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| Several
years ago the famous book came out and went on to be a best seller.
This book was said to have changed the face of ministry itself. That
book was called "The Purpose Driven Church" some time later another
book graced our presence in more conservative circles, that book is
called "The Savior-Sensitive Church". Even with both of those books
which offer positive insights, many still haven't done it the way Jesus
desired and even prayed that we would. There are churches across the
county known only by its pastor, and not the doctrine it holds to, or
its love for the community. That personality drives the church instead
of leads it. Now I think it is wonderful for a preacher to be so
blessed by God that he can ministry to several churches and various
ministries. However when that preacher looks for a spotlight, or the
place that pays the most, or somewhere to advance his influence and
agenda he has missed out on what Jesus prayed for the disciples, whom I
believe represented the first local church. Hopefully this simple
outline of a section of Jesus' prayer in John chapter 17 will be a
blessing. Christ has given you as a Christian, a purpose for your life,
and has prayed that you will be a shining light in the world. The world
needs Christians to show them the way, not confuse them and frustrate
them.
"I pray not
that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest
keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of
the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou
hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the
world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be
sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for
them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all
may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also
may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." (John 17:15-21) Jesus' prayer for the church. I. The Prayer of Protection (vs. 15-16) A. Protection from evil attacks (Acts 28:5-6) B. Protection from evil teachings. (I Timothy 4:13) II. The Prayer of Preparation (vs. 17-19) A. Preparation in the Truth. (II Timothy 2:15) B. Preparation for a Title. (I John 3:1) C. Preparation to give a Testimony. (Acts 1:8) III. The Prayer of Propagation. (vs. 20-21) A. The power of unity. (Philippians 1:27) B. The power of undeserving grace. (Ephesians 2:8-10) C. The power of unlimited atonement. (John 3:16) | | |
| Today marks the end of a journey that began long ago....It began in a
new church building in August 2001. It was during a sermon that Pastor
Mark preached called "Why God has blessed us with this facility" that
God called me to this path I am on. I then moved to Oklahoma and
attended bible college for 2 years. Then took 9 months off and worked
security for a distribution center thinking "God won't use me". Through
some miraculous circumstances God brought me to BBC in Springfield in
January 2004. Now 3 years later this journey is finished but is really
beginning at the same time. Today marks the end of the BBC era, and
the beginning of another...I am seeking God's will concerning ministry.
Thanks to my friends, family, and fellow students for support over the
past 3 years especially. | | |
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To
top off this exciting list. Getting engaged last month was really
awesome. It was different from anything I had done my entire life.
There was a uniqueness about it that cannot be described. I am not good
at telling stories as much as Charity is so here is her version of what
happened that day.....
Okay, here are the details about our
engagement day. Last Saturday (April 14, 2007), Josh and I went to
Topeka, KS to visit his father, sister, grandma and grandpa. We went to
his dad's first and hung out with Russell, Eva (his dad's fiance), and
Tabatha for a little while and then went to Windol's house. Windol was
the coolest old man that I've met in a long time! He really liked me
and told Josh that if he didn't marry me he'd be upset at him. So,
after Windol's we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house. We ate lunch
there and Josh was suppose to pick up the ring, but I thought that he
didn't. I was sad. We left and went to the Capital building, but the
doors were locked. I was cold, so I tried to put my hand in Josh's coat
pocket, but he wouldn't let me. I was wondering if he had the ring in
his pocket, but then I thought he was just messing with me to make me
think he did, so I was sad again. Once we telephoned a guard inside the
building, we went in and walked around. We made our way to a mural of
this really famous guy in Kansas history (I think it was John Brown,
but of course I don't remember his name!) and Josh was taking pictures.
He stopped taking pictures and gave me this hug that was weird, but
nice and told me he loved me a lot. He the turned around and took
another picture and then turned back towards me with his hand in his
pocket. He was having trouble getting his hand out of his pocket, so I
asked, "What are you doing?" and he pulled out the box, opened it and
said, "So, do you wanna marry me?" Of course I was shocked and I
realized I was silent for like 15 seconds and then said, "YES!"
Funny
story though. The ring almost fit, so I thought I could get by wearing
it for a while (at least out to dinner with his family). But, after
like 4 hours of wearing it, my finger swelled, turned almost purple,
and I could not get the ring off! Finally (after like 20 minutes of
trying to get it off), we got the ring off. It's now at the jewelers
getting resized.(Got it back looks awesome!)
We've set our date for May 31, 2008 probably at Broadway Baptist Church.
Well, that's all I have to say about that. | | |
| When I was going to school in Oklahoma City, Ok I can remember when
9/11 had occurred. I was sitting in "college life" class, and the
teacher said that the nation was under attack. That day in chapel
everyone's hearts were heavy and several were crying. This led to the
mall and several public places closing, as well as Tinker Air Force
base going on full alert. As this event happened, I felt that there
would be a need, for more security in this nation. As a result I
applied at Burns-Pinkerton, now called securitas. I have been
privileged to handle security for some big businesses. This has been a
fun and tremendous learning experience. I have many stories, both of
the funny and the stupid variety. | | |
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| During
the fall of 2004 I was sitting in class at BBC with Tanner, and Eric.
This particular class was called "Church History" and Dr. Wallace was
talking about Pope John Paul II (the one that died recently). He told
us about how this pope was conservative on the issues of abortion and
gay marriage and so on. This kid in the back raises his hand and asks
this question "Sir, if the pope is conversative would he vote for
Bush?" We all lost it, we were laughing. Dr. Wallace then has a
confused look on his face, looks at his notes starts laughing. Then we
all start laughing again. He looks at the clock, then at his notes and
says "Gentlemen have a great weekend" class was then dismissed about 15
minutes early. WOW the questions some people ask.... |
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