According to an offical press release from the Montana DNC, Montana Sen. Max Baucus and wife Wanda are divorcing after 25 years of marriage. In a joint statement Thursday, the Baucuses said they have "parted ways amicably and with mutual respect." The 67-year-old Democratic Senator easily won re-election to a sixth term last year. Wanda Baucus was not seen with him on the campaign trail, and rarely returned to Montana with him.
Senator Baucus is no doubt going through a trying and sad time with the divorce of his long-time wife, Wanda. And although I suspect that (as the media reports indicate) the divorce was held off until Baucus won re-election in a typically misleading damage-control type of way (so as to help him with the voters as he played the part of happy, faithful family man), we should still pray for them.
The Bible says in 1st Timothy 2:1-4:
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
So we should all put our political feelings aside and pray for Senator and Mrs. Baucus that they can overcome this difficult time.
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Be Proud of Being Southern Baptist
by Jordan Hall | May 28, 2009
Picture: First openly gay bishop of Episcopal Church
It's sad to look around and see what has happened to our brothers and sisters in other denominations around our country and around the world. True followers of Christ - charismatic and liturgical, traditional and contemporary, high church and low church - have found themselves in ecclesiastical organizations that know neither Christ nor care for the Bible... and are ostracized by those very bodies for being authentic in their faith.
I saw a headline from the Associated Press today, entitled "Episcopal Church Ousts 61 Clergy in Dispute on Gays." After reading the article, it quickly became apparent that the 61 clergy ousted from the Episocopal Church were not gays, but those that opposed the ordination of gays. God help us. And definitely, God help them.
If you follow the link to the article, you'll see the slant from which the article is written. It is unclear, and purposefully so, as to whether the clergy were ousted for being gay or for opposing homosexuality. Doing some research on my own, I found that the Episcopal Church is waging a war on all those that do their duty to stand behind the pulpit and preach the truth on homosexuality (and no doubt other issues).
The background: John-David Scholfield (he is referred to in the article as "former Bishop" - and of course he is not a "former" bishop simply because he was kicked out of the Anglican Church as he still bishops or pastors a church) led the diocese of San Joaquin and led his flock out of the American Episcopal Church in 2007 - four years after they ordained their first openly gay bishop. Scholfield then scoured the world for the most Biblical Episcopal organization he could find and aligned his church with the Anglican archdiocese of Argentina.
So, the same Episcopal denomination that ordains open homosexuals then defrocks and kicks out those who actually believe what the Bible says - apparently an offense not to be tolerated in the Epicopal Church. Yesterday, the Episcopal church removed 61 clergy who have followed Scholfield to denounce the denomination's blatant disregard of Scripture.
The new bishop at San Joaquin called the decision "heartbreaking," but then went on to say
"but, the fact is, they chose to abandon their relationship with the Episcopal Church."
True. Unfortunately, the rest of you clown-hats have chosen to abandon your relationship with Christ. And although Scholfield's theology might be askew, he will favor far better on judgement day.
Speaking to a wicked and evil church (and the last "church age" before Christ's return), Jesus says "Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Rev 3:19-21)."
There you have it. Jesus is standing outside his own supposed "church," knocking on the door and going, "guys, can I come in?" I think it's a fitting picture of the church in Western culture. And Jesus reminds them that they must overcome. Overcome what, I would ask? Look at the context... they must overcome not their culture, but their own, wicked, Christ-void church - which is not a means to Christ, but an impediment.
Thank God for some - even in the Episcopal Church - that strive to overcome. We Baptists must pray that our brethren overcome the wickedness of their own denominations and join the Church Universal through a Bible-believing, God-glorifying, Christ-centered local church.
I saw a headline from the Associated Press today, entitled "Episcopal Church Ousts 61 Clergy in Dispute on Gays." After reading the article, it quickly became apparent that the 61 clergy ousted from the Episocopal Church were not gays, but those that opposed the ordination of gays. God help us. And definitely, God help them.
If you follow the link to the article, you'll see the slant from which the article is written. It is unclear, and purposefully so, as to whether the clergy were ousted for being gay or for opposing homosexuality. Doing some research on my own, I found that the Episcopal Church is waging a war on all those that do their duty to stand behind the pulpit and preach the truth on homosexuality (and no doubt other issues).
The background: John-David Scholfield (he is referred to in the article as "former Bishop" - and of course he is not a "former" bishop simply because he was kicked out of the Anglican Church as he still bishops or pastors a church) led the diocese of San Joaquin and led his flock out of the American Episcopal Church in 2007 - four years after they ordained their first openly gay bishop. Scholfield then scoured the world for the most Biblical Episcopal organization he could find and aligned his church with the Anglican archdiocese of Argentina.
So, the same Episcopal denomination that ordains open homosexuals then defrocks and kicks out those who actually believe what the Bible says - apparently an offense not to be tolerated in the Epicopal Church. Yesterday, the Episcopal church removed 61 clergy who have followed Scholfield to denounce the denomination's blatant disregard of Scripture.
The new bishop at San Joaquin called the decision "heartbreaking," but then went on to say
"but, the fact is, they chose to abandon their relationship with the Episcopal Church."
True. Unfortunately, the rest of you clown-hats have chosen to abandon your relationship with Christ. And although Scholfield's theology might be askew, he will favor far better on judgement day.
Speaking to a wicked and evil church (and the last "church age" before Christ's return), Jesus says "Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Rev 3:19-21)."
There you have it. Jesus is standing outside his own supposed "church," knocking on the door and going, "guys, can I come in?" I think it's a fitting picture of the church in Western culture. And Jesus reminds them that they must overcome. Overcome what, I would ask? Look at the context... they must overcome not their culture, but their own, wicked, Christ-void church - which is not a means to Christ, but an impediment.
Thank God for some - even in the Episcopal Church - that strive to overcome. We Baptists must pray that our brethren overcome the wickedness of their own denominations and join the Church Universal through a Bible-believing, God-glorifying, Christ-centered local church.
Services for Woody Larson
by Jordan Hall | May 9, 2009
Services for Woody Larson are as follows:
Viewing / Visitation @ 6:30 - 8:30 @ Fellowship Church (this is an informal time to come and visit with family and friends and share memories, give condolences, etc...)
Funeral @ 10am @ Assembly of God church
Graveside Service / Internment immediately following funeral @ Fellowship Church
Meal provided after graveside service at Fellowship Church. Fellowship members are encouraged to bring potluck type food for this meal. It is our gift to the Larson family.
Services Update
by Jordan Hall | May 1, 2009
Just a few updates for everyone.
1. SUMMIT service is at 6:00pm and we'll eat afterwards. Bring some treats.
2. New Membership Class at 4:00pm before SUMMIT.
3. Church Council Meeting after SUMMIT.
4. No church on Wednesday nights for 3 weeks. Then "Midweek Refreshment" i.e. Pastor's bible study begins. We'll provide movies for the kids on Wednesday during that time down stairs...or other low-maintenance activities so we can all rest from AWANA.
5. May 29th is AWANA appreciation barbeque for AWANA workers at Pastor's.
PEACE,
Pastor Jordan
Go Forth and Multiply
by Pastor Josh Hall | April 27, 2009
Danny Akin, the president of Southeastern Seminary, recently gave an address that has caused a buzz around the Southern Baptist Convention. The title of the address is "Axioms for a Great Commission Resurgence." Of Akin's ten axioms, the one I found most fascinating was Axiom #7, which states... "We must covenant to build gospel saturated homes that see children as a gift from God and as our first and primary mission field."
Akin goes on to say "Southern Baptists have been seduced by the sirens of modernity in a very important place. We have been seduced in how we do family and how many we should have in the home." Akin says in this way of thinking, we have come to believe that "children are a burden not a blessing [and] less is best, or at least less is better."
Rachel and I can attest to this, as we have received a number of shocked looks from people who can't believe we are pregnant with our fourth child. Four children today is seen as a huge family, but not too long ago it was quite normal. For example, our parents (mine and Rachel's) come from families of 4 kids, 4 kids, 5 kids, and 6 kids respectively!
What has changed? Certainly it is harder to support a large family in today's economic climate. But I believe a bigger factor is what Akin asserts... That for most people children are simply too much of an inconvenience for their desired lifestyle.
Akin asserts that a key factor in expanding the Kingdom is Christians having kids... and lots of them! He even goes so far as to imply that Islam is going to overtake Christianity as the predominant religion in America without so much as raising a sword. How?... They are simply going to outnumber us! They are having large families, and we aren't. This trend is already well underway in France, Germany, and other European nations.
Finally, Akin makes the claim that the much lamented decline in baptisms in the SBC can largely be attributed to the lack of children in our churches. Fortunately, Selmore is the exception to this rule. Our church takes the command to "go forth and multiply" very seriously! We are on pace for eight new babies in our church in 2009! Ha!
Bottom line... Children are a blessing. They bring joy and life to a home, and to a church. If there's anyone who needs to be reminded of this, it is me. I have plenty of days that my kids make me want to pull my hair out. But when I start feeling sorry for myself, the Spirit always convicts me of taking my children for granted.
In a culture that increasingly devalues life (and especially young life), may children always be treasured by those who claim the name of Christ. The Scripture is clear they were precious to the Master.
Akin goes on to say "Southern Baptists have been seduced by the sirens of modernity in a very important place. We have been seduced in how we do family and how many we should have in the home." Akin says in this way of thinking, we have come to believe that "children are a burden not a blessing [and] less is best, or at least less is better."
Rachel and I can attest to this, as we have received a number of shocked looks from people who can't believe we are pregnant with our fourth child. Four children today is seen as a huge family, but not too long ago it was quite normal. For example, our parents (mine and Rachel's) come from families of 4 kids, 4 kids, 5 kids, and 6 kids respectively!
What has changed? Certainly it is harder to support a large family in today's economic climate. But I believe a bigger factor is what Akin asserts... That for most people children are simply too much of an inconvenience for their desired lifestyle.
Akin asserts that a key factor in expanding the Kingdom is Christians having kids... and lots of them! He even goes so far as to imply that Islam is going to overtake Christianity as the predominant religion in America without so much as raising a sword. How?... They are simply going to outnumber us! They are having large families, and we aren't. This trend is already well underway in France, Germany, and other European nations.
Finally, Akin makes the claim that the much lamented decline in baptisms in the SBC can largely be attributed to the lack of children in our churches. Fortunately, Selmore is the exception to this rule. Our church takes the command to "go forth and multiply" very seriously! We are on pace for eight new babies in our church in 2009! Ha!
Bottom line... Children are a blessing. They bring joy and life to a home, and to a church. If there's anyone who needs to be reminded of this, it is me. I have plenty of days that my kids make me want to pull my hair out. But when I start feeling sorry for myself, the Spirit always convicts me of taking my children for granted.
In a culture that increasingly devalues life (and especially young life), may children always be treasured by those who claim the name of Christ. The Scripture is clear they were precious to the Master.
Easter Services
by Jordan Hall | April 10, 2009
Easter services are as follows:
Sunrise service Easter morning (Sunday) at 6AM.
Breakfast following Sunrise Service.
Sunday School is cancled.
Worship at 11AM
Easter Egg Hunt at noon.
Right-To-Life
by Jordan Hall | April 8, 2009
There is a Good-Friday Right-to-Life fundraiser in the Mall this Friday morning. Please bring a pie or something to sell or come purchase something to support ending abortion in our nation. Contact Pastor Jordan for details.
New Equipment in Nursery
by Jordan Hall | April 8, 2009
Thanks to a combined effort from generous members, there is new audio-visual equipment in the nursery. Chuck and Tara have generously purchased for us a flat screen HD TV for the nursery so that care providers can watch the worship service in real time. All purchased is surround-sound audio for the set up. David Purkey is now recording the messages and worship service and has hard-wired it to the tv downstairs. By the way, if anyone wants a DVD of the worship service, David can get you one for 3 dollars. The sermons in audio are free on this website.
Wishy-Washy Pastors
by Joseph Farah | April 8, 2009
America achieved its independence and freedom in the 18th century in large part because colonial pastors stood up for biblical principles, preached them, lived them and refused to back down from them – even in the face of death.
The American War of Independence has been accurately called a "pulpit revolution" for this reason. It was inspired by great men of God who recognized evil and called it by its right name.
What a difference two centuries, combined with affluence and the corporatization of the 501(c)3 church culture has made.
A good example of this was on display on CNN's "Larry King Live" this week, as "America's Pastor" Rick Warren did a soft shoe act on his role in the same-sex marriage battle over Proposition 8 in California.
"You know, Larry, there was a story within a story that never got told," he said. "In the first place, I am not an anti-gay or anti-gay marriage activist. I never have been, never will be. During the whole Proposition 8 thing, I never once went to a meeting, never once issued a statement, never – never once even gave an endorsement in the two years Prop 8 was going. The week before the – the vote, somebody in my church said, Pastor Rick, what – what do you think about this? And I sent a note to my own members that said, I actually believe that marriage is – really should be defined, that that definition should be – say between a man and a woman.
"And then all of a sudden out of it, they made me, you know, something that I really wasn't," Warren continued. "And I actually – there were a number of things that were put out. I wrote to all my gay friends – the leaders that I knew – and actually apologized to them. That never got out. There were some things said that – you know, everybody should have 10 percent grace when they say public statements. And I was asked a question that made it sound like I equated gay marriage with pedophilia or incest, which I absolutely do not believe. And I actually announced that. All of the criticism came from people that didn't know me. Not a single criticism came from any gay leader who knows me and knows that for years, we've been working together on AIDS issues and all these other things."
What are we to make of such mealy-mouthed, wishy-washy, namby-pamby hokum?
It's a great illustration of America's most prominent church leader equivocating and backtracking and saying almost nothing coherent so that he will offend no one.
Let me lay it on the line: This is not the way Yeshua talked or behaved. It is not the example of the one whom Rick Warren claims to emulate and worship. There is nothing prophetic or biblical or courageous or principled about this kind of Christian witness.
If there is a subject upon which the Bible is very clear – from beginning to end – it is homosexuality. Another subject about which no one can misinterpret what the Bible says is marriage. Let's examine the text:
- Leviticus 18:22 (KJV): "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
- Romans 1:22-27: "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."
Some suggest Yeshua (Jesus) Himself was silent on these matters. Nothing could be further from the truth. First of all, Yeshua said He did not come to overturn the law but to fulfill it. He taught that He was and is the Word – its living fulfillment. He explained that He is eternal and created the Heavens, the Earth and man. The Bible also says God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And Yeshua never contradicted any of the law. He quoted from it. He taught from it. He explained it. He affirmed it. On the road to Emmaus, He gave two disciples a Bible study from the Torah, revealing Himself at the very core of it.
The law, in fact, was the measuring stick by which He was judged perfect and worthy of serving as the atonement for the sins of mankind – including the sin of abominations like homosexuality.
But Yeshua also spoke very specifically and clearly on the subject about which Rick Warren appears so self-consciously waffling.
In Matthew 19:4-6, it says: "And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Here Yeshua had a golden opportunity to explain any middle ground in this issue of men and women – if there were any.
There is no middle ground on this issue.
Either you believe the Bible or you don't.
If you don't, there are consequences. If you do, you are obligated to take a stand for righteousness. Of course, there are worldly consequences for that, too – for some apparently too great to accept.
Followers of Yeshua have a choice: They can please God or please men. They can accept God's laws, which are not burdensome, and obey them, or they can reject them and try to tickle the ears of men. They can offend God or offend men.
But followers of Jesus cannot find some happy medium where they can please God and please the world. Nobody can.
It's time for America's pastor class to decide where they stand – with the world or with the God of the universe.
Pastors Traveling This Weekend
by Anonymous | March 31, 2009
Pastor Jordan and Pastor Mike are both out of town this weekend traveling. Pastor Jordan is going to Billings with his family and with the Jorgensen to MPACT Montana, which is hosted by Emmanuel Baptist Church. It's a pastor's / planners conference of sorts. Jordan will be gone from Thursday to Saturday but WILL be back for Sunday service. Pastor Mike is traveling to Missoula (or thereabouts) for Jeanne and Archie Fisher's daughter's wedding where he'll be playing his sax and performing. Pastor Mike will not be back for Sunday. Neil Schlosser will be teaching Mike's Sunday School class. Pray for traveling graces. Peace.
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