daddy4ms

Introduction: I wanted to title the message today “Stoned” but decided that might have a different meaning.   But the more I studied and prayed the more I realized I was to preach this passage while highlighting the “stones” that we throw at one another in the church.   So, as I mention those I will move a stone from the pile to the steps as a symbol of laying it down instead of continuing to use against brothers and sisters. Review- vs. 54 Who is Stephen?-Ch. 6-Seven chosen including Stephen were to be good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, he was full of faith, Stephen was full of grace and power and was doing great signs and wonders, as Brad said he was the head of the hospitality committee- Religion (law and temple) Now when they heard these things—ground their teeth gnashing the teeth is a sign of hostility and rage [1] Vs. 51-Stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy ...

Introduction: This morning, we continue in 1 Corinthians 12.  We are going to see how Satan, the father of lies, tries to keep the Church from being what Christ intended it to be with two lies.  Paul uses a great analogy for us.  So, before I review previous weeks and we get into these lies, we are going to read together as one voice the first few verses of the passage for today.  So, that we are all using the same translation, I have the words up on the screen.  Please read with me 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. Review : Varieties of gifts, service, activities but same Spirit, Lord, and God who EMPOWERS them all in EVERYONE. Manifestation gifts are for common good.    ...

Currently, I have several books I am reading.  Here are a few quotes from recent chapters: Miracles are associated in the Bible with the prophetic office far more frequently than they are with priests or with kings. The miracles that God worked through prophets were not merely acts of raw power to compel awe. The form of the miracle reinforced the message delivered in the words that the Lord gave his prophets. The message that the Lord conveyed through prophets can be summed up in the contrasting terms prosecution and promise. Contentment trusts God to be God. We don't find our strength in the stuff of the world; we find it in the work of the Spirit. But to be filled with the Spirit and learn this supernatural contentment, we must often be emptied by the Spirit of all else that might satisfy. Fasting from anything is a sign that we are denying "more" and saying "enough." Prayer and fasting are expressions (and embracings) of our weakness and,...

Who is your favorite author?  There are many great authors out there.  I will be sharing over the next several months authors who have helped me grow in grace and the gospel.  I will try and include images of some of my favorite books by them. These will be shared in alphabetical order. Author: Michael Horton

Currently, I am reading two books by Jared C. Wilson.  One is on the Holy Spirit and the other is about the church.  Here are a few quotes from recent chapters I have read: the truth is, God is never silent. the primary way any Christian will participate in a friendship with God is by Bible study and prayer. (Bill is) approaching the Bible not as a religious token of routine affection but as Spiritual food to feed his hunger. Showing you Jesus is what the Holy Spirit is most after in your life. Applying (Scripture) prayerfully is key as well. We have no power in and of ourselves. The power we need to apply God's Word in ways that honor God and magnify Jesus can only come from God himself. It is in prayer that we "tap into" this power. Everybody hungers for community whether they realize it or not. We were made for relationships with God and with other people. Because of sin and the fallenness of the world, however, we are not "discipled" well in ...

Here are some quotes from books I am currently reading: We daily face the temptation of self-worship. the Holy Spirit's purpose is to point our attention continually to Jesus. Regardless of whether you're conscious of the Spirit's work in your life, he is still working. He doesn't need you to help him. He is who he is and he does what he does. The preaching is the steering wheel of the church. Is it enough simply to get sheep in the pasture while leaving them thereafter unfed? Gospel-driven preaching that proclaims and exults in the revealing of God's glory in Christ. The point is to point them to he living God in the content and through your passion so that that they might respond to God's good news in worship. for the sermon cannot do any good unless there is a savor of Christ in it. The worship gathering ought to seek to orchestrate an encounter with God, not an experience of him. The worship service is primarily about helping people...

Here are some quotes from books I have been reading over the last few weeks: "The natural realm and the spiritual realm exist side by side, and we interact with both every day." "More than the gifts the Holy Spirit brings, I want you to know the amazing person of the Holy Spirit! Fellowship, communion, and intimacy--in other words, the friendship--with the Holy Spirit is the greatest blessing of all." "The Holy Spirit causes the process that Jesus referred to as "being born again," and the Holy Spirit seals those who are born again to ensure they stand blameless before God at the end of the their days, and the Holy Spirit sustains those who are born again every millisecond between those two moments." "If we want to participate in the truly supernatural life in this earthly world, we have to stop looking for earthly solutions to our problems." "What are the signs that a genuine move of God is taking place? What, in ...

Each year, my Christmas list includes lots of books.  So, at the start of each year, I like to share the new books that I received.  Here is one of my new books for 2019:

There will always be issues that threaten our unity. Acts 15 Clear theological issues were at stake. (15:1) There was a willingness to engage in a difficult conversation.  They recognized that God was doing something new. (Vs. 7-11) They were guided by clear biblical understandings.  “We can seriously misunderstand God’s activities in the past and present if we do not carefully examine the Scriptures.” (Geddert) They practiced both grace and truth. (Vs. 19) They affirmed core beliefs and allowed for diversity of expression. “As long as the gospel is not compromised, diversity of expression can be tolerated.” (Darrell Bock, Acts, pg. 508) They arrived at a mutually agreeable solution. “How do we distinguish between the differences which make a difference, and the differences which don’t make a difference?”(N.T. Wright) The text said it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and us not the Holy Spirit and me. (Vs. 28)

For the rest of 2018 and a little of 2019, I will be sharing books I recommend because they are some of my favorites.  New Book Friday will resume later in January. Enjoy!

Today, Hesston MB (the church where I am a pastor) celebrates 40 years of God's faithfulness to her.  Yesterday, we had a celebration during our worship time including recognition of charter members that started the church, pictures and stories over the years, and a potluck meal together.  I am thankful to be serving at Hesston MB and look forward to what God will continue to do in and through Hesston MB over the next 40 years. Happy Anniversary, Hesston MB!

Here are my sermon notes from message today at Hesston MB: A Kid’s Song & Timothy 1 Timothy 4:11-16 Introduction : As I read the passage for the first time, I was reminded of a song that I sang when I was a kid at church.   You may be familiar with this song as well.   It is called “O Be Careful, Little Eyes” (handout). I’m going to sing the 1 st verse and then talk about a few additional lyrics. Just like this song, it seems like Paul is reminding Timothy about some important things related to the church and what Timothy needs to do. Review -Vs. 11 could refer to verses 12-16 or 6-10.   Most commentaries agree that the saying “command and teach these things” refers to what he has previously said but especially on Jesus as Savior. Example (vs. 12, 15) ·          Vs. 12-Why does Paul say “don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young” o    Because Timothy was young-most agree he is in...