Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Readings from our Hanging of the Greens Service
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Reading #1: Wonderful Counselor
We come this evening, praising for you the gift of the Wonderful Counselor. Ephesians 2:12 teaches us to remember that we were at one time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
We are blind without you but we know there is no end to your wisdom: You are the only wise God, the Ancient of Days whose wisdom is past finding out and in whose ways are unsearchable.
We praise you this evening because Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”
We are praising you because in your great wisdom and in the fullness of time you brought your Son into world to display your infinite wisdom in the guidance and salvation of your people. You are the Wonderful Counselor.
Reading #2: Mighty God
We also come this evening, praising you because you are the Mighty God. You are the one who has created all things. Psalm 102:25-27 “Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.”
Psalm 147:4-5 says that “You determined the number of the stars and gave them all their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure!” But yet the very next verses says, (Psalm 147:7) “The Lord lifts up the humble; and casts the wicked to the ground”
You created everything that is and the Bible says in Colossians 1:17 “Christ is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” The worlds are hanging together by the word of your power.
And yet you chose to come and be born into this world as a helpless babe. You subjected yourself to the sinfulness of men. You became vulnerable for us. You died for us. You did this so that your Great Might would be displayed in your resurrection from the dead, your glorious return, and your authority to rule over all things. For truly every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that you are Lord to the glory of God the Father. You are the Mighty God.
Reading #3: Everlasting Father
We come this evening praising you because you are our Everlasting Father. You have no beginning or end. Psalm 90:2 says “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
When Moses asked you at the burning bush who it was that was sending him to deliver the people of Israel the Bible says in Exodus 3:14 “God said to Moses, ‘I Am who I Am.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I Am’ has sent me to you.’” You are the eternal “I Am”!
And yet you care for your people as a father cares for his children. We praise you this evening that your Word teaches us that we can come to you “casting all your anxieties on you, because you care for us.”
We can do this because you came to us. Hebrews 4:15 says “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
You know every one of our needs. You know every one of our hurts. And you are able to come and attend to every one of them. You have made provision for them in your death, burial, and resurrection. You are our Everlasting Father.
Reading #4: Prince of Peace
We come this evening praising you because you are the Prince of Peace. In a world that groans for redemption and is warped by chaos – you are the God of peace.
Isaiah 9:6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
We praise you because you come and bring peace to the hearts of your people. Your word teaches us Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” We praise you for the promise of your Word which teaches us in Philippians 4:4-7 to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We long for the day when you will come and rule with such glory and splendor that the lion and the lamb will lay down together. We long for the day when your glory will be revealed to the nations - the day when every people, tongue, tribe, and language will praise you. We long for the day when You and You alone will reign because you are the Prince of Peace.
We come this evening, praising for you the gift of the Wonderful Counselor. Ephesians 2:12 teaches us to remember that we were at one time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
We are blind without you but we know there is no end to your wisdom: You are the only wise God, the Ancient of Days whose wisdom is past finding out and in whose ways are unsearchable.
We praise you this evening because Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”
We are praising you because in your great wisdom and in the fullness of time you brought your Son into world to display your infinite wisdom in the guidance and salvation of your people. You are the Wonderful Counselor.
Reading #2: Mighty God
We also come this evening, praising you because you are the Mighty God. You are the one who has created all things. Psalm 102:25-27 “Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.”
Psalm 147:4-5 says that “You determined the number of the stars and gave them all their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure!” But yet the very next verses says, (Psalm 147:7) “The Lord lifts up the humble; and casts the wicked to the ground”
You created everything that is and the Bible says in Colossians 1:17 “Christ is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” The worlds are hanging together by the word of your power.
And yet you chose to come and be born into this world as a helpless babe. You subjected yourself to the sinfulness of men. You became vulnerable for us. You died for us. You did this so that your Great Might would be displayed in your resurrection from the dead, your glorious return, and your authority to rule over all things. For truly every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that you are Lord to the glory of God the Father. You are the Mighty God.
Reading #3: Everlasting Father
We come this evening praising you because you are our Everlasting Father. You have no beginning or end. Psalm 90:2 says “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
When Moses asked you at the burning bush who it was that was sending him to deliver the people of Israel the Bible says in Exodus 3:14 “God said to Moses, ‘I Am who I Am.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I Am’ has sent me to you.’” You are the eternal “I Am”!
And yet you care for your people as a father cares for his children. We praise you this evening that your Word teaches us that we can come to you “casting all your anxieties on you, because you care for us.”
We can do this because you came to us. Hebrews 4:15 says “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
You know every one of our needs. You know every one of our hurts. And you are able to come and attend to every one of them. You have made provision for them in your death, burial, and resurrection. You are our Everlasting Father.
Reading #4: Prince of Peace
We come this evening praising you because you are the Prince of Peace. In a world that groans for redemption and is warped by chaos – you are the God of peace.
Isaiah 9:6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
We praise you because you come and bring peace to the hearts of your people. Your word teaches us Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” We praise you for the promise of your Word which teaches us in Philippians 4:4-7 to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We long for the day when you will come and rule with such glory and splendor that the lion and the lamb will lay down together. We long for the day when your glory will be revealed to the nations - the day when every people, tongue, tribe, and language will praise you. We long for the day when You and You alone will reign because you are the Prince of Peace.
Friday, November 27, 2009
How to Turn Black Friday into a Bright Friday
After spending roughly a month of 2009 either on the field in Peru or in training preparing for work in Peru, and hearing the reports from the folks in our fellowship who have given themselves to other places across the globe, one thing that I cannot escape from is the unbelievable poverty that exists there and the unbelievable wealth that exists here in the states. This post is not intended to put down our country or call our wealth immoral. I happen to love our country and I love the entrepreneurial spirit that makes it great and has brought it so much prosperity. This post is about what we should really be doing with our prosperity.
I want to submit that we should be looking for ways to give more to those who are truly in need and less to our own wants and whims. The Bible says that giving is at the very heart of our God: remember our "gospel in a nut-shell" verse John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life."
This holiday season is just like many of the others that have come and gone - it is a season for giving. But could I suggest that this Christmas instead of merely giving "stuff" and "more stuff" to your loved ones maybe you could give a gift in honor of your loved one to a worthy cause that is taking the gospel to the nations or simply helping people right here in our own backyard? There are a million worthy causes out there but let me suggest just a few here in our neck of the woods:
1. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions: Right now Southern Baptists have 62 families who have sold their homes, said goodbye to their families, and are ready to go to give their lives to international missions who are not able to go simply because the funds are not available. Last year our church gave the largest Lottie Moon offering in our history - I am praying God will lead us to give radically this year to see the nations come to Him.
2. The World Hunger Fund: If you were not able to see Bro. Glenn's presentation on Orphan Sunday (evening service, Nov. 8) you need to get the DVD and watch it. Baptist Global Response and IMB missionaries are using monies given from the World Hunger Fund to change the world and save lives.
3. Adopt a Back-Packer: Our local Hope Center is cooperating with Feeding America to put together a special program to help feed kids right here in Wayne County. It all started when teachers started to notice that some kids were eating an excessive amount of food on Fridays and Mondays. The reason is that some of them were not getting enough to eat on the weekends. There are approximately 155 kids here in Wayne County who receive this support. On Friday afternoon these students are discreetly given a bag with food to eat over the weekend. For just a one time gift of $80 or $7 a month you can sponsor an entire year of this support for a kid. For most of us this is very little money - but it can so much to a child in need. If you are interested contact the Hope Center at (606) 348-4650. We also have forms at church.
Like I said, there are a million causes, find one that you are passionate about, check it out, and give to it. After all, it is more blessed to give than receive...
My Apologies
Ok, Ok, I haven't been posting on the blog lately but we have tied up with a flurry of activity in the life of our church through October with Mega Mondays, and a trip to Peru. We returned to go right to the Kentucky Baptist Convention and somehow get back to the work of preparing sermons, loving on the folks, and refreshing ourselves for the future - I ask for your forgiveness and I vow to post more frequently.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Mega-Mondays Are Here!
I am so glad October is here. The leaves change their tones and explode with brilliance and beauty. The cool crisp air invigorates your lungs as you breathe it. Hot chocolate and chili replaces lemonade and watermelon on the menu. October is here and that means fall is here. There is no doubt that the Lord gives us the gift of seasons…He is good.
October also brings exciting opportunities for us at First Baptist Church. October also brings Mega-Mondays. Every Monday evening in October at 7 PM we are going to have an exciting, Christ-centered, God-exalting service. Each service will feature the wonderful musical talents of our folks along with great preaching from four wonderful men of God.
On October 5, Dr. Kevin Ezell will be with us. Dr. Ezell is the pastor of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He is truly a hero of mine and a dynamic kingdom leader. Highview is one church at that has over 3,000 in average attendance across seven different campuses. Dr. Ezell has led Highview to consistently be one of the most evangelistic fellowships in Kentucky. We are truly blessed to have him coming to be with us.
On October 12, Dr. Adam Dooley will be coming to be with us. Dr. Dooley is pastor at Red Bank Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is a life-long friend of mine. Adam and I came out of the same home church, went to the same college and seminary together and have remained close friends. He is truly one of the great young preachers in the Southern Baptist Convention today. He is immensely gifted of God and we will be blessed to host him.
October 19 brings Kevin Smith to First Baptist Church. Bro. Kevin is the pastor of Watson Memorial Baptist Church and serves as assistant professor of church history at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I had the privilege of serving as 2nd Vice President of our Kentucky Baptist Convention alongside Kevin when he was our 1st Vice President. Kevin is one of the dynamic biblical preachers I have ever heard. He brings both substance in content and style in delivery with him into the pulpit. He is a good friend and we are excited about hosting him.
We will conclude our Mega Mondays on October 25 with Trevor Barton. Trevor is the pastor of Hawk Creek Baptist Church in London, Kentucky. Hawk Creek has been the fastest growing church in the state of Kentucky over the last five years. Trevor is a spirit-filled dynamic young pastor who is leading his church to do great things for the sake of the gospel. I am honored that he is going to be with us and honored to call to call him a friend.
October also brings exciting opportunities for us at First Baptist Church. October also brings Mega-Mondays. Every Monday evening in October at 7 PM we are going to have an exciting, Christ-centered, God-exalting service. Each service will feature the wonderful musical talents of our folks along with great preaching from four wonderful men of God.
On October 5, Dr. Kevin Ezell will be with us. Dr. Ezell is the pastor of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He is truly a hero of mine and a dynamic kingdom leader. Highview is one church at that has over 3,000 in average attendance across seven different campuses. Dr. Ezell has led Highview to consistently be one of the most evangelistic fellowships in Kentucky. We are truly blessed to have him coming to be with us.
On October 12, Dr. Adam Dooley will be coming to be with us. Dr. Dooley is pastor at Red Bank Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is a life-long friend of mine. Adam and I came out of the same home church, went to the same college and seminary together and have remained close friends. He is truly one of the great young preachers in the Southern Baptist Convention today. He is immensely gifted of God and we will be blessed to host him.
October 19 brings Kevin Smith to First Baptist Church. Bro. Kevin is the pastor of Watson Memorial Baptist Church and serves as assistant professor of church history at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I had the privilege of serving as 2nd Vice President of our Kentucky Baptist Convention alongside Kevin when he was our 1st Vice President. Kevin is one of the dynamic biblical preachers I have ever heard. He brings both substance in content and style in delivery with him into the pulpit. He is a good friend and we are excited about hosting him.
We will conclude our Mega Mondays on October 25 with Trevor Barton. Trevor is the pastor of Hawk Creek Baptist Church in London, Kentucky. Hawk Creek has been the fastest growing church in the state of Kentucky over the last five years. Trevor is a spirit-filled dynamic young pastor who is leading his church to do great things for the sake of the gospel. I am honored that he is going to be with us and honored to call to call him a friend.
As you can see we have an impressive line-up. Now we must pray, pray, and pray. Remember these men, pray for them by name. Remember our unchurched friends (Remember Intercede, Invest, and Invite them to come and be with us). May God bless our worship and work.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Fall @ First
It is August again and that means that fall is right around the corner. I have had the privilege of serving as the pastor of a local church for 10 years now and I have never been as excited about a fall lineup as I am about the one the Lord is preparing for us this fall! First Baptist Church is going to be hopping with opportunities for spiritual growth, ministry and missions, as well as outreach. Let me just highlight some of them so that we can begin bathing all of them in prayer.
Life Group Studies
On Wednesday nights starting August 19th we are going to be offering Life Group Studies. These small group studies will give opportunities for our folks to be discipled in specific areas and fellowship with one another as we grow.
Focus on our Schools
This fall we are going to be intentional about praying and serving those who are serving our kids in our school systems. We are going to have a special time of prayer in our morning worship service for them on August 2nd. Then every Wednesday in September we are going to be going to a different school and serving a meal to the faculty and staffs to show our appreciation and support to them.
Fall Festival and Jason Catron
On the weekend of September 26-27 we will be hosting our Fall Festival. By now we all know the impact that this festival has on our community and the number of people who come to be with us. This year we are going to be inviting the folks who come to be with us the next day as well because on Sunday, Jason Catron will be with on Sunday morning to sing in our service and on then he will do a full concert for us in our evening service.
Mega Mondays
I am very excited about October – October will bring Mega Mondays. In October we are moving our Sunday evening services to Monday evening and super-sizing them! Every Monday night at 7 PM in October we will have a special service featuring some of the best preachers in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. Please plan to attend each Monday night and begin interceding, investing, and inviting friends to be with us. It is going to be an exciting time in the Lord.
Missions in Mara, Peru
October 27-November 7 we will also be returning to Mara, Peru. We are going to continue to explore the possibilities of a long-term work there as well as begin sharing the hope of the gospel with these people who desperately need the Lord. Please pray for our team as they go…
So you can tell that we are going to be busy this fall but more than that my prayer is that our fall will be fruitful. I am praying for our God to bring a spiritual harvest as we endeavor to reach our community and world with the gospel!
Life Group Studies
On Wednesday nights starting August 19th we are going to be offering Life Group Studies. These small group studies will give opportunities for our folks to be discipled in specific areas and fellowship with one another as we grow.
Focus on our Schools
This fall we are going to be intentional about praying and serving those who are serving our kids in our school systems. We are going to have a special time of prayer in our morning worship service for them on August 2nd. Then every Wednesday in September we are going to be going to a different school and serving a meal to the faculty and staffs to show our appreciation and support to them.
Fall Festival and Jason Catron
On the weekend of September 26-27 we will be hosting our Fall Festival. By now we all know the impact that this festival has on our community and the number of people who come to be with us. This year we are going to be inviting the folks who come to be with us the next day as well because on Sunday, Jason Catron will be with on Sunday morning to sing in our service and on then he will do a full concert for us in our evening service.
Mega Mondays
I am very excited about October – October will bring Mega Mondays. In October we are moving our Sunday evening services to Monday evening and super-sizing them! Every Monday night at 7 PM in October we will have a special service featuring some of the best preachers in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. Please plan to attend each Monday night and begin interceding, investing, and inviting friends to be with us. It is going to be an exciting time in the Lord.
Missions in Mara, Peru
October 27-November 7 we will also be returning to Mara, Peru. We are going to continue to explore the possibilities of a long-term work there as well as begin sharing the hope of the gospel with these people who desperately need the Lord. Please pray for our team as they go…
So you can tell that we are going to be busy this fall but more than that my prayer is that our fall will be fruitful. I am praying for our God to bring a spiritual harvest as we endeavor to reach our community and world with the gospel!
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