Opening Day

While the pros opened their season today, a much more important opening day occurred. My son's T-Ball Team played their first game tonight near Sandhill, MS. They won (29-25 in an extra inning). My son, Jared, made it to first base each time he was at bat. Also, he scored every time--sliding into home "head-first," whether he needed to or not. (I guess I shouldn't have shown him that Pete Rose highlight reel.) Lord, please help me not to live vicariously through my son.

The only problem I have with them winning is that this guarantees that they will have to play Tuesday and Thursday night. If they win tomorrow night, they will have to play Thurs. and Friday. A win Thursday will insure them the opportunity to play on Saturday for the championship. This is turning out to be work. Sandhill is 30 miles away. Go team!

Thanks to A. J.'s Quickstop for sponsoring the team.

Glad to See You!

This morning, we had some folks in our service who have not been able to worship with us for some traumatic reasons. It was great to see them. We had a young lady present, who was severely injured in a accident at the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson several weeks ago.

Also, we had the father and sister of a young man who is recovering from a major trauma he sustained several weeks ago. This young man was told he probably wouldn't make it through the first week. If so, he would never breathe on his own. If so, he would never walk. Well, he is a living miracle three times over! He still has a long way to go. However, it was so great to have some of his family with us.

This morning I recognized these families. We have spent many hours praying for them and, many times, I am guilty of not expressing gratitude to God for miraculous answers to prayer. Our church was really electrified with excitement as I shared what God is doing.

Saturday Night with the Neighbors

Boo White is our Minister of Youth at our church. Last October, they moved into our staff house, which is next to the parsonage where our family lives. They have two sweet kids, which have become my son Jared's new brother and sister.

Tonight, they came by for a visit around 4:00 PM. Boo and I had a chance to dream about the Student Ministry for a while. Missy and Terri engaged in spirited conversation. Then, we decided to pool our resources and eat a meal together.

After that, we played the old game Scattergories, which was a blast. We laughed and laughed. What a blessing to have someone on staff that is so much fun.

Texas or Bust

Well, after Tennessee's loss to Louisville last night, Texas is the only team I picked to make it to the Final Four that is still alive in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Good thing I'm not a betting man.

Anyone Can Be President

Teacher: "John, what's wrong? Why do you look so depressed?"
John: "I am worried about my future."
Teacher: "Well, have you talked to your father?"
John: "Yes, but he only makes me feel worse."
Teacher: "What does he say?"
John: "He says I should be grateful to live in America, because in America anyone can be presdient."
Teacher: "Doesn't that make you feel better?"
John: "No!"
Teacher: "Why?"
John: "Because, in America, ANYONE can be president!"

We do live in a nation blessed with great freedom and opportunities. However, we are reminded everyday by the media that they have flaws. For me, anyone that is willing to serve the citizens of our country on any level of government is to be applauded. People are hard to deal with and I am amazed at how some public officials are able to get things accomplished in light of unrealistic expectations and vicious personal attacks.

Paul wrote to Timothy:

1Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority,that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:1-4, NKJV).

While I don't agree with many of the policies and actions of the leaders in our Federal Government, I am obligated to pray for them.

Please pray for leaders in your local, state, and national government today. They need Christians to pray for them.

Multimedia Progress and Other Stuff

Video Projectors

Today, a crew from Mississippi Music arrived to install our video projectors and screens. This will enhance our worship services greatly. I can't wait.

Kairos Prison Ministry

The Kairos Prison Ministry Team is in town to complete a retreat at the South Mississippi Correctional Center. They usually bring around 40 volunteers who live throughout the area. They stay in our activities building. Many of their meals are served here. Fortunately or unfortunately, they usually pass along a ton of leftovers. They have some incredible cooks.

Phones Fixed

A TDS technician came today and fixed our phones. When we changed our fax line and upgraded to DSL a few weeks ago, our phone system just was not right. Now, I can have a phone conversation without someone else in the office picking up and interrupting. A pastor needs to be able to protect the confidentiality of the folks that call for assistance.

I'm getting a lot checked off my list today, but, I'm not going to be able to watch any of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Aw, shucks!

The Bozemans

The chairman of my Doctoral Committee at New Orleans Seminary was Jeanine Bozeman. This past Monday her husband, Dr. Welby Bozeman, died unexpectedly. Yesterday, at 4:00 PM, the visitation began at First Baptist Covington, LA. Since the funeral is scheduled for Friday in Dozier, AL (about 170 miles from here), I decided to leave at 1:30 PM yesterday afternoon. Bro. Jimmy Holcomb offered to lead a Bible Study for our Mid-Week service. While I made the 288 mile round-trip without a problem and was able to arrive just a few minutes before 7:00 PM, I was so glad Bro. Jimmy did the devotion for me. He did a great job.

Dr. Welby Bozeman was a long-time professor at Louisiana College in Pineville. He had been married to Dr. Jeanine Bozeman for 47 years. Terri and I were blessed to be special guests at their 40th Wedding Anniversary back in 2000. Also, when Terri and I lived in Alaska, the Bozemans visited us and we enjoyed giving them a tour of Anchorage.

Jeanine Bozeman is one of those persons that I could never do enough to repay for all she has invested in my life. She went way beyond the call of duty in pushing and kicking me through the Ph.D. program at NOBTS. She did the premarital counseling for Terri and I. Frequently, I bring to mind some of the things she told us in those sessions.

During the 2005 Fall Semester that I completed my dissertation and graduated, Hurricane Katrina devastated the seminary in August. Dr. Bozeman's townhouse, which was on campus, flooded. While all of the other colleges in New Orleans cancelled their semesters, New Orleans Seminary resumed classes in October.

Amidst this incredibly emotional time, Dr. Bozeman stayed committed to helping me finish my dissertation. Since the seminary campus was closed for several months, I visited her home in Covington to discuss my research. Once she carried me into her garage and showed me the belongings she had retrieved from her place in New Orleans. That was a sad sight. She never tried to hide her struggle. Dr. Bozeman has always been "real." She is genuine.

So, I had to go and let her know I love her. While I saw her for only 2 minutes, I was able to express my love for her and my appreciation for Dr. Welby. I cried. She cried. We hugged. I'm glad I went. True friends are rare.

Sentence Sermonettes

In a hospital gift shop in Mobile, AL, I saw a “coffee table” book that contained a photo collection dedicated to phrases posted on church signs. Ever since that day, I have regretted not buying the book and I can’t find it anywhere. Examples of some of those “sentence sermonettes” are:

The Light of the World gives a world of light.

America suffers from truth decay.

If God seems far away, who moved?

To belittle is to be little.

There are no fire escapes in Hell.

If you are a child of God, call home.

Statements like these are written to achieve various purposes. Some are to shock. Others are to inspire or to amuse.

A local church placed this question on their placard this week:

Has Jesus risen in you?

I’ve pondered that question a lot in the last few days. Jesus told that religious guy named Nicodemus that he had to be “born again.” He was referring to a spiritual transformation. Since God demonstrated His resurrection power in raising Jesus from the dead, he can raise us from our spiritual graves to new life.

John, one of the “Sons of Thunder” that Jesus changed, was inspired to write:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9, NKJV).

God is faithful. God is just. God is forgiving. God is a life changer.

Just as John, a man who must have had an explosive tempter, was changed into a disciple that God would use to write incredible passages encouraging believers to love one another, he can change anyone.

Has Jesus risen in You?

Resurrection Sunday

We had a great day at First Baptist. One of my deacon's said he counted 184 in the morning worship service, which is the most I believe we have had in the 28 months I have been pastor here. Our worship center will only hold around 210. So, the attendance was a blessing.

The choir was "filled to the rim" and the three songs they shared each had powerful messages. The final song was "I Stand Redeemed." We are blessed to have Mike Smith as our Minister of Music. I do not know of a more dedicated bivocational Minister of Music in the state.

My sermon was based on the two disciples that traveled the Emmaus Road following the death and resurrection of Jesus. Read the account recorded in Luke 24:13-35 here.

The men on the road to Emmaus experienced a journey, which began in sadness and ended in hope.

I. Sad Journey (vv.13-17)
II. Confusing Journey (vv.18-24)
III. Challenging Journey (vv.25-27)
IV. Revealing Journey (vv.28-31)
V. Hopeful Journey (vv.32-35)

Through the power of the resurrection, God transforms our spiritual journeys from restless striving to be "good enough" into a relationship based on His unmerited favor.

Good Friday Thoughts

On Good Friday in 1964, a priest in Anchorage, AK was reading scripture during a service. When he came to the section regarding the earthquake that occurred while Jesus was on the cross, a real earthquake shook the area. Actually, this was the "Big One." This quake was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever to hit a populated area in North America. The city was destroyed. Read about it here.

I lived in Anchorage for over 3 years. Philip Griffin was one of the members of Raspberry Road Baptist, which I served as Associate Pastor. Mr. Griffin was living in Anchorage at the time of the big quake. He said when he first felt the earth shaking he ran outside. He saw many people laying on the ground and he remembered thinking that he wasn't going to be a wimp like them. So, he remained standing. Then, he saw the ground rolling like waves on the ocen. Consequently, he was violently thrown to the ground.

As a result of the 1964 earthquake, large amounts of money were invested in rebuilding the city. Eventually, the city was restored and soon began to thrive. While the catastrophe was a bad thing for the city, ultimiately, the rebuilding of the city was a great stimulus to the economy. Also, many people were drawn to Anchorage to work and, when they discovered the beauty of Alaska, they stayed. Good Friday 1964 was a dark day. However, the dark day transformed life in the city for the good.

As Jesus died on the cross, the Bible says the earth was covered with darkness. Jesus struggled, but eventually he "yielded" His spirit. The death of Jesus is a dark day upon the pages of history. However, as Christians we believe the death of Jesus was not the end. He had predicted he would be in the grave 3 days, then, the resurrection.

Please don't forget the pain Jesus endured. We remember that pain on this Good Friday. We should mourn what placed Jesus on the cross. However, as stated in I Thess. 4:13, we do not "sorrow as others who have no hope."

The Most Difficult Time for Jesus?

Last night, during our mid-week service, I gave a devotion based on the final words Jesus spoke to His mother and to John, the disciple He loved. The powerful words are recorded in John 19:26-27.

After the service, I discussed the passage with Jimmy Holcomb our Area Director of Missions. He made a great observation. He said he believes this was the most difficult time for Jesus during the crucifixion. As Christ saw his mother grieving and broken, Jesus was probably tempted to come down from the cross. How he must have longed to comfort his mother. However, if he had not stayed on the cross, he would not have died for her sins.

I love Mark Lowry's song "Mary Did You Know?" The song includes the words "Mary did you know? The Child you delivered would some day deliver you?"

The scene is a picture of faithfulness:
1) A Mother being faithful to her son.
2) Friends being faithful to a friend.
3) A Disciple being faithful to his Lord.
4) Jesus being faithful to His Father.

Also, in John 19:26-27, you see the following:

1)Jesus acknowledged his mother.
2) Jesus arranged care for his mother.
3) Jesus affirmed trust in John.
4) John accepted and accomplished this charge.

In the midst of dying for the sins of the world, Jesus cared for his mother and affirmed the "disciple he loved." None of us would have blamed him for not focusing on others during this horrific ordeal, but that's not like Jesus. That's why we call Him "Savior."

Madness in March

The NCAA Basketball Tournament begins this week. My MSU Bulldogs made the tournament for the first time in a few years. So, I'm excited. I believe they can beat Oregon and Memphis, but that's probably as far as they will go.

Lots of folks fill out the brackets. My friend Ken and I have been doing this for years. I go to Yahoo! and fill out a bracket online so that I don't lose my picks. For what it is worth, my Final Four: Tennessee, Georgetown, Texas, Duke. I predict Georgetown and Duke will be in the Championship, with the Hoyas taking it all.

The House of Prayer

On the Tuesday before he was crucified, Jesus went into the temple and really shook things up. Read about it in Matthew 21:12-17.

I preached from this passage last year. Notice five things here. (I developed two general outlines. So, notice ten.)

I. The Indignation (v.12)- Purity

The Bible says, "Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves." Christ was not just disappointed by what he saw, he was enraged by what he saw in the Court of the Gentiles.

Josephus stated 200,000 Lambs would be required for the Passover feast. These lambs were purchased to be sacrificed for the sins of the people. So, this was big business. Also, a temple tax of ½ shekel was collected. Foreign coins bearing a non-Jewish (heathen) inscription or non-Jewish monarch would not be accepted. So, money changers converted secular money into sacred coins…for a processing fee which padded the pockets of the money changers. Also, these "bankers" would arrange unfair loans for the poor. Jesus was not pleased with what he saw.

II. The Indictment (v.13)- Prayer

13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” [See Is. 56:7-8; Mark 11:17]

My prayer is that our church would be a house of prayer. We have deacons assigned to pray during the morning service. Each Sunday at 9:00 AM, I have a faithful group of men that pray with me and for me. I started this when I first came to FBC. These men are a great blessing to me.

Jesus' charge that the Temple had become a "den of thieves" cautions us against commercializing religion. We should use the media and other technological means to get the message out, but we need to be sure we are not just doing business.

III. The Infirmed (v. 14)- Power

14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.

Once the Temple was cleansed, folks were healed and the power of God was displayed.

IV. The Infuriated (15-16a)- Praise

15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?”

Hosanna means “Save Now.” The Temple was filled with the praises of children and the religious folks were upset when they saw the "wonderful things he did."

Some church folks are never going to be happy, even if Jesus shows up and performs miracles. They are not going to be happy when children start to "get it." However, a church that is a "House of Prayer" will be a house of praise. Wonderful things will happen. Jesus will show up.

V. The Innocent (16b-17)- Prophecy

And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”17 Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.

The Prophecy is from Psalm 8:2. The children in our church are a blessing. I love to hear them sing, because they have great freedom in expressing their joy.

Truths from the Passage

1. Be angry for the right reasons at the right time in the right way.

2. Maintaining purity requires drastic measures.

3. Prayer is to be our priority. Hallesby said, "Neglect Prayer. Neglect God."

4. Jesus is to be praised.

5. Religious people have a hard time with people sold-out to Jesus.

My prayer for you today is that you would take steps to insure that your church is a "House of Prayer" and that your home is a "House of Prayer."

Late Night T-Ball Practice

Jared, our son, is playing T-Ball for the first time. He retired from soccer after two seasons. Baseball has always been his first choice. So, he's been to about 4 practices now.

Tonight his practice began at 7:30 PM and wasn't over until around 8:40 PM. The coach always makes the little guys run the bases two or three times before concluding the practice. I'm always amazed at the energy they have. Even after an hour, they were still energetic. As we walked back to our car, Jared insisted on swinging on the "monkey bars" at the playground.

Jared is throwing the ball well. His fielding is good when he is paying attention, but "when" is the operative word in that sentence. However, I do take great pride in seeing him out there. We'll keep him in baseball as long as we can. Then, it's to the Big Leagues. We'll probably just skip college. :)

Sunday Morning Phone Call

Yesterday morning at 7:15 AM, a friend of mine, who lives several miles away, called with some disturbing news. His teenage son who was out with some friend had taken “some pills” and, inadvertently, almost overdosed. The boy was taken to a hospital. The father, who called me, had been up all night with his boy. His voice was shaky and each word spoken was strained. His heart was broken and filled with confusion and guilt and anger and…love.

He said, “I let this happen right under my nose. How did I miss this?” As I expressed love over the phone, the best I could, he said, “I’m going to get him some help. He hates me right now, but I’ve got to do something.” That’s the way love talks.

Jesus Cried for Jerusalem

On the Monday before he was crucified, Luke records that Jesus looked over the “Holy City” and cried. He wept because he knew the city would be destroyed by Romans, who would not “leave one stone on another.” Jesus prophesied, with great remorse, the reason the city would be leveled. The people did not “recognize the time of God’s coming.” (Read Luke 19:41-44 here.)

This prediction would come true. In A.D. 66, the Jews revolted against the Romans. Titus was sent by Rome to squash the rebellion. Roman soldiers attacked the city, encircled it, and held it in siege. Then, after the inhabitants of Jerusalem were near starvation, in A.D. 70, soldiers entered the city and burned it. Historians estimate 600,000 Jews were killed during this assault.

Again, this occurred because they didn’t recognize that Jesus was God in flesh. He came with his arms outstretched, willing to show love to anyone, but, instead of opening their hearts to him, they rejected Him. This broke the heart of Christ. So, he cried.

Why do people so often respond to love with hate? Why do the ways of God, which were demonstrated by Jesus, incite scorn and despicable actions? Of course, the bottom line is the sinful nature of man.

I don’t sit as one who has never rejected God’s love. At times, I go my own way and I know better.

So, as we begin this Monday before Resurrection Sunday, let us “recognize the time of God’s coming.” May we never forget the pain Jesus experienced not only physically, but, spiritually and emotionally, as he drew closer to the crucifixion.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

While today was Palm Sunday, I decided to focus on the moments Matthew recorded just prior and at the outset of the crcifixion of Jesus.

We examined Matthew 27:27-44. This was my outline.

I. The Hideous Jokes (vv.27-31)

A. Clothing (vv.27-28)

B. Crown and Cane (v.29a)

C. Condescension (v.29b-31)

II. The Horrible Journey (vv.32-35a)

A. Coercion (vv.32-33)

B. Concoction (v.34)

C. Crucifixion (35a)

The Roman had experimented with various forms of execution, but they felt they had discovered the ultimate means to put someone to death. Crucifixion was a death that was 1) painful, 2) shameful, and 3) gradual.

III. The Hateful Judgments (vv.35b-44)

A. Competitions (v.35b)

I once heard Max Lucado refer to the fact that “men were playing games at the foot of the cross.” What a shame. They were oblivious to what was really happening there. Even today people play games under the shadow of the cross. I came up with at least four types of games people play in the shadow of the cross.

1. The game of things. “He who dies with the most toys wins.”
2. The game of talents. “I’ve got what it takes. I’m a one man show, a self-made man.”
3. The game of time. “When I get myself together or things slow down, I’ll commit my life to Jesus.”
4. The game of tradition (“Churchianity”). “I’m a churchgoer and my family has gone to church for years.”

B. Contempt (vv.36-40)

C. Criticism (vv.41-44)

Palm Sunday

“Hosanna! ‘ Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’” This was the cry of the crowd as Jesus entered Jerusalem. On this Palm Sunday, we celebrate this humble entry of Jesus. He entered the city as a humble servant, but he would leave the City of David as the resurrected Lord.

The Top Fears of Men

During some rare web-surfing-for-fun tonight, I came across an article featured on Yahoo! claiming to list the Top Six fears of men. The writer, David Zinczenko, is from Men’s Health Magazine. He listed the leading fears as the following (the two word summary statements are mine). Zinczenko did not mention he had based his list on any research. So, I’m not sure how valid these are.

1. Hair Loss: That He's Going to Lose His Hair
2. Financial Loss: That He's Going Broke
3. Heart Attack: That He'll Have One Cheeseburger Too Many
4. Unexpected Criticism: That He'll be Called Out in Public
5. Disappointed Child: That His Kid Won't Make the Free Throw
6. Sexual Dysfunction: That He'll Fail to Perform

Regarding #1 and #2, losing my hair and going broke are not big deals for me. My hair is already thinning and, if I was concerned about a large bank roll, I would not be a preacher.

Concerning #3, to be honest, I do think about the possibility of a heart attack, because I have repeatedly comforted families who lost a husband or father to a sudden fatal cardiac event.

As far as #4, the criticism thing is certainly uncomfortable and I don’t like being shamed, but I am usually able to let things slide.

In regard to #5, I do hate to see my child fail and, with our first T-Ball game fast approaching, I am a little nervous for my son’s experience on the diamond. I pray I don’t try to live vicariously through my son.

Finally, being transparent, #6 is a real concern for all men. There’s a difference between being 18 and 43. However, I grow deeper in love with my wife every day and I am thankful for our relationship.

Control the Controllables

I will never forget the day when a friend of mine named Tony told me to stop worrying about things out of my control. He used the term “control the controllables.” When I stopped trying to control people, I was freed. I can’t make anyone do anything. I can’t stop my hair from falling out. However, with God’s help I can lose weight and eat a healthy diet. I can nourish myself spiritually.

Recorded in Hebrews 13:6, The Bible says, So we may boldly say: “ The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Today, what is your greatest fear? Can you do anything about it? What would Jesus do? Turn to the Lord for help. Don’t fear men. However, fear not being in a right relationship with God.

Any comments? Would you add any fears to this list?

Turner-Duvall Retirement Village

I serve on the board for the Turner-Duvall Retirement Village here in Leakesville. While the home is under the umbrella of Mississippi Methodist Senior Services (MMSS), many Baptists work for MMSS and several Baptists live in one of their many "homes" in our state.

Tonight, we held one of our meetings at the Grand Avenue Bed and Breakfast here in town. We had a delicious meal. I enjoyed visiting with Alan Brown, Vice-President for Operations for MMSS. He lives in Tupelo, MS and is a member of First Baptist Tupelo.

Alan talked about some of the innovative things MMSS has done in building what they call Green Houses that allow elderly folks to live in a home that has about 10 residents. Each person has a private room with a private bath. There is a central meeting place in the home, which allows residents an opportunity to become involved socially. These Green Houses are built to lessen the institutional feel of the traditional nursing home.

MMSS is a great organization and I am thrilled to be involved with it.

Withitness (“With it”-ness)

Last week, during a lengthy drive to a meeting, I listened to Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio. Sports shows usually fill my mind with useless information, but, on this show, Cowherd gave a lengthy examination of a word that expanded my vocabulary.

In reference to successful athletes who are keenly aware of their surroundings during competition, he used the term “withitness.” Star quarterbacks can sense the “pressure” from their opponents. Outfielders know the tendencies of base runners and the location of walls as they run in reverse to catch a high fly ball. Simultaneously, successful athletes process information and respond fittingly in order to win.

Moving from the sports world, Cowherd utilized examples of individuals who are oblivious to their environment to illustrate ordinary folks who demonstrate a quality that is the opposite of withitness. For example, he vented his annoyance with people who engage sale clerks in idle chatter and frivolous questions while several individuals wait in line. These people lack withitness. I am not sure Cowherd was using the word in its proper context, but this segment was hilarious. So, I “googled” the term "withitness."

Teachers Need Withitness

“Withitness” was first used by educational psychologist Jacob Kounin to describe teachers who are aware of what is happening in their classrooms. “With it” teachers appear to have “eyes in the back of their heads.” These expert teachers are proactive in limiting behavioral problems. They sense which students require the most urgent disciplinary and corrective actions. Then, they take action, but at the same time they are able to maintain the flow of the learning experience in order to reach their objectives. As a result, a positive “ripple effect” occurs that influences students to comply with the expectations of the teacher. They create momentum and maintain it.

Imagine teaching a class and a student in the middle of the classroom is reading a magazine. While the young man is not the only one not paying attention, the teacher senses that correcting the magazine-page-turning student will have the most impact on influencing the other pupils. So, after she appropriately tells the student to put the magazine away, a “ripple effect” occurs and other students put away unneeded distractions. Then, more students are listening, but only one student was corrected. Withitness requires a teacher to multitask: teaching, listening, looking, evaluating, responding, and correcting.

How Many Churches Have Withitness?

After pondering this educational concept, I was led to evaluate my church’s level of withitness in regard to our community. I am not talking about Sunday School conduct or the behavior of folks during a sermon. Outside our church walls, what are we teaching and modeling for the people we want to connect with our congregations?

Again, I feel compelled to state what I am NOT saying. We do not need to be “with it” in terms of matching a post-modern worldview or leaving out “unappealing” or politically incorrect scripture truths. We don’t need to be “all that and a bag of chips.” But, are we aware of what’s going on in our world? Do we know anything about unchurched people?

The Unchurched Next Door

To answer this question, I revisited Thom Rainer’s book, The Unchurched Next Door. Rainer and his team of researchers interviewed hundreds of people throughout the United States who were not actively attending church. The book was published in 2003 by Zondervan.

Listen to these statements:

As strange as it may seem to churchgoing Christians, the church intimidates unchurched people. They do not think they can fit in at a place they have never attended (p.24).

Perhaps the evangelistic apathy so evident in many of our churches can be explained by a simple laziness on the part of church members in inviting others to church (p.25).

We Christians have become disobedient and lazy. Investing our lives in the lives of lost and unchurched people is inconvenient and messy.

(According to the interviews), Most of the unchurched would welcome an invitation to church.

The sad reality we discovered in our study was that very few of the unchurched population have heard about Christ from a layperson. Yetthe unchurched as a rule would like to talk to someone other than clergy about religious matters. The silence of Christians may be one of the greatest tragedies in the church today.

…the world of the unchurched is not a world of fire-breathing pagans.

The vast majority of the unchurched would gladly come to your church if you invited them and walked with them into the church building.

A number of Christians just seem to be rude and insensitive. They may be small in number, but their voices are heard loudly. We wonder how many unchurched have been hindered from the kingdom because of the insensitivity and even stupidity of some
Christians.

Over 91 percent of the formerly unchurched said that doctrine was important, the highest ranking of all issues.

Times of crisis are significant opportunities for you to reach out to those who do not have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

I have seen a few churches where one member with zeal to reach the lost and the unchurched has changed the direction of the entire church.

Am I "With it?"

After his resurrection, Jesus gave what we call the Great Commission, which is recorded in Matthew 28:18-20.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28:18-20).

As I read the Great Commission today, I pray that God will grant me a Spiritual “withitness” to engage the people in my community in order for them to become followers of Jesus.

That's My Boy!

Yesterday, our George/Greene Association and the Mississippi Baptist Convention sponsored a Family Celebration at Antioch Baptist Church. While most of Mississippi experienced snow flurries on Friday, we had a beautiful, but chilly day on Saturday.

Adrian Strickland from Eternal Challenge brought his Rock Climbing Wall. Adrian is the Assistant Baptist Student Union Director at William Carey College in Hattiesburg. He was great with the kids. I can wholeheartedly recommend him to you for a ministry event.

My son, Jared, is five years old. I was so proud of him. He made it to the top twice. Way to go, Jare Bear.

Family Celebration this Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM

The George-Greene Baptist Association, in cooperation with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, is hosting a "Family Celebration" at Antioch Baptist Church, which is on High School Road, about 3 miles past Greene Co. High School.

This event is similar to the Community Bock Party we held in Leakesville back in October of last year.

There will be a rock climbing wall, inflatables, free food, and live music. Don't miss this event. This will be a great family event. Churches are encouraged to set up booths. For more info call Jimmy Holcomb at 1-877-947-4981.

Fantasy Sports

For several years, I have enjoyed playing fantasy sports. While fantasy sports have been around a long time, the leagues offered on the internet have made tabulating stats much easier. So, I have been involved in leagues in all the major sports.

Playing on the internet is easy. At the beginning of a season, players are drafted. This can be done by the computer or the members of the league can set a time to make their selections in real time. Once you have your players, in a head-to-head league like I prefer, you have a week-long game with an opponent. Opposing managers/coaches choose the players who will start on a given day based on the real sports calendar. Then, at the end of the week stats in various categories are tallied and the number of “wins” in a category for the year determines the standings and playoff seedings. (Are you bored yet?). In the playoffs teams go head to head.

Fantasy Football is the hardest for me. However, I have won championships on Yahoo! in Hockey and Basketball.

This year my BulldogBiteECHL Fantasy Hockey Team is in first place with one week to go until playoffs. I am ahead by 21 points. So, I have secured a first round bye. My BulldogBiteCBA Basketball Team is in second place with about three weeks to go until playoffs.

Fleeting Fantasies

According to Biblegateway.com, the only time the word “fantasy” is used in the New King James Version is recorded in Proverbs 21:6.

Getting treasures by a lying tongue

Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.


In other words, a person is living in a fantasy world if they thing they can lie their way to wealth. When a person makes lying their standard procedure, they are trapped by deadly sin.

My wife and I have talked a lot lately about our many years in youth ministry. My wife served as a student minister before we married. I ministered with youth in churches in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alaska. In every church we served, we had to deal with teens that lied to us. Many times the lies were subtle, but we have been told some whoppers.

Since I am an equal opportunity offender, adults lie as often as teens. So, this leads me to ask, “Why do people lie?”

Terri did some “research” into the contributing factors for lying and discovered the number one reason people don’t tell the truth is that they are afraid. They have a fear of the truth being discovered. Liars are hiding something and they fear being unmasked. Also, they fear they will not be accepted if their truth self is exposed.

As a result, we must examine the fears we have. The bottom line is we all have short comings. So, we need to embrace them, because Paul wrote that through his weaknesses the strength of God was revealed. Also, we need to understand that God designed his kingdom for people who are poor in spirit, for people who mourn, for people who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:3-10).

What is your greatest fear? What sin causes you discomfort due to the fear of it being discovered? Remember, if you think you can hide your sin by lying; remember that is a fleeting fantasy. Crime never pays and neither does lying.

"Soft" on Judas

Yesterday was an absolute gorgeous day in Greene County, MS. Our attendance was down in comparison to last week, which was the best attended Sunday since I began as pastor here just over 2 years ago.

The children sang in the morning service and we had special guests play brass duets (trumpet and trombone). They did a great job. My son Jared was enthralled.

My sermon was a biographical message based on the life of Judas. While I know I was true to the scripture text in examining his life, I always seek to preach the truths from the Bible with the idea of God's grace in mind.

The life of Judas is tragic. He was with Jesus when Christ performed miracle after miracle. He heard Him teach about the Kingdom of God, but the expectations of Judas were different from the purpose of Jesus. Obviously, he wanted to profit from his association with Christ. Also, he must have had political aspirations, which he realized Jesus would never help him to achieve.

His betrayal of Christ was horrible, disgusting, and pathetic. However, if he had sought forgiveness from Jesus, instead of the religious leaders, he could have been in a right relationship with God. However, his betrayal, unlike the denials of Peter, were not forgiven. Without a God intervention, guilt becomes unbearable.

Yesterday, as folks were ritually shaking my hands as they exited the sanctuary, one man said, "Preacher, I wish I could be as soft on Judas as you were today."

While I don't think I was "soft" on him, I must admit it saddens me to see a life like that of Judas that is wasted when there were so many opportunities available to him to make a positive impact upon the world. Judas could have a difference, but instead he chose to betray the very person he could have blessed him beyond measure.

If "soft" refers to grieving folks who die to enter eternity separated from God, I plead guilty.

Jesus said, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled (John 17:12)."

When I was in Alaska, a promising college graduate named Chris McCandless journeyed to the "Last Frontier" and camped in the wilderness in the Denali National Park. He hiked into the wilderness in April 1992. He crossed a river that was low since the snow and ice of winter were just beginning to thaw. After several mishaps, he began to near starvation. So, he decided to hike out of the park, but, when he reached the river, the water was too treacherous to cross due to the melted snow. He lost all hope. He returned to his temporary shelter and died of hunger.

After he was discovered and pictures he had taken were developed, folks discovered he had killed a moose and other wildlife, which he did not know how to preserve or cook. He had eaten some berries, which suppressed his appetite and produced prolonged intestinal problems. He had made several mistakes. However, the biggest mistake was to refuse a map that he was offered before he began his journey into the wild.

If Chris McCandless had looked at a map, he would have realized that from the point of his original crossing of the river a hand drawn ferry was only a quarter of a mile to the south. He was only a short walk from hope.

Judas lived the last years of his life in the shadow of Jesus. He was an armlengths away, really a prayer away, from the epitome of hope. However, he died hopeless.

What a waste. What a lost. I pray stories of human tragedy always soften me.

Read more about Chris McCandless by clicking here.