Fireproof the Movie

Well, Leigh and I finally got to see Fireproof. I've encouraged all of our church members to go and many of them have been. The reviews I've read and their comments have all been very positive. I concur with all of those who have said "you need to see it". It truly is a "must see" movie for everyone. People who are married, those who plan on being married and those who never marry can all benefit from this film. It is biblically solid and very well produced. Kirk Cameron is the only well known professional actor. The other actors and actresses are people like you and me. You can go to the website http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ and read the bios of the actors, the production crew, view a commercial (at the bottom of the blog), and many other options. The film is a ministry born out of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany Georgia. This is the third film they have released. If you haven't seen the other two, then you ought to check them out. They are; "Flywheel" and "Facing the Giants". We have them in our church library but you can find them at video stores, LifeWay, and other place which sell movies.

Here are a couple of reviews.

I've spent my entire life trying to win in two different pro sports. What I appreciate about FIREPROOF is that it's an entertaining and challenging reminder of what it takes to win in marriage!" Joe Gibbs, Owner, Joe Gibbs Racing

"Amazing! Action-packed, heartwarming, and a great resource to help strengthen and affirm marriages!" Dr. Gary Smalley, author of Change Your Heart, Change Your Life

You can read more reviews on their website. You can also read stories of marriages that have been positively affected by this film.Husbands and wives together can learn some great lessons about love and marriage from this film.

I want to encourage you to pray for Sherwood Baptist Church (http://www.sherwoodbaptist.net/templates/cussherwoodbc/default.asp?id=33770)

and their staff many whom are very involved with the acting, producing, directing and the many other aspects of producing a movie.

If you haven't seen the movie take 2 hours and go, it will be worth it.

Thanks to my sister-in-law Susie who watched my children so we could watch the movie.

It's a Privilege to Vote but Here's Another Good Reason!

As followers of Christ we have a responsiblity to cast our ballot on election day. I realize many of you are frustrated with the choices we have been given. That frustration is seen not only in the national election but also in the local and state elections as well. Never the less it is a privilege to vote and I pray you will this Tuesday November 4th, if you haven't already.

To those who may require a little more motivation to go to the polls here it is.

p.s. I am considering going to Evansville as soon as I cast my ballot and I hope the light is on! Who's driving?

What's so Conservative about Jesus?

I mentioned a coupld of posts back that Jesus was liberal in love, patience, and giving. The group I meet with on Wednesday evening came up with a few more areas where Jesus is liberal. They noted He was liberal in forgiveness, healing, grace, mercy, and the list goes on. Maybe you have thought of others. Aren't you glad He is liberal in these things?


Well then, how was Jesus conservative? The definition for conservative is "disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change" and "having the power or tendency to conserve; preservative".


When it came to moral issues Jesus was conservative. In other words, He had the power to conserve and limit change. He preserved the existing condtions. The bible tells us "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever". Jesus called his followers to "be holy" as He was holy. He was unwavering in His stand against the moral issues of His day, which by the way are the same ones we face today. For example when Jesus confronted the woman who was brought to Him in adultery, He called her adultery "sin". He did not simply excuse her and say "everybody's doing it". He didn't compromise and turn the other way. He confronted it with love, mercy, and grace. He was conservative.



Jesus held His ground in regards to those who wished to follow Him. He said some very difficult things to those who considered "following Him". On one occasion He told a man who, instead of following Jesus, wanted to bury a loved one, "let the dead bury their own". On another occasion Jesus said "he who does not hate his brother, sister, mother, or father cannot be my disciple". He was conservative and liberal but always at the proper moment! Lord help me as I seek to be like Jesus. In what ways do you see Jesus as conservative or liberal?

Is Jesus Liberal or Conservative?

I am convinced Jesus is both. There is no way you can make a solid case for Jesus being one or the other. I believe he was liberal and conservative, but not at the same time. I shared in a message once some areas I found in the Word of God where Jesus is clearly liberal and we should follow His lead. Here are 3;

1. He was liberal in His Love for People! (John 15:12)
2. He was liberal in His Patience towards People! (2 Pet. 3:9) (Exodus 34:7)
3. He was liberal in Giving His Possessions and His Person!(Phil. 2:3-5) (Matt. 8:18-20)

I am glad Jesus was liberal in how He loved me? Someone has said correctly "There is nothing I can do to make Him(Jesus) love me any more nor any less." He loves me liberally with an everlasting love. (Jer. 31:3)

I am so glad Jesus was patient with me? The passage in 2 Peter tells us that God is not willing that any should perish but He is longsuffering. I am so happy He was patient with me.

I am glad that Jesus was liberal when it came to giving! The bible tells us in the most famous passage of all "For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only Son." Jesus said "No one takes it(His life) from Me, but I lay it down.

The Good News is that Jesus feels that way about you as well. "Aren't you glad that Jesus is Liberal?

What other ways do you see Jesus being liberal? I would love to hear from you.

My Introduction to the Blogosphere!

Here are some things I am discovering about the world of blogging!

• It is something I should have been involved with sooner! (not because my life or thoughts are interesting and important but it is a healthy discipline for me as a pastor) John Piper writes there are 6 reasons pastors should blog!

http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1156_6_reasons_pastors_should_blog/

• I enjoy reading what's going on in the world of other friends and acquaintances. Many of the blogs I follow are fellow ministers.


• Reading is one of the best ways to gain knowledge.


• I am discovering many blogs contain sermon fodder with stories, illustrations, quotes and etc.


• It is a good way to keep up with people from all over the world(literally).


• There are common issues facing all of us and opinions vary tremendously. It is helpful to hear how people view these issues. (often times different than I do)


• It is a good way to journal and also to vent.
• Thank the Lord it is easy to edit your post!

I want to encourage you to check out my blog list. What blogs do you follow? Email me some of your favorite blogs especially your own. You can contact me by going to my profile.

I close with one of my favorite quotes by Jimmy Stewart from his movie "HARVEY"!

"Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, "In this world, Elwood, you must be," - she always called me Elwood - "In this world, you must be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant." Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me."

My Girls!

Will this election please!! come to an end?

I have an idea many of you feel the same way I do about the present election and the campaigns that seemingly have been going on since George W began his last term. We have been inundated with piles of minutia concerning each candidate. I realize the importance of voting and the privilege we have in the good ole USA of casting a ballot. However, while repitition has proven to be a good teacher it can quickly become monotonous. These campaigns have done just that to the point someone yesterday suggested campaigns be limited to 6 months prior to the election. I would cast a vote for that! I am reminded that no matter who is elected they cannot remove the LORD JESUS CHRIST from the throne. He Still REIGNS! Amen and Amen!!!!