I walked over to the brick building behind our Church today. Often in my spare time I’ll rummage through old records and try to discover something of the Church’s history and foundation. In a box in the corner among other discarded items I found an old book that contained the first recorded minutes of the Church’s history.

The work that we know as Capshaw Baptist began in 1917. For some time the Pastor of the Fairview Baptist Church, J.E. Hamrie at the invitation of some of the citizens traveled down to the Lax school house to hold services every 3^rd Sunday night of each month. After the congregation grew to some size they expressed interest in constituting a Church.

A special service was called for May 19^th, 1917 to discern whether funds could be raised to construct a permanent meeting place for the assembly of believer’s at Lax as well as the entertaining the possibility of formally constituting a Church in the area.

Leaders from area Baptist Churches as well as the Baptist state office were called to form a Presbytery (An assembly of Church Leaders that would gather to make major decisions). Pastors represented in the first meeting were from Southside, Mt. Zion Baptist, Fairview, Albany as well a State worker from Phil Campbell, AL, among others. A rally of the Baptist’s of that region was held for the purpose of raising the funds necessary to plant a church in the Lax community. That night hymns were sung and stirring sermons were delivered by L.L. Hearn and W.M. Ware. Then a collection was taken that amounted to over $6,000.

Following that meeting the Church took the name of the Lax Missionary Baptist Church and adopted articles of faith that remain our standard of teaching to this day. Pastor Hamrie supply preached until a regular Pastor could be found.

I am told that the foundation of the original Church stood directly across Capshaw Road at the intersection of the Baptist Camp Road. Since that time the community has been renamed to Capshaw and the church followed suit becoming the Capshaw Baptist Church. Most of the names of the charter members can be found on roads today including Balch and Dupree. Some of there descendants still faithfully attend Capshaw Baptist.

Those original documents are priceless to me. I have since moved them from the old brick house to our offices. Sunday after I incorporate them into a sermon I’ll have the locked away in our safe.

This is the story of how the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ came as far as Capshaw. I wonder where we will send it from here.

We thought we would try to make a point this Christmas with our Billboard on Highway 72.

As I have been meditating, studying and memorizing Eph. 6:10-18 I have given much thought as to how one puts on the armor of God. While I think the key is to consciously recognize your position in Christ and to operate, renewing your mind in the Word and being filled with the Spirit – I also believe it is alway proper and good to pray God’s Word back to him. Here is a document I found where someone gathered the prayers of several men who routinely arm themselves through prayer. It’s not at all a bad idea to through prayer place each piece of armor in its place.

Having walked with Christ for 14 year I have repeatedly heard references and quotes of a man named, “Manley Beasley”. He was a “Revivalist” who went to be with the Lord in 1990. Beasley made a tremendous impact the Churches of our country and he had a unique ministry to Pastors. Thankfully we live in a time when the ministry of men like Manley Beasley can be captured and made available to this generation. So without further a due – meet Manley Beasley:

• Biography
• Sermons

In my 14 years walking with Christ I have not found any more helpful way of internalizing the Word of God than scripture memory. It helps me to clearly recognize and understand the author’s argument and intent. I am currently working on Ephesians 6:10-18, a familiure passage that should come relatively easy. I will be preaching a series on this passage over the coming weeks.

Here are some tips to help with memorization (Thanks to Frontline Ministries for many of the points)

• Break down the passage into logical chunks, I’ve done Ephesians 6:10-18 for you.
• Set aside at least 5-10 minutes a day to do nothing but Scripture memory.
• Say the verse/s out loud several times.
• Say the reference before and after.
• Add voice emphasis on certain words and phrases.
• Memorize word perfect (close enough isn’t good enough).
• Pray and ask God to enable you to memorize His Word.
• Read the verse in the Bible context.
• Try to gain a clear understanding of what the verse means. (You may want to read the verse in several translations and consult a commentary to get a better grasp of the meaning of the verse.)
• Meditate (reflect) on the verse (who, what, where, when, why, how).
• Personalize the verse (How does this apply to my life? Insert your name in place of pronouns like you, he, they, etc.)
• Visualize the verse (the words themselves and the meaning of the words).
• Think through the logical flow of thought in the verse/s. Notice what the subject of the passage and what is said about that subject. Notice the verbs and how they relate to the subject. Notice the order of events or ideas. Visualize the passage being acted out.
• Use the verse in prayer (Pray to God incorporating the verse into your prayer).
• Write out the verse a few times. Writing helps solidify the words in your mind.
• Make an audio recording of yourself reciting verses several times through to listen to as you drive your car or get ready in the morning.
• Write verses down on post-it notes and place them in places you will see them (on you computer monitor, refrigerator door, etc.).
• Use 3″ x 5″ cards to write the verse/s down. Put the reference on the back and the verse/s on the front. Write down the topic of the verse at the top corner.
• Make two stacks of cards: 1) One stack for verses you know but need to review occasionally; 2) Another stack for verses you’re still working on memorizing that you go over daily.
• Quote a new verse out loud at least seven times a day for one week, then twice a day for a week, then once a day, then once a week, then once a month.
• Use a partner to quiz each other frequently on your verses.
• Remember why you’re doing this! See Psalm 119:9-16, note especially verse 11.
• REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! Repetition is the best way to engrave the verses on your memory.

As we conclude our study on the “Gospel Centered Home” a few people have asked me what books I would recommend for further study. Here are some of my recommendations-

[1]Wood, D. R. W. (1996, c1982, c1962). New Bible Dictionary (1130). InterVarsity Press.

[2]Grudem, W. A. (1994). Systematic theology : An introduction to biblical doctrine (1034). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, Mich.: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House.

[3] Susannah Spurgeon and Joseph Harrald (compiled by, rev. ed.), C. H. Spurgeon Autobiography: Vol. 2, The Full Harvest. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1973, p60.

[4]Grudem, W. A. (1994). Systematic theology : An introduction to biblical doctrine (1041). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, Mich.: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House.

Luke 7:31-35 (NASB95)
³⁴ “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ ³⁵ “Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Luke used the word friend more than any other Gospel writer. As a matter of fact it seemed to be one of his favorite words. A few months ago I heard Tim Keller parenthetically say in one of his sermons, “You will be about as good at evangelism as you are friendship.” At first I reacted against the statement, thinking to myself – I know guys that are jerks who can win souls very well. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that their soul winning was reserved for the pulpit and in “real life” they were ineffective. Then I thought through the people I had personally influenced for Christ outside of the pulpit and almost without exception those who had borne the most fruit were friends before they were brothers or sisters. It’s a fact – If you don’t have a lot of friends, you won’t win many souls, if you can make friends you can win souls.

Filtering System Needed –

Why is the principal of friendship so important in evangelism? In his book – Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell suggested that in business Marketing and Promotion makes very little difference in the overall scheme of things. Growth or success really happens through word of mouth, and then it is reinforced by effective advertisement.

You see, for every one hour of Television you watch you get nine minutes of commercials. The average person views 254 advertisements a day through billboards, radio, internet, etc. The more tech savvy you are the more you get. Some are exposed to over 1000 promotions per day. Beyond that – Information doubles every 2-3 years. In our lifetime we could see it double every two weeks. With all this stuff thrown at you, you need a filtering system to determine what is important and what is not. The way we filter what works and what is important is through the word of our friends. It is the recommendation of friends that gives us the information we need to know where to go on our next date night, which car to purchase, whether to go with a satellite or dish.

The word of our friends also helps us filter what is worthless religion from meaningful reality. The fact is, people make decisions about eternity based on the recommendation of their friends. For that reason at Capshaw Baptist we are doing our best to be strategic in giving our people opportunities to leverage the friendships they have developed for Christ. Harvestfest ’09 is one of those opportunities. We have invited a very gifted evangelist named Ronnie Hill, we have organized emphasis nights for every age group, we have gotten Ronnie into five local high schools for assemblies. But none of that matters if our people have not befriended those who are spiritually lost. Evangelism begins with a friendship with a Christian and ends with a friendship with Jesus Christ.

I will be leading a 9 day trip to Israel, the land of the Bible on Sept 27th 2010. I can tell you that walking where Jesus once walked and will where he will soon walk again is a truly unforgettable experience. You will never read the scriptures the same way again. Join us for this journey to the Holy Land. For more information or to sign up – click here. 

There will be an informational meeting at 4PM on Nov. 1st at Capshaw Baptist Church for those interested in participating on the trip.

Today I met at Starbucks with a few guys to discuss how what we have been studying on Sunday mornings at Capshaw practically applies to our lives. One of the big things we discovered was the need for very open communication and date nights with our spouses. To help with that I want to share this list of 50 questions that are to be discussed with your spouse while the two of you are alone. Don’t try to tackle to many in one setting. It’s actually best if you just get through a few but really talk in detail. Let me warn you that a couple of the questions are specifically only for married couples only.

1.  What are your 5 favorite foods, with the most favorite first?

2.  What are your 5 favorite kinds of meals, with the most favorite first?

3.  What are your 5 favorite desserts, with the most favorite first?

4.  What are your 5 favorite restaurants, with the most favorite first?

5.  What is your favorite color?

6.  What are your 5 favorite hobbies, with the most favorite  first?

7.  What are your 5 favorite recreations, with the most favorite  first?

8.  What are your 5 favorite sources of reading, with the most favorite  first?

9.  What gifts do you like?

10.  What is your favorite books(s) of the Bible? Why?

11.  What is your favorite verse(s) of the Bible?  Why?

12.  What is your favorite song?

13.  What makes you the most fulfilled or happiest as a woman/man?

14.  What makes you the most fulfilled or happiest as a wife/husband?

15.  What makes you the most fulfilled or happiest as a mother/father?

16.  What makes you saddest as a woman/man?

17.  What makes you saddest as a wife/husband?

18.  What makes you saddest as a mother/father?

19.  What do you fear the most?

20.  What other fears do you have?

21.  What do you look forward to the most?

22.  How much sleep do you need?

23.  What do you consider to be your skills?

24.  What do you believe to be your spiritual gifts?

25.  What are your weaknesses?

26.  To ask wife:  What things (personal, home, car, etc.) need repairing?

       To ask husband:  What things around the home need to be cleaned?

27.  To ask wife:  With what chores and responsibilities do you like my help?

       To ask husband:  How can I make it easier for you to lead our family?

28.  What caresses do you enjoy the most?

29.  What caresses do you enjoy the least?

30.  What action of mine provides you the greatest sexual pleasure? 

31.  What other things stimulate you sexually?

32.  At what times do you need assurance of my love the most?

33.  How can that love be shown?

34.  What can I do that will make it easier to discuss and work on areas or problems that are uncomfortable to you?

35.  What concerns do you have that I do not seem interested in?

36.  What things do I do that irritate you?

37.  What desires do you have that we haven’t discussed?

38.  What do you enjoy doing with me, with the most enjoyable  first?

39.  What things can I do that show my appreciation of you?

40.  What varying desires (spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, social, worth, 

            appreciations, recreational, security, etc.) would you like me to provide? 

41.  To ask wife:  In what ways would you like me to protect you (physically, spiritually, socially, emotionally)?

       To ask husband:  In what ways would you like me to respect and reverence you?

42.  In what ways would you like me to sacrifice for you?

43.  What things do you see by my actions that I place first in my life?

44.  What implied or unspoken desires and wishes of yours would you like for me to

            fulfill?

45.  What concerns and interests of yours would you like me to support?

46.  How much time would be good for us to spend together each day?

47.  In helping family members to use their skills and develop their abilities, what

            motivating factors would be helpful for me to use?

48.  What can I do that provides the greatest comfort and encouragement for you when   

            you are hurt, fearful, anxious or worried?

49.  What personal habits do I have that you would like changed?

50.  What ways demonstrate to you that you are a very important person who is as important or more important than I am?

A Catechism unto Salvation for Children
By: Zach Terry

This catechism is written to aid parents in developing the theology of their children prior to salvation or to confirm the child’s salvation soon afterward. The ability to answer each of these questions correctly does not in and of itself prove the reality of conversion. However, the Bible does teach that true conversion will result in a true theology on the essentials of the Gospel. That is why I have kept this catechism short.

There are many other important matters that are not covered here. For example; Creation, The Bible, Heaven, Missions, ect.  It is encouraged that the parents follow this worksheet up with the Children’s Catechism edited by myself. For a copy email me at zach@zachterry.org.

Instructions;
First and foremost have the child memorize the questions and answers. Perhaps you may cover one a day or one a week until the child knows the answers thoroughly. Secondly you want them to comprehend the answers. I recommend that you select Bible stories that show the reality of each truth. If your child is at an age where he or she can memorize well, have them memorize the corresponding verses with each Q and A.

Q. 1. What is sin?
A. Disobeying the commands of God

Romans 3:23 (NASB95)
²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Q. 2. Why do people sin?
A. They do not believe God

Romans 1:25 (NASB95)
²⁵ For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Q. 3. How does God feel about our sin and unbelief?
A. God is Holy and He is angry with sinners

Psalm 7:11 (NKJV)
¹¹ God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day.

Q. 4. What must God do to those who have sinned?
A. Pour out His wrath on them forever

Mark 9:45 (NKJV)
⁴⁵ And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched—

Q. 5. What can man do to earn God’s mercy?
A. Absolutely nothing

Titus 3:5 (NKJV)
⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Q. 6. What hope do we have of forgiveness?
A. The work of Jesus on the cross

Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)
⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Q. 7. Who was Jesus?
A. The only Son of God

John 3:16 (NKJV)
¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Q. 8. What was Jesus nature?
A. Jesus was God who took on humanity (100% God 100% Man)

John 1:14 (NKJV)
¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Q. 9. Did Jesus ever sin?
A. Jesus never sinned

Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV)
¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Q. 10. What did Jesus do on the cross that we might be saved?
A. He took our sins upon himself and God judged Him rather than us

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Q. 11. How do we know that his death was sufficient (enough to satisfy God)?
A. Jesus said, “it is finished” and God was pleased to raise Jesus from the dead

John 19:30 (NKJV)
³⁰ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Q. 12. What must we do to be saved?
A. Trust in the finished work of Jesus

Acts 16:30-31 (NKJV)
³⁰ And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” ³¹ So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

After listening to Tim Keller’s sermon from the Gospel Coalition 2009 National Conference on “The Grand Demythologizer: The Gospel and Idolatry(Acts 19:21-42)” I am wondering – “What are the chief idols of the Tennessee Valley”? If you have time, listen to the sermon – if not give your thoughts on the poll below, results will be included in an upcoming sermon at Capshaw.

I’m just thinking out loud on my laptop. What is written below is not at all developed, nor have I added the scriptural support for my points. However, I wanted to take some time to reiterate the essential elements of the Gospel. I meditate on these truths often. Perhaps I can come back at a latter time and elaborate on each of the points and prove them thoroughly.

What is the Gospel? How would you describe it? How do you understand it? There is no more important concept to focus your mind on. There are facets of the Gospel you will never completely comprehend – you will never fully grasp the depths of your sin and the radical need for a Savior. You will never fully wrap your mind around how Jesus Christ could in a moment extinguish the eternal wrath of the Father that burned against you.

Despite the limits of our understanding it is vital that we mentally process the major components of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order to be saved. The Bible warns in Matthew 13:19  “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.”

What must we mentally understand in order to believe and be saved?

1. You must understand your need for a Savior – You must understand that you are a sinner that has rebelled against the rule of God by birth and by choice. As such you have incurred the just condemnation and wrath of God. Apart from the intervention of a Savior you will suffer His punishment throughout eternity.
2. You must understand the Person Jesus Christ – In love God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay for your sins. Jesus Christ being fully God became a man being born of a virgin. The virgin birth was vital because being virgin born he might pay for the sins of mankind while not having inherited original sin Himself. He died the just for the unjust.

3. You must understand the Work of Jesus Christ – On the cross Jesus suffered the most humiliating and painful death ever devised by man. However there was much more taking place than just the physical and mental torment of crucifixion.
   1. Jesus Christ bore our sins
   2. Jesus Christ was punished by the Father as our substitute
   3. Jesus Christ shed his blood, giving his life as payment for our sins
4. You must understand the Resurrection – With the payment for our sins rendered in full God raised Jesus from the dead and today He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
5. You must understand justification by faith alone – The person and work of Jesus Christ has no merit for you apart from personal faith. It is incumbent upon you to:
   1. Acknowledge and turn from your sinful rebellion against God.
   2. Turn to God, Believing that what Jesus accomplished through his death and resurrection and that alone was sufficient to merit God’s forgiveness on your behalf.

The fact that your forgiveness has been provided by the means I mentioned is in fact good news and that is the essence of the Gospel.

Sunday I will be preaching on Gospel Centered Parenting out of Ephesians 6. While the sermon and application will cover the parenting of small children through teenagers one area I will not be able to spend adequate time on will be how to properly discipline a child through spanking. As a supplement to what I will teach on Sunday I want to provide you the following tips that you might find helpful if you are the parent of a small child -

I realize that the day is coming when our children will become teenagers then ultimately move out from under our shepherding. While they are young I am trying to record some of the things that Julie and I have learned and truths we have gathered about applying scriptural principals to the raising of children, so that we can have something to pass on to our kids when they have children of their own. If you or someone you love is the parent of small children perhaps they will find these ideas helpful as well. Most of these ideas are not original with us, but I have not kept up with all of the original sources to give proper credit.

First of all you must discern what kind of discipline is appropriate for the age of your child. Here are some helpful guidelines:

•  Spanking begins around 18 months, typically on the hand – with the hand supported, if possible use a paint stirrer.
• Progress from there to using a thin paddle around the age of 3.
• Around the age of 5 use a thicker paddle with a significant handle.
• The child should rarely need paddled by the age of 6-8

When engaging in corporal punishment:

1. Give clear expectations ahead of time. Let your rules be few, but very clear. Make sure the child knows what the consequences are for rebellion.  Do not repeat warnings over and over.  If a warning is given don’t threaten- rather inform.
2. Determine if true rebellion has occurred. Don’t use corporal punishment for accidents but rather a rebellious spirit or action – remember the goal is heart change not just behavioral change.
3. Check yourself to make sure you are able to exercise self control rather than emotionally react to your child’s behavior before you spank.
4. Discuss with your child these sort of questions:
5. Have the child assume a proper position.  For the smaller child across the lap is appropriate, for the larger child leaning over a bed is safe.  For a child who is out of control restraint by the parent may be necessary until control is achieved.
6. Slowly, lovingly, prayerfully, and thoughtfully proceed with the spanking.  Use a rod.  (God has instructed parents to use an instrument other than the hand.  A “rod” is a flexible branch, twig, ¼”, paint stick, etc.).  Use the wrist and elbow rather than a full arm swing, see that contact is made with the child’s bottom.
7. Stop, and allow the child an opportunity to cry and to regain composure.  Then discuss with the child how they did with the spanking- “You did a good job”, “You did not stand still”, etc.  Ask the child the diagnostic questions in question 4 to assess for a “change in direction”.  If he is still rebellious, disrespectful, belligerent, and without repentance discuss that the facial expressions, tones, words, or actions are not showing the fruit of repentance and that another spanking will be necessary.  Repeat the above steps.
8. If repentance is evidenced begin plans for forgiveness and restoration, pray for forgiveness and give thanks.  If repentance is not evidenced pray that God will bring conviction, and that the child will be protected from danger.  Encourage the child to choose to please God by obeying.  Be careful to not bring up the disobedience wrongly when forgiveness has been granted.
9. Remind the child that we as sinners need a Savior and God provided that Savior in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

•  “What was the expected behavior or attitude?”
•  “What did you do?” 
• “What should you/could you have done?” 
• “What does the Bible call what you did?”
•  “Who chose to do wrong?” 
• “What does the Bible tell Daddy / Mommy to do when you disobey?”

10.  Lastly, show love to the child.  Hug, give a kiss, remind them of the purpose of discipline.  The air is cleared.

11.  Encourage a right attitude about discipline:

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” 

Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.”

 While corperal punishment is at times very difficult to perform because of compassion, we must remember that the wisdom of God’s Word is greater than our own.

• Proverbs 13:24 (NASB95)
  ²⁴ He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
• Proverbs 22:15 (NASB95)
  ¹⁵ Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.
• Proverbs 23:13-14 (NASB95)
  ¹³ Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. ¹⁴ You shall strike him with the rod And rescue his soul from Sheol.
• Proverbs 29:15 (NASB95)
  ¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

“…The Bible is comprised of 66 Books written over a period of about 1,500 years by over 40 authors from all walks of life, with different kinds of personalities, and in all sorts of situations. It was written in three languages on three continents, and it covers hundreds of controversial subjects. Yet, it fits together into one cohesive story with an appropriate beginning, a logical ending, a central character, and a consistent theme.” ChristianAnswers.net

Today in my reading I found this helpful overview of the story of the Bible provided by Vaughn Roberts in his book, “God’s Big Picture”. http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Big-Picture-Tracing-Story-Line/dp/0830853642

The Chapters provide a good outline to the bible as follows -

1. Pattern  - Creation provides a pattern in which the Triune God is shown forth as the author of creation and the ultimate King over creation. Humanity is presented as the crowning work of God’s creation and perpetual rest in the glorious person and work of God is presented as the culmination of creation.

1. Perish – The good creation of God is assaulted by the introduction of sin and rebellion into the created order by Satan working in conjunction with Man. The picture God intended was marred and as a result was cursed.

1. Promised – Immediately God answers sin with the promise of a sin bearer in the Seed of man that would ultimately crush the head of Satan. Theologians call this promise a Proto-evangel.

1. Partial – Through Abraham and his seed we see the rise of Israel, God’s chosen people, the bearers of truth. Throughout the following books we read of human leaders, Judges and Kings that ruled under God’s authority. They all pointed back to the original rule of God and the future rule of God in the person of Christ.

1. Prophesied – The Prophets point forward to one coming that would restore all things to their original splendor. This one would deal with the problem of sin and rebellion and redeem those who would trust in Him.

1. Present – The New Testament presents the “at hand” Kingdom and it’s King – Jesus Christ. He is the perfect revelation of God’s Word, Will and Plan. He is Deity wrapped in Humanity. Our lives are right so far as they are related to Him.

1. Perfected – In the Present the Kingdom of Christ is “Now, not yet”. As with King David, he was anointed long before he ascended to the throne. In the same way, Jesus the King has arrived; His kingdom has been preached and purchased by his blood. While this is true, we await the full realization of His Kingdom in perfection when he returns physically to claim what is rightfully his. This will culminate what began in the Garden and we will enter into His rest.  

This outline serves as a good way for us to keep the storyline of scripture in our minds. It helps us to recognize how each text we study and teach fits in to the overall flow of scripture and how our lives individually fit into God’s plan in Christ.

• When you are forgotten or neglected or purposely set at naught, and you sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ—that is dying to self.
• When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient loving silence—that is dying to self.
• When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, or any annoyance, when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus endured it—that is dying to self.
• When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any attitude, any interruption by the will of God—that is dying to self.
• When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown—that is dying to self.
• When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances—that is dying to self.
• When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart—that is dying to self.

We began the day by touring the Garden of Gethsemane where stood olive trees believed to be 2000 years old. This was the moving landmark of our journey for me. I think it is because the area probably looked much the way it did in the time of Christ and it was easy to imagine Him agonizing there as He faced the bitter cup of the Father’s fury as Christ bore our sin. I was reminded that the Father was silent at the request of Jesus so that He might answer my request for forgiveness.

The location of the Garden tomb is highly disputed, but the sight we visited first seemed to bear many of the evidences one would expect. Either way it gave us a good idea of what exactly the tomb would have looked like. Just above the place of the tomb was a rocky hill called Golgotha (the place of the skull), close by was an ancient roadway. History tells us that the Romans would crucify in very public areas at the side of busy streets so that the public would see the torment and fear breaking Roman law. Today the place where Jesus was most likely crucified is literally a bus station with a Muslim grave yard above it. How commonly our Lord was treated.

On day six we went “up” to Jerusalem. Our tour guide played music to accompany our trip as the Hebrews would have sung the Psalms of Accent. The city buildings were all covered in Limestone and/or Marble giving them a brilliant appearance in the Midday sun. At the center of the city stood the dome of the Rock – a Muslim Mosque where the Temple of God once stood. I remembered the prophecy of Jesus that one day the “Abomination of Desolation” would stand in the Holy place – This mosque is there until the incarnation of Anti-Christ arrives.

Below the Mosque we could see the Eastern gate - the one through which Messiah will enter upon His return. It was sealed by the Muslims to prevent that from happening. Somehow I doubt that concrete will be a great hindrance to the one who comes riding upon a white horse with a robe dipped in blood.

We began the day by on the Mount of Beatitudes. Pastor Mark delivered an excellent sermon that spoke of Jesus’ counter cultural call of the Kingdom life. While most great teachers and leaders avoided insignificant areas like Capernaum, Jesus did most of His ministry there. While most teachers went to the wealthy, affluent and politically strong, Jesus focus on the marginalized and outcast. He said to them -

Luke 6:20-21 (NASB95)
²⁰ And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ²¹ “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

To a people much like our own nation that sought after comfort, prestige and fame Jesus said.

Luke 6:22-26 (NASB95)
²² “Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. ²³ “Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. ²⁴ “But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. ²⁵ “Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. ²⁶ “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.

The point being that if you are seeking your kingdom in this world there is a woeful hell that awaits, but if you are seeking the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ this world is the closet thing to hell you will ever experience. There may be persecution, insults and scorn now but your reward is only magnified in the coming Kingdom.

After the teaching on the Mount of Beatitudes we went to the location of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. It was interesting to consider that the poor people who followed him were accustomed to poverty and going hungry a fact that he addressed in the Sermon on the Mount. As our guide said, these people didn’t forget to bring food they most likely had none to bring. They were hungry in a way that we will never understand as Americans. But Jesus fed them.

From there we went to the Sea of Galilee where we viewed a 2000 year old fishing boat much like ones used by Jesus and His disciples. We also took a ride on the Sea of Galilee in a similar boat. While on the boat I was asked to read a couple of passages of scripture and lead in a couple of hymns. It was a sweet experience.

We ended the day at the Jordon River where several people were Baptized. Pastor Mark taught on Repentance – the key message of John the Baptist. As much as I enjoy our time here, I cannot help but notice that EVERYTHING has been turned into a money making venture. It even cost a sheckle to go to the rest room. There is much Idolatry here as well as people seem to worship created places rather than the Creator. Three times people have attempted to cheat me out of money in these, “Holy” places. I suppose this was what motivated John to call those out to had a false outer shell of religion with no real heart change. To them he said,

Luke 3:7-14 (NASB95)
⁷ So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸ “Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. ⁹ “Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” ¹⁰ And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” ¹¹ And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” ¹² And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” ¹³ And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” ¹⁴ Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.”

Today we visited the ruins of Herod the Great’s Caesarea by the Sea. Herod built the port so that he would not have to be utterly dependant on the Jews in the Port city of Joppa. His dream became a reality in 12 years when it opened as one of the most elaborate and gorgeous ports in the Middle East. After Herod’s death the following rulers did not maintain control and upkeep of the area as well as Herod. Caesarea fells into the hands of the  Byzantines after the division of the Roman Empire, then to the Muslim Turks who built Mosques in the port. Then the Crusaders took control for a couple of hundred years and built large structures complete with Churches and motes. Archaeologists have in the last 60 years been able to unearth much of the original structures.

We followed Herod’s aquaducts to the foot of Mount Carmel where fresh water supplied the port. We journeyed to the top of Mount Carmel which is where Elijah called fire down from Heaven to prove that Yahweh was the true and living God and to bring the People to repentance for their idolatry. Just down the Mountain we could see the Brook Kishon where the false prophets were killed.

The Mountain provided a perfect view of the Valley which is the future location of the Battle of Armageddon. One can only imagine the alignment of vast armies as they fill this valley and Christ battles Satan and bounds him for 1000 years.

A couple that we met on the trip invited us to join them on a tour of the Greek Islands on our free day, obviously we were thrilled to oblige. We visited three island that were well populated and served as a get away for the Greeks. Various shops lined the dock areas selling everything from Frappacinos to fresh fish. There were no cars on one of the islands so the only means of transportation were donkeys. The Mediteranian was gorgeous with deep blue water and high mountains

We began the day by traveling to the ancient city of Corinth where Paul spent 1.5 years making and selling tents to finance his missionary journeys. It was in Corinth that Paul was tried for teaching, “a new way of worshipping God“. Archeologists have unearthed the remains of the original Behma where Paul stood before his accusers.

As we walked through the city museum and saw the various statues of the Corinthians dressed in long flowing robes with various types of jewelry it was easy to think of them as very noble. However we were reminded as we thought through the biblical account that Corinth was a city known for its immorality. This was a good reminder that the outer depiction doesn’t always reveal the heart.

From Corinth we returned to Athens and gathered on Mars Hill for a night of teaching with Pastor Mark Driscoll. Pastor Mark taught on Paul’s time in Athens and pointed out that Paul followed the Go-See-Feel-Do paradigm that Jesus had left as an example. Athens was actually a furlough for Paul, but after seeing the vast idol worship in the city he was compelled to make Jesus Christ known to the Athenians. Beginning in the marketplace and ultimately arrived at Mars Hill to be heard by some 30 Judges who would discern the validity of his teaching. By the end of Paul’s testimony it was the Judges who were on trial, along with all of Athens.

We arrived in Athens, Greece after our 9 hour flight from New York. We took a bus tour of the city of Athens that included all the major sights. Then we were able to get out and hike up the Acropolis. It was a collection of gorgeous structures built and rebuilt over the centuries. The most compelling sight was that of Mars Hill which was a stone outcropping at the foot of the Acropolis complex. Julie and I sat on the large stone structure and thought about how awesome it was that what Paul had encountered on the road to Damascus was so life changing that it compelled him to travel to Athens and beyond calling men to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mars Hill where Paul reasoned with the Greek Philosophers

As Julie and I prepare for our trip to Greece and Israel I wanted to share with you our itinerary. Please pray for us as it comes to mind that God will use this experience to challenge the two of us to continue the progress of the Gospel in the Tennessee Valley and around the World.

8/24/09  DEPART USA
8/25/09 ARRIVAL ATHENS
We will enjoy the architectural splendors of the ancient city of Athens as you follow your guide to the world renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Erectheum. View Mars Hill where the apostle Paul stood and said “I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” (Acts 17:23).
 

8/26/09 ATHENS/ CORINTH
Travel to Corinth, the city where Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla, the tent makers, and where the Lord spoke to Paul by a vision saying “I am thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city” (Acts 18: 10). Here, Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue believed in the Lord, and many Corinthians, hearing Paul, believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8); thus began the church of Corinth to whom Paul wrote to epistles. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place and Temples. Walk among the ruins and stand on the Bema where Paul stood before Galileo facing charges brought by the Jews.
 

8/28/09  TEL AVIV/ JOFFA/ CAESAREA

Travel to the Holy Land this morning. We will see Jaffa, Biblical Joppa (Acts 9 – 11), the oldest port city in the world. It was in Jaffa that Peter brought Tabitha back to life, and had his miraculous vision at the house of Simon the tanner. We’ll continue our drive north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, once a proud Roman port dating back to the time of Pontius Pilate. We will view the monumental theater built in the days of Christ, explore the remains of a Crusader fortress, and see the spectacular Roman aqueduct.

8/29/09 MOUNT OF BEATITUDES / CAPERNAUM / TABGHA / SEA OF GALILEE CRUISE

After breakfast, we’ll leave early for our first stop at the Mount of Beatitudes. Near this site, Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, taught on frequent occasions, and performed many miracles. Here, Pastor Mark will lead us in teaching as we sit on the Mount of Beatitudes looking over the Sea of Galilee. We will spend some time on the mountainside to pray, sing and meditate on God’s Word. Next, we drive to Capernaum, the city where Jesus lived during most of His ministry. Here were the homes of Peter, Andrew, James and John. Next, we drive to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Next, we will stop at kibbutz Nof Ginnosar to see a 2,000 year old boat. From here we will leave the shores behind us as we enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We’ll have a time of worship, scripture reading and prayer upon these beautiful waters.

8/30/09 BEIT SHEAN / JERUSALEM

Today we have the opportunity to visit Biblical sites along the way. Beit She’an, expansive archeological ruins of an ancient city inhabited for 5000 years where King Saul was killed , and one of the Roman cities through which Jesus passed during travels from Galilee to Jerusalem. Overnight in Jerusalem.

8/31/09 MT. OF OLIVES / GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE/ GARDEN TOMB/ BETHLEHEM

After breakfast at our hotel, We begin our explorations with a drive to the beautiful Mt. of Olives to behold the breath-taking panorama of the Holy City. Our pilgrimage will proceed to the Church of Ascension, descend to Gethsemane with its ancient olive grove, and there visit the Church of Agony, where tradition holds that Jesus prayed. In the afternoon, we will visit Bethlehem and experience some important biblical sites We’ll visIt the Garden Tomb for Communion this afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

9/1/09 JERUSALEM, TEMPLE MOUNT, WESTERN WALL, CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE

We will make our way to St. Stephen’s Gate, St. Anne’s Crusader Church, Pools of Bethesda, the Sister of Zion Convent (to see the Pavement where Jesus stood as he was being tried by Pilate), passing the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This afternoon we will walk to the holiest site in the whole Jewish world, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) of Herod’s temple. Beyond the wall lies the 35-acre temple area purchased by King David (2 Sam. 24:18-25). Return to the hotel for dinner then a special evening service on the Southern Steps. Overnight in Jerusalem

9/2/09 QUMRAN, EIN GEDI, MASADA, DEAD SEA

Today we travel to Masada, a wilderness fortress built by King Herod, sitting high above the Dead Sea & overlooking the Judean Desert. We then continue south along the western shore of the Dead Sea stopping at Ein Gedi, a cool oasis in the desert & where David hid from King Saul, which (time permitting) will allow an opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on the earth’s surface. We continue on to Qumran, the caves where a shepherd discovered the Dead Sea scrolls in 1947. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

9/3/09 TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT TO THE UNITED STATES

Morning departure to Ben Gurion Airport for our transatlantic flight back to the USA. We travel to Ben Gurion Airport and begin our return journey, with our hearts full of wonderful memories about this spiritual Experience. We’ll arrive home changed forever by the impact of what God has done in our hearts.

Tonight at 6:30PM we are launching a new mid-week service at Capshaw Baptist. Capshaw Connect will serve as that Midweek boost and reminder of what life is really all about. Join us as we worship together, pray together and as we are exhorted in the scriptures to pursue a practical connection with Jesus Christ and with each other. Bring a friend and let’s experience this new thing God is doing at Capshaw!  

A fellowship meal will begin at 5PM and will be served till 6PM where we will be serving Greenbrier BBQ!  You will not want to miss it! If you plan to attend the meal please email terri.pruett@capshaw.org or call the Church office at 256-232-7763  by 2PM to let us know that we can expect you.

Rocket City for the Kids and Storyline for the teenagers will be happening while the adults gather at Connect.

The longer I search the Word of God, the more I am convinced that we desperately need each other in order to experience a fulfilling Christian walk. Personal relationships with committed believers are the key to true sanctification and growth in Christ.

That is why I want to ask that you make a commitment to be in a small group Bible study (Sunday School) this Sunday. It is there in the context of a small group of believers that you will develop personal relationships that will challenge, sharpen, encourage and at times reprove you in your walk with Christ.

I need relationships like that and I would be so bold as to say that you need them as well. I agree with theologian Bruce Milne who said:

The Christian life is inescapably corporate. Teaching on Christian holiness has frequently concentrated almost exclusively on the “holy man” or the “holy woman,” to the neglect of the biblical concern for “the holy people” or the “holy church.” The ideal of the “omni-competent Christian individual,” able to meet every spiritual challenge and live a life of unbroken victory over sin and the devil, has undoubtedly produced remarkable examples of Christian character; but, as every Christian counselor knows, this emphasis has driven many to a lonely struggle ending in despair and disillusionment, or, worse, in the hypocrisy of a double-standard life. This whole approach needs re-examination.

True community does not happen overnight so I must call you to a tenacious level of commitment that will stand the test of time and weather the storms that forge true relationships. Many of you are already regular attendees of your small group, but some of you need to step up and be in your place this coming Lord’s day. This Sunday may be the beginning of a whole new level of vivid experience in your walk with Jesus Christ.

I think it was Socrates that said, “The unexamined life is not worth living”. I would add to that – the unexamined schedule is not work following. It is healthy for us as individuals and organizations to stop and ask, “does our schedule serve us well to accomplish the things we desire to accomplish?” Is what we are doing now as effective as it was years ago when it was originated? Andy Stanley once asked the question, “Is what’s written no the wall going down the hall?” What a convicting statement.

With all of that in mind we have carefully and prayerfully developed a new schedule that fits our vision and mission as a Church. The ministry of Capshaw Baptist Church functions around three concepts that we believe best describes the proper emphasis of a healthy Church – Coaching (Eph. 4:11), Community (Acts 2:46) and Commission (Mark 6:15).

We can measure and manage the first two – Coaching (This is basically our cooperate worship services) and Community (Small Groups/Sunday School). The third, Commission (Individuals involved in practical ministry areas)  is less organized. I believe our new schedule helps us to enlist a greater percentage of our people in practical ministry.

Here is a link to the new schedule of services that we will offering beginning Aug. 9, 2009. Registration for the Sunday Night venues will be in the Family Life Center from 6:00- 6:30PM on Aug. 9th. You will be able to sign up for the Sunday PM venue that you wish to participate in. If you are unable to attend on the 9th, you may register at any subsequent service.

I get pretty pumped about books that I am reading and inevitably they flavor my preaching for the coming weeks. If you listen closely over the next few weeks you will recognize the incredible impact that Steve Farrar’s Point Man has made on my life. It’s probably the most practically helpful book I have read in a couple of years. Farrar has an amazing way of taking weighty truth and communicating in a way that men can uniquely relate to.

There is a part of me that hopes no one else reads the book, so that when I quote from it in up coming sermons you guys will think that I have incredible insight. There is another part of me that would like to make this required reading for every married man at Capshaw Baptist. Men – God will use this book in your lives. For some, it just might save your marriage. This one is a keeper.

I almost stepped on a mother killdeer today when as I left a local restaurant. The small bird threatened me with a posture of attack. She screeched at the top of her tiny lungs. Sensing her dare, I moved a foot toward her until finally she relented and moved aside. Beneath her I noticed three small eggs. At that point another killdeer came up, again with a threatening posture. The first bird had flown a few feet away – playing as if she had been wounded. The two worked together as if they believed within those tiny eggs there was LIFE – not just the potential of life, but actual life! They placed their life at great risk on behalf of the tiny lives within those eggs.

We who believe in the sanctity of life think that those who perform or request abortions animalistic. Perhaps we have thought to little of the animal kingdom. It seems these two representatives thought more of life in the egg than they did the lives outside.

Here is a hilarious and thought provoking post by Bruce Ashford on the dangers of being, “That Guy” in Seminary.