The letters the apostle Paul wrote are such a blessing to us. They contain deep theological truths coupled with practical living. One of the best descriptions of the process of salvation is found in several Scriptures in the book of Romans.
His letters also emphasize that salvation is by grace through faith. Praise God for His wonderful grace!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Course 8 Week 6 First Question
Please place your first question for week 6 in the comments section below.
You may use this area after 12:01 a.m. of Tuesday, June 30.
You may use this area after 12:01 a.m. of Tuesday, June 30.
Course 8 Week 6 Initial Posts
Please place your first two posts for week six in the comments sections below:
You may use this area after 12:01 a.m. of Tuesday, June 30.
You may use this area after 12:01 a.m. of Tuesday, June 30.
Course 8 Week 6 Main Posting Area
This week, place your initial posts in another place. Also post one question in another place. Then place all of your other posts in the comments sections below.
You may use this area after 12:01 a.m. of Tuesday, June 30.
You may use this area after 12:01 a.m. of Tuesday, June 30.
Focusing on the Homegoing
Today was the funeral for George Flanagan.
For nearly two years, he was married to my Aunt June. Though he was not doing well physically, these last few were some of the best of his life--as far as having a relationship with the Lord goes. He and his wife, June, had devotions twice a day. In the morning, he would tell about what he had been reading. In the evening, she would tell about what she had been reading (both books were devotional books.)
Some of you are talking about the characteristics of a man whom God uses. A strong devotional life could be one of those characteristics.
For nearly two years, he was married to my Aunt June. Though he was not doing well physically, these last few were some of the best of his life--as far as having a relationship with the Lord goes. He and his wife, June, had devotions twice a day. In the morning, he would tell about what he had been reading. In the evening, she would tell about what she had been reading (both books were devotional books.)
Some of you are talking about the characteristics of a man whom God uses. A strong devotional life could be one of those characteristics.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday
Today, I preached at God's Tree of Life in Pittsburg, IL.
This afternoon, we had a meeting for the workers for Camp Jericho.
Tonight, we went to Busby Chapel Free Will Baptist near Goreville, IL. I preached and Ralanna, Rhonda and I sang. The chuch took up an unexpected offering for us. Praise the Lord that moves us to having about 70% of what we need for the Mexico trip coming up in July.
It was a good day. We have our daughter, Ralanna, from Nashville, TN, and her two daughters, visiting with us. Of course, Grammy and Grandad are loving that.
This afternoon, we had a meeting for the workers for Camp Jericho.
Tonight, we went to Busby Chapel Free Will Baptist near Goreville, IL. I preached and Ralanna, Rhonda and I sang. The chuch took up an unexpected offering for us. Praise the Lord that moves us to having about 70% of what we need for the Mexico trip coming up in July.
It was a good day. We have our daughter, Ralanna, from Nashville, TN, and her two daughters, visiting with us. Of course, Grammy and Grandad are loving that.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
A Homegoing and a Sunday School Record
My uncle by marriage, George Flanagan, passed away yesterday. His funeral will be at Mt. Zion on Monday morning at 11:00. Visitation will be at 10:00. His pastor from South Carolina will be here to preach the service.
Tomorrow will mark the Sunday that my aunt June will have been in Sunday school for 73 consecutive years. I don't know if that is a world record, but it is certainly remarkable. George had encouraged her to go ahead and go to Sunday school on that day, no matter what happened.
May the Lord grant us the grace such that our loved ones will no where we have gone when the valley of death casts its shadow. Praise the Lord.
Tomorrow will mark the Sunday that my aunt June will have been in Sunday school for 73 consecutive years. I don't know if that is a world record, but it is certainly remarkable. George had encouraged her to go ahead and go to Sunday school on that day, no matter what happened.
May the Lord grant us the grace such that our loved ones will no where we have gone when the valley of death casts its shadow. Praise the Lord.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Course 8 Begining of Week 5
Hi, Guys,
I enjoyed learning how to put up the videos. I liked the smile that was frozen on the first one better than the look of intent (some might mistake it for a frown :) Ha, on the second one.
My ISP has been down for a while. I hope getting this posting area up on Tuesday afternoon will be O.K. for you. If it caused a problem, let me know.
Otherwise, we will all try to catch up. I know Corey is having computer problems, but he was able to get on and make at least one comment.
I enjoyed learning how to put up the videos. I liked the smile that was frozen on the first one better than the look of intent (some might mistake it for a frown :) Ha, on the second one.
My ISP has been down for a while. I hope getting this posting area up on Tuesday afternoon will be O.K. for you. If it caused a problem, let me know.
Otherwise, we will all try to catch up. I know Corey is having computer problems, but he was able to get on and make at least one comment.
Course 8 week 5 Main Posting Area
Please place your comments for week five in the comments section below.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
More Reluctant Leadership--Response Postings
In the continuation of our discussion this week, include in your answers to each other, comments in the main posting area, or in the comments section below, more discussion of reluctant leadership.
How have you experienced this? How have you overcome it in the past? If you are comfortable, you culd even tell what you may be struggling with now (but that's not requred.) Those are some ideas for taking this dicussion to anoter level.
Hava a great day.
How have you experienced this? How have you overcome it in the past? If you are comfortable, you culd even tell what you may be struggling with now (but that's not requred.) Those are some ideas for taking this dicussion to anoter level.
Hava a great day.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Relucant Leaders
Corey said of Moses, "[Phillip Yancey] compares Moses to people who took over when communism fell in some places in asia and Europe, and when Czechoslovakia split. Explaining how Moses was a reluctant leader."
Sean also spoke of Moses and compared him to Joshua, saying, "[The chapter he read] spoke of how God had to somewhat encourage Moses to lead at first, he hesitated. But Joshua immediately answered and took action. Maybe he learned it from Moses that its best to act quickly when the Lord asks."
When God gives us opportunities, are we quick to make excuses, or are we more like Joshua. Which is better--to make a mistake by jumping and trying to serve the Lord when the opportunity presents itself, or to hold off saying we are not sure we should do what the opportunity presents?
If you are honestly trying to serve the Lord, don't you think that he can make His direction clear while you are trying to do something for Him? If you are supposed to do something and are not doing it, is it possible that the opportunities presented to you will become less. To him who knows to do good, and does not do it, it is sin. Which is better to jump in with the slightest inkling of light or direction you have, or to to keep not responding using your unsureness as an excuse?
Hopefully you don't have to make that choice, but I think we should try to respond with a willing heart when God presents us with opportunitiess--all the while asking Him to confirm His will. Sometimes it may take months for God's confirmation to fully come through. How much lost ministry would happen during that time--if you had failed to serve when an opportunity was given you?
On the other hand, when you are serving with a willing heart, the confirmation comes little by little, or God will give you a new direction just as you need it. In that case, ministry has taken place. Which is better--to serve while trying to get clear confirmation--or to avoid serving while trying to get confirmation?
We do want to be perfectly within God's will in any case, but I caution us to not use the excuse of "unsureness" to avoid the next step God would have us to take within our lives.
Sean also spoke of Moses and compared him to Joshua, saying, "[The chapter he read] spoke of how God had to somewhat encourage Moses to lead at first, he hesitated. But Joshua immediately answered and took action. Maybe he learned it from Moses that its best to act quickly when the Lord asks."
When God gives us opportunities, are we quick to make excuses, or are we more like Joshua. Which is better--to make a mistake by jumping and trying to serve the Lord when the opportunity presents itself, or to hold off saying we are not sure we should do what the opportunity presents?
If you are honestly trying to serve the Lord, don't you think that he can make His direction clear while you are trying to do something for Him? If you are supposed to do something and are not doing it, is it possible that the opportunities presented to you will become less. To him who knows to do good, and does not do it, it is sin. Which is better to jump in with the slightest inkling of light or direction you have, or to to keep not responding using your unsureness as an excuse?
Hopefully you don't have to make that choice, but I think we should try to respond with a willing heart when God presents us with opportunitiess--all the while asking Him to confirm His will. Sometimes it may take months for God's confirmation to fully come through. How much lost ministry would happen during that time--if you had failed to serve when an opportunity was given you?
On the other hand, when you are serving with a willing heart, the confirmation comes little by little, or God will give you a new direction just as you need it. In that case, ministry has taken place. Which is better--to serve while trying to get clear confirmation--or to avoid serving while trying to get confirmation?
We do want to be perfectly within God's will in any case, but I caution us to not use the excuse of "unsureness" to avoid the next step God would have us to take within our lives.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Drive for Evangelism
Tyler talked about the churches that were growing. He said that one of the things that characterized them was their focus on leading others to Christ. It was seen it that everything they did was either directly, or indirectly, related to this focus.
Let's have a drive within ourselves to see others come to Christ.
Let's have a drive within ourselves to see others come to Christ.
Monday, June 15, 2009
How God Shapes Our Lives
Bro. Roger said,"There are many ways God shapes us. He can shape us through life experiences whether good or bad he can use those time to shape us. He can shape us through blessings,through a crisis, or through tragedies. As a matter of fact God can use anything that happens in our lives to shape us. The question is, are you shapable? The key to being shapable is the condition of your heart."
I pray that our hearts will be "shapable"!
I pray that our hearts will be "shapable"!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Man Goes to His Long Home
I am preaching at Union today for their homecoming.
Ecclesiastes tells us that man goes to his long home. That long home is eternity.
It's important to know that that will be a good experience as opposed to a bad one. Thank the Lord that He provided a way for us to enter in Heaven and our eternal long home will be a good one!
Ecclesiastes tells us that man goes to his long home. That long home is eternity.
It's important to know that that will be a good experience as opposed to a bad one. Thank the Lord that He provided a way for us to enter in Heaven and our eternal long home will be a good one!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Response Postings
I usually am encouraged to encourage you to take things to a deeper level. What is the most profound, most important, or most practical idea that comes to you because of this study (can relate to other students' books as well as your own.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Childhood of Jesus
We don't know much from the Bible about the childhood of Jesus other than the time Joseph and Mary missed him on their journey and went back and found Him teaching in the temple. However, there may have been some clues from historical studies about the culture of that day. Do any of your books give much information on this topic?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Course 8 Week 3
We have completed the first quarter of our course. Now we move into the second quarter.
What has stood out to you the most so far from what you have been studying? It could be new information that has come your way, or it could be something that you think you will try to apply in a very practical way.
What has stood out to you the most so far from what you have been studying? It could be new information that has come your way, or it could be something that you think you will try to apply in a very practical way.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Course 8 Week 3 Main Posting Area
You may use the comments section below for your comments for week three after midnight on Monday, June 8.
Course 8 Week 2 Last Day
This is the last day for comments for week 2. You have until midnight tonight to get in any further comments to count toward this week.
Your comments have been especially good this week. Keep up the good work.
Visitors are always welcome to join in the conversation. Just click on the word, "commente" below any main post. Each week, there is a post called the main posting area. That is where most of the discussion takes place.
Your comments have been especially good this week. Keep up the good work.
Visitors are always welcome to join in the conversation. Just click on the word, "commente" below any main post. Each week, there is a post called the main posting area. That is where most of the discussion takes place.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Union--Relationships
I preached at Union, near Thompsonville, IL, this morning.
We had been talking about relationships. I often give a testimony about events leading up to my profession of faith in Christ. One of those events involves a conversation between two young men about their assurance of salvation. I walked away from the conversation without joining in because I did not have anything to say about my assurance of salvation. Later that week, the Lord used that memory of that conversation to bring me to Him.
One of those young men attended Union at that time.
I am scheduled to preach again at Union for their Homecoming next Sunday morning.
We had been talking about relationships. I often give a testimony about events leading up to my profession of faith in Christ. One of those events involves a conversation between two young men about their assurance of salvation. I walked away from the conversation without joining in because I did not have anything to say about my assurance of salvation. Later that week, the Lord used that memory of that conversation to bring me to Him.
One of those young men attended Union at that time.
I am scheduled to preach again at Union for their Homecoming next Sunday morning.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Exclusivist!
Christianity is sometimes when the exclusivist postion is taken, but many fail to recognize that most religions have an element of exclusivity.
Jesus is the only way to Heaven, but "the grace of God hath appeared to all men." That makes things fair and makes it so that anyone has a chance. That is inclusive, but it is often left out in some discussions.
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Without exercising faith in Christ, there is no basis for a biblical assurance of salvation.
Jesus is the only way to Heaven, but "the grace of God hath appeared to all men." That makes things fair and makes it so that anyone has a chance. That is inclusive, but it is often left out in some discussions.
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Without exercising faith in Christ, there is no basis for a biblical assurance of salvation.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Relationships--Response Postings
Here is a copy of my response to Tyler earlier this week.
"57 % is a clear majority. Isn't it, Tyler. That many say that relationships had a part in getting them to come to church.
"
What about all of us? Did relationships play a part in our coming to church--or did we decide to attend a church from some other reason?"
"In my case, of course, my parents took me to church--so, relationships played a part. Another thing, though, is that one of my best friends in grade school attended our church. Another one attended church, just a couple of miles further away. After that, my circle of friends seemed to be formed from people (kids) whose families went to church."
For this week, along with your regular posts, give us an example of how relationships played a part in our coming to the church we attend (if they did). You may place those posts below this one or in the main posting area.
"57 % is a clear majority. Isn't it, Tyler. That many say that relationships had a part in getting them to come to church.
"
What about all of us? Did relationships play a part in our coming to church--or did we decide to attend a church from some other reason?"
"In my case, of course, my parents took me to church--so, relationships played a part. Another thing, though, is that one of my best friends in grade school attended our church. Another one attended church, just a couple of miles further away. After that, my circle of friends seemed to be formed from people (kids) whose families went to church."
For this week, along with your regular posts, give us an example of how relationships played a part in our coming to the church we attend (if they did). You may place those posts below this one or in the main posting area.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Our Questions
One of the weekly requirements is to ask your fellow students questions.
Since we are all posting in the same area, I want us to be aware of the questions asked. The following items need to be responded to in the posting area. (You may have to copy and paste to refresh us on what question you are asking.)
Here are the questions so far:
What about all of us? Did relationships play a part in our coming to church--or did we decide to attend a church from some other reason?
I feel I've been fortunate to be a part of a church that has been growing. I could agree with what the book said. But my question is, whats the formula to keep it going?
I hope that I can be better at getting to know people that I don't know that well. What do you guys think about ways we can help our churches grow?
Since we are all posting in the same area, I want us to be aware of the questions asked. The following items need to be responded to in the posting area. (You may have to copy and paste to refresh us on what question you are asking.)
Here are the questions so far:
What about all of us? Did relationships play a part in our coming to church--or did we decide to attend a church from some other reason?
I feel I've been fortunate to be a part of a church that has been growing. I could agree with what the book said. But my question is, whats the formula to keep it going?
I hope that I can be better at getting to know people that I don't know that well. What do you guys think about ways we can help our churches grow?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Taking the Gospel into All the World
Today, my wife and I took Evangelist and Mrs. Larry and Ginger Sauvageot to the airport, where they departed to New Zealand. They will be there for a couple of months, and then they will go on to Australia. They have family in Australia, but the New Zealand opportunity came through other contacts. They are faithful to go where the Lord leads, but Bro. Larry has a heart for Revival to take place in the United States of America.
In a little over a month, I will be leaving with the Many Hands of Christ ministry to go to Acuna, (pronounced, "Uh-coon-ya") Mexico. Among other preaching or speaking opportunities, I will be teaching a seminar for a group of local pastors on their requested topic of "Faith."
We should take what opportunites we can to share the Gospel--whether in our hometown or as far as the Lord will let us travel.
We also can be involved by sending as well as going personally.
If the Lord impresses you to help with this trip to Mexico, send an email to rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com, and I will give further details as to how you can do that.
May the Lord bless all of you in your ministries as you share the Gospel!
In a little over a month, I will be leaving with the Many Hands of Christ ministry to go to Acuna, (pronounced, "Uh-coon-ya") Mexico. Among other preaching or speaking opportunities, I will be teaching a seminar for a group of local pastors on their requested topic of "Faith."
We should take what opportunites we can to share the Gospel--whether in our hometown or as far as the Lord will let us travel.
We also can be involved by sending as well as going personally.
If the Lord impresses you to help with this trip to Mexico, send an email to rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com, and I will give further details as to how you can do that.
May the Lord bless all of you in your ministries as you share the Gospel!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Course 8 Week 2 Main Posting Area
Everyone posting in the same area seemed to work last week, so we will continue to do that.
Course 8 Week 2
This is the beginning of week 2. We got used to posting last week. This week academic posts of 3 or more sentences will earn points according to the course guidelines.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Course 8 End of Week 1
We are off to a good start, with everyone weighing in this first week. The week ends at midnight tonight, so if you need to make somre posts, go ahead and get them in. Otherwise, I look forward to the dicussion for the rest of the course.
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