Great Commission Churches

I have been a member of a Southern Baptist Church since before I was born.  Now, let me make it clear, I became a full fledged member of the church at nine years olds when I was baptized into the Hepzibah Baptist Church, having professed my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Yet, up to that time I had been in church before I was born every Sunday and after I was born, had teethed on Baptist furniture in the nursery as a member of the Cradle Roll babies.  I attended Sunday School and Royal Ambassadors, sat with my family at the Wednesday evening meals, sit through business meetings, church services, revivals, and choir practice, and most likely attended several Brotherhood breakfast and Woman’s Missionary Union meetings as well.  I have been, am now and will ever be a Southern Baptist. 

It has been said, “I am so Southern Baptist I would buy my soap from LifeWay if they sold soap.”  While this has been a saying of mine for some time, now that LifeWay products have become more expensive, I am not sure that this would be my choice, but that is a whole blog unto itself (more on that later).

As you are aware, I pastor a church in central Alabama.  Rockford Church, with a total membership of 322, has been “in business” for over 153 years.  It was in 1849 that the church formed as the Rockford Missionary Baptist Church, a supporting church of the Southern Baptist Convention, in the caretaker’s home of the town cemetery.  From those humble beginnings, the church was given property, on which a beautiful facility now sits, by the local Masonic Lodge.  The first of five buildings was built over 100 years ago and as the church has grown in number, the facilities have been added to accommodate the people.  In the past few years we have purchased more property adjacent to our facility for future use and to keep from being land locked in our present location, in downtown Rockford.   

We are a Southern Baptist Church!  Proud to be such and faithfully support the mission causes of the Southern Baptist Convention.  Each year we raise money for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering© for International Missions, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering© for North American Missions and each month we send a check from our General Account to the Alabama Baptist Convention, earmarked for Cooperative Program gifts, which is divided between the Alabama Convention and the Southern Baptist Executive Board.  Additionally we support other entities of our State Convention such as the Central Baptist Association, Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief, Alabama Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries, ALCAP, and the Christian Life Commission.  And each year we support Samaritans Purse through the Shoe Box Ministry.

We are good Southern Baptist!  We are proud to serve along side, praying and supporting our 5,000 plus career missionaries scattered through out the world, plus the 100,000 plus short term missionaries and mission teams that faithfully go to assist the career missionaries each year.  We proudly support the church planters and frontier missionaries who are serving in pioneer locations around the United States and in Canada.  We love the work of Southern Baptist, because we believe we are doing the work of the great commission.

All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)

This one verse is something I learned about in Royal Ambassadors many years ago.  It is a verse that I have taken to heart, something I live by, and something that is important to me in my daily life.  My desire, my focus has and always will be that God’s purpose and call on my life is to teach-make disciples just as Jesus did-and to baptize those who believe in Jesus for salvation, and through word and deed let others learn to be more like Jesus Christ.  That is what a Great Commission person does.

Recently, a committee was appointed within the Southern Baptist Convention to perform a study and make recommendations regarding the name, “Southern Baptist.”  It seems that many of the new church starts above the Mason-Dixon Line were facing obstacles, whether overtly or covertly, due to the name “Southern Baptist Convention.”  The problems stemmed from the name “Southern Baptist” within the church name or in some cases where the church adopted the name of a community or group, leaving the name “Southern Baptist” out but once someone came and joined, they were introduced to the churches affiliation with “Southern Baptist,” and this was a “huge turnoff.”

Now I could see this problem if we were still living in the days of slavery.  Southern Baptist formed as a break away group of Baptist who affiliated with slave owners in the south.  This was something which was not tolerated by Baptist in the north; therefore as a way to put a lid on the contention the issue of slavery brought to the cause of Christ, northern Baptist separated from Baptist in the south.  Baptist in the north took the name of Northern Baptist, while we in the south opted for the name Southern Baptist.  Later, northern Baptist became known as American Baptist, but through the years Southern Baptist have stayed with the name and held tightly to it, as we became of the top three largest religious conventions in America.

As we started churches in pioneer areas such as Maine, North Dakota, New York and Pennsylvania churches choose names which reflected the area in which they were located.  Some of these new church starts choose the name to include “Baptist” or “Southern Baptist.”  Others choose to leave Baptist out of the name, as a way of making the church look more inviting to all people, and using Southern Baptist ideology in the workings of the church and in theological education.  For the last several years this has not been a problem, or so it seems.

Until recently, conversely the last few years, it seems that there has been a thought process which left those in leadership with the impression this name issue was a problem.  Leadership seems to have acted on this issue because they felt the name was hindering the outreach of new church starts, that the name is “too regional” to impact areas outside of the south, and that the perceived issue of slavery was hurting the cause of Christ in pioneer areas.  Thus, the issue of a name change of our established convention became an issue which cost money and time to think through and to think out and then to meet so that a proposal might be submitted at the 2012 Convention (which met in New Orleans the week of June 17).

In the brightness of spiritual light and forethought, the heads leaned in around the tables in Nashville and struck out to make a recommendation for a name change.  In the end, due to legal issues and a sentimental feeling toward the established name, the committee with agreement of the Executive Committee came up with a truce to stay with the name “Southern Baptist Convention” and add the “moniker” or “nick name” of GREAT COMMISSION CHURCHES.  In other words, a Southern Baptist Convention church in Wyoming or Utah or New York State can use any name, for example, ChristPoint Church, in order to identify themselves as a functioning church without being offensive, but educate and utilize Southern Baptist Convention literature to introduce themselves as a “Great Commission Church” once they get someone in the doors of the church.  In doing so, they invented a way of removing any potential “stumbling blocks” for new members or new converts to Christ.

Before I go any further, may I ask a couple of questions?  Is the gospel itself not offensive?  Does the Bible not tell us that Jesus came as a “rock of offense?”  One more if I may; when and where did Jesus change His way of doing things so others might not be turned away from God?  Have mercy, we are in a terrible shape!            

No, if you have not come to a conclusion yet, I am not for changing the name of Southern Baptist just because we are not effective in some areas because of our ties to slave owners.  Here is my reason why: slavery ended a long time ago and we do not harbor any thinking or teaching regarding the oppressive and demeaning practice of slavery.  Additionally, many of the churches in the south have various ministries and members who are of minority status.  Therefore, I feel we are being judged unfairly.  Yes, I still believe the eleven o’clock hour, particularly in Alabama, is the most segregated hour there is, but I for one am working on that.  The Bible says that Jesus loves all people; no matter where they come from or where they are going.  He desired to reach all people; He said, “He came to seek and to save that which was lost.”  Because of what He taught, through word and deed, I am as a part of the church, to do the same.

Therefore, I am to be a Great Commission Christian.  As the aforementioned scripture calls us, so we are to do and be: we are to teach, to baptize and to lead others to understand the love and mercy of a great, awesome, powerful God.  Where are we to do such?  We are to do it where we are and where we go.  Jesus told the disciples:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8 (KJV)

As Baptist-SOUTHERN BAPTIST- we are, have been and always will be Great Commission Churches.  You can add it as a “moniker,” a “nick name,” a “designation,” a “pet name, or a “handle” but it still stands: THIS IS WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE ARE TO BE!  In America we have served well, shared the gospel and still do, through various forms and ways.  Locally, in our Jerusalem, Rockford is taking the message of Christ to the lost and dying; as is every Baptist church-or every Baptist church should-in the state convention.  In our Judaea, the state of Alabama has over the last few years alone, been touched by the message of Christ, with many coming to know Him through outdoor sporting events, the Horse Whisper events, Vacation Bible School, and various opportunities which have been afforded us through natural disasters.   We have opened the door of Christ to the Western states over the last several years, establishing the voice of Christ in those areas, as we have attempted to reach out to our Samaria.  As part of our Samaria we are reaching into the northern states, establishing churches and giving a voice with feet and hands to Christ, so people will see Him and believe on Him for salvation. 

Then there is the “uttermost parts of the earth.”  There is more to tell than we have time to cover, as we have-Southern Baptist Churches-established schools, taught farming, assisted with clean water and health clinics, all in an effort to show the love of Christ and earn the right to be heard.  When that time comes, Southern Baptist have been ready with the answer that Christ is the only way to the Father and we must confess our sins and believe on Him for salvation. (Romans 10:9-10, 13)

So call us what you want, but in the end, WE ARE SOUTHERN BAPTIST WHO TAKE THE GREAT COMMISSION AND SERVE OTHERS THROUGH THE LOVE OF CHRIST.  Speaking for myself, as well as 322 others I serve with, we are proud to be called Southern Baptist and we seriously take the message of Christ and are going to the ends of the earth, both in individual areas and simultaneously.

Someone said it best, when the moniker was voted on at the convention last week, “I am not for the change of the name, but isn’t this what we are to do, to be Great Commission Churches?”  The old man was right-the problem is not the name, the problem is what we are to be.  Dr. Rick Lance, Executive Director of the Alabama Baptist Convention and a dear friend, says it best, “We are Alabama Baptist telling the Good News of Jesus Christ.  We have One Mission: The Great Commission; One Program: The Cooperative Program; and Many Ministries: Great Commission Ministries.” 

I pray we become what God desires us to be, before it is too late…    

     

Thinking on Grace

Grace has been on my mind this week.  Grace, as in, “Marvelous Grace of our Loving Lord…”  That Grace that makes for life and hope.  Grace, that is undeserved.  Grace showered from the Cross of Calvary.  Grace!  Wonderful, Matchless, Indescribable Grace.

Paul, the Apostle of Jesus wrote about Grace.  He wrote to the Romans:

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:22-24 (KJV)

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:4-5 (KJV)

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.

Romans 4:16 (KJV)

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:2-8 (KJV)

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:15-21 (KJV)

And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.  As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.  What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.  For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Romans 9:10-16 (KJV)

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.  And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Romans 11:5-6 (KJV)

            Someone said, and I have used it many times, that GRACE is best understood through the use of an acrostic:

G-God’s

R-Riches

A-At

C-Christ’s

E-Expense

            Guess what?  Paul wrote about that as well:

But God [commended] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 (KJV)

            Well, that leads me to one of my favorite verses.  It is one that tells us more about the love of God and His grace on us than any other verse we ever learned in childhood.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (ASV)

But let us not forget to read a little further.

For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.  He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved.  But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God.

John 3:17-21 (ASV)

Friends, mediate on the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Better yet, share it with someone else, today.

Rights and Religion

We are at a crossroads in America today.  It is heard in the streets, in coffee shops, in court rooms, in office complexes and in barber shops and beauty shops.  People are talking and much of what is being said is akin to revolutionary thought.  It borders on being divisive and destructive words.  All of it has to do with rights and religion.

It is because everyone wants their right to be upheld, to be honored, to be heard; but yet if the rights are not upheld, honored or heard, then there is going to be trouble and turmoil.  Additionally, if someone has a varying or alternative view of the rights being discussed, they are denied any leeway within the discussion. 

When the rights are tied to religious understanding and upbringing, then the waters get even more troubled, as waves of dissention and darkened clouds gather.  It seems that many want to have their right to be heard on the issue of religion, but when it comes to someone speaking out contrary of their rights, the result gives way to rude accusations and hate.

Take for instance the issue of homosexuality.  It seems everybody has an opinion, and wishes to voice it in some form or fashion.  The ones who advocate it and uphold it, maybe even practice it, will fight to the death to be heard, and will fight with bitter words and feelings toward those who stand against this form of what they call a “lifestyle.”  On the other hand those who consider it an admonition will also fight to the death anyone who stands for this practiced “lifestyle” using negative and degrading language to do so.  Each wants the right to be heard, but neither is listening while they yell obscenities at each other.

An illustration is the church in Topeka, Kansas that shows up at every funeral of military members, saying that “God hates Americans and fags.”  WestboroBaptist Church has taken it as their personal mission to spread hate and discord, instead of the gospel of grace, becoming known for their extremist stand against the military and homosexuals.  While they do have the right to practice their form of “religion” they cross the border by being dogmatic and degrade the name of Christ in the process.

I read recently where this group (I just cannot call them a church) went toCharlotte and picketed Dr. Billy Graham.  Why?  According to a source, it seems that no one can get things right, according to Westboro, and Graham is no exception.  Their website stated they were picketing Dr. Graham whom is the “lying whore false prophet.”  Continue reading,

“WBC has accused Dr. Graham of not using his platform correctly.  They said he has used the resources at his disposal to keep quiet on issues of importance and to promote the notion that Hell isn’t real.  They feel he should be telling the world, that it’s not okay to be a fag, it’s not okay to divorce and remarry, it’s not okay to fornicate, it’s not okay to kill your babies.

Counter to this claim, last month, Dr. Graham had urged voters in North Carolina publicly to vote against Amendment One because Amendment One would define marriage as the Bible defines marriage.” 

So they have the right to picket, the right to say what they believe; but I do not and will not, nor have to, condone their belief or methods.  They will not like that, for sure.

Just as the proponents of abortion, legalization of marijuana, gambling, or any number of other divisive and destructive beliefs, if someone does not agree with them then the proponents will yell and scream at objectors, as they degrade them and demean them, attempting to break them and destroy them. 

Take the issue of religion.  Everyone has their right to their beliefs and practices.  But, we do not have the right to force those belief and practices on those who disagree.  State your position, that is your right, then go on your way.  There is no sense in fighting and feuding about the issues.

I personally believe that hell is real, Jesus is the only way to heaven, God is the Creator of all things, that only those who believe in Christ for forgiveness of sin will enter heaven, and that the church is comprised of sinners saved by grace.  Oh, there is so much more-such as abortion is murder, homosexuality is a sin, that Jesus and I love the sinner but hate the sin, gambling is wrong, alcoholism is a sin and that alcoholics can be set free from this destructive pattern…well you get the picture.  I have stated several times over the almost thirty years of ministry that “I believe the Bible, all the Bible, the whole Bible, from Genesis to the book of Revelation.”

But my rights and religion are nothing compared to the relationship I have with Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is more important than my rights, and my religion is nothing but dirty rags, if the relation I have with Jesus is not most important.  Furthermore, the way I treat others and the way I respond to others is in direct correlation to my relationship with the Savior.  That is why WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) is such an important and vital part of my life, my actions, my reactions, my thoughts, my speech, my life.  It is not just something I wear, it is a constant reminder of who I am.

If we would get the relationship right, then all other things will follow.  It would make for a better today and a brighter tomorrow.    

What to Do…

Every Thursday morning I share breakfast with some of the men who bravely get up early and willingly meet with me for prayer and fellowship. It is a great time of old fashioned ribbing, laughter, talking politics, and yes prayer.

While prayer is our main objective, we do discuss other things as well. We talk about the weather, gardens, cows and chickens, wives (all good, if any of ours wives is reading), children, friends, a little gossip, and yes, we talk about politics.

These men are read blooded Americans who have lived life, enjoyed the pleasures of what it has to offer, who trust God for salvation, and who I truly enjoy being with, sharing time with and learning from. We have a preacher (other than myself), a retired Sailor/Air Traffic Controller/University Instructor, a retired banker, a retired heavy equipment operator, a policeman, a deputy, the Sheriff, the Circuit Clerk, a Probate Judge, a Federal Game Warden, a semi-retired heavy equipment operator/land manager, the Fire Chief, and from time to time we will have the pleasure of a few high school students meeting with us.

Now, honestly, not all of these make a regular appearance at the Thursday morning “Pastor’s Breakfast” or “Men’s Prayer Breakfast,” but I can count on half of these to be there and sometimes shuffle the personalities. A lot like church attendance; depends on what shift someone is working. The average Southern Baptist church in America only sees fifty percent of their Sunday School enrollment or less on a regular basis. I have always said, “The FBI could not find the majority of my absentee members, and half of those they are already looking for.”

As I stated, we do talk about politics, and there are varying opinions which are placed on the table. Various ideas and thoughts regarding the plight on today’s world. Recent weeks we have discussed all of the major situations and problems which abound. With the upcoming election looming on the horizon, I figure we are going to need to do more praying than we do discussions; but I must tell you there are a few of us who are very strong willed (heard headed) and I am very, very sure that we will have some heated debates.

Our climate for the political arena is really heating up. As new numbers appear regarding unemployment, the economy, the state of education, and military we see that we are in a “world of hurt.” Recently, the issue of the President’s use of Executive Power and the way he has handled matters regarding everything from religion to the debt has put the nation on edge. Congress seems to be at a stalemate, the prices of commodities soar up and up, the struggles to maintain life for the majority of citizens is a task, and the major problems of society are almost overwhelming.

With these things before us, what are we to do?

One thing we can do is stay informed. Read the papers, watch the news, and discuss the issues with others. Learn what the problems are in the world and be educated.

Two, we need to vote and make sure everybody is register to vote. The sad state of affairs in America today is that the minority of people make the decisions for the rest of the people who are too lazy, or too apathetic to be involved in the democratic process. Someone fought for your right to vote; therefore instead of disgracing their memory and shunning their hard work, go to the polls and make your voice be heard. You need to know that I take it as an honor to vote, and then to let those who are elected know that I will be in touch with them when I have a problem or they need to be reminded of who they work for. If you do not vote; you do not have a right to grumble or complain.

Lastly, we need to pray. Listen, we are to pray for those who are in authority over us. They have a terrific and all consuming job, and they need for the American people to pray for them. On the other hand, God’s word is very clear that we are to pray, so that He might bless us.

I will tell you more about the Thursday morning breakfast and some of the opinions we toss back and forth. But until then, I am praying for America!    

Roadside Pulpits

Time to share some of those Roadside Pulpits!

Happy Father’s Day

I am getting the card ready to send to dad for Father’s Day.  I regret that he will receive it a day or two late, since I have been at camp, but I want him to have something from me.

He is a special man.  John Fuller is a man I have watched make changes through the years.  He has always been a strong, solid pillar for me.  Someone I have leaned on, turned to, and trusted.  We have had our tough times, difficulties and struggles; but through it all he has always been there to place his imprint on my life.

During my formative years, he was always making me very aware that I was not to travel the road he traveled.  He wanted the best from his oldest.  He was quick to correct, sometimes slower than I wanted to commend, but he was always there.  He never ceased to show his love through his actions.

I remember that he would wear worn-out, very used clothes, but dressed us in the best and newest.  He sacrificed so we could have what we needed.  We did not always get what we wanted; but we got what we needed.  All the while, it seemed to me, he went lacking.

But as I look back he had two sons he adored and had great pride in; he told others who would listen.  Every step of my ministry he followed and souls speak to others of the pride he held tightly in his heart.  He protected us, he led us, he watched over us.  Anytime we needed something, he might grumble, but he always did want he could.

Dad is in the “Hall of Fame of Father’s.”  Now, there will never be a trophy or articles or books written about him, but he is in my “Hall of Fame.”  My daddy is a special man, always remembered as the one who would “walk trough hell and half of Georgia for his boys.” (Those are his words)

Pappa, as my daughter and the other grand-girls call him, lives my brother now.  If August comes, he will turn 82 years old; but may not even realize it.  See, Alzheimer’s is slowly taking its crude and vicious control of his mind and on my last visit, it took him a moment to recognize who I was and my relation to him.  But, in the eyes my daddy is there, and I will always hold him in highest regard.

I pray I might be like in some ways, in my relationship with my daughter.

Happy Father’s Day!   

Matthew 10:38 says, “He that does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.” (ASV)  This week we are talking about discipleship; living a life of following Christ.  So far this is the best camp we have had at Rockford.  God is truly moving in the lives of these kids and the adult leaders.  He is pulling all of us together to focus on the cross.  This mornings Bible Study was a an extremely different Bible study, in which we looked at the apostle John.  Here was a man who was so consumed with Christ that he did not even seem worthy enough to identify himself by name, but repeatedly referred to himself as the “beloved.”  Are we so willing to follow Christ that our identity is in Him; we are willing to lay aside our own desires and dreams to make His desires and His dreams ours?  Folks we are aiming toward tomorrow and God has gained our full attention, so we might see the cross and His payment for our sin; and His example of truly taking up the cross and following Him.  Continue to pray as we continue to walk along this path which will lead us toward an awesome conclusion here, but an adventure which will we will return to our home to live out in the real world.  

Being Right with God

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.” (Matthew 23:25 KJV)

Jesus is speaking to the scribes and Pharisees, condemning them for making the outside look so good and inviting, nut the inside still being vile and vicious.  John MacArthur said it this way:

“The Pharisees’ focus was on external issues lay at the heart of their error.  Who would want to drink form a cup that had been washed on the outside but was still filthy inside?  Yet the Pharisees’ lived their lives as if external appearance were more important than internal reality.  That was the very essence of their hypocrisy and Jesus rebuked them for it repeatedly.”

            While these words were recorded many years ago, they still ring true today.  For many, far too many, are willing to clean the outside and yet hide the inside of dirt, grim and filth, thinking everything is well with them.  As they sound like believers who are sealed and sold out, they are “tinkling cymbals and noisy bells.”

            Take as an example the one who sat in worship this morning.  They came into the house of God, with the clothes of worship on.  As they admired themselves in the mirror before leaving for the church house, they smiled at the reflecting.  They looked good.  Dressed in the best they had in the closet, their hair combed and brush just so, and all the trappings of success; they looked good.

            In the church house they knew all the right words to say, “Good morning brother.”  They knew all the right words to sing, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.”  They even knew the right thing to say to the preacher, “I’ll pray for you as you break forth the Word, Pastor.”  As the preacher spoke on living for Christ, trusting Christ, walking with Christ; there might have even be a few “Amen’s” from this most excellent looking parishioner.  Oh, they had the looks of a good, godly soul, but there was something wrong; something terribly wrong.

            When the Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse, to anoint the king to replace Saul, God revealed a valuable lesson to the man of God which we need to take into account today.  As Jesse’s boys lined up before the man of God, he eyed the very first one and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before [me].” (1 Samuel 16:6)  But God had a word for the man of God was:

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart”. (1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)

Do not miss the aforementioned words.  While the world sees the outward trappings of success and status, God sees the heart.  While the world sees a man who is handsome, a woman who is beautiful; God sees the heart.  While the world hears the educated speech, identifies the proper social acceptance and hones in on the societal temperament; God sees the heart.  As these traits gain acceptance with the world standard; God rejects them and accepts a heart that is clean before Him.

Solomon said, in essence, “God has put eternity in our hearts.” (see Ecclesiastes 2:24)  That is correct.  God created us not for this life but for the life to come.  He did not create us for the earth; but for heaven.  We are here for a moment, a time and a season, for a blink of the eye, and then we are gone.  Gone to eternity-you either spend eternity with Him or an eternity separated from Him.  The choice is for you to make.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)

Found another sign.  Enjoy!

Love Lifted Me

This article appeared in The Coosa News in 2011:

Love Lifted Me

Paul Harvey is one of my most favorite radio personalities, with the exception of Rick and Bubba.  Harvey was the one who used the phrase, “And now for the rest of the story…”

He told the story of visiting a church with his wife several years ago.  The preacher, during the course of his message, emphasized the need for hugs and kisses in the marriage relationship.   He spoke at length regarding the Fact that babies who are held and hugged gain weight fifty percent faster than those who are not hugged.  During this time Paul Harvey's wife leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Don't you dare touch me!"

Well, it is that time of the year.  This is time of the year when we hug and kiss and celebrate Valentines Day.  We give boxes of candy to our sweethearts and children tug a box full of valentine cards to school to give to all their friends.  Couples take in a movie and dinner on the town, or maybe a magical three day weekend to some hidden cabin. 

It is the special time of the year when we say, “I love you” to that special someone in our lives.  But why do we wait to say it just once a year, when it is far better to show it every day of the year.

In the play, "My Fair Lady," Eliza is being courted by Freddy, who writes to her daily of his love for her.  Eliza's response to his notes is to cry out in frustration:

“Words!  Words!  I'm so sick of words! ...Don't talk of stars Burning above, If you're in love, Show me!

Don't talk of love lasting through time.  Make me no undying vow Show me now!”

A loving relationship needs more than words.  Oh, sure, saying, “I love you,” means so much.  Bro. Bill Brown taught me some great lessons during his life, sharing with me countless tales of his days living in the heart of government-Washington, D.C.  He showed love in the way he lived, his life was one of care for others, and no matter who you were or where you may have come from (even if you were not a member of his political party) he was going to show love.  But one of the things he taught me, is when we are saying good-bye to someone, tell them you love them, because that might be the last time you see them, this side of eternity.  If there is anything I could say about Bro. Bill, it would be that not only did he say it, he showed it as well.  Let your love be seen!

The writer of Proverbs says, “Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12 HCSB)  He also said, “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.” (Proverbs 15:17 HCSB) 

Later, in the New Testament, the old Apostle John penned these words, “Let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 
The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8 HCSB)

The greatest passage on love is found in the writings of Paul, to the Corinthians.  He said:

“Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited;
does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs;
finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 
Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 HCSB)

Paul ends this chapter by saying, “Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 HCSB)

It is this kind of love that will lift another up.  You may never know what you have accomplished in the life of someone else when you show them brotherly love.  They may be walking through a dark valley of despair, or dealing with a major obstacle in their life.  They may be entangled in a web of their own making, or one built by some terrible circumstance.  You come along, show them concern and compassion, love which is pure and unexpected.  That act, as meaningless and common as you may think it to be, is a supernatural act which restores them and their hope.

Love is an incredible thing.  As we celebrate this Valentines Day, let us remember the greatest act of love was when God sent His Son to give us life and to show us the undeserved love of the Father, the Creator of the Universe. (John 3:16) 

As you plan on a time of showering and showing love to that special someone in your life, take a moment and shower God with love, because He loves you more than you know.

    

Offended by a sign…

Recently we had this sign; well actually we still have this sign in front of our church.  The youth are in charge of our “Wayside Pulpit” and I ask them to put this up two weeks ago.  It has drawn some attention, but I found that someone saw it with negative attentiveness.

In the middle of prayer meeting last week one of the sweet, older lady’s spoke up and said,

“I need to talk to you after service tonight.  I am upset…no really I am offended at…that sign.”

Another lady asked, “What sign?”

She continued, “The one out front…on the road.”

Again another asked, “What does it say?”

Again the first lady said, “I don’t remember, but it offended me!”

Now, she did not wait until prayer meeting was over, but continued to explain to me, in the presence of many witnesses, that the sign was offensive.  She felt condemned, since she had missed church services the week before and that she was not weak because she had missed church, due to illness.  She ended the rant with, “That sign was directed at me.”

Needless to say, I had no thought of this sweet lady when I sent that message to the student in charge of sign.  But it did do what I wanted it to do: It got someone’s attention!

I wonder what she would have said if I had put:

“One week without prayer, makes one weak.”

Or if I had posted what I saw on Dr. Steve Gaines Facebook wall this week:

“A day without prayer is a wasted day.”

I like church signs.  As I drive along the road, I watch for those wayside pulpits with some nugget or mini message on them.  From time to time I stop and take a picture with my mobile phone, to save it for just a time as this.

Here are few I have seen over the last few months.

Court is in Session...

I received this email and thought you all might enjoy it:


After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end.

The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.

The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.

As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor'.

He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.

The corner door opened and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes.

He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn't take my eyes off of Him.

As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let us begin.'

The prosecutor rose and said, 'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell.'

He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life, and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.

I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all.

I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my
life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.'

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward.

As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty.

I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, 'HI, DAD,' and then He turned to address the court.

'Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished.'

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine.'

My Lord continued with, 'His name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.'

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all..'

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips.....

'This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.'

I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?'

Christ lovingly smiled and said, 'Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full.'

Gambling still causing headaches and heartaches

Gambling still causing headaches and heartaches

In a recent edition of al.com, I found an interesting story related to Milton McGregor and gambling proceeds to charity organizations in Macon County (Alabama). (05/24/2102)  This was a civil suit brought to a federal judge and jury as a challenge involving charity bingo operations which returned a $62 million verdict in favor of a group of plaintiffs.  It seems that these charities were filing against Sheriff David Warren, Milton McGregor and his VictoryLand casino for attempting to monopolize charity bingo games.

“The plaintiffs claim McGregor made his lawyers available to work on the regulations so they would write them in a way to favor VictoryLand.”

While many will wonder why this is interesting, especially seeing another competing bingo operation was involved in the civil suit, I would like to briefly piece this together for you.

In Alabama we have fought hard to defeat proposals to establish a state sponsored and state run Lottery, to allow Bingo type casinos throughout the state, and to change the Constitution in order to allow gambling.  We have three Indian run casinos within the state, which come under federal law, but overlook the sovereignty of state law which prohibits such activities within the state.  Before some of you jump on a bandwagon against me, let me remind you that the state law allows for paper bingo for charity in the state, but the same law forbids playing bingo on a machine, because that moves the charitable play from “simple fun” to “big dollars” and ultimately to corruption.

Furthermore, we have certain guidelines in place which allow certain state authorized charities to play bingo, and retain portions of the proceeds for the house, while benefiting the non-profit organization.  This too leads to corruption, and is the reason no bingo operations which have opened within the state are allowed to stay open, because they do not know how to do the math related to making it legitimate. 

Milton McGregor is a leading proponent of gambling in the state of Alabama.  The State of Alabama charged him and seven others with a variety of crimes related to their involvement in buying votes which would favor their industry.  Two well known, well respected state representatives were called to testify against them, with evidence that vote buying was being accomplished.  But the jury was unable to convict, therefore mistrials were ordered, then in another trail the defendants were deemed not guilty.

It amazes me the extremes people go to bring something corrupt and demeaning into the state, while calling it entertainment and family friendly.  Gambling is a concept of reversing Robin Hood-instead of taking from the rich to give to the poor, gambling takes from the poor and gives to the rich.  The poor become poorer; the rich become richer.

Statics reveal that the majority of people who play machines, slots or bet on anything such as dogs and horses, football games or wrestling are from lower and middle class families.   In essence what they are doing is taking the pay check, wager what little money they have, in hopes of getting wealthy.  In the end they lose all of the pay check and the rest of the family goes “wanting” because the bread winner has no bread; he has thrown it to the wind and the wind did not bring it back.

Story after story is told of the ones who have gone to the tables or the “one armed bandit” with high hopes, only to walk away with far less than they had when they arrived at the “casino” or the “palace.”  Furthermore, the ones who win something are more than likely going to keep going because they want more of the same.  It is an addictive and mind-altering drug which causes great harm to the one who plays.

Owners and managers of such places are the winners in gambling.  It is a legal pyramid scheme, as they advertise on roadside signs and in newspapers and magazines, telling the stories of the ones who win, in hopes of getting others to come in and place their bets.  Only the stories they do not tell are sad and heart breaking.  How one family goes through the millions won within a few years, to find themselves homeless and without any income to make ends meet. 

That sends us to the issue of the lottery.  How the proponents work hard and long hours to tell those who will vote on such a measure there will be better schools, better futures, better hopes for all within that state.  What they do not tell is that the end result is far more difficult than the “golden egg” they want to sell.  Mississippi voted for a lottery; but casinos were built on the southern tip of the state, with little return to the state.  Louisiana voted on a lottery for education, but the schools in that state are in great need.  Georgia has the Hope Scholarship, but the regulations still require that the student have a certain grand point average to win such scholarship. 

These are “barking dogs.”  They want us to believe they are doing what is right and just; while on the other hand they are padding their own pockets, getting fat and rich off another mans misery.  They tell us that the end is going to be better, but the end is far worse than the beginning.     

As a response and in keeping with my stand against the gambling industry in the state, I wrote the following article for my weekly column in The Coosa News in April of this year.  I have included the entire article here for your review. 

          

Barking Dogs and Self Satisfied Proclamations

By: Dr. Jeff Fuller

Have you ever heard the saying, “The guilty dog barks first?”  This is truly an interesting statement with a thousands implications.  It would take many columns of this newspaper to cover, so I will attempt to do my best in less than seven hundred words so I do not cause undue harm to Christa or Karen.

Recently I have pondered this little nugget, searching for truth and inspiration in the five words which comprise a monumental statement.  Is it fact or fiction?  Does it have merit?  What truth is found therein? 

Ouch?  I think it is causing me to have a headache!  Excuse me while I take an Advil.

Now, I am back.  Where were we?  Oh, yes, we were discussing “The guilty dog barks first.” 

While conducting a little informal research on this phrase, “The guilty dog barks first,” I came across one explanation which defines it for me. 

Yahoo.com reports, “It has to do with people covering up their mistakes.  The guilty party is very self-conscious about their wrongdoing, and usually is the first to point fingers or ‘bark’ [as in the analogy of the dog].

Another phrase I encountered, as I scrolled through thousands of World Wide Web pages, is akin to our primary phrase, “A guilty dog barks the loudest.”  A web site which answers any question you submit, ChaCha.com, published this answer: “’A guilty dog barks the loudest’ means that a dishonest man will tell you how honest he is.”

Now, let us consider these two together, “The guilty dog barks first” and “A guilty dog barks the loudest.”  Is this true?  Does this hold any semblance of truth?

I would say, “Yes it does.”  A man or woman who wants the world to know how honest and trustworthy they are, especially if they are accused of not being so, will go to great extremes in order to make sure everyone knows the character they wish to be perceived.

They might take out radio and television advertisements, full page newspaper advertisements, pay for direct mailing, or host an event where they can proclaim, in person, the perception they wish others to have of them.  Which ever of these they choose to do, it is their way of barking first and barking loudest.  Often, the barking will be presented with some form of Christianity as the smoke screen, attempting to justify or explain away the supposed untruths and lies which have been told or purported as truth.

To these types of people, my words and wisdom appears to be dry and empty, but there is one greater than I who spoke in days of old and still speaks today.

Jesus, while speaking during the event called The Sermon on the Mount, said to the multitude, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’  ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”  Scholars have taken this verse to task, dividing, dissecting, and deducing some answer from these words and the reason behind them.  In essence what I have gleaned as a form of understanding is this: If you agree with something, say “Yes.”  If you have full assurance of the answer, then you might say, “Yes, yes.”  On the other hand, if the answer is no, then saying “No” is sufficient; if you are very assured of that answer and want to make it clear, then you might say, “No, no.”  Any other explanation or answer is not needful, as additional information would make someone suspicious.  Because of the integrity of the individual, credit is already present and the answer of “yes” or “no” is enough.

It is with honesty we can state that reputation precedes the one who does business well or is one who cuts corners and attempts to make a profit at someone else’s expense.  A man who is attempting to do business honorable and truthfully, will be one that never has to explain his dealings or his motives.  A person who is always upfront, open and willing for others to know the real person will never have to explain his life. 

Most important of all is a person will always know the answer to one of the most important questions they can ask.  A person who is living to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in all they do, will be a happy person.  An individual, who seeks in all things to follow the path which God has laid out for them, will be a person who knows true joy. (Proverbs 3:5 and 6) When they take a long, introspective look within and ask the question, “What does God think of me?” and they are satisfied with the answer that is all that really matters. 

In the end, the one who barks is doing nothing more than attempting to give a self satisfied proclamation of their standing so others will overlook the faults or shortcomings which glare above the clamor and noise which emerge from their mouth.  I wonder how they will attempt to spin the tale when they meet the Judge at the end of time. 

            The noise from the gambling big wigs is an attempt to hide the truth; but the truth is still there and the truth is that no one wins in gambling.  My hope is that the great state of Alabama will stay clear of gambling.  So far our history proves we are going to do just that.