Saturday, March 19, 2011

The 3rd Month is Meeting its end

March 19th? I cannot believe it. I keep blinking. What happened to August, and being super excited that I was starting seminary of all things? Me, staring seminary! And now look at me. I am sitting down at a desk working a part time job, helping run a company. I am on staff at a church working for the missions department. I have a girlfriend, who I am crazy about and now I am just thinking “Wow God” look how far you’ve brought me. I have come from having almost nothing to having a great deal of things in my life, and I am blessed beyond anything right now.
I am a little crazy again, so I really hope I don’t add a ton of stress to my life. But I want to go for the 5 extra credit points to be added to my grade in Baptist Heritage, so I am reading 1000 pages worth of book (in some form) to get those points. Right now I have 2 books I am reading on Kindle. William Carey’s “The Inquiry” and John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress”. I will probably also read the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (just to get an idea of the doctrine of the Southern Baptist Convention). The Inquiry marks the second book I have read this school year. Technically the first one I read “The Firm” I had started reading over the summer and finished it during the semester whilst reading for fun (a crazy thought I grant you) but I still felt like I had to read nonetheless. But in the sense of what it displays in the realm of missions, Carey is a genius. Talking about what it takes for the world of the Believers to go out and take the gospel to them. There were lists in the book of different people groups and the languages that were occupying those lands. It was an interesting read, that’s for sure. All in all, the month, the busyness of school is not getting me down, I am just moving forward constantly.
FLASHDEVO – 2nd Timothy 3/4 and Isaiah 1
2nd Timothy 3/4:
In a sense, we have seen Paul do so many great things because he is an Apostle called apart from God to preach the Word, and at the same time, he was called to be an encouragement to other believers, and we have seen this time and time again throughout the New Testament, and he has thanked a great number of believers that he encounters on his journeys. One person in particular who has been influenced and included in that group is a young man named Timothy. Paul’s words to him in these 2 books is a guide for future generations (at least that’s how I see it), people can benefit from learning about how to do ministry from older believers such as Paul, who would offer up his guidance and support for those who are in need. Ministry is all about carrying on a legacy and tradition of those people who trust each other and help each other.
Isaiah 1:
“But Israel does not know, my people do not understand”
They have forsaken the Lord. I hate hearing that statement said out loud, but it’s the truth. People who claim to be “Jewish” don’t get the concept of what it means to believe in Jesus and belong to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. It is a great prayer of my heart that the people of Israel turn their face to the Messiah that they simply need to know.
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
The nation of Israel hasn’t been obedient to God’s commandments, and look at what has happened to them, they are almost wiped out on various occasions, because they DON’T LISTEN. But those who put their trust in God, they will be saved.
Enjoy your weekend.
GRACE AND PEACE!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Revive This Nation - Quaker City, Ohio - March 15th

Okay, I really don't understand what is going on with facebook tonight, so that's the reason why there's a note update on my blog rather than on facebook. If I can ever get it to work, i will let you know.

Anyway, today was another busy day of ministry. Today was where I brought in the Roman Road (Romans 3:21-26) as a topic for my sermon. It has gotten to the point where I have been getting so comfortable with my preaching style. I cannot wait to go over my sermons, since I recorded all of them. The videos will be put up on facebook the minute i have the ability to do it.

You know, when I got into the ministry, I had it in my mind that i could do things better than the people who I saw handle me while I was in ministry (as a student I mean), but the best thing I have found through doing this experience is that I get to be me, and i don't have anyone to be compared to, anyone I have to worry about what they think, the prying eyes, the negative comments that i have receievd in my lfie concerning my ministry, I egt to have it be where its just me and my faith in the Lord. That's the comfort I felt tonight while I was preaching. It was me, and the Holy Spirit leading me. I don't have to worry about what people said, because no one was there to see it. I was always worried about what others thought of me, and how I would compare to others, but now i don't have to worry about any of that, because I am myself...and I am worthy to preach God's word because I am a sinner saved by grace.


Today I went with Pastor Larry to do more work to invite some more people to come out, since tonight and tomorrow are the last 2 nights. I am super excited...I hope that the people we have talked to will come out.

We went to a local cafe called "circle of friends" where 2 people who are known at Quaker City baptist church are owners. We were able to talk with them, pray over their family since their daughter was sick. And after that, we drove into West Virginia to go to a famous sporting goods store called Cabelas, where there was a hall of African Animals that would EASILY and TOTALY rival Dr. Patterson's office. It was a good time.

I can really feel that I was sent here to be an encouragement more than anything. The people in this church needed to hear me encourage them, and that is why I personally feel that I was sent here. I hope that someone will accept Christ because of me, but at the same time, to give people a deeper understanding of their salvation, that's huge all in itself, for I feel I have made a difference in this community.

Blessings and Much Love,
Joel

Phil 1:20

1 More update to come before heading back to the Lone Star State.

GOOD NIGHT FROM BARNESVILLE, OHIO.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Eve of a Revival (from the perspective of the preacher)

Today is Thursday. It is now the final day before I depart to preach my revival at Quaker City Baptist Church in Quaker City, Ohio; I am not sure what to expect, but I do know that God is preparing me seriously for what I am about to undertake. I haven't been feeling well over the past couple of days, and I feel like my head is full to the brim with snot....God whatever you are trying to teach me in the time that I am not feeling good, prepare me for what is to come tomorrow and Saturday (the day I leave)

My sermons are like this.

Exodus 12

Hebrews 3

Isaiah 6

Romans 3

Acts 26


Keep looking at this blog for updates...there will be more to come.

Grace and Peace!

Monday, March 7, 2011

REVIVAL IN THE LAND

I had to think of a really good title to use considering that in exactly 1 week, I will be traveling from the DFW area to Quaker City, Ohio for a weeklong revival where I personally will be preaching 5 sermons. I only have basically 3 manuscripts prepared but that will all very quickly change. 2 sermons on the concept of “The Blood of the Lamb” drawn from Exodus 12 and Hebrews 3, one on the holiness of God drawn from Isaiah 6, one on God’s righteousness and the role of Christ in redemption from Romans 3, and finally I’ll conclude everything with Acts 26.

The title is from one of my favorite songs by the Christian singer Carmen. “Revival in the Land” talks about what happens when demons in Hell hear the saints praying on their knees for revival. Demons are suffering in Hell because of this powerful moving of prayer. This is what I am praying right now, especially as I get closer and closer to going to Ohio to preach.

I definitely consider myself a bad blogger these days. I used to be so good at keeping up with everything and now it’s like WHO CARES? I mean, life just gets in the way of everything and you seriously just can’t find the time or the desire for that matter to sit and write. You have a lot on your mind, yes; but when it comes down to it, this doesn’t strike me as being a priority anymore, so whenever I feel the urge to write something I do it, I won’t just do it for any plain reason like I did in the summer. I do admit that I am envious of all the other people I know who are committed to blogging everyday. I can’t really bring myself up to do all of that.

The weekend was just too busy, March in general is going to be crazy. But I will do the best I can to tell everything that's going on.

Be blessed and look for my more posts.

GRACE AND PEACE!