Keeping Pace

Ride for Adoption

2012-02-07T21:41:00.004-05:00

Kaleb & Meagan Scharmahorn are adopting a child from Nicaragua. They are great friends of ours. We're thankful to be so close together in Florida. Kaleb's serving at Salty Church in Ormond Beach, FL, and I'm here in St. Augustine.
One of the fundraisers they're doing for their adoption is a bike ride from Nashville, TN to Daytona, FL. Yes, that's correct from Tennessee to Florida - 700 miles in 7 days. Check out the video and consider donating to help the Scharmahorns bring home their next son or daughter!

RideForAdoption.com from Ride for Adoption on Vimeo.

Mmm, I'll take seconds

2012-01-23T07:53:00.000-05:00

In the sermon yesterday, we were challenged to crave Jesus more than we crave other things to satisfy us. In Mark 2.18-22, Jesus responded to the question why His disciples didn't fast. At that time there wasn't any reason to fast since Jesus was in the flesh with them. Just like the guests at a wedding aren't crying out in pain and sorrow. It's a time of joy because the bride and groom are present, ready to join in marriage. Although Jesus did respond to His critics that there would be a time His disciples would fast. Those words were written for the church's instruction. It's clear the disciples who weren't fasting then understood the need to fast when Jesus wasn't with them any more (i. e. Acts 13.1-3). We don't fast today because we're preparing ourselves to receive forgiveness like the Jews did at the time of the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16.1-34). Jesus fulfilled everything the Day of Atonement required. Atonement was finalized in Jesus' one perfect sacrifice! Now we fast because we understand the blessing of salvation we have in Jesus. We fast because we want more of Jesus.
I challenged you to plan for a time you can fast in order to pursue Jesus. The riches of Jesus are worth abstaining from one meal or a day's worth of food. Take time to plan for a fast so you can pursue God's will and His riches in your life. Let's join together as a church to pray for these five areas:
1. Our lost friends and family members
2. Our church - pick someone in our church and pray for their growth in the Lord.
3. Our nation - pray for the evangelism and church planting going on in the New York, specifically for Pastor Freddy Wyatt at the Gallery Church to lead the efforts and train up new leaders who will see many people follow Jesus.
4. Our world - pray for the unreached people group of Tai Nyo. They're located in Northeastern Thailand along the Mekong River. There are 96,500 of them and less than .1% are Christian. Pray that God will send workers to this area; pray that God will gather new believers into churches and for new churches to grow and grow.
5. Our Convention leaders - pray for Jim Smith. God has gifted him substantially as a leader and a writer. Pray for God's provision and protection and His anointing over His ministry.

If Mary & Joseph had Facebook

2012-01-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, & a New Baby

2011-12-31T11:01:00.002-05:00

It's become our holiday tradition to have a baby in December. Last evening our newest Hutcheson came into the world! God has blessed our family with a healthy baby boy. I'm thankful for God's grace to my wife and all of my children.

Can I get a beat, Yo?

2011-12-23T07:07:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! We celebrate the birth of our Lord not simply as a never ending baby shower but because of what the angel announced to Joseph, “and you shall call Him Jesus for He will save His people from their sins,” Matt. 1:25. Praise God for His acts to rescue us. There’s little question from the entire world that there is something wrong with the world. Jesus entrance into the world is a cosmic event that after His death and resurrection ushers in a new era. Things are broken, and no matter what we try through education, behavior modification, or spiritual enlightenment outside of Christ, we’re still left with a broken world. God has come to bring His Kingdom to us. It’s clear Christ’s Kingdom hasn’t fully come, but right now the offer to enter His Kingdom goes out to all people, everywhere. The blessing we receive through Christ is forgiveness, HIS righteousness, and adoption into God’s family. When God looks at the person who has faith in Jesus Christ, He sees the righteousness of His son; God sees His sons and daughters through Christ! Through faith alone in Christ alone we are united to Christ. GOD LOVES YOU! You aren’t a good Christian or a bad Christian because there’s no such thing. You are a child of God. This blessing is written throughout the New Testament for our encouragement and praise to God. Listen to Curtis Allen, The Voice, and Tom Schreiner, professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discuss the great blessing of union with Christ. If you don’t care for rap music begin listening at the 3:18 mark. May you be encouraged with the truth of Scripture and praise our God for His great salvation.

The Darkest Day

2011-12-21T07:19:00.001-05:00

Tragedies happen all the time. It's common to hear the most horrific or heart wrenching stories on the news or an email. Those stories bring sorrow to the door, but it's abstract and ephemeral. While second hand stories dent our reality with a sense of heartache, it doesn't impact our lives with the consequences that tragedy brings.

When tragedy hits, it changes your life. As a pastor, I've dealt with the problem of suffering theologically, philosophically, and personally. No one can escape the problem of evil in the world, and everyone has to figure out an answer whether you believe in Jesus Christ or not. It's not a question I take lightly nor does it have a simple answer. However, I thought I was prepared to handle horrible news that impacted my life: terminal illness, car wrecks, physical pain, and even death. But I was wrong.

Two years ago, I received a call after 11 am that a close friend of mine killed himself, violently.

I could tell you a thousand memories of Mark Reckman, but I need him to tell the thousand that I can’t remember. That scar never leaves. I miss him; I miss my friend.

There’s no easy answer to suffering, and grieving Reckman’s death continues for me and so many other people that loved him. Even in the midst of sadness and grief, I know God wasn’t absent on December 19, 2009. That doesn’t mean I didn’t question God; not that I questioned His existence. Rather, why did this happen? Where was God? Anyone who says you’re not supposed to question God hasn’t read the Bible. People questioned God through their darkest days and worst moments. Even when people lacked faith and irreverently questioned God, God was gracious in His listening and His answer.

O LORD, God of my salvation;
I cry out day and night before you.
Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry!
(v1-2)
But I, O LORD, cry to you;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?
Why do you hide your face from me?
Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,
I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.
Your wrath has swept over me;
your dreadful assaults destroy me.
They surround me like a flood all day long;
they close in on me together.
You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
my companions have become darkness.
(Psalm 88:13-18)

This psalm ends with little hope because Scripture shows us not only God’s truth but the experiences of the soul. This guy from Psalm 88 is hurting and questions where God is, His grace, and His intervention. At the end, there’s no answer. This Psalm shows us that people throughout history have experienced great pain and loss. In those dark times, God wants us to know that He is with us and hasn’t left us. The greatest hope that we have doesn’t come from a direct answer now, but from the answer that’s already come.

Jesus is our answer for God’s love. Through His life, death, and resurrection I have hope for a new day where God rights every wrong that ever happened. That’s redemption! Jesus experienced pain and suffering. When He was on the cross, Jesus felt abandoned, and He was abandoned. That’s not the end of the story. Through His pain and suffering, Jesus offers new life through the forgiveness of sins. Jesus brings hope to a hopeless situation. There may be many times that we don’t experience answers to our questions and cry through the night. God hasn’t left us without hope. This truth doesn’t remove my sadness for Mark, but I trust in the “Lord, the God of my salvation.” One day Jesus will remove the sadness from my life and heal the scar on my heart.

In May 2009, I visited Mark in Cincinnati. Mark thought it was a great opportunity to have a party, and he did not disappoint. When most everyone had gone home and a few people were left, the Phish song Prince Caspian came on. We always enjoyed a little karaoke, (not that people listening enjoyed it) and we let it out.

I love that memory, and I love my friend.

Oh to be Prince Caspian afloat upon the waves.

Oh to be Prince Caspian afloat upon the waves.

Oh to be Prince Caspian

so far away.

Oooh, Nice Bag!

2011-12-19T07:17:00.001-05:00

NPR reported last week on China’s infamous reputation for producing knockoff fashion items. This time though the knockoffs aren’t designer clothes or accessories but shopping bags, not purses, shopping bags. Status is wrapped up in the outside of the package and not just what’s inside the package. Some people want to give the impression that they have the wealth and status to shop at expensive stores even if there’s only a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk in the bag. If I were given a present wrapped in a famous designer bag, most likely, I wouldn’t notice its significance. Regardless if fashion isn’t one of your preferences, we have certain styles or characteristics that are important for us to maintain in front of others whether it’s organization, looks, knowledge, wealth, or something else. After reading this story, you may want to find one of these cheap luxury shopping bags for yourself, and there’s nothing wrong with that in and of itself. However, we can get caught up seeking the approval of others or a false sense of identity for ourselves through a pursuit of stuff.
When we look to Scripture, we find that our identity through salvation is rooted in Christ. A few days from now we’re celebrating the time that God came into the world to redeem us from finding our identity in anything else besides Him. Take joy in the truth that God loved us so much He gave us His Son that whosever will may have eternal life. You can’t find that in shopping bag.

I'm Just so Busy

2011-12-16T07:25:00.000-05:00

My family and I went to Barnes & Noble on Sunday night. For the record, I love going to bookstores and looking at all of the books waiting to pour out their words. When I leave bookstores, I don’t want more books to read, but more time to read books. Regardless of what you’re doing right now, I’m sure you feel busy. It’s easy to find ourselves wishing to be in another place or doing something other than where we are in our lives with our work, where we live, or even in some relationships.
In Scripture we’re given encouragement to be content where God has placed us. When the Jews world was turned upside down and the unthinkable happened – Jerusalem was taken over and the temple was destroyed, Jeremiah, the prophet instructs the wandering people to work, have families, invest in the city where they are (Jer. 29:1-9). Our devotion to the Lord is not singled out to something we do on Sundays during one hour. All of our work, recreation, and family life is part of being a disciple.
Paul’s life was spent making disciples and planting churches. While that’s not the life that God has called anyone at GracePointe to (yet), Paul’s words to the Philippian church are very important to us no matter what vocation or season of life: I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Phil 4:12-13).
You don’t have to be involved in sports to be impacted by Paul’s words. God’s hand is powerful enough to make me hit a homerun or run a four minute mile, but God’s desire isn’t that I’m a super athlete or even coordinated. God’s call in my life is to be satisfied in Him and in Him alone. The natural human tendency is to want what we don’t have or imagine that our lives would be better if we had someone else’s life. Scripture presents us with the divine reality that God places us in situations that aren’t how we would plan our lives or use our time. God directs our lives so that we experience contentment in Christ regardless of our situation.
I don’t have time that I would to dedicate to reading, but my prayer is that I depend on Christ during every minute of time I have.

Eat Your Vegetables

2011-11-19T13:50:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday NPR reported about the new budget bill before Congress. In the bill Congress labels pizza as a vegetable. The argument is based on tomato paste. Originally in order for pizza to be considered a vegetable it had to be served with a half a cup of tomato paste. However, schools would have to serve pizza in a bowl since the pizza would be swimming in tomato paste. At this point, two tablespoons on pizza maybe considered a vegetable in schools. Margo Wootan arguing speaking for the Center for Science in the Public Interest said pizza should be served with a vegetable not counted as one.
Outside the political world this seems ridiculous. From a common sense perspective, no one would ever consider pizza as a vegetable. Even John Daily picked up on this newsbit commenting, "So the one thing that you've all (Congress) been able to sit down and agree upon is that pizza is a vegetable.''
Most people see this as a ridiculous idea. However, not everyone is in agreement. Some people want to label pizza as a vegetable. Just like in everyday life, individuals have their own understanding about how to live. Without an authority outside of ourselves to determine what is good or what is right, all of morality is left to individual preferences and cultural practices. Thanks to God, we not only have an authority outside of ourselves, but that God's rule is perfect. We don't have to worry about God's rule. God's rule is perfectly good and just in every way. Thus, when we trust His authority we are looking outside of our own hearts and mind to direct us to the perfect truth.
How are you trusting God's rule in your life? As you walk on the path of discipleship are you responding to God's call to change from what seems right in your own mind?

Give it up

2011-11-08T19:55:00.002-05:00

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
(Mark 10:17-22 ESV)

When we read this passage, it's easy to think this text doesn't apply to us since we're not rich. In reality we are rich. According to the Global Rich List if you make $20,000 a year you're in the top 12 percent of the richest people in the world. (Check out globalrichlist.com to find out your exact position.) The point of Jesus words to the rich man had to do with the man's heart. The man sounds like someone we would point to as a good person. He's kept all of the commandments since he was a young boy. However, there was one area of his life that he didn't trust God. Everything he owned dominated the passion of his heart. He recognized Jesus as God and wanted to follow Him. However, rather than giving up his belongings and follow Jesus, he wanted the security of his money. When we read about this story, it's a no-brainer. Of course, you sell all that you have and follow Jesus. The point of this interaction isn't for everyone at GracePointe to sell everything and move to Uganda. The point is for you to examine your heart. What is Jesus telling you to give up? What is holding you back from enjoying the comfort and security of the Lord of the Universe?

Obey & WHAT?

2011-10-19T07:59:00.002-04:00

Over the past few weeks we've been looking at Baptist distinctives. We've looked at the role of biblical authority, the importance of believer's baptism, and our cooperation with other Southern Baptist Churches for the purpose of missions. We are Southern Baptist because we participate with other churches financially to send missionaries around the world to share the name of Jesus with those who have never heard it. This Sunday we looked at our church polity. We are Southern Baptist, but there is no authoritarian Southern Baptist hierarchy that tells GracePointe what to do. We have a plurality of pastors (elders) that lead the church in sharing Jesus and building up believers to maturity in Christ.

If our church is going to function like a healthy church should, we have to heed the call of Hebrews 13:17, Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17 ESV

The church is here to make disciples. Jesus reassured us that He has authority over all things in heaven and on earth. Through His command and encouragement to us, we get to tell others what they were created to be - disciples of Jesus. However, when we hear obey and submit to our leaders, for most of us, caution flags spring up. Remember the entire point the church exists – to do what Jesus has set us here to do. In our church culture it’s easy to become distracted into thinking the church is here to meet your needs, sing the songs you like, or listen to a soothing word from the preacher. You are here to share the Gospel and meet others needs. It’s not about you being served it’s about you serving. It's easy to miss our purpose and assume the church is designed to meet our needs. If you believe in Jesus, you are called to serve others and meet their needs. Be a servant rather than one demanding to have your needs met. When we hear the Gospel, we hear the call to serve with our brothers and sisters.

Dunked

2011-10-11T07:48:00.002-04:00

It’s no question what GracePointe Church is. We’re Baptist. No one walks into our building wondering if we’re Presbyterian, Catholic, or Unitarian. Our name clearly states what we are. The reason we’re Baptist is because we follow to the best of our ability what Scripture lays out for us to do and practice. In our worship services the past few weeks, I’ve preached from Scripture certain distinctives that make up our Baptist identity: Scripture as our authority, sharing the Gospel individually and cooperating with other like minded churches financially to send missionaries, and baptism. There has been much disagreement over the past 1800 years what baptism does, how it’s done, and what it means. Many people have a hard time giving a clear biblical definition of baptism, but through the Scriptures we can understand the right teaching and practice of baptism.

Baptism is more than getting wet. Although that is important. Baptism is more than a ritual that we invite all our family members and friends to watch us go under the water. Although showing our baptism to the church is important. It’s more than an experience that gives us meaning. Although that is important. Baptism follows belief in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. It’s not an addition or requirement to salvation but a picture of the new reality of union with Christ our Savior. Baptism shows your death with Jesus and your new life in Him. Baptism is a one time event that represents our entire Christian life. Everyday we die to sin and believe the Gospel because we know and experience the grace of God in our lives. We’re forgiven! We have mercy! We are saved from the judgment of God’s wrath because of Jesus death and resurrection. Take some today to meditate on the mercies of God in your life.

Let's Go!

2011-10-05T11:21:00.000-04:00

Lottie Moon was a missionary to the Chinese people for over forty years. This woman was one of the pioneer missionaries for Southern Baptists. Through her efforts of reaching the lost Miss Moon spurred Southern Baptists onto making missions a continual priority for the cooperation of churches. However, during her lifetime she was grieved with the lack of missionaries. She knows the great calling of God to His church and wrote to encourage Baptists to fulfill this calling:

I have seen the husbandman go forth in the autumn to plow the fields; later, I have seen him scatter the seed broadcast; anon, the tiny green shoots came up scarcely visible at first; then the snows of winter fell concealing them for weeks; spring brought its fructifying rains, its genial sunshine, & lo! in June the golden harvest. WE are now, a very, very few feeble workers, scattering the grain broadcast according as time & strength permit. God will give the harvest; doubt it not. But the laborers are so few. Where we have four, we should have not less than one hundred. Are these wild words? They would not seem so were the church of God awake to her high privileges & her weighty responsibilities.

Despite the lack of workers in the field, she worshiped God for His faithfulness:

In no country have I seen Christian women of sweeter or lovelier spirit, nowhere have I seen men more heartily consecrated to God's service. Their one chief, absorbing thought seems to be the glory of God, and the salvation of souls.

May we be motivated for by God's glory to see people led out of darkness into light. There are people around us and around the world that need a Savior. May God use GracePointe Baptist Church to shine His light for the lost to see.

(quotes from The Baptists, Vol. Two, Tom Nettles, 2005)

Baptist for Missions not for Religion

2011-10-03T07:11:00.002-04:00

Due to God's grace and millions of humble men and women over the past 167 years, God has used the Southern Baptist denomination to propel the Gospel into places where Jesus has never been mentioned. Through the work of missionaries who are sent through the International Mission Board with Southern Baptist gifts, churches are planted and leaders are trained to continue to share the Gospel in unreached areas.

GracePointe Baptist Church is a member of the Southern Baptist denomination for the sake of missions, not for the sake of religion. We are called by God to share the Gospel in our community, in our community, and around the world. I pray that we will be a church on the go taking the Gospel with us to our neighbors and to those across the ocean. This morning take some time to meditate on Matt. 28:18-20. Ask yourself how you are fulfilling the Jesus commission to you. Pray that GracePointe Baptist Church will be filled with people consumed with a desire to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Baptist History

2011-09-27T17:24:00.000-04:00

Adoniram & Ann Judson set off for India shortly after their wedding day. What a honeymoon! Once they arrived in India they were going to meet missionaries already working there, specifically William Carey. They knew he was a baptist missionary and expected to be challenged on their baptism views. Both Adoniram & Ann were Congregationalists and did not practice believer's baptism. Those in the baptist church believed baptism was an act only for people who had repented from sin and trusted Jesus for salvation. Only then was a person baptized (immersed) in water.
On their long sea voyage, Adoniram first began to investigate Scripture to determine the appropriate practice and meaning of baptism. Although Ann tried to dissuade him from this investigation, she soon looked to Scripture herself. Before they reached India they had been convinced from their own studies of the biblical practice of believer's baptism. When they were settled in India, they shared their new found conviction with their new friends and fellow missionaries. However, the Judson's also wrote home to their Congregationalists supporters who returned a disheartening letter to inform them they could not in good conscious continue supporting them. Despite the unsettling news, God provided support through new relations found in the Gospel through new Baptist missionary groups formed in the United States.
I pray that GracePointe Baptist Church will be a people who search God's Word and apply it to their lives despite the implications it may have for our social or financial standing. May God be glorified through our lives.

Keep on . . .

2011-09-13T21:41:00.000-04:00

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

There's nothing like making it to the weekend after a long, hard week. When the alarm goes off in the morning earlier than you'd like to hear it, you automatically look forward to days just ahead of you where no alarms are needed.
We remind ourselves constantly of what we have to look forward to. Paul emphasizes his teaching in Galatians 6:6-10 to walk by the Spirit. Most of us don't come from farming backgrounds. Here in this section Paul uses a farming metaphor to further draw out his instructions for us to live by the Spirit (5:16, 18, & 25). Here is our encouragement for the difficult seasons of our lives, keep going; don't give up. No matter how we're treated or what we're going through, Paul instructs us to continue doing good to others. In due season we will receive our reward; we will receive our prize. Our King is coming back. We need to remind our selves that we have something greater than a weekend awaiting us. Our King is coming for us! Church, be encouraged and continue serving!

On the Path

2011-09-07T16:23:00.000-04:00

Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
Proverbs 4:26-27

My parents came to celebrate my birthday when I lived in Cincinnati. They asked me how I wanted to celebrate. At that point in my early twenties there was no question how to celebrate my birthday - King's Island. My parents lovingly took me to King's Island for a day filled with ups, downs, and loopty-loops. Thankfully I brought plenty of aspirin for our day. Each ride was build with its own maze of twisting, turning lines to herd swarms of people to the final destination. After a few rides into the day, my parents looked at me and told me to look around at everyone in line. They wanted me to notice that they were without question the oldest ones in line. There wasn't any question about it, there weren't any parents fifty year old parents in line with their twenty-one year old sons.
Each ride brought it's own thrill and joy to my heart, but Mom and Dad had a different experience all together. We were in line for the same ride, but looking at the pictures from our day, you can see we're having two totally different experiences. As soon as each ride catapulted us to maximum speed, Mom screamed bloody murder. Despite my enjoyment of Mom's fear, my dad's agony got so fierce I thought he needed medical attention.
The line at each ride wound around and around taking us to our final destination. We knew where we were going, but it led each of us to a different destination. I enjoyed the end of my path, while Mom and Dad came to their end with dread and terror. The book of Proverbs presents us with the idea that we are all on a path. Many spiritual, philosophical, and religious ideas utilize this metaphor. The book of Proverbs, and the Bible overall, gives us a clear picture how to follow the right path and end in the right place. One is either on the path to wisdom or the path to foolishness. The worst scenario we could find ourselves in is to walk the course of our lives thinking we're headed for one destination and at the end of our path find we're in for something far and far worse than we expected. The difference between other religious or philosophical ideas is that wisdom is not abstract. Rather, wisdom is a person. If you want to find wisdom, then pursue Jesus Christ.
Take a moment to read Proverbs 2:1-20 to consider how you are pursuing Jesus Christ.

Anger

2011-09-02T06:59:00.001-04:00

And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
Mark 3:5

Is it possible to be angry and not sin? We are all too familiar with anger. We get angry throughout the day in different degrees from slight agitation to heated fury. Anger does have it's place in our lives. After all Paul says, "be angry and do not sin".

One of the most fascinating places of Scripture for me is Mark 3:5. Reading through the Gospels we are confronted over and over with Jesus' love for people. Despite his compassion for those in need there are still those who are skeptical of him and who hate him. Even when people question him over and over again, he doesn't throw in the towel. His compassion only grows with a loving resolve. Mark records that Jesus was angry with those that stood around him with an accusing eye rather than a believing heart. His anger wasn't seething from a disgust for them. His anger was balanced by their lack of unbelief. Jesus was saddened for them.

Anger is going to flare up in our lives. The litmus test for us is to determine if we're angry because we've been offended or because we're acting out of compassion for others. I encourage you to meditate on Mark 3:1-6 today. At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus wasn't deterred whatsoever in loving others in the face of conflict.

Watch Out!

2011-09-01T21:48:00.002-04:00

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2

One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23

It's tough to consider humility in our culture. Whether it's restaurant choices, self-help books, 500 channels on satellite, or lawyers ready to fight against our injustice, we are surrounded by influences that tell us we are the center of the universe. When we turn to Scripture we're faced with another perspective on life: we're not the center of the universe. Even more specifically, we put others before us. Naturally we put our selves first. We desire to preserve our own interests and our safety. However, we don't live in a closed box. Our Lord has always been lovingly guiding us to the overflowing joy in Him rather than our shortsighted ability to look out for our own interests. Pride creeps in to our lives and relationships to prevent our satisfaction in Christ and peace with others.

Pride argues for self-justification.
Arguments inflame our emotions and drive us away from healthy relationships toward bitterness. You know you don't have a reconciled relationship when you still argue to yourself that you didn't do anything wrong. Statements that rally around your cause like, "It's not my fault." Pride is concerned about maintaining your sense of justice rather than seeking peace with others.

Pride apologizes with excuses.
Even in apologies, it's easy to offer an excuse to make the apology a little easier to say. It seems like we're working for reconciliation when in reality we're telling the other person why it's their fault. A prideful heart doesn't care for true reconciliation only a sense of blame.
A humble heart works for peace even at the expense of taking the blame. Jesus took the blame for us with no offer of self-justification or excuses. Meditate on the humble heart of our Lord and Savior this morning to focus your heart towards humility.

Freedom to Serve

2011-08-15T11:18:00.002-04:00

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Galatians 5:13-15

Paul tells us our purpose is freedom. God has set us free to serve one another instead of trying to fill the emptiness of our selfish pursuits. Let that truth sink in for a moment - God has set us free by filling our desires with Him so that we freely serve others out of the overflow of joy in our lives. Our culture indoctrinates our thinking with an unbiblical principle of entitlement. The evidence is all over the interstate on billboards advertising lawyers who will fight for your rights. One lawyer's slogan is pictured beside him rolling up his suit sleeve saying, "You hurt, we fight!"

God hasn't called us to a life of entitlement. He's called us to freedom to serve others. Paul's letter to the Galatians has been filled with the content of the Gospel. Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins, gives you His righteousness, and saves you into His family? Now Paul carries out our beliefs into action. Your response to conflict gives you a great indicator how your faith works in action. Let's be a church that response with grace and acts in service toward others. Consider your heart's attitude toward others in the church, those that have left the church, and others in your life. Are you willing to serve them? I'm praying for you, Gracepointe Church that God makes you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power (2 Thess. 1:11)

Kindness

2011-08-12T10:55:00.002-04:00

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22

The natural human response to kindness is an attempt to provide some sort of payment. When a person truly acts out of kindness he isn't acting for repayment. Yesterday Phil and Major Markham spent an hour repairing my dryer. We won't get into the details of why the dryer needed repairing. Nonetheless they labored in the stagnant heat of my garage to get our household up and running again. Once they were finished, everything inside of me wanted to give them something as thanks for their hard work, but they didn't work to be paid. They worked out of kindness for my family and me. I'm blessed beyond measure to have such kind brothers to help me. I praise God for them and everyone at Gracepointe. May God continue to be glorified as our church family shows kindness to one another and our community.

Let's Pray

2011-08-09T10:53:00.005-04:00

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. Colossians 1:9-10a

I don't have the same apprehension I once did when I traveled. When I try to remember how I obtained travel information of how to get from point A to point B, it's like I jump back in time when people navigated by the stars. Instead of feeling uneasy trying to drive at the same time while looking for strange landmarks to guide me to my destination, I can comfortably rely on my printed directions from Google. Printing directions may seem antiquated to those of you that have iPhones or Garmins to escort you on your way. The point is that for me to know where I'm going and how to get there I have to have the correct knowledge. Directions provide just what I need. I simply type in where I begin and where I want to go. Voila! I have my directions. The only thing holding me back is my inability to follow.

Looking through Paul's letters, he begins most of his letters to churches by telling them what his prayers are for them. One of the common themes in Paul's prayer is being filled with knowledge. It is important to know the content of the Gospel, the glory of God's grace, what God has accomplished, His faithfulness to the covenant. This list goes on and on which further points to the necessity of dwelling on whom God is and what He has done. Without meditation on Scripture, it's like driving to a new city without a clue how to get there. We don't have a close relationship with God without knowing how He has acted and how He will continue to bring about His redemption plan.

I am prayer for you Gracepointe Baptist Church specifically to be filled with the knowledge of God so you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. You are on my mind continually before the Lord. We aren't called to win the world or even St. Augustine for Jesus, but we called to be faithful and walk worthy of our Lord. Spend some time meditation on this prayer from Colossians today and focus on your walk with the Lord.

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14

Waiting in Hope

2011-08-04T10:48:00.002-04:00

". . . so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:7-8

The summer is nearly over. All of those vacations and weekend getaways that you were looking forward to have come and gone (or presently enjoying your vacation!) . Whether it's a vacation or something smaller, we get excited about upcoming events. I'm excited to use my birthday present from my sister soon - a gift certificate for Outback! Our anticipation for our desires to be realized help us trudge through the daily grind. We think to ourselves, "I know this is hard, but I've only got a few more days until . . . "

In Scripture we are comforted over and over with promises from God while we wait our King's return. Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians with a prayer of thanksgiving for them acknowledging that they don't lack any gift while they wait for Jesus. This promise is true for believers today. During our anticipation for our King's return, we don't lack any spiritual gift. Yes, life is hard, but during while we wait God has provided for us. Waiting is difficult for us, from the time we were little and thought Christmas Day would never get here. During this time we wait for Jesus, we have been given gifts to open and use for God's glory.

God does give us what we need to sustain us until Jesus' return. It's no secret that waiting is hard, but it's important to focus on our anticipation of our Lord's return. Paul calls our attention to wait for our hope realized:

". . . as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. . . But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:23c, 25

"For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness." Galatians 5:5

"and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." 1 Thessalonians 1:10

The greatest expectation that we as believers have is not our dream vacation or ideal all-you-can-eat restaurant. It's the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Reflect on our hope in the Lord today. Turn to the Scriptures listed about and read the surrounding verses.

He Never Said a Mumblin' Word

2011-08-03T09:59:00.001-04:00

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. Proverbs 10:19

I love listening to sports talk radio show hosts like Colin Cowherd, Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic, & Scott Van Pelt. We live in a 24 hour news cycle that analyzes every detail possible. I'm amazed at these sports commentators and even political commentators at their ability to talk every day for one to three hours about their respective field. I remember sitting in church as a child wondering how the preacher always had so much to say every time we met for worship.

Even if we're not in a specific venue for people to listen to our words, each of us has opinions and ideas that we want to share with others. Our words and ideas are important to us and we naturally think that our words are worth others consideration. What we find in Scripture especially in Proverbs is to use our words cautiously. In a digital age that we can share what we're doing every second of the day, we need to pause and consider our words before we broadcast them to the world around us. Jesus said it's not what goes into a person that defiles a person. Rather, what comes out of a person's mouth proceeds from the heart (Matt 15:17-20). Today when you talking with friends, family, co-workers or commenting on Facebook, reflect on your words. Are they filled with grace and kindness or are they filled with gossip, slander, and lies?

Let's look to Jesus for our example on restraining our lips. Listen to the song below.

Waiting in Hope

2011-08-01T12:24:00.003-04:00

For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness, Gal. 5:5.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we put our faith in Him for the forgiveness of our sins. Rather than seeing ourselves as inherently good or able to measure up to God's perfect righteous standard, we trust in Jesus for His righteousness. Right now we are waiting to be declared righteous before God, our Father, and before all of our brothers and sisters. We see in Galatians continually that we don't rely on our ability or merits to stand before God. It's only by hearing with faith through the Spirit that brings righteousness. It's true that right now we are united with Christ and God credits us as righteous. However, those outside of Christ do not see us as perfectly righteous. Although we maybe viewed as good, decent people who try to live right. This view is vastly different from the perfect righteousness that God gives us.

In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Edmund is a despicable brother. He lies to his brother and sisters throughout the beginning of the story. His lies cause great problems and heartache for his family and for the entire country of Narnia. His lies lead to what seems to be the greatest catastrophe Narnia has ever known. Aslan, the King is killed by the White Witch who has held Narnia under her power for ages previously. Now that she killed Aslan, she will never be stopped. But death could not hold Aslan because of his great sacrifice of love. Edmund doesn't stay the loathsome character we first knew either. He repents and fights for his king, Aslan. At the end of the story the Pevensie family is crowned kings and queens of Narnia. When Aslan comes to Edmund, he crowns him king and declares him, not Edmund the Liar, but Edmund the Just. No matter how the world views you as that nasty liar you once were. You Father views you has righteous, and in the assembly of all you will be declared righteous. One day each of us will see our hope fulfilled.

Praying & Going

2011-07-28T10:28:00.002-04:00

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

During our prayer meeting last night we made it a priority to pray for our friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers who don't follow Jesus. We have the opportunity to pray for people in our lives to see God give them salvation. Let's be a church that prays for God to do extraordinary things in peoples lives. As we pray for those in our lives let's look for opportunities to share the Gospel with them and share God's love with them. We do care about their eternal destiny, but we also care about their needs now. Be attentive for things that you can do to show God's love to others. Pray for opportunities today to share the Gospel today.

Where does this race end?

2011-07-27T09:39:00.001-04:00

In our Christian lives we often feel greatly motivated after a worship service. We loved the songs and sung out loud despite being off pitch. The sermon was convicting and moved you to new decisions for Lord. However, just a few hours after worship, the fresh conviction wanes and no longer has an impact on our thought process, planning, and desire for the Lord.
Listen to the author of Hebrews:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God, Heb. 12:1-2.

How can we keep the Gospel at the forefront of our lives in order to continue with the endurance we need? We have to keep Jesus at the front of our lives. Concentrate on the Gospel today in order to continue with endurance with joy.

I made it home yesterday after a rough four miles. It was storming and the temperature felt drastically hotter. I knew I wanted to make it home. I kept it in view knowing the air conditioner and cold water that awaited me. Reflect on the joy that Jesus Christ has for us to persevere through the difficult times that you experience.

Orphan Care

2011-07-25T08:41:00.000-04:00

Last night we continued our mini-series on Orphan Care. Orphan care isn't only for couples who adopt, nor is it only for a fringe section of well meaning Christians. It's for all those who live a life of faith in Christ. Our life is characterized by a desire for God's glory over our desire for comfort and conformity. Following Christ means we live advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism and caring for the needy. Following Christ means caring for the orphan because we were once spiritual orphans ourselves. In Genesis God promised Abraham that He would give Abraham a son, make his family into a nation as numerous as the stars in the sky, and bless all the nations through him. This promise could not come to fruition by Abraham's own power. He and his wife were nearly 100 years old and Sarah was barren. God provided a miracle in Sarah's dead womb, and they had a son, Isaac. God's promise still had to continue through Abraham's son, Isaac, but Isaac and his wife were faced with the same reality of infertility as Abraham and Sarah. They could not make the promise happen through their own power either. God miraculously intervened in their marriage as well. Their son Jacob was the testimony that God was delivering His promise to Abraham, but Jacob and his wife Rachel struggled with infertility like his father and grandfather. God continued to show His faithfulness to His promise and provided a miracle son in a barren womb. None of these men could make the promise happen on their own. God set His love on Israel and made this nation His son. At the end Genesis and beginning of Exodus, this nation is in captivity in Egypt. God redeems His son out of slavery to freedom in their own land that He provides for them.

In Galatians 3-4, Paul interprets these events in light of our adoption, our salvation. God redeemed us as sinners from the "elementary principles of this world" to heirs of the covenant. We are now sons! Our faith in Jesus Christ brings us out of sin's captivity and into the family of God. The good news of the Gospel isn't simply the forgiveness of sins, it's that we are saved from our sin, given righteousness, and made a son of God! For the women wondering if Scripture includes them, you can rest assured in the promises of God that you too receive the same inheritance as a first born son (Gal. 3:28). Our Father is a loving God that gives over and abundantly to ALL of His children.

Since we understand our salvation through adoption, the church does care for orphans. Read through Gal. 3:23-4:7 today and consider how loving our Father's is to us, His children. Please pray for opportunities for Gracepointe to become involved in orphan care in St. Augustine and around the world.

No Condemnation

2011-07-20T11:14:00.001-04:00

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death, Rom. 8:1-2

Our salvation removes any condemnation for us and brings us into freedom in Christ Jesus. Everyday we need to recall this part of the Gospel. God has brought us into His family by giving us a new heart. There isn't anyone or anything to bring an accusation against us. We are forgiven and free! Praise the Lord for His grace to us. All of us who understand our salvation realize the gravity of our sin before the Lord. Since we realize how disgusting our sin is before a holy God, we celebrate how amazing and awesome His rich mercy and grace is toward us. Obedience to the Father isn't a difficult task that we feel forced or joyless to follow because we are liberated out of our crushing guilt and shame. God has called us to freedom in Christ, in the family of God. If you are in Christ, reflect today on the verses listed above on the mercy and grace that God has lavished over you in Christ. Write them down or commit them to memory. Diligently focus on these verses today.

Building Together

2011-07-19T13:06:00.001-04:00

Get a glimpse of the work going on when Nehemiah leads people to rebuild Jerusalem:
Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. [7] And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. [8] Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. [9] Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. [10] Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. [11] Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. [12] Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters. Nehemiah 3:6-13

Nehemiah heard the report from those remaining in Judah that everyone who survived the exile was in great trouble and shame. The wall was broken down and the gates were destroyed by fire. His heart sank with this news. Nehemiah was driven to prayer and fasting for the sake the Lord’s covenant with His people. God provided Nehemiah the opportunity to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall and the gates.
It wasn’t an easy task. All over the city charred remains lay on the ground and the rubble was everywhere. It took a great effort by everyone there to continue the grueling work of picking up stone after stone to clean up and rebuild.
Through God’s provision and Nehemiah’s leadership the people accomplished a monumental achievement. Despite the circumstances, the hostility from outsiders, the inward conflict, the wall and city gates were rebuilt! It required everyone to work together and continue to work through the opposition.
Today God has not called us to build a wall, and He’s not called us to build His church either. However, God does use us in His church. We share the Gospel, serve those inside and outside the church, and encourage each other. Consider your role in the church. How is your faith evident in your relationships with others at Gracepointe? How are you fulfilling the work that God has called you to?

God Saves the Orphan

2011-07-18T10:39:00.000-04:00

We began a new series last night from Galatians - God Saves the Orphans - Looking at Orphan Care. True, we are a small church, and there are more than 147 million orphans worldwide. The amazing thing about being God's church is that He calls us to extraordinary tasks that result in His glory! What God has called us to as His people IS NOT something that we relegate to one hour on Sunday or the week we’re scheduled to go on a short term mission trip. God has saved us out of our sin and into His glorious grace. Our whole lives must be about God’s glory!

Salvation is more than the forgiveness of sins. It’s more than redemption. It’s more than not going to hell. It’s more than receiving eternal life. Gospel presentations can be distorted to lead people to believe eternal life is based on ONE PRAYER. Let me read to you what Scripture does not say:

If anyone wants to follow me, let him pray a one time prayer asking for forgiveness sins.

The rich young ruler asked Jesus what good thing must he do to obtain eternal life. After the rich man responded to Jesus that he had kept ALL the commandments, he wondered what he was still lacking. Jesus told him that if he wanted to be complete simply repeat after him a prayer.

Obviously that’s not what Scripture says. Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take us his cross and follow me," Matt. 16.24. He told the rich man to sell everything he had and give it to the poor. Then come and follow Him, Matt. 19:16-21. Salvation isn’t a one time event that secures your destiny regardless of your affections or pursuits after you repeat a prayer.

Many of you are following Jesus because you understand that faith in Christ makes a lifelong disciple. Our church is a church that will follow Jesus’ call to make other disciples and be involved in orphan care. I understand the Great Commission, but where does the Bible say that the church is mandated to care for orphans? It’s all over Scripture. Take time today to read through Scripture: Deut. 10:18-19, 24:17-19, 27:19a, Ex. 22:21-22, Ps. 10:17-18, Ps. 113:5-7, Ps. 146:9, Hos. 14:3, James 1:27

We want to be a church that lives out our salvation and cares for those in need. Let's begin to consider how our church can be involved in orphan care.

Praying as a First Priority

2011-07-14T12:51:00.000-04:00

. . . If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" 2 Chron. 7:14

On Wednesday nights we meet for prayer. Lloyd leads us in prayer for our missionaries and various prayer requests we have within the church. Over the past few weeks I have been teaching through Paul's prayers. However, the most recent two prayer meetings have involved more collective praying. Last night we looked at the Lord's appearance to Solomon after the dedication of the temple found in 2 Chronicles 7:11-22. Prayer is often said as a last resource or the only option available since there's nothing we can do on our own to work out the problem. Prayer meeting is downplayed to one of those church activities that we really don't have to attend. After all, it's only a prayer meeting. This attitude is one of a pagan idol worshiper instead of a child of God.

Praying together joins us in a spiritual bond that unites us in our pursuit of seeking the Lord's will. We want to see God glorified by saving people, changing lives, and intervening in supernatural ways. If we truly want to be a church that makes a difference in people's lives, we have to pray for the lost, pray for specific ways we can serve the community, pray for God to use us, as well as pray for God to help us with our needs. There is much more prayer who loves people as opposed to a church who wants to see growth. The first step for Gracepointe Baptist Church is to pray together for those whom we will reach with the Gospel. Take some time today to pray for your lost friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors to want Jesus. Pray for the unity of our church body. Pray that God will be praised for the work that He's doing in us.

Justified

2011-05-27T14:49:00.003-04:00

Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16

The Good News of Jesus Christ stands or falls on the teaching of justification by faith. Indeed Martin Luther called it "the most important doctrine of Christianity. If there is such a great weight on justification by faith, it's important for us to know and dwell on this wonderful truth.

We are judged righteous because Jesus Christ took our sin and God's wrath on Himself when He died on the cross as our substitute. Not only did Jesus remove our sin, we receive His righteousness. WE HAVE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST! Due to the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, we are not condemned as rebels, as sinners, as God's enemies. There is no more guilt. There is no more shame. Jesus died for our sins and gives us right standing before God (righteousness). We win because Jesus has won for us. There is no problem or sin that you can't overcome because you have been justified by our Lord and Savior.

Our justification is by faith in what Christ has done rather than in our good works. The Good News of Jesus Christ is your reason to worship. God has done all the work on our behalf. Celebrate His goodness and love for you because He accomplished your salvation, a work that you or I could never do.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your goodness and love to me. I praise you because you have saved me from my sin through your Son, Jesus. Remind me of your great love for me. Help me to know that I don't have to earn your love or earn right standing before you. I know you have given me grace and salvation that I did not deserve or earn. May I treat others with grace and love them like you have loved me. Thank you for your wonderful salvation. Through you I pray Jesus, amen.

Follow flirt to its natural conclusion

2011-03-22T01:20:00.004-04:00

I'm not a mom trying to teach my children about modesty and sexually. I'm a father trying to shepherd both my daughter and my son how to live for the glory of God all the way down to fashion. Some might argue that I'm not really capable of teaching such a subject and for the sake of argument I'll concede the point, but it all matters. Read this WSJ article for an interesting secular take on raising daughters in a sex driven culture.

There's no hero packing a concealed weapon

2011-02-08T23:58:00.002-05:00

Read this article. People carrying sidearms don't save lives. The reality is more people die when there is more potential to kill.

AKA Halloween

2010-10-29T18:55:00.002-04:00

As October 31 approaches, here is an interesting interview with Carl Trueman, Professor of Historical Theology and Church History, and Academic Dean, at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, about Martin Luther and his 95 Theses. He knows his facts about Luther having written his dissertation on Luther's Legacy. Check it out.

I found this Q&A very interesting.
Was Luther a “Protestant” at this point (when he nailed the 95 Theses to the door)? Was he a “Lutheran”?

No, on both counts. He himself tells us in 1545 that, in 1517, he was a committed Catholic who would have murdered—or at least been willing to see murder committed—in the name of the Pope. There is some typical Luther hyperbole there, but the theology of the Ninety-Five Theses is not particularly radical, and key Lutheran doctrines, such as justification by grace through faith alone, are not yet present. He was an angry Catholic, hoping that, when the Pope heard about Teztel, he would intervene to stop the abuse.

Family Reading

2010-10-25T23:24:00.004-04:00

I've greatly enjoyed reading books to my children. We've gone through several books and checked out fun, smaller books from the library. On our family blog I've written about Chuck Black's, Kingdom Series. I definitely recommend families to read through them together. They are great allegories of Scripture that provide many opportunities for conversation about the Bible and the Gospel. We're reading through The Chronicles of Narnia now which they absolutely love. It helps that after we read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe that we watched the movie together. We'll read The Dawn Treader well before it's out this December. I can't wait to take them out to the movies.
For our nightly devotions we have read The Big Picture Story Bible several times and finished the Jesus Storybook once. There's no doubt for older children that the Jesus Storybook is amazing. It's presentation of the Gospel and constant emphasis on Jesus as the center of the whole Bible directs us to worship together. During our morning routine we are reading through Mighty Acts of God. It is a good book, and it will be a book we use for a long time. It has many great discussion helps at the end of each section. Once again it is a great help to always point us to Jesus Christ throughout every part of history in God's redemption plan.
I write this because I love being with my children. One of the ways we spend precious time together is playing games but also by reading together which creates conversation and teaching opportunities. I love my children, and I look for ways to cultivate our relationship to deepen it and strengthen it in the Gospel. Reading Truth to them is something I cherish and they enjoy as well. It's a special time when we read together. I pray that by God's grace one of the things that will anchor them to a love for God's Word and a thirst for knowledge is our reading together as a family.

The Hiddenness of God

2010-10-07T09:59:00.003-04:00

I wrote some time ago about the Hidden smile of God. Behind a frowning Providence, He hides a smiling face. We all wrestle with questions about suffering and death regardless of our belief in God or lack thereof. Below is one man's account of how death has impacted him and yet, his trust in God. Frank James's brother was killed on Mount Hood after being trapped in a cave during a horrendous blizzard. I posted the story in part here but you can read the entire article here which provides great counsel on grieving.

Midnight, it is said, is the portal between this world and the next and is somehow in league with chaos, death, and mystery. It is the moment of dark visitations. So it was for me in December 2006. My sleep was interrupted by a phone call, and I was instantly shocked into full consciousness: My younger brother was trapped in a snow cave on Mount Hood, and an unyielding blizzard prevented rescue.
The mountain proved to be Kelly's final adventure. Losing my brother on Mount Hood has been a painful reminder of my own spiritual fragility. None of us is immune to the heartaches and sorrows that inhabit this misbegotten world. Though I am a preacher, a professor of historical theology, and the provost of a theological seminary, I have found it agonizingly difficult to come to terms with my brother's death. It is one thing to talk about death in the abstract. It is entirely another to cope with the death of someone you love very, very much. The truth of the matter is that losing a loved one hurts down to the deepest parts of your soul.
I was the first to learn the news days later. Hearing those words announcing his death was like a blow to the solar plexus knocking the breath out of me, but telling the rest of my family was more dreadful. I had known heartache before, but this transcended every previous emotion I had ever experienced. My vision blurred. My feet were heavy and seemed to resist carrying me to the next room, where my family anxiously awaited the latest news of the rescue mission on Mount Hood. Kelly's wife, Karen, the children, our mother, three brothers and a sister—they took the news hard. I have never heard weeping like I heard that night in the village at the foot of the mountain. The Bible sometimes refers to "wailing" as an especially forlorn kind of weeping. That is what I heard that night—wailing. I hope I never hear that sound again.
Death is ugly, and we cannot—indeed, should not—try to make it palatable or explain it away with pious platitudes. Death is a cruel, brutal, and fearsome trespasser into this world. It is an intruder and a thief. It has severed an irreplaceable relationship with my brother. We shared the same story, and he knew me in a way no other person did. Kelly would no longer return my calls. Never again would I hear him cheerfully mock me as "Frankie Baby." Sometimes I see him in a dream, and I reach out to grasp him—but he is not there.
We are created for life, not death. Kelly had a shameless zest for living life to the fullest. When death strikes suddenly from the shadows or claws at us until the last breath, those left behind experience numbness and disorientation. Somehow we know in our hearts that it is not supposed to be this way.

Order of Creation

2010-09-14T20:53:00.003-04:00

I'm not posting to give an answer to the age of the earth or universe. I can tell you the order of creation, but it would be much easier for you to look up Genesis 1 and read it. See The Economist's review of Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow's new release The Grand Design. Hawking has made several "appearances" on The Simpson's but in real life he's a famous physicist well known for A Brief History of Time. If we had a coffee table I'm sure our illustrated copy of A Brief History of Time would be a fun piece of decoration, but we don't have a coffee table. Nonetheless check out The Economist's unimpressed review.

Their conclusion:

Once upon a time it was the province of philosophy to propose ambitious and outlandish theories in advance of any concrete evidence for them. Perhaps science, as Professor Hawking and Mr Mlodinow practice it in their airier moments, has indeed changed places with philosophy, though probably not quite in the way that they think.

Orphan Care is Spiritual Warfare

2010-09-09T12:37:00.001-04:00

Here is an article written by Dr. Russell Moore in Christianity Today. It was written a couple of months ago, but is well worth the read today.

We evangelicals often seem to identify more around corporate brands and political parties than with each other in our local churches. But our adoption in Christ makes us not warring partisans but loving siblings, whom the Spirit has taken from the babble of Babel to the oneness of Pentecost. The church's unity attests to the "manifold wisdom of God" (Eph. 3:10). Would our gospel be more credible if "church family" wasn't just a slogan, if "brothers and sisters" was more than metaphor? What would happen if the world saw fewer "white churches" and "black churches," fewer "blue-collar churches" and "white-collar churches," and fewer baby boomer and emerging churches, and saw more churches whose members have little in common except being saved by the gospel?
Our churches ought to be showing the families therein how love and belonging transcend categories of the flesh. Instead, though, it seems God is using families who adopt to teach the church. In fact, perhaps we so often wonder whether adopted children can really be brothers and sisters because we so rarely see it displayed in our pews. Some—maybe even you—might wonder how an African American family could love a white Ukrainian baby, how a Haitian teenager could call Swedish parents Mom and Dad. The adoption movement is challenging the impoverished hegemony of our carnal sameness, as more and more families in the church are starting to show fellow believers the meaning of unity in diversity.
That's why adoption and orphan care can ultimately make the church a counterculture. The demonic rulers of the age hate orphans because they hate babies—and have from Pharaoh to Moloch to Herod to the divorce culture to malaria to HIV/AIDS. They hate foster care and orphan advocacy because these actions are icons of the gospel's eternal reality. Our enemies would prefer that we find our identity and inheritance in what we can see and verify as ours—the flesh—rather than according to the veiled rhythms of the Spirit. Orphan care isn't charity; it's spiritual warfare.

The Gospel of Wealth

2010-09-07T09:48:00.003-04:00

Here is an interesting op-ed piece from David Brooks - The Gospel of Wealth. He highlights the American Dream clash with excess and how certain "groups" are reshaping the restraint that was once present in America.

Here are some of his statements:

People bought bulbous vehicles like Hummers and Suburbans. The rule was, The Smaller the Woman, the Bigger the Car — so you would see a 90-pound lady in tennis whites driving a 4-ton truck with enough headroom to allow her to drive with her doubles partner perched atop her shoulders.

In the coming years of slow growth, people are bound to establish new norms and seek noneconomic ways to find meaning. One of the interesting figures in this recalibration effort is David Platt.

Jesus, Platt notes, made it hard on his followers. He created a minichurch, not a mega one. Today, however, building budgets dwarf charitable budgets, and Jesus is portrayed as a genial suburban dude. “When we gather in our church building to sing and lift up our hands in worship, we may not actually be worshipping the Jesus of the Bible. Instead, we may be worshipping ourselves.”

Platt is in the tradition of those who don’t believe these two spheres can be reconciled. The material world is too soul-destroying. “The American dream radically differs from the call of Jesus and the essence of the Gospel,” he argues.

But the Gospel rejects the focus on self: “God actually delights in exalting our inability.” The American dream emphasizes upward mobility, but “success in the kingdom of God involves moving down, not up.”

Wow.

2010-09-04T11:32:00.003-04:00

I read this blog earlier and have a very hard time categorizing it. When you read it, I'm sure you will find sadness yet peace in God. I can't imagine the sorrow this couple is going through, but I take them at their word when they hoping in the Lord while they suffer. Read it here or below. Please pray for Zach and Jennifer.

The Glory of It All
September 2, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010. Zack and I visited the perinatal clinic for a “just to be sure everything’s o.k.” ultrasound. I had already had two normal ultrasounds and at fourteen weeks thought I was not in danger of losing this baby. From the start of the day, things were off. We got up late, got to the clinic late, there was only one doctor working. And then…Immediately the ultrasound tech knew something was wrong, though she put on a good show for us. She paged the only doctor working at the clinic and he came immediately to let me know in no uncertain terms, that my baby would not live once it was born. He spouted off a lot of medical terms and possibilities, none of which I remembered. I came away from that appointment knowing only that my baby would die and that as the doctor said, “This is much worse than Down Syndrome.”

The doctor left us alone in the room to process the news and as Zack held me while I cried and my heart broke at the thought of carrying this baby for six more months and then losing it, a peace settled over me. I had a sense that this was God’s plan for our lives and we would live it, like we had lived everything else. Like Zack had lived the death of his father when he was only seventeen, or we had lived the two miscarriages prior to the birth of our son John Owen. We’d live it because we wholeheartedly trust that God’s plans are best.

Today we returned to the perinatal clinic so they could try and determine exactly what was wrong with the baby. The answer: anencephaly. I sat staring at the picture of my baby that the ultrasound tech had left up (by mistake probably) as the doctor talked and talked and tried to console us and offer us “early delivery” and reassure us that it wasn’t our fault. I just sat and stared. None of those things he said offered any consolation to me, any hope. For the ten days prior to today, I had believed and known with everything inside of me that God could heal my baby. BUT today as I sat and stared at my baby, something inside of me knew that maybe healing wasn’t God’s best in this situation.

Our desire has been to glorify God in all we do. I fail miserably most days. Especially while we are on this journey though, my heart cries out to glorify God above all else. And maybe God will receive more glory through our suffering than through a miracle. Maybe not. All things are possible with God.

But today…I grieve.

I grieve for my little girl kicking and growing inside of me–Ella Grace.

I grieve for my husband who tries so hard to understand me and wants desperately to make things better.

I grieve for my family, friends, and church family who hurt with us as we travel this road.

At the end of this journey I hope people can say that God received glory.

I hope we suffer well.

The net connecting us all

2010-09-02T23:39:00.003-04:00

I'm a big fan of the new developments in gmail. Not only can you chat or video chat with people (not that I chat with people or video chat with people outside of my parents who really just want to see the kids and occasionally with Freddy T.) now you can call cell phones and landlines for free. That's right I said for free.
I'm a big fan of this new development because we use our cell phones for calling and that's it. Now that I have another outlet to use minutes I don't have to sweat at the end of the month and make sure my phone calls end in one minute or calling people after 9 pm.
It's an interesting development in the cell phone world too. It hasn't been a secret that data is the premium sales ticket rather than minutes. Thus, in our Decade of Disconnect we're already avoiding texting and data costs and reaping the benefits of no price calling.
Yes, I identify with Karen's term "Decade of Disconnect". In reality both terms are used lightly, kind of like Made from Scratch Lemonade at O'Charley's which is made with soda water, and lemon flavoring. Yes, we are disconnected without a TV. But we have the internet. No we don't text either, but we have cell phones. As for texting, I'm not opposed to texting in general, but I am opposed to conversational texting. The bottom line is which is most practical - texting or talking?
Nonetheless we're not totally disconnected even if it takes a Newsweek article to let us in on the Jersey Shore phenomenon. Decade is used loosely too since there is no way to know what technology will bring in ten years.
For now, I'll indulge in the latest tech fun with gmail. If you look at your caller id and don't recognize the number go ahead and answer it, it might be me!

Purified or Pornified

2010-08-13T14:40:00.003-04:00

I regularly read Justin Taylor's blog at The Gospel Coalition. His blog is a great resource. Many times I want to re-post what he has written or linked as is the case today. Taylor provides a post from a talk Albert Mohler gave several years ago to students at Boyce College. You can read Taylor's summary of it below, read the Dr. Mohler's manuscript here, or listen to it here.

In 2004 Albert Mohler gave a talk to the male students of Boyce College, entitled “The Seduction of Pornography and the Integrity of Christian Marriage”—available in manuscript and audio form.

I encourage young guys in particular to read it and listen to it.

Here is an excerpt, where he talks about two pictures of male sexuality:

The first picture is of a man who has set himself toward a commitment to sexual purity, and is living in sexual integrity with his wife. In order to fulfill his wife’s rightful expectations and to maximize their mutual pleasure in the marriage bed, he is careful to live, to talk, to lead, and to love in such a way that his wife finds her fulfillment in giving herself to him in love. The sex act then becomes a fulfillment of their entire relationship, not an isolated physical act that is merely incidental to their love for each other. Neither uses sex as means of manipulation, neither is inordinately focused merely on self-centered personal pleasure, and both give themselves to each other in unapologetic and unhindered sexual passion. In this picture, there is no shame. Before God, this man can be confident that he is fulfilling his responsibilities both as a male and as a man. He is directing his sexuality, his sex drive, and his physical embodiment toward the one-flesh relationship that is the perfect paradigm of God’s intention in creation.

Mohler then asks us to consider the picture of another man:

This man lives alone, or at least in a context other than holy marriage. Directed inwardly rather than outwardly, his sex drive has become an engine for lust and self-gratification. Pornography is the essence of his sexual interest and arousal. Rather than taking satisfaction in his wife, he looks at dirty pictures in order to be rewarded with sexual arousal that comes without responsibility, expectation, or demand. Arrayed before him are a seemingly endless variety of naked women, sexual images of explicit carnality, and a cornucopia of perversions intended to seduce the imagination and corrupt the soul.

This man need not be concerned with his physical appearance, his personal hygiene, or his moral character in the eyes of a wife. Without this structure an accountability, he is free to take his sexual pleasure without regard for his unshaved face, his slothfulness, his halitosis, his body odor, and his physical appearance. He faces no requirement of personal respect, and no eyes gaze upon him in order to evaluate the seriousness and worthiness of his sexual desire. Instead, his eyes roam across the images of unblinking faces, leering at women who make no demands upon him, who never speak back, and who can never say no. There is no exchange of respect, no exchange of love, and nothing more than the using of women as sex objects for his individual and inverted sexual pleasure.

By logical consequence, he achieves sexual gratification at the expense of women who have been used and abused as commodified sex objects. He may imagine a sex act as he fulfills his physical pleasure, but he almost certainly does not imagine what it would mean to be responsible for this woman as husband and accountable to her as mate. He can sit in his soiled underwear, belching the remnants of last night’s pizza, and engage in a pattern of one-handed sexual satisfaction while he “surfs the net” and forfeits his soul.

Here’s the point:

These two pictures of male sexuality are deliberately intended to drive home the point that every man must decide who he will be, whom he will serve, and how he will love. In the end, a man’s decision about pornography is a decision about his soul, a decision about his marriage, a decision about his wife, and a decision about God.

Pornography is a slander against the goodness of God’s creation and a corruption of this good gift God has given his creatures out of his own self-giving love. To abuse this gift is to weaken, not only the institution of marriage, but the fabric of civilization itself. To choose lust over love is to debase humanity and to worship the false god Priapus in the most brazen form of modern idolatry.

You can read it and listen to it online.

More Guns More Fun

2010-02-27T23:39:00.003-05:00

Am I a gun rights advocate or gun owner advocate? No, not at all. There's a huge force driving Americans need and craving for owning and carrying a gun. I look forward to writing my thoughts, but at this point I thought this Vanity Fair article had more satire than I could pen that really gets to the balderdash at America's outlandish laws permitting unregulated gun purchases and gun toting.
Be sure to read it.

Behind a Frowning Providence

2010-01-21T12:14:00.002-05:00

William Cowper wrote God Moves in Mysterious Ways. As anyone suffers or grieves questions always loom in one's mind often with few answers. Despite the knowledge of why, everyone can rest in the confidence of God, His goodness, His mercy & His love for us. I cannot explain the problem of evil nor can anyone who does or does not believe in God. What I can do is trust in the loving, mighty God who has promised that nothing can separate His children from His love. These words echo God's promises. May you be encouraged with this song.

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

what if?

2009-12-02T07:57:00.001-05:00

Pimped out Princesses

2009-11-02T22:55:00.003-05:00

On Momentum magazine's site they had an old article from the New York Times posted. I read with heightening interest.

There is confusion across the board over gender roles, parenting styles and appropriate play for boys and girls. Peggy Orenstein brings a whirlwind of rigor and thought in her article "What's Wrong with Princess?" In the midst of interesting statistics and a brief glance at Disney's recent marketing strategies, Orenstein stands alongside every other mother and father in America trying to raise a daughter through the thick of marketing campaigns aimed right at daughters. Surprisingly I agree with a quote from her article that as young girls grow up as Princesses, their shade of pink gets more risque.

What you’re really talking about is sexual purity. And there’s a trap at the end of that rainbow, because the natural progression from pale, innocent pink is not to other colors. It’s to hot, sexy pink — exactly the kind of sexualization parents are trying to avoid.

Apart from definite roles of gender in manhood and womanhood there will be confusion for children to understand their sexuality and identity. Parents have to teach their daughters and sons identity in the roles that God has created and designed for them to be most fulfilled.

Loafing it with Everybody in the church

2009-10-08T11:41:00.005-04:00

My wife wrote an excellent blog on our adoption blog, The Road to Ethiopia. I wanted to share it with other readers and those on Facebook. There is a mission before us to take the Gospel to a lost and dying world, to love people who aren't easy to love and serve people in difficult places. Read through Karen's post and consider how you and your church are carrying Jesus' message and love because you know the objective reality of Christ's love and grace.

One year ago today, we had just submitted our online application to America World Adoption with the non-refundable $250. We were waiting to hear if we had been approved into the Ethiopian Adoption Program. Here we are today, 366 days later & all in at about $25,000 thus far & waiting. We’ve done a lot of waiting over the past year….not just waiting in line for popcorn at the movies or waiting in a really long line to pay a toll booth fee (neither of us miss the traffic aspect of Chicago).

This past year has been filled with HIGHLY stressful waiting…big, big WAITING….and right now, we are again waiting. I feel like I've had some real experiences with waiting prior to our adoption, and most of them centered around my education. I waited to hear about grad school applications...waited to hear about my residency placement....waited to hear if i passed the national licensure exam (very stressful)...waited 9 years for a degree and a real job. I'd describe all of those experiences as difficult and stressful. But I’d much rather do any of that type of waiting all over again than do this kind of waiting… the lack of 100% assurance is indescribably difficult. Don’t get me wrong… He IS our son. Even if the most horrifically awful thing occurred, and Ethiopia closed their borders for international adoption, and if we were not allowed to adopt him… HE IS OUR SON. I’m guessing at that juncture John Mark would initiate some commando/rambo-like operation to get him ….

MY point is the lack of assurance is so difficult. At times if I allow my thoughts to wander, it's quite unbearable. But, our thoughts are guarded and our assurance and our peace are grounded in Jesus. I know that sounds cheesy or real "Sunday School-ish," but honestly our thoughts really are and have been focused throughout this entire journey on God's sovereignty and HIS plan for our lives & our family. I'm not sure how anyone could navigate this experience without faith, trust, and assurance that God is on the THRONE. However, even with faith & trust, it’s still really hard...REALLY hard, but then again we never expected & certainly weren’t promised anything different.

I think John Mark & I have learned quite a bit from our multiple times of waiting this year. I know we’re both stronger in our walk with the Lord, and I know our hearts are even more burdened for orphans & for people who do not know Jesus as Savior and brother. We’ve become even more aware of the fact that OUR LIFE IS NOT OUR OWN, and that the materialistic things (which I definitely placed value in during portions of my life) are so incomprehensibly pointless when compared to providing a hope and a future for a child without a mother and father. Personally, I’ve learned that everyone isn’t passionate or burdened for orphans or the priority for Christian families to advocate for adoption in some form or fashion. That’s been a very difficult lesson for me. To be quite honest, I’m still working on this one, and it's really hard for me. I think for most people, Christianity is so very easy ~ especially in middle class America. We buy our multiple SUVs for one family, sport our 7 jeans, and have all of the latest electronics. Then, maybe we give a little here and there to the church or maybe twice a year give a little to missions (if your church even provides an outlet to give to missions or educates its members on the importance of giving to missions for the Kingdom of Christ)....all the while most churches struggle to pay bills and there are 147 million orphans in the world, and there are people dying every day who don't know Jesus. I heard or read somewhere recently a statistic that there is some ridiculously large amount of missionaries wanting to go & serve, but they are unable to go & proclaim His glory among the nations because there isn't enough funding. That's sick....

From a clinical perspective, I think a variation of the social psychology term “social loafing” applies to most American Christians. Social loafing theory describes a tendency related to group dynamics and performance. For this example a group would be the overarching group of Christianity along with the smaller grouping of a local church. Social loafing theory suggests (with years of empirically supported data) that there is an overarching tendency or phenomena for people to make less effort to achieve a goal or contribute less effort when working in a group. In other words it’s the tendency for people in a group to simply rely on others to “get things done.” Social loafing is seen as one of the main reasons groups are sometimes less productive than the combined performance of their members working as individuals.

Yikes…that’s a pretty scary idea for the church when it comes to tithing, giving, supporting missions and orphan care, and all around giving for the Kingdom of Christ. It's also pretty scary when it comes to serving, evangelism, and discipleship. But, I think it’s a very important theory /notion, particularly for the church since our American society is so extreme with egocentrism, entitlement, materialism, and decreased Christ-centered uses of His money. Yes, I said it. I said that something not only from secular psychology but SECULAR SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY has really important implications for the church! Blam…there it is…I said it, and I stand by it.

People aren’t giving, going, or placing Christ at the REAL center of their lives because we expect others to do it. "Group members" are not teaching children on Sunday mornings or helping disciple teenagers because "well, someone else will do it... good ol' jimmy, he's always helping out with those loud teenagers on Wednesday nights; he'll do it." Those of us that profess Christ as Savior and Brother, are all in this group of Christianity and hopefully we're in the subgrouping of church. But, the majority of us are stuck expecting other people to get the job done. I wish more of us would see there is so much more…. I pray that I will see in bigger, deeper ways that there is SO MUCH MORE. I’m learning adoption & orphan care isn’t going to be everyone’s “thing,” but I really believe all Christians need to have their “thing.” Don’t be a loafer…. Pray about it! Find it!! Get passionate! Be passionate!! Stay passionate!!!

Further News

2009-09-03T11:51:00.001-04:00

There have been several news stories about the merger of St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church and Shively Heights Baptist Church. Check out this story from Baptist Press regarding the merger.

Going or Staying

2009-08-28T16:30:00.001-04:00

Seeing the Gospel

2009-08-25T11:37:00.005-04:00

Sunday Karen and I travelled to Louisville for a highly anticipated worship service. I had formerly served as youth pastor at Shively Heights Baptist Church. In June I ran into Mark Payton, the pastor, and he told me about the exciting way God was working. I was excited to hear that Shively Heights Baptist Church and St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church were merging together. On Sunday, St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church and Shively Heights Baptist Church celebrated their first gathering in worship as one body. The church merger glorifies God as people unite around His message and His name.

What makes this church merger so noticeable is the make up of the individual churches. Shively Heights Baptist Church was a church of older, white people while St. Paul's was a church of black people. The new assembly of people is now led by Rev. Lincoln Bingham and Rev. Mark Payton. These two men have been friends for over 25 years. Together they have always worked towards racial reconciliation. This merger is a crowning mark of their lives sharing the Gospel and seeing people united in Christ's love.

The two pastors are united in their common mission to share Jesus Christ with people in the community and around the world. "We hope we can get to the point where we no longer say, black church, white church but the church. We’re just fulfilling the prayer of Jesus that we would be one and he and the father are one. He wasn't just talking to his 12 disciples. He was talking to the future church and future different nationalities and races of people, wanting us to be one," said Mark Payton.

"I don't like the term colorblind. I think this diversity of color, variety of color, racial ethnicity is the way God designed it. Respect color but see us as equals," said Pastor Bingham. In the inaugural message of the St. Paul's at Shively Heights, Bingham let people know there would be hurdles to overcome and that things will be done differently. He noted the things that God has blessed the church with in facilities, gifted musicians and talented singers, but the church has to be a church that lifts up Jesus as God and Savior. He encouraged unity around the Gospel message throughout his sermon.

Fifty-five years ago a black family moved into a house in Shively. Shots were fired in the house and a bomb was set off under the home. Racism is still a real thing in the hearts of men and women. Today, however, it is much more subtle and cunning. I thank God for His grace and mercy to reconcile people to Himself. His grace goes out to all people, and we take His message of love to ALL people. Not only do we take the message, but we live in love and unity WITH people. St. Paul's Baptist Church at Shively Heights is a testimony of God's love in a community that has been marked by hatred. When the Gospel is heard this is a picture of what the Gospel looks like.

Die Anytime as Your Calling Demands

2009-08-09T21:02:00.001-04:00

Three pastors in Nigeria were beheaded for not "changing their faith to Islam."

The Name of God

2009-08-06T13:43:00.004-04:00

I read on Justin Taylor's blog that Sovereign Grace is releaseing their third album of the summer entitled "Sons & Daughters". Sovereign Grace's album focuses entirely on the grace of adoption. J. I. Packer writes in Knowing God on just how integral understanding adoption is for Christians.

If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all. For everything that Christ taught, everything that makes the New Testament new, and better than the Old, everything that is distinctively Christian as opposed to merely Jewish, is summed up in the knowledge of the Fatherhood of God. "Father" is the Christian name for God. … Our understanding of Christianity cannot be better than our grasp of adoption. (pp. 201—202)

Giving for the Gospel

2009-08-04T13:41:00.002-04:00

My cousin Michael York posted a blog last week about the International Mission Board and our role in giving so that the Gospel can go to people that need Jesus Christ. The Gospel shapes our entire life either we are impacted and changed by it totally or there is simply a cognitive recognition of what the Gospel is. It's easy to have a "relationship with Jesus" when the most pressing worries about our future have to do with the size of our retirement fund. With eternity in view, our treasure will never run dry. Give for the Gospel.

Proverbs 16:18

2009-08-04T13:33:00.001-04:00

Inerrancy. Necessary for a believer?

2009-08-04T13:27:00.000-04:00

Vick Returns

2009-07-28T11:55:00.002-04:00

Michael Vick has been reinstated to the NFL. I've been a Vick fan since his Virginia Tech days. Since then you could count me on the Vick band wagon. When his arrest and crimes were brought to the public's eye I like most people were horrified. However, Vick has served his punishment.
The part of Vick's reinstatement and his life that I am most excited about, which is not on his athletic skills, is that Tony Dungee is his mentor. My prayer is that Michael Vick will claim Christ and his entire life will be devoted to the glory of God.

Fascinating

2009-05-05T14:34:00.001-04:00

$100 Million

2009-04-30T12:47:00.001-04:00

Fanny Crosby

2009-03-24T23:28:00.003-04:00

250

2009-02-19T09:31:00.003-05:00

My life has taken an unexpected turn as of last week. I'm slowly realizing the surprises of aging. While I'm not "old" my body isn't the same as it once was. Balding showed it's ugly head a few years ago. Stretching is an absolute must before and after working out or my body screams relentlessly at me. Now the biggest mark of my body age's came from my doctor. For our adoption Karen and I had to get a physical (No, I'm not that old, yet). We have to get various tests documented for our home study. Karen called to inform me of bad news related to my medical report. The first thing I thought of were potential problems this could cause for our adoption, but I noticed in Karen's voice a subtle jubilation. She's smiling while about to tell me bad news.
Karen had hoped this news would come two and a half years earlier. She had been strongly encouraging me to get my cholesterol checked since we were married. Before we moved to Chicago, I did get checked so that I might calm her fears and worries stemming from my family history and my poor eating habits. To her surprise and disappointment, I was in great shape with a level of 182. Her response, "you're joking me?"
Her good news and my bad news was finally here - 250. The shock didn't set in until Karen and I had lunch after our doctor's appointment. We're in line at Subway and I have to figure out what kind of sauce I can get on my sandwich - definitely no chipotle sauce. As I stood there, I looked at all the people around me in disgust secretly judging my health against theirs. Alas, it doesn't matter one slice of butter if I could out run the three obnoxious women in front of me or lateral toss the tattooed and pieced twenty-somethings sitting to my left. All that mattered was the end of the line. When I stepped down to the end of the line, I declared mustard.
This decision was the first of many decisions I am now making. I can't answer what's going to happen when friends and family come to visit and want to eat the forbidden buffet at Moonlight. I don't know what every meal is going to look like, but I'm well on my way to being a healthy father and husband. There is one goal in focus - loving my family. I can't stop aging, but I can age wisely on matters within my control. I'll say good-bye to butter and welcome leafy greens. May I never eat butter again so that I might love my children and my wife, and may God grant me a long life with which to love them.

According to what?

2009-01-09T12:18:00.004-05:00

Yesterday marked fifty-three years since Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and Ed Mcully were killed in Ecuador by the Waodoni tribe. Their desire was to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a people known to be hostile and dangerous to all outsiders. Despite potential danger, these men, their wives and children moved to South America with the intent to establish relationships with the Wadoni tribe and see them live for Christ.
However, the warnings about these people proved fatal for the three men. They died making contact with the tribe. Of all the ways these men could have lived a life of ministry they chose something extremely dangerous knowing they could leave their family husbandless and fatherless.
What makes such a lifestyle choice acceptable and rational? Clearly these gifted men could have been missionaries in many other areas where people had never heard about Jesus Christ and been faithful to Christ as well as possibly seeing people accept the Gospel. But they chose to follow a calling that many people, even in the church, may say is unreasonable. I don't recall their friends' and families' response to their move and mission so I am merely bringing this topic up to encourage people to think about the values with which they seek to live their lives. Is the love of Christ the constraining power driving you? Or is natural reason or selfish motives driving your decisions?
Jim Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." May the love of Christ and His call to love move us beyond human rationality to godly wisdom.

Wanna Race?

2009-01-01T23:35:00.000-05:00

We're having a baby (actually two)!

2008-11-10T23:13:00.004-05:00

Karen and I have begun the process of adopting two children from Ethiopia through America World Adoption. We have a blog that details our journey of adoption. However, the blog is private. If you would like to follow our blog email me at johnmark20@gmail.com so I can send you an invitation.

Here is a post that I wrote which describes some of our reasoning and desire to adopt:

Adopting in Our Family
Karen and I talked about adopting from the beginning of our relationship. Once we moved to Owensboro and God provided both of us with stable jobs, adoption became a reality rather than just a desire. Over the past few weeks and days, Karen & I have fielded many questions regarding the adoption process, the costs, and at the bottom of it all, the why.
When you read the statistics listed on Karen's previous blog post, and on the right side of our blog about the desperate situation for adoption in Ethiopia and in other countries, it's easy to cognitively recognize the need. Karen and I feel the call to adopt children in this desperate situation--not only because of the need, but because of our faith.
We are tremendously excited about starting our family by adoption and raising up children for God's glory. There are many things that I do differently--that's for sure! I ride my bike rather than drive a car. I drink hot coffee by the pool in the summertime. I would rather read a good book on a Friday night than go to a movie. American food is not my favorite food. If given the choice, we'd both chose anything but American food. But adopting children from Ethiopia before trying to have biological children, that's not what most people think is natural. Karen and I do not operate by natural thinking. Even so, I would agree; it's not natural. It is so much more. One might even say supernatural.
God has done something that is unthinkable by our standards. While I was far away from Him, a foreigner, his enemy, God brought me to His family. I call Him Father because His son, Jesus, paid for my adoption with a much greater cost than our AWAA fees- His blood. By the blood of my brother, I am not a stranger anymore; I am a son of God. The strangest part of God adopting me is that I did nothing to make this adoption possible. I was the ugly, estranged person that had nothing to give back. But God being rich in mercy and love brought me out of darkness and made me His son. I don't deserve the riches that God has given me, but I know whom my heavenly Father is and what He has done for me. It's not natural by any measure at all.

Ridin' & Killin'

2008-11-10T08:51:00.003-05:00

From Bike Monkey:

I always considered pepper spray products such as Halt! to be the ultimate weapon in the battle against bicycle-chasing dogs.

The former mayor of Seven Mile, Ohio, trumps that with a .357 Magnum handgun.

"The man was bicycling through the small southwestern Ohio town with his wife when a 10-pound mixed terrier named "Precious" chased down the couple, knocked the mayor from his bicycle and attacked him.

He told police that he feared for his life and shot at the dog five times before killing it.

The Oxford Press reports that the former mayor said he is a former police officer and permitted to carry an unconcealed weapon.

Apple Fest 2008

2008-10-18T16:51:00.003-04:00

Cindy and Preston came to Owensboro for a visit today. We enjoyed a great time at Reid's Apple Festival. Despite hating seasonal allergies that I was temporarily liberated from when we lived in Chicago, the Apple Festival was a wonderful event. Cindy and Karen both claim the Apple Fest no only rivals Princeton's Black Patch Festival but is far superior. I am not willing to go that far whatsoever. (Maybe I need to make a call to the general, David Amoss)
Karen and I had enjoyed Reid's orchard already on an earlier visited one Sunday afternoon after church at Pellville Baptist Church. But there was far more at the Orchard than apples. Let me go on the record that I LOVE fair food, which you can see for yourself in some of the pictures. It was all there: funnel cakes, apple cider, BBQ, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, polish sausage, fudge, pie and even deep fried candy bars and oreos. I call myself Templeton after the gluttonous rat in Charlotte's Web. I know, very self-flattering.
Besides the food, it was fabulous watching Preston have such a great time on the rides and with the snake. He had no fear at all touching the snake or handling it. Cindy and Karen thought at one point he was trying to kiss the snake. I know better; he was trying to bite its head off.
The rest of today, I'm going to enjoy some apple cider and pumpkin roll.

First Grade!!!

2008-10-08T09:53:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine posted this video on his facebook. It's from the House church in Chicago. Check out this boy dancing!!! I'm still waiting on my gift of break dancing.

Owensboro, Kentucky - We are Here!

2008-09-10T14:10:00.000-04:00

New blog

2008-08-02T11:19:00.004-04:00

I'd like to highlight a new blog that was just brought to my attention - insidetheparsonage.blogspot.com. Amy Cooper is the author of this newly created blog. She is married to Paul Cooper who is coming to visit the city for his 30th birthday next week! Paul and Amy are two of my favorite people on this earth. Paul is an awesome preacher at Marshall Baptist Church in Marshall, Il. Listen to him here

Dog Sitting

2008-07-21T09:24:00.005-04:00

Last week Karen & I enjoyed dog sitting our friends, Lauren & Jonathan's french bull dog - Mr. Thomas Jefferson. Bosworth & Jefferson enjoyed many walks, laying in the sun, chasing tennis balls, and their favorite - tug of war. Enjoy a couple of highlights from the week.

Happy Birthday to John Mark- Almost

2008-07-09T15:26:00.009-04:00

John Mark re-read through the Chronicles of Narnia last year, and I remember his child-like excitement as he finished each book and was so eager to begin the next book in the series. I loved to listen to him talk about the books and the image of God C.S. Lewis so thoroughly depicted through Aslan.

I was so very excited to learn about one of my super fly coworkers, Sally Hale, who is not only a great and talented therapist, but come to find out is an awesome and famous artist! She created this picture of Aslan, and gave me a great deal on one of her prints! I gave it to JM for his 30th birthday (early-because I'm not GOOD AT ALL with keeping presents) I'm so excited for this print to be in our home, and I'm more excited to be able to share with people who may not know Jesus why in the world we have a huge painting of a Lion in our living room! And, of course I'm so very excited for my husband's 30th birthday! I love that I have my husband--in all of his wonderful and precious qualities! ~~~ such a wonderful gift from a Gracious and powerful God!

Here is an excerpt from Sally's Homepage Check out her website;she's quite fantastic: This painting is a further exploration of the character Aslan from C.S. Lewis' series "The Chronicles of Narnia", a lion who is an allegorical figure of God. According to Lewis, Aslan is "not safe, but good". This touches on the universal question "how can a completely good and all-powerful God exist with all of the evil and suffering that is in the world?" To express Aslan's un-tame nature, I painted the mane as wildly as I could; throwing paint on the canvas, scraping away parts of it with huge palette knives, etc. The morning after I finished, I took it with me to church and after awhile an acquaintance came up to me and pointed out a lamb in the mane. Once I saw it, it was unmistakable. I was perplexed, and wondered at its meaning. I looked and found in Revelation chapter five that Christ is announced as "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah", but in the next moment appears as a "Lamb that looks as though it had been slain." I believe that the lamb appeared to bring me, and others who would see the painting, comfort and faith. For though the presence of evil still confounds me and many others, the lamb reminds us that despite our lack of understanding, God IS loving. The fact that He was willing to sacrifice his own life to make ours infinitely better proves it.

Dr. Karen Hutcheson

2008-06-12T11:50:00.005-04:00

This past weekend I had the privilege to witness years of work, frustration, and difficulty come to fruition when my wife attended her graduation at Spalding University. As a young woman who has attended school year round since she was 14 in order to graduate high school and college early, she has completed her academic studies finishing with a Doctorate of Psychology.
It was a wonderful time for all of our family to get together and celebrate Karen. Karen's parents, brother Kevin, his 18 month old daughter, Karlie came in from Texas along with my parents and host of family drove from all over Kentucky to recognize Karen's accomplishment. On Friday night we celebrated dinner at Lynn's Paradise Cafe. We entertained the idea of eating at Maido, but didn't think even with this great celebration we could rally the troops for an evening of sushi. Afterwards we indulged ourselves at the new Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen on Bardstown Road. On Saturday, Karen dressed in her regalia walked through the ceremony to receive her completed degree of Doctorate of Psychology. Her dissertation was "Integrating Developmental Theories to Enhance Child and Youth Ministry: A Developmentally Based Approach for Training Individuals to Teach Children and Adolescents Concepts for Christianity."
I am grateful to be on the end of Karen's path through her tumultuous road in the academic world of psychology. It has been a wonderful experience for me as a husband, man, and pastor to see the formation of this woman, my wife, and psychologist through such a roller coaster experience. As a writer, I would do injustice to the battles my wife waged as she stood for the Truth of Jesus Christ in such a dark place. Let me settle to say my wife's faith has only grown as she stood for God in her diligence to share what God has commanded His children to carry out in the Great Commission.
I would like to encourage those in the church to rely on resources such as my wife to be an aid for parents, teacher development, and horrible situations that lay outside the areas of expertise of pastors such as child molestation, rape, difficult cases of behavior that we could label in numerous ways depending on one's perspective of such issues.
Karen has accomplished a tremendous amount of goals and accolades throughout her academic career. I am extremely privileged to be a part of her life to witness the tail end of what see has done. While she is an outstanding thinker, public speaker, psychologist, she is an athlete; she has run marathons and finished a half-Ironman (70.3 miles). Her talents outnumber my vocabulary. She is nonetheless extraordinarily talented and beautiful. I can only speak in a small and finite way to describe how beautiful Karen is. I still find myself repeating that she is great and wonderful which don't speak much in description, but my opinion is that she epitomizes these words. I often tell her she is the most beautiful woman in all of time. Sorry gents, she is the one.
God has blessed me with an amazing woman. May God bless me to love her as Christ loves the church. God bless her as she loves such a sinner.

Cubs Game

2008-06-12T11:39:00.002-04:00

Karen & I went to a Cubs game a couple of weeks ago. Neither one of us are big baseball fans, but we enjoyed chatting away the game with the friends we went with. Enjoy a few pictures from the game.

"Throwin Shapes"

2008-06-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

Bicycles & Me

2008-05-27T21:59:00.003-04:00

It all started with a tandem bike. Don’t misunderstand me, it was the first bicycle I ever rode, but my feet weren't touching the peddles. I was on the handlebars of our family’s yellow, tandem bike. Cindy & I would take turns riding with Dad. He would place us on the handlebars & peddle us around the driveway. We might as well been riding to the moon.
Eventually I learned to ride a bicycle, somewhere around six years old. After watching ET, I was determined to learn myself. I’m pretty sure I just picked us my bicycle with a Dennis the Menace fly wheel and rode off into the sunset.
When we lived in our old house, I didn’t ride my bike too much because there was little road space to ride. During our transition to building my parent’s current home, we lived in apartment on West Main Street above a dentist office. I know I was riding a BMX style bike but not sure what kind it was. It was my second bike and I loved riding it around town. As much as I tried, I never did a wheelie or jump over curbs. The bicycle must have weighed 200 lbs because I could never lift it over an inch off the ground. Any elevation and every curb was one more possibility. There were plenty of turn-arounds for me to try one more time over what I thought was the perfect jump site. After my huge heave and muscle strain, my wheels stayed on the ground. I still haven’t figured out the catch.
I didn’t have very many wrecks either, at least that I remember. I don’t recall any war story wrecks, but the lack of scars is proof that I didn’t have traumatic wrecks. My wrecks and scars have come much later in life; I’d say all of them have been post 21.
My mother didn’t rely on the safety of a small town to provide a watching eye over me while I rode. She diligently laid out boundaries about 3 blocks west & 5 blocks east. Despite my requests to ride all over town, her motherly care constrained me to these markers. I am thankful that helmets weren’t pushed as much as they are now, or I’m sure I would have had a helmet back then.
Sometime soon after we moved to our new house and I moved into the sixth grade, Grandmother entered a raffle at the grocery store. The prize was a brand new 10 speed bicycle. Her name was drawn, but I was the winner. I can’t tell you much about this lightning bolt except it was maroon, made of steel, and all mine.
In those days, I spent my days riding my bike or shooting a basketball. Some might remember me as a rough, Bill Lambeer-esque player, but in my middle school days I was lucky for the ball not to punch me in the face when I dribbled. Every ride was a ride of freedom into the unknown. True I had a road bike and I wasn’t quite in the wilderness, but at the time I felt like a pioneer exploring new terrain riding through fields barely a mile from my house. I have no idea how the bike held up over all those years.
Riding in Cincinnati was an entirely different monster. It didn’t matter where I was riding, there were enormous hills in every direction. One Christmas Mom gave me an insignificant present at the time – my helmet. It was a joke. I knew I wasn’t going to wear a helmet, but I still didn’t grasp the term “motherly,” and I’m sure Mom would say I never will understand how much she loves me. I know that is a good and marvelous gift. I will always be her son regardless of how old I am. As one attempting to be a young man in my early twenties, I still didn’t come close to grasping that truth.
Cincinnati is a mean city to ride a bike through, but it was there I found my first taste of speed. Riding past cars and faster than traffic on downhill slopes only fueled my love for cycling.
My mountain bike moved with me to Louisville and carried me through the streets of St. Matthews and the Highlands until it was taken from me – stolen in the middle of the night. Although my car was stolen nearly a year earlier from the same location on Broadway.
In 2004, I purchased a road bike, a KHS Flight 300. Years earlier I had seen Ironman competitions but simply wrote them off as an impossible dream. With a little encouragement from a friend, I was now set on becoming an Ironman.
Louisville is a great city to ride a bike - riding downtown, through Cherokee and Senaca park, or through Jefferson County at large. Before turning 16, the only thing a teenager can think about is getting a license so he can drive. After being trapped in a cage for all these years as a necessity to get from point A to point B, the freedom to ride 40, 50, or 100 miles by your own power is truly invigorating. The hills and curves of Kentucky provide beautiful scenery for long rides. I love riding River road’s flat terrain out to Oldham County. Past River Road the ride becomes more wooded and much steeper. Riding through the country past horse farms, magnificent houses, and patches of forest makes a great ride.
I was able to put a lot of mileage on my KHS for races, and I even bought another bike for racing, a Fuji – Team Super Light. Karen inherited the KHS, and we enjoy riding together (more about family riding later). I still had one more bicycle dream come true in Louisville and that was becoming a bicycle messenger. I know, lofty dream. I remember watching Quicksilver and being enamored with cycling in the city. To make a long story short, for three and a half days I was a bike messenger. I thought I had lived my dream never to return. However, my dream would be relived here in Chicago. I’m cycling away five days a week and still counting.
The bottom line is that I love to ride a bike. Getting on a bike for pleasure, fitness, or travel is fun. During the day I am working as a courier, but here's the catch - I'M RIDING MY BIKE. There is something freeing about propelling yourself around on two wheels. Feel the wind and sun on your face. Take a relaxing ride with you wife or husband. Speed through traffic. Race down the road and hit 50 mph. Park your car.
I encourage everyone who reads this to treat yourself to a ride. Shoot, treat yourself to several rides.

Messengers in New York

2008-05-20T21:54:00.001-04:00

Cycling through Chicago

2008-05-17T11:44:00.014-04:00

Three weeks ago I set out to find employment as a bicycle messenger. Some of you may remember my short career at the Bike Depot in Louisville, KY as a messenger. However, I spoke with Karen about this possibility in Chicago and she responded, "At this point, you can pedal until your heart's content." Those words were immediately emblazoned in my mind (Although Karen does question the authenticity of her statement).
As of April 28, I began my employment as a bicycle messenger with Standard Courier. My first day was a harrowing experience. Chicago welcomed me with brutal wind, rain, and cold temperatures. At the end of the day, I was soaked, freezing, shivering, and sore. But it was grand.
Since then, my hands and seat have adjusted to the posture of a cyclist. In the beginning, every morning was agonizing when I mounted up for the first pedal stroke. At first I was riding an old Panasonic, but have since changed to riding my KHS. Changing bikes was a total transformation for riding; it's smoother, faster, and much more comfortable. But at the end of my third week, I am thankful for the rest and relaxation of the weekends. The physical demands of the job have been relatively easy to adjust to. Don't misunderstand me though. When I get home, I'm worthless.
Riding through the city is an adventure! Surviving the obstacles of traffic, potholes, cabs, BUSES, and masses of people create many intense challenges. Chicago is very friendly toward bikers. Buses and people seem to create the biggest challenges for me. Squirming through the throngs of people at crosswalks can be difficult but dodging merging buses is scary yet at the same time thrilling. At this point, I'm not going into great detail about such experiences for my loved one's piece of mind.
I have made deliveries to some interesting places, mostly to law firms, marketing agencies, banks, and notably to Oprah's company, Harpo. I wasn't hypnotized, but I did notice several Oprah shrines and people begging for alms in the name of Oprah.

Here are a couple of other pictures from my day.

Chicago is a beautiful city. While this job is short term, I'm thankful for this opportunity to ride my bike all day, everyday. I look forward to serving as a pastor, but for now I will keep on peddling.

Praying for the Lost

2008-05-14T19:04:00.004-04:00

Listen to Augustine's words about his mother's prayers and his journey to salvation (Book III):

My mother, your faithful servant, was weeping for me to you, weeping more than mothers weep for the bodily deaths of their sons. For she, by that faith and spirit which she had from you, saw the death in which I lay, and you, Lord, heard her prayer. . . . For nearly nine years after this I wallowed in the mud of the pit and in the darkness of falsehood, often trying to rise and then being plunged back again all the more violently. Yet all thsi time that chaste widow, holy and sober (such as you love), though she had now more hope to cheer her, never slackened in her weeping and her lamentations, never ceased in all hours of her prayer to weep to you about me, and her prayers entered into your presence, and yet you still allowed me to roll over and over in that darkness.

We have many friends and family members that do not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us be diligent in praying for them to know Christ as well as taking every opportunity to share the Gospel with them.

Running the Race

2008-05-04T19:37:00.003-04:00

In December I suggested to my parents that they run the Derby half-marathon in Louisville, Kentucky. To my surprise, the suggestion was met with a slight optimism rather than an immediate dismissal. Little more was said after this initial conversation. Then my father, who is the editor of the Times Leader newspaper, committed to the race IN PRINT. Just so you understand, he not only committed himself but also committed his wife to the race. When I brought up the race as a possibility, he didn't say yes or no, simply nodded his head in contemplation. The next thing my mother reads in his editorial is that THEY are going to run 13.1 miles. I can't tell you how interesting it was to hear the conversation between mom and dad after the paper was out. Dad just laughed and laughed.

Needless to say, what seemed like a whimsical decision was the beginning of tenacious training. Up to this point in their middle ages, mom has always been a speed walker, and dad was a golfer. However, they began training and never looked back despite cold weather, physical pain, and old age. Mom and Dad were determined to finish the race. Mom even said the only way she was stopping for dad is if he dropped dead with a heart attack.

Race day came and everyone was confident, plus nervous, cold, as well as extreme confusion as to why in the world they were about to run 13.1 miles. Originally, I had planned to run the full marathon, but decided instead to run the half so I could see mom and dad finish their first half-marathon. I can't tell you how excited and joyful I was to see them turning the final corner at 7th and Market. Mom came to the finished in 2:38. I ran with mom during the last 100 yards or so of her race. I yelled encouragements to her that she had finished! She said, "I'm going to throw up when I cross the finish line." Although mom may have felt like throwing up, she crossed the finish line with no problems. Dad finished in 2:50. I was waiting for him in the same place and encouraged him in the same way telling him he had finished about 100 yards before the finish line. He was quick to say "I haven't finished yet." There was still enough stamina to carry him across the finish line.

The best thing about mom and dad running the half-marathon was listening to them tell others why they were running the race. Throughout their training and after the race, they continually said they did it because they love me and their daughter-in-law. Its true that Karen and I asked them to run with us. Throughout my life my parents told me how much they loved me and now into my adult life, they continue to tell Karen & I they love us and will do anything for us. I never imagined that would entail running 13.1 miles, but I'm sure they never did either.

India video

2008-04-23T10:07:00.004-04:00

This is one of my favorite videos from my India trip. These children are part of the Mercy Home at RIMI's Bible school in Warangal.

Check This Out

2008-04-17T01:09:00.003-04:00

I want to welcome my sister, Cindy, back to the blogosphere. She is not the only one to enter into the blogosphere recently. When Cindy decided to put some new posts on her blog, she also suggested to the cousins that we get together for a cousin blog. We have a great family, and I am thankful for each one of them.

In the US

2008-04-04T13:44:00.004-04:00

Traveling through India was a fantastic opportunity. I landed in the southern state of Kerla and traveled to Salem, Warangal, Raipur, and ended in Nagpur. Everyone I encountered was kind to me. The food was extraordinary, and yes, there were cows roaming freely.
I went with Saji Lukos and Earnest Mall. The reason we went was to encourage leaders and pastors working to advance God's Kingdom. We visited some Bible schools and churches to meet with pastors and missionaries. They expressed their needs as well as informed us what was happening through their work. Overall, I was amazed at how religious Indians are. The majority of people are either Muslim or Hindu, and many people are very willing to engage conversation about God.
In Hinduism, the lowest and most despised part of the body are the feet. The lowest class of people in the caste system represent feet in their spiritual view. Braham priests represent the head; business men represent the belly; the lowest class represent the feet. A former brahman told me he would roll down the steps of a Hindu temple and crawl on his knees to the alter in order not to disgrace these gods. Then with joy, he told me, "but the Bible says, 'how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.'"

God is enough

2008-03-05T10:38:00.003-05:00

RIMI

2008-02-26T16:12:00.008-05:00

The church Karen and I joined has brought several answered prayers. The most life impacting change that has come from Uptown is an opportunity for me to join a missions organization, Reaching Indian Ministries International.

RIMI is a church planting, missions organization. Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the number one priority of RIMI. However, my involvement with RIMI does not include a permanent move to India. The strategy of RIMI is to train Indians in leadership development and church planting strategies. There are 24 Bible Training Schools in various states, but the main training ground is in Nagpur, a 32 acre seminary, Mission India Theological Seminary. Through these facilities there are currenly over 1,200 missionaries and 4,000 house churches. RIMI also provides aide to the impoverished children throughout India with Mercy Homes.

Saji Lukos founded this missions organization 15 years ago because of the burden he felt for his homeland. God has given him a great vision and blessed him in many ways as he has followed the call to fulfill such a great task of taking the Gospel where there is no witness and strengthening those in need of suport. I am thankful to serve with this man and take part in what God is doing through him and this organization.

As a minister associate with RIMI, I have the opportunity to speak at churches and missions conferences to share what is going on through RIMI and describe how people can get involved. I even have the opportunity to go to India in two weeks. I will cover a lot of land during my two week trip beginning in Kerala on the southwest side of India and working my way to Nagpur in Central India.

Living in Chicago has not been as easy as I would have liked, but God continues to bless. I thank God for the way that He continues to provide grace in my life. Joining a missions organization and traveling to India was definitely not in my game plan or Karen's game plan. At the same time, we praise God for the way that He provides for us. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I look forward to talking to many of you and sharing what God is doing in our lives.

When can I run?

2008-02-25T15:45:00.004-05:00

Before winter set in, our dog Bosworth was in the best shape of his life. Once this bitter winter iced over Chicago, Bosworth has been one sad pup.

Avant What?

2008-02-22T13:49:00.008-05:00

On Monday afternoon I took advantage of a sunny day in the punishing Chicago winter and made my way to the Art Institute of Chicago to take advantage of their Free February days. I enjoyed my brush with art walking through various exhibits such as American, Modern, Contemporary, European of various years, and Impressionism.
As I looked at various pieces reflecting on the work, the historical period of the time of composition, and the overall meaning, I was sure of myself as cultured.
Then I came to Sunday on la Grande Jatte. When I looked at the painting, I didn't think about the strokes, the lighting, themes, or any type meaning. Rather what came to my mind was, "hey, I've seen this before, almost like I've been in this exact spot before. It was in that movie . . . oh yeah, Ferris Beullar's Day Off."
I laughed out loud, then left.

Football Season's End

2008-02-04T12:29:00.000-05:00

Last night's game concluded my favorite sport's season - football. At the same time, Karen feels no remorse for this season's magnanimous ending. Her excitement for the last game has been hilarious. I've enjoyed Karen's jokes for the past two weeks about the Super Bowl. She aimed her jokes in conversation to Bosworth telling our dog, "we're going to watch the 'Stupid Bowl.'" I laughed everytime she started her routine.

Even so, Karen watched the it with me and cheered throughout the game. However, we were cheering for opposite teams. I cheered for history to happen - the Patriots,19-0, the Perfect Season. She riled against New England and their controversies from Spygate to restraining orders. Moreso, she cheered for the young Manning to emerge as a great quarterback and lead his team to victory.

Football season is officially over, and sports goes into a slight hibernation for me. Karen, on the other hand couldn't care less about the season's end. But there's more excitement for next season. Prior to this season, I loved to simply watch the game. Now I love watching football with my wife. I must say that's been a typical discovery; I love to spend time with Karen (even if that means no football!). I'm thankful God has blessed me with such an amazing woman.

Uptown Baptist Church

2008-01-28T17:50:00.000-05:00

Karen & I are thrilled about our new church. After moving to Chicago from such an awesome church in Louisville where we enjoyed a phenomenal Sunday School group, it has been tough looking for a church. We visited several churches in the city and found Uptown Baptist Church. Both of us are excited about our new church family. It is a vibrant church with diversity that we have longed to be a part of. Pastor Michael Allen says it's practicing for heaven ("every tongue, tribe, & nation") Check out the website uptownbaptistchurch.org
And just recently, the pastor's sermons have been added onto the website. Listen and grow in God's blessings.

The Votes are in

2008-01-25T19:01:00.000-05:00

I noticed there were several odd things happening in my life that seemed too far fetched to be true. One item I did not include was my parents RUNNING three miles in 35 minutes. We're not just talking about a New Year's resolution either; they are committed to the Derby half-marathon in Louisville, KY. I am exuberant about my parents running this race. Karen and I are going to run the marathon so it is truly a family event. Thankfully, we inherited a treadmill from our previous living situation (thank you Hershael & Tanya!!!). If we didn't have it, there is no way we would be training for a marathon in Chicago. Although I love winter, it is unbelievably cold.

As for my parents, last week they were in Nicaragua. They travel every year to the National Newspaper Association meeting that is held in various cities, but this year was slated to be in Nicaragua due to the current NNA president's choice. Mom & Dad had a great time, but I don't believe they have any plans for a future vacation in Nicaragua. Jen, thank you for your vote, but it was true.

Hands down I thought it would be a landslide vote for Karen and football. Those of you that know Karen know her feelings on football, and they are not kind ("Football is the root of all sin and evil." Said slightly in jest.) This year was very different on Saturdays and Sundays during football season. Not only did Karen often encourage me to turn on a football game, she would sit down with me and watch the games. These kind acts over the course of weeks shows how wonderful my wife is. Not only did she encourage me to watch the games but she sat down with me engrossed in the many SEC overtime games as well as watching flamboyant, prima donna NFL players. I am thankful for her giving to me in so many little, loving ways. Thus, John Mark T., you guessed well, but wrong.

That means I did not meet Steve Martin. Great job Shelly! I have enjoyed Steve Martin since I was little. The past few years I have enjoyed reading his books. Born Standing Up, his latest release was superb, but my favorite is The Pleasures of My Company. I laughed out loud throughout this book. While Martin's humor has always had a philosophical bent to it, even today his writes from an existensial framework. His humor isn't for everyone, such as my sister and brother-in-law. Neither one of them cracked a smile after reading "Renegade Cows" from Cruel Shoes. I would love to spend time with Steve Martin, which is true but the reality hasn't happened yet.
Thanks for playing.

Please Comment

2008-01-13T23:33:00.000-05:00

1. I met Steve Martin
2. Karen, my wife, cheers during football games.
3. Chip and Karen Hutcheson, my parents, are in Nicaragua.

Of the three statements, which one do you believe is false?

Mmm Butter

2008-01-04T18:33:00.000-05:00

And it's going green.

I Have the Power!

2007-12-14T09:35:00.000-05:00

There was no greater toy in childhood than Masters of the Universe. Who could trump He-Man? G.I. Joe, Thundercats, and Transformers had nothing compared to the Master. Those same words and thoughts were the parental controversy that I was somewhat unaware of playing with my action figures. In my mind He-Man was the best, but in conservative minds, He-Man was competing with God's sovereignty.
I realize my previous post about the Golden Compass was similar to the same arguments opponents voiced about He-Man, Harry Potter, and now the Golden Compass. Parents have been encouraged to flee from fictional stories that run opposed to God and His salvation. Magic, Witches, protectors of the universe, jedi force (oh wait, Star Wars gets a pass from Christians since it only promotes Pantheism) To set the record straight, I loved He-Man; I enjoyed Harry Potter; I looked forward to seeing Golden Compass. When I discovered the worldview behind this movie was antitheistic, to the point that a child kills the god-character in the final book, I was disappointed. It is imperative that Christians engage movies like the Golden Compass but that does not mean removing ourselves from the discussion by stating our moral objections. Every storyline has a gospel. Our point of engagement is finding out what makes the story in view a "happy" ending. How can we relate that happy ending to reality and forming a worldview? What makes the wrong worldview a disappointing, happy ending? If we are serious about talking to people that do not have a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, then let's engage people through every means possible. Sometimes we see "bad" movies, hang out in bars, and be friends with people totally different than ourselves. Why? In order to give them the true, fairy tale, the real magic - the grace of Jesus Christ.
I remember my mother telling me He-Man was only a toy, just something to play with. I never asked Mom if He-Man would forgive my sins, never crossed my mind. She did tell me about a man who really is Master of the Universe, and one day His kingdom will crush Snake Mountain totally and finally with one, fatal stomp.

The Golden Compass Misdirection

2007-11-17T20:38:00.000-05:00

I was excited to see the new release, The Golden Compass. However, after reading about the worldview behind the author's writing, I seriously doubt that I will give any money to this movie. Check it out here and here

Check Out Pastor Coop

2007-11-17T12:32:00.000-05:00

Paul Cooper and I attended Southern Seminary together. I can't say enough good things about Paul. Mainly, he is a great preacher, wonderful friend, and godly man. Although, I don't get to hear him preach enough, I'm still waiting for the podcast from his church. Check out his new blog site here since he has moved from Muncie, IN as the Baptist Collegiate Minister to pastoring in Marshall, IL.

Rap Video

2007-11-17T12:15:00.001-05:00

I just watched this on Hershael York's blog, and I thought it was worthwhile to post Jim Scott Orrick rapping on my blog. Enjoy! What's your weltenshuang?

Tony Dungy's Quiet Strength

2007-09-25T17:54:00.000-04:00

My father recently gave me a copy of Tony Dungy's new biography Quiet Strength. I think it's difficult not to like Dungy, Payton Manning, and the Indianapolis Colts. After reading this book, I'm a fan of the Colts.
The book recounts Dungy's childhood, parents, and of course, football. Dungy astounded me with his continual emphasis to put God first. Let's be honest, for Dungy that means putting God first in football coaching. Page after page, though, I realized that he was aware of the low value that football has, but even so, God is the God of all things and demands glory in all things. Dungy exemplifies this truth in the way he leads his life.
In a day that sports presents so much drama, one may question whether or not a ESPN is a soap opera or a news network. This man brings integrity and character to the areana in a much needed way. Many football players and coaches do many great things in their community like purchasing homes for single mothers (Warrick Dunn), the Indianapolis Colts' head coach spearheaded the organization All Pro Dad; "All Pro Dad is Family First's innovative program helping men to be better fathers." His coaching imperatives to his players and coaching staff consist in telling them to spend time with their families.
The striking characteristic that is on every page of the book is Dungy's dependence on God. This dependence was never more needed when his son committed suicide two seasons ago. I can't imagine hearing those words as a father. He asserts that while he'll never move out of the grieving cycle, but he knows that God is working for the good of those that love Him. At the same time, he's not asking why, rather he's asking what does God want Him to learn from this and how can he help others.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through Dungy's life and am thankful to the Lord for the way that He has used him and will continue to use him. Even so, I'm thankful for my dad who passed this book onto me and who continues to love me and bless me through his words and actions everyday of my adult life.

Wedding in Lexington

2007-09-19T20:10:00.000-04:00

We got to spend a good deal of time with my family in Lexington this past weekend at my cousin, Caroline's wedding. Here are some fun pictures and videos from the entire day. Enjoy :)
This video is a historic moment. I can't stress enough how awesome it was to see my grandparents on the dance floor!!! Those who know them can appreciate it's significance.

Here is a video that seems to now be a tradition for our family at weddings.

Forever Changed

2007-09-11T15:51:00.000-04:00

In John Feinstein's book, The Punch, he takes us back to December 9, 1977. This night marks the most violent moment in the history of sports. Regardless that the L. A. Lakers went on to defeat the Houston Rockets, the memory etched forever into sports history is Kermit Washington's devastating blow to Rudy Tomjanovich.
Feinstein begins with the infamous night then starts over with each man's life growing up in different but still tough circumstances. Both men had a voracious work ethic that brought them into the NBA and one that continued as the impact of the punch played out in their lives.
After reading the book, it is tempting to think that Feinstein skewed a favorable light on Kermit Washington. But testimony after testimony gave creedance to Washington's character. The Punch thrown that night is a horrific sight. The only type of man that would do such a thing is a monster, a man bent towards horrid violence. At least that's what you'd think after watching it.
Washington and Tomjanovich have spent their entire lives getting over the impact of The Punch. Those aren't my words. Those are their lives speaking out on every page of Feinstein's book. Their connection is gripping. More so, it is remarkable as they each disclose to Feinstein how connected they are twenty some years afterwards.
Washington remarked, "I feel like I've been married to him for twenty-four years." In the end, Tomjanovich wished Washington well not because they've been married but "because we're brothers".

Thriller Like Never Before

2007-09-05T22:39:00.000-04:00