NACC: Day Three

The day began with a Bible Study led by Dr. Jack Cottrell. It was good to hear my old Prof. again. Later, I heard Dr. Johnny Pressley do a workshop about the Lord's Supper. It was excellent. The only disappointment was hearing the morning speaker talk about people coming down the aisles at his church and "praying to receive Christ." I know the brotherhood is diverse and the NACC is supposed to be a "big tent." But where do they find these guys from "our churches" who have sold out on the plan of salvation? It makes me so angry that it would be unwise to put my feelings into words (put I would include: spineless, capitulating, fence-straddling, compromising, limp-wristed, gutless, etc.). I wish Dr. Cottrell's workshop tomorrow could be presented from the main stage: Saved by Grace, Saved in Baptism. Some of us still believe it.

NACC: Day Two

I'm skipping the afternoon workshops to work on Sunday's sermon (and to update my blog).

I remember my first NACC from a few years ago (other than the one I attended when I was 10). I was like a 12-year-old kid at the MLB All-Star Game: “There’s Ben Merold. And there’s Bob Russell. And I think that’s E. Ray “Cotton” Jones and Wayne Smith.” Even we preachers can get a little star-struck sometimes. Even in my forties, I can be somewhat intimidated by the brotherhood “biggies.” But they are simply men:

What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
1 Corinthian 3:5-7

NACC: Day One

We arrived safely in Louisville, checked into our room, and scoped out the downtown area for awhile before going to the evening session. The worship was outstanding! There's just something about thousand of people praising the name of Jesus -- a preview of Heaven. Jeff Stone did a good job preaching about grace. Afterwards, we strolled through the display area and connected with several old friends. We're looking forward to another great day today.

North American Christian Convention

Tomorrow Tracy and I will travel to Louisville, KY to attend the North American Christian Convention. It is an annual gathering of folks from Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. There is great worship and preaching and teaching; informative workshops and fantastic fellowship. When I lived in Virginia it seemed that the NACC was always too far way to attend, but I have been able to go several times since returning to the Midwest. This will be Tracy's first time. We're looking forward to it.

I will post updates throughout the week.

Crazy Lightning Strike

At about 25 seconds. This was taken as we were driving home from vacation. Lightning got a telephone pole just as we were passing by.

Happy Anniversary to the Blog

I don't know how I missed it, but as of June 1, I have been blogging for four years. In my very first post I wrote these words:

I don't know how this blog will develop. I will probably post some funny stories along with everyday life type of stuff. Maybe an occasional serious discussion.

Life is like calling in a reliever from the Cubs bullpen. Ya never know what you're gonna get.

That is how it has turned out so far. Thanks for reading!

The Most Amazing Man Alive by Bluefish TV

Palin vs. Letterman

Let. It. Go.

Washington Nationals Game

After spending some time at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, we took the Metro over to Nationals Park. Some guy had some extra tickets ($50 tix that we got for $10 each -- awesome seats just five rows from the field). Nats beat the Reds 3-2.

Wednesday in D.C.

Spent some time at Union Station today. I knew that Ebenezers's (the coffee shop owned by National Community Church) was nearby, so we stopped in to get a cup.

Arlington

Visited Arlington Cemetery yesterday. I wish every American could see this place. The changing of the guard was very moving.

First Day in D.C.

I Think I Fed Luke Too Much Sugar

Shepherding the Flock

So I’ve been thinking lately about shepherding the flock. One of the responsibilities of the elders of church is shepherding. It is not their only responsibility -- they also oversee, teach, direct the affairs of the church, etc. In fact, the qualifications (or qualities) in Timothy and Titus barely even hint at shepherding. The greater emphasis seems to have been given to sound doctrine, guarding against false teachers, etc.

Have you ever seen a shepherding program that was effective? I remember Ben Merold (several years ago) telling us that every time he heard of a church that had a great shepherding program, he would try to visit as soon as he could. Usually by the time he got there, the program had unraveled. The typical practice in our churches is to divide the members/families of the congregation among the elders. So if there are three elders/pastors and ninety families, then each elder gets 30 families on his shepherding list (his flock). My experience has been that we have not put these men in a position to succeed. I wonder if part of the problem is the way we have defined shepherding. Usually the connotation is that of a personal chaplain. This is practically impossible when the church is larger than a few dozen people.

The early church was several thousand members strong before the first elder appeared (yes, there were apostles, but only 12 – and they devoted their attention to prayer and the ministry of the word). So how do we get better at this? Do we need to re-define shepherding? And how can the needs of the flock be met more effectively?

Should I Be Surprised?

Twenty years ago, this would have been political suicide, but now it is "perfectly acceptable."

Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,
who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?

Some of us have been having a discussion about Jesus ‘ words from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” I grew up hearing preachers describe the scene like this: “Jesus was taking all of the sins of the world upon Himself, and it was so bad that God could not stand to look upon all that sin, so He literally had to turn His back on His Son, forsaking him” (usually it was much more detailed and dramatic than that, but you get the idea). I probably even preached something like that in my early days.

After more study, and listening to some respected teachers, my view has changed. Jesus was quoting the beginning of Psalm 22 (which gives an amazingly detailed description of the crucifixion). Could Jesus, in referencing that Psalm, have been essentially saying, “Psalm 22 is now being fulfilled”? In addition, If God the Father had literally forsaken/abandoned His Son, then who was Jesus talking to when He said, “Father forgive them….” and “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit”?

What do you think?

Church Polity

Here is my latest article for reIGNITED:

Who is Running This Place?

One of the first questions asked about a business or company or even a church is, “Who is running this place?” or “Who is in charge around here?” The issue is leadership. You are hard pressed to find a thriving, dynamic, growing church that does not have godly, mature, spiritual leaders and people who are willing to follow them. One of the primary tenets of the Restoration Movement is that the Bible is the pattern by which the local church should be structured. There are scores of books and theories about leadership in today’s world, but the Scriptures are to be our guide.

Restoration Movement congregations have no denominational or hierarchical structure. They are independent and locally autonomous. Local churches are led by elders (pastors) who know the congregation and the community. In Acts 11, the term elders is first used in the context of the church, and in the epistles we often find references to local church leaders. In Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Three words are used in the New Testament to describe the same people: Elders, Shepherds, and Overseers (see Acts 20:17, 28).

Our Lord’s favorite metaphor for spiritual leadership, a figure often used to describe Himself, was that of a shepherd -- one who tends God’s flock. A shepherd leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects, and protects. The apostle Peter wrote, Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away (1 Peter 5:2-4).

The Holy Spirit saw fit to leave the church with some guidelines as to who would be fit to be in a position of leadership in God’s church (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Lynn Anderson, in his book They Smell Like Sheep, says that elders are to be men of experience, men of character, and men of vision. An elder is a spiritually mature man whom God had called as a leader/mentor/shepherd of the local church. Along with other spiritually mature men, he leads and feeds, and protects and inspects the flock. By example and instruction, he helps bring the congregation to maturity.

Many folks have a warped view of church leadership. They think it has to do with power, authority, and rule. This is a far cry from the New Testament model. Leaders in the local church are men who are spiritually mature, doctrinally sound, and relationally compassionate. Elders are responsible for teaching doctrine, administrating discipline, protecting the flock, praying for the flock, studying the Word of God, and overseeing the flock. Their many responsibilities can be summed up in two words: leading and feeding.

Pray for those who serve in this capacity in your congregation. Offer words of encouragement and appreciation. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you (Hebrews 13:17).

Talkin' Bout Regeneration

Last week, my friend David Willis posted some thoughts about regeneration. There is something to be said about the fact that if a person is saved, it should be readily visible in that person's life. His thoughts echoed what I had been reading recently:

Much is at stake in seeing the new birth in true biblical proportions. Heaven and hell are at stake – and a church in the world now that acts more like Jesus and less like the culture aground it. Which brings us back to where we started, namely, the claim that born again Christians have lifestyles of worldliness and sin that are indistinguishable from the unregenerate. I don’t think so. 1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” But my conviction is not rosy news for the church. It implies that there are millions of church attenders who are not born again.

That started my creative juices flowing, and I penned this little ditty (with apologies to The Who)

Did your conversion really take?
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)
Or is your Christianity fake?
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)
True repentance produces fruit
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)
You can’t get to Heaven by another route.
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)

Don’t be tryin’ to water it down
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)
Grow a spine, get doctrinally sound
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)

This is regeneration
This is regeneration, baby

What part of Acts 2:38 do you not understand?
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)
Baptism’s part of salvation’s plan
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)
I'm not trying to cause a big s-s-sensation
I'm just talkin' 'bout r-r-regeneration

Why don't you padded guys f-fade away?
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)
And don't try to dismiss what we all s-s-say
(Talkin' 'bout regeneration)
I'm not trying to cause a b-big s-s-sensation
I'm just talkin' 'bout r-r-regeneration

This is regeneration
This is regeneration, baby

Some Gave All

We remember the true reason for this holiday weekend. Freedom isn't free.

Ready for the Weekend

I'm sorry I haven't been posting much lately. Not much going on anyway.
But I have a fairly full weekend planned. Yard work today, then our monthly Men's Breakfast on Saturday, followed by a church work day. Then the usual Sunday stuff.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Tribute To Hall Of Fame Coach Chuck Daly

Happy Mother's Day

I think I posted this before, but my friend Trey put it on his blog and it reminded me to post it again for Mother's Day.

Worship Star

I like CCM and worship music, but I still thought this was pretty funny.

Theological Musings

This morning I was reading Acts 17-20. I was struck by a couple of things. First, does anyone agree with me that Apollos was re-baptized? If the Ephesians in Acts 19 were commanded to do so, isn’t it reasonable to assume that Apollos was too?

Also, every time I read Acts 20:7 these days, I think about how we have preached it over the years. I mean, THAT’S the definitive text that tells us that communion is on Sunday, every Sunday, and only on Sunday? Really?

He Is Not Silent

One of the “give-aways” at the Gospel Coalition last week was Al Mohler’s He Is Not Silent. It is a book about preaching, and it is excellent. I’m about halfway through it now. Here are a few gems:

The power of the Word of God, spoken through the human voice, is seen in the Bible’s unique power to penetrate all dimensions of the human personality.

Any consideration of Christian preaching must begin with the realization that preaching is essentially an act of worship.

A Major portion of Christendom is spiritually starved – and sound, biblical preaching has become an extremely rare commodity.

True preaching is never an exhibition of the brilliance or intellect of the preacher but an exposition of the wisdom and power of God.

This kind of humility in preaching is possible only when the preacher stands in submission to the text of Scripture.

When we say “preach”… what we mean is, very simply, reading the text and explaining it – reproving, rebuking, exhorting, and patiently teaching directly from the text of Scripture. If you are not doing that, then you are not preaching.

If the Bible is truly the enduring and eternal Word of God, it means what it meant even as it is newly applied in every generation.

Expository preaching demands a very different set of questions: Will I obey the Word of God? How must my thinking be realigned by Scripture? How must I change my behavior to be fully obedient to the Word?

Just for Fun

Preaching about the Holy Spirit this week. He's a wonderful gift. But some have sorta gone off the deep end. One of my friends wondered about a Foxworthy-esque list about it. Here's what I came up with:

You might be a Spirit-filled believer if...

You TiVo TBN.

You own the complete unabridged works of Benny Hinn.

You named your dog "Glossolalia."

You ask your barber to give you the Rod Parsley look.

Your church services are BYOS. Bring Your Own Snake.

You have a bumper sticker that reads, "My kids and my money go to ORU."

Your Facebook profile lists you as President of the "Special Anointing,
Double-Portion, Fire-Baptized, Extreme Unction Holy Ghost Fan Club."

You don't find the YouTube "farting preacher" clips the least bit funny.

You once tried to pray the "prayer of resurrection." At the funeral
home. During the funeral.

Your favorite movie is Robert Duvall's "The Apostle."

You once owned all of Jimmy Swaggart's albums...(wait for it),
but you had to return them because the holes in the middle kept healing up.

Happy 76th Birthday, Willie Nelson

Is Anyone Surprised?

I never did like this guy. Story here.

Between Two Worlds: Free Audio and Video from The Gospel Coalition Conference

Between Two Worlds: Free Audio and Video from The Gospel Coalition Conference

Posted using ShareThis

Post Conference Thoughts

I'm home from the Gospel Coalition. Wow, what a conference! I felt like I was drinking from a fire hydrant. I learned so much. It was very enjoyable. And I wasn't the only Arminian in attendance. Some observations:
Worship: I was struck by the depth of the worship songs (many were Puritan hymns, but some were new songs). They were theologically rich and full of biblical imagery. And the people seemed to understand what they were singing. sincerely worshipping the Lord.
Preaching: There was a strong commitment to expository preaching. In fact that was the bulk of the conference -- preaching through the book of 2 Timothy. The main speakers did an outstanding job.
Scripture: In three days I heard more about inerrancy and the inspiration of the Bible, as well as the affirmation of its power to change lives than I have in many years among my own tribe.
Doctrine: While I am not a Reformed type (i.e. a Calvinist), I honestly did not hear anything taught with which I disagreed. All the messages I heard could have been preached at any CofC campmeeting with no problem.

I can't wait 'til Sunday. I'm fired up to break the Bread of Life to God's people at The Creek.

Tuesday in Chicago

The Gospel Coalition conference began today. It was great. Over 3000 people were in attendance Tim Keller started things off, followed by John Piper (notes here). And Mark Driscoll preached an excellent message (notes here). I received a few free books, including an ESV Study Bible. Cool, eh?

The Gospel Coalition

I'm heading to Chicago tommorrow to attend The Gospel Coalition conference. No, I haven't turned Calvinist. But I think it will be an interesting three days.

Ramirez blasts Cubs to walk off victory - From cubs.mlb.com

The Dark Knight

Guys' night in tonight. Watching The Dark Knight.

Navy Seals 3, Pirates 0

Some countries give in to the pirates' demands and pay the ransom. We send the Navy Seals.

American sea Captain Richard Phillips was safely rescued from four Somali pirates Sunday, a U.S. intelligence official said. Three of the pirates were killed and one was in custody after what appeared to be a swift firefight off the Somali coast, the official said. Initial reports indicate Phillips jumped overboard for a second time and the military was able to take advantage of the situation. More here.

Sunday's Coming

Today's Devotional Thought

One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.

But then some strange prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
Those prints are large and round and neat,
"But Lord, they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones,
"For miles I carried you along.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."

"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know,
So I got tired, I got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt."

"Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand."

Sunday at The Creek

It was great to be back home today at Cedar Creek. The worship team did an outstanding job (as usual). There was a great spirit of enthusiasm among the people. I concluded my "Encountering Jesus" series, preaching about the crucifixion from Mark 15. He really does love us!

Tuesday in Nashville

Last day in Nashville. We had lunch at Pucketts Grocery, then we went to the Opryland Hotel. Wow, what a place!

GUITAR HERO: METALLICA Coaches

Saw this during yesterday's game. Hilarious.

Sunday Night

We had a great day today. It started with sleeping in a little, then enjoying some coffee and good fellowship (we preachers don't get too many leisurely Sunday mornings). We enjoyed worshipping with the Franklin Christian Church. Afterwards we went to Costco for lunch (they have the best lunch deal in town). It was next door the Dave Ramsey's headquarters (I cruised through the parking lot, wanting to take a picture, but I didn't want to feel like a dork -- eating at Costco was dorky enough).

Then we went to the home of some friends of our friends. Watched some March Madness and chilled out. Later there was an impromptu jam session with Rob Harris, Tonja Rose, and Fletcher. We really enjoyed that.

First Night in Nashville

Last night we went to a Nashville Predators hockey game. Afterwards we went to a post-game pizza party sponsored by Trevecca Nazarene University. Luke got an autograph from one of the Predators. Then we walked around downtown for awhile.
Going to church Sunday at Franklin Christian Church.

Nashville, Here We Come!

Tomorrow we leave for Nashville, TN. A little Spring Break getaway. We're looking forward to spending some time with our old friends Ward & Tonja Rose.

Random Thoughts

Last Sunday at The Creek was awesome. I am so blessed.

The Arby's Roastburger definitely does not live up to the hype.

Duplicity was a really weird movie.

I was enjoying my date with Tracy last night, so much that we completely forgot that it was 24 night. Hulu, here we come.

Four more days until VACATION!

March Madness Begins Today

The NCAA Tournament (also known as "March Madness") begins today. I must confess that I haven't followed college hoops through the regular season as much as I once did. However, I love to watch the tournament games. I'm involved in a couple of friendly "bracket pools" (with my staff, family, and college alumni). My final four picks are not too radical (three #1 seeds, and a #2):
North Carolina
Michigan State
Memphis
Duke
(with MSU & Carolina in the finals, with Carolina winning it all)

Let the games begin!

The Word

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:1-21

This passage is a portion of what I taught about tonight. What an awesome Scripture about the awesomeness of Scripture!

A Curious Trend

This upcoming Sunday's Christian Standard is the annual Christian College issue. They’ve added a new stat – percentage of students from Restoration Movement background. I was stunned at how low the figure is for some schools (William Jessup U – 15%; Hope International – 16%; Northwest Christian – 7.5%; Atlanta – 30%); and the low percentage overall (it looks like the average is around 60%).

I am pleased that “our colleges” are broadening the scope of influence and inclusion (and I do have a standard rebuttal to those who complain that “half of the students at _____________ are from denominations” – I tell them, “If you want to increase the percentage of RM students, then send more from your church.”).

I’m confident that some of these students will embrace N.T. Christianity when they learn about the way of God more adequately. However, I can’t help but wonder (and yes, I’ll admit that years of campmeetings and the like have probably contributed to my thinking; but personal observation bears this out as well) how many of these students will earn a degree and then go right back to their churches that are teaching false doctrine. And everybody thinks it’s great, because they are “serving God”. Or, even worse, they will find a ministry in one of our churches and bring their denominational doctrinal baggage with them.

I hope I'm wrong.

I Am a Christian

I've blogged about this before, but it's time to re-visit the topic.

Last Wednesday night I went on a mini-rant (surprising, I know) about people using the term "Christ-follower" rather than "Christian" (we were in 1 Peter, where it says, "If any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in that name"), including the PC/Mac, Christian/Christ-follower parody videos. I know why they do it. I don't have a problem with "Christ-follower", but the air of superiority over those who are still old-school (and biblical) enough to prefer "Christian" is simply unnecessary and dumb.

Similarly, I have noticed people now referring to Jesus as "forgiver and leader." Nothing wrong with that except when it is an intentional attempt to avoid the terms "Savior and Lord." Really? That's going to make the difference? I don't buy it.

Have a Great Weekend Everybody!

Paul Harvey

I first heard Paul Harvey on the radio when entered college. My roomate was a big fan of "The Rest of the Story."

He passed away yesterday at the age of ninety.

From his web site:

Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mr. Harvey began his radio career in 1933 at KVOO-AM, Tulsa, while he was still in high school. Later, while attending the University of Tulsa, he continued working at KVOO as an announcer, then as a program director.

Paul Harvey reached audiences way beyond the windy city in 1951, when he began his coast-to-coast “News and Comment” on the ABC Radio Networks. On May 10, 1976, Mr. Harvey began another series of programs on the ABC Radio Networks entitled “The Rest of the Story”, which delve into the forgotten or little known facts behind stories of famous people and events.

Today, Paul Harvey “News and Comment” and “The Rest of the Story” can be heard every Monday through Saturday. Paul Harvey News is the largest one-man network in the world, consisting of over 1200 radio stations, 400 Armed Forces Network stations that broadcast around the world, and 300 newspapers.

Rest in peace Paul, we loved you.

Hockey Night in Fort Wayne

Luke and I are going to the Komets game tonight.
Some quality father/son time. And the Komets games are always alot of fun.

Sunday at The Creek

Preached from Mark 5 today (healng of the demoniac), What an awesome truth --Jesus sets us free!

CPR Class

Last night we had a CPR class at the church building. A nurse from the congregation taught the class. Many of our staff members were involved (so she had her work cut out for her). I last took a CPR course in gym class in 1981, so it was time for a refresher. A lot has changed (number of compressions given, AED device, etc.). It was all very informative, and I'm glad I have this new knowledge. I just hope I never have to use it.

Sunday Sneak-Peek

This week I will be continuing in the Encountering Jesus series, preaching about the Parable of the Sower. Most people, when they read this parable, put themselves in the role of the sower. I think the Lord gives us some important principles in that regard. But I think greater emphasis needs to be given to the soil. This parable is not primarily about sowing, it’s about growing!

Most people, when they read this parable, put themselves in the role of the sower. I think the Lord gives us some important principles in that regard (explain). But I think greater emphasis needs to be given to the soil.
This parable is not primarily about sowing, it’s about growing!

Jesus speaks of four types of soil:
1. Hardened soil
2. Shallow Soil
3. Crowded Soil
4. Prepared Soil

What kind of soil am I?

Favre Retires, Again

Story here.

The Blue Parakeet

Last night I read Scot McKnight’s book, The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible. It was very good, much like Fee & Stuart’s How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Except for one thing -- McKnight devotes five chapters (five chapters!) to the role of women in the church today. He is an egalitarian. He rehearses the same tired arguments that have been refuted time and time again: (Pheobe, Priscilla’s name is mentioned before her husband’s, Junia, why would God give a gift and then restrict its use?, etc.). Other than that, the book was very thought-provoking.

Grammy Awards

Mrs. Soren and I watched most of the Grammy Awards show on Sunday night. I must be getting old, because each year I find myself uttering the phrase, "They call THAT music?"

I was also reminded that you can't spell "crap" without rap.

7 year old sings National Anthem

Wow!

Sunday Sneak-Peek

I'm looking forward to Sunday. Whenever I miss a Sunday in the pulpit (vacation, guest speaker, etc.), I am always anxious to return. I'm starting a new series called Encountering Jesus through the Gospel of Mark (leading up to Easter). This week's message is Encountering the Kingdom from Mark chapter 1. Main take-away: There's a King. And it's not you (or me). How 'bout this quote from Perry Noble? "Church isn't supposed to be our hobby. Jesus is supposed to be our passion." Amen!

Sunday at Cedar Creek

Today was a great day at The Creek. The buzz (excitement, enthusiasm, positive vibe, etc.) was palpable after the service. My friend David Willis can really preach! He's funny, engaging, motivating, and biblical. His message -- Jesus is coming again!

Update: Go Here for sermon audio. Click on the "Guest Speakers" tab.

Men's Retreat Update

The retreat at Lake James was great. David Willis did an awesome job bringing the Word to the guys. We had nearly 50 guys (including many first-timers) there. It was fun, challenging, encouraging, and motivating.

Last Sunday's Intro

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Luke Playing Guitar

Whatcha Talkin' 'Bout Willis?

I'm looking forward to having my old friend David Willis in town this weekend. He's going to speak at our Men's Retreat at Lake James Christian Assembly and preach at Cedar Creek on Sunday. We always have a lot of fun when we are together.

Here's a photo from way back in the day:

Young and Old Ferris

Ferris Bueller -- 23 Years Later

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is one of my favorite movies. Many children of the 80's (like me) have seen the movie many times. I was reading Mark Oestreicher's blog today, and he had a link to a "Where Are They Now?" kind of thing. He said that Jennifer Gray had changed the most, but my vote goes to Mia Sara (aka Ferris' girlfriend Sloane Peterson).

President Obama

I watched the Inauguration coverage. I agree with what my friend Danny Dodd said: "Now President Obama will begin to find out what it is really all about. My guess is- that once he is completely immersed into all things president, he will start to see that W was not quite the arrogant idiot he was made out to be. I think he will discover that it is one thing to be on the outside calling for change and be on the inside realizing that is ain’t that easy. But I wish him well. I do hope he can be the agent to turn our economy around. A lot of hopes are riding on him."

Get Rid of Your Crap!

Last month I read a blog post by Perry Noble and I immediately knew I wanted to develop it into a lesson for the Men of the Word (a group of guys from Cedar Creek that meets each month for a prayer breakfast and Bible lesson). In Deuteronomy 23:12-14 God tells the Israelites to bury their crap outside the camp. I have been digesting Perry's thoughts, and I have come up with something to share with the guys. A good lesson to start the new year:

Five ways to get rid of your crap:

1. Dump toxic thoughts.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

2. Flush foul fellowship.
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character.

1 Corinthians 15:33

3. Bury stinky attitudes.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

4. Purge putrid behavior.
Ephesians 4:1-3; 29-32

5. Wipe out whining.
Philippians 2:14-16

What God is Teaching Our Leaders

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of hosting the Area Ministers Meeting. I put some thoughts together regarding What God is Teaching Our Leaders. I came up with five areas that I think are important to any group of church leaders.

Compatibility
Compatibility with each other AND the people. Jesus said, "I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” People won’t follow leaders they don’t like or respect.

1 Thess. 5:12-13 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work Be at peace among yourselves.

Teachability
We must sharpen the saw. Learn, grow, stretch, etc. Be challenged. What is your plan for personal growth? What are you doing to feed your soul?

Accountability
To each other. To the church. To the Lord.

Flexibility
What needs to change? How can we make it better?

Predictability
What doesn't change? Commitment to prayer, the ministry of the Word, evangelism, faithfulness, excellence, etc.

American Idol

A.I. returned tonight. The kids love it, but I'm growing tired of it. The funniest parts are the auditions during the first few epsiodes. The people are different, but the train wrecks are all-too-familiar.

Jack is Back!

What's Happening?

I’m sorry I haven’t posted in a while. What has been going on?

I’ve been on Facebook for some time now, but I haven’t been very active with it. But it seems like a lot of my friends and family have discovered it recently, so it has been fun to re-connect with people.

New Year’s resolutions are going well. I have started running regularly again. Thanks to Trey Morgan and Perry Noble for the motivation.

I’m enjoying the new sermon series that I’m preaching this month: One Month to Live (inspired by Kerry Shook’s book).

I’m looking forward to the end of the month when my old friend David Willis comes to teach at our Men’s Retreat and preach at Cedar Creek.

Happy New Year!