2008 Brushfork Baptist Memories

This is a slideshow of several events of the past year at Brushfork Baptist Church. God is go...

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Back in the Saddle

A mutant amalgamation of Gene Autry’s and Aerosmith’s “Back in the Saddle Again” is the song that came to mind as I was thinking about this Sunday. When preaching through books as I do, sometimes it is necessary to take a break—especially through long books like John. Sometimes those breaks are necessary because of the attention span of pastor...

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

1. UzbekistanStudent Prays for Teacher Who Threatened HerRuth and her family have been through many years of struggle. People in their town make fun of them for their faith in Christ. “Please pray for me,” Ruth wrote in a 2008 e-mail to a VOM worker. “At school the teacher asked me to tell about the ancient Greek gods. I said, ‘There are...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

“Let Ev’ry Heart Prepare Him Room”Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Lo, your King comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, a colt the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).How do you prepare for the coming of a King? If he were coming to our homes, the answer would...

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No Frills Airlines

A few weeks ago my oldest daughter and my father-in-law came to visit. They each flew in from different states, but we were able to arrange it so I could pick them both up at the Charlotte airport within a few hours of one another.My daughter hadn’t flown since she was two years old. Needless to say, she didn’t remember much of that flight....

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

Each day through the end of the year, I will be posting one of the top 10 “Bold Believers” stories of 2008, as reported by the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage.2. Eritrea Students ProtestHigh school students in Eritrea are required to spend time working for the military. Rules at the military camps say that students cannot read the Bible,...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

Joy to the WorldLuke 2:8-11 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,...

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Read In the New Year!

Since I’ve been talking about books I read in 2008 for the past few days, how about a look into the future? Here is a list of the first books I’m looking to dive into in 2009:First Time Reads:Rereads:City of God, AugustineConfessions, AugustineGod in the Dock, CS LewisReligious Affections, Jonathan EdwardsPreaching and Teaching from the Old Testament, Walter KaiserSomething from Francis SchaefferThat ought to be enough to get...

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

Each day through the end of the year, I will be posting one of the top 10 “Bold Believers” stories of 2008, as reported by the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage.3. Bangladesh: Safe From ThreatsMamota lives at a hidden camp. Christians who are at risk of persecution stay at the camp. They live in dorms, go to school, and worship together....

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

The Coming of Christ Brings JOY"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him...

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Why Me Lord?

The manuscript for tonight's sermon, "Why Me Lord?" is now available. Audio should be posted later in the we...

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Christmas Climax

Is this the end of the Christmas season? Or is it just a shadow of things to come? You can find the manuscript of this morning's sermon titled Christmas Climax he...

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Weelky Wordle!

Wonderful Weekly Wordle fwum Wevelation... couldn't help it. This is from this morning's sermon on Revelation 21:1-8 titled, "Christmas Climax."Here's a preview of tonight's sermon on Psalm 8 titled, "Why Me Lor...

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

Each day through the end of the year, I will be posting one of the top 10 “Bold Believers” stories of 2008, as reported by the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage.4. ID Card HasslesDina is a 14-year-old Christian who lives in Egypt. “She loves Jesus so much,” said her father, Peter. When Dina is 16, she will be required to get an official...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

Joy – ChristmasThe words ‘joy’ and ‘Christmas’ are synonymous for many people. Christmas is a joyous time of year. The bright lights, the colorful decorations, the beautifully wrapped packages, the brilliant shades of red and green, the Christmas carols, songs and stories, all the sights and sounds of Christmas ring with Joy!!Christmas is...

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Reader In Chief

Since we're on the favorite year-end subject of books, I thought you might be interested in our current president's reading habits. If you have fallen for the media mischaracterizations, you might be surprised!Makes the, "Who's in your iPod" question asked of the candidates during the election seem pretty silly, doesn't ...

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Best Reads of 2008

Not all of the books I read in 2008 were worth reading. Some were quite worthless, but the majority weren’t. Several of the classics on my 2008 list were re-reads, so I have not included them here. Here is a list of the Best Reads of 20...

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

Each day through the end of the year, I will be posting one of the top 10 “Bold Believers” stories of 2008, as reported by the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage.5. North Korea: College Kids Share Secret DVDsAnyone caught reading, selling, or passing out Bibles in North Korea can go to jail. Christians smuggled Bibles and Christian DVDs...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

Jesus Is SaviorJesus Christ left the comforts of the most perfect Heaven to come to earth that He might be Savior to mankind. He left perfection to come and walk among imperfection upon this earth. Yet He did so with a purpose, to be Savior to all who would place their faith and trust in Him alone.Savior, an exalted title, means that Jesus...

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How I Fell Short

Well, I blew it. Around this time last year I set a goal for myself. It didn’t have anything to do with treadmills or exercise bikes or anything ridiculously grueling like that. Instead, it had to do with something I love—books. For some reason, I had the bright idea that it would be good to read 100 books this year. As I said, I blew it....

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

Each day through the end of the year, I will be posting one of the top 10 “Bold Believers” stories of 2008, as reported by the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage.6. India: VBS InterruptedAbout 60 children attended a three-day Vacation Bible School in India’s state of Karnataka. As the children worshipped, 35 Hindu radicals forced their...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

The Way: John 14:6Jesus came to show us the way to Heaven.A little boy had been talking to his father on day about going to Disneyland. During the conversation his father told him the only way we can go to Disneyland is when Grandpa croaks.The little boy went to his Grandpa later and said, “Grandpa, make a sound like a frog.”His Grandpa...

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

Each day through the end of the year, I will be posting one of the top 10 “Bold Believers” stories of 2008, as reported by the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage.7. Blessing and GoodnessBlessing Justine is 13 years old. She lives at the Stephen Center in Nigeria. The Stephen Center helps children who need a place to live and a school to...

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Merry Christmas!

That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Bro...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

Why Did Jesus have to Come: Reason #1Why did Jesus have to come? So far we have discussed how Jesus brought a new and better covenant, how He undid what Adam had done, how He came to be the King of Kings, and how He came to be our Perfect High Priest so that we could have salvation.But there is another reason. This reason can be stated in...

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Candlelight Service

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Burping Baby Jesus?

Enjoy the following insight from Noel Piper:"The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes." Really? Let's not forget that the Lord Jesus was also the human newborn baby Jesus, as we're reminded in one of the best Christmas books ever—The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.Imogene had the baby doll but she wasn't carrying it in the way she was supposed...

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

Each day through the end of the year, I will be posting one of the top 10 “Bold Believers” stories of 2008, as reported by the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage.8. United States: Student Stopped from Sharing ScriptureFifteen-year-old Stephen C. of New Jersey traveled to China with his grandfather in 2008 during the Olympics. But they didn’t...

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Dancing Baptists...

Just another ho hum Christmas at the Drake household...Click here for a behind the scenes look--and don't tell the deacons!Merry Christm...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

“Behold, Your Light Has Come”Materials Needed: flashlight, candle and matches (This devotion works best if done at night)It’s finally Christmas Eve!!! Can you believe it? Tomorrow when we wake up, we will be able to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the love that God gave to us.But tonight, lets talk about darkness and light. (Turn off all...

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The Prince of Preachers on the Prince of Peace

“The Son of man came.” Strange the errand, and unique as the blessed Person who undertook it. Thus to come he stooped from the highest throne in glory down to the manger of Bethlehem; and on his part it was voluntary. We are, as it were, thrust upon the stage of action; it is not of our will that we have come to live on this earth. Jesus...

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

Each day through the end of the year, I will be posting one of the top 10 “Bold Believers” stories of 2008, as reported by the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage.9. Indonesia: Kids of Courage Help a FriendIn 2003, radical Muslims attacked four Christian villages in Indonesia. Masked men shot guns into the home of 7-year-old Hagasi and her...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

5 Reasons Jesus Had To Come: Reason #2 Our Perfect High Priest(Parents: You will need a flashlight and some toys)Turn out the lights in the room (but its okay to leave the Christmas Tree lights on)(Take the flashlight and shine it against a wall. Without letting the children see, place one of the toys in the light beam so that its shadow...

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WVCSB Pastor's Conference & Annual Meeting

Messages and Bible Studies from the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists 2008 Pastor's Conference and Annual Meeting are now available.Speakers included:Dr. Calvin MillerDr. David NelsonDr. Steven Smith Dr. Terry HarperDr. Frank Cox Bernard ToppingsTim Kearney, WVCSB Presid...

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One More Thought on Resources...

This time the thought isn't mine. Last week Dr. Al Mohler wrote a post on study Bibles that corresponds to my posts on commentaries over the past few days. I have yet to use the new ESV Study Bible, but I am currently on my second MacArthur Study Bible (I practically wore the first one out). Also, from what I have seen of the Apologetics...

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Ten Bold Believers Stories from 2008

Each day through the end of the year, I will be posting one of the top 10 “Bold Believers” stories of 2008, as reported by the Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage.10. China Bold Christian FamiliesThe 2008 Olympics began on August 8 in Beijing, China. On August 10, Faan Yeen’s father, Hua Huiqi, was arrested on his way to church. On the same...

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And They Begat a Christmas Song

A new kind of Christmas song. I've preached it, but I never imagined singing it!I dare you to sing this in next year's Christmas canta...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

5 Reasons Jesus Had To Come# 3 To Become Our KingReview Reason # 4 with your family: How Jesus came to undo what Adam had done.Ask your children about famous kings they have heard about. (fictional ones are alright)Ask your children what is a king supposed to do? (Help them with this concept).Remember that God had created Adam and gave him...

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Wordle Mania!

By popular demand...Wordle of tonight's sermon on Titus 2:11-14 titled, Christmas Free...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

The Fourth Sunday of Advent: LoveThe world was filled with sin and death. All mankind was separated from God. God had created the world to love Him and give Him glory. Jesus was there at the creation (John 1, and Col. 1:15-17) and this world was created for Him. Jesus is the King of creation and I can only imagine what our great King thought...

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Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

Well, maybe these aren't your typical 5th grade questions....Click here for a quick test of your knowledge of Church History, then send a comment to let me know how you did... if you da...

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Brother Can You Spare a Resource?

Yesterday’s post prompted me to clue you into some excellent commentary resources. There are probably more bad commentaries on the market today than good ones. There are few things worse than wasting money on a worthless commentary (trust me—I know from experience). Here are some good sources to go for help in picking out the good ones:http://www.bestcommentaries.com/...

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Christmas Family Devotional Guide

5 Reasons Jesus Had To Come # 4 To Undo What Adam DidTurn to Luke 3:23-38 (Struggle your way through this long list of people) – but emphasize to your children the more significant ones –(Enoch, Noah, Isaac, Abraham, Jacob, Boaz, King David)Ask your family: “What did all of these people have in common? (Point out that every single one had...

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Public Sins

From WJXT Jacksonville, FL:A divorced Jacksonville woman said her former church has threatened to "go public with her sins" and tell the congregation about her sexual relationship with her new boyfriend.Rebecca Hancock said harassment from Grace Community Church in Mandarin over her sex life caused her to leave, but she said that didn't...

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