Stumbling Towards Eternity

Daniel 6

2009-10-15T11:12:00.001-04:00

"The King of the animals could not defeat the King of the earth" anon
We should have the confidence of the Hebrew men.

Romans 5 Offending God

2009-10-03T18:08:00.002-04:00

Romans 5 is on my schedule for Sunday. Paul once again deals with personal responsibility - accountability for our actions. I noticed that Thayer said an offense is a "deviation from truth and uprightness". It seems to be identified with the outcome of "amartia". It is a purposeful activity and not accidental in nature [paraptwma]. BB Taylor wrote that it consists of a "wrecked relationship with God." I fear we have become so callosed by sin that we do not even care if we offend a fellow believer [whom we can see], let alone God [whom we cannot see] .

Tour Through Romans

2009-09-26T16:00:00.002-04:00

Romans 4:1-25
I have never preached through the book of Romans before this month. [It will continue]. My plan is to select a certain chiasm of each chapter. Paul tells us about being among the blessed (4: 7). It is great to be reminded of that now and then. When we become weary in well doing - it becomes even more urgent to remember our position before God.

Labor Day 2009

2009-09-06T16:55:00.001-04:00

There was a recent conference in Scotland which contains messages concerning the preaching style of Bunyan (and others).

Edinburgh Expositors Conference Audio

http://unashamedworkman.wordpress.com/

Summer Musings

2009-08-10T20:18:00.002-04:00

How quickly the months go by. Apologize for the lack of attention to this blog. The sad news is that another Baptist church closed here in my area. I wished that I had known that it was in the process of closing. Perhaps , by God's grace, we could have kept the doors open.

I have been reading the Torah this summer and with that in mind - I'll comment of the sections I am studying.

I just finished the first 6 chapters of Leviticus. God graciously let His people bring a variety of offerings to be sacrificed. Each person was responsible to bring sacrifice to God. The level of responsibility was according to the ability to achieve the necessary obedience. We often try to match what others are able to bring to God's table. Competition and ego often spell disastrous results. God knows what we are able to bring to Him and He accepts us, not by what we ultimately bring, but the hearts desire to bring it is more important.

Do You Need to be Encouraged? 2

2009-05-31T08:45:00.002-04:00

I had a sad occurrence yesterday. I learned that First Baptist in Milton, Ma is folding their tent. After so many years of labor - they made the very difficult choice to close their ministry.

It unfortunately a sign of the slow death of our Baptist heritage here in Boston - Milton. What could have been done - is only second guessing the the hearts and mind of the congregation. I hope that they will go to another Baptist church here in the area. Mattapan Baptist here in Milton came to a similar situation 12 years ago. By the grace of God, they were able to keep their congregation from further deterioration. I wish the best for this congregation - memories will linger -memories of weddings, funerals, baptisms, and of course the great times of fellowship.

Do You Need To Be Encouraged?

2009-05-23T19:56:00.007-04:00

Baptist churches - New England
I was reminded again today [Sat] of the heritage that Baptist have here in New England. This in spite of the encroaching lack of a biblically based theology concerning the local church, etc. There remains churches that have ministered here for the last 150 years. Modern day members have read the history of their church when it blossomed with converts and members. Now they watch their church enter a survival mode of activities. I still believe that when a church is functioning in a simple and biblical mode, people will be reached for Christ and the believers will mature. Our communities are full of people who have been hurt by church members and pastors. they also need to be reached. There are certain steps a body of believers can do and once again see their church become effective for the Lord.
I'll introduce some basic ideas in future posts.

Graduation - Class 2009

2009-05-20T12:54:00.002-04:00

when I see the results of the hours of preparation, lecturing, an counseling the students that enter the class room - It is well worth the effort. they risen to the task that God has laid out for them. Years of study to be the best they can be for the Lord. Many are here because someone prayed for them. The world that they step into if far different than the one I entered many years ago. Yet, they will be able to handle it - because they are of this generation. As was stated last night - some will "crash and burn", other will "set themseves on fire" for the work of the Lord. May they not be of the first group.

Richard Baxter

2009-05-13T08:54:00.002-04:00

Found this great quote on Puritan at Heart
"He is not drowning His sheep when He washeth them, nor killing them when He is shearing them. But by this He showeth that they are His own; and the newborn sheep do most visibly bear His name or mark, when it is almost worn out and scarce discernible on them that have the longest fleece."

---Richard Baxter

Bunyan and Jerusalem

2009-04-26T09:02:00.001-04:00

Daily Quote - John Bunyan

Written by Jean Cauvin

25 April 2009 13:58

In a word, Jerusalem was now become the shambles, the very slaughter-shop for saints ...wherein the prophets, Christ and his people were most horribly persecuted and murdered...This is the city and these are the people; this is their character and these are their sins.
I will now show you what it is to preach the gospel to them: [to announce] repentance and remission of sins in Christ's Name.. to bid them to repent and believe the gospel [Luke 24:47; Mark 1:15].
Christ would have Jerusalem have the first offer of the gospel. Not because they had any more right than any of the nations of the world, [but to manifest] his mere grace... compassion... and mercy [to those] in the most deplorable condition of any people under the heavens.
---John Bunyan

http://www.apuritanatheart.com/puritanism

Rest of your Life

2009-04-24T18:53:00.001-04:00

Quote is not original with me - but does point out the time each one of us has to prepare for eternity

"Q: How long does a skydiver have to open his parachute once he's jumped out of the plane?"
"A: The rest of his life"

"What a concise statement of theology! Like the skydiver who carries the means of his salvation with him, we have a "parachute" -- God's forgiveness and unconditional love for us. We need only open the chute -- ask Him to catch our fall -- and we will be saved from the singular lethal impact that awaits each of us"

Easter Sunday 2009

2009-04-13T12:03:00.002-04:00

I always like to see both Christmas and Easter on the calendar. This always provides my congregation with a great opportunity to invite friends and family to church. The story of Christ's resurrection has been told for almost 2,000 years. As I was preparing for the service the comment of the angels "He is not here" raised the question "Where is He?" Where and what is He doing for us. This tended to develop the ministry of Christ toward His church: High Priest; Advocate; intercessor; Church builder; Home [Mansion] preparer and preparing to return for His people.

The building was about 95% full. The music was fantastic as it told of Christ providing salvation for his people.

CUME - Boston

2009-04-03T12:20:00.002-04:00

I had the great privileged last night to teach at Gordon-Conwell's Boston campus. The lead prof was Frank Kelly. I was able to share some biblical principles concerning church finances. The students represented a cross section of ministries here in Boston. The class discussuions were challanging and insightful. I trust that I was able to help them to look closely at the Sriptures for direction on the collection of the finances of God's people and the need to be accountable for the use of those monies.
C.U.M.E. is dear to my heart for they provided the open door for me to enter the grad world of education here in N.E.
Each of the seminaries that I have attended [4 in all] had some great profs who loved the Lord and were willing to help me to persue God's call on my life. Little did I know the path that God set up for some 40yrs ago and the adventure has been worth every trial and blessing.
Thanks again Bro Tully for the gracious invitation - trust it was benefial to the students.

Greece 2

2009-03-22T08:25:00.003-04:00

The trip to that part of the world is a awesome experience. [can you believe I used that word :>) ]
To once again stand where Paul stood on Mars Hill, visit the island where John was a prisoner, and to walk the street of Ephesus was humbling to say the least. I look back on the experience as if it were a dream.

If you are ever in Athens, near the Acropolis, you must eat at SMILES. What a great place.

Since coming back, I decided to walk through the book of Ephesians with the church. Paul's love for this church [and John's] is encouraging for the present church to see that God really does love them. His point that they are known for their love for each other - is a testimony that each church should wish upon themselves.

Today I will share the 6 "Spiritual Blessings" that God has given to each believer. See Eph 1:3-14.

Trip to Greece

2009-03-01T08:09:00.002-05:00

I am looking forward once again to go the Athens, Greece. To stand on Mars Hill - and remember that Paul stood where I am standing - brings a flood of memories. Athens needs to have a Paul visit once again. A gospel of works is everywhere. much of that which is called "Christianity" is bound up with the worship of the mother of Jesus - instead of Jesus.

The same problem haunts us here in our churches. We are starting to worship the programs of the church. The drive to meet the selfish needs of the public is the leaven that simple inflates the selfish egos of sinful man.

The self-centeredness of even fellow Christians is appalling to say the lest. The mind of Christ is clearly absent in many of our newer churches. Paul's comment that the unsaved do not seek after God is ignored [Romans 3:11] . People are told that they are seeking God - in contradiction to God's Word.

Shine for the Lord

2009-01-25T16:08:00.003-05:00

It has been a month since we have had a normal Sunday morning service. NO SNOW!!
I adopted a theme for this year - "Let us shine in 2009" based upon Matt 5

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

It is the individual believer's responsibility to make sure your "Shine" [ imper aor act 3rd per sing] is always visible to the public. Each of the acts should bring glory to God. Remember the world is watching you all the time.

How will you SHINE this week?

Christmas

2008-12-24T20:59:00.002-05:00

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

TBC - 11 Years of God's Blessing

2008-11-16T08:18:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-30T14:49:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-28T08:16:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-21T18:03:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-15T17:00:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-01T08:24:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-29T17:56:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-26T20:38:00.002-04:00

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.