NEWS FLASH!!!

For those who are interested, I am leaving this afternoon for Tennessee. The Lord willing, I will be preaching in Rutledge, Tennessee on Monday evening and again on Monday evening. Please pray for Jan and me as we travel and for me as I endeavor proclaim God's word.

P.S. We'll get to see the 'boys' and 7 out of 9 grandchildren.

MY HUMILITY IS SHOWING...AGAIN

I realize that I am not as witty as Bugblaster or as well read as David. I'm not as thoughtful as Kim. Nor am I as prolific as Jim. I am not as well educated as Steve, nor as naturally talented as Jeremy. I'm sure that I'm not as prayerful as Daniel, nor as deep as Marcia. I can't write like Dan or Tom...But I've been to the "well" where I have been satisfied and am being satisfied.

(How's that for blogspoting, saying "I" a whole buncha times, and revisiting a previous post all in one shot?)

MY HUMBLE OPINION ABOUT PIT BULL DOGS

Just for the record, I think all Pit Bull dogs should be given to Micheal Vick. I'm just sayin'.

ANNOUNCING MY SON'S FIRST PUBLISHED WORK WHILE ATTEMPTING TO NOT BE EXCESSIVELY PROUD

(And failing miserably in the attempt)

This is the book all sincere students of Church history and the spirituality of our Fore-Fathers in the faith have been waiting for. I expect it to set the evangelical world on fire...if they read it. One of the reasons that I am so confident in the value of this book is that it was co-edited by my son Steve and his understudy, Michael Haykin. Well...maybe it was the other way around, but anyway, Steve's name is on it. That makes it infinitely more valuable in my estimation. I ain't jist talkin' either. I bought 40 copies. You don't have to buy that many, but you should at least buy one. Right??

BARRY BONDS BEFORE STEROIDS

Barry Bonds Rookie Card. I thought this was hilarious!



HT : Tim Ellsworth

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE

Author, educator, pastor, conference speaker, blogger,Braves fan, student, and all around good son; Steve Weaver discovered America 33 years ago today. Happy birthday, son. I'm proud of you.

Who would like to hear some embarrassing stories from his youth?

As a loyal devotee to Buggy, I will follow his time-tested example of reposting past offerings. I apologize for my lack of productivity in the blogworld, but I have excuses. Maybe soon I'll be able to come up with something worth sharing and the time to share it. For now, however, this was one of my favorite posts from a while back.

A NON-DRAMATIC STORY OF DEALING WITH DEMONS

While checking out some blogs that I like to read, I came upon this post by Scott Hill http://fide-o.blogspot.com. It reminded me of an incident that occurred a few years ago in Mexico while I was serving as a missionary there.

A Mexican Independent Baptist pastor, who was serving a church in VeraCruz, came to visit me one day. This was a bit unusual, considering that he had ridden a bus over 90 miles to get to my house. Since indigenous pastors are notoriously poor, I wondered why he had sacrificed his meager resources just to come for a visit.

The mystery was soon cleared up, though, as he began to tell me that he had a serious problem with a member of his church. He said "We have a brother in the church that is demon possessed. He is fine during the day time, but as it begins to get on toward evening, he begins to scream and cry and even curse. This goes on until morning. By then he is so tired that he has to sleep and can't work." He went on to say,"I am trying to get a group of faithful Christians together to come to VeraCruz and have an all-night prayer meeting with this brother in order to cast the demon out of him. Will you help?"

That kinda put me on the spot because I had never cast out a demon before. I had never advertised myself as a demon caster outer, nor did I have any desire to learn about casting out demons. However, I did and do believe that demons exist. I believe that they are against God and His purposes. I believe that we are engaged in spiritual warfare. I believe as Paul said in Eph.6:12 that we "Wrestle....against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." But here is what I don't believe: I don't believe that Satan or his minions have any inherent power. They have no power other than what is given to them.

With that in mind, my response to this sincere pastor's request was fourfold:

#1 Stop calling him brother, because, if it is true that he is possessed, he is not a brother in Christ.

#2 Neither Satan himself nor his demons have the ability nor the authority to possess anyone at their whim. Satan cannot take it upon himself to knock down a person's will and take over without permission from God and/or that person.(Isn't it strange that people are willing to grant that power to Satan, who is not sovereign, but not to God who is?) See the 1st two chapters of Job. Although Job in this text was not being "possessed", he was being attacked. However, the principle is clearly taught here that the Devil cannot do just anything without permission. He couldn't touch Job's possessions without permission and he couldn't touch Job' s person without permission, and even then, Satan's boundaries are clearly set.

#3 Without a doubt, this man has opened a door in his life to let those demonic influences in. Find out where the door is open, exhort him to repent of that sin thereby closing the door to satanic influences, exhort him to seek Christ for salvation, and the demon will be gone.(James4:7) "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

#4No amount of praying, pleading the blood, or rebuking the devil, will do any good if he is unwilling to repent of sin, trust Christ, and resist the devil.

Well, the pastor left my house not a little offended. I dare say that he was hoping for a very dramatic and emotional experience that he would be able to tell about for years to come. A tale of spiritual warfare in which he and a few holy men of God prayed all night, confronted the demon, rebuked him in the name of Jesus and pitched him out on his ear. But, if he took my advice, there would be very little drama. No possibility of humbly shaking hands with the brethren while proudly saying "We did it! We cast out a demon!"

THE CONCLUSION OF THE STORY

I didn't hear from the pastor for a while, until we met at an area wide youth meeting. He came to me and said that he hadn't cared much for my advice at first, but as he thought about it, he began to think it was worth a try. He began to investigate and found that the family of the young man was deeply involved in the occult: fortune telling, astrology and such. After making a profession of faith, he had distanced himself from his family's satanic practices for a while, but soon the temptation was too great and he began to participate again. That's when the problem started. The pastor told me that when they confronted him about this, he confessed, repented, surrendered to the Lordship of Christ, moved out of the house where the temptation was and had no more trouble with demons. No drama. Just simple obedience to the Word of God.

DON'T GIVE UP ON ME YET!

Just so you don't get worried...I'm okay. I am a very busy young man at the moment. I will post again soon. I promise. I haven't even had time to work on the Monte Carlo yet.

1986 MONTE CARLO SS PROJECT

I found this little jewel sitting in the woods behind a body shop. The owner of the shop bought it from it's original owner several years ago with the intention of painting it for a keeper. As you can see, he never got around to painting the car. I talked to him about this car 3 years ago and he would not even consider selling it, but yesterday, he said "It don't look like I'm ever gonna do anything with it, so if you want it, I'll sell it to you." So I bought it.

As you can easily see, the paint has completely disappeared from the top, flat surfaces. It has also accumulated a nice collection of live oak branches, as well as a fine patina of surface rust. Other than that, the body is strait and solid. The interior is near perfect with the exception of dirt, mildew, and a cracked dash (But I know how to fix that).

From this view it clearly seems to be saying, "Garry! Pleeese take me home with you." What kind of Christian would I be, if I hardened my heart and ignored such a pitiful plea?
Can you tell that it has the wrong wheels on it? Those are Camaro IROC wheels. Don't get me wrong, they are okay wheels, but they don't belong on a Monte Carlo SS. Have no fear, though. The original Monte SS wheels are inside the car.2 in the trunk, 2 in the back seat.

Today, I hope to charge up the battery, pour in some gas, and bring it home so it can have the love and attention it deserves. From time to time I'll be posting pictures of this '86 Monte Carlo SS as it progresses toward restoration...or gets sold.

BTW, I also intend to continue offering the unmatched, award winning wit and wisdom that my readers have come to expect from this blog, so stay tuned. But for now, I'm headed for Tennessee to hang out with my boys and grand younguns.

DESIRING GOD BOOK SALE

I ordered a bunch of books! You should too! They're cheap! You can give 'em for gifts and people will think you paid a lot of money for them, but you dint. Better hurry! The big sale ends tomorrow.

THE MANIPULATOR AND THE EASILY MANIPULATED

Buggy said that he didn't want me to blogspot him under any circumstances, but I see through the ruse. His words are really a plea:"Pleeeese mention me on your blog." So, here you are Bugblaster. It's all about you.

BTW, He has been posting some amazing articles on the book of Leviticus that are seriously helpful.

TAKE A LOOK AT THESE PICHURS

I got these pictures off the internet. I presently don't have the proper equipment to scan my personal photos onto the computer. As you can see from these scenes, Santiago is a beautiful place. However, it is the people that are the real beauty of the place. Oh! For one more chance to gather that little group(I can see each face in my mind right now) into my living room and give them the glorious gospel of grace one more time.


Most towns in Mexico are built around a central park, which becomes a place of relaxation, entertainment and a thriving market-place every evening. This is one view of the park in Santiago Tuxtla, the town in which we lived while missionaries in Mexico.


This is the first view that you get of Santiago Tuxtla as you approach from the south on the Pan American highway. This is an interesting view because, when you first see it, it is on your left. As you continue on for about a half mile, you get the same view on your right.


This is a carved stone head from the Olmec era (1500B.C. -200B.C.) that was discovered nearby. It sits at the west end of the park. 3 houses down the street, which is directly behind the head, is the house where we first lived when we arrived in Santiago. To the right of the pink house that you see behind the head is a hospital where I spent some time. To the left, on the corner, (not visible in the photo) was a restaurant where two large ladies known as "the chicas" cooked up a variety of tasty treats. I spent some time there too.

A MEMORIAL DAY REMINDER

This is a post I did last year. I'm too lazy to write another, so I'm re-posting this 'un. Meanwhile, I'm goin' to Tennessee to see the fambly. Ranulfo will be back soon. Happy Memorial Day!

I am thankful that I live in the U.S.A.,a land of prosperity and freedom. I am fully aware that the freedoms we enjoy here have come at an extremely high price. That price is the life-blood of many a soldier who, in various wars and conflicts, has carried the battle to the enemy in order to keep us safe here.

This is a day that we have set aside to remember with grateful hearts those who have given all to preserve and protect our freedom. We are also mindful of those whose lives are daily on the line as they track down the enemy there so he can't come here. The words 'thank you' seem terribly insufficient, but it's all I have so, THANK YOU!

However, there is another group of freedom fighters that is often overlooked. They are missionaries. The missionary is one who takes the great comission seriously and personally. He hears his Master's call and readily obeys. He immediately begins to downsize and make preparation to leave. He says goodbye to loved ones and friends. He packs his bags, and together with his wife and kids, leaves behind the comfortable familiarity of his homeland to go to an unfamiliar place where they have not asked for him and possibly may be hostile to him.

Many missionaries are working in hostile environments where their lives are constantly in jeopardy. Many of them have died in faraway lands where their bodies lie in unmarked graves. Some of them have been attacked and killed by the very ones to whom they were ministering. Others have succumbed to diseases or other dangers that are inherent to the harsh evironment in which they lived and worked. They are like those of whom the writer of Hebrews says "...the world was not worthy".

While the value and success of a soldier can be more or less easily assessed, the contribution of these unsung heroes cannot be calculated by human reasoning. Only in eternity will we be able to truely assess the value and fruit of the missionary's service. (Rev. 14:13 "...and their works do follow them.')

In the eternal state we shall hear the story of the potentially successful terrorist who, through the preaching of a missionary, surrendered to Christ. We shall rejoice with the one-time political rebel who was transformed by the faithful gospel witness of a missionary, and through the teaching of that missionary, began to preach the good news too. In eternity we will fellowship with many who would have been our enemies, but because of a missionary, they are our brothers in Christ .

As we remember the awsome contribution of those in the armed forces of the U.S.A., let's not forget the soldiers of the cross. When we get to Heaven, we might learn that they contributed more to the preservation of our freedom than the military, without firing a shot.

BLOG BIRTHDAY

May 10th is my blog's birthday. I was hoping to have made more of an impact on the world thru blogging by the time I had been at it a year, but alas and alack! Nothing earth-shattering has come from this blog...yet. Just wait. One of these days I'll write something that even I will be pleased with. It could happen in year #2. Therefore, you should read this blog every day lest you miss the life-changing event.

TAGGED YET AGAIN

I was tagged by Marcian to do this Meme which is to consist of 7 things about me that you should know. Wow! That's gonna be hard. There's just not that much to know about me. Anyway, here goes nuthin'.

1. I was born at Presbyterian hospital in Knoxville, Tn. I guess that's why I have always leaned toward Calvinism. That hospital is located very near the campus of the University of Tennessee, so that's probably why I'm so smart.

2. I have only one sibling, a younger brother, with whom, aside from the same parents, I have almost nothing in common.

3. There are a bunch of preachers in my family. My maternal Grandfather was a Methodist preacher, my Dad is a Baptist preacher, my Dad's sister's husband is a Baptist preacher, their oldest son is a Baptist preacher, and my two sons are also B.P.'s . It must be genetic or something.

4. My wife and I were married the 30th of December, 1972. I was 18 and she was 17. She has graciously endured the up's and down's of life with me for over 34 years.

5. We have 9 grandchildren, each of which, is the cutest, smartest, most tallented child I have ever seen.

6. I love pastoring. I love verse-by-verse preaching. I long for the mission field. I wish that I could pastor, be a foreign missionary and train young missionaries, all a the same time. My dream would be to pastor a church near the Mexico-U.S. border where I could work some in Mexico, and have a ministry in that church to help missionaries get prepared to work on the "field".

7. I love old Chevy trucks. I try to not be so interested in 'em, but I'm weak. Every time I think I've gotten victory, one of them seems to follow me home.

NEWS YOU CAN USE!

J. D. Hatfield's book, THE VOICE OF VISION, is now available! Go to his blog and follow the links to order it. J.D. is one of my favorite bloggers and a very gifted writer. I highly recommend both his blog and his book. In my opinion, if you like Tozer and Ravenhill, you'll love Hatfield's writing.

Also I'm registered for the Together for the Gospel conference which will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky, April 15th-17th 2008. I went to the last one in 2006. It was probably the best conference that I have ever had the pleasure of attending. I encourage you to make every possible effort to go. If you want to go, you had better hurry and register! I'm thinking it will fill up fast. BTW If you go, they give you a bunch of free books!

I sure hope they have a blogger fellowship like the last one. I really enjoy getting to meet the people who really make a difference in the world thru their blogging. If you are going, let me know in the comments section.

IT'S BEEN REALLY DRY IN FLORIDA LATELY

I will admit that I was a little nervous about answering the door, but, as it turns out, he only wanted a drink of water.

A LETTER FROM THE PERSECUTED CHURCH OF SMYRNA

Please take the time to read this.

THE HUSBAND STORE

A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York city, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE!

You may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the Building! So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband...

On the first floor the sign on the door reads:

Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.

The second floor sign reads:

Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.

The third floor sign reads:

Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are extremely good looking.

"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:

Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead good looking and help with the housework.

"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor.

This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.

Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

Ht:Free funny jokes blog

THE MEN WHO WOULD BE KING

A mini-firestorm, it seems, has been ignited by a statement that Dr. Jerry Falwell made concerning limited atonement. As I understand it, Dr. Falwell called the doctrine of limited atonement heresy. In doing so, he implicates all those who believe and teach this doctrine as heretics.

I certainly do not begrudge Dr. Falwell nor Liberty U. the right to believe what they believe and to state it publicly. I agree with Tom Ascol's statement; "I simply regret that they believe it".

My problem with this way of thinking is, I fear that often times, men will allow their own personal motives to govern how they interpret Scripture rather than allowing Scripture to govern their motives. Some men in the world of Christianity are so set on their own self-importance, their own desire for greatness, and their unfaltering dedication to their own sovereignty that they just can't see the doctrines of grace no matter how much Biblical evidence they are shown.

This is the root of the problem, as I see it: Men, even dedicated religious men, will not only reject the doctrines of grace (5 point Calvinism), but will fight them tooth and nail, because these doctrines will remove them from the throne of their own private, self-proclaimed kingdom. They long for place and position. They struggle ceaselessly for notoriety. They want to be catered to by political leaders and feared for their political clout. They want to be thought of as leaders so badly that they find a way to blend their doctrine with their ambitions.

The doctrines of grace will allow no self-exaltation. They will tear the crown from puny man's head and cast it at the feet of the only One who was ever worthy to wear a crown in the first place. The doctrines of grace, rightly understood, will put God high on the throne and a weak and utterly helpless man face down in the dust before God's throne.

To the men who would be king, thinking seriously on the doctrines of grace would be dangerous to their personal sovereignty. Therefore they bitterly oppose Calvinism. They build straw men to misrepresent the beliefs of those who hold to these truths in order to fight the misconceptions rather than the real issues. To fight the real issues would require an honest evaluation of them, and that would be a threat to their private little kingdom.

Have these men ever read this verse? Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. If they have read it, they have not rightly understood it, nor have they applied it personally.

On the other hand, the men of whom I am aware, who hold to the doctrines of grace, are men who have never sought great things for themselves. They are men whose first priority has been to know and honor God. They have studied deeply and passionately to know more about Him so that they could honor Him as He deserves to be honored. This has caused them to have an exalted view of God and His sovereignty while exposing them to the utter depravity of man. They have sought not only to know truth, but to apply it, first in their own lives, then to teach it to others.

These men, by conviction, do not seek for name nor for notoriety. They seek for God and His glory, depending on God alone to give them their place and position in His kingdom. Many of them have come to places of note and are in the public eye, but not because they sought it. They were busy humbling themselves in the sight of God and He has lifted them up.(James4:10) Among these are John MacArthur, Al Mohler, John Piper, R.C Sproul and many others who are our contemporaries. Others from the past who believed, taught and ordered their ministries in light of the doctrines of grace were Spurgeon, Whitfield, Bunyan, and William Carey (who is known as the father of modern missions).

These are the men whose examples I would emulate. As for the men who would be king, we shall see in eternity where their theology and their example lead.