This post is authored by Tony Jones. Tony is pastor of the First Baptist Church of Rich Hill, MO. He blogs at http://thespiritualwoodshed.com/. He lived next door to the church, just a few feet away from the front door. He bought his house before the church building was even built, and he had seen pastors come and go. He even told me this story about a pastor they had to fire back in the 70’s who broke out the window in his office because they had locked him out of the church. He and his wife were charter members of the church. He had done most of the electrical work for the church, … [Read more...] about There’s Always A Harold (by Tony Jones)
Transformational Church
This past Monday (Oct 6), I went to a Transformational Church conference in Ozark, MO, with a couple of fellow pastors. After a day of listening to Ed Stetzer and Micah Fries discuss what could properly be called issues of church revitalization, we headed home but not before a stop at Lambert’s Café—home of the throwed rolls (if you have never experienced such, you must, you must). Delicious flying rolls aside, I want to write some about the conference and the book. After all, the idea of church revitalization is near and dear to me. I am closing in on the end of two years in the CR … [Read more...] about Transformational Church
Joy in Suffering (Mike Bergman)
This past Sunday, I continued preaching a Sunday morning series on joy from Philippians. In it we talked about taking joy in the accomplishments of Jesus (3:1-12). Paul told the church once more to “rejoice in the Lord” and tells them that he will keep on reminding them of this again and again. Such a statement brought no trouble to Paul, after all it keeps everyone focused right where they should be: on Jesus. And he said it was safe for them (and us), after all it keeps us focused right where we need to be: on Jesus. Then Paul shifted gears to something that robs joy: thinking we … [Read more...] about Joy in Suffering (Mike Bergman)
The Necessity of Repentance
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." ~ Jesus, Mark 1:15 "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Peter, Acts 2:38 "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.” ~ Paul, Acts … [Read more...] about The Necessity of Repentance
Joy: Keeping a Check on Your Attitude
This past Sunday, I continued my month-long series through Philippians on the topic of joy. For the sermon, I looked at 2:1-18—a rather lengthy chunk, and focused on the idea of having joy by living in the humility of Christ. In that passage, Paul calls us to be unified and to be servants. These things bring joy to both church leaders (2:2) and church members (2:17-18). In the passage, Paul wrote one of the most succinct yet beautiful Christological statements we find in scripture, and it’s all to the point of encouraging us to be humble servants just as our Lord. Paul reminds us that Jesus … [Read more...] about Joy: Keeping a Check on Your Attitude
Joy in Life Beyond Life
This past Sunday, I started a month-long sermon series from Philippians entitled “Joy.” Why preach such a series? First, when you read the list of the fruit of the Spirit joy is listed #2 out of 9, right after love (which we know encompasses the greatest command on which all others hinge). With this, we do remember that it is the fruit of the Spirit and not the fruits. Maybe not exactly in the same proportion, but if we are in the Spirit all these traits will grow and manifest. Still, there’s something to say about joy’s placement. Second, we live in a world where there is a lot of not-joy. … [Read more...] about Joy in Life Beyond Life
Baptism as the Sinner’s Prayer
What must I do to be saved? When we seek to answer the question of how a person moves from being a sinner at enmity with God and in desperate need of salvation to being a saint who is a holy and beloved child of God enjoying the fruits of salvation, we know there are two sides with which we must deal: the sovereign work of God in the hearts and minds of people through the Gospel message, and our response to that message. We don’t have to look very far to understand that we view certain aspects differently, such as: how and in whom does God work to open their hearts and minds. This aspect … [Read more...] about Baptism as the Sinner’s Prayer
Do we believe that God is in this?
Today (8.27.2014) the IMB trustees announced that they had selected David Platt to be the next president of our International Mission Board. Concerns were raised before hand, and upon the announcement came both expressions of praise and concern: praise for his passion for missions and the glory of God in the salvation of the lost; concern over potential polarization, theological nuances, and cooperative program giving. No doubt, like we often do, we will continue to debate the pros and cons of such a hire for months (if not years) to come. But I want to ask a question transcending our … [Read more...] about Do we believe that God is in this?
The Tears of a Clown (by JP Williams)
JP Williams is the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Archie, MO. He blogs at Believing Out Loud. In the wake of Robin Williams' death, this is a "letter" JP wrote to his best friend who committed suicide 20 years ago. Dear Alex, It has been about twenty years since we cut class. Man, was that ever a fun time. Running free. Hearts racing, hoping we didn’t get caught. Sure the Highway patrol was on the lookout for two truants. Guitar shopping. Blasting punk rock on that old Emerson boom box. Checking out the Concert Express catalog. Taco (sort-of) Bueno. We must have been a … [Read more...] about The Tears of a Clown (by JP Williams)
Let them know you’re praying…
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.” ~ Samuel, 1 Samuel 12:23 This post is going to be short and sweet. I just want to encourage my fellow pastoral brothers: let God’s people you lead know you’re praying for them regularly. I think Samuel’s words are spot on for under-shepherds today: I’m not going to sin by failing to pray for you and I’m going to teach you how to do good. Even when you look at what the apostles say in Acts 6 as they appoint the seven to oversee serving … [Read more...] about Let them know you’re praying…