November 30, 2007

10 Taking the Plunge

The following individuals will be baptized this Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Pontiac.  Please come and show your support.

Sarah Albrecht
Megan Bill
Jeana Boase
Kristy Cotter
Marty Cotter
Bonnie Davis
Harold Davis
Samantha Gleason
Mitchell Robinson
Star Rork

If you’re a born again believer and you’ve never been baptized, there’s still time for you to join them.  To read more about baptism, click here.

November 30, 2007

Bibles Online

Here’s a comprehensive list of online Bibles.

November 29, 2007

Staff of Elves

Thanks to Maxine Williams, the PBC staff has been “elved.”  I think Pastor Dick has the best moves.

November 29, 2007

Sharing About the Cross at Crossroads

I had the honor of sharing my testimony at Crossroads last night. 

Here are some impressions…

1.  The student ministry needs more space!  I counted about 40 junior highers and six leaders in that small room. 
2.  Pastor Jeff and the leaders are doing a great job.
3.  The student-led music team led us well in songs of praise and adoration.
4.  Marty Cotter rocks as a leader!
5.  The students were attentive.
6.  The students are loved by the leaders.
7.  These students are not the future of the church…they are the church.
8.  The student ministry needs more space!

November 28, 2007

Christmas According to Linus

November 28, 2007

Student Reality

Jessie and Alli Leacock and Lena Grimes wrote a song at the Student Retreat called “Who Do You Say I Am?” and sang it at the end of Sunday’s service.  It’s amazing.

Props to Josh Williams for recording and posting this on YouTube. 

November 27, 2007

Crossmap and CT

Crossmap has posted the “Tarnished Compass” article.

Christianity Today has posted a very helpful article called The Chronicles of Atheism and this one called Leave Our Kids Alone.

November 26, 2007

A Tarnished Compass

I just finished reading The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman.  Since a movie by this name is coming out on December 7th, and I’ve received several emails and been asked many questions about it, I thought I should read the book the movie is based on.  The Golden Compass is actually the first book in a trilogy called His Dark Materials.

I haven’t seen the movie, and after reading the book, don’t plan to so I’m not going to give a review of the film.  My comments are strictly from a careful reading of the book.  I realize that the movie version is often different from the book and I’m told that the director has “cleaned up” the movie but my concern is that many children will turn to the book after watching the movie and encounter more than most parents would approve of.

I’m not normally an alarmist but I found this book to be alarming in its embrace of evil.  Here are the first four words on the very first page: “Lyra and her daemon…”  Every character in the opening chapters has a daemon (this spelling is from the old english but means the same as our word “demon”).  The author even mentions that a priest has a demon.  Lyra and her demon (Pan) are so close that when the demon feels pain it is shared with her and vice versa. 

I’m concerned for the young (and older) readers of this book because demons are considered to be impossible to live without.  In fact, one character in the book has his demon “intercised” or cut away and the boy then dies.  Here’s a quote: “A human being with no daemon was like someone without a face, or with their ribs laid open and their heart torn out…” (page 214).  Lyra refers to her demon as “Her dear soul, the daring companion of her heart…” (page 284).  Here’s another quote from page 316: “As long as there have been human beings, they have had daemons.  It’s what makes us different from animals.”  Really?  I thought it was because we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26).

I can understand why the Catholic church is upset with this book not only because the author indicates that priests have demons but also quotes like this: “Most church things they keep secret.”  One of the bears in the book wants to be baptized as a Christian, even though he doesn’t have a demon (implying that every Christian has a demon).  I won’t take the time to explore this but suffice it to say that the church is depicted as evil in the book. 

The book is filled with fantasy and exciting chase scenes but was hard to read because Pullman is not subtle in his approach.  When he quotes Scripture, he adds words that are not there.  Here’s his chilling quote of Genesis 3: ”...Then your eyes shall be opened, and your daemons shall assume their true forms, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil…but when the man and the woman knew their own daemons they knew that a great change had come upon them…” (page 372).

This book is nefarious in its blatant blasphemy: ”...It really means that God’s admitting his own nature to be partly sinful.” (page 373).  You can almost hear Satan making a “hissing” sound.

Friends, this book is bad news.  Again, I don’t know what the movie will be like but I STRONGLY CAUTION all parents.  You may think I’m being overly hyper but you should know that on the official website for the movie, children will be able to meet their own demon!  This is scary stuff, folks!

As I prayed about what to post, God brought Ephesians 5:11-13 to mind: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible.”

Hopefully this will help you decide whether to allow your children to see the movie or read the book.  It would be great if the movie “flops” at the box office because if it does, the director may not make the sequel based on book two (which he is planning to do at this point).

Let me also say that as Christians we should use the cultural discussion about this movie to point people to Jesus.  He is the victor and the only bridge to the Father (John 5:24; John 14:6).  I don’t want to enrage you but hope that my words help engage you to be both careful and winsome in your approach with those who don’t yet know Christ: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

If you’d like to learn more, these links are helpful.

Snopes
Fox News
Journeyman
Wikipedia
Plugged In Online

November 26, 2007

Think of Me

Over Thanksgiving my sister Mary recommended to our family that instead of buying exchange gifts for each other this year (my sisters and their spouses) that we should put all the money together that we would have spent and give it to someone less fortunate.  We all agreed that this is a super idea.  There are 12 of us that exchange gifts and we normally spend $20 on each other.  This is a much better use of our resources as none of us really need anything anyway.

This video is good for each of us to watch before we go crazy with our Christmas shopping this year.

November 26, 2007

Life is Love Leigh

Leigh Sullan has posted some more great writing and her dad has made some changes to her site.  The Sullan’s are an amazing family!

November 25, 2007

Sunday Hymn

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.

November 24, 2007

Compass Points South

Because so many people have asked about the upcoming movie called the The Golden Compass, I decided that before I make any comments that I should at least read the book.  I’m about half-way through and plan to share my thoughts when I’m finished.

In the meantime, this review by Plugged In is helpful. 

November 22, 2007

Are You Leaving Anyone Out?

One Thanksgiving a family was seated around their table, looking at the annual holiday bird.  From the oldest to the youngest, the children expressed their thankfulness as they went around the table.  When they came to the 5-year-old, he began by expressing his thanks to the turkey, saying although he had not tasted it he knew it would be good.  After being thankful for Butterball, he began with a more predictable line of credits, thanking his mother for cooking the turkey and his father for buying the turkey.

But then he joined together a whole hidden multitude of benefactors, as he traced the turkey all the way from its origin to his plate, “I thank you for the checker at the grocery store who checked out the turkey.  I thank you for the grocery store people who put it in the freezer.  I thank you for the farmer who made it fat.  I thank you for the man who made the feed.  I thank you for those who brought the turkey to the store.”
When he was all done, he took a breath and asked, “Did I leave anybody out?”

To which his 3-year-older brother replied, “What about God?”

Without skipping a beat, the 5-year-old said, “I was going to get around to him.”

Pastor Jeff did a good job acting out the story of “Leo the Lucky Leper” last night (check his blog later because it will hopefully be posted on YouTube).  It was neat to hear so many people give thanks to God for His work.  In your plans today (don’t forget to watch the Packers), make sure you get around to thanking the One from whom all blessings flow.

Yesterday we encouraged our girls to come up with a list of things they are thankful for.  We challenged them to list as many as they are old.  One of them turned this back on me and challenged me to come up with 47.  Here they are.

Saying Thanks 47 Ways

1.  The Triune God
2.  The security of my salvation
3.  The Bible
4.  Beth
5.  Emily
6.  Lydia
7.  Becca
8.  Megan
9.  Pontiac Bible Church
10.  My parents
11.  My sisters (sort of)
12.  Beth’s family
13.  The car that was given to us
14.  House
15.  Clothes
16.  Life itself
17.  Health struggles
18.  Bruce McNeill (led me to Christ)
19.  Grace
20.  Mercy
21.  Love
22.  Answered prayer
23.  Cheese
24.  Books
25.  Friends
26.  Accountability partner
27.  When the girls call me “daddy”
28.  Keep Believing Ministries
29.  Moody Bible Institute
30.  Wisconsin
31.  Church staff
32.  Godly elders and deacons
33.  Preaching opportunities
34.  Home office in basement
35.  Driving dates with Beth
36.  Daddy/Daughter dates
37.  Door County
38.  Fishing with my dad
39.  PBC website
40.  Good neighbors
41.  Pastor friends
42.  Encouraging words
43.  Ability to exercise
44.  New converts
45.  That the Bears stink
46.  That the Pack is back
47.  Charlie (our dog—I hope he doesn’t eat the turkey again)

November 21, 2007

Survey Stats

181

216!

November 21, 2007

From the Mouths of Young Children

Pastor Jeff posted this video clip taken by his son Josh of the PBC kids singing last Sunday.

November 20, 2007

Top Ten Reasons to Give Thanks

If you’re in the area Wednesday night, I encourage you to come to our Thanksgiving Eve service at 7:00 p.m.  Pastor Jeff will be sharing a very creative devotional and then we’ll open it up for people to share what they’re thankful for. 

Here’s an article I wrote a couple years ago that still resonates with me this year.

Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence.  The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn’t make it.  Terrified, the one shouted to the other, “Put up a prayer, John.  We’re in for it!”  John answered, “I can’t. I’ve never made a public prayer in my life.”  “But you must!” implored his companion.  “The bull is catching up to us.”  “All right,” panted John, “I’ll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: ‘O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.’”

Even when times are tough, we can find reasons to be thankful.  In the midst of problems we can praise.  If we remember that the pioneering Pilgrims suffered through a lot of hardship, making seven times more graves than homes, we too can practice the attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving season.  Indeed, we can find joy in the junk of life because thankfulness is a choice.

Abraham Lincoln made this statement from his Thanksgiving Day declaration in 1863:  “…To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God…It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14 reminds us “to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  That means that it’s not only possible, but in fact, if we want to follow God’s will, then it’s necessary to give thanks.  If we pause to think, we’ll have cause to thank.  It’s been my practice in November to come up with a list of reasons to be thankful.  I’ve found that my list hasn’t changed much over the years.  Here are my “Top Ten Reasons to Be Thankful” this Thanksgiving season.

10.  I’m thankful that the men and women who founded our nation did so on their knees and with a sense of divine calling.  I’m thankful for the freedoms we have to worship when believers from some countries face relentless persecution. 

9.  Though I’m a persecuted Packer fan from Wisconsin, I can think of no place I’d rather live than Pontiac. 

8.  I’m pleased to partner with a fine group of ministers who serve in this community and for the two pastors I have the privilege of serving alongside every day.

7.  I’m appreciative for the impact that Pontiac Christian School has had on our daughters and for the excellent administration and teachers at PTHS.  I’m also grateful that our daughters ask their mother for help with homework, especially when it’s Science or Math.

6.  God has always met my needs for food, clothing and shelter as I’ve tried to put Him first in my life (Matthew 6:33).

5.  I’m thankful for life itself, recognizing that every breath I take is a gift from God.  This keeps me humble and mindful that I must live in order to leave a legacy. 

4.  I’m honored to serve a church that takes the Great Commandment (loving God and others) and the Great Commission (telling others the gospel) seriously.  I’m especially thankful that most of them stay awake during my sermons. 

3.  I’m grateful for four beautiful daughters who have their mother’s great looks and personality.  I’m thankful that they treat me like a hero even when I act like a zero.  I especially like it when they call me “Daddy.”

2.  Amazingly, God has allowed me to be married to my best friend.  I still marvel that she said, “Yes” to me.  She knows me better than anyone else, and yet still loves me. 

1.  I’m thankful for my college roommate who had the courage to challenge my beliefs and point me to the cross.  I’m awed by the relentless love and glorious grace of Jesus Christ.  I’m humbled that Christ saved me from my sins and that I’ll spend eternity with Him, not because I deserve it but because I don’t.  I’m stunned that He loves me just the way I am but loves me too much to let me stay that way.

We can always find something to be thankful for, if we simply count our blessings.  What’s on your top ten list?  Hit the pause button this week and you’ll have cause to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!

November 19, 2007

Giving Testimony

I received this email in response to yesterday’s sermon…

I have to remind myself that all that I have is not mine.  I know I am blessed with all that I have and I want to share. Sunday when you asked advice for young couples when bills are due and money is short, “how can we give 10%?”  I know all too well how that is.  That is were I try to always remember to “Trust and Obey”  I use to always pay bills first then give on Sunday what I could, but I have learned to give first then trust that the bills will get paid.  I still need to work on that sometimes.

November 19, 2007

Using What God Has Given

Sermon Central is featuring this sermon called Using What God Has Given in their newsletter this week.  This message goes along well with yesterday’s topic: Show Me the Coin.

November 19, 2007

Being Thankful

Asked to write a composition entitled “What I’m Thankful for this Thanksgiving,” little Johnny wrote, “I’m thankful that I’m not a turkey.”

November 18, 2007

Sunday Hymn

These words from I Surrender All capture the sermon today.

All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

November 17, 2007

Determined by Devotion

In preparation for our Elder Retreat today, I went back and read the very first sermon I preached at PBC called Determined by Devotion.

Here’s an excerpt:

The key is devotion. We need to remember that the depth of our devotion determines our impact. God is not looking all over the earth for strong people, for great people, for perfect people, or even for religious people. This morning, as He scans the congregation at PBC, He’s looking for devoted disciples, for men and women, and boys and girls who are fully committed to Him. A regular person who He can pour His strength out on.

In order for that to happen, we need to be completely committed and dangerously devoted. We need to be exactly like those first believers in the early church.

November 16, 2007

Interviewing a Hero

In preparation for the celebration of our 40th Anniversary as a church, I had the privilege of interviewing Ray Tuley last night. Along with several others, Ray was instrumental in starting PBC in 1968.  Ben Schappaugh came with two video cameras and we set up a “living room” in the Fellowship Hall. 

As I was sitting there with Ray before we started I reminded him of the breakfast we had over 8 years ago during my first week at PBC.  I’ll never forget the stories of God’s faithfulness and I’ll always treasure the passion in which Ray shared what Jesus has done at PBC. 

You’ll have to wait until our Anniversary Banquet in February 2008 to watch this DVD but I thought I’d pass along the questions I asked him. 

1. Why did you want to start a new church 40 years ago?

2. What did you want this new church to look like?  Focus on? 

3. What were some of the special challenges you faced?

4. Describe the process that you and the team went through.

5. Did you ever feel like this was not going to work?  Ever feel like you wanted to quit?

6. Where did the vision come from for moving the church to its present location?

7. As you look back over these 40 years, what spiritual highlights come to mind?

8. Knowing everything that you know now, would you have still started the church?

9. How do you think our area would be different if there was no PBC?

10.        What’s been the biggest change you’ve seen in the way PBC does ministry over the last 40 years?

11.        Is there one significant thing you wished you would have done differently over these years?

12.      What message do you have for PBC for the next generation of ministry? 

November 15, 2007

Revealing

We just received word that we are now at 181 responses for the Spiritual Life Survey!  That’s great but let’s keep going.  If you call PBC your home and you’ve not taken it yet, simply click the banner on the left panel.  Pass the word to those without Internet access that we will have laptops set up in the library before and after services on Sunday.

November 15, 2007

Early Risers

I better get my heart checked out or figure out a way to sleep longer.

HT: Craig Wininger

November 14, 2007

A Picture Says It All

November 14, 2007

Remember Me

This video was put together by a 16-year-old and is quite moving.  I wish I had known about it for Veteran’s Day but it’s important any day.  Please watch the whole thing.

November 14, 2007

Christmas Child Challenge Report

Pastor Dick, Pastor Jeff and I (along with Austin Williams) just finished helping Wes and June pack up the shoeboxes.  I am thrilled to report that 237 children will receive these gifts!  Last year we filled 150.  Thanks to all who offered their loaves and fishes, for “a little in the hands of the Lord is always a lot!”

November 14, 2007

The World on the Web

Did you know that there over one billion people who are online around the world?

November 13, 2007

Doctrine of Rewards

I’ve been asked to address the doctrine of judgment/rewards in the Women’s Bible Study this morning.  Here’s a wonderful resource from Bible.org called The Doctrine of Rewards: The Judgment Seat of Christ.

For more information about PBC’s doctrinal statement, click here.

November 12, 2007

The Golden Compass

Mr. Dean Ridder is the principal of Pontiac Christian School and a good friend of mine.  Last week he sent home a letter to parents that I found to be extremely helpful regarding an upcoming movie called “The Golden Compass.” 

I asked him for permission to post it here.

Dear Parents,

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”—Colossians 2:8

I am writing to pass along some important information and resources regarding a new movie, The Golden Compass, (starring Nicole Kidman – due to be released December 7). I have received numerous emails and had recent conversations with colleagues that raise significant questions about this film. I wanted to pass these concerns on to you to help you in your decision-making process regarding this film.

This film is based on a book by English author Philip Pullman, an outspoken atheist. It is part of a trilogy of books Pullman has written: His Dark Materials—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. (Another release, The Book of Dust, is coming soon). The themes of this trilogy are not to be confused with C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. In fact, a FOX reporter, Catherine Donaldson-Evans reported (about the Dark Materials trilogy), “The anti-religious themes get progressively stronger with each book in the trilogy; in the final installment, the characters succeed in killing a character called God—who turns out to be a phony, and not God after all…Pullman has not been shy in the past about verbalizing his beliefs—or, some might say, nonbeliefs—and his intentions in writing the Dark Materials novels.

The novelist has said they are in response to C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, the popular children’s fantasy series of which The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the first book—written by Lewis to teach Christian ideals to kids. “I loathe the Narnia books,” Pullman has said in previous press interviews. “I hate them with a passion, with their view of childhood as a golden age from which sexuality and adulthood are falling away.” He has called the series ‘one of the most ugly and poisonous things he’s ever read.’” (FOXNews.com, Monday, October 29, 2007 “Christian Groups Claim Pro-Atheist ‘Stealth Campaign’ in Nicole Kidman Fantasy Film, The Golden Compass.)”

The movie advertisements are already playing on television. These movie trailers make the film appear to be an innocent children’s fantasy film covering themes such as the testing of courage, the fight for freedom and the battle of good versus evil. The book that these films are based on was the author’s attempt to “expose the ‘lie’ of the Christian Church and assert an atheist view of reality.”

We do not have Pullman’s books in our classroom libraries and these books will not be recommended nor required reading for PCS students. You can do your own search to find reviews and discussions, but several that I have received are listed below.

Thank you for partnering with us in this journey through the maze of our current culture and media influences. Family discussions about books and media choices should promote intellectual thought, growth and “teachable moments,” as you model discernment and your commitment to a Christian worldview in every life application. I invite you to share with us resources and experiences that will encourage other families in their pursuit of Christ in all things.

Citizen Link
Movie Guide
Snopes
New Yorker

In Him,

Mr. Dean Ridder

 

November 12, 2007

Reveal Update

We received word last night that 109 people have taken the Reveal Spiritual Life Survey so far!  That’s great but we can do better.  This is the last week this survey will be available so if you haven’t taken it yet, and you call PBC your church home, please complete it today.

Note: We have been telling people that it only takes 20 minutes but we’re finding out that while some can do it this quickly, many have said that it can take up to 40 minutes to complete.

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