Trip to New York, Thanksgiving and UGA victory over GT

Wow alot has been going on since the last blog. Those who follow my twitter or FB have been keeping up. A fast week in NYC for my 50th BDay and a jam packed week back on the job.

Whew I am tired. It seems everything is full speed ahead these days. 5th Sunday night was quick and now we will host the next one in January.

Israel trip dinner scheduled for January and before I know it I will be airborn to Israel. I have my room mate assignment already.

New York was not as I imagined it. In some ways it was tamer. In other ways it was worse. I was suprised to see the large Times Square Church, founded by David Wilkerson. I did not get to attend but saw many as they left.

Saint Paul's House is mission ministry that has existed for 60 years feeding and ministering to the homeless and less fortunate in NYC. Great opportunity to serve them while I was there and deliver a morning message. Thanks to Jonathon Dickson for the invite to Saint Pauls House.

Thanksgiving was extremely tiring as I pulled 1st and 2nd shift. I am getting too old for that. I did not get to spend it with my family.

UGA pulls off a victory over Geoprgia Tech. This has nothing to do with ministry but did lead me in the direction God had for the Sunday Morning Message. Hebrew 12:1-2. May we never forget who we represent and I am not talking about teams here. Football is fun but it means nothing in eternity. However, how we respond says alot about our faith and what we believe.

Thanks to First Perpetual Baptist Church and Pastor Julien Crowe for a great fith Sunday Night Singing.

More later...

NYC there are some signs of Faith.....

Traveling around NYC I found this church not far from the hotel we are staying in. The sign says a lot.

Dr. Graham and Dr. Maxwell together in NYC. One of us is a dummy. Can you guess which one?

One of our new people here at Lakeview, Ed and I got to thinking how many times people get their photo made with a cup in their hand and people laugh at whats in the cup. We wanted to make a statement for the cup.

2 Corinthians 5:17

"If any man be found in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away behold all things become new."

Pastor Appreciation and Pastor's 50 Birthday Celebration

Thanks for the Celebration.

From the Eldest Member to the Youngest Member and all in between.

Sometimes you need a little Blues Brothers

The Christmas Gift - a ministry of Hope - Love - Forgiveness

We had a meeting tonight at Lakeview about a Christmas Ministry that will help people with more than a temporal gift. It will give them the true gift of Christmas. Jesus Christ. This ministry outreach will touch people by supplying the most basic need along with the most important need. For more information email us today at.

1soldierofthecross@gmail.com

Thanks to those who came out to share information and get involved with this worthy ministry.

Debbie Eaves - Visionary of this ministry - Newspring
Matt Beasley - TheLotproject Inc - Newspring
Kerry Bailey - TheLotproject Inc - Newspring
Gary Welch - Soldier of the Cross - Lakeview Baptist
Gina Welch - Soldier of the Cross - Lakeview Baptist
Matt Owens - Soldier of the Cross - Lakeview Baptist

Great round table discussion and ministry helps.

Another meeting to be scheduled soon. If your outreach ministry would like to participate in the collection and donation of good used toys to this outreach please contact us at the email address shown.

Show no fear - Sola Scriptura

Labor of the Field first night.....

The new location on west market street was well received and the parking was better. I don't think there was a single problem last night. Dr. Sam Duncan delivered an outstanding message on Judges 16th Chapter. Samson's story has certainly never been told like that. I loved the application title. "don't let sin make an ass out of you"
if you read the chapter you will get the title. Monday night 7pm at LBC we will be meeting with outreach leaders about the Christmas project for the homeless and needy kids. Hope to see you there.

You can follow my tweets on twitter there is a link on this page.

Until next time....

Show no fear.. Sola Scriptura

Ministry Update - Christmas Project

Monday October 19th at 7pm we will hold a meeting at Lakeview Baptist 1431 Old Trail dr. Anderson, SC, for persons and outreach ministries who want to help with collecting new and used toys for needy and homeless children.

For about 16 years I was associated with A Christmas Project called Officer Mac Toy Telethon. If you were associated with us in the telethon, come out to the meeting. A local teachers aide has started the project. Labor of the Field is getting involved.

For the person who requested information on Tongues

Read carefully and in Context... Study it out..for yourself... Pray and Seek God's guidance... Don't be blown about by every wind or doctrine man wants to pass to you. Sola Scriptura - Let God be TRUE.... John said that we should Know... 1 John

1Co 12:1-30
(1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
(2) Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
(3) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
(4) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
(5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
(6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
(7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
(8) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
(9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
(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:
(11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
(12) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
(13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(14) For the body is not one member, but many.
(15) If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
(16) And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
(17) If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
(18) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
(19) And if they were all one member, where were the body?
(20) But now are they many members, yet but one body.
(21) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
(22) Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
(23) And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
(24) For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
(25) That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
(26) And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
(27) Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
(28) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
(29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
(30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?


To another divers kinds of tongues; whereby such could speak all manner of languages, which they had never learned, understood, and been used to: this Christ promised his disciples, when he sent them into all the world to preach the Gospel, Mar_16:16 and so anticipates an objection they otherwise might have made, how they should be able to preach it to all, so as to be understood, when they were not acquainted with the languages of all nations; an instance of which we have in the apostles on the day of Pentecost, Act_2:4 and which continued many years after with them, and other persons in the churches; see 1Co_13:2.

To another the interpretation of tongues (Languages); one that had this gift, when a discourse was delivered in an unknown tongue (Language unknown to the People), used to stand up and interpret it to the people, without which it could be of no use to them; and sometimes a person was gifted to speak in an unknown tongue, and yet was not capable of interpreting his discourse truly and distinctly in that the people understood: see 1Co_14:13. The rules to be observed in such cases, and by such persons, see in 1Co_14:27.

Study - Learn - Grow

Can God gift a person to speak in a language he does not understand?
God can do anything except Lie and Fail. He can certainly do this. Are people correct in teaching people to speak in "Tongues". I can only speak from experience here. I spent some time in the "Church of God" I know a teaching there that states in it's teachings about this: "Speaking in Tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance" God does not gift people to teach people to speak in a language that God himself is supposed to gift them with in the moment they are to use it. Therefore there are those who claim to be speaking on God's behalf in an unknown tongue that is not of God. Does this thought or experience mean that God in HIS Omniscience, Omnipresence, Omnipotence cannot do this? Certainly not. If GOD chooses to make an Iron Axe head float, split the red sea in half, make a dumb ass speak ( he is still doing this today;), he can certainly gift someone to speak in a language they don't know or understand and use someone that God has gifted with that known language to interpret it for the benefit of the church there. Acts upper room. Many persons from different countries and dialects heard the message that day in their own language - Tongue. end of point. See for yourself from the pages of the Word of God. One thing is a fact. When we see Jesus we are going to realize that we personally were not theologically 100% correct on every theological thought.

Pastor T
Show No Fear - Sola Scriptura

A Study in the Word... a deeper view..... Sola Scriptura..

I have posted this chapter in Leviticus along with the Strongs concordance of the Bible Numbers for each word from the Original Language. This concordance was done with the Original Hebrew Language in which the Old Testament was translated from.
Text used is Textus receptus - the recieved text. The Levitical Law was written by Moses as God gave it.
Remember: Jesus said, "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth form the mouth of God." See the Context in this passage - Chapter and Verse.Mat 4:4 (4) ButG1161 heG3588 answeredG611 and said,G2036 It is written,G1125 ManG444 shall notG3756 liveG2198 byG1909 breadG740 alone,G3441 butG235 byG1909 everyG3956 wordG4487 that proceedethG1607 out ofG1223 the mouthG4750 of God.G2316
HIS WORD IS: Inerrant, Infallible, Inspired word of God. Let God be True....

Sola Scriptura -
Abomination came from these words in the Hebrew... See Chapter and verses that follow

H8581
Hebrew - תּעב
Pronounced in English tâ‛ab / taw-ab'
A primitive root; to loathe, that is, (morally) detest: - (make to be) abhor (-red), (be, commit more, do) abominable (-y), X utterly.

H8441
תּעבה תּועבה
tô‛êbah tô‛êbah
to-ay-baw', to-ay-baw'
Feminine active participle of H8581; properly something disgusting (morally), that is, (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol: - abominable (custom, thing), abomination.
Lev 18:1-30
(1) And the LORDH3068 spakeH1696 untoH413 Moses,H4872 saying,H559
(2) SpeakH1696 untoH413 the childrenH1121 of Israel,H3478 and sayH559 untoH413 them, IH589 am the LORDH3068 your God.H430
(3) After the doingsH4639 of the landH776 of Egypt,H4714 whereinH834 ye dwelt,H3427 shall ye notH3808 do:H6213 and after the doingsH4639 of the landH776 of Canaan,H3667 whitherH834 H8033 IH589 bringH935 you, shall ye notH3808 do:H6213 neitherH3808 shall ye walkH1980 in their ordinances.H2708
(4) Ye shall doH6213 (H853) my judgments,H4941 and keepH8104 mine ordinances,H2708 to walkH1980 therein: IH589 am the LORDH3068 your God.H430
(5) Ye shall therefore keepH8104 (H853) my statutes,H2708 and my judgments:H4941 whichH834 if a manH120 do,H6213 he shall liveH2425 in them: IH589 am the LORD.H3068
(6) NoneH3808 H376 H376 of you shall approachH7126 toH413 anyH3605 that is nearH7607 of kinH1320 to him, to uncoverH1540 their nakedness:H6172 IH589 am the LORD.H3068
(7) The nakednessH6172 of thy father,H1 or the nakednessH6172 of thy mother,H517 shalt thou notH3808 uncover:H1540 sheH1931 is thy mother;H517 thou shalt notH3808 uncoverH1540 her nakedness.H6172
(8) The nakednessH6172 of thy father'sH1 wifeH802 shalt thou notH3808 uncover:H1540 itH1931 is thy father'sH1 nakedness.H6172
(9) The nakednessH6172 of thy sister,H269 the daughterH1323 of thy father,H1 orH176 daughterH1323 of thy mother,H517 whether she be bornH4138 at home,H1004 orH176 bornH4138 abroad,H2351 even their nakednessH6172 thou shalt notH3808 uncover.H1540
(10) The nakednessH6172 of thy son'sH1121 daughter,H1323 orH176 of thy daughter'sH1323 daughter,H1323 even their nakednessH6172 thou shalt notH3808 uncover:H1540 forH3588 theirsH2007 is thine own nakedness.H6172
(11) The nakednessH6172 of thy father'sH1 wife'sH802 daughter,H1323 begottenH4138 of thy father,H1 sheH1931 is thy sister,H269 thou shalt notH3808 uncoverH1540 her nakedness.H6172
(12) Thou shalt notH3808 uncoverH1540 the nakednessH6172 of thy father'sH1 sister:H269 sheH1931 is thy father'sH1 near kinswoman.H7607
(13) Thou shalt notH3808 uncoverH1540 the nakednessH6172 of thy mother'sH517 sister:H269 forH3588 sheH1931 is thy mother'sH517 near kinswoman.H7607
(14) Thou shalt notH3808 uncoverH1540 the nakednessH6172 of thy father'sH1 brother,H251 thou shalt notH3808 approachH7126 toH413 his wife:H802 sheH1931 is thine aunt.H1733
(15) Thou shalt notH3808 uncoverH1540 the nakednessH6172 of thy daughter in law:H3618 sheH1931 is thy son'sH1121 wife;H802 thou shalt notH3808 uncoverH1540 her nakedness.H6172
(16) Thou shalt notH3808 uncoverH1540 the nakednessH6172 of thy brother'sH251 wife:H802 itH1931 is thy brother'sH251 nakedness.H6172
(17) Thou shalt notH3808 uncoverH1540 the nakednessH6172 of a womanH802 and her daughter,H1323 neitherH3808 shalt thou takeH3947 (H853) her son'sH1121 daughter,H1323 or her daughter'sH1323 daughter,H1323 to uncoverH1540 her nakedness;H6172 for theyH2007 are her near kinswomen:H7608 itH1931 is wickedness.H2154
(18) NeitherH3808 shalt thou takeH3947 a wifeH802 toH413 her sister,H269 to vexH6887 her, to uncoverH1540 her nakedness,H6172 besideH5921 the other in her lifeH2416 time.
(19) Also thou shalt notH3808 approachH7126 untoH413 a womanH802 to uncoverH1540 her nakedness,H6172 as long as she is put apartH5079 for her uncleanness.H2932
(20) Moreover thou shalt notH3808 lie carnallyH5414 H7903 H2233 withH413 thy neighbour'sH5997 wife,H802 to defileH2930 thyself with her.
(21) And thou shalt notH3808 letH5414 any of thy seedH4480 H2233 pass throughH5674 the fire to Molech,H4432 neitherH3808 shalt thou profaneH2490 (H853) the nameH8034 of thy God:H430 IH589 am the LORD.H3068
(22) Thou shalt notH3808 lieH7901 withH854 mankind,H2145 as withH4904 womankind:H802 itH1931 is abomination.H8441
(23) NeitherH3808 shalt thou lieH5414 H7903 with anyH3605 beastH929 to defileH2930 thyself therewith: neitherH3808 shall any womanH802 standH5975 beforeH6440 a beastH929 to lie downH7250 thereto: itH1931 is confusion.H8397
(24) Defile not ye yourselvesH2930 H408 in anyH3605 of these things:H428 forH3588 in allH3605 theseH428 the nationsH1471 are defiledH2930 whichH834 IH589 cast outH7971 beforeH4480 H6440 you:
(25) And the landH776 is defiled:H2930 therefore I do visitH6485 the iniquityH5771 thereof uponH5921 it, and the landH776 itself vomiteth outH6958 (H853) her inhabitants.H3427
(26) YeH859 shall therefore keepH8104 (H853) my statutesH2708 and my judgments,H4941 and shall notH3808 commitH6213 any of theseH4480 H3605 H428 abominations;H8441 neither any of your own nation,H249 nor any strangerH1616 that sojournethH1481 amongH8432 you:
(27) (ForH3588 (H853) allH3605 theseH411 abominationsH8441 have the menH376 of the landH776 done,H6213 whichH834 were beforeH6440 you, and the landH776 is defiled;)H2930
(28) That the landH776 spue not you outH6958 H3808 (H853) also, when ye defileH2930 it, asH834 it spued outH6958 (H853) the nationsH1471 thatH834 were beforeH6440 you.
(29) ForH3588 whosoeverH3605 H834 shall commitH6213 anyH4480 H3605 of theseH428 abominations,H8441 even the soulsH5315 that commitH6213 them shall be cut offH3772 from amongH4480 H7130 their people.H5971
(30) Therefore shall ye keepH8104 (H853) mine ordinance,H4931 that ye commit notH6213 H1115 any one of these abominable customs,H4480 H2708 H8441 whichH834 were committedH6213 beforeH6440 you, and that ye defile not yourselvesH2930 H3808 therein: IH589 am the LORDH3068 your God.H430

Heaven and Earth shall pass away but God's Word stands forever..
Mat 24:35(35) HeavenG3772 andG2532 earthG1093 shall pass away,G3928 butG1161 myG3450 wordsG3056 shall notG3364 pass away.G3928

Pastor T

Show No Fear - Sola Scriptura....

Bible Study Topic this week as we study 1 John

1Jn 1:1-4
(1) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
(2) (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
(3) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
(4) And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

Remember to read the Bible in its context......

In the last few days I have been approached by persons seeking what Hod says about certain issues. They always ask me, Pastor what does the bible say about... I believe that I can give you scripture reference but you need to read and study it for yourself. Their is no benefit to you being convicted by mans words but there is eternal benefit to conviction by Gods word. When you read John 3:16 its important to you to understand what it means. When you read Leviticus please take the time to understand who God is talking to, the circumstances surrounding his revelation to them and how they reacted. Then look at it from today. Again the Great Questions remain. Does Gods word mean what is says or says what it means? and What does it mean to me. Follow Rules 1. and 2.. Rule 1: There is a God. 2. You ain't him!

Here is some info to clear and help those working on what abomination is in the Bible. Hope it helps.

Strongs exhaustive concordance of the Bible says:

AbominationABOMINA'TION, n. 1. Extreme hatred; detestation.
2. The object of detestation, a common signification in scripture.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord. Prov 15.
3. Hence, defilement, pollution, in a physical sense, or evil doctrines and practices, which are moral defilements, idols and idolatry, are called abominations. The Jews were an abomination to the Egyptians; and the sacred animals of the Egyptians were an abomination to the Jews. The Roman army is called the abomination of desolation. Mat 24:13. In short, whatever is an object of extreme hatred, is called an abomination.


Found in Leviticus at:

Lev 18:6-18(6) None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.(7) The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.(8) The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness.(9) The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover.(10) The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. (11) The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.(12) Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman.(13) Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman.(14) Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt.(15) Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness.(16) Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness.(17) Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness.(18) Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time.

Lev 18:20(20) Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her.

Lev 18:22-23(22) Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.(23) Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.

Show No Fear - Sola Scriptura

Events of the last few days.....

Great Homecoming service last Sunday.
Singers were awesome and people were blessed.
Thanks to all the cooks and persons who helped with the program.

Monday I was under the weather a bit. Bronchitis from hanging out in the Rain probably. feeling better today if I can get rid of the cough. NOT the swine flu.

Tuesday Night outreach at Spearmans we had our first descipleship training class. We are watching the Go Fish Series by Andy Stanley, a 6 week study program. Already it is having a great effect. Casey Ayers was invited to our study. Casey was unsure about things and had attempted suicide recently. I was priviledged to lead him to Jesus Christ during our question and answer session after the video. Casey turned out to be the stepson of Willis Ayers. I graduated High School with Willis. He passed away of cancer about three years ago.

Cut loose the Grave Clothes...

Great evening service. Scripture focus was on cutting loose the graveclothes.

I am so tired after preaching that all I want to do is go to bed.

God moved mightly and his word hit the mark as he said it would. The altar filled up.

Jesus commanded those around him, those related to the situation and those that were standing by to go and loose Lazarus from the death clothes. He ordered us who see the dead arise and walk by his power, to loose them and let them Go. No excuses, we have to loose them from what binds them in that dead role and let them Go. Tonight the focus was loose him. This week its let em go. Let them live and move on to the Life HE has in store.

Something to to think about this week as we study and pray.

One God, One Faith, One Baptism.....

Eph 4:4-13
(4) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
(5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
(6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
(7) But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
(8) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
(10) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
(11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Some people read this passage and begin to tie in an Ecumenical theory here. The problem is the don't understand the "One" of Scripture.

One God.

One Singular it's not Plural.

There is one God. Monotheism not Polytheism.

One God who is above all, through all and in you all.

Before you start spouting off there is one God but many roads to him, I remind you of the seven ones Paul speaks of. Also remind you who he was speaking to.
The Christians in Ephesus. Not the pagans in Ephesus or the Philosophers in Ephesus.

Study it out in the context in which it is written.

Tie it into John 14.

In my Fathers house.... Singular

I am.. The Way.. The Truth.. The Life... all singular. One way, one truth, one life.

Show no fear - Sola Scriptura

Answered Prayer....

All Prayer is Answered.

Robert is doing better is the report I get from Lisha.

Tony Harbin however was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Keep him in your prayers.

Aunt Lou got good news this weekas wel as the report is the cancer has not grown any in the last 60 day.

Thank You Lord for your answers,

Keep Praying....

Urgent Prayer Request for Robert Watts, in UAB burn center...

Lisha Watts Maxwell is married to my Cousin Barry. Her brother Robert is severly ill. The last report I have is that his condition is deteriorating. He was transferred to UAB burn center within the last few hours.

Urgent Call for Prayer. Robert is 40 yrs old and married with 4 kids.
If you believe in prayer stop now and pray for him.

Jeremiah 33:3 "Call upon me and I will answer thee and I will show thee great and mighty things." Call upon God and believe in a miracle for Robert.

Show no Fear - Sola Scriptura

Our Father, we know from your word that Miracles happen when we believe, Father we Believe for Robert. As Jesus prayed, if it is possible, take this cup from him, but let not our will be done but your will. We believe you will do that which is right for Robert. Jehovah Jireh our God and Savior. Amen!

new outreach blog

New Outreach blog is upcoming.

Excited about this new opportunity to share Christ with the world through HIS word and testimony of those HE has changed.

Look for it on a computer near you..

Pray hard this week.....

Several important items coming about.

Decisions

Seeking God's will.

Sometimes it is not the hardest thing to do

but to obey......

Lord you are the Potter I am but the clay.

Testimony and Baptism on Sunday

(Photo) Pastor Ely Chano - Manilla Philippenes

Sunday Morning Amanda Wardlaw got baptized. Amanda accepted Christ a week ago at our outreach meeting in Homeland Park. Amanda gave a short testimony before she was baptized about where God brought her from. Her testimony is awesome. We are working on video taping her testimony for play right here on the Pastors Pen and also on our new blogspot that will be presented soon.

Pastor Ely Chano from the Philippenes also was with us to share how God is moving in Manilla. Pastor Ely gave a great message from the book of Daniel.

Another Great and Awesome thing about Sunday was 8 year old McKenzie. She was visiting with us and had her great uncle Brad if he would get me to speak to her. After service we got together on the front pew and she asked if she could get baptized. I asked her why she wanted to get baptized? She blew me away with her answer. She said that last week she came to know something. I ask her what was that something? She said that she knew she was a sinner and needed to get saved and wanted Jesus to come into her heart. We spoke for a few minutes as I explained baptism and what it means.

Needless to say, We are having another baptism Sunday Morning.
Praise the Lord - Amen.

Tuesday night is our outreach Bible Study at Spearmans Garage on US 29. Our fellowship there has grown to about 15 people. There is still room for more.

Friday Night - Labor of the Field 7pm. I will not be there this week as I have another committment. Gray Welch will head up our ministry part in my place.

Continue to pray for our service folks. My nephew Trey is still in Iraq and my neice Jessica is still in Afghanistan. Praying for our military and missionarys should be a daily thing and a constant thing.

Ken Stone is doing better after four bypasses and covets your prayers.
"Aunt Lou" Louise Powell request prayer as her cancer has returned and she is struggling with making some hard decisions.

This week is shaping up to be a very busy one for our ministry as well as for my secular job. I have a big decision coming up as far as the secular job is concerned.

Show no Fear - Sola Scriptura

Then Came the Morning...

Cindy Clark sings with Pastor at our fifth Sunday Night Singing. Hard to believe this is only her third time singing in church and first time before a different congregation.

Great worship service.

God's table...

Have you ever sat and just looked at the dinner table?

As I look at mine I notice that it is void of food and settings.

I think of what God's table must be like.

I picture a large banquet table with all manner of foods and multitudes of people sitting all around it. As I look around I see a setting that is not occupied.
It's then I remember a passage of scripture that says, God does not desire for any to perish but for all to come to salvation. The i realize there is always a place available at the table. There is room for you at HIS table. Are you hungry? Ready to eat? Come to the masters house for he is preparing a supper and he wants you to attend. He has spared no cost. Matter of fact this supper cost heavens best.

"Come and dine the master calleth!"

The Big Deal.....

Our scripture today was in ephesians. I posted it earlier so folks could be prepared for the service. While on "vacation" I read and sought direction for Lakeview Baptist Church. I had to face some strong decisions for the Ministry and this question has been strongly on m mind. Our sermon series is along this question, "Is it Wise?" Everything we do should be focused on Christ. It's all about him and zero about us. We have to be focused toward the end when Christ comes again.

Eph 5:15-17
(15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
(16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
(17) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Having heard people for years ask me as a Pastor, Is this right or wrong? Can I do this or that and make it to Heaven? I have reached the conclusion that we have been asking the wrong questions. People spend so much time trying to figure this out that they over shadow one fact. It may be alright but is it the wise thing to do? I heard Andy Stanley talk about this on a podcast. His reasoning was spot on so I will share the point. In light of your past, history, your present circumstances and your future, family, and hopes. Is this thing the wise thing to do?

I think that question, is a Big DEAL .. and should be asked more often.

Only in wisdom can we walk circumspectly. Only by wisdom can we redeem the time we have left. Therefore we should Analyze, Utilize and Prioritize our walk to make a difference for Christ to those we walk by, with and before.

God help us where we have not been wise.

There are only 4 types of walkers: Wise, Naive, Fools and Mockers.
Our final question tonight was this. Which one are you?

More to come........

Take out your Bible and read these Scriptures..

Eph 5:15-17KJV
(15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
(16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
(17) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Eph 5:15-17 Espanol
(15) Por tanto, tened cuidado cómo andáis; no como insensatos, sino como sabios,
(16) aprovechando bien el tiempo, porque los días son malos.
(17) Así pues, no seáis necios, sino entended cuál es la voluntad del Señor.

What do you see here?
What is God trying to say here?

We will go over this Sunday....

Saturday - back at home..

To be back on the beach.....in the sunshine next time...

Cutting the grass today. Felt more like moving dust around. Highest grass over the ceptic tank... wonder if there is a sermon in that?

After a week of fantastic meals the question for us as well as for the Nobles was.... Where to go for supper? Downer is there won't be charcoal grilled oysters.

Maybe CHINESE?

Man Vs Food.......

Man won..........

Ohh to live at the beach.........

Headin home Friday..... Raining like crazy at Tybee Island.. The place is flooded again. Next time I am going to drive a Duck....

Now to relax a little and prepare to preach Sunday. Supposed to preach at the outreach Friday night if I get back in time.... Barring complications I should make it. .. Back at it again soon.

What If........

■WHAT IF the early church had decided to simply study what Jesus said but not apply it?
■WHAT IF the early church had decided their primary responsibility was to be political, thus organizing protests against the Roman government for occupying their land?
■WHAT IF the early church had decided to yell and scream at the Romans for acting like Romans?
■WHAT IF the early church had decided their primary call was to save the environment rather than the ones living in it?
■WHAT IF the early church had substituted their personal preferences in place of the words of Jesus?

What if?

Savannah Ga.

We have arrived in Savannah Ga. Had lunch at the Pirates House. Found our Hotel and have settled in. Time for a nap before supper. Yes I found Paula Deans place. We will try to eat dinner there tomorrow.

Praise the Lord for HIS will being done. We have been praying for Matt and I attempted to go see him Monday at ACDC but got delayed. It must have been God's intervention as Matt was released and got a job at the Animal Shelter.

Tuesday Night Outreach will carryon in my absence. David Richie will be there at 7pm. Travis Osborne will fill in for me at LBC on Weds. I will be back and preaching at our outreach Friday Night.

Keep on the firing line. Our enemy is not resting.

A few rambling thoughts on the problem with proselytizing within the church

Photo: Dr. Thomas Maxwell and Dr. Ron Lynch. It was Dr. Lynch that Bapized me years ago at the age of 13. It was Mr. Luddy Payne that first witnessed to me the Love of Jesus. He and Sister Payne witnessed Jesus to a lot of mill hill Boys and Girls.

I was approached this week while preparing to leave for vacation with a problem a friend in the Ministry is having with persons proselytizing attendees from a ministry event he has weekly. I prefer to use the term sheep stealer's. It is easier to spell. Plus it is a closer explanation of what is actually going on.

Anytime a ministry begins to be fruitful you find fruit flies hanging around. Fruit flies feed on the fruit you know.

Unfortunately in ministry events it does not take long before someone gets full of themselves and finds or creates opportunities to forward their agenda. This happens especially when people get their eyes off Jesus, fail to be kingdom minded and begin to put their own agenda and self interests ahead of God's.

Most recently their has been some debate as well between folks about the over abundance of music and an absence or downplaying of the importance of the preached word at some events. Also there are these people who want to start a church. Not knowing any other way to get members they try to solicit members from other churches to join theirs. Hence comes the sheep stealing analogy. As is always the case, some innocent persons get hurt and ministries get hurt.
This is a shame. The basis for outreach ministries is to get the gospel out to the masses. To reach outside the confines of the church building to those outside with the message of Jesus Christ. This is in itself what some say proselytizing is.

Proselyte defined:
1. (intransitive) To encourage or induce people to join a religious movement, political party or other cause or organization.
2. (transitive) To convert (someone) to one’s own faith or beliefs.

The difference between Proselytizing and Evangelism
The Jews were big into proselytes. They were constantly trying to get gentile converts to Judaism. There were righteous proselytes who were gentiles that fully embraced Judaism and were circumcised and proselytes of the gate, who rejected their pagan life and conformed to some of the mosaic law but would not be circumcised.

The difference is Evangelizing witnesses to the faith and allows the person to decide for himself whether to come forward. Jesus of Nazareth spoke to the people wherever they gathered to hear Him. Each individual was free to stay or go, believe or not, and be responsible to God alone for his decision. Jesus told us, Jn 20:21 “As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” Christians are to evangelize as Jesus did, by gently inviting others to become interested in God’s glory through His son.

Dr. Mike Knowles one of my Seminary teachers said, As Baptist we split to start churches instead if seeding them. By this I mean, Instead of persons desiring to leave and start a new work by causing some contention and splitting the church to do it, we should encourage those who wish to start one in a new area by seeding it. Taking some strong members who are firmly established in the Faith and Biblical Doctrine and using them as volunteers to help with starting the new work.

One fact remains. There are certainly enough people out there who do not know Jesus we can reach without trying to re-reach those already in the faith and members of churches.

A person that feels the call to preach must realize the awesome responsibility and preparation needed to carry out the call. Moses was prepared by God in the Wilderness before leading the people of God, the Apostles were chosen by Christ and taught by him for a period of time before set out to preach. The Apostle Paul already one of the brightest of his time had to be taught of Christ prior to beginning ministry. Don't take preaching lighly, God's annointing has to be there and you have to be prepared and proved to effectively. Yes the apostles were perceived to be ignorant and unlearned men. But the people took notice that they had been with Jesus. That means they spent time with the Lord learning and preparing for the ministry assigned them.

2Ti 2:15 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

A man just does not sit up one day and say, I think I will start a church and become a Pastor. God certainly calls a man and he will certainly equip him. However there are qualifications to be met. First and foremost the man has to know Christ as Lord and Savior. Have a relationship with Christ and a calling from him. To feel the leadership of God moving you to the Pastorate or to any Ministry is an awesome feeling.

1Ti 3:1-9 KJV This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (5) (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) (6) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (7) Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (8) Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; (9) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

Gods word is awe inspiring when you get into it.

I certainly wish to assist any man who feels the call of God on his life to preach. I understand the calling, the responsibility to respond and to prepare for ministry. God calls the man and God uses the church to confirm the call.

Join me in praying for this situation. For all the persons involved to keep Christ center and to follow Johns advice. To Decrease that HE may increase. After all we must lift up Jesus. Not ourselves. He said if HE be lifted up HE will draw all persons unto himself.

see ya after vacation....

Friday Night Outreach and Saturday Back to School Blast

Great turnout. Retro-Praise from Georgia played, 9 people came to Jesus. Packed house.

Saturday Back to School Blast was a hit. The Big Island pool jumper was a great hit with the kids and the Adults.

Sunday Morning Sermon = "Rescue Me"

What's in a name?

What's in a name? This is our new Sermon Series on Weds nights. This series is on the names of God. When you start to study the names of God you really begin to understand the Awesomeness if God. I read while in seminary, Ken Hemphill's book on the names of God. I found that it is a good starter book to get you searching.

Reading Wayne Cordiero's new book, 'Leading on empty' I enjoy hearing him preach.

Tuesday Night 7pm Spearmans Garage on US 29. Bible Study.

Wednesday Night we will be having missions night. Supper and then we are going out door to door inviting and passing out flyers for out Back to School Blast.

August 8th 10:30 Back to School Blast. Food - Hotdogs / Hamburgers, Pool and Slide, Horsehoes.

Happy 28th Anniversary

It's been a long time since the day we got married. Dig those hairstyles.

Busy Week....

Mother had Catherization on her Kidney today. Two Stints put in. Remember her in prayer. This Thursday one of our teen members comes home for the first time in a great while. Pray for the family reunion this week. Also for her as God deals with her and family members during this reunion time.

August 8th, Saturday 10am, LBC back to school Blast. Pray for us as we throw this Extra Large Block Party. God use this event to reach people for Christ. Still looking for a band to play Live in the Field.

Friday Outreach: 7pm Cason Dr. Anderson SC. Come bring a friend, worship with us as we reach out to the lost, homeless, drug addicted, Alcohol addicted, outcast and downtrodden. People are being saved every service. 46 so far this year. More every meeting. Pray for us to find a bigger venue. We are maxed out as far as space. Looking for a reasonable place around the Homeland Park area. Also looking forward to expanding the outreach to the westside soon. Already have a Tuesday night meeting at Spearmans Garage on US 29 at 7pm.

Trip to Savannah Ga. coming up. Pray for the Pastor to rest some.

JoBeth's annual photo with Ivan Parker at the Total Praise Quartet Anniversary Singing.

Ivan Parker and Total Praise Concert tonight

Hey ya'll, we are headin out to Southern Weslyan University to see our friends sing.

I am trying to follow the doctors suggestion to slow down and rest some more.

Looking forward to Sunday. Expecting something great from the Lord.

Friday Night...

The friday night outreach program was packed again tonight.
Four professions of Faith made tonight. One guy who came down from Gastonia N.C., homeless and brokenaway from family. He came forward tonight and said he came to the Lord Jesus last week at our outreach program and this week he has been in contact with his family and will be reunited next week. We serve an awesome God.

2Co 5:18-20
(18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
(19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
(20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

August 8th will be our back to school blast at Lakeview. Free games and Hotdogs for all participants while supplies last. August 15th we will be uniting with First Perpetual in canvassing the areas around the Boys Club with back to school supplies and witnessing. Tuesday Night Outreach we will begin the "Go Fish" series with Andy Stanley at our mission location on Hiway 29. Gary Welch, Director of Mens Ministries will be in charge of arrangements for books. See Gary for more information.

Thanks to Jan Slagle, A.J. and U.J, as well as the members of Cross Roads Baptist Church for the nice Get Well cards. Also to Amanda Bowen and Phylis for bringing over supper when I got back from the Hospital.

From the realms of the Universe to the realms of our internal Universe. Our God Reigns......

Share this with folks.....

Check this video out...

Back in the Saddle again..

After a short work week due a stay in the hospital for a suspected heart attack, and a heart Catherization, I am back in the saddle again. Having been sidelined for the last few days. Praise the Lord the Cath was good, no blockages. Symptoms and Blood work indicated minor heart attack. Doc does cath and says he was amazed that there were no blockages and can't explain the blood work results. I advised him, That the results ain't Odd, that's God.

I am preparing to get back to work on Monday. For all those and my Docs who want me to slow down, Don't worry I am going to work in some R&R time this week.

Since the heart cath on Thursday I have to be on light duty for a few days. Still Preached both services Sunday.

Schedule will still be tight through the week. 5 day Work week at AnMed Mon - Fri 8a to 4p, Monday night off, Tuesday outreach bible study 7pm to 9:30, Weds - Bible Study at LBC 7pm, Thursday 7pm Bible College SVBC, Friday 6:30-9:30 Outreach program in Homeland Park Cason Drive, Saturday - Partial Downtime ( Gotta cut the Grass etc.)
Study and prep time for messages as usual through out the week and for Sunday.

Vacation is coming and I will spend a few days in Savannah Ga at the beach or somewhere and do absolutely as little as possible. Ministry opportunities will be taken as presented.

Thanks for the Prayer from Aunt Judy and others who have called, visited etc. According to my nurse I broke the visitation record for Cardiac Stepdown while there as a patient. My last day it seemed about 60 people came to visit. My nurses last words were "go home so you can get some rest".

Good advise for tonight so.... Cya round....

If not, I'll see you in the rapture,

If YOU are ready when it comes.

Prayer Request

Soldiers in Combat zones:

Trey Gump, US Army- Iraq
Jessica Maxwell Clark, US Army National Guard- Afghanistan

Josh Wade, US Army Reserve- Afhanistan as of August 11th

If you have others you would like to add to this list please send name and combat zone. Branch of service to this web site address.

Extremely busy schedule...

Sorry for the long delay in post. Very busy these days.
Outreach on Friday nights has grown so large we are in need of a new building.
Standing room only. Over 40 Salvations to report.

Tuesday Night Bible Study on Hyway 29 is underway again after a few weeks of my absence due to weddings, funerals, revival, Bible School.

Savannah Valley Bible College Classes can be seen on Thursday Nights live at 7pm on the Net. The Basic Bible College Classes are taught. 6th Year classes for Doctoral candidates will not be broadcast.

www.gbt.com

follow the Bible School link. I will be teaching this Thursday night as Dr. Duncan is away preaching Campmeeting.

Happy Fathers Day 2009

Happy Fathers Day to my Dad, James E. Maxwell.
and to all the other Dads out there.

Some dads can do anything. Some can't. My Dad could fix cars, build furniture, fish, garden and just about do anything. I received many of those talents.
My sons say I can rig up anything. I learned the hard way how to improvise, adapt and overcome. There are some Dads that can't do those kind of things but are gifted in other ways. I say to you dads today to chose Christ and witness for him for this more valuable.

An old black spiritual has for a line in it the following truth:
"If you can't preach like Peter, If you can't pray like Paul, Just tell the love of Jesus, and say he died for all."

My sermon for Fathers Day is: "Choosy Fathers Chose Jesus" Joshua 24:14-18
The most important message for Dads today to send out is, "For me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

How choosy are you?

Day three on the Boomerang Express..

Bible lesson on Peters denial of Christ.
I was drafted into teaching the teenage class tonight. We discussed Jesus' discussion with Simon about his upcoming denial.
How Jesus told him that Satan desired to sift him as wheat. That he had prayed to the Father that when he returned to him that he be strengthened and go to the others.
Peter failed the test and denied Christ but returned to him with a repentant heart and God strengthened him. God used Peter even after he failed because he repented. God can use us even though we fail him at times if we repent of our failing and turn to him. The experience will strengthen us and be used by God to draw others to Christ.

All Aboard the Boomerang Express

VBS started off with a bang on Sunday night. Thanks to the effort of our church family. Sets were created and the sanctuary changed into a train depot including a steam locomotive. Thanks to Scott and Cindy for putting in contact with Mark Darwish and friends at Electrolux who graciously made the donation of cardboard boxes which were used to create the sets. Also Mr. & Mrs. Stamps for getting us into the warehouse and helping with the loading of the boxes.Engineering the displays was a group effort. A steam locomotive, ticket booth, light poles, False wall boards, signage and even a kangaroo. The place looks great. Come join us as we explore Australia and Israel during the "Boomerang Express" It all comes back to Jesus.

Revival services went well......

Services went through Friday night but I lost my voice. 1 week with Tab Scarborough and I am sounding like him. Great services.. Thanks to to Willie for the awesome work on the sound system and for all those who came out to worship with us. Little is much when God is in it. The meeting at the meeting which was held at Lou and Perry's:) was one of the greatest portion of the fellowship. We were able to share Christ and share with a few people who were around us listening to the good news of Jesus Christ. Thanks Pastor Scarborough for inviting me to come and preach this week revival. Friday Nights Labor of the Field and Soldiers of the Cross will be back on my schedule starting this week. I won't be able to sing or preach this week but I will be there to share my support and speak one on one as God opens the doors. Saturday 8a.m., brothers meet at LBC to start the great train project. Blueprints are in. We will once again improvise adapt and overcome each challenge facing us as we endeavor to change LBC sanctuary into a train station. Standby for the Boomerang Express. All Aboard....

Praise the Lord for the Revival fire flowing. Message last night: The Reality of Revival. We must experience real Revival from God. Not the fake show kind.

Looking forward to a move of God happening tonight.

Revival at Faith Baptist Church Honea Path

Monday - Friday June 1-5 at 7:30 Nightly

Join us as at Faith Baptist Church for a lively Camp Meeting Revival.
Pastor: Rev. Fred J. "Tab" Scarborough as he holds Revival Services.
Dr. Thomas Maxwell D-Min, will be the guest speaker for this special time.
Pray for us as we seek the annointed messages God has in store for us as we worship together.
A Few Thoughts for the week...
The prescription for revival: 2 Chronicles 7:14
Thank God for the Rooster: Matthew 26;75
3 Things in Hell Every Christian Should Exhibit: Luke 16

 

Dr. Phil Hadley, Judith Hadley Maxwell, Joe Maxwell (Judith's Husband) & Betty Hadley (Phils Wife) at Jean Hadley Graveside in Pine Mountain Ga. "Ma" Hadley is laid to rest next to Charles, and other Hadley family members at Bethany Baptist Church.

Rev. T.P. Hadley & Pastor T

 

Brother T.P. Hadley from Pine Mountain Ga. with Pastor T Performed Graveside service for Jean Hadley. Brother Hadley pastored for 56 years and is still preaching.

A great big THANKS to

Alan Mitchell, JoBeth's brother who has been a great help to me during this busy time. He donated his time, truck and Race Care trailer to get the Tables, Chairs and other equipment needed to set this stuff up. He also volunteered to get this stuff back for me so I could take care of family and be able to assist in Ma Hadley's funeral on Tuesday. Also Gary Welch who is my Mens Ministry Director at Lakeview. He got started with Alan and I early with getting the stuff from NewSpring Church and Tri-County Rental in Easley to the Reception Site. Also all the guys in the wedding party graciously helped us set up and tear down the equipment and get the tables back tp NewSpring Church. Thanks to NewSpring for the use of the tables.

Lee McDermott was great and yes I told him to party like a rock star at the reception. Thanks Lee.

Eric Scott Band was a blast and their playing was off the hook.

Our DJ was great as well.

To all the guest... We hope you enjoyed yourself asbyou truly help make this day special.

Mike Hunt & Jean Hadley graduate to Heaven

For those who attended Josh and Katrina's wedding you heard about the man that cooked the BBQ. Mike Hunt had an apparent stroke on one side of his body. Mike had been fighting brain cancer for quite some time. He got sick friday afternoon and was put in ICU. Mike fought hard against the cancer that had so raked his body. He made the most of every moment. He was excited about the wedding and being there to celebrate and share his talent for making BBQ. Mike was promoted to heaven this afternoon. We celebrate his life tonight and even though friends and family will miss him we realize its only for a short time. Mikes testimony gives us a great reason to rejoice today because Jesus was his savior.

My Aunt Judy's Mother, Jean Hadley, also graduated to Glory last Thursday at 3:30 am. One great comment was made about her time. While people here were saying there she goes, Jesus was saying here she comes. If that don't fire you up and make you shout then your woods wet.

Pray for both families this week. I will be heading to Atlanta for the funeral for Jean "Ma" Hadley. Pray for safe traveling mercy as both families will have persons traveling.

Wedding Day arrived.