Ed Stetzer on Tradition

Ed Stetzer just posted this on his twitter feed. Something to ponder.

If a church reflects an "era" more than it reflects the gospel, it values past culture more than missional engagement.

Praying for the Hendersons

This morning, the men met for their quarterly Brotherhood Breakfast. The cooking crew completed their tasks in record time.

Brian Henderson was our speaker. He and his wife Felicia and their two children are headed to the foreign mission field on a two year appointment. I have always been impressed by them. God has used them in an awesome way through our Baptist Association. To see their willingness to serve God, which is evidenced by the many sacrifices they have had to make, is such a blessing. I couldn't help but shed a few tears this morning as Brian shared his story. God is going to use them mightily. Pray for them.

Commonalities of Believers

Tonight, I preached at the South Mississippi Correctional Facility. I've been preaching there on the third Saturday of each month for about two years. I really look forward to preaching in the prison each month.

Tonight I preached from Acts 2:40-47. In this passage the early church displayed six commonalities.

1. A Common Baptism (40-41)
2. A Common Belief (42)
3. A Common Bewilderment (43)
4. A Common Burden (44-45)
5. A Common Behavior (46-47a)
6. A Common Blessing (47b)

The unity the early church displayed was an answer to the the prayer Jesus voiced shortly before he died. He prayed, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me (John 17:20-21)."

So, the unity that the early Christians exemplified showed the non-believers around them that Jesus was alive and changing lives. May FBC hold in common those eternal values and demonstrate love for Jesus through lives of faith.

Great Banquet

The Family Banquet was a lot of fun. The deacons did a great job of serving. The ribs were fabulous and so were the "fixins." The was a good time for our church.

As expected, John Yates did an amazing job utilizing his ventriloquism and injecting a lot of humor. Hopefully, this will become an annual tradition.

Banquet Tonight

Our Church Banquet is tonight at 6:00 PM. The deacons of our church will cook and serve. This will be a fun time. John Yates will provide the entertainment. He is super talented. I can't wait.

Early Valentine Date

Terri and I were able to slip away for a rare date tonight. Abbey was a doll and kept the younger kids. We had an incredible time. God has truly blessed me with an amazing wife. We had so much fun tonight. I'm so glad Terri is my valentine.

When God Puts Words in Your Mouth

Following is an actual note from a parent to her daughter's teacher.

"Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday."

I'm amazed a parent would commit such a blunder to paper. Makes you wonder who should be in school--the parent or the child.

In Exodus, Chapter 3 & 4, the encounter Moses had with God at the burning bush is presented. In light of the marvelous and undeniable presence of God, all Moses could do was make excuses. Basically, Moses asked 5 pitiful questions regarding his ability to lead the people of Israel from Egypt.

1. Who Am I? God's Response: "I'll be with you."
2. Who Are You? God's Response: "Tell them "I AM" sent you."
3. Why Believe Me? God's Response: "Perform three signs."- 1) Rod into serpent 2) Hand becomes Leprous and is healed. 3: Water is turned into blood.
4. What Can I Say? God's Response: "I made your mouth. I'll tell you what to say."
5 . Why Not Send Someone Else? God's Response: "O.K. You're Making me mad. I'll give you a spokesman, Aaron."

While hearing all of the "crawfishing" from Moses, God showed remarkable grace in continuing to extend the call to Moses. He sought to teach him five lessons in response to his final three excuses (Ex. 4:1-17).

5 Words that describe the lessons God taught Moses.

I. Surrender (4:1-5)

In order to prove to the Hebrews Moses came with authority from God, he was given three signs. The first dealt with the importance of surrendering worldly identity. God asked Moses to take what was in his hand and lay it down. In his hand was a staff he used to tend his flock of sheep. The staff represented his support, security, and skills. He had to let go of it in order for God to use him.

II. Sin (vv.6-9)

Next, God gave him a sign that represented the sinfulness of the human heart and God’s ability to cleanse us from iniquity. God instructed Moses to place his hand inside his cloak. Once he removed his hand it was covered with dreaded leprosy. He was told to place inside his hand cloak again and, then, his hand was cleansed. Our hearts are wicked (Matt. 15:18-19). Only God can cleanse us of the sin within us.

III. Salvation (v.9)

Then, a third sign was given, which illustrated what would happen if a person does not deal with the truths demonstrated by the first two signs. If a person does not surrender and repent of their sin, their blood will be required of them. Importantly, this last sign foreshadows the coming of Jesus who would be the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. If we trust in Christ, the blood he shed is sufficient to pay our sin debt.

IV. Speech (vv.10-12)

The next to last excuse of Moses dealt with his personal appraisal of his own speaking skills. God reminded him that He made his mouth and would teach him what to say.

At the Mississippi Evangelism Conference in January, Frank Cox shared that there is a member in his church that is illiterate. Since he cannot read, he shares the Gospel with others by asking people to read a copy of scriptures pertaining to salvation. He has led many to Christ. God will use us, if we let him.

V. Supply (13-17)

Finally, Moses tried to pass the buck. God was moved to anger and he promised to give Moses a spokesman. This was not the ideal arrangement. God wanted Moses to go by himself, but he was gracious and provided him a helpmate.

Conclusions

1. Who we are doesn’t matter as much as whose we are.
2. We all have heart problems
3. Only the shed blood of Jesus cleanses our sin.
4. The message of God is more powerful than the messenger.
5. God supplies our needs.

What is your excuse for not serving the Lord today? Remember, God is sufficient to supply all you need.

Almost like Spring...

Thursday Morning the temperature here was around 19 (F). Today the high was close to 70. I love Mississippi. The weather is great most of the time.

Scrapbooking

This morning Terri left with some of the ladies from the church to go to a scrapbook session. I'm not sure what that is. However she deserves a day away from us. She just sent me a message telling me the other girls are still going strong. Maybe she'll be home eventually.

Basketball and "Being ready in and out of Season"

Jared and I left at 8:25 AM to go for his next to last Upward Basketball Game at Memorial Baptist in Perry County. He's doing a lot better on defense. He won the star for "Best Effort." I was pressed into service at the last minute to do a devotion at Halftime. I focused on the first point of tomorrow's sermon. It lasted 10 minutes. I've got to cut that down, because I have 5 points in the sermon.

Play Ball

I signed Jared up for T-Ball later in the morning. He loves baseball. Basketball has been better for him. He's able to focus better inside.

Mixed Review

Grilled some chicken for lunch. Abbey said it wasn't the best she had ever had. Also, she said it wasn't the worst. Thanks.

Wildcat Baseball

Jared and I went to the Greene County/George County Preseason Baseball Game this afternoon. The game started at 2 PM. JV squad played the first 2 innings. Then, the varsity played. I sat on "The Deck" with Coach Bray and other loyal Wildcat Fans. Jared played int he dirt. Greene County was trailing 8-2 in the bottom of the 5th when I left. It was a beautiful day. They had a grill fired up. I really enjoyed it. Jared played until he was exhausted. Hopefully, he'll go to bed early.

The Question of the Hour?

What's for Supper?

Congratulations Are In Order

Boo and Missy White welcomed Anabell Lee White into the world this morning just after 10:00 AM. She weighed 6 pounds and 5 ounces and measured 18 3/4 inches long.

Boo and Missy are a blessing to our church. Their children, Ashton and Garrett, are just like they are ours. So, we are so excited for them.

Yesterday at FBC

Some Great Things Happened at FBC Yesterday:

Deacons Meeting

The men we gathered for our meeting brought up some good ministry ideas. I'm excited about the banquet the deacons are hosting on February 13.

Choir

The choir began the service by singing "Yes, I Know." That is one of my favorite songs. Many years ago, I was a member of a Men's Group who sang that song.

Attendance

We had one of the best attended days of Bible Study this year. Also, the attendance in the morning worshipt service was super. We had a good number of guests present and they expressed some complimentary remarks in regard to the friendliness of FBC Leakesville.

Bible Drill

We had six students give a Bible Drill demonstration in the evening service. I am so proud of them. They still have some work to do before the official church drill in a few weeks, but I know they will do well.

Sermons from Exodus

I preached two sermons from Exodus yesterday. "Running Into Destiny(Ex. 2:11-25)" and "I Am No, But He Is(Ex. 3:1-14)." I'll post a general outline later.

The Mark of the Shepherd

Philip Keller, in his modern classic A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Read a large portion online here), relates a story and some insight into the relationship between Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and His followers, His sheep.

The day I bought my first thirty ewes, my neighbor and I sat on the dusty corral rails that enclosed the sheep pens and admired the choice, strong, well-bred ewes that had become mine. Turning to me he handed me a large, sharp, killing knife and remarked tersely, “Well, Phillip, they’re yours. Now you’ll have to put your mark on them.”

I knew exactly what he meant. Each shepherd has his own distinctive earmark which he cuts into one of the ears of his sheep. In this way, even at a distance, it is easy to determine to whom the sheep belongs.

It was not the most pleasant procedure to catch each ewe in turn and lay her ear on a wooden block, then notch it deeply with the razor-sharp edge of the knife. There was pain for both of us. But from our mutual suffering an indelible lifelong mark of ownership was made that could never be erased. And from then on every sheep that came into my possession would bear my mark.

For the man or woman who recognizes the claim of Christ and gives allegiance to His absolute ownership, there comes the question of bearing His mark. The mark of
the cross is that which should identify us with Him for all time. The question is –does it?

Jesus made it clear when He stated emphatically, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Basically what it amounts to is this: A person exchanges the fickle fortunes of living life by sheer whimsy for the more productive and satisfying adventure of being guided by God.

It is a tragic truth that many people who really have never come under His direction or management claim that “The Lord is my shepherd.” They seem to hope that by merely admitting that He is their Shepherd somehow they will enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life.

One cannot have it both ways. Either we belong or we don’t….

Our Shepherd

Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.--Psalm 100:3, NKJV

Tonight during our midweek service, I shared some thoughts concerning the manner in which God relates to His followers...His sheep.

Many animals are more dignified, powerful, and glamorous than sheep. They are not very smart. I am told if they roll over on their back they can't stand without help. So, they are dependent on their shepherd. Several scriptures describe the Good Shepherd who Christians follow. There are five words that describe Him.

I. Satisfying (Psalm 23:1-2)

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." He gives us what we need.

II. Sensitive (Isaiah 40:11)

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd;... And gently lead those who are with young. " God doesn't overlook our weaknesses. He cares about the problems and weaknesses we exhibit.

III. Sacrificial (John 10:11)

"The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

IV. Strong (Hebrews 13:20-21)

"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,..." God is strong enough to keep His commitments.

V. Saving (I Peter 2:25)

"For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

All who have surrendered to Jesus as Lord are His sheep. The Bible is clear that there are lost sheep who are not in the fold. May we be burdened for them. May they experience a personal relationship with the Good Shepherd.

Men's Banquet

Tonight, FBC Leakesville hosted the George/Greene Baptist Association Men's Banquet. Approximately, 220-30 men were present. Ray Mears was our speaker. He is an outdoor photographer and has made some amazing photos of deer, turkey, and ducks I've ever seen. Also, he shared a riveting testimony. He is a prince of a guy. I'm so glad I met him.

The meal was fantastic. This was a memorable night.

Good Day

This morning I attended the Doctrinal Study Preview at Main Street Baptist in Hattiesburg. The study is based on the book by Thom Rainer, Vibrant Church. Argile Smith, pastor of FBC Biloxi, led the study. He did a great job covering a lot of Biblical material related to the church.

This evening, I attended a meeting at the George-Greene Baptist Association Building regarding the upcoming mission trip to Brazil. I am planning to go. The folks present who have participated in past trips are excited. Bro. Jimmy Holcomb will lead the trip again. He does a fantastic job in organizing mission trips.

I am looking forward to the Associational Men's Banquest tomorrow night.

Sunday Summary

Many of our men filled the choir loft this morning for a Baptist Men's Emphasis. An all male ensemble sang before the sermon. I appreciate all the men who participated.

This evening, Frank Porter, Director of the Baptist Student Union at Jones County Junior College, brought some of his students to discuss their mission partnership with Christians in Muldova. The students who shared did a great job. Many in our church have expressed how much they appreciated their presentation.

The church gave a significant love offering to support the BSU's Mission Endeavors.

Trip to Jackson

This morning, I left with Jimmy Holcomb at a frosty 7:00 AM to go the Mississippi Baptist Convention Building in Jackson, MS for a Missions Mobilization Exploration Meeting. Representatives from Ohio, New York, and Vancouver gave presentations on the mission opportunities in their areas. Also, Ken Rhodes from the Missions Mobilization Department held a session in which he shared other potential mission partnerships in North America.

Please pray that God would lead us to find and complete the Summer Mission he has for us.

After the meeting, we traveled to the new Supreme Court Building to visit with new Supreme Court Justice Randy Bubba Pierce. He is a good friend and I know God will use him greatly in this prestigious position. Bubba gave us a tour of the "Halls of Justice." Also, we were able to spend some time with Justice James Kitchens. I met him about 4 years ago and he always has intriguing stories to tell.

Great Night

The attendance for our Mid Week Prayer Service has been better than average in the last few weeks. Also, the Missions Teachers stated more children than usual. This is great.

Each Wednesday night there is a group of volunteers who cook a meal for the students to enjoy. Volunteers have been doing this for years. What a blessing to have such committed folks.

Someone donated a large popcorn popper to the church. It was used for the first time last night. This is a fun addition to our church. I know the children and youth and pastor will enjoy having fresh popcorn occasionally.

Church Growth Plan Meeting

Tonight, all of our Church Growth Planning Team met for a training led by Huey Dedmon, Church Growth Specialist for the Mississippi Baptist Convention. I was thrilled by the attendance. We had some meaningful preliminary discussions concerning the roles of the leaders of our Bible Study Program.

Joe Errington and his wife assembled a great meal for us. We had great fellowship together.

I feel we accomplished a lot in the two and a half hours in which we met. Our next meeting will be following the Sunday Night Service on Feb. 15. The participation in the program by our leaders is superb.

Evangelism Conference

Each year, I make attending the Mississippi Baptist Evangelism Conference a priority. I have always been blessed by the preaching and the "Breakout Sessions." Also, my dad usually goes with me. We have a great time together.

Sunday Night, I drove to Magee and spent the night at my parents' home. Dad and I drove to FBC Clinton yesterday morning for this year's conference. The volunteers who welcomed folks to the conference did an incredible job. Their pastor should be proud.

Richard Blackaby and Mike Catt spoke in the morning service. Both did a great job. Mike Catt is from Pascagoula, MS. My grandmother "babysat" him when he was a child. She's 90 now and very pleased by the way God has used him.

Ed Stetzer spoke in the afternoon session. He distributed an 50+ page excerpt from his latest book Lost and Found: The Younger Unchurched and the Churches that Reach Them .

Frank Cox led an afternoon session on "Extending and Evangelistic Invitation." My dad and I agreed that his presentation was the best we have ever heard. I gleaned some good ideas.

Twenty-Six Years Ago

I began serving my first church in November 1982 as Minister of Music. The following January, my pastor, Edwin Pendergrast, invited me to go with him to the State Evangelism Conference, which was being held in Columbus, MS. While I don't remember the names of any of the men who preached that night, I do remember the blessing of hearing men share a burden for reaching people for Christ.

This year I didn't hear any new jokes, but I was refreshed and challenged. Please pray with me that FBC Leakesville would intentionally seek to make an impact for Christ upon our community.

An Introduction to Exodus

Sunday Night, Dr. Daniel Caldwell from William Carey University came and provided an introduction to the book of Exodus. He did a superb job of condensing an enormous amount of history into 45 minutes.

Starting in February, I will be preaching through Exodus. The history Dr. Caldwell shared will be invaluable in understanding the truths and principles we find in this book.

Daniel and I were students at William Carey at the same time. He was a year ahead of me in the undergraduate program. He is a blessing to the students at William Carey University. I appreciate his friendship and his willingness to be with us.