Pastor Phillip Howle

New Home: PHILLIPHOWLE.COM

2009-02-13T12:38:00.002-05:00

I am trying something different, so if you would update your web-browser with the new home of my blog. philliphowle.com

Let me know if you like, don't like, or just don't care. Thanks and have a great weekend.

Milstones And Beach Trips

2009-02-12T07:38:00.002-05:00

I read this morning that school students will begin making patrols with police in Hungary during a month long campaign to change driving habits. According to authorities, the schoolchildren will hand out pieces of lemon when police issue a fine for bad drivers. In like manner, they will give good drivers an apple. County Police spokesman Gergely Fulop said, "A penalty coming from a kid for breaking rules generates a stronger feeling of guilt among adults than a simple fine."

Would you child give you and apple or a lemon based on what they saw of you life? Your kids see you good, bad, and really ugly. I pray never have to hear my son say “daddy, I thought you preached and told me that we never yell at mommy” or some other rebuke from my child. But, the responsibility to set a godly example for our children is paramount in all that we do. Jesus went so far to express his feeling in a chilling way when he said Matthew 18:6

“"But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me--it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea!”

Wow, Jesus tell us how you really feel. Jesus knows the influence parents have and it deeply angers Him when this influence and responsibility is not used to bring kids closer to Jesus. So, should you have a millstone around you neck or not?

Back to work on Sunday’s Sermon, Pastor Phillip

Life Is Hard

2009-02-11T07:50:00.000-05:00

The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous face many troubles, but the LORD rescues them from each and every one. (Psalms 34:17-19)

Life is hard for all people. We all stump our toes, we all face adversity. I love the Bible because it is real. It touches human life and correlates to experience, but offers hope far greater than anything we could ever imagine. Notice in the passage above and the emphasis on “his people.” When we allow ourselves to be claimed by God and surrender our self-sufficiency and then turn to allow His God-sufficiency to replace it we open a new door to a new life blessing and protection.

Now, of course we wish we could escape troubles—the pain of grief, loss, sorrow, and failure, or even the small daily frustrations that wear us down. But, we don’t get an escape we get God. God promises to be "close to the brokenhearted" and to be our source of power, courage, and wisdom, helping us through our problems. It seems the more problems we have the closer God is. So when trouble strikes, don't get frustrated with God. Instead, know that if have trusted in Christ as your Savior he is there and closer than you know or even imagine.

Pastor Phillip

Steroids and the Grace of God

2009-02-10T14:39:00.002-05:00

Steroids, with a new rash of baseball players busted I had to think about the * or the asterisk. The asterisk, of course, means that the record is a sort-of record, a footnoted record. The asterisk means the record is tainted. Take home run king Barry Bonds back on August 7, 2007, Bonds hit number 756, the home run that broke Hank Aaron's record. Most of the talk about the new record, though, is whether it really should count, because Bonds was juiced up. Sports buffs say if his name goes in the record book it should be accompanied by an asterisk.

But what if God placed marks beside our name when we messed up or cheated at life? I mean what if all of our infractions and sins were held over head, talked about, thrown in our face for the rest of life? How awful would that be? Thankfully Psalm 103 10-12 says

10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our offenses.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His faithful love
toward those who fear Him.

12 As far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed
our transgressions from us.

Then the great words of Romans 8:1

Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those who are in Christ Jesus

Thankful may name is free of the * because of the grace of God, Pastor Phillip

Quit Trying To Be Good!!!

2009-02-09T08:09:00.002-05:00

The Westminster Confession of Faith our Presbyterian brother’s use begins with a very good question. It asks “what is the chief end of man?” What do we as humans live and exist for? Now this powerful document answers “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.” This means that goal should be to bring God glory by enjoying Him. This is great! This does not say that our chief end is to glorify God by trying harder, doing better, cussing less, or even sinning less but by enjoying God. Now enjoying God means that these other areas will fall into line.

The Christian life for many is a struggle to be good, but this misses the point. Only Jesus is good, and our responsibility is to be in Christ and accept His goodness and grace on our behalf. We get the great transaction 2Cor 5:21 “He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

So we should live our lives and seek to love and enjoy all the blessings that God has for us. The problem with trying to be good by sinning less is that you continually focus on not sinning. The problem here is the focus is on sin. When we do this we miss all the good things of God to enjoy. This is a liberating concept that I have only began to live out in my life over the past year. So today strive to live out “Taste and see that the LORD is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa 34:8) This means that “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory.” (1Co 10:31)

Going to glorify God right now by pouring another cup of coffee! Pastor Phillip

BTW, I got some Italian Coffee Cream (powdered) here at the office and it too sweet for me, so if you want it come and get it!

Sunday's Sermon Notes 2/8/09

2009-02-08T08:22:00.000-05:00

Parent Traps: Avoiding Satan Traps For Our Families

For the LORD... will keep your foot from the trap”. Pro 3:26

The Trap of Provision: We should strive to foster worship of God over worship of material

1) Providing For the Needs of Our Children Is a Basic Responsibility: But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)

2) Are We Guilty of Providing Too Much of the Wrong Things and Not Enough of the Right Thing: After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. (1 Timothy 6:7-8)

3) The Right Thing to Provide Your Child is Instruction in How to Rightly Worship God : "There is no one righteous, not even one, there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God. (Romans 3:10-11)

God has made your child’s heart to worship, what it will worship is going to be largely influenced by you as parents …

So be aware your parenting shapes generations to come: "These are all the commands, laws, and regulations that the LORD your God told me to teach you so you may obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and so you and your children and grandchildren might fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his laws and commands, you will enjoy a long life. (Deuteronomy 6:1-2)

So make sure God is worshipped daily: Listen closely, Israel, to everything I say. Be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one (or The Lord Alone). (Deuteronomy 6:3-4)

So be warned about the failure to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength: And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. (Deuteronomy 6:5-6)

Giving your kids only a little of God may have the affect of inoculating them from ever experiencing the fullness and the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ…

Your children will probably never raise any higher spiritually than where you are right now in your life…

So Don’t Let Striving for Material Provision Keep You From Providing For Them Spiritually : And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Mark 8:36

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17

Questions for Reflection

1. What do I provide more of for my child: spiritual instruction or stuff?

2. What am I as a parent intentionally doing to shape the spiritual direction of my child?

3. What am I as a parent showing my kids through my life is more important: stuff or God?

4. If my kids never grew any closer to God than I am, would this be OK?

Is worship of God in our house a daily reality or once a week event?

Facebook Turns Five

2009-02-07T08:14:00.000-05:00

Facebook marked its fifth anniversary on February 5, setting a milestone for social networking as a cultural phenomenon. I enjoy it and like keeping up with friends. But as with anything there are some guidlines that are good to follow. Below is a list that was complied by Dr. Albert Mohler.

Here are a few suggestions for safeguarding the social networking experience:

1. Never allow social networking to replace or rival personal contact and communication. God made us to be social creatures that crave community. We cannot permit ourselves to substitute social networking for the harder work of building and maintaining personal relationships that are face to face.
2. Set clear parameters for the time devoted to social networking. These services can be seductive and time consuming. Social networking (and the Internet in general) can become obsessive and destructive of other relationships and higher priorities for the Christian.
3. Never write or post anything on a social networking site that you would not want the world to see, or anything that would compromise your Christian witness. There are plenty of young people (perhaps older persons now, too) who are ruining future job prospects and opportunities by social networking misbehavior. The cost to Christian witness is often far greater.
4. Never allow children and teenagers to have independent social networking access (or Internet access, for that matter). Parents should monitor, manage, supervise, and control the Internet access of their children and teens. Watch what your child posts and what their friends post.
5. Do not allow children and teens to accept any "friend" unknown to you. The social networking world can be a dangerous place, and parental protection here is vital.
6. Encourage older friends and relatives to sign up and use the technology. Grandparents can enjoy keeping up with grandchildren and with friends and loved ones separated by distance or mobility.
7. Use the social networking technology to bear witness to the Gospel, but never think that this can replace the centrality of face-to-face evangelism, witness, and discipleship.
8. Do all things to the glory of God, and do not allow social networking to become an idol or a display of narcissism.
The fifth anniversary of Facebook is a milestone in American culture -- and a good time for a reality check. We were made by our Creator to be social creatures, but made for far more than mere social media.

Got to update my status! Pastor Phillip

The Shack: Good, Bad, Or Ulgy?

2009-02-06T05:47:00.001-05:00

The people here were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, since they welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17:11 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

The Shack, people I find either love it or hate it. I read it and was bothered. Now being bothered by what you read can be a good thing as it challenges your ideas and beliefs. The challenge made me think through conceptions of God, made me think about the interrelation of the Trinity, and made me think through the ever-present problem of evil. All big and weighty matters are good to sort through, but as they are sorted out the basis of belief has to be based Scripture and not fiction. Because it is so popular and people have asked me about it, I am going to post a critical review of the book. Now, the review I am going to post is a bit long and nit-picky, but I think it will cause you think through these matters presented in the book a bit more biblically. I don’t necessarily see all the problems the writer of this review presents, but Norm Geisler is a leading Christian theologian and far smarter than myself.

The Shack: Helpful or Heretical?A Critical Review by Norman L. Geisler and Bill Roach

The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity by William P. Young (Wind Blown Media, 2007, 264 pp) is a New York Times best seller with well over a million copies in print. Literally hundreds of thousands have been blessed by its message, but its message is precisely what calls for scrutiny. Responses to The Shack range from eulogy to heresy. Eugene Peterson, author of The Message predicted that The Shack “has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his. It’s that good!” Emmy Award Winning Producer of ABC Patrick M. Roddy declares that “it is a one of a kind invitation to journey to the very heart of God. Through my tears and cheers, I have been indeed transformed by the tender mercy with which William Paul Young opened the veil that too often separated me from God and from myself.” (http://theshackbook.com/endorsements.html). People from all walks of life are raving about this book by unknown author “Willie” Young, son of a pastor/missionary, and born in Canada. He is a graduate of Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon.

The Background of the Book
The Shack is Christian fiction, a fast-growing genre in the contemporary Christian culture. It communicates a message in a casual, easy-to-read, non-abrasive manner. From his personal experience, Young attempts to answer some of life’s biggest questions: Who is God? Who is Jesus? What is the Trinity? What is salvation? Is Jesus the only way to Heaven? If God, then why evil? What happens after I die? In the final section of the book titled “The Story behind THE SHACK,” he reveals that the motivation for this story comes from his own struggle to answer many of the difficult questions of life. He claims that his seminary training just did not provide answers to many of his pressing questions. Then one day in 2005, he felt God whisper in his ear that this year was going to be his year of Jubilee and restoration. Out of that experience he felt lead to write The Shack. According to Young, much of the book was formed around personal conversations he had with God, family, and friends (258-259). He tells the readers that the main character “Mack” is not a real person, but a fictional character used to communicate the message in the book. However, he admits that his children would “recognize that Mack is mostly me, that Nan is a lot like Kim, that Missy and Kate and the other characters often resemble our family members and friends” (259).

The Basic Story of the Book
The story centers around a note that Mack, the husband and father in the story, received from “Papa,” who is supposed to be God the Father. It reads, “Mackenzie, It’s been a while. I’ve missed you. I’ll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together” (19). From this, the story moves through the personal struggles Mack has with such questions as: Why would someone send me this letter? Does God really speak through letters? How would my seminary training respond to this interaction between God and man? The story takes a turn when Mack’s son almost drowns while canoeing. During the chaos his daughter is abducted and eventually killed. This is what caused Mack to fall into what the book calls “The Great Sadness.” This time period is supposed to reflect his spiritual condition after the death of his daughter and the questions he has been asking for many years. Grieved with the death of his daughter and the possibility that the note might be from God, Mack packs his bags and heads for the shack. The point of this journey is to suggest that his traditional teaching, Sunday prayers, hymns, and approach to Christianity were all wrong. He comes to the conclusion that “cloistered spirituality seemed to change nothing in the lives of people he knew, except maybe Nan [his wife]” (63). In spite of being an unlikely encounter with God, Young uses this fictional encounter as a vehicle for Mack’s spiritual journey and encounter at the shack. While at the shack, Mack discovers that God is not what we expect Him to be. In fact, God the Father is a “large beaming African-American woman,” Jesus appeared to be “Middle Eastern and was dressed like a laborer, complete with tool belt and gloves,” and the Holy Spirit is named Sarayu, “a small, distinctively Asian woman.” The book identifies these three people as the Trinity (80-82). After trying to reconcile his seminary training with this new encounter with God, he concludes that what he had learned was of no help.

A Brief Evaluation of the Book
Young’s point is clear: forget your preconceived notions about God, forget your seminary training, and realize that God chooses to appear to us in whatever form we personally need; He is like a mixed metaphor. We cannot fall back into our religious conditioning (91). The Shack attempts to present a Christian worldview through the genre of religious fiction, but just how Christian it is remains to be seen.

Problem One: A Rejection of Traditional Christianity
Beneath the surface of The Shack is a rejection of traditional Christianity (179). He claims that traditional Christianity did not solve his problem. Even Seminary training didn’t help (63). He insists that Christianity has to be revised in order to be understood, reminiscent of McClaren’s Emergent Church book titled, Everything Must Change. However, one might question whether it is Christianity that needs revision or Christians that need to be revitalized. One thing is certain, Christianity should not be rejected because it has some hypocritical representatives. To be sure, some Seminary training is bad, and even good Seminary training doesn’t help, if you don’t heed it. But the baby should not be thrown out with the bathwater. Christ established the Church and said the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Mt. 16:16-18). The Shack, as gripping as its story is, trades a church occupied with people who hear the Word of God preached for an empty shack where there is neither.

Problem Two: Experience Trumps Revelation
An underlying problem with the message of The Shack is that it uses personal experience to trump revelation. The solutions to life’s basic problems come from extra-biblical experience, not from Scripture (80-100). Non-biblical voices are given precedent over the voice of God in Scripture. These alleged “revelations” from the “Trinity” in the shack are the basis of the whole story. While biblical truth is alluded to, it is not the authoritative basis of the message. In the final analysis, it is experience that is used to interpret the Bible; it is not the Bible that is used to interpret experience. This leads to a denial of a fundamental teaching of Protestantism.

Problem Three: The Rejection of Sola Scriptura
The Shack rejects the sole authority of the Bible to determine matters of faith and practice. Rather than finding a Bible by the altar in a little old country church and getting comfort and counsel from the word of God, he is instructed to go to an empty shack in the wilderness with no Bible and get all he needs to cope with the tragedies of life from extra-biblical voices. The Shack’s author rejects what “In seminary he had been taught that God had completely stopped any overt communication with moderns, preferring to have them only listen to and follow sacred Scripture…. God’s voice had been reduced to paper…. It seemed that direct communication with God was something exclusively for the ancients…. Nobody wanted God in a box, just in a book” (63). However, the Bible clearly declares that “Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17, emphasis added). Indeed, our comfort is not found in extra-biblical revelations but is realized in that “through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). In short, the Bible is sufficient for faith and practice. No new truth beyond the Bible is needed for doctrine or living the Christian life. Of course, this does not mean that God cannot bring biblical principles to our minds when needed through various experiences, even tragic ones. He can and He does. Nor does it mean that God cannot guide in circumstances that help us in the application of biblical principles to our lives. He can and He does. But these experiences bring no new revelation. They are merely the occasion for God focusing our attention on the only infallible written source of His revelation, the Bible and the Bible alone.To forsake this fundamental principle is to leave Protestantism for Mysticism.

Problem Four: An Unbiblical View of the Nature and Triunity of God
In addition to an errant view of Scripture, The Shack has an unorthodox view of the Trinity. God appears as three separate persons (in three separate bodies) which seems to support Tritheism in spite of the fact that the author denies Tritheism (“We are not three gods”) and Modalism (“We are not talking about One God with three attitudes”—p. 100). Nonetheless, Young departs from the essential nature of God for a social relationship among the members of the Trinity. He wrongly stresses the plurality of God as three separate persons: God the Father appears as an “African American woman” (80); Jesus appears as a Middle Eastern worker (82). The Holy Spirit is represented as “a small, distinctively Asian woman” (82). And according to Young, the unity of God is not in one essence (nature), as the orthodox view holds. Rather, it is a social union of three separate persons. Besides the false teaching that God the Father and the Holy Spirit have physical bodies (since “God is spirit”—Jn. 4:24), the members of the Trinity are not separate persons (as The Shack portrays them); they are only distinct persons in one divine nature. Just as a triangle has three distinct corners, yet is one triangle. It is not three separate corners (for then it would not be a triangle if the corners were separated from it), Even so,God is one in essence but has three distinct (but inseparable) Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Problem Five: An Unbiblical View of Punishing Sin
Another claim is that God does not need to punish sin. He states, “At that, Papa stopped her preparations and turned toward Mack. He could see a deep sadness in her eyes. ‘I am not who you think I am, Mackenzie. I don’t need to punish people for sin. Sin is its own punishment, devouring you from the inside. It is not my purpose to punish it; it’s my joy to cure it’” (119). As welcoming as this message may be, it at best reveals a dangerously imbalanced understanding of God. For in addition to being loving and kind, God is also holy and just. Indeed, because He is just He must punish sin. The Bible explicitly says that” the soul that sins shall die” (Eze. 18:2). “I am holy, says the Lord” (Lev. 11:44). He is so holy that Habakkuk says of God, “You…are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong…” (Hab. 1:13). Romans 6:23 declares: “The wages of sin is death….” And Paul added, “‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay’ says the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). In short, The Shack presents lop-sided view of God as love but not justice. This view of a God who will not punish sin undermines the central message of Christianity—that Christ died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:1f.) and rose from the dead. Indeed, some emergent Church leaders have given a more frontal and near blasphemous attack on the sacrificial atonement of Christ, calling it a “form of cosmic child abuse—a vengeful father, punishing his son for offences he has not even committed” (Steve Chalke, The Lost Message of Jesus, 184). Such is the end of the logic that denies an awesomely holy God who cannot tolerate sin was satisfied (propitiated) on behalf of our sin (1 Jn. 2:1). For Christ paid the penalty for us, “being made sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God through him” (2 Cor. 5:21), “suffering the just for the unjust that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18).

Problem Six: A False View of the Incarnation
Another area of concern is a false view of the person and work of Christ. The book states, “When we three spoke ourself into human existence as the Son of God, we became fully human. We also chose to embrace all the limitations that this entailed. Even though we have always been present in this universe, we now became flesh and blood” (98). However, this is a serious misunderstanding of the Incarnation of Christ. The whole Trinity was not incarnated. Only the Son was (Jn. 1:14), and in His case deity did not become humanity but the Second Person of the Godhead assumed a human nature in addition to His divine nature. Neither the Father nor Holy Spirit (who are pure spirit--John 4:24) became human, only the Son did.

Problem Seven: A Wrong View of the Way of Salvation
Another problem emerges in the message of The Shack. According to Young, Christ is just the “best” way to relate to the Father, not the only way (109). The “best” does not necessarily imply the only way, which then means that there may be other ways to relate to God. Such an assertion is contrary to Jesus’ claim, “I am the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes unto the Father except through me” (John14:6). He added, “He who believes in Him [Christ] is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (Jn. 3:18). Jesus is not merely the best way, but He is the only way to God. Paul declared: “There is one God and one mediator between God and Men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5).

Problem Eight: A Heretical View of the Father SufferingThe book also contains a classic heresy called Patripassionism (Literally: Father Suffering). Young claims that God the Father suffered along with the Son, saying, “Haven’t you seen the wounds on Papa [God the Father] too?’ I didn’t understand them. ‘How could he…’ ‘For love. He chose the way of the cross… because of love’” (p. 165). But both the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed (A.D. 325) made it very clear that it was Jesus alone who “suffered” for us on the Cross. And that He did this only through His human nature. To say otherwise is to engage in “confusing the two natures” of Christ which was explicitly condemned in the Chalcedonian Creed (A.D. 451). Suffering is a form of change, and the Bible makes it very clear that God cannot change. “I the Lord change not” (Mal. 3:6). “There is no shadow of change with Him” (Jas. 1:17). When all else changes, God “remains the same” (Heb. 1:10-12).

Problem Nine: A Denial of Hierarchy in the Godhead
The Shack also claims that there is no hierarchy in God or in human communities modeled after Him. He believes that hierarchy exists only as a result of the human struggle for power. Young writes of God: “‘Well I know that there are three of you. But you respond with such graciousness to each other. Isn’t one of you more the boss than the other two…. I have always thought of God the Father as sort of being the boss and Jesus as the one following orders, you know being obedient….’ ‘Mackenzie, we have no concept of final authority among us; only unity. We are in a circle of relationship, not a chain of command…. What you’re seeing here is relationship without any overlay of power…. Hierarchy would make no sense among us’” (121). However, Young cites no Scripture to support this egalitarian view of God and human relations—and for good reasons since the Bible clearly affirms that there is an order of authority in the Godhead, the home, and the church. Submission and obedience are biblical terms. Jesus submitted to the Father: “O My Father,… not my will be done but yours” (Mt. 26:39). “He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death…” (Philip. 2:8). In heaven “then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him, that God may be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28). Children are to submit to their parents: Paul urged, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord…” (Eph. 6:1). Likewise, women are urged: “Wives submit to your own husband, as to the Lord” (Eph. 5:22). “The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Cor. 11:3). Members are to “obey your leaders” (Heb. 13:17). Indeed, citizens are commanded “to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient…” (Titus 3:1). The hierarchial order in the Godhead is the basis for all human relationships. And pure love does not eliminate this; it demands it. The Bible declares; “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (1 Jn. 5:3). Portraying God as a Mother, rather than a Father, reveals an underlying anti-masculinity in Young’s thought. He wrote, “Males seem to be the cause of so much of the pain in the world. They account for most of the crime and many of those are perpetrated against women…. The world, in many ways, would be a much calmer and gentler place if women ruled. There would have been far fewer children sacrificed to the gods of greed and power” (148). He does not explain how this would not be a hierarchy if women “ruled” the world.

Problem Ten:Ignoring the Crucial Role of the Church in Edifying Believers
The Shack is totally silent about the important role the community of believers plays in the life of individuals needing encouragement. In fact there is a kind of anti-church current born of a reaction to a hypocritical, legalistic, and abusive father who was a church leader (1-3). However, this is clearly contrary to the command of Scripture. A bad church should not be replaced with no church but with a better church. God gave the church “pastors and teachers, to equip the saints…for building up the body of Christ…” (Eph. 4:11-12). Paul said, “To each [one in the body] is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7). Young replaces a Bible-based church in the wildwood with a Bible-less shack in the wild. Comfort in bereavement is sought in a lonely, Bible-less, empty shack in the wilderness where one is to find comfort by heeding deceptive presentations of God. At this point several scriptural exhortations about being aware of deceiving spirits come to mind (1 Tim. 4:1; 1 John 4:1; 2 Cor. 11:14). As for the need for a church, the Scriptures exhort us “not to forget the assembling together as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). Without the regular meeting with a body of edifying believers, proper Christian growth is inevitably stunted.

Problem Eleven:An Inclusivistic View of Who Will be Saved
While The Shack falls short of the universalism (“All will be saved”) found in other emergent writings, it does have a wide-sweeping inclusivism whereby virtually anyone through virtually any religion can be saved apart from Christ. According to Young,, “Jesus [said]…. ‘Those who love me come from every system that exists. They are Buddhists or Mormons, Baptist, or Muslims, …and many who are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institution…. Some are bankers and bookies, Americans and Iraqis, Jews and Palestinians. I have no desire to make them Christians, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa….’ ‘Does that mean…that all roads will lead to you?’ ‘Not at all…. Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you’” (184).Again, there is no biblical support for these claims. On the contrary, the Scriptures affirm that there is no salvation apart from knowing Christ. Acts 4:12 pronounces that “There is no other name under heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved.” 1 Tim. 2:5 insists that “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” And Jesus said, “unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24). For “whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (Jn. 3:36). And “whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (Jn. 3:18).

Problem Twelve: A Wrong View of Faith and Reason
The Shack embraces an irrational view of faith. It declares: “There are times when you choose to believe something that would normally be considered absolutely irrational. It doesn’t mean that it is actually irrational, but it is surely not rational” (64). Even common sense informs us that this is no way to live the Christian life. The Bible says, “’Come now let us reason together,’ says the Lord” (Isa. 1:18:). “Give a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15); “Paul…reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:2). “These were more fair-minded [because] they searched the Scriptures daily…whether these things be so” (Acts 17:11). “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God” (1 Jn. 4:1, emphasis added in above quotes). Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” and reasonable Christians would add, “The unexamined faith is not worth having.”
Problem Thirteen: It Eliminates Knowledge of God According to Young, God is wholly other; we can’t really know Him. He wrote: “I am God. I am who I am. And unlike you…” (96). “I am what some would say ‘holy and wholly other than you’” (97). “I am not merely the best version of you that you can think of. I am far more than that, above and beyond all that you can ask or think” (97). One basic problem with this view is that it is self-defeating. How could we know God is “wholly other”? Wholly other than what? And how can we know what God is not unless we know what He is? Totally negative knowledge of God is impossible. Further, according to the Bible, we can know what God is really like from both general and special revelation. For “Since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen…even his eternal power and Godhead…” (Rom.1:20). As for special revelation, Jesus said, “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also” (Jn. 14:7) and “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father” (Jn. 14:6). God does speak of Himself in His written Word (2 Tim. 3:16), and when He does it tells us something about the way He really is. His words are not deceptive but descriptive.

Problem Fourteen: It Entails Divine Deception
According to The Shack, God is revealed in ways contrary to His nature. The Father is revealed as a black woman and having a body when He is neither. The reason given for this is that in love God revealed Himself in ways that would be acceptable to the recipient (who had a bad father image) but were not so. But this is case of divine deception. God is a spirit (Jn. 4:24) and He has no body (Lk. 24:39). God is never called a “Mother” in the Bible. It is deceptive to portray God’s Nature in any way that He is not, even though ones motive is loving (91-92). A lie told with a loving motive is still a lie. Of course, when God speaks to finite creatures He engages in adaptation to human limits but never in accommodation to human error. Portraying God as having a black female body is like saying storks bring babies. Young calls it a “mask” that falls away (111). But God does not have masks, and He does not masquerade. “It is impossible for God to lie” (Heb. 6:18). Paul speaks of the “God who cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). It is only the Devil, the Father of lies, who engages in appearing in forms he is not. “For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14). To be sure, there are figures of speech in Scripture, speaking of God as a rock or a hen, but they are known to be metaphorical and not literal, since there are no immaterial rocks and God does not have feathers.

Conclusion
The Shack may do well for many in engaging the current culture, but not without compromising Christian truth. The book may be psychologically helpful to many who read it, but it is doctrinally harmful to all who are exposed to it. It has a false understanding of God, the Trinity, the person and work of Christ, the nature of man, the institution of the family and marriage, and the nature of the Gospel. For those not trained in orthodox Christian doctrine, this book is very dangerous. It promises good news for the suffering but undermines the only Good News (the Gospel) about Christ suffering for us. In the final analysis it is only truth that is truly liberating. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). A lie may make one feel better, but only until he discovers the truth. This book falls short on many important Christian doctrines. It promises to transform people’s lives, but it lacks the transforming power of the Word of God (Heb. 4:12) and the community of believers (Heb. 10:25). In the final analysis, this book is not a Pilgrim’s Progress, but doctrinally speaking The Shack is more of a Pilgrim’s Regress.

Here is another review that I probably like better and is worth reading as well.

Do you agree or disagree with this critical assessment of the book? Is this a mountain out of a molehill? What do you think? Pastor Phillip

Could Your Child Stand This Firm?

2009-02-05T06:16:00.000-05:00

Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your brothers in the world. (10) Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. 1Pe 5:9-10

I have spent a few weeks in China, great country, rough place to be a Christian. While we were there half of our group was detained for suspected missionary activity. They actually had to eat a Chinese census map in order to get rid of the evidence. But, after a half a day they were released. They worst that happens to westerners is a fine and deported out of the country. But, for the Chinese they go to work camps and lose property and jobs. So, as we are looking at raising Godly children here at Antioch, I came across this amazing story of the heart and determination of some very young Chinese Christians.

China's constitution allows citizens to believe in God, but does not guarantee the opportunity to put those beliefs into practice. The Open Doors organization reports that recently a group of children made a huge impact on government officials.

According to a Chinese teacher, the children were taken into custody when officials raided a Sunday School meeting. Security Bureau officers confiscated incriminating evidence and herded the children into a van. As the van headed to the police station the children started singing. When they arrived, they marched bravely into the interrogation room still singing, "In the name of Jesus, we have the victory."

The police interrogator threatened the children, telling them they would have to write "I do not believe in Jesus" one hundred times. Instead of cowering under the threats, the children wrote, "I believe in Jesus today. I will believe in Jesus tomorrow. I will believe in Jesus forever."

Officials were not prepared for a strong stand from children, and decided to call the parents into the police station. They told the parents they would release the children only if the parents said they were not Christians. Since many of the parents were not believers, they affirmed they did not believe and took their children home. When one widowed woman came to pick up her twin sons, she refused to deny Jesus.

Officials told her that if she did not deny Jesus, they would not release her sons. She responded by telling the police. "Well, I guess you will just have to keep them because without Jesus, there would be no way for me to take care of them!" Since the frustrated authorities had not expected such strong resistance, they told the woman to take her boys and leave, which she did.

Wow, that last mom blew me away. It seems she thought here children are just as well with the jailers because without Jesus she is incapable of raising them! What if we had that same dependency on Jesus in our lives, then maybe our kids would be able to stand firm like these little amazing believers did?

Resolve to depend absolutely on Christ today in all I do! Pastor Phillip

Sunday's Sermon Notes

2009-02-04T06:12:00.002-05:00

Parent Traps: Avoiding Satan’s Traps For Our Families

“For the LORD... will keep your foot from the trap”. Pro 3:26

Sermon #1 The Trap of Success: We should strive to foster Christlikeness over cultural accomplishment

1) Beware Of The World’s Definition of Success For Your Children

Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world-- (16) the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle--is not from the Father, but is from the world. (17) And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God's will remains forever 1 John 2:15-17

2) Would We Be Proud Of Jesus If He Were Our Son?

And there came a voice from heaven: This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him! Matthew 3:17

3) What Was The Definition Of Success For Jesus?

"Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me--nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done." Luke 22:42

Success For Jesus Was Lovingly And Trustingly Submitting To God’s Plan And Purpose For His Life

Success For Your Child Not Merely Being…

Popular: "There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests--look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.” (Luke 6:26 The Message)

Smart: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge Pro 1:7

Self-Confident: I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Well-Behaved: Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said: (8) These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. Matthew 15:7-8

Saved: But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Mat 10:22

So What Is Success For A Christian Parent?

Success For A Christian Parent Is Teaching Their Child To Lovingly And Trustingly Submit To God’s Plan And Purpose For Their Life

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. (14) Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-and how well I know it. (15) You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. (16) You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (17) How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!

Psalms 139:13-17

You Help Your Children To Become The People That God Wants Them To Be

I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

These notes were from this past Sunday. This Sunday it will be looking at the Trap Of Provision In Parenting. I hope to see you there! Pastor Phillip

2009-02-03T08:17:00.001-05:00

I read recently about an old massive bridge in the Scottish highlands that spans a gorge known as "The High Bridge." But something happened that made it necessary for officials to condemn it. A tiny birch seed, caught by a gust of wind, dropped into a small crevice above the keystone. It lodged unnoticed in the lime, and before long it germinated. Soon it was a young sapling, but still nobody saw it. As it grew into a tree, its roots went deep into the masonry so that the arch was severely damaged. The bridge that had defied violent storms and supported the weight of marching armies finally had to be closed to traffic. It had succumbed to a small seed.

You know in our lives the smallest sins can have devastating consequences. One of them that is very easy to overlook and let grow and fester in our hearts is unforgiveness. Hear the words of Hebrews 12:14-15 “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness--without it no one will see the Lord. (15) See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many.” Just like that small seed and its roots affected that bridge so to bitterness that springs up in our hearts and can destroy even our deepest Christian relationships. A poisonous root of bitterness comes when we allow disappointment to grow into resentment, or when we nurse grudges over past hurts. Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension, and immorality. The good news is that we don’t have to be condemned like the bridge, to a life of bitterness and unforgiveness, because if we truly allow the Holy Spirit fill us, he can heal the hurts that causes bitterness and save us from the damage it could have been caused.

"For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. (15) But if you don't forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing. Matthew 6:14-15

Pastor Phillip

Supersize Me

2009-02-02T08:04:00.002-05:00

Supersize Me was documentary that came out a few years back. During the30 days of filming, Spurlock dined at McDonald's restaurants three times per day, sampling every item on the chain's menu at least once. He also "super-sized" his meal every time he was asked. Spurlock consumed an average of 5,000 calories (the equivalent of 9.26 Big Macs) per day during the experiment. As a result, the then-32-year-old Spurlock in 30 days gained 24½ lbs. A 13% body mass increase, and experienced mood swings, lethargy, and liver damage. It also took Spurlock fourteen months to lose the weight he gained. But one of the most surprising statements in the whole movie was that he felt continually hungry. 5,000 calories a day, but felt hungry all the time. This was due to the fact that there was limited nutritional value found in the menu items, so the body crazed real nutrition. I was blown away by this.

But this is true in other areas of life as well. Randy Alcorn, says in his book The Purity Principle

“Those who turn from God to embrace a God-substitute suffer terrible loss. Why? Because they were made to find joy in God, not the substitute. They swap God’s present and future blessing for something they can immediately see, taste, or feel. But that something never satisfies.”

Try all we want to find real joy, happiness, and meaning apart from God but we never will. So we binge on all the world has to offer apart from God, but never be filled until we see the truth of Psalm 16:11

You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.

Needing and Ice Coffee and Egg McMuffin, Pastor Phillip

Think About This

2009-02-01T09:18:00.000-05:00

In Emerging Worship, Dan Kimball writes, "The average person is awake 112 hours a week (assuming he or she sleeps eight hours a night). If a person goes to a weekend worship gathering that lasts two hours, then 98.2 percent of their week is not in a weekend worship gathering. To most people, 'church' involves only 1.8 percent of their time. The rest is supposedly not 'church.' This is pretty crazy because in reality you and I and other Christians are the Church 100 percent of the time." What are your thoughts about this?

Pastor Phillip

25 Things About Phillip

2009-01-30T05:30:00.001-05:00

This came from facebook and figured it might be worth sharing.

1. Apart from Jesus changing my heart and life, I have no idea where or what I would.
2. I find true joy and meaning from seeking to rightly know my self and others through the lens of Scripture.
3. I have honestly one of the most amazingly women in the world for wife. Rebecca inspires me daily with her love, devotion, and commitment to God, church, and her family.
4. I really enjoy spending time with my son Cason, he insanely fun to play with most of the time.
5. I love being pastor. There is really nothing else in the world I would rather be doing
6. The church I pastor is awesome. We are blessed to have good numeric growth, and lots of babies. Seeing people grow closer to God and people futures changed for the better for all eternity is great.
7. Daily Bible reading is something that I can't live without. I read because I have to, because apart from the wisdom of scripture I am idiot, and good for very little!
8. Preaching, I love to explain the Bible to people. Seeing people understand scripture is a rush that I can't describe.
9. People, being able to comfort and encourage people during their times of sickness and distress is very powerful and humbling experience. I am so thankful that God allows me to be a conduit of His grace.
10. I am color blind and dumb. Really I got no clue what color M&M's or Skittles I eat.
11. I chew my finger nails. I am crazy, I will keep them for a few days and chew the same nail. I know that is nuts and gross.
12. I struggle with Caffeine addiction. If left up to myself I would drink drink Red Bull and Coffee all day long. I used to, before I quit coffee for a year drink 20 cups a day. Not kidding, but the increased productivity was cut down due to the frequent trips to the bathroom.
13. I loved Mixed Martial Arts or the UFC. I mean I love I read the related blogs, fighter bio's and get with a few guys from church all the pay-per-views.
14. I buy way too many Bibles. I own a lot and if left to my self would own a lot more. Especially smooth and supple calfskin!
15. I only wear Haynes one pocket gray t-shirts when I am not dressed for church. I mean every picture of me and Cason, I am wearing them. They can never get too old or worn.
16. On the other hand I only wear gray Haynes mid-calf athletic socks and throw them away about every four months when the elastic goes and buy new ones, much to the chagrin of my wife.
17. Paper, I can't deal with crumpled paper. I like it nice and crisp!
18. I try to blog daily. (http://pastorhowle.blogspot.com) I like expressing my self through writing, but I have a problem with verbosity.
19. I love good quotes, they are distilled wisdom. This is because a good quote can so much, using only a few words.
20. Early mornings, I love to get and work early, but can't accomplish much 8 in the evening.
21. My wife and I are pretty crazy about The Office. We also watch Frazier re-runs and own all the Seinfeld DVD's
22. I have a lot of phlegm. I know gross, but I hack and cough like a four pack a day smoker.
23. I come from an amazing family. My mom, dad, sister, aunts, and uncles all love God they are a pretty huge reason I am who I am today
24. Most days my mom and I talk 4 or 5 times a day. Days when we don't talk are few and far between.
25. I once in college got a letter from US Customs for ordering a Cuban Cigar from Great Britain. I am still suspect to searches when I cross borders, never got the Cigar, but the company promptly and kindly refunded my money.
26. I was on the quiz bowl team and the reading club in school. (Don't judge me, I played football, wrestled, and ran track too!) I am full of a little knowledge about a lot of things. One person said "I know enough to make you think I know everything, but in actuality I know very little about anything." That pretty much sums me up
27. I should have used to past 20 minutes more productively.

Pastor Phillip

Changing Up

2009-01-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

I have not been writing as much here lately, Delane Miller at my church asked me about it. The reason is I changed my preaching style. I had always been a straight through the book preacher. Pray and select the book and then go and preach. I like it a lot, but I found myself in a little rut. So, Pastor Kyle and I decided we would change do thematic series this year. The response has been good so far, but I jump around from passage to passage, change my mind a lot and I am like kid learning to ride a bike all over again. I have to now approach the Bible, from a broader perspective, than just simple then next part of the book I was preaching in.

But, it was a change. Change is hard, especially once it gets ingrained in us. I was wondering what in your life could use a change? Are there any habits, any routines, maybe even sins that have worked there way into your life you need to work out? Paul address the issue this way:

“throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. (23) Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. (24) You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness-righteous, holy, and true.” Ephesians 4:22-24

So, look for areas in your life in need of change and pray for God’s grace to enable you to make them!

Pastor Phillip

Thoughts About Abortion

2009-01-26T07:01:00.002-05:00

When talking about abortion with other people, the conversations can be very unfruitful. Some are going to say mother’s choice and others will say Bible says it is wrong. Now, quoting the bible is great, but to someone who does not believe it, it does little practical good. Here are some talking points or thoughts to consider when discussing abortion with non-Christian people. These came from John Piper’s Blog.

1. Existing fetal homicide laws make a man guilty of manslaughter if he kills the baby in a mother's womb (except in the case of abortion).

2. Fetal surgery is performed on babies in the womb to save them while another child the same age is being legally destroyed.

3. Babies can sometimes survive on their own at 23 or 24 weeks, but abortion is legal beyond this limit.

4. Living on its own is not the criterion of human personhood, as we know from the use of respirators and dialysis.

5. Size is irrelevant to human personhood, as we know from the difference between a one-week-old and a six-year-old.

6. Developed reasoning powers are not the criterion of personhood, as we know from the capacities of three-month-old babies.

7. Infants in the womb are human beings scientifically by virtue of their genetic make up.

8. Ultrasound has given a stunning window on the womb that shows the unborn at eight weeks sucking his thumb, recoiling from pricking, responding to sound. All the organs are present, the brain is functioning, the heart is pumping, the liver is making blood cells, the kidneys are cleaning fluids, and there is a fingerprint. Virtually all abortions happen later than this date.

9. Justice dictates that when two legitimate rights conflict, the limitation of rights that does the least harm is the most just. Bearing a child for adoption does less harm than killing him.

10. Justice dictates that when either of two people must be inconvenienced or hurt to alleviate their united predicament, the one who bore the greater responsibility for the predicament should bear more of the inconvenience or hurt to alleviate it.

11. Justice dictates that a person may not coerce harm on another person by threatening voluntary harm on themselves.

12. The outcast and the disadvantaged and exploited are to be cared for in a special way, especially those with no voice of their own.

13. What is happening in the womb is the unique person-nurturing work of God, who alone has the right to give and take life.

14. There are countless clinics that offer life and hope to both mother and child (and father and parents), with care of every kind lovingly provided by people who will meet every need they can.

15.Jesus Christ can forgive all sins, and will give all who trusts him the help they need to do everything that life requires.

Can you add any others to this list? Please pray for our nation, the words of Mother Teresa are frightening “If we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people to not kill each other? Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.”

Pastor Phillip

A Pastor's Life

2009-01-21T05:42:00.003-05:00

My life changed the day that was ordained. I think for the better, because I love what I do and who I get to serve. But, it is a different life that not everyone understands or can even appreciate. Now, this true of any vocation. But I found a list of expectations of pastors that I was not quite prepared for when I first entered the ministry. I found this list here.

Right or wrong, when you’re a pastor, people’s expectations of you change.

Some believe you are holier than you could humanly achieve. Others are skeptical, secretly hoping you’ll fail.

Some sincerely hope your family is materially blessed. Others think your family should barely be above the poverty line.

Many will have very high expectations of your kids. Some will privately (or publicly) gloat when your kids fail.

Some people will want to be close to you simply because you’re a pastor. Others will be too nervous to be themselves around you.

Some will extend irrational love toward you and your family. Others will be easily offended (and dislike you) over something you would consider a minor misunderstanding.

Some will almost worship you (even though you don’t want it). Many of those same people will leave your church before the end of this year.

The joy of intimate Christian relationships for pastors couldn’t be greater. The pain and loss of broken relationships will haunt you throughout your ministry.

Then in thinking about the stress of vocational ministry as it affects my son and family.

Your kids will hear you criticized.
Your kids will watch you hurt.
Your kids may see you wrongly strike back.
Your kids might see your hypocrisy up close.
Your kids might reject the church because you’re always there.
Your kids may enjoy the extra attention when they are young and despise it when they mature.

So, anyway I love being a pastor, I really love when little kids call me "preacher," and I love all of you. Just things to consider as you deal with your preacher, whoever that may be.

Pastor Phillip

Congratulation's Barack

2009-01-20T05:40:00.002-05:00

Regardless of what you think about him his story is inspiring. He could have been an aborted baby, but thankfully his mother chose life and we all get to see what he can now become. Pray for your new president today. You can check out an amazing prayer for our new President here. Also, check out the video below as well.
Pastor Phillip

Sunday's Sermon Notes

2009-01-19T14:42:00.000-05:00

SERMON THREE: I BELIEVE IN GOD, BUT I TRUST IN MONEY

PRACTICAL ATHEIST: SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES IN GOD BUT LIVES AS IF HE DOESN’T EXIST.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

WE ASK MONEY TO PROVIDE WHAT IT WAS NEVER MEANT TO:

#1 HAPPINESS : You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures. Psa 16:11

#2 SECURITY : God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Php 4:19

ONE OF THE #1 COMPETITORS FOR OUR HEARTS IS MONEY.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. 1Tim 6:10

No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money Luke 16:13

TWO DIFFERENT RICH MEN ENCOUNTER JESUS

Jesus said to him, "go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions. Mat 19:21-22

Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, I'll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord! And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I'll pay back four times as much!" Luk 19:8

WHEN YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH JESUS AT LEAST TWO THINGS HAPPEN

#1 YOU BECOME STRANGELY CONTENT.

Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real. 1Ti 6:17-19

#2 YOU BECOME IRRATIONALLY GENEROUS.

"Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!" You ask: "How do we rob You?" "By not making the payments of 10 percent and the contributions. Mal 3:8

…No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing. 2 Samuel 24:24

Discussion Questions

Do you trust money to provide happiness and/or security.? Why?

When you grow closer to Christ, you become strangely content with what you have. As you drift from Christ, you become less content. Are you more or less content today than last year? What does this say about your relationship with Christ?

Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Describe a time you gave sacrificially and how it blessed you as the giver. How can you give even more sacrificially?

Thank You President Bush

2009-01-19T09:48:00.002-05:00

I am for the most part a single-issue voter. I have said this in the past, not that I don't care other issues, I deeply do. But, saving the lives of unborn babies is the most pressing issue in our day. You can say whatever you want about Pres. Bush. I have not applauded his every decision, his fiscal and monetary policy especially and his theology makes me cringe. But, the man has done whatever he could to protect life and deserves a great thank you.

The following is a thank you letter from the National Right to Life.

Thank You, President Bush. The Pro-life Movement salutes you for eight years of outstanding pro-life service as President. Thank you on behalf of all the unborn children you have saved by your pro-life leadership, policies, and legislation. These children are a living tribute to your presidency. Thank you, too, for appointing two new Justices to the Supreme Court who have already cast key votes to uphold the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. They are likely to be an important pro-life legacy of your presidency well into the future.Your strategy of prohibiting government funding for stem cell research which requires the killing of human embryos and funding instead of the more promising ethical alternative of stem cell research which does not require the killing of human embryos has already begun to prove itself. Major research breakthroughs in adult stem cell research which requires no killing have been made during your Administration. This is another major pro-life achievement of the Bush presidency and is proving to be the most promising way of really finding cures. Thank you for your respect for the sanctity of life.We salute you for all of your efforts in defense of life during your presidency and for your steadfast strength and courage persevering even in the face of severe harassment from hostile anti-life opponents and media. You are an example to all of us of how to stand strong and speak the truth about abortion in spite of being attacked.Thank you for having the wisdom to ensure that your pro-life policies were effectively carried out by placing dedicated pro-life people of great talent in key positions in your administration. We recognize the importance of their service, too. Thank you for personally using the "bully pulpit" of the presidency to speak out for life. Your message to America was loud and clear. "Unborn children should be welcomed in life and protected in law." You will be remembered for those words and the dedication and determination behind them. Your pro-life words at the public signing of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, as well as your public speeches at major White House events you hosted on key life issues, all helped Americans focus more clearly on the life and death struggles to protect unborn children. Your defense of life was strong and courageous, but it was also compassionate. You were an example to everyone of how to fight abortion forcefully without condemning the people who advocate it or the women who have made the tragic error of having one. Polling data has shown that during your presidency the nation has become more pro-life, especially young people. This could have a very significant impact on our future.We know we will miss you terribly in the days and years to come, but we are very grateful for the accomplishments of your presidency. It has been an honor for all of us to know you and work with you for this great cause.God Bless you and God Bless America.

Written by Darla St. Martin who is the Co-Executive Director of National Right to Life. She has worked with President Bush since 1988.

Pray for the unborn in our nation. Pastor Phillip

Churchless Christian?

2009-01-17T08:34:00.002-05:00

Do you agree with Martin Luther who said "Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in Him unless he knew where his believers are?" Or do you you like what Pope Boniface said "The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course. "

Yes, no, right, wrong, why? Pastor Phillip

Love A Sea Kitty.

2009-01-15T06:15:00.001-05:00

I love PETA (people eating tasty animals). They are great. They used to go to fishing tournaments and slap the water with bamboo poles to scare the fish away. Now, they are seeking to save fish by re-naming them sea-kittens. I can't really make this up. You must go and check out this website. You can adopt a sea-kitty, read bedtime stories to sea-kitty. It is great. It makes me want to thaw out some frozen catfish filets for dinner tonight.

I also learned this great facts like these

Like their surface-dwelling cousins, the land kittens, sea kittens enjoy being petted. Their lack of arms makes it difficult for them to pet back, but they often gently rub against each other as a sign of affection.

OR

Sea kittens talk to each other through squeaks, squeals, and other low-frequency sounds that humans can only hear through special instruments. Most ichthyologists—scientists who specialize in sea kitten biology—agree that this is just about the cutest thing ever.

But, re-naming something is a strong tacit. Jerry Bridges recently came out with a new book which is titled, Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We tolerate. In one of his opening chapters, he states:

"We see that the entire concept of sin has virtually disappeared from our American culture at large and has been softened, even within many of our churches, to accommodate modern sensibilities. Indeed, strong biblical words for sin have been excised from our vocabulary.

The Bible says we are sinners. But take Joel Osteen When asked by Larry King if he uses the word “sinners,” he replied,

“I don’t use it. I never thought about it. But I probably don’t. But most people already know what [when] they’re doing wrong. When I get them to church I want to tell them that you can change.”

He does not use the word sinner and what’s remarkable is the he has not even thought about it. Sinner is offensive so just don't say it. Look at the repacking of other words. Take the sin of adultery, it is called an affair, or sleeping together, running around, cheating. It is adultery, it is a sin, no matter how you dress it up. Or take fornication, it is now hooking up, a fling, or one night stand. Homosexuality is now alternative lifestyle.

All I am saying is fish are fish, sin is sin, and beware of you are anyone else starts repacking words, ideas, and concepts. Do you call the sin your life sin or do you rename and package it. I am sinner, because if I was not or did not see myself as such then

2 Cor 5:21 "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ" would not be true for me.

Got to go read to my sea kitty, Pastor Phillip

I am not a cordless drill.

2009-01-14T07:23:00.004-05:00

Cordless drills are great. You can use them anywhere and do almost any little job, faster and with less effort: two things I like. But, I have a problem with mine that I never charge the battery. I use it, leave it out until I need it again and it never seems to have enough power to get the job done. The battery is dead, I have two batteries, but two uncharged batteries are equally worthless. In have found that spiritually I am not a cordless drill even through sometimes I try to be one. Let me explain.

Each day I begin with a time of prayer (usually guided by the Psalms or The Valley Of Vision), followed by daily Bible reading and then another time of prayer over the people in our churches directory. It is a great start to my day. But, often from that moment I get going with my business. I find that the "charge" from morning time with God wains quickly, the more I do "my" work. So, some days I try to pray and have another little time with God to "charge"me up again. But, again it drains quickly. So, I am not a cordless drill.

I am finding that I must be continually connected to the source of my strength Jesus Christ. This continually connection comes from trying to foster a minute by minute recognition of my need of Him. Now, I fall short of doing this all the time. But, striving for a continuing connection to God is the essence of what Paul meant when he told us in 1 The 5:17 to "pray constantly" and Jesus in John 15:5 "apart from me you can do nothing."

This also the essence of the great hymn "I need thee every hour"

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

So, plug in, stay connected, and do great things for God in all your endeavors today. Pastor Phillip

You might be dumber if you read...

2009-01-13T08:13:00.004-05:00

I am a little tired and my coffee had not yet hit my bloodstream. I like Chuck Norris, I liked him during the Mike Huckabee Presidential Campaign and in some of his movies and TV shows. Having watched Walker Texas Ranger is one of the requirements of holding a man card. But, I recently came across some of this stuff below. I think it is funny. But, if you want to use your time wisely, then you can skip it. By the way, I really want to substitute my name for Chuck’s and teach this to Cason as facts about his dad!

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.

Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.

There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.

When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.

Chuck Norris’ hand is the only hand that can beat a Royal Flush.

Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.

Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.

Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.

Chuck Norris does not get frostbite. Chuck Norris bites frost

Remember the Soviet Union? They decided to quit after watching a DeltaForce marathon on Satellite TV.1

Chuck Norris has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoloy card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game UNO.

Go to www.google.com Type in “find chuck norris” Click the “I’m feeling lucky” button. If is worth wasting some time doing.

Really, I am getting back to work now! Pastor Phillip

Sunday's Sermon Notes

2009-01-11T14:49:00.002-05:00

We continued to week two of our series Practical Atheist. Here are the notes if you missed them.

PRACTICAL ATHEIST: SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES IN GOD, BUT LIVES AS IF HE DOESN’T EXIST.

SERMON #2 I BELIEVE IN GOD BUT DON’T WANT TO GO OVERBOARD

WE MUST MOVE PAST CULTURAL CHRISTIANITY

The Lord said: Because these people approach Me with their mouths to honor Me with lip-service--yet their hearts are far from Me, and their worship consists of man-made rules learned by rote-- Isa 29:13

THE RIGHT REPONSE TO GOD IS TO GIVE UP EVERYTHING TO HIM

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. (45) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. (46) When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it. Mat 13:44-46

LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS MAKE JESUS WANT TO VOMIT AND RUIN A GOOD MANURE PILE

Every one of you who does not say good-bye to everything cannot be My disciple.(34)"Now, salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made salty? (35) It isn't fit for the soil or for the manure pile; they throw it out. Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!" Luk 14:33-35

A LUKEWARM CHRISTIAN MAY OR MAY NOT EVEN BE A CHRISTIAN

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test. 2Co 13:5

1) Crave acceptance from people more than acceptance from God.
2) Rarely share their faith in Christ.
3) Do whatever it takes to alleviate their guilt.
4) Think more about life on earth than eternity in heaven.
5) Gauge their morality by comparing to others.
6) Want to be saved from the penalty of sin without changing their lives.
7) Only turn to God when they are in a bind.
8) Give whenever it doesn’t hinder their standard of living.
9) Are not much different from the rest of the world.
10) Want the benefits of what Christ did without conforming to who He is.

11) Don’t know they are lukewarm

¹⁷ You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked… ²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:17, 20

Questions For Later Reflection

1) Have you lost the joy of your salvation? Why or why not?

2) Review the 10 qualities of lukewarm Christians. What is the biggest one (if any) that applies to you?

3) What are you going to do about your answer to question 2?

4) Are you sure if you were to die your would spend eternity in heaven with God?

Great Deal, Great Book

2009-01-09T09:18:00.003-05:00

At Christianbook.com they have a sale on "The Bible Panorama." This is chapter by chapter guide to the whole Bible. I use it daily. It is concise, short and just enough to help you put all the parts of Scripture together. They have it on sale for 14 dollars which is a great price. I seriously recommend picking it you will not be sorry. Pastor Phillip

The Problems I Have To Face Every day!

2009-01-09T05:21:00.000-05:00

I day to day have to deal with trying not to get run over by huge ships. You don't how hard it is to a preacher some days. But, luckily I have found the book to help me out. It is called "How To Avoid Getting Hit By Huge Ships."The back cover says "If you have ever wondered what action to take to keep clear of a huge ships, this book will remove the doubt." The author is a Master Mariner and Deep Sea Towing Master, Licensed Panama Canal Pilot and Active Washington State Pilot.

So give it a read and see if you can become an expert at avoiding large objects in the water as well. Pastor Phillip

Be ye saved...

2009-01-08T05:04:00.000-05:00

What is was your conversion experience like?

Do you remember you life before you were saved and then the change, (there should have been a change) afterward? This is a powerful part of your life, probably the most important day in your life.

How often do you share it? When was the last time you told someone about the day you were saved? Do you share more about fish you caught, football games, how knees hurt, and who is on your nerves? Try telling someone joyfully about your salvation experience. If you find you don’t have one, then you may need to do some praying to see if you have truly received Jesus or just practicing religion. I recently of a great man of God’s conversion experience.

Charles Spurgeon who was one of the greatest Baptist preachers of all time and he also shared his conversion story over 280 times in his preaching. He never got over the fact that God saved him. He said that prior to conversion he had a Christian upbringing (he was christened as an infant, and raised in the Congregational church), and he read the Bible and prayed daily, he did not know Jesus.

He describes his feeling prior as “I was years and years upon the brink of hell—I mean in my own feeling. I was unhappy, I was desponding, I was despairing. I dreamed of hell. My life was full of sorrow and wretchedness, believing that I was lost.”

But one day on a Sunday in January in1850 Spurgeon woke one with a deep sense of his need for deliverance. Because of a snowstorm, the 15-year-old’s path to church was diverted down a side street. For shelter, he ducked into the Primitive Methodist Chapel on Artillery Street. An unknown substitute lay preacher stepped into the pulpit and read his text—Isaiah 45:22—“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.”

Spurgeon’s Autobiography records his reaction:

“He had not much to say, thank God, for that compelled him to keep on repeating his text, and there was nothing needed—by me, at any rate except his text. Then, stopping, he pointed to where I was sitting under the gallery, and he said, ‘That young man there looks very miserable’ … and he shouted, as I think only a Primitive Methodist can, ‘Look! Look, young man! Look now!’ … Then I had this vision—not a vision to my eyes, but to my heart. I saw what a Savior Christ was.… Now I can never tell you how it was, but I no sooner saw whom I was to believe than I also understood what it was to believe, and I did believe in one moment.

“And as the snow fell on my road home from the little house of prayer I thought every snowflake talked with me and told of the pardon I had found, for I was white as the driven snow through the grace of God.”

Upon his return home, his appearance caused his mother to exclaim,

“Something wonderful has happened to you.”

For the next months young Spurgeon searched the Scriptures

“to know more fully the value of the jewel which God had given me.… I found that believers ought to be baptized.” And so he was baptized, by immersion and joined a Baptist church.

What is your conversion story? Do you have one? Why don’t you share it?

Pray For Your Preacher

2009-01-07T06:05:00.000-05:00

Paul asked the churches he served to pray for him often. One example is Eph 6:19 “Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.” So, by following the example of Paul I am going to ask for your prayer. Sometimes in pride I am reluctant to ask church members for prayer as I feel I ought to be the one praying for you all. So, in light Paul I found this letter on how to pray for your pastor and I am going to humbly, and maybe somewhat selfishly ask you to please pray for me and my family. Also be in prayer for Pastor Kyle as well and his upcoming marriage. (By the way this list come from a Presbyterian, it is a little more formal than we tend to be.)

So Pray that…

1. That Pastor Phillip would know and love the living God, would have a saving interest in Christ, being purchased by His blood, and thus would be bound to the Lord by the indissoluble bond of the Holy Spirit.

2. That Pastor Phillip would know, embrace and ever more deeply understand the Gospel and be shaped by it in life and ministry.

3. That Pastor Phillip would be useful servant of the Lord, that he would know and love God's word, God's people, and God's kingdom; that he would be used to build it up and so that it prevails even against Hell's gates.

4. That Pastor Phillip would study, practice and teach the Word of the Lord, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

5. That Pastor Phillip would love to pray, because he loves to commune with his God, and that he would be a man of prayer, characteristically.

6. That Pastor Phillip would be ever dependent upon and filled with the Spirit; and that he would possess true Spiritual wisdom.

7. That Pastor Phillip would be holy unto the Lord. That his tongue and heart would be wholly God's.

8. That Pastor Phillip would be kept from pride, and especially spiritual pride. That the Lord himself would be gracious to slay pride in him, and that your pastor would endeavor to always be putting pride to death, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

9. That God would give Pastor Phillip guidance as to where to focus his efforts in ministry.

10. That He would protect Pastor Phillip from himself, from the enemy of his soul, and from all earthly enemies.

11. That no decision which Pastor Phillip ever makes or desire that Pastor Phillip ever pursues would restrict his ability to pour his whole soul into the Gospel ministry.

12.That many would be converted and many built up under Pastor Phillip's ministry, to God's glory alone.

13. That the Lord would bless Pastor Phillip's wife, Rebecca with holiness and happiness, Gospel assurance and Gospel rest.

14. That God would make Pastor Phillip a decent husband and father.

15. That Pastor Phillip would be a good friend to his wife, and love her self-sacrificially,

16. That Pastor Phillip would be a good daddy to his children. That they would love God, their parents and the church.

17. That Pastor Phillip would be a testimony in the home so that his wife might be able to respect him when he is in the pulpit, and so that Pastor Phillip will be able to feed her soul, along with the rest of the congregation.

Yall are amazing church and I and my family are forever grateful for all that you do for us. Pastor Phillip

Can You Convience Me There Is More To Life...

2009-01-06T05:37:00.000-05:00

How would explain to someone that there is more to life than this? This is the working assumption of many people so share some ideas on how to convince someone otherwise?
Pastor Phillip

Lukewarm Christians

2009-01-05T08:17:00.003-05:00

I am working on Sunday Morning's sermon and we will be continuing in our practical atheist series. Remember we said a PRACTICAL ATHEIST WAS SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES IN GOD, BUT LIVES AS IF HE DOESN’T EXIST. This week we will be looking at "I believe in God, but I just don't want to take things too far!" I will be looking at 10 traits of a lukewarm Christian AKA a practical atheist. These 1o traits come from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love. Read over these and think about them, if the shoe fits wear it, then repent and seek the grace from God to change.

LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS

1) Crave acceptance from people more than acceptance from God.
2) Rarely share their faith in Christ.
3) Do whatever it takes to alleviate their guilt.
4) Think more about life on earth than eternity in heaven.
5) Gauge their morality by comparing to others.
6) Want to be saved from the penalty of sin without changing their lives.
7) Only turn to God when they are in a bind.
8) Give whenever it doesn’t hinder their standard of living.
9) Are not much different from the rest of the world.
10) Want the benefits of what Christ did without conforming to who He is.

Why not go ahead and read the Church at Laocidea as well.

Revelation 3:14-22 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Letter to Laodicea
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:"The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. 21 The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."

Got to get back to work! Pastor Phillip

Stop and Take Time To Repent

2009-01-03T07:15:00.003-05:00

This is an amazing little prayer. As you pray it think through the words with openness and honesty before God. Expect life change from God this year and put your self in the positions that allow for God's grace to reach you and remove the dross from your life and increase you love and devotion to God. It comes from the great book of Puritan prayers called "The Valley Of Vision."

O God, may Thy Spirit speak in me that I may speak to thee. I have no merit, let the merit of Jesus stand for me. I am undeserving, but I look to Thy tender mercy. I am full of infirmities, wants, sin; Thou art full of grace.
I confess my sin, my frequent sin, my wilful sin; all my powers of body and soul are defiled: a fountain of pollution is deep within my nature. There are chambers of foul images within my being; I have gone from one odious room to another, walked in a no-man's-land of dangerous imaginations, pried into the secrets of my fallen nature.
I am utterly ashamed that I am what I am in myself; I have no green shoot in me nor fruit, but thorns and thistles; I am a fading leaf that the wind drives away; I live bare and barren as a winter tree, unprofitable, fit to be hewn down and burnt. Lord, dost Thou have mercy on me?
Thou hast struck a heavy blow at my pride, at the false god of self, and I lie in pieces before Thee. But Thou hast given me another master and lord, Thy Son, Jesus, and now my heart is turned towards holiness, my life speeds as an arrow from a bow towards complete obedience to Thee. Help me in all my doings to put down sin and to humble pride. Save me from the love of the world and the pride of life, from everything that is natural to fallen man, and let Christ's nature be seen in me day by day. Grant me grace to bear Thy will without repining, and delight to be not only chiselled, squared, or fashioned, but separated from the old rock where I have been embedded so long, and lifted from the quarry to the upper air, where I may be built in Christ for ever.

Money and The New Year...

2009-01-02T08:03:00.003-05:00

One the biggest topics on people's minds in the new year is money. Will we have enough? Where will it come from? Can I make the payment on my credit card? So, take a look at your fiances and see what kind of shape you are. Maybe you are in the shape you are in because you have not submitted your money to God? How would submitting your money to God change your spending, giving, coveting, wasting? These are the questions and now is the time to be asking them.

As base a thing as money often is, it yet can be transmuted into everlasting treasure. It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor; it can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values. Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.— A.W. Tozer,

Also on a unrelated note, head over to Edgefield First Baptist Church's new website. It is very nice, clean, and great looking, unlike their preacher Stacy Williams!!! He also has a nice blog that is worth reading as well. I will be praying for the best for EFBC and all our churches in Edgefield County in 2009 (sorry Aiken!).

Have a great day, Phillip

Resolution Time

2009-01-01T08:54:00.000-05:00

I am a fairly disciplined person in daily walk with God. In have a fairly set schedule of Bible reading, prayer, and silence where I just think about my life and God (I know had to believe,). But, I am nothing compared to resolve of Jonathan Edwards, probably America’s greatest theologian and pastors. So, with it being new years give these a read. Also, let me know which one of these 70 resolutions you like the most or just share your new years resolution. For me it is become disciplined in eating. I want to lose weight, but more importantly learn to rightly enjoy a moderate amount of food and not be a glutton. I also am going to incorporate more fasting into my devotional life as well in 2009.

Have a great 2009, Pastor Phillip

THE RESOLUTIONS

Jonathan Edwards

BEING SENSIBLE THAT I AM UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITHOUT GOD' S HELP, I DO HUMBLY ENTREAT HIM BY HIS GRACE TO ENABLE ME TO KEEP THESE RESOLUTIONS, SO FAR AS THEY ARE AGREEABLE TO HIS WILL, FOR CHRIST' S SAKE.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God' s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Proverbs 20:6,‹A faithful man who can find?Š may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narrations never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,- what sin I have committed,-and wherein I have denied myself;-also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord' s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, never to do any thing of which I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God' s; agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12, 1723.

44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. January 12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving and sincere temper; and to do at all times, what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5, 1723.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age, say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if, I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as providence orders it. I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty, and then according to Ephesians 6:6-8, to do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man:‹knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.Š June 25 and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. January 14 and July 13, 1723.

64. Resolved, when I find those ‹groanings which cannot be utteredŠ (Romans 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those‹breakings of soul for the longing it hath,Š of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness, of which I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton' s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what am I the better for them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. August 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. August 17, 1723.

George Bush: Legacy of Bad Theology

2008-12-31T06:29:00.002-05:00

I know a president is not a theologian. But, when anyone is an outspoken “born again” Christian I do hope that they can as 1 Peter 3:15 says “always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Well Bush got asked about his faith. This is an interesting read and I want to know did he give a good defense of Christianity?

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) What do you think faith gave you that you needed?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) It gave me strength and - strength and understanding there is love, universal love. My faith at this point in my life has enabled me to accept people's prayers and has made a huge difference in my life. Obviously there's a lot of dramatic moments and a lot of, you know, pressure. But there's calm in the oval office. And people say, well how do you know it's because of prayer? People go oh, it's just a crutch. Well for me it's not a crutch. For me it is a - it is the realization of a power of a universal God, and recognition that the God came manifested in human and then died for sins.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So do you believe that God actually intervenes in human affairs?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) You know what, it's - I'm not so presumptuous as to act on - as to kind of be God I guess is the way to say that. In other words, it's one I get asked all the time, well if you're religious, therefore you must think that you were picked out of all the people on the face of the earth to become president. I just don't - I can't go there. I'm not that confident in knowing, you know, the Almighty to be able to say, yeah, God wanted me of all the other people. But, you know, did God want me to be president? I don't know. My relationship is on a personal basis, trying to become as closer to the Almighty as I possibly can get. And I've got a lot of problems I mean, I've got, you know, ego. I've got all the - you know, the things that - you know, anxieties and all the things that prevent me from being closer to the Almighty. So I don't analyze my relationship with the good lord in terms of, well, you know, God has plucked you out or God wants you to do this. I know this. I know that the call is to - is to better understand and live out your life according to the will of God.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN So how do you know - I mean, does God talk to you at all? I don't mean like - well, I don't know what I mean.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Well I told you I quit drinking. I mean I don't hear voices. It's like somebody said, do you see Lincoln's ghost here in the White House? I said, no, I quit drinking. But yeah, a thoughtful prayer life and one that genuinely is open and thoughtful, yes, you could commune with God. Now, I don't hear voices. But I do feel the spirit.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS)) People of faith throughout the ages have wondered about this. How do they know when it's their own ego, when it's their own desires and when it's actually God's will?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) I guess that's one of the universal questions. I think on way you make sure it's not your ego is you stay in the bible, at least that's what I have found. And I'm still learning. The bible is an amazing book.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS)Is it literally true, the bible?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) You know, probably not. You know, the idea that - no, I'm not a literalist, but I think you can learn a lot from it.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So you can read the bible and not take it literally? I mean you can - it's not inconsistent to love the bible and to also believe in evolution say?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Well, I think you can have both. I think evolution - look, you're getting me way out of my lane here. I'm just a simple president, but I think that God created the earth. Created the world. I think that the world - the creation of the world is so mysterious it requires something as large as an Almighty. And I don't think it's incompatible with, you know, the scientific proof that there's evolution.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) But we resume now with his view of God and the Muslim world. Do you believe that when you pray to God that that's the same God that a Muslim prays to?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) I do. I do.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) That's gotten you into some trouble with your base.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Oh, I don't know. Maybe it does. I do believe there is an Almighty that is broad and big enough, loving enough that can encompass a lot of people. I don't think God is a narrow concept. I think it's a broad concept. I just happen to believe the way to God is through Christ, and others have different avenues toward God and I believe we pray to the same Almighty. I do.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So the leader of the Taliban is praying to the same God...

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) No, I'm not sure he's praying to a God. I think anybody who murders innocent people to achieve their objective is not a religious person. They may think they're religious and they may play like they're religious. But I don't think they are religious. They're not praying to the God I pray to, the God of peace and love. And that's one of the great ironies about this. You know, we're in a so-called religious war. I don't view this as a war of religion. I view this as a war of good, decent people of all faiths against people who murder innocent people to achieve a political objective

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) I'm just wondering what do you ask for forgiveness for?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES)Oh, gosh, a lot of things. I ask for forgiveness for anger at times, you know? You know, in this world this is a world of slights. And there's a lot of stuff said about you. And, you know, sometimes I don't react well to that. Not publicly of course, because I don't want to denigrate the office, but in my soul, you know, I get kind of wrought up and so I ask for forgiveness. I ask that my ego be - that I understand that just because you're president of the United States, you know, doesn't make you somebody necessarily.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) So many of the decisions you make are monumental. Do you feel that God has been here with you?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Sure, yeah. Particularly, you know, with prayer and, yeah, I do. I do. But see, the danger with your question is like, okay, God is making decisions. No, George W Bush had to make these decisions with a lot of other people. And, you know, it's like saying when you - did God tell you to run for president and if so, did he guarantee you victory? And the answer is absolutely not. Did it help to know that prayer would strengthen me during tough moments? Absolutely.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS) There are so many people who are comforted to have a strong - strongly believing Christian in the White House. Some people feel excluded by it though.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) Probably do. Yeah, I'm sure they do. I'm sure people say, you know, well, Bush says that - or Bush must feel that I'm inferior because, you know, he believes in Christ and I don't. Or, you know, - look, one time early in my governorship - not early, but in my governorship, you know, a guy asked me do you have to believe in Christ to go to heaven? And I told the story about, you know, Billy Graham saying to mother and me when we having a discussion about this, look, either of you don't play God, but he left out of the part of the story where I said the bible says that, but Billy Graham said don't play God. Well, he left out the Billy Graham don't play God stuff and a lot of Jewish people in Texas read in their newspaper Bush to Jews, go to hell. And it was unbelievably unfair, but it was an interesting lesson that, you know, you cannot underestimate how people can misread religion and religious intent. I'm sure people say George Bush is a Christian therefore he can't possibly relate to me or he doesn't like me or he thinks I'm condemned and I'm sorry that's the case because that's not the way I feel.

CYNTHIA MCFADDEN (ABC NEWS)As we concluded the interview we talked about what was next for him and whether his faith would inform his next step. Does that tell you what you should do next with your life?

PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH (UNITED STATES) What, be a preacher? Are you kidding me? I'm the last guy to be a preacher. I'm going to be - I'm going to be trying to stay on the walk to the last day on the face of the earth. It is - the interesting thing that I have come to this conclusion, maybe I'm wrong, I don't know, but that the full understanding of Christianity is going to take a full lifetime of study.

What statements troubled you or bothered you most about what the President said and why?

Do you feel that most Christians today would have a problem with what he said?

Are you praying for our next President as you should?

Have a great new year! Phillip

And here is your laugh. I hope God forgives me, but this is funny!

Thought For The Day

2008-12-29T10:46:00.001-05:00

"Lord, shine your Light on the dark-shadowed corners of my heart. Show me what I am hiding from you."

Let us invite God to come in and occupy the rooms in our hearts that we have previously labeled, "Keep Out!"This is a good step for us o take as we can unload sinful baggage and go into 2009. Pastor Phillip

Prayer For Today...

2008-12-28T07:22:00.000-05:00

Resting on God

O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.

Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. Abide in me, gracious God.

This is my prayer for today taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett and found online at http://www.oldlandmarks.com/puritan.htm#The%20Valley%20of%20Vision

Have a great Sun day! Pastor Phillip

Cute, Sweet, Baby Jesus

2008-12-24T06:18:00.003-05:00

A.W. Tozer “What comes to mind when you think about God is the most important think about you.” The same is true for Jesus: and our perception and understanding will affect every part and aspect of our lives. For many people when they think Jesus about Jesus, they think manger and baby Jesus and that is not wrong, just incomplete. Imagine you doing a jig-saw puzzle and you only have a few pieces put together, it maybe pretty, but it is at best very incomplete. Why do all kinds of people celebrate Christmas? Why do most people seem to love little baby Jesus? I think because Jesus as a baby can place no demands on your life. Now, believe me I know that babies do demand a lot of time and money. But, I am saying that when people’s conception of Jesus is that of a small child and not the risen Lord of the universe, their willingness to bend their knee in respect, submission and admiration greatly decreases.

To them Little Baby Jesus appears as a story that happened a long time ago in a land far, far, away! Our celebration of Christmas is not the yearly reenacting of a fairly tale, but the celebration of a real historical birth: of the most important birth ever recorded. Jesus is alive today as we know He conquered the grave. Nothing else can explain the failure of the Jews to produce a body, the radical change in the disciples, and the post-cross appearances. Scripture also says that he currently upholding our entire universe by His power (Col 1:13-22) To some people Jesus as a baby is cute and cuddly wrapped up and out in the cold. I have no doubt Jesus was a cute child, but that cute child’s most important moment came when He looked his worst. It is the image of the bloody savior that people don’t like to dwell on or think about. When the Passion of Christ came out many said it was too graphic. We have to face this painful and graphic reality when we see that baby who was born to bleed. Your enjoyment of Christmas is all because of Jesus: Virgin Birth, Sinless life, Brutal Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension to heaven. Keep a fully developed picture of Jesus in your mind this Christmas.

Have a great Christmas, Pastor Philip

BTW: the picture is to prove my point, not showcase great Christian art. But, the bird is a nice touch.

Christmas Devotion

2008-12-22T21:06:00.003-05:00

Here is a little Christmas devotion I did a few years back. It can be scary to look back at how bad some stuff I preached from years back is. But this is alright I think.

Waiting for Christmas (Luke 2:22-35)

We know the impatient difficulty that children have waiting for Christmas. There was one man who waited for Christmas with more expectancy than any other. He was an old man named Simeon. Simeon shows that God has a people prepared even in the worst of circumstances. The story of Jesus' birth shows that when religious leaders and institutions are corrupt, God still has a quiet people prepared for His coming. The characters of Luke 1 and 2—Elizabeth and Zechariah, Simeon and Anna, Joseph and Mary—reminds us that God will always have a faithful people, even in the worst of times.

Simeon shows us how to prepare our hearts for Christmas. We prepare for Christmas with integrity of heart and understanding of mind. There are certain things we should be and some things we should know as we wait for Christmas.

The Character of Those Who Wait for Christmas

Most of the people missed the significant events of that first Christmas. The political and religious leaders did not even know what was happening. Many in our city will altogether miss the significance of Christmas. Simeon was one of the few who saw and understood the mighty act of God that first Christmas. What characterized him?

Wait for Christmas with integrity. Simeon was "righteous and devout." With reference to God's will, there was reverence, devotion, and care about spiritual duties. No one sees Christmas who does not guard the integrity of his life. Only those whose hearts are right with God will see and sense the significance of Christmas.

Wait for Christmas with intensity. Simeon was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." A fierce intensity of expectation characterized Simeon. He lived daily in a white heat of expectancy that God was about to intervene. We experience as much of God as we intensely expect to experience. Christmastime ought to be a time to evaluate our spiritual expectancy.

Wait for Christmas with inspiration. The most critical aspect of Simeon's character was his relationship to the Holy Spirit. "The Holy Spirit was upon him" (v. 25) in an abiding communion with God. The Holy Spirit had given him a revelation—that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. The Holy Spirit gave him a direction: "Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts" (v. 27). The first Christmas was marked by a renewal of activity on the part of the Spirit of God. Every Christmas ought to be marked by a renewal of the Spirit in our lives.

The Comfort of Those Who Wait for Christmas

A sense of comfort and well-being characterizes those ready for the significance of Christmas. That comfort comes from our relationship to Christ.

Comfort comes in our reception of Christ. "Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God" (v. 28). In a literal sense, Simeon was the first person on record to receive Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he came at exactly the right time to precisely the right place. Many parents were bringing their infants to the temple for the act of presentation. Nothing physical or dramatic caused Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to stand out from the crowd. Yet Simeon unerringly found his way to the Christ. Has God led you to His Christ? The Holy Spirit is able to bring you to that precise time and place where your life intersects with His. The very same Spirit that drew Simeon draws you this Christmas.

Comfort comes from our satisfaction with Christ. Simeon expressed total fulfillment of life when he saw the Christ (v. 29). His words reflect a servant who had been posted by his master to wait for a certain event. When that event has happened, the tired servant asks to be dismissed. Simeon discovered absolute contentment and total well-being in seeing and receiving Christ. Do you face this Christmas with a sense of well-being and contentment in your life? Only seeing and receiving Christ gives that.

The Concern of Those Who Wait for Christmas

Christmas gives us a comfort, but it also gives our life an ultimate concern and mission.

Christmas concerns the certainty of God's faithfulness. He is a God who keeps His promise (v. 29). Our entire relationship to God depends on His faithfulness to His promises. In the coming of Christ we see that God does keep His promises. At least seventy-three specific promises written in the Old Testament were fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah at Christmas. We may be sure that the God who kept His promises in the past is the God who will keep His promises in the future.

Christmas concerns the universality of God's salvation. The old Jew, Simeon, proclaimed that the baby he held was a "light for revelation to the Gentiles" (v. 32). He saw that what happened in Jerusalem that day was for the entire planet. A piercing light flashes in every direction from that awesome moment. The very fact you are here today is proof of that. After this prophecy by Simeon, wise men from the East came to bow before the infant Christ. The Christian world mission cannot be separated from Christmas. It is news too good to keep. By prayer and by gift we must send that light.

Have A Great Christmas! Pastor Phillip

My Wife Is A Calvinist?

2008-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a funny little video. Unless you have gone to seminary, some of the humor may be a little lost on you. But for the rest of you what do you think.

Sunday Morning Prayer

2008-12-21T06:56:00.001-05:00

O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.
Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. Abide in me, gracious God.

You can ready more of these great prayers here!

Getting ready to preach! Pastor Phillip Howle

Morning Prayer

2008-12-19T05:12:00.003-05:00

I am up before most of you guys today (4:30am) and getting ready to head out of the door. But, in my prayer time this morning, I prayed a prayer from an awesome little book my friend Travis gave me called "The Valley of Vision". These are prayers from the Puritans and show a depth and relation intimacy with God.

But here is my morning dedication. Feel free to make it yours as well.

Almighty God, as I cross the threshold of this day I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, friends, to Thy care. Watch over, keep, guide, direct, sanctify, bless me. Incline my heart to thy ways. Mould me wholly into the image of Jesus, as a potter forms clay. May my lips be a well-tuned harp to sound Thy praise. Let those around see me living by Thy Spirit, trampling the world underfoot, unconformed to lying vanities, transformed by a renewed mind, clad in the entire armour of God, shining as a never-dimmed light, showing holiness in all my doings. Let no evil this day soil my thoughts, words, hands. May I travel miry paths with a life pure from spot or stain. In needful transactions let my affection be in heaven, and my love soar upwards in flames of fire, my gaze fixed on unseen things, my eyes open to the emptiness, fragility, mockery of earth and its vanities. May I view all things in the mirror of eternity, waiting for the coming of my Lord, listening for the last trumpet call, hastening unto the new heaven and earth. Order this day all my communications according to Thy wisdom, and to the gain of mutual good. Forbid that I should not be profited or made profitable. May I speak each word as if my last word, and walk each step as my final one. If my life should end today, let this be my best day.

Having My Best Day Ever Today and Every Day, Pastor Phillip

How do we measure success?

2008-12-17T06:20:00.001-05:00

I found this really thought provoking article over at http://dianehigginbotham.blogspot.com.

The following is something I came across and thought it was really interesting. We do tend to focus on numbers in our churches today. Do we really think God is more concerned with how many people we have sitting in pews, or is He more concerned about the hearts and souls of those people? Is He more concerned about how many showed up to an event, or how many lives were actually changed because He was a part of that event? I think it's time we focus on God and not on how many bodies we can get to show up for entertainment. I realize bringing people in is a way of getting the gospel to them, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a huge crowd, but that should not be our focus. I'm praying that God will help me see the needs of others and help me grow to minister to others. I want to be a part of God's work in bringing glory to Him and seeing lives changed! Can't think of anything more exciting than that!

WHAT A WEARISOME YARDSTICK-
J. Grant Swank, Jr., of Windham, Maine, once wrote an article
for "Christian Clippings" which he entitled, "Frankly, I Don't
Care How Many Are In Your Sunday School."

He began the article by remembering minister friends who
seemed to love to tell how many they had in Sunday School
the day before, as if that was the only criterion to be used in
measuring the effectiveness of a church. He wrote, "Finally,
when the dust of planet Earth will have settled and souls will
have departed, who will care how many we had in Sunday School
and how many bucks were deposited in the plate?"
Swank went on to list what he called "the yardsticks of the
church":

-How many were in Sunday School?
-How many showed up for worship?
-How much money came in?
-How many buses do you have running?
-How many are on your staff?
-What programs do you have for my kids?

Then he wrote: "But what a wearisome yardstick. There is
definitely a self-centeredness about it. And it smacks too much
of the business syndrome of success. Further, I do not have an
easy feeling about it in that it does not seem to have biblical
support. Instead, it appears to be more "wood, hay and stubble,"
than "gold, silver and precious stones."
He continued: "One of these days I just know it has to happen --
someone is going to approach me with these questions:

-How much unity is there in your church?
-Is there real love there?
-Do your people have an excitement about the Bible?
-Do your parishioners know how to pray?
-How solid are the Christian families in your congregation?
-How much time do the fathers of your church spend with their
children?
-Does your church allow much time for people to be away from
the church building in order to build their homes?
-Are new people coming to know Christ personally?
-Have the households of your congregation given up the notion
that the church program should baby-sit their offspring?

"Well, if that miracle does not take place soon, I just may plant
a zinger the next time one of my colleagues starts in with,
'How many did you have in Sunday school yesterday?' That
is, playing deaf to the question, I may ask, 'How strong are
the marriages in your congregation?'"
"Interestingly enough -- and logically enough - that could also
go for our annual reports to the congregation, the district and
general levels of the denomination. Instead of reporting the
number of heads and dollars for one year, what if each pastor
gave an honest accounting of the oneness, caring and strength
of his/her congregation. It would not be as easy to feed into
the computer, but it just might have more value in the sight
of God." -The Timothy Report

What are your thoughts about the way we measure success in church? Is this better criterion? Thanks to Diane for posting this! It was very challenging for article. Pastor Phillip

Far Reaching Illness

2008-12-16T09:09:00.001-05:00

This few days have been awful. We got hit with a fairly massive stomach bug. I will spare you all the details because we all pretty much know what is involved. But, it all started with Rebecca getting sick Friday afternoon. Well, later Friday night Cason feel victim. I started to become very scared, two vomiting, so I called for help and my mom came down that night, thanks mom! I felt good Saturday, but Sunday morning 2:45 it hit me. I had to call Kyle at 3 am and email him my sermon so he could look it over and preach it (I hear he preached it far better than I would have anyway!) So, Sunday with Rebecca and me both sick, we called her mom to come pick up Cason and get him out of our mess as he was feeling better. About that time we find my mom is sick. Well, then Rebecca’s mom after keeping Cason got sick. This morning my sister is sick. Rebecca and I feel better but feel awful about the aftermath we have left. We never intended to make everyone we love sick.

You know there is a spiritual truth here as well. We cannot control how far reaching the effects of our sin are. We sin and we think no one will know, or if we get caught it only hurt a few people. We are deceiving our selves. The effects of sin hurt everyone who is near and dear to you in life. Don’t but the myth of a “private” life, as we all interconnected and either by our actions and obedience to God will bring happiness and blessing or heartache and curses to those around us. So, live a holy life and think through all your actions as you can never and foresee what those unintended consequences may be.

GPS and Baby Jesus

2008-12-11T06:05:00.000-05:00

I am all for protecting Christmas. But, I never thought that it would have to come to this to keep baby Jesus safe!

When Baby Jesus disappeared last year from a Nativity scene on the lawn of the Wellington, Fla., community center, village officials didn't follow a star to locate him.

A GPS device mounted inside the life-size ceramic figurine led sheriff's deputies to a nearby apartment, where it was found face down on the carpet. An 18-year-old woman was arrested in the theft.

Giving up on old-fashioned padlocks and trust, a number of churches, synagogues, governments and ordinary citizens are turning to technology to protect holiday displays from pranks or prejudice.

About 70 churches and synagogues eager to avoid the December police blotter jumped at a security company's offer of free use of GPS systems and hidden cameras this month to guard their mangers and menorahs.

Others, like the Herrera family of Richland Hills, Texas, took matters into their own hands. Upset after their teeter-totter was stolen, the family trained surveillance cameras on their yard and was surprised when footage showed a teenage girl stealing a baby Jesus worth almost $500. Police have obtained the tape.

"They took the family Jesus," said Gloria Herrera, 48, a Catholic. "How can anybody do that?"

For two consecutive years, thieves made off with the baby Jesus figurine in Wellington, a well-off village of 60,000 in Palm Beach County, Fla. The ceramic original, donated by a local merchant, was made in Italy and worth about $1,800, said John Bonde, Wellington's director of operations.

So last year, officials took a GPS unit normally used to track the application of mosquito spray and implanted it in the latest replacement figurine. After that one disappeared, sheriff's deputies quickly tracked it down.

Sensing opportunity in that kind of success story, New York-based BrickHouse Security is offering up to 200 nonprofit religious institutions a free month's use of security cameras and LightningGPS products it distributes.

Chief executive officer Todd Morris said the idea was born after a few churches asked about one-month rentals instead of longer contracts that are the norm. The first 20 or so applications came from synagogues, he said.

So far in 2008, Baby Jesus has appeared in several police reports. At First United Methodist Church in Kittanning, Pa., a baby Jesus was stolen and replaced with a pumpkin. In Eureka Springs, Ark., someone who absconded with a plastic baby Jesus from a public display last week also took the concrete block and chain that was supposed to act as a deterrent.

Previously, stolen Jesus figurines have also been defaced with profanity or Satanic symbols.

The incidents raise a question: Is stealing Baby Jesus harmless juvenile fun, or anti-Christian?

"I suspect most of it is childish pranks," said attorney Mike Johnson of the Alliance Defense Fund, a conservative Christian legal group. "Clearly, there are adults with an agenda to remove Christ from Christmas. But they tend to occupy themselves with the courts and courtroom of public opinion."To see the whole story click here.

Thinking About Putting GPS in Cason’s Rear End So I Can’t Lose Him, Pastor Phillip

What Happens To Babies When They Die

2008-12-10T06:14:00.000-05:00

In studying for Wednesday night Bible study, I was looking at the child of David and Bathsheba that died. The child died seemingly cruelly as a punishment to David for his sins of murder and adultery. This got me to thinking about the tragic fact that miscarriages, and babies dying happens and is unbelievably hard. Not to mention that babracic practice of abortion that claims millions of unborn children. I pray that I never have to go through it. So, I want to offer this encouraging paper by two of our Southern Baptist seminary presidents.

WHY WE BELIEVE CHILDREN WHO DIE GO TO HEAVEN

By R. Albert Mohler, Jr. and Daniel L. Akin

Few things in life are more tragic and heartbreaking than the death of a baby or small child. For parents, the grief can be overwhelming. For the minister, to stand over a small, white casket and provide comfort and support seems to ask for more than he can deliver.

It is our conviction that there are good reasons biblically and theologically for believing that God saves all who die who do not reach a stage of moral understanding and accountability. It is readily admitted that Scripture does not speak to this issue directly, yet there is evidence that can be gleaned that would lead us to affirm on biblical grounds that God receives into heaven all who have died in infancy. Some evidence is stronger than others, but cumulatively they marshall strong support for infant salvation. We will note six of them.

First, the grace, goodness and mercy of God would support the position that God saves all infants who die. This is the strongest argument and perhaps the decisive one. God is love (1 John 4:8) and desires that all be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). God is love and His concern for children is evident in Matthew 18:14 where Jesus says, “Your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” People go to hell because they choose in willful rebellion and unbelief to reject God and His grace. Children are incapable of this kind of conscious rejection of God. Where such rebellion and willful disobedience is absent, God is gracious to receive.

Second, when the baby boy who was born to David and Bathsheba died (2 Samuel 12:15-18), David did two significant things: 1) He confessed his confidence that he would see the child again and, 2) he comforted his wife Bathsheba (vs. 23-24). David could have done those two things only if he was confident that his little son was with God. Any other explanation does not do justice to the text.

Third, in James 4:17, the Bible says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” The Bible is clear that we are all born with a sin nature as a result of being in Adam (Roman 5:12). This is what is called the doctrine of original sin. However, the Scriptures make a distinction between original sin and actual sins. While all are guilty of original sin, moral responsibility and understanding is necessary for our being accountable for actual sins (Deuteronomy 1:30; Isaiah 7:16). It is to the one who knows to do right and does not do it that sin is reckoned. Infants are incapable of such decisions.

Fourth, Jesus affirmed that the kingdom of God belonged to little children (Luke 18:15-17). In the passage he is stating that saving faith is a childlike faith, but He also seems to be affirming the reality of children populating heaven.

Fifth, Scripture affirms that the number of saved souls is very great (Revelation 7:9). Since most of the world has been and is still non-Christian, might it be the untold multitude who have died prematurely or in infancy comprise a majority of those in heaven? Such a possibility ought not to be dismissed too quickly. In this context Charles Spurgeon said, “I rejoice to know that the souls of all infants, as soon as they die, speed their way to paradise. Think what a multitude there is of them.”

Sixth, some in Scripture are said to be chosen or sanctified from the womb (1 Samuel 1:8-2:21; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:15). This certainly affirms the salvation of some infants and repudiates the view that only baptized babies are assured of heaven. Neither Samuel, Jeremiah or John the Baptist was baptized.

After surveying these arguments, it is important for us to remember that anyone who is saved is saved because of the grace of God, the saving work of Jesus Christ and the undeserved and unmerited regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Like all who have ever lived, except for Jesus, infants need to be saved. Only Jesus can take away their sin, and if they are saved it is because of His sovereign grace and abounding mercy. Abraham said, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). We can confidently say, “Yes, He will.” When it comes to those incapable of volitional, willful acts of sin, we can rest assured God will, indeed, do right. Precious little ones are the objects of His saving mercy and grace.

Little ones are precious in God’s sight. If they die, they go to heaven. Parents, who have trusted Jesus, who have lost a little one, if they have trusted Jesus, can be confident of a wonderful reunion someday. Are you hopeful of seeing again that little treasure God entrusted to you for such a short time? Jesus has made a way. Come to Him now and someday you will see them again.

Taking Me Back

2008-12-09T08:39:00.004-05:00

Records were great, when I was little. Growing my mom and dad had a good many records. I can vividly remember hearing Alabama sing "eighteen wheels and a dozen roses, ten more miles on this three day run." But, I also loved Alvin and the Chipmunks, those high pitch voices killed me. I had this Christmas record as a little boy.So I encourage you to take time and enjoy it. Remember heaven may have singing animals like this so you better learn to like it! Revelation 5:13 I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say: Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!

Do you really want to mess with this?

2008-12-07T17:05:00.004-05:00

Here Cason showing that he strongest man in the world ! He is a bad little dude!

I love my son! Pastor Phillip

Jesus In The Old Testament

2008-12-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

I mentioned Tim Keller in yesterday’s post. In one of his sermons he expounds how the Bible is not a book about us, but a book focused on God. Read these notes below and stop and think about you should be reading the Old Testament and living all of your life in the light of Christ. Here below are some thoughts the ponder that mentioned in his sermon.

Jesus is the true and better Adam who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is imputed to us.

Jesus is the true and better Abel who, though innocently slain, has blood now that cries out, not for our condemnation, but for acquittal.

Jesus is the true and better Abraham who answered the call of God to leave all the comfortable and familiar and go out into the void not knowing wither he went to create a new people of God.

Jesus is the true and better Isaac who was not just offered up by his father on the mount but was truly sacrificed for us. And when God said to Abraham, “Now I know you love me because you did not withhold your son, your only son whom you love from me,” now we can look at God taking his son up the mountain and sacrificing him and say, “Now we know that you love us because you did not withhold your son, your only son, whom you love from us.”

Jesus is the true and better Jacob who wrestled and took the blow of justice we deserved, so we, like Jacob, only receive the wounds of grace to wake us up and discipline us.

Jesus is the true and better Joseph who, at the right hand of the king, forgives those who betrayed and sold him and uses his new power to save them.

Jesus is the true and better Moses who stands in the gap between the people and the Lord and who mediates a new covenant.

Jesus is the true and better Rock of Moses who, struck with the rod of God’s justice, now gives us water in the desert.

Jesus is the true and better Job, the truly innocent sufferer, who then intercedes for and saves his stupid friends.

Jesus is the true and better David whose victory becomes his people’s victory, though they never lifted a stone to accomplish it themselves.

Jesus is the true and better Esther who didn’t just risk leaving an earthly palace but lost the ultimate and heavenly one, who didn’t just risk his life, but gave his life to save his people.

Jesus is the true and better Jonah who was cast out into the storm so that we could be brought in.

Jesus is the real Rock of Moses, the real Passover Lamb, innocent, perfect, helpless, slain so the angel of death will pass over us. He’s the true temple, the true prophet, the true priest, the true king, the true sacrifice, the true lamb, the true light, the true bread.

The Bible’s really not about you — it’s about him.

Live Life As It Is All About God! Pastor Phillip

Book Of The Week.

2008-12-05T10:53:00.002-05:00

I finished reading and am actually rereading Tim Keller’s “The Reason For God.” Some books that attempt to show the validity of the Christian faith are deeply philosophical and rough reading. But, Keeler is warm, humble, engaging, and thoughtful, the book is just amazingly well written. The chapters are short enough to engage you each page, but leaving you thinking and wishing for more. You really owe it to your self to check out this book. He deals with the exclusivity of Christianity, evil and suffering, the Bible and science, morality, and the theme through of the book is the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here are some great quotes from the book.

“The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself nor less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less.”

“Christianity alone among the world religions claims that God became uniquely and fully human in Jesus Christ and therefore knows firsthand despair, rejection, loneliness, poverty, bereavement, torture, and imprisonment. On the cross he went beyond even the worst human suffering and experienced cosmic rejection and pain that exceeds ours as infinitely as his knowledge and power exceeds ours. In his death, God suffers in love, identifying with the abandoned and godforsaken. Why did he do it? The Bible says that Jesus came on a rescue mission for creation. He had to pay for our sins so that someday he can end evil and suffering without ending us.”

“The Bible’s purpose is not so much to show you how to live a good life. The Bible’s purpose is to show you how God’s grace breaks into your life against your will and saves you from the sin and brokenness otherwise you would never be able to overcome… religion is ‘if you obey, then you will be accepted’. But the Gospel is, ‘if you are absolutely accepted, and sure you’re accepted, only then will you ever begin to obey’. Those are two utterly different things. Every page of the Bible shows the difference.”

Buy the book! One of the best I have read all year! Pastor Phillip

Jesus Through Out Scripture

2008-12-03T09:49:00.000-05:00

Who is Jesus? As we look at Isaiah 9:6 and see four titles and roles that our Lord Jesus carries out over the next four weeks here at Antioch. I want us to remember that Jesus is thought out the entirety of Scriptures and a “scarlet thread” of grace runs through out the totality of Scripture. So consider the themes of the sixty-six books:

In Genesis, He is the Creator God.
In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.
In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.
In Numbers, He is your guide.
In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.
In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.
In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.
In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
In I Samuel, he is the root of Jesse;
In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.
In 1 Kings and 2 Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords
In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.
In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.
In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.
In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles,—but
has the power to do something about them.
In Psalms, He is your song—and your reason to sing.
In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense out of life and live it successfully.
In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.
In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
In Isaiah, He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more. In short, He’s everything you need.
In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel—the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, the everlasting God who never runs out of time.
In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to comeback—even when you have abandoned Him.
In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.
In Jonah, He is your salvation,bringing you back within His will.
In Micah, He is judge of the nation.
In Nahum, He is the jealous God.
In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
In Zephaniah, He is the witness.
In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies
In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.
In Mark, He is the servant.
In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
In John, He is the Son of God.
In Acts, He is Savior of the world.
In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.
In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.
In II Corinthians, He the triumphant one,giving victory.
In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.
In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.
In Philippians, He is your joy.
In Colossians, He is your completeness.
In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.
In I Timothy, He is your faith.
In II Timothy, He is your stability.
In Philemon, He is your benefactor.
In Hebrews, He is your perfection.
In James, He is the power behind your faith.
In I Peter, He is your example.
In II Peter, He is your purity.
In I John, He is your life.
In II John, He is your pattern.
In III John, He is your motivation.
In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.
In the Revelation, He is your coming King.

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.’’ (Colossians 1:17)

Getting Ready For Sunday Morning, Pastor Phillip

Coram Deo

2008-12-02T07:39:00.001-05:00

I am not wild about fancy Latin phrases. But I came across one while reading “Worldliness” edited by C.J. Mahney (GREAT BOOK!). In it one of the writers speaks of the reformation idea of “Coram Deo” which literally means "before the face of God". It carries the notion of our living in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the honor and glory of God. It is what each person was designed for by their Creator. The reformers expressed living "coram Deo" by living life by (more Latin Phrases, sorry) sola scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), soli Christo (Christ alone) - soli Deo gloria! (to God alone be glory). This is not a bad way to live your life and enjoy God.

You see it is important that we not only believe in God, but that we must all live before God. The former (only belief in God) without the latter (living life before the living God of Scripture) is irrelevant to our daily lives – it is religion without relationship. Even worse, only belief in God is empty of any meaning whatsoever. Simply consider how many people believe in God, and yet, this belief has absolutely no significance in shaping any aspect of their lives. The brother of Jesus, James, wrote in 2:18-20 “But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works. (19) You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe--and they shudder. (20) Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?” So, you say believe in God, but if makes no difference in your life, if you are not living “Coram Deo,” my question is do you really believe? Because if you believe in a God who loves and desires a relationship with and it makes no difference in your life, you might not truly believe. You might just be in the same boat with Satan and the demons?

What kinds of differences having a relationship with God make in your life? How has God changed your life? Have you ever thought of God viewing you all day long, is your life putting a smile on His face or do you bring Him sadness?

Living Today Coram Deo, Pastor Phillip

N.T. Wright Quotes

2008-11-29T16:44:00.001-05:00

Here is great quote about church from NT Scholar N.T. Wright

“According to the early Christians, the church doesn’t exist in order to provide a place where people can pursue their private spiritual agendas and develop their own spiritual potential. Nor does it exist in order to provide a safe haven in which people can hide from the wicked world and ensure that they themselves arrive safely at an otherworldly destination. Private spiritual growth and ultimate salvation come rather as the by-products of the main, central, overarching purpose for which God has called and is calling us. The purpose is clearly stated in various places in the New Testament: that through the church God will announce to the wider world that he is indeed its wise, loving and just creator; that through Jesus he has defeated the powers that corrupt and enslave it; and that by his Spirit he is at work to heal and renew it. The church exists, in other words, for what we sometimes call “mission” to announce to the world that Jesus is its Lord.”

See you tomorrow at church! Pastor Phillip

Do You Have A Hitchhikers Thumb?

2008-11-29T16:36:00.004-05:00

As a pastor one thing you have to face is people coming in and out of your church. Some of my greatest sorrows are when people that you love and care about leave your church. Now, I know that God can and does call people to serve somewhere else. Often times people leave one church to go and thrive somewhere else, but sometimes the leaving is followed by a prolonged period of looking and looking and then never serving on the same level they did when they at their former church. I am reminded of a convicting section of Kent Hughes’ book, Disciplines of a Godly Man where he deals with what he calls “ecclesiastical hitchhikers.”

He writes: Church attendance is infected with a malaise of conditional loyalty which has produced an army of ecclesiastical hitchhikers. The hitchhiker’s thumb says, “You buy the car, pay for repairs and upkeep and insurance, fill the car with gas — and I’ll ride with you. But if you have an accident, you are on your own! And I’ll probably sue.” So it is with the credo of so many of today’s church at tenders: “You go to the meetings and serve on the boards and committees, you grapple with the issues and do the work of the church and pay the bills —and I’ll come along for the ride. But if things do not suit me, I’ll criticize and complain and probably bail out — my thumb is always out for a better ride.”

This putative loyalty is fueled by a consumer ethos — a “McChristian” mentality — which picks and chooses here and there to fill one’s ecclesiastical shopping list. There are hitchhikers who attend one church for the preaching, send their children to a second church for its dynamic youth program, and go to a third church’s small group.

So have you ever been a “church hitchhiker”? Is it right to leave a church because you no longer enjoy it? Why is that people always assume their spiritual problem stems from the church? Could it be the problem they have is between them and God and their pursuits of another church is only masking it? If anything being a pastor has taught me is that churches are not perfect, they are full of sinners who need each other to become the people God wants them to be. Read your New Testament the churches Paul all wrote to had problems, none were prefect, but Jesus died for the church. But God chose the church as His vessel to the world. So, if you are looking for a prefect church, then know this much if you find it then the moment you walk in the doors you will be the one to mess it up.

Pastor Kyle did a great job preaching Sunday and is an amazing guy! Have a great week and I am getting back to writing after my week off.

Pastor Phillip

Video of Cason

2008-11-25T18:18:00.000-05:00

You guys have got to see this little kid go! Pastor Phillip

Early Saturday Morning Prayer...

2008-11-22T06:20:00.000-05:00

“Justify my soul, O God, but also from Your fountains fill my will with your fire. Shrine in my mind, although perhaps this means “be darkness to my experience,” but occupy my heart with Your tremendous Life. Let my eyes see nothing in the world but Your glory, and let my hands touch nothing that is not for Your service.

Let my tongue taste no bread that does not strengthen me to praise Your great mercy. I will hear Your voice and I will hear all harmonies You have created, singing Your hymns. Sheep’s wool and cotton from the field shall warm me enough that I may live in Your service; I will give the rest to Your poor. Let me use all things for one sole reason: to find my joy in giving You glory.

Therefore keep me, above all things, from sin. Keep me from the death of deadly sin which puts hell in my soul. Keep me from the murder of lust that blinds and poisons my heart. Keep me from the sins that eat a man’s flesh with irresistible fire until he is devoured. Keep me from loving money in which is hatred, from avarice and ambition that suffocate my life. Keep me from the dead works of vanity and the thankless labor in which artists destroy themselves for pride and money and reputation, and saints are smothered under the avalanche of their own importunate zeal. Stanch in me the rank wound of covetousness and the hungers that exhaust my nature with their bleeding. Stamp out the serpent envy that stings love with poison and kills all joy.

Untie my hands and deliver my heart from sloth. Set me free from the laziness that goes about disguised as activity when activity is not required of me, and from the cowardice that does what is not demanded, in order to escape sacrifice.

But give me the strength that waits upon You in silence and peace. Give me humility in which alone is rest, and deliver me from prise which i s the heaviest of burdens. And possess my whole heart and soul with the simplicity of love. Occupy my whole life with the one thought and the one desire of love, that I may love not for the sake of merit, not for the sake of perfection, not for the sake of virtue, not for the sake of sanctity, but for you alone.

For there is only one thing that can satisfy love and reward it, and that is You alone.

Thomas Merton

Doubt...

2008-11-20T08:09:00.002-05:00

A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic. A person’s faith can collapse almost overnight if she has failed over the years to listen patiently to her own doubts, which should only be discarded after long reflection.

Timothy Keller, The Reason for God (2008, p. xvii)

“Any belief worth having must survive doubt”

I grew in a very secure Baptist church with godly parents and my faith was grounded in the Bible, and grew in knowledge and love of God. This was great. But, my faith in God or the Bible was never really challenged. I lead a remarkably pain free existence, never had any major traumas that caused me to question God. I also was never really faced with any intellectual challenges. I went to public school, but my teachers all taught evolution with a wink and were believers who did not press the issue hard. So, my faith continued to flourish unchallenged protected in a cocoon. It really was not until college and seminary when I started to share my faith with people who had real issues with God. They had faced major heartache and doubted God’s love, they had some real apparent intellectual objections against God. I was unprepared. There doubts and there issues took me back. I tried refusing to think about them, because I had already moved “all in” in my devotion to God. But, these little tiny doubts and questions continued to grow.

Now, I never had a moment of just thinking about throwing it all away. But, my doubts caused me to move closer to God to find the answers. These new doubts moved me away from Christian apathy; a refusal to deal with doubt or not to respect the real doubts of others. You see doubt is not the opposite of, or enemy of faith. Apathy is the opposite and enemy of faith. If you doubt you are at least engaging with the truth, and I believe that God will honor that engagement. Apathy is the real faith-killer, not doubt. I don’t have all the answers, but being honest and open about doubt is healthy. Besides what good would an untested faith be, anyway? An untested faith is an unproven faith. Many, who say that they believe in God, that they trust in God, are only speaking mere words that mean nothing. Faith, by its nature, must be tested; and faith, to be tested, must bear suffers hard times. We learn the extent of our faith by seeing how well it stands up to the traumas of life. A strictly fair-weather faith is no faith at all.

C.S. Lewis after the death of his wife and struggling with the pain of lose and questions about the love and consolation of God said “You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.” Or like the father of the young boy having seizures who told Jesus in Mark 9:24 "I do believe! Help my unbelief." Understand that the attitude of trust and confidence that the Bible calls belief or faith is not just something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God Eph 2:8-9. No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the bank. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus. So remember let us be open and honest with our doubts, the faith that have is a gift from God and that faith is essential because Hebrews 11:6 “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” Sorry to get long winded, anybody have any doubts or times of you doubt you want to share feel free.

Got to get back to work, Pastor Phillip

Who Are You In Christ?

2008-11-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

I was working on Sunday’s Sermon (Gen 11:1-9) and the people of Babel found their identity in their city and in the great tower they were building (not a good idea). So, I wanted to make the point we are to find our identity in Christ. So, here are the results of who you are when you are in Christ and how it affects you life and calling.

YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD

I am reconciled to God - 2 Cor 5:18

I'm a child of God - He is my Father - 1 Jn 3:1,2

I am a saint - Eph 1:1; 1 Cor 1:2; Phil 1:1

I am Christ's friend - Jn 15:15

I am a fellow citizen in God's kingdom - Eph 2:19

I am born of God - 1 Jn 4:7

I have been brought near to Christ - Eph 2:13

I have been adopted by God - Rom 8:15

I'm to be righteous and holy like God - Eph 4:24

I have direct access to God - Eph 2:18

YOUR INHERITANCE GIVE FROM GOD

I am a citizen of heaven - Phil 3:20

I am an heir of God - Rom 8:17

I've been rescued from Satan's domain - Col 1:13

I am a joint heir with Christ - Rom 8:17; Gal 4:7

I am hidden with Christ in God - Col 3:3

I am blessed with every spiritual blessing - Eph 1:3

I am chosen of God - holy, beloved - Col 3:12

I am a child of promise - Rom 9:8; Gal 3:14

I am a child of light, not darkness - 1 Thess 5:5

I've been given great promises - 2 Pet 1:4

I am a partaker of Christ - Heb 3:14

I'm one of God's living stones - 1 Pet 2:5

YOUR LIFE TRANSFORMED BY GOD

I'm a member of a royal priesthood - 1 Pet 2:9

I'm redeemed and forgiven - Eph 1:6-8

I'm to be a stranger to this world - 1 Pet 2:11

I've been justified - made righteous - Rom 5:1

I'm an enemy of the devil - 1 Pet 5:8

I have eternal life - Jn 5:24

I died w/Christ to the power of sin - Rom 6:1-6

YOUR CALLING FROM GOD

I am free from condemnation - Rom 8:1

I am to be salt on the earth - Mt 5:13

I have received the Spirit of God -1 Cor 2:12

I am to be light in the world - Mt 5:14

I have been given the mind of Christ - 1 Cor 2:16

I'm chosen and appointed to bear fruit - Jn 15:16

I have been crucified with Christ - Gal 2:20

I am called to do the works of Christ - Jn 14:12

I am a new creation - 2 Cor 5:17

I am to do what Christ commanded His disciples - Mt 28:20

I have been made alive with Christ - Eph 2:5

I have been given spiritual authority - Lk 10:19

I am God's workmanship - Eph 2:10

I have received fullness in Christ - Col 2:10

I am a minister of a new covenant - 2 Cor 3:6

I am a minister of reconciliation - 2 Cor 5:18,19

YOUR POSITION IN REALTIONSHIP TO GOD

I am to be an expression of life in Christ - Col 3:4

I am connected to the true vine - Jn 15:1,5

I am a partaker of a heavenly calling - Heb 3:1

I'm a willing slave of righteousness - Rom 6:18,22

I am a temple of God - 1 Cor 3:16; 6:19

I am one spirit with the Lord - 1 Cor 6:17

I am a member of Christ's body - 1 Cor 12:27

That’s a lot! Pastor Phillip