Category: Church

My Church?

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

  1. 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).
  2. Christ is the architect, the builder, the model, and the planner (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:11-16).
  3. 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).
  4. 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).
  5. Christ fits every one into His body (1 Corinthians 12:18; Ephesians 2:21; 4:16).
  6. Christ is Who and What unifies His Church (1 Corinthians 3:11; 12:12-18; Ephesians 1:3-14).
  7. Christ’s Word is the Operations Manual for the Church (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 4:2).
  8. Christ’s church answers and handles all personal matters by obedience to the Word (Matthew 18:15-20).
  9. Christ is the “face” of His Church (Ephesians 5:22-27).

 

My church

  1. My church promotes man, his struggles, his failures, his sins, his illnesses, and his pride.
  2. My church is built around what I believe the church should be and look like.
  3. My church says, “Come as you are,” but let’s you stay as you are.
  4. My church offers a temporal fix, a warm, fuzzy small group, and/or man-centered solutions.
  5. My church fits me and what I like; what makes me feel good.
  6. 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.
  7. My church is entertainment driven, perhaps constitution over the Bible motivated, board-run, and man-feared.
  8. My church reacts to personal matters by anger, bitterness, gossip, and church-hopping.
  9. 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.

Joining God In His Work With His Resources

by Dale, posted in Church, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, Missions, Money, Uncategorized

 

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This week, I have been writing primarily to the congregation of Boones Creek Bible Church.  One of the most blessed aspects of this ministry is joining God in His work through missions!  Every Sunday we are brought up to date about two of our supported missionaries through our Adopt-A-Missionary Ministry.  Each missionary family is “adopted” by one of our church families.  How stirring to hear what God is up around the world as these families give their reports via pictures, videos, praise notes, and prayer requests.  Friend, the most exciting event on the planet happens every time a lost soul repents and receives Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. (If you have never been born again, please take time to watch this: Five Questions)

This Sunday is Grace Giving Missions Sunday.  This is a special day as look to the Lord for His direction in how He will provide for His mission’s work through His people.  BCBC Family, would you consider the questions below after reading the following passages:  Matthew 6:25-33; 28:18-20; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 and Philippians 4:16-19.

  • What part will you play in mission’s giving this year at Boones Creek Bible Church so we as a body of believers can be obedient to the Great Commission?
  • Have you been asking God to reveal to you the amount that He would have you trust Him for each month?
  • How big is your God?
  • What is the value of a soul to you and your family?
  • What do you need to set aside that is temporal so you can give for the eternal?
  • What does your wallet, your checkbook say about your heart for missions, for the lost?
  • What will your children learn about giving to missions from your example?
  • How much celebrating via giving will you do in 2017?

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 9:7-8)

His Heartbeat

by Dale, posted in Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Missions, Uncategorized

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It was one of those moments!!  I’m seated on the front row of our church auditorium Sunday morning as we watched an Operation Christmas Child video.  Within seconds I was captivated.  There I viewed precious children wearing huge smiles of joy as they received and opened their shoe boxes!  Greater still was the testimonies of children who had received Christ as their personal Lord and Savior as a result of this initiative.  Then I realized that these children were not only gripping my heart, but it was touching the hearts of many around me.  Our church is buzzing with excitement this month as we participate for the first time in OCC!!  Missions is the heartbeat of God! Look at the cross and empty tomb.

Prior to the OCC presentation, one our church members shared the good news of God’s working in another missionary endeavor in Salt Lake City, Utah.  What a thrill to see and hear the testimonies of children and adults declaring their desire to be publicly identified with Christ in baptism; announcing their decision to follow Christ and be His disciple!  One adult, newly saved, walked in off the street, asked to be baptized, and the tank was filled during the morning service so this “Ethiopian treasurer” (Acts 8:26-38) could be obedient to the Lord!!  Missions is the heartbeat of God! Look at the cross and empty tomb.

What is missions? In its most direct and simple form, missions is Matthew 28:19-20, 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 . . . .  Furthermore, Psalm 96: 3 says, Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!  Also, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Missions is the heartbeat of God!  Look at the cross and empty tomb.

How wonderfully blessed to be a part of a church that is involved in the heartbeat of God!  This month, our focus is on Grace Giving Missions, the means whereby we support these and other missionary endeavors each year.  My challenge today in this post is really directed to our church family.  As you seek the Lord in prayer this week for what He would have you give each month for missions, would you ask yourself this question, “What is my heartbeat for missions?”  Before you answer that question, take a long look at the cross (Matthew 27:27-54).  Then stand for a while at the empty tomb (Matthew 28:1-10).  Do you have God’s heartbeat for missions?  Matthew 16:26 says, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  The Lord placed more value on a man’s soul than the wealth of the world.

I believe those moments like Sunday morning in church are a result of your heart beating like God’s heart because missions is the heartbeat of God!

Thirsty & Crying

by Dale, posted in Church, Prayer, Uncategorized

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Why is it that when you call for a prayer meeting, born again believers run the other way?  Why is it that if you schedule, let’s say, a fall leaf trip excursion, folks are willing to gather at 7:00 a.m., but if you call for a prayer meeting on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m., a handful show up?  Why are believers afraid of entering the secret place of the Most High God (Psalm 91:1)?

To run from prayer is to run from God.  Oh, how He longs to hear the cries of His people!  How He longs for us to commune and listen to Him!  Oh, how He longs for us to look to Him for His powerful, life-altering, God-glorifying answers to our supplications!   How He longs to enjoy fellowship with us; that’s why Christ died for every one of us.

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Is your soul really thirsty and crying out for God?  Matthew Henry said, “God is more willing to be prayed to, and more ready to hear prayer, than we are to pray.”

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:15, 17).

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God (Psalm 42:1).

O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1).

And they continued steadfastly (to give constant attention to) . . .in prayers (Acts 2:42).

Clippin’ Grace Coupons in the Ministry

by Dale, posted in Church, Grace, Ministry, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized

Seeing Young Men Continue:  As was mentioned earlier in the week, Boones Creek Bible Church celebrated its 60th Anniversary last Sunday. What a special treat to have two young men in particular attend the service who once were integral servants in this ministry.

For seven years, Todd Jones, led our congregational singing and choir and taught Sunday School.  Every weekend, he and later on, his wife and family, would drive up from Greenville, SC, to serve with us.  Today, they are back in Greenville where he serves on the music faculty of Bob Jones University.

Along the same time, the Lord led Adam Smalley to our congregation as he completed his medical school training at East Tennessee State University.  While here, he taught Sunday School, used his musical talents, served as a Timothy member with the deacons and grew to be a major part of this ministry.  Now, he and his family are living in Indianapolis, Indiana, serving at Colonial Hills Baptist Church as a deacon and small group leader.

How honored to have these young men and their families back at BCBC for our special day.  May their tribe increase!

Seeing Older Men Continue:  Dr. Bill Hall has been an evangelist for 61 years.  He has been a part of my life for as long as I’ve been alive, and I’m 57.  He has held meetings in churches my father pastored as well as for me, and here at BCBC.  In 1963, although in evangelism, he started a church in nearby Greeneville, TN.  His evangelism challenge to us this past Sunday was what we needed to hear and heed!  How grateful I am to still have a man of his character, passion, and wisdom as my friend and co-laborer in the gospel ministry.  He’s in his early eighties, but his heart beats for Christ like a teen!  Check out his Personal Message.

Seeing the Gospel Continue:  Wednesday evening, we hosted “Trunk or Treat” in our gym.  What a thrill to see the gospel opportunities that came our way via children and parents alike! Lives are changed by the gospel, and we live each day by the gospel!!  The power of the gospel continues because the tomb is empty, and it motivates us to continue!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  (Ephesians 2:8-10)

And They Continued

by Dale, posted in 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting, Church, Praise & Worship, Prayer, Uncategorized
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Men’s Prayer Advance

One of the most fascinating books in the Bible is the one penned by Luke, the book of Acts.  Every time I read the first few chapters and see the early church in action, my heart shifts into fourth gear, and it’s rolling!  What an awesome privilege to be involved in the much later years of continuing the ministry of Jesus Christ, not because of who and what we are, but because of Who and What  He is!!  Does it get any better than that????  Wow!

In the second chapter, I find a word that resonates in my heart . . . continue (2:42, 46-47).  These passages read, They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The word continue means to “give constant attention to” (2:42) and “to continue all the time in a place” (2:46).  The first definition speaks of a daily attitude toward prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and the second refers to set times of corporate prayer.  Put the two together and you see that no matter when the church meets, whether on a Sunday or in someone’s home or at a small group fellowship gathering or in a leadership meeting, prayer is always a part of that meeting.   Interesting that the second word is in the present tense, therefore, this praying in community never stops; it is always an essential element of corporate gatherings no matter the size. And may I add, I really believe that this time of prayer is not just for the food or a brief time of prayer so we can move onto the rest of our business, service, or activity.  Prayer as we see in the early church was indeed their declaration of total dependence upon God!

If Boones Creek Bible Church is to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ as it moves forward through its 60th year of ministry, we MUST CONTINUE in prayer just as we see in Acts 2:42, 46.  Truth is, the Church really did not begin at Pentecost.  It all started in a prayer meeting in the Upper Room prior to Pentecost . . . These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication (Acts 1:14).

And they continued in prayer.

Celebrating 60 Years and Continuing On

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

by Dale, posted in Church, Ministry, Pastoring, Prayer, Uncategorized

A Place to Meet with God and Study His Word:  Since returning from our time away in August, I have rearranged my schedule.  As a pastor who has been preaching the Word for 41 years, it would be real easy to coast along in sermon preparation.  Recognizing the need of keeping my heart on fire and hearing directly from the Throne of God, I have made it a point to give Monday and Tuesday to digging in the Word, sitting at Jesus’ feet, seeking God’s face for my messages.  I do not want give the congregation I love so dearly “leftovers” or a “fast-food” sermon.  My sheep need good grain that comes from the hand of God.  So, with that in mind, the Lord has graciously provided a place that has become very dear to me.  A place where my cell phone has almost a non-existent signal; a place of extreme quiet; a place removed from the distractions of home where my study is located; and a place that causes me to be very intentional.  This is a huge grace coupon!!

Mentoring:  Our neighbor’s two children attend Pioneer Club, our Wednesday children’s ministry.  If a child has to miss a night, they can make it up during the week.  So, what a thrill to help my little buddy next door with his assignment.  I had a hard time holding back the tears.  He is so precious, and like a grandson to us.  He is all boy!!!  Thank You, Lord, for another grace coupon!!  God, you are so good to me!!

Country Living:  Our home is a genuine gift of God’s grace.  The story behind it and how He has used it in these three years for ministry has been and is awesome!!  Here’s the view yesterday morning.  I never tire of the quiet, the cattle across the way, the sunrise, and the time spent in prayer and in God’s Word . . . here in the country!!  Love those grace coupons!!

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 9:8).

The Best Pastor Appreciation

by Dale, posted in Church, Uncategorized

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Where did Pastor Appreciation as a yearly observance begin? If you check the Hallmark website, you will find that they produced the first pastor appreciation cards in 2002.  As for making it a yearly calendar event, I do not know.  Nevertheless, may I offer a few thoughts from my heart on the best way to show appreciation to your pastor?

  1. Pray Scripture for him every day. He needs you to support him in the best way possible which is faithfully interceding on his behalf with meaningful, biblical supplication. He is in a spiritual battle each day, and shoulders the burden of caring for his flock, being caretaker at home and ministering to the sheep and the community. He needs you in the trenches with him. (Ephesians 6:10-19; Colossians 1:9-18, 27-28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-25; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 6:10-12; 2 Timothy 4:1-5)
  2. Be a believer that lives in the Word so the Word lives out of you. What a thrill to watch believers mature in Christ as they grow and change under the power of God’s Word. What a sadness and burden to see God’s children do the opposite. Watching believers disobey, harden their hearts and fall away is a major grief to a pastor’s heart. It will wake up him up at 3:45 in the morning with you on his mind . . . and he will pray for you. (Ephesians 4:17-32; 5:1-33; Philippians 1:21)
  3. Be faithful to attend the preaching services. If you love Christ, you will love His Church. If you love His Church, you will love and support the Word being preached in His Church by His shepherd. If your pastor spends hours in prayer and Bible study with you on his heart as he prepares, how encouraging it is to see your face in the crowd. He needs you there to pray while he preaches; to be engaged in his message; and to love him in spite of all his frailties. I know, he tells the same stories again and again, and familiarity can breed contempt as you just get used to him. But, he is under a strong command to “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2), and he will do so even if there is only one to listen. His pastoral heart is help his congregation through the greatest means in the world (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12). That doesn’t happen if you stay home. If you really appreciate your pastor, cheer him on by your faithful attendance! (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Hebrews 10:19-25)

I am truly grateful for the church the Lord has graciously allowed me to pastor for 16 years. I love them and this ministry dearly. They do express their appreciation throughout the year. My post today is to be a help not a hindrance. An attitude of thankfulness and appreciation should be the very heart of every believer for all things every day . . . not just in the months of October and November.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)

Clippin’ Grace Coupons in Ministry

by Dale, posted in Church, Evangelism, Ministry, Pastoring, Serving, Uncategorized

Looking back over this past week, there are so many grace blessings that my heart is overflowing.

Andrew, Dale and Mike


Last Friday, I had the privilege of participating in the funeral, and on Saturday, the burial committal service for a precious lady, Dixie Gouge. I wrote about it in last week’s post.  Another grace blessing from this event was serving together with two other pastors.  Mike Garland was baptized as a young man by father when Dad pastored Forest View Bible Church, Johnson City, TN, of which Ralph and Dixie Gouge were members.  Mike is also a nephew of the Gouge’s.  The other pastor is my son-in-law, Andrew, who is our assistant pastor at BCBC.  What a joy to stand between these two men that have special ties to my heart!  God is so good to let you clip such blessed grace coupons! 

Two hams!


What a special treat to minister to our neighborhood, especially the family next door to us. Their two precious children come to our home every week for Bible club.  They are our adopted “grandkids” and are such a blessing to our hearts.  Here we are having some silly fun time!

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Mr. D doing what Mr.D does best!!

Pioneer Children’s Club, Wednesday nights: How grateful to be in the midst of people who love children and demonstrate a passion to see them be more than just good kids; better yet, godly kids.  Even better is the passion of Mr. D who wants to see these precious children and their parents come to Christ for salvation!  He is faithfully out knocking on doors and doing bus visitation on Tuesdays in preparation for Wednesday nights!

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Apples of Gold Decor

Apples of Gold Ladies Mentoring Ministry: Last Saturday, we hosted twenty people at our home for the AOG Celebration Dinner. My wife had every decorated so beautifully.  She and her helpers prepared delicious soups, salad and desserts. What a special blessing it was to eat outside, and then to be gathered around the fire pit sharing testimonies and singing songs under a starlit sky.  God is so good!