I enjoyed preaching yesterday from the amazing story found in Luke 5 concerning Jesus' call on Simon Peter's life to follow Him. What a rich passage of scripture this is. My attention was turned to the passage recently when my good friend, Dr. Marc Dalton, preached at the National Sword Conference. For a few weeks I have meditated on the wealth of wisdom and knowledge that are found in these verses.
The command came to Peter, from the Lord, to "Launch out into the deep" at an amazing time. As I read verse 2 I find that the fishermen are washing their nets. The question ought to be asked, "When does a fisherman wash his nets?" The answer is simple, "When he thinks he's finished."
As I go about my life in ministry I often come in contact with people who think they're finished. They have already transitioned into "net washing" and have totally given up on any type of productivity in life. Maybe they failed in their attempt to be successful, much like Peter did in this passage. After all, isn't it true that he had fished all night and had caught nothing? Supposed failure can send you into a state of discouragement that can cause you to spend most of your time washing your nets. Maybe Peter thought he had fished long enough and it was time to move on to something else. After all, he had fished all night. Regardless of his reasoning, he had reached the conclusion in his own mind that he was finished until the all-knowing Saviour issued the command to head for deep water!
Let's all be challenged by the Saviour's call as well as by Peter's response. No matter what brought you to the point in your life where you decided to give up fishing, don't ignore the Lord's command. Maybe you allowed yourself to be overwhelmed by temptation and you sinned. You may wash nets for awhile, but when the command comes to launch out into the deep don't ignore it. Maybe you've "pulled your time" in active ministry. Maybe you've washed your nets and have hung them on the wall as a reminder of the days when you were successful. Don't be shocked if the Saviour tells you to drop those nets in deep water. He knows where the big fish are and He might not be finished with you just yet.
It's true, failure isn't final. Keep your eyes and ears open. The Saviour might be passing by your way today. If He tells you to launch out, trust His command more than your feelings and go for it. If your faith is too weak to "let down the nets", then bless God, let down the net. Not because you can see how it's going to work out, but because He told you to. I have to wonder if some of the greatest draughts haven't been taken by those, who in the not too distant past, thought they were finished.
Pastor Rick Finley's Blog
Monday, August 13, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Hanging In There
Today I will preach the memorial service for a man who has been a pillar in our church for almost forty years, Fred Fabean. Fred & JoAnne Fabean joined Fellowship Baptist in 1974. Through the years, this good man has faithfully served His God through this church. To say that Fred Fabean will be missed is an understatement!
If you knew Fred Fabean well at all you know he would oftentimes say something like this, "Well, I'm just hanging in there." It was his most common reply when asked how he was doing. The last time I remember talking to Bro. Fred at church he told me, "Preacher, I'm hanging in there."
"Hanging in there." To the misinformed, this may seem like a statement of apathy. Others may think that it means that a person is just getting by. For Fred Fabean, I believe it meant that he was a survivor. When others might have "cut and run", Bro. Fred just kept "hanging in there." When the difficult days might have visited his marriage, when his nation called him to serve in the military, when he may have stumbled in his Christian walk, Bro. Fred could oftentimes be seen just "hanging in there." He may not have been the fastest runner in the race, but Fred Fabean was a finisher.
Because this good man kept on "hanging in there", many people have been blessed. His family will miss him greatly. His church will never be quite the same without his presence. The nation that he loved so much has lost a giant and with the passing of every member of the "greatest generation", America loses some of Her greatness. Fred Fabean kept on "hanging in there" until Sunday at about 9:00 a.m. when I believe he heard his Saviour say, "You've fought a good fight, you've finished your course, you've kept the faith."
For many, the days ahead will include some times of great difficulty. When you want to give up and quit, I hope that you'll picture a gray-haired man with big, thick glasses saying, "Just hang in there."
If you knew Fred Fabean well at all you know he would oftentimes say something like this, "Well, I'm just hanging in there." It was his most common reply when asked how he was doing. The last time I remember talking to Bro. Fred at church he told me, "Preacher, I'm hanging in there."
"Hanging in there." To the misinformed, this may seem like a statement of apathy. Others may think that it means that a person is just getting by. For Fred Fabean, I believe it meant that he was a survivor. When others might have "cut and run", Bro. Fred just kept "hanging in there." When the difficult days might have visited his marriage, when his nation called him to serve in the military, when he may have stumbled in his Christian walk, Bro. Fred could oftentimes be seen just "hanging in there." He may not have been the fastest runner in the race, but Fred Fabean was a finisher.
Because this good man kept on "hanging in there", many people have been blessed. His family will miss him greatly. His church will never be quite the same without his presence. The nation that he loved so much has lost a giant and with the passing of every member of the "greatest generation", America loses some of Her greatness. Fred Fabean kept on "hanging in there" until Sunday at about 9:00 a.m. when I believe he heard his Saviour say, "You've fought a good fight, you've finished your course, you've kept the faith."
For many, the days ahead will include some times of great difficulty. When you want to give up and quit, I hope that you'll picture a gray-haired man with big, thick glasses saying, "Just hang in there."
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Emotions of Graduation
It's that time of year again. A week ago I attended college graduation for three of our young adults. Friday night I conducted a graduation for one of our high school students who has completed the requirements for his diploma through homeschool. Tonight I will conduct our kindergarten graduation at Fellowship Baptist Academy and next Sunday night will be high school commencement at FBA. It is a very exciting time. It is also a very emotional time.
By nature I am a very emotional person. Tears come easily for me. I will predict that I will weep at next Sunday's graduation. That is a safe prediction as I have wept at each of our graduations over the past fifteen years. Although I am very happy for our young people, there are some aspects of graduation that move me to tears. Let me explain by giving you a few questions that I oftentimes ask myself at this time of the year.
1. Did I do my best to prepare these young people for life?
That is a question that haunts me at this time every year. In some cases, these young people have been in our church and school for thirteen plus years. The burden that I feel to equip them is enormous. Prayers have been prayed, buildings have been refurbished, teachers have been hired, lessons have been taught and sermons have been preached all for the benefit of these kids. I really do try to do my best, but when that last graduation ceremony arrives I often wonder, could I have done more?
2. Will these young people receive what they have been given?
Although I diligently seek to equip these young people, the choice is ultimately theirs. Will they receive what they've been given or will they reject it? The principles and truths that have been handed to them, will they carry them into life or will they leave them at the door whenever they exit? One of my greatest fears is that these graduates will join some who have gone before them, ignoring the truths that have been handed to them. Their attitude oftentimes seems to be, "That's fine for my preacher and my parents, but it's not for me."
3. Can these young adults survive on their own?
When a student enrolls at Fellowship Baptist Academy they agree to be faithful to the house of God. They sign an agreement to follow school rules. As long as they are in school, I have some control in their lives. I can correct them when they're wrong and I can bring them back when they stray. Once they graduate, the "strings" have been severed and these young adults are somewhat on their own. Will they make it? Will they follow the Lord? Will they do something worthwhile with their lives? Those are questions that cause me to become very emotional on graduation night.
Life is all about transitions. One of those transitions is allowing our "kids" to become independent young adults. As we enter into that period of transition this spring, let's ask God to give us the grace that is needed. Let's also ask Him to empower the young adults whom we are sending out into life. It's not easy, but it's the right thing to do.
By nature I am a very emotional person. Tears come easily for me. I will predict that I will weep at next Sunday's graduation. That is a safe prediction as I have wept at each of our graduations over the past fifteen years. Although I am very happy for our young people, there are some aspects of graduation that move me to tears. Let me explain by giving you a few questions that I oftentimes ask myself at this time of the year.
1. Did I do my best to prepare these young people for life?
That is a question that haunts me at this time every year. In some cases, these young people have been in our church and school for thirteen plus years. The burden that I feel to equip them is enormous. Prayers have been prayed, buildings have been refurbished, teachers have been hired, lessons have been taught and sermons have been preached all for the benefit of these kids. I really do try to do my best, but when that last graduation ceremony arrives I often wonder, could I have done more?
2. Will these young people receive what they have been given?
Although I diligently seek to equip these young people, the choice is ultimately theirs. Will they receive what they've been given or will they reject it? The principles and truths that have been handed to them, will they carry them into life or will they leave them at the door whenever they exit? One of my greatest fears is that these graduates will join some who have gone before them, ignoring the truths that have been handed to them. Their attitude oftentimes seems to be, "That's fine for my preacher and my parents, but it's not for me."
3. Can these young adults survive on their own?
When a student enrolls at Fellowship Baptist Academy they agree to be faithful to the house of God. They sign an agreement to follow school rules. As long as they are in school, I have some control in their lives. I can correct them when they're wrong and I can bring them back when they stray. Once they graduate, the "strings" have been severed and these young adults are somewhat on their own. Will they make it? Will they follow the Lord? Will they do something worthwhile with their lives? Those are questions that cause me to become very emotional on graduation night.
Life is all about transitions. One of those transitions is allowing our "kids" to become independent young adults. As we enter into that period of transition this spring, let's ask God to give us the grace that is needed. Let's also ask Him to empower the young adults whom we are sending out into life. It's not easy, but it's the right thing to do.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Line - Our Future
As you probably know I am a huge basketball fan. I enjoy college basketball and am a devoted Tar Heel, but my real passion is high school basketball. Fellowship Baptist Academy has had a team for 12 years and during that 12 year span I've attended all but one game. Actually, I am one of the assistant coaches to our varsity team and enjoy helping my brother, who has been our head coach since the beginning of our program. For me it is a great diversion and I cherish this extra time that I am able to spend with the young men who attend FBA.
There are many traditions that make up a sport like basketball. One such tradition is that at the completion of the game the two teams form two lines headed in the opposite direction, and they shake hands with their opposition. It is a show of good sportsmanship and something that I believe should be done. For many years I've hurried through that line; busily shaking the hands of 10-12 high school guys and their coaches. A couple of months ago my attitude toward "the line" changed.
One day it hit me that those weren't just sweaty kids who wore the opponents' jersey, they were people. Not only did I realize that they were people, I realized that they were young people who were quickly growing into young adults. I realized that, because they were students from a Christian school, some of them would go on to Bible college and train for the ministry. It hit me that I was actually shaking the hands of those who would lead our churches, our schools, our communities and our nation in the not so distant future. Whether or not I even knew their name, I was being given the opportunity to shake hands with my future as I made my way through that line.
I wish that we could all realize the "bigness" of working with young people! Whether we are rearing our own children, teaching a class of Sunday school students or coaching a team of high school athletes, we have been given influence over the next generation. It's bigger than a basketball game or a tournament championship; it is our future! Sports is one of many tools that God has given us to touch the lives of people. As you make your way through "the line" where God has placed you, discipline yourself to be aware. Pray for those young people. Love them unconditionally. Use whatever amount of influence you've been given in a positive way. It makes a difference.
I've done this long enough now that young men from "the line" have moved on in life. Some of them are in the ministry. Some of them are faithful members of good churches and are raising children of their own. Unfortunately, some of them have wandered away from the will of God and are in need of restoration. I thank God today that He allows me to have a little bit of influence in the lives of young people. It's a big deal!
There are many traditions that make up a sport like basketball. One such tradition is that at the completion of the game the two teams form two lines headed in the opposite direction, and they shake hands with their opposition. It is a show of good sportsmanship and something that I believe should be done. For many years I've hurried through that line; busily shaking the hands of 10-12 high school guys and their coaches. A couple of months ago my attitude toward "the line" changed.
One day it hit me that those weren't just sweaty kids who wore the opponents' jersey, they were people. Not only did I realize that they were people, I realized that they were young people who were quickly growing into young adults. I realized that, because they were students from a Christian school, some of them would go on to Bible college and train for the ministry. It hit me that I was actually shaking the hands of those who would lead our churches, our schools, our communities and our nation in the not so distant future. Whether or not I even knew their name, I was being given the opportunity to shake hands with my future as I made my way through that line.
I wish that we could all realize the "bigness" of working with young people! Whether we are rearing our own children, teaching a class of Sunday school students or coaching a team of high school athletes, we have been given influence over the next generation. It's bigger than a basketball game or a tournament championship; it is our future! Sports is one of many tools that God has given us to touch the lives of people. As you make your way through "the line" where God has placed you, discipline yourself to be aware. Pray for those young people. Love them unconditionally. Use whatever amount of influence you've been given in a positive way. It makes a difference.
I've done this long enough now that young men from "the line" have moved on in life. Some of them are in the ministry. Some of them are faithful members of good churches and are raising children of their own. Unfortunately, some of them have wandered away from the will of God and are in need of restoration. I thank God today that He allows me to have a little bit of influence in the lives of young people. It's a big deal!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
"Good Old Roy"
Most folks reading this blog are probably well aware that I am a big University of North Carolina fan and have been since I was just a lad. I can still remember watching the Duke vs. Carolina game on the old, black and white television at my grand-mother's house. My allegiance was formed early on and I've bled "Carolina blue" ever since. I also happen to be a big fan of Coach Roy Williams.
Last week at Florida State University my beloved Tar Heels received a good, old-fashioned "whippin" at the hands of the Seminoles. With only 14 seconds remaining and FSU up be more than thirty points, the two head coaches met at half-court and Coach Roy Williams decided to leave the floor with all of his players and coaches "in tow", other than five reserves who were on the court and a couple of assistant coaches. That move has been the subject of many radio talk shows, news articles and water cooler discussions. I don't know why Coach Williams did what he did. Many of us can question whether or not it was a good move. On Monday of this week he offered a defense of his decision by stating that he thought all the players and staff had left the floor with him. It's not for me to say whether he was right or wrong. I'll leave that up to the "recliner coaches" who've never led anyone to do anything, much less coached a major college basketball team.
I can't say that I haven't given this some serious consideration. As a matter of fact, I've asked myself several times, "Who have I left on the floor?" in my lifetime. His critics say that Coach Williams was too concerned with his own safety and careless with the safety of those reserves. I wonder how many times have I neglected to witness because it wasn't convenient for me? How many times have others suffered because I was pre-occupied with my own problems or circumstances? Sunday school teacher, how many times have you left your students "on the floor" because you just didn't feel like showing up that Sunday? Bus worker, what about those Saturday's when you had more important things to do with your time so you left your bus kids "on the floor?" Church member, how many times in 2011 did you leave your pastor and fellow church members "on the floor?" because you didn't feel like coming back on a dreary Sunday night or you were just too exhausted to make it for the mid-week service on Wednesday?
God has entrusted each of us with people who look to us for protection and guidance. We are "Coach" to someone. Let's be careful that we do not become so pre-occupied with our own needs, our own problems or our own circumstances that we leave others "on the floor." Fortunately, no one was injured when hundreds of FSU fans rushed the court to celebrate a big win over a conference favorite. I wish it could be said that no one has been hurt by our negligence or poor decisions. Think about it.
Last week at Florida State University my beloved Tar Heels received a good, old-fashioned "whippin" at the hands of the Seminoles. With only 14 seconds remaining and FSU up be more than thirty points, the two head coaches met at half-court and Coach Roy Williams decided to leave the floor with all of his players and coaches "in tow", other than five reserves who were on the court and a couple of assistant coaches. That move has been the subject of many radio talk shows, news articles and water cooler discussions. I don't know why Coach Williams did what he did. Many of us can question whether or not it was a good move. On Monday of this week he offered a defense of his decision by stating that he thought all the players and staff had left the floor with him. It's not for me to say whether he was right or wrong. I'll leave that up to the "recliner coaches" who've never led anyone to do anything, much less coached a major college basketball team.
I can't say that I haven't given this some serious consideration. As a matter of fact, I've asked myself several times, "Who have I left on the floor?" in my lifetime. His critics say that Coach Williams was too concerned with his own safety and careless with the safety of those reserves. I wonder how many times have I neglected to witness because it wasn't convenient for me? How many times have others suffered because I was pre-occupied with my own problems or circumstances? Sunday school teacher, how many times have you left your students "on the floor" because you just didn't feel like showing up that Sunday? Bus worker, what about those Saturday's when you had more important things to do with your time so you left your bus kids "on the floor?" Church member, how many times in 2011 did you leave your pastor and fellow church members "on the floor?" because you didn't feel like coming back on a dreary Sunday night or you were just too exhausted to make it for the mid-week service on Wednesday?
God has entrusted each of us with people who look to us for protection and guidance. We are "Coach" to someone. Let's be careful that we do not become so pre-occupied with our own needs, our own problems or our own circumstances that we leave others "on the floor." Fortunately, no one was injured when hundreds of FSU fans rushed the court to celebrate a big win over a conference favorite. I wish it could be said that no one has been hurt by our negligence or poor decisions. Think about it.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A Dying Breed
For the past few weeks the FBC family has been praying for one of the pillars of our church, Jerry Frazier. For many years Brother Jerry has battled C.O.P.D. and the past few weeks have been spent in hospitals, intensive care units and now, the hospice center. It is very obvious that he has Heaven in view. He is a very sick man.
Not only is Jerry Frazier a dying man, men like him are a dying breed. Today is his 73rd birthday. He is a part of that "greatest generation" we've heard so much about. He is a man who loves his wife, cares for his children, is devoted to his church and serves his Lord. When I left the hospice center a while ago he was surrounded by a family that obviously loves him deeply. You might say he is a part of "middle class America." He doesn't have alot of worldly goods, but what he has, he worked for. No one gave him anything. The disease that will eventually take his life is a result of his career. He installed insulation.
For thirty-five years Jerry and his wife, Pam, worked a bus route at Fellowship Baptist Church. Every Saturday they would go visit children in the Braggtown community of Durham and every Sunday they would load those children on the bus and bring them to church. Did you catch that? I said, "Thirty-five years!" Thirty-five years on the same bus route, in the same community at the same church.
I have been his pastor for almost twenty-four years, and it bothers me greatly that Jerry Frazier is dying. What bothers me more is that his "breed" is also dying. Today, it's hard to get people to serve in the ministry. It's almost impossible to get them to do so for the long haul. Very few men are willing to just keep on going. Too many fall by the wayside due to disappointments, hurt feelings, fatigue, weariness or unfulfilled expectations.
Churches like ours are built on men like Jerry Frazier. Unfortunately, those men are quickly passing off the scene. Who will stand in the gap? Who will take up the torch? Where are the young men who will lead our churches for the next 35 years? If that breed of men dies and others don't step up to take their places, our churches die also. I am bothered that Bro. Jerry will soon leave us, I am afraid of what will happen to us if others don't follow in his steps.
Not only is Jerry Frazier a dying man, men like him are a dying breed. Today is his 73rd birthday. He is a part of that "greatest generation" we've heard so much about. He is a man who loves his wife, cares for his children, is devoted to his church and serves his Lord. When I left the hospice center a while ago he was surrounded by a family that obviously loves him deeply. You might say he is a part of "middle class America." He doesn't have alot of worldly goods, but what he has, he worked for. No one gave him anything. The disease that will eventually take his life is a result of his career. He installed insulation.
For thirty-five years Jerry and his wife, Pam, worked a bus route at Fellowship Baptist Church. Every Saturday they would go visit children in the Braggtown community of Durham and every Sunday they would load those children on the bus and bring them to church. Did you catch that? I said, "Thirty-five years!" Thirty-five years on the same bus route, in the same community at the same church.
I have been his pastor for almost twenty-four years, and it bothers me greatly that Jerry Frazier is dying. What bothers me more is that his "breed" is also dying. Today, it's hard to get people to serve in the ministry. It's almost impossible to get them to do so for the long haul. Very few men are willing to just keep on going. Too many fall by the wayside due to disappointments, hurt feelings, fatigue, weariness or unfulfilled expectations.
Churches like ours are built on men like Jerry Frazier. Unfortunately, those men are quickly passing off the scene. Who will stand in the gap? Who will take up the torch? Where are the young men who will lead our churches for the next 35 years? If that breed of men dies and others don't step up to take their places, our churches die also. I am bothered that Bro. Jerry will soon leave us, I am afraid of what will happen to us if others don't follow in his steps.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Busybodies
Recently while preparing a message for my people on the subject of weariness, I read II Thessalonians 3:11. "For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." What an insult it would be to be identified as a busybody. The very definition of the word makes me want to turn and run the other way! It means, "To bustle about uselessly, to busy one's self about trifling, needless, useless matters. It most often refers to one who is officiously inquisitive about other's affairs."
It is no surprise that when Paul clarifies who the busybody is he states, "...working not at all..." I've found that when I'm busy working, I have very little time to be busy in other men's matters. Especially is that true when it comes to matters outside my own church. I'm amazed how much time some folks seem to have to "bustle about uselessly in needless matters" that don't pertain to them.
I hesitate to use this blog to correct erroneous gossip, but it is one of the very few venues that I have at my access. This is not a defense of myself, it is simply an effort to clarify any confusion surrounding a situation that involves me and my ministry.
For the past several years, Dr. Jack Schaap has preached for us here at Fellowship Baptist Church the first week of October. He was scheduled to be with us again this year. There was some confusion about the dates, and there were some complications in communicating between my office and the offices at First Baptist Church. By the time everything had been confirmed and approved, the dates for the meeting were about a month away. I spoke with Dr. Schaap during a visit to Hammond last month, and he and I agreed to postpone the conference. Although he was more than willing to come, I didn't want to have the meeting without having properly promoted and advertised.
Today someone told me that the word "around the country" is that I had cancelled Bro. Schaap and that I was telling all of my college students who attend Hyles-Anderson College to come home. Undoubtedly, that false rumor is being spread by "busybodies". Suprisingly enough, no one called and asked me any questions about our conference or our college kids. We have 18 students at HAC with two more returning to campus in January. We also have students in five other Bible colleges and several state colleges. I marvel at why, "where Fellowship Baptist young people attend college" would be the topic of anyone's discussion outside the walls of Fellowship Baptist Church!
It seems to me that the "word around the country" ought to be that Heaven is sweet, Hell is hot and Jesus is coming soon! Rather than "bustling about uselessly in trifling matters", our time could be better spent loving people, glorifying Christ and honoring God with our lives and in our ministries. In II Thessalonians 3:13 Paul admonished the believers who were exposed to those who were walking disorderly, "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." Our task is monumental. We cannot afford to become wearied. Just keep doing well and keep on praying for those are distracted by matters of lesser importance.
It is no surprise that when Paul clarifies who the busybody is he states, "...working not at all..." I've found that when I'm busy working, I have very little time to be busy in other men's matters. Especially is that true when it comes to matters outside my own church. I'm amazed how much time some folks seem to have to "bustle about uselessly in needless matters" that don't pertain to them.
I hesitate to use this blog to correct erroneous gossip, but it is one of the very few venues that I have at my access. This is not a defense of myself, it is simply an effort to clarify any confusion surrounding a situation that involves me and my ministry.
For the past several years, Dr. Jack Schaap has preached for us here at Fellowship Baptist Church the first week of October. He was scheduled to be with us again this year. There was some confusion about the dates, and there were some complications in communicating between my office and the offices at First Baptist Church. By the time everything had been confirmed and approved, the dates for the meeting were about a month away. I spoke with Dr. Schaap during a visit to Hammond last month, and he and I agreed to postpone the conference. Although he was more than willing to come, I didn't want to have the meeting without having properly promoted and advertised.
Today someone told me that the word "around the country" is that I had cancelled Bro. Schaap and that I was telling all of my college students who attend Hyles-Anderson College to come home. Undoubtedly, that false rumor is being spread by "busybodies". Suprisingly enough, no one called and asked me any questions about our conference or our college kids. We have 18 students at HAC with two more returning to campus in January. We also have students in five other Bible colleges and several state colleges. I marvel at why, "where Fellowship Baptist young people attend college" would be the topic of anyone's discussion outside the walls of Fellowship Baptist Church!
It seems to me that the "word around the country" ought to be that Heaven is sweet, Hell is hot and Jesus is coming soon! Rather than "bustling about uselessly in trifling matters", our time could be better spent loving people, glorifying Christ and honoring God with our lives and in our ministries. In II Thessalonians 3:13 Paul admonished the believers who were exposed to those who were walking disorderly, "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." Our task is monumental. We cannot afford to become wearied. Just keep doing well and keep on praying for those are distracted by matters of lesser importance.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Rough Air
My wife and I were recently flying home from a meeting in Memphis, TN when the captain announced, "We are encountering a bit of rough air. Flight attendants will need to take their seats, the seatbelt sign has been turned on and no one should be moving around the aircraft." Those turbulents changed everything that could be considered normal and routine about our flight.
In recent weeks, many of our folks here at FBC-Durham have encountered "rough air". Four of our men have been diagnosed with cancer. Several of our people have been faced with non-cancerous diseases, surgeries and procedures. The economy continues to take a toll on our church families. Just like our recent flight, things have been anything but "normal" lately.
Recently I was reading in I Peter what God wrote to some folks who were going through some suffering of their own, and I preached to our folks from this passage. I'd like to share a few of those thoughts with our readers.
1. Your Suffering Has No Bearing On Your Salvation
In verses 4-6 of I Peter 1 we read about an eternal salvation that is "kept by the power of God." If you're a believer, no matter what you might be enduring "for a season", you cannot lose your salvation. The child of God can rest assured that salvation is "reserved in heaven for you."
2. Find Your Joy In Knowing That
Our temptation is to look for happiness in our circumstances. We look for eternal happiness in temporary conditions. We are happy if our job is secure, our health is preserved, our marriage is strong or our kids are obedient. God says in I Peter 1:6 that our joy should be found in knowing that our salvation is secure.
3. Learn To See Beyond Your Suffering
It is true, we do go through seasons of suffering. The scripture clearly states, "...though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold tempations..." A season is a period of time that has a beginning and an ending. Your suffering is not going to last forever. It is very important that you learn to see beyond your suffering.
4. Determine To Tough It Out
In I Peter 1:13 Peter writes that we are to "...to gird up the loins of your mind..." In todays vernacular we might suggest, "roll up your sleeves." That means that we're getting ready to go to work. When suffering comes, it is important that we dedicate ourselves to endurance. Grace doesn't come because we sit back and do nothing. Grace comes when we do all that we can.
5. Be Holy
Peter addresses holiness in I Peter 1:14-16. Many times we refer to these verses when challenging God's people about their behavior in the world. I certainly believe in old-fashioned holiness, but in it's context, the challenge is to be holy in the midst of suffering. Don't get mad at God! Don't gripe and complain! Don't allow yourself to become bitter! Be holy "...as he which hath called you is holy..."
6. Allow Your Suffering To Bring You To Christ
Suffering shouldn't separate us from Christ, it should draw us to Christ. In I Peter 2:25 Peter alludes to this when he writes, "...but now are ye returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." I recently read that if a sheep sees green grass on a levee, he will jump down onto that levee and eat until the grass is gone. The sheep then realizes that it cannot get back up. The shepherd must wait until the sheep is so weak that it cannot walk before he attempts a rescue. As long as that sheep has energy, he will try to save himself. Many times that provokes him to jump to his death. As suffering sheep, we must allow our struggles to bring us to our Saviour.
"Rough air" on a flight changes everything. You can't get up and walk around to get comfortable. The flight attendant can't bring you a snack and a beverage. Your heart may race and you may wonder if you're going to make it. The only thing one can do at that particular moment is to trust the captain. He can see things from his vantage point that you can't see. His radar tells him where he should go for things to get smoother and how long it will take him to get there. Thank God that our "captain" knows exactly what we need when "rough air" invades our lives.
In recent weeks, many of our folks here at FBC-Durham have encountered "rough air". Four of our men have been diagnosed with cancer. Several of our people have been faced with non-cancerous diseases, surgeries and procedures. The economy continues to take a toll on our church families. Just like our recent flight, things have been anything but "normal" lately.
Recently I was reading in I Peter what God wrote to some folks who were going through some suffering of their own, and I preached to our folks from this passage. I'd like to share a few of those thoughts with our readers.
1. Your Suffering Has No Bearing On Your Salvation
In verses 4-6 of I Peter 1 we read about an eternal salvation that is "kept by the power of God." If you're a believer, no matter what you might be enduring "for a season", you cannot lose your salvation. The child of God can rest assured that salvation is "reserved in heaven for you."
2. Find Your Joy In Knowing That
Our temptation is to look for happiness in our circumstances. We look for eternal happiness in temporary conditions. We are happy if our job is secure, our health is preserved, our marriage is strong or our kids are obedient. God says in I Peter 1:6 that our joy should be found in knowing that our salvation is secure.
3. Learn To See Beyond Your Suffering
It is true, we do go through seasons of suffering. The scripture clearly states, "...though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold tempations..." A season is a period of time that has a beginning and an ending. Your suffering is not going to last forever. It is very important that you learn to see beyond your suffering.
4. Determine To Tough It Out
In I Peter 1:13 Peter writes that we are to "...to gird up the loins of your mind..." In todays vernacular we might suggest, "roll up your sleeves." That means that we're getting ready to go to work. When suffering comes, it is important that we dedicate ourselves to endurance. Grace doesn't come because we sit back and do nothing. Grace comes when we do all that we can.
5. Be Holy
Peter addresses holiness in I Peter 1:14-16. Many times we refer to these verses when challenging God's people about their behavior in the world. I certainly believe in old-fashioned holiness, but in it's context, the challenge is to be holy in the midst of suffering. Don't get mad at God! Don't gripe and complain! Don't allow yourself to become bitter! Be holy "...as he which hath called you is holy..."
6. Allow Your Suffering To Bring You To Christ
Suffering shouldn't separate us from Christ, it should draw us to Christ. In I Peter 2:25 Peter alludes to this when he writes, "...but now are ye returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." I recently read that if a sheep sees green grass on a levee, he will jump down onto that levee and eat until the grass is gone. The sheep then realizes that it cannot get back up. The shepherd must wait until the sheep is so weak that it cannot walk before he attempts a rescue. As long as that sheep has energy, he will try to save himself. Many times that provokes him to jump to his death. As suffering sheep, we must allow our struggles to bring us to our Saviour.
"Rough air" on a flight changes everything. You can't get up and walk around to get comfortable. The flight attendant can't bring you a snack and a beverage. Your heart may race and you may wonder if you're going to make it. The only thing one can do at that particular moment is to trust the captain. He can see things from his vantage point that you can't see. His radar tells him where he should go for things to get smoother and how long it will take him to get there. Thank God that our "captain" knows exactly what we need when "rough air" invades our lives.
Monday, September 19, 2011
A Place For Grace
The theme of our Fall Program is "What's So Amazing About Grace?" We have enjoyed four wonderful Sunday's and we are very excited about what the Lord is going to do in the next two weeks.
This past weekend, the grace of God was revealed to our church family in a myriad of ways. Evangelist Otis Duhart was our guest speaker. Bro. Duhart's life is an great testimony of God's grace. As a former Florida State University football player, his life "from football to faith" could only be directed by a loving, gracious, Heavenly Father. On Friday night Bro. Otis preached at a Youth Rally held at our church and fifteen young people experienced God's grace when they accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. In yesterday morning's service five precious people walked the aisle to receive Christ, and once again, the grace of God was abundant.
During the morning service my in-laws, Reub & Evelyn Ewert, gave a testimony about what God's grace means to them. Mrs. Ewert is battling Alzheimer's Disease, and our church family has witnessed God's grace in a very real way in their lives and in their marriage.
Last night Tommy & Sara Dennis lost their baby. Space will not permit me to share how God's grace was manifested in their family in the past several days. It has been amazing to watch.
I'm glad that God's grace is at work in my life and I'm thankful that I'm in a place where His grace is revealed on a regular basis. I don't want to take that for granted.
This past weekend, the grace of God was revealed to our church family in a myriad of ways. Evangelist Otis Duhart was our guest speaker. Bro. Duhart's life is an great testimony of God's grace. As a former Florida State University football player, his life "from football to faith" could only be directed by a loving, gracious, Heavenly Father. On Friday night Bro. Otis preached at a Youth Rally held at our church and fifteen young people experienced God's grace when they accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. In yesterday morning's service five precious people walked the aisle to receive Christ, and once again, the grace of God was abundant.
During the morning service my in-laws, Reub & Evelyn Ewert, gave a testimony about what God's grace means to them. Mrs. Ewert is battling Alzheimer's Disease, and our church family has witnessed God's grace in a very real way in their lives and in their marriage.
Last night Tommy & Sara Dennis lost their baby. Space will not permit me to share how God's grace was manifested in their family in the past several days. It has been amazing to watch.
I'm glad that God's grace is at work in my life and I'm thankful that I'm in a place where His grace is revealed on a regular basis. I don't want to take that for granted.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Power of Words
This morning I was reading in Proverbs 6 and I was captivated by what I read in verse 2. "Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth..." For someone who makes their living talking, that's a pretty scary thought! It is critical that we realize the power of our words. Scripture has much to say about our mouth, our lips and the words that come from them. Here are just a few thoughts I shared with our staff this morning concerning our words.
1. Be careful WHAT you say.
It is important that we understand, some things are better left unsaid. I learned a long time ago that if it doesn't need to be said, don't say it. We should thoughtfully and prayerfully weigh the words that we speak. Once a word is spoken, it can never be retracted.
2. Be careful HOW you say it.
It is quite possible to say the right thing, but to say it in the wrong way. Our tone of voice, facial expression and body language can cause the right words to be received in the wrong way. I oftentimes tell preachers, "You can preach hard without being hard." Learn to temper your words with grace.
3. Be careful WHO you say it to.
When speaking, we should consider our audience. If it is something that we want held in confidence, that will greatly limit the number of people to whom we will be able to speak. If we are going to speak correctively, we should make sure that the person to whom we are speaking is within our area of judgment.
4. Be careful WHEN you say it.
It is possible to say the right thing, to the right person, at the wrong time. I oftentimes warn husbands and wives about the timing of their speech. I believe that our speech should be calculated. Is my heart in the right condition for me to say this? What is the spirit of the person to whom I am about to speak? These are questions that we should consider before we open our mouths.
These are just a few thoughts concerning our speech. Scripture tells us that the power of death and life are in the tongue. Be mindful of how you use your words in the lives of other people. One day you and I will give an account to God for the words that we speak. It's a sobering thought.
1. Be careful WHAT you say.
It is important that we understand, some things are better left unsaid. I learned a long time ago that if it doesn't need to be said, don't say it. We should thoughtfully and prayerfully weigh the words that we speak. Once a word is spoken, it can never be retracted.
2. Be careful HOW you say it.
It is quite possible to say the right thing, but to say it in the wrong way. Our tone of voice, facial expression and body language can cause the right words to be received in the wrong way. I oftentimes tell preachers, "You can preach hard without being hard." Learn to temper your words with grace.
3. Be careful WHO you say it to.
When speaking, we should consider our audience. If it is something that we want held in confidence, that will greatly limit the number of people to whom we will be able to speak. If we are going to speak correctively, we should make sure that the person to whom we are speaking is within our area of judgment.
4. Be careful WHEN you say it.
It is possible to say the right thing, to the right person, at the wrong time. I oftentimes warn husbands and wives about the timing of their speech. I believe that our speech should be calculated. Is my heart in the right condition for me to say this? What is the spirit of the person to whom I am about to speak? These are questions that we should consider before we open our mouths.
These are just a few thoughts concerning our speech. Scripture tells us that the power of death and life are in the tongue. Be mindful of how you use your words in the lives of other people. One day you and I will give an account to God for the words that we speak. It's a sobering thought.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
What Is Your Maintenance Plan?
A couple of months ago our church voted to purchase a new car for me to drive. Up until then I was driving my 2000 Chevy truck with 250,000 miles on it. I am very blessed to pastor a church where the folks attempt to express their love for their pastor in tangible ways. I don't ever want to take that for granted.
Today I took our 2010 Taurus to the dealership for service. I've already driven 7,500 miles and according to the owner's manual, the car was due for service. As I looked at the manual, I found that Ford has a very detailed maintenance plan. It covers everything. Simply put, regular maintenance will extend the life of the automobile and enhance it's operation. The service manager recommended, "the works."
As I left the Ford dealership I thought about my spiritual maintenance plan. My "owner's manual", the Bible, gives detailed instructions as to how I can extend my spiritual life and enhance my spiritual performance. Reading the Word, praying, confessing my sins, attending church on a consistent basis, etc. are all things that are needed if I'm going to optimize the new life that God put in me almost 33 years ago. I hope you have a scheduled maintenance plan for your spiritual life. It may not be convenient, but it certainly is necessary.
Today I took our 2010 Taurus to the dealership for service. I've already driven 7,500 miles and according to the owner's manual, the car was due for service. As I looked at the manual, I found that Ford has a very detailed maintenance plan. It covers everything. Simply put, regular maintenance will extend the life of the automobile and enhance it's operation. The service manager recommended, "the works."
As I left the Ford dealership I thought about my spiritual maintenance plan. My "owner's manual", the Bible, gives detailed instructions as to how I can extend my spiritual life and enhance my spiritual performance. Reading the Word, praying, confessing my sins, attending church on a consistent basis, etc. are all things that are needed if I'm going to optimize the new life that God put in me almost 33 years ago. I hope you have a scheduled maintenance plan for your spiritual life. It may not be convenient, but it certainly is necessary.
Monday, July 18, 2011
"It's Just A Youth Conference"
This week a group of our teens from Fellowship Baptist-Durham are attending the National Youth Conference at First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana. This is one of many youth conferences that are held each year in churches around the country. There are dozens of them. We even host our own Youth Conference in April of each year.
Right about now you might be thinking: "It's just a Youth Conference." I understand why you might feel that way, but let me tell you a story. In 1978 an eighteen year old teenager attended a Youth Conference with a small group from his church. He and the other teens traveled almost 900 miles in a caravan of cars in order to participate in the meeting. On Thursday night of the conference this young man walked the aisle and surrendered his life to serve the Lord. It was just another decision, not unlike tens of thousands of decisions that are made by young people at camps, revivals and conferences each year.
The difference, in this case, was that the young man was me. At a Youth Conference in Hammond, Indiana in July of 1978 God turned my life upside down. I came to the conference as recent high school graduate with little or no direction in my life. I left that conference with a vision of what the Lord wanted to do with my life. Thirty-three years later lives are still being impacted because of that one decision that one young man made at one Youth Conference!
Please join me in praying that this week's conference would not be "just another Youth Conference." Ask God to bless our teens, as well as the thousands of other teens from around the country. Pray that the Spirit of God would have freedom and that the Word of God would be preached with great power. There is no way of knowing what God might do in this week's conference. There is no way of knowing whose life might be changed.
Right about now you might be thinking: "It's just a Youth Conference." I understand why you might feel that way, but let me tell you a story. In 1978 an eighteen year old teenager attended a Youth Conference with a small group from his church. He and the other teens traveled almost 900 miles in a caravan of cars in order to participate in the meeting. On Thursday night of the conference this young man walked the aisle and surrendered his life to serve the Lord. It was just another decision, not unlike tens of thousands of decisions that are made by young people at camps, revivals and conferences each year.
The difference, in this case, was that the young man was me. At a Youth Conference in Hammond, Indiana in July of 1978 God turned my life upside down. I came to the conference as recent high school graduate with little or no direction in my life. I left that conference with a vision of what the Lord wanted to do with my life. Thirty-three years later lives are still being impacted because of that one decision that one young man made at one Youth Conference!
Please join me in praying that this week's conference would not be "just another Youth Conference." Ask God to bless our teens, as well as the thousands of other teens from around the country. Pray that the Spirit of God would have freedom and that the Word of God would be preached with great power. There is no way of knowing what God might do in this week's conference. There is no way of knowing whose life might be changed.
Monday, July 11, 2011
A Blessing of Summertime
If you've been around me much at all you know that Summer isn't my favorite season of the year. I love Spring and Fall, and I tolerate Summer. It's not that I hate the hot weather and the high humidity. It's not that I don't like the longer days. It's not that I abhor the "critters" that creep and crawl at this particular time of the year. (Yes, I did kill a Copperhead in my driveway last week). The thing that I don't like about summer is the mindset that so many people have about their Christian service. It's like the months of June, July and August are one, big vacation from Christian responsibility! There isn't a service during the summertime when we don't have many of our folks out of town. There is hardly a day during the summertime when our entire staff is at work. It seems that every day someone is somewhere other than in the office. I hate it!
However, there is one thing that I really like about Summer. I love the fact that many of our college kids are at home. As I sat on the platform last night and scanned the congregation, I saw more than a dozen young adults who will only be here for about another month. In late August or early September they will return to college somewhere in America to pursue their dreams and follow the will of God.
I love it when our college "kids" are home! God has given us some outstanding young men and women in our church, and many of those folks are somewhere else nine months out of the year. During the summertime when they are at home, I love having them actively involved in church. They have such a fervent spirit and for the most part, they're pretty excited about life. They are a blessing to their pastor.
I hope that you'll enjoy the time that we have with our college kids. Let them know that you're glad they're home. Convey to them that you are proud of their accomplishments. Pray that God will provide the much needed finances that will be necessary for them to return to school in the fall. Enjoy them while you can because in just a matter of weeks, they'll be gone.
However, there is one thing that I really like about Summer. I love the fact that many of our college kids are at home. As I sat on the platform last night and scanned the congregation, I saw more than a dozen young adults who will only be here for about another month. In late August or early September they will return to college somewhere in America to pursue their dreams and follow the will of God.
I love it when our college "kids" are home! God has given us some outstanding young men and women in our church, and many of those folks are somewhere else nine months out of the year. During the summertime when they are at home, I love having them actively involved in church. They have such a fervent spirit and for the most part, they're pretty excited about life. They are a blessing to their pastor.
I hope that you'll enjoy the time that we have with our college kids. Let them know that you're glad they're home. Convey to them that you are proud of their accomplishments. Pray that God will provide the much needed finances that will be necessary for them to return to school in the fall. Enjoy them while you can because in just a matter of weeks, they'll be gone.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Does Busyness = Spirituality?
What a busy time this is for my family and our ministry. Last week we hosted 200+ teens for our 19th Annual Teen Camp in Hillsville, VA. I left camp on Thursday night and arrived home at 2:00 AM on Friday. On Friday night we had a wedding rehearsal and on Saturday at 11:00 AM my youngest daughter, Karissa, was married to Caleb Ray in a beautiful ceremony at our church. Sunday was an exciting day at FBC-Durham and on Monday our 9th Annual Eagle Basketball Clinic got underway. Our varsity cheerleaders returned from Cheer Camp in Gatlinburg on Wednesday night and the week-end is fast approaching. It never seems to stop.
There was a time when I thought that being busy was an good sign that you were spiritual. I hate to admit it but I was ignorant. Let me share just a few thoughts with you about this matter of busyness and spirituality.
1. It's good to be busy.
I believe that it is good to be busy. Idleness is a dangerous state that Satan oftentimes uses to destroy people. This is especially true with young people. Here at FBC-Durham we try to keep our kids busy because we believe that it is healthy for them.
2. We should be busy doing good things.
Satan would love to get me busy doing wrong things. We live in a very busy society. People are constantly "on the run" and life is lived at a fevered pitch. Let me challenge you to look at your schedule. What occupies the majority of your time? Are you spending your life for that which is eternal?
3. In spite of the busyness of your life, take time to stop and spend time with God.
We can get so busy serving God that we don't ever spend any time with Him! It is vital that you stop and spend time with the Creator. In Psalms 46:10 we read, "Be still, and know that I am God..." There is a God in Heaven who longs to be with you. You offer Him something that no one else can give to Him. Don't become so pre-occupied with the busyness of life that you neglect the one who gave life to you.
Don't get me wrong, I love being busy! When I'm not busy I feel out of my element. However, busyness doesn't necessarily mean that you are spiritual. Learn to balance out the hectic pace of life with moments of calmness and communion.
There was a time when I thought that being busy was an good sign that you were spiritual. I hate to admit it but I was ignorant. Let me share just a few thoughts with you about this matter of busyness and spirituality.
1. It's good to be busy.
I believe that it is good to be busy. Idleness is a dangerous state that Satan oftentimes uses to destroy people. This is especially true with young people. Here at FBC-Durham we try to keep our kids busy because we believe that it is healthy for them.
2. We should be busy doing good things.
Satan would love to get me busy doing wrong things. We live in a very busy society. People are constantly "on the run" and life is lived at a fevered pitch. Let me challenge you to look at your schedule. What occupies the majority of your time? Are you spending your life for that which is eternal?
3. In spite of the busyness of your life, take time to stop and spend time with God.
We can get so busy serving God that we don't ever spend any time with Him! It is vital that you stop and spend time with the Creator. In Psalms 46:10 we read, "Be still, and know that I am God..." There is a God in Heaven who longs to be with you. You offer Him something that no one else can give to Him. Don't become so pre-occupied with the busyness of life that you neglect the one who gave life to you.
Don't get me wrong, I love being busy! When I'm not busy I feel out of my element. However, busyness doesn't necessarily mean that you are spiritual. Learn to balance out the hectic pace of life with moments of calmness and communion.
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