Truly Beggars

Sarah, Caleb, and Steve

2007-07-02T14:54:00.001-04:00

Steve Goes Deep

2007-07-02T12:47:00.000-04:00

Not Just Peter

2007-06-28T11:58:00.000-04:00

Where does real love for people come from? Here's something I read this morning from Paul in his letter to the Colossians:

Colossians 1:3-5 (ESV) 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.

When do we experience the hope laid up for us in heaven? the past? the present? the FUTURE!

Because we hope in the grace that will be brought to us in the future (remember 1 Peter 1:13), we love others now. Let's believe God's better promises today - and love our brothers.

Let's Pray

2007-06-28T09:32:00.001-04:00

Guys, don't forget to pray for Josh Miller and his gospel opportunity today at 11:00.

What is Humility?

2007-05-31T23:11:00.000-04:00

Here's the rough sketch of Guy Night from last week. Take a look at the passages again and ask God to continue to work in your heart to pursue humility. How will you pursue humility today?

What is Humility?
Phil. 2
1 Pet. 5:5-7
James 4

Luke 18:9-14: Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
The humble one comes to God realizing that he has nothing of any value to bring. Christ has already brought the valuable sacrifice. We must trust his work, and not ourselves.

Matthew 18:1-4: Question of Who is the Greatest?
Jesus answers that whoever humbles himself and becomes like this child is the greatest in God’s kingdom. What does that mean? What quality is it about a little child that Jesus is pointing to in this example? Dependence is the quality. Humility is dependence on God – pride is dependence on anything else.

1 Peter 5:5-7: What is One Way to Humble Myself?
Humble yourselves by casting all your anxiety on Him, trusting that he really does care. Oh, and he is mighty (humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God).

Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 18:12; Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Peter 5:6; Humility Leads to Exaltation
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Humility comes before honor.
The reward for humility and the fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Psalm 138:6 God regards the lowly.

From Guy Night, but For Everyone

2007-05-25T09:55:00.001-04:00

In what specific ways will you fight against pride and pursue humility today?

Memorial Day Summer Kick Off

2007-05-24T11:43:00.000-04:00

Event: Summer Kick Off

Date and Time: Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day); 3-9 p.m.

Activities: We'll be going boating*, tubing, and water skiing on Lake Keowee.**

Food: We'll have a cookout around 7 p.m.

Cost: Please bring $5 to help cover the cost of gasoline for the boat.

Location: The Hockema Residence: 304 Crossover Dr., Seneca, SC 29672

Directions: Take 123 south through Seneca to 28 North - turn right on 28. Take 28 to 188 and turn right onto 188. After crossing one bridge, at the first intersection you will turn right on Biggerstaff Rd. Take your first left - Fairview Church Rd. God to Crestview Subdivision (Crestpoint Rd.) and turn left. God to Crossover Dr. and turn left. House is on the right.

* If you have your own life jacket, you are more than welcome to bring it. Of course, there will be life jackets for everyone, even if you don't have your own to bring.

** The guys and the girls will be taking separate boating trips to tube and ski and will be wearing shirts and shorts when they are together in the cove area near the Hockemas' home and dock. The changing areas for guys and girls will also be on separate levels of the house.

Please let me know if you are planning to come for our Summer Kick Off on Memorial Day. Feel free to leave a comment here or give me a call at 864-508-0153.

Graduation Tonight

2007-05-24T11:35:00.001-04:00

Jenni Miller's graduation from Oakwood Christian School in Anderson will be at 7:30 tonight. I know that she would appreciate you being there to support her. We will look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Guy Night

2007-05-17T09:51:00.000-04:00

Here's one more text to help us think about our work and God's work in our growth in Christlikeness:

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10 (ESV)

Pics from Joe's Birthday

2007-05-10T13:20:00.000-04:00

Ryan has several pictures from Joe's Birthday Party last week. They are posted over at Hegreness.net. Go check 'em out!

The Winners!

2007-05-10T13:03:00.000-04:00

Amy's (Early) Birthday!

2007-05-08T11:00:00.001-04:00

Upcoming Events

2007-05-07T12:24:00.000-04:00

What's going on in the next few weeks? Here we go:

This Wednesday, May 9: Crossfire, followed by a rehearsal in the Middle Room for the special Mother's Day song.

May 11, 12: Clean-up crew will make sure the church is ready for Sunday following Katherine Millsaps' wedding.

This Sunday, May 13: Youth Night - we are responsible for the evening service. Be thinking of testimonies. If you have anything ready on the piano (or with another instrument), please let me know. We'll talk more about it in Crossfire on Wednesday. Please come at 5 p.m. on Sunday so that we can be prepared for the service.

Monday, May 14: Graduation Open House for Katherine Whitwell, 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, May 19: Visitation at 10 a.m. We will be canvassing for the Steve Pettit meetings the next day.

Sunday, May 20: Combined Sunday School in the main auditorium.

Thursday, May 24: Jenni Miller graduates from Oakwood Christian School.

Monday, May 28: Memorial Day Summer Kickoff - details to come!

Note: the SNAC scheduled for May 13 has been postponed. The Graduate SNAC will be held (Lord willing) in early August, the next Sunday that we will have all five graduates here.

We should have seen it coming

2007-05-04T15:01:00.000-04:00

You may wonder how Allison could look so scary in the two recently posted pictures, but when we take a look back at a picture from last year's mission trip, we really should not be surprised at all. Everyone was trying to look tough in this photo, but I think Allison wins the prize.

Another One?

2007-05-04T14:16:00.000-04:00

Just for Mike

2007-05-04T14:14:00.000-04:00

One of our more serious youth group members!

2007-05-04T10:31:00.000-04:00

Hegreness.net

2007-05-01T10:40:00.000-04:00

Everybody, be sure to check out Ryan and Amy's website, hegreness.net. It has exclusive photos from Sunday night's surprise SNAC, the Cookie Night and Welcome Back Carl Night! All great stuff!

We Heart Carl!

2007-05-01T10:35:00.000-04:00

Graduate Honor Night Video

2007-05-01T10:32:00.001-04:00

from Ryan and Amy

2007-04-30T09:48:00.000-04:00

We just wanted to again say thank you! Tonight was such a blessing to both of us. We appreciated all the things you said about us. You were all so nice! We love the framed Clemson emblem. We love that everyone signed it--now we'll never forget you (except maybe Josiah and Michael Layne, since we can't read their signatures--just kidding).

We really have enjoyed the last 1 1/2 years or so that we've been doing stuff with the youth group. It has never been a hard thing to do or a choice to make. We've wanted to be with you guys. We will miss you all so much! Please come visit Vermont! We'll teach all of you how to ski, or you can come in the summer and cool off from the hot southern weather.

Thank you for everything--letting us be part of the youth group, making us feel young, opening up to us, and everything else you've done. You're all great! Stay that way!

We love you!

Ryan and Amy

Cookie Night!

2007-04-28T20:17:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow Night!

2007-04-19T11:06:00.000-04:00

Don't forget the activity tomorrow night from 6:15-9:15. We promise to begin and end at church. You'll have a hard time getting your clothes dirty (please don't take that as a challenge). As always, if we do travel anywhere as part of the activity, it will be with responsible adults (Happy Birthday, Ryan! - he was an adult yesterday, too, but he's even more of one today, I'm sure).

And, of course, following the official portion of the evening we will be heading to the GSP airport to welcome Carl Horton back to our hemisphere, continent, nation, state, etc. We will probably be returning from this "unofficial" activity between 11:45 and midnight. Communicate with each other to make sure that we have the t-shirts to spell "WE [heart] CARL." I hear that Nick has the heart.

We're Moving to Philadelphia

2007-04-12T11:08:00.000-04:00

So, why Philadelphia – and why now?

I’ll start with a little history. We have always wanted to be careful to follow God’s leading and walk through the doors that He opens.

In August of 2002, God led us to University Baptist Church. We knew we were going to be living in Greenville for a year and we wanted to get away from Greenville for church. Bert Campbell had talked to me, back in February of that year, about coming down to UBC to help with the campus ministry. So that is what we came to do. We joined on September 1, 2002, attended the college and career Sunday School class, and thought that would be our area of service here.

Sometime that next month, Pastor Coleman asked if I would be willing to teach the Sr. High SS class. Since we came to serve wherever we could be used, we agreed – and loved every minute of it. By that summer we were putting about 20 hours a week into the youth ministry here. God called us away for nine months to lead Ministry Teams for Bob Jones University, and we returned in May of 2004, the same month Pastor Dave was moving here.

By that time, we knew that God was moving us, ultimately, toward urban church planting. In fact, I mentioned that to Pastor Dave in our very first conversation that May. So, in one sense at least, this has been a long time coming. God continued to open doors for service here at UBC. I was working with the teens on an intern/ part-time status in 2004 and part of 2005 and went full time on September 1, 2005. Another opportunity came last year to help with the music ministry here. When Pastor Dave asked me about that, I told him that I wanted to do whatever would best serve the church, not just what was part of my “job description.”

God began to narrow our vision toward urban church planting with our first mission trip, back in June of 2005. Pastor Dave really wanted us to take a survey trip up to Philly – and it was on that trip that God knit our hearts with Ian and others. From that point we began to talk in general terms about moving to Philadelphia to be a part of the ministry there.

When we went again this past summer, God confirmed that desire in our hearts even more, though all the conversations with Ian were still in very general terms.

On our trip to New England last fall, the first serious talks took place about actually coming up to be a part of Grace Bible Church, then to go out from there to plant a church in another part of the city. After that, Ian called looking for a specific time-frame commitment. In December, we agreed to come, pending the decision of the leadership of the church there. When Ian was here preaching at Hampton Park in February, that commitment was finalized as Ian presented a specific plan for our participation in the life of the church there.

Pastor Dave has been aware of what has been going on at every step of the way. I want to thank him publicly for how supportive he has been (like allowing for an extended trip last fall and sending me to Minneapolis to see two other ministries last month).

Grace Bible Church is a “church re-plant.” When Ian became the pastor about two years ago, there were 14 people in the church. Now there are about 90. At this point, the church cannot take us on financially, so I will be pursuing full-time employment while we settle into the church and our role there. If the church continues to grow, I would move to full time staff at the church in about a year. Then, about two years after that, we would look to go out from Grace Bible Church to plant a new church in another part of Philadelphia.

So we are planning, by God’s grace, to move to Philadelphia around September 1, 2007, to serve at Grace Bible Church while we build a team to go out from there to plant a new church in the city for God’s glory. Ultimately, we would love to see many churches planted in cities across America and the world. If God allows Urban Imperative to grow, we may be a part of that dream becoming reality, too.

Tomorrow!

2007-04-09T23:08:00.000-04:00

Gym Night at the Doghouse in Pendleton is from 6:15-8:30 tomorrow night! Be there! It should be tons of fun. Bring a friend. See everyone there.

When you have turned again

2007-04-06T15:06:00.000-04:00

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Jesus’ words to Peter in Luke 22:31-32, just before predicting the denial that would shortly take place, are very encouraging. Peter is about to fall - and fall hard. Jesus seems to be more concerned about what is coming after the fall. God answered the prayer of Jesus for Peter, and he will answer Jesus’ prayers for me, referenced in Hebrews 7:25-27.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

Why is this so important to me today? Every once in a while, I sin in ways that make it painfully clear to myself (and others) that I am a wicked sinner who stands very much in need of grace. Peter’s denial would have fallen into that category, I’m sure.

As I am thinking about Christ’s death and resurrection on this Good Friday, I am reminded by Peter’s failure (and my own) that Jesus came and lived and died and rose to deal with sin so that people could be brought back into right relationship with God.

So what did it mean for Peter’s faith not to fail? Obviously, Peter failed; but he got back up. That’s what faith does. It looks away to what Christ has done and puts away the sin. We learn that from Jesus’ next sentence.

And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Jesus says, “Peter, I know you are going to fall. But Satan does not have the last word. I do. When you repent, you be a rock for others.” Not “if you turn,” but “when you turn.” That’s an amazing word of comfort for sinners who trust in Jesus.

Today, though I have failed and continue to fail every day, as I turn from my sin and to Christ and his sacrifice for it, I can then strengthen others who may doubt the fullness of God’s love and the depth of the mercy that he showed sinners in Jesus. Then I look forward to the day when “Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).

Visitation Tomorrow!

2007-04-06T12:51:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that we're going visiting tomorrow morning at 10:00. We'll be going to the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the church to let people know about our Easter services on Sunday. Look forward to seeing you there!

Announcements from Last Night

2007-04-05T10:17:00.000-04:00

Sorry that it's been a while since there was any new content here. I'll try to have something really philosophical soon. Anyway, there were a lot of announcements made last night in Crossfire, so I wanted to highlight a few of them here, just in case you might have missed one while you were talking.

1. This Saturday - Visitation at 10:00 a.m. (meet at church)

2. This Sunday (Easter) - Combined Sunday School in the auditorium

3. Tuesday (April 10) - Gym night at the Doghouse, 6:15-8:30 p.m.

4. Wednesday (April 11) - Allison Heney's birthday party, I mean, Crossfire at 7 p.m.

5. Friday (April 13) - painting at the Hudson House followed by the Girls' Overnight at our house

6. Sunday (April 15) - serving at the Downs (meet at church at 1:30 p.m.)

7. Friday (April 20) - Activity (details TBA)

8. Saturday (April 21) - Mission Trip Work Day

9. Sunday (April 29) - SNAC (following Graduate Honor Night)

10. Tuesday (June 19) - Atlanta Braves baseball game - $10 - tickets will go fast!

If you have any questions, please let me know. Feel free to e-mail, call, or leave a comment on this post.

Read this Article

2007-03-23T11:41:00.000-04:00

I came across an article yesterday that talks about how God speaks to us today. Be sure to read all the way to the end of the story.

121 Conference Messages Available

2007-03-22T13:48:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all of you who attended the 121 Conference this year at Heritage. As promised, the messages are now available online. I would strongly encourage every reader of this blog to listen to those messages. If you were there, it will be good to remember what you heard and what God did in your heart through His Word. If you were not able to attend, you will be challenged to think big thoughts about God's mercy - and then to act on the mercy you have been shown. So check out the messages. You can find a link at 121conference.com, or you can go directly to the 121 Conference page at SermonAudio.com.

For You, Nick

2007-03-21T11:21:00.000-04:00

I came across a great article this morning on "When the 'Want To' and the 'Ought To' Don't Match." It has some great stuff to say about doing (and wanting to do) what is right.

By the way, no Crossfire tonight. I will be in Greenville singing at the Soundforth Singers and Orchestra CD Premiere Concert. Perhaps we will see some of you there.

Grace and Peace to all.

121 Conference is Tomorrow!

2007-03-09T11:15:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that we are leaving for the 121 Conference tomorrow morning at 9:15 from the church and will be returning around 4:45 in the afternoon. We're looking forward to a great day of thinking about the God of Mercy.

See you tomorrow!

The Hockey Play

2007-03-06T11:45:00.000-05:00

Here's some video of the amazing play that I mentioned in the Youth Night Message last week. Listen to the crowd react again and again as the goal is shown on the big screen. Remember, too, that reaction is coming from fans of the team he scored against. He scored that goal for the visiting team, and the fans still could only react with awe. Do we ever react to God's greatness like that?

Tonight is Sign Up Night!

2007-02-28T12:23:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's time to sign up for the 121 Conference '07. The cost is just $10, including your lunch, notebook and nametag (and of course, excellent teaching from God's Word). So come to Crossfire ready to sign up for this great conference!

See you tonight.

What's going on!

2007-02-27T11:37:00.000-05:00

1. Wednesday - Crossfire - In addition to our Alone with God study (ch. 6), we will be signing up for the 121 Conference (which is next weekend, March 10). There will be a short Mission Team meeting afterward.

2. Friday - Laser Tag Take 2 - 6:30-9:30 at church. Come (and bring your friends)!

3. Sunday - Theology Proper, week 3 - we will be looking at the attributes of God in Sunday School.

Bonus Unofficial Activity - Emilyrose is in a play at Southern Wesleyan University on Saturday afternoon at 1:00. If you are interested in attending, contact me or the Heichels for more information.

Bonus Unofficial Activity #2 - I hear that some people are looking to get a group together to play soccer on Thursday afternoon (to help Bryan Horton celebrate being on spring break). We'll have to see how that one develops.

Mission Trip Myths

2007-02-26T11:08:00.000-05:00

Dr. Utter has requested that all Mission Trip '07 participants read this article regarding the real truth about mission trips.

Thank You!

2007-02-26T10:58:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you who participated in the Youth Night service last evening! Several people made comments about what a great job you all did and how they were blessed by the service.

Thanks also to those of you who came out for visitation on Saturday. Continue to pray that God will work through the contacts He allowed us to make.

Last (but not least), thanks for serving at the Rescue Mission on Thursday night. I heard that you had maybe the best time we've ever had there. Perhaps I should just stay home next time. Just kidding, of course. I'm really looking forward to April when we get to go again!

Have a grace-filled Monday!

Balloon Game 2!

2007-02-20T17:04:00.000-05:00

This Week!

2007-02-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

First, thanks to all of you who served at the Valentine's Day Dinner last week. You did an excellent job and (even more important) showed an excellent spirit. Thanks, too, for your participation in the "debate" in Sunday School yesterday (and for the comments several of you made to me about it later).

This is a full week for our youth group at UBC! Here's the rundown:

1. "Unofficial" activity tonight - going to hear Ian McConnell speak at Hampton Park Baptist Church in Greenville. We will need to leave about 5:45 and will call on the way back. Let me know if you are interested in coming. If no one contacts me, we will be leaving from our house, so please don't just show up at church.

2. Wednesday - Crossfire at 7 in the Hudson House. We will be preparing for the Rescue Mission (see #3 below) and going over ch. 5 in Alone with God. Be sure to read the chapter this week; it contains "the Nuts and Bolts" of the devotional plan. Also, the rough draft of your support letter is due for Mission Team Members. We will talk more about them in a short meeting following Crossfire.

3. Thursday - serving at the Rescue Mission. We will leave from the church at 6 and return between 9:15 and 9:30. We will be singing, giving testimonies, and building relationships as we minister.

4. Friday - girls overnight at our house. Details to come.

5. Saturday - Visitation in the community. Come join us at 10 in the morning; we will meet in the chapel before hitting the streets.

6. Sunday - in Sunday School (9:45 a.m.) we will be doing the 2nd installment of Theology Proper.

7. Sunday Evening - meet at the church at 5 for final preparations for the Youth Night Service (which begins at 6). We will be the ones giving testimonies, making announcements, singing in the choir, leading in prayer, ushering, etc. Don't miss this special opportunity to serve our entire church body.

We look forward to a great week serving with you.

Balloon Game!

2007-02-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

M&Ms, Part 2

2007-02-17T13:19:00.000-05:00

Grapes replaced by M&Ms?

2007-02-16T12:44:00.000-05:00

Allison's Turn

2007-02-08T10:03:00.000-05:00

What was really going on!

2007-02-07T12:23:00.000-05:00

This is what the girls were really doing during the services. Of course, Nick was appalled (as you can see from the second picture).

Teen Bible Conference, Pt. 2

2007-02-05T20:23:00.000-05:00

One of the speakers we were privileged to hear on Saturday was John Bott from the Wilds Christian Camp. He preached to us on meeting with God in His Word. If anyone would care to leave a sympathy comment for John (since his Bears lost), I'll try to pass it along to him.

Teen Bible Conference

2007-02-03T20:01:00.000-05:00

We had a great time at the 9th annual TBC today. The theme this year was the Christian's Daily Walk - I think we were all challenged and encouraged by what we learned today. Of course, we were forced to have them pose for these pictures so it would look like they were paying attention. You can see that Sarah had taken my message on prayer so seriously that she stopped to pray right then.

I'm not sure, but it looked like there was some cutting up going on at the end of the row.

We plan to post photos of the "Balloon Game" later, along with shots of what they were really doing during the messages.

Bryan, consider your day made!

2007-02-02T16:11:00.000-05:00

121 Conference Update

2007-02-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

Hey guys (that means everybody), be sure to check out the newly updated 121 Conference website. It has all the information you need about 121 Conference '07, which will be on March 10 at Heritage Bible Church. If you have friends who attend other churches in our area, be sure to send them the link to the site so they can be a part of it, too.

More Snowball Fight

2007-02-01T12:28:00.000-05:00

The girls put up quite a battle against the boys. With defenses in place, they prepare to attack.

Who finally won? Find out here.

2007-01-23T13:43:00.000-05:00

Hi, Carl!

2007-01-23T10:31:00.000-05:00

Ready, Set, Go!

2007-01-23T10:28:00.001-05:00

How it all began...

2007-01-22T11:27:00.000-05:00

The teams were given three minutes to build their "snow" forts in preparation for their "snowball" fight. Here's some of that action.

Snowball Fight!

2007-01-22T11:19:00.000-05:00

These People Look Scary!

2007-01-22T11:12:00.000-05:00

Christmas Party Video

2007-01-20T17:25:00.001-05:00

Christmas Traditions

2006-12-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

Here's the article I mentioned in Crossfire tonight. I'm sure you'll all do better on the next Christmas quiz! It's interesting to see where some of the traditions originated.

Star of the Night!

2006-12-17T23:27:00.000-05:00

Victoria points out her next victim as she systematically dominates the competition during round one of the Village Game. Congratulations.

Birthday Girl!

2006-12-17T23:17:00.000-05:00

Making Ornaments for the Downs

2006-12-17T23:01:00.000-05:00

This Weekend!

2006-12-14T13:40:00.000-05:00

This weekend will close out our "official" youth events for the year. Be looking for a new "At a Glance" for the spring - it's coming soon!

A Few Details on the Christmas Party

It's at the Campbell home from 5:00-8:00 p.m. this Saturday.
We will provide dinner as part of the gathering.
We will do an inexpensive gift exchange. Notice I did not say "gag" gift. We don't want anyone to gag.
We will be making gifts for those we visit at the nursing home on Sunday.
Bring your brain. We may do another quiz or something like that this year.
Be thinking of your occupation now (the village game).

Notes for the Nursing Home

If you are going with us to serve but are going home for lunch, please return to the church by 1:30 p.m.
If you are staying through, lunch will be provided.
The service itself begins at 2:30 p.m.
We plan to be back at the church around 3:30 p.m.

Sunday School Stuff

Sr. High students: this week we are studying the crucifixion, Mark 15:16-47. Please read that portion of Scripture at least once between now and Sunday.

I think that's everything. If not, you'll probably see another post in the near future.

Two Announcements and a Plea

2006-12-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

1. We're having Crossfire this week!!!! We'll meet in the Hudson House at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

2. Mr. Oldenburg has about three hours worth of work for three people this Saturday (Dec. 9) in the morning or the afternoon. If you do not have his contact information and are interested in working, e-mail or call me. I will be glad to put you in touch with him.

Please don't forget canvassing this Saturday for the Christmas Program (Sunday) and Neighborhood Caroling (next Wednesday). It would be great if the teens were represented well at this outreach opportunity!

Reminder and Announcement

2006-11-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

Well, it's nice to know that four of you will see this post. Anyway...

Reminder: We are going to the nursing home this Sunday afternoon. If you're going home for lunch, please be back at the church by 1:30. If you're staying through, please let Steph know what you would like (in the way of a sandwich) from Subway. We will be back at the church around 3:30 (probably before then).

Announcement: Mr. Misner has a job this Saturday (morning or afternoon) for a couple of people for two hours or so. Anyone who is going on the mission trip next summer may get in touch with Mr. Misner about the work. Contact information can be found in the church directory.

To find out who actually reads this blog!

2006-11-20T00:15:00.000-05:00

If you check (or just happened to stumble upon) this blog, would you please leave a comment and tell me what God has done in your life in the last week? It can be what He has taught you through His Word, through circumstances (good or bad), or just something you are rejoicing in about Him. Looking forward greatly to your comments.

Sunday (Tomorrow!)

2006-11-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that we're heading to the Downs tomorrow afternoon to serve the residents there. During Sunday School we'll take a count on who's staying through for lunch. If you are coming to serve but not staying for lunch, please return to the church by 1:30. We'll be back at church about 3:30.

Also, Sr. High, remember to read Mark 13 in preparation for Sunday School! We're trying to do the whole chapter in one week (amazing, I know).

Fall Finale at the Millsaps

2006-11-17T00:55:00.000-05:00

We're meeting at 6:00 tonight for a cookout, bonfire and fellowship at the home of the Millsaps. Directions may be found in the church directory. We plan to be finished by 9:00.

Dress warmly.

Bring yourself (and a friend).

See you there.

Fall Retreat, Pt. 5

2006-11-16T00:05:00.000-05:00

Dodgeball, again

As promised, here are the three individual shots. These are definitely some intense people! Thanks everyone for coming!

Fall Retreat, Pt. 4

2006-11-15T00:35:00.000-05:00

Dodgeball

This is what we will probably remember the most from our experience at Clemson University's Youth Learning Institute. There was some intense competition over the several hours worth of dodgeball that was played. Everyone contributed to the success of their team. This post contains some general action shots, while the next one will focus on three individuals putting everything they have into the effort to eliminate the enemy! Check back tomorrow.

Fall Retreat, Pt. 3

2006-11-14T00:23:00.000-05:00

We woke up to some beautiful views Saturday morning at the Youth Learning Institute. Off in the distance is Table Rock.

Allison and Keshia pose for the camera on the rather brisk Saturday morning of the fall retreat.

Matt Wilson came and spoke to us for the Saturday morning session to complete the 3-part series on God's Will. Idea for posting comments: how did God work in your life during the retreat?

Fall Retreat, Pt. 2

2006-11-13T20:14:00.000-05:00

More climbing wall action from Friday night.

Bryan Plays Tomorrow - Updated

2006-11-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

Perhaps our last chance to see Bryan play this season will be tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. If they win, SWU will advance to the NCCAA National Tournament!

Come cheer Bryan and the Warriors on to victory! Here's the link to more information.

Update:

Bryan and the Warriors lost narrowly (1-0) to Palm Beach Atlantic Friday afternoon. The loss brought Bryan's freshman season to an end. After the game, the all-region team was announced. There was some first year player from Southern Wesleyan who was named to the all-region team as a defender. Can you guess who that was? Here's what Bryan had to say after receiving his all-region certificate: "That's some nice card stock. It would make a good airplane."

A Life's Message: Greatest Lessons

2006-11-07T11:38:00.000-05:00

Pastor Kelley wanted the Timothy Club meetings to be times of very practical instruction for the students so that we would get a clear picture of what it meant to be in the ministry. Each year he would take at least one meeting to share the “Greatest Lessons” he had learned. These “Lessons” were fleshed out in his life – and that’s what makes them compelling.

The Greatest Lessons I have Learned as a Preacher of the Gospel

Your best sermon is your family. Love your wife and teach your children to stay close.
Empty wells produce dead cats and dry leaves – personal devotions are a must to prevent burn out and keep a fresh presence of the Lord.
Love people as they are, rough edges and all, and never, ever give up on them.
You do not get what you want in life and ministry, you get what you are – character matters.
Never, ever lose your burden for souls.
Guard your tongue.
Learn to calculate what is worth making an issue – learn the difference between convictions and preferences.
God called us to build people, not ministries or buildings.
Make good friends.
Have fun! Stay Excited! Laugh! People ought to want your job!
Die to self, and don’t be all day in doing it! Rise early and get going!
The best protection against falling into sin is to practice hating it.
Count your blessings – then record them. Don’t rely on your memory to recall all of God’s goodness.
Say “thank you” every time and every way you can. A thankful attitude covers a multitude of sins.
Exercise your faith. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.
Keep your shoes shined, stay neat – first impressions matter.
Never forget the Judgment seat of Christ.
Always remember – God can get along just fine without you.

Fall Retreat, Pt. 1

2006-11-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

Here are some shots from the Friday night of the Fall Retreat at Clemson University's Youth Learning Institute Headquarters in Pickens. These photos are all from the activities in the "Adventure Domain."

We did the tennis ball challenge in 13 seconds.

We finally figured this one out! Creative thinking is good.

We're happy to report that nobody was eaten by sharks.

Then we went into the climbing wall room to see what we could do.

A Life's Message

2006-11-02T12:35:00.000-05:00

Pastor Bob Kelley, saved by grace at age nineteen, called home at sixty-five

Last weekend Dr. Bob Kelley finished preaching his best message, but its sound will reverberate until Jesus comes. These few words are my effort to honor a man whom God chose to save and use for His glory in the ministry of the gospel for forty-three years.

He was saved at the Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga on September 11, 1960. By his own testimony God rescued him from a life of sin. That’s something God really loves to do (I Tim. 1:15-17). After graduating from Tennessee Temple, he entered the ministry. He was an evangelist, a pastor and an educator.

The following fact may be disconcerting to pastors, but it is true nonetheless. People will forget most of what you say in the pulpit. What they will not forget is how you lived – or how you loved. I honestly don’t remember very many of Pastor Kelley’s sermons, but I remember a man who loved Jesus and, because of that love for Jesus, loved people. As I attended the visitation Tuesday evening, his family told me, “He loved you.” All I could say was, “I know.” They could have said that to everyone who came through the line. That’s why over 2,000 people attended the viewing. In fact, the doors were to open at 4:00 in the afternoon, and by 3:15 three hundred people were waiting in line outside.

Many of the people who spoke at the funeral echoed that same theme Wednesday morning. It was said over and over again, “He loved Jesus and he loved people.” He loved April (his wife). He loved his family. He loved Grace Baptist Church. He loved to sees sinners saved.

As our family reminisced after the service, we thought of how he demonstrated that love to our family and his church family. When my younger brother was having surgery, Pastor Kelley was there. He didn’t have to be. He wasn’t expected to be. But he was. Here was a man with national influence who didn’t care much what people thought about him outside of serving his local church. Rare was the Sunday that Pastor Kelley was away from his pulpit.

He served the Lord while caring for his wife, who’s had multiple sclerosis for many years. The daily weight of living with MS was great for both of them, but no one ever would have known it by their countenances. When asked why He turned down a larger church to come to Grace in 1991, he replied, “I had to think of April.” His faithfulness to and deep love for “Mrs. April” was an incredible testimony to all who knew him.

In his last weeks, when he could no longer put two thoughts together, he could still pray and quote scripture – and he still loved souls. When the nurse arrived one morning after he had been unresponsive to anyone for a few days, he asked her, “Have you been born again?” She told him she had. He said, “Good! We’ll be in heaven together, then.”

Probably over 100 preachers attended the “victory service.” Several of those preachers at one time had been members of his “Timothy Club,” a group of students who were considering vocational ministry. He founded the Timothy Club to encourage and equip young people to serve God with their lives. He strongly believed that he should be actively involved in mentoring the next generation. I am one of those preachers who was once a Timothy Club member. He spent time with us every week of the school year on Thursday mornings. We would drag ourselves into that early morning meeting hardly awake, but not Pastor Kelley. He had already met with God for two hours before he would meet with us. I’ll never forget the time he invested.

We are shaped (in part, at least) by our leaders. Driving back from Columbia Wednesday afternoon, I thought about in what ways I am who I am because of Pastor Kelley’s ministry. Well, I can’t preach as fast as he did. (For those who don’t know, he was known as “Machine Gun Kelley” because he talked so fast. He could preach more in twenty-five minutes than most men could in an hour.) But there was something else I didn’t realize about his preaching until I was preparing my first sermon back in high school. Pastor Kelley always preached with every ounce of energy he had. I hope that’s true of me.

There is so much more that could be said about what Jesus did for, in and through a simple Tennessee boy. You can read the obituary here. If you would like to hear what was said on Wednesday, please follow the link to the funeral service. You will be blessed by what you hear. You will be challenged toward Christlikeness. If you knew Pastor Kelley, at least one tear will come to your eye. I hadn’t cried that hard in a long time.

Another Helpful Article

2006-11-02T10:01:00.000-05:00

When we think about honoring God with our thoughts, do not usually think this seriously. Do the little, innocent things you think about draw you to Christ and the gospel or drive you away?

Forgiven, some thoughts

2006-10-30T16:07:00.000-05:00

Forgiven: from the Gospel According to Luke 7:36-50

Three Statements

Real believers keenly sense God’s infinite worthiness.

Real believers keenly sense their utter sinfulness.

Real believers keenly sense God’s absolute forgiveness.

Seven Implications of God’s worth, our sin and His forgiveness

Implication #1: We will freely do radical acts of love for God.

Implication #2: We will do practical acts of love for others.

Implication #3: We will want to spread the message of forgiveness that is found in Jesus.

Implication #4: We will be quick to forgive others.

Implication #5: We will be slow to be angry in the first place.

Implication #6: We will not look down on people who look, think and act very differently than we do.

Implication #7: We will be patient with believers who are “slow,” that is, who maybe don’t understand as much as we do or who aren’t progressing at the rate we think they should.

Interesting Article

2006-10-30T14:33:00.000-05:00

I came across this article today, the day after I preached on feeling deeply God's worth, our sin and the abundant forgiveness shown to us in Jesus. I commend it for your reading enjoyment and your sanctification. What's different about you today because you've been forgiven?

Announcement

2006-10-30T13:36:00.000-05:00

Bryan, you'll probably be the first to know, at least by way of this site. Sebastian Daniel Bolognone was born yesterday (October 29) afternoon at 1:38 (I think). He was 8 lbs 11 oz (from what I can remember from my conversation with Tim). They did not know yet how long he was when we talked. Both Mommy and Baby are doing well.

We rejoice with Tim and Allyson over the new life that God has given them! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Issaqueena Falls

2006-09-20T10:34:00.000-04:00

I think some of the teens got a little more exercise than they were expecting. After going in and climbing around (and above) the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel, we walked down to Issaqueena Falls. Here are some shots of the group on the very ledge where Issaqueena herself waited after jumping to what seemed to be her death. For more on her story, click here. This first photo is for a little perspective on where we were.

Here's a shot from a little closer. Thanks again to Ryan and Amy for coordinating this event.

More Stumphouse

2006-09-20T10:27:00.000-04:00

After going in the tunnel, we climbed around outside it to find the ventilation shaft. As soon as we had all gotten down to safe ground, we realized we had just missed a great photo opportunity. So, everyone was sent back up to pose for these shots.

Stumphouse Spelunking

2006-09-19T23:59:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, September 16 (Clemson 27, FSU 20!), we went to the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls (with a stop at SweeTreats on the way back as we passed through the thriving metropolis of Walhalla. I think everyone had a blast! Thanks to Ryan and Amy for putting it together and Ryan for a great challenge about being humble enough to live by the light of God's Word! Here are some shots from inside the Tunnel.

Here they are!

Hey, it's tough taking pictures in the dark!

Isn't that sweet?

A New McConnell

2006-09-19T12:17:00.000-04:00

Silas Owen McConnell was born yesterday, September 18, at 11:22 a.m.

He weighed 8 lbs. 5oz. and was 201/2 inches long.

Everyone is doing fine.

We'll try to get some pictures soon. If nothing else, we can take some pictures when we are with them on the first Sunday in October (next weekend).

We rejoice with Ian and Rachel over God's gift to them out of His kindness.

Some Mission Trip Photos

2006-09-07T00:34:00.000-04:00

SWU Gets the Win

2006-08-30T09:35:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of the last goal being scored last night at Southern Wesleyan's 3-1 victory over North Greenville. Bryan Horton played well (no, that's not him in the picture). If you look closely, though, you'll see some of his fan club in the background (several more people are just outside this frame). Bryan (the only freshman starter) played the full ninety minutes, splitting time between center mid and left back.

121 Conference '07

2006-08-30T08:51:00.000-04:00

The date is set!

121 '07 will be on March 10 at Heritage Bible Church in Greer. Special thanks goes to Matthew Hoskinson and the leadership at Heritage for their willingness to host the conference next year. Go ahead and mark the date on your calendar. Theme and speakers will be announced sometime in the future.

Marshall Islands '07

2006-08-30T08:46:00.000-04:00

Now is the time to be praying and thinking seriously about the Mission Trip to the Marshalls next summer. It will be here before we know it! To help you toward that end, here are the vital statistics:

Who's eligible? Anyone who will have completed 9th grade and meets the spiritual qualifications for participation (to be spelled out in more detail at a later date).

When is it? Planned departure is July 17 (a Tuesday) and arrival back home would be August 1 (a Wednesday).

How much will it cost? $1000-$1600 per person (final cost dependent upon potential airline discounts).

How many people can go? Their facilities in the Marshalls can handle up to 15 people.

With whom will we be working? Our missionaries, the Fishers and the Utters.

What will we be doing? We will receive training, then go out to serve others with them for the gospel's sake. Primarily, we will be helping them run their camp for children for a week on an uninhabited island. They are also planning for us to help with a one night evangelistic meeting soon after our arrival (we would canvas before, as well as help on that night). You say, I don't know how to help at camp. That's why we're arriving a few days before the camp week, so they can prepare us.

What do I need to do now? Please pray about whether God would have you be a part of the trip. We need names of people who are planning to go (along with a $50 non-refundable deposit) by Sunday, September 3. Contact me to secure an application.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact me.

We are excited about what God will do through us as we support our missionaries in their work for Christ in the Marshall Islands!

For the Guys

2006-07-20T12:01:00.000-04:00

Every guy should read Lust-Free Vision from Breakaway, by Focus on the Family. At the bottom of the page, the author included a four week Bible Reading Plan to help us in this vital area.

Remember, the idea is to fix our eyes on something more desirable, namely, Jesus. And we can only be pure by His grace as we take heed according to His Word.

Grace and Peace.

Of Peaches and Pomology

2006-07-18T13:15:00.000-04:00

Many of you know that Dr. Layne (Steve and Mike's Dad) is an Associate Professor of Pomology and Extension Tree Fruit Specialist at Clemson University. Ok, maybe you didn't know all that; but you knew he did something with peaches. Anyway, he is quoted in this article which appeared recently in the Greenville News. It's quite interesting. In fact, it might just make you want to go and pick some peaches for yourself.

Context Is King: 2 Exercises

2006-07-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

We will look at two passages to practice our interpretation of verses within their immediate contexts. At a later date, we will learn about studying passages in their broader contexts.

So for now, 2 Interpration Exercises:

IE # 1

What is the significance of Ephesians 3:20-21? Why is it so important for Paul to use all those big words for God's power?

IE # 2

What is the significance of 1 Thessalonians 5:24? Does it apply to anything we feel "called" to? Just what is "it" that he who calls you will do?

Way Better Than Gold (or Snacks)

2006-07-12T21:45:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while, I try to post links to articles that I have found helpful (and that I think might be helpful to you).

In light of tonight's discussion in Crossfire, it seems appropriate to link to one article I have posted about before (Like to Watch, a GREAT ARTICLE about making good entertainment choices) and another article that just went up on the web today (Way Better Than Gold), which really speaks to making time for God's Word.

In "Like to Watch," Joshua Harris writes, "Many Christians, perhaps most, can imagine making heroic sacrifices for God, yet we resist the small adjustments. 'Jesus, I will forsake my home, family, and future, but don't ask me to give up my favorite TV show!'" What he says should make us think, because it's very Biblical.

Backyard Bible Clubs

2006-07-11T12:01:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all of you who served the children of our area by your participation in the Backyard Bible Clubs sponsored by our church a couple of weeks ago. Here are a few pictures from the one we hosted at our house. The Campbells and Gruendlings also hosted in addition the one at the church (where many of you helped out).

Through the week a Gospel message was built at each location. We began the first two nights by asking some of the biggest questions of life, like "Where did I come from?" and "What gives life meaning?" After answering from the Bible that God made all things so all things exist for Him, we addressed what that means for each person who lives, that we were made to glorify God. Of course, we haven't always glorified God and are deserving of spending an eternity apart from Him in hell. That's where the good news came on Friday night: Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and died a bloody death to save sinners like you and me.

Please continue to pray for the children, several of whom had probably never heard the Gospel before. All the children who attended on the last night of the BBC were given a flyer about the Clemson Youth Soccer League which starts in just a couple of weeks. Another Gospel message will be taught, this time over a five week period where the children will learn that God always wins. It's of vital importance to be on His side.

What a privilege it is indeed to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords. He certainly is worth our trust! There are no real risks with Him (or wasted lives spent in His service).

Context Is King

2006-07-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

"Yeah, I'm pretty good."

Interpretation Exercise #1: What does the above statement mean?

As it is, it could mean all sorts of things. Who made the statement? Perhaps it was someone answering the question as to whether they will go to heaven when they die. Maybe someone was asked if they were good at math. We must admit that we don't really know unless we are provided more information. To whom was the statement made? It could have been made to a large crowd or to just one person. Where was the person when he made this statement? Did he have anything else to say? We don't know any of these things without the surrounding context.

Let's say you made the statement. I hear you say it and immediately begin to preach to you about how there is no one good but God, that you were born a sinner (and certainly are still one). After my sermon to you, I turn to the other teens present and tell them specific sins that I am sure you commit almost daily. Hopefully before I get to far, you stop me and tell me that you were answering a question about your spelling ability. But I continue right on with the lecture because I know I heard you say that you were pretty good - and you're not. Now you're upset. You know what you meant, and I am not getting it at all.

Just like you don't want people to make you say things you never really meant, God doesn't want His words to be misconstrued because they were taken out of context.

Macro to Micro and Back Again

A single brushstroke on a canvas may not mean much; but when combined with thousands of other individual strokes, it can be part of an amazing work of art. When we examine a beautiful painting, we first take in the picture itself - then we may advance to study the intricacies of the artist's masterpiece. As we walk away, we are again impressed with the beauty of the whole painting, realizing the incredible details that make it what it is.

We approach the Bible in the same manner. When we come to interpret a particular passage in it, we must first get the "big picture." We want to understand the "big idea" the author has in mind before proceeding to the details. After diving into those details, we step back once more to see how the individual text fits in the larger picture provided by the context.

But how do I do that?

Whenever possible, read an entire book in one sitting (preferably without chapter and verse divisions). You may be surprised at how quickly you can read many of the books. As you read, look for words and ideas that seem to be showing up frequently; they are probably important.
Find out as much as you can about the author and original recipients, like where and when they lived and what occasion prompted the writing of the book. A good study Bible or Bible dictionary will provide this sort of helpful historical background information.
As you read, pay close attention (and take notes to help you remember) to how the words fit together to make sentences, how the sentences form paragraphs, and how the paragraphs contribute to the whole message of the book.

This preliminary study will give you a good framework in which to do your further work toward interpreting the passage. The framework may change along the way as your later, more detailed study refines your view of the overall message of the book.

Check back for two interpretation exercises from the Bible tomorrow.

Clemson Youth Soccer League

2006-07-09T00:29:00.000-04:00

As was mentioned on Wednesday evening, the Clemson Youth Soccer League will be starting up quite soon. Some of you out there are still young enough to play. I'm trying out something here that may make the registration process a little simpler. If this works properly, you should be able to download a PDF of the Registration Form which you can then print, fill out and return to church.

To see if it works, click here.

Some More Quotes on the Value of Bible Reading

2006-07-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

"We are intelligent about everything else in the world. Why not be intelligent about our religion? We read newspapers, magazines, novels, and all kinds of books, and listen to the radio by the hour [and we may add internet, movies, and TV to all that]."

"Individual direct contact with God's Word is the principal means of Christian growth. all leaders of spiritual power in Christian history have been devoted readers of the Bible.
The Bible is the Book we live by. Bible reading is the means by which we learn, and keep fresh in our minds, the ideas that mold our lives. Our lives are the product of our thoughts. To live right, we need to think right."

"Our attitude toward the Bible is a pretty sure indication of our attitude toward Christ. If we love a person, we love to read about him, do we not?"

[On taking even "15 or 20 minutes a day" to read the Bible]. "Can't find time? Well, it is important enough to take time. 1 minute a day, or 3 minutes a day, for religious devotion, is child's play. If we are Christians, why not take our religion seriously? Why play at it? Let us not fool ourselves. We CAN find time for the things we WANT to find time for."

"...the great body of our church members treat the Bible as if it were a mere side-issue in their lives."

"I marvel that Church People are so indifferent to, and neglectful of, the Book that tells them about their Saviour. But I marvel more that Church LEADERS are doing so little about it. Unquestionably the most fatal weakness of the present day Church is the lack of leadership in the pulpit on this one point of guiding and leading its people into the one habit that is the source and basis of everything that the church exists to accomplish in its people."

Henry Halley

The Value of Reading the Bible for Yourself

2006-06-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

Here are some quotes to ponder about the importance of God's Word in our lives:

"The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts. I solemnly state this from the experience of fifty-four years. The first three years after conversion I neglected the Word of God. Since I began to search it diligently the blessing has been wonderful. I have read the Bible through one hundred times, and always with increasing delight. Each time it seems like a new book to me. Great has been the blessing form consecutive, diligent, daily study. I look upon it as a lost day when I have not had a good time over the Word of God."

"I believe that the one chief reason that I have been kept in happy useful service is that I have been a lover of Holy Scripture. It has been my habit to read the Bible through four times a year; in a prayerful spirit, to apply it to my heart, and practice what I find there. I have been for sixty-nine years a happy man; happy, happy, happy."

George Mueller

Herman Who? This Week's Bible Reading

2006-06-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

One of the primary purposes of the "Herman Who?" study is to help you be consistently meeting with God in His Word. As we see Christ in the Bible, we are changed by that seeing.

This week's Bible reading: 3 John (only 1 chapter)

As you read, take note of the people mentioned, any specific commands, or words and phrases that show up multiple times in the text. These will form the structure which will help us determine the meaning of the letter.

Later in the week we plan to post some quotes to ponder about the importance of God's Word in our lives.

Herman Who? An Introduction to our Summer Bible Study

2006-06-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

This summer's Bible Study could be called our summer "How to study the Bible" Study. Yes, we are studying Hermeneutics. Since that is probably a new word to many of us, we'll use Webster's definition: "the art or science of the interpretation of literature." So we're looking at how to interpret a piece of literature. Of course, we are interpreting more than simply a piece of literature - we're interpreting God's Holy Word. The study, then, could also be called Biblical Hermeneutics.

We may ask, "Why does Hermeneutics matter?" Biblical Hermeneutics is a vital study because the message of the Bible has to do with the biggest questions of life. How we interpret the Bible will affect how we answer those questions.

In Biblical Hermeneutics we are approaching the text to find the author's intended meaning. We live in a culture to which absolute meaning seems impossible, especially in matters of "religion." When we speak on other matters, we demand that others adhere to our intended meaning; but when it comes to God and His Word, we are not so certain. God has indeed revealed Himself in His Word, and it is our responsibility as interpreters to get out of the text the meaning that is already there.

Through this summer's Bible Study we will examine various techniques and tools which will help us approach God's Word in a way that exalts Him as the Divine Giver of revelation. We plan to use this site as the primary means of communication for the study, though phone or face to face are always strongly encouraged.

How we interpret God's Word determines how we apply God's Word. Meaning is universal (the same even across culture and time barriers); application is not so. Therefore, we do not simply teach application; our goal is to help students learn how to come to the right interpretation on their own. Then, when they are faced with opposing worldviews, they may look to the Bible for answers, confident that they have the tools to find exactly what God has said. Of course, right interpretation must be followed by right application to our own lives. If we read for knowledge alone, we miss the point entirely.

As Christians, we are called to be readers of the Bible. What is reading without understanding?

Urban Imperative Update

2006-06-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in the coverage our missions trip received at the Urban Imperative website, check it out. They posted some great pictures. We're on the front page of their site!

God gave us a great week of loving Him and loving others for His sake in the city.

New York Update

2006-06-12T11:13:00.001-04:00

We had a wonderful weekend in New York. God gave us many opportunities to proclaim His glory in the gospel to people who need to know Him.

The teens are excited as we prepare for work projects here at Grace Bible Church back in Philadelphia today.

More info later.

Grace and Peace,
Rob

Like to Watch

2006-05-31T10:52:00.000-04:00

This is a great article on making godly entertainment choices by Joshua Harris, author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Boy Meets Girl, and Stop Dating the Church. We would do well to ponder what Josh has to say.