Updates from May, 2010 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Ron Thomas 9:53 am on May 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Bible Reading – 2 Corinthians 5 

    1. Walk by faith (5:1-8). It is important to take note of what it means to live by faith. All too many people think on that phrase as a sentiment that does not correspond to biblical teaching. Many believe that to walk by faith is to walk with a genuine spirit of good will, believing in God because he is a God of love, and trying to live in accordance with what one thinks is right. Though this has a commendable quality, it is short of the biblical idea. To walk by faith is to trust in the Lord, hearing His word, and making application of His will to one’s life, it is to obey God’s commands (Romans 10:17; I John 1:5-7).

    2. The love of Christ compels (5:9-15). With the mission the Lord gave Paul (and others), he knew well that if one did not heed his message, the terror of the Lord will be more than one bargains for; in fact, it is deadly! Because Paul had such a vivid picture in mind, he preached. He preached not only because of the vivid picture, but he preached because the love of Christ compelled him. Note how the love of Christ is related to knowing the terror of the Lord.

    3. Don’t know – according to the flesh (5:16-21). It is very hard to change one’s pattern of thinking. For most, we think in accordance with the flesh – that is, we think in accordance with a fleshly standard. Paul said that he no longer did that, but he thought in accordance with a new standard, and those in Christ live by a new standard. If each of us do this, think how much better, how much easier, and how much charity will be extended to the next person.

     

  • Richard Mansel 2:45 am on May 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Catching Up and New Items 

    • I have added something new to my blog: Do you think new converts in the early church ever asked why they didn’t use mechanical instruments in worship? Why would they have not? Everybody does today. What are the implications of that? Read my post and join the discussion.
    • I was baptized in Fort Smith, Arkansas in August, 1980. I did the white-knuckle thing for a year or so. I finally made the decision and preached my first sermon the next year. It amazes me that that sermon was nearly 29 years ago. My first sermon and my first book were on the same subject. That’s symmetry!
    • I preach in an Army congregation, so today I spoke on Army Values and how they will also make us better Christians.  The sermon was very well-received. I am deeply humbled by serving a military community.
    • One of our men preached his first sermon tonight and I was thrilled. He was “discovered” less than four years ago through our door knocking efforts. He was baptized and immediately became involved. A couple of years ago, his wife was converted and they are very faithful. Now, he is already preaching. He has been a great encouragement.
    • I am blessed to have been asked to speak in the Preacher’s Files Lectureship this summer and at a Wednesday series in Florida. I don’t get asked that often, so I am always thrilled and humbled. I also have several writing projects the rest of the year.
    • As far as being Wired, I have a cell phone and a laptop. Years ago, a congregation  I preached for bought me a pager. I am so glad we are past searching for pay phones and hoping you won’t get mugged in the process. I’ve been online for around 14 years and on discussion groups ever since. I have learned so much from them. I think I am a better thinker and student of God’s Word and human nature, as a result.
    • Pray for Randal Matheny’s travels and fundraising.
    • God  Bless you. I appreciate our Fellows!
    • I will be finishing up the New Testament on CD tomorrow. I am still on track to listen to it each month this year.
    • I just finished listening to something fresh: A biography of a book. Hew Strachan analyzed Carl von Clausewitz’s classic book, “On  War,” which has been used as a manual in military colleges all over the world. Strachan  examined “On War” in light of the developments of the day, including the wars that Clausewitz participated in and was influenced by.  Plus, the ideas and flow of Clausewitz’s writing. Dry, but interesting. However, it is certainly not for everyone.  :)
     

    • Mike Riley 8:13 pm on May 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, wish you and everyone a happy Memorial Day with family and friends. Yes, we have been praying not only for Randal and his fundraising efforts, but for the solution to your physical infirmity as well. We are looking forward to hearing you preach at the Preacher’s Files Lectureship (if not in person, then online).

      • Richard Mansel 11:03 pm on May 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Thank you, Mike. It will be an honor to see you. I am the first speaker on Friday. Don’t know how many will be there. :)

  • Richard Hill 1:57 am on May 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Hamburger Hands down 

    I like a hot dog a couple of times a year–if I’ve got chili. Now it hard to beat a thick charcoal-grilled beef burger with garden fresh slices of tomato, extra lettuce, extra pickle and plain ole yellow mustard. Oh man. That’s livin’. I would include a thick slice of a fresh sweet onion, but the soon to follow heartburn usually provides me with enough wisdom to avoid it. Notice I use the word, usually. Yeah, Randal, it’s another vegetable getting me in trouble!

    Is it too late to fire up the grill??

     

    • Mike Riley 9:55 pm on May 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Nope, never to late to fire up the grill! :)

      • Richard Hill 12:45 am on June 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Well, Mike, I didn’t get the grill going last night at 10:00, but I did grill burgers for supper tonight. No fresh garden tomatoes yet and it will likely be another 7 or 8 weeks til ours are ripe. Maybe I could get Randal to bring some up from Arkansas! :)

  • Mike Riley 1:02 am on May 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , omnipresent, potent,   

    Our government is the potent, the omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches people by example. If the government becomes the law-breaker, it breeds contempt for law and invites every man to become a law unto himself.

    Louis Brandeis, U.S. Supreme Court Justice (1856-1941)

     

  • Ron Thomas 12:06 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Funny Preaching! 

    Here is “wisdom” from a doctor of ministry candidate on [his] knowledge of expository preaching, as told to us by Walter C. Kaiser, president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. It struck me as exceedingly funny, but a good example of one’s desire for a degree without much knowledge.

    “I taught a doctor of ministry class at another seminary where there were thirty in the class, seventeen different denominations, and I spoke in the first hour on what is expository preaching. In the lunch line, I heard one of the individuals say, ‘You know, I think I’m going to like this course.’ There’s enough depravity in my soul that my ears perked up, and so the next thing I heard, I couldn’t believe. He said, ‘The suppository preaching is brand new.’ He actually used that word, so I knew I had a big job ahead of me. There’s a man who needed a lot of preparation” (W.C. Kaiser, interviewed by Tom Dombrowski, Ministry Magazine, July/August 2010, p. 31).

    Is preaching a career, a job, or a life? Is it all three, two of three, or just one? Whatever it is, let us be sure we preach the Scriptures. In this interview, Mr. Kaiser put a great deal of emphasis on expository preaching because the Bible tells its own message. After quoting Amos 8:11-12, he said, “Although there are some beautiful exceptions [where the Word of God is actually reverenced and preached], we’re in one of the largest drought periods we’ve ever been in for hearing the Word of God” (p. 30).

     

    • Mike Riley 12:23 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Mr. Kaiser was correct about being in the largest drought period for hearing the Word of God. We have more empty pews than ever before. A little affliction is in order to turn this trend around (Psalm 119:67,71).

      • Ron 12:39 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        No doubt, you are correct, but I must admit I laughed out loud with the suppository remark.

        • Mike Riley 6:34 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink

          Yes, that was funny! Maybe the results of his preaching acted like a suppository! :)

    • Glenda Williams 2:42 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Ron, this reminds me of the time we went back to visit a congregation we had left earlier. When the preacher got in the pulpit, he said, “I like suppository preaching. I feel like I stay closer to the scripture that way….OH, I MEAN EXPOSITORY PREACHING!!!!” I got so tickled.

      • Ron 6:17 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Your experience, Glenda, and the article are the only two times I have heard the word used in this context.

  • Glenda Williams 9:29 am on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Two baptisms this past week 

    Two more people were baptized this past week at Geneva, making a total of 25 thus far this year.  Several of our members are teaching faithfully every week, most in the jail, but let me tell you about our youngest man who teaches. He goes from door to door asking people if he can study with them. He doesn’t want to work a job, but rather just teach people the Bible.  Thankfully for now he has a grandmother who supports him and he lives with her.  He has almost finished his degree in Bible at Faulkner University, and wants to preach full time.  He uses the 3-lesson Open Bible study course and is having great success with it.  I wonder if he even knows how many he has taught and baptized this year.  This young man is 21 or 22, and single.  He baptizes people wherever he goes.  He baptizes late at night in the river below Geneva. He baptizes in the gulf when in Florida, and often times he calls and wants to use the church baptistry because he has someone ready to be baptized.  He is constantly studying with people by texting.  He thinks we should only talk about the Bible, and associate only with people who will talk about it with us. It seems every minute he is awake is either spent in teaching people the gospel or studying his Bible. 

    What am I doing? Washing and drying the baptismal garments and keeping them ready for the next one, or more, who needs them!

     

  • Ron Thomas 9:20 am on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    The Significance 

    As a veteran, I reflect on Memorial Day in a way, I suppose, that is not a lot unlike the way others reflect on it. I hold the service of our young men and women in the United States Military to be a sacred duty. If it was up to me – and of course it is not – every young man should serve in the military at least two years. It would be a service to the government that has “pledged its sacred honor” to protect and defend the citizenry of those who live here. I wish every young man felt an obligation to serve (not inclined toward the draft), but since we are a free people, I feel it is a good thing that those who serve do so because of a desire to serve.

    Having served just shy of eleven years (Honorable Discharge, Dec ’92), and having been in various parts of the world, I can say that my time in the service of this country has been without regret. I enlisted in the USAF and entered Basic Training in February 1982 (3 years out of high school). After six weeks of tolerable drudgery, I was given “orders” to Lowery AFB, Denver, and after another three month, I was given a PCS (permanent change of station) to Alamogordo, New Mexico (Holloman AFB) and served for eighteen months. It was in NM that I became a Christian (November, 1983). New Mexico was a good assignment for me – apart from me becoming a Christian – for I was in another part of the country, that I am sure, I would not have gone to on my own. It was there that I learned to appreciate natural beauty (there is nothing like playing on a baseball diamond, for the first time, with dirt outfields!). leaving NM, recently married (Aug ’83), we left for Guam. We lived on the small island (just over 200 square miles) for three years. On the island, my wife became a Christian and our daughter was born (both in 1985). We left the island in January 1987 and moved to Idaho – another place I would not have given thought to visit, much less to move there, but it great place it was to live.

    Now, on just the underside of 50, how do I view Memorial Day? It is a day like any other day; it is an important day, but a day not so important that I view it extraordinarily different. However, it is a day that does give me pause. Think of the thousands who have served and died for the ideals of this country. Last evening I watched the History Channel’s two hour program on Washington, The Warrior (I DVR’d it); each evening I read a number of pages on the history of the Civil War and when I reflect on the individual men, I can’t help but regard the day as a sacred day (in terms less than how the term is generally applied in things religious). Many will visit cemeteries, many will go to a service held by the Legion, VFW, or other organizations commemorating the day, but I will come to the office a few hours, go home and cookout, and visit with friends. The day is significant to me, but extraordinary things other than what I do, it is not likely I will. Some are critical of men like me, but it would be a mistake to think that the day is insignificant – for it is not. I served proudly and without regret in the United States Air Force; I was fortunate to be TDY (temporary duty) in Saudi Arabia, but I am even more fortunate to live in a country where the men and women served and gave of themselves to a cause higher than their own.

    On this Memorial Day weekend, remember those who serve. Remember them in your prayers, remember them in the things you do (that are ordinary or extraordinary), and remember their families.

     

    • Glenda Williams 9:40 am on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Well said, Ron. Our flag will be flying in honor of those who have served and who are serving.

    • Ron 10:56 am on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Glenda, you are very kind.

    • Mike Riley 11:30 am on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Ron, you served 11 years in the USAF. You didn’t want to make it a career and go for 20 years? Anyway, we definitely need to remember our troops that are diligently protecting our country. May the Lord richly bless them and their families.

      • Ron 12:41 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Mike, it is “Force Cutback” at the time and my specialty was prime for it. The severance they gave, I went to ETSOP.

        • Mike Riley 6:37 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink

          Ron, I completely understand the concept of “Force Cutback.” I was involved in one of those when I was employed with a well-known gas transmission company back in 1996. They laid off 550 of us in one day. I was within 12 days of being able to retire.

        • Ron 6:47 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink

          The injustice of that! 12 days?!

    • Richard Hill 11:45 am on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Ron, thank you for giving those many years in service to our country. May God bless you.

    • Don Ruhl 1:56 pm on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Thanks, Ron. I appreciate your word and you.

  • J. Randal Matheny 1:03 am on May 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Slow 

    I noticed the site is slow today, understandably so, with the holiday weekend.

    My parents and I went to the Purcell Cemetery, north of Marmaduke, Ark., but inside Clay County, where my grandparents, great-uncle and -aunt and great-grandfather are buried, besides some other kinfolk. I took a few pics of some other headstones, people unrelated, from the 1800s. If your Saturday is slow, check them out here.

    My mom measured my grandparents’ tombstone to see about adding a vase or something to hold flowers. The clip that was there disappeared.

    Talked to my wife’s brother on skype, talking now to The Wife. Earlier today a cousin and her mother came by. Haven’t seen my aunt in quite a few years. That was a good visit. Other than that, has been a slow day around here as well.

     

  • Mike Riley 10:56 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    I am only one, but still, I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do what I can.

    Edward Everett Hale, American clergyman and writer (1822-1909)

     

  • Richard Mansel 9:43 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Sermon Help 

    Do you want help with your sermons, lessons and articles? I am posting In the News items on my blog, so you can be better informed. I hope this will be a rich resource for your work. I do the work, so you don’t have too.

    Today’s issue: Overweight girls more likely to have sex early, link between music & marijuana, Polls: Abortion is immoral but homosexuality is not, Sugar drinks affect blood pressure and much, much more.

    Read  More

     

  • Richard Mansel 7:30 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Bravery never goes out of style.

    William Makepeace Thackeray

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 5:06 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Average wired 

    I’ve not had a chance to answer my own Nudges lately. Here goes one, on how wired we are. I’m probably wired slightly above average. Hmm, OK, well above average of some. I have periods I’m very wired, others I’m completely out of touch. Often, when I go to teach or travel, I lose connectivity.

    Since buying a MacBook last year for presentations while in the U.S., I’m more wired, with wifi. With Skype I keep in touch with family and some friends. It’s replaced all the other messengers for me.

    I do several of my own websites, manage several others, somehow wind up being a consultant for quite a few, since I’m a step ahead of the curve. Know just enough to be dangerous. And I like to help people. I’ve become a WordPress fan, when I’m not using Tiddlywiki.com, which I love.

    Email has always been my main channel of communication. I have what must be the greatest service in the world on that score. Since I started working Facebook, that’s an up-and-coming area for me, though I foresee easing off on it once my purposes with it are done. I was a Twitter fan before FB, and think it’s better. I’m on Orkut, since most Brazilians are there (though they’ve been piling in on FB lately), but I don’t care much for that service and go months without checking in.

    FriendFeed.com brings a lot of stuff together, I like that, for reference purposes.

    I was a latecomer to cell phones, and often forget mine. Still don’t know how to text. That’s the extent of my wiredness.

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 4:11 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Hamburger cooked over charcoal with the fixins (hold the tomato).
    Are hot dogs even “meat”? :)
    Kind of like SPAM (“Stuff Posing As Meat”). LOL

     

    • Barbara Ann Oliver 4:42 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Well, that has always been my definition of SPAM :) But I have to admit that I like a good grilled hot dog,

  • Richard Mansel 2:11 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: burgers, hot dogs,   

    Memorial Day Food 

    Am I a Hamburger or Hot Dog person? Yes! I had a Bison Bacon Cheeseburger with  Bleu Cheese last night at Ruby Tuesday’s. It was wonderful. I also love a good Brat. My Mother makes an amazing slaw for hot dogs. Yum! I would like one of both about now. :)

     

  • Mike Riley 2:09 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Hot Dog Or Hamburger? 

    I like either one, but prefer a homemade hamburger with all the fixin’s.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 2:03 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Daily Nudge: hot dog or hamburger? 

    Walmart was full yesterday, the streets were buzzing with old people on motorcycles, campers were hitched up and people were on the move. The preparations for the holiday were in full swing.

    There’ll be a lot of cookouts over the holiday. We had one last night at my sister’s house, after an hour-long dip in her pool, and me dragging her son back and forth and throwing him up to come splashing back down.

    So, to our Nudge: are you a hot-dog or hamburger person?

    If you want to take that question metaphorically as well, you’re welcome to do that.

     

  • Ron Thomas 11:34 am on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Pound the Pulpit 

    When I was in school I remember hearing the fellows make a light-hearted comment on preaching. When you get to a weak point in the sermon, emphasize it with more vigor. It was (is) usually said this way: “weak point, pound pulpit.”

    There are a number of thoughts on this to be shared. First, a preacher is to have no weak points in his sermon. Second, pounding the pulpit might be a good way to emphasize, but a good listener will hear the words without the pounding. Third, and the primary point of this post, those who speak the loudest are generally the weakest.

    Surely, this last point will not be accepted by all; but, perhaps, at least it will be recognized as having some merit. I have heard countless times a person say something to the effect, “I will not be guilty of that ______.” (and with much emphasis this is said). At the time spoken, I think it is genuinely believed that the person who said this is quite sure of self in saying it. But, I have also noticed, that the loudest speaker, the one who emphasizes his (her) words the most, is the one who generally falls the quickest. It may be that the one who falls did not fall into the trap that another was guilty of, but a hard fall resulted just the same. Why is this?

    No hard fast rule, but a thought for reflection. When I was playing ball in school, I noticed that many of the fellows had to convince themselves of certain things. A free safety was not going to be burned on pass coverage, a defensive end was not going to be hooked on an option play, I can hit any curve (breaking ball) thrown to me, and no change-up will catch me flat-footed, and so on. In my mind there was no doubt in me that these young men knew exactly what they were saying and they knew exactly what to do to prevent themselves from being embarrassed. However, I also noticed that many times that the ones who had to convince themselves had much difficulty executing the play and hitting the pitch as desired.

    While the loudest and the one with much bravado may not be the weakest or the quickest to fall, be sure to look out. Do not look out in order to watch the fall (and say, “I told you so.”), but look out in order to help, to intercept, to encourage, and to strengthen. Paul said it this way, “Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too” (Galatians 6:1, NET).

     

  • Ron Thomas 11:31 am on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Pound the Pulpit 

    When I was in school I remember hearing the fellows make a light-hearted comment on preaching. When you get to a weak point in the sermon, emphasize it with more vigor. It was (is) usually said this way: “weak point, pound pulpit.”

    There are a number of thoughts on this to be shared. First, a preacher is to have no weak points in his sermon. Second, pounding the pulpit might be a good way to emphasize, but a good listener will hear the words without the pounding. Third, and the primary point of this post, those who speak the loudest are generally the weakest.

    Surely, this last point will not be accepted by all; but, perhaps, at least it will be recognized as having some merit. I have heard countless times a person say something to the effect, “I will not be guilty of that ______.” (and with much emphasis this is said). At the time spoken, I think it is genuinely believed that the person who said this is quite sure of self in saying it. But, I have also noticed, that the loudest speaker, the one who emphasizes his (her) words the most, is the one who generally falls the quickest. It may be that the one who falls did not fall into the trap that another was guilty of, but a hard fall resulted just the same. Why is this?

    No hard fast rule, but a thought for reflection. When I was playing ball in school, I noticed that many of the fellows had to convince themselves of certain things. A free safety was not going to be burned on pass coverage, a defensive end was not going to be hooked on an option play, I can hit any curve (breaking ball) thrown to me, and no change-up will catch me flat-footed, and so on. In my mind there was no doubt in me that these young men knew exactly what they were saying and they knew exactly what to do to prevent themselves from being embarrassed. However, I also noticed that many times that the ones who had to convince themselves had much difficulty executing the play and hitting the pitch as desired.

    While the loudest and the one with much bravado may not be the weakest or the quickest to fall, be sure to look out. Do not look out in order to watch the fall (and say, “I told you so.”), but look out in order to help, to intercept, to encourage, and to strengthen. Paul said it this way, “Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too” (Galatians 6:1, NET).

     

    • Jon 1:22 pm on December 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I came here to read the article which I cannot do because of a subscription ad that I cannot make go away. This is annoying and takes away from any message your site is trying to convey. Ironically I wanted to read the article on “Pounding the Pulpit” and these ads that cannot be closed out are far worse than pounding the pulpit for attention.

      • Ron Thomas 1:55 pm on December 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Jon, I have no knowledge about that which you speak. I am sorry; you’re the first I heard with regard to this.

        • Jon 9:02 pm on December 16, 2012 Permalink

          The subscription ad is definetly there and the computer just came back from the shop. The ad says Follow “The Fellowship Room”. I call this an ad and it is annoying since it is in the way of the text and I cannot make it go away.

      • J. Randal Matheny 3:38 pm on December 16, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Jon, I’m not aware that TFR has any subscription ads. It sounds like your PC may be infected.

  • Don Ruhl 9:31 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    My baptism 

    For the nudge two days ago: I was baptized November 2, 1976 in Longmont, Colorado.

     

  • Troy Spradlin 8:26 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Culture Shock Chronicles 

    Journal Entry #46 – Stateside visitors have proved to be an interesting gauge for us. How do I mean? Well for one, they show us how far we have come with the language. Listening to them struggle with phrases or questions reminds us of where we were just a short time ago. Because of them, we can now see that we have learned a great deal since first arriving in Paraguay. Second, when I asked one of our visitors how their trip was going, their response was “I am having complete sensory overload!” Hmmm? It never dawned on me that we have now passed that stage. Much of our surroundings have become somewhat “normal” to us. Yes, there are still strange and new sights everyday, but apparently, we must be getting used to it. Finally, watching our visitors lean on us heavily for translation, direction, and clarification demonstrated to us just how independent we have become over the past few months. No longer do we rely so much upon the more seasoned missionaries to help us around town or translate a transaction for us. Yes, it is refreshing for visitors to come, not just because they are a welcome sight from home, but also because it helps us see our work from a completely different perspective.

     

  • Don Ruhl 6:30 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    News from Savage Street 

    We are currently in our eighth week with Timothy Wilkes teaching the Fishers of Men class at the Savage Street Church in Grants Pass, Oregon. As of last Tuesday, we have over 30 people in the class and those people have conducted 48 Bible studies with 31 different people!

     

  • Weylan Deaver 5:55 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    From a Twitter follow yesterday came an invitation from New Leaf Press to review their new book by Steve Ham, “In God We Trust: Why Biblical Authority Matters for Every Believer.” From their website, they are much like Apologetics Press, but not affiliated with the church of Christ. After some initial back-and-forth regarding differences over a statement of faith, we’ll see if they go ahead and send me the book. The purpose of the book is to uphold Scripture as the ultimate authority, which, of course, flies in the face of the post-modern mindset, including the bankrupt theology of Brian McLaren and his emerging church. So, in answer to the question, I guess I’m wired enough to bungle into writing assignments I wasn’t looking for (but hate to say “no” to).

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 4:30 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    MinistryGeek Powwow 

    This from Dale Jenkins:

    The MinistryGeek Podcast announces it’s first MinistryGeek Powwow. Michael Hite, an instructor at Bear Valley, is the MinistryGeek. His co-hosts are Caleb O’Hara of Rippen, CA and Dale Jenkins in middle Tennessee. The MinistryGeek Powwow is a two-day Technology in Ministry conference. The first will be held in Spring Hill, TN at the Spring Meadows Church of Christ. It is a spinoff of the rapidly growing MinistryGeek Podcast. Both are designed to help make technology more useful for churches and those in ministry. The hosts strive for quality material in an understandable format.

    The conference will focus on presentation systems (PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi), using social networking to create community and contacts, and tips and tools to make your ministry more effective. The initial offering is for 50 slots. There will be a free iPad given away as well as other items. The cost is $50 per guest. Groups of 5 get a 6th participate free and groups of 3-4 get a 10% discount. To register go to http://www.theministrygeek.net/powwow or contact Dale at dale@edge.net.

     

  • Barbara Ann Oliver 3:56 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Wired! 

    I am pretty wired. But I have a pretty good excuse. I started out as a computer programmer when computers first made their desk-top appearance.

    My IPhone has over 100 apps, I have a desk-top computer, notebook, and laptop, and an old Mac computer (can’t remember what it is called).

    I use XMarks to keep all my bookmarks synced, Dropbox to keep all my files accessible, Skype to keep me connected to people when it is too expensive to call internationally, ZoneAlarm to keep my computers safe, Webshots to keep me from getting bored with my desktop picts, and MySpeed to slow down the speaking speed when I am listening to foreign language stuff.

    I have my own website, which I very seldom update, and have accounts with Twitter and Facebook, which I very seldom visit.

    I have friends I have never seen, or even heard their voices. But I have heard their thoughts through their keyboards, and I love them. For that I am very thankful that I am wired!

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 1:48 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    My summer spiritual plans in addition to the regular studying & lesson preparation:

    • Attend the Preachers’ Retreat in Dahlgren (for 1 1/2 days) in early June
    • Direct a retreat at a B&B in Paxton (for 1 1/2 days) in mid June–this will be our 6th year (there are usually 6 Christian couples that attend– http://www.TimberCreekBB.com )
    • Teach/mentor at high school week of church camp in Dahlgren in late July ( http://www.LECYC.com )
    • Direct a leadership training camp in early Aug in Dahlgren (if we can get at least 7 interested young men to apply! http://www.TimothyCamp.com)
    • Help out some at the State Fair Exhibit Evangelism in mid August ( http://www.ExhibitEvangelism.com )

    I’m going to be busy, as always–I love it!

     

  • Stephen R. Bradd 1:41 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    How wired am I? For a young guy, not as much as you might think–at least not in the typical ways. I just got a cell phone less than 2 years ago. I’ve sent fewer than 5 texts in my whole life. I’ve never used a Blackberry, Kindle, iPad, etc. I do have an early version iPod nano and a lot of stereo equipment from my teenage years. No cable TV or satellite. I am, however, very connected to the internet via my PC. With an online ebay business and all the stuff I do on the web with AudioEvangelism, I’m on the internet a ton and often check my email hourly.

     

  • Mike Riley 1:32 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , minimum, phone, tether,   

    How Wired Am I? 

    Just the minimum of being wired for me. I have a cell phone and a computer – that’s it! And I hate being tethered to a cell phone. However, it does come in handy during an emergency.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 11:10 am on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: electronics, ,   

    Daily Nudge: wired — and news 

    How wired are you? Not emotionally, but electronically. Are you Mr. Gadget, or one of the last remaining Troglodytes?

    How has connectivity changed your life, for good or bad?

    Name not only the types of devices, but even programs that connect you to the world.

    Memorial weekend is upon us. Be safe, enjoy the holiday and find us some news in the midst of it all.

     

    • Ron 11:48 am on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I remember that song! I am not the last remaining, but I am a slow mover coming out of….

      I have often described my self as a cassette (or 8-trac) man in a DVR world. I am happy!

    • Michael Hite 11:29 pm on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Wired is a bit of an understatement for me. When my Macbook Pro died a year or so ago, my wife posted that my best friend had passed away on Facebook. Most of my documents live in the cloud at this point through a combination of Dropbox and Evernote. I have wireless throughout my house which keeps my iPhone and iPad humming online. It is unusual for me to be sitting down without a laptop or iPad in my lap or at least my iPhone in my hand. I teach at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver where I teach a course on Ministry Technologies and have converted all of my course syllabi from paper based notebooks to shared Evernote notebooks online. I have converted my theological library from books to a 2500 ebook library using Logos Bible Software which allows me to do all of my research and lesson prep from my laptop anywhere in the world. When I don’t have a WiFi or 3G connection I go into withdrawal.

      • J. Randal Matheny 1:54 pm on May 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        The other day a sister in Christ told me that at church she said to her husband, “Well, let’s go see your mistress.” She was so accustomed to joking about his computer/Internet use that she used it in public and then had to do some explaining.

  • Ron Thomas 10:45 am on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Sensitivities 

    We all have particular sensitivities. I might be overly sensitive to one thing and you to another. One’s sensitivities should be respected by another person, but should one’s sensitivities be respected to the point of not getting a message to them because of fear of hurting that person’s sensibilities? In a May 14 News-Gazette (Champaign, IL), a once gay man is now “ministering” to a group in society, that group is the homosexual community. “The minister founded Fish On The Other Side (FOTUS) because he believes the church drives away gays with a narrow focus on sexual orientation, compared to its own sins” (3rd paragraph of the article). “What I’m going for is … without changing the church’s policy, to create a safe place for gay people to experience a journey of discovering God in our midst” (5th paragraph of the article).

    Surely, we can see some value in this. However, will we be so respectful of one’s sensitivities that we fail to get the Lord’s message into the heart? What would happen if an openly gay person were to read Romans 1 (for instance) and see that the Lord is clearly set against many behavioral activities, including homosexuality?

    We want to be respectful of the sensibilities of a person, but we want to be more respect to the Lord and His word than to people who are caught in the maze of sin.

     

  • Ron Thomas 9:26 am on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    Bible Reading – 2 Corinthians 4 

    1. The glory of God in Christ (4:1-6). Having spoken of the greater glory already (C-3), Paul speaks of his mission, which is two-fold (as he makes his point). First, Paul decided to rid himself of those things in this world that hinder a relationship with God; second, he preaches the message that changed his life. Satan is a mighty powerful foe, and his influence on people is overwhelming (cf. Ephesians 6:10ff); as darkness reigns in the lives of people “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” shines “in the face of Jesus Christ” (NKJV).

    2. Treasure in earthen vessels (4:7-15). Paul was disappointed that some in Corinth might look upon him and his mission in a way that corresponded to those who were not in Christ. As a matter of fact, Paul was pressured from all sides, but he and his associates pressed on. They did this because they knew what it was they believed and they knew from whom they received what it was they believed. This is very helpful to us, for when we sing the line, “I know whom I have believed…”, it should not only reflect the heart, but the life also.

    3. A light affliction (4:16-18). Treasures in earthen vessels are times of both joy and anguish. But when one has a joy that is “out of this world,” it makes the anguish a little easier to bear; one’s look at life on this earth is as one of sojourning; they are pilgrims in search of a city, a city of gold.

     

  • Mike Riley 2:48 am on May 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , treat,   

    The true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.

    Ann Landers (Esther Pauline Friedman), American newspaper advice columnist (1918-2002)

     

  • John Henson 6:02 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    When is our moment on the mountain? 

    Going to the mountains in North Carolina was always a favorite vacation for my family. We particularly enjoyed Grandfather Mountain, Maggie Valley and the Blue Ridge Parkway all in North Carolina. When it was time to go home, we never wanted to leave.

    But if we were to continue our schoolwork and our lives, we had to come down from the mountain and go back to work.

    In Luke 9, Jesus spent some time on a mountain being glorified and transfigured. Transfigure means to have one’s appearance changed. Even Jesus’ clothes became white. Peter was so impressed with what happened, he wanted Jesus to allow him to build three “tabernacles,” or tents for the Lord, Moses and Elijah. It was then that God spoke from heaven saying, “This is my beloved son: hear him!”

    For Jesus, it was time to come down from the mountain. It might have been great to linger in the glorious spotlight, but Jesus was sent to the world to complete his work. So, Jesus decided to leave the mountain and come back down where people needed him.

    Jesus was teaching his apostles an object lesson in what the kingdom meant. Being in the kingdom meant work and service. While the apostles argued about who was going to be greatest in the kingdom (Luke 9:46), Jesus took a child and demonstrated greatness in the kingdom is humbling oneself as a servant. Jesus said, “he that is least among you all, the same shall be great,” (Luke 9:48).

    But, isn’t that what Jesus was pointing to earlier in the chapter when he talked about carrying a cross daily? Didn’t he twice before, in verses 22 and 44, point to the cross and plainly tell his disciples he would suffer and be delivered up into the hands of men who wanted to kill him? But, that was precisely why he came into the world, wasn’t it? He came into this world to give himself as a sin sacrifice for us all.

    Jesus said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it,” (Luke 9:24). People hoard their lives, but do not want to lose them. They are not willing to give their lives in the service of God and their fellows. As Christians, we must be willing to spend our lives serving God and people, for that is what Jesus did. If we spend all of our lives in the service of others, are we not like our Savior, who spent his entire life helping us and providing us with forgiveness of sins?

    Isn’t that our moment on the mountain?

     

    • Mike Riley 9:16 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Yes, John, I believe helping others is indeed “our moment on the mountain.”

  • J. Randal Matheny 4:01 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    More travel 

    As summer nears, I continue my travels, arriving home June 15. We’ll celebrate The Maiden‘s 18th birthday the next day. Then I’ll try to do a bit of real work (as if fund-raising weren’t), before returning to the States in August, possibly around the 10th of that month.

    The older I get, the less I like to travel, and the more I do of  it, seems like. We talked earlier about the Lord having a sense of humor. …

     

  • Barbara Ann Oliver 2:46 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Just clowning around 

    I will be a clown! We are having children’s Bible classes the first week of July in Alajuela, Costa Rica, and I will be dressed as a clown, going through the neighborhoods enticing kids to come to the classes.

    The next week, I will be a counselor/devotional leader at a camp designed specifically for evangelism.

    This all takes place during the two-week break in the school year here in Costa Rica. It is kind of like the Christmas break in the USA.

     

  • John Henson 2:21 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    If the Lord wills, I will be speaking at the Preacher Files Lectureship in July at the Rush Springs Church in Oklahoma. Our gospel meeting at the Grand Blanc Church of Christ begins in mid-September with Bro. John Vaughn, of Columbia, Tenn. speaking. Our VBS begins July 19 and salutes some of the “Unsung Heroes of the New Testament.” We’ll be giving our son in marriage on September 10-11. It’s going to be a busy summer.

     

  • Richard Mansel 1:27 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Summer Work 

    I have a very busy summer! Lectureships, speaking engagements, manuscripts, trips, wedding to perform, and a lot at Church that must be done. All of the writing and studying will help me grow, as well as adversity. Of course, I have no idea what my health will be like, but responsibilities are still there. I’m moving forward, just slower.

     

  • Richard Hill 1:22 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Giveaway Day,   

    Summertime and the living is. . .busy 

    Every Wednesday in the month of June we will have our Sidewalk Celebration at the trailer park in Eureka, IL. It’s our way of taking VBS to the kids there. The first Wednesday we will pass out flyers, the next 3 will have lessons and activities, and the last, a finale at the building with a meal, awards and puppet presentation.

    Personally, we’ve planned a canoe trip, Sunday, August 1st, to southern Missouri. Often a number from our community go with us. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with our neighbors and take a worship service to them. They might not come to our building, but when we stop and have a worship service on the river it would be awkward to just float on by us! :) It’s a special time and we’ve made some connections we wouldn’t have otherwise.

    Saturday, August 7th, is Giveaway Day in the church parking lot. It’s become a very large event for us. I I just remembered Randal’s expecting a writeup from me on this. Whoops! Anyway, it’s a great outreach to the community. Along with giving away clothes and small household items we also have furniture and some large appliances. We use it as an opportunity to interact with the public about all things spiritual and leave them with an encouraging word along with an invitation to come visit us. This year we will also give a Bible to every family that comes.

    Wednesday. August 11th, is setup day at the IL state fairgrounds for Exhibit Evangelism. So begins 12 days of a great work. Our objective–to acquaint people with the churches of Christ and give them a positive impression of the Lord’s church. Since our congregations are few and far between in this state, our exhibit helps people to know who we are and who we’re not. It’s amazing how many assume we are part of the Mormons–Church of Jesus Christ. We set up a number of Bible Correspondence Courses as well.

     

  • Mike Riley 1:01 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , benefit, , , , theme   

    Spiritual Summer Plans 

    I would like to be able to attend the 5th Annual Preacher’s Files Lectureship coming up on July 9-11, at the Rush Springs congregation in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. The lectureship will be spiritually beneficial for anyone who chooses to attend. This year’s lectureship theme is “Seeking First The Kingdom.”

    http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2010/05/25/the-5th-annual-preachers-files-lectureship/

    For any additional information, contact Brother David Hersey, a member of the Granby, Missouri congregation – http://www.granbychurchofchrist.org/:

    David@granbychurchofchrist.org

     

  • Ed Boggess 12:08 pm on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Run   

    Why run from God – JAM 

    In 1991, a Minnesota radio station reported a story about a stolen car in California. Police were staging an intense search for the vehicle and the driver, even to the point of placing announcements on local radio stations to contact the thief. On the front seat of the stolen car sat a box of crackers as rat bait. Now the police and the owner of the VW Bug were more interested in apprehending the thief to save his life than to get the car back. So often when we run from God, we feel we’re trying to escape His punishment. But what we are actually doing is eluding His rescue. This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 11:26 am on May 27, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    Daily Nudge: spiritual summer plans — and news 

    People make big plans for the summer. What are your spiritual plans for this summer? (Assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere.) For Australians, South Americans and other humans south of the equator, what plans do you have for June-August?

    And news, who has news, what can you tell of churches and saints?

     

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