One Prayer

I am excited about this prayer event taking place all over the world involving different churches. Lakeview Baptist will be participating in a momentous event called, "One Prayer". In the weekend of June 6&7 services will be dedicated to this program of messages from church leaders from different parts of the world. Starting off with our Message, My One Prayer.. would be: Make us Usable. Thanks to Newspring Church for sharing this information. New Hope Christian Fellowship, Oahu Hawaii, Newspring Church, Lakeview Baptist and other churches Celebrating Jesus Christ in this Prayer for Unity in the body of Christ. More on this event as it comes out.

5th Sunday Night Singing

It is refreshing when the body of Christ gets together. Every 5th Sunday night three churches get together to worship the Lord in song. Photo - Left to Right, Pastor Tommy - Lakeview Baptist (Southern Baptist), Pastor Julian Crowe - First Perpetual ( Independent), Pastor Russell Clark, Macedonia Baptist ( Independent) with Steve and Travis -Associates of First Perpetual. We have gotten together to celebrate 5th Sunday nights for over 3 years now. Although we differ on a few theological points we agree on the Authority, Deity and Power of Jesus Christ. We praise God together and worship as one body in Christ. My thanks to Pastor Russell and Macedonia Baptist Church for hosting the event. Our next 5th Sunday night will be at First Perpetual Baptist Church with Pastor Julian Crowe and his associates Steve and Travis. The singers were great and the fellowship afterwards was priceless.

Soldier's of the Cross

Writing a new sermon series, "Soldier's of the Cross".

The thought is based on what it takes to become a Soldier of the Cross.

The call to arms: the call, responding to the call, reporting in, surrender to the one who called you, following orders.

Basic Training: the breaking time. Preparation for service.

The Attitude of a Soldier: Key to service is attitude. Your attitude determines your outlook.

Your MOS: Missional Operation Specialty. What is your job as a "Soldier of the Cross"? Training to your MOS.

Your Duty Station: Where you want to serve vs where you are sent.

Honorable vs Dishonorable Service: What is your reasonable service? The Rewards of service.

Medal of Honor winners: examples to follow.

Just random thoughts today... gathering it in as God rakes it out.

Semper Fi

Thanks for the lessons learned.

While studying through Proverbs I thought of my teachers that gave me good instruction. I learned something from all of them. These four teachers I have known all my life. ( left to right) Uncle Joe, Aunt Margaret, Dad, Aunt Barbara. They differ in life experiences but have each contributed to the person I am today. I heard Dr. Charles Stanley say once, "Dead noses can smell no roses." Allow me to hand out these roses of thanks to these four life teachers while their noses still work. Thanks for the lessons such as: sharing of yourself and blessings along with the Joy of Georgia Football, the Fox trot and many other dances, my mechanical abilities and bald spot and the ability to not worry about what people say or do and a place to speak my mind when I should have kept my mouth shut. You all know who gets what. Peace and Joy in Christ.

Judging and Discernment

For some time now I have listened to persons describe pastor's and churches as judgemental when in truth they are not judging but are discerning what is Christian and what is just religious.

There is a time when we have to judge things.


Scripture advises us to judge rightly and we are told to use caution in any judgement for the same judgement will be used on us.


In Truth the two are about the same.


There are times when as a pastor you speak to persons about your observations and they tell you that you are judging them. I try to explain it is not judgement but discernment as God has enabled. I can look at a pecan tree and see pecans on it I know that is a pecan tree. I never look at a pecan tree and expect to see oranges to be on it. If I see oranges on a tree I know it is an orange tree. Therefore, when I see a person whose fruit is different from what they are supposed to be I know they are not the tree they say they are or they have grafted in an unnatural graft that needs to be trimmed off.


The Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthian Church in reference to the man who was sleeping with his fathers wife. He was certainly judging the situation when he advised them to excommunicate the man from fellowship. This was not done to harm the man but to help him see his error and repent - turn away from his sin and be restored to a right fellowship.


Another observation of is that, the only persons that are constantly worried about a judge are guilty people. Because they are in danger of judgement.


Scripture advises us that our spirit should bear witness with those who are of Christ. Therefore should it not also bear witness of those who aren't of Christ.


As church leaders we are called to take positions against things that are not theologically correct.

Any doctrine, preaching, teaching etc., that is not bible based and does not line up with the word of God is theologically incorrect. We have to take a stand at times. I was reading Chris Elrod's blog the other day and saw where Compass Point was having to take a stand against the emergent church. I found it refreshing that he stood up against the heretical doctrines found in the emergent church movement. I was moved with the compassion he has for the Truth and in his defense against being compared and linked with the emergent church movement. I agree, we are not going to be held accountable for those ministries and ministers who are in the emergent church movement. But we are going to be held for what we preach, teach and allow to pass as doctrine to the flock we have been called to lead.


The Word of God brings discernment.
Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.


Check out the Greek word for Discern

- Diakrisis - a distinguishing, discerning, judging


Discernment is even listed as a Gift.
1Co 12:10
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:


Mt 7:1
Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mt 7:2
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.


Greek word for Judge - Krino
to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose
to approve, esteem, to prefer
to be of opinion, deem, think, to be of opinion
to determine, resolve, decree
to judge
to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong
to be judged, i.e. summoned to trial that one's case may be examined and judgment passed upon it
to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure
of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others
to rule, govern
to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions, because it was the prerogative of kings and rulers to pass judgment
to contend together, of warriors and combatants
to dispute in a forensic sense
to go to law, have suit at law


Righteous Judgement - from Greek word - Dikaiokrisia

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Having said all this I believe we have to discern and make a judgement against the heresy being presented to the world today in the name of Christianity. Therefore you will find that on this blog from time to time it may be necessary to call out against somethings such as the universalism taught by the emerging church crowd, the annihilation teachings of some pseudo Christian movements. As a Shepherd I see these things as wolves and I will take action appropriately.
until next time...

Happy Birthday to my bride of 26 plus years

Happy Birthday to my Wife. She is celebrating her 39th Birthday for the 8th time.
As I was sitting in my office working away I get a phone call from my wife. She is inviting me up to her floor to eat lunch. She adds to the conversation, Today's my birthday and you have not said happy birthday to me. So I responded, I have not been up to your unit yet, happy birthday. I told her I would see her later and hung up. My Sgt., a female, responds to me in the following manner. " I know you didn't. I said, didn't what? She said, Didn't say happy birthday to your wife like that. She further added the dreaded, What did you get her? To which I replied, Nothing. My Sgt., then advises me to go to the gift shop and get her something no matter what it is, how much it cost, you better get her something nice too. A more stricter Captain would have advised the Sgt. how the rank structure works and went on. However her argument was a valid one. So... I get up and go to the gift shop. Once there I look around to find there is a limited amount of gift ideas there. After all we are a Women and Children's Hospital facility. I find a balloon that has a photo of flowers and the phrase Happy Birthday across it. As I approach the counter to pay and the volunteer lady asked me if I wanted to get something else to go with the Balloon. I responded, No, the balloon should be enough. She immediately began to make suggestions. How about some chocolates. I said, no ma'am, I have been married to her for over 26 years, she would not want chocolates. She is very unusual in that she does not want me spending money like that. The manager of the gift shop, whose husband used to be my Lieutenant before going to the Police Department, came and advised me to get something. She asked if my wife liked to read. I said yes but the author she reads after probably is not on your lists. She insist I go look. I did and the first book I saw was written by Rev. Tony Evans. The title was, "The woman's place in the Home." I picked it up and read the content. Here it is: How to Seduce your husband. How to be subjective to your husband. How to please your husband. I had a thought, Man, that is the perfect gift for my wife. I went back to the counter and placed the book on the top counter and said, I think I'll get her this one. The volunteer picked up the book read the title, read the back panel and let out a little sound. I am not sure what it was, but it was not an approving one. The book was shown to the manager. She read the cover, looked at the back and suggested I get something else. So...... I got the balloon and a roll of Lifesavers gummies. Proud of myself I went upstairs to have lunch with my wife and give her the balloon and the roll of lifesavers. (I used them as a counterweight for the balloon, functional and tasty). The ladies at the desk were oohing. I went back to where she was and one of the other workers saw the balloon and said, How Sweet. My wife saw the balloon and said, Lifesavers, why didn't you get chocolate... Oh well, what do I know anyway. At least I got the date right. I can here dear ole Sister Walls now saying...."Lord Bless"

old blogs on new site

I have copied and pasted here some of the comments from my first blog attempt..

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Praise the Lord in ALL things
Have you ever had one of those days when no matter how hard you try you seem to always be behind? Today was one of those days. As a Bi-Vocational Pastor of a small church, every day kinda of starts off the same way. Hurry to get ready, hurry to get out the door. Get out to the truck and realize you left something inside and back in you go. I did that twice today. Having a funeral at 11am makes for a tight morning schedule. As I was preparing my morning ritual of running out the door to the truck, unlocking and getting things stored in the cab, I realized I had a thick layer of frost on the windshield. So I toss some items into the cab, place my Medic Bag on the tool box while I jump on the skid rail to scrape off the ice with my ID tag for work. Both sides have to be done so I run around to the passenger side and open the door, jumping on and off the skid rail like a mad man. I Look at my watch. If I hurry I can get to work barely on time. Off I go to make it to the office by 8am. Its now 7:40. Thank God it's spring break. So the traffic will be a little lighter. I Jump into the truck and take off for the office. I get there with no time to spare, it is now 8am. I get into my office and realize I have to take a new trainee to the Medical Center for A health Nurse appointment and then to the Police department to get his fingerprint card done. I decide we will go to the PD first, it is now 8:40. We get downtown and the time wears down as we get to see the desk Sgt. Praise the Lord he is not busy. We get the finger print cards done. It is now 9:15am. I advise my trainee that I have to leave the office by 10am to make to a funeral at 11am in another town. Now that we are finished at the PD we head toward the Medical Center. I get him into the building and up to the health nurse. Just as he goes in to see the nurse my insulin pump sounds off that it is empty. It is at that exact moment that I remember I left my medic bag on the tool box on the back of my truck. That's when the panic feeling strikes in. I forget about the trainee as he is big enough to take care of himself and I head out to the truck. All the while praying its still sitting on the tool box after that 25 mile trek around this morning. God if is trying to tell me to slow down. I get to the truck and the bag is not on the toolbox. I walk around and look into the bed of the truck. Nothing there. As I walk around I notice that the bag is wedged up under the tool box. God is good and all is right in the universe. Whew, that bag is very valuable and to have lost it would have been an expense I do not need. I go back upstairs and find my trainee is finished and looking for me. We walk out together and I share with him the story about the medic bag. We head back to my office. It is now 9:40. We get back to the office and I prepare to leave for the funeral. I get a phone call as I prepare to leave. Minor problem but still time consuming. I get to leave the office at 10:10. Still have to get to the church in time to warm up and prepare to play. I decide to go the interstate as it will be quicker and the traffic moves around pretty good. I merge onto the interstate. I-85 is at its usual quick pace. Time is now 10:20am. Only about 20 miles. I should make it. Traffic moving good. I get behind a slower vehicle and decide to pass it. I do with no problems. Two large 18 wheelers are at my 9 and 11 o'clock positions. A small car is ahead but is running slower in the middle lane. So I can't go to the left. Two trucks are there, I go right as we top the hill. That's when I see him. Trooper at my 1 o'clock. He See's me too. I look at my speed and see I am going about 10 miles over the limit. As I pass him he pulls out, gets into the far left lane. I figure he is going after the two trucks that were on my left side. Nope, he switches back behind me. I have already slowed down so I watch him as he pulls up and turns on blue lights. I pull over and I want to give him a large safety zone between him and the interstate so I pull well off the apron onto the grass along side the gully. He walks up behind the truck, felony style, stumbles through the debris in the gully and approaches the passenger side. I let down the window and give him the paperwork normally asked for in advance. He asked me if I knew what the speed limit was on this stretch of road was. I answered, 65 or 70. He asked was my speedometer working. I replied as far as I know. I bought the truck used and believe everything works properly. I advised him I was headed to a funeral and was to be there at 11am. He walks away after looking through my seats at my Bibles, Trumpet case and other items sitting on the seat. Time is now 10:35am. He returns advises me He is giving me a break and charging me with 9miles over the limit and not 10 as well as 2 points instead of 4 points. Tells me I can send in my $75.00 fine by Email or go to the courthouse and pay it there. Or wait till the day of the trial and settle it there. He warns me about the roadside condition and stumbles back across the ditch material to his cruiser. He was a very kind and professional Trooper. I can't argue or complain I was speeding and I understand the right of prosecution rule. I was the one he could stop the easiest so he picked my truck out of the crowd. No it is 10:42. I still have to get down the road. I did ask him which exit would be the closest to where I was going. He suggested one but with the point, I don't know much about the area. I head out and get to the exit with only 4 miles left. I am thinking about the morning, the stop, how to pay the fine and a thousand other things. I get to the church with 5 minutes to spare. As I get to the building doorway the funeral director meets me. Cutting it close, huh pastor. I shake his hand and agree. He gives me a program and advised me I was to play the trumpet after the processional. Nothing like knowing you are up first. I get inside with my trumpet and get the pastor to show me to a little room I can spend two minutes warming up in. I do so with a couple of extra minutes given as I realize my watch is 7 minutes fast. The funeral starts, the family files in. I realize after all my rushing around I did not get a sip of water. My mouth is as dry as sand. That's not a good thing for a brass instrument player. You need a little moisture to help the notes come out. The processional stops. It's my turn. I get up and start to play, Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound. I do two rounds of it and sit down. Worst I have ever played. The service goes on and we begin to leave the church. I get to speak to a couple of persons and head out to my truck. As I am sitting in the cab of it, still wondering how I am going to explain all of this and pay the $75.00 fine. I reach into my coat pocket and feel the program. I pull it out to find it is an envelope instead. I open it up and there is a check from the mortuary in the amount of $75.00. God has humbled me, slowed me down, and supplied my need. All at the same time. Praise the Lord in All things.
Posted by PastorT at 5:27 PM 0 comments
Monday, March 24, 2008

Late Night Thoughts
Sitting in my study trying to prepare for a funeral service for an members mother, Mary Ann Dobbins, an 84 year old, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grand Mother.The family requested I play Amazing Grace at the funeral on my trumpet. It's been a long time since I played the trumpet and honestly I am a little rusty. As I sit here and think about her life and family I realized that she is experiencing what John Newton was trying to elaborate on in his hymn. The Amazing Grace of God. She experienced the Mercy of God when she accepted Christ as her Savior and the penalty of sin was taken care of. For the Mercy of God is that we don't get what we deserve, as in the wages of sin which is death, but we receive the Grace of God in that we get better than we could ever have imagined. Today Mary Ann Dobbins is in the presence of Jesus Christ and has been reunited with those loved ones already there. Today she can really sing that song. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found was blind but now I see. The thought of what she is experiencing makes me a little envious of her.
Posted by PastorT at 11:24 PM 0 comments

Unleash 2008 Newspring CC
I attended the unleash conference at Newspring CC. This was my second year. To borrow from some of the younger pastors in attendance, It was off the Hook. Thanks to the Newspring Staff and the volunteers that appeared to be everywhere with anything you needed.If you are interested in the event check out their website at Newspring .CCI asked the executive assistant about getting the conference on the web so others who cannot make it could benefit from it. As I checked out the page I found they had in out and ready to play. Great response.More later this blogging thing is great.
Posted by PastorT at 11:13 PM 0 comments

You can teach an old Salt new tricks
blogging seems easy but is a challenge. Lets see how it comes out.
Posted by PastorT at 10:56 PM 0 comments

Truth decay

There seems to be a growing problem today with Truth Decay. Like it's dental look alike, Tooth Decay, Truth Decay can be devastating. Any deviation from the Truth of God is a lie. As Southern Baptist we have finally gotten past the debates on the Scriptures. We have stated, what should have been a set fact for years, that the bible is the Inerrant, Infallible, Inspired word of God. Now we are involved in problems with people leaving established churches for new starts, the new reformation movement and the battle for "Relevancy". As for persons leaving established churches for new starts. I believe we ought to start new churches to reach the lost, I believe we have persons in our established churches that can be used to seed a new church. However there is a problem when person get mad at their church because a vote did not go their way or they are upset with another family, person and go out to start a church so they can have their own way. I call this Burger King religion. All they really want is to have it their way. Some have been stuck on the mathematics of church. Here's why, Baptist for years have been lousy at multiplication. But good at division. All the while wondering why God won't add to the church and then worry why some persons are subtracting themselves from it. I heard a preacher from Arizona the other day on his web site, video thing, bashing a church here in Anderson. The guy went on for sometime criticizing this church for having satanic symbols on the stage, a video game outside in the lobby and the music played. He made several references to the church here while preaching. He spent more time bashing the church than preaching the gospel. I understand the need to take a stand on scripture. I understand the need to defend doctrine. I believe we have to take a stand against the cults and false religions of our day and present the truth of God to a confused and disordered society. But to crush a ministry of Christ because we don't like the music or the way persons dress is just plain wrong. I remember when I was ordained into the ministry, my Pastor charged me from Paul's letter to Timothy. He reminded me to, Preach "The Word". Not opinion, conjecture, supposition, the latest thoughts of Doctor So and So, but to preach "The Word". Seems to me if we spend our time doing that and less time trying to sound super religious, our churches would experience growth. Personnaly I can't spend my time judging another church, that is a job for Christ, I need to spend it doing what God called me to do. Preach the Word. You can be assured it will be instant, in season and will rebuke those who need rebuking, exhort the church and edify Christ. Another scripture comes to mind to support this statement. Sanctify them through thy Truth, for thy word is TRUTH. John 14:6 Jesus said "I am, The Way, The Truth and The Life and no man comes to the father except by me." No where in there did I read through my opinion, your opinion. But simply by the Truth which is Jesus Christ..... More Later,

on your mark get set blog

Trying out something new is an adventure. I am trying to create a usefull tool in this blog. Amamzing things, blogs are. Their purposes are many. I hope this one has a point to it.