Month: March 2014

Attitude & Action

by Dale, posted in Discipleship

Here’s  simple exercise for us today.  Read the following portion of Psalm 119. Describe in your own words the writer’s attitude and actions toward the Word of God.  When you have finished, write in your own journal your attitude and actions toward the Word of God as it really is in your life today.

Psalm 119:10-19   With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

What Happens If Our Church Building Is Destroyed?

by Dale, posted in Discipleship

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). This mandate given to all believers by the Lord Jesus Christ has never meant more to me than it does today.  This is why I believe the believers of Boones Creek Bible Church must disciple one-on-one and through small groups.  This is why vine work always trumps trellis work; more discussion is being made over people than structures, both physical and liturgical. This is why our teen and adult Sunday School ministries are to be reproducing and never be comfortable in their own room or at their current table in the gym.  Reproduction through discipleship is the plan for the local church as commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ!  This is His plan for today and especially as we prepare for the future.  With that in mind, please watch the following video as Francis Chan describes a church that cannot be destroyed!  As the video ends, answer the question he asks, “Which camp would I fall into?”

Why Small Group Discipleship Is Important

“I don’t know nothing ’bout birthin’ babies!”

by Dale, posted in Discipleship

I’m not a big fan of the movie,  Gone With the Wind, but I always chuckle when Prissy says, “Oh, Miss Scarlett, I don’t know nothing ’bout birthin’ babies!”  Let me turn that around and ask you, “Do you know anything ‘bout birthin’ spirirtual babies?”  Now, I realize it’s the Spirit of God that regenerates the unbeliever (Titus 3:5-7), but how much have you been around new-born believers?   If you have, you are going to hear such things as:

“Man, I am so happy!”

“I want to learn everything I can from the Word of God!”

“Wow! Jesus has saved me and forgiven me of all my sins!”

“I used to be high on drugs, now I’m high on Jesus!  It’s wonderful!”

“I want to save everybody!  I want to tell everybody about Jesus!  He changed my life!”

“Today, I slipped and used a curse word, but as soon as I did, the Spirit convicted me, and I asked Jesus to forgive right then and there!”

These are the words of a new believer in Christ; a newborn spiritual baby!  There is nothing better than to watch a sinner be transferred from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Colossians 1:13), and then to see their response in the days to come!  They don’t have all the “right” words or do the “right” things; they are just happy to be set free from sin, death and hell!!  They once were lost, but now they are found (John 15:1-10)!!   Their enthusiasm and joy is infectious!  Lord, give us more new spiritual babes to raise the level of our own gospel witness and the level of our own joy.  May we know something and experience the joy of “birthin’ spiritual babies” (Matthew 28:18-20)!!

Giving Living & A Million Dollar Bull

by Dale, posted in Faith, Giving

Yesterday I had the privilege of hearing about God’s provision for a missionary project near Monterrey, Mexico.  For several years, a local camp has been rented by a missionary for various kinds of camping ministries.  The camp, owned by the Presbyterian Church of America, was ready to sell their property.  This dear missionary brother had heard the land was already sold, so he went to inquire concerning the facts.  He quickly found out that the camp was still up for sale for $150,000.  They said, “We want you to buy it.”  The missionary drew up an offer for $120,000 with some time stipulations so he could pray the money down.  The PCA accepted his proposal.

Shortly thereafter, the missionary visited a church in Louisiana that gave him $1,000.  From there he headed to Idaho where he presented his camp need to a local congregation on a Sunday night. Afterwards, a gentlemen walked up to him and said, “I want to help with this camp purchase.  I have to go home and dig up the money.”  With that he turned around and walked away.  His wife said, “You may think he was being funny, but he doesn’t trust the banks.  He is going home to literally dig up the money.”  That night the church gave this dear brother an offering of $1,000 for the purchase.

The following Wednesday, this missionary brother traveled further north to a very small town where his faith was further stretched.  He admitted when he read the town’s welcome sign that announced a population of just over 600 that “I won’t be getting much here tonight for the camp.”  While he was preaching that evening, a man walked into the back of the church, waved at the missionary and placed an envelope in an offering plate near the backdoor.  With that, he departed.  After the service, the missionary retrieved the envelope and opened it up to find $10,000 in large bills.  The gift was from the man who had “dug it up” and travelled to the church that night to give it to the missionary.  Later on that evening, another man came up to the missionary and said, “I own a million dollar bull.  I tithe off that bull, and I have an offering above my tithe for you that will help you with the camp.”  That bull produced $68,000 in a love gift for the missionary!!  As of today, this dear servant of the Lord has seen the Lord provide $92,000 of the needed $120,000. As he said yesterday, “I am not begging.  I’m just presenting the need and watching the Lord provide.”

Indeed, it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)!  That church in Louisiana, the two in Idaho, that man who dug up his offering, and the farmer with his bull (as well as others who have given) are blessed people today!!  They are joyful people (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).  They gave to the Lord, and His work by sufficient grace!  Hoarders of what belongs to God never have giving joy.  If you won’t give, God may use a bull to get it done!!   Is there anything too hard for our God?

How Great Is Our God!

by Dale, posted in Church

Looking back over this weekend, all I can say is, “How great is our God!”  Here are some of the highlights as we rejoice in God’s goodness:

  • The great outpouring of love and affection shown to Allison and Andrew via their wedding shower at BCBC on Saturday!  Thanks to a wonderful, gracious church family!!  An additional blessing was having Denise’s mom and two sisters here as well as Andrew’s parents and sister.
  • Watching teen boys come to the church gym Saturday afternoon to play basketball and study God’s Word!
  • Leading one of the Senior Saints SS classes in the study of Nehemiah 7.  Also, to hear their prayer requests and how they had seen God work in their lives last week.
  • All the precious children at BCBC as they participated in Pastor’s Pals.  What a special treat to see my buddies from Florida!
  • Congregational singing was awesome!  To stop after the second stanza of “To God Be the Glory” and listen to folks share what great things He had done was such a blessing!  To hear the men sing with such power on “Before the Throne of God” was another thrill as was “Have You Heard About Jesus?” as Denise and Allison reminded us that the Gospel is the best news we will ever hear!!
  • As always, observing The Lord’s Supper was a very special time.  What a joy to see one of the children’s SS classes seated on the altar step watching up close what they had just learned in Sunday School.  Then, to see the deacon’s serving them was extra special.
  • To see new believers participate in the service!!!   They used to not sing, now they sing with a glow on their countenance that mirrors their heart!  They used to not listen intently to the preached Word, not they are hanging onto  every word!  That’s exciting!!!
  • The joy of hearing God’s people pray for lost souls in the evening service as they joined in small groups.
  • To watch the folks at BCBC serve the Lord wholeheartedly and with a “big towel”!!

There is so much more to share, but suffice it to say, “To God be the glory, great things He has done!”  So, as you go through this day, be the “worship leader” that God has made you to be so others will receive the right opinion of Who God is and will join you in praise and worship of our great God either as unbelievers coming to Christ in salvation or believers doing here what we will be doing in Heaven!!

Psalm 103:1-5, 20-22   Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Sunday’s Coming

by Dale, posted in The Lord's Supper

As we do once-a-month, this Sunday we have the privilege of remembering the cross work of Jesus Christ and celebrating the justification that is ours through Him alone (Romans 3:21-30; 5:1-11).  Partaking of The Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-34) is a blessed opportunity in obedience to Christ’s command.  May I ask you to read the blog by Paul Tripp that is linked below.  Please spend some time answering the Reflection Questions.    The Lord’s Supper is a vital part of our daily, ongoing relationship with Christ and others.  Let’s come prepared to worship our God.

Everything You Need Freedom

Give Him Six!!

by Dale, posted in Church

September 1, 1984, was my first introduction to Neyland Stadium.  Denise and I had moved to Graysville, TN, in May 1984, to serve in our first pastorate.  All summer long, the anticipation grew for opening game of the UT Football season!  “Preacher, you don’t want to miss it!  You’re gonna go with with us!  You’ve never seen anything like it before!”  Sure enough, that much anticipated Saturday arrived and car loads of men headed for Knoxville to watch UT vs. Washington State.  It rivaled the beginning of hunting season! We arrived in plenty of time to enjoy all the pre-game festivities and stayed for the duration of the game which UT won 34-27.  I was introduced to the checker-boards, John Ward on radio, the T, the blue-tick hound dog, Rocky Top, 105,000 screaming fans and some good football!  I must admit, it was pretty exciting!  After fighting the traffic, we finally got home around 2:30 on Sunday morning very tired.  Within a few short hours, I was up and at the church “trying to be on top of my game,” but that was downhill battle. J

Last night, several of us drove anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.15 minutes to Central Baptist Church, Greeneville, TN, to participate in their meetings with the Herbster Evangelistic Team.  An addition to the meetings for last night only was one of the best children’s preachers in the world, Mr. Bob Roberts, founder of Kids4Truth!  Wanting our folks, and especially our children, to participate in these meetings, we cancelled our own services.  We arrived in plenty of time to greet some the CBC folks and make our way into the auditorium.  There we were able to join in with others singing testimonial songs of praise to God; to hear the music ministry of the team;  to listen to the choir challenge us to be careful to not call Christ, Lord, and refuse to serve Him; to express our heart through “amen’s” and “praise the Lord’s”;  to hear the strong preaching of God’s Word; to see folks respond to the altar call; to fellowship with some friends we haven’t seen in a long time; to celebrate in the 40th birthday surprise for Mark and Mike Herbster; to just be with God’s people from all over, many that we had never met before, all gathered there to sing, cheer, listen, and “root” for the “home team!”

In the beginning of the service last night, Pastor Abbey of CBC, welcomed us and thanked us for driving so far to be with them in the service.  The thought occurred me, “Drive far?  We didn’t drive far.  It’s no trouble.  Why, I know folks who drive further and stay longer for a football game in Knoxville!”  Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to my share of UT football and basketball games and was glad I went.  But, making preparation, driving the distance, and participating in the service around eternal things was really a joy; it was exciting!  We are on the winning team for all eternity!  I’ve watched our team win all day.  I experienced the joys of victory tonight!

When the UT Vols scored, radio announcer John Ward would triumphantly exclaim, “He’s at the 15, the 10, the 5, TOUCHDOWN Tennessee!  Give him SIX!!”  Last night, due to the powerful work of God, we could triumphantly exclaim, “Give Him praise!”  Hey, it’s worth the preparation, the drive and the extra time!!

Read Psalm 147:1-11

Been To Heaven and Back

by Dale, posted in Heaven

Heaven Is for Real

I am always intrigued by books, movies and personal testimonies on TV that recount what it’s like to go to Heaven and return to earth.  Answers Magazine (answersingensis.org) recently presented an article written by Dr. John MacArthur about this very subject.  It is a must read.  Although the article is a bit lengthy, you’ll be glad you took the time to digest this article.

Are Visits to Heaven for Real?

What An Absolute Awesome Moment!

by Dale, posted in Discipleship

“Pastor Cunningham?”

“Yes.”

“This is Sarah.  I’m calling from Smithville, VA.  My pastor gave me your name.  I have a relative that was injured in a domestic dispute on Sunday and is in the local hospital.  Would you or someone in your church be able to visit him?  I’m not sure he is born again.”

“Sarah, I happen to be in the same town that your cousin is in.  I’ll be glad to see him.”

“Wow, Pastor Cunningham!  God answered my prayer so quickly!!”

After ending our conversation and completing the business at hand, Denise and I headed to the hospital.  Upon entering Rich’s room, I was greeted warmly by this hurting man in his 20’s.  I shared with him who I was and asked if he had a cousin named Sarah, and that she had requested that I visit with him.  That bit of information was the ice-breaker.  After talking about the reason for his injury, I asked, “Do you have any spiritual beliefs?”  He said, “Yes.”  Then I inquired, “Who is Jesus to you?”  He said, “He’s the Savior.”  I then asked, “If you had been killed last night, where would have gone?”  He said, “I’d be in hell right now.”  Despite several interruptions, I was able to share the gospel with him and answer his questions.  As we proceeded through the plan of salvation, his desire to know more increased.  He listened intently.  After 15 minutes or so, he looked at me and with tears in his eyes said, “Can I receive Him right now?”  And with that, he reached up, clasped my hand, repented and prayed to receive Christ as his Savior and Lord!  What an awesome moment!!  There is nothing more wonderful, more precious, and more joyful than to see a contrite sinner humble himself and receive Christ as his personal Savior!!

May I add that after writing yesterday’s blog, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and joy in the blessed privilege of pointing a dear young man to Christ.  Indeed, people are everywhere!  People who need the Lord!!  Just make yourself available.  God knows where they are.  He can connect you with them so you can share the blessed way of salvation.  The Gospel still works!  The Gospel still saves!  Oh the joy of watching an individual be transferred from darkness to light by the grace of God(Colossians 1:13)!!  What an awesome exchange!  What an awesome moment!!

(By the way, I’ve changed the names and locations.)

Colossians 1:11-14           Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.