Christmas

It is hard to believe that another year has passed. Christmas, with all of the rush, is a time to relax and reflect on God's great mercy toward us. It is great privilege to spend ones life for the Saviour. I now have seen 67 Christmases. Each year brings me further along this journey. The trials will one day seem so small - regrets - failures - will no longer be remembered. "What a day that will be when my Saviour I see"
Merry Christmas everyone

December 2008 Christmas

I started a series on the prohesies concerning the coming of Israel's Messiah.
It is amazing how many OT references seem to refer to a proposal of the event.
Whatever view of history one developes, the understanding of Daniel's explanation (via Gabriel)

TBC - 11 Years of God's Blessing

Once again, I had the privilege to attend the celebration of the Tabernacle Baptist Congregation here in Boston. It does not seem possible that 11 years ago that I and Pastor Bill Smith (West Bridgewater) sat down with Abide Alexandre to listen to his burden for a new church in the Haitian community. Many of the Haitian churches here are very weak doctrinally. As a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary - years ago - he shared with us the need of a strong Baptist church here in Boston. They used our church building for a number of years and quickly outgrew the facilities. After purchasing an building here, the Lord quickly filled it to capacity - with over 700 in attendance. As I sat there last night it once again renewed my burden to reach the immigrant community with the gospel. God has blessed us with a church full of immigrants - many of whom are already citizens - both of this country and citizens of Heaven.

10-30-08Mystery Worshippers

I can't believe that month has past since my last post
In my Pastoral Strategies class, I introduced the "mystery worshipper" strategy. If you are not aware of this program - a person visits your church service with a number of factors to judge. There are about 10 factors that they observe. Factors range from the initial greeting, music, message, after service fellowship and departure from the building.

The evaluation process I felt was a little subjective. The person who evaluates the serve may have a different church heritage than the one being visited. Personal like/dislikes appear - really - neutrality would be impossible.

The Ship-of-Fools.com website lists the results of many such visits. The value of the observations rest in pointing out of areas of concern to each of us in the Lord's work on Sunday.

When I visit a church - and unknown to them - I have used the list of factors - It is interesting to be visitor - especially when we [pastors] are usually occupied with pulpit matters.

The list of factors might be a good place to start to evaluate of services - even when done an in-house [member] observer. It is amazing how little things [foxes] can spoil a church program.

Sept 28, 2008 A Special Day

Sunday is always a special day for me. Gathering with God's people encourages me more than I can say. To hear their conversations, their singing, and their attention to God's word even when the preaching is .........
[you fill in the blank]
Also, today my family will be gathering to celebrate my birthday - how quickly the years go by.
I'll be speaking today from 1 Thess 1:1-10. Paul's heartfelt positive opinion of this church should encourage us to model that church. The Lord will be returning - what will His opinion be of us? - really, the only opinion that really matters.

Jonah 4 Why Are You Angry

It is amazing how we react when God does it differently than we expect from Him. Jonah, a reluctant prophet, has fulfilled the task that God has asked of him. He doesn't want the Ninevites to repent, he wants God's judgment to fall upon them. They had been brutal in their relationship with Israel. But Jonah knows that God may possibly forgive them, but Jonah disagrees with God.
Being on the opposite page of God is not a comfortable place to find oneself. We say that we are wiling to follow the Lord, yet it seems He is going to places unknown to us. Our places are comfortable, secure, and without the fear of the unknown. We want to plan the agenda for our lives and confident that we are smarter than He is and presumptuous that we fully know God's will.
Jonah will learn a lesson in the extent of God's compassion for rebellious people. He puts up with them - more that I am able to endure. Lord, help me to be compassionate with people - Lord, please give them one more day to repent.. Amen

Jonah 2

The lesson from Jonah is that God never gives up on us. No one enjoys being chastised for disobedience. God is not thwarted by my disobedience. Each of us must contemplate carefully to be sure we are where God wants us to be - doing what He wants us to do. God's will is not that hard to find - we complicate the process. Pressure from those about us who often impose their understanding of God's will for us. I fear many have so individualize God's will that we are trapped and frustrated by the subjectivism of our own minds.

The will for Jonah was to get God's message to Nineveh. How to get there was Jonah's choice. What to eat, wear, and time frame was left up to Jonah. I fear we make God responsible for the smallest details for successfully serving Him. God's will for each believer is in the Scripture - not in society, etc. A careful search of "God's will" within the NT will shorten most every one's list.

The life of a believer is simple outlined and illustrated many times. I understand that God has asked me to be a pastor-teacher (Eph. 5). When and where I accomplish my assigned task - God has left up to me. The point of obedience is that I do the task set before me.

Jonah - Running from God

The story of Jonah's flight from God intrigues us all. What captured my attention was that he was willing to die in his disobedience. How many will go to their deathbed willing to die disobedient to God's call on their life? What a statement for many of God's people - knowing what God would have them to do and not attempting to accomplish the task.

Keswick August 29, 2008

I didn't realize the length of time from the last post. August has been a great month - yet wearisome. We just spent the end of this month at a Bible Conference grounds called "America's Keswick". If you are not familiar with this place - it is a true retreat from the world. Situated in whiting, NJ. Keswick features great music, speakers, and especially free from TV, and computers. I was there during the DNC -and believe or not - they didn't need my attention or impute.
As I am getting ready to speak Sunday - [preach] I am anxious to see how God will led this church this fall. We need a revival - I need a revival.

Acts 22

This passage struck me as a simple formula for fulling my responsibilities at MBC. First of all, my primary responsibility is to my wife. Being both husband and pastor to her - is often overwhelming. Second, my responsibility to my Lord. Loving Him, obeying Him, and talking about him and what He has done for me. Third, To lead the people that the Lord has granted me the privilege to lead - to feed - to protect. Often the task is really greater than anyone can do without the Lord. In my early ministry - I relied upon my strength - as I mature in the Lord - I find that i do not really have the strength necessary for the task to which I am called. Paul's experiences in Acts 22, helps me to realize that in the trials - i must focus on the Lord and not the circumstances about me of which I have little control.

Can't wait to see what the Lord will bring to pass tomorrow.

Acts 19 Jesus I Know - Paul I know But

In Acts 19:15, Luke makes an interesting comparison between the evil spirit's experience with Jesus and Paul. First, Luke says that the spirit's knowledge of Jesus is of a first hand experience, ginosko. Jesus has dealt with him [evidently] in the past, re: Gospel accounts.
Second, the spirit's knowledge of Paul is epistamai, i.e., to put one's attention on. The spirit has watch Paul's reaction to the difficulties that were sent his way. Paul's reaction was always the same - no matter what, Paul used each trial, tribulation, beatings, imprisonment, demon possessed girl, the same way - he talk about Jesus.
What an example - for us today.

Defending The Faith 06-21-2008

Ron Minton led off with a quote of a past scholar concerning the reliability of of God's Word. "This interesting quote is more than a century old. It is not just in this generation that men have come forward to defend God's Word. As a presuppositionalist, I do not need evidence to believe God's Word is true - I simply believe it because of the testimony of Jesus. However, it is nice to have had scholars who have defended it with great vigor. Ron Minton"
"If the foundations be overthrown, what shall the righteous do? On the four Gospels Christianity very much depends for its most momentous truths and facts. Hence it is that the Infidel and the Deist, with their unnatural ally the rationalizing Christian professor, have directed their attacks to the task of sapping these foundations. How unsuccessful as yet these repeated attempts of negative criticism have been, may be seen from the fact that the assault is repeated again and again. Infidelity, we are sure, would not waste her strength in thrice slaying the slain, or in raking away the ruins of a structure which has been demolished already. If the objections of Paulus and Eichhorn had been successful, the world would never have heard of Baur and the school of Tubingen. And again, if the Tubingen school had prevailed, there would not have been any room for the labours of such destructive critics as Volckmar of Zurich and others. The latest attack is, we are told, to be the last, until it fails, and another is prepared more threatening than the former. Thus every wave which beats against the rock of eternal truth seems to rise out of the trough caused by some receding wave, and raises its threatening crest as if it would wash away the rock. These waves of the sea are mighty, and rage terribly, but the Lord who sitteth on high is mightier. It is of the nature of truth, that the more it is tested the more sure it becomes under the trial. So it has been with the argument for the genuineness of the Gospels. The more that infidels have sought to shake the character of St. John's Gospel, the more collateral proofs have started up of the apostolic character of this Gospel."

I posted a comment concerning the fact (perhaps faulty on my part) that I didn't see many in the BBFI who held a presuppositionalist position. The reaction my comment was (on their part) an amazement that I didn't know any on the list who were presuppositionalist. A number of the brethern brought me up to speed ;>)

With so much of the available literature concerning the faith, man-centered, as if the mind of man determines truth. God's word does not to be protected, but simple proclaimed. The Holy Spirit is able to apply God's Word without our feeble mental attempts to convince the unregenerate man.

Reflections 6-17-08

We had a great day at MBC yesterday with a young couple going to a foreign mission field. Beau and Valarie Moore going to the country of Portugal. They seem so young and full of dreams in serving the Lord. There is something special about serving the Lord in the prime of their lives. The glow of anticipation was so evident as they presented their dreams to us.

I envy them - and wish I could start all over again (with the knowledge I now have - right - as my friend says "when pigs fly). They will face many trials as the serve our Lord. But, with the eyes of faith they will see the fruit of their labors. One person repenting of their sin of rejection and accepting Christ as Savor will make it worth while.

Reflections

It was so hot at church yesterday. I was surprised that anyone showed up. Their dedication to the Lord's work is inspiring.
We tried to use powerpoint during the message - it was very hard to stay on course - so I confused the comp tech - many times.

This is going to be a busy week - with family obligations - church event planning - personal study time, etc.

I was fascinated by the events recorded in Acts 9. The conversion account of Saul to Paul. it was interesting to see the dramatic change in his life. The real key to me was the idea that if there no change - then conversion has not happened. BTW - one person accepted Christ - made the hot auditorium well worth the time spent in the "oven".

Reflections

It is good to be home.
Our visit to Colorado was a blessing in disguise. The Peaslee's went out of their way to make the trip more than worthwhile. However, if I never see a Canasta deck for the next 30 days - I will not be disappointed - but then we'll see if we can't revive the contest.

Books are an important part of my life. Every once-in-a-while, a certain book will grab my attention. The work of a Rabbi, Gateway to the Torah is such a book. It is refreshing to have familiar material presented with Jewish insights.

I'll comment on each chapter over the next few weeks.

Reflections

5-17-2008
In preparing for the message tomorrow - I was struck by the simple way that Philip used to effectively witness to the Ethiopian [Acts 8]. i think that we have a tendency to make the process difficult. It is true that you need to have a basic grasp of the Gospel and what it entails.

I am leaving next Wednesday to visit a former Deacon [diagnosed with Cancer at the age of 87]. . . he has been a source of great encouragement over the years. Basically, he has let me be me. If there is to be list of those who have supported the pastors of the churches where he was a member - he is on that list with honor. Sometimes he has been brutally honest - especially when I needed that honesty. Other times - he has been that gentle soul with an immediate smile - humor - and sounding board for my soul.

He and his precious wife have been an oasis in life where we took refuge.

Reflections - Mother's Day

For many of us, the presence of women in our lives is a great asset. It always amuses me that when an athlete wins - he/she thanks "Mom".

The absence of men in the lives of young people is proving to be disastrous. Young women never know the relationship with a male figure in order to compare him with young man she going to date/marry.

The burden is often left to the women of the household to teach their daughters that relationships will govern the rest of their lives. In today's world, women - especially single parents - have an awesome task. The burden of providing an income, managing the house, and fulfilling her spiritual obligations is daunting - to say the least. Somehow a godly women called Lydia was able to balance her extremely busy life and keep her relationship with Lord intact.

Reflections

Sunday's attendance amazed me - it was rainy - cold - but they showed up. My concern as a pastor is that people understand that the opportunity to serve the Lord - is not confined to a Deacon board.

Acts 6 was the introduction of the qualifications of those who wish to serve the Lord effectively: good reputation; personal life under the control of the H.S. and a practical use of their skills -wisdom if the Lord's work.

Next week I want to to pursue the the activity of a church remember apart from a church activity. God's people need the prompting of the HS to respond to someone about their spiritual inquirers. (sp?)

Evening Reflections

Preached from Acts 3. "Spiritual Lameness" God's people are often hindered in their pursuit of the Lord. Various factors in our past can hinder our spiritual growth. Family, friends, church members, husbands, wives, etc. The only cure is the same as was offered to the lame beggar - Jesus Christ. Economics will never be the ultimate cure for people who have been emotionally injured. This man could not look beyond the physical problems - he had a real physical problem. In our culture we have a tendency to throw money at difficulties and are constantly disappointed when the desired results do not materialize. We forget that "the weapons of our war are spiritual - not carnal (of a physical nature).
Perhaps the first step is to recognize the damage that we have done to ourselves (self-inflicted). Then admit that we have been injured by other people under various circumstances. The injuries are as real as the lameness of the beggar.
No matter how simplistic it may appear - Jesus is the "Balm of Gilead" for the soul injured by the sins of others.

Evening Reflections

Attendance was great at last night's Bible Study. we have been doing an in depth study on the person/work of Jesus.

The topic was Jesus in reference to sin and sinning. One of the things I drew their attention to was the absence or presence of the definite article before the word for sin [hamartia]. Usually when the definite article appears it is referencing a specific sin [sinful] activity. Without the definite article ['the'][remember there is not an indefinite article in Greek text] it is referring to sin as having the qualities of sin - usually in reference to the "sin nature".

Evening Reflections 4-7-08

What a great day yesterday. The church honored my wife Greta with roses and cake reception. In the afternoon my youngest daughter (I only have two), husband and grand-kids came down to celebrate. It was strange to have Greta fix her own birthday meal, but she insisted. she felt sorry for me - being bedridden for the better part of a week - slipped disk.
The morning church service went OK. I spoke from Acts 11-14, The church of "one accord". The church needed to be in one accord in Prayer - Vision and Purpose. It is really amazing what we can accomplish when everyone is on the same page spiritually. Looking forward to see that the manifestation of this unity in the church.

Unity in the Church

As I am getting ready for the services tomorrow, the passage in Acts 1, the pharse "one accord" has been impressed upon me. We will be having Lord's Table and I desire to see the the church unified as to what is our purpose here at MBC. I have come to realize that even little disturbances in a congregation can become like a "pimple on the nose" appearing larger than it is - but needs to be dealt with non-the-less.

BBC Classes

The purpose of this area is to react to the reaction of the college lectures in which I participate.

Evening Reflections

"As I walked through the wilderness of this world . . . .”
John Bunyan

March 30, 2008 One of the efforts of this blog site is to reflect upon what has happened on this Lord's day. I seldom know how the service will go ahead of time. It is always interesting to watch what the Lord does in the hearts of His gathered people.

What a great day in the Lord's house. speaking from Luke 24, I spoke on the reasons for the men saying "did not our hearts burn." The negative here is used in questions when an affirmative answer is expected. the reality of their walk with Jesus produced a result that they could emotionally identify.

Caused by the fact that
1• They spent time with Jesus

2. They patiently listened as He opened the Scriptures to them.

3. They learned that that which disappoints you may just be the best thing for you.

The Music was great - specials touched hearts - I was refreshed. Strange how that we who preach are refreshed by that preaching.