Sermon (video): "The Four Points"

In 1904-1905, God used a man named Evan Roberts in an incredible way to preach a sermon (that came to be called "The Four Points) to spread the fires of revival. Within 6 months, over 100,000 people were saved!

This sermon does not seek to 're-preach' that sermon. It does, however, highlight the 4 main points that Evan Roberts addressed with a desire that the sparks of revival could once again be fanned into a fiery flame that would draw people to God once again.

Sermon (video): "How to Defeat Sexual Temptation" (Genesis 39:1-21)

The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife is a well-known story among Christian's and non-Christians alike. However, God did not simply put that story into the Bible to satisfy our desire for narrative. If we look closely enough, we can see at least 5 action steps that we can take to defeat sexual temptation.

A woman's eyes and a ferocious dog

This morning, I went out for a run and was reminded that a woman's eyes testify to the fact that we live in a broken world.

 

Now that may sound strange until you think about it. My run this morning took place before sunrise. The only light was from the few oncoming cars and the streetlights. I only saw 3 or 4 other folks out on their walks / runs. (You don't realize how desolate a city can be until you go out on a very early morning run.)

 

One of the few folks I saw was a lady out on her run. Typically, runners acknowledge each other. We're a group of folks with a common love for the sport of running so we often feel a kinship with each other ... unless it's a woman who runs into a man she doesn't know early in the morning on a quiet, dark road.

 

As she approached me (we were headed in opposite directions), I looked briefly at her to wave and give a friendly "Good morning." Yet, she did what most women do in that situation ... she refused to look at me. Why? Because (more than likely) she was concerned that I was a man who she didn't know. She assumed that as a man, I was stronger than her. She was also mindful that people who are strong often abuse that strength to hurt others. So, rather than take the chance, she must have felt it was safer for her to simply pass by me without acknowledging my presence.

 

Simply put, strength can be a very frightening thing when it is wielded by someone who cares more for themselves than serving others. It is especially frightening when strength is enjoyed by someone who finds pleasure in hurting others.

 

It is in this way that we are to understand Israel's concern regarding the nuclear talks with Iran. Iran is a brutish nation. Over and over, their leaders have proclaimed their desire to destroy Israel. They have made it clear that they hate Israel and will not stop until it is annihilated.

 

So, Iran's 'heart' is clear. Given the opportunity and power, no one should be shocked if Iran acts on their threats and tries to bring severe harm to Israel. All they lack is the appropriate strength / power to act.

 

Well, enter the U.S. leadership. Our government officials are in talks about providing Iran with the ability to pursue nuclear "strength" for energy purposes (does ANYONE actually believe that is Iran's purpose?!). 

 

So, a brute nation with a heart bent on hurting Israel is in talks with America about developing their strength. Can anyone blame Israel for being concerned? Can anyone blame Israel for doing whatever it can to find out what is going on (including spying) especially since they were not invited to be a part of the 'negotiations?'

 

Oh, one more thing about the female runner this morning ... she had a leash on her right hand and left hand. At the end of each leash were some dogs that looked like they were prepared to tear into anyone who threatened the welfare of their master. If someone sought to harm her, all she would have to say is, "Sic 'em."


With Iran's sadistic heart set on genocide and with her potential to become stronger, I find myself wishing that Israel would "sic 'em."

WBC Marriage Retreat 2015 in photos

Westside Baptist Church hosted a marriage retreat on March 21, 2015. Here are some pictures that highlight the day's events.

This is the schedule of how the day played out.
There were great lectures, hilarious skits, delicious food,
and so much more!

The Welcome Center

These are the door prizes that were handed out. Had a lot of fun with this!

Attendees were asked to submit a picture of their wedding day.
Here are some attendees enjoying the pictures.

Here's Michael and Lesley Herndon getting their picture taken at the 'photo booth.'

Matt and Kim's photo booth picture.

Gary and Linda Wallis (along with some other volunteers) did an incredible job with the skits!!!

Steve and Candice Watters speaking during the second marriage session.

Couples bowing in prayer during the first marriage retreat seminar.

At the conclusion of our time together, married couples prayed together for their marriages.

Steve & Candice Watters with Matt & Kim Ellis

Reflections on Luke 4:42-44

In my Bible reading this morning, I came across a passage that seemed to jump out at me. It's as if God were saying: "Slow down here. These verses have many powerful principles that can help you grow. See how many you can get out of them."

So, here goes...

Luke 4:42-44 (NLT)

"Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, 'I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.' So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues throughout Judea."

1. Jesus didn't stay in bed long after other people got their day started, at least on this morning. He rose early (possibly long before sunrise).
2. He recognized the benefit of solitude. He went to a place where he could be alone. Possibly He spent that time in reflection and prayer.
3. Often, what we need and what we get will be two different things. Jesus needed time alone but the people wouldn't give it to Him.
4. God does not often speak through the masses. The crowd "begged" Him to stay with them. Yet, Jesus' response makes it clear that He did not believe they were speaking for God.
5. If we were to speculate on the motives of the crowd, we may come to assume that they were selfishly motivated. They wanted Jesus to stay not because of who He was but because of what He could do for them. Humanity has not changed.
6. Jesus didn't mind telling the people that He could not meet their expectations. They wanted Him to stay but He had a mandate that wouldn't allow Him to comply with their wishes. So, His answer to them was "No."
7. Jesus was about the business of evangelism. He realized that the Gospel was Good News (that mankind can be forgiven and brought into relationship with God) and people needed to hear it. So, he was going to travel to where the people where to tell them about that news. This was why He came to earth.
8. He met the people in their places of worship and throughout the region. This means that He showed up to places of worship to explain how the folks got it wrong.

Enjoying God - what God always intended

Enjoying God has always been the goal of those who followed Him throughout history.

In fact, God made the redeemed human heart to crave what the Greatest Commandment demands in Matthew 22:37-38 (NLT). 37) "Jesus replied, 'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' 38) This is the first and greatest commandment."

Following Jesus was never intended to be a lifeless religion that just gets tacked onto everything else we do in life. Instead, it was made to satisfy our deepest longings. Those who have experienced God have discovered that it can be intoxicating and addictive. We want more!

(And with our enjoyment of God as our passion, we will inevitably love and obey Him. Therefore, our obedience is not out of compulsion or a sense of duty - it's because we WANT to love and obey Him.)

Just listen to the Psalmist in the following 8 verses. As we listen to the prayer of King David, we hear a man who craved for His God unlike so much of the religion we see (and experience within ourselves). This is what God has intended for us to enjoy! And the more we enjoy Him, the more He invites us to enjoy more!

Psalm 63:1-6 (NLT)

1) O God, you are my God;

I earnestly search for you.

My soul thirsts for you;

my whole body longs for you

in this parched and weary land

where there is no water.

2) I have seen you in your sanctuary

and gazed upon your power and glory.

3) Your unfailing love is better than life itself;

how I praise you!

4) I will praise you as long as I live,

lifting up my hands to you in prayer.

5) You satisfy me more than the richest feast.

I will praise you with songs of joy.

6) I lie awake thinking of you,

meditating on you through the night.

7) Because you are my helper,

I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

8) I cling to you;

your strong right hand holds me securely.

Sermon (video): "Forgiveness: Lift Your Anchor and Set Sail" (Colossians 3:12-13)

Nancy Leigh DeMoss has said that forgiveness is the gift that everyone wants to receive but finds hard to give. As a pastor who has counseled many individuals and families in crisis, I believe that she is right. I further believer that our inability to forgive is at the root of much if not most of our problems.

This sermon elaborates on some of the truths embedded in Colossians 3:13 and seeks to point out the following:

1) most of us struggle with forgiving,
2) refusing to forgive is serious and has undesirable, personal consequences, and
3) some helpful principles that can enable us to forgive.