A The Baptist Deacon

This post is being written in response to Jubei’s assessment’s of the Gospel. I was going to leave a comment on your blog but you are not allowing comments. As a rule I will generally not post on the weekends, but I am making an exception this morning.
We must call sin what it is. How can we expect God to be happy with his people when we go against the Word of God?  
In your post you say “So the question now becomes, is it “morally correct”. Biblically speaking there is no statute in all honesty in the messianic laws or rabbinical laws nor Christian apostolic successive rights that outlaw gay marriage, because it never occurred. There were homosexual relationships since homosexual relationships were just as normal an activity as any heterosexual relationship. In many cases they were synonymous with the expectation of marriage.  Yet the apostles and Judaism had an entirely different perspective on the matter. The pursuit of “strange flesh” was condemned by God in his judgment upon the cities of “Sodom & Gomorrah”. (Jude 1:7)”
We need to look at Sodom & Gomorrah. From Genesis chapter 19. What do you think the men that came to Lot’s door after the angles of God were in his house had in mind to do to them? Lot even offered his own daughters that new not man 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
Look at Romans chapter 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Now we will go back and look at Genesis 19:24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;
I am what I would consider a “King James Bible Believing Christian”.  I agree with you that we do not have to be married within the confines of a church. Marriage is an institution designed by God.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. The Lord's purpose for His human creation was that of a permanent, monogamous marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:21-24; Matthew 19:3-6), with children raised in the corresponding family unit. Any other type of sexual relationship is wrong, whether pre-marital, extra-marital, homosexual, incestuous or anything else. "God will judge" these illegal affairs.
I find nowhere in my bible where God said it was okay for men to be with men and likewise women to be with women. Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, not two men or two women.
I am not arguing with you, maybe I misinterpreted what you wrote, but if you are willing to accept the homosexual life – stile then we have a huge difference of opinion.   
I understand we cannot stop this life stile, but we can stand against it. Like I said before call sin what it is. If it was sin in days of old then it is sin today. Call it what it is; it is sin.
Do not misunderstand me I do not hate those people, but I do not and will not condone what they are doing.
My comments are turned on therefore anyone and everyone is welcome to leave a comment. It may be late evening before I am able to post them, but if it is relevant, your comments will be posted.  

May God Bless You! 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  Romans 1:16

Where are you at? Are you ashamed of the gospel of Christ? Are you willing to accept the bible from cover to cover and believe everything inside it? Are you willing to do what God asks you to do? Do you want to have power with God?

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:17-20

You must have faith in God. You must hold fast to his instructions (the Holy Bible) “because that which may be known of God is manifest in them”. I am talking about people men and women who are able to hold the truth in all ungodliness and unrighteousness.

We (the saved) are without excuse. The sinner is without excuse lets dig a little deeper. Still in Romans: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

We can see the same thing happening in our world today. Women with women and men with men. We follow images made by man, we give into our own lust. I don’t care what you believe this was not the way God intended his creation to be. If you are caught up in this lifestyle then you are wrong. The “Word of God” tells you that you are wrong, not me. I am not judging you the “Word”is. Can man plead that he has fulfilled his obligation to God?

Our Creator's invisible power and Godhead are so clearly shown in the works he has made, that even idolaters and wicked Gentiles are left without excuse. They foolishly followed idolatry; and rational creatures changed the worship of the glorious Creator, for that of brutes, reptiles, and senseless images. They wandered from God, till all traces of true religion must have been lost, had not the revelation of the gospel prevented it. ~ Matthew Henry’s Commentary

This chapter is a call for us to examine ourselves. When we do will it convict us for things we have done?

I am not ashamed of how I believe, I am not ashamed to call sin what it is. I am however ashamed of some of the things I have done in the past. I am ashamed of how God’s creation has turned their back on him.  I fail God in my spiritual life often and if you will be honest with yourself you do to. We have not reached perfection yet, but one day…

May God Bless You!

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

The above verses are from Matthew chapter 5: 43 – 44. There is a lot to be said in those verses.

How many of us can say we love our enemies? Do we do good to those that hate us? Do we pray for them which despitefully use us and persecute us?

As part of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” he teaches us we should love our enemies and bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you and to pray for them which despitefully use and persecute you.

Look at what verse 45 has to say: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  

This is an example to us God’s people how we are to walk before men. We should have a loving and forgiving spirit about us. Christ like love. 

Verse 48 finishes out chapter 5 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. The flesh that caries our spirit cannot be perfect because sin is in the flesh. Perfection comes with that inward man, the man that God saved, cleaned up and made a fit subject for Heaven and Immortal Glory.

Strive to do good to those that would do evil to you. Be the person God wants you to be. I know that in the flesh the tongue sometimes engages before you have had a chance to think about what you are going to say.

Again is Christ seen in you by others that know you? If I met you could I tell you are a Christian? Don’t get me wrong I am not without sin; I’m not perfect I’m just forgiven. God’s people ought to be able to tell one another apart.  

In our comments to others we should let Christ shine through.

You may be thinking what is he getting at today? To tell you the truth I’m not quite sure myself. Just something I believe needs to be posted today.

God Bless You!

I expect there will be many things posted this weekend in regards to our mothers. My post will be no different. I will provide scriptures from Proverbs chapter 31 at the end of my post to honor the women in our lives, whether it be our mothers, grandmothers our wives (the mother or our children) or a special woman that has influenced you in some way.

I dedicate this post to the ladies that read my blog, my mother, grandmother, wife and to my mother-in-law. I hope and pray these words are uplifting to you. I pray each of you have a blessed “Mothers Day”.

I realize that as I write this morning that everyone has not had the same opportunity I have had. I have and still do (because my mother is still living) a wonderful example of Godly love given to me by my mother. It is an unconditional love. She made sure I went to church when I was young and it is something that has stayed with me my entire life.

I am not trying to take away from the love of God just simply stating that a Godly mother (woman) should be praised as it is an extension of Gods love.

Proverbs 31:10-31:

As I bring my remarks to a close this morning I want to say thank you to my mother, grandmother, wife (who without her I would be incomplete) and to my mother – in – law. I say thank you for being the special ladies that God put you here to be. I especially want to thank my wife for be a Godly example to my children. These ladies are truly a gift from God!

Until next time may God Bless You!

Brent

1^st Corinthians 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

What do the above two verses say to you? What do you know? Do you love God? Can people see God in your lives?

1^st Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 4:10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 

One should "diligently strive" to be silent and calm except when speaking is necessary, gracious and purposeful (Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. ). Christ soberly warns against "every idle word" (Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.), and Paul against "foolish talking" (Ephesians 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. ).

Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Where am I going with all of this? I must confess I am on a “soap box”. I have been keeping up with several blogs and I find myself thinking “what are these people talking about and how does putting someone down fit in with God’s plan”. How can Christian people be so hostile? Are Christian people not referring to the word of God for guidance? Do we not think before we speak (or in this case write)? What can hostility show sinners? I’ll tell you what it shows… it shows them that they are just as good as we are. Bold statement? Yes it is. If they (sinners) look at you and cannot see anything different why would they want to change?

I have made the statement many times that we (Christian People) are the only bible that some people will ever read. What do they read when they see hostility?

Letmebefrank. I am in agreement with you. I am disappointed. If a person cannot be corrected by scripture, who or what can correct them.

http://letmebefrank.christianblogsites.com/blog/post/2008/05/03/disappointing

I understand basic differences, which are some of the reasons there are so many different churches with so many different names over the door. I do the majority of churches are striving for the same thing. I also believe that some have an agenda that differs from the word of God.

People that have been around me know that I will not argue over the word of God. I will tell you what I think and in some instances give scripture to back up my thinking.

God gave us instructions. He inspired men of old to write the Holy Scriptures. Everything we need to deal with life is in this set of instructions.

I have given you examples of how we should act before men. Can you do this?

Everyone is certainly entitled to there opinions. Are you searching the word of God to make sure you are correct?   

2^nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

Do not think that I am being hostile. I am just simply relaying what is on my heart, backed up by scripture.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Until next time may God Bless You!

Brent

A deacon is an official in the Christian church. The exact definition of a deacon varies, depending on which branch of Christianity is under discussion. In some cases, a deacon is a member of the clergy, who has undergone religious training and been ordained. In other instances, a deacon is a member of the lay public who wishes to assist his or her church. In my case I am a servant.

Acts: 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6:6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

The words "ministration" and "serve" (Acts 6:2) are cognates in the Greek to the word which later became rendered as "deacon." The "seven men" (Acts 6:3) here chosen are not actually called "deacons" in this section, but it is probable that their activities later became codified into an actual office. Every local church would need leaders to handle the more mundane matters in order to free its pastoral leadership for prayer and for the study and preaching of the Word (Acts 6:4). KJV Defenders Study Bible.

Who is qualified to be a deacon? 1^st Timothy 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.   3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.   3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The above is the qualification of a deacon. The first part of chapter 3 deals with the qualification of the bishops. The qualifications of both are similar.

Now I may be step on some toes with my next statement; bishops (elders) and deacons have been and are being ordained when they are not qualified. Some even disqualify themselves after there ordination. The biggest thing that disqualifies these men is what I have highlighted above the husband of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

The bible is very clear on this. I am a member of a The Baptist Church which believes this. If a man cannot meet these qualifications he cannot be ordained to the offices of a bishop or a deacon.

I am the husband of one wife. I teach my children. They know their bounds.

On my ordination certificate under my name this is written: having been chosen one “of good report, full of the Sprit and of wisdom, “and capable of using the office well, was set apart publicly to the office and work of DEACON. Personally I sometimes wonder about being full of the Sprit and of wisdom. I personally sometimes feel so unworthy.

May God Bless You!

Brent

Laughter! When was the last time you had a good laugh? Did it make you feel better? What causes you to laugh? Have you ever considered it is a gift from God?

When I was growing up one of my favorite entertainers was Jerry Clower. As a young adult I was even privileged to see one of his shows in person that was a real treat.

You ask where am I going with this and why am I talking about Jerry Clower? You may even be asking who is Jerry Clower? Jerry Clower always knew how to make people laugh. His hilarious Southern humor has been making folks laugh long before anyone ever heard of Jeff Foxworthy or Blue Collar Comedy. This is comedy that will not only make you laugh (hard), but you can listen to it with anyone and not have to worry about offending them. He was even quoted as saying “I never made an album you couldn’t play in church”.

He was very proud of his family and his faith. Every now and then he would be telling a story and while you were waiting on the punch line he would let you know he was a Christian and he would use the term born again Christan. Okay that answers who Jerry Clower was.  Now I will tell you why I am talking about Jerry Clower. Last year on my birthday my wife gave me a CD of Jerry Clower one that I did not have. Jerry has been dead for almost ten years. I realized that he has left something behind that lives on. The very last cut on the CD is titled Laughter Cures All. He talks about laughter and you can hear people in the background laughing. He ends by saying “I believe laughter is God’s gift for failure, misery, depression, wrath, remorse, sickness, disease, gout, cataracts, common cold, war, cruelty, cancer, poverty, pain, exploitation, prejudices, hunger, failure, abuse, violence and death. Think of all them bad things we must cling to laughter. I’m convinced there’s just one place where there ain’t  no laughter and that in hell and I’ve made arrangements to miss hell, so ha, ha, ha,… ha, ha, ha”. What a statement! In front of an audience that came to be entertained. Not only did he affirm that there is a hell, but he told the audience he had made arrangements to miss hell. If only I could be so bold.

His albums are still on store shelves for sale. His profession of faith lives on even after his death. I feel sure he is somewhere in Glory laughing today.

The reason I went this way is because I felt like I needed to do a post on laughter and I think of Jerry Clower as an example of laughter, a man with a testimony that lives on.

What will you leave behind? Will people be able to tell by your example where you went when your life is over? Do you live a Christ like life?

Psalms 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

So today as I close my post I will leave you with a ha, ha, ha!

May God Bless You!

Brent

I just have time this afternoon for a quick update. The family friend I requested prayer for got the results of her test back yesterday afternoon. All is okay – praise God!

It is amazing how good God is. Thank you for helping me pray. God will always answer a prayer. It may not happen in our time frame. It may not be answered the way we want it to be answered, but there is always an answer.

Another thing I got my certification for the Babe Ruth Baseball course.  Again praise God! It wasn’t hard, I just had trouble finding time.

Death and sickness is all around us. It is increasingly hard for us to remain happy and positive in the world we are in. God calms the storm and makes things all right. Again Praise God.

Those of you out there reading this if you are sick, remember to remain positive, think about the good things, ask God for his help and remember to praise Him.

Until next time God Bless You!

Brent

As I sat down to write this morning my heart is filled with sadness. A dear brother a deacon in a sister church passed away this weekend. I am not sad for the brother because he is no longer in any pain I am happy for him for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Even though being "absent from the body" is not as good as being in the future resurrection body, it is still something to be anticipated by the Christian with joy, for "to depart, and to be with Christ...is far better" (Philippians 1:23). "To die" for the Christian "is gain" (Philippians 1:21). In heaven with Christ, our spirits--though without physical bodies--will be distinct and recognizable, in some way still bearing our likenesses. For example, this was true of the spirits of Samuel and Moses (1 Samuel 28:11-14; Matthew 17:3), and also, in Christ's parable, of the spirits of Abraham and Lazarus (Luke 16:22-25). KJV Defenders Study Bible.

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

John 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

I do weep with them that weep because physically they have lost a loved one. My heart goes out to the family. I pray that they will find strength in the Lord and that he would heal the bereaved heart.

The lady I requested prayer for last week will find out the results of her test today, I ask that you continue to remember her.

I am weak in the body today. I am battling something I thought was allergies, but I believe it is something more that that. It seems lately that every bug that comes through I catch. One of my boys is also battling the same thing. If you have a few extra moments today and run out of anything else to pray for I ask that you would remember my family and me in your prayers.

Most importantly I ask that you pray for the lost. No matter what affliction, injury or sickness we may have to go through in this life if we are saved we have everything to gain. The lost have everything to lose. They don’t realize how desperate there situation is. They don’t realize that hell is eternal and will one day be dumped into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.   The lies the devil tells down plays how they will suffer. There will be no un – believers in hell.

In Rev2220 blog he brings out that the redeemed of the Lord need to say so.  This is his link: http://letmebefrank.christianblogsites.com/blog/

Praise God I am redeemed, I’m saved by the wonderful grace of God, not perfect (yet) just forgiven.

God Bless You!

Brent

In my post earlier this week I told you all (those that read what I attempt to write) that I had a lot of things on my plate. Thankfully the majority of the “busy work” is over.

I guess the biggest thing taking up my time is baseball. That’s right baseball. I have had the joy of being a Little League baseball coach for the last eight years. This year my middle son moves up to Babe Ruth baseball.

I decided that I would not coach anymore and just set in the stands and watch. Was I wrong!

The local league sometimes has a hard time getting enough volunteer coaches. The key word is volunteer. I told the league administrator that I would take a team, that I would not leave him hanging without enough volunteers. Long story short… I have a team.

What I was not told until after I had committed was Babe Ruth coaches have to be certified. Certified? Yes certified. I am in the process of taking an online course in baseball. This is taking more time than I had anticipated, but the certification will be a lifetime certification just in case I get to help with grandchildren.

The course is covering how to be a good coach with the majority of the study concentrating on how to coach these young men. How to be positive, to keep it simple, teach, celebrate the individual to make it fun. No offence but I could have used this course the first year in tee ball.

This course is teaching me how to provide a safe physical environment, be an effective and positive communicator, teach, direct player and to be a positive role model.

I have coached some very talented and well behaved boys over the last eight years. I have had the privilege to coach two championships and one runner up team. At the same time I have had boys that do not have a positive role model in there life. I have had boys that come from broken homes. I have had boys that have had bad family situations.

Two or three seasons ago I realized that we had not been having team prayer before a game.  Since that time we always have prayer before each game. No player or parent has ever objected and I pray that continues as I begin with a new team in a new league. I will still have prayer!

I understand that I have an opportunity to be a “Christ – like” role model. These young boys (young men) need a positive influence in there lives. I have commented before that we (Christian people) are the only bible some people will ever read.

I am making reference to young men because that is who I am around the most, but we do not need to leave young ladies out.

There are so many role models in the world today such as sports figures, singers, actors and actresses. So many tv shows are geared toward our young people such as Zach and Cody, Hanna Montana, Zoey 101 to only name a few. One of the Zoey 101 stars a girl 16 years old is pregnant and unmarried. Lets not forget that her big sister could have been a positive role model, but look at the shape her life is in.     

In a previous post http://deaconfarley.christianblogsites.com/blog/post/2008/04/11/train-up-a-child. I referred to a scripture in Proverbs 22:6 and how it teaches us to train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Sadly I believe parents are failing there children by not training them in the way they should go. I look around our church on Sunday mornings and I see a lot of parents with young children and I realize we are blessed because we do have children in the church. I hear of churches whose congregation is adults only. I can’t help but think about the parents who wake up on Sunday mornings and decide to do something else other than take there children to church. I did say take them, not send them.

We sometimes take a little mini vacation over the weekend out of town. Now this does not happen often, but when it does we will always take time on Sunday morning for a family bible study. This does not take the place of church.

I touched on volunteers above. In this world we volunteer easily for worldly things. When it comes to working for the Lord do you volunteer?

 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

Jeremiah 31:16 Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.

These are just a few things to think about and carry over into the weekend.

I ask that you remember the lady I requested prayer for this week. Her procedure was yesterday. She will not have the results until Monday.

I ask that you remember me as I once again take another ball team, that I would be the positive role model. That I might show them that God provides a safe physical environment.

May God Bless You.

Brent