Life Lesson3 from Ezra Part 3

Tomorrow we will continue to look into the book of Ezra. Tomorrow's sermon will be from chapter 7 verses 6-10. And we will discus what it was that made, "the hand of the LORD his God rest upon him (Ezra)". The answer is, because Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey [it], and teach [its] statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10 (HCSB)
We will be discussing being people of the book. I am trying not to have 3 points to focus on but instead have one focus point with applications to the focus point. Too many times I have great points but stung together I miss teaching what the Scripture actually says. Andy Stanley's book Communicating for Change has had me thinking about this for the past year. I believe it will make a greater impact on our people because while we have the most knowledgeable church members around we often lack application of that knowledge and sharing of that knowledge. And I am guilty more than anyone!

For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." Romans 10:11 (NASB95)

Questions Answered

A few months ago I asked the question, "Why is Sampson in Hebrew 11?". It is nothing earth shaking or faith breaking, I would just like to know. So last night for our adult bible study I with the help of the class went through and tried to answer this question. There are around 30 or so adults in this class so I was worried about how it would go over. I have done many different things on Sunday and Wednesday night but nothing like this. On Wednesday nights we have been going over the daily devotional times of people in the bible. So this would be a good hands on approach on how to study the Bible. for far to long my DQT's end up being read a few verses read a paragraph on what Oswald Chambers thinks about it and pray. But is that really spending time with God? Not always. So we read from 6 different bible translations, two commentaries/sermons and talked the aspects of the story out. It was extremely interesting and helpful because it took delving into the Word on a different level. Asking questions, reading before after and during, looking at background and times. Yes it was very rich. The answer is ............... I had it written down but I don't want to take the blessing of reading the Word from you. See Hebrews 11 and Judges 13-16 for answers, ENJOY!
This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me. Psalms 119:50 (NASB95)

Life Lessons in Ezra

We finished our second sermon on Ezra yesterday. Ezra ia a rich book about renewal and to go through it properly would take forever. But instead I am going over 4 practical applications from it. here are the first 2.
Week 1 Ezra 1- Who God Uses
If God will us a King who thinks he is god, can't God use us?
Week 2 Ezra 3- Unity
Unity in Purpose
Unity in Work
Unity in Courage
Unity in Worship
I will fill you in on the next 2 later this week. Hope you all have a blessed day!

Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, while many shouted aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far away. Ezra 3:12-13 (NASB95)

Back Home

Well I survived Ft. Jackson once again thanks to Rich Hagan and 1st platoon! This trip was good for me because of the camaraderie and shared passion for Christ in this class. But needless to say I am glad to be home in Texas. Started a series on Ezra yesterday and started teaching Evangelism 101 last night. Both services were great especially yesterday morning, the praise team did awesome! Hopefully now we can settle in and start visiting every home in New Boston!
Blessings

PHASE 1

I am now at Ft. Jackson for the completion of phase 1 training. I only have until Friday to be here but I am tired and I miss the family. Tomorrow is a KILLER run day, so pray for rain! It has been a good phase with a good class. I have learned allot at this school about myself and about ministry. We had a Dr. from the Marine Collage come speak to us about Islam and the Iraqi people. She is a very conservative Christian and had spent time with the Iraqi people. We can translate the Koran however we want to just as Muslim interpret the Bible however they want to. But the reality is that a Muslim who goes by the Koran will not be a terrorist. They will just be wrong! What we have in Iraq is a group of people who just check the box. Do we not do the same as Christians? We can check the box and say we are Christians but do we really go by the book? Is there something we do that is contrary to who we say we are? If so why do we do it? For what reason? And is that reason good enough? It is time that I take a deep look at myself and not people around me. I pray that I will be more than a box checker.

SPIRITUAL COMFORT -- A CLOSER LOOK AT BATTLEFIELD CHAPLAINS

1st Texas Sunday

Yesterday was my first Sunday at Faith as a resident Texan. Numbers were up from 115 to 154 in morning worship and from the low 70s to 88 in Sunday School. I know when a pastor first comes to town numbers go up because people want to see what tricks the new monkey can do. But it doesn't matter to me, just happy to be here. I can't describe Faith other than to say there is freedom here. Freedom to preach and be heard, freedom to shout, raise your hands, clap or worship anyway that you are led. This is a very different Baptist church to say the least. I have come to a point were I don't feel obligated to try the newest thing to make the church better, this church will make me better. Shouldn't that be the goal of a church with a new/young pastor; make him better so that he can lead better? I am glad it is this way in New Boston. For those of you who say "wait till the honeymoon is over" stop hating and start praying, it will do both you and me some good!