Prior to moving to Dallas, Deonna and I worked as Youth Pastors at a Church in Evansville, Indiana—North Park Baptist Church.
Just thought I should share some of our memories from those, "Good 'Ol Days."
Watch how hard Zack hits his head...
Well, there you have it.
1.30.2009
1.29.2009
On Baptism
I just had a class with Dr. Pentecost. We were discussing the three passages of Jesus' baptism (Mt 3:13–17, Mk 1:9–11 and Lk 3:21–22). Dr. P alluded to an interesting point—the breadth in terminology of the word, baptism.
A lot of times those baptists (myself included?) enjoy getting themselves into heated arguments, and defenses on baptism: "there is only one way that it should be done", "it must be done in the church", "baptism is only legitimate if performed on a believer", etc., etc. However, Dr. brought up an interesting point:
When we talk about "baptism," we must distinguish which baptism we refer to, because there are more than one types.
In fact, Dr. P. argued, there are seven types. Take a look:
A lot of times those baptists (myself included?) enjoy getting themselves into heated arguments, and defenses on baptism: "there is only one way that it should be done", "it must be done in the church", "baptism is only legitimate if performed on a believer", etc., etc. However, Dr. brought up an interesting point:
When we talk about "baptism," we must distinguish which baptism we refer to, because there are more than one types.
In fact, Dr. P. argued, there are seven types. Take a look:
- Proselyte Baptism in the OT. In the ancient world, Gentiles could become part of the Jewish (Hebrew) faith by entering into the Covenant of Abraham, and the Covenant of Moses. They would enter a new lifestyle, learn the Law, the Customs, be circumsized, and go through a ceremonial bathing, or baptism. Significance: Baptism here symbolizes a change in identity.
- Baptism of Household Objects. This was done to make things ceremonially clean. Significance: They would be cleansed, or set apart through water. This, however, is not a cleansing of impurity or sin, but a separation from the mundane. The objects would be dipped (or sprinkled) with water, and were therefore set apart from the secular to the sacred. (ref. Lev 11:32)
- Indwelling (Baptism) of the Holy Spirit. This occurred once, on the Day of Pentecost, and is universal for believers. At the moment of genuine, redemptive faith, the believer is "baptized" in (or "by," or "with") the Holy Spirit. Significance: Those in the community of faith have something present that was lacking prior to the time of the Acts of the Apostles. (ref. Acts 1:5)
- Baptism Into One Body. Significance: Those in the community have an unprecedented reality of fellowship and union with one another. (ref. 1 Cor 12:13)
- Baptism Into Christ Jesus, into His death. Significance: This marks our association with Jesus and defines a reality, not an activity. Meaning this—this baptism is not when we get immersed in water, but it is a spiritual reality (just like points 3 and 4). (ref. Rom 6:3)
- The Baptism Of Jesus, in the Jordan River. This was not a baptism of repentance, nor for sin, as Jesus was without sin and in no need of repentance. Notice how John at first refuses to baptize Jesus (Mt 3:14). He does so because Jesus is not in need of the baptism which John had been performing up to this point. Jesus' baptism was something completely different... and singular in nature. Significance: Jesus' baptism was much like the High Priest of Old, placing his hand upon the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement. The High Priest would transmit all of the people's sin onto an animal, without blemish and pure. Jesus is going through this process at His baptism, He is associating Himself with humanity, in order that He might remove our sin.
- Believer's Baptism. This is the baptism commanded by our Lord in the Great Commission (Mt 28). Those who believe, out of faith are to be baptized in obedience to Jesus' command, and to be associated with the Church.
1.19.2009
1.14.2009
Interesting Sentence
The five boxing wizards jump quickly.
The sentence above is very special. It contains only 31 letters, but it contains every letter of the alphabet (26). Can you think of a shorter sentence that contains all the letters?
The sentence above is very special. It contains only 31 letters, but it contains every letter of the alphabet (26). Can you think of a shorter sentence that contains all the letters?
1.13.2009
The Preliminary Face-Off
Mark 1:12–13
The first time that we see Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is at His baptism. He goes down into the water, and upon His rising the Spirit descends to Him and the Father speaks: You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.
And then, Jesus gets sent out into the wilderness to have a face-off with the Devil himself. I tend to think of this story as follows. Satan is a funny looking, black creature that hops around and laughs at Jesus as He stumbles. Then of course, the Devil asks his three questions, or "temptations," Jesus overcomes and is triumphant, and the scene is over.
Jesus was triumphant, but we tend to overlook the significance of these two verses. Verse 13 says that Jesus was "in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan." Forty days, being tempted by Satan. Satan is not omnipresent like God. He cannot be everywhere at once; in fact, because he is a created being, he can only be in one place at any given time. Because of this, I tend to think that in my 24 years of life, I have most likely never had any encounters with the Devil himself. I am no threat to him and there are plenty other lesser-demons who can harass me and succeed in their purposes. And honestly, I am thankful that I have never had a run in with the Devil. I certainly would not be able to endure. I am weak; I would be absolutely terrified, even to encounter the Devil for a period of ten seconds.
But Jesus went head-on with the Devil for forty days. Forty days. Forty nights. Most certainly the Devil attempted everything possible to overcome Jesus. The Devil's purpose was to thwart the ministry of Jesus (as this event occurs just before Jesus' ministry).
And God's purpose was to unreservedly allow the Devil to haunt Jesus. It could have been for four days, forty days, or four hundred years. The result would have been the same. The Devil brought his most powerful attacks and terrors against God's Son. Most assuredly, these forty days endured by Jesus were more terrible and excruciating than any forty days lived by anyone.
Yet, Jesus was triumphant. He did not waver. He did not falter. He did not stumble.
This was not so much a "test" for Jesus as it was a "proof" for the Devil. God is proving to the Devil that Jesus is unmatched. Jesus has come for one purpose—to fulfill His purpose of living God's will. Nothing will alter Jesus' course.
If you read through Mark, you will notice that every time a demon comes into contact with Jesus, he falls flat and pleads for mercy before the Son of God. The word had spread. Jesus, the Messiah, had come, and nothing, not even the most powerful being of God's creation could have any impact on averting Jesus' aim. Jesus was, and is, triumphant.
The word had spread.
The first time that we see Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is at His baptism. He goes down into the water, and upon His rising the Spirit descends to Him and the Father speaks: You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.
And then, Jesus gets sent out into the wilderness to have a face-off with the Devil himself. I tend to think of this story as follows. Satan is a funny looking, black creature that hops around and laughs at Jesus as He stumbles. Then of course, the Devil asks his three questions, or "temptations," Jesus overcomes and is triumphant, and the scene is over.
Jesus was triumphant, but we tend to overlook the significance of these two verses. Verse 13 says that Jesus was "in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan." Forty days, being tempted by Satan. Satan is not omnipresent like God. He cannot be everywhere at once; in fact, because he is a created being, he can only be in one place at any given time. Because of this, I tend to think that in my 24 years of life, I have most likely never had any encounters with the Devil himself. I am no threat to him and there are plenty other lesser-demons who can harass me and succeed in their purposes. And honestly, I am thankful that I have never had a run in with the Devil. I certainly would not be able to endure. I am weak; I would be absolutely terrified, even to encounter the Devil for a period of ten seconds.
But Jesus went head-on with the Devil for forty days. Forty days. Forty nights. Most certainly the Devil attempted everything possible to overcome Jesus. The Devil's purpose was to thwart the ministry of Jesus (as this event occurs just before Jesus' ministry).
And God's purpose was to unreservedly allow the Devil to haunt Jesus. It could have been for four days, forty days, or four hundred years. The result would have been the same. The Devil brought his most powerful attacks and terrors against God's Son. Most assuredly, these forty days endured by Jesus were more terrible and excruciating than any forty days lived by anyone.Yet, Jesus was triumphant. He did not waver. He did not falter. He did not stumble.
This was not so much a "test" for Jesus as it was a "proof" for the Devil. God is proving to the Devil that Jesus is unmatched. Jesus has come for one purpose—to fulfill His purpose of living God's will. Nothing will alter Jesus' course.
If you read through Mark, you will notice that every time a demon comes into contact with Jesus, he falls flat and pleads for mercy before the Son of God. The word had spread. Jesus, the Messiah, had come, and nothing, not even the most powerful being of God's creation could have any impact on averting Jesus' aim. Jesus was, and is, triumphant.
The word had spread.
12.14.2008
MLS Cup 2008
I needed to put this pic on there... there's something funny about it though.
From left to right, you've got: Yours Truly, MLS Rookie and Champ Cory Elenio, Jason Pele (a groomsman from my wedding—he's Samoan), Eric Johnson, and George (I believe it's "Skylar") ________ (last name is a little foggy for me). We're all buddies from the University of Evansville. Cory, Eric, Pele and I played there a little bit and George was our trainer for a while. Isn't that special, now we're all, all grown up.
Cory just finished his first season with the Columbus Crew, and already has an MLS Championship Ring. Proud of that boy... I've got great memories of him watching Aqua Teen Hunger Force, making fun of me for not being good at soccer, singing Queen's Bicycle song (and that other freaky "Pin Ball Master" song), and most importantly, a precious moment coming back from Chic-fil-a entitled I Don't Remember the Dance.
From left to right, you've got: Yours Truly, MLS Rookie and Champ Cory Elenio, Jason Pele (a groomsman from my wedding—he's Samoan), Eric Johnson, and George (I believe it's "Skylar") ________ (last name is a little foggy for me). We're all buddies from the University of Evansville. Cory, Eric, Pele and I played there a little bit and George was our trainer for a while. Isn't that special, now we're all, all grown up.
Cory just finished his first season with the Columbus Crew, and already has an MLS Championship Ring. Proud of that boy... I've got great memories of him watching Aqua Teen Hunger Force, making fun of me for not being good at soccer, singing Queen's Bicycle song (and that other freaky "Pin Ball Master" song), and most importantly, a precious moment coming back from Chic-fil-a entitled I Don't Remember the Dance.
12.09.2008
11.06.2008
Mr. President
Well... I've let is sink in for these last 48 hours, and it's finally starting to settle: Barack Obama will be our Nation's 44th president.
Although I cannot say I was excited to watch Obama win the Election on Tuesday night, I can say that I certainly still have hope for our country—and for our next President. In a speech given after the announcing of the Election Results, Obama spoke openly to Republicans, stating that we all must work together, and we all must fight together to bring unity to a torn country. I respect what he said very much, and I will hold him to what was said.
Even though Barack Obama did not have my vote in this election, he has my full, 100% support as the Commander in Chief of this Blessed Nation. I am a patriot, and I love my country, and I will fully back Barack Obama. However, I say this because first I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and I trust that even though Obama will move into the White House come January, God is still firmly seated on His Throne above. May we never forget to seek God in all things, for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15)—let us turn as a nation to God, who is Lord of All (Isaiah 6:1, 3; Revelation 4:8).
Although I cannot say I was excited to watch Obama win the Election on Tuesday night, I can say that I certainly still have hope for our country—and for our next President. In a speech given after the announcing of the Election Results, Obama spoke openly to Republicans, stating that we all must work together, and we all must fight together to bring unity to a torn country. I respect what he said very much, and I will hold him to what was said.
Even though Barack Obama did not have my vote in this election, he has my full, 100% support as the Commander in Chief of this Blessed Nation. I am a patriot, and I love my country, and I will fully back Barack Obama. However, I say this because first I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and I trust that even though Obama will move into the White House come January, God is still firmly seated on His Throne above. May we never forget to seek God in all things, for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15)—let us turn as a nation to God, who is Lord of All (Isaiah 6:1, 3; Revelation 4:8).
The king's heart is in
the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water
He turns it wherever He wishes.
Proverbs 21:1
the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water
He turns it wherever He wishes.
Proverbs 21:1
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