Comments for First Baptist Church of Waynesboro, GA http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org a place to learn about the First Baptist Church of Waynesboro, and listen to messages online Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:32:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 Comment on Sheila by Jane Reyes http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/429#comment-591 Jane Reyes Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:52:29 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=429#comment-591 I read your blog while looking for info. on Micheal Combs and thought how beautiful. I lost my daughter last year to cancer. She was only 25, 3 children, a good mother and wife, a christian, and just the type of person that would give you the shirt off her back. I was not a christian and I spent a year after her death just being angry with God. How could he take someone so good? I finally decided I had to do something with the anger, so I started going to Church and this year I was baptized. I finally realized...what am I angry for? God gave her to me for 25 years, some people dont even have a day. I also learned that you have to come to a place of brokeness so bad that there is no where to turn but to God. I too have a son that is bi-polar and he struggles between good and evil. He is now incarcerated for probation violations.(nothing new ,Thank God) It is hard to understand someone that is bi-polar and they can be hard to handle. I spent years blaming myself for his condition. The only thing I know to do is to try to keep him in Church as often as possible, and pray for him. God bless you. I look forward to visiting your Church today to see Micheal Combs. Jane I read your blog while looking for info. on Micheal Combs and thought how beautiful. I lost my daughter last year to cancer. She was only 25, 3 children, a good mother and wife, a christian, and just the type of person that would give you the shirt off her back. I was not a christian and I spent a year after her death just being angry with God. How could he take someone so good? I finally decided I had to do something with the anger, so I started going to Church and this year I was baptized. I finally realized…what am I angry for? God gave her to me for 25 years, some people dont even have a day. I also learned that you have to come to a place of brokeness so bad that there is no where to turn but to God.
I too have a son that is bi-polar and he struggles between good and evil. He is now incarcerated for probation violations.(nothing new ,Thank God) It is hard to understand someone that is bi-polar and they can be hard to handle. I spent years blaming myself for his condition. The only thing I know to do is to try to keep him in Church as often as possible, and pray for him. God bless you. I look forward to visiting your Church today to see Micheal Combs. Jane

]]> Comment on Sheila by niklever73 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/429#comment-450 niklever73 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:37:14 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=429#comment-450 It is easy to trust God's plan, when I "think" I can see what He's doing, or when all is happiness and hallelujahs, but more difficult to trust His plan, when I am shocked and wondering, WHY, WHY, WHY...., but one thing He has shown me throughout my walk, especially over the last 6 years, is that God is God, even when I don't understand, and also that He loves me, and He understands my confusion, grief and hurt. Throughout the darkest times, His grace is very evident. His mercy and His love are right there. I have found personally, that grief is like a rollercoaster. One minute screaming, next minute laughing, or perhaps the next crying, and sometimes even throwing-up. 7 weeks ago, my birth-father was called home. He, like Sheila, had many struggles. I can look back and see the work God did in His life. The forgiveness, the grace, the mercy....restoration. Wow. I remember watching our friend, Sheila grow in that grace, as well, watching as prayers were answered. She was already beautiful, but when the Son of God got ahold of her, she beamed for His glory! She never met a stranger, and her love for Jesus and fellow-man was evident as she lived each day. When I got the news that sister Sheila had been called home to Glory, I was having these little memory clips flash back in my mind. I could see them just like I was watching a movie, and all the way to the Coleman house, I laughed and cried. I thought about Sheila and I goofing off singing that old country song "Delta Dawn...." I thank God for allowing me such a friend as Sheila and for the memories that are a reflection of His love. I thank God that He will comfort us all, especially sweet Michael, and the Coleman family. I thank God for the work I know He will perfect in the lives of those who struggle daily. Finally, I thank Him for "taking her to His mansion in the sky...." It is easy to trust God’s plan, when I “think” I can see what He’s doing, or when all is happiness and hallelujahs, but more difficult to trust His plan, when I am shocked and wondering, WHY, WHY, WHY…., but one thing He has shown me throughout my walk, especially over the last 6 years, is that God is God, even when I don’t understand, and also that He loves me, and He understands my confusion, grief and hurt. Throughout the darkest times, His grace is very evident. His mercy and His love are right there.

I have found personally, that grief is like a rollercoaster. One minute screaming, next minute laughing, or perhaps the next crying, and sometimes even throwing-up. 7 weeks ago, my birth-father was called home. He, like Sheila, had many struggles. I can look back and see the work God did in His life. The forgiveness, the grace, the mercy….restoration. Wow. I remember watching our friend, Sheila grow in that grace, as well, watching as prayers were answered. She was already beautiful, but when the Son of God got ahold of her, she beamed for His glory! She never met a stranger, and her love for Jesus and fellow-man was evident as she lived each day. When I got the news that sister Sheila had been called home to Glory, I was having these little memory clips flash back in my mind. I could see them just like I was watching a movie, and all the way to the Coleman house, I laughed and cried. I thought about Sheila and I goofing off singing that old country song “Delta Dawn….” I thank God for allowing me such a friend as Sheila and for the memories that are a reflection of His love. I thank God that He will comfort us all, especially sweet Michael, and the Coleman family. I thank God for the work I know He will perfect in the lives of those who struggle daily. Finally, I thank Him for “taking her to His mansion in the sky….”

]]> Comment on Sheila by Sarah http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/429#comment-446 Sarah Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:57:30 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=429#comment-446 Sheila - She was without a doubt one of the dearest people in the world to me. We had an innate understanding of each other from the beginning of our friendship that I will always cherish, miss greatly and am thrilled one day will have again. She taught me to laugh in such away that I sometimes forget to do. We loved to see how funny and wonderful our God can be when we take the time to remember to see Him. She introduced to me smoothies for breakfast, fasting, and taking to the time to slow down to actually taste the favors of food when I eat. A lot of food related things, she loved food, and loved to feed and serve others food! Without a doubt the gift of ADHD will be in heaven, because with this wonderful gift is the ability to take in all that is happening around you that everyone else is missing. She didn't just love favors in food that I would take for granite, she loved the touch of things, the doing of things and the hearing of things. She preferred it if I would read the e-mails from our friend in Kenya, or the verses I ran across that spoke to me or both or us. She loved the emotions of people and was keenly aware of their needs and sought to influence them in a way to bring them more joy. Joy is the word I most think of when thinking of my friend. I wrote that in a journal that Loretta started for Michael, where people can write down "Sheilaisms" that they remember and want him to know about. There is soooo much I could write. One of the most important influences on my life was her teaching me to let go of the "Assistant Holy Spirit" (her words) position I had claimed. Learning to instead watch how in fact THE Holy Spirit was perfectly capable of telling others what they SHOULD do with their life. There's a lot of peace in that lesson! Although there would be times I'd have to remind her of that as well. She might (as we all do) say "How could so and so do this or that!" Then when she was reminded about the grace we all have in heaven she’d say, "Well it's a good thing I'm not Jesus!" So true for all of us - Thank you Jesus. I gotta say I'm a little out of balance these days. If there was a symbol of Ying and Yang in Christianity it could be Sheila and Michelle, total opposites, yet so in tune with each other. I like being in the middle of these two wonderful women. They have balanced me in my walk many times. Well that was in fact another gift Sheila gave me, she was determined I'd be Michelle’s friend. To the point that even after I tried to tell her she didn't have to keep reminding to “Call Michelle, she may not call you!”, she would still periodically check in and make sure I was still calling, reaching out. Reaching out and taking care of all of us, blessing us, energizing us and making us better people trademarks of my friend. Thank you Sheila for being my friend here and in heaven, thank you for connecting me with your wonderful sister, family and precious Michael. I am thankful that on our last phone call we ended as we almost always did with a “love ya!”. I can hear her say now and say it right back "I love ya sister!" Sheila - She was without a doubt one of the dearest people in the world to me. We had an innate understanding of each other from the beginning of our friendship that I will always cherish, miss greatly and am thrilled one day will have again. She taught me to laugh in such away that I sometimes forget to do. We loved to see how funny and wonderful our God can be when we take the time to remember to see Him. She introduced to me smoothies for breakfast, fasting, and taking to the time to slow down to actually taste the favors of food when I eat. A lot of food related things, she loved food, and loved to feed and serve others food!
Without a doubt the gift of ADHD will be in heaven, because with this wonderful gift is the ability to take in all that is happening around you that everyone else is missing. She didn’t just love favors in food that I would take for granite, she loved the touch of things, the doing of things and the hearing of things. She preferred it if I would read the e-mails from our friend in Kenya, or the verses I ran across that spoke to me or both or us. She loved the emotions of people and was keenly aware of their needs and sought to influence them in a way to bring them more joy. Joy is the word I most think of when thinking of my friend. I wrote that in a journal that Loretta started for Michael, where people can write down “Sheilaisms” that they remember and want him to know about.
There is soooo much I could write. One of the most important influences on my life was her teaching me to let go of the “Assistant Holy Spirit” (her words) position I had claimed. Learning to instead watch how in fact THE Holy Spirit was perfectly capable of telling others what they SHOULD do with their life. There’s a lot of peace in that lesson! Although there would be times I’d have to remind her of that as well. She might (as we all do) say “How could so and so do this or that!” Then when she was reminded about the grace we all have in heaven she’d say, “Well it’s a good thing I’m not Jesus!” So true for all of us - Thank you Jesus.
I gotta say I’m a little out of balance these days. If there was a symbol of Ying and Yang in Christianity it could be Sheila and Michelle, total opposites, yet so in tune with each other. I like being in the middle of these two wonderful women. They have balanced me in my walk many times. Well that was in fact another gift Sheila gave me, she was determined I’d be Michelle’s friend. To the point that even after I tried to tell her she didn’t have to keep reminding to “Call Michelle, she may not call you!”, she would still periodically check in and make sure I was still calling, reaching out. Reaching out and taking care of all of us, blessing us, energizing us and making us better people trademarks of my friend. Thank you Sheila for being my friend here and in heaven, thank you for connecting me with your wonderful sister, family and precious Michael. I am thankful that on our last phone call we ended as we almost always did with a “love ya!”. I can hear her say now and say it right back “I love ya sister!”

]]> Comment on Sheila by Lorretta http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/429#comment-434 Lorretta Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:05:14 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=429#comment-434 I know what you mean Pastor. I can't seem to shake her no matter how I try to "justify" my grief and where we all were with each other. I think about her while doing the most mundane tasks and what's funny is that it's been that way for a long time. I remember her when cleaning my house because that's what she did and she introduced me to my "favorite" cleaning solution: Fabulosa--second only to the original Pine Sol. I remember her when setting up the Sunday School coffee because she didn't like hazelnut coffee (it reminded her of Frangelica liquor which she detested)...and for a long time I had a tremendous stash of hazelnut flavored coffee I wouldn't use "just in case" Sheila came to Sunday School. I remember her when I remember Ron Melton because she helped me clean his apartment--well, she did most of the cleaning because she wouldn't let me do anything! I remember her when I make my recipe for "Backpack Spice Cake" because it was the only recipe she ever asked for. I'd give her some on the side...and she'd be like "Ooooh Oooh OOOH! This is so good it's BAD!" Shelia got under my skin and stayed there. When she went "missing" I set out to find her and realized quickly that she didn't really want to be found in the place she had gone. So I did the the only thing possible and prayed. I left text messages. I prayed. I wrote her name in my prayer journal and next to that entry is an update set for May 19. It reads: "Prayers answered! Sheila came home!". And like you, I realize now that she wasn't home...yet. None of us are. Yesterday I picked blueberries for 3 hours with David and the boys and the whole time...the whole darn time, I thought of Sheila. How much I loved her. How much I wanted to be more like her in the ways that count. She has left us a gift in that her life was always open for example to others--the good, the bad and the ugly. No, we can't and won't exalt her life to "sainthood", that would be a mockery in every way possible. But in her life....and death....there is hope. It's the only hope any of us has as struggling sinners. It's the promise that He who began the good work in us will carry it on to completion until that last day. (Philippians 1:5-6) And beyond! I am confident in that God's good work in the life of Sheila is now complete. However, His good work THROUGH the life of Sheila has only just begun. Her life and death is now bringing hope to others who are struggling in many of the same ways and I can think of no greater testimony to a life so well and wildly lived than for others to come to know God's mercy, grace and the ultimate forgiveness of salvation. That's one of the marks of Sheila's life: she gave passionately and abundantly and she continues to give in spite of herself. She'd like that. I know what you mean Pastor. I can’t seem to shake her no matter how I try to “justify” my grief and where we all were with each other.

I think about her while doing the most mundane tasks and what’s funny is that it’s been that way for a long time. I remember her when cleaning my house because that’s what she did and she introduced me to my “favorite” cleaning solution: Fabulosa–second only to the original Pine Sol. I remember her when setting up the Sunday School coffee because she didn’t like hazelnut coffee (it reminded her of Frangelica liquor which she detested)…and for a long time I had a tremendous stash of hazelnut flavored coffee I wouldn’t use “just in case” Sheila came to Sunday School. I remember her when I remember Ron Melton because she helped me clean his apartment–well, she did most of the cleaning because she wouldn’t let me do anything! I remember her when I make my recipe for “Backpack Spice Cake” because it was the only recipe she ever asked for. I’d give her some on the side…and she’d be like “Ooooh Oooh OOOH! This is so good it’s BAD!”

Shelia got under my skin and stayed there. When she went “missing” I set out to find her and realized quickly that she didn’t really want to be found in the place she had gone. So I did the the only thing possible and prayed. I left text messages. I prayed. I wrote her name in my prayer journal and next to that entry is an update set for May 19. It reads: “Prayers answered! Sheila came home!”. And like you, I realize now that she wasn’t home…yet. None of us are.

Yesterday I picked blueberries for 3 hours with David and the boys and the whole time…the whole darn time, I thought of Sheila. How much I loved her. How much I wanted to be more like her in the ways that count. She has left us a gift in that her life was always open for example to others–the good, the bad and the ugly. No, we can’t and won’t exalt her life to “sainthood”, that would be a mockery in every way possible. But in her life….and death….there is hope. It’s the only hope any of us has as struggling sinners. It’s the promise that He who began the good work in us will carry it on to completion until that last day. (Philippians 1:5-6 [+/-]) And beyond!

I am confident in that God’s good work in the life of Sheila is now complete. However, His good work THROUGH the life of Sheila has only just begun. Her life and death is now bringing hope to others who are struggling in many of the same ways and I can think of no greater testimony to a life so well and wildly lived than for others to come to know God’s mercy, grace and the ultimate forgiveness of salvation. That’s one of the marks of Sheila’s life: she gave passionately and abundantly and she continues to give in spite of herself. She’d like that.

]]> Comment on Unconditional Election by Lorretta http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/369#comment-414 Lorretta Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:07:55 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=369#comment-414 Wow. I guess I thought it would make me feel better if I had anything to do with salvation..but I'm actually more humbled and grateful to know that it's not at all about me. I can still remember the night I got "saved" but I know I responded from an emotional impulse. I NEEDED something that the minister spoke of and made the action to come forward. What I didn't know then was that God was calling me to that moment and when I think back...waaaaaay back, I can remember God-filled moments from before that time. I am evermore convinced that those moments were the beginnings of God's calling and drawing me towards Him. This information is a strange relief in one sense, and a terrible tragedy in another when I realize the awful truth of those who are on their way to Hell. I've been trying to reconcile this information and have thought that it might have something to do with God's endless existence outside of time and our being bound by the constraints of time. Then it would make perfect sense that God of course knows who is/was chosen from the beginning til the end, because he exists outside of time and looks upon us from a omniscient position. We can not fathom such a thing simply because we are mortal and bound by our linear existence. As confusing as it is...somehow, I can manage these things a little better in this light. Wow.

I guess I thought it would make me feel better if I had anything to do with salvation..but I’m actually more humbled and grateful to know that it’s not at all about me.

I can still remember the night I got “saved” but I know I responded from an emotional impulse. I NEEDED something that the minister spoke of and made the action to come forward. What I didn’t know then was that God was calling me to that moment and when I think back…waaaaaay back, I can remember God-filled moments from before that time. I am evermore convinced that those moments were the beginnings of God’s calling and drawing me towards Him.

This information is a strange relief in one sense, and a terrible tragedy in another when I realize the awful truth of those who are on their way to Hell. I’ve been trying to reconcile this information and have thought that it might have something to do with God’s endless existence outside of time and our being bound by the constraints of time. Then it would make perfect sense that God of course knows who is/was chosen from the beginning til the end, because he exists outside of time and looks upon us from a omniscient position. We can not fathom such a thing simply because we are mortal and bound by our linear existence.

As confusing as it is…somehow, I can manage these things a little better in this light.

]]> Comment on A More In-Depth look at TULIP by Lorretta http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/368#comment-413 Lorretta Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:17:11 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=368#comment-413 Wow... It's only recently that I've started thinking about these things and recognizing the beautiful, awful truth. Up until 3 months ago, I had spent my time believing that I chose Jesus. What a wonderful revelation to discover that actually, Jesus chose me! It doesn't take much for me to recognize total depravity...I see it in the mirror everyday. I, like Paul, am confounded the problem of the struggle to do good while constantly falling on my face through the bad I do even while I'm trying not to. Yeah, I don't need medicine...I need resurrection. No doubt. Wow…

It’s only recently that I’ve started thinking about these things and recognizing the beautiful, awful truth. Up until 3 months ago, I had spent my time believing that I chose Jesus. What a wonderful revelation to discover that actually, Jesus chose me!

It doesn’t take much for me to recognize total depravity…I see it in the mirror everyday. I, like Paul, am confounded the problem of the struggle to do good while constantly falling on my face through the bad I do even while I’m trying not to.

Yeah, I don’t need medicine…I need resurrection. No doubt.

]]> Comment on Irresistible Grace by cwiggins http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/386#comment-410 cwiggins Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:36:26 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=386#comment-410 I am currently doing an in-depth study of the tulip and specifically irresistible grace. I would really appreciate it if you could post some biblical references so that I can better understand and study the current topic. Thanks a Ton!!!!! I am currently doing an in-depth study of the tulip and specifically irresistible grace. I would really appreciate it if you could post some biblical references so that I can better understand and study the current topic. Thanks a Ton!!!!!

]]> Comment on Introduction to TULIP by mark f http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/365#comment-396 mark f Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:52:48 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=365#comment-396 Alright, Now I am going to have to dig up and dust off my "Trouble with the Tulip" book from Dr. Page. I am enjoying these posts. I took a class at my former church on "The Baptist Faith and Message." The class was WAY over my head at the time, but it opened me up to a lot of history and theory. You came into our Sunday School class one time about 4-5 months ago and did a brief overview of Baptist history (which you promised to come back). I was able to put together what you said with the class I took and things really started to click. Press on with the blogs! I am now hungry for more! Alright,
Now I am going to have to dig up and dust off my “Trouble with the Tulip” book from Dr. Page. I am enjoying these posts. I took a class at my former church on “The Baptist Faith and Message.” The class was WAY over my head at the time, but it opened me up to a lot of history and theory. You came into our Sunday School class one time about 4-5 months ago and did a brief overview of Baptist history (which you promised to come back). I was able to put together what you said with the class I took and things really started to click.
Press on with the blogs! I am now hungry for more!

]]> Comment on You are a Calvinist by cindylou http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/364#comment-395 cindylou Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:00:06 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=364#comment-395 Glad you're back to blogging Pastor. I appreciate how transparent you're being for us and I'll try to do the same! When someone refers to me as something, its so hard to fight the instinct to defend myself. But if I do try to explain that their opinion is likely incorrect, my eyes leave my clearly biblical focus (Christ) and start looking toward men. I was recently called charismatic. The first thing I had to do was go read what it meant. From the description of the word I found (which you know how that goes), there are some traits there that would fit. I do believe in the Holy Spirit, I do believe in the importance of prayer and I do believe in looking for opportunities to praise and worship God throughout my week and daily life. But there are also many characteristics that don't mark my beliefs; I'll leave the ones I disagree with out of this comment to show respect for those who do hold those beliefs. Suffice it to say that the characteristics that do not mark my beliefs outweigh those that do. If you wanna call me charismatic, my guess is that you'd probably be about 30% right. Being called this, though, helped me more clearly define what it is I do believe. And inspecting the label clearly took the sting out of the comment. Glad you’re back to blogging Pastor. I appreciate how transparent you’re being for us and I’ll try to do the same!

When someone refers to me as something, its so hard to fight the instinct to defend myself. But if I do try to explain that their opinion is likely incorrect, my eyes leave my clearly biblical focus (Christ) and start looking toward men.

I was recently called charismatic. The first thing I had to do was go read what it meant. From the description of the word I found (which you know how that goes), there are some traits there that would fit. I do believe in the Holy Spirit, I do believe in the importance of prayer and I do believe in looking for opportunities to praise and worship God throughout my week and daily life.

But there are also many characteristics that don’t mark my beliefs; I’ll leave the ones I disagree with out of this comment to show respect for those who do hold those beliefs. Suffice it to say that the characteristics that do not mark my beliefs outweigh those that do. If you wanna call me charismatic, my guess is that you’d probably be about 30% right.

Being called this, though, helped me more clearly define what it is I do believe. And inspecting the label clearly took the sting out of the comment.

]]> Comment on Johnny Hunt as President of the SBC by Lorretta http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/359#comment-394 Lorretta Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:31:07 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=359#comment-394 I don't know why I find this so fascinating, but it's incredible to me to discover all this information about the SBC, where it's wandered and how those in the church have fought to hold on to the truth. Thanks for this information...I've been to Woodstock once during a visit to Atlanta and these are my observations: 1) Johnny Hunt is as amazing a speaker/teacher as he is humble and 2) that church is downright HUGE! I don’t know why I find this so fascinating, but it’s incredible to me to discover all this information about the SBC, where it’s wandered and how those in the church have fought to hold on to the truth. Thanks for this information…I’ve been to Woodstock once during a visit to Atlanta and these are my observations: 1) Johnny Hunt is as amazing a speaker/teacher as he is humble and 2) that church is downright HUGE!

]]> Comment on Something to Chew on for the Weekend by joelc http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/335#comment-363 joelc Thu, 05 Jun 2008 01:37:13 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/335#comment-363 Of the models described, biblically I believe we are to follow the 4th model of Christ alongside the culture. The great deceiver all to often lures well intentioned believers into trying to create heaven on earth. They busy themselves with good things trying, unsuccessfully, to make the culture Christian. Our country was founded on Christian principles, but has lost her way. Now what should we do with our time, battle the culture(TV, government, environment) or snatch lost souls from the fire? Of the models described, biblically I believe we are to follow the 4th model of Christ alongside the culture. The great deceiver all to often lures well intentioned believers into trying to create heaven on earth. They busy themselves with good things trying, unsuccessfully, to make the culture Christian. Our country was founded on Christian principles, but has lost her way. Now what should we do with our time, battle the culture(TV, government, environment) or snatch lost souls from the fire?

]]> Comment on Wake Up American Evangelicals by joelc http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/330#comment-362 joelc Thu, 05 Jun 2008 01:22:52 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=330#comment-362 We should be very concerned about these trends. Just examine the "seeker friendly" church movement and the churches that embrace the health, wealth, and prosperity gospels, they are about self-fulfilment and not the glory of God. A good dose of repentance in what the American church needs. We should be very concerned about these trends. Just examine the “seeker friendly” church movement and the churches that embrace the health, wealth, and prosperity gospels, they are about self-fulfilment and not the glory of God. A good dose of repentance in what the American church needs.

]]> Comment on HIS by kai http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/317#comment-314 kai Tue, 27 May 2008 21:52:12 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=317#comment-314 In the words of a great preacher (Johnny Hunt if anyone's interested), forgiveness does not automatically mean the removal of consequences. At any rate, to answer your question as to the role of men when it comes to single mothers, David is right, if we really are supposed to be a community and "family" of believers, we ought to (men that is) fill in as best we can where the biological father failed.However before we can hope to properly "fill in" in any capacity, we need to know what masculinity really is and why it's needed in a household in conjunction with femininity. Here's a great lecture about men's role in the church for anyone who's interested: http://www.sbts.edu/MP3/faculty/20060329stinson.mp3 In the words of a great preacher (Johnny Hunt if anyone’s interested), forgiveness does not automatically mean the removal of consequences. At any rate, to answer your question as to the role of men when it comes to single mothers, David is right, if we really are supposed to be a community and “family” of believers, we ought to (men that is) fill in as best we can where the biological father failed.However before we can hope to properly “fill in” in any capacity, we need to know what masculinity really is and why it’s needed in a household in conjunction with femininity. Here’s a great lecture about men’s role in the church for anyone who’s interested: http://www.sbts.edu/MP3/faculty/20060329stinson.mp3

]]> Comment on HIS by David http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/317#comment-312 David Tue, 27 May 2008 21:20:03 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=317#comment-312 I believe that mentoring is very helpful in these situations. There's not always going to be a possibility of reconciling a marriage; but thankfully there are some great opportunities for a young boy to be mentored by an adult male role model, to learn the things that would ordinarily be learned by their father. I am so thankful that God put men in my path after my parents divorced. I believe that mentoring is very helpful in these situations. There’s not always going to be a possibility of reconciling a marriage; but thankfully there are some great opportunities for a young boy to be mentored by an adult male role model, to learn the things that would ordinarily be learned by their father. I am so thankful that God put men in my path after my parents divorced.

]]> Comment on HIS by heather http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/317#comment-310 heather Tue, 27 May 2008 20:50:40 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=317#comment-310 With Mark f's statistics in hand, and I am asking this not to start but to think. Is it true that in so many ways, women had to take the role of men because they had to? The reason I ask this is, even though I didn't make the right choices at the time and I have to live with them now, because my son's father chooses not to be the father and I have to deal with that. What is the best way for women to deal with situations like these and similar ones (through divorce and death of spouse)? And I understand that some of the things that I deal with is of the consequences of the sin that I did (even though I have asked for forgiveness of). With Mark f’s statistics in hand, and I am asking this not to start but to think. Is it true that in so many ways, women had to take the role of men because they had to? The reason I ask this is, even though I didn’t make the right choices at the time and I have to live with them now, because my son’s father chooses not to be the father and I have to deal with that. What is the best way for women to deal with situations like these and similar ones (through divorce and death of spouse)?
And I understand that some of the things that I deal with is of the consequences of the sin that I did (even though I have asked for forgiveness of).

]]> Comment on HIS by mark f http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/317#comment-255 mark f Wed, 21 May 2008 02:11:24 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=317#comment-255 I have heard of Murrow's book. Good read. I read an article one time about a men's ministry leader getting permission from the Pastor to change the men's restroom from pink and mauve to a manly olive drab. He also changed the soap from sensitive skin dove to "Gojo". Pictures of wildlife draped the walls instead of bunnies and pretty flowers. It seemed funny to the Pastor, but it was well received by the men. I have heard of Murrow’s book. Good read. I read an article one time about a men’s ministry leader getting permission from the Pastor to change the men’s restroom from pink and mauve to a manly olive drab. He also changed the soap from sensitive skin dove to “Gojo”. Pictures of wildlife draped the walls instead of bunnies and pretty flowers. It seemed funny to the Pastor, but it was well received by the men.

]]> Comment on Stung?? by Lorretta http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/336#comment-250 Lorretta Tue, 20 May 2008 20:42:00 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=336#comment-250 Ouch. I am probably the biggest get-my-feelings hurt and cry-like-a-baby person you'll ever meet. It has affected every one of my relationships and whew! I'd like to say I have whooped this bad boy, but nope. So, don't make me cry! :) Journey on! Ouch.

I am probably the biggest get-my-feelings hurt and cry-like-a-baby person you’ll ever meet. It has affected every one of my relationships and whew! I’d like to say I have whooped this bad boy, but nope. So, don’t make me cry! :)

Journey on!

]]> Comment on HIS by kai http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/317#comment-243 kai Mon, 19 May 2008 18:00:14 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=317#comment-243 David Murrow has a great book titled "Why men hate going to Church" which details how the "modern" American church has been overly feminized and how most men hate going to church because they think they need to check their masculinity at the door. When the modern American church fails to uphold masculinity, is it any wonder why the modern church in America is dying for want of men who will dare to lead the charge in an effort to turn the tide even within the walls of our "safe" churches? David Murrow has a great book titled “Why men hate going to Church” which details how the “modern” American church has been overly feminized and how most men hate going to church because they think they need to check their masculinity at the door.

When the modern American church fails to uphold masculinity, is it any wonder why the modern church in America is dying for want of men who will dare to lead the charge in an effort to turn the tide even within the walls of our “safe” churches?

]]> Comment on HIS by mark f http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/317#comment-225 mark f Fri, 16 May 2008 05:21:48 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=317#comment-225 After your sermon Sunday, I wanted to throw some statistics about the American Family out there that I found on a discipleship website: Out of the 113,000,000 MEN in America 15 years of age and older (as of 2004) * 33% of the 72 million children in America will go to bed tonight without their biological father in the home. * As many as 70% of men seek out pornography. * 40% to 50% of recent marriages will end in divorce according to the United States Census Bureau. * As many Christians will divorce as non-Christians (34% vs. 33% according to Barna). * More than 50% of children born in 1990s spend part of their childhood in single parent homes. * 66% children born in America will not live with both biological parents through the age of eighteen. * Two years after a divorce only 53% of children see their non-custodial parent on a monthly basis. Ten years after the divorce on 28% have monthly contact. * 4 out of 5 students in evangelical churches will drop out of church by their senior year in high school (Howard Hendricks). * 73% of households with children under 18 headed by married couples (vs. 91% in 1960); 27% households headed by single parents. The sad part is that most of these statistics are looked upon with no surprise! I bring this up to say that I believe that the time has come for the men (including myself) to stand up and say no more. As a married man, I take the scriptures in Ephesians very seriously. It is imperative my household is Christ-centered and not world-centered. I believe that men find it easy to give up on their families because the pressures (strongholds) are too great. The world takes hold and chews them up. I saw a man this week that I hadn't seen in a while. We had crossed paths at a place where I was formerly employed. He was a respected man back then and held a position of high authority. He is no longer in that position due to an unfortunate set of events. I was 5 feet from him this week and I didn't even speak! Whether I can be like Peter and preach to the masses, or Andrew and bring them one at a time, my hope is that I can witness to as many as I can. I am still mad at myself for not at least saying "how are you?" God calls us to be "Fishers of Men" and I felt God calling me to speak to him. But I didn't. I let an opportunity to do God's Will slip by! I choked in the clutch. As Men of God, we need to work harder at building disciples, so that no one is left behind. I broke the code this week. I pray not to be that disobedient again! After your sermon Sunday, I wanted to throw some statistics about the American Family out there that I found on a discipleship website:
Out of the 113,000,000 MEN in America 15 years of age and older (as of 2004)
* 33% of the 72 million children in America will go to bed tonight without their biological father in the home.
* As many as 70% of men seek out pornography.
* 40% to 50% of recent marriages will end in divorce according to the United States Census Bureau.
* As many Christians will divorce as non-Christians (34% vs. 33% according to Barna).
* More than 50% of children born in 1990s spend part of their childhood in single parent homes.
* 66% children born in America will not live with both biological parents through the age of eighteen.
* Two years after a divorce only 53% of children see their non-custodial parent on a monthly basis. Ten years after the divorce on 28% have monthly contact.
* 4 out of 5 students in evangelical churches will drop out of church by their senior year in high school (Howard Hendricks).
* 73% of households with children under 18 headed by married couples (vs. 91% in 1960); 27% households headed by single parents.
The sad part is that most of these statistics are looked upon with no surprise!
I bring this up to say that I believe that the time has come for the men (including myself) to stand up and say no more. As a married man, I take the scriptures in Ephesians very seriously. It is imperative my household is Christ-centered and not world-centered. I believe that men find it easy to give up on their families because the pressures (strongholds) are too great. The world takes hold and chews them up.
I saw a man this week that I hadn’t seen in a while. We had crossed paths at a place where I was formerly employed. He was a respected man back then and held a position of high authority. He is no longer in that position due to an unfortunate set of events. I was 5 feet from him this week and I didn’t even speak! Whether I can be like Peter and preach to the masses, or Andrew and bring them one at a time, my hope is that I can witness to as many as I can. I am still mad at myself for not at least saying “how are you?” God calls us to be “Fishers of Men” and I felt God calling me to speak to him. But I didn’t. I let an opportunity to do God’s Will slip by! I choked in the clutch.
As Men of God, we need to work harder at building disciples, so that no one is left behind. I broke the code this week. I pray not to be that disobedient again!

]]> Comment on Various and Sundry Items by Sarah http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/310#comment-210 Sarah Sun, 11 May 2008 23:48:14 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/310#comment-210 I appreciate your writing about this issue in relating it to our Christian walk, both in relation to ourselves and in relation to each other. I am often grateful, though uncomfortable, when God shows me the attitude behind my reactions when I decide to "set someone straight” in some of their ways or beliefs. Yes there are absolutes that cannot be altered, but it is so true that my understanding of God has been amazingly renewed and clarified seemingly everyday through my walk. I see our church family as a parallel to our own families, with all our quirks, ways and gifts making one very unique unit. Defining and living this concept of unconditional love can only come by seeking understanding from the Holy Spirit, a process that continues to be defined and challenged throughout our live time. On the line of video games, as a brain research geek, I cannot emphasize the effects this use of technology has on the development of the brain God has given each of us. These games and other modern miracles of technology are a huge factor in the changing workings of the “minds of our society”. Research shows the effects and actual "rewiring" that goes on with the brain as it is exposed to these types of games and other negative influences. That is not to say there are not positives to be gained from video game driven technology. My son likes to tell me some surgeon’s warm-up for surgery on video games, so he's just practicing for his future career :). But on the flip side our minds are being bombarded with many negative influences everyday, and we need to filter what we are allowing in our minds and bodies by choice. I do see this as Biblical in the since of Romans 12, where were told to transform our minds through the Word and the Holy Spirit. God gave a brain, which he wired for transformation, changing us from who we were to who we will be. As a choice we must decide what brings our minds closer to the Lord and who He has planned for me to be and what hinders it. One more thought on this pedestal of mine, just as the verse “do not get drunk on wine, but be filled with the Spirit”, speaks to my issues with addiction issues with using alcohol. A stronghold where I believe Satan wants me to use alcohol to “escape” instead of abiding in the Spirit through my struggles. Many use the “stimulus” of video games in the same way, and in fact can be an addiction. Am I saying all have this “thorn of flesh”? No. Am I saying I believe all games should be banned and are bad? No. Am I saying I have done this right with my children? NO! What I am saying is we should ask the Lord to guide us in this area and to give us the strength to address this in our lives and the lives of our children. Parents - model self-control and set boundaries. Children need and even desire guidance and boundaries. Sorry if I am preaching, but I have seen too much of the damage going on in the minds of our children. If not for my belief in a sovereign God who has this in His control I would be overcome with fear for our generation. I appreciate your writing about this issue in relating it to our Christian walk, both in relation to ourselves and in relation to each other. I am often grateful, though uncomfortable, when God shows me the attitude behind my reactions when I decide to “set someone straight” in some of their ways or beliefs. Yes there are absolutes that cannot be altered, but it is so true that my understanding of God has been amazingly renewed and clarified seemingly everyday through my walk. I see our church family as a parallel to our own families, with all our quirks, ways and gifts making one very unique unit. Defining and living this concept of unconditional love can only come by seeking understanding from the Holy Spirit, a process that continues to be defined and challenged throughout our live time.
On the line of video games, as a brain research geek, I cannot emphasize the effects this use of technology has on the development of the brain God has given each of us. These games and other modern miracles of technology are a huge factor in the changing workings of the “minds of our society”. Research shows the effects and actual “rewiring” that goes on with the brain as it is exposed to these types of games and other negative influences. That is not to say there are not positives to be gained from video game driven technology. My son likes to tell me some surgeon’s warm-up for surgery on video games, so he’s just practicing for his future career :). But on the flip side our minds are being bombarded with many negative influences everyday, and we need to filter what we are allowing in our minds and bodies by choice. I do see this as Biblical in the since of Romans 12 [+/-], where were told to transform our minds through the Word and the Holy Spirit. God gave a brain, which he wired for transformation, changing us from who we were to who we will be. As a choice we must decide what brings our minds closer to the Lord and who He has planned for me to be and what hinders it. One more thought on this pedestal of mine, just as the verse “do not get drunk on wine, but be filled with the Spirit”, speaks to my issues with addiction issues with using alcohol. A stronghold where I believe Satan wants me to use alcohol to “escape” instead of abiding in the Spirit through my struggles. Many use the “stimulus” of video games in the same way, and in fact can be an addiction. Am I saying all have this “thorn of flesh”? No. Am I saying I believe all games should be banned and are bad? No. Am I saying I have done this right with my children? NO! What I am saying is we should ask the Lord to guide us in this area and to give us the strength to address this in our lives and the lives of our children. Parents - model self-control and set boundaries. Children need and even desire guidance and boundaries. Sorry if I am preaching, but I have seen too much of the damage going on in the minds of our children. If not for my belief in a sovereign God who has this in His control I would be overcome with fear for our generation.

]]> Comment on Wake Up American Evangelicals by Lorretta http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/330#comment-209 Lorretta Sat, 10 May 2008 14:30:26 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=330#comment-209 I would also like to add a site I've found helpful and enlightening with regards to these sorts of trends and how they tie in with our need to answer and defend (Apologetics): www.rzim.org This is Ravi Zacharius Ministries. I would also like to add a site I’ve found helpful and enlightening with regards to these sorts of trends and how they tie in with our need to answer and defend (Apologetics): http://www.rzim.org

This is Ravi Zacharius Ministries.

]]> Comment on Keys to Success by Lorretta http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/315#comment-206 Lorretta Mon, 05 May 2008 01:56:17 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/315#comment-206 <blockquote><strong>I am convinced that if you are not clear about your priorities and convinced at your core that they are right, then you will live life bounced between the poles of confusion and chaos. Your life will be spent running from one fire to the next. You will find yourself in crisis mode all the time. No matter who you are or what you do, you must heed the words of Karl Jung who reminds us that if we do not set our own priorities, the world will gladly do that for us. </strong></blockquote> Wow. That describes me to a "T". I never intend to be that way and there are many days I start out on the right foot only to discover that I'm on the wrong path! It seems to me that it's another subject to fall under the heading of "daily dying to myself". I'm challenged by this notion and the sermon series of late to re-evaluate my priorities and what makes me tick. The problem is how to stop the madness........I'm tempted at first to go "off the grid", so to speak--to withdraw and build a booth at the last place I experienced God's presence and just stay <em>there</em>. Not possible and not what I've been commanded to do. So then, how do we live a life of intentional ministry without being overwhelmed by the world's chaos?

I am convinced that if you are not clear about your priorities and convinced at your core that they are right, then you will live life bounced between the poles of confusion and chaos. Your life will be spent running from one fire to the next. You will find yourself in crisis mode all the time. No matter who you are or what you do, you must heed the words of Karl Jung who reminds us that if we do not set our own priorities, the world will gladly do that for us.

Wow. That describes me to a “T”. I never intend to be that way and there are many days I start out on the right foot only to discover that I’m on the wrong path!

It seems to me that it’s another subject to fall under the heading of “daily dying to myself”. I’m challenged by this notion and the sermon series of late to re-evaluate my priorities and what makes me tick. The problem is how to stop the madness……..I’m tempted at first to go “off the grid”, so to speak–to withdraw and build a booth at the last place I experienced God’s presence and just stay there. Not possible and not what I’ve been commanded to do. So then, how do we live a life of intentional ministry without being overwhelmed by the world’s chaos?

]]> Comment on Reading List by mark f http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-197 mark f Fri, 02 May 2008 20:44:50 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-197 It gives instructions on the site about the dogs. The church bulletins are under CHRISTIAN on the right side of the screen. It gives instructions on the site about the dogs. The church bulletins are under CHRISTIAN on the right side of the screen.

]]> Comment on Reading List by Pastor Al http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-196 Pastor Al Fri, 02 May 2008 14:55:55 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-196 Ok John. I tried to get the dog on my screen. What I now have on my screen is a little bitty dog just standing there licking nothing! He is just looking at me with his head turned to the side and he is so little on my screen that I have to put my glasses on to see him. So, I need your help to enlarge the dog, get his tail wagging and his tongue moving. This is a crisis so it needs immediate attention. What is flowers talking about with the church bulletins? I need to see that one too. Ok John. I tried to get the dog on my screen. What I now have on my screen is a little bitty dog just standing there licking nothing! He is just looking at me with his head turned to the side and he is so little on my screen that I have to put my glasses on to see him. So, I need your help to enlarge the dog, get his tail wagging and his tongue moving. This is a crisis so it needs immediate attention. What is flowers talking about with the church bulletins? I need to see that one too.

]]> Comment on Reading List by mark f http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-193 mark f Fri, 02 May 2008 02:06:14 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-193 That website is a hoot! Especially the church bulletins! That website is a hoot! Especially the church bulletins!

]]> Comment on Reading List by David http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-191 David Thu, 01 May 2008 20:42:18 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-191 John... that is really funny!!!! :) John… that is really funny!!!! :)

]]> Comment on Reading List by John http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-190 John Thu, 01 May 2008 20:29:38 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-190 @Al - A while back I posted an article about that pug licking the screen. Below is a link to a couple of the dogs that were turned into screen savers. Just grab me or whoever else and we'll be glad help your screen be always "spit-and-span" clean. http://www.linein.org/blog/2008/02/23/dog-screen-cleaner-screensavers-4-different-dogs-win-mac/ @Al - A while back I posted an article about that pug licking the screen. Below is a link to a couple of the dogs that were turned into screen savers. Just grab me or whoever else and we’ll be glad help your screen be always “spit-and-span” clean.

http://www.linein.org/blog/2008/02/23/dog-screen-cleaner-screensavers-4-different-dogs-win-mac/

]]> Comment on Reading List by cindylou http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-183 cindylou Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:43:33 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-183 Wow -- <a href="http://www.ligonier.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sproul's website</a> -- awesome food for the ravenous! Sounds like you've got a good idea cooking Lorretta. Wow — Sproul’s website — awesome food for the ravenous! Sounds like you’ve got a good idea cooking Lorretta.

]]> Comment on Reading List by Lorretta http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-177 Lorretta Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:03:01 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-177 Hey Joel....thanks for the heads up on the Heaven book. I have been looking for a deeper read on something for a while now....however, RC Sproul is the latest author to catch my interests. I wonder how many folks would be interested in doing a book discussion or a book/bible study here at our house? We could support it weekly through the website and/or have monthly meetings with *GREAT* coffee. Hey Joel….thanks for the heads up on the Heaven book. I have been looking for a deeper read on something for a while now….however, RC Sproul is the latest author to catch my interests. I wonder how many folks would be interested in doing a book discussion or a book/bible study here at our house? We could support it weekly through the website and/or have monthly meetings with *GREAT* coffee.

]]> Comment on Reading List by David http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-176 David Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:39:24 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-176 Cindy, we believe the author is R.C. Spoul, if that helps! Cindy, we believe the author is R.C. Spoul, if that helps!

]]> Comment on Reading List by joelc http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-174 joelc Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:38:51 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-174 I recently have been reading Randy Alcorn's book Heaven. I would encourage you to evaluate your idea of what Heaven and the New Earth will look like. While there is a great deal of discussion on getting to Heaven, there is so little discussion about Heaven. I grew up thinking of being in Heaven as boring, one long continuous hymn, floating on a cloud. While foreign to scripture, nothing different was taught by the church, so I accepted the culture's version of Heaven. I must warn you though, this book is heavy on theology and is not a light read. I recently have been reading Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven. I would encourage you to evaluate your idea of what Heaven and the New Earth will look like. While there is a great deal of discussion on getting to Heaven, there is so little discussion about Heaven. I grew up thinking of being in Heaven as boring, one long continuous hymn, floating on a cloud. While foreign to scripture, nothing different was taught by the church, so I accepted the culture’s version of Heaven. I must warn you though, this book is heavy on theology and is not a light read.

]]> Comment on Reading List by cindylou http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-172 cindylou Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:44:12 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/238#comment-172 Hey, Al, what was that book you mentioned this morning about parenting? The author's name must not be spelled the way I heard it, because I can't find it on Amazon. Thanks! Hey, Al, what was that book you mentioned this morning about parenting? The author’s name must not be spelled the way I heard it, because I can’t find it on Amazon. Thanks!

]]> Comment on Supper Time by lunamoth http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/272#comment-119 lunamoth Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:44:06 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/272#comment-119 I am reminded of a song we sing every now and then based on Psalm 24: Who can stand before the Lord in His holy place? Who can walk upon the hill of the Lord? Only he who's hands are clean-- Only he who's heart is pure-- Can stand before the Lord. I will stand--I will come Before the presence of the King For His blood washes me from sin... I enter in. This song is a reminder to me every time we sing it (and the Psalm as well, every time I read it) that God is holy and by His choosing, He has made a way for me to enter into His presence--here and now through prayers and the scriptures, and eventually with Him in eternity. I bow my life before Him as best as I can and use the intellect He has blessed me with to discern His will through His gift of His Holy Spirit as He is revealed through time spent with Him in prayer, scriptures reading, circumstances, and the godly people found in my spiritual family. I am reminded of a song we sing every now and then based on Psalm 24 [+/-]:

Who can stand before the Lord in His holy place?
Who can walk upon the hill of the Lord?
Only he who’s hands are clean–
Only he who’s heart is pure–
Can stand before the Lord.

I will stand–I will come
Before the presence of the King
For His blood washes me from sin…
I enter in.

This song is a reminder to me every time we sing it (and the Psalm as well, every time I read it) that God is holy and by His choosing, He has made a way for me to enter into His presence–here and now through prayers and the scriptures, and eventually with Him in eternity.

I bow my life before Him as best as I can and use the intellect He has blessed me with to discern His will through His gift of His Holy Spirit as He is revealed through time spent with Him in prayer, scriptures reading, circumstances, and the godly people found in my spiritual family.

]]> Comment on Family of Faith First?? by David http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/292#comment-113 David Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:20:12 +0000 http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/?p=292#comment-113 I have often thought about this, having seen many people that seem to have very close knit families, doing much together on weekends when Dad is home. These are oftentimes folks you don't see in church regularly. I actually am closer connected with my church family than my biological family; and this enhances my ability to pray for them, and see why God's order is more important than mine. What do you do with Wednesday evenings though? In small communities like ours, many baseball/softball teams don't practice on Wednesday evenings because of church; but there's always some that have to. I see it as a potential for witness opportunities; but I do hate to be away from my church family, and opportunities for my children to learn new truths from God's Word. Where do the weekday activities fit in with regards to the early church? I have often thought about this, having seen many people that seem to have very close knit families, doing much together on weekends when Dad is home. These are oftentimes folks you don’t see in church regularly. I actually am closer connected with my church family than my biological family; and this enhances my ability to pray for them, and see why God’s order is more important than mine.
What do you do with Wednesday evenings though? In small communities like ours, many baseball/softball teams don’t practice on Wednesday evenings because of church; but there’s always some that have to. I see it as a potential for witness opportunities; but I do hate to be away from my church family, and opportunities for my children to learn new truths from God’s Word. Where do the weekday activities fit in with regards to the early church?

]]> Comment on Revival by kai http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/273#comment-70 kai Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:23:59 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/273#comment-70 How should we gague a revival's effectiveness or is it purely a private, individual affair? How should we gague a revival’s effectiveness or is it purely a private, individual affair?

]]> Comment on Revive us O Lord! Tuesday - 7 pm by kai http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/270#comment-69 kai Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:16:33 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/270#comment-69 I wonder how accurate it is to claim that parents are guilt-free when the Bible teaches that the sins of the fathers are visited on their children. Granted, everyone is responsible for their own actions, but I wonder where we determine "good" vs. "bad" parenting if we completely dissassociate the fruit from the tree. I'm glad Phil dispelled the myth most people claim in Proverbs, but it was a bit dissapointing that he didn't simply stop with it being a principle of wisdom. Though his conclusion that sound teachings (especially from the Bible) stick and his analogy with Adam and Eve and Judas was actually pretty good. I wonder how accurate it is to claim that parents are guilt-free when the Bible teaches that the sins of the fathers are visited on their children. Granted, everyone is responsible for their own actions, but I wonder where we determine “good” vs. “bad” parenting if we completely dissassociate the fruit from the tree.

I’m glad Phil dispelled the myth most people claim in Proverbs, but it was a bit dissapointing that he didn’t simply stop with it being a principle of wisdom. Though his conclusion that sound teachings (especially from the Bible) stick and his analogy with Adam and Eve and Judas was actually pretty good.

]]> Comment on Miscellany by David http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/264#comment-65 David Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:04:50 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/264#comment-65 Amen my Sista Cindy! Amen my Sista Cindy!

]]> Comment on Revive us O Lord! Sunday - 6 pm by David http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/268#comment-64 David Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:02:42 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/268#comment-64 In 1710, Puritan Matthew Henry wrote the following on this verse: "We need not double the miracle by supposing that the stick sunk to fetch up the iron, it was enough that it was a signal of the divine summons to the iron to rise. God’s grace can thus raise the stony iron heart which has sunk into the mud of this world, and raise up affections naturally earthly, to things above." I believe the Holy Spirit revealed this spiritual truth to Him as well. In 1710, Puritan Matthew Henry wrote the following on this verse:
“We need not double the miracle by supposing that the stick sunk to fetch up the iron, it was enough that it was a signal of the divine summons to the iron to rise. God’s grace can thus raise the stony iron heart which has sunk into the mud of this world, and raise up affections naturally earthly, to things above.”
I believe the Holy Spirit revealed this spiritual truth to Him as well.

]]> Comment on Revive us O Lord! Sunday - 6 pm by David http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/268#comment-62 David Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:25:56 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/268#comment-62 This was a very encouraging message for Lorretta and I, as we listened at home last night. There have bee many occasions that I have lost my edge as well, and I'm thankful to remember that the answer most often involves a distancing in my relationship with God. This was a very encouraging message for Lorretta and I, as we listened at home last night. There have bee many occasions that I have lost my edge as well, and I’m thankful to remember that the answer most often involves a distancing in my relationship with God.

]]> Comment on Miscellany by cindylou http://www.fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/264#comment-60 cindylou Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:07:30 +0000 http://fbcwaynesboro.org/archives/264#comment-60 Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

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