“I hear you lost everything”

After the great Chicago fire of 1871, evangelist Dwight L. Moody went back to survey the ruins of his house. A friend came by and said to Moody, “I hear you lost everything.”
“Well,” said Moody, “you understood wrong. I have a good deal more left than I lost.”
“What do you mean?” the inquisitive friend asked. “I didn’t know you were that rich.”
Moody then opened his Bible and read to him Revelation 21:7—“He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God.”

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 622.

Buy The Truth At Any Cost

“It is often said, for the sake of peace and union, we should not be very particular as to certain parts of truth; keep them back, and treat them as matters of no moment. I humbly state that I entirely differ from this view; for I do not see that such union is of a real, lasting, or Scriptural character. If it be truth, it is dear to the heart of Jesus—we are instructed in it by the blessed Spirit—it is found in God’s book; it is therefore of great value, and must be esteemed worthy of being carefully and jealously guarded. We are therefore, not at liberty lightly to esteem, undervalue, keep in the background (much less to give up) the truth, even for the sake of union. We have to buy the truth at any cost, but we ought not to sell it at any price, not even for our liberty or life.”

http://ref.ly/o/jehvahmagnfd/40951 via the Logos Bible Android app.

Got One...

Last night I was able to shoot my first antelope. Sorry, I didn't take any pictures, but I was really happy to get it down with the first shoot at about 300 yards. 

The Cost Of Getting Your Way While Opposing God…

Added to such phonetic plays is the wide use of irony and sarcasm in the story [of the tower of babel]. Exemplary of this is the misspent efforts of the Babelites.

First, while their unity enabled an ambitious project, it was this very partnership that ultimately brought about their dissolution. What they most feared, namely, the loss of security and power by “scattering” (v. 4), came to pass as a result of their own doing (vv. 8–9).

Second, their architectural goal of reaching the “heavens” (v. 4), symbolizing their grasp for autonomous power, was frustrated by God, who “came down” to earth (v. 5); yet they themselves stopped building because of their own incompetence (v. 8). What appeared to be an unstoppable plan proved to be a dismal failure.

Third, though they sought a “name” (v. 4), they received the humiliating name “Babel” (= “babble,” v. 9). This is all the more derisive when we recall that the Akkadian name for the colossal city “Babylon” meant “gate of the god(s)” (Akk. bāb-ili, bāb-ilāni).

Finally, it was this very onus of dispersal that enabled them to fulfill the divine dictate to “fill the earth” (9:1, 7; 1:28), which chap. 10 shows occurred (vv. 5, 18, 20, 30–32).

K. A. Mathews, Genesis 1-11:26, vol. 1A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 469.

A Delightful Harvest Dinner

Monday night after finishing all the cleaning up from the Harvest dinner we realized that we forgot to take the camera and take some pictures. Everything went well and we had between 45-50 people show up. We had about the same amount last year but this year what was so encouraging was that about 20-30% of those who came were not from Oregon Trail Baptist Church or Pioneer Baptist Church. We had several people who would fit the category of "unchurched" and Pastor Jason Crossman delivered a good Gospel message.

Thanks to all of you who were praying for the dinner.

What once was a book and a flashlight is now…

I told the kids to go to bed and by the time I was going to bed myself I passed their beds to see both kids under a blanked in Elizabeth’s bed. There was a glow coming from the blanket as well as some noises. Elizabeth had taken my little computer and her and Andrew were playing some alphabet games under the covers. It was too cute to pass up.

When Asking The Kids to Take Things Downstairs…

Is it normal for children when asked to take something downstairs to literally put it down on the stairs?

Do You Really Know More?

“What are the great hindrances to brotherly love and unity? Self-complacency, high-mindedness, pride, and thinking that we know more than others; but if, by God’s grace, we are enabled to subdue these evil tendencies, and to love our fellow-believer, and be united to him, we shall see, perhaps, that if in one thing we have more grace or knowledge than he, yet in four, or five, or ten points he has more than we. Who am I that I should despise my brother? What have I that I have not received? If I have more grace (though that is yet to be questioned), I received it from my Lord. If I have more knowledge (though that is yet questionable), am I indebted for it to my own mind? How does it come? It is by the grace of God that I know more than my fellow-believer.”

http://ref.ly/o/jehvahmagnfd/37370 via the Logos Bible Android app.

Teach The Truth

Colossians 2:4

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

Because all wisdom and knowledge are in Christ, Christians should not be deluded with the persuasive words of false cultists. If a man does not have the truth, then he must seek to attract a following through the clever presentation of his message. That is exactly what heretics always do. They argue from probabilities and build a system of teaching on deductions. On the other hand, if a man is preaching the truth of God, then he does not need to depend on such things as eloquence or clever arguments. The truth is its own best argument and, like a lion, will defend itself.

William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), Col 2:4.

Who is George Whitefield?

 

WHITEFIELD, GEORGE (1714–1770)
Revivalist and well-known evangelist of the eighteenth century

Whitefield was born in Gloucester, England, where he received his early education. Later he entered Pembroke College, Oxford, where in exchange for tuition he served several more highly placed students. At Oxford he was befriended by John and Charles Wesley and became part of the Holy Club, a group of young men devoted to the regular practice of Christian duties. While at Oxford he experienced an evangelical conversion and became convinced of the absolute necessity of spiritual regeneration for salvation. After receiving ordination as a deacon in the Church of England in 1736, he began preaching on the necessity of the “New Birth.”
When opposition to his preaching resulted in churches closing their doors to him, he began preaching wherever and whenever the opportunity presented itself, such as in meeting houses of religious societies, public halls, barns, and (far more scandalous at the time) open fields. As an itinerant preacher he was tireless. In his nearly thirty-four years of ministry he spoke more than fifteen thousand times to literally millions of people. In addition to Wales, Ireland, and his own England, he made fourteen visits to Scotland and seven trips across the Atlantic to the American colonies (1738, 1739–1741, 1744–1748, 1751–1752, 1754–1755, 1763–1765, 1769–1770), where he died in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in 1770. _Whitefield’s friendship with the Wesleys became strained as differences in theology became apparent. Whitefield, a decided Calvinist, freely preached on the bound will, God’s electing grace, and the definite Atonement, themes that were at odds with John Wesley’s Arminianism. In 1741 they officially broke from each other but maintained a mutual respect for the rest of their lives. Whitefield was neither a theologian nor the organizer that John Wesley was, but for sheer oratory he was unsurpassed, and as a preacher he did not allow doctrinal issues to determine where he would minister. He freely crossed ecclesiastical boundaries, and though Anglican, he cooperated readily with all denominations and was equally at home in America and in England.

Dwell Together In Unity

Psalm 133:1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

A. W. Tozer Said

“The man or woman who is wholly and joyously surrendered to Christ can’t make a wrong choice—any choice will be the right one.”
—A. W. Tozer

Robert J. Morgan, Nelson’s Annual Preacher’s Sourcebook, 2002 Edition. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001), 310.

Colossians 2:5 (Your Order)

Colossians 2:5

For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Your order. This is a military term (Gr taxis) indicating an orderly array of disciplined soldiers. The Colossians’ ranks had not been broken yet; but the Gnostics were attacking, and Paul was concerned for them. Steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Another military word (Gr stereōma) signifying solidity. With unbroken ranks, every man was in his place, presenting a solid front. This speaks of the unyielding nature of their faith which was firm and true to Christ.

Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow Michael Kroll, eds., KJV Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994), 2460.

Someone Said

“The will of God—nothing more, nothing less.”

Someone Said

“Never doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.”

Robert J. Morgan, Nelson’s Annual Preacher’s Sourcebook, 2002 Edition. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001), 310.

Who Is Charles Wesley?

 

WESLEY, CHARLES (1707–1788)
Celebrated hymn writer; cofounder of Methodism

Charles Wesley was the younger brother of the famous John Wesley. He was as committed to Christian work as John was, but of a gentler spirit. Historically, he was absolutely indispensable to the Methodist movement. His contribution was no less than his illustrious brother’s.
Charles Wesley was converted in May 1738, three days before John. Both men went to Oxford and were instrumental in keeping the Holy Club alive. Charles Wesley’s ministry began at Bristol in 1739, and like his brother he suffered a good deal of persecution in the early days. He lived into his eighties, long enough to see an acceptance of his preaching and principles.
It is by his hymns that Charles Wesley is known worldwide. The number of hymns he wrote is approximately eight thousand. It could be said that he wrote three hymns a week for fifty-seven years.
The first hymnal of the Evangelical revival was edited by Wesley. It was called Collection of Psalms and Hymns (1738). A year later a joint effort by Charles and John was published called Hymns and Sacred Poems. Charles’s last hymn book was called A Pocket Hymn Book (1786).

J. I. Packer Said

“Belief that divine guidance is real rests upon two foundation-facts: first, the reality of God’s plan for us; second, the ability of God to communicate with us. On both these facts the Bible has much to say.”
—J. I. Packer

Robert J. Morgan, Nelson’s Annual Preacher’s Sourcebook, 2002 Edition. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001), 310.

Paul Little Said

“Has it ever struck you that the vast majority of the will of God for your life has already been revealed in the Bible? That is a crucial thing to grasp.”
—Paul Little in Affirming the Will of God

Robert J. Morgan, Nelson’s Annual Preacher’s Sourcebook, 2002 Edition. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001), 310.

Don't miss this amazing deal on Hudson Taylors works

If you didn't see my post about the Hudson Taylor Collection coming out at a great price.  Here is a second chance to lock in the best price. The price has already dropped from $24 to $22 and the more people who bid the lower the price goes.  I’m not selling the product or making any money. I simply am very excited about it and can’t wait for it to come out.

Bidding closes at 12:00pm (PST) on Friday, 11/8/2013.

Right now it is only in the community pricing stage so it will be some time before it is actually published but that means that now is the best time to lock in a good price. In fact with the way that Logos has their community pricing the price may drop and you get the lower price.

Hudson Taylor arrived in China in 1854 and spent 51 years preaching and teaching the gospel message and immersing himself in Chinese culture. This collection from China’s greatest missionary creates a portrait of Hudson’s life and work by gathering together his devotional and autobiographical works, as well as biographies from his family and fellow laborers.

Hudson Taylor Collection (11 vols.)

by 4 authors

4 publishers 1884–1918

Runs on Windows, Mac and mobile.
Projected Price
$24.00
85% OFF
Reg.: $159.95

https://www.logos.com/product/35637/hudson-taylor-collection

 

 

Overview

Hudson Taylor gave his life up to be a footnote in God’s story of worldwide redemption. He first arrived in China in the spring of 1854 and founded the China Inland Mission in 1865. In total Taylor spent 51 years preaching and teaching in China. In contrast to other missionary’s of the time who also brought a gospel of Western culture, Taylor immersed himself in Chinese culture. He wore Chinese clothes, ate Chinese food, and wrote and spoke in several Chinese dialects. Now, 150 years later, thanks in no small part to one willing middle-class Englishman, there are as many evangelical Christians in China as there are in America.

The Hudson Taylor Collection creates a portrait of the life and work of the great missionary by gathering together his devotional and autobiographical works, as well as biographies of Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission from his family and fellow laborers. Among these works are Hudson Taylor’s reflections on Scripture: Union and Communion, Separation and Service, and A Ribband of Blue, as well as the classic biographical works of Taylor’s son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Geraldine Taylor.

In the Logos editions, these valuable volumes are enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Devotional and autobiographical works of Hudson Taylor
• Classic biographical work of Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission from his son and daughter-in-law
• Story of China’s greatest missionary

Praise for Hudson Taylor

More than any other human being, James Hudson Taylor . . . made the greatest contribution to the cause of world mission in the nineteenth century.

—Ralph D. Winter, founder, U. S. Center for World Mission, William Carey International University, and International Society for Frontier Missiology

He was ambitious without being proud . . . He was biblical without being bigoted . . . He was a follower of Jesus, without being superficial . . . He was charismatic without being selfish.

—Arthur F. Glasser, former dean emeritus of the School of Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary

Individual Titles

• China’s Spiritual Need and Claims by Hudson Taylor
• China's Millions by Hudson Taylor
• Union and Communion: Thoughts on the Song of Solomon by Hudson Taylor
• A Retrospect by Hudson Taylor
• Separation and Service: Thoughts on Numbers 6–7by Hudson Taylor
• A Ribband of Blue by Hudson Taylor

• Hudson Taylor in Early Years: The Growth of a Soulby Howard and Geraldine Taylor
• Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission: The Growth of a Work of God by Howard and Geraldine Taylor
• In Memoriam: J. Hudson Taylor
• The Story of the China Inland Mission, vol. 1 by Geraldine Taylor
• The Story of the China Inland Mission, vol. 2 by Geraldine Taylor

Saturday Morning Breakfast (When Dad Makes Breakfast)

When Dad Makes Breakfast VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Contrasting Adam and Noah

“It is significant that, as the great prophecy of Genesis 3:15–19 was given as a result of the fall of Adam, this prophecy was given as a result of the fall of Noah.

The parallel between the two situations is striking. Both Adam and Noah were commanded to fill the earth and exercise control over it. Each of them is actually the ancestor of all men in the present world. Each sinned by partaking of a fruit—Noah of the fruit of the vine and Adam of the fruit of the tree of knowledge. As a result, each became naked and then was provided with a covering by someone else. Finally the prophecy resulted in a curse which has affected mankind ever since. Along with the curse, however, there were also the blessing and anticipation of ultimate salvation.

According to Acts 17:26, God has a specific time and place and purpose for each nation throughout the ages. Although each race and nation were to contribute to the corporate life of mankind as a whole, the overriding purpose of every national entity was “that they should seek the Lord” (Acts 17:27). The basic outline of the function of each of the three major streams of nations is given in the remarkable prophecy of Noah in Genesis 9:25–27.”

http://biblia.com/books/genrecord/Ge9.25 via the Logos Bible Android app.

Harvest Dinner 2013

Once again we would like to invite everyone to our Harvest Dinner. We had such a great turn out last year that we will not be having it at the church this year. This year it will be at the Guernsey Senior Center. For more details please visit the webpage or Facebook link below the photo.

 

For more details please visit http://www.otbchurch.com/p/harvest-dinner.html

To join the event on Facebook visit https://www.facebook.com/events/248249311990685/

How to Clean the Floor with an Infant

Step 1 – Allow infant to spill mop bucket

Step 2 – Allow infant to soak up water

Diapers can hold a lot of liquid

The warm water did not yet have a cleaning solution added.

Step 3 – Slide bottom of child back and forth across dirty spots on the floor

(WARNING! – This step may result in the child laughing and thinking that you are playing some sort of game with him.)

Step 4 – After cleaning up the floor,
the lake in the kitchen,
and changing the child's clothes
watch out for adverse side effects.

(In our case the side effect was some sort of ability to get into places he shouldn't)

These side effects may also have come from the strange food he found lying on the floor.

No children, animals, or parents were hurt or put in harms way in the making of this “Do It Your Self” instructional blog post.

If you were unable to view the video please click the link below...
http://youtu.be/NGZFjdNQZA0

Scripture in the Anglican Tradition: The Story of the King James Bible

This article was written by Benjamin Amundgaard and published at http://blog.logos.com/2013/06/scripture-in-the-anglican-tradition-the-story-of-the-king-james-bible/ on June 24, 2013. I thought it was a good read.

 

“[W]hat has influenced the whole history of England and America more than the King James Bible?” —Leland Ryken

 

The King James, or Authorized, translation of the Bible is one of the most popular and influential books ever published. In his history of the King James translation, God’s Secretaries, Adam Nicolson reckons that more than five billion copies have been sold since the KJV’s completion in 1611. Its influence goes beyond its intended use “to be read aloud in churches” into the realm of poetry, literature, music, and politics. In his book In the Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible and How It Changed a Nation, a Language, and a Culture, Alister McGrath argues:

Without the King James Bible, there would have been no Paradise Lost, no Pilgrim’s Progress, no Handel’s Messiah, no Negro spirituals, and no Gettysburg Address. These, and innumerable other works, were inspired by the language of this Bible. Without this Bible, the culture of the English-speaking world would have been immeasurably impoverished.