CaseyJones1979

Preaching Opportunities

2011-04-17T22:57:00.003-05:00

I just want to give praise to the Lord for being able to fill pulpits. I was relieved of my duty of interim pastor at Five Points Baptist Church in Sylacauga after 5 months of service when they called a pastor in February. Since then I have preached once in March, have been booked for all of April and now as of today I am booked for all of May and the first Sunday in June. When I first started preaching I knew that if I had a message to preach that God would put me in a place to serve him. Awhile back I started preaching through 2 Timothy during some supply work and as of last week I picked back up in chapter 2. I finished chapter 2 today and will do 3 on Wednesday evening. Here are the places that I have preached since then, March 6, Ridgeview Baptist Church in Talladega April 3, Ridgeview Baptist in Talladega April 10, Central Baptist Church in Talladega April 17, FBC Tallasahtchie April 24, Ridegview Baptist May 1, Ridgeview Baptist May 8-29, FBC Tallasahtchie Praise the Lord for the work He is doing among His people through His Word.

sorry so long

2011-04-15T08:54:00.000-05:00

I will try to update the blog site more often.

On the verge of Christmas and 2009!

2008-12-23T11:45:00.002-06:00

I know that it has been a couple of months since I have blogged. Just recently at the church I pastor we had an anniversary. It marked 55 years of existence and ministry as a congregation. I have been at this wonderful church for 7 months. When I came here I left Texas with some controversy. Controversy is not always fun but sometimes it is needed. It is needed for all those involved. It can help individuals and churches regroup and hopefully rediscover their God-given mission.

I write this blog thinking about the birth of Jesus and the upcoming New Year. There are two great things about these events. One is that the birth of Jesus was the event that marked human history. It was an important event because God came to earth in the form of a man. Jesus was not just a man, but he was also God in the flesh or in other words he was the God Man. What a great privilege as a preacher of the gospel to be able to tell people about this wonderful Savior who came to bear the sins of the world and to be the God who dwells among us!

The second event is the New Year. It is a good time of year because it is the season for new beginnings. It is a great time to start fresh. It is hard to believe it is 2009 already. I will be 30 years old in about 3 weeks. I hope and pray that with the coming of the new year that myself and the people I pastor will have a fresh and new encounter with God. I pray that we would be drawn to Jesus Christ and become more like him in every way. If we are going to be a congregation that honors Him we must be like him. I hope you and yours have a great 2009!

For God's glory and his fame!

Desiring God National Conference 2008

2008-10-04T21:42:00.002-05:00

I just recently returned from the Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis, MN. This was actually one of the best conferences that I have ever been to. I know this is a lot because I have been to several conferences over the years. The theme of the conference was "The Power of Words and the Wonder of God." As soon as I saw the title through the Desiring God information I received, it struck my attention. I figured since I am a preacher of the gospel that this kind of conference would be good for the soul. Sinclair Ferguson begain the conference with a sermon from James 3:1-12. He preached his sermon dealing with the text and then from the perspective of the whole book and then from the context of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the morning session Bob Kauflin spoke on the subject of "What happens when we sing." The most challenging thing from his discussion was when he said, "It does not matter your style, only that you have a song to sing!" What is our song? In pastoring a church with predominately elderly folks, I wander sometimes do we really know what we are singing? Do we really know what this gospel is that we are proclaiming? I trust we do. Next Mark Driscoll talked on, "Christ controversy, and the cutting edge." He had four points, 1. Feed the sheep, 2. Rebuke the Swine, 3. Shoot the wolves, 4. Bark at the dogs, 5. Pray for the Shepards. This was a very challenging message because as a preacher I sometimes wonder how far I should go or can go. The last evening session was Paul Tripp. His basic message was "I am my greatest communication problem!" How true this is, that we as fallen creatures have this problem in our hearts that only the gospel can redeem. Finally, during the morning session, John Piper talked on is there any eloquence in christianity? He basically said yes, as long as it points someone to Christ and not to us. Preaching from 1 Cor 1:17 and 2:1 he gave several benefits to using eloquence in speaking the gospel.
Perhaps the best thing about the conference is the same thing I find everytime I go to a Desiring God event. It is the hospitality of the staff. These are some of the kindest and most servant hearted people you will meet. When they say that they are there to serve you, they mean it! I look forward to the Desiring God pastors conference in February with Mark Dever, Matt Chandler, Michael Oh, and John Piper. If you are a pastor reading this and you can by any means attend the conference, please pray about going. No matter your theological positions you will be greatly blessed by such a wonderful time in the Lord.

For His Kingdom,
Casey

"The Power of Words and the Wonder of God"

2008-06-30T21:21:00.002-05:00

I trust you are all doing well in the Lord this evening. I cannot believe I have already been at Northside Baptist Church in Talladega for a month. Last week I was talking to a friend about one of my goals at this church. One of my immediate goals is to get to know the folks here and see where they are spiritually. As I told him this goal he told me to go and memorize Proverbs 15:1-2, here is what it says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge but the mouth of fools pour out folly." I hate to admit this, but this evening is the first time I looked at the verse after my friend's suggestion. But as I looked at and just read the verse I was convicted. I was convicted again that as a believer the words of our mouth have the power to heal or the power to kill. They have the power to build up or to destroy. They have the power to bring about life or to bring about death." The question is what do we do with our words. Our we turning away wrath or stirring up anger? I don't know about you, but this breaks my heart. It does to think that sometimes without thinking I may be breaking somebody down. Especially as a pastor leading the flock of God. I am greatful that by God's grace I am not supposed to be perfect. But I do have an example. The example is Jesus and the way he treated the flock of God.

As I am reading this verse I am also reminded of an upcoming conference I will attend later this year. In September I will fly to Minneapolis, MN. The conference is entitled "The power of words and the wonder of God." It is the Desiring God Ministries National Conference. It will have people like John Piper, Sinclair Ferguson, Mark Driscoll, Paul Tripp, and Bob Kauflin. Would you pray for me as I prepare for this conference and learn how I can more effectively build up God's people and most importantly exalt the name of Jesus Christ with my mouth.

Conversation with Dr. David Allen

2008-06-19T21:39:00.003-05:00

I hope you are doing well in the Lord this evening. As most of you know who know me at all know what I do and what I am about. As a Southern Baptist Pastor I attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary from 2003-2006. During that time I made some good friends, I also saw some who for whatever reason or another stop being my friend. However painful that was I am greatful to the Lord for the ones I made. I made some friends like Ben Cole, Madison Grace, Kyle Zuber, BJ Brooks, Sam Stevens, Brett Rogers and tons and tons more. It would be impossible to list everyone of the students God has blessed me with the privilege of meeting.
I have also made friends with some of the professors there. I appreciate so much guys like Drs. Michael Wilson, Calvin Pearson, and Steven Smith. God has used these men in different ways.

There have been times when I have made comments like, "If I had my seminary to do over I would have went to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY." After this evening and just being able to have real meaningful relationships with these professors who are pilgrims on the same journey I see otherwise. Just about an hour ago a professor I never had in class called me. I got to know Dr. David Allen, Dean of the School of Theology just through conversations in passing and going out to lunch, emailing from time to time and the occasional phone conversation. But this evening he called. We talked on the phone for about an hour. I began with telling him how I at random drove by the tattoo parlor in town to see if I could meet somebody. Of course he got a kick out of that. It was just a humbling experience that God would lead him to call and check in to see how I was doing at a new church.

Several years ago I had a pastor friend ask me if I had any life long friends. I have some now who have been my friends for more than ten years now. The Lord truly uses friends for times of encouragement. I just want to say thank you to Dr. Allen for calling and checking in on me. If you need to go to seminary I would highly recommend Southwestern for your education!

Foolish Mistake

2008-06-15T08:55:00.002-05:00

Last night I picked back up a book I started reading awhile back. Have you ever done that start a book only to put it down to move to something else and then discover what a foolish mistake you had made? I do that far too often. I am getting ready to preach in a couple of hours and again started reading a little this morning.

Anyways, this book I picked back up is called The Rare Jewel Of Christian Contentment. It is by a puritan preacher named Jeremiah Burroughs. I remember when I was in Seminary being challenged by one of my professors to just "be content." Contentment is a hard challenge, Burroughs however gives some good reasons why we can be content. I am just in chapter 3 right now page 67. Here is what I read in regard to "The Mystery of Contentment," "A gracious heart can indeed tell how to enjoy God as all in all to him. That is the happiness of heaven to have God to be all in all. The saints in heave do not have houses, and lands, and money, and meat and drink, and clothes; you will say, they do not need them--why not? It is because God is all in all to them immediately. Now while you live in this world, you may come to enjoy much of God, you may have much of heaven, while we live in this life we may come to enjoy much of the every life that is in heaven, what is that but the enjoyment of God to be all in all to us?"

What a challenge this is for us as believers. The real problem with much of Christianity is this, we have a tendancy to love our stuff more than God. We love our friendships, possessions, dreams, visions, etc... more than God! A contented heart should have a heart to love God above everything he or she has. I am challenged by this as I lead a group of people. The cheif end of everything I do as a pastor is not to get the folks to follow me per say, but to more importantly follow Jesus and to fall madly in love with him. The way we begin to do this is through having a contentment in God alone!

A Fresh Start

2008-05-26T12:50:00.002-05:00

I first want to apologize for not blogging more often. It has been too long since I last blogged. I have been getting used to transitioning back into Alabama (God's Country). Yesterday I began preaching at Northside Baptist Church in Talladega, AL. I began with a series called Mission Impossible 3. The series is called M.I. 3 for this reason. There is one mission. The mission is that God is worthy of all worship. It is the mission of the church to have in the core of its D.N.A. a hearty robust passion for this. It is impossible because the church cannot do it alone, but only with God's help. It is called M.I.3 because it will last about 3 weeks. Then I will preach a Father's day sermon and then preach through a book of the Bible. Maybe something like Philippians.

Here recently I have been reading Mark Driscoll's book Confessions of a Reformission Rev. Hard lessons from an emerging missional church. Whether you like Driscoll and the Acts 29 Network or not is irrelevant. But what I have been challenged by the most by Driscoll's is his committment to the mission of the Church. I am floored by the challenges he went through and the many times different people came into his church and tried to keep him from being focused on the mission. Just before I left Corsicana I was visiting for lunch with one of the pastor's of a church in town. The one thing I got from our lunch was an undying committment to the mission of the church.

In my short time as a pastor of a small church with primarily older people and then as an interim pastor, I realized both of these churches had people where everybody had their own agenda. I am not being critical of the church itself, but primarily of the leaders who previously preceded me. As a pastor the danger is I can let things get me distracted from the mission. The mission is that God's name would be proclaimed in Talladega County and then in all the world. The mission is that men and women would be trained in the faith. The mission is that there would be disiciples made and churches planted. But the only way this will happen, is that I must have a clear direction of what the vision is. Lord willingly the Father will give me a plan (i.e. he already has in the BIBLE!) that I will follow unashamedly. If somebody gets mad because I want to be obedient to the plan I cannot be afraid and back down, but I must be willing to stand up and say with authority as the pastor of the church that the mission of the church is the most important and we must go to great costs at seeing it accomplished.

Fundamental Christianity=Fudamental Islam?

2008-04-09T08:51:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone! I trust you are doing well in the Lord today. As I am facing the last day as Interim Pastor, I am kinda glad I am leaving Texas. The reason I am saying this is because every time I read the Baptist Standard newspaper I seem to get mad. This is the state newspaper for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. For those of you who aren't aware... In Texas there are two state Baptist Convention. In my current church I was accused by one man for not being a Texas Baptist since I wasn't partial to the BGCT. Which this idea is preposterous! So, back to my anger issue. The reason I was mad this time and it made me glad to leave Texas and not have to deal with two conventions, is because of an article I read in the current edition of the Baptist Standard. In this current edition, the Standard editor Marv Knox, compares fundamental Christianity (i.e. Conservative Southern Baptists) with Radical Fundamental Islam. As much as I probably wouldnt have like J.Frank Norris and as much as sometimes I wouldnt like Jerry Falwell, is it safe to compare these two men who I still see that they were brothers in the same light as unbeliever? My concern about this is for Texas Baptist life and Southern Baptists everywhere. My concern is when is the name calling going to stop? When are we going to come together for the sake of the glory of Jesus Christ and his fame? Now, I have my standards. After all there is a reason why I told my current congregation that I had problems with BGCT, the Texas Baptist Committed, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. I may say that these people have some issues in their groups and they would say the same about me. But I would not call them an unbeliever! I would not see them in the same light as Fundamental Islam! If everything I read about the New Baptist Covenant were true, then surely they wouldn't do this either.

" The Wardrobe of a New Community."

2008-04-01T09:51:00.002-05:00

This Sunday I will be preaching my last Sunday morning and evening sermons at Westside Baptist Church in Corsicana, TX. I have grown to love the people greatly and will miss them severly. This Sunday morning I will be preaching from Colossians 3:12-14. Paul says, "Put on therefore as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindess, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all these put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony." I am amazed sometimes how that if as the body of Christ we would simply do what God has called us to do as his people that we would not have the strife and friction that comes in the local church. I am also reminded however that just because we are the church does not mean that we will not sin or do things that offend people. But in light of this, I challenge you as I have been challenged in my study of Colossians 3:1-14 that I should Put to death whatever is earthly in me. I should seek the things above where Christ is, set my mind on the things above. I should also put on compassionate hearts, humility, kindness, meekness, and patience. These are hard things but with the power of Jesus Christ I will be able to do this. Pastoring the churches I have for the last two years have really helped develop my patience more. I am not a very patient man, but the Lord is working on me. I am greatful and humbled that He is long suffering.

A New Book

2008-03-31T22:43:00.001-05:00

Today I began a new book. The title of the book is "A Call to Spiritual Reformation." It is by D.A. Carson. The challenge in the book is that the greatest need of the church today is a call to a deeper knowledge of God. Carson challenges us that if we have a deeper knowledge of God that there will be a triple down effect to the other area of our lives. This is a book that will go through the prayers of Paul from the New Testament. It is good stuff so far.

Bible Reading for March 31, 2008

2008-03-31T22:24:00.002-05:00

I got this idea from a friend of mine. He blogs his daily reading activity. He just gives a brief commentary on what he read for that day. I have been using the Robert Murry Mcheyne Bible reading calendar this year. This particular calendar will take you through the New Testament and Psalms twice in a year and the Old Testament once. Today I read Leviticus 2-3, Proverbs 18, John 21, and Colossians 1.

I would have to say that some of the most challenging verses I read today were, Proverbs 18:10, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe." Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." The first thought I have on these Proverbs is with the name of the Lord. This writer says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower," When I think of a tower I think of something like the Eiffel Tower. It is a massive structure. It has a solid foundation. It is very tall. It has something of permanence. It is a fixed structure. It seems like it is almost shakable. But the thing about this tower is that the name of the Lord is a strong tower! So we can have comfort in God's name and trust in him. If we run into a literal tower we will be knocked down. If we run hard enough we will actually get knocked out. But because God's name is a strong tower, if we run into it we will be safe. That is the righteous who run into will be safe. I don't know about you guys today, but I need a steady, safe structure, to guard and protect me. I need someone to help me in my darkest hour and need. Fortunately for us we do have a strong tower in the name of the Lord. We can run into him and be safe.

The other challenging passage out of Proverbs 18 deals with the tongue. Words can kill and words can heal. The question is for us, which will we be? Will we be a unifier or a divider. Will we bring death? Or will we bring life? Someone has said it takes 3 times as many words of encouragement to replace one negative word! I hope that this encourages and challenges you as it does me to live a life that is honoring and glorifying to the Savior Jesus Christ.

A New Beginning

2008-03-26T16:44:00.000-05:00

In a few weeks I will be leaving Texas and heading back to Alabama "God's Country." I have had the privilege of pastoring two churches. Its frustrating for me because I had planned to be at both places longer than I was. There have been times when I wanted to get out of the pastorate all together and do something else. I had to go back during that time to when God called me to pastor and ask myself "why?" When I went back to the reason why I realized that I must depend on God for these issues. It will be interesting to see how God works out this calling. I am excited that when I return home I will be preaching at two different churches that Sunday. One church is a traditional Southern Baptist Church and another church is an idependent non denominational church. The pastor there is a supporter of the Reformed Blacks of America. Which by the way there are Southern Baptists among this group. I have had the privilege of being given a gift by the Lord to get along with all kinds of people. God has truly been gracious to me, I will miss Texas, but look forward to the journey back in God's country in Alabama.

for the sake of the elect.

Adoniram Judson, One of my heroes of the faith

2004-05-25T14:14:00.000-05:00

For those of you who do not know, Adoniram Judson was the first foreign missionary from America. He landed in Burma. He met William Carey and his group on the way over. He went from believing in infant baptism to believers baptism. He had several children that died on the field along with two wives. He was a Calvinist and held to Post-millenism. May this man's legacy live on in the life of America and the around the world. He was truly one of the great men of God who led in the cause of world missions. I salute you mister Judson. I truly hope that when I get to glory we will have great conversations while we worship our Lord.

Reading

2004-05-24T22:11:00.000-05:00

Do you read? I mean of course you probably know how to read. But what do you read? Do you read the latest mystery novel? Or the New York Times #1 best-seller? Or do you read things that will profit your soul? Obviously the greatest book that has ever been written is the Bible hands down. I have read it over and over again. I still read it. Gleaning new truths for my life every time. I began reading books for growth about four years ago. I remember a friend saying I should read Jim Cymbala's "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire." He told me that if I picked it up I would never put down. Sure enough it took me only about two weeks to read that book. That was a mile stone because I HATE reading. I have to make myself read. Just recently I began reading John Piper's "A Godward Life". Towards the end Piper has a section called "The power of books, and how to use them." He describes how he took his staff one weekend and read through the Diary of David Brainerd as edited by Jonathan Edwards. He said that it cause him and his staff to spend a great deal of time in prayer. There have been times were I have had time reading the Bible and then reading a book such as "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer and just wanted to do nothing but pray. It is an awesome thing! Reading things of importance will enhance your spiritual life. When I refer to spiritual life I am meaning if you are a Christian. Read spiritual books written by spiritual people. "Real" spiritual people. Books that are saturated in the Bible. This will be a good investment of your time. You can't lose. So I challenge you today to pick up a good book. If you haven't started you can start with the Bible the greatest book ever written!

Resovled, Never to lose One moment of Time

2004-05-17T02:31:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Edwards said this when he was in his twenties,
"Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way that I can."

The Worst Visit Home Ever!

2004-05-17T01:22:00.000-05:00

This past week I have spent my time back in the beautiful state of Alabama. I usually enjoy going home. Especially visiting some old friends. I mean there are people that a friendship has developed over the last six or seven years! But this visit I did not get to see two of my favorite people at all. I was so disappointed. I mean there is my friend Mike who I have been friends with since '97. I remember the first time I met that guy. He was a bouncer at the Crush in Birmingham. I had not been a believer very long when I ran into him. Mike was trying to keep people off of the stage where the bands would play. I asked him if I could help, he was like sure. Really I was just trying to get these two girls attention that were there. (imagine that!) Then a few weeks later I visited where he went to church. I saw him, I was like dude what are you doing here. Then, it was all she wrote after that. But the funny thing is I called him like ten times last semester and he never returned my calls. I have called him four times this week alone and he did not return my calls. Very depressing. Here I had this friend of a long time not returning my messages. What a shame. Then there is another friend of mine named Michelle. I have gotten to know her over the last three or four years. She is one of the most sweetest girls you would ever meet. I was supposed to see her last night but she wound up not coming over. After I accidently drove all the way to Jacksonville from Oxford, then going back to Dearmanville. That was about an hour of driving. What a bummer! I did hang out with my old roommate Tim and his wife and our buddy Dave some, so that was cool. I cultivated a friendship with a guy named Stephen who I am trying to talk into coming to Southwestern. So my trip home would have been a whole lot better if I would have been able to hang out with Mike and Michelle. Where are you Mike DisSpain??? Where are you Michelle Rait??? Has some alien snatched you two up and taken you away? (like I believe in Aliens) It is kind of like that age old question, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll tootsie pop?" 1, 2, 3, the world may never know! Only God knows what happened to my beloved brother and sister in Christ. I dearly miss their company. Maybe one day we will be reunited this side of heaven!

Believer's Baptism verses Infant Baptism?

2004-05-14T00:21:00.000-05:00

Is there a true Baptism? I mean what is it that cause so much trouble back in the days of our AnaBaptist forefathers? I have heard that there was more martyrs during the AnaBaptist movement than the early church. I was reading an article of retraction on www.apuritansmind.com. The brother said he was formerly a "Reformed Baptist". And that all because of his hermeneutic he had his theology wrong. Does this sound like Augustine anyone? I believe our Presbyterian brother are pretty solid as a whole but I believe they have Baptism wrong. In Mark it says that Jesus went down into the water and was Baptized. In Acts the eunuch was with Philip and saw a river and said "Behold! water What is keeping me from being baptized?" Why is this such a splitting issue? This will be another topic up for study. I will try to bring this up in future articles.

Hangin with Mr. T

2004-05-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

I trust everyone is doing well on this wonderful Friday night. Let me tell you about "Mr. T". His real name is Timothy Hunt Dickinson. I met Tim "Touchdown" Dickinson during the Spring of 2001. I saw this guy walking in the halls of the BCM one faithful January night. He was kinda strange. I just wasn't used to him yet. I got to where I would hang out with a few times. Then in the fall of '01 we got a place at Eagle Point Apartments in Jacksonville. We had some "good times" during those two semesters. We had our head butting moments in our friendship, but it all smoothed out. Tim was one of those dependable guys who would always be there for ya. He always wears a high and tight haircut. He claims I hooked him and his wife up. Melanie lived across the street thats another story. One of my favorite things about Tim was his genuinness. He is a guy with intergrity and character. As Cameron always says, "I appreciate your friendship" This is my tribute to Tim Dickinson. Hey Tim, you know what? They are still out there (P.O.W.s)

The Meaning of the Cross

2004-05-04T15:05:00.000-05:00

Does modern evangelical Christianity have the meaning of the cross right? This is the main issue of a sermon I listened to last night by a preacher by the name of Paul Washer. It was challenging. Many of the things he said were hard to listen to. Most people would have taken the cd out and ripped it apart. But what are we saved from? 1 John 2:2 says that Christ is the propitiation for our sins, not for our sins only but also for the whole world! What does this word propitiation mean? It simple means that Christ became the scapegoat. Because God is a holy and righteous God sin cannot enter into his presence. His purity DEMANDS punishment for the broken law. Because we have all broken the law we must pay for our sin. How does this fit in with evangelism? Most people say well, God loves you! They cram that down someone's throat all day long. I have heard people say, well I knew God always loved me. But this is not the cut and dry issue of salvation. Yes, God loves us. Of course he does. But the issue at hand is what about our problem? When comes to salvation we must understand more than just "I am saved from my sin" According to Washer we need to understand "Saved from what?" This is true. Christ had to die! Otherwise salvation would be impossible. If God did not come and die in our place and bear his own wrath, we would all be going to hell! And that is a clear and simple definition of propitiation. But fortunately we have this simple verse, John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever would believe in him would not perish but have everlasting life." Do you know this truth? Do you really believe this? I mean does it change how you do everything because you have been Justified by Christ? Does knowing this make you fall on your knees and worship God for the work he has done? If it does not, then you have a lot of thinking to do. Who cares about hell? What is hell? Is it real? Yes it is. Hell is basically reserved for those not covered underneath the blood of Christ. Hell is the place where the full force of God's wrath is unleashed on all the impurties of time. This is the crux of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If it were not for his saving grace, we would all be destined for hell. Have you made Jesus your personal Savior? I hope this small post will help you understand the true meaning of your salvation. I think Washer had it right in his sermon. I know this teaching is not politically correct. But you know what? God is not politically correct. Yes, he is love, but he is also, HOlY, JUST, AND RIGHTEOUS. We must never forget these truths about the nature and demeanor of God. If you really understand the power of your salvation please do now. The cross is the greatest thing that has ever happened since peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There is nothing that can compare to its magnitude. I challenge all my brothers and sisters to dwell on the glory of their, justification, election, sanctification and perserverance. Do as 2 Peter 1 challenges us, make your calling and election sure. I mean when is the last time you meditated on what hell really is? I think Washer is right most people do not really understand the purpose of their salvation. Does this mean they are not saved? NO. But they do need to reflect and dwell on the real purpose of the cross. Then we will understand what Jesus really mean when he said in Luke 9:23, Pick up your cross and carry it daily.

Who is Jesus Christ?

2004-04-29T15:34:00.000-05:00

This question, "who is Jesus?" has plagued the minds of people for centuries. For the last 2000 years as a matter of fact. So who is Jesus Christ? Is he just a good man or is he really the Son of God? Jesus himself claimed to be the Son of God. He claimed to be the Messiah. Some groups in the past have denied that Jesus ever said he was the Messiah. Throughout this semester I have been looking through the book of Mark. Mark does something interesting with Jesus compared to what John does. In the opening of John's gospel he comes out in the open and says who Jesus really is. John proclaims that Jesus is none other than God himself in the flesh. Whereas Mark gradually reveals the mystery of Christ. I was sitting at lunch today with some friends and a former professor listening to this conversation. What an interesting event! Is it possible that Mark was just trying to keep his readers attention and then hitting them with the punch at the end? John had a different approach. He thought it best to go ahead and deliver th goods! This sounds like some of our methods of evangelism. Some of us will bust out and tell people "God loves you" or some will say (like me) "you have a problem, sin!" "Different strokes for different folks" I think that is what we can learn from this study. But there is a lot more meat on this theological issue than one mear blog could hold. John said at the end of his gospel that if an attempt was made, all the books in the world could not hold what Jesus did while he was on earth. I am not the New Testament guru or any kind of scholar, but during the next few months I would like to embark on a journey through the gospel of Mark and see what Mark is trying to do with Jesus. This will most definitely be an interesting topic to study. The purpose of the study will be to get a glimpse of the real Jesus who came to save mankind. So, keep coming back to my blog and see the results of this journey through the gospel according to Mark. To the praise and the glory of His grace.

The close of another semester.

2004-04-27T16:08:00.000-05:00

This marks the end of my third semester here at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I arrived here in November of 2002 having no clue of my journey or the lessons that I would learn. In some way these travels have been a continuation of my college years. One lesson that God continues to teach me while I am here is that He is faithful and in control of all things. I am so greatful for this truth. I was listening to a biography on Charles Spurgeon last night, the commentator was talking about Spurgeon's afflictions. He mentioned his bout with depression. Spurgeon observed that it was by the sovereignty of God that brought it. He believed that God used depression in his life to keep him humble. This issue of God's sovereignty is a crucial one to be learned. I have learned it repeatedly during my time here at SWBTS. I am forever greatful to our Father for bringing me here to this wonderful institution. I have roughly four more semesters to go. I am pretty sure that there will be a ton of lessons to be learned. But that is the theme of life. Learning how to perservere through distress. God has promised in 2 Tim 3:12,"All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This is not an opinion but a fact. God disciplines those whom he loves. The great thing about these truths is that their purpose is to make us conformed to the image of Christ Himself. May God keep us all humble before to learn the great lessons that He has to teach us.

For what do you labor?

2004-04-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

These past few days have a bit frustrating. I mean just last night I was at a friend's house crying my eyes to him. I was letting out my frustrations in life. Then we had a sweet time of prayer. Today I attended church with another friend, because I have begun the process of looking for a new church. Both sermons I heard today have been from God himself. This morning's text came from 1 Peter 1:10-12. The pastor was describing how the prophets of old searched for the mysteries of Christ. He eventually reference a passage from Isaiah 55 1-3. I was challenged by the question Isaiah asked his audience. For what do you labor? I begun to examine my life. I saw how I was laboring for a relationship that was only temporal. So many times in my life I leave this focus. My life's labor and work is for one thing only, bringing glory to my God. So I ask the same question that Isaiah did, "for what do you labor?" Are your labors for the temporal things in this life or are they for the eternal in the next. The second thing I was challenged on was tonight. The text was James 2:1-13. Am I a respector of persons? Do looking differently on people based on what they can do for me? Do I judge people because I think I am better than they? If that is the case, then I am in sin. I admit that at times I look down on people. Sometimes I think more highly of myself than I ought. What a horrendous thing in the site of God my Father. Lord, forgive me for sinning against other brothers and sisters. These are two valuable lessons to glean from the truth of God's word. "For what do you labor?" "Are you a respector of persons?" The good thing I am beginning to see from blogging is that I can come here and write about my life. I can write hopefully to an audience who will be challenged to live life for one reason only, to bring glory to God! Is that your purpose in life? I mean is it really? If it is not, then you need to repent my dear brothers and sisters.

Theologian of the year?

2004-04-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

During my senior year of college I won an award. I won the theologian of the year award. It was subtitled something like: for practical interpretation and application of scripture. Why did I win that award you ask? Well, from the years 2000-2002 I started reading. I started reading books that dealt with the things of God. For example, I remember reading "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala. My sunday school teacher let me borrow that book to read. He had said that I would not be able to put it down. And you know, he was right. For one of the few times in my life I enjoyed reading. Later on I would read books that discussed the "TULIP", books on prayer, studying the Bible, books that dealt with practical Christian living. I even got to where I was reading Wayne Grudem's Systematic theology. Eventually, I would start talking to some of my peers about what I was reading. I would ask them what they were studying in the Bible or if they were memorizing Scripture. Sometimes I would hear things like, "Dude you are to theological!" "Quit talking theology" "You need to be more relational and practical not theological" So who is a theologian? I tell you today, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, YOU ARE A THEOLOGIAN!" You may not be an Augustine or Origen. But if you are a child of God you should be studying the things of God. I am tired of hearing people say "don't bore me with your theology" or "Man, you are to deep" I have been challenged by one friend indirectly to "search the depths of Christ" If you want to do this then you are a theologian. Theologian of the year award, huh, I was just trying to grow more in my walk with Christ. Just that plain and simple. Do you want find out who you are in Christ? Then study the concepts involved in salvation. And you will find that that is theology. Do you long to know more about the ends or want to have a hope to endure the end, then study eschatology. If you look at the definition of theology it is simple in itself, the study of God. I had a friend challenge me awhile back. He told me that while I was in seminary that I needed to study more theology. I needed to know why I am a Calvinist. I needed to know where I was in Eschatology. I needed to know how I was going work in a Southern Baptist Church holding to an elder ruled church government. These are not important issues just for Pastors to study. But every child of God if he or she is able should study them. You do not have to go to seminary to read books. There are a ton of books you can pick up. One of my favorite sites is www.cvbbs.com there are some good resources there you can go to. There you have it people. If you are a child of God, "YOU ARE A THEOLOGIAN". Study to show thyself approved as a workman unto God who does not need to be ashamed but rightly handle the word of truth!

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand!

2004-04-24T02:39:00.000-05:00

It is amazing how easily a Christian can be shifted from a high to a low. Today I was having a good day, then boom, one thing happened and changed my attitude. Why is that? Why does this happen. One small minute event changed my perspective on the day. But then through the night one small event changed my feelings again. Its a big roller coaster! What small thing changed how I feel now? Well, it is simple. I took Paul's instruction from Philippians 4:8, when he says basically, "think on whatever is good, pure, holy" What is the good thing I thought about you might ask? Its not a what but a who! That who being none other than Jesus Christ himself. Earlier in the day I learned through my grandmother that some faithful friends of hers out of nowhere gave me some money. Man, that made my day. I have been getting discouraged wondering where money for school was going to come from, knowing that God would provide. Let me tell you something friend, if you do not believe in the Sovereignty of God, start!!! This is a fine example of that underlying truth. God is faithful to the very core of His being. The prophet Jeremiah was flirting with fire when he told God that He had lied to him.
I have not gotten that bold with God. But I do know that every time, every time, God is there. God is there when you think no one else is around. God is there when you think that your faith has failed. Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:13, "Even when we are faithless, he is faithful, because He cannot deny Himself." As I was thinking through the faithfulness of God on the way home tonight, I began to sing/yell the words to "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand" because all else is sinking sand! What a faithful God we serve. He sustains us and keeps us until the very end. What a blessing! What a God! I would like to see any other religion do that. I would like to see any other god do that!

Establishing a new exercise plan

2004-04-22T16:05:00.000-05:00

Last week I started working out for the first time in a couple of months. A good friend of mine told me that the reason I quit for awhile was because of women. I do not know if that is the case, but I do think there is some truth to it. So I started back working out. Here is my plan: I work out five days a week. I do cardio vascular stuff on an elyptical machine for thirty minutes, I lift weights involving two muscles on a three day rotation, and finally I do around fifty leg lifts everyday. I think within that time that I have lost around five pounds already. But I bet if I turn around I will find it. Last semester I developed a similar routine and lost thirty pounds during that time. We shall see what happens this time around. Also I do not sleep as much in class since I have started. That is one thing I am known for around my campus is falling asleep in class. Imagine that a future pastor dozing during some of the most important times in his life. So if you want some pointers in starting a work out plan, it is simple. Ask around and just go do it. I am going to start to apply this to my own personal prayer life. We say we will start next week to exercise or next month. Or we say tomorrow I am going to start praying. When I have more time I am going to start this or that. But bottom line is: don't wait, just do it!

Speed Reading

2004-04-16T20:22:00.000-05:00

Sorry it has been so long that I have written, of course no one knows my address anyways. Not to long ago I picked up a book I have called the Evelyn Wood Seven Day Spead Reading Program. I have read it before trying to learn how to read faster. I read the section called "time your reading speed." To my suprise the average person reads about 250 words per-minute and my speed was at 245. After a few techniques I increased my speed at my estimation to about 900 words a minute. What does that really mean? Well I went from reading about 20 pages an hour to around 80. So after reading a commentary for a class on Jeremiah I am taking I finished reading the book in about a week. It was 784 pages; and I started on page 98! Do I retain what I read? Not most of it. I don't keep what I read at a slow pace, so it really doesn't matter. I am able to read more so that is my goal. If you have any tips on how to read better keep me posted.

My first ever blog

2004-04-10T19:24:00.000-05:00

Hello to the blogging world! This is my first ever blog. I cannot believe I am doing this, but to get in the tradition with some of my good friends, I thought I would give it a shot. Plus it would help me in my limited very limited writing abilities. Is there anyone out there that could disciple me in the ways of blogging? I would like to give an explanation of the title of my blog. I am trying to follow in the ways of some of the great theologians of our time. I guess it was just tradition with them, but I think it is pretty cool. Those theologians would go by their first two initials and their last name. Some that come to mind are: J.I. Packer, R.C. Sproul, C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, E.M. Bounds, and Baptists are endebted to great men like B.H. Carroll. I will tell you a little about myself. I am a 25 year old from the greatest state in the Union, that is Alabama! Actually now I am a Texas citizen. So, if you want to get technical I am from the country of Texas. Yes, I did say country. After all that is the way some Texans see themselves. I hope that my blogs won't bore you too much. Well, that is all for now.