at the same moment? Some that come to mind would be a new mother after an exhausting labor as she looks into her baby’s eyes for the first time, or maybe the new Grandparents that have traveled through the night to see this bundle of joy. Perhaps you might think of the marathon runner as he crosses the finish line or the college student at the end of finals week.
One of those exhausted but very proud moments came for me the day after Thanksgiving. We had come home from Thanksgiving travel late Thursday evening and slept only about four hours before meeting at the church at 3:15 Friday morning. For what insane reason would anybody do that? For us, it was a choice to give up a little of our sleep in order to go to a local business to hand out hot chocolate and coffee to patrons standing in line awaiting the opening of the store. You should have seen their hands shoot up when we asked “who would like a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate?” From 4:30 to 8:00 we poured and served the hot beverages to cold and grateful Christmas shoppers.
Okay, so you get the exhausted part, but proud? How does that fit in? I was proud of our youth and adults from Woolsey Baptist Church! Some 20 youth braved the early morning cold (yes, our youth were at church at 3:15 a.m., busy at work getting ready for the morning of ministry) with smiles on their faces, ready to serve others and expecting nothing in return. They were not raising money for a project or earning money for a special trip. They were merely out serving others in Jesus name! This is why I was proud. The same is true for our adults. 30 plus adults were on the other side of town giving out cups of coffee and hot chocolate, wrapping Christmas presents and wishing “Merry Christmas” to the thousands coming and going from Wal-Mart. Between our youth and adults, approximately 600 cups of hot chocolate and coffee were served and many, many, Christmas presents were wrapped. As pastor of this great church, I was so proud that you took ministry to the streets.
I was proud that you donated so much Christmas wrapping paper.
I was proud that you gave up sleep and time for others.
I was proud that you were showing love to total strangers.
I was proud to see you engaging them in conversations.
I was proud to see you serving the business proprietors by cleaning up around their places of business.
I was proud to see you helping by gathering up shopping carts for them.
I was proud to see you serving with smiles and joy.
I was proud of Jeremy and Tracy. They were at church when Lisa and I got there Friday morning, already getting the hot chocolate prepared.
I was proud of Clay and Larry. They were at Wal-Mart at 5:00 a.m. getting everything set up and ready and they were there till the end!
I was proud of Melissa Nelms for hosting some of the girls at her home, and staying up with them through the night till time to come to the church.
Thank you, for giving “a cup of cold water” in Jesus name. Or, in our case, a cup of hot chocolate and some neatly wrapped Christmas presents!
Can you think of the times in your life when you have been exhausted and proud at the same moment? Some that come to mind would be a new mother after an exhausting labor as she looks into her baby’s eyes for the first time, or maybe the new Grandparents that have traveled through the night to see this bundle of joy. Perhaps you might think of the marathon runner as he crosses the finish line or the college student at the end of finals week.
One of those exhausted but very proud moments came for me the day after Thanksgiving. We had come home from Thanksgiving travel late Thursday evening and slept only about four hours before meeting at the church at 3:15 Friday morning. For what insane reason would anybody do that? For us, it was a choice to give up a little of our sleep in order to go to a local business to hand out hot chocolate and coffee to patrons standing in line awaiting the opening of the store. You should have seen their hands shoot up when we asked “who would like a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate?” From 4:30 to 8:00 we poured and served the hot beverages to cold and grateful Christmas shoppers.
Okay, so you get the exhausted part, but proud? How does that fit in? I was proud of our youth and adults from Woolsey Baptist Church! Some 20 youth braved the early morning cold (yes, our youth were at church at 3:15 a.m., busy at work getting ready for the morning of ministry) with smiles on their faces, ready to serve others and expecting nothing in return. They were not raising money for a project or earning money for a special trip. They were merely out serving others in Jesus name! This is why I was proud. The same is true for our adults. 30 plus adults were on the other side of town giving out cups of coffee and hot chocolate, wrapping Christmas presents and wishing “Merry Christmas” to the thousands coming and going from Wal-Mart. Between our youth and adults, approximately 600 cups of hot chocolate and coffee were served and many, many, Christmas presents were wrapped. As pastor of this great church, I was so proud that you took ministry to the streets.
I was proud that you donated so much Christmas wrapping paper.
I was proud that you gave up sleep and time for others.
I was proud that you were showing love to total strangers.
I was proud to see you engaging them in conversations.
I was proud to see you serving the business proprietors by cleaning up around their places of business.
I was proud to see you helping by gathering up shopping carts for them.
I was proud to see you serving with smiles and joy.
I was proud of Jeremy and Tracy. They were at church when Lisa and I got there Friday morning, already getting the hot chocolate prepared.
I was proud of Clay and Larry. They were at Wal-Mart at 5:00 a.m. getting everything set up and ready and they were there till the end!
I was proud of Melissa Nelms for hosting some of the girls at her home, and staying up with them through the night till time to come to the church.
Thank you, for giving “a cup of cold water” in Jesus name. Or, in our case, a cup of hot chocolate and some neatly wrapped Christmas presents!
The Golden Compass
November 16, 2007
And just in time for Christmas-- The Golden Compass, a new children’s movie will open. What could be better than taking the little ones to the movie on a Saturday afternoon for some good entertainment? After all, kids love movies and this will be another outing of family fun and innocent entertainment. Right? - Wrong!
You should think twice about loading the kids up for a trip to the theater to see this December 7th release. This movie is based on a trilogy of books by a British author named Phillip Pullman, an atheist. That fact alone should cause Christian parents to reject the value and content of the movie! In addition, British columnist Peter Hitchens indicates that Pullman is, “The most dangerous author in Britain.” Pullman is quoted as saying, “Blake once wrote of Milton that he was a true poet, and of the Devil’s party, without knowing it. I am of the Devil’s party, and I know it.”
The movie comes across as a much toned down version of the books and is not intended to offend so that parents will see nothing wrong with it and be more likely to buy the book series for their children. According to snopes.com “The film is based on Northern Lights (released in the U.S. as The Golden Compass), the first offering in Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy of children’s books, a series that follows the adventures of a streetwise girl who travels through multiple worlds populated by witches, armor-plated bears, and sinister ecclesiastical assassins to defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God.” In the Golden Compass, the character Lyra Belacqua has a daemon which is pronounced dee-mon.
I went to the movies website and was astounded to read these words.“In Lyra’s world, a person’s soul lives on the outside of their body, in the form of a daemon- an animal spirit that accompanies them through life. A child’s daemon can change shape assuming all the forms that a child’s potential inspires; but as a person ages, their daemon gradually settles into one form, according to their character and nature. In our world it is possible that people have daemons as well, only they are invisible. If you would like to learn more about your daemon, and create a daemon avatar to take out into the world with you select “Meet you Daemon.”
This brings the current sermon series on Spiritual Warfare from Ephesians 6 into sharp focus!
According to Dr. Ted Baehr, Publisher of MOVIEGUIDE, “Phillip Pullman says that he wrote his fantasy trilogy, HIS DARK MATERIALS, because he was so upset by the Christian evangelism of C. S. Lewis in his series of Christian tales entitled THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA. Pullman says he wanted to expose the “lie” of the Christian Church and assert his truth of an atheist vision of reality.”
Parents, I would strongly encourage you to avoid taking your children to this movie and, by all means, do not buy these books for your children. Children are easily caught in fascinating tales and can be easily misled. It simply makes no sense, with the abundance of other good and wholesome literature to read materials that are intended to destroy faith, promote the demonic world, and belittle the church.
Pastor Chuck
And just in time for Christmas-- The Golden Compass, a new children’s movie will open. What could be better than taking the little ones to the movie on a Saturday afternoon for some good entertainment? After all, kids love movies and this will be another outing of family fun and innocent entertainment. Right? - Wrong!
You should think twice about loading the kids up for a trip to the theater to see this December 7th release. This movie is based on a trilogy of books by a British author named Phillip Pullman, an atheist. That fact alone should cause Christian parents to reject the value and content of the movie! In addition, British columnist Peter Hitchens indicates that Pullman is, “The most dangerous author in Britain.” Pullman is quoted as saying, “Blake once wrote of Milton that he was a true poet, and of the Devil’s party, without knowing it. I am of the Devil’s party, and I know it.”
The movie comes across as a much toned down version of the books and is not intended to offend so that parents will see nothing wrong with it and be more likely to buy the book series for their children. According to snopes.com “The film is based on Northern Lights (released in the U.S. as The Golden Compass), the first offering in Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy of children’s books, a series that follows the adventures of a streetwise girl who travels through multiple worlds populated by witches, armor-plated bears, and sinister ecclesiastical assassins to defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God.” In the Golden Compass, the character Lyra Belacqua has a daemon which is pronounced dee-mon.
I went to the movies website and was astounded to read these words.“In Lyra’s world, a person’s soul lives on the outside of their body, in the form of a daemon- an animal spirit that accompanies them through life. A child’s daemon can change shape assuming all the forms that a child’s potential inspires; but as a person ages, their daemon gradually settles into one form, according to their character and nature. In our world it is possible that people have daemons as well, only they are invisible. If you would like to learn more about your daemon, and create a daemon avatar to take out into the world with you select “Meet you Daemon.”
This brings the current sermon series on Spiritual Warfare from Ephesians 6 into sharp focus!
According to Dr. Ted Baehr, Publisher of MOVIEGUIDE, “Phillip Pullman says that he wrote his fantasy trilogy, HIS DARK MATERIALS, because he was so upset by the Christian evangelism of C. S. Lewis in his series of Christian tales entitled THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA. Pullman says he wanted to expose the “lie” of the Christian Church and assert his truth of an atheist vision of reality.”
Parents, I would strongly encourage you to avoid taking your children to this movie and, by all means, do not buy these books for your children. Children are easily caught in fascinating tales and can be easily misled. It simply makes no sense, with the abundance of other good and wholesome literature to read materials that are intended to destroy faith, promote the demonic world, and belittle the church.
Pastor Chuck
High Stakes
November 7, 2007
Last week I shared that the stakes are high but our kids are worth the investment. Why are our kids worth the investment of our lives in passionately pursuing Jesus Christ and serving Him through the life of the local church? One simple answer is that if we do not do it as parents, it likely will not happen. These are serious times and serious times demand serious effort. How serious? Keep reading. The information below about this generation of teenagers is taken from the website teenmania.com It is both alarming and saddening at the same time.
THIS IS A GENERATION IN CRISIS - 1 out of 11 attempt SUICIDE each year.
- 1 out of 10 fifteen year olds and younger have gone through family divorce in their lifetime.
- 58% have been involved in objectionable content on the web.
- 40% have experimented with SELF-INJURY (are "cutters").
- Use of prescription DRUGS (Ritalin, anti-depressants etc.) by children/teens has increased substantially in the past few years.
- By the time the average child graduates from high school, he/she will have watched 19,000 hours of TV including about 200,000 sexual acts and 1 million ACTS OF VIOLENCE.
- 1 in 10 high school females have reported being RAPED at some point in their life.
- Fear of violence in schools is now the leading "worry" of public school teens.
- 48% of high school seniors are SEXUALLY ACTIVE (had sexual intercourse in past 3 months).
- 75% of teens in America believe the central message of the Bible is, "God helps those who help themselves".
- 53% believe Jesus committed sin (40% of born again teens believe Jesus committed sin).
As a pastor, may I challenge you to consider this with prayer? Particularly, I would ask you to think about the last three statements related to TRUTH. Shocking, appalling, what adjective would you use? May I commend to your reading a book that can give you solid ground to help your child in those three areas? It is an old book but by no means obsolete. It’s the New Testament book of John. In those 21 chapters you will find the TRUTH about each of those areas.
Pastor Chuck
Last week I shared that the stakes are high but our kids are worth the investment. Why are our kids worth the investment of our lives in passionately pursuing Jesus Christ and serving Him through the life of the local church? One simple answer is that if we do not do it as parents, it likely will not happen. These are serious times and serious times demand serious effort. How serious? Keep reading. The information below about this generation of teenagers is taken from the website teenmania.com It is both alarming and saddening at the same time.
THIS IS A GENERATION IN CRISIS
- 1 out of 10 fifteen year olds and younger have gone through family divorce in their lifetime.
- 58% have been involved in objectionable content on the web.
- 40% have experimented with SELF-INJURY (are "cutters").
- Use of prescription DRUGS (Ritalin, anti-depressants etc.) by children/teens has increased substantially in the past few years.
THIS IS A GENERATION WITHOUT MORALITY
- 1 in 10 high school females have reported being RAPED at some point in their life.
- Fear of violence in schools is now the leading "worry" of public school teens.
- 48% of high school seniors are SEXUALLY ACTIVE (had sexual intercourse in past 3 months).
THIS IS A GENERATION WITHOUT TRUTH
- 91% say there is NO ABSOLUTE TRUTH. - 75% of teens in America believe the central message of the Bible is, "God helps those who help themselves".
- 53% believe Jesus committed sin (40% of born again teens believe Jesus committed sin).
As a pastor, may I challenge you to consider this with prayer? Particularly, I would ask you to think about the last three statements related to TRUTH. Shocking, appalling, what adjective would you use? May I commend to your reading a book that can give you solid ground to help your child in those three areas? It is an old book but by no means obsolete. It’s the New Testament book of John. In those 21 chapters you will find the TRUTH about each of those areas.
Pastor Chuck
More on Kids
October 30, 2007
As a pastor, I am with people in some of life’s greatest times and some of the worst. As far as the “worst times” few compare to the pain of a parent that has a child living in rebellion. I know there are genuine, devoted Christian parents that have led by example, prayed fervently, and loved unconditionally only to have the hurt of a child that walks away from the faith. With that stated, I would yet appeal to parents that perhaps just don’t get it when it comes to assuming responsibility for spiritual leadership in the home. Consider some sobering research from the Barna Group done last November. Their survey revealed that Busters (those born between 1965-1983), who are the parents of today’s teenagers, tend to follow their peer groups when it comes to sexual affairs, pornography, homosexuality, and sexual fantasies. It is my observation that teenagers rarely embrace a Biblical worldview if their parents do not. Teenagers face monumental challenges when it comes to a life of moral purity. Technology alone almost guarantees those challenges. Today’s teenagers are hit from every angle. From the text message they receive, the email they open, the website they go to, the podcast they download, to the evening television show they watch- virtually everything is calculated to work against them. Back to parents- namely, those of you that have young children- start now to share Christ with your children through your words and lifestyle. The research used to say that if you do not reach a child before they are eighteen years old, you have a hard time doing so. That has changed. Today, if you do not reach a child by the age of eleven, you only have a four percent chance of reaching them!What can you do? Work hard and work constantly on having a healthy relationship with your kids. You don’t have to be cool (they don’t want you to be cool) but you do have to spend time with them. Each age is different but if you are willing to spend time and listen now and make them a part of your life now, they will want you to be a part of their life as they grow. In addition, show them by example that Christ, Christian values, the church and serving others are all major priorities in your life. (You can not fool children for long. They know if you are bored with Christianity.) This means that as parents we must have a growing and abiding relationship with Christ. This relationship is one in which we live to honor Him and love that which He loves and do that which He commands. The stakes are high. However, our kids are worth the investment of our best. Next week, I plan to share why this is so.
Pastor Chuck
As a pastor, I am with people in some of life’s greatest times and some of the worst. As far as the “worst times” few compare to the pain of a parent that has a child living in rebellion. I know there are genuine, devoted Christian parents that have led by example, prayed fervently, and loved unconditionally only to have the hurt of a child that walks away from the faith. With that stated, I would yet appeal to parents that perhaps just don’t get it when it comes to assuming responsibility for spiritual leadership in the home. Consider some sobering research from the Barna Group done last November. Their survey revealed that Busters (those born between 1965-1983), who are the parents of today’s teenagers, tend to follow their peer groups when it comes to sexual affairs, pornography, homosexuality, and sexual fantasies. It is my observation that teenagers rarely embrace a Biblical worldview if their parents do not. Teenagers face monumental challenges when it comes to a life of moral purity. Technology alone almost guarantees those challenges. Today’s teenagers are hit from every angle. From the text message they receive, the email they open, the website they go to, the podcast they download, to the evening television show they watch- virtually everything is calculated to work against them. Back to parents- namely, those of you that have young children- start now to share Christ with your children through your words and lifestyle. The research used to say that if you do not reach a child before they are eighteen years old, you have a hard time doing so. That has changed. Today, if you do not reach a child by the age of eleven, you only have a four percent chance of reaching them!What can you do? Work hard and work constantly on having a healthy relationship with your kids. You don’t have to be cool (they don’t want you to be cool) but you do have to spend time with them. Each age is different but if you are willing to spend time and listen now and make them a part of your life now, they will want you to be a part of their life as they grow. In addition, show them by example that Christ, Christian values, the church and serving others are all major priorities in your life. (You can not fool children for long. They know if you are bored with Christianity.) This means that as parents we must have a growing and abiding relationship with Christ. This relationship is one in which we live to honor Him and love that which He loves and do that which He commands. The stakes are high. However, our kids are worth the investment of our best. Next week, I plan to share why this is so.
Pastor Chuck
Count Your Many Blessings
October 23, 2007
The old gospel hymn exhorts the Christian to “Count your many blessings.” I have many to count. Near the top of that list of blessings would be our children. If riches were determined by where your children are in their relationship with the Lord, I would be a very wealthy man. It is a joy beyond words to watch our children and to see what God is doing in their lives. They are following Christ and are involved in the life of the church. Our two sons are no longer at home. Both live in different states but both are seeking to follow the Lord and serve Him. Our daughter is a beautiful young lady and she too is consistent in her walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. I could not ask for more. Knowing that a number in our church are raising small children I offer just a few words of encouragement to you that long to see your children follow the Lord. In giving you these I in no way think we have done this perfectly or even done it well for that matter. These are just a few simple concepts worth pondering in the years of raising children.
- The Christian faith is not a set of principles that you teach so much as a life that you model before your children.
- Pray with and pray for your children.
-Have fun with your children.
- Listen to them. Really, really listen!
- Admit your mistakes and ask your children to forgive you.
- Any earthly success that takes you away from your children is really not a success.
- You are the best teacher your children will ever have. Teach from your life experiences.
- Excitement about coming to worship services and joyfully singing and attentive listening to the sermon speaks volumes to your child.
Conversely, the opposite does too. Raising children is filled with challenges but the rewards are great. Don’t lose heart. God is working.
Pastor Chuck
The old gospel hymn exhorts the Christian to “Count your many blessings.” I have many to count. Near the top of that list of blessings would be our children. If riches were determined by where your children are in their relationship with the Lord, I would be a very wealthy man. It is a joy beyond words to watch our children and to see what God is doing in their lives. They are following Christ and are involved in the life of the church. Our two sons are no longer at home. Both live in different states but both are seeking to follow the Lord and serve Him. Our daughter is a beautiful young lady and she too is consistent in her walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. I could not ask for more. Knowing that a number in our church are raising small children I offer just a few words of encouragement to you that long to see your children follow the Lord. In giving you these I in no way think we have done this perfectly or even done it well for that matter. These are just a few simple concepts worth pondering in the years of raising children.
- The Christian faith is not a set of principles that you teach so much as a life that you model before your children.
- Pray with and pray for your children.
-Have fun with your children.
- Listen to them. Really, really listen!
- Admit your mistakes and ask your children to forgive you.
- Any earthly success that takes you away from your children is really not a success.
- You are the best teacher your children will ever have. Teach from your life experiences.
- Excitement about coming to worship services and joyfully singing and attentive listening to the sermon speaks volumes to your child.
Conversely, the opposite does too. Raising children is filled with challenges but the rewards are great. Don’t lose heart. God is working.
Pastor Chuck
Fifty Already?
October 15, 2007
This weekend I turned 50. Depending on your age that could be old or not old at all. I have heard everything from “It’s just a number” to jokes about AARP cards. Well, first I will say that I did have a very wonderful birthday! We spent some time with our families and that was very special. I did do some reflecting over the past weeks as I knew this date was approaching. I’ll share some from heart about this time in my life. Some are probably obvious and others may be more related to my life.
- Life is fast. As I was thinking about turning 50 I kept asking myself “How did this happen?” How did I get to be 50 so fast?
- I’ve spent too much time concerning myself with things that I have no control over or things that never came about. I hope I can do better at that on the next part of the journey.
- I am an incredibly blest man. I have a wonderful, sweet, and beautiful wife; awesome kids; a great church family and so much more. I have no reason for complaining.
- More years in ministry are likely behind me than are in front of me. I want to be strategic in these days and serve Jesus with a greater passion.
- Life is filled with challenges, hurts, and disappoints but life is still so good. It is a great day to serve the Lord in ministry. I love being a pastor!
Wherever you are on the journey, remember that Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe. Let us be among those that run the race faithfully and may we be numbered with those that one day hear our Lord Jesus say,“Well done, good and faithful servant…”
This weekend I turned 50. Depending on your age that could be old or not old at all. I have heard everything from “It’s just a number” to jokes about AARP cards. Well, first I will say that I did have a very wonderful birthday! We spent some time with our families and that was very special. I did do some reflecting over the past weeks as I knew this date was approaching. I’ll share some from heart about this time in my life. Some are probably obvious and others may be more related to my life.
- Life is fast. As I was thinking about turning 50 I kept asking myself “How did this happen?” How did I get to be 50 so fast?
- I’ve spent too much time concerning myself with things that I have no control over or things that never came about. I hope I can do better at that on the next part of the journey.
- I am an incredibly blest man. I have a wonderful, sweet, and beautiful wife; awesome kids; a great church family and so much more. I have no reason for complaining.
- More years in ministry are likely behind me than are in front of me. I want to be strategic in these days and serve Jesus with a greater passion.
- Life is filled with challenges, hurts, and disappoints but life is still so good. It is a great day to serve the Lord in ministry. I love being a pastor!
Wherever you are on the journey, remember that Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe. Let us be among those that run the race faithfully and may we be numbered with those that one day hear our Lord Jesus say,“Well done, good and faithful servant…”
Reading
October 9, 2007
Do you enjoy reading? I do. In fact, I love to read. Recently, I finished reading a book that I would highly recommend. The book is The Forgotten Spurgeon by Ian Murray. If you have heard me preach over any period of time, you have heard me quote Charles Spurgeon. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was the great Baptist pastor in England for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. The book, however, is not a biography of Spurgeon. Rather, it deals with three significant controversies in his ministry. Much of this book deals with the stand he took against the defection from sound doctrine in the churches.
We live in a day much like Spurgeon’s in that today many want to minimize doctrine and magnify the practices of corporate America as standards for the church. This subtle paradigm shift is something we must be very cautious about. Doctrine is not optional. It matters. It is essential.
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God
- Christ is not a way but THE way of salvation
- The cross is not a tragedy but the eternal plan of God to redeem sinners
- Preaching is not a thing of the past; Biblical preaching is needed now more than ever. We do best when we stick to the Word of God and we grow most when we understand and apply Biblical doctrine.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
Do you enjoy reading? I do. In fact, I love to read. Recently, I finished reading a book that I would highly recommend. The book is The Forgotten Spurgeon by Ian Murray. If you have heard me preach over any period of time, you have heard me quote Charles Spurgeon. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was the great Baptist pastor in England for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. The book, however, is not a biography of Spurgeon. Rather, it deals with three significant controversies in his ministry. Much of this book deals with the stand he took against the defection from sound doctrine in the churches.
We live in a day much like Spurgeon’s in that today many want to minimize doctrine and magnify the practices of corporate America as standards for the church. This subtle paradigm shift is something we must be very cautious about. Doctrine is not optional. It matters. It is essential.
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God
- Christ is not a way but THE way of salvation
- The cross is not a tragedy but the eternal plan of God to redeem sinners
- Preaching is not a thing of the past; Biblical preaching is needed now more than ever. We do best when we stick to the Word of God and we grow most when we understand and apply Biblical doctrine.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
Don't Assume
October 2, 2007
Assumptions can be costly. We have all had the experience of assuming something was taken care of or understood only to discover that our assumption was wrong. Recently, I shared with the church on a Sunday evening something about assumptions that I’d like to pass on to you.
It is very easy to assume that everybody that shows up at church has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or that they know their way around. It might be worth retooling our thinking process on this so that our assumptions don’t prove to be wrong. When you come to church train yourself to think that…
-Everybody doesn’t know Jesus
-Everybody doesn’t feel comfortable.
Smile at people, reach out to them, look for people that you don’t know and initiate a conversation with them. Do not allow shyness to hold you back.
- Everybody doesn’t know what to expect.
For somebody that has not been to church in years, they really don’t know what goes on. Sit with guest. Just look for ways to be helpful.
- Everybody doesn’t have friends here. Include new people in your social events. Include them when you go out to eat after church as a small group.
You can make a difference.
Don’t assume. Instead, understand that it is your responsibility to reach out and to engage people in conversation. It really needs to be an “if it’s to be, it’s up to me” mentality. Be the one.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
Assumptions can be costly. We have all had the experience of assuming something was taken care of or understood only to discover that our assumption was wrong. Recently, I shared with the church on a Sunday evening something about assumptions that I’d like to pass on to you.
It is very easy to assume that everybody that shows up at church has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or that they know their way around. It might be worth retooling our thinking process on this so that our assumptions don’t prove to be wrong. When you come to church train yourself to think that…
-Everybody doesn’t know Jesus
-Everybody doesn’t feel comfortable.
Smile at people, reach out to them, look for people that you don’t know and initiate a conversation with them. Do not allow shyness to hold you back.
- Everybody doesn’t know what to expect.
For somebody that has not been to church in years, they really don’t know what goes on. Sit with guest. Just look for ways to be helpful.
- Everybody doesn’t have friends here. Include new people in your social events. Include them when you go out to eat after church as a small group.
You can make a difference.
Don’t assume. Instead, understand that it is your responsibility to reach out and to engage people in conversation. It really needs to be an “if it’s to be, it’s up to me” mentality. Be the one.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
Getting Back
September 27, 2007
I want to get back to something I shared with you a few weeks back on how to deal with discouragement? So far, I have shared with you a few quotes that have been of great help to me. I have mentioned these so far.
-“Never doubt in the dark what you believed in the light.”
-“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.”
-“Fear sees the obstacles, but faith sees the opportunity."
-“There are two quick ways to disaster: Taking nobody’s advice and taking everybody’s advice.”
-"He who never walks except where he sees other men’s tracks will make no discoveries.”
- "The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision.” (Helen Keller)
- "There are no victories at bargain prices.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
To these I would add two others. This was a hard choice because there are several that I really like but here they are:
-“You may fear that the Lord has passed you by, but it is not so. He who counts the stars and calls them by their names is in no danger of forgetting His own children. He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made or the only saint He ever loved.” (Charles Spurgeon) - My True Identity
- I have been redeemed. I am forgiven of sin- past, present, and future. I have been crucified with Christ. I am justified. I am complete in Christ.
The quote by Spurgeon means so much to me because I love to read about this great pastor. In the latter years of his life he waged a valiant fight against the departure of the church from her historic roots. He was faithful to the Word of God and pure doctrine. No doubt, he labored under great difficulties. His quote just seems to say to me that in our times of challenge, in those periods when our prayers seem to go unheard, when we feel overwhelmed and forgotten; God knows where we are!
The last quote about our true identity is just a simple but powerful reminder of what Christ has done for us and who we are in Him.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
I want to get back to something I shared with you a few weeks back on how to deal with discouragement? So far, I have shared with you a few quotes that have been of great help to me. I have mentioned these so far.
-“Never doubt in the dark what you believed in the light.”
-“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.”
-“Fear sees the obstacles, but faith sees the opportunity."
-“There are two quick ways to disaster: Taking nobody’s advice and taking everybody’s advice.”
-"He who never walks except where he sees other men’s tracks will make no discoveries.”
- "The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision.” (Helen Keller)
- "There are no victories at bargain prices.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
To these I would add two others. This was a hard choice because there are several that I really like but here they are:
-“You may fear that the Lord has passed you by, but it is not so. He who counts the stars and calls them by their names is in no danger of forgetting His own children. He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made or the only saint He ever loved.” (Charles Spurgeon) - My True Identity
- I have been redeemed. I am forgiven of sin- past, present, and future. I have been crucified with Christ. I am justified. I am complete in Christ.
The quote by Spurgeon means so much to me because I love to read about this great pastor. In the latter years of his life he waged a valiant fight against the departure of the church from her historic roots. He was faithful to the Word of God and pure doctrine. No doubt, he labored under great difficulties. His quote just seems to say to me that in our times of challenge, in those periods when our prayers seem to go unheard, when we feel overwhelmed and forgotten; God knows where we are!
The last quote about our true identity is just a simple but powerful reminder of what Christ has done for us and who we are in Him.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
Revive Us Again
September 17, 2007
My heart is rejoicing today over the beginning of our revival on Sunday. What can I say? God did a great work in all of our worship celebrations yesterday. Today, although they may not yet know the old gospel song, seven individuals can say,
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought,Since Jesus came into my heart! I have light in my soul,For which long I have sought,Since Jesus came into my heart.Since Jesus came into my heart, Since Jesus came into my heartFloods of joy o'er my soulLike the sea billows roll,Since Jesus came into my heart.Our choir's singing had the touch of God. The guest music evangelists, Joe and Kim Stanley, sang beautiful, Christ honoring, soul stirring music and Len Turner powerfully and clearly preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. To God be the glory, great things He has done!Remember, we are having services Monday-Wednesday of this week. Services begin each night at 7:00 PM. I look forward to seeing you. And, finally, may I ask you to pray today for the services this week. Join me in praying that the lost would be saved and the saved would be revived. Pray for specific individuals you know that you long to see come to Christ. Don't give up praying. God still moves.Thank you and know that our family loves you.
Pastor Chuck
My heart is rejoicing today over the beginning of our revival on Sunday. What can I say? God did a great work in all of our worship celebrations yesterday. Today, although they may not yet know the old gospel song, seven individuals can say,
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought,Since Jesus came into my heart! I have light in my soul,For which long I have sought,Since Jesus came into my heart.Since Jesus came into my heart, Since Jesus came into my heartFloods of joy o'er my soulLike the sea billows roll,Since Jesus came into my heart.Our choir's singing had the touch of God. The guest music evangelists, Joe and Kim Stanley, sang beautiful, Christ honoring, soul stirring music and Len Turner powerfully and clearly preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. To God be the glory, great things He has done!Remember, we are having services Monday-Wednesday of this week. Services begin each night at 7:00 PM. I look forward to seeing you. And, finally, may I ask you to pray today for the services this week. Join me in praying that the lost would be saved and the saved would be revived. Pray for specific individuals you know that you long to see come to Christ. Don't give up praying. God still moves.Thank you and know that our family loves you.
Pastor Chuck
Twenty Years
September 12, 2007
How can we ever say thanks for your kindness shown to our family this past Sunday night! Honoring us as you did for our 20th year at Woolsey Baptist touched our hearts in ways I can not even explain! We will never forget that night and your words of affirmation and the generous gift. Many of you have asked me if I was surprised. Yes, I was surprised. My mind Sunday night was on the DVD series we are showing and on the upcoming revival. I did get a bit suspicious when I saw so many people present. Even though we have been having some really good Sunday night crowds, I knew there were a lot of folks here. Then, when Don Lanier came up and said, "You are not preaching tonight- we have a surprise" I was in for quite a night. I just want you to know that being your pastor is one of the great honors in my life. I love you and I love what I do. You just amazed us with your love and thoughtfulness on Sunday night. The opportunity to take "a trip of a lifetime" is just simply beyond anything we can imagine. God has been so good to us in allowing us to serve in this great church. We love you dear people. All we can say is Thank you and know that from the bottom of our hearts we appreciate all that you did to make us feel so valued on the occasion of 20 years as pastor and family of Woolsey Baptist Church. It is my sense that some of our greatest days of fruitfulness as a church are ahead of us. Let us press on to serve our Lord Jesus Christ together in these days.Thank you and know that our family loves you.
Pastor Chuck
How can we ever say thanks for your kindness shown to our family this past Sunday night! Honoring us as you did for our 20th year at Woolsey Baptist touched our hearts in ways I can not even explain! We will never forget that night and your words of affirmation and the generous gift. Many of you have asked me if I was surprised. Yes, I was surprised. My mind Sunday night was on the DVD series we are showing and on the upcoming revival. I did get a bit suspicious when I saw so many people present. Even though we have been having some really good Sunday night crowds, I knew there were a lot of folks here. Then, when Don Lanier came up and said, "You are not preaching tonight- we have a surprise" I was in for quite a night. I just want you to know that being your pastor is one of the great honors in my life. I love you and I love what I do. You just amazed us with your love and thoughtfulness on Sunday night. The opportunity to take "a trip of a lifetime" is just simply beyond anything we can imagine. God has been so good to us in allowing us to serve in this great church. We love you dear people. All we can say is Thank you and know that from the bottom of our hearts we appreciate all that you did to make us feel so valued on the occasion of 20 years as pastor and family of Woolsey Baptist Church. It is my sense that some of our greatest days of fruitfulness as a church are ahead of us. Let us press on to serve our Lord Jesus Christ together in these days.Thank you and know that our family loves you.
Pastor Chuck
Discouragement
September 5, 2007
So, how do you deal with discouragement? I shared with you last week that there are a few quotes that have been of great help to me. I mentioned these three."Never doubt in the dark what you believed in the light.""A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.""Fear sees the obstacles, but faith sees the opportunity."To these, I would like to share a few more that I have gone back to more than once and just found to be sources of encouragement to my life. Here they are.· "There are two quick ways to disaster: Taking nobody's advice and taking everybody's advice."· "He who never walks except where he sees other men's tracks will make no discoveries."· "The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision." (Helen Keller)· "There are no victories at bargain prices." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)I have at least two others that I would like to share with you. They are a bit longer so I will save them. Then, I would like to share with you why these particular quotes mean something to me.By the way, last Sunday was just an incredible day at Woolsey Baptist Church . God has been so good to us. We should offer Him our praise and worship Him from thankful and joyful hearts.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
So, how do you deal with discouragement? I shared with you last week that there are a few quotes that have been of great help to me. I mentioned these three."Never doubt in the dark what you believed in the light.""A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.""Fear sees the obstacles, but faith sees the opportunity."To these, I would like to share a few more that I have gone back to more than once and just found to be sources of encouragement to my life. Here they are.· "There are two quick ways to disaster: Taking nobody's advice and taking everybody's advice."· "He who never walks except where he sees other men's tracks will make no discoveries."· "The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision." (Helen Keller)· "There are no victories at bargain prices." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)I have at least two others that I would like to share with you. They are a bit longer so I will save them. Then, I would like to share with you why these particular quotes mean something to me.By the way, last Sunday was just an incredible day at Woolsey Baptist Church . God has been so good to us. We should offer Him our praise and worship Him from thankful and joyful hearts.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
Blogging?
August 30, 2007
Blogging? This is new for me. I have to admit that I am usually a few steps behind most in technology. (I can hear some of you now-"a few steps?") I did some research and found that "blogging" is simply an electronic form of journaling. That cleared it right up for me. No, really it didn't. I know what journaling is but in all honesty it is one of those disciplines that I struggle with. What can you expect to find here? Well, I don't plan to have sermons or lessons outlined for you to read. I will share a lot of different things. I'll talk about what is going on in my life. I will write about lessons God is teaching me. I will talk about books I am reading and what I am learning from them. I will talk about things going on at Woolsey Baptist but will try to stay away from announcements and information you can find elsewhere in the website. I know you don't want to read a long winded blog so the goal will be to be brief. It would bless me greatly to know that you find encouragement in reading these week by week. So, it will hopefully provide a good deal of that. By the way, how do you deal with discouragement? Most of us have it from time to time. Here are a few quotes that I go back to that help me greatly."Never doubt in the dark what you believed in the light." "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.""Fear sees the obstacles, but faith sees the opportunity."I'll share more next time. I will see you Sunday. Have a great Labor Day.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
Blogging? This is new for me. I have to admit that I am usually a few steps behind most in technology. (I can hear some of you now-"a few steps?") I did some research and found that "blogging" is simply an electronic form of journaling. That cleared it right up for me. No, really it didn't. I know what journaling is but in all honesty it is one of those disciplines that I struggle with. What can you expect to find here? Well, I don't plan to have sermons or lessons outlined for you to read. I will share a lot of different things. I'll talk about what is going on in my life. I will write about lessons God is teaching me. I will talk about books I am reading and what I am learning from them. I will talk about things going on at Woolsey Baptist but will try to stay away from announcements and information you can find elsewhere in the website. I know you don't want to read a long winded blog so the goal will be to be brief. It would bless me greatly to know that you find encouragement in reading these week by week. So, it will hopefully provide a good deal of that. By the way, how do you deal with discouragement? Most of us have it from time to time. Here are a few quotes that I go back to that help me greatly."Never doubt in the dark what you believed in the light." "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.""Fear sees the obstacles, but faith sees the opportunity."I'll share more next time. I will see you Sunday. Have a great Labor Day.
Until Sunday,
Pastor Chuck
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