Where Was God?

The Back Pew

A Stubborn Kidney Stone

Well, it appears I have one stubborn kidney stone.  As reported earlier, I underwent a "sound blasting" procedure over two weeks ago that was supposed to destroy the 11-millimeter stone and allow it to pass.  Unfortunately it reduced the stone to 7-millimeters but did not destroy it.  I will undergo a different procedure called "Ureteroscopy" next Monday, September 12th.  If this procedure goes as planned, a laser will be used to destroy the stone and the larger pieces will be removed.  I will have a kidney stent for another 7 days to aid in the passing of the smaller pieces.

I'm really praying for this procedure to work as I have two back-to-back revival meetings beginning on Sunday, September 25th.  This means I will have two weeks for recovery before the meetings.  Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

NOTE: The history of this "living stone".

Camp Sonrise 2012 Scheduled

The dates for Camp Sonrise 2012 have been set and I will once again be serving as the camp pastor.  The  annual children's camp sponsored by several churches in North and Central Florida will be held June 25-28, 2012.  "Camp Sonrise" is held at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Campground near Madison, Florida.  I will be leading devotions in the morning and preaching each night for the campers.  This will be my 4th year of ministering to the campers and staff and I'm excited to be participating again.  Please be in prayer for this opportunity.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Wrong Worship

Two Upcoming Revivals

Snow Tire?

The Back Pew

Oak Grove Baptist in October

I will be preaching one service of a week-long revival meeting at Oak Grove Baptist Church on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 7pm.  The revival meeting begins on Monday, October 3rd and will feature different speakers each night.  The church is located at 1007 N.E. Needmore Rd. about 12 miles north of Lake City, Florida.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Australia To Remove Christ From Textbooks

By Todd Starnes

Christians in Australia are accusing national education officials of “Christian cleansing” in response to pending changes in school books that would remove references to the birth of Jesus Christ.

The government would replace the terms BC, Before Christ, and AD, Anno Domini, with non-religious language. The new terms will be BCE (Before Common Era), BP (Before Present) and CE (Common Era).

A spokesman for the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority told The Herald Sun that the new terms were an increasingly common standard for the representation of dates.

Peter Jensen, the Archbishop of Sydney, told The Daily Telegraph that taking references to the birth of Jesus Christ out of school books was an “intellectually absurd attempt to write Christ out of human history.”

Read more of this story on FOX News Radio.

2,000-Year-Old Biblical Burial Box Reveals Clue About Death of Jesus

Rare inscriptions on a 2,000-year-old burial box may provide fresh insight to the death of Jesus Christ, researchers said.

Called an ossuary, the limestone box could reveal the home of Caiaphas, the high priest involved in the crucifixion of Jesus. The Israel Antiquities Authority, which confiscated the ossuary from looters three years ago, passed it along to Prof. Yuval Goren of Tel Aviv University’s Department of Archaeology who led the authentication effort.

"Beyond any reasonable doubt, the inscription is authentic," Goren said, after conducting a thorough examination of the limestone box, which boasts decorative rosettes in addition to the inscription.

Goren’s findings mean the unusually descriptive inscription sheds light on one of the men behind Jesus’ death. The full inscription reads: "Miriam daughter of Yeshua son of Caiaphus, priest of Maaziah from Beth Imri," naming the deceased within the context of three generations and a potential location.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

Will MC Sesquicentennial Celebration

I have been asked to serve as a Master of Ceremonies (MC) during the Baker County Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday, September 24, 2011.  A full day of activities will celebrate the 150th anniversary of one of Florida's First Coast Counties.  The events will be centered around a historic area of the City of Macclenny, and will include a parade, demonstrations, arts & crafts, civil war re-enactors, historic displays in the old jail, art exhibit in the library, antique car show, a variety of music, historic tours, a fly-over by Jim Leward Air Ranch flying World War II P6’s, plenty of food, and much more!  Visit the celebration website for more information about the events or participating.  You'll also find some historic photos from the county on the site and links to even more photos of the area and families from the past.

Ok, so you may be asking, why was the 3'10" tall evangelist asked to be the MC?  I'm not exactly sure, but I'm proud to do so, because my family and I have a lot of history in this county.  I started living in the west Baker County community of Olustee regularly in 1969 beginning 6th grade at Macclenny Elementary School and graduating from Baker County High School (in Macclenny) in 1976.  My dad, Johnnie Croft, Jr. and his dad, Johnnie Croft, Sr. had lived here basically their entire lives.  In fact, my grandfather served as county commissioner from Olustee for several terms.  He name is even on one of the cornerstones of the current courthouse in Macclenny. (See Time Capsule video)

Stetson & Croft

I received my Associate of Arts degree at Lake City Community College, now Florida Gateway College, in 1978.  Have you noticed the older we get the more things have changed their name?  Maybe, it's just me.  While in high school and some in college, I even wrote a few articles for The Baker County Press newspaper.  I even co-authored a cartoon with a high school friend, David Burnett, that had a very short run (no pun intended) in the same paper.  While in college I passed a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) test and received a Radio Telephone Third Class Operator's Permit with a Broadcast Endorsement.  That was required to become a radio DJ at that time.  That led to me working for the very first radio station in Baker County, WBKF-FM "BK-92" (now WJXR), when it first went on-the-air in October 1978.  This is when our station manager Frank Thies (of WQIK fame) gave me the nickname "James the Giant", and, boy, has it stuck!!  I was on the air as a DJ and the station's news director.  While working in radio I tried my hand at entertainment.  I was a booking agent for several bluegrass, country and gospel bands, was co-promoter with Wayne Stetson, aka Cherill Mobley, of the twice-yearly Lawtey Bluegrass Music Convention, MC'd bluegrass festivals in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, and had a syndicated bluegrass music program on five Florida stations.  At one point, I even moonlighted as a part-time dispatcher with the former Macclenny Police Department.

Croft with NRSWA Reps & Gov. Martinez

In 1984 I felt the call to public service and made a run for the Baker County Commission and was elected.  During my first meeting on the commission I was elected as Chairman at the ripe-old age of 26.  (See the Flashback 1984 video)  In 1988 I was un-elected to the Baker County Commission!  Ahhh, Baker County politics... now that's another story.  My role in local government led me to work for New River Solid Waste Association (NRSWA) serving Baker, Bradford and Union Counties.  This put me back in public service to my home county working with local organizations, volunteers and each of our great schools.  During these "trash talkin'" days, the Lord led me into His service, preaching the Gospel as an evangelist.  I left NRSWA in late 2006 for full-time ministry service.  The Lord is now using me for more than the traditional revival meeting preacher.  The James Croft Evangelistic Association now has the opportunity, in part because of my past "careers", to be utilized by God in nursing homes, schools, prisons, on the web, and at many special events.  (See the JCEA website for info on all of these ministry areas.)

Over the years and through all of the "careers", I have continued to live in the same home (my grandparent's home) and conduct all of my adventures from the thriving metropolis of Olustee!  It has been, it is, and shall continue to be "home".

I still may not have answered the original question of "why me for MC"?  The answer could be as simple as no one else would do it?  I don't know, but it was fun reminiscing for a little while.  "Reminiscing", is that an age thing too??

NOTE: Follow Evangelist James Croft online:

• Twitter
• Facebook (personal)
• Facebook (JCEA)
• YouTube videos
• Website

Morriston Sunday Morning

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Keith Stewart at Morriston Baptist Church on Sunday, September 4, 2011.  The services will begin at 8:30am, and 11am.  The church is located at 20291 SE 33rd Street in Morriston, Florida.  For more information call the church at (352) 528-4080.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Handicap Accessible?

The Back Pew

Kidney Stone Procedure Update

I’m sorry it has taken me so long to give an update on my kidney stone procedure, but I haven’t felt much like using the computer the past 2 days.  Here’s what I know as of now:

The doctors aren’t sure if the stone will completely pass or not.  It appears that there was some “crumbling” of the nickel-sized stone, and they hope more will occur over the next two weeks and that it will pass.

I had a lot of pain the first night, and then extreme nausea and some fever the next day.  The pain has subsided greatly and is basically a mild discomfort.  However, all things change with urination (sorry to be graphic) as it is VERY painful; sometimes to the point of needing to rest afterward.  The doctor said it would feel like a knife sticking in my side and that pretty well describes it.

I will have the stent for two weeks until I return for my first doctor visit.  At that point, if e-rays or scans look good the stent will be removed.  If not, I will keep it longer or another procedure will be scheduled.

Boy, am I excited…  NOT!!  8-)

Your continued prayers are appreciated.

NOTE: Read a related post here.

Agnus Dei From Child Singer

This is awesome!

Kidney Stone Procedure

I have a kidney stone that is estimated to be almost the size of a nickel.  I will be having a "sound blasting" procedure today which will, hopefully, destroy the stone.  The procedure is scheduled for 12:15pm at North Florida Regional in Gainesville, Florida.  The doctor says I will come home the same day if all goes well, but he warned me that due to the size of the stone the procedure may not work.  I'm praying for the Lord's perfect will to be done.

NOTE: I know believers are like "living stones", but I would prefer that not to include kidney stones!

⁴ Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  (1 Peter 2:4-5 NKJV)

Morriston Baptist in September

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Keith Stewart at Morriston Baptist Church on Sunday, September 4, 2011.  The services will begin at 8:30am, and 11am.  The church is located at 20291 SE 33rd Street in Morriston, Florida.  For more information call the church at (352) 528-4080.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Large Print Edition

Prayer Service For Schools Sunday

I will be the guest speaker tomorrow during the Community-Wide Prayer Service at Baker County High School.  The service begins at 3pm in the school cafeteria and will include music by Junior Combs & Southern Joy, recognition of teachers, school staff, and students.  Following the service, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the school of their choice to pray for students and faculty.


Two community-wide prayer services for the Baker County School District are held each year.  The first service is the Sunday before school starts in August and the second is held the Sunday after students return to the classroom from Christmas vacation in January.


I attended Baker County Schools from 6th grade to my graduation in 1976.  I am excited about the opportunity to share Jesus during this special service.  Please join me in praying for the service and for the upcoming school year.

Baker County High School is located at One Wildcat Drive in Glen St. Mary, Florida.

Recalculating, Recalculating

I picked up an unwanted object in one of my car's tires last week as I was on my way to visit a nursing home in Lake City, Florida.  This "bolt" was about the size of a pencil and approximately 6 inches long!  My brother, John and his son Jay, came to my rescue even with the heat index hovering around the century mark.  They got me on the road again with that little "doughnut" spare tire.  Now, my plans had quickly changed as I headed to the store where my tires were purchased last October.  Two hours later I began the nursing home visit.

It's amazing how something so small can rearrange your day, and sometimes your life.  I mean, think about the "little" things that have caused you to change your daily activities and develop another plan.  It's kind of like making a wrong turn and hearing your GPS unit say, "Recalculating, recalculating."  I personally know these changes can, sometimes, completely throw us for a loop.  Let's look at some of the resulting "recalculations" brought on by this object in my tire.

• How do I get to the tire store, after all there is no way I can change a tire.  "RECALCULATING"... I called my brother, and with God's timing, he was able to come to my rescue!
• I had planned to pick up lunch at a drive thru and eat with my great-aunt at the nursing home.  "RECALCULATING"...  There was a take-out pizza place just a few feet from the tire store.
• How much will this cost?  "RECALCULATING"... My warranty covered everything!
• My nursing home visit and other errands will be delayed.  "RECALCULATING"... I spent more quality time at the nursing home than I had planned, and took care of the errands the next day.

Now, I know not every "recalculating" event we face is always painless, trust me, I've had my share of those too.  But, we also know the Lord has never let us down in the past, and He's not going to start now!  So, let's praise Him even when He's "RECALCULATING".

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Shiloh Baptist in Ft. White Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Earl Tuten at Shiloh Baptist Church this Sunday, August 21, 2011. The services will begin at 10:45am and 6pm. The church is located at 173 Shiloh Way in Fort White, Florida. For more information call the church at (386) 454-4978.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Predestined?

The Back Pew

Evergreen Service Scheduled for October

I will preach one night during revival services at Evergreen Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 19, 2011.  The service will begin at 7pm.  The church is located at 2509 224th Street south of Lake City, Florida.  For more information call (386) 935-3497.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Island Grove, FL Revival Services Scheduled

I have just scheduled revival services at Island Grove Baptist Church at the end of September.  The services will begin on Friday, September 30th and continue through Sunday night, October 2, 2011.  The Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening services will begin at 7pm and the Sunday morning service begins at 11am.  The church is located at 20905 SE 219th Ave. in Island Grove, Florida 32654.  Island Grove is 10 miles south of Hawthorne on US 301.  For more information call Pastor Steve Matchett at (352) 317-5525.

This will be my first time preaching at this church.  Please be in prayer for the preparations, services and travel.

New Oak Grove Revival in September

Evangelist James Croft will be preaching  revival services at New Oak Grove Baptist Church next month.  The meetings will begin on Sunday, September 25, 2011 and continue through Wednesday, September 28th.  The Sunday services will begin at 11am and 6pm with the Monday-Wednesday services beginning at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 18100 NW 262nd Ave. in Alachua, Florida.  For more information contact Pastor Terry Elixson at (386) 462-3390.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on the preaching schedule of Evangelist James Croft visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Preaching at Praise Christian Assembly

I will be preaching at Praise Christian Assembly in Graham this Sunday morning, August 14, 2011.  The morning worship service begins at 10:30am.  Praise Christian Assembly is located on County Road 18 east of Graham, Florida.  Please be in prayer for this church as they search for a pastor.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

FBC Olustee Homecoming

Gail Moore & Kevin Owen sing.

I had the honor of preaching the 71st anniversary Homecoming Service at First Baptist Church of Olustee on Sunday.  A crowd of over 110 packed into the church for the celebration.  Those attending included current members, former members, a former pastor, members of two charter members' families, and several guests.  It was great seeing friends that I haven't seen in years and visiting with some that I do see more often.  The service was filled with congregational singing led by Kevin Owen, special music by Gail Moore, a brief church history, recognition of guests and the preaching of God's Word.  The service began with Pastor Mike Williams baptizing a new believer in Christ.  What a way to start an anniversary celebration.  This shows the Lord is still at work in the church even after 71 years of service!

James Croft preaches the Gospel.

You can view more photos from the anniversary service in the FBC Olustee Homecoming 2011 photo gallery.

As a side note, I was raised in this church and baptized here (actually, in Ocean Pond) after being saved in a Vacation Bible School in Green Cove Springs, FL.  FBC Olustee also licensed me as a minister in the Gospel Ministry on Sunday night, December 4, 1994.

Infestation

The Back Pew

Another Long Trip

I'll be making this long drive again tomorrow to preach "Homecoming" service at at First Baptist Church of Olustee.  The church will be celebrating its' 71st anniversary. during the 11am worship service.  Kevin Owen and Gail Moore will be providing music for the service which will be followed by dinner-on-the-grounds.



As a side note, I was raised in this church and baptized here (actually, in Ocean Pond) after being saved in a Vacation Bible School in Green Cove Springs, FL.  FBC Olustee also licensed me as a minister in the Gospel Ministry on Sunday night, December 4, 1994.

First Baptist Church is located at 23311 Lakeside Lane in Olustee, Florida. For more information call Pastor Mike Williams at (386) 438-9717.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Careful! Careful!

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.  Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen.  "Careful," he said,  "CAREFUL!  Put in some more butter!  Oh my gosh! You're cooking too many at once.  TOO MANY!  Turn them!  TURN THEM NOW!  We need more butter.  Oh my gosh!  WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER?  They're going to STICK!  Careful.  CAREFUL!  I said be CAREFUL!  You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking!  Never!  Turn them!  Hurry up!  Are you CRAZY?  Have you LOST your mind?  Don't forget to salt them.  You know you always forget to salt them.  Use the Salt.  USE THE SALT!  THE SALT!"

The wife stared at him.  "What in the world is wrong with you?  You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"

The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving."

Cedar Creek in October

I will be preaching on Pastor Appreciation Sunday in October at Cedar Creek Church for Pastor Wayne Williams.  The service begins at 11am on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 11am.  The church is located at 14742 County Road 124 north of Sanderson, Florida.

Shiloh Baptist August 21st

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Earl Tuten at Shiloh Baptist Church on Sunday, August 21, 2011. The services will begin at 10:45am and 6pm. The church is located at 173 Shiloh Way in Fort White, Florida. For more information call the church at (386) 454-4978.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

71st Anniversary at FBC Olustee

I will be preaching the homecoming service this Sunday, August 7, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Olustee.  The church will be celebrating its' 71st anniversary. during the 11am worship service.  Kevin Owen and Gail Moore will be providing music for the service which will be followed by dinner-on-the-grounds.

As a side note, I was raised in this church and baptized here (actually, in Ocean Pond) after being saved in a Vacation Bible School in Green Cove Springs, FL.  FBC Olustee also licensed me as a minister in the Gospel Ministry on Sunday night, December 4, 1994.

First Baptist Church is located at 23311 Lakeside Lane in Olustee, Florida. For more information call Pastor Mike Williams at (386) 438-9717.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Designer Preaching Drugs

The Back Pew

The New Number One Objection To Christianity

Posted on Pray4SBC By Bryant Wright, President of the Southern Baptist Convention.



“He who is of God hears the words of God…” John 8:47

In the last twenty years, a new number one objection to Christianity has emerged: “Why do Christians think you have the only way to God and heaven?” In our pluralistic world, this is hard to take. In a world of “tolerance,” this seems intolerable.

But here’s the problem: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” Was Jesus really that narrow-minded and egocentric? A natural question, but the wrong question.

The key question is this: “Was He telling the truth?” If He wasn’t, we certainly don’t want to believe in Him. But, if He was, many have a problem with that. For if we feel there are many ways to heaven, we’re calling Jesus a liar, and wrong. Our problem is really with Jesus, more than with Christians who believe Him.

So what do you believe? Do you believe Jesus tells the truth? That’s the decision we must deal with if we are open and honest.

Beats the Alternative?

Does it really "beat the alternative"? James Croft, 3'10" tall evangelist, speaks about a sign stating "The Living End". Recorded at St. George Island Christian Retreat Center in Florida.

Praise Christian Assembly in Graham on Sunday

I will be preaching at Praise Christian Assembly in Graham this Sunday morning, July 31, 2011.  The morning worship service begins at 10:30am.  Praise Christian Assembly is located on County Road 18 east of Graham, Florida.  Please be in prayer for this church as they search for a pastor.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

NASCAR Prayer

This prayer was offered by Pastor Joe Nelms at the NASCAR Nationwide series race in Nashville, TN on July 23, 2011.  Nelms is pastor of Family Baptist Church in Lebanon, TN.  The prayer has generated a wide-range of opinions on various web sites.  What do you think about the content of the prayer?

Poor Man's Miracle

The Back Pew

Why Should Churches Use Evangelists?

The Biblical office of evangelist is often one of the most overlooked and underutilized resources that God has presented in and through the local church to reach the world for Christ.  Why use evangelists?

• Evangelists are called by God to specifically reach the lost.
• Evangelists are able to communicate a direct Biblical message with a passion and zeal.
• Evangelists cooperate with the ongoing work of local churches to reach their communities for Christ.
• Evangelists encourage Christians in their daily zeal for soulwinning and discipleship.
• Evangelists help churches culminate their long-term evangelistic efforts in harvesting the fields "white unto harvest".
• Evangelists affirm the work of the local church pastor and the vision God has for his ministry through the local church.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

The James Croft Evangelistic Association (JCEA) led by 3'10" tall evangelist James Croft of Olustee, Florida is working to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.  This ministry utilizes various means to win lost souls, to stir revival fires in believers, to educate Christians on Biblical and social issues, and to be an encouragement to all.  These methods include James' preaching ministry, foreign and local missions, and use of the internet utilizing podcasting and videos.

Campus Removes "Christ"

By Todd Starnes

One of the nation’s most prominent Christian ministries has decided to take Christ out of its name – a move that has generated cries of political correctness from within the evangelical community.

Campus Crusade for Christ International announced this week that it will change the name of its U.S. Operations to “Cru” in early 2012.

“We felt like our name was getting in the way of accomplishing our mission,” said Steve Sellers, the vice president for Campus Crusade, noting that the ministry will still be committed to “proclaiming Christ around the world.”

Sellers said researchers found that nine percent of Christians and 20 percent of non-Christians were alienated by the name Campus Crusade for Christ.

Read more of this story on FOX News Radio.

Recent Videos on YouTube Channel

Here are the 5 most recent videos on the JCEA YouTube Channel.  If you like any of them, share with your friends.

 

Don't Mess With James the Giant

49 views
1 day ago

Boo Boo Bear?

42 views
1 week ago

Beats the Alternative?

63 views
1 month ago

Joy FM Radio Interview

93 views
1 month ago

Block Party Exhibit & Bloopers

59 views
2 months ago

Driving With The Giant

89 views
3 months ago

Don't Mess With James the Giant

You don't mess around with "James the Giant"!

James Croft, 3'10" tall evangelist, has some fun during a youth camp at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park in Mayo, FL. The camp was sponsored by New Hope Baptist Church of Mayo.

The song in the video is "Don't Mess Around With Jim" by Jim Croce.

View pictures from the event in the Mayo Youth Camp 2011 gallery.

Federal judge rules Dixie County 10 Commandments monument unconstitutional

GAINESVILLE (NSF) -- A federal judge in Gainesville has ordered Dixie County to remove a six-ton granite monument of the Ten Commandments with the message, “Love God and Keep His Commandments,” from the front of the county’s courthouse in Cross City, located about an hour west of Gainesville.

The Dixie County Commission authorized the monument in 2006, and the ACLU of Florida sued. U.S. District Judge Maurice Paul ruled July 15 against the county and ordered the monument removed within 30 days.

The ACLU argued the monument represented government speech, violating constitutional prohibition against government promotion of religion. Dixie County argued that it was merely providing a forum for a local citizen who made the monument – and continues to own it - to express his religious beliefs, and that the monument was therefore protected by the First Amendment.

“The monument is five-feet tall, made of six tons of granite, and sits alone at the center of the top of the steps in front of the county courthouse that houses every significant local government office,” Paul’s opinion noted. And, citing a previous precedent-setting case, Paul found that by putting it there, the county was sending “an unmistakable message that it supports and promotes the religious message that appears on it.”

Read more of this story at Florida Baptist Witness.

Submit

The Back Pew

New Hope Baptist Sunday Night

I will be preaching the evening service for Pastor Charlie Walker at New Hope Baptist Church tomorrow, July 17th beginning at 7pm.  New Hope Baptist Church is located at 6089 NE CR 354 in Mayo.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

When you want what you don't want to want

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)--The word "struggle" has become a cliché -- especially in evangelical Christian circles. It's a way to place a kind of distance between my rebellion and myself. There's a big difference between saying to my fellow believers that I "struggle with procrastination" and confessing "I'm lazy."

But grappling with temptation is torturous. It's not for nothing that the Scripture often compares this grappling to physical violence -- cutting off a limb or poking out an eye (Matthew 5:29-30), having one's skin set afire (Mark 9:49, 1 Corinthians 7:9) or fighting until bleeding all over the place (Hebrews 12:4). This is because our desires are so strong.

The Apostle Paul placed the pull to temptation in the context of human desires, showing how the Israelites of old moved from eating and drinking to outright rebellion and debauchery (1 Corinthians 10:7). Again, at this point, the Scripture keeps us away from both hubris and despair. The Scripture tells us we'll encounter temptation, and that it will be wild.

Read more on Baptist Press.

NASCAR fans get FindItHere.com intro

SOUTH BOSTON, Va. (BP)--Beyond the celebration on the track when Lee Pulliam won the FindItHere.com NASCAR Whelen Late Model 200, there was rejoicing in heaven when three teenage girls were led to Christ that same night.

The SBC of Virginia (SBCV) sponsored the Friday night, July 1, race at South Boston Speedway, with the North American Mission Board defraying some of the sponsorship cost. The speedway's annual Fourth of July holiday weekend is a fan favorite and actually features three races (Pure Stock 50, Limited 100, Whelen Late Model 200) and fireworks afterward.

It was more than a one-time outreach, but part of a vision for churches to share Christ with thousands of race fans and continue the "God's Plan for Sharing" (GPS) statewide evangelistic effort begun in 2010.

Read more on Baptist Press.

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Youth Camp in Mayo Begins Friday

I will be teaching and preaching during a youth camp conducted by New Hope Baptist Church in Mayo, Florida, July 15-17, 2011.  The camp will be held at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.

I will also preach the evening service for Pastor Charlie Walker at the church on Sunday, July 17th beginning at 7pm.  New Hope Baptist Church is located at 6089 NE CR 354 in Mayo.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

A Note From a Camper

I received this note from one of the children at Camp Sonrise this year.  It was passed to me after one of the services.  As an evangelist, I never know how God may be dealing with those in my services.  This is just one of the blessings I receive in ministry.

Hey, the drawing kind of looks like me, doesn't it??

Consider the Ant?

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Boo Boo Bear?

I had a "short" conversation with Yogi Bear at Jellystone Campground in Madison, Florida during Camp Sonrise 2011.



NOTE: View more JCEA videos on our YouTube Channel.

Pinemount Baptist Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Tommy Smith at Pinemount Baptist Church this Sunday, July 10, 2011.  The services will begin at 11am and 6:30pm.  The church is located on Highway 129 in McAlpin, Florida.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

FBC Lake Butler Tonight

I will be preaching in supply for my pastor, Jason Johns, at First Baptist Church of Lake Butler tonight at 6:30pm.  The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.  For more information or directions call the church at (386) 496-3704.

NOTE: For up-to-date information on my preaching schedule visit the schedule page of the JCEA ministry website. If you would like to receive schedule information via e-mail follow this link: Subscribe to James Croft Ministry Opportunities by Email.

Great Time at Camp Sonrise

Last week I participated in Camp Sonrise for the third year.  I had a great time as I witnessed the Lord move in the lives of campers and counselors with several of the children asking Jesus into their heart!.  We had more than 170 in attendance for the four days at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Campground near Madison, Florida.  I led a brief camp devotion each morning after breakfast and preached each evening during the worship service.  The children's camp is sponsored by several churches in north and central Florida, including New Oak Grove Baptist from Alachua, Antioch Baptist from Live Oak, Corinth Baptist from Madison, Sardis Baptist from Worthington Springs, Shady Grove Baptist from Live Oak, First Baptist of Orange City, and First Baptist of Dowling Park.

A couple of links about this year's camp that you might find interesting are:

• Camp Sonrise 2011 photo album
• Dancing With The Giant video

Happy Independence Day!

The Back Pew

Brazil Confirms Existence of One of Earth's Last Uncontacted Tribes

The world is still full of mysteries, it seems.

The government of Brazil confirmed this week the existence of around 200 members of a still-uncontacted tribe living in a southwestern area of the Amazon rain forest.

Three large clearings in the area had been identified by satellite, but the population's existence was only verified after airplane expeditions in April gathered more data, the National Indian Foundation said in a news release Monday.

Read more on FOX News: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/06/23/brazil-confirms-existence-one-earths-last-uncontacted-tribes/#ixzz1R0NWo2Mp

Dancing With The Giant

Hey, I just got a call to be a contestant next year on Dancing With The Stars!!! As one of the stars, of course!

Actually, this video was produced by Tim Rose, Minister of Youth for Sardis Baptist Church in Worthington Springs, Florida, and shown during Camp Sonrise 2011.

Not having a neck really makes it difficult to keep my head on straight!!  8-)

Let There Be Fireworks

One of the founding fathers of the United States, John Adams, offered a prediction about the celebration of Independence Day, but the first part of the quote is usually omitted. So, as we celebrate this special day in U.S. history, let there be fireworks and devotion to God.

NOTE: With many areas under a "burn ban", please check with local authorities about the use of fireworks, and please be careful.