June 29, 2009
Posted by Bryan
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From Greg Laurie's blog: Elvis Presley, the King of Rock, is dead. James Brown, the King of Soul, is dead. Kurt Cobain, the King of Grunge, is dead. And now Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is dead. But Jesus...
February 9, 2009
Posted by Bryan
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Scribbled in the margin of conference notes: It took God three days to get Israel out of Egypt, but forty years to get Egypt out of Israel....
January 26, 2009
Posted by Bryan
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The following are my thoughts to a question posed on Facebook by a friend who writes: This morning in our class we were discussing the Day of the Lord and I Thessalonians 5. Referenced was Matthew 24:36 36 No one...
October 17, 2008
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This came to me in the inbox: On a related note, a chapter of the book I'm working on right now, due out in summer '09 addresses this very issue....
September 7, 2008
Posted by Bryan
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It is impossible to have the hand print of God upon your life without being undeniably marked by the all-forgiving blood of Jesus, which was shed for you on the cross....
August 26, 2008
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I've had a couple people ask for links to sermons or classes I've taught. Thank you for asking...you are so kind to do so. Here's the link to the most recent sermon I've preached (from a pulpit, any way). It's...
June 27, 2008
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The following came into my inbox this morning...it was delivered as humor, but I see it instead as a great parable for the challenge facing Christians in a post-Christian age: This old fisherman would go out in his boat every...
May 20, 2008
Posted by Bryan
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Fortune Magazine shares the best advice ever given to leaders of finance, entertainment, technology, and military. There are many good and some not-so-good nuggets of counsel in the collection. Here's a couple gems: "Always assume positive intent." - Indra Nooyi...
May 3, 2008
Posted by Bryan
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ed. note: This entry originally posted October 9, 2002. It has been edited for content, with links changed and added. A while back, I was reading another blog that referred to a site with pictures of "ugly people." The whole...
November 17, 2007
Posted by Bryan
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John wrote this on August 16, 2007. On November 1, 2007, He returned to the Lord who created and redeemed him. John Weber Here's the challenge for ALL MEN... For each husband, every father. Leave behind something that will be...
November 4, 2007
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I've been teaching from my book Take A Closer Look for the past month. Here are the audio recordings of some of those sessions....
October 9, 2007
Posted by Bryan
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Update: I am reposting this original entry from May 10, 2004, for the purpose of making it available to some men's groups who are searching for this information. For some reason, it is visible in my archives, but not readily...
October 7, 2007
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Here's a story about "seasoned" missionaries who are flunking retirement. My in-laws are retirement flunkees. Sam, Kelli's dad, has gone from a lifelong service of ministry to local churches through the denomination to enjoy a retirement marked by service of...
October 2, 2007
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Proverbs 12:26The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. If you ever want to appreciate the value of making a good choice, all you need to do is go shop for a...
September 10, 2007
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This is one of the most wonderful things I've seen on the web in recent history...(h/t random commands) " /> " FlashVars="flvPath=http://www.godtube.com/flvideo1/7/11096.flv" FlashVars="videoThumb=http://www.godtube.com/thumb/1_11096.jpg" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" width="330" height="270" name="video" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" />...
August 16, 2007
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Warren from View from the Pew shares the story of a prominent SBC pastor calling for imprecatory prayer upon a couple of Americans United staffers. This group, in case you don't know, strives to eliminate any presence of Christian faith...
August 10, 2007
Posted by Bryan
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The following is an edit of an earlier entry dated Oct 3, 2002 As America approaches the six-year anniversary of September 11, 2001, the death toll of US servicemen approaches 3,700. That number is as incomprehensible as the 2,835 who...
August 9, 2007
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(The following is an edited update from an early blog post, dated Oct 1, 2002) I'm constantly amazed at the "Jewishness" of the book of Revelation. For example in the first chapter alone, I see at least fourteen Old Testament...
August 3, 2007
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I just learned that Amazon offers an excerpt of Chapter one from my book Take A Closer Look...so I'll C&P and offer it here: Let's Begin In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis 1:1 Close...
July 22, 2007
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Today is the one year anniversary of my mom's death. Last Sunday night I preached a message I called Good Grief. I reflected on my own journey of grief over the past year in mourning the unexpected death of my...
July 9, 2007
Posted by Bryan
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Colorado Pastor Calvin Wittman writes an article Help! The Pastor Search Committee Lied to Me! In it, he offers suggestions on how a minister going to a new congregation can avoid the uncomfortable inevitability of discovering that its PSC's presentation...
June 30, 2007
Posted by Bryan
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Starvation is the absence of a necessity for life. You can probably think of people that you might identify as being "attention-starved" or "affection-starved." When compared to the template definition, their "starvation" does not quite meet the standard. Starvation is...
Posted by Bryan
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Here's the link to the first two sessions of my Sunday night class called Christ in the Old Testament. Actually, a clarification. This is actually sessions two and three. Actually, this is all of session two and the completely unrelated...
June 27, 2007
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I offer this with much fear and trepidation...the first of several conversations we are having at the church about worship. We're using Anne Ortlund's phenomenal book Up With Worship to guide the discussion. In this initial conversation, we talked about...
June 25, 2007
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Americans spend (on average) 47 percent of their food expenditures on eating outside of the home. For the most part, Americans do not know what it means to go hungry. By and large, The USA is a nation of...
June 21, 2007
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"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." At a simple glance, the promise seems at best ironic and at worst sadistic. Historically, the promise has never been realized. Experientially, the promise is antithetical to the crushing oppression...
June 17, 2007
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If "meek" doesn't mean "spineless, cowardly," or "weak," what does it mean? First, meek means "gentle." Look to Jesus for the example of meekness shown in gentleness. In John 8, Jesus goes nose-to-nose and toe-to-toe against the biggest worst kind...
June 11, 2007
Posted by Bryan
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The third promise of the Beatitudes is an interesting promise of God: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Meekness historically has been an attitude that has been criticized and ridiculed, rather than celebrated and pursued. Its...
Posted by Bryan
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Consider for a moment two generations of godly men. On one hand there is David, and on the other there is his son Solomon. David was a murderer, an adulterer, the ruler over a kingdom in chaos. Solomon, though, was...
June 5, 2007
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The promise of God's blessing extends to those who grieve with godly mourning. Remember, the Greek word for blessing means "happiness." It might seem ironic that God promises happiness to those who are in mourning, but that is indeed the...
Posted by Bryan
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The Greek word for 'mourn' is penthos; it literally means 'grief.' This word is a strengthened word from a root that literally means 'to experience suffering.' So, here, God is promising blessing to a category of people whose condition of...
Posted by Bryan
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Harold Kushner is a Rabbi. He gained prominence more than twenty years ago, he asked a question that millions of people prior to him had asked, but did so in a way that was different. Rather than simply ask a...
June 4, 2007
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The Beatitudes: Introduction The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit The Beatitudes: The Barrier to Spiritual Poverty The Beatitudes: The Barometer of Spiritual Poverty Jesus promises, "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God."...
Posted by Bryan
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The Beatitudes: Introduction The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit The Beatitudes: The Barrier to Spiritual Poverty The Bible says that every action in life will be tested by fire. It also says that you will have to give...
Posted by Bryan
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The Beatitudes: Introduction The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit The barrier to spiritual poverty is pride. It is impossible to experience spiritual destitution in the presence of pride. Pride declares that your attitudes, your conduct, your behavior,...
Posted by Bryan
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This is what Jesus declares: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Most people probably understand what "poor" means, but you have to be careful because there is an important distinction that is...
Posted by Bryan
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In the process of cleaning and fixing up Spare Change, I have been digging through the archives. The first sermon series I ever posted on here was on the beatitudes. My pastor is preaching through the beatitudes right now (available...
June 2, 2007
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This morning, my children were watching the Disney flick High School Musical with their cousins Samantha and Mitchell. I was in here..."the office"...working in my Bible study for tomorrow evening (Christ in the Old Testament...please join me, if you're nearby...
May 29, 2007
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The following is the meat of the sermon I preached Sunday night at Walnut Springs Baptist Church. To be honest, I'm not even sure where the church is, apart from being 30 or so miles away from Weatherford, Texas. I...
January 24, 2007
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We're launching new blog at church...and no surprise, I'm the first to post to it. And my first post is actually the wisdom of church growth guru Josh Hunt, which perhaps ironically is about making the right first impression. If...
September 30, 2006
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What began as a blog entry is now a soon-starting men's study at our church. Here's the promotional video: The study is going to be excellent. We've recruited over a dozen men to write daily e-votionals that will take these...
August 14, 2006
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The latest contribution to FRIENDmail, inspired by an acrostic penned by my pastor, Dr. Mike Mowery... Pride. Perhaps the most double-edged of all human characteristics, pride is the one thing that every person aspires to embrace, only to risk ruin...
June 17, 2006
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This is a copy of the weekly e-votional I write for our church. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox by either e-mailing me, or by going to the FBC Grapevine web site and putting your email address...
April 11, 2006
Posted by Bryan
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What do you believe? More important, how do you know? I've been struck by these twin questions the past couple weeks. In the work I do, "belief" is a dominant force and factor in the decisions are made. So much...
April 8, 2006
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Most married men love their wives. Deeply. Even when their wives are not perfect. Sure every man could probably tell you what is imperfect about his wife. The longer you spend time with someone -- even someone you love --...
March 15, 2006
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Most everybody mistakenly believes that eternity - or the life that follows this one - is represented by the dawn of new time that extends forever forward without a terminus. Such an opinion may be represented graphically as such: O------------------------>...
February 3, 2006
Posted by Bryan
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A classic defense in the argument over the Calvinism/Armenianism predisposition of a person's sexual identity is articulated with a rhetorical that usually sounds something like, "How would I choose to be gay? Why would I choose homosexuality?" Classicly speaking, most...
January 22, 2006
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Note: This is a Sunday school lesson I prepared for the church on Stewardship.The biblical history content is derived from the resources at Bible.org: Scripture in Focus 8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of...
January 11, 2006
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This illusion, from my inbox: If you watch the below images from your seat in front of the computer, Mr.Angry is on the left, and Mrs.Calm is on the right. Get up from your seat, and move back 12 feet...
January 8, 2006
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The sermon manuscript from 1/1/06...God bless! ***** Like many of you, I’ve decided to start 2006 with a series of resolutions in an attempt to improve my life and attain a higher standard of living. Things are going pretty well...
October 31, 2005
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Martin Luther"The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him for he cannot bear scorn." If you be a follower of the Christ, may God give...
October 2, 2005
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Today's message I'm preaching, in the stead of our pastor: We live in a confusing world. Only in our world could the words bough, cough, dough, rough all end in same four letters and not rhyme. (the following from the...
September 16, 2005
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Just read a good devotional by Os Hillman (link goes to a different one, though, oddly enough). In it, he basically asks, "Why does God bless you?" Using King David as his example (and 1 Chronicles 14:2 as his proof...
September 14, 2005
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From Lifeway, a practical tool...How to Remember the Names of People in Your Church Written by Teena Stewart Name recall is important. When you call people by name it communicates their value to you. Learning names helps build up the...
August 29, 2005
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Outgoing Lifeway Christian Resources President James Draper offers 5 landmines for pastors to avoid. Here's a couple more... Don't counsel without accountability. Put a window in your door if you don't have one, and any time you counsel, instruct your...
August 24, 2005
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Ed. Note~This is an edited (albeit only slightly to account for Webbery) version of a Bible Study I prepared for our church to launch a new outreach campaign. It uses Jesus' encounter with "The Woman at the Well" as a...
July 11, 2005
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Note: The following is the message I'll be sharing today at church. It was inspired by the blog entry over at Totem to Temple by the same name (actually the first of three). I tried to edit for the blog,...
July 4, 2005
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Happy Birthday to the United States of America. May God bless this land, healing what divides us by humbling us who call ourselves His followers and leading us to share His grace instead of our dogma. May He protect us,...
June 26, 2005
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From my Inbox:10 Reasons Why God Allows Suffering 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - So that we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received. 2 Corinthians 1:6 - So that we may learn patience and endurance. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9...
June 23, 2005
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The annual meeting of Southern Baptists has concluded, and you can read all about it at Baptist Press, if you are so inclined. Here's a summary: Attendance was up...that's good. The Disney Boycott ended...that's good. NAMB gave it's report, and...
June 22, 2005
Posted by Bryan
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I just wanted to let you know that I've signed up for an hour of prayer each week. If you have a prayer need, please email me and I will intercede on your behalf at 1PM CST each Thursday. I...
June 8, 2005
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From Pat Morley:25 Ways To Connect With Your Pastor Don’t ask him to lunch to tell him how much you love and appreciate him (just tell him or, better, send him a hand written note. Respect time as his most...
May 29, 2005
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Today's Bible study addresses the matter of leaving (or building) a godly legacy. Reduce all the eulogies down to one sentence, and tell me...what would you like it said of you when you're gone? For me? I'd like other's to...
May 24, 2005
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.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; } .flickr-yourcomment { } .flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; } .flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } This was sent to me via email, and confirmed as real at Snopes. This is...
May 6, 2005
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From Patrick Morley:Lessons from Oxford’s Holy Club In the early eighteenth century John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield attended Oxford University where they formed what came to be know as “The Holy Club.” It was a religious society built...
May 4, 2005
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Not only is this photographic evidence of why women think men are immature, I find this to be another one of those clear images that affirm the biblical account of the global flood. This can't be explained by erosion,...
April 22, 2005
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Part One can be found here, in its edited form (just as is part 2, below), from Al Mohler's own blog. He continues his discussion on the 13 marks of biblical manhood:Ethical maturity sufficient to make responsible decisions. To be...
April 21, 2005
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From Dr. Al Mohler's own blog, but with my edits, for readability (and, believe it or not, brevity)... From Boy to Man--The Marks of Manhood, Part One When does a boy become a man? The answer to this must go...
March 24, 2005
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In the Holy Week celebration, today commemorates the gathering of Jesus and his twelve apostles where they share their final meal together in the upper room. Here, you may observe the setting of the greatest object lesson in human history....
March 17, 2005
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On Thursday, I'm going to go be a part of the "young leaders" solutions discussion with Dr. Draper (SBC leader and President of Lifeway Christian Resources) at an Atlanta-area church. Over at the discussion boards, I've been reading the many...
March 3, 2005
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This is the 2nd of my 43 things, and it is also the 2nd “mission point” of the Baptist Men On Mission Mission Statement. Obedience is never as easy to do as it is to say. Jesus himself asked the...
February 23, 2005
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I’m busy. You’re busy. We’re all busy. And as busy as I may be, I probably would have no problem finding someone so much busier than me that I look like a slacker by comparison. The question is, how much...
February 21, 2005
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Christopher offered a Sunday Brunch of theologically yummy questions, so I'm offering my opinions below:1. Are people basically good? No. Men are born separated from God. There is nothing good apart from God. Anything good from man's perspective may be...
February 14, 2005
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When I recently posted on my domesticated annoyances, I knew there was one other that I could not remember but seemed to irritate like a festering pimple in the middle of one's back, just beyond finger's length (not that I've...
January 20, 2005
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When I started blogging a while back, I never anticipated making connections with folks from around the country that, though we've never met in person, we've formed real and important (and really important) bonds of friendship. Tony is one of...
January 19, 2005
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A while back, I participated in some discussions taking place regarding the leadership and future of the Southern Baptist Convention. This discussion was initiated by Dr. Jimmy Draper, president of Lifeway Christian Resources, our denominational publisher. The conversations were good,...
Posted by Bryan
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A simple look around your own church congregation and you probably won't have much difficulty identifying the following groups of people: People who aren't doing squat People who are doing very little, and begrudgingly People who are doing a ton,...
January 15, 2005
Posted by Bryan
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What is the Kingdom of God? Share your answer in the comments. I'm looking forward to the insight....
Posted by Bryan
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In the previous post, I asked the question, "What is the primary message Jesus Christ spoke while on earth?" Excellent answers were provided. In fact, when the question was asked of us by boss 1 at our Spiritual Focus Day...
January 14, 2005
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From yesterday's Spiritual Focus Day: What was Jesus' primary message while He walked the earth? Leave your answer in the comments....
January 11, 2005
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As I continue my search for the perfect cover for our leading book, I was visited by the photo to the right: Why this image came up on a search for "generations of three men" I'll never know. What I...
January 4, 2005
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If you like the stories that encourage your spirit and remind you that many, many churches out there are indeed doing a good work, then you'll want to read this post over at Thinklings about the rural church and the...
December 26, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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It's after midnight. My children are asleep, exhausted from a day of tearing into presents, waiting patiently for daddy to put together a toy or to open up a box (with contents so seemingly valuable that the packagers contracted with...
December 14, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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The Phrase "It came to pass" is found 177 in the Bible. Your problems may linger, but they will pass. Every circumstance in life has a purpose to shape you, to tempt you, to refine you, to mature you. Stay...
December 13, 2004
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A while ago, I shared my opinions on the most important matters facing God's church. My post was inspired by an invitation to participate in a poll being done by the Southern Baptist Convention's publishing arm, Lifeway Christian Resources. Some...
December 10, 2004
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The following is a edited response to my earlier question posted at the Lifeway discussion board on leadership: The indicators of assimilation are primarily intangible, in that they can't be marked off on a scale to show when a person...
Posted by Bryan
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At my place of employment/service, we've been immersed in holiday/year end-type activities. Several retirment receptions, including the mother of all banquets yesterday after a chapel where 5-10-15-29-25-30-35-and-40-year service awards were given (it was pretty humbling to see people honored for...
December 6, 2004
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I asked this question over at the Lifeway discussion board, and got a resounding thud, meaning one stab at a reply in four or so days. Here's the question: How do you measure assimilation (in a church)? What indicators do...
December 1, 2004
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I want you to tell me What makes you happy Tell me, show me, be creative!...
November 30, 2004
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Welcom to a semi-regular post where I'll offer an open-ended question, and you can post your thoughts in the comments or at your own site (and use the comments to link back to it). I'm not looking for a Sunday...
November 29, 2004
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Dr. Draper asked this question over at "the board." Here's my answer: I feel a little silly admitting this, but I seem to have a proclivity for looking foolish... The reality is, I really don't know who I'd like to...
November 28, 2004
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My latest post on the Lifeway Board: I'm not saying anything that y'all don't already know, so don't be surprised when you get to the end of this and say, "well, duh!" Even so, I can't help myself. Our dearth...
November 26, 2004
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My most recent post on the discussion at Lifeway for emerging leaders. In the discussions, the issue of the role of the association has been touched upon, but not really explored. I contend that if SBC churches are going to...
November 24, 2004
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Note: The following is adapted from the conversations taking place over at Lifeway's discussion board. quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- why would I go to the National SBC Conference which is not musch more than an extra long business meeting, when I can...
November 23, 2004
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Continuing the discussion:I'd like to add another thought on the "GOB" issue, not to any one commenter, but in general... The GOB club exists because these are people who have been involved in the work of serving the denomination for...
Posted by Bryan
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The second thread I've been compelled to start over the emerging leaders discussion board:In reading around, there's an air twinged with discontent, frustration, and concern. To help move forward, I'd like to ask a few honest, unloaded questions: 1. What...
Posted by Bryan
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The emergent leader discussion continues over at Lifeway's bulletin board. Here's my latest:Will, I agree with your caution not to assume the worst in our leaders. I (and I think most would agree) that we have godly men in leadership...
Posted by Bryan
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My first post to the previously mentioned bulletin board on the Emerging Leadership discussion over at Lifeway Christian Resources Online.On the other side of the conservative resurgence, ours is a denomination muddling through taking the next step. We've gained a...
November 15, 2004
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Lifeway Christian Resources is asking us to tell it what are the 10 most important issues of the church. It's an open survey, where you don't have to choose from a predetermined list...you can say whatever you think matters most...
October 30, 2004
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Chip Ingram agrees that dads are important, saying we have four primary responsibilities: Role Number 1: Dads are leaders who make things happen. Role Number 2: Dads are priests who make God known. Role Number 3: Dads are teachers who...
October 28, 2004
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Unlike Jen, I had a good apology experience today. I've railed before about empty apologies and related matters, I loathe insincerity-coated sorry pills. That said, I was convicted recently that I needed to apologize to a coworker/friend. My concern was...
October 15, 2004
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We're just slightly half-way through this 40 days of Presidential Prayer. It's been a real rewarding experience. I've been so appreciative of the many of you who have partnered and committed to a daily time of intercession for the sake...
September 24, 2004
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The following may be construed as bragging. It's not intended to be. It could be interpreted as sexist. It's not at all intended to be. It's just the thoughts I have on the very important matter of the need for...
September 23, 2004
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The Southern Baptist North American Mission Board has some free video available of the work its disaster relief teams have undertaken in response to the series of hurricanes that have hit the Southeast. These teams are volunteers of folks who...
September 21, 2004
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I'm under the strong conviction/impression that we must be committed to pray for the President. What I want to make clear is that I am sincere when I say this is non-partisan, and I'm acknowledging the possibility that John Kerry...
September 14, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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This, from a Religious News Service, via Baptist Press: Adrian Rogers, who helped lead the Southern Baptist Convention back to its biblical, historical roots, announced his retirement as pastor of the Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church Sept. 12. Rogers' retirement is...
September 13, 2004
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Irene is concerned that God may be disappointed with her. Her concern is the impetus to start a new series that has piqued my interest: Things that are impossible for God. The first issue on this potentially provocative topic is...
September 11, 2004
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I just read Don's comment on my post about 9/11. "Never forget. Never forgive. Never again." I've not forgotten. I stand in arms with my countrymen and vow, "never again." It's that middle one that's giving me a hassle. I...
August 27, 2004
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The Lark, deserving of a permalink, details one group that has arrived at the inevitable consequence in the current approach to Sunday school. And the priceless quote:Stu's Pastor"He's definitely matured in his faith since starting the group. I guess it's...
August 23, 2004
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This, from my friend Jim, who has followed the call of God to Iraq as a civilian contractor (this, after the beheadings and kidnappings, in order that he may be close to the military and minister to them as they...
August 1, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Lifeway Christian Resources, producers of the most well-used Vacation Bible School curriculum have released their 2005 VBS theme, Ramblin' Road Trip. Pack your bags and get ready to cruise "Route 254" with LifeWay's Ramblin' Road Trip: Which Way Do I...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
Here's a little flash game called Cross the River. It's in Chinese, but the premise is simple enough -- figure out the right combination to get everyone across the river. I figured it out, so I'm sure you can, too....
July 30, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (4)
The following is from Mikey's Funnies, from which I have posted here many, many times:MY APPETITE IS MY SHEPHERD (POUND 23)My appetite is my shepherd; I always want. It maketh me sit down and stuff myself. It leadeth me to...
July 22, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Asked by Cotter. Specifically, his question really asks about why Jesus couldn't be with His mother any time after his arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. The people who falsely arrested Jesus, were very angry with Him because so many...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
An observation from the book of Acts: When the church first formed, it was a place of central gathering where devoted disciples congregated for the purpose of worship and prayer, where they learned the tenets of their doctrine, and from...
July 17, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
This question was asked by Kaylyn. To clarify, she explained, "like King David and Solomon, and the others after them." The answer, to "why were there kings back then?": The first kings you read about in history were not kings...
July 15, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
This question was asked last night by Cotter, apparently not having read my treatise on the topic, written not that long ago. I will rely upon that for the long answer. For the short answer, I'll provide the following four-pronged...
July 14, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
No sense in trying to warm up to the fastball, since I pulled this question from the container, asked by Kaylyn. In Genesis 1:1, the Bible begins, "In the beginning, God..." Those first four words are important to know in...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
This post is to introduce something that we've recently started in the McAnally household that I'll be sharing here, under the new category of "Questions for Heaven." Two days ago, Kelli and the children took an oatmeal container, cleaned it...
July 7, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Patrick Morley from Man In The Mirror Ministries asks the question "are you a disciple?" in a recent email. He poses three questions to Christ-followers to identify whether or not that person is a disciple. Those questions: Have you made...
July 3, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
The marching mandate of Christ-followers is found given by Jesus, (presumably) moments before He ascended to heaven, to reign at the right hand of the Father: Acts 1:8But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;...
July 2, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (2)
With the news that the Trinity Broadcast Channel is planning a second-rate Christian version of American Idol, we have another reason to look forward to being mocked for a lack of originality and talent. This, in my simple brain, seems...
July 1, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (2)
Christopher alerted me to the "Good as New" Bible translation, which has been endorsed by the Bishop of Canterbury, the head of the Church of England. In its efforts to be modern and relevant, it has effectively stripped away any...
June 22, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
This past convention was my fourth SBC to attend. It's such a treat for me to go because I have grown to enjoy watching our congregational process at work. It's been intriguing and interesting to view the action, both on...
June 10, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (3)
Dr. Heddle of the fine blog He Lives asks the simple question, "Immersion?" The question restated is, "Does baptism mandate a procedure of immersion to be valid?" This question can go in all sorts of different directions...what is mandatory, what...
June 9, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
This began as a response to Joseph, who himself was responding in the comments of my Obligatory Reagan Post. My own reply proved to be post-worthy because of it's length and scope. In responding to the question of how I...
June 3, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
In the previous entry, I gave a few ideas about how to go beyond managing anger, and actually avoiding it. Maybe a better word than "avoiding" is "overcoming." I don't know...maybe a little of both. This post, the final in...
Posted by Bryan
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In my previous post, I mentioned an example of what makes me angry, and what my anger outbursts look like. This is not to excuse my behavior. It is completely unacceptable for me (or you, for that matter) to...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (3)
I receive periodic updates from the Board's Wellness Department, on how to live a healthier, safer, longer life. Usually, these updates come in about the same time as annother announcement for the weekly popcorn fellowship, or that someone is...
June 2, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (7)
In my professional capacity, I get to see a lot of interesting and unusally-named congregations. Of course, the majority of the churches deal with an ordinal number (rarely beyond "Third Baptist Church," but I've dealt even with a "Seventh"). But...
May 19, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (2)
So it doesn't roll of the tongue the way Bill Nye does, but I've just made a scientific discovery: Individual Tums laying indiscriminantly on the desk + small pool of condensated water, from nearby cold soda = tiny, foamy, chalky...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Tonight, the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board and North American Mission Board are going to announce a joint partnership in a missions strategy to bring the gospel to the world. Here's excerpts of the press release:You can watch live...
May 18, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (3)
Over at Broken Masterpieces, the question is asked 'what should we do if we have Bin Laden?' The comments on this post, which from its content seem to inquire what is appropriate and allowable to subject the head of a...
May 17, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (7)
I'm new to the IM world. I have a pretty small (but ever-increasing) list of IM contacts. I just invited my dad to join up today, sending him the standard email with download instructions. The IM process caused me to...
May 12, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (10)
Spare Change is the honored host of this week's Christian Carnival. In the ministry gracefully entrusted to me, I have the distinct privilege teaching and encouraging men to live out their faith in simple everyday acts of obedience. To help...
May 5, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
Two months ago, I had a friend say to me (and I quote), "I was also wondering, if its even possible to put into words, how one seeks God with his whole heart." I've prayed about this for two months...
May 3, 2004
Posted by Kelli
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Comments (0)
Ephesians 5:22-33 In the margin... The second violin brings harmony to the first violin....
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
A while ago, I received the following story: A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running to church as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, "Dear Lord,...
April 28, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
An interesting post on defeminizing the corporate worship experience, the blogson of another interesting post on masculine Christianity. I'm conflicted about this, really -- here's why: I'm all for masculine expressions of worship. No doubt, this is why Wild At...
April 24, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (6)
Over at Such Small Hands, an interesting discussion ensues about the "Jesus is my Homeboy" t-shirt. I comment there, but to paraphrase, I think the more accurate statement (at least for me) is "by God's grace, I'm Jesus' homeboy." I...
April 16, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (2)
Matt (who promises to contribute a new feature called "shallow thoughts" very soon), sent me this, which expresses how I feel about continuing along emails that begin with "FW" I particularly loathe the ones that say the things like, "If...
April 15, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (2)
If you are responsible for the hiring or recruitment of workers in preschool, children or youth ministry, then you may want to bookmark this site where you can check the public sex offender registry by name or by ZIP code....
April 11, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
I pray this day will be one of joy and celebration for you because Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, has risen from the dead! The tomb is empty! He is risen indeed!...
April 7, 2004
Posted by Bryan
In the Margins: These three parables are told in context of each other! Jesus spoke these *to* the Pharisees...the message was to them! The Parable of the Lost Sheep Luke 15:1-7 In the Margins: v.2 -- cf. Matthew 23:6,13. Jesus...
Posted by Kelli
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Comments (1)
John 15:1-11 Christ never commands us to produce fruit, but simply to abide....
April 6, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
John 1:29 -- The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" In the Margin: Even His first appeance alludes that Jesus's purpose is to...
April 5, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
My son is five years old. This past Sunday, on the way to church, we saw God's glory in the bright sun, a gentle breeze and blooming flora. His little hand in mine, Cotter looked at me and said with...
March 31, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (2)
An ideal practice for each church offering care and education for children is for each classroom to follow the Two Deep Rule. This rule simply mandates that the classroom provides two teachers for each classroom. The rule is functionally advantageous...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (2)
Here's a survey that assesses the job you're doing as a dad. I took it. But I'm not going to tell you my score until Kelli takes it with me in mind. I think its more important to see if...
March 30, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (2)
This weekend, while listening to a message on our need to be holy and righteous before God and man, I was sidetracked mentally by the evolution of a couple words. The first word is ashamed. This word struck me funny...
March 25, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
Day 2 of the Missions Conference is in the annals of history. Another good day. Their pastor, George Anderson, spoke a phenomenal message out of Acts 13 on why we aren't as effective as the first church in carrying out...
March 24, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
I spent my first day at the Missions Conference being held at FBC Canton, Georgia. It was a very good day. I felt a little silly when we, the missionaries, were being introduced to the congregation (about 1000 strong on...
March 22, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
Just to have all things out in the open.... I've responded in the comments area to the Patriot's reply to my earlier decision about leaving the Christian Carnival. I really do want to see the Carnival accomplish its objectives of...
March 18, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
I've been a part of the Christian Carnival, which has just posted its most recent offering. I don't think I'll continue, because of the presence of this, an offering for the carnival of a smug "this is where everyone else...
March 16, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (8)
Last Friday, I was blessed by an experience of overwhelming need and profound understanding. Its taken me a few days to decide whether or not to share it with y'all because the whole thing was very personal and affected me...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Three SBC humanitarian workers were killed in Mosul, Iraq, by a drive-by assassin. Two others were injured. We mourn our loss. We praise heaven's gain. We ask for blessings and mercy for family and friends. Update: One of the two...
March 14, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
1 Corinthians 15:1-11Now let me remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is built on this wonderful message. And it...
March 13, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Rev. Mike shares a Spirit-framed photo that helps put things in the proper perspective the next time you start feeling a little big for your britches....
March 11, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
The following was written by James Wicker, associate professor of New Testament at Southwestern Seminary, my alma mater. Lengthy, but a worthwhile read that details the accuracies, inaccuracies, and other details relevant to a biblical view of this movie:...
Posted by Bryan
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There's a story of missionaries who went to Africa to start a church and were frustrated when their efforts ran into constant resistance by the local population. Finally the missionaries asked them the question, "what do you think it takes...
March 4, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
March 4 is more than just a date on a calendar, it's also a command given God, an expectation placed upon every believer. In the face of great challenges, seemingly unsurmountable obstacles, and even frightening or overwhelming circumstances, a person...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
March 4 is more than just a date on a calendar, it's also a command given God, an expectation placed upon every believer. In the face of great challenges, seemingly unsurmountable obstacles, and even frightening or overwhelming circumstances, a person...
February 19, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Ovie gave this to me a while ago, and I've been chewing on it ever since:What is the glory of God? It is who God is.It is:the essence of His naturethe weight of His importancethe radiance of His splendorthe demonstration...
February 15, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
When I was young, I was shocked and dismayed to learn that Rick Astley wasn't the tall black man from Detroit that I had pictured in my mind's eye. No, he was a scrawny pimply, white kid from England singing...
February 10, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
I earnestly tried to write a parody of Ms. Spears' song with a theological message. I was embarrassed with the result, which probably meant it was the perfect candidate. Even so, I have enough self-respect to avoid that train wreck.The...
February 4, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
JOYJesusOthersYourselflearn it.live it.love it....
January 29, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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I, just like you, suffer from the character flaw of pride.I want to be the man who boasts only in my Savior, but from time to time, I find desires of self-promotion getting in the way.Ken Blanchard, of Lead like...
January 26, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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FREEEDOM!***As the children and I waited for Kelli to bridge the horizon that was the airport escalator leading up to baggage claim, I felt a bit like William Wallace restraining his spear-bearing men as England's calvary came bearing upon them....holllld.......
January 24, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (4)
The tale of the Dark Knight includes an interesting character with whom we should all be able to identify.His name is Harvey Dent, a psychopathic former-friend of Bruce Wayne, who becomes the villian known as Two Face. This criminal seems...
January 22, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
This tale reminds me of course of the Seinfeld episode:She had a wedding to go to, and needed a wedding gift. Aha, she thought, I have that monogrammed silver tray from my wedding that I never use. I'll just take...
January 10, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Questions to which God Knew the Answers before He AskedTo Adam: "Where are you?"To Cain: "Where is Abel your brother?To Jacob: What is your name?To Pharoah: "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?"To Balaam: "Who are these...
January 8, 2004
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
There are a lot of spiritual lightwights out there praying for heavyweight blessings.Lord...may you bless me by never giving me new territory until I have been an obedient, adequate steward over the territory with which You have already blessed me....
December 22, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
I needed a haircut. I didn't get one earlier, prior to leaving for the TOI®, for two basic reasons:1) because every spare penny was necessary to pay for our home closing on the 19th.2) because every spare penny was necessary...
December 19, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Dear Mr. or Mme. Bankteller, Customer Service Representative, Business Associate, Neighbor, Grocery Clerk or Total Stranger:This is the time of year that I happen to celebrate the birth of the Messiah of YHWH God, called the Messiah, who is Jesus...
December 6, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
I recently wrote about NeverLost®, the feature provided by Hertz rentals. I fell in love with her it.The more I thought about it (because I couldn't quit thinking about our time together), I came to understand that in many ways,...
November 21, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Last Sunday, our church was worshipping to the song The Wondrous Cross.I've been meditating on these lyrics all week. My thoughts have been on the crucifixion of the Christ. All week long I've struggled with the Father's willingness to send...
November 4, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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I've known there was something wrong my whole life, but I was in denial for most of it. A symptom would pop up, and I'd dismiss it. Another would burst out violently, and I'd try to explain it away as...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
being grace-filled in the face of gracelessness....
October 27, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
The national “do not call registry” has been in place for a short time now, and for millions of Americans, nights have been wonderfully filled with uninterrupted family conversations. Now, 50 million citizens aren’t grumbling when the phone rings, because...
October 17, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
how long has it been since you've taken a spiritual gift inventory?i just took one, after about a year. In fact, i added a link to it on my right column, for y'all to partake at any time in the...
October 15, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
from outside my window, i can observe the trees turning from their deep greens lovely hues of orange, yellow and red. it seems as though this phenomenon captivates many of us, from dr. dave, to mob68 to the back porch...
October 13, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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over at he lives, dr. dave asks the simple question, "does God love everybody?"the discussion contained within the commentary begins as interesting, and diverts to disappointing. not for lack of theology or scholarship, but for a lack of grace and...
October 12, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
one of the funniest moments to result from working on a saturday, occured when we asked the men who were participating in our focus groups what their group did as regular activities.we heard the expected things like...camping trips, disaster relief,...
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (1)
oh my.last night, we sat down as a family and watched the new dvd of the lion king. kelli and i were dating when it debuted. that last word felt very silly to type. anyway, when we were watching the...
October 11, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
if you read me with any regularity, you know i try to honor the rules of grammar as much as possible. i strive to never split my infinitives, to never be caught asking, "where are my participles dangling at?", and...
October 10, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
admit it. just reading the title makes you break into a Peter "Et" Cetera-ish falsetto. at least if nobody's around.or maybe it's just me.recently, a few of us noted jared & tony's argument that sidelined tony for a spell and...
September 29, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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presurfer sends along this link to a information page on how to perform an "emergency baptism."first off, i'm not making fun of anyone. i believe rev. ken is entirely sincere in his presentation.i would take odds with a couple things.1...
Posted by Bryan
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here's a few reasons, based on *real* experiences we've recently had, why we either won't visit or return to a few different churches in our immediate vicinity:pastor never opens the Bible from which to preach.pastor preaches a topical sermon rather...
September 26, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
and i'm not typing with a lisp, just so you know.irene is discouraged. and my purpose here is not to exploit her discouragement; rather, she has inspired me to address the concept of worth. a faulty sense of worth is...
September 22, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Have you ever felt clueless when it comes to love? Have you ever given everything you could to a person you really cared for and received zero response in return? Have you ever tried to show your love as a...
September 21, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Or Loving Each Other Takes Time1 Corinthians 13:1-13I have heard this to be a true story: A woman approached her husband and said to him, "You haven't told me you loved me since our wedding day over 20 years ago."The...
September 18, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (2)
the following is a looong, but very worthwhile, read. it is a critical review of the outrageously popular book by john eldredge Wild at Heart. This book is a good read, and it has popularized the author to the top...
September 8, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
these are not rhetorical.do you really believe...Jesus is God's Son?Jesus is God?He cannot possibly love you any more than He does right this very moment?You are responsible to be radically in love with everyone you meet?The way you show this...
September 5, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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if you haven't read my previous post, do so before reading this one.go on. do as I say.okay....I was compelled to continue the previous post because i understand that not all of you who read my blog share my world...
September 4, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
meanwhile, over at the ironically titled (in light of the previous post) avoiding evil, Jim solicits opinions on whether beauty is subjective or objective. My simple answer is thus: beauty is subjective to us, objective to God, and our opinions...
Posted by Bryan
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Tony threw out a biblical bone recently, and more than a few Christ followers are looking to make soup, apparently. The question is whether or not a Christian should fellowship with a known, unrepentant sinner. The actual text is:But now...
August 21, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
disclaimer: the following comments are not to be contrued as giving away personal information about my own history. if you were to infer something about me from these comments, you're likely going to be wrong. And even if you weren't...
August 15, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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a recent visit to the ragamuffin minister led me to comment on his entry on the omnipotence/omniscience of God (no permalink -- dated 8/12 under Heresy 101). And I mentioned in those comments that he inspired me to comment further...
August 6, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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"Honest! I'm really not straight! She kissed me!!"jen and kyle have recently commented a bit on the gay episcopal priest becoming elected as a bishop, so I'll throw in my two cents as well.As an ordained minister myself, albeit one...
August 4, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Randy has recently written about the conundrum of desiring good food at a not-so-well-named dining establishment called Pupusa.when I was in college we ate regularly at a greasy spoon called Spanky's. While it is certainly not as larval-sounding (or fecal-sounding,...
July 25, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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should employees be disciplined for workplace gossip?I decided to take the stairs today. no, the world didn't suddenly stop spinning on its axis. It's Friday, and I like to live life on the edge.Upon entering the stairwell, I surprised two...
Posted by Bryan
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I have come to be annoyed by this simple little question.not that there's anything wrong with it.it just bugs me.perhaps because I don't know how to answer it.I was most recently asked this question on Monday when I was getting...
July 21, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
a protester ran out into the racetrack at a Formula 1 competition over the weekend.His placard read something like "How's my protesting? Call 1-800-WACKJOB"Actually, it declared, "Read the Bible -- the Bible is always right!"I'm not sure, but I think...
July 15, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
I rarely intentionally go back-to-back on spiritual themes, but I wanted to get this down before I forget.This morning I saw the best practical manifestation of faith that I've seen in a while.On Highway 400 leading into the city, a...
July 14, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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The famed hunch-backed belltoller one day slipped, cracked his nose on the swaying bell, and fell to the ground, dead.whereupon a crowd gathered and murmuring began."who is he?""does anyone know him?"Finally, a vicar spoke up."I don't know his name, but...
July 5, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
speaking of new names....its funny how every once in a while, a series of events merge in a confluence of thematic obviousness that just demands to be blogged.Cotter recently declaring his new name to us was the third such instance...
June 24, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
male and female He made them...The BBC reports a scientific study that there are only 78 genes differentiating men from women.78.seems inordinately small, if you ask me.here's just a few (deliberately trying to be non-offensive, by the way). And these...
June 17, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
This article made half my hair fall out.instaneously.And the other turn gray.simultaneously.What troubled me the most is not that we've got teenage girls wanting to wear the Playboy bunny. We shouldn't be surprised when girls are inspired to be the...
Posted by Bryan
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my friend Jay Badry, who is a pastor in Colorado Springs, recently wrote an article on guilt that was phenomenal. If any of the editors to whom he sends it are smart, they'll publish it and publicize it.anyway, without stealing...
Posted by Bryan
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which translated means:beliefnet is asking if you've ever spoken in tonguesas you can guess from my irreverent tone of my header, I have not spoken in tongues, and don't believe that the vast majority of the expression of this "gift"...
Posted by Bryan
Today, while filling my gasoline tank at the Craig Kum & Go, I was approached by a young man who wanted a moment of my time.I noticed he was wearing a name tag bearing the words "Unification Church" across the...
June 12, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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The other day, I noticed that our shower soap was getting communion-wafer thin, so I found a replacement bar. We are big supporters of the Irish Spring brand of soap. For what reason this is so, I have no idea....
June 6, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
I once preached on this issue, so you may have seen something similar to what I'm about to share, so if this looks familiar, that's why. But there's something about putting one of those 4-inch tires on a car and...
June 1, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
...to be "one of the least of these."I find tremendous fulfillment in being able to be a person who can bring a cup of water or a bit of food or some much-needed clothing to someone in need. I enjoy...
May 30, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
okay, this is a fresh revelation for me. I know most of you will say, "well, duh." But its what the Lord spoke to me today, because I needed to be reminded of it.The Lord loves His church.For me, I...
May 21, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Yesterday in my quiet time, I read convicting words that basically said...Why fear the perfect will of God? He has ordained my life so that I am equipped and prepared to glorify Him at this exact time, in this exact...
April 2, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
When I was a sophomore in high school, Kelli was a senior. And while our real relationship didn't begin until much later when we were both in college, during her senior year, she and I did go to Homecoming together....
April 1, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Have you ever had one of those days where everything just seemed to go wrong? One of those days where you could just hit the rewind button? Or even better yet, you could hit the 'reset' button and all the...
March 30, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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In far too many churches, revival has simply come to mean the week on the annual church calendar where someone from somewhere else gets to come in and preach for a few days. In these circumstances, the 'good Christians'...
March 29, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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I don't know if you could find many evangelical churches who would disagree with the need in our country for revival and spiritual renewal. Yet, despite this agreement, revival seems to elude many of the churches calling for it. Leonard...
March 18, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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"christian"Today, I drove past a Christian arcade.hmmm, I thought to myself in italics, what does a arcade have to be to in fact be 'Christian?'Is it one where all the games are saved?Or where they simply follow the ten commandments?And...
February 28, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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go ahead.count the stars.where'd you lose track?Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. -- Genesis 1:16 Then He (God) brought him...
February 24, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
interesting article found via Christianity today weblog, about a Jewish state rep who was offended because all the Christian clergy who ended their prayers to open assemblies with the customary 'in Jesus' name.' Apparently, he felt excluded.question of the day:what...
February 21, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Comments (0)
Irene has posted a couple of blogs on the issue of homosexuality, and garnered much response in her comments. I've opted to give my perspective here.Much is being made about terms like 'homosexual,' and 'sexual orientation.' Perhaps a clarification of...
February 16, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Edward Steichen is a name you may not recognize, but he is a man considered by many to be a master of photography. When he was 16 years old, he began his new hobby by purchasing a camera and taking...
February 11, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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this post reveals a poll that says evangelical groups are among the most hated in America. The essay on this matter is excellent, so I'll try not to cover ground already traversed.What I think is relevant is that upon receiving...
January 25, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Today, even now, people are gathering in living rooms all over this country to sit down on couches and La-Z-Boys and fill themselves with chips and dip while watching the biggest sporting extravaganza of the year. People will dress themselves...
January 24, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Valentine's Day may very well be my favorite time of the year, confectionarily speaking. I should qualify my statement by declaring that Christmas is the overall champion of holiday sweets-offerings, because very little can surpass my dad's home-made fudge of...
January 23, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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blogs 4 god recently entertained the controversial notion that abortion is wrong by encouraging a parody of an actual poster contest proffered by planned parenthood. Several well-respected and talented bloggers responded in protest, including a few like Kevin and Irene...
January 19, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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Our church has experienced some exciting situations in the past week, and those experiences have led me to seek the Lord’s leading on what to preach. And because I’ve always strived to be responsive to the Holy Spirit, today’s message,...
January 15, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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A Chilean artist has opened an exhibition of photographs of people with scarsdisclaimer: this image is not from the exhibition. It is merely an example of a scar, for those who may be unclear on my use of medical terminology.The...
January 14, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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woke up early this morning, because we've started a new men's fellowship. We meet at the local donut shop and talk about God's Word a bit and the world we're living in, all while having some joe and breakfast. I...
January 5, 2003
Posted by Bryan
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The soon to be released movie Far From Heaven takes a revisionist look on life in the idyllic 1950s. The lead female character in the movie has the perfect life - a successful husband, healthy children, prominent social standing. Then,...
December 29, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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2002 was a big year for movies. The top ten movies of this year made over 2.3 billion dollars, and that doesn’t include this weekend, typically a big weekend following Christmas. This year, cinematically speaking, will be remembered for two...
December 26, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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The first time you see the word "comfort" in the Bible is in the giving of the name Noah, where it is said of him, "And he called his name Noah, saying, 'This one will comfort us concerning our work...
December 22, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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It’s a little akward for me to be here today, with so much going on with my family. But I’ve already been told that its okay for me to spend a little time with you while the baby is asleep....
Posted by Bryan
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from KHouseNames have great significance in the Bible. A name was not just the label that differentiated one person from another, but often described something about the person. The name Abraham is translated "Father of a multitude", Jacob means "supplanter"...
December 15, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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This year's Christmas is special to us for a couple of reasons. First of all, it is special because it will be the first Christmas we'll be celebrating in our own home since our house fire of 2000. We love...
December 11, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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a Christmas devotional, written for the season two years agoThen God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on...
December 10, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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From Should a Christian Celebrate Christmas?Evergreen trees, because of their ability to remain green through-out the winter season when most other forms of vegetation are dormant, have long symbolized immortality, fertility, sexual potency, and reproduction, and were often brought into...
December 8, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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One of the best Christmas movies of all time is called "A Christmas Story" and was produced in 1983. The star of the movie was a child actor named Peter Billingsley, no relation to our brother Al, as far as...
November 26, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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I have to thank my father-in-law for this, based on a conversation we had last night. But if you don't like what you read, gripe at me, not him, because this is my rant.He said to me something like, "when...
November 25, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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I wrote this for a Pastors Weekly Bulletin Contest (trying to win a set of Dr. Dobson's Bringing Up Boys Video Series -- I'll let you know if it happens). They asked, "(sic)why should we give thanks in 2002).My reply:God:Created...
November 23, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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Today, we’re gathering for worship on prior to one the most significant days on our annual calendar. No, I’m not talking about the annual ‘day after Thanksgiving” sales. I’m talking about Thanksgiving itself. From its storied beginnings, to the presidentially-affirmed...
November 20, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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This is an image of a sunspot, taken a few months ago. Some graphic words in light of a graphic image:Psalm 29:7 The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire. Isaiah 66:15-16 For behold, the Lord will come...
November 18, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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Question 1: What's 'the job' of a Christian? Question 2: Are churches expecting the same thing that God expects from an individual?Question 3: What's the result?Questioin 4: What's the remedy?Answers (its up to you to see which answer applies to...
November 17, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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A man walks into a restaurant with an ostrich. They sit down and the waitress comes over and asks for their order. The man says, "I'll have a hamburger, fries and a coke," and turns to the ostrich. "What's yours?"...
November 10, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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Though it was not planned, I don't believe that it is by coincidence that God determined to bring us to this spot in Scripture on the same day that American Christians have designated to pray for the persecuted church in...
November 3, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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For a month now, we’ve been studying the beautiful attitudes about which Jesus spoke from the side of the mountain. And if you look closely at the material we’ve covered so far, you’ll notice that each of these four not...
October 31, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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Several churches in the community have gathered in our gym tonight to offer a community-wide harvest festival.. With the inclement weather we've got draped over the Royal Gorge valley, we're expecting a large crowd -- upward of 1000 kids. If...
September 30, 2002
Posted by Bryan
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What a day...got a crash course on HTML by putting together this page. No doubt, if I were in college, I'd be guilty of code plagiarism. I'm not trying to steal others' content, just their functionality. Isn't that all Microsoft...