Christian Living

I Left the Theatre

December 13, 2016December 12, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Praise & Worship, Uncategorized

movie-theater-revival-setup

You attend to the theatre to view the latest, greatest, “gotta-see-it” film. You’ve bought your ticket, a big tub of popcorn and a 32 oz. Coke, and have settled into your seat. Are you comfortable now?

15-20 minutes after the show begins, you abruptly stand up, leave your popcorn and Coke, and head for the exit! In the not-too-distance future, your spouse comes out to check on you. She approaches you with her inquisitive face and asks, “Why did you leave?”

“Well, my brain can only retain 10-20% of what I hear, so I figured, why stick around?”

Have you ever done that? When’s the last time you left a football game, a concert, and/or a play because your mind would only retain a small percentage of what you heard or saw? Truth is, 9.5 times out of 10, you arrive early and stay late for an event.

You know why? Because you love it!

Let me tell you, tailgating, whooping it up and hollering at your favorite football game is just over-the-top fun!!

Hard to beat a good concert, too! And I want the best seats, up close! I want to be where the action is! Love it!

Now, you want to know when I’ve heard the 10-20% brain capacity excuse? It is always in reference to the length of a Sunday service, and especially the sermon.

So what’s the deal? I’ll just put it bluntly . . . you get your “worship on” more with what entertains you than Who loves you and gave His life for you. And that entertainment might even be a Christian concert. . . and the music is loud, too.

The Church is Christ, and Christ is the Church (1 Corinthians 12:27). If you are a true, born again believer, then you are a part of the body of Christ, the Church. Everything about Church should excite you and call you be enthralled with its Head (Ephesians 5:18-32; Colossians 1:18).

Sadly, too many believers view the church they attend by seeing people’s faces instead seeing the face of Christ. Hence, because the people who attend your church are imperfect sinners who disappoint, discourage, criticize, and fail, the church does not live up to your liking.

How about going to church this Sunday to enjoy Christ alone? When the song service and/or sermon goes too long, beyond your 10-20% mental capacity, just let your heart take over (Matthew 22:37) and enjoy being in the presence of God, His Son, and the work of God that you cannot see through all the facets of a Sunday service! You will be surprised at what you remembered because your worship was in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

By the way, how about coming back in for the rest of the film?

My Church?

December 1, 2016November 29, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Ministry, Uncategorized

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While visiting family in Kentucky last week, I passed a storefront church with a catchy name . . . My Church. Of course, my warped sense of humor made me think, “What a cool play on words for church outreach?” And then, I heard the following conversation in my head:

Church Member: “How about visiting My Church this Sunday?”

Neighbor: “What’s the name of your church?”

Church Member: “My Church.”

Neighbor: “Yes, your church. What’s it name?”

Church Member: ‘My Church.”

And this could go on and on like an old Abbott & Costello routine entitled Who’s On First?

Seriously, the name caused me to do some thinking about church. Jesus said, “Upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). What’s the difference between Jesus’ “My Church “and . . . my church.

Jesus’ My Church

Christ is the issue, the motive, the celebrity, the subject, the preeminent One, and the name that matters (Colossians 1:15-19; 1 Corinthians 1:29-31).
Christ is the architect, the builder, the model, and the planner (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:11-16).
Christ builds His Church with broken, sinful lives (Acts 16:12-34) who are eternally changed for God’s glory (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Christ offers forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14), reconciliation (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18), redemption (1 Corinthians 1:29-31; Ephesians 1:3, 7), adoption (Romans 8:15, 23), righteousness (Romans 3:21-26), and acceptance to all sinners on His merit alone (Ephesians 1:6).
Christ fits every one into His body (1 Corinthians 12:18; Ephesians 2:21; 4:16).
Christ is Who and What unifies His Church (1 Corinthians 3:11; 12:12-18; Ephesians 1:3-14).
Christ’s Word is the Operations Manual for the Church (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 4:2).
Christ’s church answers and handles all personal matters by obedience to the Word (Matthew 18:15-20).
Christ is the “face” of His Church (Ephesians 5:22-27).

My church

My church promotes man, his struggles, his failures, his sins, his illnesses, and his pride.
My church is built around what I believe the church should be and look like.
My church says, “Come as you are,” but let’s you stay as you are.
My church offers a temporal fix, a warm, fuzzy small group, and/or man-centered solutions.
My church fits me and what I like; what makes me feel good.
My church is unified around my music style, my dress code, my service times, my schedule, my selfish theology, my textual choice, and my perspective/assumptions.
My church is entertainment driven, perhaps constitution over the Bible motivated, board-run, and man-feared.
My church reacts to personal matters by anger, bitterness, gossip, and church-hopping.
My church’s “face” is the pastor, deacons, the person (pastor, deacon, church member) who hurt me or disappointed me, and the denomination.

So, now I must look at the church I serve and ask, “Is this Christ’s church or my church?” Look at the church you attend. Is it really Christ’s church or your church?

Let me add, I know very little about My Church in Kentucky, and this article is not about them. It could be if any of these nine things fits them, but I am not out to target them. I will say this, on their website I read these words, “Make My Church your church.” I think I understand their motive, but only you can make My Church into my church (your church). Only Christ can make His Church, His Church. I’ll choose the latter. . . and by His grace, make that the goal.

Still Growing & Thriving After 62 Years

November 29, 2016November 28, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Love, Marriage, Uncategorized

Dad & Mom watching a Hallmark Christmas movie.

“Well, don’t you look handsome?”

“Here, let me get that for you.”

“Want some popcorn?”

“Here’s a blanket for you.”

“Mil and I have shared many wonderful memories with each other.”

“I love you.”

These are statements that I heard over the Thanksgiving holiday from two people who are still head-over-heels-in-love with each other . . . after 62 years. Dad and Mom are two sinners redeemed by the blood of Christ, daily needing grace to work at their marriage, and willing to walk in that grace for God’s glory and their marriage.

My in-laws have always been a marriage inspiration to me. I am sure my father-in-law has his equals, but no one loves their wife any more than he does, and my mother-in-law simply adores her husband. And yes, they have had their share of conflicts, gripes, hardships, heartaches, and other marriage related issues.

What causes a marriage to continue to grow and thrive even past 62 years? Well, the answer is found in Scripture. The answer is found in the daily application of the following grace-enabled commands and principles.

DAILY . . .

Soak your soul in the grace of God (2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:9a)
Love one another (1 Corinthians 13)
Serve one another (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10)
Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)
Submit to God and one another (Ephesians 5:21)
Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
Build up, encourage one another (Romans 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:25)
Bear each other’s burdens (Gal. 6:2)
Be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward one another (Ephesians 4:32,
Outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10)
Welcome one another as Christ welcomes us (Romans 15:7)
Enjoy the act of marriage with only one another (Genesis 2:25; Hebrews 13:4)
Make each word a gift not a gripe (Ephesians 4:29)
Be hospitable to one another (1 Pet. 4:9)
Pray for each another (James 5:16)
Imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Grow in the application of God’s Word (2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 3:18)

Marriage is the creation of God and a gift from God (Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:6; Ephesians 5:18-32). He can help your marriage grow and mature as He so designed if you will submit to Him each day. Furthermore, a marriage does not run on auto-pilot. You must make more deposits into your marriage than withdrawals.

If your marriage has grown stale, blah, ordinary, or headed for trouble, then surrender your rights. Get honest with God and each other. There’s mercy and grace with the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:16).

If your marriage is thriving, precious, meaningful, and fulfilling, keep doing what you have been doing each day. Do not take it for granted. Take one of the aforementioned list and work on it each day or each week. Enjoy the journey together with your eye on Christ and each other.

After our delicious Thanksgiving dinner, we went around the table and shared words of gratitude. Denise asked, “Dad, what are you thankful for?” His reply being a man of few words, “Many things.” And then with tears in his eyes, he pointed to Mom and simply said, “Her.” He didn’t need to say anything else.

Still growing and thriving after 62 years.

Clippin’ Grace Coupons in Ministry

November 18, 2016November 17, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Evangelism, Grace, Salvation, Uncategorized

The focus of my blog posts this week has been on our Grace Giving Missions Sunday at BCBC. Truth is, every day of our life is a focus on the grace of God because by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9) and by grace we operate in life (2 Corinthians 9:8). Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve. Grace is the principle upon which God operates in our life. Therefore, these “coupons” we clip are gifts of His grace to undeserving people who stand in Christ alone, redeemed, justified, and forgiven (Romans 3-5).

Coupon #1: Denise, My Wife

I certainly do not deserve such a godly, Word-filled, hard-working, caring, loving, lady of prayer and faith as my wife! For 35 years we have been working by grace on our marriage. One of the things that she has seen fit to do through the years is to make our house a home. A man cannot do that. Only a woman with her touch can make your home a place where you are accepted, love, and . . . fed as the picture shows. How cool to walk in the house this week and see fresh homemade French bread on the counter. She knows me so well. In moments she said, “You want a piece? Get some butter.” Wow! What a grace blessing Denise is to my life in so many ways!!

Coupon #2: Souls Coming to Christ

How awesome to hear the testimony of teens coming to Christ for salvation!! How awesome to hear when anyone comes to faith and repentance for salvation through Christ alone (Five Questions), but to hear about precious teens in their public schools coming to Christ is super-awesome!! My friend, there are no schools, work-places, government, or countries closed to the gospel (Romans 1:16). My, my, my what a thrill to hear of fifteen students getting saved in one school! Wow!! Glory!!!!

Coupon #3: Grace Investments

When you reach my age, you are able to look back over your life and rejoice in the people God put in your life to make spiritual and ministry life investments! Yesterday, we were able to have lunch with two faithful, glowing, caring servants of the Lord who made those investments in us while we were serving in Indiana from 1986-2000. One of the awesome blessings to our hearts is that these two servants have not really retired. Dr. Taylor is no longer the senior pastor of Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN, but he teaches a seniors Sunday School class and supports his pastor and the ministry that he loves so dearly. His dear wife, Joan, continues to serve alongside him in the class just as she has done for many years. These folks are investors, champions, encouragers, and trophies of God’s grace!

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)

A Giving Celebration

November 16, 2016November 15, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Giving, Praise & Worship, Uncategorized

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“God directs his people not simply to worship but to sing his praises before the nations. We are called not simply to communicate the gospel to nonbelievers; we must also intentionally celebrate the gospel before them.” (Tim Keller)

One of the many ways we can “celebrate the gospel” before nonbelievers is for them hear how God meets our needs for His work and His glory! How sad that the unbelieving world sees us storing up treasures here, even going into debt for temporal things that have no eternal value, and they never heard the stories of how our great God supplied our needs and especially provided so we could get in on the blessing of giving!! God wants you to celebrate not grumble or be a Mr. Scrooge.

The following passage describes one of the many celebration activities in a believer’s life:

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

One of the most joyful events that occurs in any church service is when the offering is received! Think about it. Look at the following based upon the above passage:

God promises that if you sow bountifully, you will reap bountifully.
God does not pressure you to give.
God does not want you to be miserable when you give but joyful.
God is able to provide so you can get in on the blessing of giving.

Indeed, it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35), even when you do not think you have to give. God is able! So, when it comes time to give, do not look at your wallet, look at your God Who is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work (2 Cor. 9:8).

Therefore, people of BCBC, preparing to give and then giving to missions in 2017 should really make you celebrate when you consider 2 Corinthians 9:15!!

I am looking for much celebration in the days to come! God is able!

Scratchin’ My Head

November 10, 2016November 10, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Praise & Worship, Prayer, Uncategorized

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Yesterday’s presidential election was, I believe, a display of the mercy of God and a direct answer to the millions who gave hours to effective, fervent prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God heard our cries, and our nation has been delivered, this time, from four or more years of a pagan, ungodly, anti-Christ government, national agenda. It was as though we were in Daniel’s shoes as he prayed for the city of Jerusalem and Israel, O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name (9:19), God intervened once again.

What rejoicing is wrought when God answers from His Holy Throne in mercy, grace and victory! Yesterday, the election results were the buzz. But, I have to be honest with you. I am scratchin’ my head at something. To watch God work in such a powerful way, in such a way that left many in disbelief, I am at a loss to explain why our churches were not filled to capacity last night with the people of God from everywhere praising the Lord in song, testimony, praise and MORE PRAYER. Quite frankly, I am perplexed.

After the Exodus and the crossing of the Red Sea, the people of Israel gathered to sing the song of the redeemed (Exodus 15) in praise for God’s deliverance. A parallel passage to Exodus 15 is found in Isaiah 12 which has an eschatological tone of millennial praise! What a day that will be for the nation of Israel and us! Seems like to me that the hymn of praise recorded in Isaiah should have been the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart (Psalm 19:14) last night in prayer and praise gatherings across this land!!

Still scratchin’ my head this morning.

The Priority of Life

November 3, 2016November 2, 2016 by Dale, posted in 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting, Christian Living, Prayer, Uncategorized

Prayer should be the number one priority of our life. That’s your life-line to the Throne of Grace. That’s how you seek God first (Matthew 6:33). “You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed. Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan” (John Bunyan).

A shield to the soul

Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. (Psalm 28:6-7)

A sacrifice to God

Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice (Psalm 144:1-2)

A scourge to Satan

Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7).

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Often I hear my wife say, “No decision before prayer.” If you seek Christ first, I think you will be engaged throughout your day in much silent and vocal communication with your Heavenly Father Who loves you and always has His ear open to your cry!

Your Daily Planner

November 2, 2016October 31, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Prayer, Uncategorized

Does your daily planner resemble this one? Look through your personal planner for a moment (whether you have one or not). What does it reveal about you? You have planned work, meetings, school, fitness, entertainment, grocery shopping, ballgames, school events, eating out, visits to family, church, etc. When do you pray? I know you can pray throughout the day, and you should, but when do you really pray? When do you meet with God? Is it scheduled in your planner? Is it every day? Why or why not? Do you really think you can get through your day without an appointment with God Who gives you all that you need for life today? If you alone have the ability to make yourself breathe, think, see, remember, feel, touch, walk, talk, plan, play, drive, eat, lead, wash, put your make up on, make decisions, worship, sing, listen, understand Scripture, run, put on your clothes, all the stuff of life. . . . YOU DO NOT NEED GOD.

But, if you fully understand the truths of Acts 17:24-31 (see below), you will most certainly make a daily appointment with God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our Advocate and High Priest (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 4:14-16). You are desperate for Him. You know you really, really need Him every moment of the day and night. You know you need the grace of God, the wisdom of God, the power of God, the comfort of God, the direction of God, the love of God, the mercy of God, the Word of God, the forgiveness of God, the mercy of God, the kindness of God, the faithfulness of God, . . . the absolute fullness of God which is found only in a personal relationship with the Lord Christ Jesus (John 1:1-4; Hebrews 1:1-4).

“God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Andrew Bonar said it so well: “Why is there so little forethought in the laying out of time and employment, so as to secure a large portion of each day for prayer? Why is there so much speaking, yet so little prayer? Why is there so much running to and fro to meetings, conventions, fellowship gatherings and yet so little time for prayer? Brethren, why so many meetings with our fellow men and so few meetings with God? (Deep Fire, ChristLife Publications, p. 305)

What does your daily planner reveal about your prayer life?

Celebrating 60 Years and Continuing On

October 26, 2016October 25, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Uncategorized

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This past Sunday was a special day in the life of Boones Creek Bible Church as we celebrated 60 years of ministry in the Tri-Cities, Tennessee area. Our theme for the day was “Continuing to build on Christ alone” which is taken from the church verse, Ephesians 2:20, And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.

The word that stands out to me in this theme and sets the stage for future ministry is continue. For BCBC to be where it is today, many have had to continue to believe God, continue to share the gospel and disciple, continue to stand for the Truth, continue in the midst of uncertainty, continue to remain faithful, continue to teach, continue to serve, continue to pray, continue to stay in the fold, and continue to give.

In 60 years, sadly, many quit and/or many moved on to other churches in the area. As the charter members stood to their feet this past Sunday, I couldn’t help but think of all they have seen, heard, and experienced at BCBC in their 60 years. Think about it; they have been members of this church for 60 years!! They continued!! One couple, who remain faithful in their attendance to this day, will celebrate 71 years of marriage on Thursday. Think about that; In the same church for 60 years; married for 71 years! Wow! They have continued!!

May the Lord give us a host of believers who will continue and not quit. God’s grace will enable you to overcome anything, and He gives you the Guidebook on how to biblically handle the issues of your own life as well as church life. God’s grace will give you courage in the midst of fear, power in your weakest moments, and wisdom in your times of questions and misunderstandings. You can continue.

May this be said of us: They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants (Psalm 119:91).

They continued.

Clippin’ Grace Coupons in Ministry

October 21, 2016October 21, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Faith, Marriage, Pastoring, Uncategorized

Returning to the Place I Meet with God and Study His Word: How blessed to be able to take advantage of the grace gift of a place to study and prepare messages for each Sunday! A place of no distractions, very limited cell service, a place to be still and listen to the voice of God speak through His Word and in prayer. Why do I go there? The greatest burden I bear each week is the preparation to preach the Word on Sundays and Wednesdays. My wife asked me yesterday, “When have you stepped out in faith?” I said, with a chuckle, “When I married you!” And that is the truth because we have had to lean on the Lord every day of our married lives. Then I followed it up with a more serious answer, “Every week when I prepare to preach.” Handling God’s Word is no light assignment, and I want to give the sheep I shepherd good grain each week. Therefore, this new place of study has become very, very dear to me.

Pastor’s Pals: For years I’ve had the children in the Sunday morning service come up front and sit on the floor with me while I share an object lesson, work with Buddy Bear, sing songs, and teach truths for life. How precious are these kids . . . many of whom are now in college and/or married. What an awesome privilege and responsibility it is to minister to these little hearts. My passion is for them to serve the Lord today and to grow up to be more than just good. I want them to see them be godly and follow the Lord all their days!

A Day With My Wife Getting Our “Batteries” Recharged: Since coming back from our August Sabbatical, the ministry calendar has been full of the expected as well as the unexpected that is not unexpected with the Lord. Having planned for this day back in the summer, it came at a great time. How wonderful to go to one of our favorite get-away places, Dollywood, and hear good Southern Gospel music from two of my favorite groups, Greater Vision and Karen Peck & New River. How our hearts were stirred and revived as we listened to music that pointed us to Christ, His atoning work on the cross, His power to save and heal, as well as the promise of Heaven. One song, among many, that encouraged my heart was written by Rodney Griffin. Here are the lyrics and a link if you desire to listen to it. As a pastor, you’ll understand why it ministered to my heart.
Preacher, Tell Me Like It Is
Preacher,I’d say it’s been a while since you heard this request,
but my spirit is tired and I need rest.
I want to hear from Heaven a clear word from God,
A sermon of conviction straight from the heart.

(verse 2)
I’ve been hearin’ other preachers say I don’t have to change.
The most eloquent of speakers tell me I’m okay.
But it hasn’t eased my conscience and I know it’s not the truth.
So when you stand before us, can I count on you?

(chorus)
Oh Preacher, you say you want to be my friend,
don’t be afraid to call my sin what it is.
And Preacher, tell me I can overcome,
but it’s only by the blood of the Lamb.
Don’t tell me like I wish it was, Preacher tell me like it is.

(verse 3)
So open up the Word and let the Spirit lead,
Preach until I’ve heard God speak to me.
Don’t worry ’bout my feelin’s, don’t worry ’bout my shame,
Just preach the cross of Jesus and that I’m to blame!

(chorus)

(bridge)
Life is quickly passing, the world is fading fast
and the foolishness of preaching is the only hope we have.

(chorus)

http://www.letssingit.com/greater-vision-lyrics-preacher-tell-me-like-it-is-7d3h74r#ixzz4NgBsMm6S

YouTube video: Preacher, Tell Me Like It Is

Just continuing to clip “grace coupons” every day!!!