Jeff Garrett's Blog

It's a Wonderful Life

2011-12-24T23:04:00.001-05:00

SERMONS 100's of mp3s

2011-09-10T09:10:00.002-05:00

http://wwjdtoday.com/mgmorrow/audio/sermons/wherearewenow2005.htm Audio Links: Sermons & Bible Classes Very Much a Work In Progress! --------------------- Updated 2 April 2010 notus rememberus: Dear PageMeister, Remember to DELETE all the files that were RENAMED before uploading the new files. (See the 071204 index.) Click here for the presentations from the Where Are We Now? 2005 Conference Click here for the Ray Vander Laan "Follow the Rabbi" lectures Click here for the Ray Vander Laan "Idaho" lectures HOW TO FIND A SERMON: Just tell your browser to find a particular set of characters. On most browsers you would press Ctrl-F to do this, that is, hold down the "Ctrl" key, and while you are holding it down, press and release the "F" key. You can then type in whatever you want your browser to find on this page. If you are looking for a sermon by Reuel Lemmons for example, after pressing CTRL-F you could type in the characters "lemmons" (case doesn't matter) and your browser would take you to the first time it finds those letters on this page, and you would see his "GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN!" sermon. MP3 Audio File Links For Downloading (right-click/SaveAs) or Listening (left-click) Duration Min:Sec Speaker Stars A Christ-like Heart The Compassion of Christ 22:25 Foree Grove *** A Matter of Life or Death 30:58 Dane Boyles A Place Where the Hungry Are Fed 24:54 Bob Russell *** A Teaching Moment 22:00 Foree Grove Alive To God 49:54 Jerry Taylor Answering People's Objections to the Bible 41:47 Noel Whitlock Answering The Call 40:10 Brian Mashburn Appreciating Our Heritage -- Why Does It Matter? 27:56 Bob Russell Are You A Dead Man Walking? 26:46 Bob Russell Baptism of The Holy Spirit -- What Is It? 45:42 Noel Whitlock Be a Rebel with a Fire 51:56 Don McLaughlin Be Careful 35:05 Foree Grove Be Jesus (2010 Set of 5) 50:00 Trey Morgan Because I Believe 45:14 Jeff Walling Because of Who HE Is 26:10 Bob Russell Becoming a Woman of Hope 48:03 Debbie Kendall Beyond The Storm 43:11 Jerry Jones Blessed Are the Peacemakers 38:24 Marvin Phillips Blessings 21:02 Foree Grove Boat Potatoes 30:48 Rick Atchley *** Bold Testimony (How The Church Was Built Series) 26:37 Bob Russell Breaking Down Old Barriers John4v1-42 35:02 Noel Whitlock Bridge My Relationships 47:28 Don McLaughlin Called to Lead 47:03 Jeff Walling Can I Get A Witness? 40:54 Jeff Walling *** Capture The Wonder of His Heart 44:53 Jeff Walling Catch His Vision 43:04 Buddy Bell Characteristics of Churches Doing EFFECTIVE Evangelism 46:51 Joe Beam Chariots of Fire 52:07 Jeff Walling **** Choose Your Weapons (Amarillo) 38:46 Rick Atchley Christ for the World 41:01 Rick Atchley Church Leadership Frustrations (Running the Church) 46:26 Mark Henderson The Church Must Leave the Building! 27:48 Randy Harris College Message Christ in Action (Lubbock 2007) 29:26 Brad Morrow Come Thirsty! 68:34 Max Lucado * Come to Jesus 21:00 Foree Grove Communion Confusion 42:00 Noel Whitlock Communion Fermented Wine or Grapejuice 35:28 Noel Whitlock Communion One Cup or Many 37:32 Noel Whitlock Community Of Inclusion 55:13 Don McLaughlin Congregational Missions 28:11 Dane Boyles Continuing Jesus' Prayer for Unity 41:13 Marvin Phillips Courageous Leadership for the 21st Century 41:43 Marvin Phillips Covetous Heart 33:32 Brad Morrow Craving for Inclusion 27:36 Randy Harris Crisis in America 57:13 Jimmy Allen * Dare to Dance with God 45:05 Jeff Walling **** Dealing With Healing 01 Hope For Cracked Pots 57:54 Rick Atchley Dealing With Healing 02 The Doctor Will See You Now 39:44 Rick Atchley Dealing With Healing 03 Is All Well 45:27 Rick Atchley Dealing With Healing 04 Good And Sick 43:44 Rick Atchley Dealing With Healing 05 Well Worth Asking 41:41 Rick Atchley Death On A Cross 38:45 Noel Whitlock Delegating Responsibility Moses, Making of a Leader Series 27:38 Bob Russell Delightfully Disturbed 43:08 Terry Rush Deuteronomy 34:16 Foree Grove Dichotomy 32:21 Foree Grove Discernment -- Is HE Calling Me 40:55 Randy Harris Discover the Holy Spirit 32:44 Joe Beam Divine Appointment 29:18 Tim Curtis * Divorce 27:53 Bob Russell Divorce-Proof Your Marriage 41:52 Jerry Jones Do Or Die 43:54 Marvin Phillips Do You Want To Get Well? 39:21 Noel Whitlock Does It Matter What We Believe? 39:01 Noel Whitlock Does The Order of Baptism Matter? 28:35 Noel Whitlock Don’t Leave The Passion Behind 1 Why Did God Write The Script? 38:20 Rick Atchley * Don’t Leave The Passion Behind 2 Why Did Christ Accept The Role? 53:19 Rick Atchley * Don’t Leave The Passion Behind 3 Why Do Critics Hate The Story? 53:14 Rick Atchley * Don’t Leave The Passion Behind 4 Why Are Audiences So Moved? 45:59 Rick Atchley * Don't just DO something -- STAND there! 45:57 Marvin Phillips ** Don't Leave the Passion Behind 0! 43:42 Rick Atchley Don't Underestimate God (part 1) 38:29 Noel Whitlock Don't Underestimate God (part 2) 33:28 Noel Whitlock Dream a New Dream Part 1 of 3 42:50 Marvin Phillips Dream a New Dream Part 2 of 3 44:59 Marvin Phillips Dream a New Dream Part 3 of 3 41:18 Marvin Phillips Dry Bones 25:50 Foree Grove Dumber And Dumber Num22v1-39 38:51 Noel Whitlock Dying In Worship 35:53 Foree Grove Dying to Self 31:15 Foree Grove Easter Seals 42:36 Rick Atchley Edification 30:45 Foree Grove Eight-Track Parents In A CD World (1 of 3) 40:16 Mike Cope * Eight-Track Parents In A CD World (2 of 3) 42:37 Mike Cope * Eight-Track Parents In A CD World (3 of 3) 40:57 Mike Cope * Eldership 39:00 Foree Grove Elijah Boot Camp at Cherith 49:29 Chuck Swindoll **** Embers of Revival 24:41 Tim Curtis Emmanuel 24:58 Foree Grove Encountering God Through the Word 33:32 Tim Curtis Encourage Admonish One Another (1983) 78:13 Jeff Walling Encouragement 39:23 Marvin Phillips * Enjoying God's Guidance 37:35 Dane Boyles Entertaining Angels 01 -- Lord of Hosts 43:08 Rick Atchley Entertaining Angels 02 -- In the First Place 40:57 Rick Atchley Evangelism -- Reality Is Not What It Used To Be 44:47 Monte Cox Evangelism As It Affects Unity 38:16 Marvin Phillips Examining Our Heritage 28:22 Bob Russell Exposing Myths Christians Should Be Seen And Not Heard 24:59 Bob Russell Faith -- Seeing the Invisible 24:51 Foree Grove Faith or Fear 42:53 Patrick Mead * Family Faith and its Fruits 41:20 Ted Kell Family Values Part 1 of 3 49:56 Rick Atchley * Family Values Part 2 of 3 43:00 Rick Atchley * Family Values Part 3 of 3 49:25 Rick Atchley * FastForward 41:42 Rick Atchley Fasting in the 21st Century 37:06 Noel Whitlock Father, Forgive Them 30:34 Noel Whitlock FearNoEvil 01 FearFactor 39:26 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 02 GotFear 40:30 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 03 BeOfGoodFear 47:05 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 04 FearNoMan 40:11 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 05 GraveCourage 45:15 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 06 JudgmentCall 41:00 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 07 GettingPastTheFuture 39:32 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 08 FailSafe 40:54 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 09 WithfulThinking 50:18 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 10 A Fearless Christmas 44:17 Rick Atchley FearNoEvil 11 A BraveNewYear 42:54 Rick Atchley Feeling Good About Yourself 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 85:44 Landon Saunders Feeling Good About Yourself 7, 8, and 9 39:51 Landon Saunders Feeling Good About Yourself 10, 11, and 12 42:06 Landon Saunders Fight the Good Fight 06 -- Hold your Position 40:01 Rick Atchley * Fight the Good Fight 08 -- Access Denied 42:59 Rick Atchley * Fight the Good Fight 12 -- Choose Your Weapons 49:33 Rick Atchley * Fight the Good Fight 14 -- Give the Devil his Pew 30:39 Rick Atchley **** Fighting Hypocrisy in the Church 43:00 Francis Chan * Five Habits of a Humble Heart 36:44 Noel Whitlock For As Often As You Eat 39:16 Noel Whitlock For the Sake of the Name 37:37 Rick Atchley * Forgiven -- The Full Force of God's Love 46:37 Joe Beam Forgiveness Part 1 of 3 41:55 Joe Beam * Forgiveness Part 2 of 3 41:31 Joe Beam * Forgiveness Part 3 of 3 42:54 Joe Beam * Forming A Good Game Plan Jer1v4-10 30:22 Noel Whitlock Four Duties of Dads 26:22 Noel Whitlock Four Powerful Prayers (2010 Set of 5) 29:00 Trey Morgan Friends 20:44 Dane Boyles From Guilt To Grace Gal18v2 31:15 Dave Stone From the Beginning To The End 48:32 Rex Boyles ** Get A Grip 35:39 Rick Atchley Get Off The Scales 46:19 Rick Atchley Get On Board with Discipleship! 35:28 Rick Atchley ** Give Me This Mountain! 34:48 Reuel Lemmons GO Even When You Are Scared 44:51 Cheryl Frost * God Faces the Church Kneel Before The Father Eph3-14 51:28 Jeff Walling God Is Able 39:52 Buddy Bell God Is Able FOREVER 57:33 Monte Cox God Is Among You 29:33 Foree Grove Godly Father 27:38 Bob Russell God's Ability in a Lost World 39:42 Marvin Phillips God's Ability in a World of Turmoil 29:41 Marvin Phillips God's Arithmetic In Marriage (part 1) 36:18 Noel Whitlock God's Arithmetic In Marriage (part 2) 32:43 Noel Whitlock God's Community 30:45 Foree Grove Golf Lessons 21:09 Rick Atchley Good Basic Soul Winning 48:40 Marvin Phillips Good News 26:14 Bob Russell Good Stewardship Brings Blessing Luke12v35-46 38:48 Noel Whitlock Gospel of Inclusion 35:29 Ronnie Norman Grace For A Broken-Hearted Sinner Jesus Full of Truth and Grace 26:29 Bob Russell Grace: More than a Doctrine to Confess 60:08 Rubel Shelley * Grace -- Supremacy of Grace 29:32 David Allen ** Grace -- Worth Fighting For 27:48 David Allen ** Grace -- Bad News Rising 26:59 David Allen * Grace -- The Grace Effect 31:44 David Allen Grace -- A Better Way 28:39 David Allen * Happy Thanks-Living 33:09 Noel Whitlock Have No Fear 35:54 Rick Atchley * He Lifted Me From The Ragged Edge 72:41 Joe Beam * Hear The Cry Of The Human Heart 51:37 Cheryl Frost * Heart of Worship 33:36 Ross Thompson * Hearing Aids 45:03 Rick Atchley * His Glory In Our Liberation 52:56 Robert Cox His Glory In Our Limitations 52:03 Paul Whitmire His Glory In Our Mission 53:55 Mike Cope His Ways Are Not Our Ways 46:24 Rick Atchley * Hole in the Roof Ideas 38:01 Jeff Walling *** Honesty 31:13 Dane Boyles Honor to Whom Honor Is Due 34:25 Rick Atchley Hope for the Blind 28:09 Bob Russell Hope for the Grieving 27:59 Bob Russell Hope for the Hungry 27:57 Bob Russell Hope-filled and Worry-free Living 33:56 Noel Whitlock How Big Is Your Vision? 33:04 Bob Chisholm * How Do We Get In Synch With This Culture? 27:43 Wade Hodges How Jesus Dealt with Hurting 46:55 Joe Beam How To Depend Like Jesus Depended 33:05 Richard Rogers How To Do Like Jesus Did 34:24 Richard Rogers How to Explain Why You Believe 53:51 Jeff Walling * How To Get Along With Difficult People Col3v12-17 36:52 Noel Whitlock How To Have a Tightly Knit Family 35:47 Noel Whitlock How to Honor your Mother 27:10 Bob Russell How to Reach Those Who Make Up Their Own Faith 42:10 Monte Cox * How To Revive A Discouraged Heart 30:27 Terry Rush Humility 45:57 Marvin Phillips * Humility Leads The Lonely 71:30 Stanley Shipp ** Hurting People Need Unconditional Love 46:35 Joe Almanza I Am Responsible For My Choices 28:05 Bob Russell I Are Church of Christ 44:08 Marvin Phillips I Once Was Lust, but Now... 37:17 Rick Atchley * I Thirst John19v28-29 42:01 Noel Whitlock I Want to Be in Your Desert 47:17 Don McLaughlin I Want to be Near Your Heart 45:23 Marvin Phillips I Will Hear From Heaven And Heal Their Land 34:43 Richard Rogers Imitation of Christ 45:00 Brian Mashburn * Inspired To Evangelize When The Holy Spirit Empowers The Church 26:03 Bob Russell Into All The World On Fire 42:40 Mike Cope Into Your Hands I commit My Spirit Lk23v44-46 31:56 Noel Whitlock Is Baptism a Work? 25:19 Noel Whitlock Is Baptism Important… or Essential? 33:56 Noel Whitlock Is Undenominational Christianity Possible 38:59 Noel Whitlock It Is Finished John19v30 36:11 Noel Whitlock It Takes Heart to be Free 21:43 Dane Boyles * It's Not About Me; It's Not About Now 47:57 Max Lucado ItsAllAboutTheMessage Acts9v32-42 68:58 Noel Whitlock Jesus Is So Sweet 56:36 Joe Almanza * Jesus the Bread of Life 31:57 Rick Atchley * Jesus Washes Feet (John 13) 33:29 Noel Whitlock *** John the Baptist The Day He Lost His Head Mk6v14-29 38:04 Noel Whitlock John the Baptist The Man Mission Message Mk1v1-8 36:57 Noel Whitlock JourneyToGenerosity 01 It's Not About The Money 37:11 Rick Atchley JourneyToGenerosity 02 Early Returns 49:03 Rick Atchley JourneyToGenerosity 03 GiveTil It Feels Good 37:52 Rick Atchley JourneyToGenerosity 04 Sermon on the Amount 44:08 Rick Atchley JourneyToGenerosity 05 MoneyTalks 42:15 Rick Atchley JR -- Early Washington Territory Church of Christ 43:54 Jerry Rushford ** JR -- Oregon 1 Tortuous Trail Church of Christ 43:06 Jerry Rushford ** JR -- Oregon 2 68,000 Miles On Horseback 46:37 Jerry Rushford ** Just Do It! 42:51 Rick Atchley Just Try Harder Heresy 40:34 Monte Cox * Keep The Big Picture 26:07 Bob Russell Keeping Possessions In Perspective Money Wise Series 27:45 Bob Russell King of Hope(Kings) 27:28 Bob Russell King of Kings(Hope) 27:55 Bob Russell Know Your Enemy 41:30 Rick Atchley Last Call 45:26 Rick Atchley Ladies' Retreat 2006 52:23 Maples, Schultz, and Martinez ** Lawyers and Lovers 32:26 Foree Grove LEAP YEAR Take a LEAP of Faith! 23:27 Rick Atchley ** Learn to Leave some Living for Later 38:51 Jack Reese Learning Division 45:49 Rick Atchley *** Lessons From The Past Mt1v1-17 41:21 Noel Whitlock Lessons I've Learned in Ministry 41:31 Bob Russell Let's Accept One Another 67:19 Jeff Walling Let's Be Fishingnaries 1 - Go Fish 49:15 Rick Atchley Let's Be Fishingnaries 2 - Casting Call 43:06 Rick Atchley Let's Be Fishingnaries 3 - Net Work 42:25 Rick Atchley Let's Get Out of the Judging Business 40:09 Marvin Phillips * Life Is An Enigma 29:38 Dane Boyles *** Life Is Hard but God Is Good 27:02 Bob Russell Life of Moses 01 -- The Great Oppression 42:34 Rick Atchley * Life of Moses 02 -- Three Women and a Baby 40:16 Rick Atchley * Life of Moses 22 -- Fire Alarms 41:10 Rick Atchley ** Life of Moses 30 -- How to Succeed 38:51 Rick Atchley * Life of Moses 32 -- As Faith Would Have It 44:22 Rick Atchley * Life of Samson 02 -- Falling Forward 49:22 Rick Atchley Lift Up Your Eyes To The Harvest 56:44 Jerry Jones Living By The Rules 42:09 Jim McGuiggan * Living in Relationship with God 33:18 Foree Grove *** Living on Purpose 01 -- All About God 41:21 Rick Atchley * Living Under The Influence -- Reigning Over My Anger 44:46 Ken Greene Living Under The Influence -- Reigning Over My Lust 41:14 Chris Hatchett Living Under The Influence 01 A Look in the Mirror 63:16 Buddy Bell Living Under The Influence 02 Living Under His Influence 46:06 Buddy Bell Living Under The Influence 03 Show Me Your Glory 38:26 Buddy Bell Looking For Life In All The Wrong Places 27:28 Bob Russell Lord and Ladies 11 -- Reckless Love 41:52 Rick Atchley ** Lord of the Rings 2 We Vow Down (Marriage) 35:25 Rick Atchley ** Lord, I Want To See 34:44 Jerry Taylor LoveLessons 03 Safe In The Arms Of Love 45:45 Rick Atchley LoveLessons 04 Love Like No Other 37:32 Rick Atchley LoveLessons 05 The Value Of Love 41:30 Rick Atchley LoveLessons 06 Love In The Ditch 42:29 Rick Atchley LoveLEssons 07 Loving On Empty 37:04 Rick Atchley LoveLessons 08 Courtesy Call 49:48 Rick Atchley LoveLessons 09 Love Hurts 40:11 Rick Atchley LoveLessons 10 Love Hates 42:59 Rick Atchley LoveLessons 11 It Keeps On Going 50:28 Rick Atchley LoveLessons 12 The Love Of Christmas 41:50 Rick Atchley Maintaining A Healthy Ambition 28:04 Bob Russell Maintaining Your Zeal John2v18-22 28:46 Noel Whitlock Making The Most Of What You Have Money Wise Series 27:18 Bob Russell Marching To Zion (1982) 45:41 Kip McKean Marriage for Life 28:48 Dane Boyles * Mary Marveled When Blessed 27:44 Bob Russell Mary Waited When Misunderstood 24:18 Bob Russell Meadowbrook: VISION 42:19 Buddy Bell Meadowbrook: PASSION 40:51 Buddy Bell Message of 1993 49:03 Stanley Shipp ** Message of 1998 26:00 Tony Ash * Message of 2003 32:19 Jim McGuiggan Message of the Cross -- Nazareth to Jerusalem 55:24 John Smith Ministry of Reconciliation 39:02 Marvin Phillips Miracle of Mercy Part 1 of 2 39:01 Terry Rush Miracle of Mercy Part 2 of 2 37:03 Terry Rush Mission Possible 1 -- Worship 26:26 Rick Atchley * Mission-Minded Maniacs 46:13 Marvin Phillips Missions Brand New World - part1 40:18 Monte Cox Missions Brand New World - part2 51:05 Monte Cox Moses -- Accepting the Challenge 55:47 Bob Russell Most Awful Thing About Hell Luke16v19-31 39:01 Noel Whitlock Most Churches Are Wrong On Divorce 43:54 Joe Beam Mountain-Moving Faith 1 - Shield of Faith 40:16 Joe Beam * Mountain-Moving Faith 2 - Mountain Moving Faith 35:35 Joe Beam * Mountain-Moving Faith 3 - Finding a Deeper Faith 40:29 Joe Beam * Moving Forward without Messing Up MonkeyOwlBearDeerAnimals 44:18 Jeff Walling Must a Woman Make a Choice 22:36 Pat Baker Must We Change To Grow---Strategies for Reach 48:41 Jeff Walling * Names of God Part 1 of 3 51:47 Rick Atchley * Names of God Part 2 of 3 52:48 Rick Atchley * Names of God Part 3 of 3 47:54 Rick Atchley * Neighbor 1 -- Being A NEIGHBOR 40:03 Brian Mashburn Neighbor 2 -- Being A Noticing Neighbor 32:27 Brian Mashburn Neighbor 3 -- Being A Compassionate Neighbor 35:18 Brian Mashburn Neighbor 4 -- Being A Going Neighbor 33:05 Brian Mashburn Neighbor 5 -- Being A Healing Neighbor 32:58 Brian Mashburn Neighbor 6 -- Being An Enduring Neighbor 35:22 Brian Mashburn Nic at Night 42:12 Noel Whitlock No Guts, No Glory 52:56 Joneal Kirby Not My Will 42:12 Jerry Taylor Nothing but Jesus Part 1 of 2 37:14 Marvin Phillips Nothing but Jesus Part 2 of 2 27:50 Marvin Phillips Now Is The Time 41:24 Marvin Phillips Numbers 7 28:24 Foree Grove Old Love for a New Millenium 44:28 Jeff Walling One Another: Accept 42:49 Randy Moody One Another: Greet 39:22 Randy Moody One Another: Love 47:26 Randy Moody One Another: Members of 40:19 Randy Moody One Minute After Death 26:13 Bob Russell Organized For Effectiveness When The Holy Spirit Empowers The Church 26:37 Bob Russell Ounce Of Faith Better Than Pound of Fear 40:15 Marvin Phillips Our Blessed Assurances 01 Charter Members 38:47 Rick Atchley Our Blessed Assurances 02 A Resolute Destitute 37:15 Rick Atchley Our Blessed Assurances 03 Good Grief 40:38 Rick Atchley Our Blessed Assurances 04 Mighty Meek 44:08 Rick Atchley Our Blessed Assurances 05 Satisfaction Guaranteed 38:10 Rick Atchley Our Blessed Assurances 06 Have Mercy 41:15 Rick Atchley Our Blessed Assurances 08 Give Peace A Chance 35:58 Rick Atchley Our Blessed Assurances 09 When the Right Are Wronged 40:12 Rick Atchley Our Blessed Assurances 10 A Beatitude With Attitude 39:24 Rick Atchley Overcoming Obstacles Moses, Making of a Leader Series 26:52 Bob Russell Overcoming The Fear Of Looking Foolish 49:26 Jeff Walling **** Pack Your Suitcase 31:57 Noel Whitlock Parables That Keep You Up At Night (1 of 3) 38:42 Randy Harris * Parables That Keep You Up At Night (2 of 3) 39:41 Randy Harris * Parables That Keep You Up At Night (3 of 3) 42:04 Randy Harris * Parenting -- Preventive Discipline 40:00 Paul Faulkner * Parenting -- Strategies 43:49 Paul Faulkner * People of Brook Besor 45:04 Max Lucado Pest Control Series -- Combatting Procrastination 27:15 Bob Russell Pest Control Series -- Controlling Criticism 26:34 Bob Russell Phillippians Bible Class 01 49:34 Chuck Swift Phillippians Bible Class 02 50:18 Chuck Swift Phillippians Bible Class 03 36:29 Chuck Swift Phillippians Bible Class 04 46:39 Chuck Swift Phillippians Bible Class 05 51:41 Chuck Swift Phillippians Bible Class 06 52:14 Chuck Swift Place Where The Hungry Are Fed Jesus the Head of the Church 25:25 Bob Russell ** Point Man -- How To Lead Your Family 40:56 Steve Farrar Post-Crucifixion Penomena Mt27v50-54 34:58 Noel Whitlock Postmodernism -- What are they saying? 48:20 Rubel Shelly * Postmodernism -- What are we saying? 44:02 Rubel Shelly * Postmodernism -- What if we said . . .? 47:15 Rubel Shelly * Power of the Holy Spirit 42:33 Joe Beam Power of the Sprit 39:27 Jeff Walling Pray for Reign Part 1 of 2 44:17 Rick Atchley Pray for Reign Part 2 of 2 34:06 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 01 KneeReplacement 66:13 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 02 It's All Relative 44:37 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 03 Out Of This World 41:56 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 04 First Name In Prayer 35:43 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 05 His Will Hunting 50:28 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 06 Food For Thought 47:07 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 07 Pray Your Debts 39:31 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 08 Pray Hurt 38:15 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 09 Pleading for Leading 32:53 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 10 Home Delivery 47:33 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 11 From Start to Finish 30:21 Rick Atchley PrayerForDummies 12 Walk The Talk 41:44 Rick Atchley Predictions and Denials Mark14v26-31v66-72 36:39 Noel Whitlock Presenting The Gospel According To A Gospel Part 1 48:10 Monte Cox * Presenting The Gospel According To A Gospel Part 2 46:10 Monte Cox * Presenting The Gospel According To A Gospel Part 3 45:55 Monte Cox * Pressure of Fatherhood (Families Under Pressure Series) 26:08 Bob Russell Pressure Of Releasing The Past (Families Under Pressure Series) 28:07 Bob Russell Prioritize Well 25:36 Bob Russell ProfilesInCourage 01 Watery Brave 34:52 Rick Atchley ProfilesInCourage 02 Courage Under Fire 35:34 Rick Atchley ProfilesInCourage 03 PrinceValiant 31:03 Rick Atchley ProfilesInCourage 04 Birth of Courage 36:02 Rick Atchley Protecting Your Body (Body and Soul Series) 26:35 Bob Russell Put New Energy Into The Church 43:43 Terry Rush Raising Godly Kids Without Acting Ungodly 42:56 Jeff Walling Reality of Christ 15:43 Brad Morrow Reason To Deepen Finding Your Way In A Whatever World 22:45 Bob Russell Reason To Hope Finding Your Way In A Whatever World 28:06 Bob Russell Reason to Lead and Follow Finding Your Way In A Whatever World 28:06 Bob Russell Reason To Live Finding Your Way In A Whatever World 27:54 Bob Russell Reason To Suffer Finding Your Way In A Whatever World 06:55 Bob Russell Reasons I Believe The Bible To Be True 27:59 Bob Russell Reasons to Believe in Jesus (ScienceHistory) 28:42 Ted Kell Reclaiming America's Values 28:02 Bob Russell Reclaiming Our Heritage 27:56 Bob Russell Reconciliation To Reckon With 60:08 Rick Atchley Recovery From Death Or Divorce Of A Spouse 42:53 Jerry Jones Reflections on the Atonement 42:17 Jim McGuiggan Religion of Jesus -- Tradition or Scripture? 24:23 Dane Boyles * Renewal -- Part1 What Jesus Wanted Every Believer To Know 47:04 Jeff Walling Renewed Perception 46:45 Don McLaughlin Restoration -- Anatomy of Restored Church Leadership 51:27 Steve Parker Restoration -- Evangelism or Church Growth 52:40 Steve Parker Restoration Movement or Conservation Movement 43:51 Steve Parker Restoration of the Restoration Movement (Part 1) 45:29 Steve Parker RestoringOurHeritage -- What Can We Do? 28:04 Bob Russell Resurrect our Mission 37:53 Marvin Phillips Reviving Tired Preaching; Stop Boring Sermons 43:53 Chris Smith RHCC A Both/And Church, 1 of 3 60:17 Rick Atchley (Click Here for Outline) RHCC A Both/And Church, 2 of 3 52:34 Rick Atchley (Click Here for Outline) RHCC A Both/And Church, 3 of 3 54:57 Rick Atchley (Click Here for Outline) Richman, Poorman 33:23 Dane Boyles Sacred Assemblies 2004 24:30 Foree Grove Samuel Answers Gods Call (The Making of a Spiritual Leader) 54:30 Bob Russell Scope of Inclusion 47:55 Ken Greene Seeing The Lost Through The Father's Eyes Luke15 42:38 Rick Atchley *** Seeing The Unseen -- Can Satan Hurt Us? 44:12 Joe Beam Seeing The Unseen Power of Satan's Angels 42:45 Joe Beam Seeking His Kingdom 43:50 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 01 - Wild Kingdom 45:58 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 02 - Forcasting Reign 43:10 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 03 - Whats the First Rule 44:38 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 04 - Fit For A King 28:53 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 05 -- Praying for Reign 38:11 Rick Atchley * Send Your Reign 06 - Kingdom Planting 48:11 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 07 - No Tares in Heaven 49:06 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 08 - Sizing Up The Kingdom 40:55 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 09 - Treasure Hunt 36:18 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 10 - Reign Gauges 42:20 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 11 - Generous to a Fault 37:08 Rick Atchley Send Your Reign 12 - Surprise Party 40:46 Rick Atchley Seven Things Husbands Wished Their Wives Knew (2010 Set of 5) 28:00 Trey Morgan Seven Things Wives Wished Their Husbands Knew (2010 Set of 5) 41:00 Trey Morgan Sex by the Book What GOD Wants You To Know 28:09 Bob Russell Sex by the Book What Playboy Wants You To Think 35:06 ? Kyleldleman Sex by the Book What your Spouse Wants You To Figure Out 24:50 Dave Stone Share God's Riches Generously 28:10 Bob Russell Shepherding -- How To Be A Sensitive Shepherd 31:18 Mike Armour * Shepherding By Harmonizing Tension 42:12 Mike Armour * Shepherding When There Is Resistance 44:39 Mike Armour * Should the Unsaved Share in the Lord's Supper? 46:39 John Harrison Signs Of Life 30:16 Rick Atchley Small Groups -- One Is A Lonely Number 31:09 Buddy Bell ** Small Groups -- Small Group Model That WORKS! 41:16 Buddy Bell ** Small Groups -- The Door To Evangelism 43:38 Billy Moore Soul Winning Ideas That Work 41:26 Marvin Phillips * Spirit and Truth 20040523a 37:34 Noel Whitlock Spiritual Leaders 30:13 Tim Curtis Spiritual Warfare 45:11 Joe Beam * SR -- Where Are The Tears? 47:00 Rubel Shelly * SR -- Why Christ Required Baptism 42:45 Rubel Shelly * SR -- Why People Resist Baptism 40:45 Rubel Shelly * Starving -- Do You Know Me? 49:46 Cynthia McClure ** Starving -- Don't Let It Happen to Your Family 40:24 Cynthia McClure ** Starving -- The Monster Within 44:41 Cynthia McClure ** State Of The Pulpit 15 - A Trip To Bountiful 43:01 Rick Atchley Staying Humble in a Haughty World Luke14v7-14 35:41 Noel Whitlock Strengthen The Church One Marriage At A Time 50:01 Joneal Kirby Strong Church Characteristics 1 2 3 41:02 Joe Beam * Strong Church Characteristics 4 5 6 38:18 Joe Beam * Studying Baptism Where We Have Been Right 32:02 David Allen Studying Baptism Where We Have Been Silent (1 of 2) 30:21 David Allen Studying Baptism Where We Have Been Silent (2 of 2) 24:37 David Allen Studying Baptism Where We Have Been Wrong (1 of 2) 32:03 David Allen Studying Baptism Where We Have Been Wrong (2 of 2) 30:06 David Allen Supporting Evidences 38:49 Noel Whitlock Take A Hike 34:38 Rick Atchley Take A Stand 35:55 Rick Atchley * Take This Cup Away From Me Anguish In The Garden Mk14v32-42 33:26 Noel Whitlock Tasks Of Life 26:18 Rick Atchley Teen Commitment -- David/Goliath 46:02 Joe Beam * Teens -- You Are Needed! 50:15 Jeff Walling Temptations Teenagers Face 26:15 Bob Russell Thank God It's Free Day 49:20 Rick Atchley That The World May Believe -- What? 48:31 Rick Atchley That The World May Believe -- Why? 64:06 Jeff Walling The AmazingPlace 01 FromHereToEternity 36:23 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 02 Heaven Help Us 32:31 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 03 No Place Like Home 37:11 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 04 Who is invited to the wedding 32:38 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 05 Future Shock 38:22 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 06 Heaven on earth 37:06 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 07 What is heaven missing 32:03 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 08 When We All Get To Heaven 33:06 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 09 For Heavens Sake 32:59 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 10 Imagine That 28:34 Rick Atchley The AmazingPlace 11 Rewards Ceremony 32:33 Rick Atchley The Best Youth Ministers in the World 36:36 Noel Whitlock The Bible and Jesus' Birth 25:02 Foree Grove The Birth of Be 47:40 Rick Atchley The Blessing on the Cake 42:14 Rick Atchley The Blessings of Good Stewardship 38:53 Noel Whitlock The Bystanders TransformedByTheCross 26:07 Bob Russell The Church: God's Instrument to Change the World 47:27 Tony Campolo ** The Church Is Not For Everybody 27:13 Bob Russell The Covenant of Marriage 37:19 Noel Whitlock The Dimensions of Stewardship 34:04 Noel Whitlock The DoubleLoveCommand 23:59 Foree Grove The Five Dimensions of The Lord's Supper 37:50 Noel Whitlock The GloryofJesus 28:05 Foree Grove The God Of Inclusion 40:03 Jim McGuiggan The GoldenRule Mt7v12 26:39 Noel Whitlock The Good Stuff 41:57 Marvin Phillips The Heart of the Dead 31:56 Foree Grove The Heart of the Giver Good Stewardship 34:55 Noel Whitlock The Heir Up There 44:18 Rick Atchley The Holy Spirit Is Our Source 40:28 Monte Cox * The LastCommandment 27:53 Foree Grove The Lord's Supper 03:47 Noel Whitlock The Man Who Missed His Cross 36:48 Noel Whitlock The Matter Of Children 35:23 Rick Atchley The Missional Church 28:31 Dane Boyles * The Most Awful Thing About Hell 38:29 Noel Whitlock The NewWay 27:15 Foree Grove The Perfect Story 67:46 Max Lucado The PresenceofGod 25:32 Foree Grove The Sacrifices of Christ 20:51 Rick Atchley The Seventh Sin The Lord Hates Part 1 of 2 44:30 Marvin Phillips * The Seventh Sin The Lord Hates Part 2 of 2 44:40 Marvin Phillips * The Spirit and the Church 27:06 Foree Grove The Story [teens] 39:08 Paul Partlow * The Story [A few recording quality problems :-( ] 13:49 Matt Hoadley The Story About Jesus 38:30 Noel Whitlock The Truth About Youth 40:40 Rick Atchley * The Zeal of Christ 35:20 Noel Whitlock Theology of Children 12:41 Rick Atchley * There Is One Appropriate Choice And That Is Life 26:21 Bob Russell They Smell Like Sheep (1 of 3) 32:33 Lynn Anderson * They Smell Like Sheep (2 of 3) 32:58 Lynn Anderson * They Smell Like Sheep (3 of 3) 32:30 Lynn Anderson * Thief Saved By The Cross 26:29 Bob Russell Thinking That Leads to Thanking 32:00 Noel Whitlock This Is How We Overcome 41:45 Rick Atchley * This Is My Body TheLastSupper 52:52 Noel Whitlock This Is Your Finest Hour 34:38 Pat Baker Three Moms to Remember 40:09 Noel Whitlock Thy Kingdom Come part1 40:42 Rick Atchley Thy Kingdom Come part2 48:34 Rick Atchley Til Then 47:14 Rick Atchley Today You Will Be With Me -- Passion Series 39:09 Noel Whitlock Transition from Control to Empowerment 52:20 Lynn Anderson * True Lies -- All Roads Lead to Heaven 42:20 Rick Atchley * True Lies -- I Have a Right to be Happy 38:09 Rick Atchley * True Lies -- Life Has No Meaning 47:42 Rick Atchley * True Lies -- Life Is Supposed to be Fair 38:35 Rick Atchley ** True Lies -- Marriage Shouldn't Be This Hard 37:06 Rick Atchley * True Lies -- You Only Live Once 43:05 Rick Atchley * Two Cities, Two Visions for the World 41:33 Jack Reese Tulsa 2006 folder Misc. Tulsa 2007 folder Misc. Tulsa 2008 folder Misc. Tulsa 2009 folder Misc. Tulsa 2010 folder Misc. Tulsa 2011 folder Misc. Twenty-Twenty Vision 65:33 Rick Atchley *** Understanding The Times 28:10 Bob Russell Unity In Evangelism 38:16 Marvin Phillips UnleashingTheChurch 49:52 Jay Utley *** Unseen Realities Part1 45:29 Latayne Scott Until It Is Your Faith, You Have Nothing To Share 44:14 Lucinda Crain * Vow Before the Lord 44:20 Rick Atchley Wait Of The World 58:53 Jeff Walling ** Wanted A Church With A Different Spirit 50:05 Marvin Phillips Watch That Television 47:55 Noel Whitlock We Are Born Again to Grow Again 40:14 Terry Rush We Can Believe In Jesus 2Cor15v3-16 38:50 Noel Whitlock We Need 300 Buses 31:36 Noel Whitlock Wealth From The Word 39:53 Noel Whitlock Weathering The Storm 36:56 Joy McMillon What Christian Churches Wish Church of Christians 42:30 Victor Knowles What Difference Does The Ressurrection Make TBD Noel Whitlock What Does The Bible Say About Baptism? 33:20 Noel Whitlock What is a Restoration Church? 41:39 John Smith *** What is The Age of Accountability? (part 1) 50:18 Noel Whitlock What is The Age of Accountability? (part 2) 53:00 Noel Whitlock What Kind of Seed Are You Sowing? 24:58 Dane Boyles What Matters Most? [Teens/Families] 20:37 Paul Partlow ** What Really Matters in Christianity 40:23 Maurice Hooks What Teens Need To Know About The Cross 40:54 Don McLaughlin What Your Spouse Wishes You Would Figure Out! 40:36 Dave Stone * When Leaders Lead 42:15 Reuel Lemmon When Life Falls Apart 26:18 Bob Russell When Life Tumbles In 43:39 Jerry Jones * When Marriage Breaks Down 26:23 Bob Russell When Pain Is Prolonged 26:18 Bob Russell When You Are in a Cave (2010 Set of 5) 30:00 Trey Morgan Where Broadway Meets Sunday Worship Priorities Part1 47:49 Jeff Walling * Where Did The Sinner's Prayer Come From? 41:16 Noel Whitlock Where There's a Way There's a Will 43:10 Rick Atchley Why Are We Still Here? 37:34 Marvin Phillips Why Did Jesus Choose Judas? 35:26 Noel Whitlock Why Did Jesus Come Back To Life? 24:45 Bob Russell Why Have You Forsaken Me? 26:13 Noel Whitlock Why More Is Less 38:07 Rick Atchley ** Why Restore Discipleship? 36:20 Brian Mashburn ** Winning Over Worry -- Pest Control Series 27:58 Bob Russell Woman, Behold Your Son 38:02 Noel Whitlock Wonderful Counselor 25:59 Foree Grove Written On Stone 59:01 Rubel Shelly You Need To Believe That People Want God 46:15 Joe Almanza You Shall Have No Others Gods Before Me 27:35 Foree Grove You Will Deny Me Three Times Mk14v26-31 36:30 Noel Whitlock Young Preacher Looks To The Future (1982) 49:49 Jeff Walling Youth Ministry Net 45:08 Robert Oglesby_Jr

Ashley Day 2 Samuel 12 Nathan Confronts David

2011-07-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

Ashley Day 2 Samuel 12 Nathan Confronts David

Scot McKnight

2011-07-15T08:05:00.004-05:00

Scot McKnight

Willow Creek Assocation - Missional Jesus; Scott M

Download at rapidlibrary mp3 music

Willow Creek Assocation - Missional Jesus; Scott M

Download at rapidlibrary mp3 music

Prof. Dr. Scott Mcknight - The Jesus Creed.mp3

Download at rapidlibrary mp3 music

Scot McKnight

2011-07-15T08:05:00.001-05:00

http://storiesof.us/wp-content/audio/willowcreek/SHIFT08/Missional Jesus_ Scott McKnight.mp3

Scot McKnight

2011-07-15T08:03:00.001-05:00

Scot McKnight

Prof. Dr. Scott Mcknight - The Jesus Creed.mp3

Download at rapidlibrary mp3 music

Interesting facts about the Bible

2010-12-26T23:42:00.002-05:00

Interesting facts about the Bible from Bibleplan.org Link - http://www.bibleplan.org/bible-reading-record.pdf At the bottom of the reading schedule someone wrote ... "The Bible contains 1189 chapters: 929 in the Old Testament and 260 in the New. Reading 3 chapters each day and 5 chapters on Sundays will cover the entire Bible in one year. Follow some plan. Even one chapter each day will cover the New Testament in only 9 months. God's Word is alive. The more you expose yourself to it, the more it will expose itself to you." Interesting facts. It breaks it down to manageable size - you can do it!

ESV Bible Reading Plans - RSS

2010-12-26T18:47:00.000-05:00

http://www.esv.org/resources/reading-plans-devotions/

The Barna Group - New Research Explores How Different Generations View and Use the Bible

2010-12-25T22:06:00.001-05:00

The Barna Group - New Research Explores How Different Generations View and Use the Bible: "New Research Explores How Different Generations View and Use the Bible"

Online Leadership Training with Lynn Anderson

2010-12-24T04:04:00.001-05:00

Rob just posted the Lynn Anderson Leadership Training Video Sessions online. We are asking all leaders to watch these videos and complete the assignments in the participant’s guide prior to the discussion groups. Before Lynn arrives we will have read the texts, completed the first three assignments in the participant’s guide and the three videos. The videos will not be shown during the Wednesday evening discussion groups. We posted the videos online so that you can prepare for each of the three discussion groups. Complete one video training each week. Each video is numbered in the order it appears in the series. These videos can also be viewed on an iPhone or other smart phones using the same links. You will need to enter your password when prompted to view these videos. The user name and password will be sent to you via email.

Invited to Bob Russell's Mentoring Ministers Retreat (Small Group of 8 ministers)

2010-12-23T23:27:00.006-05:00

Something great just happened - I thank the Lord! I get to spend March 7-11 with Bob Russell and a small group of 8 other ministers. I applied for this last year and forgot about it until surprise! I got an email that said "
"Congratulations! Bob would like for you to attend his March 7-10, 2011 retreat. The retreat is conducted at Country Lake Christian Retreat Center in Henryville, Indiana, 30 minutes north of Louisville."

I am excited!
Bob Russell is one of my heros.

Several years ago I called Southeast and asked his secretary for an appointment. I thought if I could could sit with him, face to face, by myself, for just 15 minutes ... that would be great. I was surprised when said "Let's go to lunch" and the appointment lasted longer than 15 minutes. He rode in the car with me to restaurant. We talked one-on-one in a quiet booth for more than an hour. It was like eating lunch with Jesus. He asked probing questions, challenged me, answered my questions - it was amazing!

website
http://www.bobrussellministries.org/content.asp?q_areaprimaryid=2 -
I included some pictures from Russell's Website below - I cannot wait to sit around that table with 8 men and Bob Russell. It's like It will be like having dinner with Billy Graham!

We will pick you up at the airport, provide all transportation during the retreat and take you back to the airport on Thursday. A typical retreat schedule is printed below. Bob requests that you schedule someone to preach on the weekend following the retreat so you won't be distracted during the retreat by pending sermon preparation."

Who is Bob Russell? I pasted part of his bio from his his website.

"Bob Russell enrolled in Cincinnati Bible Seminary where he graduated in 1965. At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church. Today that small congregation of 120 members has become one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006. Bob retired from Southeast in June 2006.

Bob and his wife Judy have been married forty-five years, May 29, 2010. They have two married sons, Rusty and Phil. Phil is a Louisville Metro Police Officer and a deacon at Southeast Christian Church. Rusty recently became Senior Minister in Port Charlotte, Florida after serving at Southeast for many years. Bob and Judy have seven grandchildren with whom they enjoy spending their time.
An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books. He also has a weekly column in The Lookout, a magazine printed by Standard Publishing. In his leisure time he enjoys playing golf and is an avid University of Louisville football and basketball fan."

A message to elders and ministering shepherds

2010-08-28T19:15:00.002-05:00

The fall and spring are prime time for church growth and service. The winter and summer seasons are periods for prayer and planning typically mark by a predictable decrease in attendance. I call it the summertime lull - we don't worry about it because we expect and encourage families to spend time together - summer time is vacation time. The winter lull tends to be shorter and varies from year to year depending on the severity of weather. But fall and spring are prime times for church growth. That's why we do a spring campaign that climaxes with friend day on Easter and a Fall campaign that leads up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have been praying and planing and preparing for this fall. Our 40 day journey begins on Oct 17 and runs 6 weeks - Thanksgiving will mark the end of our 40 day journey and the beginning of the Christmas season. Paul said "be prepared in season and out of season" - and that's what we've tried to do. The 40 day team has been preparing for Oct 17 since last spring and we believe that God will bless our church family - He's been leading us to this point and we want to do everything with excellence because that is what Jesus deserves - our very best! Our vision and strategy is to build stronger relationships with Jesus and people through small groups. We're asking, encouraging, persuading every member to join a small group for six weeks. Which brings me to the point of this email. Your role as an elder and ministering shepherd is so important. Please contact your partner and let's revive our shepherding groups. Let's make sure no one falls through the cracks from now until Christmas. Working together enables us to care for our church family - whenever any member misses two weeks in a row - please contact them. You're familiar with the plan because you've done it. Yes, during the recent past we seemed to have lost some momentum - but you continued to work the assembling, greeting, caring for people and serving them in so many ways. I love to see you shepherd. Let's kick off the fall campaign by contacting and communicating with our partners. Each month, please hand your sheet to Jeanie or me and you'll receive new care callers. This current list has not been updated but we will take care of that with your help - write down the names of new comers - communicate and work together and assume responsibility for them. That seems like the best way to update the list - rather than arbitrarily assigning people, the elders and ministering shepherds can decide how new people are assimilated - with your help we can complete the update in one month or less. I am excited about this fall - I hope you are too. Pray for me and I'll pray for you as we all serve Jesus together. Grace and peace, Jeff

Phil and I at the Clapton and Daltery Concert

2010-07-01T19:38:00.004-05:00

Going to see Eric Clapton and Roger Daltrey tomorrow in Cinci with Phil

2010-06-29T10:50:00.001-05:00

Going to see Eric Clapton and Roger Daltrey tomorrow in Cinci with Phil

Home Six Mile (Jeff's song about growing up in Boone County WV)

2010-06-18T06:13:00.001-05:00

Jake Copley's new church

2010-06-17T20:19:00.002-05:00

Jake and Liz are doing great. I just talk to Jake. He's preaching for Artemus Christian Church in Barbourville KY - http://artemuschristianchurch.com/default.htm

Rob Durst is the Best!

2010-06-12T04:23:00.006-05:00

Our AV man, Rob Durst, is the best! Rob stays ahead of the cutting edge of technology. When Jeanie and I walked into the Media Center for our Mac training this morning we were instantly blown away. I wish you could have walked in with us. I don't know how to describe it. Two Macs were sitting side by side on a rectangular table facing a big screen. The LCD projector is mounted on the ceiling projected the computer screen image on the big screen on the wall. He had prepared everything - it was perfect - when we walked in we both said "Wow!" Then he started to train us - which was even more impressive. He was so methodical and thorough. He explained the outter surface, the hidden speakers, hot keys, short cuts, magnetic power cords, and every single port - he knew it all. And everything he said was relevant - he could have went on for hours with technical information and high-tech jargon that neither one of us could understand. But he only talked about the things that were helpful and necessary. He showed us video clips. He demonstrated everything as he taught. It felt like we had hired a high priced consultant. Then, when he finished, he unwrapped a hard-cased she to put over my new Mac. All three of us smiled because we all knew that the reason for the hard-shell casing was to protect the machine from me! I am rough with machines even though I try to be careful. Now, the quality of the training he provided this morning is not any different - this was not a one-time- thing. The quality of Rob's work permeates everthing he does. He understand stage and lighting and audio and video equipment. He networks computers, maintains security and administrates systems. He measures outcomes and tracks hits on our website, the number of people who watch Norway live and tracks how many people download our podcasts. He works very closely with Matt and the Praise Band and mixes the sound for 3 guitars, a bass and electric drums and microphones for 5 singers. He understands me! He anticipates my needs - microphones, power point mix with video clips and on and on. He knows what I need before I asked him for it. And his work at the church is his part time job. His full time job is at First Sentury Bank. On top of this he does other things like church camp. That's where he had be the morning he trained us. Can you imagine that? No one gets any sleep at church camp. That was especially true for Rob. Because Thursday night he created the church camp DVD and all the campers took it home. Kids watch those church camp DVDs all year long. The church camp movie that Rob creates, edits and produces is the best advertisement for church camp. My children watch their church camp movies with their friends. So, I just needed to tell you about Rob Durst. He is the best! I never dreamed I would have the privilege of working with an AV guy of this caliber. I remember when my sermons were recorded on an old cassette deck that was stuck in a little room no bigger than a closet. I was grateful for the man who used to record my sermons in a previous church. The song before the sermon he walk back and push the button and record it. He used a high-speed recorder to make copies and I get a call once in a while from people who listen to my old cassette tapes. When I compare what Rob has done with digital recordings and the number of people that download sermons from Norway - Wow! I thank God for Rob! I feel really close to him and I appreciate his work so much - he makes me a better preacher and he makes everybody at Norway better. Rob is spreading the message of Jesus. We are so blessed to have him. The next time you see Rob show him that you appreciate him.

Healthy Church

2010-06-08T04:51:00.002-05:00

This Sunday we begin our brand new summer series called "Healthy Church" - it's a study of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus. "Health" is is a major theme in the pastoral letters. Paul used the word "sound" e.g. "sound teaching", "sound faith," etc. The Greek word "sound" actually means "healthy". Jesus wants his church to be healthy, growing and full of love.

Let's get healthy this summer! OK? I'm ready are you? Diet and exercise improves your healthy. I am not talking about physical exercise. I am talking feeding on God's word and exercising spiritual disciplines.

Let's begin with a 30 minute exercise in God's word. Just follow the three simple steps below.

1. Say a short prayer - ask the Father to fill you with his Spirit so you can understand Him.

2. Read the 3 books (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus) before Sunday.

3. Say a short prayer and ask God help you live like Jesus.

See you Sunday Healthy Church!

Garrett Family Vacation (2010) Siesta Key Florida

2010-05-30T22:21:00.012-05:00

We just returned from our family vacation. We spent a week with Bob, Susan and Heather and it was a great vacation. Kim, Tori, Shayna and I drove. Amber and mom took a direct flight. It was a refreshing, relaxing, memory-making vacation. Bob and Susan have a beautiful home in Siesta Key - just a block from the beach. A salt water canal weaves it's way through their neighborhood. They live in paradise. Below are a few video clips.------------------------------ At Bob & Susan's Jeff caught a Catfish Fun in the Sun White Sandy Beach (Bob, Susan, Kim and Jeff) Picking up Amber and Mom at St Pete Airport Tori and Dad at Gilligan's listening to the Blues

Todd's video

2010-05-26T16:35:00.001-05:00

Cooper - some pics from hospital and home

2010-05-24T21:42:00.001-05:00

Amazing Grace - 7yr old Rhema Marvanne

2010-05-01T21:22:00.000-05:00

Evan's Rock and Roll Band Wins the Battle of the Bands

2010-03-13T08:48:00.009-05:00

Last night Evan Shoemaker's Rock and Roll band won the battle of the bands. I love their style of music. They played John Mayer, Steve Miller, Foo Fighters, Matchbox Twenty and Skynyrd. Rock and roll. Evan looks like a rock! Take a look at those guns on his arms. He's a football star and a rock and roll star. All of the members of his band are great musicians - their music is tight, their singer is great - man, the are impressive - we've got to have them play some Friday night. They are awesome!

40 Days of Getting Real - Norway Ave Members are Writing a Book for our 2010 Fall Journey

2010-03-12T00:52:00.005-05:00

This fall Norway Ave Church members are going to write a book for our 2010 Journey. Last year we used Saddleback resources (40 Days of Love) and bought boxes of Tom Holliday's book (The Relationship Principles of Jesus). God bless our church family with 27% growth! It was great - God blessed it and we know has has led us to take another journey this fall. It will begin Oct 17 and last 40 days. This year we're going to write the book. Freddy Peatros is going to work with me in order to get the book professionally published. Freddy has written several books and has connections to self-publishing companies. We really appreciate his help. I am going to meet with the writers this Sunday after church and give them the writer guidelines which are below. Writer’s Guidelines - The theme of our fall 2010 Journey is “40 Days of Getting Real.” We are asking you to help write the book. Jeanie put together a great list of possible topics on page 2. It’s not an exhaustive list but it gives you ideas for what you could write about. We want you to select one topic below and tell your story. Do not intellectualize or philosophize – keep it real. Describe your struggle and how God helped you. Once the manuscript is complete we’re going publish it. Yes, that’s right! Your story, along with 39 others will be published (very affordable packages are currently being offered (e.g. iUniverse and another self-publishers) and the church will read one story a day for 40 days during our 2010 fall journey. It’s going to be great! The book will contain 40 stories from 20 men and 20 women who “get real” for Jesus. The idea “Get Real” came from Matt. I believe God gave it to him. Read his email below. Matt captures to whole spirit of the journey in two paragraphs. Hey everybody, When the idea hit me, it reverberated in my soul as a member driven "from the heart" offering of personal testimonials that holds nothing back. Our fears, guilt, shame, betrayal, hate, anger, sadness, ... along with our triumphs, victories, renewals, times of refreshing, spontaneous praise, joy, peace ... basically everything and anything, all in black and white and totally surrendered to God. The concept is to "Get Real and Be Free!" To live to the calling of "life to the fullest" and to be completely and totally God's every day, every second. Free of the garbage and bondage of things in this life Satan uses to hinder us. There are so many amazing people in our church family with so many powerful life events that we are aware of. Think how many more are out there that we are unaware of! We get as many folks as possible to share their stories and agree to have them published in a book that our entire family can read and be challenged and encouraged by. Love you all, Matt Now that you understand the theme, please follow the writer’s guidelines. 1. Read and mediate on 2 Cor. 1:3-5. 2. Present your story in two parts 1) What it is like and 2) How Jesus helps. 3. Mention the name of Jesus at least 4 times (very important) 4. Refer to at least 4 Bible passages or verses. 5. End with 3 questions and a short prayer (aim your questions at reader reflections) 6. Manuscript length should be between 1000-1200 words (Times New Roman – 12pt) 7. Save your manuscript as “first draft” and email it as an attached document (with a digital picture of yourself) to Jeanie (secretary@norwayave.org) by June 1, 2010. 8. Receive constructive feedback from four editors and be willing to modify it. The editors are Susie May, Stephanie Hayes, Bill Wright and myself. Discouragement Worry - Loneliness - Depression - Dissatisfaction - Confusion - Temptation - Anger - Rebellion - Fear - Impatience - Grief Stricken - Lukewarmness - Doubting God - Pain Health Problems - Marital Problems - Addictions - Empty Nest - Trouble with Children - Aging Parents - Jealousy - Conflict - Mental Anguish - Job Loss - Guilt Death of a Family Member - Changes in life - Moving to nesw City - Abandoned - Anxiety - Divorce - Promiscuity - Interracial Marriage - Child with a disability - Loss of a child - Growing old - Spiritual stagnation - Pride - Gossip - Disobedience - Single in a Married World - Fear of failure - Arrogance - Losing a mate - Not able to have children, etc. Writer's will choose their topic, which may not be on the list above. Someone called me today and ask if they could write about "middle age rage" - it is perfect. The list is contains suggestions but the Holy Spirit will ultimately decide what goes in the book. Real stories. Real struggles. That's what Jesus wants - authenticity. We're going to stop pretending, take off our mask and get real for Jesus.

2010-03-12T00:40:00.003-05:00

I want to share what I will be presenting at the conference in Pitt next week. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming - God is soooo good. My presentation was just posted on the American Counseling Association's (ACA) Website. I am a little nervous about it b/c very smart people will be in the audience. There are two links below. The first link is ACA's homepage - ACA is the mother association of the counseling profession w/ 19 national and international divisions - http://www.counseling.org - The second link takes you directly to my handout - if you have 5 minutes please skim it - http://www.counseling.org/handouts/2010/397.pdf This is an important score as I work toward tenure - for me, it's like a big touchdown b/c in may impact the counseling profession at two levels (accredation and licensure). Please pray I do a good job presenting, that I am able to answer all questions (the professors from Texas A&M and Seattle Pacific will not be able to copresent due). Then, please pray that God continues to open more doors of opportunity like this - I give him praise and I am so thankful for what he is doing for me! My passion and primary role is pastor but I enjoying being a professor on the side. Paul made tents, I teach.

Lynn Anderson Smells Like Sheep (a note I posted for Lynn on caringbridge)

2010-02-19T19:45:00.027-05:00

I continue to pray for you. When I read Carolyn's post today - well, how can I describe what I feel? I love you Lynn! Carolyn's faith is so strong. God has given you peace and strength to face the most difficult battle of your life. You both are amazing. I can't wait to see the video interview on the Oak Hills Church website. Three times, just this week, I told stories about you. You are so full of Jesus. You taught me, pastored me, guided me through stormy weather. And when the weather cleared, you taught me even more. You opened your heart to me and I'll never forget it - so affirming, encouraging - so wise and understanding - filled to the measure of the fullness of Christ! I will never pastor you like but I am a much better pastor because of you. I smell like sheep Lynn. I smell like you and I like it because you smell like Jesus. I esteem you so high. Paul said to esteem others higher than yourself - well, that's easy to do with you. You are so much better than me in every area. Your leadership, influence and preaching - man, you can preach! You've touched thousands and thousands. There are so many people who feel like I do. We look up to you, admire you and love you. Just look at your guest book - page after page of stories, expressions of love and warm affection. And why? Because you loved us with the love of Jesus. You preach like Apollos, write like Paul, lead like Moses, fight like David and love like Jesus. You are my hero. I knew you before you knew me. I read your books - I ordered your tapes - I guess I've listened to a 100 (no, far more). Whenever I had the privilege to hear you in person, I was on the front row hanging on every word. Then, I met you in CA. Nice restaurant, beautiful view of the Pacific sitting at a table with about 12 preachers. It was so fun. We laughed so hard I thought I would bust. Afterwards one guy said you and Lynn really hit it off. Yes, we sure did! I was so happy to know that it was ok to be normal in the presence of a great man like you. Since that time we've shared more than laughs. You've seen my tears. When I fell into sin and came back to the Lord, you hugged me and kissed me in front of everybody. I walked in five minutes late because I had just finished my session across campus and I rushed to yours. You had already started preaching but you stopped when I walked in. You motioned for me to come down front and hugged me and gave be a big holy kiss on the cheek. I felt like the prodigal son who came home. Then you smiled real big and turned me around to face your audience and introduced me. You told them that I had a story like Joe Beam and you said some other nice things that I remember well but I'm not going to share. But the Holy Spirit filled my heart with such joy and when I sit down I thought "Lord, how could you be so good to me after what I have done. I was ashamed to walk into room but Lynn showered me with your grace (tearful as I write). I've seen your tears too. I've seen them well up in your eyes when you talk about Jesus and God's awesome power. I've seen tears in your eyes when you talked about Carolyn and your children and the people you love. And in that San Antonio hospital where I visited you. I remember what you said about the big "C" word. You explained that the the big "C" was not cancer. The big C's were Christ, Carolyn and Children. God gave you that and I could see how it strengthened you. Right now my heart is so full. Full of pain as I think about your battle with the little "c". But full of faith as I think of your strength and courage and the way you fight. You inspire me. I pray God gives me courage like you. Now, please say a prayer tonight for me and our church. You would love our church Lynn. If you were able to come and preach I know they would love you. And you would love them. Pray that God will keep blessing us and that I will do a good job as I pass on to others what you gave me - Jesus. I love you brother! Jeff

Guilt is only good when it is real

2010-02-15T07:56:00.009-05:00

Guilt is good when it is real. Godly sorrow leads to repentance. When I feel guilty for my sin the Holy Spirit convicts me and produces an urgent desire to repent. Paul explained the process in 2 Cor. 7:10-11 when he wrote "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. So guilt is good when it is real because it makes you want to repent and turn to God. But, "worldly sorrow brings death." Excessive and inappropriate guilt kills you. Once you feel the pain and make the change you need to let it go. Why do you keep holding on to it? Why do you kill yourself with ongoing thoughts of regret? Did you notice what Paul said? He said "Godly sorry leads to salvation and leaves no regret." It's over. Guilt has served it's purpose and you're back on track - God has forgiven you, your guilt is gone so don't preoccupy your mind with regret - it will kill you! God said "I will remember your sins no more." Now, since God forgave you and promised not to remember it why do you keep dwelling on it? It's "unreal" guilt because it's gone. The blood of Jesus has washed all your sins away. Another kind of guilt that is "unreal" is when you blame yourself for things you didn't do. Some people automatically assume responsibility for other people's problems (e.g. parents are bad about this) and feel guilty for things they didn't do. Now if you you contributed to a problem, apologize and make amends. But remember, guilt is only good when it is real. Stop killing your self with false guilt. Stop beating yourself up for things you didn't do. That's not what God wants. You don't please God when you feel guilty for things you didn't do. And God does not want you to continue to beat yourself up for past sins. Jesus was sufficiently beaten for your transgression - don't beat yourself as if you have something to pay. He absorbed all your punishment. Your guilt is gone and you're making changes gradually by his transforming Spirit - so be free! Your guilt is gone! Blotted out! Totally righteous! That's what God wants you to accept by faith. That's it. Trust Christ! Jesus did not die on the cross to make you feel guilty. Jesus died and rose again to set you free.

If you look at the future it changes and that changes everything else

2010-02-13T23:24:00.013-05:00

I just heard a good line from a man - I can't remember his name but what he said captured my attention. He said, "Here's the thing about the future. If you look at the future it changes and that changes everything else." I like it. It's true. When look ahead and change your plans it changes your future. And that changes everything else. You can avoid many problems by looking ahead. Maybe now, as you read this post, is a good time to look at your future. Ask yourself this question: "If I keep heading down the road I am on where am I going to be when I get there?" If you are on the high road following Jesus, stay on it. If not, take the next exit and change directions. When you do this, it may change everything else (relationships, your "station" or place in life, etc) because you do not life in isolation - what you decide affects your family and friends - changing one part changes the whole. I think it could also apply to the past - not that looking at your past changes it but that the linear logic used in blaming all your problems on one event (or person) is a mistake - it's not true. The cause was not the one bad thing, it was many things and that changed everthing, including your reaction to it. The S-R model you learned in Psychology 101 does not fit. It's not billiard ball world. You can't find cause using linear thinking. It's circular, complex and multidiminisional and accepting responsibility for how you think, feel and behave in reaction to the bad thing that happened may be the most important factor. OK. Enough.I need to think about it later. It has captured my attention for too long - I need to get back to reviewing and rehearsing my sermon for Lord's Day morning. But all of the above is related to God. David said "we are fearfully and wonderly made" and that's certainly true of everything he created. All of creation - time, space, everything - all of it is so wonderfully complex. Who can understand it? Who has ever known the mind of God? His thoughts and ways are so high and lofty. When I look up it makes me bow low and worship him.

Medical Team in Haiti (Susan Wright)

2010-01-28T06:59:00.002-05:00

Dr. Susan Wright from Norway Ave is serving the suffering people of Haiti. Here is a message from the medical team in Haiti: "We were preparing to open the clinic this morning when we noticed a mother holding a very malnurished child...it was a 3 year old boy in the end stages of AIDS...it was a tough start to the day. The clinic is crowded today. We are seeing the second wave of problems, many severely infected wounds that are a result of th...e unsterile operating environments in the city. Keep praying!"

Without a King (A Study in the Book of Judges)

2010-01-17T22:31:00.003-05:00

This Sunday I begin a new series in the book of Judges. The series title is called "Without a King" and the theme Verse: Judges 17:5 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

Bible Study Resources

2010-01-10T16:16:00.004-05:00

If you enjoy Bible Study and are looking for online resources click on the links I have listed on the front page of this blog. I love to study God's word and the resources that I have listed under links have been helpful to me - perhaps you will find them helpful also. If you know of other Bible study resources I hope you will share them with me - please send me your favorite links.

His Sovereignty in Election

2010-01-09T18:03:00.007-05:00

God chose you in advance. He predestined before you before he created anything. You have faith in Christ because God gave it to you. You repented of your sins because God granted repentance. Faith and repentance are gifts from God. Why did you accept the Lord Jesus? Jesus said “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” You are not saved because you are intelligent or spiritually sensitive or morally good. You are saved because of God’s sovereign grace. No one can ever boast before God because he did it all. God has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses. It’s true. You can see it clearly when you read the Bible. He hardened Pharaoh’s heart so he could display his power and make his Name known throughout the world. He opened Lydia's heart to spread the gospel of Jesus throughout Europe. He hardened Israel's heart to bring Gentiles into his family. And when the full number of Gentiles come it all Israel will be saved. You may think it's unfair because who can resist his will. Be careful. You are not God's critic. Don't argue with the Almighty about his sovereignty. He may overwhelm you with a storm. You may hear him say "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man while I question you - since you know so much. Where were you when I created the foundations of the earth?" You, like Job, would cover your mouth with your hand and realize that he is the potter and we are the clay. Clay never protests - why did you make me this way. He knows what he's doing. He is God and you are not. Just accept the fact that he is totally righteous and all his decisions are just - even when you can't understand - even when it looks unfair. The secret things belong to God - the reveal things are available for us to read - most of what God has revealed is easy to understand but some things are perplexing and seem irreconcilable. I do not think it is impossible to reconcile God's sovereignty in election with human freewill. But both are clearly and repeatedly taught in scripture. When you read those sections you can hardly keep from asking questions. Just make sure that, when you ask such questions, you maintain a humble, submissive tone and let go of the illusion that you could ever comprehend the incomprehensible. Remember, "we know in part". Perhaps he will explain it in the question and answer room in heaven. Until then accept both doctrines (God's total sovereignty and human free will) and learn to live with the dissonance. Some believers can't stand it so they embrace one at the expense of the other. Don't make that mistake. You'll miss out on the blessing. What blessing? Security for you and praise for God - I'll explain the blessing in a minute. My point here is to encourage you to say "God is sovereign and we are free - I believe it even though I can't understand it" and let the tension it creates remain. Don't focus on freewill at the expense of sovereignty. Don't ignore or explain away passages that emphasize his sovereign will. How can you? I can't escape it because it keeps jumping off the page and hitting me in the face. To me, it is so clear and emphatic. Strong statements with stories that illustrate. Remember Rebekah? God spoke to her while she was still pregnant. Before Rebekah’s twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” It does not depend on our desire or effort it depends on God’s mercy. Mercy! That's what you need to focus on. His sovereign mercy. His love and grace. The truth of God's sovereignty in election was not revealed to perplex us. Why did he reveal it? For his own glory. To display his awesom power and absolute control. He also wanted to make us to feel secure. To reassures us of his love and mercy. The world will never spin out of his control. God gave us a little glimpse is scripture so we would understand that everything will conform to HIS will - not our will. He planned everything before it began. Christ was crucified before the creation of the world. He knew you, predestined you, called you, justified you and glorified you. Romans 8:30 takes my breath away. The entire scheme of human redemption in one verse - breathtaking! Read it carefully and notice that it is stated in the past tense. How can that be? God knows the future - even more, everything conforms to his eternal purpose. He can see the end from the beginning because he is the alpha and omega. The first and the last. He is the beginning and the end and everything in between. You died and your life is NOW hidden with God in Christ. God has ALREADY raised you and seated you with Christ in the heavenlies. What do you have to worry about? It's done - it's complete - in the mind of God you are with Jesus. You are saved and secure. Now, when you think about all these things that are too wonderful to understand - let it fill you with awe and wonder and say with Paul "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who has been his counselor? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever and ever! Amen!

Wash me and I will be whiter than snow

2010-01-07T13:59:00.008-05:00

Snow is just beginning to fall - again. Yesterday's snow covered the ground and now, weather.com is calling for several inches more. I am watching snow fall out my office window. It is beautiful. The ground is covered with white snow. It reminds me of God's forgiveness. I am thinking of two passages - Psalm 51 and Isaiah 1. After David's sin with Bathsheba he wrote Psalm 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Years later God spoke to Israel through the prophet Isaiah and said in Isaiah 1:16 wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. 1 Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 18 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; 20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Today, by the grace of God, I want to stop doing wrong and learn to do right. But you have to help me Lord. I am powerless without you. Fill me with your Spirit! Make me. Move me. I am willing to be obedient and nothing in me (at this time) wants to resist you. Lord, my sins are like scarlet - they are red as crimson - wash me now - make me white as the snow falling outside my window. Lead me in your path forever - keep me white and pure and strong.

Try The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

2010-01-06T08:00:00.007-05:00

I use online resources for Bible study most of the time. I began preaching twenty years ago when nearly all my resources were in printed books - large, thick volumes. I remember doing word studies - thumbing through those large volumes, referencing and recording, etc. It used to take a long time to find what you were looking for - Not anymore! The availability of (free) online Bible resources and tools makes a huge differencee! Here's one of them. Try The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE). I use it a lot. I have several Bible tools and go-to resources - this is one of them. Here's a little summary of the ISBE from Studylight.org - "Welcome to the The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on StudyLight.org! Containing 9448 entries cross-referenced and cross-linked to other resources on StudyLight.org, this encyclopedia can be classified as a required reference book for any good study library. This practical, authoritative, and complete classic reference encyclopedia explains every significant word in the Bible and Apocrypha. It gives detailed information on the language and literature of Bible lands, and the historical and religious environments of the people of the Bible in articles by nearly 200 scholars. All scripture references and reference to other entries within the text have been linked. To use this encyclopedia to it's full potential, follow all the links presented within the text of the entry you are reading." Ready to try it? Just visit http://www.studylight.org/enc/isb/

New look

2010-01-06T06:55:00.004-05:00

I gave my blog a new look. Still haven't figured out all the available gadgets - in the process of adopting the new look I apparently deleted links and followers - sorry about that. I added a few links - the new controls on blogger are more user-friendly. But I still don't know how create breaks - blogger doesn't recognize them -that's why my post are w/o paragraphs - I don't like it but I don't know how to fix it.

How to cope with your self - die and stay dead

2010-01-06T06:13:00.004-05:00

One of life’s most difficult challenges is coping with our self – sin, insecurity, guilt and anxiety - I call them the big four – sinful addictions, nagging insecurities, crippling guilt, and paralyzing anxieties. Everybody deals with them. Where do they come from? Inside. Nothing good lives in me i.e. in my sinful nature. Jesus said “For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' " (Mark 7:21-23). C.S. Lewis was right when he wrote "Look for yourself and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin and decay." Does that sound strange? It contradicts nearly every philosophy and theory of psychology about the self. I am familiar with the humanistic approaches because I have been teaching current psychotherapies to counselors in training for several years. The humanistic theories assume that human nature is good and the answer to problems with addictions, insecurity, guilt/depression, anxiety/stress lies within. They emphasize self-acceptance, self-fulfillment, self-actualization, etc. These ideas are so popular in mainstream culture some Christians accept it as true and even superimpose these notions on Christianity. But Jesus never taught such things. Jesus taught us to die to self and the older I get the more I understand why I need to die to myself. I am becoming increasingly aware of two things simultaneously – my own depravity and God’s amazing grace. When I look inside I see a heart that is desperately wicked – the cravings and desires of my sinful nature frighten me. I am capable of anything. At the same time, I am totally amazed by God’s grace and love. The blackness of my depravity is the backdrop of God’s grace and love. As my awareness of sin abounds, God’s grace super-abounds. That’s the best way I know to cope with myself - die and stay dead. The more I realize who I am the more I want to die and let Jesus live my life. If you don’t know who you really are you may not want to die. Luther wrote that man must come to a knowledge of himself, be terrified of himself, and be crushed as a prelude to receiving and appreciating God’s grace, forgiveness, and new life in Christ. I was crucified with Christ. I died with him and I want to stay dead. Staying dead is the most difficult part for me. I really don't know the best way to stay dead. Denying myself - it works sometimes. Avoiding triggers - yeah, sometimes. But my old man doesn't need a trigger to surface - he is stronger than me - I cannot control him or tame him or domesticate him - he wears me out! He's too much for me - I wish Jesus would just kill him or take him completely out of me so there would be no more struggle - O, I long for that day. Until then, I try to do what Paul said in Romans 6, 7, and 8. To "reckon" or "consider" myself dead - this way I don't respond because dead men don't lust - they aren't proud or rude or self-seeking - they are just dead. How can we cope with our self and the big four - sinful addictions, nagging insecurities, crippling guilt, and paralyzing anxieties? Jesus is the answer. My part is to die and stay dead. That's my prayer. I pray that I can just think of myself as a dead man. Dead to sin. Dead to law. Dead to the lure of the world system. One thing for sure - the answer does not reside in me - just sin. I want to die so Christ live my life.

How to confront

2010-01-01T16:13:00.002-05:00

God sometimes prompts us to restore a friend who is trapped in glaring flagrant sin and he gives us instruction on how to do it. Galatians 5:1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Today I read a story writen by Chuck Smith (pastor of Calvary Chapel)that illustrates the passage above. Chuck Smith writes "Years ago a close friend operated a delivery business to grocery stores. During his rounds he met the wife of a man who owned a small market. They began to kid around with one another and, before long, they were meeting regularly to drink coffee and to talk. They soon fancied themselves in love, left their families, and moved in together. That's when this man's wife, also a dear friend, called us and asked if we would pray for him. Meanwhile, the minister of the church where our friends had been attending paid a visit to the man. The pastor told him that he had a vision of a black hearse and if the man didn't leave this woman and go back to his wife, they were going to carry him out of that room feetfirst. This heavy-handed approach only made the man more angry and entrenched him in his immoral decision. His wife then called me and asked if I would talk to him. I agreed to go and found my friend living in a shabby garage apartment on the bad side of town. When I saw his filthy little home, I was struck by how much he had lost. His wife and daughters were beautiful people. His home was in a wonderful area. This man had sold his soul for a crust of bread. As he came to the door, a look of shame covered his face. He was very polite and invited me to come in and sit down. As I looked around at my friend's new life I thought, Oh, God! How could he give up so much for so little? My heart was breaking because I loved this man. The sight of what he had fallen into tore me apart. I found myself unable to conceal my feelings, and much to my embarrassment I began to weep. I was overcome with grief, and when his lover emerged from the kitchen all I could do was sob. I finally got so embarrassed I said, "I'm very sorry. I know I came over to see you, but I just can't talk right now." I got up, left, and went home feeling like a fool. Here my good friend's wife wanted me to visit him and make an appeal for reconciliation, and all I could do was sit there and cry. The next morning I received a phone call with news that left me in shock. My friend had returned to his wife and family just hours after my visit. What did God use to achieve this miraculous healing of a fractured relationship? Not a holier-than-thou attitude, to be certain. His Spirit had created in me a spirit of meekness and brokenness that led to a joyful reconciliation. I thought I had blundered terribly - but I discovered that whenever we choose to walk in the Spirit, God delights to work powerfully In stunning and unexpected ways. Walking in the Spirit is an amazingly practical proposition. It doesn't mean that we float through life with a halo over our head and an angelic smile on our face. We can be spiritually minded and still relate to people about earthly things. Some believers react so strongly against the pervasive worldliness of our culture that they lose the ability to communicate with their friends, relatives, and neighbors. Walking in the Spirit doesn't take us out of reality; it allows us to function in reality with optimum effectiveness."

Long time no see

2010-01-01T16:11:00.002-05:00

It has been a long time since I posted anything. My schedule has been heavy. It still is.

40 Days of Love - Prayer Requests (Weekls 1-3)

2009-10-23T23:59:00.002-05:00

Debbie and Becky have done an excellent job leading our church in prayer. Please visit our prayer room this week and continue to pray daily for 40 Days of Love. Debbie and Becky wrote the following the prayer requests for weeks 1, 2 and 3: -- Pray for….. 1) Successful planning, promotion, and presentation of weekend services. 2) Exponential thinking and growth. 3) The success of small groups; wisdom and knowledge for hosts and discussion leaders. 4) Successful planning and holding of Reverse Trick or Treating, Trick or Trunkin’ and Celebration Sunday and the sharing with those in need with Thanksgiving baskets.

Sober 7 Years by the Grace of God

2009-10-19T18:31:00.004-05:00

Today, by the grace of God, I have been sober 7 years. My heart is full of gratitude.

40 Days of Love - Memory Verses

2009-10-19T12:30:00.006-05:00

Oct. 11 - Matt 22:36-40 36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.‘ 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. ___________________________________________________ Oct 18 - 1 Cor. 13:4-8a 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ___________________________________________________ Oct 25 - John 15:12-14 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. ___________________________________________________ Nov 1 – John 13:34-35 34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." ___________________________________________________ Nov 8 - Matt. 5:43-45 43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. ___________________________________________________ Nov 15 – James 2:8 & 12-13 8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself,"[a] you are doing right. … 12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! ___________________________________________________ Nov 22 - 1 John 3:16-18 16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. ___________________________________________________

40 Days of Love - Five Commitments

2009-10-19T11:59:00.003-05:00

Get the book - The Relationship Principles of Jesus

2009-10-15T14:30:00.003-05:00

Read a chapter a day in Tom Holladay's book "The Relationship Principles of Jesus". We sold out last Sunday but a new box of books arrived today. We are selling them at cost $8. One per family unit. If you don't have the money we will give it to you free. It contains 40 chapters of practical Bible teaching on the most important thing in life - loving God with all your heart and loving people like you love yourself. Make sure you pick up your copy this Sunday and read a chapter a day.

40 Days of Love - communicate by phone and email before this Sunday

2009-10-15T13:07:00.009-05:00

No one left behind – no one overlooked– everyone gets a personal invitation to join a small group during 40 days of love. 99 people need to be invited. Each one needs a prayerful and personal invitation to join a small group for six weeks. All 99 invitations need to be extended by Sunday. To accomplish this we have to communicate by phone and email. Act today. Don't wait. Make phone calls your assistant small group leader, your group members, elders call your ministering shepherds and vice-versa. Print your list of 99 people and carry it with you and use your phone for Jesus. You also need to send emails to let everyone know your progress. When you respond to emails make sure you “reply to all” so everybody can track progress. Lets communicate with each other during the next 4 days - that's all we have - 99 in 4 days! I feel so urgent about this - I am concerned that some of the 99 people will be overlooked. We have to communicate with each other. Start today.

40 Days of Love - Four things to remember when inviting people to join a small group

2009-10-15T13:03:00.003-05:00

When you invite people to join a small group remember four things - Be prayerful – pray for them before you ever approach them. Be winsome - do not use pressure anybody – do not be pushy be pleasant, persuasive – and if they say no – that’s fine – at least they received a personal invitation – they may join next year – just plant the move on. Be a witness – when needed, briefly share your own experience in small groups – tell them how it has helped you Rely on God – ask God to love people through you - quietly, silently say in your heart “I am doing this for you Jesus – give me success”

40 Days of Love - a message for our leadership team

2009-10-15T13:00:00.001-05:00

OK. I did some math and if my calculation is right - here’s the situation. · 99 people are not in a small group (63 individuals + 36 couples = 99 people). · 33 leaders are inviting (5 elders + 18 small group leaders/assistant leaders + 6 ministering shepherds + Jeanie + Jon + Jeff = 33 leaders) · 99 divided by 33 = 3. · Theoretically, if each leader invited 3 people to join a group for six weeks – no one would be overlooked – and many would join a small group. I recognize the limitations of my logic. Some of us will invite the same people, one invitation could result in 2 people joining because 36 of the 99 are couples, and so forth. Although the math above is not exact – it was a helpful exercise for me because it breaks it down - makes it seem doable. Our goal is reachable. 33 leaders praying for and inviting 99 people to join a small group for six weeks – we can do this! No one left behind. No one overlooked. Every member will receive a personal invitation to join a small group for six weeks. Below are the people who are currently not in a small group. Start working with each other today. Love, Jeff

Leadership Conference at Southeast Christian (Oct 23-24)

2009-10-10T06:28:00.003-05:00

The 2009 leadership conference at Southeast Christian Church is October 23rd -- 24th. It will be a great conference. I hope that our ministry leaders and small group leaders will be able to attend. For information regarding the conference just click on this link - http://www.southeastchristian.org/

From Virginia Beach

2009-09-10T13:03:00.007-05:00

I worked on my presentation as I set in the Beach Coffee House in VA Beach. I love coffee houses - this was a good one. Tomorrow I will be presenting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk Va. It's a national conference for the Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education (AACE) which is an organization of counselors, educators, and other professionals that advances the counseling profession by providing leadership, training, and research in the creation, development, production, and use of assessment and diagnostic techniques. It's a privilege to present at AACE. I spoke at their national conference last year in San Antonio TX and they invited me back for their 2009 conference. Another good thing just happened. David Olson has me listed on his website along with other researchers - now I'm listed along with the rest - to see it go to https://www.prepare-enrich.com/ - click "research" then "research articles" then "Research with Ethnic and Cultural Groups" and you'll see my name beside David Olson's. Olson followed my study by analyzing the data I used in my dissertation and found similar results. Some time ago he published it in his newsletter and now it is on his website. Just in case you don't know, David Olson is a guru - a leading researcher in the field of marriage and family assessment and therapy. I am so amazed because God did it again for this ol'Boone County boy. God is so good to me and I love him with all my heart. I know he's the one who opens these doors. Ok, got to go to pre-conference meetings. Tonight I will put the finishing touches on my presentation. Kim and the girls emailed family pics and I am putting them in my ppt so I can show everyone pics of my family.

Beginning Sunday October 18 - Take the Journey with Us

2009-08-21T09:17:00.000-05:00

Beginning Sunday October 18 Take the Journey with Us Our church family will begin a 40 day journey together. We will focus on the two great commandments….Love God, Love each other. There is conflict, divorce, violence, prejudice, abuse and division all around us. It is obvious that we need to know how to build healthy relationships and that is what 40 Days of Love is all about. Questions You May Be Asking: What is 40 Days of Love? 40 Days of Love is a completely new church-wide, six-week personal growth emphasis featuring a group based study series, daily devotional readings from the Bible, and weekend sermon messages from Jeff. In addition, to help us grow together we will study the same meditation verse daily. And, because a primary goal of 40 Days of Love is to put what we learn into action, groups will also choose a practical “Reaching Out in Love” project to do together. Is 40 Days of Love something I can bring my friends who don’t go to church? YES! 40 Days of Love is focused on how to love as Jesus did, so it will have an impact on everyone, whether you’re a seeker, a stumbler or a saint! We all have a desire for deeper, more authentic relationships, so this is a perfect study to invite any friend to join. Discussions on topics such as forgiveness, selflessness, and kindness will hit at the heart of what we all need to renew and strengthen our relationships.

Pictures of my family

2009-08-14T16:02:00.005-05:00

Vacation in the Bahamas

2009-08-14T15:44:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago we (Kim, the girls and me) took a cruise on Carnival Sensation to the Bahamas. The ship was huge - 4 football fields long - it was like a maze of fun. Swimming pools. Hottubs. Comedy. Four different bands - playing everything from Hendrix to Allman Brothers to Reggae to disco - We danced. We ate. We shopped on the ship and off - we went to Nassua. We paddle glass bottomed kayaks. We went snorkling and saw a million different fish - that was amazing! Unbelievable - a whole world of life teeming under clear blue water. We read Psalm 104 and we thanked God for a memory maker vacation for our family!

Phil on Aristotle

2009-07-09T08:22:00.012-05:00

The post below was written by my friend Phil Richardson. He shared it with me during a phone conversation. It was so good I asked him to repeat it and explain it to make sure I understood. Then I asked him to send it to me an email. I wanted his thoughts in writing so I could think about it. I have thought about it - I carried a printed copy in my pocket for a week and read it many times. It has many implications for the church and personal relationships. It's something to remember. Something we can use. Below is what Phil wrote ... _________________________________________

Aristotle taught that one must have these three things in order for people to listen to what we say. Ethos - refers to an ethical nature. We must have credibility in order for people to take seriously our message. We must "practice what we preach" and "walk the walk." Pathos - refers to a caring nature. It's an appeal based upon emotion. "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Logia (or logos) - refers to the logical appeal or message itself. If we have both Ethos and Pathos, people will be more apt to listen carefully and be persuaded by our message. In my opinion, one failure of the church is to demonstrate both Ethos and Pathos to the world. Many see the hypocrisy and failures of prominent leaders, or even people they know in their own world who act one way when they are being religious, but it never permeates into the rest of their lives. The failure to show Pathos has also put up obstacles to belief. Many have been hurt by the church and feel condemned by it, rather than drawn to it for healing. The church is viewed by some as very stern, but uncaring. We preach nice sermons and have nice church services. But we don't really extend ourselves to people in the world. And if we do, there are strings attached for our own benefit."

NACC Praise Team - You are Awesome! We love you!

2009-07-03T19:33:00.002-05:00

Matt and the Praise Team are outstanding worship leaders. During the past few years they have added instruments including accoustic and electric guitars, a base guitar and electric drums. The transition from Acapella only to a full band was smooth. I think our background as an a ccapplla has actually improved the quality of our praise and worship. Think about it. Most churches start with a full band (or key board - depending on tradition) and tend to sing the melody without a lot of harmony. But the NACC Praise Team has tight harmonies - it is absolutely beautiful. Five or six amazing singers blending their voices - they are awesome! Four years ago we had no instrumentsand sang only vocal music. Our long tradition of vocal music had several disadvantages (e.g. God likes instrumentation, invites their use, etc) which are a few of the reason we made the transition. But, what many people over look, are the advantages - tight harmonies has enhanced the quality of music. We have a great band and we also have great vocals - it's really unique! The following was written by a one of our praise team members who just got back from Nashville. I am not sure who wrote it. Jeanie put it in the bulletin and sent it to me so I could post it on my blog. We are so thankful to God for our Praise Team and Band. We are proud of them. Read the following paragraphs which describe their recent trip to Nashville to record. ____________________________________ This past week, our praise team..Matt, Kevin, Keri and Teresa traveledto Nashville, TN and recorded at Lipscomb University. This was byinvitation only. CD auditions were sent in from all over the UnitedStates. There were a total of 156 people invited (39 quartets fromacross the US) and only 11 quartets received an "A" rating. Our PraiseTeam was the only one from WV and was one of the "A" ratings. WE ARESO PROUD OF THEM AND WANT TO SEND OUT OUR CONGRATULATIONS.I asked Keri to write a description of the weekend. Please read aboutthis exciting two day event. We were one of less than a 1/4th of that number who were given an"A" rating and invited to participate anytime in the future with otherprojects (no audition necessary). In the past, they have not heldauditions and have recorded with many more participants, but thedecided to change things this year and the feedback from thoseorganizing the event was that they will never go back, since it wassuch a success to work with fewer (and perhaps more prepared) people. In total, we recorded 25 songs over two days and spent 8 hours in the"studio". We ended up recording each song at least 3 times (and somemore!) As you can imagine, this was ALOT of singing to do in a shortperiod of time. We sang all the songs in the Collins Auditorium atDavid Lipscomb University, on our feet so we could get our lungs fullof air! We were not individually mic'd like in the CD we made here, sothe CD itself will have a choral group sound to it. On a side note, wespent the night enjoying the lovely accommodations at Elam Hall atLipscomb and I think Matt and I should get 'extra credit', since wedrew the short straws and ended up on the top bunks!! :-) All the songs we sang (except maybe 2 or 3) were songs we knew andsongs we have been singing for the last 6 or 7 years, but when I spoketo many of the other participants, I was surprised to learn that thesewere not songs they sang at their churches - they were too "new" forlack of better explanation. It seemed like we were in the minority forhaving a praise team at our church. We met people from all over thecountry, but I remember meeting people from Oklahoma, Arizona,California, Ohio and Tennessee. We were the only WV gr oup there! The CD that we created is part of a series of recordings publishedby Acapella Ministries. The working title is current "Victorious God",although, they might change it to "Only God". Our song leader wasKeith Lancaster, former member and later producer for AVB (AcapellaVocal Band) and John Bynum was the project coordinator. The purpose ofthe project was to create a 'workshop in a box' for churches andworship leaders to improve and continue to develop their acapellaworship ministries. The CD, I imagine, will be for sale on it's own,but it will also be part of a set that will include sheet music and atraining tape (a very raw 4-part CD that can be used to teach peoplewho don't know how to read music how to pick out and hear their part). It was a full two days for us and I know we came back a littletired, but it was a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Our onlycomplaint was that we didn't get to hear ourselves singing, since wehad earphones in the whole time. When we were done on Wednesday, wetook off the ear phones and we sang 2 or 3 impromptu songs just forthe fun of it, and the experience of being surrounded by so manypeople using th eir talents to glorify God was both humbling andamazing. We were exhausted by this point, but I think we would havekept on singing if the opportunity had been there! I also think I speak for all of us when I say that we appreciatedthe support that we received from everyone, and also some of thefinancial support to make the trip more cost effective for uspersonally. This speaks volumes about how much everyone appreciates the music ministry at Norway, and although we get out and do thesethings, we know they would not be possible without God's guidance andthe support we receive from the congregation.

How to Be a Dad Your Children Will Love

2009-06-17T09:27:00.007-05:00

This Sunday is Fathers Day. We are going to be talking about how to be a dad your children will love. I love these pictures of Ryan, Will and Matt with their children. These pictures capture what I want to say this Sunday. The love between dads and children is wonderful. God the Father is our model. Fathers want to be for their children what their Heavenly Father is to us. 1 John 1:3 1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. I like the way Eugene Peterson translates this passage in the Message - "What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to. But friends, that's exactly who we are: children of God. And that's only the beginning. Who knows how we'll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own."

Shayna Won the Camper of the Week Award

2009-06-13T00:02:00.008-05:00

Shayna went to church camp this week at Howes Mills. She goes every year. But this year she went to the middle school week of camp and she did not know anyone. Many people would shy away from going to a camp where they didn't know anybody. Not Shayna. She was excited about going. A few days before camp while riding in my truck she said "I can't wait! I am going to get to meet a whole new group of people. I am going to make friends with people I've never met - it's so exciting. It's like a fresh start!" She was smiling so big when she said that. Shayna always smiles and her smile is absolutely beautiful. So Shayna went to church camp last Sunday and she came home today. But before she came home she was awarded camper of the week. How about that! She did know a soul on the first day but she knew everybody before she left - and everybody knew her. They nicknamed her "Africa" because the t-shirt she wore the first day of camp had "Africa" on it. That's my Shayna! She shines like a star, has a warm outgoing personality, she has a great sense of humor and she makes you laugh. She is fun to be with. She's great in sports, in school, she's a great friend - she is outstanding and awesome and best of all, Shayna is full of Jesus. That's right, Shayna loves the Lord with all her heart and that is the reason Shayna shines. Shayna shines because Jesus shines in her. I'm so proud of Shayna - not only for winning camper of the week - she is a wonderful daughter and she is growing up to be a beautiful young woman inside and out. I love her so much.

Easy and Effective Evangelism - Tell your story

2009-06-11T22:19:00.003-05:00

My favorite style of evangelism is story telling. Jesus loved to tell stories called parables. It was Jesus' favorite style of teaching. Matthew said that "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable" (Matthew 13:34). Now story telling is not the only style of evangelism. There are many different styles - Rick Warren identified six styles of evangelism. What follows is Warren's six styles with examples and theme verses. 1. Confrontational style (strong, stern preaching with warnings and rebuke) - Example – Peter’s sermon in Acts 2: 40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Theme verse - 2 Tim. 4:2 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. I believe John MacAuthur (http://www.gty.org/) fits this style because he frequently warns and rebukes people with careful instruction. 2. Itellectual style (Apologetics) - Example - Paul with the philosophers in Athens - Acts 17: 18A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. … 19Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus,… - Theme verse - 2 Cor. 10:5 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Paul's sermon on Mars Hill is a classic example of the intellectual style. I also think of Ravi Zacharias (http://www.rzim.org/). I have heard his lectures and debates via podcasts at prestigious universities - he is brillant and God is using him to reach thousands of unbelievers. 3. Missional style (“go and do” evangelism) -Example – Dorcas - Acts 9: 36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. Theme verse - Matt 5: 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Do you know who writes and promotes this style? My friend Fred Peatros (http://fredpeatross.blogspot.com/). Last spring I went to the Innovation3 a conference in Dallas and heard several presentations on being missional i.e. an externally focused "go-and-do-church". 4. Invitational style (“come and see” evangelism) - Example – Philip invited Nathanael - John 1: 46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. Theme verse - Luke 14: 23"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 5. Relational style (friendship evangelism) - Example – Matthew’s party - Luke 5: 29Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. Theme verse - Luke 15: 1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 6. Testimonial style (story telling evangelism) - Example – The blind man Jesus healed - The blind man said in John 9:25 "One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" Theme verse - 1 John 1:3a 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us ... Now, all of these styles are important and needed. It is a mistake to promote one style and argue that it is the best and only way. God wants you to adopt the style that fits you. For me, I love the sixth style - testimonial. When testimonial is combined with missional (servant-evangelism) and relational (friendship styles). It fits who God made me to be and I love to use it. I think God wired me that way. I like to build friendships with unbelievers, and then, when the time is right I'll share my story. Waiting for the right time is essential. The Holy Spirit will prompt you when the time is right. When you feel His inner nudge share your story. Keep it short and sweet and by all means smile. Then change the subject. Don't pressure, don't condemn, just plant a little seed and wait to see God work. Focus on friendship and service before and after. If you visit Steve Sjogren's website (http://www.servantevangelism.com/main.cfm) or Jim Henderson's website (http://doableevangelism.com/) you will find great ideas on how to build friendships with people who don't know Christ. The best way to make friends is to be their servant. Then, after you build a high level of trust in your relationship - tell your story. Stop thinking that you can't share Christ. You can tell others what Jesus has done for you. It's simple. It's scriptural. And it's sucessfully (btw - those are the first three points to my sermon this Sunday). Jesus told his disciples to tell their story. After Jesus healed the man possessed by a legion of demons do you remember what happened? Mark 5: 18As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." 20So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. I have told my story to thousands of people across the country and God has used it to give people hope. I get a little nervous before I tell them. I worry about what they will think of me when I tell them I am are recovering alcoholic. Will the reject me? Will they think I am bad? Will they stop being friends? So I have to fight through all those fears in order to get the courage to tell it. I don't know why I worry like that because I have never had anyone reject me when I tell my story. My story doesn't drive people away it draws people closer to Christ. My story was published in Wineskines Magazine a few years ago and this week it is posted on our churches website (http://www.norwayave.org/). This Sunday I am going to encourage our church to tell their story. There are so many stories that need to be told. Stories about how God helps people recover from grief and loss and divorce and physical illness and emotional problems. Your story demonstrates the love of God - don't keep it a secret. It's easy and effective evangelism. Share your story and watch God work.

From San Antonio

2009-06-05T19:23:00.003-05:00

I am writing from San Antonio. I was today's keynote speaker for the Texas Association of Health Care Volunteers. There were over a 1,000 people in the audience and boy did they respond. I pack these presentations with the best principles, stories and jokes that I have collected over the past 25 years and mix it all with music as I play my guitar and sing. I also us media clips from movies and and such. Today I used Team Hoyt. I like speaking to different audiences. Today I spoke to hospital volunteers, Sunday I will preach the gospel of Jesus at church, Monday I teach Stress Management to my students at Marshall, Tuesday I will provide training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for counselors at the Pike County Recovery Council in Waverly Ohio. I like the variety. I especially loved today because - well, I can't decribe how it felt - sort of electric, alive, connected - you know what I mean? I could feel it man. They smiled, cried, clapped several times during my talk and they laughed really loud. When people laugh or cry it opens them up and then, just at the right time, I stick a little truth in them. You know what I mean? Well, anyway - they bought my music CDs and hugged me - I thought they were going to kiss me! I wish it was like that all the time - it's not. Some times I'm on and sometimes I'm off. One of the reasons people responded today is that I told them about my fall (which was not to topic I was speaking on but it fit perfectly and it was at that point that God started moving in a way that I could feel and see - I think the Christians in the crowd could feel God moving too. So I gave a little three minute summary of my fall and how God was helping as am a recovering alcoholic. Afterward people waited in line to tell me their pain - stories dad or mom or husband or son or daughter - how they were struggling with alcohol and drugs or other vices. I just listened and express concern for them. Well, anyway, God did it up good today and I give God the glory for it all. I hope he does it again soon.

After I spoke I went to the riverwalk. O', by the way, the convention where I spoke was at the largest hotel in San Antonio and it was right on the river walk. So after I spoke I found a good deal on t-shirts for the girls. I always bring back tee-shirts for my girls and I also bought a nice shirt for Kim. Then I went to the Alamo which was near the Marriott. I walked back to the river walk and heard a good band - the music was really different - fusion/Latin/Native America - I don't know what to call it but it was good music and a lot of people on listening on both sides of the river. I was hungry so I ate a great big delicious New York Strip with a bake potatoe and a salad at a nice resturant right on the riverwalk.

I am ready to go home. I miss Kim and the girls. They are coming home from the beach tomorrow as I travel home from Texas. Kim and her parents to the girls and their cousins to Myrtle Beach. I'm going to take them again this summer. OK. I have got to stop blogging and get back to my sermon - been studing worship all week and hope to finish it tonight so I will have it for the flight. I decided too extend my "Grow" series with one more sermon - it would not be complete without it. I am calling it "Evangelism for Dummies - an easy and effective way to witness to friends." I am excited about it. But now I am going to finish this week's sermon on worship. Later.

Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

2009-05-31T00:17:00.017-05:00

What is a spiritual gift? A spiritual gift is a God-given skill or ability that enables Christians to be fruitful and fulfilled as they edify the body of Christ. Some people confuse the gifts of the Spirit with the gift of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. These three are not synonymous. The gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38) is the Holy Spirit himself, who indwells every Christian. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) are the Christ-like qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in us such as love, joy, peace, patience, etc. But the gifts of the Spirit are God-given skills or abilities that enable every Christian to be fruitful and fulfilled as they edify the body of Christ. ........................................................................................... Don’t wait on some church program to use your spiritual gifts. Ask God to help you use your spiritual gifts every day as you go about your normal routine. Use your gifts at home, work, school, and community. If you want to volunteer for a ministry a church that’s great, but don’t wait for the church to organize something for you. Think, pray, experiment, and fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you (2 Timothy 1:6). Listen for feedback. Consider the results. When you use your gifts asked simple questions like: Did it help someone or something? Did it glorify Jesus Christ? Was it fruitful? Was it fulfilling? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions you may be on track. It’s really exciting and I hope you will share with me what you learn about yourself and your spiritual gifts. But it’s really up to you. It’s a special, on-going conversation between you and Jesus. You’re not relying on the church to organize a program. You have a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ and you are eager to learn what he wants you to do and how he has gifted you to serve. So, I encourage you to take risks, stretch, grow, and begin to discover and use your spiritual gifts. Click on this link and you will find 101 ways to use your spiritual gifts http://www.servantevangelism.com/matrix/matrix.htm - - Below are brief descriptions of some of the spiritual gifts are discussed in Scripture. ........................................................................................... Administration: 1 Corinthians 1.28 The special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals. This gift is a leadership gift and is often characterized by people who lead the body by steering others to remain on task. These people generally are concerned with the details of how to accomplish tasks, and tend to be masters at delegating specific tasks to other people according to their gifts and talents. Scriptures: Luke 14:28-30; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Titus 1:5. ........................................................................................... Craftsmanship: Exodus 31.1-5 The special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ who practice a craft with great skill. Although this gift is not mentioned in the New Testament, the Lord said of Bezalel in Exodus 31.1-5 “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.” ........................................................................................... Evangelism: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to readily share the gospel with unbelievers in such a way that men and women often become Jesus’ disciples and responsible members of the Body of Christ. This gift is a practical gift. While the task of evangelism is an important spiritual exercise that all Christians should be involved with, God gifts certain members with an ability to have unusual sensitivity to someone who is ready to accept Christ, and will generally have greater success in leading people to Christ than other Christians. People with this gift should be active in training others to share their faith. Scriptures: Acts 8:5-6, 26-40; Ephesians 4:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:5. ........................................................................................... Encouragement: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement, and counsel to other members of the Body in such a way that they feel helped and healed." This gift is a communication gift. Those who use this gift within a teaching or ministry situation are often driven to give practical application to their insights. Often, those gifted in this gift desire step-by-step plans of action to help others mature in Christ. Encouragers often find it natural to discover insights from personal experience when validated and amplified in Scripture. Scripture: Luke 3:16-18; Acts 11:23; 14:22; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4:12; 5:1; Hebrews 10:25. ........................................................................................... Faith: 1 Cor 12.8-10 The special ability that God gives certain members of the Body of Christ to discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purposes of God for His work. Those with this gift often scare other people with their confidence. People with this gift are often very irritated by criticism, as they consider it to be criticism against God and His will. Probably the biggest danger for those with this gift is that they often try to project their gift onto other people. Scriptures: Acts 11:22-24; 27:21-25; Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 11. ........................................................................................... Giving: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness. While all Christians should practice the discipline of giving, God gifts certain members of the body to give remarkably greater amounts of their income with liberality and great joy. You don’t have to be wealthy to have this gift. People with this gift have an acute awareness that all they have belongs to the Lord and they are merely stewards, therefore they know that God will supply their needs and richly bless them in their giving. Scriptures: Matt 6:2-4; Mark 12:41-44;Luke 21:1-4, Rom 12:8; 1 Cor 13:3; 2 Cor 8:1-7; 9:2-8; Phi 4:14-19. ........................................................................................... Helps: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to invest the talents they have in the life and ministry of other members of the Body, thus enabling those others to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts. People with this gift often enjoy doing routine tasks in order to free others to do the ministry God has called them to do. People with this gift are often not looking for recognition for the work they do. Scriptures: Mark 15:40-41; Luke 8:2-3; Acts 9:36; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Timothy 1:16-18. Note: The gifts of Helps, Mercy, and Service are often confused. Helps focuses on Christian works and freeing others to accomplish their God-given ministries. Mercy focuses on people in distress and reflects God’s love and compassion. Service focuses on accomplishing tasks that may otherwise go undone in order to move the greater goal of the ministry or church toward completion. ........................................................................................... Hospitality: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to provide an open house and a warm welcome to those in need of food and lodging." Those with this gift have an acute awareness of visitors and have a desire to make all people feel welcome. People with this gift enjoy visitors in their home, and are usually not bothered if someone stops by and their home is not spotless. Scriptures: Acts 16:14-15; Romans 12:9-13; 16:23; Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9. ........................................................................................... Intercession: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers. Those with this gift often feel compelled to pray for specific requests when they are made known. Gifted intercessors have a greater occurrence of specific answers to prayer than most Christians. Many intercessors experience times when God moves them to pray for situations when they are not entirely sure what they are praying for. Scriptures: Luke 22:41-44; Acts 12:12; Rom 8:26-27; Col 1:9-12; 4:12-13; 1 Tim 2:1-2; James 5:14-16. ........................................................................................... Knowledge: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify information and ideas which are pertinent to the well-being of the Body." Those with the gift of knowledge love to be at home in a book or studying. Those with this gift will often spend countless hours researching information. These people are interested in ideas and problem solving through gathering information and studying. The primary method of learning with this gift is reading and studying books and other written materials. Scriptures: Luke 1:1-4; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 12:8; 2 Corinthians 11:6; Colossians 1:10; 2:2-3; 1 Tim 2:15. ........................................................................................... Leadership: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to set goals in accordance with God’s purpose for the future and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish those goals for the glory of God." People with this gift are often focused on the greater goal of the group and are not overly concerned with the details. Leaders delegate tasks and details to others to accomplish the greater goal. Leaders are visionaries. Leaders have followers-a visionary without followers is not a leader. Scriptures: Romans 12.8 Luke 9:51; Acts 6:1-7; 15:7-11; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17. ........................................................................................... Mercy: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals (both Christian and non-Christian) who suffer from distressing problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds which reflect Christ’s love and alleviate the suffering.” Scriptures: Matthew 20:29-34; 25:24-40; Mark 9:41; Luke 10:33-35; Acts 11:28-30; 16:33-34; Romans 12:8; Jude 22-23. Note: The gifts of Helps, Mercy, and Service are often confused. Helps focuses on Christian works and freeing others to accomplish their God-given ministries. Mercy focuses on people in distress and reflects God’s love and compassion. Service focuses on accomplishing little tasks that may otherwise go undone in order to move the greater goal of the ministry or church toward completion. ........................................................................................... Missionary: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a culture other than their own. Those with this gift find it easy or exciting to adjust to a different culture or community. Missionaries find great joy working with minorities, people of other countries, or those with other distinct cultural differences. Those with this gift have a strong desire to be a part of the fulfillment of the Great Commission around the world. Scriptures: Eph 3.6-8, Acts 8:4; 13:1-4; 22:21; Romans 10:15; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ........................................................................................... Singing/Music - The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to present personal witness and inspiration to others through singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and/or playing instruments. Scripture: Eph 5.19, Col 3.16, Psalm 96:1-9, Psalm 100:1-2, Psalm 149:1-2. Psalm 33:1-5, Psalm 150. ........................................................................................... Pastor: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to assume a long-term personal responsibility for the welfare of a group of believers." Those with the gift of pastoring have a great need for long-term relationships. Shepherds will sacrificially give themselves to other people in such a way that they are built-up in their faith. Shepherds take personal responsibility for the successes and failures of those in the group that they invest themselves in. You do not have to be an elder to have this gift. Scriptures: John 10:1-18; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4. ........................................................................................... Prophecy: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to communicate a message of God to His people with authority and urgency. Those with the gift of prophecy will often feel as though they have a word from God that will guide, warn, or rebuke the Body of Christ. Prophets are concerned about evangelism and will have a desire speak strongly against evil in society or in the church. Prophets have a great sense of urgency to their message. Unless paired with the gifts of exhortation or teaching, prophets will often not feel the need to explain their message, but will expect immediate response. Scripture: Luke 7:26; Acts 15:32; 21:9-11; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28; 14:3, 24-25, 29, 36-38; Ephesians 4:11-14. ........................................................................................... Service: "The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God’s work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired results." Those with the gift of service enjoy doing routine tasks. Those with this gift enjoy menial tasks and do them cheerfully. Service-oriented people would rather take orders than give them. Scripture: John 12:26; Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:6-7; Galatians 6:2, 9-10; 2 Timothy 1:16-18; Titus 3:14. Note: The gifts of Helps, Mercy, and Service are often confused. Helps focuses on Christian works and freeing others to accomplish their God-given ministries. Mercy focuses on people in distress and reflects God’s love and compassion. Service focuses on accomplishing tasks that may otherwise go undone in order to move the greater goal of the ministry or church toward completion. ........................................................................................... Teaching: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the Body and its members in such a way that others will learn. People with the gift of teaching enjoy studying the Bible and related materials in order to communicate what they have learned to other Christians. Those with this gift find it easy to organize vast amounts of information in such a way as to make it easy to communicate, understand, and remember. Scriptures: Mat 7:28-29; 28:19-20; Acts 15:32; Rom 12:6; 1 Cor 12:10, 28; Eph 4:11-14 ........................................................................................... Wisdom: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to know how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising inside and outside the Body of Christ. Those with this gift have an excellent ability to apply spiritual truth to everyday life. Often, people in the church naturally seek out people with this gift when they are facing complicated spiritual problems. When a person with this gift considers past experience, they realize that they often make good and correct decisions and judgments. Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12.8; Proverbs 4:5-8; Acts 6:3, 10; 15 ........................................................................................... Note: Encouragement or Exhortation, Prophecy, and Teaching are considered the communication gifts. The distinctions for each gift are often confused. Often, gifted communicators have a mix of these gifts. Encouragement or Exhortation focuses on personal and practical application of the message or truth being communicated. Prophecy focuses purely on the message or truth to be communicated. Teaching focuses on bringing thorough or adequate understanding of the message or truth being communicated. Note: The gifts of Helps, Mercy, and Service are often confused. Helps focuses on Christian works and freeing others to accomplish their God-given ministries. Mercy focuses on people in distress and reflects God’s love and compassion. Service focuses on accomplishing little tasks that may otherwise go undone in order to move the greater goal of the ministry or church toward completion. ........................................................................................... References Discover Your Spiritual Gifts (1995). Peter Wagner .......... He Gave Gifts: Bible Study Guide (1992). Charles Swindol .......... Purpose Drive Church (1997) Rick Warren .......... Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool (2004). www.cforc.com .......... Team Ministry: A Guide to Spiritual Gifts and Lay Involvement (1990) Larry Gilbert

Lead Singer for Inside Out

2009-05-23T10:15:00.003-05:00

You see the man in the middle? He was the lead singer for Inside Out - the best band in Cinci. His name is Phil Richardson. I heard Phil's band and they were awesome! Phil and I have been friends since I was 18. In the early 80s we were roommates in Nashville. Today Phil lives in Cinci but we talk often. He's my music guru - he's introduced me to a look of good music. Just yesterday I was in a second hand record store chasing down some old music as I was talking to Phil on the phone.

Three Doors Down

2009-05-23T10:02:00.002-05:00

My daughter Shayna and I went to a Three Doors Down concert a few days ago. Amber went with her boyfriend Tyler and Tori was competing at a track meet. As soon as we walked in Shayna and I smiled at each other. There's nothing like a rock concert - the lights, the sound the roar of the croud - it makes us smile. We had great seats and had a great time. We like a lot of 3 Doors Down including Train, Citizen Soldier, When I'm Gone, Its not My Time, Kryptonite, and so on. The girls are at an age when we share similar taste in music. Seems like every time we ride in my pickup we are trading songs. I love it.

Finish strong

2009-05-15T21:29:00.003-05:00

I want to explain something and then say something. First, I want to explain our approach to evangelism. Our approach to evangelism is service oriented (showing God's love through kindness, meeting needs, inviting, etc) and it is sort of seasonal. We share Christ in season and out but I love when the season hits. I view summer and winter as "out of season" and fall and spring as "in season". During the sunny days of summer people vacation and during the cold days of the dead of winter they tend to stay in. In-season hits in the fall about September (when school starts) and climaxes with Christmas. Then the winter lull. The spring season begins around the last of Feb - peaks at Easter, then lingers till mid-May. This is important to understand (for me at least) because it helps us plan ahead. We have a strategy for sharing Christ -- it's sort of like a fall and spring campaign. We've prayed about it, we're excited about it and God is blessing it! God has poured out a double blessing on our church this spring. God has sent us many people who are either searching for God and/or a church home. You have done an excellent job bringing your friends to the assembly and many of them keep coming back. In fact, nine families and two singles and four Marshall students keep coming back. Praise God! Second, here's want I want to say. We need to finish strong. We began this spring "campaign" together in late Feb. Remember, you responded by praying and bringing a friend and they came - 370+ people on Easter! Many of them stayed. But the summer lull is almost here. The Marshall students will be leaving, families will be going on vacation, etc. all this is good and natural and we plan for it. But we need to finish strong. Here's how - three things. 1) Strengthen your relationships with newcomers. Show them the love of God. Do simple little acts of kindness over and over. Don't preach or pressure them. Build a bridge so Jesus can walk across and save them. Invite them to join a small group. Encourage them. Pay attention to their needs, hurts, etc. Cry with them, laugh with them, stay in tune with them and when the time is right put in a good word for Jesus. Share your story. If they ask to study the Bible and you need help call one of the elders (or me). 2) Pray for them. Pray they make a commitment to Christ. Pray they make our church their home before June. Ask God to keep them from drifting away and draw them to himself and us. We'll show them the love of Christ. Just pray for them. 3) Pray for me - this Sunday I will be preaching about fellowship and I want our newcomers to respond. I am going to interview two people (Jason Moore and Megan Hensley) and they are going to share why they made Norway their church home. Then I am going to preach Acts 2. Pray I do a good job. Lets finish strong. Love, Jeff P.S. We're already working on summer outreaches - we are so excited about it and will share it with you soon.

Allen and Jeanie are headed for the 2009 NEXT Saddleback Conference in Cinci

2009-05-14T11:09:00.003-05:00

This weekend Allen & Jeanie Meadows are attending The NEXT Saddleback Small Groups Conference at the Vineyard Church in Cincinnati, OH. Karen McClanahan and Debbie Starkey will be driving up on Friday night for the session on Small Group Leaders Saturday. They will be learning from the best small group trainers in the country. Below is the conference synopsis.

This small groups conference is focused on connecting people to Jesus and each other. The conference is designed help lead our church to a deeper level of fellowship with God and people. Allen, Jeanie, Karen and Debbie will hear presentations and workshops like ...

· Learning how God helped us get 100% of our Sunday morning attendance connected in small groups

· Learning from prominent Christian leaders like Erwin McManus and Joseph Garlington who will be presenting live at the conference.

· Interacting with a team of effective leaders/trainers of small group ministries in one of 60 workshops for churches of all types and sizes

· Small Group Saturday - a special mini-conference just for small group leaders

Sounds exciting! We appreciate Allen, Jeanie, Karen and Debbie for attending the conference. They plan to be back Sunday. Say a prayer for them - pray for travel mercies, much learning and be sure to pray that we can incorporate the what they learn into our small groups. Jeff

Mike Shepherd's Turkey 2009

2009-04-28T16:47:00.005-05:00

Yesterday a good buddy and I went Turkey Hunting. We hopped on his 4-wheeler about 5:30am. It was a perfect morning. We walked up the creek and separated. Just before day break Mike hit his call one time. About 10 minutes later he started calling and it wasn't long before a gobbler responded. He must have been about 200 yards away. Mike hit his call just right and he responded again and again. Then Mike stopped and everything got real quiet. Pretty soon I saw three turkeys coming right at Mike. Two hens and a gobbler. That old gobbler jumped up on a log 25 yards from Mike and BOOM! Mike took him in one shot. Now, if you knew my friend Mike, you'd understand. He's a marksman - a national champion at nationwide shooting matches - he typically scores in the top 5 shooters in international matches - no kidding! Shooters come from all over the world and he competes against them and wins. So, when that old goobler jumped up on that log he had no idea who he was facing. Mike shot him and I saw it all. We laughed, did a fist bump and back pats, we took pictures and a nice video. Mike's going to give the turkey breast to a neighbor and it will be good eaten. It was an exciting hunt.

Listen like Jesus (a six day challenge)

2009-04-14T08:26:00.004-05:00

The sign read “You ain’t learning nothin’ when you’re doing all the talkin’.” It reminded me of two Bible verses. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Everybody knows that one. But my favorite verse on listening is less famous. It is tucked away in the OT book of Proverbs. Solomon wrote “Answering before listening is both stupid and rude (Prov. 18:13 The Message). I love that verse but I often violate it. How about you? Let’s try something new – OK? For the next six days (from now till Sunday) let’s try to listen like Jesus. When someone asks you a question don’t be so quick to give a pat answer. Avoid monologue – go for dialogue. Seek first to understand, before you’re understood. Answer questions with opened-ended questions. That’s Jesus’ style. Don’t merely listen with your ears. Listen with your heart. Listen with your eyes. That’s the key. William Glasser found that 70% of what people communicate is through body language, 23% through tone of voice and only 7% through words. If you’re not listening with your eyes you are missing most of what’s being said. Be eager to listen. Speak less. Ask good questions then be quiet and listen like Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see what Jesus sees and hear what Jesus hears. Give away attention. Everybody’s craving it because few people are giving it. It cost you nothing but it means everything. Try it for the next six days and you’ll be amazed at how many hurting people God sends your way.

Be an inviter

2009-04-09T08:59:00.005-05:00

Andrew was always bringing people to Jesus. Check out three frequently overlooked passages and see if you can spot what I’m talking about. The first passage is John 1:40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah." 42 And he brought him to Jesus. The second passage is John 6:8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9 "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" And the third passage is John 12:20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Andrew brought Peter, a little boy and some Greeks to Jesus. That’s all it takes. Just find a friend and bring them to Jesus this Sunday. It’s friend day. It’s Easter. They will come if you ask them. Just say “Will you be my friend this Sunday.” Be like Andrew. Be an inviter.

You are his masterpiece.

2009-04-02T07:15:00.001-05:00

If you've been a Christian for a while you probably know Eph. 2:8-10 which explains that we are saved by grace not works. Your good works are the result of your salvation, not the basis. You are familiar with that passage. You've read it, heard it - you may have memorized it. But there is a word that jumped out of verse 10 this morning. It made me smile. "Workmanship". Did you know that the word "workmanship" actually means "masterpiece"? In fact the NLT translates verse 10 "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Now that's amazing. You and me? God's masterpiece? That's right! God displays the beauty of his creation everyday but his greatest piece of work is you. You are God's crowing achievement in creation. You are God's masterpiece. The next time you get down on yourself think about that. The way you view yourself is very different than the way God views you. He loves you. You are his masterpiece.

How to make friends

2009-04-01T06:04:00.011-05:00

Quartet from NACC Praise Team Wins Recording Opportunity

2009-03-27T12:00:00.005-05:00

Matt and the NACC Praise Team are amazing. Every Sunday they lead our church family in praise and worship. They are the best! Today Matt received an exciting letter from Acapella Ministries and I pasted it below. Matt, Keri, Teresa and Kevin responded to a request from Acappella Ministries to record a song and sent it in. Quartets from all over the country sent recordings in but only a few were selected to work on this recording project. Read the letter below and the next time you see our praise team congratulate them. __________________________________________ Dear, Norway Avenue Praise Team. Thank you for your audition for the next Praise & Harmony recording session, June 30th & July 1st. Your overall group has been given a rating of “A”. We are happy to inform you that your quartet has been accepted for this project. Thank you so much for the work and time you put into your audition. Your rating allows you the status to apply for future Praise & Harmony recordings without further auditions. In April, you will be able to download the music and details needed for your preparations. Please pray that this project may equip Christians and glorify our Lord! Keep Pressing On! John J. Bynum Project Coordinator Acappella Ministries 708 Loretta Dr. Goodlettsville, TN. 37072 (580) 399-4758

Invite Children to Our Easter Egg Hunt

2009-03-23T10:33:00.003-05:00

Invite the kids in your neighborhood to our easter egg hunt (April 12). They are sure to learn about Jesus and have fun with our children. There are many parents and children in our area that are looking for a church home. Easter is a great day to invite your family and friends. If they have children make sure to invite them to the 9:30am Bible class and 10:30am easter egg hunt. While the children are learning about Jesus downstairs the adults and teens will be worshiping upstairs. Easter is the biggest day of the year for churches. It is a time of celbration and thanksgiving for the resurrection of Christ. Make sure to invite and bring your family and friends and if they have children, tell them about the exciting easter egg hunt. It's going to be a great day!

Dancing with Shayna (Dads and Daughters)

2009-03-23T09:12:00.002-05:00

I cherish this picture of Shayna dancing with me. There's something special the relationship between dads and daughters. I have three daughters and I love being their dad! The Lord turns the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers (Malachi 4:6). My heart is full of my children. I love them so much. It's the little-every-day-things. Last night, when I returned from NC, Tori and I laughed together as we played tennis on Wii (she always beats me because she is a pro - a 2000+ player). Then when I picked up Amber from her new job at D.Q. - well, it's hard to describe what I felt. I was parked in a place where I could see her working - I prayed for her and then came memories and flashbacks of when she and her sisters were little girls running around my feet. They are growing so fast and I love each stage. I am excited to see what God does with my daughters. The Lord has good things in store for them and I pray for them daily. I love being their dad.

Age and Gender Distributions of Evangelical Churches

2009-03-05T14:24:00.005-05:00

Check out this great website http://religions.pewforum.org/portraits which contains statistical portraits of various religious groups in the U.S. This morning Jeanie Meadows (my sister/secretary) counted the people in our church directory and we compared it to the national average. Our numbers are similar to the pie chart above.

I became interested in learning about the current demographics of our church because I am currently preaching through Joshua and I'm in chapters 13-14 where Joshua takes on a new role (from soldier to administrator) and Caleb takes on the giants in Hebron. We know Caleb was 85. We don't Joshua's exact age but we know he was old because God told him in 13:1 "You are very old." When I read that it dawned on me that these two men were the only senior citizens in the entire nation of Israel. That led to memories of walking in some churches that were predominantly composed of younger people and others that were composed of an older generation. There are various reasons why old-young gravitate toward their own age group but I believe God's ideal is for their to be an intergenerational mix similar to families. I was very encouraged by the chart Jeanie put together. The age and gender distribution looks good to me and I believe it looks good to Jesus. We do, however, need to improve intergenerational relationships. I believe the best way to do that is by serving together. Not a program or a project or a new church ministry. It needs to happen naturally. A great example is the friendship between Robin and Ms. Martha. Two generations - great friends. I pray God will repeatedly create those types of friendships in our church family so his love will flow from generation to generation.

Evangelism Jesus' Style is Simple and Easy

2009-03-05T13:32:00.006-05:00

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. When you serve other people, especially the less fortunate, you are planting seed like Jesus. Peter said in Acts 10:38 that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and ... he went around doing good". That's Jesus' style of evangelism. He went around doing good. We make it too hard. We seem to think we are not evangelizing unless we're in some deep theological discussion about the meaning of life. There may be times when that happens but more often than not the most effective evangelism occurs when you are doing simple little things like shoveling snow off your neighbors driveway or fixing a peanut butter sandwiches for neighborhood kids or picking up mail for the widow next door. Somebody asked, "Does that really count? I mean, is that 'real' evangelism?" You bet it is - the best kind. Jesus' style is simple and easy. Just go around doing good things for people and God will make it grow.

Serve like Jesus

2009-03-05T13:23:00.002-05:00

Your life has purpose and meaning, but you will never discover it in isolation from others. The meaning you assign your life largely depends on your willingness to serve, love, and work with other people. Service to others is the rent you pay for your room on earth. Do you remeber what Jesus said after he had washed his disciples feet? John 13:12 When [Jesus] had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Huntington WV (Beth Moore and Gary Smalley) Focus on Marriage Simulcast

2009-02-26T09:26:00.006-05:00

When your marriage is satisfying and stable everything looks different i.e. your problems and pressures seem manageable. But when your marriage is not satisfying and unstable it makes everything look worse. Your problems and pressures seem overwhelming. The quality of your marriage affects every area of life. Couples who are happily married tend to enjoy life and cope with problems better than unhappy couples. That's why we have to take time to nurture our relationship with our mate. As I write these words I feel convicted because I spend so much time working. I’ll bet you feel the same way. You are busier than me. We're all busy. But there comes a time when we need to stop working and focus on marriage. This weekend you have an opportunity to do just that. Come to Norway Ave Church of Christ this Saturday morning at 9am for the Focus on Marriage Simulcast. You will worship God and learn from his word and meet couples from nearly every church in the Tristate area. You will be inspired by great speakers like Beth Moore, Gary Smalley and John Trent and many others. Most important, the Lord Jesus Christ will be at the center of it all. You see, Jesus is the key to enriching your marriage. The closer you get to Jesus the closer you'll be to each other. So come to the Focus on Marriage Simulcast this Saturday (Feb 28). Our church is easy to find. Just click on this link for directions http://norwayave.org/findus.html or email Jeanie Meadows at secretary@norwayave.org or call 304-525-0095. See you Saturday.

Focus on Marriage Simulcast at Norway Ave (Beth Moore and Gary Smalley Live)

2009-02-18T13:55:00.004-05:00

Come to Norway Ave Church of Christ on Saturday February 28, 2009 for the Focus on Marriage Simulcast. That's right! You will be blessed as by the the worship and praise led by Jeremy Camp and you we learn how God wants to bless your marriage from some well-known speakers. Live via satellite, you will hear Beth Moore, Gary Smalley, John Trent, Gary Thomas and Del Tackett. Tickets on sale now. Child care will be available. Contact the church office (304-525-3302) for more info or visit the church website at http://norwayave.org/.

2009-02-15T22:39:00.001-05:00

All of our ministries at Norway Ave are built around the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross is at the center of everything we do. It's all about being transformed from the inside-out - not by will-power and self determination, but by the Holy Spirit. All of our ministries - benevolence, buildings and grounds, children's ministry, education, evangelism, small groups, fellowship, Sonshiners, youth ministry, technology, women's ministry and worship - it is all focused on the cross of Jesus Christ. The vertical beam represents our love for God and the horizontal beam represents our love for each other.

2009-01-29T02:13:00.000-05:00

I am writing from Dallas where I attended a great conference called Innovation3 . Over 100 innovative church leaders spoke at the conference which was held at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship. Some of the leaders that spoke were Brian Tome (Crossroads Church - where my friend Phil Richardson attends), Tim Keller (Redeemer Presbyterian Church), Mark Driscoll (Mars Hill), Nancy Ortberg (Teamworx2), Steve Robbins (Vineyard Church), Stacy Spencer (New Direction Christian Church) - just to name a few. The conference ended with a great talk by Matt Carter. Carter is the pastor of Austin Stone Community Church. Carter planted that church with the help of worship leader Chris Tomlin (imagine that!) and it has grown to have a dynamic impact in Austin, TX. The conference was great - the speakers were fantastic, the bands were awesome and the worship and praise was amazing. This evening I began the process of transcribing my conference notes - most of the other pastors had their lap top at the conference but my battery is bad so I had to use pen and paper. The content of the presentations was so good I couldn't write fast enough. When I finish transcribing I plan to share what I've learned with our ministry leaders at Norway - I may also post them on this blog. My plane leaves DFW early and arrives around 1pm in Columbus. After teaching a 6-9pm class at Marshall I'll be home. I look forward to seeing Kim and the girls.

From Glades Springs Resort

2008-11-20T13:16:00.001-05:00

I spoke at the State of WV Probation Officer's Conference at Glade Springs Resort near Beckley. The resort is big and beautiful - there is snow on the ground. The title of my presentation was "Effective Strategies for Highly Stressed Probation Officers." The room was packed and the the PO's responded with interested and enthusiasm. I really enjoyed speaking - I used principles from CBT the audience was engaging and participated. I also played my guitar - I opened with Grandma's Feather Bed by John Denver and closed with a song I wrote - Home Six Mile. Two of the PO's were from Madison and they said that a bar in Madison WV plays my music in their juke box - the especially liked "1981" and "Home Six Mile."

From Dallas Texas - My presentation at the Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education (AACE)

2008-09-19T15:27:00.004-05:00

I am writing from my hotel in Dallas. I just finished speaking at the AACE National Assessment Conference and I am excited! I thank God for the opportunity and the way people responded to my research. The title of my presentation was "Using ENRICH to assess the marital satisfaction of interethnic couples". The first part of my presentation focused on the the instrument itself (e.g., it's content, it's psychometric properties, etc.) and the second part focused on the results of my research. The response amazed me! I thank God! People did not want to leave the room. I told them we had to go because the next presentation was about to begin. They came to me, ask for copies of my study. The AACE president Dr. Richard Balkin and another AACE leader walked me down the hall, talking the entire time - they asked me to speak at next year's conference in Virginia Beach and recruited me to serve in a leadership position. I am not sure what it involves but they way they described it sounded really great. If I understood them correctly - they asked me to consult and advise and colaborated with other profs in AACE as they create standards for clinical assessement and standards for training graduate programs. These men serve important roles in the counseling profession and influence the profession at a national level. The president of AACE is a prof at Texas A&M-Commerse - I do not remember which university the other man was from but he talked about how they work at a national level (e.g. NBCC). Anyway, I know God opened this door for me and I thank him for it. And now, I can't wait to get home to see Kim and the girls.

From Mackinac Island in Michigan

2008-06-11T01:22:00.006-05:00

I am writing from the beautiful historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Isaland in Michigan. Today I spoke at a state-wide convention for the Michigan Association of Healthcare Advocates (MAHA). My presentation was titled "Serving Others is What Life is all About". It was a mixture of CBT principles spiced up motivation, inspirational stories, lots of jokes and, of course, music. I always bring my guitar to these speaking engagements to sing and play. Music brightens up the audience and creates a climate for learning. The people received my presentation very well and I am happy! I'm grateful to Mary Lou McFadden (VP of Education for MAHA) for inviting me. My good friend Pat Chambers invited me to speak in Charlotte NC and Williamsburg VA. Mary Lou was at both conventions, heard me speak and that's how she came to invite me. Pat opened a great door for me which has resulted in numerous speaking engagements and I am so thankful for Pat. I thank God for the opportunity to speak here. It is a great privilege and I never take opportunities like this for granted. I thank God for being with me as I speak. I always put in a good word for Jesus, share my story and encourage people. They laughed, cried, bought all my music CDs. I sold out and people were standing in line expressing disappointment that I didn't have more. I gave them my website and instructions on how to download my music on itunes. The island is amazing. As beautiful as the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulfur Springs in WV but I believe this setting tops it. Out my window is a beautiful lawn, a large blue pool, a view of the great lakes, horses, buggies, lots of people - it's a self-sustained island of hotels, bed and breakfast inns, shops and historical buildings. No cars are allowed - only horses and bikes. I saw a beautiful stone church (congregationalists) on the way up the hill that was built in 1900. I wish Kim and the girls were hear. I miss them now and look forward to seeing them Wednesday at church when I return. For now I will continue to study through the night and try to make good use of this peaceful and quiet (and very expensive) hotel room before I catch my 11:10am flight back home.

From New York City

2008-05-31T00:02:00.004-05:00

Kim, Amber, Tori, Shayna and I are in New York City on Vacation. We have had a blast! We stead in a Ramada just a few blocks away from the Empire State Building, which we visited at night to see the beautiful lights of the city. We took the ferry, saw the Statue of Liberty, went to China Town, Grand Central Station, two museums, art gallaries, St Peter's Cathedral, Central Park, Time Square, Yankee Stadium, Ground 0 where the Twin Towers collapsed, the Rockefeller Center, walked down Wall Street, walked through Tiffany's, and shopped in Macy's and much, much more! It has been fantastic and Kim, the girls and I have had a wonderfulful time - it's a vacation we will always remember. And it's not over because tomorrow we are going to an Dorney Amusement and Water Park in Allen Town PN - it has about a lot of big rollercoasters and water slides.

From Pepperdine University in Malibu California

2008-05-03T01:43:00.007-05:00

I have had a wonderful week at Pepperdine University in beautiful Malibu California. I taught a class called "Wonderful Counselor: Chirst-Centered Cognitive Behavior (CBT) Training for Church Leaders. I have renewed friendships and had great visits with lots of people like Rick Atchley, Chris Siedman, Buddy Bell, Craig Kelly, David Martin and Lynn Anderson gave me a great big holy kiss. I'm looking forward to going home. I miss Kim and the girls.

From Williamsburg

2008-03-05T22:32:00.004-05:00

I'm writting from Williamsburg VA. Pat Chambers invited me to speak for the SDVSHO Conference Pat is the president over the district which includes 13 states. I went to dinner at a very nice resturant with Pat and her friends tonight and I speak two times tomorrow. The hotel is beautiful and surrounded by history. The 301-acre Historic Area, with 88 original 18th-century buildings and more than 500 structures re-creating the colonial capital of Virginia, which is a brief stroll from the Lodge front entrance. I am grateful to Pat for the opportunity to speak. The people at these conferences are wonderful and I enjoy being with them. I pray I do a good job speaking.

1981 (Scott High 25th Year High School Reunion)

2008-02-17T23:23:00.003-05:00

I wrote this song for my 25th year high school reunion. I graduated from Scott High School in Madison (Boone County) WV in 1981. I hope you like the song.

From Columbia SC

2008-02-11T17:14:00.000-05:00

I'm in Columbia SC. I just finished speaking at the President's Summit for South Carolina's Hospital Auxilary. My presentation was a mixture of CBT, stories, jokes, and music. I really enjoyed it but I'm tired and ready to be home. My connection is Philadelphia which puts me in Charleston at 11pm and home late but it was worth it. They responded well to my presentation and my music. My music CD is now in SC! I have one more speaking engagement this month in Waverly Ohio. Next month I will be in Virginia. I will be in Malibu CA in May and at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan in June. I thank God for the opportunity to speak to a variety of people and audiences.

Six Point Buck (Deer #7)

2008-01-28T22:39:00.001-05:00

The Lord gave me success this deer season. Jacob used these words to decieve his father in Genesis 27:20 Isaac asked his son Jacob, "How did you find it so quickly, my son?" "The LORD your God gave me success," he replied. Jacob lied. He wasn't serving wild game. He was serving a young goat taken from his father's flock. His mother prepared it and dressed him up so that he felt like and smelled like his brother. Jacob decieved his poor old feeble blind father. But his statement "God gave me success" is meaningful. Isaac did not balk at that statement because God can give a hunter success. God gave me success this season. The Lord gave seven deer and the last deer was a six point buck. My freezer is full and I'm eating deer meat (not goat) almost every day. It's really good. There is something special about eating the meat you hunted and killed. After every kill and before every meal I said a prayer of thanksgiving. It was a great season. I didn't get the monster I was hunting but I got a good buck. I'm tagged out and my season is over.

My Songs on Ourstage.com

2008-01-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

Listen to my new CD at - http://www.ourstage.com/entry/UZWYDYTSTDMZ-home-six-mile-upload.

I've killed 6 deer this season

2008-01-02T06:53:00.000-05:00

I've killed 6 deer this season. I killed four in WV and two in Ohio. My freezer is full! I'm sharing the meat with some friends. I have one more month to bow hunt in Ohio. For three years I've been hunting a buck that is larger than the one in the picture above. He's a huge monster and I pray I get him in January. At this time I'm sitting in a ski lodge at Seven Springs early this morning and I am thinking about the recreation that I am enjoying with my family and the deer hunting that I have enjoyed this past fall - my heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you Lord!

From Seven Springs Ski Resort (PN)

2008-01-02T06:24:00.000-05:00

We are skiing Seven Springs. Carl and Sharon (Kim's parents) gave the girls a ski trip for Christmas! They are so generous. The girl's cousins Ally, Emma and Dillon are here and the girls always have a great time with their cousins. Carl just took Darren to Pittsburgh and is on his way back to Seven Springs. Pray for Darren, he's headed for Germany because he was deployed by the US military. Sharon, Kim, the girls and their cousins are asleep and I woke up at 6:30am and it snowed 15 inches last night and it's still coming down! Ski conditions are going to be great today and 7 Springs has night skiing so we can ski till 9:30pm. Last night Shayna had a little trouble on one of the slopes but it was so funny that we all stood at ski lift and laughed till it hurt. It was so much fun!

Preparing for 2 Corinthians

2007-12-28T16:21:00.000-05:00

I am preparing for my next series in 2 Corinthians around the theme "Maintaining Healthy Relationships." My teachers are Scott Hafeman (2 Cor. - NIV Application Commentary), Kent Hughes (2 Cor. - Power in Weakness), John MacArthur (The MacArthur NT Comentary 2 Cor), Aida Spencer (Daily Bible Commentary: A Guide for Reflection and Prayer), Charles Hodge (Commentary on 2 Cor - this commentary belonged - I love to read it because I can see the parts that dad highlighted and underlined) Ray Stedman (Exposition of 2 Cor: Power Out of Weakness) and John Piper (who has several online manuscripts on 2 Cor). I just recieved my commentaries in the mail today. It's like opening up boxes of candy. It's exciting for me. I have been reading and re-reading 2 Corinthians and now I get to enroll in six courses on 2 Corinthians. Jesus and his Spirit will feed me with the text, the profs will help me go deeper, and through prayer and refection and meditation and living and talking and getting stuck and unstuck - I will fill myself up with the word of God so that I can preach. I have to live with it first. I learn far more than I ever share. I learn from the best teachers (that I know) and when I'm full, I can preach Jesus with passion. But I cannot feed others until I am fed. I love what I do! I love to study God's word, Lord help me apply it to my own life first. I love to prepare to preach - to wrestle with the sermon manuscripts and the presentation. I love searching for illustrations and stories. I talk to others, learn from everyday events, search for multimedia on ignitor video and blue fish. Jeanie helps me so much with this whole process. So, I'm excited now and ready to begin my preparation. I've taught 2 Corinthians in Bible classes, but I've never preached through 2 Corinthians. God help me preach Jesus and bless me and the church as we learn from this series of teachings. Help me make it encouraging and uplifting and simple and practical and clear and strengthen our faith in Jesus so that we can build and maintain healthy relationships.

The New Earth

2007-12-27T00:34:00.000-05:00

How could I have missed it? As many times as I have read passages about a new heaven and a new earth - how could I have missed it? It's right in the middle of the song we sing every Christmas - "Joy to the World". Remember the phrase - No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found. Jesus not only redeemed humanity by the cross, he will one day reclaim the earth. Isaiah, Peter and John spoke of a new heaven and a new earth. They were talking about this old earth being made new. That's right! The earth you're sitting on will one day be reconciled to Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks of the renewal of all things (Matthew 19:28), the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21), the liberation of creation (Romans 8:21), and the reconciliation of all things (Colossians 1:19). One day Jesus will make all things new. All things includes not only people, but the visible universe. The prophets were never concerned about some far-off immaterial realm where ghosts live. The prophets talked about the land, the inheritance, the city of Jerusalem, and the earth they walked on. This is where we will live because heaven and earth will be one.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T14:47:00.000-05:00

Christmas is here. Kim, the girls and I are headed tO Jeanie's for Christmas Eve dinner. We will celebrate Christmas tonight and tomorrow here at our house and then it's off to Carl and Sharon's for another Christmas meal. We are so grateful for all of God's blessings, especially gift of his one and only Son Jesus Christ. God bless you and your family this holiday. Merry Christmas to all!

His Name is Wonderful (100 Biblical Names and Titles for Jesus)

2007-12-23T23:09:00.000-05:00

Advocate (1 John 2:1) Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18) Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13) Amen (Rev. 3:14) Apostle of our Profession (Heb. 3:1) Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2) Author of Life (Acts 3:15) Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2) Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10) Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13) Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15) Bread of God (John 6:33) Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48) Bridegroom (Mt. 9:15) Capstone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7) Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20) Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4) Christ (1 John 2:22) Creator (John 1:3) Deliverer (Rom. 11:26) Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20) Gate (John 10:9) Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11) Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5) Faithful and True Witness (Rev. 3:14) First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13) Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5) Firstborn over all creation (Col. 1:15) Gate (John 10:9) God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20; etc.) Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14) Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20) Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14) Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23) Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2) High Priest (Heb. 2:17) Holy and True (Rev. 3:7) Holy One (Acts 3:14) Hope (1 Tim. 1:1) Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27) Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69) I Am (John 8:58) Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4) Immanuel (Mt. 1:23) Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42) King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17) King of Israel (John 1:49) King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11) King of kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16) King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3) Lamb (Rev. 13:8) Lamb of God (John 1:29) Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19) Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45) Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4) Light of the World (John 8:12) Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5) Living One (Rev. 1:18) Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4) Lord (2 Pet. 2:20) Lord of All (Acts 10:36) Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8) Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16) Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48) Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15) Mighty God (Isa. 9:6) Morning Star (Rev. 22:16) Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16) Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:9) Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13) Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30) Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2) Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3) Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30) Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30) Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7) Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24) Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6) Prophet (Acts 3:22) Rabbi (Mt. 26:25) Resurrection and Life (John 11:25) Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5) Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1) Rock (1 Cor. 10:4) Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16) Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14) Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5) Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20) Son of David (Lk. 18:39) Son of God (John 1:49; Heb. 4:14) Son of Man (Mt. 8:20) Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32) Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey him (Heb. 5:9) The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11) True Bread (John 6:32) True Light (John 1:9) True Vine (John 15:1) Truth (John 1:14; 14:6) Way (John 14:6) Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24) Word (John 1:1) Word of God (Rev. 19:13)

Justification and Sanctification

2007-12-23T22:46:00.000-05:00

Justification is God's saving action where he declares a sinner righteous by faith in Christ alone. Sanctification is the process of being made holy i.e., living out the righteousness that God has reckoned to our account. God imputes his own righteousness to you but he will never impute your own sin against you. Faith in Christ alone is the means of salvation. We are not saved because we keep laws, rules, and rituals. We are saved because we believe that Jesus died for our sins and was raised for our justification. Then we are transformed into the image of Christ by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. By one sacrifice God has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The perfecting and being made holy are at the same time a finished and an ongoing work. By the blood of Jesus God has made us perfect forever and at the same time he's working to change our hearts and minds and behavior so that we look like his one perfect Son Jesus and reflect his glory. But your salvation does not depend on your behavior. You can grieve God by misbehaving and he will discipline you but you are still his child and a part of his body. Since you are in him you cannot be condemned and you will not be disowned - he can't disown himself. This security is great motivation to live like Jesus. Knowing your salvation rests on the cross does not make you want to sin, it makes you want to obey him because he loves you.

Heaven is tangible

2007-12-22T09:52:00.000-05:00

Heaven is not a misty fog bank where ghost float around. The Bible says heaven has light, water, a rainbow, trees and fruit. Heaven contains animals like lions, lambs, and enough horses for the armies of heaven to ride. The capital city is the New Jerusalem. There will be music and instruments such as harps and trumpets (and I imagine every other type of instrument - I can't imagine spending eternity without a guitar. I want to learn to play like Jimi and Eddy and Stevie). Heaven as a tangible reality.

An impression without an expression leads to depression

2007-12-21T21:55:00.001-05:00

An impression without an expression leads to depression. Buried feelings don’t die, they struggle for life and come forth in uglier ways. Where did men ever get the idea that it’s not masculine to express emotion? I love the passion of King David. Read the Psalms and see for yourself. David express exuberance, deep sorrow, grief, anger, wrath, bewilderment, fear, triumph, elation, ecstasy, sorrow, grief, hopelessness, and remorse. One time David cried so much that he drenched his couch in tears. Paul expressed joy, contentment, despair, healthy pride, and exhaustion. And Jesus expressed joy, peace, righteous indignation, heartache and in agony he cried tears with loud cries and prayers and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Men, the next time you try to hold it in and stuff it, remember David, Paul and Jesus. Don’t suppress it, express it.

My Friend Mike Shepherd

2007-12-16T19:58:00.000-05:00

I met Mike Shepherd a couple of years ago. We hit it off great the first time we met. We started talking about Jesus and our friendship took off from there. I enjoy talking and spending time with Mike. He loves the Lord and his family. Mike just loves people and he is full of Jesus. He's got a shepherd's heart. He leads our Care Caller Ministry and always taking care of the flock. This year Mike invited me to hunt with him and Terry (his brother) and Stewart and Paul. I had a great time. His son Travis killed a nice eight point on another day. Mike is an amazing marksman. He shoots skeet professionally and wins huge tournaments competing against shooters from all over the world. No kidding! Some matches involve hundreds of shooters and Mike often wins. He's awesome! He averages 98/100. I cannot imagine shooting like he does. The first picture (above) is of Mike and the 13 point buck he killed this year. The second picture (below) is of Mike and his friends after a successful day of hunting pheasants. I thank God for Mike and I know we will be friends for the rest of our lives. Mike's going to take me rabbit hunting soon. I can't wait!

Our Small Group

2007-12-04T16:41:00.000-05:00

We have a great small group. We meet every Sunday night at 6pm. Last Sunday we went to the Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe and ate a meal together. Karen (in the first pic) is our small group leader and she is doing a fantastic job leading our group. We had a great time last Sunday.

Deer #3

2007-11-28T00:03:00.000-05:00

Sitting in a box blind at the edge of a field. It's dark. I load my rifle, a 30-30 Winchester which was a Christmas gift from my church. Smile. Pray. Check to make sure I have my sermon manuscript in my pocket - it's there. Still dark. Quiet. Sunrise. Life! Birds. Chip monks. Barking squirrels. A dozen noisy turkeys. I glass four does at two hundred yards. Waiting for a buck. More does - 15 deer grazing. No bucks. Waiting. Thermos. Coffee. Sermon. Rehearse silently. Whisper. Quoting Scripture. Memorizing. Underlining. Watching deer. No bucks - only does - all around. Waiting. Praying. Phone vibrates - text message from Darrell. Phone vibrates - phone call from Mike. Text message Kim. Watching. Only does. No bucks. Waiting. Memorize sermon. Repeating scripture over and over. Highlighting. No bucks. Only does. Eight hours later one doe bedded. 150 yards. Rifle. Rest. Aim. Breath. Exhale. Shoot. Kill. Death. Wait. Gather gear. Walk. Kneel. Pray. Thanksgiving. Field-dress. Drag. Drag. Drag. 3/4 mile drag. 2 1/2 hours later check-in station. 30 minutes later butcher. Steaks. Deer burger. Butterflied tenderloin. Jerky. Drive home. Rehearse sermon. Bed. Sleep. Dream of a big buck.

How to Stop Church Gossip

2007-11-26T22:27:00.000-05:00

Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose in to other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence She made a mistake, however, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told Frank (and several others) that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny... he said nothing. Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house... walked home.. .and left it there all night!!! You gotta love Frank!