Author: Dale

Raised in the south, I have a passionate love for the Lord, my wife, my daughters, my son-in-laws, my grandsons, preaching the Word of God, pastoring people, discipleship, the University of Kentucky Wildcats, Clemson Tigers football, running the Tweetsie Trail, and hiking through the awesome TN/NC/VA mountains!!

Remembering What’s Really Important

by Dale, posted in Uncategorized

 

Last Sunday morning, four ladies stood before the congregation and recited Psalm 62 from memory.  A few weeks ago, a young husband and wife who have an active little son stood and recited 1 John 1 from memory.  Recently, I watched a video of a pastor reciting Romans 1-8 from memory. It was so powerful! Here’s the link Romans 1-8, and I beg you to watch this video from about 29:10 to 51:55.  In the past two years, I have seen my wife commit Philippians, Titus and James to memory.  She is now working on Ephesians.  Folks, this is remembering what’s really important.  Check out Memorizing God’s Word.  Do not let it overwhelm you.  Start somewhere.

Joshua 1:8  This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Psalm 1:1-3  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalm 40:8  I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

Psalm 37:31  The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

Matthew 4:4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Here’s the Reason

by Dale, posted in Salvation

In the past couple of days I’ve had the opportunity to converse with two individuals who have recently received Christ as Savior.  Their tone of voice is different; their countenance is different; their purpose for life is different. They are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). They have truly been regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God (Titus 3:4-7).

In that same amount of time, I’ve had the opportunity to hear the salvation testimonies of folks who have been following Christ for a many years.  How wonderful to listen as they recounted their salvation experience.  Some came to Christ early as a child and others later on in life.  Some even mentioned their anticipation of seeing Christ as well as loved ones in Glory some day, maybe even today.

That leads me to ask a question. If someone were to engage you in conversation and asked you to share your testimony of salvation, would you be able to give them an answer straight from the pages of Scripture?  Could you do as 1 Peter 3:15 says, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. How would you answer someone who asked for a reason why you have the assurance of salvation?   Please, seriously consider what I am asking of you.  Since we are born again through the Word of God, Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1 Peter 1:23), then you should be able to take the Word and show how you know that you are truly born again.  The Word is our authority, our assurance; not our experience, where we are or who we are with or any other reason.

So, sir, ma’am, teen, child, give me a reason why you know you are saved, and take it straight from Scripture.  Write it down right now.  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).  Only truth sets us apart unto God.  Only truth sets you free (John 8:32), and Truth is Jesus Christ (John 14:6).  So, what’s your reason?

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