Yesterday was a wonderful day at Emmanuel. We were blessed to see Kerri follow in believer's baptism after trusting Christ as her Savior just 2 weeks ago! In addition, last week, we celebrated the addition of two new families to our EBC family - Bill & Jody, and Lori & her 2 daughters.
Yesterday's message was the first in a three-part series on biblical principles for handling personal finances. I'm drawing information from various authors including Ron Blue, Larry Burkett, and Dave Ramsey. These men understand that handling money is a spiritual activity and they give some wonderful financial principles derived from the Scriptures.
Our church, as most churches, has been hit by the downturn in our economy over the past few years. While our giving is strong, individual families are hurting. This series is designed to make sure we are wise stewards (asset managers) of the resources that God entrusts to us. God has promised to bless us with much, if we prove ourselves to be faithful with the little. We'll have two more weeks in this very practical series.
Last night, I shared from my heart the concerns I have as a pastor seeing people professing with their mouths to know God, but in works denying Him. Based on what the Bible teaches, there are many who claim to be saved, but they won't be in Heaven. (See Titus 1:16, and Matt 7:22-23)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Emmanuel Bible Insitute
Emmanuel Baptist Church brings another first to Hartsville, as it launches the Emmanuel Bible Institute. In 1963, Emmanuel Baptist Christian Day School was birthed. Forty-eight years later, ECS is still going strong and remains an academic leader in Darlington County. This fall, Emmanuel started a new arm of its educational ministry as it opened the Emmanuel Bible Institute in an effort to help Christians grow in their relationship with God by gaining biblical knowledge.
Emmanuel Bible Institute (EBI) will focus on teaching the Bible, not denominationalism, so it will be a great educational tool for any individual believer, lay leader, or pastor. Since EBI is web based, the church hopes it will not only benefit people locally, but will also benefit missionaries and national pastors world-wide through the online resources and training. EBI is a professionally-planned, state-of-the-art, online Biblical program that will allow Christ-followers around the world to learn biblical truths at a college level from the comfort of their own home. Each student will be able to study at his personal computer, on his own schedule, and at his own pace using online video, integrated presentations, online and printed curriculum, printable student workbooks, quizzes that are auto-graded online, unit tests, and will eventually include an online bookstore.
The EBI program will consist of three courses of study: Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, and Systematic Theology. Each of the courses will consist of forty-five lessons, broken down into three semesters of fifteen lessons in each. The fee for each semester is $105 or just $7 per lesson. Upon completing all three courses, the student will receive a Certificate in Biblical Studies. After earning the certificate, the student will have the opportunity to take an Institutional Challenge Exam (ICE Exam) at Liberty University or another participating college and may receive up to twenty-four college credits. In addition, accreditation will be pursued through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACCS).
Mr. Robert Johnson, who will soon complete his Ed.D from Liberty University, will serve as the Dean of EBI. Mr. Johnson also teaches Bible classes at Emmanuel Christian School, and will implement the EBI curriculum into the ECS Bible classes in 2012-13. This will mean that ECS students who complete all three EBI courses, could attend a participating Christian college, take an I.C.E. exam and receive up to twenty-four college credits toward Bible or electives.
Those interested in more information, may call the church at (843)332-2271 or visit the EBI website at www.emmanuelbibleinstitute.com.
Emmanuel Bible Institute (EBI) will focus on teaching the Bible, not denominationalism, so it will be a great educational tool for any individual believer, lay leader, or pastor. Since EBI is web based, the church hopes it will not only benefit people locally, but will also benefit missionaries and national pastors world-wide through the online resources and training. EBI is a professionally-planned, state-of-the-art, online Biblical program that will allow Christ-followers around the world to learn biblical truths at a college level from the comfort of their own home. Each student will be able to study at his personal computer, on his own schedule, and at his own pace using online video, integrated presentations, online and printed curriculum, printable student workbooks, quizzes that are auto-graded online, unit tests, and will eventually include an online bookstore.
The EBI program will consist of three courses of study: Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, and Systematic Theology. Each of the courses will consist of forty-five lessons, broken down into three semesters of fifteen lessons in each. The fee for each semester is $105 or just $7 per lesson. Upon completing all three courses, the student will receive a Certificate in Biblical Studies. After earning the certificate, the student will have the opportunity to take an Institutional Challenge Exam (ICE Exam) at Liberty University or another participating college and may receive up to twenty-four college credits. In addition, accreditation will be pursued through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACCS).
Mr. Robert Johnson, who will soon complete his Ed.D from Liberty University, will serve as the Dean of EBI. Mr. Johnson also teaches Bible classes at Emmanuel Christian School, and will implement the EBI curriculum into the ECS Bible classes in 2012-13. This will mean that ECS students who complete all three EBI courses, could attend a participating Christian college, take an I.C.E. exam and receive up to twenty-four college credits toward Bible or electives.
Those interested in more information, may call the church at (843)332-2271 or visit the EBI website at www.emmanuelbibleinstitute.com.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday Summary 10.16.11
A special thanks to everyone who filled-in yesterday in Joey's absence. Rob, thank you for coordinating and overseeing things to make sure all went smoothly. Heather, thank you for leading our congregational worship through music this morning. God has blessed us with wonderfully competent and talented people!
In the morning service, God blessed us with 4 new members and 1 coming to be baptized next Sunday. I challenged our folks to fulfill the Great Commission, as too many believers see Matt. 28:19-20 as the "Great Suggestion." I often hear excuses that make you think some believers feel they have been given and exemption, opted out, been excused, or feel it doesn't apply to them. I've heard others state that they don't have the "gift of evangelism"--- FACT - no one does, in spite of what some spiritual gift tests imply. Every believer has been commanded by Jesus to share the message of God's love with others.
Last night, we had a WONDERFUL time of communion! Pastor David and I were able to speak encouragement to our church families and thank them for the role they play at EBC. Following, a deacon prayed with each family and other deacons served communion to them. The families were able to then go back to their seats and take communion together. It was a very special time of tears, hugs, and encouragement. At EBC, people truly love God and love each other.
Lord, thank you for what YOU are doing in our church family. Thank you for people who truly love You and seek to share Your love with others. Please continue and protect the sweet Spirit of unity that we are experiencing as we seek to serve You!
In the morning service, God blessed us with 4 new members and 1 coming to be baptized next Sunday. I challenged our folks to fulfill the Great Commission, as too many believers see Matt. 28:19-20 as the "Great Suggestion." I often hear excuses that make you think some believers feel they have been given and exemption, opted out, been excused, or feel it doesn't apply to them. I've heard others state that they don't have the "gift of evangelism"--- FACT - no one does, in spite of what some spiritual gift tests imply. Every believer has been commanded by Jesus to share the message of God's love with others.
Last night, we had a WONDERFUL time of communion! Pastor David and I were able to speak encouragement to our church families and thank them for the role they play at EBC. Following, a deacon prayed with each family and other deacons served communion to them. The families were able to then go back to their seats and take communion together. It was a very special time of tears, hugs, and encouragement. At EBC, people truly love God and love each other.
Lord, thank you for what YOU are doing in our church family. Thank you for people who truly love You and seek to share Your love with others. Please continue and protect the sweet Spirit of unity that we are experiencing as we seek to serve You!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Power of Unity
Just a quick thought... Due to the focus on sharing the gospel through JH, our church is experiencing a great unity as we work together to fulfill the purpose to which God called us. A church that is focused on its mission and is busy trying to fulfill it, doesn't have time to get distracted and focus on things that don't matter. In the churches that are growing, I'm assuming they are united in purpose and lives are being changed through salvation, baptism, and discipleship. In those that are infighting and struggling, I would bet that there is division and they rarely (if ever) see people saved, baptized, or discipled.
What a great lesson Jesus taught us at 12 years old... We (the Church) must be busy about the Father's business, they we wouldn't have time to fight over non-essentials.
What a great lesson Jesus taught us at 12 years old... We (the Church) must be busy about the Father's business, they we wouldn't have time to fight over non-essentials.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Judgement House 2011 (Weekend 2)
The word "amazing" would not suffice to describe what God has done through Judgement House this year. We had 2,458 people walk through JH, 361 make decisions for salvation, and 194 recommit their lives to Christ. After eight years, we have had over 12,500+ people walk through JH at EBC. A special thanks to everyone who volunteered to make JH a success!
A couple of great stories: 1) A little boy walked through heaven, turned to his dad and asked, "Where's my mommy?" The mother had died this past Mother's Day. 2) A mother and her two daughters were all saved at JH. They were in different groups, so none knew of the other's decision, until they arrived outside. 3) A youth pastor sent an e-mail telling us how much JH impacted his youth group and revival was beginning. 4) A wife was standing on the sidewalk crying and when I asked her if she was okay, she stated, "I've been praying for my husband for years and tonight he accepted Christ!" There are so many other stories that people told in their own words on the testimony boards posted around our Worship Center. I hope our members will take time to read them and feel the impact of your hard work.
Jeff Huey preached yesterday and God moved. We were encouraged to add spiritual items to our bucket list such as: 1) Know Christ, 2) Serve Him, and 3) Lead others to Him. Two adults that were saved in JH came down the aisle to make that public and my wife had the privilege of showing a lady how to be saved. It was a good day, in spite of the tiredness due to JH.
A couple of great stories: 1) A little boy walked through heaven, turned to his dad and asked, "Where's my mommy?" The mother had died this past Mother's Day. 2) A mother and her two daughters were all saved at JH. They were in different groups, so none knew of the other's decision, until they arrived outside. 3) A youth pastor sent an e-mail telling us how much JH impacted his youth group and revival was beginning. 4) A wife was standing on the sidewalk crying and when I asked her if she was okay, she stated, "I've been praying for my husband for years and tonight he accepted Christ!" There are so many other stories that people told in their own words on the testimony boards posted around our Worship Center. I hope our members will take time to read them and feel the impact of your hard work.
Jeff Huey preached yesterday and God moved. We were encouraged to add spiritual items to our bucket list such as: 1) Know Christ, 2) Serve Him, and 3) Lead others to Him. Two adults that were saved in JH came down the aisle to make that public and my wife had the privilege of showing a lady how to be saved. It was a good day, in spite of the tiredness due to JH.
Monday, October 03, 2011
Judgement House 2011 (Weekend 1)
This is our 8th year to host Judgement House at Emmanuel. In the first 7 years, over 10,000 people have walked through JH at EBC, and we expect 2,000+ again this year. This has become our largest evangelistic effort and our church family has really bought in! In fact, this is the first year that people are "dependent" on our church staff and we are serving as "support" personnel. To me, that is the sign of a great church, and a very strong ministry!
Again this year, over 100+ volunteers are involved as actors, tour guides, counselors, registration, security, concessions, runners, support personnel, and more! This year, JH is being offered on Oct. 1-2, 8-9 and all of our reservation slots are already full. We've reserved room for walk-in's, but we encourage those to come on Saturday night beginning at 5:00pm.
The results after the first weekend are as follows:
- Over 900 people walked through.
- 121 salvation decisions.
- 73 recommitted their lives to Christ.
- 4 to be baptized this Sunday.
- And many amazing testimonies!
I want to especially thank Justin, Billy, and Brian for their leadership and oversight of JH. I also want to extend our thanks to Jeff and his team for ALL the help that Extreme Ministries provides! These guys have become like family and I invite you to come hear Jeff preach this Sunday at 10:30am at Emmanuel. You will also see the baptisms and hear some testimonies from JH.
Again this year, over 100+ volunteers are involved as actors, tour guides, counselors, registration, security, concessions, runners, support personnel, and more! This year, JH is being offered on Oct. 1-2, 8-9 and all of our reservation slots are already full. We've reserved room for walk-in's, but we encourage those to come on Saturday night beginning at 5:00pm.
The results after the first weekend are as follows:
- Over 900 people walked through.
- 121 salvation decisions.
- 73 recommitted their lives to Christ.
- 4 to be baptized this Sunday.
- And many amazing testimonies!
I want to especially thank Justin, Billy, and Brian for their leadership and oversight of JH. I also want to extend our thanks to Jeff and his team for ALL the help that Extreme Ministries provides! These guys have become like family and I invite you to come hear Jeff preach this Sunday at 10:30am at Emmanuel. You will also see the baptisms and hear some testimonies from JH.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Sunday Summary 10.2.11
God's Spirit was certainly moving this morning at Emmanuel! People were tired from Judgement House and that is often a recipe for problems; but this morning was awesome. We had several families visiting, the spirit was sweet, and the altar was full.
Our choir did an arrangement that powerfully listed the names of God and brought people to a spontaneous standing ovation. Rob shared a testimony of how EBC included and embraced his family, as no other church they've ever been part of. Justin gave a report of the decisions from Judgement House. People were honest in their response and many tears were shed.
This morning's message was entitled, "Learning to Trust, Brings Peace to Life's Storms." I've really been moved lately with the number of people in our congregation that have been affected by cancer, other health issues, death of a spouse, job loss, wayward children, poor decision making, etc. My heart is breaking for them and God brought Psalm 22 to my mind this week. The Psalmist felt that God had forsaken him in those difficult days, only to realize that God had revealed Himself in those dark times as He never could have without them.
Two thirds of our congregation was honest enough to say they had felt that God was distant during their difficulties, but the sermon reminded them that God is faithful. He is our Shelter, our Deliverer, our Protector, our Provider, our Strength, and so much more! In our darkest days, we must keep your eyes on Jesus. In addition, remember the old cliche; "It's always darkest before the dawn."
Our choir did an arrangement that powerfully listed the names of God and brought people to a spontaneous standing ovation. Rob shared a testimony of how EBC included and embraced his family, as no other church they've ever been part of. Justin gave a report of the decisions from Judgement House. People were honest in their response and many tears were shed.
This morning's message was entitled, "Learning to Trust, Brings Peace to Life's Storms." I've really been moved lately with the number of people in our congregation that have been affected by cancer, other health issues, death of a spouse, job loss, wayward children, poor decision making, etc. My heart is breaking for them and God brought Psalm 22 to my mind this week. The Psalmist felt that God had forsaken him in those difficult days, only to realize that God had revealed Himself in those dark times as He never could have without them.
Two thirds of our congregation was honest enough to say they had felt that God was distant during their difficulties, but the sermon reminded them that God is faithful. He is our Shelter, our Deliverer, our Protector, our Provider, our Strength, and so much more! In our darkest days, we must keep your eyes on Jesus. In addition, remember the old cliche; "It's always darkest before the dawn."
Studying Bible Doctrine is Essential
I am amazed by how many Christians (pastors and church members) don't understand even basic Bible doctrines. It is no wonder today's churches are shallow and struggling! Well, I'm excited to tell you that we've had to "cap" our Bible Doctrine 101 class at Emmanuel. We now have over 40 adults enrolled in the class, which meets every Sunday morning for one year. Over the past three weeks, I've been teaching on how we got the Bible, who wrote it, where it was written, in what languages, how it was translated, which version is the best, whether our copies are reliable, why only 66 books were included, how to understand the Bible and find things in it, and more. Future weeks will include the doctrines of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Salvation, Angels, Heaven/Hell, Last things, etc.
Common sense tells you that not every denominational interpretation of doctrine can be right, and so many people don't know what to believe today. Just consider a few common discrepancies:
Common sense tells you that not every denominational interpretation of doctrine can be right, and so many people don't know what to believe today. Just consider a few common discrepancies:
· Bible (Is the Word of God vs. Contains the Word of God)
· Eternal security (Can’t lose salvation vs. Can lose salvation)
· Hell (Is literal vs. Is not literal)
· Baptism (Symbolic vs. Washes away original sin)
· Lord’s Supper (Symbolic vs. Literally becomes the body & blood of Christ)
· Creation (Intelligent design vs. Evolution / Literal days vs. figurative days)
· Salvation (Faith vs. Works)
· Holy Spirit (Fully indwelled at salvation vs. Saved then later filled with the Spirit)
A common practice in too many pulpits today is to read the Scriptures and explain what we "think" a passage means. The problem is that we don't have that right or liberty. Our responsibility is to study the passage, do our research, and then interpret what the passage meant in the original context. Doctrine must be studied in the context of the writer's intent, not the reader's interpretation. I encourage you to follow the instructions of Matt 28:19-20 as you study, teach, and make disciples who are fully devoted followers of Christ and rightly divide the Word of Truth.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Real Cost of Discipleship
I've been reading the book "Radical" by David Platt and it has really challenged my thinking. It has made me ask some deep questions and to wonder what God thinks when He looks at modern Christianity. Does today's religious scene make God want to vomit when he hears televangelists selling miracle water... when preachers are hyping the think and grow rich mentality... when terms like "fun" and "exciting" are used to describe the church for which Christ died... when people argue over worship styles... when preachers use gimmicks to draw crowds... when programs like TBN (The Big hair Network) cause unsaved people to poke fun and Christianity... and the list goes on.
I wonder if it breaks God's heart to hear people make comments like, "I'll participate in worship, if... it doesn't interfere with my tee time, my child's softball tournament, dance recital, work schedule, or any other personal conflict. Rather than putting Jesus first and following Him, we seem to want a Jesus Who doesn't expect too much... One who accepts us where we are, will understand when we choose things before Him, is okay with our pursuit of materialism, is okay with casual commitment... you get the picture.
Modern Christianity seems so different from what Jesus described. In Luke 9, Jesus said that if you want to be my disciple you must deny yourself (not indulge yourself), and take up your cross. He said that you may end up homeless, that He expects you to love Him more than family, and that He expects you to be willing to give up everything for Him. He wants full and exclusive commitment. When Jesus said "Follow Me," those chosen got up, left it all, and followed Him.
In all honesty, I guess the religious scene hasn't changed much since Jesus' day. The multitudes back then gathered when there was "excitement" or something in if for them, but then scattered when Jesus preached on commitment. He ended up with twelve that were sold out, committed followers (actually only 11). Jesus didn't sugar coat the gospel for fear of offending anyone, instead He explained the cost of discipleship and let people decide. The expectation hasn't changed and the question remains, ARE YOU WILLING TO FULLY COMMIT TO FOLLOWING CHRIST?
I wonder if it breaks God's heart to hear people make comments like, "I'll participate in worship, if... it doesn't interfere with my tee time, my child's softball tournament, dance recital, work schedule, or any other personal conflict. Rather than putting Jesus first and following Him, we seem to want a Jesus Who doesn't expect too much... One who accepts us where we are, will understand when we choose things before Him, is okay with our pursuit of materialism, is okay with casual commitment... you get the picture.
Modern Christianity seems so different from what Jesus described. In Luke 9, Jesus said that if you want to be my disciple you must deny yourself (not indulge yourself), and take up your cross. He said that you may end up homeless, that He expects you to love Him more than family, and that He expects you to be willing to give up everything for Him. He wants full and exclusive commitment. When Jesus said "Follow Me," those chosen got up, left it all, and followed Him.
In all honesty, I guess the religious scene hasn't changed much since Jesus' day. The multitudes back then gathered when there was "excitement" or something in if for them, but then scattered when Jesus preached on commitment. He ended up with twelve that were sold out, committed followers (actually only 11). Jesus didn't sugar coat the gospel for fear of offending anyone, instead He explained the cost of discipleship and let people decide. The expectation hasn't changed and the question remains, ARE YOU WILLING TO FULLY COMMIT TO FOLLOWING CHRIST?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Favorite e-mail I read after 9.11
I am extremely patriotic and appreciate my American freedoms, and this great nation in which I have the privilege to live. Following is my favorite read after the 9/11 attacks. We all know how e-mails change and often conveniently leave off the credit information; but to the best of my understanding, this was an editorial by Mark Meehan and published on July 12, 2002. (If this credit is incorrect, please forgive me.) I want to give proper credit to the writer for a GREAT article! Here it is...
"I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture, here in the USA. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely comprised of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand!
This idea of America, being a multi-cultural community, has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language - ENGLISH. "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, of Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is and always will be part of our culture!
If the Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. Remember, "Delta is ready when you are and they can have you there by nightfall."
This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But, once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE."
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