- I went and played ball this morning in Eureka Springs. It's actually not too hard to get up on Saturday morning at 5:45 anymore. I think I may make this a daily habit...BAHAHA!!
- Sunday School in the morning will be really good. The question is, "Can you be a Christian and not go to Church?" Another intense Sunday:)
- Although this question is really good, the question concerning baptism was really good. I did, however, think it was going to go straight downhill after I read the question and Marci, who is faithful in giving me those "looks" when ever I start to digress, busted out in laughter.
- NO- SHAVE NOVEMBER is still rocking. I even got a compliment from Miss Betty Rotramel:) It kind of made my day.
- My quote for the day on my "desk quote giver thing" is: Live for God and not for things. Simple...yet challenging.
- I think I'm going to head over to Bergman tonight with some friends and my lovely wife to go visit the Brand New Church. I'll let you know how that goes. I mean it's church on a Saturday night...that has to be good
- For those of you concerned, I haven't been fired yet which is a plus. Pretty excited about that one actually.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Saturday's 7
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Youth Room
Well, we came to the conclusion that 20 students in our house is a little too much on Wednesday nights. So I went and bought some new stuff for our flippin' sweet youth room. This way after service on Wed. nights the youth room will stay open till 9 and my house doesn't get crushed and I stayed married. We tried it out for the first time last night and it worked incredibly. We had a NCAA Football tourney which I would have dominated if I could have stopped the stinking option, the wii got some serious use before and after service, rock band was jamming hard in the corner, and ping pong was actually being played like it should have. I still hate the fact the I won't have the younger kids at the house as much, but I'm sure we will keep seeing the ones who can drive. Some of you guys wanted to see our new paint job so here it is: 
This is next to our media area...sorry for the mess
This is the old game area, but it has completely been reorganized thanks to my wife and king decorator Russell
Yeah, that's Jesus. He hangs around our place:)
This is next to our media area...sorry for the mess
This is the old game area, but it has completely been reorganized thanks to my wife and king decorator Russell
Yeah, that's Jesus. He hangs around our place:)Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Oh Dook...
Well, here's a funny story...that may eventually cost me my job...but nevertheless funny. A guy came into my office last week and here is how the conversation went:
Me- Whats up man? What can I do for you?
Of course I left out the part about me asking Mrs. Rama and Bro. Scott and they both said yes, but I still didn't have time to go through the proper approving channels that us Southern Baptist put in place so well. Well the guy did a fantastic job up stairs in the youth room and I will take pics and post them later when I'm not being so lazy. Then I had the bright idea, "Hey, let's do something in my office." Don't get me wrong I think the end result is freaking intense, but I'm just going to keep my door closed for awhile. He painted one of walls and this is how it turned out:
I know...ridiculous right!! It is insane and upstairs looks, in my opinion, even cooler. I just think it was really weird how this guy ended up here of all places. So I'm going to wait a few days to see if I'll be calling any of you for a job:)
Me- Whats up man? What can I do for you?
Him- I'm an artist and I'm in town for a little while...can I paint your youth room?
Me- Sure dude...go ahead
Of course I left out the part about me asking Mrs. Rama and Bro. Scott and they both said yes, but I still didn't have time to go through the proper approving channels that us Southern Baptist put in place so well. Well the guy did a fantastic job up stairs in the youth room and I will take pics and post them later when I'm not being so lazy. Then I had the bright idea, "Hey, let's do something in my office." Don't get me wrong I think the end result is freaking intense, but I'm just going to keep my door closed for awhile. He painted one of walls and this is how it turned out:
I know...ridiculous right!! It is insane and upstairs looks, in my opinion, even cooler. I just think it was really weird how this guy ended up here of all places. So I'm going to wait a few days to see if I'll be calling any of you for a job:)
Monday, November 17, 2008
You've Got Questions...We've Got Answers
This was a lot more intense than I thought it would be. My apologizes for not expounding more on the last point:
Baptism? Do you have to be baptized a second time when coming from a church of a different denomination? Is baptism necessary for salvation? What about those who are sprinkled? Do you have to be dunked?
1. Here are some questions for you to think about as we go through this:
· What is baptism?
· Does Jesus command us to be baptized?
· Is baptism necessary for salvation?
· What does baptism accomplish?
· What is the proper method of baptism? Emersion, Sprinkling, Pouring, Baptistery, River??
· Why do churches, Southern Baptist in particular, ask you to be baptized a second time when coming from a different denomination?
2. What is baptism?
· Baptism is an outward sign of a person’s commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus was baptized.
· Matthew 3:13-17--13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. 16And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
· The baptism of Jesus was His public expression of His dedication to God’s will and the ministry.
· This event marked the beginning of His public ministry.
4. Jesus commands us to baptize.
· Throughout the public ministry of Jesus, His disciples were baptizing the converts. John 4:1-2-- 1Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples),
· After the resurrection of Christ and during His 40 days of revealing Himself and His resurrected body to the people, Christ used these last days to give some final instructions. These instructions included the gospel and baptism. Matthew 28:18-20--18And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
5. Is baptism necessary for salvation?
· John 3:1-5-- 1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?" 5Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
· Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Jesus was simply speaking here about how people must be born twice. Once through natural childbirth and then through the Spirit.
· Baptism is simply a command of Christ that we follow, but it does not save or help save. It does not seal you or guarantee anything.
6. What then does it accomplish?
· Baptism is public demonstration of your faith.
· Baptism is a symbol of you dying to your old life and being raised anew with Christ. Romans 6:3-4-- 3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
· If you are a believer, you will desire to be baptized. Acts 8:36-37-- 36And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 38And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
· We must realize that it is an honor to be identified with Christ. We’ll put stickers on our car to identify with schools, the freemasons, clubs, but we can put off being identified with Christ.
7. What is the proper method of baptism?
· Baptism (baptizo) literally means: to undergo, to wash, to immerse
· The early church fathers (Calvin, Whitefield, Luther) of different denominations that now practice other methods of baptism each say that baptism was by immersion and immersion only.
· Sprinkling was originally done for the sick and bedridden only.
· Acts 8 and the Ethiopian tell us that it doesn’t matter where the water is…just as long as there is some water.
8. Why must people from different denominations be baptized a second time?
· The Baptist Faith and Message
Baptism? Do you have to be baptized a second time when coming from a church of a different denomination? Is baptism necessary for salvation? What about those who are sprinkled? Do you have to be dunked?
1. Here are some questions for you to think about as we go through this:
· What is baptism?
· Does Jesus command us to be baptized?
· Is baptism necessary for salvation?
· What does baptism accomplish?
· What is the proper method of baptism? Emersion, Sprinkling, Pouring, Baptistery, River??
· Why do churches, Southern Baptist in particular, ask you to be baptized a second time when coming from a different denomination?
2. What is baptism?
· Baptism is an outward sign of a person’s commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus was baptized.
· Matthew 3:13-17--13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. 16And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
· The baptism of Jesus was His public expression of His dedication to God’s will and the ministry.
· This event marked the beginning of His public ministry.
4. Jesus commands us to baptize.
· Throughout the public ministry of Jesus, His disciples were baptizing the converts. John 4:1-2-- 1Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples),
· After the resurrection of Christ and during His 40 days of revealing Himself and His resurrected body to the people, Christ used these last days to give some final instructions. These instructions included the gospel and baptism. Matthew 28:18-20--18And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
5. Is baptism necessary for salvation?
· John 3:1-5-- 1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?" 5Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
· Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Jesus was simply speaking here about how people must be born twice. Once through natural childbirth and then through the Spirit.
· Baptism is simply a command of Christ that we follow, but it does not save or help save. It does not seal you or guarantee anything.
6. What then does it accomplish?
· Baptism is public demonstration of your faith.
· Baptism is a symbol of you dying to your old life and being raised anew with Christ. Romans 6:3-4-- 3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
· If you are a believer, you will desire to be baptized. Acts 8:36-37-- 36And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 38And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
· We must realize that it is an honor to be identified with Christ. We’ll put stickers on our car to identify with schools, the freemasons, clubs, but we can put off being identified with Christ.
7. What is the proper method of baptism?
· Baptism (baptizo) literally means: to undergo, to wash, to immerse
· The early church fathers (Calvin, Whitefield, Luther) of different denominations that now practice other methods of baptism each say that baptism was by immersion and immersion only.
· Sprinkling was originally done for the sick and bedridden only.
· Acts 8 and the Ethiopian tell us that it doesn’t matter where the water is…just as long as there is some water.
8. Why must people from different denominations be baptized a second time?
· The Baptist Faith and Message
Friday, November 14, 2008
What's Important?
I feel like I have grown up. Wow!! That was a big statement for me. What brought that statement on exactly? Well, during my ordination council a good friend, deacon, and member of my old Sunday School class at FBC Abbeville asked, "Do you feel like you have grown up any?" That was by no means a demeaning statement, but a recognition that we all need to be continually "growing up". I feel like I have grown in several areas (please no these are not prideful statements because I realize that any growth I may experience comes completely from the grace of Jesus, and I also know that I have A LOT of growing up yet to do), and these "growths" are helping me prioritize the importance of things.
1. The Gospel= The all important message that we are sinners headed for death, judgment, and hell, but God who loves us so greatly decided to become a man so that He may live a sinless life, die a brutal death on a cross so that he could be the atonement for our sins, and then rise victoriously from the grave three days later conquering death and becoming the promise and hope of eternal life for those who place their faith in Christ as Savior so that not by works or anything we have done, but solely through the work of Christ He becomes our righteousness before God the Father.
2. The Mission= The ability to know this incredible Gospel and then share it with all who we meet.
3. The Family= Without my family...I have no ministry. When I become more passionate about my office hours than my bride, I have successfully become a moron that is not loving my wife like Christ loved the church and I'm being a horrible example for my son.
4. The Church= God has called me to this amazing calling of full-time ministry. I'm not sure why. I'm completely unqualified, unworthy, and unable. But God in His all sufficient grace has called me. I will love the church for it is the Body of Christ. We are His hands and Feet. I will support it and it's members to do all we can do to fulfill the Great Commission.
Please notice that I didn't make this list. Paul teaches us Philippians 2 that we should be like Christ and put others needs before our own. Notice I did not mention the color of the youth room (which is being painted at the very moment I'm writing this...) God never mentioned the biblical colors in Leviticus. Notice I didn't mention the style of music, because the style isn't important but the solidity of the message in the song.
I'm glad I'm growing up in Christ...I'm finally seeing that those important issues need more time and focus. I've wasted so much ministry for the sake of preferences. God forgive me, and thank you for growing me.
1. The Gospel= The all important message that we are sinners headed for death, judgment, and hell, but God who loves us so greatly decided to become a man so that He may live a sinless life, die a brutal death on a cross so that he could be the atonement for our sins, and then rise victoriously from the grave three days later conquering death and becoming the promise and hope of eternal life for those who place their faith in Christ as Savior so that not by works or anything we have done, but solely through the work of Christ He becomes our righteousness before God the Father.
2. The Mission= The ability to know this incredible Gospel and then share it with all who we meet.
3. The Family= Without my family...I have no ministry. When I become more passionate about my office hours than my bride, I have successfully become a moron that is not loving my wife like Christ loved the church and I'm being a horrible example for my son.
4. The Church= God has called me to this amazing calling of full-time ministry. I'm not sure why. I'm completely unqualified, unworthy, and unable. But God in His all sufficient grace has called me. I will love the church for it is the Body of Christ. We are His hands and Feet. I will support it and it's members to do all we can do to fulfill the Great Commission.
Please notice that I didn't make this list. Paul teaches us Philippians 2 that we should be like Christ and put others needs before our own. Notice I did not mention the color of the youth room (which is being painted at the very moment I'm writing this...) God never mentioned the biblical colors in Leviticus. Notice I didn't mention the style of music, because the style isn't important but the solidity of the message in the song.
I'm glad I'm growing up in Christ...I'm finally seeing that those important issues need more time and focus. I've wasted so much ministry for the sake of preferences. God forgive me, and thank you for growing me.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Update On...Me
I'm fully aware that I may have lost all 4 of you guys that read this since it has been over a week since I last posted. What can I say?? I'm a slacker. Anyway, here is a little updaye on things going on lately:
- Traveled to Alabama this past weekend with JP, Heath, and Lisa. I was kinda worried how we were going to do without SuperMom, but JP was actually incredible. Praise the Lord for portable DVD players. I am also thankful she decided to skip out on the easy plane ride home and make the 13 hour ride home with us.
.
- While we were home I got to enjoy the Peanut Festival and take two Arkansans to see what a real fair looked like...Needless to say, they were impressed. Especially with the food.
- Another big event that took place this weekend was my ordination. Yeah, that's right, I'm an ordained pastor now. I am, however, not above slapping you if you ever call me Reverend Ricky:)
- I got to see several of my best friends while we were home including the world famous Phillip Weems...the Rock Star
- I'm really pumped about what God is doing at FBC Abbeville. Bro. Mike is one of the most hardcore preachers I have ever met, and God gave me a great blessing by allowing me to serve with him in Abbeville.
- I'm also glad I got to see my parents and my in-laws. They have some really amazing hearts, and I do not appreciate them enough.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Who is your Hope?
My goal throughout this post is to stay cool and calm. I'm not sure how successful I'll be, but you got a fair warning at the beginning:
This whole election has been a cultural phenomenon. I honestly cannot remember anything like it. I was ok with all the disagreement since the beginning...every one has a right to an opinion. But here lately I have gotten real frustrated with strong believers thinking life is over because who they wanted to be in the White House didn't make it. People after People saying, "I'm moving to Canada" (Which is a godless place so apparently God is not your priority just your priority is your god), or "McCain or Amsterdam" (I'm sorry guys but even McCain can't legalize pot).
Please understand that I am aware that there may be some extremely tough times ahead. The frustrating thing for me is that I have heard many people ignore the fundamental truth of the Sovereignty of God!! Or if they do mention it...directly after is some negative comment about the future state of America!!
OK...I need to calm down before I write anymore...talk amongst yourselves...I'll give you a topic: "Football's are made of pigskin but you never hear PETA complaining about that." Discuss....(even in a heated moment I can make Saturday Night Live comments)
My buddy Ryan, who I do not get to talk to enough, wrote an incredible facebook note mentioning that our hope is not found in government, economic stability, or the military...It is found in King Jesus. The most powerful part was his mentioning of the children's future...He then asks a sobering question, "Will our children's future in the Gospel change??" I'm pleading with you brothers and sisters in Christ, know that God is sovereign. Do not lose faith in Christ because your candidate did not win...God is still God
Here is Ryan's note in whole if you want to read this short...convincing piece.
This whole election has been a cultural phenomenon. I honestly cannot remember anything like it. I was ok with all the disagreement since the beginning...every one has a right to an opinion. But here lately I have gotten real frustrated with strong believers thinking life is over because who they wanted to be in the White House didn't make it. People after People saying, "I'm moving to Canada" (Which is a godless place so apparently God is not your priority just your priority is your god), or "McCain or Amsterdam" (I'm sorry guys but even McCain can't legalize pot).
Please understand that I am aware that there may be some extremely tough times ahead. The frustrating thing for me is that I have heard many people ignore the fundamental truth of the Sovereignty of God!! Or if they do mention it...directly after is some negative comment about the future state of America!!
OK...I need to calm down before I write anymore...talk amongst yourselves...I'll give you a topic: "Football's are made of pigskin but you never hear PETA complaining about that." Discuss....(even in a heated moment I can make Saturday Night Live comments)
My buddy Ryan, who I do not get to talk to enough, wrote an incredible facebook note mentioning that our hope is not found in government, economic stability, or the military...It is found in King Jesus. The most powerful part was his mentioning of the children's future...He then asks a sobering question, "Will our children's future in the Gospel change??" I'm pleading with you brothers and sisters in Christ, know that God is sovereign. Do not lose faith in Christ because your candidate did not win...God is still God
Here is Ryan's note in whole if you want to read this short...convincing piece.
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