Earlier this week as we were going for a walk, Amanda and I passed two preschoolers playing in a driveway. While I was not eavesdropping, I was amused and astonished to hear one child say to the other, “But I don’t need 50% off on car insurance.” In response the other child quacked like a duck and at the top of his duck-like voice said, “Aflac!”
While I am aware that the kids had merged phrases from two different insurance commercials, as I thought about what I had heard, I realized that these kids had picked up these slogans from viewing repetitive advertisements on TV. If we are not careful and intentional, we will underestimate the power of media advertising to formulate our values, to shape our dreams, and to influence our purchasing.
It is perhaps more challenging than ever to be a good steward. If the cultural norm becomes our default value system, we will inevitably find ourselves in big trouble….steeped in debt, overridden by anxiety, and feeling hopeless about the future.
If Jesus were walking the earth in the 21st century, how would he make purchasing decisions? Would he have a budget? Would he use a credit card? How much would he give to the church and charities? And, would he try to save 50% on car insurance?
The Bible has more to say about how we manage our possessions than almost any other subject. In fact, one of the ways for us to honor God is to learn to manage our resources well.
This Sunday, as we continue our series, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?, we are asking, “Would Jesus Use a Credit Card?” as we examine Jesus’ teachings about how we manage our possessions.
On Sunday afternoon, we will meet at five o’clock in Pleitz Chapel to continue our study of World Religions as we focus on the major tenets of Hinduism.
During the past week, I spent a few days secluded in a cottage working on preparation for the next few months. I am excited about the many good things happening at First Baptist and I am grateful that you have allotted generous time for me to invest in prayer and preparation. Thank you!
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather for worship and Bible study.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Who Do You Appreciate?
When I played high school sports, I remember the cheerleaders leading a cheer that went something like, “Two, four, six, eight…Who do you appreciate?” And then they would insert the nickname of our team or the name of a specific player.
Who do you appreciate? I appreciate our church family.
I’m not sure who designated October as Pastor Appreciation Month, but for several years I have wanted to refocus the emphasis toward a Church Appreciation Month. During the past few days as I have read the encouraging cards and notes many of you have sent, I have actually been thinking about how much I appreciate our church family.
While our church is not perfect, and we have a lot of room to grow in our commitments, the vast majority of our folks have a servant heart and encouraging spirit. This week I’ve spent a little more time than usual at the hospital, I’ve watched our teams prepare for Tour of Tables, and I’ve stood alongside some of our folks in the trenches of tough life experiences. What I have seen has caused me to pause and say with fresh conviction, “Thank you, Lord, for our First Baptist Family.”
Here are just a few of the many things I appreciate about our church family….
• The way we respond with love and generosity in times of crisis.
• The way we serve cooperatively on ministry teams.
• A growing enthusiasm in the way we welcome guests and new members.
• A growing number of people are bringing their Bibles to worship and Bible study.
• More and more people are stepping up to the plate to fill positions of service and leadership.
• The way we partner in big events like Challenger, Tour of Tables, Christmas Dinner for the Homeless, Trunk or Treat, and others.
• The way you pray for and encourage me and our other ministers.
• The way we support and participate in missions, locally and around the world.
• The overarching sense of harmony we share, in the midst of our tremendous diversity.
• The way members of all ages are inviting friends and neighbors who do not have a church home to come and join us.
As I was standing in the Critical Care waiting room the other night, one of our students, noting the love and support being shown toward one of our families, turned to me and said, “We’ve got the coolest church.” I think she’s right!
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. I Corinthians 1:4 NIV
Who do you appreciate? I appreciate our church family.
I’m not sure who designated October as Pastor Appreciation Month, but for several years I have wanted to refocus the emphasis toward a Church Appreciation Month. During the past few days as I have read the encouraging cards and notes many of you have sent, I have actually been thinking about how much I appreciate our church family.
While our church is not perfect, and we have a lot of room to grow in our commitments, the vast majority of our folks have a servant heart and encouraging spirit. This week I’ve spent a little more time than usual at the hospital, I’ve watched our teams prepare for Tour of Tables, and I’ve stood alongside some of our folks in the trenches of tough life experiences. What I have seen has caused me to pause and say with fresh conviction, “Thank you, Lord, for our First Baptist Family.”
Here are just a few of the many things I appreciate about our church family….
• The way we respond with love and generosity in times of crisis.
• The way we serve cooperatively on ministry teams.
• A growing enthusiasm in the way we welcome guests and new members.
• A growing number of people are bringing their Bibles to worship and Bible study.
• More and more people are stepping up to the plate to fill positions of service and leadership.
• The way we partner in big events like Challenger, Tour of Tables, Christmas Dinner for the Homeless, Trunk or Treat, and others.
• The way you pray for and encourage me and our other ministers.
• The way we support and participate in missions, locally and around the world.
• The overarching sense of harmony we share, in the midst of our tremendous diversity.
• The way members of all ages are inviting friends and neighbors who do not have a church home to come and join us.
As I was standing in the Critical Care waiting room the other night, one of our students, noting the love and support being shown toward one of our families, turned to me and said, “We’ve got the coolest church.” I think she’s right!
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. I Corinthians 1:4 NIV
Friday, October 1, 2010
What Would Jesus REALLY Do?
If Jesus were living on earth as a full-fledged human being in the 21st century, what would his lifestyle be like? How would Jesus make purchasing decisions? What would his wardrobe be like? What kind of car would Jesus drive? Would he have a cell phone? What would he do for fun? How would Jesus respond to the moral and ethical challenges of our day? How would Jesus respond to those in poverty?
In October, we begin a new series for Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings that asks, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?
By definition, a Christian is a follower of Jesus. Through the amazing gift of salvation, Jesus forgives our sin and sets us on a new course in life…a course of learning, growing, and serving as we follow his guidance. As Christians, we are to be followers of Jesus everyday of our lives. As we study Jesus’ teachings, as we gather with other believers to worship, and as we spend time in daily conversation with Jesus, we grow to incorporate more and more of his values and perspectives in our own lifestyle.
This week we also begin our Fall Discipleship Series. On Sunday evenings during October and November we will meet in Pleitz Chapel at five o’clock to study Religions of the World.
I hope to see you each Sunday in October in Bible study and worship as we discover more of the Christ-centered life.
October series: What Would Jesus Really Do?
Oct 3 a.m. Would Jesus Eat White or Wheat?
Oct 6 p.m. What Would Jesus Wear?
Oct 10 a.m. TBA, Ross Lankford
Oct 13 p.m. Would Jesus Go to War?
Oct 17 a.m. Would Jesus Use a Credit Card?
Oct 20 p.m. Would Jesus Use Paper or Plastic?
Oct 24 a.m. Would Jesus Throw a Keg Party?
Oct 27p.m. Would Jesus Vote Democrat or Republican?
Oct 31 a.m. Would Jesus Use an I-Phone?
Fall Discipleship Series: Religions of the World
Oct 3 Islam
Oct 10 Voodooism (Don Minton)
Oct 17 Hinduism
Oct 24 Buddhism
Oct 31 Event: Trunk or Treat
Nov 7 Judaism
Nov 14 Mormonism
Nov 21 Jehovah’s Witnesses
Nov 28 Event::Deck the Halls and Bless These Walls
In October, we begin a new series for Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings that asks, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?
By definition, a Christian is a follower of Jesus. Through the amazing gift of salvation, Jesus forgives our sin and sets us on a new course in life…a course of learning, growing, and serving as we follow his guidance. As Christians, we are to be followers of Jesus everyday of our lives. As we study Jesus’ teachings, as we gather with other believers to worship, and as we spend time in daily conversation with Jesus, we grow to incorporate more and more of his values and perspectives in our own lifestyle.
This week we also begin our Fall Discipleship Series. On Sunday evenings during October and November we will meet in Pleitz Chapel at five o’clock to study Religions of the World.
I hope to see you each Sunday in October in Bible study and worship as we discover more of the Christ-centered life.
October series: What Would Jesus Really Do?
Oct 3 a.m. Would Jesus Eat White or Wheat?
Oct 6 p.m. What Would Jesus Wear?
Oct 10 a.m. TBA, Ross Lankford
Oct 13 p.m. Would Jesus Go to War?
Oct 17 a.m. Would Jesus Use a Credit Card?
Oct 20 p.m. Would Jesus Use Paper or Plastic?
Oct 24 a.m. Would Jesus Throw a Keg Party?
Oct 27p.m. Would Jesus Vote Democrat or Republican?
Oct 31 a.m. Would Jesus Use an I-Phone?
Fall Discipleship Series: Religions of the World
Oct 3 Islam
Oct 10 Voodooism (Don Minton)
Oct 17 Hinduism
Oct 24 Buddhism
Oct 31 Event: Trunk or Treat
Nov 7 Judaism
Nov 14 Mormonism
Nov 21 Jehovah’s Witnesses
Nov 28 Event::Deck the Halls and Bless These Walls
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Most Important Table on the Tour
Earlier this week, I sat at my desk and reading and praying over the large stack of Step Up to the Plate commitment cards that were presented at the end of the worship service on Sunday morning. And more commitment cards have appeared on my desk throughout the week. I am grateful for every member of our First Baptist Family who has committed to Step Up to the Plate during the coming church year.
In the Step Up to the Plate challenge last Sunday, I encouraged us to…
• Know the basics.
• Be a team player.
• Implement the game plan.
• Give it your best stuff.
I am also thankful for our members who shared rich and unique faith stories during our services in September. In addition to being inspiring, these testimonies have helped us become better acquainted with other members of our spiritual family.
Scott Grissett reminded us that God guides us through the transitional seasons of life. Scott and Elizabeth Rigsby shared about the emerging strength they have discovered as Christian parents. Fed and Heather Barona have been living examples of how to rely on God when life throws you a curveball. Ron Malone challenged us to take that long walk to step up to the plate. And Lamar Pate encouraged us to appreciate each day and make it count, never taking life for granted.
In October, we begin a new series for Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings that asks, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?
If Jesus were living on earth as a full-fledged human being in the 21st century, what would his lifestyle be like? How would Jesus make purchasing decisions? What would his wardrobe be like? What kind of car would Jesus drive? Would he have a cell phone? What would he do for fun? How would Jesus respond to the moral and ethical challenges of our day? How would Jesus respond to those in poverty?
As we prepare for the annual Tour of Tables event next week, this Sunday morning we will focus on a tour of the Lord’s table as we talk about the significance of the bread and the wine. Then we will celebrate our joy of being in the body of Christ as we receive the elements of the Lord’s Supper.
This Sunday afternoon we also begin our Fall Discipleship Series. During October and November we will meet in Pleitz Chapel at five o’clock to study Religions of the World.
I hope to see you this Sunday morning as we gather for worship and Bible study.
In the Step Up to the Plate challenge last Sunday, I encouraged us to…
• Know the basics.
• Be a team player.
• Implement the game plan.
• Give it your best stuff.
I am also thankful for our members who shared rich and unique faith stories during our services in September. In addition to being inspiring, these testimonies have helped us become better acquainted with other members of our spiritual family.
Scott Grissett reminded us that God guides us through the transitional seasons of life. Scott and Elizabeth Rigsby shared about the emerging strength they have discovered as Christian parents. Fed and Heather Barona have been living examples of how to rely on God when life throws you a curveball. Ron Malone challenged us to take that long walk to step up to the plate. And Lamar Pate encouraged us to appreciate each day and make it count, never taking life for granted.
In October, we begin a new series for Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings that asks, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?
If Jesus were living on earth as a full-fledged human being in the 21st century, what would his lifestyle be like? How would Jesus make purchasing decisions? What would his wardrobe be like? What kind of car would Jesus drive? Would he have a cell phone? What would he do for fun? How would Jesus respond to the moral and ethical challenges of our day? How would Jesus respond to those in poverty?
As we prepare for the annual Tour of Tables event next week, this Sunday morning we will focus on a tour of the Lord’s table as we talk about the significance of the bread and the wine. Then we will celebrate our joy of being in the body of Christ as we receive the elements of the Lord’s Supper.
This Sunday afternoon we also begin our Fall Discipleship Series. During October and November we will meet in Pleitz Chapel at five o’clock to study Religions of the World.
I hope to see you this Sunday morning as we gather for worship and Bible study.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Are You Ready to “Step Up to the Plate”?
Baseball playoffs are just around the corner and the World Series is soon to follow. I have good memories of my childhood years of playing Little League baseball. Although I never made the All-Star team and my team did not win our league championship, I learned a lot about being a member of a team, playing by the rules, and doing my best.
In my first Farm League game I was playing right field and batting seventh in the line-up. In the top of the 3rd inning, I was to be the first batter so I put on the red batting helmet, picked up the wooden bat, took a few practice swings and when the umpire said, “Batter up!,” I nervously stepped up to the plate.
In life more than in baseball it takes courage to step up to the plate, especially when it’s a lot more comfortable sitting in the stands watching the game. And when you “strike out” or experience failure in some area of your life, it takes a lot of courage to step back up to the plate and try again.
As we begin a new church year I am calling on each member of our First Baptist Family to Step Up to the Plate! We can look good in uniform, we can be proud to be a member of the team, and we can take good-looking practice swings, but it’s when we move away from the practice circle and Step Up to the Plate! that we really begin to grow and mature in our walk with the Lord.
This Sunday we will meet as one large church family for a Combined Worship Service at 10:30. Bible Study groups meet at 9:00. On Sunday afternoon, plan to join us in Bayview Community Center at four o’clock for our annual Church Picnic
Good things are happening at First Baptist Church, but greater things will happen as more and more of us Step Up to the Plate! to bring our best to the One who gave His best for us.
Are you ready to Step Up to the Plate?
In my first Farm League game I was playing right field and batting seventh in the line-up. In the top of the 3rd inning, I was to be the first batter so I put on the red batting helmet, picked up the wooden bat, took a few practice swings and when the umpire said, “Batter up!,” I nervously stepped up to the plate.
In life more than in baseball it takes courage to step up to the plate, especially when it’s a lot more comfortable sitting in the stands watching the game. And when you “strike out” or experience failure in some area of your life, it takes a lot of courage to step back up to the plate and try again.
As we begin a new church year I am calling on each member of our First Baptist Family to Step Up to the Plate! We can look good in uniform, we can be proud to be a member of the team, and we can take good-looking practice swings, but it’s when we move away from the practice circle and Step Up to the Plate! that we really begin to grow and mature in our walk with the Lord.
This Sunday we will meet as one large church family for a Combined Worship Service at 10:30. Bible Study groups meet at 9:00. On Sunday afternoon, plan to join us in Bayview Community Center at four o’clock for our annual Church Picnic
Good things are happening at First Baptist Church, but greater things will happen as more and more of us Step Up to the Plate! to bring our best to the One who gave His best for us.
Are you ready to Step Up to the Plate?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
When Life Throws You a Curve
The pitcher may throw two fastballs right down the middle of the strike zone. You are caught looking at the first one and you wonder why you didn’t drive it to the gap between center and left field. Strike one! You take a hard swing and make contact with part of the ball but not all of it sending it into foul territory for strike two. You tighten your grip on the bat, get a determined look in your eye, envision yourself hitting the next pitch and then you step up to the plate. You keep your eye on the ball. It looks like its coming right down the middle, but as you are swinging at where you think the ball should be, unexpectedly the pitch moves down and away. A curveball! That’s what you call a pitch that moves in an unanticipated direction.
What do you do “When Life Throws You a Curve”? What do you do when the unexpected happens, when the rug is pulled out from under you, or when life takes an unanticipated turn? That’s our topic for this Sunday as we look at Psalm 46. All this month we are digging deeper into the teachings of scripture, sharing a few stories about baseball, and exploring ways we can apply these biblical teachings to daily living.
On September 26 we conclude our September series as we focus on the ways God may be calling us to Step Up to the Plate! We will begin Bible Study at 9:00 a.m. and we will share in one Combined Worship Service at 10:30 in the sanctuary. I will be sharing our vision for the coming year as we celebrate a great day together as a church family. On Sunday afternoon, we will meet at Bayview Park for our annual church picnic.
Make it a priority to be in worship and Bible study this Sunday. And don’t forget….BYOB! (Bring your own Bible.)
What do you do “When Life Throws You a Curve”? What do you do when the unexpected happens, when the rug is pulled out from under you, or when life takes an unanticipated turn? That’s our topic for this Sunday as we look at Psalm 46. All this month we are digging deeper into the teachings of scripture, sharing a few stories about baseball, and exploring ways we can apply these biblical teachings to daily living.
On September 26 we conclude our September series as we focus on the ways God may be calling us to Step Up to the Plate! We will begin Bible Study at 9:00 a.m. and we will share in one Combined Worship Service at 10:30 in the sanctuary. I will be sharing our vision for the coming year as we celebrate a great day together as a church family. On Sunday afternoon, we will meet at Bayview Park for our annual church picnic.
Make it a priority to be in worship and Bible study this Sunday. And don’t forget….BYOB! (Bring your own Bible.)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Protecting Home Plate
We started a new series entitled Step Up to the Plate! As we dig deeper into the teachings of scripture, I am sharing a few stories about baseball, and suggesting ways we can apply these biblical teachings to daily living.
Last Sunday we threw out the first pitch as we talked about “Building a Winning Team.” One of my favorite quotes reminds us that, “Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” (Unknown)
Just in case you missed last Sunday, here are the bullet points for “Building a Winning Team”:
• Don’t talk trash about the other guys.
• Take responsibility for your position.
• Know the game plan and stick with it.
• Be willing to sacrifice.
• Don’t quit when the going gets tough.
This Sunday we throw out the second pitch in our series as we look at Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:1-4 and emphasize the importance of “Protecting Home Plate.” A good baseball coach tells the catcher, “your primary job is to protect home plate.” When it comes to family, it’s important to realize that there are a lot of forces in the world that are attempting to steal home, and your primary job as a parent, grandparent, husband, or wife is to protect home.
Make it a priority to be in worship and Bible study this Sunday. And don’t forget….BYOB! (Bring your own Bible.)
Last Sunday we threw out the first pitch as we talked about “Building a Winning Team.” One of my favorite quotes reminds us that, “Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” (Unknown)
Just in case you missed last Sunday, here are the bullet points for “Building a Winning Team”:
• Don’t talk trash about the other guys.
• Take responsibility for your position.
• Know the game plan and stick with it.
• Be willing to sacrifice.
• Don’t quit when the going gets tough.
This Sunday we throw out the second pitch in our series as we look at Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:1-4 and emphasize the importance of “Protecting Home Plate.” A good baseball coach tells the catcher, “your primary job is to protect home plate.” When it comes to family, it’s important to realize that there are a lot of forces in the world that are attempting to steal home, and your primary job as a parent, grandparent, husband, or wife is to protect home.
Make it a priority to be in worship and Bible study this Sunday. And don’t forget….BYOB! (Bring your own Bible.)
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