MountainChristian

The "length of Sermon" thread - or rather some of the responses in it, have brought to my mind something which I thought of a while back.
There was a thread about "loud preaching" a while back and there were the same kinds of answers given in that thread.
What I speak of goes something like this: "I like long preaching", or "I Like loud preaching".
Length in and of itself is irrelevant.
Volume in and of itself is irrelevant.
"Enthusiastic delivery" in and of itself is irrelevant.
These things are irrelevant because no one would say they like a sermon that is doctrinally incorrect just because it is long.
No one (after thinking about what has been said) would say a doctrinally incorrect sermon was great based on its volume or the enthusiasm with which it is delivered.
Sure enough, sometimes people get all worked up in the moment, but when the excitement fades you often find that there is little substance to it.
 
This is the key to "good preaching" - the Biblical substance.is what is important, not the volume, the intensity, or the length.
So next time you are asked if you like "loud preachin' " or "long preachin' ", maybe you should think about it a bit before just answering "yep, sure".
I like good preaching whether it is loud or quiet, whether it is gentle or hard, whether it is long or short.
These things mean nothing IF the content is not there.
I have sat through 2 1/2 hours of missions presentation and preaching and felt like I would be happy for him to continue - disappointed in fact that he was finishing - and I was not the only one.
But I have also sat there after 10 mins thinking "I wish this guy would close it off right now" - and not because of conviction, but because it was a waste of time.
And I am sorry to say, the majority (not ALL of it, but the majority) of "Loud Preachin' " that I have sat under was loud for the sake of being loud.
I have heard some really, really, really good loud preaching, but it was good because it was full of Bible content, not because of it's volume.
 
I personally have to force myself to "get loud" on occasion, and I wish it would come more naturally to me, but there are a lot of things about my preaching that I wish I could do better. However God called me to this, and I have to assume that He knows what He is doing in this regard. I will continue to work at improving my preaching, and I will continue to try to improve and vary my delivery, but it is what it is.
 
Anyway, those are my two cents, and I will most likely get change from some of you, which is your right too.
 
Have a good night, (or day, or whenever it is with you)
Dave.
 
 
 
 

While this pertains to a Christmas present, I hope those who may be anti-Christmas will look past that point and appreciate what it's truly about. : )
As I was signing my Dad's Christmas card and relaying to him (in the card) how one of the presents that I was giving him was related to a fond memory of my childhood...I was crying like a baby.
You see, my Dad is 79 years old now, and he's not in the best shape. He has health issues. Plus, his mind is slipping. It's hard for me to see this man (whom I've admired for so long) have to suffer the effects of old age. He's the one who helped mold me into the person I am today. He's the one who took us to church. He's the one who worked so hard to see that our family's needs were met. He's the one who stood faithful. He was (and is) a true man. It's hard on me. He was dealt some bad and hard blows in life which I won't go into at this time. Through it all, he remained true and faithful. He remained...my Dad...and I love him.
When I was young (between the ages of 8 to 12 years old), my Dad cut pulp-wood for a living, and he would take my brother and me with him quite often to help.
I hated it.
However, the highlight of each day of pulp-wooding was when we'd break for lunch. My Dad called it a "saw-miller's lunch". It consisted of things like....
Beenie Weenies, potted meat, sardines, crackers and so forth.
I loved it!
As I look back, I don't have very many memories of the actual time spent cutting trees, measuring the logs to cut, or loading them on the truck, and all that was involved with that...but I remember those saw-miller lunches and the talks and laughs we'd have while eating them.
One of the gifts I'm giving my Dad this year is a saw-miller's lunch, and in the card, I relayed to him how much they meant to me...that though the gift may seem insignificant...and certainly not extravagant...it was one way of honoring him for providing me with such a fond and wonderful memory...a way of honoring him for all that he did to help me become who I am today.
A saw-miller's lunch. Who knew that Beenie Weenies, potted meat, sardines, and crackers could have such a strong influence? It's not about them though; it's about the personal time that revolved around them. It's one of the fondest memories that I have of my childhood.
All of that to say this...make memories with your children...no matter how insignificant you may think they are.
...and whether you like it or not...Merry Christmas! : )

And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
----
And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
 

And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
----
And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
 

And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
----
And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
 

You know, we really can't do that, due to the first ammendment of the Constitution. Now certainly, we can vet them before allowing them in, and so we should have always done, and if there is no way to successfully vet them to ensure they aren't tied to terrorism, we just don't let them in. But while here, we can't deport them merely for their religion, it is against the law of the land. Now, those here tied to terrorism, (yes I know many would say to be muslim IS to be tied to terrorism), then that can be used as a reason for deportation. But there are Muslims who love the country and obey the laws-and we should be giving them the gospel.

You know for a long time, since 911, I have been an advocate of deporting every single Muslim from our country. And it just dawned on me: if we started doing that, surely we would have a "civil war" on our hands.

The "suspect" has now been released.

Another atrocity in Germany. 
A truck driven into a crowd at a Christmas Market.  Killed at least 12 and wounded about 50.  The original driver of the suspected hijacked Polish truck is said to have  been found shot in his cab. He was first reported to be a co driver.  A suspect has been arrested  but Police now have doubts that he is involved. He is a Pakistani refugee who arrived in Merkle Land about a year ago.  Nigel Farage is verbaly abused for blaming her, and being threatened of legal action for acusing the husband of the murdered MP Jo Cox of supporting terrorism. 
Many years ago, (in 1968 actually) Conservative MP Enoch Powell made what is remembered as his "Rivers Of Blood" speech which effectively ended his polical  career.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/3643823/Enoch-Powells-Rivers-of-Blood-speech.html
But he was not the first to raise the dangers of Muslim immigration in March 1959 General de Gaulle raised a more pointed reference
http://waltwhitemansworld.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/charles-de-gaulle-warns-about-muslim.html
Below is a Google translation of part of his speech.  Google did not translate his first paragraph for some reason, but I think you will get the gist.
"We are still primarily a European people, Caucasian, Greek and Latin culture and Christian religion. We do not tell a story! Muslims, you went to see? You watched them with their turbans and their djellaba? You see that these are not the French.

Those who advocate integration have a hummingbird brains, even if they are very learned. Try to incorporate oil and vinegar. Shake the bottle. After a while, they will separate again. Arabs are Arabs, the French are French.

You believe that the French body can absorb ten million Muslims, who tomorrow will be twenty million and forty day after tomorrow? If we did the integration, if all the Arabs and Berbers of Algeria were considered French, how do you prevent coming to settle in France, while the standard of living is so much higher? My village will be called [no] more Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, but Colombey-les-Deux-Mosques. "
And stll it goes on.
http://waltwhitemansworld.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/secret-refugee-deal-to-bring-2500.html
 

The pope has said that evolution and the big bang are real an God is not a magician with a magic wand. I suppose in his eyes that must give God less power than the priest who transforms the bread and wine.  The real magic is that they manage to get so many people to believe that false story.

Yesterday my daughter got an early offer from the uni. We were told it would be middle of January, but they have already officially offered her a place, which she will accept.
The funny thing is that the other universities official offers come out middle of January, so this one is trying to secure her as a student before the others get a chance.
I can't  help but be proud of our girl.

'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came
 
'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
 
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
 
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
 
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!
 
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
 
In the Book of Life which He held in His Hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, "It's not here", My head hung in shame!
 
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
 
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
 
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after ALL!
 
Source Unknown.

May God have mercy. I'm sure its coming...

I type the Bible, my hands have problems holding the pen. 

What a wonderful thing, Dave...that your children are walking with the Lord!  Yes, they all grow up, and time flies so swiftly!  I couldn't resist posting this 2012 "note" from our #3 grandson who is now a teenager.  Prayer for my kiddos and grandkiddos is such a great comfort to me!  I praise my precious God for the message of this note!

 

I think it is simply to differentiate between the living Word of God and the written word of God, the former being a person, the latter being a book.
Think of it this way - they could not leave the (person of the) Word of God even if they wanted to, but they were being forced to leave the ministry of the study of the (written) word of God by the necessity of the physical ministering required.
The translators wanted to leave the reader in no doubt of this matter and made a difference of notation.
There is no question that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Word of God, but as you sit in church with a Bible in your hands you do not consider it to be the physical presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in that actual book, do you?
Hope this helps.

Thanks folks.
My oldest son has just finished honours in Computer Science - he is headed out into the big bad world of professional work. Up until now he has worked at Hungry Jacks (Burger King), and paid for all his own costs by doing that.
My second son has just finished his first year at Health Science - didn't do as well as he had wanted but is keeping at it. He wants to train as a Paramedic, with the intent that it will allow him to either be a missionary or at least to be an assist when he visits missionaries. (He works at McDonalds)
Now my daughter is waiting on an offer from this school of nursing - we will know early in January, but we think it is pretty certain. And again, she wants this training not for itself but so she can hopefully go into some sort of missionary work. (She works at the local council)
Our youngest is only 13, and still schooling at home.
I have to say that I am proud of my kids - the two middle ones have both been on missions trips and both are open for the Lord's leading in that. My oldest son has never felt a call to the ministry, but he knows what it is to be faithful, and he is intent to be solid and faithful in the church where the Lord has him. Our oldest never had the opportunity to go on a missions trip, but I hope he makes it happen for himself. He does however know the value of a faithful member.
Now we have had our struggles folks - I don't want to paint this as a picture of perfection - but these kids have done me proud and still are.
Our oldest set a precedent which his two younger siblings are following hard at - to earn and pay their way through university.
All of our kids will have a Government education debt when they finish because we can't afford the course fees, but the two oldest have bought all their own books etc. and our Daughter has the same idea.
 
Pro 23:24-25  The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.  (25)  Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
 

I type the Bible, my hands have problems holding the pen. 

Our church is having an evening service on 25 Decembr for the first time on the Lord's day, since we have been members.  I have always  said we should have it as a normal Lord's day, but have been told that nobody would come.  This year I mentioned it again and was supported by a new member who is a retired Baptist pastor. He said the Lord's day should have precedence, so we are having an evening service.  

Currently sitting in a park waiting for our daughter to return from an interview for entrance into iniversity - School of nursing, with a view to it being a missions gateway if the Lord leads her onto the field.
We have one now who has finished uni with honours, one who is in uni currently, and a third who is starting next year.
Only one more at home schooling.
I just do not feel old enough to have three kids old enough to do these things.

Merry Christmas to you, too, Alan.
Today the girls I homeschool are hosting a Christmas tea for their moms (well, one of the girls will only have her aunt here, but that works). They made desserts and in a little bit will be making some tea sandwiches. They made gifts for their moms. And they learned a piano piece (they've never played before)  and will be "telling" The True Night Before Christmas by John Cook, using pictures.
They are excited and nervous. And then we'll have two weeks' break. YAY!

For those who may be interested,
I am aware that I have a number of "more intensive" forum discussions unto which I have contributed just "hanging" at present.  I am writing this "note" in order to inform those who may be looking for my next contribution in one of them - I am NOT done, but just very busy at present with ministry, family, and holiday responsibilities.  For me, contributing to these "more intensive" discussions requires more than just a few, quick lines.  Please be patient with me.
Thank you,
Pastor Scott Markle

Our pastor's brother-in-law pastors a church on the east side (Queensland).  I believe it is an IB church, and when they come back to visit here, it's always a blessing to hear him preach.  I believe all 6 of our pastor's brother-in-law and sister's children are Aussie born.  Thank you for sharing about your country; fascinating!

In general yes. It does tend to be a little bit "pigeon" in the far north, but still recognisably English.There are very few Aboriginal people who don't speak English. In fact, the bigger problem is that many of them do not speak their traditional languages, nor do many of them know much about their traditions and heritage. There are many many dialects which can vary greatly from one area to another.
About the only things they are universally taught is that white men treated them badly.
This was true by the way, although at times it was done "with the best of intentions", but it makes you wonder about the thought processes that lead to those conclusions.
For instance, there was a policy of taking the children away from Aboriginal parents because it was thought that they did not know how to raise children properly. Forget that they had been raising children for a few thousand years in their own culture just fine - they didn't teach them to read and write, didn't clothe them in dresses and jeans and shirts, they didn't live in "proper houses". So they took the kids and gave them to white families.
This is referred to now as the "Stolen generation", and looking back it was so wrong, but in the day it apparently made sense.
This kind of past history can make it hard to reach the Aboriginal people with what they see as "White man's religion", especially since many of the children ended up in Catholic "missions" being abused in various ways. That is what they associate "Christianity" with.
I do know of some wonderful saved Aboriginal families who dearly love the Lord and serve Him in local Baptist Churches.
In fact, it is reaching the Aboriginal communities in the far NW that has my view.
The problem is that it is so expensive to live up that way, and these communities are typically only between 50 and 150 people, and they are spread over a huge area. It would not be possible to have a church in each community, but I think the old fashioned circuit ridin' preacher' could reach them.
My thought is to have a camper bus set up to travel between the communities in the dry season (can't travel up there once the rains hit) and stop for a few days at a time at each community, preaching and teaching. That is actually one of the reasons why we got our old landcruiser - it is simple and rugged, and would stand the country. Much of the roadways there are gravel, and with the big trucks travelling them they get badly rutted (we called it corrugations - like small ridges going across the road only a few inches apart and going like that for miles. Shakes the car to pieces if you are not careful. And 4x4 is pretty much essential for travelling up there - not normally, but if you get caught out by a rain and don't have 4x4, chances are that you will get heavily stuck, and no one will come by for days. People die like that.
We can't afford to buy and set up a bus, so the Cruiser and a camper trailer is the initial plan. When we can afford to do it.
Or maybe the Lord would have me and our church to be a sending support for that ministry?

My oh my, what a beautiful sight!