Whatever It Takes

As you can imagine, I am one proud father, as I sat and listened to my little 12-year old daughter, Elizabeth, use her talents to exalt the Lord Jesus during last Sunday's service. I am so happy I can call her my sister in Christ as well. I pray that she always devotes her life to Him.

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The day Jeremiah stopped a grumbler

I woke up feeling bad. I didn't sleep well and didn't feel very well. The weather outside was horrible. Hurricane type weather; very rainy and windy, jut not a good day to do anything. I somehow made it to work on time just to discover that 2 people were out and I would have extra work to do. I grumbled and felt bad. I checked Facebook and saw something someone wrote that really hurt me and my mood got much worse and so did my grumbling.

Finally lunchtime came and I thought that might make things better... wrong. I was pulling into Burger King and had the right of way when a mini-van decided to swerve in front of me and cut me off. I grumbled some more. I had to follow behind the mini-van into the drive-thru, they apparently wanted to mess with me and stopped a foot from the intercom. They just sat there and I just sat there waiting. Ten minutes went by and they were still sitting there so I decided to just pull out and leave. As soon as I began pulling out the mini-van shot over and tried to cut me off again. By now I wasn't even angry, I just wanted to leave. I was able to exit the Burger King without being killed and my grumbling continued.

I drove down Lovell Rd. looking for somewhere else to buy lunch. The rain was much harder and the roads were flooding. I decided to go to Arbys. I rolled down the window at the intercom to order my food and the rain poured into my car and soaked me, I was really grumbling and feeling sorry for myself. I reached into my billfold and pulled out the cash I had. I noticed something written on the side of a dollar bill: Jeremiah 29:11-13. I quickly opened my YouVersion Bible app on my Blackberry to read that passage:

"11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart".... and my grumbling stopped.

I will never know who wrote that passage of Scripture on that dollar bill, whoever it was, I thank the Lord for them. They will never know how much it helped this grumbler. 

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Sauder's to Zambia, Africa

What a joy it was to have the Sauder family with us in our Wednesday evening worship service. They Sauder's are currently on deputation with hopes of being able to move to their mission field this coming Summer. Bro. Justin shared their ministry with us along with his personal testimony and he also brought a great message out of Mark 2 concerning the 4 friends that help lower their paralyzed friend down through the roof so that Jesus could heal him.

We recently began supporting the Sauder's on a monthly basis and was so glad they had a chance to stop by and be with us again.You can learn more about them, donate to their ministry, or request for them to come by your church to present their ministry, at their website: http://www.sauders2zambia.org/ Tell them that Pastor Byron sent you!

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How and What Men Are To Preach

I remember talking with some potential church members one time that were interested in attending the church I was pastoring. They were related to a current member and they came to one of our fellowships that we had. I sat at their table to find out more about them and to see what they were looking for in a church. The lady was not shy at all about letting me know right up front that she was not interested in hearing anyone yell, shout, holler, or get loud while preaching. She preferred a more laid back and mellow type of preaching. I knew right then that they would not be joining any church that I pastored because I have been known to do all of those things. Sure enough, they visited for one service and never came back...

Well, that got me to thinking, what does the Bible say about how and what we should preach? Does preaching style really matter, or is it just the content of what is preached? After much studying, I came to the conclusion that both actually matter. 

Below are a FEW examples from the Bible on how and what men are supposed to preach:

Preach righteousness:

Psalm 40:9: 9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

2 Peter 2:5: 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Preach with wisdom, knowledge, and truth:

Ecclesiastes 12:9-10: 9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.

1 Corinthians 2:4: 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Preach with the Spirit, with anointing, with liberty, with comfort, with glory to the Lord:

Isaiah 61:1-3:  1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Preach what God bids you to preach:

Jonah 3:2:  2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

Preach repentance:

Matthew 4:17: 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 6:12: 12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

Luke 24:47: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Preach the Gospel:

Matthew 4:23: 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Mark 14:9: 9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Mark 16:15: 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Preach with warning:

Matthew 10:7: 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Colossians 1:28: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Preach the Word:

Mark 2:2: 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

Preach to reprove, rebuke, exhort. Preach with longsuffering and Preach doctrine:

2 Timothy 4:2: 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Preach the Kingdom of God:

Luke 9:2: 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:60: 60  Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Preach Jesus without ceasing:

Acts 5:42: 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Acts 8:5: 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Preach Christ and not yourself:

2 Corinthians 4:5: 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

Preach boldly:

Acts 9:27: 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Preach forgiveness of sins

Acts 13:38: 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

Preach the Cross of Christ:

1 Corinthians 1:17-18: 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Preach with power:

1 Corinthians 2:4: 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Preach peace:

Ephesians 2:17: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Preach the truth in love:

Ephesians 4:11-16: 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: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

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Mansion Over the Hilltop song...scriptural?

My papaw's house. As close to an earthly mansion as I've ever been

As a pastor and former music minister, I have often had to face criticism over songs that I have selected. One of the most criticized songs that I have had to defend is Mansion Over the Hilltop, written by Ira Stanphill in 1914. I've heard "it's a fleshly song," "it's only about the person and not the Savior," "it's not scriptural and shouldn't be sang in church," etc...

Well, my dear reader, this has bothered me for some time, so I decided to examine the song for it's Scriptural content and see if it cuts the mustard.

Verse 1

I'm satisfied with just a cottage below
A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that's silver lined 

(Satisfied while here below)  

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

(The ransomed) 

Isaiah 35:10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 

(will shine)

Matthew 13:43: 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Chorus

I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold 

(Mansions in Heaven) 

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

(In that bright land) 

Rev 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

(Streets of pure gold) 

Rev. 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Verse 2

Tho’ often tempted, tormented and tested

And, like the prophet, my pillow a stone.

And tho’ I find here no permanent dwelling,

I know He’ll give me a mansion my own.

(Often tempted and tormented and tested) 

Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

1 Corinthians 10:13: 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

James 1:12: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

(The prophet’s pillow of stone)

Genesis 28:11: And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

(No permanent dwelling here)

2 Corinthians 5:1: For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Verse 3

Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely
I'm not discouraged I'm heaven bound
I'm just a pilgrim in search of a city
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown 

(Not concerned about being poor) 

Proverbs 28:6: Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

(Pilgrim in search of a city) 

Hebrews 11:13: These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

(A harp)

Psalm 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

(A crown) 

James 1:12: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 

So, there you have it friend. Is Mansion Over the Hilltop scriptural? You better believe it is. In fact, it has more Scriptural references than most songs. Is it a "selfish" song? I guess that depends on what kind of person you are. If you believe it is selfish then you are probably a selfish person, otherwise you would see that it is a beautiful song written to sing about the glories of Heaven which awaits those that are saved. It speaks of the wonders and sites of that city that God promised us and also said in His Word in Isaiah 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.  and then later backed up by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:9: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Enjoy the below clip of my dad, James Chesney, picking and singing this good old SCRIPTURAL song. 

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New Support

I am excited that we voted this past Wednesday night to begin supporting three new missionary families. I have personally met and worshiped with all three of them and look forward to being part of their ministry for many years to come. This now makes 6 missionaries that our Church supports.

Justin and Danielle Sauder - Missionaries to Zambia, Africa

Jonathan and Natalie Vandenhurk - Missionaries to England

Brandyn and Alicia Knight - Missionaries to the U.S. Military and their families

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Honduran Missions with the Jacksons

Alan and Becky Jackson, Missionaries to the Honduras

It was a thrill to connect again with Alan and Becky Jackson, our missionaries to the Honduras, at Church last night. We set this meeting up months ago and I've been looking forward to it ever since. It had been 3 years since we last saw the them. They have been on in the United States for the past couple of months, raising funds for the new Church they established in Danli, Honduras. They are needing more land so they can expand. Right now folks are having to stand.

As always, the Jackson's were very friendly and we shared great Christian fellowship together. Bro. Allen shared their missions via a slide show and then he brought a wonderful message from Mark 5, concerning the maniac in Gadarenes. He titled it "From a Maniac to a Missionary."

Pastor Byron Chesney with Alan and Becky Jackson

Before we knew it, the service was over and we said our parting good-byes. I am so excited for the work the Jackson's are doing in the Honduras. The people down there seem to be hungry for the Gospel. I wish we could say the same thing for the people in the United States.

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September 18, 2012 Family Altar

 It was my youngest daughter, Elizabeth's, turn to give the devotion in our family altar time tonight. She chose Matthew 6:12 and 14 for her text.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 

She talked about how the Bible teaches that we are to forgive one and other. We all asked a few questions and she answered them accordingly.

After the devotion I read a few paragraphs from Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers, by Lewis Drummond. It is one of the books I am using in my Seminary studies right now. We have been reading some from it every night and everyone really enjoys learning about Spurgeon. My son Matthew has started saying “purge the Spurge” every night before we read. He thinks he is real funny…

Next, Elizabeth picked out Standing On the Promises for us all to sing. We sang a couple of verses and weren’t getting the key right so we stopped and sang Where He Leads Me I WillFollow, instead.

After the song, we decided to use Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord's Prayer) as our memory verses for this week:

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

After reciting our memory verses, Elizabeth lead us in prayer and asked the Lord to help my Aunt June after the death of her daughter. She also thanked Him for letting us have food and shelter. She is always so thoughtful.

Well, my intentions are to update my blog with our nightly devotions. Who knows if I will keep it up or not. We all take turn about giving the devotion. We skip Wednesdays and Sundays since we have Church on those days. We’ve been doing this for a long time. It sure does seem to help us feel close and keeps us thinking about the Lord. 

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Burdened for Nicaragua

Jeremy, Michelle, and Lila Blanz

This Sunday, August 26, 2012, I had the privilege of meeting Jeremy and Michelle Blanz, BIMI missionaries to Nicaragua. The Blanz family is based out of West Jacksonville Baptist, the church where my first cousin, Jonathan Williams, is currently the pastor of student ministries.

Me (Byron Chesney) and Jeremy Blanz

It was a joy to spend some time with the Blanzes and learn of their burden for the people of Nicaragua. I learned a lot about that country and some of the culture there by listening to Bro. Jeremy and watching their mission video.

Blanz Family Mission table

Bro. Jeremy preached a wonderful message out of Luke 10:24-37, concerning the good Samaritan. He gave a very clear presentation of the Scripture and I could tell he had a real heart and passion for the ministry. Like I told him, I wish we could support every single missionary that comes to visit but we just aren't able to. We can, however, support them through prayer.

You can listen to Bro. Jeremy's message HERE or at the link below:

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Remembering Mr. Buckner

On June 30, 2012, I lost someone very dear to me. Mr. Buckner was one of my heroes in the faith. He was someone that I admired and looked up to. He was one of the most kind and God-driven men I have ever met. He is one of the reasons I am where I am today. Even in his 90's he had more spunk and vigor than anyone in the whole Church. Anytime I ever needed someone to help out or if I asked if anyone had a testimony to share, he was always the first one to volunteer. His passion and love for the Lord was so evident in his life.

Even after he got so sick and unable to walk, I would visit him in the rehabilitation center and he was always so upbeat and determined that he was going to get better and be back in Church. I would go in hopes of bringing him some joy but in all reality, he was the one that gave me joy on my visits. He always asked about my family, about the Church, and then he would start talking about the Lord. He always told me that he was ready if the Lord decided to take him but he was also willing to keep pressing on if he was going to stay around.

I was sitting in my living room talking to my wife about Mr. Buckner when my phone rang. It was his son telling me that his father had just passed away. I had mixed feelings really. I was very sad that my dear friend was gone but I was also overjoyed that he was now in the place he always longed for. I never knew his wife, she had past away before I knew him, but he talked about her often. He would point to a picture of her beside his bed and tell me about her. I can only imagine what a reunion they had together when he arrived in Heaven.

As I was speaking at his graveside service, my mind kept going back to all of the times I heard him pray out loud at Church. He had such a beautiful way of praying, as if he was standing beside God and talking to him like a friend. He would end his prayers by saying "and this is our prayer, Amen."

There will never be another man like Mr. Buckner but just in the short 6-years that I knew him, I like to think that he helped shape and mold me into the kind of pastor that God would have me to be. The world sure could use a lot more Mr. Buckner's...

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Platinum Memories

Today was our Church's 70th Annual Homecoming Celebration. Just in case you didn't know it, platinum is the "color" for 70-years, thus the title of this post.

I've got to say that I never in a million years would have dreamed this day would have ever came. It's one of those events that you don't really ever expect to happen but secretly in the back of your mind you wish would. Oh, okay, I'll quit dragging on and just write about what took place.

I guess it would be best if you, dear reader, would read THIS post to understand why I'm writing this. Okay, now that you've read that post I can proceed...

So, as I mentioned this was our 70th Homecoming. I knew from the very first minute we began making plans that I was going to ask Bro. Charlie to preach. For weeks I prayed about it, thought about it, worried about it, talked to my wife about it, and finally about 2-months before the date, I got up the courage to call him and ask. You can imagine my delight when he replied that he would love to come and preach the Homecoming. Immediately when I got off the phone I texted my wife to let her know the good news! I was so excited.

I felt like a little boy as I stood in the presence of my hero preacher. Silly sounding, I know, but like I wrote in THIS post, some people get all excited over movie stars and famous singers but I get excited over people that I admire and look up to. Charlie was his usual self, walking around the Church talking to everybody, shaking hands, and laughing. I stood up at the front of the Church and just watched him as he interacted with people and wished once again that I could be more like him.

After the choir singing and special singing it was time for me to introduce him to come up and preach. I was a little nervous but decided to go ahead and reveal my feelings for this great man of God and let everyone know just how much I looked up to him. He graciously walked up behind the pulpit and began talking about one of his heroes, my grandfather, Preacher Ed Spencer.

I sat there for 45 minutes and prayed, Amened, and cried while Bro. Charlie preached. He brought a wonderful message called "GPS" (God's Plan of Salvation) from one of my favorite passages of Scripture, John 14:1-4. Yes, it was certainly a platinum day for this preacher! You can watch the video below or go to this link if you prefer to listen only: http://www.sermon.net/bchesney/sermonid/1199782666

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Some Of These Days

There are so many things going on in the world, in life, and in the ministry that I feel like I'm stuck in a spin cycle. There are several of my family members suffering from illness; my Uncle Jim in Alabama who has terminal cancer, my cousin Donna with pancreatic cancer, my aunt Brenda just had a valve replaced in her heart, and my wife's parents are both stricken with health issues requiring a lot of time and attention. Everywhere I turn someone is hurting or dying. Being a pastor that is just par for the course but I can't help but feel overwhelmed at times.

I know if I feel that way that other people do as well. It is very easy to just say "well, if you believe in God then there is no reason to worry because He has it all under control." And of course in 1 Peter 5:7 we have this blessed promise: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." And, I do believe that, however, I still can't help but feel drained of it all. At times I feel like I'm holding a dying person up out of the water just enough for them to catch a breath, all the while I am trying my best to kick my legs to keep from letting us both drown.

As I sat here tonight looking at an old Pastor's Manual that was printed in 1934, I came across a very fitting poem which was written by Frank L. Stanton. I read it over several times and it brought some comfort to me so I thought I would share it with you.

SOME OF  THESE  DAYS

SOME  of these days all the skies will  be  brighter; 

Some of these days  all  the burdens be lighter : 

Hearts will  be happier, souls will  be whiter, 

Some of these days !

Some of these days in the. deserts,  upspringing, 

Fountains shall splash while joy-bells are ringing;

And  the  world  —  with  its  sweetest  of  birds — shall  go singing,

Some of these days!

Some of these days :  let us bear with our sorrow ! 

Faith in the future — its light we may borrow; 

There will be joy in  the golden to-morrow— 

Some of these days!

—-Frank L.  Stanton.1901

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Blessed Beyond Belief

I sit here tonight, Sunday, February 12th, 2012, feeling blessed beyond belief. Today marks one of the most important events of my entire life. As of this morning, I am officially the Pastor of Highland Baptist Church. I have been the interim pastor there for the past 6-months. I am humbled, excited, and overwhelmed. Like I told the Church this morning when I accepted the call, this is the 3rd most important event in my life. First being accepting Christ as my Savior. Second being marrying the love of my life, Mary. Third, being loved and trusted by the church to be their Shepherd. I never in all my life imagined this day would ever come.

I am of course nervous knowing the awesome responsibility that has been placed upon me and my family. I feel that the Lord has worked everything out just the way that He saw fit. I am trusting Him to be there and I intend to hold His hand in everything that I do. It is after all His Church and not mine. I am just being trusted to Shepherd it for Him right now.

I felt a great burden lifted from me today after they announced that I had received a unanimous 100% of the vote. Everyone has a desire to be liked but for a Pastor it means a lot to have every one's backing. I will do my dead-level best to be the best Pastor the Church has ever had. I realize that's some mighty tall order to fill. I think of my Grandfather, Pastor Ed Spencer, who was the founder of Highland Baptist and pastored for 9-years. I think of Charlie Lynch who pastored for 10-years and lead the Church out of despair. I think of Jerry Copeland, the man that pastored the Church the longest, 20-years, and how much he was loved and how much he did for the Church. There have been some great men in the history of the Church and I pray that I can be counted among them one day.

Well, I am going to sign off for tonight. It has been a very long and busy day. I need to spend some time with my wife before I have to go to work tomorrow.

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Greatest compliments ever!

In all of my years in the ministry I have received many compliments and nice things said from a lot of people. When I was young and starting out it really went to my head. I thought I was something when after the first time I preached some dear old lady came up to me after the service and told me "that was the best preaching I've had heard in years." Boy, I thought I was really something. I was ready to load my car down with tapes and hit the road as an Evangelist! It's a wonder I could even get my head through the double front doors of the church.

It didn't take long for the LORD to knock me down a few hundred notches and flat on my face. It was a rough way down but thank God He not only brought me down but He grabbed me by the hand and lifted me back up enough to get on my feet. Ever since then, I don't see things the same way. Nowadays when people tell me I did a good job I just smile and say thank you and let it go in one ear and right back out the other and give God the credit for anything good that may have came out of it. I'm sure people mean well and most are probably trying to encourage me and I do appreciate the encouragement, after all, we are supposed to lift up and encourage our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. But I don't let it influence my thinking anymore.

If you have ever listened to any of my messages, from the past 3 years or so, you will find that I now preach expository style. I believe that is the way the Lord intended for preachers to preach; "precept upon precept, line upon line." I've not always preached that way, I used to preach mainly topical sermons but once I really got into the Bible and became a serious student of the Word, God illuminated the Scriptures. I discovered how the Holy Spirit can work through just the preaching of the Word. Many preachers brag about preaching the Word but in all reality they are really preaching their own ideas and thoughts and not much of the Word. I would rather hear a man preach one verse of Bible Scripture and expound upon it than to hear someone spit, scream, yell, hack, sweat, stomp, and snort their way around the pulpit and say absolutely nothing. Oh sure, those hackers are fun to watch and are good entertainment but for someone that is really interested in hearing from God, they want to hear the Bible preached.  

Having said all of that, I want to tell you about something that has been happening lately. I'm not taking credit for any of it but rather want to give God the honor and glory for it all. Just in the past few weeks I have had 4 different people come up to me after the service and tell me that they are actually learning things from the Bible through my preaching. They are actually learning what God's Word says! All I can say is Hallelujah! Instead of learning some man's thoughts or some man's preferences as to whether he thinks "women ought to wear britches to church" or if "a man ought to have an earring" or not. They are actually hearing what God says through expository preaching of the Word! Do you know what that means to me? That means that people are finally receiving from church what the whole purpose of church is for; equipping the saints and edification. Friends, church is for the saved, not the unsaved. Sure we often see God work in the church service to bring lost sinners to Christ but that is just a great bi-product of the church. The New Testament church that began in the Book of Acts was a local baptized body of BELIEVERS. That is what it is still meant for today. It is so the church body can come together to learn and be equipped to go out and fulfill the Great Commission.

I could go on forever talking about this because I am so excited about it and all I have to do in it is be a willing servant to stand and preach the truths from God's Word. I don't have to "work up" some sermon because as long as you preach the Bible you never have to "work up" anything. All that's required is a whole lot of praying, studying, and obedience; the Holy Spirit does the rest! Well, I'm going to get off of here. I realize it's been a while since I've written anything on my blogs. I've just been super busy. I really don't have time to sit here tonight and write because I'm in the middle of another Seminary course and need to get it finished. So, until next time, preach the Word, keep the faith, and pray without ceasing!

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A Quick Catch Up

Hello friends, it's been a long time since I've updated the blog. So much has happened over the past couple of months. Just a quick rundown of the highlights:

On October 29th, we had a Fall BBQ at the church. We had great attendance, fantastic food, and wonderful fellowship. The highlight of the evening was when several of us played Bible pictionary. It was a lot of fun even though I was on the losing team...

On November 5th, we had our 3rd annual Coffee & Christ Men's Fellowship. The attendance wasn't very large this time but I think it was one of the best meetings we've had yet. My dad taught a great lesson on false prophets and false religions and everyone joined in with a great roundtable discussion at the end. It's always great to hang out with my fellow brother's in Christ.

On November 13th, we had Family Day at church. What a great turnout we had for that! I guess it was the largest crowd of folks we've had in over 3-years. It was a great day of worship and it was wonderful to see all of the happy families all worshiping together.

I finished up my latest Seminary course (Teaching and Preaching the Bible) in November also. I only have 3 more courses left until I graduate with my Master's in Ministry. I was hoping to graduate in May of 2012 but unless I can get the funds quickly and fast track my studies, I'm not going to make it.

I am slowly but surely getting my Pastor's study fixed up the way I want it. I am so grateful to have a place that I can get away from everything and spend time alone with the LORD in prayer and be able to study without interruptions. That study is like my own little oasis. I was fortunate to find a small Christmas tree today at the Goodwill and Mary and I decorated it and put it in the study. I think it looks great!

Thanksgiving this year was one of the best we've had in a long time. My sister Jennifer and her family came in from North Carolina and my brother Josh and his family were there, as well as my aunt Brenda and her husband, my uncle Chester, my cousin Natalie and her husband, and of course my mom and dad. Also later in the day my Uncle's Bill and Ronnie dropped by for a little while as well as Bill's sons Michael and Billy.

I was thankful that the LORD allowed me to preach two Thanksgiving messages this year. The morning service I preached from Psalm 100 and in the evening service I preached from 1 Thessalonians 5. I felt a great liberty preaching both messages.

Well, I guess that's all I have right now. Please remember me and the church in your prayers.

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A move and a mile-stone

It has been a while since I've updated any of my blogs. I've got a few moments of free time tonight (yeah right) so I thought I would catch everyone up on what all has been going on in the past few weeks.

I suppose the biggest thing is that my family and I have moved from our house to the Church Parsonage. It has been a long, slow process getting things moved. It is only 8-miles from our house but with 5 people there is a lot of stuff involved. There were also several repairs that needed to be made to the house before we could move in. One thing that didn't necessarily "have" to be made was pulling out all of the carpet and having the beautiful hardwood floors refinished that was living beneath it. It looks like a totally different place. We also painted every room in the house and made numerous small repairs and improvements. It is starting to feel like home. The great thing about it is that it is right beside the church. We can just walk over for services. My favorite part is that I can now make good use of the Pastor's Study in the church. It is so wonderful to be able to get away from all of the distractions and just get one-on-one with the LORD. I spent a better part of the day in there on Saturday, just studying away. Many times my sermon studies get so Spirit filled that I can barely contain myself and it is wonderful to have a place I can feel free to just let the Lord take control.

There was another mile-stone for me this week. I conducted the Lord's Supper for the very first time in my ministry. I've helped serve many times but had never conducted it. I preached a sermon that dealt with the Lord's Supper immediately before we partook of it. I just allowed the Lord to guide me in what needed to be done and I tried to keep it as close to Scriptural as I possibly could. I want to give God all of the glory for all of the people that talked to me after the service and told me that it was the best Lord's Supper service they had ever been in. I'm not taking any credit for it because it was all the Lord's leadership, I was just the vessel He used to get the job done.

My Seminary studies are still going good. I'm on assignment #10 of 18 for this semester. I was hoping to have it all completed by October 1st but with all of the moving we have been doing, work on the house, sermon preparation, and pastoral duties, I just haven't had a lot of time to devote to school studies. I will get my nose to the grindstone though and get the rest of my courses completed in time to graduate in the Spring.

Well, I am worn out so I am going to end this for tonight. Below is the Lord's Supper message and also at the end you can watch us take the Lord's Supper.

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A Sunday morning pounding

This past Sunday, I preached the most mentally exhausting message I've ever preached in my entire life. By the time it was over I felt like I had went 12-rounds with Brock Lesnar... and lost. Not only was it the most exhausting but I feel it was one of the most important messages that the Lord has ever given me. The opening text was taken from Matthew 27:45-54 and the secondary text from Isaiah 53.

I believe all too often we take our Lord for granted and fail to remember exactly what all He did for us. I mean, we go around talking about how blessed we are and how good God is but are we just saying those things as a routine? The brutal pain and suffering that our Lord went through is indescribable and unthinkable, however, I believe we must try and get just a small glimpse of the sacrifice that He made.

If you are so inclined, you can listen or watch the sermon from the links provided below.
Audio here:


Video here:

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In the study



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Quick Update

It has been nearly 2-weeks since I've posted anything on here. I'm just busy, busy, busy. I started my latest Seminary course last week, Teaching and Preaching the Bible. I do most of my Seminary work on my lunch break at work or at night when everyone else has went to bed. Between pastoring, preparing, studying, and preaching 2 messages a week plus doing Wednesday evening Bible Study, I've not had much time for anything else. I just listened to a lecture by Pastor Sexton and he kept driving home the fact that God-given duties will not conflict. I'm trying my best to keep that in mind!

One problem that I have is trying to do too much. If there is a job to be done I'm always the first one to volunteer for it. I know that if I do it, it will get done and to my satisfaction. That may seem self-centered to you, but I am very particular when it comes to God's work. I never want anything to bring shame to His name or the the church. So, it is hard for me to delegate responsibilities to others. Right now there is a great need for someone else to lead the singing. I have always enjoyed being the church music director, however, that is really not what the LORD has called me to be. I am a bass singer and leading the congregational music puts a major strain on my vocal chords and is also a little embarrassing when I can't reach the high notes. I need to be able to focus on preaching and teaching the Bible. I know there is someone out there that would love to lead the congregation and choir in our Worship services. I'm praying that the LORD sends that person in.

I'm excited about what the LORD has in store for His church. One ministry that I was able to implement was the new Prayer Request Hotline. Many folks are now calling it daily and listening, leaving requests, and even praise reports! I think it is a wonderful way for everyone in the church to be able to be involved with our prayer needs. I've got many other things the LORD is dealing with me about that I want to put into place but it all takes time. I'll be sharing some of these things as we progress. Meanwhile, please pray for me and for our church. Pray that we would be the New Testament Church that the LORD would have us to be.

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Earnestly desire your prayers

There are so many emotions going through my head. I feel overwhelmed, excited, nervous, and unworthy. Last night at church, the members voted on putting me in as interim pastor. I've already been fulfilling the position since July 5 of this year but they made it official last night. It has always been my heart's desire to pastor but really never thought it would be at my church. I've had several offers from other churches to pastor but the Lord just wasn't leading me to accept any of them. I was glad He worked it out to be this way because I have a love for the people there and a desire to minister to the needs of the community around the church. My grandfather, Ed Spencer, knew there was a need back in 1942 and the Lord lead him to build the church. If there was a need then, there is even a greater need now.

I know it's going to be a long hard road. I've been in and around church work all of my life and I know it's no bed of roses. I just pray for the Lord's strength and wisdom to lead me in being the best Shepherd that I can be for the people. I desire the prayers of those that can get through to God. I'm not looking for any hollow promises from people that don't pray, I need those that will sincerely pray and petition God on my behalf. I need those that can pray like Elias that are mentioned in James 5:16-18:  

16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

So, if you are looking for a church to visit, why not come out and try Highland Baptist? If you need information about the church just visit our website. You might want to check out the "first time visitors information" as well.

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