Politics

I usually let the political pendants take on the public officials. BUT this is too good to pass up. Senator Barbra Boxer to a U.S. General. I would prefer to be called senator rather than Ma,am. Seeing as how her last name is Boxer, Pit Bull might be more fitting. What do you think?

It is all about time.

I have noticed that too many Preachers are in too big of a hurry to rebuild a Church. They go into the process trying to change fifty or more years of tradition with just a few weeks or months of " this is the way it should be" messages, and some progress will be made over the short haul, but all will be lost over the long haul. A lot of times just one in opposition can destroy a years work. In the past few years I have witnessed several churches and pastors self destruct, because of moving too fast. one rule to follow. [ every one must be on board before we pull out of the station]. What do you think?

Small Churches, Should We rebuild them?

In the last three years or so I have been very interested in rebuilding small Churches. At this point in the post we need to identify what we term small churches, They are the ones which are in danger of extinction. We in the Missionary Baptist ranks have gotten so accustomed to "small" Churches that We often equate the size with "holy" and that is not the real case. The real trouble with letting Churches stay small is that it can go out of existence very fast. Case in point, In one local Association that I have researched, In the last ten years there have been five Churches closed up. The local Association has lost over four hundred in Church Membership. I would say that this is cause for alarm. I would like to hear your opinion.

Your opinion please!!!

In I Cor 14 there is much information given to us about "tongues" Many today translate tongues as other languages. if all this be true would it be correct to actually say that this section of scripture teaches the need for us to communicate clearly today? Your opinion please.

Why so long?

It has been a while since I have posted. I am not about to to bury my blog but have been limited for a couple of reasons. One was health related, two,and three. were weather related, the most devastating was a storm hit and destroyed My office and all my electronic helpers, IE computer, fax, printer, two phones,and every other electrical thing that I had. But I am back, now ready for some more"spirited" LOL, conversation. from my very own equipment. SOOOOO. let her rip.

Where were You???

Where were you.??? On 9-11-01. The memory is still etched in My mind. I was in a motel near DFW Airport. standing on the patio drinking My morning coffee, and watching the planes leave out of DFW. there was a plane taking off about every 45 seconds. Suddenly they stop ed, and I casually wondered why? My Wife and I were in Dallas that day for a business Meeting. Only a short time passed until we learned about the Trade center, and the Hi-Jacked planes and the mass destruction. We knew first hand what a major disaster this was. We also had learned several years before what such an event does to Dallas. We were there when President Kennedy was assinated. Margaret was only a block away as the President was Killed. Remembering that time We cut our Business short and prepared to leave Dallas and head for East Tex. We found the Expressways Bumper to Bumper but moving, for the next 40 Miles it was 30Mph. but no stops. We will always remember those two days in Dallas.

The way it once was

I remember doing some research several years back, in preparation for My Masters Thesis, and remembered some things I found to be rather common in the 40s and probably much earlier. A church would set the beginning date for a revival, some called them "a protracted meeting" and not set a ending date. the meeting would go until one of the Deacons would stand and make a motion to end it. Then there would be a motion to schedule a Baptism service, and motion to schedule an annual Conference. During this conference an opportunity would be given for any one to make "Acknowledgements" or be turned out of the Church. Then the "doors of the Church" would be opened to receive members. those who had been Baptized, and others who wanted to join said Church, were received. Another item was to call a pastor for the following year. All this and more was done in the annual meeting and it took all day to do it. How would You like to go through that? One good thing it only happened once a year.

First love/First work

In the Letters to the seven Churches in Rev. 2&3 the very first Church Ephesus is the only one that received the threat of loss of authority to be a Church. if that be the case then is the greatest violation against the Lord the love that has grown cold,and the desire for soul winning, our "first work" that has waned, caused the most grief to our Lord? and for this reason He is most unhappy with us ? Then by this, should We make Soul winning our top priority above everything thing We do, and put all else in line behind this? What do you think?

HOW COME?

Do you ever wonder why? Why do some people seam to try to mind other peoples business. such as this SBC or that SBC is doing this or that. There is not a single thing any one can do about it, except that particular SBC. Often we go farther and try to manage the business of some other ABA Church to no avail.
There is not a single thing that can be done about what another Church does. One can refuse to fellowship, but who does that hurt? one can refuse to accept members from a Church but who does that hurt? I have seen Pastors take their people and leave a meeting in protest but who gets the worst out of something like that? We can get so nit picky that no one will even want to be a part of what we say we are. What do you think?

KJV Dellema

Help me to understand! If a Church is a KJV only church, does that mean that if a Preacher who uses another version, would not be allowed to preach there? If that be true, should a KJV Preacher expect to be allowed to preach at a Church where other versions are allowed? and also if ether do differently are they really what they say they are? Just wondering!

Question????????

We have heard much debate from the ABA meeting, and now from Youth camps. Could it be that some have a belief system, and then try to prove it by the Scriptures. while others have a belief system based on what the scripture teaches? Comments please.

Back from Camp.

We returned from Camp around noon today. It was a great camp. Attendance was down some from last year. We had around 430 Campers. and also had 58 Professions of faith and 6 other commitments, one of which was the call to preach. More later I am Beat!!!

GONE FOR THE WEEK

Well I will soon be on the road again, this time headed to camp at Pine Springs. We are expecting around 500 Campers. I am not yet rested from the ABA. I just don't bounce back like I once did. HuMMMMM I wonder if it is the almost 72 years naaaahh could not possibly be?????? Could it? Our Camp #1 will celebrate our 35th. year together this week. I have been there 32 of those years. Pray fer us!!!

GET ALL THE STORY.

There has been a lot said about divorce and re marriage. While discussion was in progress, Bro Brooks challenged the Messengers to look at all the restrictions of second Timothy 3:2-7. when I counted them up I found 17. and it looks as if they are of equal importance. Why is it that We only look at one? What do you think? Discussion please!

Going north

Well My good friends in just a couple of days now my wife and I will head north to the beautiful southern Mo. I really look forward to this trip. Due the expensive rooms in Springfield We will be staying in Branson, 40 miles south. We will spend a day in Branson after the meeting. and then go to Batesville Ark. where we will visit with some friends and family. On Sunday morning we will visit with the Oak Grove MBC, where I was ordained in 1971. and on Sunday eve. We will visit with Maple Springs MBC. in the Rosie area where I was raised. I preached my first message outside where my membership was. and was given the first money that I ever received for preaching. I guess it was not much of a message because, I was given $1 . but that meant more than most other gifts because of who it came from. Hope to see you in Mo.

ABA Seminary's #2

There is a method behind this madness. My computer continues to kick off. so I will do some short posts and You can sort them out. Some who oppose Seminaries say that they can learn without them. They miss out on the several varied views that can be had in School, plus the great challenge that is offered by other Students. If you cannot stand spirited debate, give and take, then School is not the place for you. But You will always be dodging the challenges that will certainly come your way. In one of our ABA seminary's you can expect to learn, the Bible, how to manage a Pastorate, Missions, Defence of the faith, some Counseling for many different areas of life, Greek, Hebrew, English, in the language department, Speech, some Debate. And you will have a host of Pastors that will treat you like a Son. Not a Grand Son. More later. comments please.

ABA Seminary's

I have observed some on the Blogs and Message Boards, running down Seminary education. Up front I think that such is just plain dumb. Every ABA School that I know of is Church owned and controlled By a local New Testament Church. Also every one that I know of is also affordable since much of the expense is paid by Local Churches. I will ride this Horse a little more later. Comments are welcome.

Info. please. For my information.

I have been studying the seven Churches af Asia, Rev. chpt. 2&3. My question is how much of this applys to Churches today? My personal observation is that all of it can and does. What do you say? Just looking for information.

I am baaaaaaack

About a month a go my computer died, after a diecent bural and an approiate time of grief, I am back looking forward to some good discussion.

Things have changed for the good.

When I was Called to My first Church in 1973, every young Pastor had to under go the scrutiny of older Pastors in His area. I guess this was to provide Associational integrity. It was very painful to the young Preacher. I am really thankful to hear it said often now, " what a Church does is Her business" Have We grown up a little? What do You think?

Tell it like it is, but be sure how it is

Every once in a while I run across some good intentioned person who has some bad information, and passes it along for truth. When one does that they make themselves look bad, and propagate untruth. The phrase, "Rock and Role" is one of those terms Many considered it bad in the 50s. so some think it must still be bad. It was not inheritaly bad in the 50s. and is not what is being played today. There are at least 20 spin offs with different names. "Rock and Role" for the most part went away in the 70s. Check wikipedia Rock and role music. Those who participate in using this term are usually trying to lam bast some Churches for using contemporary music. Most of the Churches that use contemporary music do it in conjunction with hymns. and call it a blended service. With all the many modern day ways to communicate and learn, there is just no sense in trying to discredit some one you do not agree with. What do you think? Marlin Freeman.

Inside the box or outside the box, you choose

It sure is a pretty day in Center Tex. I want to make one thing perfectly clear, I hold to the Bible teachings, and the ABA fellowship. Now just a quick quote. "The definition to insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over, while expecting different results". What do you think?

Question?

Do any of you ever hear a Preacher say " this is defined this way from the Greek" or something similar to that statement? since We have the concordances words are easy to look up. If you have heard a statement similar to the one above, why do you suppose it was used? I would like to know what you think. Marlin Freeman.

Let's go fishing!

In the book of Mark 1:17. Jesus said " I will make you to become fishers of men" I understand fishing pretty well in East Tex. La. and Ark. I know that we fish differently under different circumstances. When Jesus said "I will make you to become" does that mean that He will help us to adapt to every circumstance in our society today? Also I am assuming that We stay in the parameters of the scripture. What do you think?

A big command in a few words

Why do we talk a lot about Church growth? that is mainly what the Bible talks about to us. We are never told to be satisfied with status-Que. Acts 1:8 is Where we are and is where We are to start then spread out world wide, but never stop where we are. It comes first. Do a short drill. take your local association book and compare the numbers of those that died, with the numbers of those Baptized. In our local Association we have 26 Churches, last year there were only 2 more Baptized, than died. The Local Churches are a great Mission field if we will only work it. What do you think? Marlin Freeman.

" Turn around Churches"

Rebuilding faltering Churches is a hard job but it despertely needs to be done. some try to over simplyify rebuilding a Church. People often read a book and say yes this is easy let us do it now! when in reality you can start a new Church easier. The work is very difficult to do. you cannot just say it and make it happen. Just giving the people a string of to do's will not get it done. The work must be tryed and tested before it can be incorperated into a Church. Every thing must be done on a tryal basis, that is because the area where the Church is is probally not the same as it was 20 years or so ago. that is usually the reason the Church faltered in the first place. To rebuild a Church the pastor and congregation must be in agreementas to what needs to be done. and even if they are it may take several years to do it.... What do you think? More later. Marlin Freeman.

Numbers!!!!!!

What is this business numbers,? "They are just doing it for the mumbers" That is the most untrue statement that I have ever heard. What if 200 showed up at Your Church Sunday? Would that be all about numbers. and would you tell the one who takes care of the "record board" Do not post those extra ones, it will look like We are just doing it for the numbers. Do You have a record board in your Church? Is that all about numbers. There are six children that live close to my house, My wife and I pick them up and take them to Church at every service. Is that just about numbers? Brethren too often we try to question another's motives without haveing a bit of first hand knoledge about what they are doing. Who is intrested in numbers? Why do We want every Mission report to contain the numbers for the month. Oh yes just in case you are wondering.. We have NO record Board. What do you think? Marlin Freeman.

How is Your Preaching? #1

Often I feal that I just missed my whole Congregation with what I wanted to get across. Many Preachers may have this problem. This past weekend this was demonstrated by a news article on channel 3 in Sherveport La. Several public school teachers had a siminar with highscoolers as the teachers. they taught the Teachers how to connect to the people in their classes, They all raved about what a success it was. This caused me to reflect and ask myself a couple of questions. Am I connecting to the people I am trying to teach something? The answer is probally no. I know, I know, What some are already thinking, But before you get too critical, on tuesday try to Preach your Message to your self without notes, Go ahead try it..... How can we expect people to get what we cant remember, even tho we studied for hours. outlined it, and preached it. and somehow forgot it. I was just wondering if any one else has the same problem? What do you think? Marlin Freeman.

What Changes??? #2

When we talk about changes we need to understand that it is not a blanket that will fit every bed. One size will not fit all. what we should want to achieve is Church growth for all of the Lords churches. That is what it is all about, isnt it? If it will cause trouble in your Church do not attempt it. before any change can come the Pastor must sign on for the longhaul. He must be convicted by God that change is needed in His Church, and must be willing to learn from the scriptures what needs to be done. One thing that will work universaly is "relationship evangelism" Most Missionaries use this whether they call it by the same name or not. It consists of meeting new people, gaining their friendship and trust, then bring them to the saveing knoledge of Jesus christ. If you do it this way 95% of them will follow in Baptism. There is one thing you can count on, if there is not a friendly and loving atmosphere in the Church, and they do not feal comfortable they will not stay very long. We will address that in the next post. What do you think? Marlin Freeman

What Changes???

Every few days I am asked what changes do you propose?? Let us take a little survey. Is your building 50% or less full on Sunday morning? Is the majority of your attendance 55 years or more???? Has the last 20 or so additions been by Baptism??? Is the people you preach to really learning anything??? Does any one really care???? Brethren I will not try to answer these questions for you nor will I even venture to guess. you answer them for your self. Then ask your self, are We doing what our Lord wants us to do? God gave us a job to do. see Acts 1:7 We are to begin where we are and spread out from there. Each Church is responsible for what they do. Each Pastor is responcible for what he leads them to do. Do not ever fall into the trap of blameing the large Church down the street. do all you can in accordance with Gods Word. THINK, STUDY, PRAY.PRAY.PRAY. Then Go, Go, Go, That is what God told us to do. Marlin Freeman

Inside the Book #3

Good afternoon. It is cold and wet in East Tx. today, when we started out about 6-30 am it was 65 degrees it is now about 38 and a light rain is falling. It is a good day to get into the Book. When we talk about change it needs to be understood that it is not change just for the sake of change. The change I talk about is for the sake of being understood by people who do not know the "churchy" terms that we often use freely. Some hold to "traditions of men" that have been handed down from generation to generation. see Mark 7:6-9. Some times some of the old ways are good. but if they are hindering us from doing things to reach our generations of people now then they are wrong for our time. Let us all critically look at what we do. What do you think? Marlin Freeman.

Inside the BOOK #2

Some times when you mention change people get upset. Things are changeing around you every day, just stop and remember for a while. The Bible is a book that records chenges from the very begining. Just LOOK and see. there are things that God teaches us that should be ongoing untill He returns for us. Look at Your Town or County or City. the numbers of lost people are growing, now Barna, sez that has reached apx. 70%. We must reach to them, they will not come seeking us. Doesnt the Bible syy for us to go to them. The great commission extends to the world, and that includes where we live. Absolutely NEVER change the word of God. only the way you deliver it. Think of different ways to reach people where they are to get them to where God wants them. What do you think? Marlin Freeman.

Inside the Book #1

Good after noon Brethren, We have been inside the box and outsine the box for three times each and that is not all that I have to say abouy that, but for a few posts let us look inside the Book. There is some things about the Book{Bible} that sone appear to have never looked at... some people get all fired up when you mention change. The Bible is the Book of change. Just look at the book of Gen. try going through the book and see how many major changes took place. The rest of the Bible is filled with changes to get people to where God wanted them to be. I dare to say that God never stoped trying to get people to where they would be productive for Him. Let us look at a couple of scripture passages to further our thinking. In Matt. 22:37-40. read, the lord said "on these two Hang all the Law, and Commandments. Brother we had best learn to love all people no matter where they are in their life now,Nor what the color of their skin is and get them to the point that God can influence their decision makeing process. what do you think? Marlin Freeman.

Out side the box #3

Soooooo. It has been a few days, but here goes. out side the box , we are still on music. From the outcry on some other blogs you would think we insulted the holy grail, Well that was not our intent, but we as a whole need to get to the place to where we think and study Gods word before we try to quote it. like looking up the Greek word for Hymns and consult webster for common usage. When i I began this topic about music being deviceive, that was an understatement. Brethern let us not make rash statements that we cannot prove. I respect your opinion. But unless you offer some sound facts to prove your opinion I will only receieve it as such, your opinion. There is not one schred of proof that contemparie music will flood your Church with "undesireables" Just who are these folks that are "undesireable". If I read the scripture right the Lord teaches that we are to preach to ALL. and He by His grace will save those who believe, then He will change them. What do you think? Marlin Freeman