Living With Fire

This is the End

2011-09-16T12:09:00.005-04:00

I have been convicted that my exposure to the blogosphere neither edifies my walk nor enhances my witness. Therefore, I will no longer post any material on this blog. Thank you for reading, and feel free to browse through the archives. In order for me to live with fire shut up in my bones, I must remove myself from the blogosphere, particularly among certain Southern Baptists.

I will not be back, ever. I have too many ministry opportunities in hospitals, funeral homes, city parks, churches, and restaurants to allow bitterness to creep into my heart, so my exit is best for me. Praise God for His convicting power and cleansing purity!

Brian Free & Assurance - "Oh What a Savior"

2011-09-04T10:43:00.001-04:00

The Music City Boys - "Oh What a Savior"

2011-09-01T16:12:00.003-04:00

White Stone Quarry Baptist Church was privileged to host The Music City Boys for our 135th Homecoming. They exhibit incredible diversity in their musical repertoire, playing a strong mix of old-fashioned Southern Gospel, fast-paced Christian jazz, and several original numbers written by their own group members ("Friendly Fire" by Keith Sargent and "House at the End of Road" by James Meredith are two tremendous originals they perform). The group members are committed Christians who live what they profess. They have what many big-name performers lack in today's culture of glitz and glamour - the anointing of God. Enjoy this classic that features tenor James Meredith.

The Difficulties of Divorce and Remarriage

2011-08-26T18:34:00.005-04:00

On Henry Ford’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, he was asked for some advice on how to achieve marital bliss and longevity. He replied, “Just the same as in the automobile business, stick to one model.”

The Bible is crystal clear; divorce is a sin. According to the Bible, marriage is a lifetime commitment. Jesus referred to married couples by saying, “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). Malachi 2:16 further reveals God’s heart in regards to this issue: “I hate divorce, says the LORD God of Israel.” Clearly, marriage was not intended to result in divorce.

Nevertheless, the Old Testament specified some laws that protected the rights of divorcees; especially women (cf. Deuteronomy 24:1-4). This indicates that God knows that sinful human beings will, in some instances, enter into a divorce from marriage. Yet, Jesus pointed out that these laws were given because of the hardness of people’s hearts, not because they were God’s desire (cf. Matthew 19:8).

The controversy over whether divorce and remarriage is scripturally allowed revolves primarily around Jesus’ words in two verses of Scripture: Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9. Matthew 5:32 plainly tells us that “fornication” is a potentially just reason for divorce, though the text remains silent about remarriage resulting from a “biblical” divorce. While many scholars believe that this refers to “marital unfaithfulness” during the “betrothal” period (Jewish custom considered a couple married even while they were still engaged), this interpretation is eisegeted rather than being derived from the text.

The term “fornication” is translated from the Greek word porneia, which can mean any form of sexual immorality. Sexual intimacy is an integral part of the marriage covenant, as God ordained that “the two will become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5; Eph. 5:31). Thus, when this covenant is broken through sexual immorality, a valid and permissible reason for divorce has arisen.

Matthew 19:9, while nearly verbatim to Matthew 5:32, adds the caveat “and marries another,” indicating that divorce and remarriage are allowed in an instance of fornication. It is important to note, however, that only the innocent party is allowed to remarry. Although there may be instances where the “fornicator” is allowed to remarry, it is not explicitly taught in this particular text.

Several other considerations must be made when determining potential exceptions for divorce and/or remarriage. For instance, 1 Corinthians 7:15 seemingly allows remarriage if an unbelieving spouse divorces a believer. Despite mentioning remarriage, this verse only says a believer is not bound to continue a marriage if an unbelieving spouse wants to leave. Others claim that abuse (spousal or child) provides valid grounds for divorce, although not specifically mentioned in Scripture. In such a case, there must be faithfulness to the whole counsel of God, which tells us to honor our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19). In the same manner in which we strive to honor and protect God’s house/temple/church, we must also protect our bodies. Yet the marriage must be salvaged in each situation if at all possible (according to Matt. 19:6).

Even when adultery is committed and divorce occurs, the temptation often arises to quickly remarry when, in fact, God might desire that they remain single. God calls people to be single so that their attention is not divided (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Any person who goes through divorce ought to intentionally pray and fast for direction and discipline, repenting for the broken covenant and seeking full restoration of the mind, body, soul, and spiritual strength. Remarriage after a divorce may be an option in some circumstances, but that does not mean it is the only option.

As a minister of the Gospel, I would allow remarriage to a member of my congregation in several different instances. First of all, I would be willing to remarry someone after the death of a spouse. This is actually encouraged by Paul (1 Cor. 7:8-9; 1 Tim. 5:14). Also, most marriage ceremonies contain a specific phrase that specify the covenant “until death do us part.” This is taken from Romans 7:2-3, and thus the principle of remarriage after a spouse’s death is completely biblical.
I will also allow remarriage if an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage without possibility of reconciliation (cf. 1 Cor. 7:12-15). Furthermore, I have no problems remarrying someone if his/her divorce(s) occurred before salvation. Once a person is saved by Christ, that individual receives the fresh mercies of God (Lam. 3:23) and becomes a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). There are also extreme cases in which I may feel led to remarry someone, such as abuse, psychological disorders, etc. My decisions will be based upon fervent prayer (James 5:16) as the Holy Spirit guides me into the truth (John 16:13) about the proper decision.

While the divorce rate may be disturbing, that is all the more reason for ministers of the Gospel to show God’s mercy and grace. God’s statutes and covenants are holy, but God’s love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). The ultimate objective of a minister should be obedience to Christ and the restoration of broken people. Ultimately, any marriage policy enacted should seek to honor Christ, exercise mercy when it is appropriate, and allow for the flexibility to adapt to the unique circumstances that can arise in this sinful world. When dealing with sinful people, ministers will do well to handle sin in God’s way – with His amazing grace that convicts, corrects, and cleanses.

PRo - "Before I Die"

2011-08-23T14:45:00.003-04:00

Jevon Rue - "Rain Comes Down"

2011-08-19T16:26:00.003-04:00

This song has a good beat, a smooth flow, good word play, and a consecrative message. Considering that this is Jevon's first release since being saved, I'm betting that the best is yet to come for this young Christian rapper. You can purchase this song at CD Baby for only 99 cents!

The Victory in Vision

2011-08-15T09:49:00.004-04:00

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” – Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)

It was once said that “the only thing worse than being born blind is having sight without vision.” Webster defines vision as “the faculty of sight; something that is seen; discerning perception; being able to see.” John C. Maxwell, the Christian leadership expert, defines vision as “the ability to perceive, the faith to believe, and the courage to see.”

Vision is important because it sets the tone for every objective we seek to accomplish. Without vision, there is no goal; without a goal, there is no plan; without a plan, there is no direction; and without direction, there is no purpose. Thus, vision serves as the catalyst for spiritual purpose.

Every vision must be God-given. Experts, spokesmen, and celebrity speakers may talk of twelve-step plans or purpose-driven formulas, but anything that is not Christ-centered has a false foundation and a flawed plan of action. Biblical vision is about God’s perspective. When the world says the cup is either half-empty of half-full, God says your cup runs over (Psalm 23:5).

A heavenly vision can’t be fully defined, humanly formulated, or precisely strategized. The faith that pleases God may see the finish line, but His child can't map out the course of the race. Five-year plans and how-to guides are much too restrictive for a soldier of the cross called to live in moment-by-moment trust of his General. No, “the just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). God's child will be spiritually stretched until he willingly places full trust in the Lord to provide everything required to accomplish His will.

Only when we fully surrender our desires will we then look to the Lord with a pure heart. Only with a pure heart (Matt. 5:8) can we clearly receive His authentic vision. Only the spiritual vision of Jesus Christ can free us to accomplish God’s purpose. Only He can open your spiritual eyes. Only Jesus.

Theological Triage: A Response to Les Puryear

2011-08-13T01:00:00.002-04:00

It is both a privilege and a challenge to witness the events taking place in the Kingdom of God worldwide in what SBC President Bryant Wright calls "the Golden Age of Theological Education" for our denomination. Today, seminary graduates are biblically astute, extremely well-versed in systematic theology, and amazingly adept at articulating their theological convictions. These graduates almost always affirm two foundational concepts: 1) the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God; and 2) the doctrines of the Bible are deeply important.

However, with such a vast number of Bible scholars being produced by our great seminaries, there has arisen the "problem" of varying interpretations of Scripture. Within the ranks of people who affirm that Scripture is absolute truth, scores of different doctrinal "sects" fail to agree on what exactly constitues that absolute truth. In soteriology, you have Calvinists and Arminians; in eschatology, you have premillennial dispensationalists, historic premillennialists, and amillennialists (postmillennial adherents are the dinosaurs of the theological age, having gone extinct); and in ecclesiology, you have Landmark Baptists, seeker-sensitive Baptists, reformed Baptists, "traditional" Baptists (whatever that means), and cooperative Baptists (who proudly embrace their moderate stances and "balanced" journalism). With so many perspectives and practices out there, how do we know which positions are correct?

There's a problem with simply going to the Word of God for answers: every single one of these positions have a solid scriptural basis! Arminians are not idiots, and Calvinists are not jerks. Premillennial dispensationalists are not hermeneutical criminals, and amillennials are not allegorical heretics. Each of these positions have strengths and weaknesses, and many of these "competing" doctrines must be held in tension with one another.

However, some people (such as Les Puryear) want to ambiguously claim that "all of God's Word is equally important." Well, I agree with that in principle, because no single jot nor tittle is unimportant. However, if certain doctrinal positions can't be nailed down, even by the best of scholars, what do we do? Do we throw out the Word of God as impossible? Do we give up trying because none of us can intellectually contribute to the discussion like Mohler, Moore, Akin, Lemke, and Keathley? Absolutely not!

Instead, for the sake of missiological cooperation and Christian unity, we adhere to the principles of theological triage. This does not rate the "importance" of Christian doctrines, as all doctrine is important. Instead, theological triage rates the essentiality of doctrines. For instance, eschatology is important to the Gospel message, because Christ is coming back to bring judgment to sinners and joy to saints. However, the nature of the Second Coming, while important, is not "essential" to the Gospel message itself. One Christian can affirm a pre-trib dispensational view while still affirming the sainthood of a post-trib historic premillennialist. Eschatology is important, but not "essential" in determining Christian salvation or biblical fidelity.

I wish I could take the easy road of ambiguity and just tell you that "all Scripture is important." While that is certainly true, the issue is too complicated to leave at just that. With the vast number of doctrinal positions and solid biblical interpretations in contemporary Christendom, unity must take precedence above needless doctrinal division in order to cooperatively fulfill the Great Commission. Theological triage is the best answer I have seen. Ambiguous piety and simple-minded theological conclusions just won't do. Unless we can get the greatest scholars of the day on the same theological page in every category, then theological triage must remain.

KBC Disaster Relief Update from N.D.

2011-08-12T11:23:00.007-04:00

KBC Executive Director Paul Chitwood interviews Karen Smith, one of Kentucky's 16 volunteers engaged in flood relief ministry in Minot, North Dakota. The city of 41,000 was overwhelmed with flood waters on June 22, when the Souris River rose and damaged over 4,000 homes. Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief responded to the need in true Christ-like fashion.

I am thankful that some of our Cooperative Program dollars are marked for this manner of ministry. Homeless, helpless, and hurting people are able to receive a genuine hand of love from the gracious heart of our Lord. While the media hasn't given much attention to the disaster, Kentucky Baptists have. Praise God for the ministry we can do because we partner together for a common cause - the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Those desiring to help fund this cause can visit NAMB’s disaster relief fund website and click "Donate To This Fund."

Brianna Perez - "Redeemer"

2011-08-11T16:35:00.003-04:00

This young lady powerfully sings Nicole C. Mullen's "Redeemer" at Calvary Temple International Assembly in Wayne, NJ. Rock on, Brianna!

The Salvation of Adrian Rogers

2011-08-05T11:14:00.001-04:00

The Devil Sucks

2011-07-29T17:11:00.002-04:00

This clever commercial satirically spoofs The Exorcist. Can you guess the brand being advertised?

Dirt Devil-The Exorcist from MrPrice2U on Vimeo.

The Peasall Sisters - "Farther Along"

2011-07-24T10:37:00.002-04:00

The Peasall Sisters are the epitomy of pure Gospel singing. Sarah (alto and guitar), Hanna (soprano and mandolin), and Leah Peasall (tenor and fiddle) made their singing and playing debut on the Grammy-winning O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack in 2000. Born and raised in White House, TN, the famous teenagers have performed at such lauded venues as Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Grand Ole Opry. They have also released two outstanding records, First Offering (2002) and Home to You (2005).

The following performance was recorded for Bill Gaither's "Church in the Wildwood" DVD.

Although the group quit booking events after May 2011, they will be missed my many who appreciated both the purity of their performances and their conspicuous refusal to engage in showmanship. They did what all good Gospel artists do (in my opinion) - they sang the music they way it was written, and let the music speak for itself.

The Apologetix - "The Real Sin Savior"

2011-07-22T10:01:00.005-04:00

The Apologetix are Christian music's version of Weird Al Yankovic. They do "parodies" of almost every genre of music, but their lyrics have deep theological meaning. Of course, I like the Eminem parodies (such as "Look Yourself"), but they parody everyone from Bon Jovi to Charlie Daniels. The video below parodies Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady" with a call to faith in the only Way to salvation - Jesus Christ. He is truly "The Real Sin Savior."

Kirk Kirkeminde on ABC's Nightline

2011-07-21T16:49:00.004-04:00

Kirk Kirkeminde was the 2008 student body president at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. Even though I only got to spend three semesters with him on campus, I always loved the authenticity of his devotion to Jesus. He could often be seen on campus encouraging people, or walking by himself saying, "Thank ya, Jesus!" His entire life is an act of worship, and he lives his life as an audience of one for his King.

This clip shows my friend Kirk (starting at the 3:58 mark) shining the light of Jesus by discussing his victory over methamphetamine addiction. This episode, although primarily focused on the reality of Satan, gave Kirk a chance to share the redemption found in Jesus Christ alone. You can watch the entire broadcast here.

The Amazing Tenor, Paul Wickey

2011-07-19T09:40:00.005-04:00

The video below illustrates the amazing range and voice control of Paul Wickey, a tenor from Unity. He is perhaps the best tenor of our generation, surpassing even the famous Ernie Haase. The first part of the video shows him hitting a high C in the song, "Oh What a Savior." Enjoy his amazing ability!

The True Mission of the Church

2011-07-09T16:07:00.004-04:00

Glorifying God is certainly important in the mission of the church, and attributing glory and honor to God should lie in the motives of what the church seeks to accomplish. However, rather than being the primary purpose of the church’s mission, I believe that glorifying God is the primary product of the church’s mission. God’s glory will be revealed when the church is faithful to accomplish its mission.

Therefore, we must ask: What is the church’s primary mission? The answer: the Great Commission. This mandate directs the church to teach and baptize all nations (cf. Matt. 28:19), to preach the Gospel to every creature (cf. Mark 16:15) and repentance among all nations (cf. Luke 24:47), and to be witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8). The Bible does not direct us to convert the world, but to evangelize it, giving the whole world an opportunity to hear the Gospel and to accept Christ. Not all people will respond to the Gospel call, but the church must evangelize the whole world in obedience to the Word of God.

Why is the Great Commission the most important aspect of the church’s mission? The eternal destination of individual souls depends upon the fulfillment of this scriptural mandate. People who never hear the Gospel message will go to hell (cf. John 14:6; Rom. 1:18-20), and God does not desire any individual to perish into eternity in a lost condition (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). In comparison to the other aspects of the church’s mission (e.g. to edify itself, to restrain immorality, to enlighten the world, to promote good, etc.), the Great Commission has a direct effect upon eternity. When considering the fact that God has given humanity a direct command to impact the eternal dwelling place of humanity’s souls, the Great Commission must take precedence above everything else. After all, the other aspects of the church’s mission will be fulfilled as a byproduct of heeding the command to teach, preach, and baptize all nations.

People often talk about "giving" God glory. Is that even possible? Neither His people's good works nor their gracious words can impart glory to Him. All we can do is obey Him for the purpose of revealing the glory He already possesses. When the church obeys God's command to fulfill the Great Commission, then He will make Himself known to people. We can't glorify God within our own actions, but God promises to reveal His already perfect glory in response to our faithful obedience to His Word.

The chief purpose of the church is NOT to glorify God, because we can't do that. Our chief purpose is to obey God, Who will glorify Himself in response to our faithfulness. After all, even the faith we exercise begins and ends with Him (cf. Romans 12:3). So, stop trying to impart something that God doesn't need and we can't provide. Start living in the moment and seeking opportunities of service. That may not impart glory, but it sure indicates grace.

Darlene Zschech - "Shout to the Lord"

2011-07-05T22:12:00.002-04:00

Seinfeld's Trick to Stopping Telemarketers

2011-07-04T11:18:00.002-04:00

My Eminem Remix

2011-07-03T01:01:00.004-04:00

When I used to listen to secular rap music, my favorite artist was Eminem. I wasn't anything like his mythical psycho fan Stan, but I had every song from his first three albums memorized. My favorite song was "Till I Collapse," and I thought the third verse of that song was the epitomy of lyrical genius (in the link provided, the third verse begins at the 3:10 mark and lasts until 3:55).

After surrendering to Christ fully in 2004 and beginning to write Christian raps, I considered the possiblity of remixing secular beats by using Christian lyrics. Finally, in the summer of 2005, I wrote a remix to what was formerly my favorite rap verse of all-time - the third verse of Eminem's "Till I Collapse." Now, whenever Satan tries to attack my thoughts with this old rap song that contains profanity, I can keep the music in my head and use new lyrics that glorify God!

Soon as my church starts

We pray for the lost, hurt hearts

And then we worship.....

Rejoicin through the first parts

But it's a joke

How people miss the words that are spoke

We have to lift the name of Jesus

If we purpose to grow

Though I earnestly flow

Churches are the first to ignore

We ain't yearnin for more

If so, we'd be birthin reform

Cuz in the USA we got food

And furniture stores

So why do we keep birthin poor

And end up worse than before?

My heart

Keeps on breakin

I long

To feed the nations

And God

Won't be forsaken

As long

As I'm demon-slayin

And so

I keep on prayin

While Lucifer

Keeps on hatin

He's shakin

Becuz I'm sayin

The truth

And it keeps on rainin

You preachers

That are playin

And serve

Cuz o' what ya gainin

Repent

For the souls ya stainin

Cuz Christ

Is the One Who's reignin!

So all

You heathen pagans

Start eatin

The meat and tatoes

Cuz all

O' you cheatin fake ens

Are seekin

And meetin Satan!

Tick Tock

2011-07-02T15:45:00.008-04:00

I wrote this rhyme in September 2004 for a beat Big Minista gave me entitled, "Tick Tock." The premise of the song was that we must praise God at all times, worshipping Him "around the clock." The song's first two verses were Big's, and I was given the third verse. So here's what I wrote.....

Tick tock.....

And I keep servin the Lord

He put a fire in my stomach

Even worse than before

Received the call to preach

Still I'm searchin for more

Prayin daily for my heart

The Lord to purge and restore

I ain't in the Gospel rap game

To earn a reward

Servin Jesus is the reason

That I work and record

And when Satan gets me down

I like to furnish a sword

Beatin demons til they're screamin

In a nervous accord

See I rap around the clock

Ed Banks ain't gon stop

Can't quit until the Lord

Jesus Christ is on top

Quit cryin....forget about

What ya don't got

I'll praise Him til they call me

The rappin flow-bot

So laugh a whole lot

My name ya know not

My life was in the dump

But now I know God

Praise to the Lamb

His Spirit is so hot

I'm lovin the Lord's church

Forever the dope spot

Tick tock.....

Big Mini - "Closer"

2011-07-01T10:48:00.004-04:00

I used to record Christian rap music with Joe Fields, aka Big Minista. He was instrumental in the founding of both Gosraptial Records and Serious Bizness Records. Having endured many difficulties in spreading the Gospel through hip-hop music, he now goes by the name "Big Mini" and is signed to Riverdale Records. You can find his presence all over Facebook and YouTube. He is living proof that perseverance pays off for those who wait upon the Lord.

The greatest song he's ever released - at least up to this point, in my opinion - is "Only Way," from his 2005 album of the same name. His impending release, "Closer," has the massive publicity and internet exposure to surpass all of his previous artistic endeavors in influence, popularity, and sales. Join me in praying that God will use this platform to build His Kingdom. And, while you're at it, get yourself a copy of his new release (here, here, or here).

No Sweeter Name Than This

2011-06-30T17:00:00.010-04:00

This is the second verse from my song entitled, "No Sweeter Name Than This." You can tell that it's an older song because of the scattered subject material, but when I wrote this I thought it was a masterpiece! I'm not even publishing the hook because, even though it's embarrassingly simple, I still might use it in a future track.

Feel free to leave a comment with some constructive feedback or even some of your own lyrics.

I hate when we grow apart

So I'm keepin Christ in my heart

Reflectin Him in my art

Now I'm liable to top the chart

Jesus made me a wordsmith

Producin this church hit

When I walk in a room

You're like, "Who is this nerd with?"

Then I'll blow ya my first kiss

From this heavenly workbench

Hopin His wrist wounds

Strike a chord, and ya nerves itch

On fire for Christ.....

As big as my thirst gets

Forever a shareholder

In Heaven I earn splits

Steady livin my faith

That's the message His Word spits

So how can you diss rap

When these lyrics don't hurt kids?

The peace that's from Jesus

I won't trade for my first spins

So I'll serve and worship Him

Right up til the world ends

The Conversion

2011-06-29T11:53:00.006-04:00

I wrote the following lyrics back in 2004, after I surrendered to ministry and began to pursue a Christ-like lifestyle. This is called "The Conversion," a testimony to the joys of living in victory over sin and spiritual warfare. There is a hook and another verse that goes with this, but I can't give away those away just yet.

It's funny how I'm happy now, I'm stayin' clean and sober

The lessons keep on comin, as I'm gettin even older

God's angels keep a watchful eye, as Satan's reachin over

To steal away my happiness, and kill my peace and order

He fights me day and night, tryin to cause a sleep disorder

And make me just a worrywart, who's hidin in the corner

Sin used to smell so good, but tell me....what's that freakin odor?

My mind was so perverted, til it found a decent Owner

My heart was full of evil; Satan turned it even colder

So then I gave my life to Christ.....hell is freezin over!

Brad Stine - Political Correctness and "Wussification"

2011-06-28T18:02:00.002-04:00

Trip Lee: Being a True Believer in Christ

2011-06-27T11:25:00.003-04:00

Adrian Rogers and His Defining Moment

2011-06-26T15:39:00.001-04:00

Vcc Church and Pastor Isaac Whitt

2011-06-25T15:52:00.004-04:00

Isaac Whitt graduated with me in 1998 from George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, KY. He was always a practical joker, but what he is doing now is no laughing matter. He has planted a church with the Vineyard movement at Carmike Cinema in Lexington, KY. Serving as the lead pastor, Isaac is passionate about seeing lives transformed by the power of the Gospel message. I'm sure it took a great leap of faith to step out and plant a church, and I'm proud of how God is using Isaac.

If you would like to know more about serving God's Kingdom through Vcc church, visit their Facebook profile and ask what you can do to get involved.

The Word's Final Words

2011-06-24T14:11:00.002-04:00

(Rev. 22:17-21)

I. The Last Plea (v.17)

II. The Last Promise (vv.18-19)

III. The Last Prophecy (v.20)

IV. The Last Prayer (v.21)

Knine - "For You"

2011-06-22T12:02:00.000-04:00

The KBC's New Executive Director, Dr. Paul Chitwood

2011-06-18T20:06:00.004-04:00

Dr. Paul Badgett, pastor of First Baptist Church of Pikeville, KY, introduces the new Executive Director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, Dr. Paul Chitwood. Dr. Chitwood has served Southern Baptists on the Personnel Committee of the International Mission Board, even serving as chairman of the IMB board of trustees from 2008-2010 as the IMB launched a global reorganization. He has served as associate professor of missions and evangelism at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, adjunct professor of missions and evangelsim at University of the Cumberlands, and adjunct professor of missions and evangelism at Boyce College.

His service to Kentucky Baptists is also extensive, having served as pastor of four churches: South Fork Baptist Church in Owenton (1993-1995), First Baptist Church in Owenton (1995-1999), First Baptist Church in Somerset (1999-2003), and First Baptist Church in Mount Washington (2003-2011). He served the KBC as president of the pastors conference (2002), as 1st vice president (2003-2004), and as president (2005-2006).

Please pray not only for Dr. Chitwood's transition, but also for the folks at First Baptist Church in Mount Washington who will miss their beloved pastor. I am excited to see how this chapter of KBC history unfolds!

Fight for Your Faith

2011-06-14T00:01:00.005-04:00

I wrote the following lyrics this week, and entitled the piece "Fight for Your Faith." I will be putting them to a beat very soon. In the comment box, feel free to add your own verses and share your gift with the readers of Living With Fire. Don't be ashamed to proclaim God's glory through rhyming.

I’m a child of the King, but I’m tempted to fall back

Attackin sin hard, like I’m swingin’ a ball bat

This war ain’t all that, I can’t even call that

Rejectin temptation, I ain’t takin’ the wrong track

I keep full contact, when prayin in combat

Lucifer’s assassin, with a spiritual contract

Crucified with Christ; got a radical complex

Sacrificin’ self, cuz this life ain’t a contest

Gotta die daily, as a pilgrim in progress

Praisin’ Jesus; purified in the process

Gotta bring the Word, to the worldly prospects

Unashamed preacher, feedin’ flocks of the Cross-breds

"Big God" by Beacon Light

2011-06-10T01:17:00.001-04:00

Two Statements That Hinder Baptist Cooperation

2011-06-09T13:35:00.007-04:00

1. Calvinism IS the Gospel.

Some of the people who make this statement will capitalize "Calvinism" and fail to capitalize "gospel," which makes me wonder what takes priority in their minds. Are you saved by understanding systematic theology or by knowing the Gospel? Actually, you are saved by knowing Christ intimately with a regenerated, repentant heart. But I still believe the term "Gospel" should be capitalized.

Nevertheless, this ridiculous statement may be genuinely believed by a person, but it implies that a biblical interpretation of soteriology other than a Calvinistic one is false. Nothing could be further from the truth. And it annoys me to hear guys like R.C. Sproul say that Arminians are saved, but "barely." Give me a break. Anyone who knows Jesus Christ intimately is truly saved, and you want to refer to a "level" of their saving knowledge?

Anyone who affirms salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone is my brother in Christ. Of course, they must affirm the Trinity and the true identity of Christ (not as Satan's brother or as the archangel Michael, but as God's Son, the Incarnate Messiah). But referring to Calvinism as the Gospel itself narrows the parameters too much in my opinion.

2. Calvinism is heresy.

Some of the best expositional preachers, missionaries, evangelists, and theologians affirm 5-point Calvinism. Calvinists are rightly known as biblical experts and are invaluable to the protection of biblical truth because they faithfully keep Scripture in context. I may disagree with their beliefs in the limited availability of atonement and of irresistable grace, but I do respect their interpretations of Scripture. Calvinists set the bar high for those who affirm biblical inerrancy and desire to faithfully interpret the Word of God. Calling Calvinists heretics is a sign of scriptural ignorance and spiritual immaturity.

Anyone who desires to reach the world for Christ should team up with Calvinists rather than divide from them.

The urgency of lostness in a spiritually blind world demands cooperation among Bible-believing Christians. Christians should become more concerned about lost souls than about the unachievable goal of doctrinal uniformity. In the last hour, over 7,000 people died and went to hell. Are you willing to cooperate with people of diverse doctrines to fulfill the Great Commission?

KBC: Connecting All People to Christ

2011-06-07T19:54:00.001-04:00

The Darlings Sing "Dooley"

2011-06-06T18:34:00.000-04:00

This was the Darlings second appearance on The Andy Griffith Show (episode #94, entitled, "Mountain Wedding"). Andy and Barney visit the Darlings because Ernest T. Bass, a pesky neighbor with an affinity for rock throwing, is intent on marrying Briscoe's daughter Charlene. Immediately upon the completion of this song, Ernest T. throws a rock through the living room window.

Denver Pyle portrayed Briscoe Darling, and "the boys" were played by an old bluegrass band known as The Dillards. You can visit The Dillards' website to find product information and other links on the web.

The Final Scene of MAS*H

2011-06-05T16:17:00.000-04:00

Kevin Ezell on Courageous

2011-06-03T14:32:00.002-04:00

Kevin Ezell, former pastor at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville and current president of the North American Mission Board, visited the set of the movie Courageous during filming last spring. In this video, Dr. Ezell shares a great story about his newest son with Stephen Kendrick.

Courageous opens in theaters on September 30, 2011.

The Top 10 Reasons to Avoid Top 10 Lists

2011-05-27T07:42:00.002-04:00

10. Top 10 lists are nothing but opinions.

9. They promote the idea of relative truth.

8. They condition people to bow to the base 10 numeral system.

7. There is only one truly biblical Top 10 List - the Ten Commandments.

6. People can just make stuff up. Or lie.

5. People invent pointless reasons just to fill up the list.

4. Like right here.

3. "10" gives a false sense of completion; there may be more points to consider.

2. Nothing - not even a good Top 10 List that suggests grand expertise in a hot topic - can turn an Average Joe into an Ed Goodman. Nothing.

1. Any comparisons to David Letterman should be avoided at all costs.

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - "So You Would Know"

2011-05-26T15:41:00.002-04:00

The Fountain of Youth

2011-05-25T11:25:00.003-04:00

DISCLAIMER: This is total satire. Please read it and treat it as such.

Aging naturally is perhaps the single biggest horror a human being can face. The dreadful effects of getting old are seen in hospitals and nursing homes worldwide. Who really enjoys getting fat, ugly, and senile? The only way to achieve pure, unadulterated happiness is to defy the aging process, to remain young and beautiful forever. There are three keys to achieving the utopia of perpetual youth.

The first prescription for permanent prettiness is liposuction. As early as the mid-twenties, the human body begins to expand in unsightly places and inches are added in undesirable areas. Instead of trying to see the beauty on the inside of a person (which is just an excuse used by ugly people anyway), people should always resort to liposuction. This enables people to keep their beauty and enjoy getting older. When stomachs start to look like a jelly factory, or thighs have more cottage cheese than the local dairy, liposuction can provide liberation from the dungeon of despair. It’s a great solution when life sends a heaping helping of flab.

Another answer for abiding allure is plastic surgery. Nature certainly curses many people with bodily imperfections, but aging adds fuel to the fire with unneeded wrinkles and sags. Why suffer with wrinkles, drooping breasts, or a big nose when the scalpel of a skilled surgeon can lead the way to the Land of Gorgeous? Going under the knife offers several extra decades of lasting loveliness.

The last key to aging gracefully and happily is to get rich. It’s important to have access to at least six figures of currency at any cost – whether it comes through an insincere marriage, inheritance, or illegal activity. Money provides freedom, independence, and power to the person of fading beauty…and it’s so nice to be able to lord over other beautiful people and bring them misery when our own good looks have gone on vacation forever! Being rich is certainly comforting and can be therapeutic as aging occurs.

Getting old doesn’t have to be a drag to either body or mind – as long as liposuction, plastic surgery, and money are available. The joy of life is completely dependent upon our beautiful bodies and packed pocketbooks. Stick to the “Big Three” of youthful exuberance and enjoy what thousands of Hollywood celebrities take pleasure in – the fountain of youth.

Proposing Marriage at the Movies

2011-05-18T16:30:00.003-04:00

I'm a hopeless romantic, so I dig stuff like this. Whoever "she" turns out to be, I am already planning something at least as memorable as this.

Education Is More Than Facts

2011-05-17T14:15:00.006-04:00

On Judith Swanson’s first day in her ninth-grade health class, one blackboard was covered with the names and locations of the major bones and muscles of the human body. The diagram stayed on the board throughout the term, but the teacher never referred to it. The day of the final exam, the board was wiped clean and the final contained only one question: “Name and locate every major bone and muscle in the human body.”

The class protested in unison: “We never studied that!”

“That's no excuse,” said the teacher. “The information was there for months.”

After the students struggled with the test for a while, the papers were collected and discarded. “Always remember,” he told them, “that education is more than just learning what you are told.”

The teacher was right. Education involves all acquired wisdom that supplements the classroom setting. I learned that lesson well at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, and will always be indebted to the men and women who instilled virtues beyond mere knowledge. At Clear Creek, my learning involved integrity, love, and wisdom. Education is more than facts.

Take, for instance, my English Composition course. Professor Elli Gillum let me run wild with satire. Writing irreverent pieces about Al Gore, George W. Bush, the Fountain of Youth, and Tarzan would have irritated many instructors – but not dear Mrs. Gillum. She received my labors of sarcasm with joy while rejecting the legalism often found among conservative scholars. She knew that humor could be celebrated in happiness and decency. After all, the Bible tells us that “a joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

In all honesty, my English class at Clear Creek didn’t instill any new scholastic facts. Yet I learned something that is perhaps even more important than technical communicative precision: many times your best work comes through what you enjoy most. That lesson isn’t as much factual as it is experiential, but it's an experience that I'll never forget. You see, education is more than facts.

My education wasn’t confined to the English classroom, however. I really received a rude awakening in Dr. Hester’s philosophy course. It was there that the Lord taught me about persecution.

It seemed to bother several students that I used the word “epistemology” too much. They even updated their Facebook statuses to reflect their distaste for the word. This occurred during the fall semester of 2009, during the most stressful months of my time at Clear Creek. I was taking 18 credit hours, working 25 hours per week in the campus business office, serving as a youth minister in Corbin, and fulfilling my duties as the resident advisor at Kelly Hall. When what I needed more than anything was encouragement, I received criticism and condemnation. Welcome to ministry, Ed Goodman!

Once again, I learned a lesson that was more experiential than factual. It took some time, but I actually learned how to dismiss criticism and love those who were ignorant and unaware of my struggles. You can’t learn that from a book, because education is more than facts.

Even Western Civilization taught me the art of forgiveness, and I didn’t even take the class! It hasn’t been offered since my second year at Clear Creek. I asked Dr. Hester if I could substitute American History II for Western Civ., but he advised against it. His rationale was grounded in the belief that Western Civ. would better prepare me for seminary. Unfortunately, however, the class has become non-existent and I lost valuable opportunities to knock that pesky American History II course out of the way.

The Clear Creek Course Catalog states that Western Civ. is designed to “survey…the history of Western Civilization from Near Eastern civilizations to the 1700’s with attention given to ideas, politics, and society as foundations for the present.” Well, I didn't learn that information because the course wasn’t offered after my sophomore year. Nevertheless, it taught me about forgiveness! Matthew 18:15 exhorts, “if your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault.” Dr. Hester, your advice was terrible…BUT I FORGIVE YOU!

In all seriousness, though, a student can go through Clear Creek and learn a lot of information without receiving an education. It all depends upon the faithfulness the student chooses to exercise. Facts convey information, but authentic biblically-based education imparts wisdom. That wisdom comes not just through the regurgitation of facts, but through the application of those facts in everyday experiences. Clear Creek’s general education classes helped me as much experientially as they did intellectually for one simple reason: education is more than facts.

What I Believe

2011-05-16T15:04:00.004-04:00

Potential pastors are often given questionnaires that serve to specify theological convictions and ministerial vision. I recently answered the following questions for an unnamed church. Do you mostly agree or disagree with my answers? Why? Can you offer any advice for me in answering future questions?

1. What do you believe about God?

I believe that God is a transcendent, immaterial, incorporeal being who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is One God, but manifests Himself in three distinct persons: God the Father (Yahweh), God the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Godhead is co-equal to the others, and the Trinity functions in absolute harmony, united together in essence and purpose.

Simply put, God is far beyond human comprehension. However, I believe some things are biblically discernible. God is not bound by time or space; in fact, He created both realms of existence (presumably in Gen. 1:1). God is holy (Lev. 19:2), sovereign, merciful (Exodus 34:6), and loving (1 John 4:8, 16), patiently desiring all men to repent of sin (2 Peter 3:9) and exercise faith unto salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). God loves all people and desires the salvation of every individual person.

2. What do you believe about Jesus?

Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation available to humanity. Jesus is the most precious person ever born of a woman, dying for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). He lived a perfect, sinless, and holy life, crucified at the hands of the very men He came to save. He is one with the Father, and is the physical representation of God on earth. If ordinary men were raindrops and rocks, Jesus could be insufficiently described as a vast ocean and a magnificent mountain. Jesus plus nothing equals everything. He is the only One Who can ever truly satisfy the human soul.

3. What do you believe about the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit must draw an individual with His wooing power before that person can receive the salvation of Jesus Christ (cf. John 6:44). When a believer is saved, the Holy Spirit seals that individual’s soul (cf. Eph. 1:13; 4:30). Thus, it could be inferred that the Holy Spirit “functions” (at least in one way) to provide eternal security to those who belong to the Lord. The Spirit is a person, not an “it.” He guides His people into all truth (John 16:13), giving them unction, insight, discernment, power, and gifts according to His sovereign will (1 Cor. 12:11). The Holy Spirit is the source of power and supernatural giftedness in the believer’s life.

4. What do you believe about the Bible?

I believe that the Bible is the holy, inspired, infallible, inerrant, and authoritative Word of the Living God. It is the measuring rod against which all claims of truth can be compared. I believe that the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible through human agents. The Spirit worked through those authors in such a way that their human personality was retained in the writings, but the divine “breath of God” was imputed to the Scriptures. From a scholastic perspective, I affirm the verbal plenary inspiration of Scripture. From a pastoral perspective, the Bible will be my primary foundation for every element of life and ministry. From a practical perspective, the Bible feeds my soul day in and day out, providing me the wisdom for life and spiritual nourishment to live in total intimacy with God. I don’t believe that the Bible exhaustively reveals all answers to all questions, but what is revealed by Scripture is sufficient for salvation, teaching, instruction in life, and information about God.

5. How do you classify/describe your preaching style?

My preaching style is a balance of passionate proclamation, practical theology, and applicable teaching for daily life. I believe preaching MUST contain the supernatural anointing of the Holy Spirit, and I strive to preach in such a way that people KNOW they are hearing NOT from God’s man, but from God Himself. I like to “shuck corn” and overflow with passion, but I also know that people can’t survive on emotion – they need practical instruction that can be lived out daily.

6. What strengths do you bring to ministry?

I believe that the foundation of ministry is integrity, and I strive to live a pure life across the board (i.e. in all “categories”). I am also inexperienced, so I have a certain idealism that hasn’t been marred by years of letdown and frustration. What I am most aware of in my own life, however, is that I’ve learned that the greatest gift God can give us is Himself. I’m not seeking the gifts of life, but rather the Giver of Life – Jesus Christ. He is the greatest reward we can gain, and my ministry will be built on leading people to that understanding and lifestyle.

From an interpersonal perspective, I am a deep, analytical thinker and a highly effective communicator. I desire a family atmosphere among God’s people, and I try to look beyond surface appearances for truth and insight. I want to provide people what they need because I have a heart to serve.

7. What size congregation do you feel comfortable [leading]? Why?

I have never served as a senior pastor, so I’m not certain. The churches I have served, however, have ranged from 40 to as high as 200, so I’m comfortable and capable of serving churches of versatile sizes and styles. This may sound too simple, but I am convinced I’m called to pastoral ministry, and so I simply accept by faith that my call comes with a supernatural equipping to fulfill the duties of service.

Paul Baloche - "Your Name"

2011-05-14T16:13:00.000-04:00

Conforming to the Call

2011-05-13T13:37:00.003-04:00

(Ezra 7:10)

I. Examine God’s call. (v.10) Ask yourself 3 questions in determining God’s call:

A. What are your intentions? “For Ezra had prepared his heart…”

B. What are your interests? “…to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it”

C. What are your instructions? “…and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments”

II. Exercise God’s call. (Rest of the Book)

Elvin Impersonates Dr. Huxtable

2011-05-08T17:02:00.001-04:00

If you watch this video without leaving a comment, I'm going to do some serious dancing on your face.

Nathan Dowell on Biblical "Antinomies"

2011-05-05T00:27:00.003-04:00

Of all the theologians, ministers, and ministry students I've ever met, I admire Nathan Dowell perhaps more than any other. He is brilliant, but humble; studious, but sincere; curious, but rational; and likable, but genuine. In many ways, he reminds me of Nathaniel, the "true Israelite" who possesses "no guile" (cf. John 1:47). This fall, Nathan plans to enroll at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Dave Miller, one of my favorite bloggers at SBC Voices, published this piece in November 2010 which expressed his affirmation of several seemingly contradictory truths. Dave's reasoning was that, although the doctrines appeared to possess opposing elements, the Bible validated each apparent contradiction. I agreed with Dave, and forwarded his theological positions to Nathan. Nathan's lucid, rational, and theologically precise answers to each apparent "antinomy" opened my eyes to some deep deductions about divine doctrine.

Dave's statements are listed numerically in bold print; Nathan's responses are provided in italics. Do you agree with Nathan's assessments? Why or why not?

1. God is one. God is three. Both cannot be true, but the scripture affirms both.

This would be contradictory if you leave your statement at face value because it implies that God is one person in three persons (or one essence in three essences) but this is not what the doctrine of the trinity affirms. God is one in essence (or nature) and three persons. There are three separate persons who operate in complete harmony with one another, always together. They are perfectly united in thought, purpose and action. Whatever the Spirit knows, the Father knows and so with the Son. All are everywhere, decree together, are immutable and work with the cooperation of each other. Of course since all three have the same properties they are necessarily one but they are still distinct in their personhood and function. Additionally, though this and other truths are nonrational (beyond our reason) it does not follow that they are irrational (go against reason), we can just not comprehend them comprehensively.

2. Jesus is fully man. Jesus is fully God. Both cannot be true, but the scripture affirms both.

The Incarnation like the above (Trinity) may be a mystery but any contradictions should be weeded out. The dual nature of Christ is not an antinomy but we must distinguish between what is essential to being human and what we all are. In other words, Christ performing miracles and such is not unhuman, it is only that Christ performed them (not by exercising His own authority) but as all humans do, by petitioning God. Also, it is not that Christ underwent change in the incarnation (as the Council of Chalcedon refuted) but He took on a new epistemology. By this I mean that He knew how we know. The information did not change (what He knew) but the way it was received did (how we know). Furthermore, Christ in His humanity did not know when He was to return but in His deity He did. What I am saying is that Jesus was ultimately saying that as the perfect sinless submitted man He did not know the time of His return so how can any of us expect to know it? But this does not mean that Jesus did not know, it only means that by virtue of His omniscience He did, but if He had just one nature and was the perfect man, God still would not tell Him. This is why Christ said Son of Man, emphasizing His humanity. (This verse is surrounded with everything that is going to happen before and after Jesus returns. I highly doubt that Jesus would know every little detail but ultimately not the biggest one especially what He, Himself was going to do.) Also, Christ in his humanity underwent change (became tired, hungry, suffered, etc.) but in his divine nature He remained immutable, i.e. His holiness, love, justice remained the same. It is simply begging the question to say that both cannot be true; if they could not be true then they would not be true.

3. Jesus is equal to the Father in essence. Jesus submits to the Father. Both cannot be true but the scripture affirms both.

[This] is an equivocation in a sense because you are taking submission in negative connotations. We would agree that both my boss and myself are equal in our nature (not in the Trinitarian sense, but we are both humans) but are roles are different. This is even more true for a Being (in three persons) who is united perfectly in thought, purpose and action. The analogy is not the best but what it means is that even though Christ is submitted to the Father it does not subtract from their equality. C.S. Lewis described it like a book resting on top of another book from all eternity. Furthermore, His submission in the Godhead must be distinguished from His submission in His humanity. In the flesh, Christ submitted as the perfect human. In His divinity, His submission is eternal and He eternally agrees and works and the Father agrees with Him. Yes, the Father sent the Son but in a real sense, Christ chose freely to go. Also everything Christ does, the Father is pleased with but it does not follow that the Father made Him (in the coercive sense) do anything or that God was surprised at Christ’s obedience. It reveals their unity. This relates back to the Trinitarian idea of divine simplicity where all members are in agreement forever (never was a time when they were not) that the son would come and take on flesh.

4. God chose those who would be saved before the foundation of the world. A genuine response of faith, of the human will, is required to appropriate the salvation that God gives. Both cannot be true but both are affirmed in scripture.

Both are true and there is no contradiction. Firstly, God created all things including time (Jude 1:25). Therefore, as Augustine noted, before space and time is not an appropriate expression even though temporal beings cannot help using it. Thus, to God before the foundation of the world is right now. The entailment follows that God’s electing a believer is simultaneous from His perspective with them choosing Him. All things are present and timeless to God in the eternal atemporal present so one does not precede the other nor is one based on the other. They are in accordance with each other. This is the traditional understanding of predestination and is found in the early church fathers to the early Augustine, Anselm, most notably in Boethius and Aquinas.

Michael Jordan on Failure

2011-05-04T00:22:00.001-04:00

"Memories of Charlestown Road" - Glenn Hancock

2011-05-02T21:08:00.007-04:00

My second cousin, Glenn Hancock, is the closest living relative my dad still has on his side of my family. Actually, dad still has several cousins and distant relatives, but "Uncle" Glenn (as I affectionately refer to him) is like his brother. Not only is Glenn a superior court judge, but he is also a billiards connoisseur and the self-appointed historian of New Albany, Indiana. He wrote the following piece about ten years ago, reminiscing of his boyhood adventures on Charlestown Road in the 1960s.

As the story goes, a young soldier wounded in Vietnam was at the MASH unit. The surgeon examined him and told him he would heal just fine.

The surgeon said, “Where you from soldier?”

The soldier replied, “Winston, Ohio. A little town outside of Columbus.”

The surgeon said, “Oh yeah, what is the name of that little variety store and ice cream drive through on the edge of town?”

The soldier replied, “Yes sir, that's the Premiere and the Creamery. Have you been to Winston?”

“No,” the surgeon said, “I am from the same little town in Illinois.”

Well, I am from the same little town in Indiana. Let me take those of us in our 40s and 50s down a memory lane named Charlestown Road and tell you my childhood story. It seems that Charlestown Road started and ended at Colonial Club swimming pool because that is where I walked to and came from each day. As I walked to the pool, there would be other youngsters coming out of the other residential side streets and residences. Often we would form a fairly large group as those from Lynnwood, Millerwood, and Lilly Lane would join us. We passed Dexter Sisk Gulf Station (now Rental Mart), the first place I ever bought an Orange Crush that you slid across the track of the chest style machine and then pulled up through the coin device. Unless there was a brief stop at Dunn’s Variety Store, the rest of the one mile walk was a straight shot so that we could get there.

The pool was great. A large swimming pool with lots of kids, a separate 11 foot diving pool with a high dive, a concession stand with all the classic goodies like frozen Zero bars, Slo-Poke suckers, and the world’s best red licorice. The older guys played basketball out front across from those large swings that seemed 20 feet tall. All of the area was filled with the sounds of the jukebox on the clubhouse porch. It seemed that only girls played the jukebox. That may be because I went to the pool each day with my two older sisters. That also probably explain why I am still fond of the girls songs like “I Wanna Be Bobby’s Girl,” “It’s My Party,” and “My Boyfriend’s Back.” As I got older, I caught on to who was playing the jukebox and started hanging around the jukebox.

As we left the pool, we passed Trinity United Methodist Church and the original Graceland Baptist Church with its array of black and white buses. The rest of the walk home was a stopping tour on Charlestown Road. Having limited funds (very limited), we could each only purchase at one location but that could be three stops since there were three of us. Sloane’s was on the corner of Klerner Lane (now Papa John’s). It was a bit adult oriented. Rumor has it that they sold fireworks. But occasionally we would stop for twinkies or cupcakes. Dunn’s Variety Store, on the point of Charlestown Road and Old Ford Road, was probably our favorite. It had everything including a soda fountain. Mr. Dunn would usually wait on us himself. He was a large man with wavy hair and a great deal of patience. From Dunn’s, we would walk the parking lot past Duffy’s. Duffy’s had real food. We were more interested in
sweets and junk food. Then between the pumps at Parr’s Marathon to Payne Hardware (now Zesto) and through the gravel, rail fence, walkway to Mutual Trust Bank. Those were not regular stops as we were to young to drive, not very interested in the hardware, and had no financial wherewithall. The next stop was the Zesto, a classic then and now. The Zesto was on the point of Slate Run Road and Charlestown Road and was always a flurry of activity. There were so many delights at Zesto that I could write about but my favorite was the Cherry Derby, a vanilla cone dipped in cherry syrup which froze and formed a delicious covering over the ice cream. Then our journey continued through the cars at Lone Star Auto (now the car wash) and to Kannapel’s Dairy Drive, later Receveur’s Liquors (now Russ Thomas Insurance). Our mother worked at the Dairy Drive so we would visit and bum money. Then on home past Winn Dixie (later Walgreens), the doctor’s office (now Rasmussen Chiropractic), Bertie Kahl’s filling station, and past Mr. Schmidt’s house (now Arby’s). Old Mr. Schmidt would usually be sitting on his front porch. We would say hello because he had glasses as thick as a coke bottle and had the vision of Mr. McGoo. Although he couldn’t see us, he could hear us and was glad to have someone to speak to.

My first organized sports experience was pre-Little League baseball just off Charlestown Road at Fairmont School. We played there on weekday mornings. There were several teams, four I believe, but there were only two coaches. Bill and Bob Braunbeck coached all of the teams, prepared the field and umpired the games. Somehow they made it quite enjoyable.

Charlestown Road had a spattering of earlier businesses, such as the Texaco (later Taco Bell), the Phillips 66 at Genung (now the Big Foot Shell), and Union Bank (now the Clothes Cottage) next to U.S. Steel, Jerry’s Restaurant, and Floyd County Motors (now ERL). But I believe the commercial development boom of Charlestown Road began with the smaller shopping center, which housed Convenient Food Mart (now Lightning Food Mart), Irwin Drugs (now James the Cleaner) and Lone Star Bakery. Convenient Food Mart was faithfully manned by Orville Loughmiller and Irwin Drugs had a rat fink machine. Cigarettes were 24 cents at Convenient. My older brother would give me a quarter to walk up and get him a pack and I could keep the penny, which I usually spent on candy coated chocolates called Sixlets. This small strip shopping center was quickly followed by Colonial Manor Shopping Center, which was initially occupied by Kroger, Taylor Drugs, and Book’s 5 & 10. Kroger was on the north end opposite of where it is now. The Tribune bundles were dropped in front of Taylor’s. Several paperboys would pick up for their various routes. I was not a paperboy but I would ride my bike there each day because I was a show off and could do a wheely all the way across the parking lot on my Huffy GTO. My most impacting memory of Book’s 5 & 10 was walking out one afternoon with a friend of mine and being stopped by the manager, Bill. He asked my friend what he had in his pocket. We were about 13 you see and my friend had taken two candy bars without paying for them. Bill asked him his name and phone number. Bill did not call the police and my friend did not go to juvenile court. It was far worse. Bill called his dad. We were required to stay (held, if you will) until his dad arrived. I was sent home and my friend never discussed the rest of that day. I assume he was trying to forget it. Norm’s Exxon (now Planters Bank) was built out front of Colonial Manor next to Drs. Robert and Paul Receveur’s office (now Community Bank). Then came the fast food restaurants. McDonald’s located on Huckleberry’s farm next to Weisenbach’s farm (now Schuler Bauer Real Estate). Neither of these were really farms but they were a couple of acres and sold their produce and eggs if you stopped to buy it. Then came Famous Recipe Chicken (now California Tan), Kentucky Fried Chicken and Wendy’s of course, Duffy’s survived until it became Tumbleweed, which then moved to the Old Lone Star Café. A good way on in was Manus Drive-In, which had curb service. The first place I ever had a restaurant bought pizza was Manus Drive-In.

At about this stage I was earning cash cutting grass, including Dr. Pierce’s office at Garrettson Lane next to Steve’s Barber Shop and the Vi-Villa apartments (now PNC Bank). The Vi-Villa was a first generation apartment development consisting of three duplexes and one concrete block house all neatly painted white with coal black trim.

I attended grade school just off of Charlestown Road at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. My walk home included passing Hanen’s horse farm (now Charlestown Station) and a stop at Winn Dixie. We would wait for the Hazelwood bus, which stopped in front of Winn-Dixie to see if any friends or cute girls got off. Winn Dixie had a 5 cent RC Cola machine where the cup would drop down in the middle and a stream of liquid would dispense from each side and fill the cup. One stream was clear and the other one brown. I assume it was cola syrup and water. Then you would slide open a little plastic door and retrieve your soft drink. All that entertainment and a soft drink for just a nickel. Jean was the head checker. She loved to see us come in. Although we probably bothered her, she too had great patience. As one who attended a Catholic school, I often times had various products and chances to sell. I would always stop at the Stein’s directly across from Winn Dixie. If I remember correctly, Mr. Stein was the owner of Stein’s Shoe Store. The Stein’s were always quite willing to purchase our products and I distinctly recall that their home is the first home I ever saw with a horseshoe driveway and a sunken living room. In today’s world it would probably be called a tri-level, but back then it was a sunken living room.

My first hourly job was at The Rental Mart, which was located next to Mr. Buchheit’s (now The Total Picture). It had formerly been Lossen Auto Electric and has since been Shumate Carpet, Steve’s Meats, Erni’s Meats, Heitzman’s Bakery, and is currently The Washing Well. We would buy gas at Freeway Station (now Sonic), which held personal accounts for customers.

Liddie Pontiac Cadillac moved their dealership to the Floyd County Motors and a car wash was built across Coes Lane from Liddie’s next to Jerry’s (later Duke’s). This new car wash had self service gas pumps. You got a discount on a car wash if you bought gas or vice versa. And a Radio Shack (now Lee’s Liquors) was built on the other side of Jerry’s. Along with this development came several apartment units, a fire station, and a few office buildings and conversions. The first of which was McGrain & McGrain at the corner of Genung.

My childhood Charlestown Road in the 1960’s is no longer just two lanes and has changed considerably. What remains are my cherished memories, my deep appreciation for being raised in a time and place you could walk the street and ride your bike without fear and “where children could be children.”

Thank you for joining me along Charlestown Road. I hope your stroll was enjoyable. Maybe a Cherry Derby is in order.

(Originally published in The Tribune on Sunday September 30, 2001)

Phillips, Craig & Dean - "Pour My Love on You"

2011-03-29T23:09:00.001-04:00

Doyle Lawson - "My Lord Delivered Me"

2011-03-28T15:53:00.003-04:00

I love all kinds of music - even bluegrass! That may sound strange from a guy who loves rap, but every genre has something to offer to the artistic spectrum. I saw Doyle Lawson live in Mitchell, Indiana in 1999, and I still think they are the kings of bluegrass music. Check them out for yourself.

The Cats Say "Good Knight" to the Tar Heels

2011-03-27T20:08:00.008-04:00

The Kentucky Wildcats have reached the Final Four after a 13-year absence.

Freshman phenom Brandon Knight scored 22 points as the fourth-seeded Wildcats reclaimed college basketball's biggest stage following a 76-69 win over second-seeded North Carolina in tonight's East Regional final. DeAndre Liggins put the game out of reach by hitting a three-pointer with 35 seconds remaining (the video below shows Liggins coming up BIG for the Cats). He and senior Josh Harrelson each contributed 12 points as the Wildcats tied North Carolina with 106 all-time wins in the NCAA Tournament.

The Wildcats (29-8) will play UConn in Houston on April 2, their first Final Four appearance since 1998. John Calipari joins Rick Pitino as the only men's coaches to lead three different programs to the Final Four. The most illustrious program in college basketball history has returned to its historic glory. Only one thing remains to complete Kentucky's dream season - national championship number eight.

I'm LOVING Blog Madness 2011

2011-03-21T00:27:00.006-04:00

SBC Blog Madness 2011 is underway over at SBC Voices. Vote for Living With Fire (#9 seed in the West Region) and check out some new blogs from other wonderful brothers and sisters in God's Kingdom. My personal favorites are Kingdom People by Trevin Wax (who provides intriguing cultural and theological links each day), Moore to the Point by Russell Moore (whose regular Friday series, "The Cross and the Jukebox," has been the best audio material in the blogosphere during 2011), SBC Voices, and This Old Dome by Andrew Ditty (who is currently in a pre-1995 technology fast for Lent 2011). Let the Madness continue!

Kutless - "Sea of Faces"

2011-03-21T00:19:00.001-04:00

Tom Elliff's Acceptance Speech to the IMB

2011-03-17T01:16:00.003-04:00

This is Tom Elliff's prepared presidential acceptance speech to the International Mission Board.

Tom Elliff

Thank you for your expression of confidence and support. Over the past few weeks I have said repeatedly that Jeannie and I are humbled by the grace of God and so appreciative of your prayers.

Right now our hearts are full of gratitude to the Lord for the privilege of serving Him in this manner, and for the incredible honor we feel it is to serve the SBC along with you, our IMB board, and our wonderful family of missionaries from around the world. I am aware that I stand on the shoulders of some great men of faith, not the least of whom is Dr. Jerry Rankin whose presence today Jeannie and I appreciate so much.

There are several matters on my heart, so please bear with me for just a very few moments, after which you will hear from Dr. Bryant Wright, the president of our convention.

At the very outset there is the matter of prayer itself.

I think you would agree with me that the IMB, and all our constituents, should be willing to stoke the flames in a veritable furnace of unceasing prayer. As we look with horror and deep sadness at the graphic images of the recent tragedies in Japan, our hearts go out in prayer. We pray that through all that happens in the unfolding days of this tragedy and in the recovery that follows, the very manner in which we minister and the words of compassion we share will carry the love and grace of God as revealed through Christ our Savior. Through the cooperative efforts of Southern Baptists and their agencies, such as the IMB and BGR, and our long association with Baptists in Japan, we desire to provide an assistance that is both effective and enduring. But we must not cease to pray for them, and for others across this globe whose lives are in turmoil and disruption.

Jeannie and I would also like you to pray for us. Each day as we lift our hearts before the Lord, we have seven requests. Would you join us in these prayers?

1. That we would live with a constant, looming awareness of the presence of the Lord, and that we are His ambassadors. Paul reminds us that, “we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Ambassadors should operate with a constant awareness of the one whom they represent. But that awareness also gives them a remarkable confidence as they follow his bidding.

2. That we would seek a pure heart. David, the Shepherd-King, reminds us that it is the pure-hearted who ascend to the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place (Psalm 24: 3-4). We don’t want any hooks on the walls of our heart upon which Satan can hang keys to dark closets.

3. That we would be filled with the Spirit of God. Spiritual “fullness” is more than a command (Ephesians 5:18); it is a necessity for accomplishing God’s work, God’s way. Spiritual fullness indicates more than the presence of the Lord. It indicates a constant internal pressure to release the life of Christ.

4. That we would express both the gifts and the graces that come with the fullness of God’s Spirit. Paul writes of the gifts of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. And Isaiah writes of the graces attending the life of Christ in Isaiah 11:2. Both are needed if we are to enjoy all God has for us, and remain effective in His service.

5. That we would never knowingly give the Adversary some opportunity to mock our Lord. Satan constantly looks for opportunities to demean the Lord in the eyes of others. It is our desire never to be found in cooperation with his devious plans.

6. That God would protect our family, spiritually, morally, physically, and mentally. Anyone who serves the Lord is aware of the constant attacks launched by the Adversary. Sometimes the attacks are directly against us, but other times we can become distracted by the attacks launched against those we love. We seek to live under God’s authority, and under His wings of protection (Psalm 91).

7. That we would remain true to the vision God has painted on the walls of our hearts. Where there is no vision, no revelation from God, people operate without restraint (Proverbs 29:18). Without a vision as your compass, life can become an endless series of meaningless wanderings. God has painted a great vision on the walls of our hearts, and we want to pursue it passionately and without deviation.

So there you have it! As God brings Jeannie and me to your mind, would you join with us in these seven specific prayers?

Admittedly, I am on a fast learning curve. There is so much I have yet to learn about the IMB, our organizational structure, our missionaries and the passion that drives the entire IMB family. But there is no better atmosphere in which a student could find himself; an atmosphere of love, trust, and faithfulness coupled with an unparalleled sense of urgency to share the message of the Gospel with a broken and sin-damaged world.

But for a moment I’d like to ask you to look inside my heart, and know the questions that frame my view of missions.

These questions are woven into the very fabric of the Great Commission. Jesus spoke to His followers saying, “All authority has been given me in heaven and earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt 28:18-20).

Here are the questions that will guide me while serving as your president.

IS IT BIBLICAL?

Surely we all agree that our proposals, our endeavors, the manner in which we do our work, not to mention the very doctrines that we embrace, must find their root in the heart of God as expressed in His Holy Word?

I pledge to you that I will never take those convictions for granted. They have come to us at too high a price. That is why we, all of us must remain attentive to this issue. Ours is a spiritual work, a work only made possible by the Spirit of God. Thus all we have done in the past, and all we do together in the future, will be initially measured by this standard. Is it Biblical?

The issue of biblical authority, sound theology, and scriptural cohesion is so important that early on, hopefully as early as the next meeting of our board, I will be proposing to you that we again fill a vice presidents position, somewhat like the one that has been vacant since my resignation two years ago.

We will fill that position with an individual of noted theological expertise, someone who will work closely and constantly among our hot-hearted missionaries and staff, someone who will carry the banner for God’s Word; someone who will reach out to our great schools and seminaries, mining the gold of both their students and their mission strategies.

In everything, we will first ask is it biblical? Is this consistent with the teaching of our Lord, and can it be accomplished in the Spirit and in the grace of our Savior. As I visit with our wonderful missionaries, and that is a privilege I eagerly anticipate in the days ahead, it will be with this message on my heart: The will of God is revealed to the man or woman of God, by the Spirit of God, through the Word of God.

IS IT BALANCED?

That is the second question on my heart. Inherent in the great commission are three great responsibilities: evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.

Over the years, we have constantly asked how best to accomplish each of these three essential tasks. I want to embrace and reinforce that commitment.

We are to evangelize … but the Great Commission is more!

We are to disciple … but the Great Commission is more!

We are to plant churches … but the Great Commission is more!

That is why your IMB staff, and your missionaries are committed to this balanced approach to the task before us. Admittedly, each one of us might find ourselves more gifted, more able, and more happy when fulfilling just one of these tasks. That is why it takes all of us, working together to fulfill the Great Commission.

As we constantly seek to push the envelope, exploring vast arenas of spiritual lostness, I want to assure you that it is the desire of your president, our IMB staff and missionaries to evangelize, disciple, and plant churches. We are most effective as we maintain this balance in our strategies for reaching our world with the Gospel.

IS IT BOLD?

Why did our Lord begin this commission with a reminder of His authority, and conclude it with the promise of His presence? Because the mere act of obedience to the commission would require boldness such as the world had never witnessed.

If ever there was a day that required boldness on our part, it is this day. Our world is changing at quantum speed. The world today is in many ways markedly different than it was eighteen months ago when Dr. Rankin resigned. It appears as if the reel of history is rapidly spinning, and we are wise to believe that the last few frames could rip off in our very lifetime. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
But this reality requires a remarkably bold approach on our part. No longer can we be content to simply be “for” missions. It is to be the work that consumes us.

Our theme, for the days ahead, “I am Southern Baptist Missions” is a reminder that we must go to the uttermost … now!

It is also a reminder that the IMB does not operate in a vacuum. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of the Southern Baptist Convention. We exist because Southern Baptists long ago realized the truth that more can be done by working together than working alone. That is the simple truth behind the Cooperative Program. That is the reality that must fire our hearts for sacrificial giving through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

But how does this simple truth translate into missions?

Right now, there are 6,734 unreached people groups.

Right now, 3,800 of those people groups are unengaged. To our knowledge, no one has “taken them on” adopting them as their burden. One thing is certain; they will never be reached until they are first engaged.

Remarkably, our staff has carefully developed all the pieces needed to fully engage these 3,800 people groups. While “some assembly is required,” they are both able and committed to doing all that is necessary to mobilize our SBC churches in a fashion never before thought possible.
By God’s grace, and with your prayers, and with the heart commitment of Southern Baptists everywhere, I want to introduce at this 2011 meeting of the SBC a simple plan by which each one of these 3,800 unengaged people groups can be embraced by a Southern Baptist congregation, adopted, taken into heart, prayed over, studied and strategized over with the full intent of ultimately engaging them.

What’s more, I believe we can accomplish this within one year. Think of it! Should Jesus grant us the days, by the 2012 meeting of the SBC, Southern Baptists will be able to say that to our knowledge a commitment has been made. And steps have been taken – for each of these people groups by at least one church – to see a Gospel witness among every unengaged people on this planet!

It is by God’s grace that we have approximately 5,000 missionaries around the world. These are your boots on the ground. But in the end, the fulfillment of the Great Commission will require local churches, your church, becoming burdened for the unengaged and unreached of this world, signing on, and creating vibrant partnerships. This is not a new way of doing missions, it is the biblical way, and your missionaries are eager for you to awaken to this reality and join them.

For almost 166 years, local churches have been sending their missionaries through the agency of the International Mission Board. Through our cooperative efforts the IMB strives to provide the best in training, strategy, methodology and support. So we must say to our churches, “You are the key to reaching our world with the message of Christ. We urge your participation and will do all we are able to do to assist you in effectively fulfilling the Great Commission.

Should the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention rise to this challenge? Should the IMB selflessly and tirelessly join hands while pointing the way? Should we become passionate and selfless in our effort to reach the lost?

God might just be inclined to bless our nation with the spiritual awakening we are so desperately needing.

And the Gospel will be proclaimed to the uttermost ... now!

That is my prayer. And that is the end to which I pledge my efforts as your 11th president in our 166-year history of faithfully carrying the Gospel to the uttermost.

(Excerpted from the IMB website's News & Information page.)

Kutless - "It Is Well with My Soul"

2011-03-17T01:10:00.001-04:00

Thoughts about Heaven

2011-03-16T00:29:00.006-04:00

"The critical question for our generation — and for every generation — is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there?" - John Piper

"I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven." - A.W. Tozer

"No, I don’t know the future, but I do know this: the best is yet to be! Heaven awaits us, and that will be far, far more glorious than anything we can ever imagine.

"I know that soon my life will be over. I thank God for it, and for all He has given me in this life. But I look forward to Heaven. I look forward to the reunion with friends and loved ones who have gone on before. I look forward to Heaven’s freedom from sorrow and pain. I also look forward to serving God in ways we can’t begin to imagine, for the Bible makes it clear that Heaven is not a place of idleness.

"And most of all, I look forward to seeing Christ and bowing before Him in praise and gratitude for all He has done for us, and for using me on this earth by His grace - just as I am." - Billy Graham

Blog Madness 2011

2011-03-15T00:50:00.002-04:00

I'm excited to announce that SBC Voices is hosting Blog Madness 2011! Any Southern Baptist blog can be nominated for a shot to be called the 2011 SBC blogging champion! Readers of Living With Fire can pay a visit to SBC Voices and nominate this blog for entrance into the field of bloggers. And, while you're at it, feel free to nominate your other favorite blogs for consideration - each person is allowed up to ten nominations!

Let the madness begin!

Kutless - "That's What Faith Can Do"

2011-03-14T13:51:00.001-04:00

Living With Fire Celebrates 7,000

2011-03-13T15:24:00.005-04:00

On March 13, 2011, Living With Fire received its 7,000th page view! I want to express my appreciation to the faithful readers by sharing some fun statistics about this website.

- Living With Fire has been visited by people from 10 different countries, the majority of them being from America. Visitors also come from Canada, the Netherlands, South Korea, Australia, Germany, the Phillippines, the United Kingdom, India, and Russia.

- First post: December 23, 2008.

- Busiest month: February 2011 with 1,515 page views.

- Slowest month: December 2008, the first month this blog went online

- Total blog posts: 253

- Busiest year: 2010 (115 total posts)

- Slowest year: 2008 (all 5 posts came during the last week of the year, when Living With Fire was initially launched)

- Most viewed posts:
1) How to Love Everyone (335 page views);
2) Introducing the Bible Wheel and (325 views); and
3) Analyzing the Altar (300 views)

- Posts with most comments:
1) Inspiring Quotes to Ponder (8 comments)
2) Setting the Record Straight: Ergun Caner's Statement (7 comments)
3) The Doctrine of Election (4 comments)

- My personal favorites:
1) The Fragrance of Forgiveness
2) Saying Good-Bye to Greatness

I'd like to hear from some of you readers. What have been your favorite posts from Living With Fire?

Use What You Have

2011-03-12T00:19:00.002-05:00

(Matthew 25:14-30)

I. The Setting (vv.14-15)

A. Not all men are created equal in God's Kingdom.
B. Each person is given stewardship over certain Kingdom responsibilities based upon what (s)he can handle. "to each man according to his several ability" (v.15)

II. The Stewardship (vv.16-18)

A. The first two servants doubled their talents by "trading" with them - by getting "engaged" to the gifts they were given and investing them in God's Kingdom. (vv.16-17)
B. The third buried his talent and it remained unused. (v.18)

III. The Settlement (vv.19-30)

A. A Happy Day of Reward (vv.19-23)

1. Both servants received the commendation of the Master.
2. Even though they gained different levels of profit for the Master, both are given the same reward based upon the genuine faithfulness of each servant.

B. A Horrible Day of Rejection (vv.24-30)

1. This "wicked and slothful servant" was unprofitable because he "was afraid." (v.25)
2. In regards to Kingdom responsibilities and gifts, if you don't use what you have, you will lose it.

Camp Jubilee - Tazewell, TN

2011-03-11T00:55:00.001-05:00

Camp Jubilee is a Christian Camp and Conference Center proudly offering summer camp to students entering grades 3-12. Since 1986, this unique ministry has been pointing young people to Christ. The camp offers youth an exciting environment where they are presented with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Available activities include swimming, tubing, canoeing, hiking, basketball, volleyball, softball, putt-putt golf, hayrides, archery, mountain bikes, and a waterslide. The combination of exciting praise, worship, preaching, and teaching allows students to have fun while leaving camp spiritually grounded in the LORD. You can contact the camp using the following information:

Ronnie Owens Ministries/Camp Jubilee
3316 Owens Ridge Rd.
Tazewell, TN 37879
423-733-8581

The video below highlights the attractions and activities at Camp Jubilee. Why not pray about sponsoring a youth this summer?

R-Swift - "Shattered"

2011-03-10T13:20:00.001-05:00

Ravi Zacharias on Sovereignty & Responsibility

2011-03-08T12:49:00.007-05:00

The sovereignty and responsibility issue should really be seen as two opposite poles of the same position. Light, for example, is viewed from some vantage points as particles. From other vantage points it is viewed as waves. Scientists are aware that light could not be both particles and waves, so they have coined a term for it, a kind of a construct, and they call it a “photon.” All they have done is create a word and a category that accommodates both perspectives which are real. I think you should view the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man as a kind of a precious stone with two facets to it. When it catches the light from one direction, you see one color; when it catches the light from the other direction you see the other color. Our propensity in the Western world to put God into a box and to systematize everything sometimes violates a fundamental precept in philosophy. It is not possible for a finite person to infinitely understand the infinite. If a finite person can fully understand the infinite, the very category of infinity is destroyed. So my proposal to you is to see both of these perspectives and hold them in balance.

For example, the biblical writers held these in tension. When you look at Acts 2:23, Peter is addressing the people. After the crucifixion of Jesus, he says, “That which God hath ordained from before the foundation of the world, you with wicked hands have taken and crucified.” What is he talking about? “That which God hath foreordained (the sovereignty of God) you with wicked hands have taken and crucified (the responsibility of man).” Peter holds it in tension. The apostle Paul in Philippians 2:12 does the same thing. He says, “Work out your own salvation (the responsibility of man), for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (the sovereignty of God).” So Paul holds it in tension. Jesus also in Matthew 18:7 says, “Offenses must come, but woe unto him through whom they come” - the sovereignty of God and responsibility of man. So in an attempt to try to clearly highlight either of these two extremes, you will do violence to the other.

In Romans 9, it is imperative that [we] understand the context. In Romans, chapters 9, 10 and 11, Paul is primarily writing to the Jewish church in order to get them to understand that the chosenness that God had given to them was a privilege with concomitant responsibilities. He goes on to show that their privileged position was given to them because someone had to be a mouthpiece to the world and God chose the least of all the nations. He did not choose the philosophers in Greece; He did not choose the imperial might of Rome; He did not choose the splendor of Babylon. He chose a tiny little nation with whom and through whom He was going to pronounce the oracles to the rest of the world. Now, with that great privilege came a proportionate responsibility. So that chosenness was one of instrumentality, and to whom much was given much was also required. In the same way, I believe this principle applies to preachers. Just because we are called upon to stand in front of people and proclaim, it does not necessarily mean we have a better deal going for us. The fact is that our lives must be proportionate to the privilege and responsibility.

The passage in Peter expresses God’s desire for all mankind. Of course, He is not willing that any should perish. Now, what you need to do is recognize that foreknowledge and foreordination are not the same thing. I may know, for example, that as I see my child about to lift something heavy that he is not going to be able to lift it, but there are times when I stand back and watch in an attempt to teach this individual the fact that there are some loads too heavy for a smaller body to handle. Now when you are looking at the sovereignty of God, it is undeniable that God is sovereign in history. He is even able to take the evil intents of people and turn them around to good benefits. But isn’t that true of all life? There are some things in life that are givens - you and I have no control over them, but we do have options as to how we are going to deal with those givens, and that is where our responsibility comes in.

When you think of the mystery of sovereignty and responsibility, the very incarnation of Christ carries this enigma. Here is the sovereign God dwelling in a finite body with all of its limitations. So in my initial answer to you, may I suggest that you look at these two points as opposite poles of a dialectic; we cannot take God and put Him in a box as absolutely free. Somewhere the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man meet. The picture I have in mind is not of overlapping circles, as if each circle represented one extreme of the pole, but of conjoining circles. At some spot the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man meet. To try to answer it and explain it away would require infinite knowledge. The challenge you and I face, therefore, in life is to see how we can responsibly operate within the parameters that are so clear - God is sovereign, and yet I have the freedom and reserve the right to say yes or to say no. You see, God has given to every man the fundamental privilege of trusting Him or refusing to trust Him. You know, the old illustration used to be the sign outside of Heaven saying “Whosoever will may come,” and once you enter in, you see the sign that says, “Chosen before the foundation of the world.” A person who is truly born again recognizes that it was really the grace of God that brought him there because he could ever have come this way himself. It does not in any way mitigate or violate the choice that he made. The choice man makes is to trust God’s provision. Frankly, the tendency we may sometimes have is to complain that there is only one door to Heaven. Rather than complaining about it, we ought to thank God that there is at least one door by which we may enter.

There have been Calvinists and Arminians, giants of the faith, on both sides of the fence. I believe what John Calvin says holds very true: “Where God has closed His holy mouth let us learn not to open ours.” My own perspective on this is that God’s assurance of sovereignty is given to the person who wonders whatever caused him to merit the salvation, and God’s challenge of free will is to the person who tends to blame God for having even brought him into this world and that he has nothing to do to control his destiny. When you look at the encounter between Pharaoh and Moses, you see the constant availability of data given to Pharaoh, and the hardening process is really not a predestined one. It is a description after the fact that God was going to reveal the face that this man’s heart was already hardened. Remember, God operates in the eternal now.

So to sum up once again, the chapters of Romans 9, 10 and 11 are Paul’s theological treatise to the Jews to alert them to the fact that this great privilege does not let them get away scot-free. They have an enormous and a proportionate responsibility. He goes on to alert other nations that, rather than complaining about it, they should be glad that a privilege was given to someone, and through that someone this message has come to them also. In fact, if you read Romans 1, 2 and 3, you will find out that the privilege that the Jew had, in many ways, for many of them, turned out to be a disadvantage. If you read Romans 5, you will find out that even though God called Abraham, it was the faith of Abraham that justified him. Once again you see the sovereignty and responsibility. Why don’t we leave this enigma within the divine mind and just be grateful for the privilege that we have heard His voice and we can turn and follow Him?

May I strongly recommend that you pick up the book written by J. I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. His introductory comments alone, dealing with the difference between a contradiction and a paradox, are well done. If God were absolutely sovereign, then it would be a contradiction to say that man is absolutely free. God is not absolutely sovereign to the point that He can call something that is not as if it actually were. For example, God cannot make squares into circles. That would be a contradiction. So absolute sovereignty is really not what is being talked about here. God, therefore, has chosen to give us the option and, within that framework, He cannot call us free while absolutely violating that freedom. Both poles exist - His sovereignty and our responsibility. We rest on the fact that God is just, that God is love, that God is good, and He woos us enough so that we may trust Him and yet gives us enough freedom so that we might know that this freedom cannot be transformed into coercion.

Ravi K. Zacharias/1987

J. Mark Lowe on Who Do You Think You Are?

2011-03-07T14:16:00.001-05:00

My cousin, J. Mark Lowe, is a genealogist who currently serves as Vice President of the Southern Kentucky Genealogical Society. He is also the former President of the of the Association of Professional Genealogists as well as the former Vice President and Secretary of the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

Mark was a featured guest on a recent episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, which featured popular singer Lionel Richie. Mark carried himself professionally and intelligently, and I was very proud to see him hit a home run on the national stage. His scene begins at the six-minute mark and lasts around five minutes. Mark - I'm one of your biggest fans! Love you, brother!

The False Doctrine of Universalism

2011-03-06T15:49:00.005-05:00

ABC's Good Morning America broadcast a segment this morning about the exploding controversy surrounding Rob Bell's new book, "Love Wins." Some vitriolic vocabulary is being spewed toward those who disagree with Bell's implications about eternity. Although the "neo-Calvinistas" (as Jarrod McKenna called them) - those who predominantly embrace reformed theology - are responsible for the majority of the backlash against Bell's unorthodox theology, they are not behaving unlovingly toward Rob Bell. Conversely, preserving the truth of the Gospel message is an act of love. If the reality of hell is compromised, then the Gospel means nothing. A false Gospel can imitate love, but will ultimately fail in its ability to transform a soul.

I love you, Rob Bell. I really do, and that's why I have prayed for you and will continue to do so (though admittedly not as much as I should). Yet the heresy of universalism is a false doctrine which will undoubtedly send millions of souls into eternal torment. The idea that everyone will be saved by "love" negates the necessity of the Gospel message. The only way love can "win" is for sin to be justly punished by a holy God. And the only way of escape is through the blood of Christ. One soul in hell because of a false doctrine is one soul too many.

What Men Want

2011-03-01T18:18:00.007-05:00

Remember, ladies: all of these rules are equally important. Thus, each rule is numbered "1" on purpose. Learn and live these principles to enjoy a long-lasting relationship with the man of your dreams.

1. Men are NOT mind readers. (FIRST & FOREMOST RULE)

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports or news: these are like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just SAY it!

1. "Yes" and "No" are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both.
If you already know best how to do it , just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Captain Cook did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as football or cars.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

The Scriptural Standards for Success

2011-02-28T12:30:00.001-05:00

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

I. Entrust your absolute confidence to God. (v.5)

A. Accept the security of the Lord. “Trust in the Lord”
B. Assert your surrender to the Lord. “with all thine heart”
C. Admit the sufficiency of the Lord. “and lean not unto thine own understanding”

II. Express your absolute commitment to God. (v.6a) “In all thy ways acknowledge him”

III. Enjoy the absolute control of God. (v.6b) “and he shall direct thy paths”

A. This is a conditional promise.
B. This is a certain promise. “and he shall direct thy paths”
C. This is a Christian promise. “and he shall direct thy paths”

Michael Reagan - Farewell to Dad

2011-02-27T00:09:00.003-05:00

Weeping as I watched this video in the privacy of a quiet room, I thought about my dad. One day I'll stand before a crowd and tell of how he raised me with integrity and love. Only I desire for him to possess the gift that I already have - Jesus. My dad has captured my heart just because he's my dad. And he has been a good one. But something remains unfinished, because I want to spend eternity with him. I love ya, Dad.

Pay Tithes or Get Shot

2011-02-26T19:17:00.004-05:00

A recent article from Zee Karim on the ChicagoNow website sheds light on the growing shock and skepticism with which the world views the church. Considering the heretical teachings of prosperity gospel proponents, it's no wonder that Christians, clergymen, and churches are met with automatic suspicion. Christians worship Jesus, Americans worship money, and certain ministries are attempting to worship both. Don't get sucked into the false doctrines of the prosperity gospel. True prosperity is found in the Giver rather than the gifts.

Give Away Your Love

2011-02-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

A cheating heart is cowardly
A broken heart is brave
But never doubt decisions
Of the love you freely gave

Hearts die every second
In the harshness of this life
Perhaps the love you offered
Relieved a poor soul's strife

Sometimes your heart get trampled
When you did not deserve it
Take heart in knowing this:
The love you gave was worth it

Within this love-starved world
There's just one way to live
Saturate a thirsty heart
With love you have to give

The Scriptural Standards for Success

2011-02-24T08:47:00.003-05:00

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV

For the Christian, success can’t be measured by money, fame, or popularity. Such things never yield true satisfaction. The longings of Christian heart can never be filled with the vices of this world. Which begs the question: How can you find true success in the eyes of God?

You must first entrust your absolute confidence to God. Trust Him with every bit of faith that you can exercise, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)! You will never be found lacking any necessity for His purposes (Psalm 23:1). God’s children aren’t beggars when it comes to spiritual satisfaction – you are divinely-appointed heirs of royalty (1 Peter 2:9)! It does not take great faith to trust in a God Who has never failed. Place your total trust in Him alone.

You should also express your absolute commitment to God. Everything you do should reflect His glory, and all things – what you think, speak, and even eat – should fall under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Each second, then, becomes an opportunity to display our devotion to our divine Master. Absolute commitment is not a mere motivation – it involves total surrender to Jesus Christ moment by moment. Consistent faithfulness guarantees the guidance of God.

Christians who fully trust in God enjoy the absolute control of God. God honors those who take seriously His plans and purposes. He will lead you by literally bulldozing the obstacles that stand in your way. Every single atom in the universe falls under the sovereign control of Almighty God. So don’t let pressure keep you from enjoying your journey toward Heaven. Enjoy God’s powerful presence – and keep striving for success by utilizing the right standards.

A Sermon from.....Haggai?!?!

2011-02-22T13:43:00.003-05:00

Here's a nice sermon outline sent to me today by a good pastor friend and great man of God, Jeff Draper. Jeff pastors Newcomb Baptist Church in Tennessee and possesses one of the most creative preaching minds I know. Whenever we get the chance to speak, I am always encouraged and ready to shuck corn! This sermon was sent to me untitled and I left it that way. Jeff told me to give credit to God, so here goes: to God be the glory! Oh, and by the way.....read the Book of Haggai today.

(Haggai 1:1-15)

I. What is important to us is stated in our proclamation. (vv.1-6)

II. What is important to us is seen in our priorities. (vv.7-11)

III. What is important to us is shown in our practices. (vv.12-15)

Elvis Presley - "Where Could I Go But to the Lord?"

2011-02-20T14:42:00.001-05:00

"Meathead" & Gloria Leave for California

2011-02-19T00:03:00.003-05:00

This is one of the most emotional scenes in television history. I saw my dad crying after watching this episode, and after viewing it myself, I wept, too. Top-notch acting and superb writing combine to form a classic television moment. Simply powerful.

That's Our Chris

2011-02-18T00:29:00.008-05:00

My Grandma wrote the following poem in the summer of 2008, shortly after the death of my great aunt, Christine Lowe (pictured here with my cousin Mark, dressed as Santa Claus). Aunt Chris was one of the sweetest ladies I've ever known. When I lived with my grandparents for ten months before coming to Clear Creek, Aunt Chris would call every morning and talk with Granddad. Just before I'd walk out the door to go to work, she'd get me on the phone and tell me she loved me. Her cheerfulness always put me in good spirits before a sweaty work day. That optimistic glow is captured in grandma's poem entitled, "That's Our Chris."

Chris was always full of fun
Showing kindness to everyone
She welcomed all who came around
Her joyful laugh was a happy sound.

You knew her love was really true
Because it was shown in things she would do
Chris made friends far and wide
She easily drew them to her side

Kind words always flowed from Chris
She filled our lives with joy and bliss
Now she’s in a better place
Talking with Jesus face-to-face

Still we miss her since she’s gone
But she’s happy and free in her new home
That’s our Chris

(Wanda Parker – June 30, 2008)

I take comfort in knowing I'll see her again one day. She's in the presence of her Lord and King, and I wouldn't change that for anything in the world. But still, I miss my Aunt Chris.

As On My Sin I Pondered Deep

2011-02-17T08:45:00.000-05:00

(The following poem is excerpted from a book by Dr. David Wayne Jeffares entitled, "Jewels From His Crown." Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.)

As on my sin I pondered deep,
Its grip to tear my soul,
By natural means I found no rest,
Nor balm to make me whole.

I sought to ease my tortured mind,
By thinking on the Good.
But still my guilt assumed its grasp,
On rocky ground I stood.

I could not by my strength alone
Break loose from Evil’s hold;
My sin remained a darkened blotch,
For all to well-behold.

Where could I go, and what to do,
To break this grip of Hell?
To crash its bars and free myself
From binding prison cell?

As I lay still upon the earth,
A Shadowed form did spread,
A man who hung upon a tree,
A man already dead.

As I beheld His loving form,
I saw the wound of spear;
A Reddened Stream poured from His side,
And from His eye a tear.

And I beneath did feel the warmth
Of freshly Sprinkled Blood,
And plunged myself beneath the flow
Of Calvary’s precious Flood.

And when I stood, my soul was clean,
No guilt or pain of sin;
The man upon the cruel tree,
Became to me a Friend.

And now I walk upon the Path,
With Light to show my way;
A Whispered voice within my heart,
To guide by night and day.

Rules for Real Romance

2011-02-16T22:34:00.002-05:00

(Song of Solomon 2:8-17)

I. Cherish your time together. (vv.8-14) [The start of the relationship]

A. Express your interest toward your mate. (vv.8-9)
B. Express your intentions to your mate. (vv.10-14)

II. Confront your troubles together. (v.15) [The strengthening of the relationship]

III. Commit your trust together. (vv.16-17) [The satisfaction of the relationship]

Why I LOVE the Bible

2011-02-14T00:39:00.004-05:00

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12, KJV

Saying the Bible is an important book is like saying the Pacific Ocean contains a lot of water. While it’s certainly a true statement, it minimizes the significance of the assertion. The Holy Bible is not only important, but also the greatest literary element in the universe, documenting a wide range of subjects. Within the Word of God one finds the origin of the universe (and the creation of everything therein), cataclysmic events (like the Great Flood), genealogical records, prophecy, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and even the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Certainly no other book in history has made the impact or been the source of so much debate as the Bible. Year after year, it continues to be the best-selling book in the world. But why do I find it so important?

I love the Bible primarily because it reveals the nature of Jehovah God. Yahweh, the God of Abraham (Genesis 24:12) who flung the stars into space and made the sun stand still (Joshua 10:12), cares enough about me to share Himself with me. I love that He wants to know me, that He loves me unconditionally, that He gave His only begotten Son to die so that I could have eternal life (John 3:16)! The loving personality of God (Romans 5:8) is revealed in the Holy Bible, as is His name (Exodus 3:14), His anger (1 Kings 11:9), His wrath (2 Chronicles 29:8), His faithfulness (Psalms 36:5), His justice (Isaiah 9:7), and His infinite nature (Revelation 1:8). The revelation of the person of God (i.e. who He is) is my primary reason for loving the Bible.

The Bible contains not only the nature of God Himself, but also His infinite wisdom. From Genesis to Revelation, you can find an answer to almost any problem or question imaginable. It contains a wealth of lessons and practical applications on subjects like betrayal (1 Samuel 18), finances (Malachi 3), vision (Habakkuk 2), heaven (Revelation 21), hell (Matthew 5), blessings and curses (Deuteronomy 28), sacrifice (Genesis 22), salvation (Romans 10), security (Psalms 23), charity (1 Corinthians 13), and faith (Hebrews 11). The list is endless. Any sufficient answer to life’s questions on this side of heaven can be found within the Holy Word of the Living God.

Finally, the undiscovered treasures still awaiting my discovery compel me to keep digging within the scriptures. The mysteries contained therein are too profound and too numerous to consider or calculate. Many scholars believe that the Torah contains the blueprints for the universe. In recent years, Bible Codes have been discovered that reveal important historical events hidden within scripture. Whether these codes are valid or not is debatable, but it does show the power and influence that the Bible holds.

I love the Bible because it reveals God’s nature, it reveals God’s wisdom, and it contains treasures of truth that I still need to discover. On this holiday designed to celebrate love, it's nice to be reminded of the love letter that never grows stale. God's Word has infinite potential to satisfy the heart beyond any human capability. Happy Valentine's Day.

The Created Cosmos (Part 3)

2011-02-12T00:03:00.000-05:00

The Created Cosmos (Part 2)

2011-02-11T00:04:00.000-05:00

The Created Cosmos (Part 1)

2011-02-10T23:54:00.003-05:00

This is a video of the acclaimed Creation Museum planetarium program designed by astrophysicist Jason Lisle.

Beginning from a stunning perspective just above the International Space Station, this fast-moving program probes the reaches of space as you are taken on a journey beyond our solar system to the edge of the known universe...and back again! Combining eye-popping images and state-of-the-art animation with faith-affirming facts from science and Scripture, this awe-inspiring planetarium show reveals amazing facts about our universe while exalting God as Creator. You will travel thousands of light-years between billions of planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies to discover the magnitude of our universe and of its Creator. The result is that a difficult message—the immense size and scale of the universe—is made simple!

For more information on this program, or to order a dvd, please visit Answers in Genesis.

Bruised but not Broken

2011-02-09T18:00:00.004-05:00

“But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men." – Lamentations 3:32-33, KJV

Even seasoned Christians have a tendency to express doubt about God’s character when bad things happen to “good” people. For some pseudo-intellectuals, the problem of evil is too much of a quandary to place faith in the Lord. Yet the Bible is clear that much of our temporary grief will yield long-term satisfaction. The trick is to trust the truth of Romans 8:28 when you feel like you’re the living proof of Romans 1:28.

Consider for a second the immutable goodness of God. When we suffer, God shows compassion by making it far more minimal than it could have been. Yet he takes no delight in painfully punishing us; it is His holy goodness that compels Him to chastise His children. God rebukes and corrects out of love, not out of sovereign spite.

The problem of sin provided God a pathway to portray His passionate love for all people. God loves us so deeply that He put on flesh for the purpose of dying. Even though God never takes pleasure in stressing us, He did take pleasure in slaughtering His Son (Isa. 53:10). The crucifixion should confound us even more than the purpose of evil. The perplexing presence of evil in a world governed by a sovereign God pales in comparison to the sacrifice of Christ.

The next time your problems overwhelm you, consider the cross of Calvary. Even Jesus had to be crushed in order to be crowned. One day, your old, rugged cross will be exchanged for eternal glory. The bruises now are simply a shadow of blessings to come.

Know Fear

2011-02-08T00:03:00.004-05:00

“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.” – Ecclesiastes 5:1, KJV

Is an encounter with the Living God your personal mission or your past memory? It’s easy, since Jesus called us “friends” (John 15:15), to view the Lord as a “good ol’ buddy.” Yet the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7)! Thus, a healthy fear of God must accompany the honest worship of God with three specific spiritual attitudes.

“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God…”

Go to church in reverence. We’re warned to watch our steps as we enter into God’s gates. Moses was told to remove his shoes as he stood on holy ground. And yet, Christians often enter the solemn assembly with something more offensive than dirty feet – we bring dirty hearts. Church attendance must be fueled by spiritual attitudes rather than social agendas.

“…be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools…”

Go to church in readiness. While a healthy fear is required in God’s house, we must also express anticipation for studying God’s Word. Rituals and routine will never please God. He isn’t interested in our predictable patterns. He desires our passionate preparation for praise.

“…for they consider not that they do evil…”

Go to church in repentance. Each time we set foot into the sanctuary, a miracle takes place. Those who have spited the hand of a holy God are allowed to approach Him with the imputed righteousness of Christ. Our holy standing, however, cost Jesus His life. Therefore, we must be honest about the life we led for the prior six days. Repentance is a requirement for real worship.

God's witnesses must worship with wisdom in spirit and truth (John 4:24), which takes reverence, readiness, and repentance. Healthy fear of a Sovereign God is the foundation for a life of faith. Until you know Him in fear, you can never know Him as friend. Know fear.

Talley Trio - "His Life for Mine"

2011-02-06T23:04:00.001-05:00

Al Mohler on Dinosaurs

2011-02-05T19:50:00.003-05:00

Have you ever wondered how dinosaurs fit into an orthodox Christian worldview? The president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, R. Albert Mohler, Jr., provides compelling evidence for a young earth view. Enjoy the video and feel free to comment on the issue.

Flexing Your Muscles of Faith

2011-02-04T00:18:00.001-05:00

(James 5:7-20)

I. Press on in patience. (vv.7-11)

A. Exercise perseverance. (vv.7-8)
B. Eliminate pessimism. (v.9)
C. Emulate the prophets. (v.10)
D. Expect peace. (v.11)

II. Pull back on promises. (v.12)

III. Power up in prayer. (vv.13-18)

A. Pray in all situations. (vv.13-16)

1. Pray in strife. (v.13a) Why? Only God can handle it!
2. Pray in success. (v.13b) Why? Only God can honor it!
3. Pray in sickness. (vv.14-15a) Why? Only God can heal it!
4. Pray in sin. (vv.15b-16) Why? Only God can heal it! (Same reason!)

B. Pray in all sincerity. (vv.17-18)

1. Sincere prayer is possible. (v.17a)
2. Sincere prayer is productive. (vv.17b-18)

IV. Push for pardon. (vv.19-20)

A. Chase backsliders who are in rebellion. (v.19)
B. Convert backsliders who need repentance. (v.20)

Adam Dooley - "Attitudes That Ought to Be"

2011-02-03T00:36:00.004-05:00

This is without doubt the best exposition of the Beatitudes that I have ever heard. Dr. Dooley is one of my favorite preachers in the world, and pastors Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. He may be the best expositor of the Word since Jerry Vines, and will be president of the Southern Baptist Convention one day. Enjoy this message from Matthew 5:1-12.

Dauphin Way Baptist Church, January 23, 2011 - Dr. Adam Dooley, Senior Pastor - AM SERVICE from Dauphin Way Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Fighting Fear with Faith

2011-02-02T09:29:00.003-05:00

“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” – Job 3:25, KJV

Fear is nothing more than interest paid on trouble before it occurs. Sometimes, however, that trouble never even comes to pass. Whenever we excessively dread potential tragedy, something happens spiritually within us. It’s as if we begin to expect danger and defeat instead of delight. If we listen to the Lord’s voice, however, we will hear Him warning us about the drawbacks and downsides of dread. He invites us to cast all of those feelings upon Him (1 Peter 5:7).

Job’s fear became a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we ever try not to think about the color blue, we’ll end up with only one color on our mind. The matter that crushingly consumes us becomes the battle that we lose before the first shot is even fired. Job’s worst nightmare became a horrific reality. Instead of going to God and God alone, though, he sought human comfort from his friends instead of holy comfort from his Father.

When we’re devastated by desperate difficulties, only one answer will suffice: faith. The answer will never be found in logical and rational reasoning with human sight. We must seek the counsel and comfort that only comes through intimacy with Christ. Time with Him increases faith. So the next time fear comes knocking on your door, send faith to answer it. And don’t be surprised if, when the door is opened, nothing is standing behind it.

Welcome Back, Les

2011-02-01T13:14:00.005-05:00

In October 2010, Les Puryear decided to take an indefinite leave from the blogosphere. By his own admission, he was spiritually drained and needed to be refreshed. I have seen the venomous vernacular often thrown at him, by fellow Christians no less, and it's no wonder that his spirit needed some rest and rejuvenation. The ministry can easily callous the heart without love and encouragement.

Today, Les Puryear re-entered the blogosphere, seemingly on the road to vibrance and vitality. It is my joy to recommend his blog to you. I'm glad to see my brother and fellow minister back online. His absence was missed by many, including myself.

So here's to you, Les. May God bless you and keep you as you seek to serve Him and glorify His name. I know your heart, I believe, and I have nothing but the best beliefs about who you are and why you are in ministry. You're in my prayers, dear brother. Welcome back.

A Tribute to the Teeth

2011-01-31T00:00:00.003-05:00

“Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone.” – Song of Solomon 4:2, KJV

Sometimes we notice things that are just plain silly. I was once on a date with a young woman who noticed every flaw that our waitress seemed to have: her hair was too frizzy, her shirt was wrinkled, she talked too nasally, etc. That kind of insecurity is not only unattractive, but also self-destructive, and cultivates an internal inclination to find faults in others. Unhealthy jealousy spawns from pride (excessive self-focus) and breeds twenty-first-century Pharisees.

Thankfully, there is also a good type of jealousy. God’s name is Jealous (Ex. 34:14), and He expects His people to be jealous of their relationship with Him. This righteous jealousy is incredibly perceptive and protective, desiring an intense intimacy with the object of its affection. God is so jealous, in fact, that he has numbered the very hairs of our heads (Matt. 10:30; Luke 12:7)! Now, why would God count your hairs, which are made up merely of dead skin cells?

When you love someone with a supernatural, agape kind of love, you notice things that escape the attention of other people. The things that make someone “weird” in the sight of others will stir a sense of satisfied appreciation in your heart. Solomon loved his beautiful wife so intensely that he paid tribute to her teeth! They were pearly, pristine, and perfectly paired.

Like Solomon’s amazing adoration for his beautiful bride, nothing about us escapes God’s attention. He is keenly aware of everything that makes us unique and authentic. What others see as weird, He sees as a pleasurable peculiarity. He is in love even with your hair follicles...and I’m sure he loves your teeth, too.

Authentic Church Advertising

2011-01-30T12:47:00.006-05:00

It's always refreshing to see genuineness in church advertising, especially in an age of over-hyped optimism and presumptuous promises. Here's an ad that is both enjoyable and heartwarming. The theology is spot-on biblical, and the message gives hope for those who aren't yet redeemed by the blood of Christ. Enjoy this ad for Grace Community Church in San Antonio, Texas.

HT: Dave Miller

Ready, Willing, and Available

2011-01-28T10:58:00.002-05:00

“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” – Ruth 1:16-17

Sometimes people face situations in which they can’t help themselves. For instance, Joseph was sold into slavery. Paul and Silas were shackled in prison. Joshua needed the sun to stand still, the Israelites required food in the wilderness and Naomi struggled to simply survive.

It is when we’re utterly helpless that we must trust the Lord completely and wholeheartedly. He doesn’t always utilize miracles; often He uses ordinary people. For God to use us, we don’t need answers...we only have to be ready for the call. We aren’t required to have skill...we must simply be willing to accept the call. We don’t have to be spiritual giants...we just need to be available to execute the call. God uses common people with uncommon attitudes – those who are ready, willing and available.

Ruth wasn’t a distinguished citizen of immense wealth. She had minimal affluence and meager assets. She had little to give her beleaguered mother-in-law, Naomi. So she gave the only thing she had to offer – herself.

Ruth furnished friendship rather than food; reliability instead of riches; and compassion over commodities. This resulted in her marriage to Boaz, the birth of Obed (King David’s grandfather), and thus the continuance of the messianic bloodline. Ruth showed that it isn’t necessary to have prominence or prosperity for God to use us. All that’s necessary is the right attitude for Kingdom service. Ruth was ready, willing, and available.

Are you?

Kiss Your Greed Good-Bye

2011-01-26T22:00:00.002-05:00

(James 5:1-6)
I. Recognize the punishment for money worshippers. (v.1)

II. Reject the practices of money worshippers. (vv.2-6) Four signs of greed:

A. Stockpiling Materials (vv.2-3) Why hoarding “stuff” fails to truly satisfy:

1. Grain will rot. (v.2a)
2. Garments will ruin. (v.2b)
3. Gold will rust. (v.3a)

B. Stealing Money (v.4)

C. Snubbing Moderation (v.5)

D. Strategizing Murder (v.6)

Broken but Beautiful

2011-01-26T00:58:00.003-05:00

“So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.” – Psalm 73:22-23

Perhaps the best place a Christian can be is at his/her wit’s end. When we have no strength remaining to fight, we surrender to the One Who already had our situation firmly under His sovereign control. When we recognize our guilt of striving for self-sufficiency, the shame of our faithless failures forces our frail hearts to seek forgiveness. It is then that God is pleased, and once again we become recipients of the greatest power imaginable – spiritual cleansing. Broken people are used greatly by God because they have no sense of entitlement.

We are beasts before God when we suffer from the strangleholds of frustration and fear. These spiritual deficiencies occur when we willingly and sinfully forsake intimacy with Christ as the foremost priority in our lives. Then, when things go wrong, we have a natural tendency to blame God for the struggles we bring upon ourselves. If you are blind, you will wrongfully blame the Savior; but if you are broken, you will rightfully blame self.

“Nevertheless I am continually with thee…”

God has the mark of all great fathers – He fixes His children’s mistakes. Only He doesn’t leave us ignorant. He corrects us by firmly forcing us to face the filth into which we fell. When our shame yields repentance, He then gently lifts us up and lovingly reassures the child He has forgiven yet again. Brokenness reveals beauty – not in the sin-stained sons of selfishness, but in the remarkable Redeemer of Righteousness. His love will raise up anyone willing to fall prostrate at His holy throne.

Kentucky Baptist Partnership Missions

2011-01-22T02:35:00.002-05:00

God's Guide to Proper Planning

2011-01-19T22:03:00.002-05:00

(James 4:13-17)

I. Repent of sinful presumption. (vv.13-14)

A. The problems in this passage: what they did.

1. They constructed a plan. “Today or tomorrow we will travel”
2. They chose a place. “to such and such a city”
3. They calculated a period. “and spend a year there”
4. They considered a purpose. “and do business”
5. They conceived a profit. “and make a profit”
(David Jeremiah)

B. It was their plan! Planning is okay, but planning without God is not!

II. Rely upon the Savior’s plans. (vv.15-17)

A. Acknowledge Christ’s purpose. (15) “If the Lord will”

B. Avoid carnal pride. (16) “ye rejoice in your boastings…[which] is evil”

C. Act in complete purity. (17) If you know what to do, you’re obligated to do it!

Why Teenagers Turn from Church

2011-01-14T12:48:00.019-05:00

A recent article from Yahoo!News has analyzed some reasons for the mass exodus of young people from American churches. That article, coupled with another report from OneNewsNow, chronicles the increasing disappearance of youth from the church scene. Churches in America have long felt the pinch of young people exiting out their doors. Why do so many teenagers want out?

The reality is that most people aren't puzzled by the phenomenon. Although many controversial issues within Christendom have been handled ungracefully, there are even deeper conflicts and symptoms to be recognized. Forget about the charlatans who pose as compassionate clergymen, or the sinister sex scandals that steal the sincerity from youthful hearts. Satan is subtly swiping away youth by using strategies that exploit not criminal misdemeanors, but church methodology.

Consider several of the reasons given for the mass exodus of young people from the church:

* Churched kids and teens spend six of seven days each week hearing other people say how judgmental Christianity is, and that the Bible should be taboo.

* Churches use outdated methods of Sunday School, rotating the same Bible stories year-in and year-out without relating the morals to daily living. When kids want to know why someone like Gabrielle Giffords was shot, they don't need another lesson on Noah's Ark.

* Teens can only eat so much pizza at church social events before they see through this thinly veiled attempt at keeping them occupied and out of trouble. (My teenagers may WANT more pizza or activities, but they get more Bible than anything else! Not to sound arrogant or superior, but in my opinion, that's how it SHOULD BE.)

* Those surveyed say there aren't enough good reasons given for holding Bible beliefs other than "the preacher says so" or "your parents say so."

* Sometimes kids are routinely kept out of "grown-up church." From infancy to four years old, they're in nursery. Then they get "children's church" with a short Bible lesson, crafts and refreshments. For teens, a separate youth service geared to "their" music. By the age of eighteen, they've never been expected to sit through a whole Sunday service. It's culture shock.

* Young people can see that the church in general hasn't yet been able to conquer racial reconciliation, domestic abuse and the rampant church divorce rate...sometimes in their own families.

* Older generations won't blend a moderate amount of contemporary music with traditional hymns, to show young people that newer ideas are respected.

* Sometimes, the church feels pressured to impress their younger members with new technological avenues. So they discard all the old hymns that were written out of peoples' struggles with life, pride and suffering. Thus, the newer generations don't hear about how God can help them through hard times.

* Parents are expecting the church to teach what may fall within their own responsibility.

* Young parents raised in the last twenty years have themselves grown up under the new pop psychology of never receiving or deserving any discipline or criticism. They've seen church become irrelevant. Now, as parents, they're hesitant to make (or even ask) their kids to go to church or develop a backbone in faith.

* Lastly, everyone's too busy for church. There are too many other attractions in life.

[These explanations were taken from taken from "Generation Ex-Christian: Why Young Adults Are Leaving the Faith ...and How to Bring Them Back," (Drew Dyck, October 2010); "Already Gone: Why your kids will quit church and what you can do to stop it" (Ken Ham & Britt Beemer, Todd Hillard, August 2009); "The Last Christian Generation" (McDowell, 2006); and Lifeway Christian Resources surveys from 2007 and 2010.]

In addition to these shocking statistics come more disturbing data. Seventy percent of the people, 23 to 30 years old, are nowhere to be found in church on a regular basis for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22. They become church dropouts, according to a 2007 study from LifeWay Research. Students who attended a Protestant church at least twice a month for at least one year during high school are leaving the church, and most of them are doing so during their first year of college. Ultimately, 97% of dropouts gave specific life-change issues as their reason for leaving. Only 20% of the dropouts predetermined their post high school departure.

The most common age time for students to leave church is when high school seniors become college freshmen. This falling away isn't merely a leave of absence from church; it is, in fact, a departure from faith caused by a misunderstanding of the Gospel. Church attendance and communion with the body of Christ are desires that flow from an individual heart which has been transformed by the Gospel. Thus, a significant portion of young people in church may be unregenerate.

Cyndi Forman, campus minister of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) of Georgia Tech and Emory University, has an explanation for this apparent paradox. "For many students, when they come to college, they have yet to begin to own their faith, to make it personal," Forman said. "They are still relying on the faith of their parents, their church, even their friends. It’s not something they have committed to in such a way that they can stand solidly on it, no matter what comes."

Jeff Schadt, founder and executive director of Youth Transition Network (YTN), believes it all boils down to external versus internal motivation.

"Living a life of faith must come from an inward desire prompted by the Holy Spirit and compelled by the love of Christ. Too often, parents and ministry leaders become the 'walking Holy Spirit' in a young person’s life," he observed.

Schadt explained how external motivation must be used when children are young to help them make good decisions.

"But as they get older, we need to be like Jesus was with His disciples," Schadt said, meaning parents and ministry leaders need to allow teens to make their own decisions based on what has been taught to and modeled for them. (I did this when I supported a student who left for another church, although I did encourage her to first speak with our pastor.)

Therefore, it’s imperative for youth ministry to be more than just a "holding tank with pizza," as referred to by Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research.

Youth want and need church to be more than just a pizza party where they get a five-minute devotional amidst the entertainment. Based on research, Stetzer said youth want to know how to live life. Church involvement that has made a real difference in their lives is a significant reason they keep attending church, even after high school.

At the end of the day, however, young hearts must be transformed by the Gospel in order for church attendance to make sense. Otherwise, going to church is pointless and meaningless. Jesus said it best in Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there shall your heart be also." Today's youth will either cherish Jesus as King, or they will find an idol to worship. And if they worship an idol, it will probably be found outside the four walls of the local church.

Walking in Divine Wisdom

2010-12-30T22:40:00.002-05:00

(James 3:13-18)

I. The Exhortation to Wisdom (v.13)

II. The Examination of Wisdom (vv.14-17)

A. Demonic Wisdom (vv.14-16)

B. Divine Wisdom (v.17)

III. The Expectation of Wisdom (v.18)

Living With Fire

This is the End

Brian Free & Assurance - "Oh What a Savior"

The Music City Boys - "Oh What a Savior"

The Difficulties of Divorce and Remarriage

PRo - "Before I Die"

Jevon Rue - "Rain Comes Down"

The Victory in Vision

Theological Triage: A Response to Les Puryear

KBC Disaster Relief Update from N.D.

Brianna Perez - "Redeemer"

The Salvation of Adrian Rogers

The Devil Sucks

The Peasall Sisters - "Farther Along"

The Apologetix - "The Real Sin Savior"

Kirk Kirkeminde on ABC's Nightline

The Amazing Tenor, Paul Wickey

The True Mission of the Church

Darlene Zschech - "Shout to the Lord"

Seinfeld's Trick to Stopping Telemarketers

My Eminem Remix

Tick Tock

Big Mini - "Closer"

No Sweeter Name Than This

The Conversion

Brad Stine - Political Correctness and "Wussification"

Trip Lee: Being a True Believer in Christ

Adrian Rogers and His Defining Moment

Vcc Church and Pastor Isaac Whitt

The Word's Final Words

Knine - "For You"

The KBC's New Executive Director, Dr. Paul Chitwood

Fight for Your Faith

"Big God" by Beacon Light

Two Statements That Hinder Baptist Cooperation

KBC: Connecting All People to Christ

The Darlings Sing "Dooley"

The Final Scene of M*A*S*H

Kevin Ezell on Courageous

The Top 10 Reasons to Avoid Top 10 Lists

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - "So You Would Know"

The Fountain of Youth

Proposing Marriage at the Movies

Education Is More Than Facts

What I Believe

Paul Baloche - "Your Name"

Conforming to the Call

Elvin Impersonates Dr. Huxtable

Nathan Dowell on Biblical "Antinomies"

Michael Jordan on Failure

"Memories of Charlestown Road" - Glenn Hancock

Phillips, Craig & Dean - "Pour My Love on You"

Doyle Lawson - "My Lord Delivered Me"

The Cats Say "Good Knight" to the Tar Heels

I'm LOVING Blog Madness 2011

Kutless - "Sea of Faces"

Tom Elliff's Acceptance Speech to the IMB

Kutless - "It Is Well with My Soul"

Thoughts about Heaven

Blog Madness 2011

Kutless - "That's What Faith Can Do"

Living With Fire Celebrates 7,000

Use What You Have

Camp Jubilee - Tazewell, TN

R-Swift - "Shattered"

Ravi Zacharias on Sovereignty & Responsibility

J. Mark Lowe on Who Do You Think You Are?

The False Doctrine of Universalism

What Men Want

The Scriptural Standards for Success

Michael Reagan - Farewell to Dad

Pay Tithes or Get Shot

Give Away Your Love

The Scriptural Standards for Success

A Sermon from.....Haggai?!?!

Elvis Presley - "Where Could I Go But to the Lord?"

"Meathead" & Gloria Leave for California

That's Our Chris

As On My Sin I Pondered Deep

Rules for Real Romance

The Final Scene of MAS*H