 Campbellsville
Baptist Church |
420 N. Central Avenue |
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Campbellsville
Baptist Church |
420 N. Central Avenue |
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06/01/2009 11:18 PM Read Older Blog Entries: |
9/18/08 An invasion occurred in central Kentucky. The power of the incarnation was evident in the South Central Kentucky Go Tell Crusade that was used to present the message of the Gospel to hundreds. Sunday, I will continue the sermon series entitled “The Faith.” This series is committed to seven cardinal doctrines of the faith. This Sunday we focus on Jesus Christ and the incarnation. The incarnation is the invasion of God into our world in the person of Jesus Christ as a sign of God’s radical love for each person. The power of this incarnation is evident in the many decisions of Jesus Christ this week. The invasion brought the love of God to our community and school campuses. Here are the recent numbers: Crusade Nightly Totals Sunday 26 professions of faith 30 rededications Monday 15 professions of faith 28 rededications Tuesday 17 professions of faith 17 rededications Wednesday 132 professions of faith 85 rededications Campbellsville University First Class (freshman) 120 professions of faith 10 rededications Convocation (campus wide) 40 professions of faith Marion Adjustment Center 43 professions of faith Total Professions of Faith 393 Total
Rededications
170 Total Crusade
Decisions 563 Praise the Lord! I want to personally
invite you to attend our morning worship services at 8:30 or 11:00 AND attend
our special baptism service at Green River Lake State Park this Sunday at 3 PM.
Please call the church office if you would like more information about Sunday,
270-465-8115. Pastor on the run: running some this week to prepare for Cow Day’s on Saturday. 9/5/08 If you want to cause a mass exodus in most churches, announce you are beginning a seven part sermon series on doctrine. Well, I am announcing that I am beginning a seven part sermon series on doctrine. The goal of this series is to fulfill the charge of Jude 3, “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” I believe that doctrinal preaching does not have to be boring. Doctrine preaching should dance! This is the phrase used by Dr. Robert Smith in his excellent book, “Doctrine that Dances,” (Broadman and Holman, 2008). I am a student of Dr. Smith. He was on my doctrinal committee at Beeson Divinity School. Dr. Smith believes that doctrinal preaching should be both content centered and intent centered. It should have substance but it should also have relevance. We have all suffered and I have preached sermons that were cognitive and not emotive. True preaching should inform and inspire. We should leave worship knowing something about God, and challenged to live for God in our world. To the other extreme, some sermons (and I have preached a few of these as well), only get people excited and emotional. Worshippers leave excited, but have not increased the deposit of their faith. So come Sunday! Come pray with me and read Genesis chapters one and two as we consider the first pillar of truth called, “Creation.” Pastor on the run: ran the Nike “The Human Race 10K,” last weekend at 6.22 at 54’51”. 8/28/08 The sermon series
concludes this Sunday with SuperStar
Spirituality: A biblical answer to celebrity religion, Bono and Christianity.
Ask anyone who follows rock music or has ever seen a magazine cover, and they
will know or recognize Paul David Hewson or Bono. Like many artists he has been
greatly influenced by Jesus Christ. His music often includes references to
Jesus Christ. One such song is called, “When Love Comes To Town.” Bono may not be the most fitting example of discipleship or possess a faith that sees the essential work of the church, but there is one thing undeniable. Jesus Christ has influenced this man’s life. Clearly Bono is a follower of Jesus Christ that encompasses the mission of our Lord, the atoning death on the cross, and the authority of His teachings. As the world’s most famous rock star, Bono’s influence as a Christian is refreshing in the maze of spiritual mush that exists today. Join us Sunday as we discover how this Jesus Christ can also change your life. Pastor on the run: Ran 3.53 at 31’52” with a pace of 9’00” and hope to run the Nike 10K human race this weekend. 8/22/08 I have to admit something. As I studied this week for Sunday’s sermon, SuperStar Spirituality: A biblical answer to celebrity religion, this week we will study Oprah Winfrey and New Age, I discovered that the church can learn from this movement. Sunday’s sermon will outline a clear biblical response to the heresies of New Age theology as espoused by its high priestess Oprah. Christianity Today has an excellent article, although it is now somewhat dated, concerning Oprah’s spirituality. At the conclusion the author shares several insightful comments concerning the movement: 1. Americans
remain spiritually hungry. 2. Americans
are interested in practical spirituality. 3. Americans
yearn for a hopeful spirituality. 4. Americans
like to dabble in a variety of belief systems. Although I am not suggesting we adopt all of these, especially the fourth lesson, we can learn from them. We live in a new world that is just as spiritually hungry as before the I-pod and PC. Men and women are still on a spiritual quest. They also want to know how to be happy, deal with their kids, finances and work. These are all issues addressed in the Bible. They also need hope and we know the greatest hope is found in Jesus Christ. Finally, several asked about additional reading material for Scientology. I would suggest: ·
To
contact Karen Pressley and her Wings of Love Ministry. Send an email to
wingsofloveministries@msn.com or write Wings of Love Ministries, c/o Atlanta
Community Ministries, 7 Piedmont Center, Suite 420, 3525 Piedmont Rd NE,
Atlanta, GA 30305. Her office can be reached at (404) 841-0800, ext. 205. ·
Seven
Secrets to Timeless Beauty,
published by Harvest House ·
L.
Ron Hubbard: Messiah or Madman, by Bent Corydon Pastor on the run: finished the “No Man Left Behind” 10 K at 54:25 and have enjoyed several good runs this week. 8/13/08 When did Tom Cruise become a “preacher?” This icon of my generation was the symbol of adolescent rebellion and young adult adventure. As a proud 1985 high school graduate, Tom Cruise was the coolest guy we all knew. He was the standard of cool. He was the guy all guys wanted to be like in high school. His films became rites of passage for busters across our country. In truth the only thing Tom Cruise and I had in common was that we lived in Louisville, Kentucky. An interesting thing happened while I was not looking. Tom Cruise became a religious prophet. I was busy for a couple of decades with marriage, children, earning degrees, and ministry and during this time he became a spokesman for religion. This shift from Hollywood megastar to evangelist for Scientology is symptomatic of our times. We live in a different world where the opinion of a movie star is more valued than the teachings of the church. Join me Sunday as we begin a three part sermon series entitled, “Super Star Spirituality.” Pastor on the run: Ran a good three miles yesterday and resting some for the “No Man Left Behind” 10k on Saturday. See our homepage for more details of this weekend. 7/24/08 My wife and I live in a divided home. She watches HGTV, I watch FOX News, and our kids are trying to get in some Hannah Montana time. I am a loving husband so I will tolerate, for a while, the multiple shows about home improvement. Flip this house, fix that mess or bulldoze this pile. They are all variations on the theme. The owners must estimate the cost of a project with the benefits. I am prone to overestimate the benefits of something and underestimate the cost. The same is true with discipleship. The church makes discipleship easy, and convenient. All you need is morning devotion and a workbook in the evening and presto, you are a disciple! The biblical expectations of discipleship are grave yet rewarding. Begin reading Matthew 10:24-39 concerning the cost and benefit of true discipleship. Pastor on the run: Ran three this AM with Jackaroo. 7/17/08 From the Barna group we learn that more than half of born again Christians (54%) feel a sense
of responsibility to tell others about their faith (2007). Christians when put
in the divine moment would tell of their faith in Jesus Christ. There is a
substantial difference between telling someone that you follow Jesus Christ and
sharing with someone exactly how they too can become followers of Jesus Christ.
The most effective directions for driving are specific and detailed. This
Sunday the focus of the sermon will be how to share the plan of salvation with
someone. The directions will be specific and detailed. “Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins,” James 5:20. Pastor on the run: Went kayaking with Ironmen this week so
have only run 6’27” miles but did record my best mile at 8’54” 7/09/08 As a family we watched a great comedy DVD of Bill Cosby. Many of you will remember this vintage routine of his trip to the dentist office. The highlight for us was his humor about family life. We watched it and laughed out loud. (Warning: some of the humor is certainly PG-13). Using his Cosby trademarked humor, he said of his father, “I brought you into this world and I can take you out.” Every father has thought this before. It is humorous because the most precious thing a father has is his son or daughter. This was certainly true of Abraham to Isaac. Begin reading this amazing story in the Bible found in Genesis 22:1-14. As you read this account, take special notice how the anticipation builds throughout the story. Pastor on the run: Ran 3.5 miles with Jack this morning just before the downpour of rain. 6/26/08 The Bible teaches that we should, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it,” Proverbs 22:6. This is our goal as parents but it sure is nice to have a break from the “training” business. This week our daughters have been away. Our oldest is on the youth mission trip to Virginia Beach and our youngest is at CentriKid camp. Leigh Anne and I have been without kids. The dogs have gotten much more attention, we have eaten what and when we wanted; we have watched “our” TV shows and listened to our music. It has been wonderful, but we miss them terribly. I need my daughters to come home before my wife begins another painting project. I can’t wait to hear the hum of hair dyers, and have a cold shower. The break has been nice, but it is time to resume the “training” business again. Join us Sunday for our special combined worship service when we celebrate the life change in 112 kids this week. Pastor on the run: ran 9.29 miles so far this week with an average pace of 9.24 per mile. 6/18/08 There are three stations on my satellite car radio that I most often use: 32, 121 and 16. Channel 32 is the contemporary Christian channel and I listen to it 60% of the time. Channel 121 is Fox News and I listen to it 20% of the time. Channel 16 is the country station and it gets the remainder of my drive time. I listen to country music because I can’t understand most other top 40 songs and what I can understand is offensive. Really, I sound like my parents, but at least the music of the 80’s left something to the imagination. The urban songs that dominate top 40 leave nothing to the imagination. As I listen to country music, I have been struck by the number of songs with references to church, church life and of God. They are exclusively sentimental references to faith. I have become somewhat of a country music fan. Sentimental is an adjective meaning, “affectedly or extravagantly emotional.” When one considers the biblical witness of our Lord, it could not be called sentiment. The Bible presents a Jesus who is Lord, and sovereign as does the teachings of our faith. Begin reading I Peter 3:10-4:6 in preparation for Sunday. Pastor on the run: ran 3.12 this morning at 28:45 with a pace of 9:11. Jack is keeping up nicely with the three mile run. 6/5/08 I love Vacation Bible School! One of my early childhood memories of church in our town in Ohio was VBS; learning Bible stories, making a God’s eye craft with sticks and yarn, eating dozens of cheap sandwich cookies, and drinking watered-down Kool-aid. Now those were the days! VBS has come a looonnnggg way. This year’s VBS theme is Outrigger Island: Living God’s Unshakeable Truth. This is an impactful week for our nation and our church. Consider these VBS vitals as a denomination: • Over 2.0 million people were enrolled. • Over 94,000 decisions to accept Christ were reported. • More than 3,000 people committed their lives to church-related vocations. • V.B.S. is the single largest outreach event for most churches. • About 26% of baptisms in the SBC are the result of VBS. • More people have come to know Jesus as Savior through VBS than through any other single outreach event. VBS is a vital ministry of our church. Consider last year for example: · 288 kids were enrolled last year · 221 daily average of kids in attendance · 114 volunteers · 5 professions of faith! What can you do? Church members can volunteer to work and help with the only daytime VBS in our community. Second, pray for the one-hundred plus workers and all the children who will be attending. Third, look down your street, apartment complex, and neighborhood and personally invite and offer to bring children to VBS. Pastor on the run: running in the A.M. with Jack at a good pace for three miles. We are not breaking any records, but he is learning to run. My lab likes to pick up things along the road and carry them as he runs. 5/28/08 It has become a game in our family. They call it, “Find a grey hair on Dad.” I call it, “Humiliate the old man.” Now don’t take me wrong, when I consider the balding men in my family tree, I am happy to have any hair even grey hair. They are delighted to see Dad age, and I am increasing trying to resist the eventually and inevitable process—aging. Begin reading II Corinthians chapter four with emphasis on verse 16-18. Sunday’s sermon is entitled, “Soul Lift.” Pastor on the run: ran 5.02 miles at 47:53 with a pace of 9:32, then I ate two hamburgers and a hotdog! 5/23/08 If you have lived more than fifteen years then you have already learned some things -some good and some not so good. In our final sermon of the “Get a Life!” series we will consider what you need to learn to reach your goal. Hopefully an area of interest has started to come into focus in which you can concentrate for your life’s purpose. By developing this gift or talent you are most likely able to make the greatest contribution through your life and in the Kingdom of God. This Sunday we will consider learning. What learning needs to occur in order for you to reach your goal? First, you may need to unlearn some things. For example, I have noticed that I have an annoying habit of finishing someone’s sentence. Come to find out this little habit of mine is not appreciated by others, but a tiresome little habit. By learning things about yourself, skills needed for your profession and most of all learning about God, you are able to bring about effective change and focus so you can --- oops I almost finished my own sentence - Get a Life! Godly knowledge is high-grade gasoline according to the Bible. Through scripture we are encouraged, commanded, and warned to gain wisdom. Begin reading through chapters one and four of Proverbs for Sunday. We will also be having our annual Memorial Day emphasis and honoring our deceased church members. Pastor on the run: recorded my best mile for sometime just under nine minutes. 5/14/08 You will have a purpose in heaven. You will not sit around on fluffy clouds listening to elevator music. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 clearly teaches that we will not only have a purpose in heaven, but it will be built upon our understanding and use of our purpose in this life. “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness,” Matthew 25:21 (NIV). Notice the comparative use of here, “few” and there (heaven) “many” things. This parable is one of three parables about heaven. See the preceding parables entitled The Day and Hour Unknown and The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Get a life now because you will need it in heaven! Begin reading the parable of the talents and come ready to worship and study on Sunday. Pastor on the run: ran five miles on Monday, and walked yesterday with Jack. 5/7/08 I do not know of anyone who has failure as a goal for his or her life. No one sets out in life to be a zero, a flunk-out, a drop-out or to fizzle-out. Everyone I know has goals, plans and ambitions. What is the difference between those people who get a life and those individuals who only talk about getting a life? I believe the difference is progress toward a goal. Satan is real and his purpose is to keep you only hoping to have a life. He is a thief who would come and take your dreams and goals away from you. One of his greatest tools is delay. If he can convince you to delay doing what would bring you joy and purpose then he has you in his grasp yet for another week. Jesus taught, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” John 10:10 NIV. Join me Sunday in the third of this sermon series entitled, “Get a Life!” This Sunday’s sermon is entitled, “What is My Scorecard?” Begin reading and studying II Corinthians 10. I also encourage you to purchase the book, “Get A Life!” by Reggie McNeal from Broadman and Holeman Press. See you Sunday! Pastor on the run: ran 5.01 at 46:34 minutes with a pace of 9:16 mile, but who is counting… 5/2/08 We will continue this week with the second sermon in the series entitled, “Get A Life!” I’m indebted to the great work of Reggie McNeal in the book with the same title. I am even more indebted to the examples of our Lord and the apostle Paul. This week we will example how life values should support your emerging life missions. The Gospel record the laser like focus of our Lord in that every actions support his mission as savior of the world. The apostle Paul also exhibited personal values of commitment, faith and love that completely supported his mission as missionary to the gentles. Most people I know have never sat down and listed their values, let along ask the question if theses values get them to where they want to go. Pastor on the run: have put in eight miles this week with the Nike+ very cool. 4/16/08 I will be away this Sunday in revival at First Baptist Church Greenville, Kentucky. This Sunday is Gideon Sunday, an annual time when we hear a report about the work of Gideon’s International. I totally support their efforts to promote the Word of God. In a way, every Sunday in our church is “Gideon Sunday.” After I read our Scripture passage for the sermon, we stand and I say, “The Word of God, for the people of God, thanks be to God!” We collectively affirm the central role of scripture in the believer’s life. It is the stand for all teaching and instruction for the believer. Every morning I work through the Navigator’s Bible reading plan with many of you. I affirm, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” II Timothy 3:16. Pastor on the run: Ran five miles both on Monday and Tuesday preparing for the mini at the end of the month. 4/11/08 The girls and I made a quick trip out of town for dinner and our excursion ended with a stop by the mall in Elizabethtown. My two daughters were happy to be in their natural habitat—a mall and I prepared for the inevitable question, “Can we get something?” My reply was without a hesitation, “No.” They rebutted with “why” and I replied that we were experiencing a slowdown in economic activity. That is the phrase used by economists about our economy. We are in a recession and many are affected by this years challenges, some more than others. How do Christians respond during a recession? This is the topic for Sunday’s sermon entitled, “Recession, Depression and Solutions.” Join us for this practical sermon for biblical solutions to help during our slowdown in economic activity. We left the mall without a shopping bag in our hand, but we laughed and talked all the way home—it was a good day with my daughters and it only cost me dinner. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 Pastor on the run: three miles yesterday after my illness and have a lot of work to do to prepare for the mini on the 26th. 4/3/08 Have you ever needed a vacation from vacation? I do. The Alexander family returned this week from several days in Gatlinburg. We left for vacation excited and healthy. I returned tired, broke, and with a severe cold. I need a vacation from vacation. The great benefit was to be with the family and enjoy quality and quantity time together. Busy dads often excuse their absence from the home by having some quality time on a Saturday morning. The truth is that godly parenting demands both quality and quantity. One would be hard pressed to fulfill the biblical instructions of parenting found in Deuteronomy 11:19-20 or the spousal instructions found in Ephesians five with only quality time. Family life demands both. Join us Sunday for worship. I will be preaching from Luke 17:11-19. Pastor on the run: Last week I was able to reach 22.5 miles running and enjoyed several runs through a wilderness trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. 3/19/08 It has been two days since The Journey to Easter, and I am still amazed by the giftedness and spirit of ministry in our church. The Journey to Easter was a re-creation of Jerusalem two days after the resurrection. Guests were welcomed to the city by the census taker. The blind man still had 20/20 vision two days after the resurrection. The woman at the well was still satisfied with the living water offered by Jesus two days after the resurrection. Shopkeepers, artisans, and beggars greeted the visitors to a Hollywood-like world. Two days after the resurrection Simon of Cyrene wanted to tell his story, the blacksmith and his able assistant, shared how the nails were used to crucify Jesus of Nazareth. Before the guests were re-admitted into the world, they heard from the Roman centurion who was assigned the gruesome task of capital punishment. Two days later the soldier was a changed man. With the intensity and sharpness that matched his custom, he told visitors that he knew Jesus was alive! Over sixteen hundred pilgrims made their way through The Journey to Easter. Many were impressed by the artistry and creativity of our church, but I am reminded of two young boys. They were impressed by the animals and the Disney-like quality of our fair city. These two boys watched the speakers, but it was the last actor that captured their attention and heart. The boys could not take their young eyes off the centurion. They believed that this man knew Jesus Christ. The young boys were caught-up in the moment. The actor’s last lines were followed by the tour guide’s invitation to exit. Before the boys could leave, they ran to the centurion and hugged the rugged soldier with a soft heart. He was not just an impressive Roman officer, follower of Jesus Christ, but he was also their dad. Two days or two thousand years later, still and always, Jesus is alive! Pastor on the run: five-mile run on Monday with Jack Sparrow. 3/13/08 I went to Jerusalem last night and will have a much different Easter because of it. Once again I was amazed by the gifts, talents, dedication, and Christian witness of our church family. WOW! I say this not because I am the pastor, but because of the potential of this experience to encourage you to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ and renew your walk with our risen Lord this Easter. Come and go on this journey with me. You will enter Jerusalem just days after the resurrection. Experience the marketplace, hear how the woman at the well’s life was forever changed, walk by the temple, hear a disciple recount his experience in the garden, and experience the harshness of Roman “justice.” I was even able to give alms to a beggar played by my own daughter! (She took after my side of the family). Come and join us on this journey: The Journey to Easter March 14, 15, & 16 You and your family can walk through this experience from 6:30 to 8:30 nightly. Families with children are encouraged to attend! Pastor on the run: four mile run on the first spring like day! 3/12/08 I have not posted an update on my blog because I have been cheating. Yes, that’s right, I have chosen to cheat. Well, at least, that is what Andy Stanley refers to in the issue of boundaries in his latest book, “Choosing to Cheat.” It is a title with a twist. The young evangelical leader returns to the issue of family and work with a biblical foundation in the story of Daniel in the Old Testament. Do not deny those individuals or your core identity your attention, but make the choice for those secondary concerns to suffer. I gave my copy to a church member going through some mid-life re-management issues. The person read the book in a day and returned it with praise. Stanley does a fine job communicating the need to our culture but under develops the biblical foundation making it appear secondary. The book has great personal benefit for the individual who feels overwhelmed and unable to do all the things that need to be done at work and home. The central Christian message is that home and faith must take priority over work and career. If anyone suffers it should not be your Christianity or your family. When there is not enough time in the day who will suffer-your work or your family? Pastor on the run: five miles on Monday at 46:25 with a run today hopefully on a beautiful spring day. 2/28/08 You know you are headed toward the empty nest if:
The empty nest passage is that time period between the last child leaving home and retirement. This can be the longest passage in your life and therefore a time when your best years can be spent serving God toward significance. Begin reading Hebrews 11:8-22 in preparation for Sunday. Pastor on the run: Ran three miles Wednesday in the winter wonderland. 2/21/08 Boomerang: to come back or return. Many parents with grown children are hoping to launch their adult children into adulthood understand the boomerang principle. I read in a recent business article that 65% of recent graduates have moved back in with their parents. The other 35% would have but the parents did not leave a forwarding address! Join us Sunday as we consider the biblical foundation of Genesis 4, Proverbs 22:6 and Matthew 4 for the backdrop to this week’s Passage, launching your adult children. Pastor on the run: ran five miles on Monday and cross trained yesterday on the racquetball court. 2/13/08 The front of our refrigerator is a collection of our family passages. There is the photo from two Christmases ago, the picture of the family pet, the kids first day of school, the newborn photograph of Leigh Anne’s nephew Cole. There is a picture of a child I don’t know, he must be on Leigh Anne’ side of the family. These photos are reminders of the passages of life. Time passes as quickly as the refrigerator is covered with photographs. These passages are tremendous opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Jesus Christ is the Lord over all and that includes the passages of life. I have begun a new sermon series. Join me each Sunday as we learn and grow through these passages of family life. Begin reading Genesis 1:22; and Luke 2:41-51 in preparation for Sunday. Pastor on the run: Walk three miles on Monday but haven’t done much running this week. 2/06/08 Pas sages: an act or instance of passing from one place, condition, etc., to another. The route or course by which a person or thing passes or travels. I rarely regret any trip, but often resist the needed change to get ready for the trip. Life is about change and those who do well are individuals who manage in godly ways the transitions from one life event to the next. Sunday begins a new sermon series entitled “Passages: Allowing our Christian faith to help navigate the ‘in-between’ times of life.” Join us Sunday as we consider the passage of Singles. Begin reading I Corinthians chapter seven. Pastor on the run: Ran three with Jack on Monday beginning the preparations for the mini-marathon. 1/24/08 Anyone can do the right thing one time. Even the most morally challenged individual can return incorrect change from the cashier, open the door for someone carrying a handful of items, or defend a colleague’s reputation. Morality is not doing the right thing once in awhile, but it is doing the right thing all the time. The first fifty years of David’s life is a model of integrity and character. Time and time again he shows that his heart’s desire is to love and honor God. He does the right thing, day in and day out. The last twenty years of his life was chaos. It is chaos because he broke the pattern of making morally correct decisions. Try it this week. Don’t just make one good decision; work at making a series of morally correct decisions. Read I Samuel 24 in preparation for Sunday’s sermon. Pastor on the run: Ran five miles yesterday and nearly two with Jack. 1/20/08 Normally my pastor’s blog is related to Sunday’s sermon. It is designed to assist those who would pray and prepare with me in discovering God’s truth so that we arrive at Sunday prepared for worship. This Sunday is no exception. I will focus on I Samuel 24 and offer the last two principles of our eight biblical principles to have a great 2008. I want to interrupt the blog and offer my concerns about the issue of expanded gambling for the Commonwealth. This issue has united the church like none other. No mainline denomination, Protestant or Catholic, supports the expansion of gambling with casinos. Our local Taylor County Ministerial Association and Taylor County Baptist Association have passed resolutions opposing expanded gambling through casinos. Here are a few stated reasons:
The church will be called upon to minister to the broken families devastated by this addiction. Someone has done the math and discovered that Kentuckians would have to spend 1.4 billion each year to generate the 500 million promised! Please pray about this issue and become informed. I encourage you to go to http://www.saynocasino.com. Pastor on the run: rested on Sunday and hope to run on Monday. 1/15/08 The hardest failure is the failure after you have had success. Last Sunday we studied the victory of David over Goliath in I Samuel 17. The news of his victory spread quickly and David instantly became famous, wealthy, and influential. He went from playing the harp to having crowds cheer his name. He even had his own theme song, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” He went from serving to being served. How will he deal with this greatness and how will he deal when he looses this success? This will be the foundation for principles five and six on Sunday. Begin reading I Samuel 21-22 for Sunday. Pastor on the run: ran four miles on Monday and one of those with Jack, and the first two miles at 18:23. 1/9/08 I love to hear how people’s past abilities come to play out their future abilities. Jimmy Page, arguably the best guitarist, began as a studio guitarist in England. You never know how your past will benefit your future. Consider, the "L.L." in L.L. Bean stands for Leon Leonwood. Most people try and run from their past instead of allowing their past to help them in their future. The young shepherd boy David was able to use his musical abilities to become king one day. Join us Sunday as we consider principles three and four of the sermon series, “Eight Principles for a Great 2008.” Pastor on the run: Ran four miles on Monday in the wind but it was warm. 1/4/08 The top ten stories for 2007 by Christianity Today include (my comments are in parentheses):
Allow this list to spark a moment of thoughtful reflection as we leave 2007. What needs to occur for there to be some “headlines” for your life in 2008? Pray and join us Sunday for worship as we begin a great 2008. Pastor on the run: Ran three miles in the cold. The final mile, and first run, was with Jack Sparrow my five month old yellow lab! 1/3/08 Happy New Year! Well I did it again. I always begin the New Year with too many goals and expectations. Just a quick review of what I hope to do in 2008: read a book a week, pray more, study more, run a marathon, no refined sugar, better father, husband, brother and friend, AND watch one entire baseball game. Three days into the New Year I already know that I will not be able to do everything on my list. New beginnings at the New Year tend to focus on our strength and our abilities. These resolutions almost always involve doing more, instead of doing less. The new sermon series entitled, “Eight Principles for a Great 2008,” will focus on the early years of the biblical character David and his rise from shepherd boy to the greatest King of Israel. David did not do everything, but he did some things very well. We will consider the first two principles this Sunday and you can begin praying and preparing by reading I Samuel 8:1-21; 13:13-14.
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07/09/2008
More words from the Pastor...