Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
New River Baptist Association Annual Meeting
I have been asked to preach one of the services during the New River Baptist Association Annual Meeting. The service will begin at on Tuesday, October 16, 2007. The meeting will be held at Lake Hill Baptist Church at 5165 County Road 214 near Keystone Heights, Florida. For more information contact the association's Director of Missions, Dr. Jerry Gessell, Sr. at (904) 964-8340.
An Orangutan's Reading List
One day the zoo-keeper noticed that the orangutan was reading two books: the Bible and Darwin's Origin of Species. Surprised, he asked the ape, "Why are you reading both those books?"
"Well," said the orangutan, "I just wanted to know if I was my brother's keeper or my keeper's brother."
Here's Hope!
The Here's Hope Flash movie presents the road to hope by first finding the power found in the good news of Jesus Christ. This interactive movie illustrates the real problem that we all have, which is the sin that separates us from God.
This presentation is part of the website of the North American Mission Board. Please share it with your friends.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Blog Poll #8 Results
Our Blog Poll #8 question was, "Do you believe committing homosexual acts is a sin?", and the results are:
Yes 16 (88%)
No 2 (11%)
It's really not an issue 0 (0%)
I'm not sure 0 (0%)
Total Votes: 18
Here are the results of Blog Poll #7.
FBC Lake Butler Tonight
Saturday, September 08, 2007
How To Have A Perfect Pastor
NOTE: I believe it has been said that a lot of truth is said in jest.
A recent survey has compiled all the qualities that people expect from the perfect pastor:
Results of a computerized survey indicated that the perfect pastor preaches exactly 12 minutes.
He frequently condemns sin but never upsets anyone.
He works from 8 a.m. until midnight and is also a janitor.
He makes $60 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a good car, and gives about $80 a week to the poor.
He is 28 years of age, but he's been preaching for 30 years.He is wonderfully gentle and handsome.
He gives himself completely but never gets too close to anyone to avoid criticism.
He speaks boldly on social issues, but must never become politically involved.
He has a burning desire to work with teenagers, but he spends all his time with senior citizens.
He makes 15 daily calls to parish families, visits shut-ins and the hospitalized, spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched, and is always in his office when needed.
Doing What's Right
READ: Psalm 15
He who does these things shall never be moved. —Psalm 15:5
Bruce Weinstein is known as “The Ethics Guy.” His books and seminars challenge people to make choices based on principle rather than convenience or self-interest. In his business workshops, he often asks the participants, “Why should we be ethical?” He says that most responses center on the benefits of honesty and morality—avoiding punishment and having a clear conscience. While acknowledging that there are long-term benefits, Weinstein emphasizes doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.
Psalm 15 gives a vivid picture of the person whose conduct grows out of fellowship with the living God. The question “LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?” (v.1) is answered with examples from everyday living: “He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart” (v.2). It goes on to describe honest relationships with neighbors and friends (vv.3-4), along with integrity in business and financial matters (v.5). The psalm ends with the words, “He who does these things shall never be moved” (v.5).
Ethical living is more than a concept discussed in seminars. It’s a powerful means of demonstrating the presence of Christ in our lives. Doing what is right is always the right thing to do.
Lord, help me put away deceit
And live a life that’s true—
And may there be integrity
In all I say and do. —Sper
There is no legacy as rich as integrity.
For similar resources, search these topics:
Christian Life > Character > Integrity
Friday, September 07, 2007
Kiwanis Presentation Scheduled
Nepal Airline Sacrifices Two Goats to Sky God in Face of Aircraft Problems
NOTE: Doesn't this make you want to call them for your next flight? It’s not exactly the most common way to fix a commercial airliner, but officials from Nepal’s state-run airline sacrificed two goats on Sunday in effort to do just that, according to Reuters. Faced with technical problems on an aging Boeing 757 aircraft, Nepal Airlines' representatives told local media the sacrifices were made to appease Akash Bhairab, the Hindu sky god. “The snag in the plane has now been fixed and the aircraft has resumed its flights,” said Raju K.C., a senior airline official, without explaining what the problem had been.
Awana program unites children, inmate dads at Louisiana prison
This weekend, 1,100 children will spend time with their dads who are inmates at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. It is all part of a joint effort between the prison and Awana Clubs, an international children and youth ministry based in Chicago.
Read more of this story on One News Now.
School asks student to replace Bible reading with book about witches
Wesley Busch is a kindergarten student at Culbertson Elementary School in Newton Square, Pennsylvania -- and all he wanted to do was have his mother read aloud from his favorite book, the Bible. The book reading was part of a classroom assignment called "All About Me," the purpose of which was to provide students an opportunity to identify individual interests and learn about each other through the use of items such as stuffed animals, posters, books and other mediums.
Jeremy Tedesco, legal counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), says the school district had a big problem with Wesley's favorite book. "When Wesley told his mom 'I want you to read the Bible, that's my favorite book,' the school said no -- even though they let every other book reading go forward," the attorney explains. "And even though they told Mrs. Busch 'no, you can't read the Bible,' [they said] 'but here, read this book on witches and Halloween instead,'" says Tedesco.
Read more of this story on One News Now.Common Sense
READ: Proverbs 1:20-33
The LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. —Proverbs 2:6
Voltaire said, “Common sense is not so common.” He was right! In a society that has grown increasingly litigious, we are inundated with warnings on products, mostly because some people lack common sense. Just read the following instructions.
On a hair dryer: Do not use while sleeping.
On an iron: Do not iron clothes on body.
On a chainsaw: Do not attempt to stop chain with your hand.
Common sense can be learned from experience or the teaching we receive from those we trust. But God’s Word is the best source of all to develop discernment and good judgment.
Three words echo throughout the book of Proverbs: wisdom, knowledge, understanding. God has packed this book with common sense.
Proverbs 11:12 advises restraint: “A man of understanding holds his peace.”
Proverbs 17:27 warns: “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.”
Proverbs 20:13 is practical: “Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty.”
To get more common sense, consult God’s Word—the source of wisdom—daily.
To Gain A Heart Of Wisdom:
Ask God for it (James 1:5).
Read regularly from the Proverbs.
Seek out godly counsel (Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 19:20).
Knowledge without common sense is folly.
For similar resources, search these topics:
Christian Life > Character > Wisdom/Thinking
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Do You Know?
Here are a few "Do You Know?" questions. The music is "Sing Alleluia" by Kevin Owen and Cheryl Kent.
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James Croft Ministry Opportunities
Here are the dates for ministry opportunities for September 2007. Watch this site for updates or visit the Ministry Opportunities page on my website. You can also receive notifications via e-mail subscription, the form is at the bottom of this post.
To view dates on a calendar go to James Croft Ministry Opportunities.
To view dates on a calendar go to James Croft Ministry Opportunities.
Cargo Bounce
Some of these games will make you crazy!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
FBCLB Sunday Night
Four Weeks Left
A Bible study group was discussing the unforeseen possibility of their sudden death. The leader of the discussion said, "We will all die some day, and none of us really know when, but if we did we would all do a better job of preparing ourselves for that inevitable event."
Everybody nodded their heads in agreement with this comment.Then the leader said to the group, "What would you do if you knew you only had four weeks of life remaining before your death, and then the Great Judgment Day?"
A gentleman said, "I would go out into my community and minister the Gospel to those that have not yet accepted the Lord into their lives."
"Very good!" said the group leader, and all the group members agreed, that would be a very good thing to do.
One lady spoke up and said enthusiastically, "I would dedicate all of my remaining time to serving God, my family, my church, and my fellow man with a greater conviction."
"That's wonderful!" the group leader commented, and all the group members agreed, that would be a very good thing to do.
But one gentleman in the back finally spoke up loudly and said, "I would go to my mother-in-law's house for the four weeks."
Everyone was puzzled by this answer, and the group leader ask, "Why your mother-in-law's home?"
Then the gentleman smiled sarcastically and said, "Because, that would make them the longest four weeks of my life!"
Hurricane Intensity Animation
I pray this is something we don't experience, but living in Florida (and certain other areas) means there is always a chance.
My Prince
READ: Ephesians 5:22-33
Husbands, love your wives. —Ephesians 5:25
People around the world reacted with shock in September 2006 when news broke that Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” had died. His enthusiasm for life and for God’s creatures was contagious, making him a favorite personality worldwide.
When his wife Terri was interviewed shortly after Steve’s death, her love for him was obvious as she said through her tears, “I’ve lost my prince.” What an affectionate way to memorialize her husband! She saw him as her prince and her best friend.
The husband-wife relationship is often viewed today as anything but the tender one Terri and Steve must have shared. We see bitterness, insults, and animosity presented in the media as the norm. How much more desirable it is to see true love—to see a husband unashamedly cherish his wife, to unselfishly be her “prince.”
How can a husband continue to love his wife in a more princely way? Try these suggestions: Listen—enjoy those tender times when she can unburden her heart without fear. Love life—find ways to add fun to your marriage. Lead spiritually—guide the way into prayer and intimate fellowship with the Lord.
Men, be a prince to your princess.
Honor your wife and in love with her dwell,
Yield to the Savior and all will be well;
Peace He will give to both husband and wife,
Blessing their marriage with joy throughout life. —Anon.
Marriage thrives in a climate of love and respect.
For similar resources, search these topics:
Relationships > Marriage > Husband/WifeChristian Life > Character > Christlikeness
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Naylor Gospel Explosion Added To Schedule
I will be preaching during the Naylor Gospel Explosion on Saturday, October 13, 2007 in Naylor, Georgia. The event will feature Gospel Singing, Testimonies, Preaching, Games, Horse, Mule and Wagon Rides and much more. The event begins at 10am at Riley-Leford Park on Savannah Avenue and will end around 5pm. Many local churches will be involved too.
For more information visit the event website or e-mail the event's coordinator, Wes Harrell. You can also call him at (229) 257-0717.
NYC Blackout Pictures
These pictures were taken during the 2003 Blackout in New York by one of the top professionals using a 16 mega-pixel camera.
What a wonderful job. I just can't believe how well they turned out.
Pastor: Slain Korean Hostage was Killed for Refusing to Convert
“Among the 19 hostages who returned on the second (of September), some were asked by the Taliban to convert and when they rejected, they were assaulted and severely beaten,” reported Park Eun-jo, pastor of hostages’ home church – Saemmul Presbyterian Church in Bundang, just south of the South Korean capital Seoul.
“I heard from the hostages that they were threatened with death,” he added, according to the Seoul-based Christian Today newspaper. “Especially it is known that the reason Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu was murdered was because he refused the Taliban’s demand to convert.”
Read more of this story on The Christian Post.
Poll On Homosexual Acts
Our Blog Poll (#8) question for this week is about committing homosexual acts. Cast your vote in this poll in the left-hand column of this site. The poll will close on Saturday night, September 8, 2007.
Illinois governor nixes 'moment of silence' bill for students
An attorney for a pro-family group says it's outrageous that the governor of Illinois vetoed a measure that would have required public school students to observe a "moment of silence" at the beginning of each school day.
Even though the bill does not mention prayer and simply talks about a "moment of silence," Governor Rod Blagojevich vetoed it, citing concerns about the alleged "separation of church and state." Matt Barber, policy director with Concerned Women for America, says if a lie is kept alive long enough, people will buy into it.
Read more of this story on One News Now.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Blog Poll #7 Results
Our Blog Poll #7 question was, "Do you think it is OK for Christians to call God 'Allah'?", and the results are:
Yes, it's OK 0 (0%)
No, it's not OK 16 (94%)
It doesn't matter, what's in a name? 0 (0%)
I'm not sure. 1 (5%)
Total Votes: 17
Here are the results of Blog Poll #6.
August 2007 Top 5
The 5 most viewed blog posts on this site for the month of August 2007 are:
- Blog Poll #5 Results
- Days Of Elijah
- Bigger Budget
- Can You Hear Me Now?
- TV airing for Islam's story of Christ
Political Correctness For Students
Your bedroom isn't cluttered; it's "passage-restrictive."
You're not having a bad hair day; you're suffering from "rebellious
follicle syndrome."
No one's tall anymore. They're "vertically enhanced."
You're not shy. You're "conversationally selective."
You don't talk a lot. You're just "abundantly verbal."
It's not called gossip anymore. It's "transmission of near-factual
information."
The food at the school cafeteria isn't awful. It's "digestively
challenged."
Your homework isn't missing; it's just having an "out-of-notebook
experience."
You're not sleeping in class; you're "rationing consciousness."
You don't have smelly gym socks; you have "odor-retentive athletic
footwear."
You weren't passing notes in class. You were "participating in the
discreet exchange of penned meditations."
You're not being sent to the principal's office. You're "going on a
mandatory field trip to the administrative building."
Sunday, September 02, 2007
August 2007 Podcast Downloads
| Episode | Guest | Aug. 2007 Downloads | Total Downloads |
|
| 10 | 426 | |
| Dr. Harold Hudson | 23 | 475 | |
| Jack & Ali | 18 | 476 | |
| Dr. Sterling Huston | 23 | 577 | |
| Evangelist Bobby Brindle | 39 | 588 | |
| Howard Butzer | 38 | 502 | |
| Ruth H. Westgate | 45 | 363 | |
| Chaplain (Maj.) | 32 | 230 | |
| Junior Combs & Southern Joy 2006 National Quartet Convention Group Talent Competion Winners | 40 | 274 | |
| Paul Braun Samaritan’s Purse | 26 | 157 | |
| Rev. | 28 | 197 | |
|
| 46 | 153 | |
| Chris Maslin | 49 | 49 | |
| Total Downloads | 417 | 4467 | |
Follow these links for more information about Walking with the Giant:
RSS Feed/Download Page
Program Information
iTunes Link
RSS Feed/Download Page
Program Information
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Christian Bulletin Bloopers
She sang "I Will Not Pass This Way Again," giving much pleasure to the congregation.
Sermon this morning: Jesus Walks on the Water. Sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.
The patient is having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons.
A letter to the men’s fellowship reads: "All members are requested to bring their wives and one other covered dish to the annual banquet."
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Trying to Take It With You
A stingy old lawyer who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness was determined to prove wrong the saying, "You can't take it with you." After much thought and consideration, the old lawyer finally figured out how to take at least some of his money with him when he died.
He instructed his wife to go to the bank and withdraw enough money to fill two pillowcases. He then directed her to take the bags of money to the attic and leave them directly above his bed. His plan was that when he passed away, he would reach out and grab the bags on his way to heaven.
Several weeks after the funeral, the deceased lawyer's wife had gone up in the attic to clean. Coming upon the two forgotten pillowcases stuffed with cash she exclaimed, "Oh, that darned old fool, I knew he should have had me put the money in the basement."
Trust Christ, Not Feelings
The recent revelations of Mother Teresa's spiritual struggle should remind all believing Christians that our faith is in Christ – not in our feelings.
The disclosure of previous secret letters from Mother Teresa indicates that she was deeply troubled by doubts and a sense of Christ's absence. The fact is that many Christians struggle with doubt. Indeed, the most thoughtful believers are most likely of all to understand what is at stake, and thus to suffer pangs and seasons of doubt.
Doubt can be healthy. It can drive believers to a deeper knowledge of what we believe and a deeper embrace of the truth of the Gospel. It can deepen our trust in God and mature our faith. At the same time, doubt can be a form of sin . . . a refusal to trust God and his promises.
Read more of this opinion on The Christian Post.
Where Was God?
READ: Hebrews 13:5-8
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. —Isaiah 53:4
Was God sadistically absent? That’s what Robert McClory, professor emeritus of journalism at the Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, asked after Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area of the US.
We may want to try to exonerate the Almighty for permitting disasters that rip apart vulnerable communities. But is God absent in such situations? No, McClory insists. Talking about the Katrina tragedy, he said that God was invisibly present “with the suffering and the dying. He was in the individuals, communities, churches, and schools that organized aid for the victims and took evacuees into their cities and homes. He was with the hundreds of thousands who showed compassion by prayer and financial assistance.”
So it is in our own lives when a heartbreaking tragedy occurs, such as the death of someone we love. We have no completely satisfactory answer to life’s painful problems. We do know, however, that the Lord is present with us, for He said He would never leave us (Heb. 13:5). Jesus’ name “Immanuel” literally means “God with us” (Matt. 1:23).
Even though suffering baffles our minds, we can trust God to be near and to work out His purposes.
God’s unseen presence comforts me,
I know He’s always near;
And when life’s storms besiege our soul,
He says, “My child, I’m here.” —D. De Haan
The storms of our life prove the strength of our Anchor.
For similar resources, search these topics:
Relationships > Relating to God > PresenceBasics Of Faith > God > His Love
Wall Street feeling heat of investors' values
The idea of an economic boycott against the products of a company that sponsors objectionable television shows containing sex and violence, or supports groups espousing homosexuality or abortion, is nothing new. But the idea of making sure that financial investments do not support the stock of such companies is a fairly recent twist that is growing surprisingly in popularity.
Read more of this story on One News Now.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Antioch Revival Meetings Were A Blessing
I must say that I have had a great week! I preached revival services Sunday through Thursday at Antioch Church in Lake Park, Georgia. The services were awesome! The music was great and there was a great liberty to preach the Gospel. I made some great new friends in the process and got to see some old friends too. Did I happen to say tha I have had a great week?
If you live in or visit the Lake Park, Georgia area visit with the fine folks at Antioch Church. I guarantee they will make you feel like one of the family. Of course, if you are a born again Christian, you are part of the family!
Antioch Church is located on Highway 376 east of Lake Park, Georgia, just inside of Echols County. For more information about the church and its' ministries call Pastor Mickey Corbett (pictured with me in photo) at (229) 559-6654.
James Croft Evangelistic Association
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No Record Of Our Sins
READ: Psalm 130
If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? —Psalm 130:3
Out of the depths” the psalmist cries to God (Ps. 130:1). His problem surfaces: terrible guilt for things done and undone in the past. “If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?” (v.3).
But, thankfully, God forgives. He does not keep an account of past sins, no matter how many or how grievous they have been. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). God’s forgiveness then leads us to fear Him (Ps. 130:4). We worship and adore God, for grace and forgiveness cause us to love Him all the more.
But what happens if we slide back into old sins? What if sin lingers? We are to repent and “wait for the Lord” and be patient while God works (vv.5-6). We are not hopeless cases. We can “hope” in the One who will deliver us in His time.
We now have these two assurances: God’s unfailing love—He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). And God’s promise of full redemption in due time—He will redeem us from all our iniquities (Ps. 130:8) and present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy (Jude 24).
We’re forgiven! We’re free! With the psalmist, let’s worship the Lord as we await His coming.
How blest is he whose trespass
Has freely been forgiven,
Whose sin is wholly covered
Before the sight of heaven. —Psalter
When we’re forgiven, no record is kept of our failures.
For similar resources, search these topics:
Relationships > Relating to God > Forgiveness From
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Opponents on the Gridiron—Brothers in Christ
One is the undisputed starter and leader of his team; the other has withstood a fierce competition this summer to keep his starting job—at least for the first game.
One is defending his team's National Championship; the other is looking to improve on his team's disappointing 7-6 record from last season and restore his program to its former glory.
One is a Gator; the other is a Seminole.
Read more of this story on the Florida Baptist Witness.
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Turning the World Upside-Down
Every week during the fall, approximately 70,000 people attend NFL games in cities like Detroit and Houston. They pay hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for the privilege, and, if all goes well, they come away with some happy memories.
Every week throughout the year in China, approximately 70,000 people do something very different: they, too, pay a price, but it’s not measured in money. And what they come away with not only changes their lives but promises to change a nation, a continent, and even the world.
According to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, 10,000 Chinese become Christians every day. That’s 70,000 a week!
Read more of this story on The Christian Post.
The Bug Zoo
READ: Proverbs 30:24-28
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer. —Proverbs 30:25
A bug zoo in Philadelphia with more than 100,000 live insects entertains 75,000 visitors a year. The Insectarium’s founder and proprietor says, “I’ve got a million more bugs still in storage.” He points to boxes, cookie tins, and other containers piled floor-to-ceiling, filled with dead bugs from around the globe. Movies, holograms, microscopes, and games keep people of all ages occupied. There’s even a scale to weigh yourself in ladybugs, fireflies, and other creatures.
In Proverbs 30, a wise man named Agur also showcases insects and other small creatures. He calls them small but very wise.
Look at the ant. He’s weak, but his Creator has taught him to use whatever strength he has to prepare for the future. Consider the locust. He has no king, but when his numbers multiply, God has taught him how to line up and move as one. Look at the spider. He too is a lowly creature, but by using the ability God gives him, he rises to high places.
Do you sometimes feel small and insignificant like an insect? When you do, remember that God showcases His wisdom and greatness through even the smallest things. That’s because His “strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
Inadequate but mighty—
How strange, yet wholly true;
Weak men endued with power
The Lord’s blest work shall do. —Bosch
God’s wisdom is given to those who humbly ask Him for it.
For similar resources, search these topics:
Christian Life > Character > Wisdom/Thinking
Belinda Sings
Belinda, a 15 year old girl we met during our 2003 trip to Ghana, West Africa, teaches us the song "Alpha and Omega" in her language.
Length: 2 min. 13 sec.
File Size: 21.5 MB
File Format: MPG
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