God is in Charge of the Weather

"But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" - Matthew 8:27

We are having a revival meeting with Dr. Joe Mark here at Elmwood Baptist Church this week. Most revival meetings these days only go through Wednesday. This particular meeting was scheduled through Friday. Earlier this week, we saw on the weather report that we were supposed to get snow going into the weekend. About twenty-four hours ago, the forecast called for 6-10 inches of snow in our area. A little bit of snow wouldn't have been a big deal, but half a foot or more could really put a damper on the final night of the revival meeting. We began to pray.

We had a few skiffs of light snow yesterday afternoon and this morning. There wasn't enough snow to stick to your windshield, let alone the ground. Local newscasters are literally apologizing and saying that "somehow" this major storm that was coming from the northwest was pushed south of us overnight.

I'm glad we serve the same God who calmed the wind and the sea when He was in the boat with His disciples. We have seen God answer prayer in a powerful way. Praise Him!

Thinking Highly of Man

"And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"
-1 Corinthians 4:6-7

I have only been saved for a little less than 11 years. I did not grow up in a Bible preaching church, let alone an Independent, Baptist church. I got saved after hearing the Gospel for the first time when I was sixteen years old. I have only had three pastors in my Christian life. I was the pastor for the last 3 years. My first pastor was Gary Randall at Florence Baptist Church in Florence, MT. My youth pastor, Tim Johnson, took the pastorate at FBC when Pastor Randall left in 1999. When I went to Bible college, Paul Chappell was my pastor at Lancaster Baptist Church. Pastor Randall is my pastor again here in Brighton, CO.

As I have gotten to know many Christians from many "camps" in the IFB circles, I have noticed a sad truth. Many Christians seem to be having a knee jerk reaction to an experience with an overbearing pastor. I have heard many call into question the authority of their pastor because of something that happened in the past. I have to be honest, I cannot relate with these people in any way. All three of my pastors were wonderful men of God who loved me and the people they served. I have no idea what people are feeling who have been "burned" by a preacher. I am not trying to judge them in this post, I'm just trying to state my concern regarding their reaction.

When writing to the church at Corinth, Paul had to deal with man-worship. This seems to be the root of the problem in churches today according to some of the hurting Christians I know. Paul dealt with this problem in 1 Corinthians 1:12, "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." This was certainly an issue that Paul had to address. There is no room in the church for man-worship or the forming of camps within a local church around a specific man. The church is to be a unified camp built on none other than Jesus Christ Himself.

This truth is obvious, but it makes what Paul said in the opening passage to this post very interesting. In 1 Corinthians 4:6, the Bible tells us that we should "...learn in us not to think of men above that which is written..." In other words, it is written that we should think highly of certain men. We are simply warned not to think too highly of them. Here is a balance that I think some Christians are swinging to the opposite end of after being hurt by a preacher.

The simple fact is that human beings don't like authority in any form. Hebrews 13:18, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." Friend, that is speaking of those that God has placed in a position of spiritual authority over you. The President of the United States will not give account for your soul. The Governor of your state will not give account for your soul. The Mayor of your city will not give account for your soul. God is speaking of spiritual leadership there. We are to think highly of them and follow their leadership. Paul challenged the elders at Ephesus in Acts 20:28, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." These elders were charged with the oversight and the feeding of the flock. Again, human nature is to resist those that are "over" us. The truth is that there are people that God has placed over us and we are to think highly of them.

Now, I have no doubt in my mind that there are people in positions of authority in churches across this country who constantly take advantage of and twist that authority. They have missed the truth of 1 Corinthians 4:7, "For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?" They have failed to remember that it was God who placed them in that position of authority, not they themselves. If a person in this position comes to the place where they believe they arrived there on their own merit or because they deserved it, the end result will be that they conclude they are accountable to no one. This is extremely detrimental to that individual and the church in which they serve.

I am sorry if you have truly had a bad experience with a rogue pastor. However, I do want to remind you to submit to those that God has placed over you. Simply follow the advice God gave to the church at Corinth. "Learn...not to think of men above that which is written."

Today's News

It's painfully obvious that most national news sources are angled left of center. It's nearly impossible to find Christianity or a conservative politician painted in a good light. I have three news websites in my "News" folder on my bookmark bar for Firefox. Those three are: Yahoo News, CNN and Fox News. Fox is obviously the more balanced of the three. There are times when I read Yahoo and CNN that I feel like I'm reading leftist propaganda. It's fine, I've just learned to read it with a grain of salt.

The most sickening thing I find today is what actually passes for "news." I was eating dinner tonight at a restaurant that had TV's with sports and news on. The headline that dominated the news station (95% of air time) was: "Larry Birkhead is the father of Anna Nicole's baby." Who cares?! I praise God that it wasn't one of the three major headlines on the Yahoo or Fox News websites. CNN had it as their main/photo headline story. I knew I could count on CNN. If I wanted to read the tabloids, I would just pick up The Star at my local Safeway.

94 at Saddleback

I went golfing this afternoon again at Saddleback golf course. It's hard to believe how nice it was after seeing freezing temperatures and snow for the last three days. I was able to salvage a 94. I was driving, chipping and putting very well. I've had major problems with my irons the last week or so. I need to get to the driving range and work out that problem. I was actually two over after five holes, but things went downhill pretty quick from there. I made a 25 foot putt for par on the 9th hole, but didn't get another par the rest of the day. Yahoo handicap tracker has me rated at 21.7 now. If I can get my irons working again, the scores would definitely be back in the 80's.

The Nativity Story

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
- Luke 2:1-7

Happy Easter everybody! I know the verses above tell the Christmas story, but I had to mention them since my wife and I just watched The Nativity Story last night. If you know me at all, then you know I'm not one to jump on the latest pop-Christian bandwagon or fad. I did watch Passion of the Christ, but that wasn't until it was out on DVD for months. I simply want to recommend The Nativity Story to anyone who reads this blog. The movie was very well done and Biblically accurate (Mary and the other leading ladies weren't dressed up like nuns...the Catholic church can thank Mel Gibson for that plug). There were a few things added to the story that could have happened but aren't necessarily in the Bible account. Also be ready for the three wise men to provide the comic relief. That was kind of unexpected, yet enjoyable. If you watch the TV show 24, you'll have to block from your mind that terrorists play Elizabeth and the angel who speaks to Joseph and Mary. Overall, I was very impressed with the quality and accuracy of the movie.

Church for Men?

Click here to read this article on Foxnews.com. If you have any respect for God's Word, it might make you sick. Church for men? Last I checked, the church was for everybody. I understand the necessity of reaching out to people and trying to connect with them, but I really doubt this is what Jesus had in mind for His church! I'm guessing the Holy Spirit has nothing to do with the services and obviously the Bible isn't too high on the priority list.

My favorite part is the "shot clock" for the preacher's sermon. He better be done before the buzzer sounds! This is man-centered ministry at its finest.

Ye Which Are Spiritual

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
- Galatians 6:1-2

Over the last year or so, I have heard quite a bit about two high profile collapses in the ranks of Christendom. Sometime last year, I got the news that Bob Gray from Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL had been living in denial of gross sin for decades. Not too long ago, the nationally recognized case of Ted Haggard's sexual and addictive sins was flashed all across the news stations and papers. I am not surprised at all by the fact that I would hear about these things, and even be constantly reminded about them, by the wordly news companies. The unregenerate have every reason to desire to hurt the testimony of Christ and His followers.

What truly saddens me is how much I hear about the situations from "mature" Christians. In no way am I excusing these men by making the points I am in this post. However, the Bible is very clear how we are to respond to the sin of brothers and sisters in Christ. It sickens me to see the gross details of the situations plastered all over Christian "news" sites and blogs. I had "mature" Christians coming to me repeatedly to "talk" about the Bob Gray ordeal and to use that as a reason to attack that camp of Independent, Fundamental Baptists. The truth is, you can find failure like this in any "camp" or flavor of Christianity (and I use that term loosely). The reason for that is that there are people in every camp. People will make mistakes! There are a lot of things I don't agree with about the Neo-Evangelical crowd. I don't like a lot of their philosophies or methods. However, you will never hear me say, "I can't stand the Neo crowd because of sickos like Ted Haggard!" All of that talk and character assasination is the most irresponsible and immature response to those kind of situations.

Galatians 6 clearly teaches that those of us who are spiritual are to restore the one who has fallen, not gossip about them and kick them while they're down. If you aren't involved in the situation, then you obviously can't help restore the individual. If you can't restore the individual, you shouldn't concern yourself with the situation in any way.

If you want to tell me that Bob Gray or Ted Haggard or whoever sinned and they can no longer be in the ministry, that's fine. After that, I don't want to hear about it! I don't need to hear about it. I'm not mad at those men, nor has there ever been a moment where I hated them for what they did. My only response is sorrow. I'm sorry that the cause of Christ was hurt and I'm sorry they did this to themselves. I'm sorry they will have to face the consequences of their sin.

Galatians 6 tells us to restore these Christians in meekness, considering ourselves, lest we should be tempted. The way I see some Christians attack people like this is a sure sign of pride. We all know what comes after pride! (Proverbs 16:18) Our response to these situations determines whether we fulfill the "law of Christ." I see far too many Christians failing to fulfill that law. If you find yourself wanting to make sure everybody knows all the details of these moral failures or if you want to attack someones "camp" because of their individual sin, you need to grow up! You are not spiritual, you are carnal!

Top 10 Ways to Encourage Your Preacher

Last week, I posted a link to a blog post that gave 10 ways to get your preacher to quit. Click here to find 10 ways to encourage your preacher. Like I said about the last list, every Christian should read this. If you hesitate for a second on any of these suggestions, you have some serious issues. I wouldn't worry too much about "hurting" your preacher by doing anything suggested in this post.

A Discerning Preacher

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." - 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

I believe that Paul was a Spirit led preacher. When he preached God's Word, He was preaching exactly what God wanted him to preach and how God wanted Him to preach it. That is truly the goal for any preacher.

I've heard people criticize preachers for not preaching the "meat" of the Word. I am not saying that there is never any room for criticism like that, but I am saying that there are circumstances where that criticism carries no weight. Paul found himself in that position in Corinth.

Paul was speaking to Christians. He called them "brethren" in vs. 1. He spoke of the time he had invested preaching to them in vs. 2 where he said, "I have fed you with milk..." It's kind of nice to know that everybody Paul preached to didn't mature into super Christians after just a week or two of ministry. Paul was dealing with people just like preachers today deal with people. The spiritual maturity process takes time.

Paul had already preached to them the "milk" of the Word and he says at the end of vs. 2 that they still weren't ready for the "meat." Just because somebody has tasted the "milk," doesn't mean they're ready for the "meat." Paul literally said he "could not speak" to them as "spiritual" in vs. 1. But hadn't they already heard the milk? Yes, but that didn't mean they were spiritual. When Paul said that he "could not speak" to them as mature Christians, that does not refer to his inability to do so. He was perfectly capable of preaching to them the "meat" of God's Word through the power of the Spirit. That statement referred to the fact that the Spirit would not let him. Like I said before, Paul was most definitely a Spirit led preacher. I'm afraid that some Christians I know would have criticized Paul for not preaching the "meat" of the Word to these believers.

Believe me, there is such a thing as lazy preachers. Studying for messages is one of the hardest things I've ever done. There is a temptation to slack in that area. Every preacher is tempted in that area. Pray for your preacher.

The truth is that, to a certain degree, we determine what we're going to get from the preaching of God's Word. God knows if we need the "milk" or the "meat." God knows if we are "spiritual" or "carnal." Instead of criticizing a preacher for the content of his message or your perceived lack thereof, why not ask yourself if God gave him that message because of your spiritual condition? It's possible that He is Spirit led in his preaching, even though you may think he's not.

A Close Call...Way Too Close

" For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." - Psalm 5:12

I have no righteousness in and of myself. Nobody does. If anybody has any righteousness, it is because of their faith in the Saviour, Jesus Christ. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21 That verse states one of the most powerful and awesome truths ever revealed to mankind.

God will truly bless the righteous. He is truly a shield to me as His child. I am thankful for the protection He provides in my life and in the lives of those I love.

Here at my in-laws house, they have a drainage pipe of some sort in their unfinished basement. The pipe is about one and a half feet across at the opening. It goes straight down about one and a half feet and after that it is filled with water. I don't know how deep it is beyond that. There is a lid covering the opening that appears to be very heavy and possibly even screwed onto the pipe. It turns out that is not the case. The lid weighs about as much as a frisbee and isn't attached in any way to the hole.

This morning, at about 8 AM, my 20 month old son fell into that hole by accident. Nobody was down there with him when he fell, so we don't really know how it happened. My mother-in-law heard him yell from the main floor and she said she knew immediately what had happened. I was still laying in bed and Kim had just got up when her mom yelled up the stairs that the baby had fallen. By the time I put some clothes on and was heading downstairs, Kim already had David in her arms and was carrying him upstairs for a bath. He was about 1.5 feet underground and about waist deep in water. If he had fallen in head first, things could have turned out very differently.

Needless to say, I'm learning more and more how a parent feels when their child is in danger. When I look into that hole and think of my baby being down their, it just makes me sick. I thank God that David fell feet first. I also thank God that David hadn't fallen in their some other time when he went downstairs without anybody knowing.

Thank God for His watchful eye!